Life on Primrose Lane

It's Tuesday....again

2010-07-27T15:45:00.006-05:00

It's raining and HOT! My hair looks like a Chia-Pet!! I can actually feel it getting bigger on my head. I need to move to a MUCH drier climate.

Not much going on...as you can see haven't posted much in a while.

I had surgery 6 weeks ago and now I am back at work...on the mend...and ready to go. I had a hysterectomy...everyone tells me I will feel better than I ever have...that's great news...I haven't felt good since 1985 (just kidding!!)...so I am really looking forward to this!

Went to a small East Texas town 4th of July weekend...didn't stay for the festivities...but I just has to show you this pic...now doesn't this look just like a Norman Rockwell painting of "Small Town America"...I love it!!!

Great cooking blog Family Favorite Recipes!

It's Tuesday.....

2010-01-19T13:15:00.004-06:00

....someday's that just how I feel.

Hello....

2010-01-17T10:07:00.003-06:00

I really do love to blog...but it is like it has become a competitive sport....but I have decided to blog for me...I think I have said that before...I am going to blog about things I do, things I enjoy, people I enjoy and just whatever hits my fancy that day...that week...that month, whatever.

My one-year old grandson stayed with me Friday night..he is walking now and a HAND-FULL!!!! I could just watch him all day long...the look of wonder on his face with each new discovery!!

This is a pic of him when he was about 2-3 months old -

...this was this weekend...yes, he's a thumb sucker - mainly when he's asleep....or if he is really tired...he still has a "pacy" but if he looses it during the night...pop, that thumb is going in.

New Year's day I kept him while Brandi and her mother-in-law when to Canton...a very large flea market in East Texas...I cooked Corn and Crab Chowder, Bayou Apple Salad and Iron Skillet Apple Cake (from Pioneer Woman).

The recipe for the chowder did not call for potatoes or bacon...so I added those. I love to cook and I am very much a recipe cooker...but I use it for a guide and add or take away ingredients to make it "mine".

Cason has more toys than the law allows....but he would rather play in the pantry or climb in the dishwasher while I am trying to load it....I know why you have kids while you are young and energetic....I was exhausted!!!

This is my youngest daughter's Sr. year in high school...we just ordered cap and gown and invitations...it's really going to happen...she is going to make it out!!!!! She has done really well this year and I am very proud of her.

I am back on my low-carb diet...it just seems to be the only thing that works for me...so stay with what works...I have gained a few (translated, OMG, did the scale just really say that!!) pounds back and I need to get serious...2009 was a rough year...I gave in to a lot of pressures. But it is a NEW year and God is still on the throne and I am going to be victorious this year...

My focus this year is ME...I know that may sound very selfish...but for the last few years I have concentrated on people around me and tried to "change" them...and it has taken a lot out of me and no changes from anyone has been made...so I will work on changing things in me that I want and need to change...I will spend more time in prayer and just listening to what God has to tell me and let go of "how I think it should be done". I want to concentrate on my health...exercising, eating better, keeping doctor's appts and learning to want what I have and not always thinking...if I just had that..I would be happy...I have lived my whole life waiting on things to get better so I could be happy...when peace and happiness has been a gift that I didn't have time to accept.

Today I will think on this verse...Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I'm reading a book....

2009-08-26T10:29:00.011-05:00

...for anyone that knows me, that is not a shock!

I just started it, so I really don't want to announce it just yet...I've read about 30 pages and it is a tough read...a little preview...it's about alcoholics/addicts and addiction.

I have a long line of these people in my family...both sides and as far back as I can remember. I have friends that suffer also.

The subtitle of this book says: Every negative thing you have always wanted to know about Addicts and Addiction...but were too afraid to ask.

Now, I know that just the connotation of "every negative thing" is not something we want to dwell on, but I have been through this enough to know....knowing all I can find out cannot be a bad thing. Being informed of the good as well as the "ugly" is empowering.

This is what the back page says about the author: ....was an alcoholic who started drinking at age 12, became an ordained minister at age 21, a full-blown alcoholic at age 34, and a full time recovering addict and chemical dependency counselor from age 45 to the present.
He should know.

Other news: I have my house up for sale...some traffic, but no offers. It's been for sale for about a month...so I'm not at the panicking stage yet.

Kelsi has started her Senior Year at Evangel...the time really does fly by....she was sitting on my bed last night talking about the coming year and she just kept saying...I don't really think I'm ready for all this....she has wished her life away and now the big moment is here and she doesn't think she is ready...so typical of teenagers!!!

Cason is growing by leaps and bounds and amazing us all everyday....he's still fighting his allergy/asthma...whatever it is...but he is fighting!!

Passionate Homemaking...awww, I just love the name of that blog. She has some great recipes, advice and wisdom.

Easter Bunny and the Little Man

2009-04-07T20:05:00.003-05:00

Saturday, the Easter Bunny was at Bass Pro - so Brandi, me, Donna (Brandi's mother-in-law) and a friend of Brandi's all struck out to take Cason to see his first Easter Bunny...

He did really well, he's really not old enough to be frightened, but the look on his face...."'cuse me ladies - but WHO IN THE HECK's lap am I sitting in!!!!"

I think he may be traumatized for life!!

Anyway, we had lunch walked around and just enjoyed a beautiful day...

He went to sleep behind these sunglasses and we didn't even realize it - we thought he was just a good kid......

Here is a great website and blog - I love this lady's way of thinking - very old fashioned or maybe the word is "traditional"...whatever, I love it.

Monday....Monday

2009-03-31T11:17:00.004-05:00

...that's a song, isn't it??

Had a great weekend - kept Cason Friday night, while his Mom and Nonna had a garage sale.

Did a little re-arranging and decorating around the house...it's that time of year, ya know!!

Last night was our book club meeting, we read "The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield...one of the best books I have ever read...(of course, the book I just finished is ALWAYS one of the best books I have ever read!!)...and I have read a lot of books. I think it was one of the best books for everyone in the book club - we were trying to talk over each other and really gettin' into our discussion. The people at the next table were wondering what in the world were we so excited about...we were at a local catfish restaurant...it was VERY good.

Saturday night we went to a local crawfish restaurant (I live in Louisiana, ya know!) - we sat out on the back porch and had a great time. (Me, my two daughters, one son-in-law, brother and a ton of friends)

My favorite son-in-law and my brother - they kinda look alike!!!!! especially with the same shirt on!!!

...and my two favorite girls, they are kinda "prissy" crawfish eaters though!!!

Today I am back at work and will go to Kelsi's softball game tonight....

and to leave you with.....the custest cowboy you have EVER seen!!!

Hello...Hello....Anyone there.....

2009-03-26T14:31:00.002-05:00

...don't even ask....I'm not even going to say anything about my big ole' long absence...I'm just gonna start from here....today....OK, let's go....

Well, this is one of the things that has kept me very busy.....the cutest little bugger in the world (to his Nonnie anyway)..Cason Gage...he is almost 5 months old....we are having so much fun with him.

Ya know I was just thinking today....does anyone keep a checkbook anymore....with debit cards and automatic bill paying....checks are almost absolete.

A friend of mine told me the other day - she was at the cashier counter paying for her purchases and she was writing a check and she overheard some young girls behind her complaining because she was taking so long....they said..."OMG, she is WRITING a check!!"

I don't really keep one - I get on line everyday and check my balance and see what has posted and what has not - I write maybe 2 - 3 checks a month...mainly for utilities. I really think writing checks will fall completely by the wayside....like alot of other paper!!!

Just something to think about.....

This is a great BLOG if you like to cook and try new recipes. She is a Texan living in New York (could it get any worse!!) - a great writer!!

Tell God...Thank You.....

2008-10-28T11:09:00.003-05:00

DEAR GOD:

I want to thank You for what you have already done.

I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am thanking you right now.

I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I am thanking you right now.

I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am thanking you right now.

I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears ; I am thanking you right now.

I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves; I am going to thank you right now.

I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet; I am going to thank you right now.

I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job; I am going to thank you right now.

I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now.

I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed; I am thanking you right now.

I am thanking you because I am alive. I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties. I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles.

I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better.

I'm thanking you because FATHER, YOU haven't given up on me.

God is just so good, and he's good all the time

Busy, Busy Weekend....

2008-10-27T13:35:00.004-05:00

Don't ya just hate those - where you have to go back to work to get some rest!!!!

It started Thursday night with an excruciating tooth ache - we have plans to do a root canal on this tooth a week from today, but it decided to really act up last week - I called my dentist and they called me in some pain meds - they didn't touch it - I was up all night Thursday - I know I looked like one of those cartoon characters - where the sore place is throbbing and red and 4 times the size it is actually supposed to be - that's what I felt like anyway. Friday morning early, I called the dentist - got a recording - closed on Fridays - OMG!!!!!! ....how do I get through the weekend - luckily I have a dear friend who works for an oral surgeon and they helped me get through the weekend - now, I think I can wait until next Monday - but I am calling my dentist to make sure.

So I went to a little east Texas town to see a "friend" of mine who is a football coach at a jr. college. I haven't talked much about my "friend" on here - because I'm just not sure yet - how much you say on here - ya know!!!! Anyway, went to the game and I was just sitting down to lunch with his parents before the game and I get a call from 17yo daughter - she has just had her first car accident!!! Yes, try being 2.5 hours from home and hear that!!!! Stress level goes up just a tad!!!! She was hit from behind and her car is totalled - she and the two friends in the car with her are OK - banged up and a little sore, but OK. Now, comes the hassel with the insurance companies, other driver, no car for daughter, and on and on.

I got back in town yesterday and just kinda piddled around the house - it was a very pretty day and I opened all the windows and just let the house air out a bit - I sat out on my back patio - and just went through a couple of magazines that I had gotten in the mail and tried to breathe and just relax.

First thing this morning, I had a Dr.'s appt. with my thyroid Dr. We are still working on getting that on an even keel. Tonight I have my bookclub meeting. We just read The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall - it was a pretty good book. Tonight we will find out what our next read is.

Aren't you tired, just reading all that!!!!!????????

Thank you, Donna and Annie for the encouragement, bless you both!!!

Thursday...

2008-10-23T08:53:00.004-05:00

It started out kinda rainy and hazy this morning - but the sun is trying very hard to break through the clouds - having the view that I do from my office - its actually looks like heaven is trying to peek through the clouds....it's just beautiful.

Pregnant daughter was at the hospital last night - her legs, ankles and feet are swelling a little more than normal and they wanted to do a MRI to ensure there were no blood clots - and there was none!!! She just needs to take it easy these last couple of weeks and stay off her feet as much as possible.

I had a recipe for some wonderful chicken that I meant to post today - but I forgot the cookbook at home - it is by Dana Carpenter - she has several low-carb cookbooks that I have gotten and they have great recipes - I have tried several of them and they have all been very good.

This morning I had sausage links for breakfast and 2 deviled eggs. I brought some chicken (baked and and basted with hot wing sauce) and more deviled eggs and I will probably go downstairs to the snack shop and get a green salad to go with it. I haven't been eating much at night - maybe a piece of cheese and a boiled egg. Just haven't been real hungry at night. I have lost about 13 lbs in about 6 weeks, but for the past few days, I have been in a stall - more like for the past 7 - 8 days - I will drink lotz of water today - that's usually helps.

Here is a site that I visit everyday without fail...The Pioneer Woman...she has the greatest site. She is sooooo funny, talented in so many ways, she has the greatest cooking section - step-by-step pics and just a great all-around site. She also has great give-a-ways regularly - today she will be having a drawing for a $500 gift card to Sam's.

Good Beautiful Morning....

2008-10-22T09:34:00.004-05:00

This weather is just incredible - in Louisiana we have 2 seasons - hot and hot & humid - that's about it - but today it is about 72 degrees and low humidity - looking out the windows of my 22nd floor office - it could not be a prettier day.

Last night I got my hair colored - I have done it for so long - it is really easy - but it just takes a while -

I have been really tired as of late - I got off caffeine about 2 months ago and I don't know if this has anything to do with it - but this morning for the first time in a while I mixed my coffee..1/2 decaf and 1/2 full power....kinda got a buzz going on here.

I am listening to Michael Buble singing "Save the Last Dance for Me" on the internet...and looking at all this paper on my desk that I need to do something with....so I guess I will get started.

I have been reading a wonderful book series by Karen Kingsbury - it's called the Redemption Series and it's 5 books about this one family...I just finished the last one about a week ago and it has been a wonderful read....I highly recommend them.

Brandi and I had lunch today at her favorite Mexican restaurant - i think she eats there 3 times a week - a friend of mine and some girls she works with were there also - so we got a huge table and had the best time....Brandi is due in about 3 weeks - so we are in the home stretch.

That's all for today.....

...a restless day

2008-10-21T16:08:00.003-05:00

No, I still don't have a camera - but I really miss blogging - so I decided to blog anyway. I get so caught up in trying to entertain - that I forget why I like blogging the in the first place....I just like to....that's all....I'm quite the people-pleaser - so if I don't have a lot of comments - I think what the heck.....but today as I have been reading some of the blogs I like - I realized - I just like to - I have to quit worrying about if I am entertaining or making someone happy - it's making me happy!!!!!

The weather here in northern Louisiana today is about as perfect as it can get - beautiful blue sky - sun shining - and about 77 degrees. I took a drive a lunch today - just had to get out of the office - but, boy, I did not want to come back - but I did!!!! I'm such a good girl!!!

Youngest daughter has a softball game today right after work - so I will go to that - then I need to go home and color my hair - in the worst way - I look like a skunk!!!! I HATE doing that!!! Takes up tooooooo much time!!!

I have been doing the low-carb diet for about 6-7 weeks now and I have lost about 13-14 lbs. This way of eating really is easy - and you can eat until you get full - carbs cause me all kinds of food cravings - so I do pretty good if I stay away from them. If I just HAVE to have something sweet I eat sugar-free candy - the Turtles are wonderful and you can't tell the difference.

That's all for today......

Still here.......

2008-08-27T11:32:00.002-05:00

Hello, everyone, I really apologize for just dropping off the face of the earth.

I went to Destin with some girls from high school - my camera took a dive in the salt water and that was the end of that....I hate blogging without pics....boring!!!!!!

Then life has just kinda taken over - all kinds of things going on - school back in - daughter moving into her new house and awaiting the arrival of my first grandbaby.

I will be back soon - I enjoy doing this too much - gotta go get a new camera - any suggestions???

Thanks for missing me!!!!!

An Award and a Walk....

2008-07-17T12:52:00.004-05:00

This is my very FIRST award - I am so tickled!!!! Thank you, Brenda, you are such a sweet friend. Both of us are from Louisiana - we have a special kinship!!!!! Please go and visit her - she has a wonderful place!!!

These are the rules:

1.Put the logo on your blog.

2.Add a link to the person who awarded you.

3.Nominate at least seven other blogs.

4.Add links to those blogs on your blog.

5.Leave a message for your nominee on their blogs

These are my seven:

Karen @ Country Life

Susan @ A Place Called Home

Kitty @ Kitty's Kozy Korner

Kari @ Just Livin' Large

Debra K @ The Bunnies' Bungalow

Annie @ Me and The Boys

Sandi @ The Whistlestop Cafe Cooks

Yesterday about 7:45 I went out for a walk around my neighborhood - I have been doing that for a couple of weeks now - It's not just an ole' wives tale.....you really feel better when you get a little exercise!!!!!

Here I am leaving my house - and first thing I have to do is cross the street and I HATE it -there is a big curve just to the left of the street and about the time I get out there some kid comes barreling around...it is not a pretty site....a 50 year ole woman scurrying across the street...no...not at all!!

OK - made it across the street - it's a pretty little neighborhood - older homes - lotz of shade...

Boy, that looks like a really long way........huff....huff......
I found some new settings on my camera - I got the manual out and read it - when all else fails....so I was trying some of them out...this is a really pretty yard - I was going to take some closer ones....the gentleman who owns the house came around the corner and I was in the street taking pictures of his house....I was trying to explain that I thought his yard was pretty and I was taking pictures for my blog.....Uh??? - he points to his ear - so now I am yelling....PRETTY YARD....TAKING PICTURES...BLOG!!!! He wants to talk.........O well, nice man....

Remember, I am trying new settings on my camera - apparently not the right one.....

This setting said something about Sunsets....so I got a little sunset in it.....

very peaceful.......

back home -

Are you where you wanted to be???

2008-07-14T09:31:00.014-05:00

Ree, at The Pioneer Woman, posted a question today - it hit home and HARD with me!

How is your life today compared to how you THOUGHT it would be 10....20 years ago?

Last month I turned 50!

So I guess this is a very good time to look back, see where you've been, unexpected blessings you received and missed opportunities you regret.

I don't know that regret is the correct word for things, opportunities and people I missed. Maybe it is. I don't think I'm where I thought I would be 20 years ago. I guess I thought I would be "further down the road" to the dreams I had, goals I had set, prayers I KNEW would be answered by now!

I don't think my life would ever be used as an example of "The Way To Do It" - I have probably made every bad decision, wrong choice and missed opportunity allowed in one life-time. But somehow, someway I have also experience incredible blessings, untold mercy and grace and the precious forgiveness of those I have saddened and hurt.

You don't get an instruction manual when you start this journey called "Your Life" - it's a whole lot of trial and error. God very gently gives us His guide called the Bible.....then He also gives us our will - me, he gave a very strong one!!! Because He loves us so much - He did not create us to be His little robots - He gave us choices - to live or die, obedience or stubbornness, willfulness or dependence on Him.

I have gone through so many stages of my life - some I have had to do over and over and over again!! I am a survivor - but I have made it so hard on myself at times. Most of the difficult times and circumstances I have had to endure have been because of my own doing!!

Someone looked at me the other day and said, "You have lived 5 lifetimes". I probably have. But I have also learned lotz of lessons, had many "light bulb" moments (some, a day late and a dollar short!) and many, many second chances!!!

No, I am not where I wanted to be at 50 - but I am not through, yet!....and God has promised me grace enough for today!!

Two Posts in One Day.....Lunch......

2008-07-11T13:57:00.005-05:00

This is what I have done today....came to work.....this is my desk - now I am a very busy person, that's why my desk is so messy!!!!!!!!

Annie - I hear you snickering.......

This is the other part of my desk - yes, that is a fresh peach that I will have for a snack this afternoon - somehow, I am going to pretend it is chocolate....look at this view - I have the best office on this whole floor - it truly is a blessing to come to work everyday!!!!

Just look at that sky - that is the Red River, ladies. I watch boats and skiers going up and down all day long.....I just close my eyes and pretend I am on a house boat out in the middle of it....
Every Friday (and sometimes in the middle of the week, when we are having a bad week) the girls in the office go out to lunch.

Today we went to a Shreveport landmark...Strawns...now there are several in town, but this is the original, a hole in the wall - but they expanded the hole.....but it still has the same charm and character. They have the best hamburgers and fries....and their lunch plates are pretty good too. However, they are best known for their pies.

This is Cynthia and Judy - they were sitting across from me - so they get their picture taken - there was a family at the next table and I bet that lady took 20 pictures.....I said, "Bet she has a blog." Look at Judy biting into that hamburger.......

...a shot of the room....and our waitress....and see those white bags - they have pie to go!!!! ....we are on our lunch hour, you know!

...there are murals all round the room...

...here is another - recognize any of those folks.....

...and now I am back at the office...tell me if you have to go to an office everyday - is this not the place to be????....look at that sky!!!!!

Recipes....

2008-07-11T11:14:00.003-05:00

I thought I would post a few recipes today

....don't have any pictures....(I always forget to take pictures while I am making anything!!!)

these are just some that I have been making for years and we love them....

This is the BEST Banana Nut Bread you will ever eat - I make it in mini loaf pans

Banana Nut Bread

½ cup vegetable oil
1 ½ cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups flour
1 teaspoon soda
1/3 cup buttermilk
3 very ripe bananas
1 c. chopped pecans

Cream together oil and sugar.

Add eggs and salt to sugar mixture.

Combine the soda with the buttermilk. Add to egg mixture with milk.

Add bananas and nuts.

Grease and flour loaf pan.

Bake at 350° for 45 minutes.

This soup is very easy and very, very good.....

Broccoli Cheese Soup

3 cups frozen chopped or cut broccoli
1/3 cup chopped onion
½ cup flour
1 stick butter
1 ½ teaspoon dry mustard
16 oz Velveeta Cheese
2 15 oz cans chicken broth
2 cups milk

Add onion to frozen broccoli and cook according to package directions. Drain.

Melt butter in saucepan and stir in flour, salt and pepper until well blended.

Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, cook until thickened.

Add broccoli and remaining ingredients.

Cook until cheese is melted.

One of my favorite summer-time salads..........

Chilled Corn Salad

12 oz can whole kernel corn – drained
2-3 green onion – chopped
½ cup green pepper – chopped
2 Tablespoons minced parsley
2 Tablespoons cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon oil
salt & pepper

Combine all ingredients and chill overnight.

I Believe......

2008-07-10T16:30:00.004-05:00

I believe - That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I believe - That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I believe - That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I believe - That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I believe - That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I believe - That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I believe - That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I believe - That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I believe - That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I believe - That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I believe - That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I believe - That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I believe - That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I believe - That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry,but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I believe - That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I believe - That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe - That no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe - That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I believe - Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I believe - That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I believe - That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

I believe - That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I believe - That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

Lazy-Hot-Days....

2008-07-09T19:21:00.007-05:00

Well, I have some good news, I FOUND MY CAMERA.....

I found it in the trunk of my car - I told ya'll I was cleaning out my car and I had it in my hand....

I thought I had either thrown it away with trash...or laid it on the top of my car and drove off with it up there....

Apparently, I laid it in the trunk....I had looked through that trunk so many times and then I looked one more time and there it was!!!!!! I was hollering...Thank you, Jesus....Thank you, Jesus!! I'm sure my neighbors thought there was a tent revival going on over there.....

I have just really had the blahs, blues, whatevers lately. Must be the heat!!

I tend to be a very controlling person (I hear all that snickering from the people who really know me)....they are saying..."did she say, TENDS to be"!!!!!!!

I have been single most of my life and I think women tend to get that way when they have to fight the world by themselves. I am always trying to arrange everyone and everything the way I think it should be.....trying to maneuver situations to where certain things might happen....I am not manipulative...I always think I have everyone's best interest at heart....but I am learning that even when you THINK you are doing someone a favor or helping....sometimes...you're just not.

I have really been thinking on "Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart, and lean not on your OWN understanding......

It's my own understanding that always gets me in trouble - God very plainly tells us, our emotions and feelings are not very good barometer....and I always have lots of those...feelings and emotions. Sometimes, I just don't understand why something is happening the way it is - when I know that another way would be so much better....for everyone!!!!

That is when that TRUST part comes in...I tend to always want to follow my instincts, my emotions, my feelings......oh, those things have caused me so much pain and heartache.....Trust, it's such a simple little word and so easy to just flow out of your mouth when you are talking to someone else about THEIR situation or THEIR problem.

But when it is you, who is having to do the trusting, it can be so very, very hard.

That is where the FAITH also comes in, where the rubber meets the road - where you put your money where your mouth is......Do I really trust God to take care of me....Do I really think He has my best interest at heart....Yes, I do, I just have to take a step back and look at what He has done for me......and know, with all my heart - the He will continue to walk beside me - I just have to learn to not get ahead of Him.

Here HE is.......

2008-07-03T09:01:00.006-05:00

Yes, we have a little "Mr." - we are all soooooo excited - especially Landon (Daddy) - we about had to scrap him off the ceiling.

Most times the tech doing the ultra-sound has to tell you what the sex of the baby is - well she didn't have to say a thing......

I would put captions under the pictures, but Brandi emailed these to me as one - so the explanations are at the bottom.........

Picture #1 - is the profile - he's head is to the right and the feet to the left - you can see his nose and little cheeks - his hand is on the other side of his head in the air.

Picture #2 - is the 4-D picture of his back and legs - his little feet are crossed - he is still very skeletal - she is 20 weeks - they said they really didn't like to show the face on ones of these just yet - because it is a litte "scary" looking. I said he looks like a little dinosaur - so right now he's name is "Dino".

Picture #3 - the "money" picture - like I said they didn't have to say what it was - we all screamed boy when we saw this. The legs are in a "V" - and the arrow is point to the "boy part" - I hope I don't get in trouble for showing this!!!!

A friend of Brandi's had lunch with us after the ultra-sound and she said she had never seen one so obvious -she felt like she should not be looking at that!!!!!!!

So needless to say - we are all so excited - but we cannot come up with a boy name - the last name is Jones - so we need a really "kickin'" first name.....any suggestions??????

BTW....did I mention I am just SICK over losing my camera!!!!!!

BOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOOOO......

2008-07-01T14:08:00.005-05:00

I have lost my camera!!!!

I am sick, sick, sick!!!!

I was cleaning out my car before going to work - I had it in my hand - I either threw it away with the trash from the car, or drove off with it on top of the car!!!!

It was only a Kodak EasyShare, but it was ALL I had!!!

What's a blog without pictures....it's kinda like trying to talk with your hands tied, and God knows I can't do that!!!!

I do have some news - and even a couple of pictures to go with it!!

We found out what Brandi and Landon's baby is...........

Take a guess and I will be back soon with the news......

(Did I mention....I am just SICK about my camera!!!)

Good Friends!!!!

2008-06-24T16:00:00.002-05:00

When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of

one best friend, and then I started to become a woman.

And then I found out that if you allow your heart to

open up, God would show you the best in many friends.

One friend's best is needed when you're going through things with your children.

Another friend's best is needed when you're going through things with your mom.

Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.

TO MY GIRLS... I love you!

One friend will say let's pray together, another let's cry together,

another let's fight together, another let's walk away together.

One friend will meet your spiritual need, another your shoe fetish,

another your love for movies, another will be with you in your season of confusion,

another will be your clarifier, another the wind beneath your wings.

But whatever their assignment in your life, on whatever the occasion,

on whatever the day, or wherever you need them to meet you...

with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back or to hold you back from

making a complete fool of yourself .... those are your friends.

It may all be wrapped up in one woman, but for many it's wrapped up in several....

one from 7th grade, one from high school, several from the college years,

a couple from old jobs, several from church, on some days your mother,

on others your sisters, and on some days

it's the one that you needed just for that day or week when you needed someone

with a fresh perspective, or the one who didn't know all your baggage, or the

one who would just listen without judging... those are good girlfriends/best friends.

I thank my girlfriends, those who honor intimacy, those who hold trust,

and those who hold me up when life is just too heavy!

The special bond we share is unique.

Thanks for the words we've shared.

The prayers we've sent up.

The laughs, the tears, the phone calls, the emails,

the shopping, the movies, the lunches, the dinners,

the talking, talking, talking and the listening, listening, listening....

So whether you've been there 20 minutes or 40 years,

I love you!

Eatin' crawfish....

2008-06-17T12:56:00.005-05:00

We had some great crawfish this weekend - I'm in Louisiana and this is just a staple of our diet!!!

They really do taste good - they just don't look so pretty - and there is definitely a technique involved in eatin' them.

As you can see, daughter Brandi and hubby Landon are really concentrating on their work.....

...and since they are usually more trouble than they are worth to me....I had shrimp......

This is at one of those great Cajun type restaurants - where you eat out on the back porch and they have these huge fans blowing - great place to relax and visit....

...daughter Kelsi, and my brother, Kelly

Brandi & Landon

we grow 'em really big down here!!!!

Looks like small lobster!!!!

I just love these "gas" cartoons

Kinda busy right now - life, work, etc.

Be back later........

A Funny for the Weekend....

2008-06-13T16:18:00.001-05:00

Randon.....

2008-06-13T10:25:00.002-05:00

Has anyone tried these little thingys??

Very good.....I bought them because I thought they were sweetened, flavored creamers - well, there is no cream involved - just flavored Splenda for your coffee. So I add some 1/2 & 1/2 to make it a pretty color.....

I do love coffee, but I'm a sissy coffee drinker - I have to have mine all "decorated" - after watching me fix my coffee, people have commented, "Like a little coffee with your sugar and cream!"...and that's about right.

...and I just love the shape of them....that's why I buy most products...I think they are cute!!!

This birthday is going on forever....and it's quite alright with me!!!!

I got this card in the mail the other day with this beautiful needlepoint bookmark...this is from a bloggin' buddy from another site - years ago - she is the sweetest - I get cards in the mail from her all the time and they just seem to arrive just when I need them. She really listens when God speaks!!!! I love ya, Cathie!!

Kelsi has decided to play summer ball - she is on the HS softball team - and will continue to play this summer on this team. Yes, it is very hot and miserable, but she will be a Jr. this year - so I need to enjoy the "torture" while it lasts!!!!

I played softball in HS - so at least I do understand what is going on!!!!!

She can be such a tomboy - my oldest daughter, Brandi, didn't like to get dirty - so sports was something she NEVER did!!!

But Kelsi can also be such a girl!!! ...and then she did this.....
Lord, give me strength!!!!!!!

The last of Judy's house.....

2008-06-12T08:07:00.004-05:00

Well, this is the finale - I hate to leave Judy's house.....

This is one of my very favorite pieces....have a said that a lot....I love almost everything in her house....It really is my DREAM house!!!

This is where she keeps the TV - and this photo does NOT do it justice - it is exquisite!!!!!

When you walk through her front door this is what you see....so very cozy
This is to the left...I love the fabric on the footstool.....

....look to the left when you walk in the door and this is what you see.... a very cozy little sitting area.....very inviting....

a quick shot of the kitchen - I just noticed her cabinets are just like mine and I hate mine - (what I meant was - they are the same style and mine are still ugly brown and hers and a pretty color) -I've got to get those painted...Judy, what color is that????

the eating area - you see more of her kitchen through here - I know we could have moved the newspaper - but this is a real house....and I love it.....

I know see so many things I didn't get - more of her kitchen for one and she has another guest room that is very cute....another day....

Thank you so much, dear friend, for letting me roam around your house and take pictures...I love you to pieces!!!!!!!

More of Judy's House....

2008-06-11T08:35:00.004-05:00

...we're back at Judy's house - here is Judy and Darcy...Judy is saying, "You're going to do what with those pictures...uh....What's a blog??

This is my favorite thing in her house - I just love this....

I love the color of the walls......
Mantle........

other side of mantle.....
...this is kinda dark....love this iron angel....

Guest room - see that cute chandelier on wall.......

heeerreeee it is.....

I just love all the tin pieces.....

Guest bedroom - like this built-in....

...close up....

sitting area in master bedroom - another of my favorite spots....

this little vignette sits on the trunk by the chair in the previous post (I really wanted to say vinaigrette!!!!!!!)

I'm really into turquoise/aqua right now - I wonder if she would miss this plate....

Master bedroom with Miss Darcy........

All for now - tomorrow I have a few more pictures of Judy's house and then I gotta find something else to talk about..........

Continuing on Judy's House Tour....

2008-06-10T08:31:00.004-05:00

These are just in randon order....just glimpes of a beautiful home.....that is warm, cozy and when you walk in you feel like you are "home"!

In her master bedroom - there are TWO bathrooms - this is Judy's - I just love the arrangement on the wall - especially the magazine rack!!

This is on the counter in her bath - I just love that "mini armoire" - I would have never thought that dark clock would look right with all the pale colors and it's wonderful......

Close ups.........

...a picture on her bedroom wall....

one of my favorties...beautiful chest that sits on the floor

When they added this bath - the 2nd in the bedroom - they put glass bricks in the window...

...just a pretty piece of tile in the bath......

this is on the counter in the hall bath - should of removed the Kleenex - there was no staging - she had no idea I was going to take pictures - neither did I - so this is her REAL house!!!!

...a picture on the wall in the hall bath - so sweet.....

she has had this painting in her house for as long as I can remember..this is in her den/living room

this beautiful piece is in the entry area of her house.....

OK - all for today - but there is more to come........

I have to interrupt Judy's house tour....

2008-06-09T13:14:00.004-05:00

...so I can show ya'll what I did this weekend...HAD A BLAST!! I went to a wedding in Dallas where I didn't know a soul and had so much fun!! My friend, Sandra, we work together - she had to go to a wedding of her son-in-law's sister and I went along for the ride...I met her family and friends and just had a great weekend....

This is how it started...Dressin' Gaudy...sounds like my kind of store...just an hour into our 3 hour drive - we stopped and went to this incredible little dress shop - we will DEFINITLY be going back. They wouldn't let me take pics inside so this is all you get...Sandra said - they knew when we came in...because I said "rather loudly" THIS IS MY KINDA STORE!!!!!

This is very nice hotel where we stayed - The Marriott Legacy

Right outside the hotel is the very lovely little bricked-paved street with very nice shops - so we killed a little time just window shopping.

Brandi - this one is for you - a cute little Boutique called Ya Ya's

Nice pots of flowers......

This very nice candy apple red Maserati - with a crow about to do "his business" on the hood - he doesn't care that it's a $700,000 car, there was only about 2,500 sold in the US last year!!

Then I saw this and forgot all about the Maserati....and it probably cost just as much!

....and this piece wasn't bad either!!!

Sandra and I arriving at the wedding.....

Me and Sandra's sister...Mary - met her and her husband Anthony - great people - we laughed ALOT!!!!!

These 2 gorgeous girls were bridemaids - Stacey on the left is Sandra's daughter and Christy on the right is married to Stacey's husband's brother....got that!!!! Two CUTE girls!!!

This is Sandra and her son, Steve......

...and the last dance was saved for MOM!!!!!

Tomorrow, we will continue on our tour of Judy's house!!!!

Judy's House

2008-06-06T10:51:00.004-05:00

Ya'll remember my very special friend Judy - the MC for my birthday party....this is her house and it is AMAZING - I think ya'll will really like it...

DISCLAIMER - I am NOT a photographer and can't seem to get a decent shot...I'm sure it's the camera and NOT the operator :) - Judy's house is much, much nicer than these sorry photos reveal........

This is a picture in her kitchen - BJ - I thought of you when I saw it - with the black & white checks!!!
I love this---they added on this room and left the brick and painted it this gorgeous green.....

I think this is so wonderful...I have it in my sidebar...I just love this look.....

sorry...so blurry....

I love this - R for the last name!!

I love this little chair

yes, it's very dark.....

this beautiful set sits in front of her fireplace.....

that is all for today....I will have much more of Judy's beautiful home next week....Have a glorious weekend...I'm headed to Dallas!!!!

Aw, Come On It Will Be Fun.......

2008-06-04T21:56:00.005-05:00

This is one of those QUIZ things...40 of them will end up in your email in the next 6 months, but I had fun doing this one....so I thought I would post it....if you would like to give it a whirl...consider yourself tagged!!!!

1. Do you like blue cheese? Love it, my favorite!!

2. Have you ever smoked heroin? No - do you really think I would tell ya if I had!!!!!!

3. Do you own a gun? No, people say I shouldn't!!!!

4. What flavor do you add to your drink at sonic? not often, but when I do it is vanilla

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? not really, at this stage in life - they've seen, poked and prodded everything, what's to get nervous about!!

6. What do you think of hot dogs? Cannot eat them!! Got sick on them when I was a little girl - yes, at one time I was little!!!!

7. Favorite Christmas movie? The Christmas Story - I love it!! That is what my house was like growing up!!

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Coffee, Coffee, Coffee - but I have to have it all dressed up - with flavored cream and plenty of Splenda!!!

9. Can you do push ups? Push Ups!!! Love 'em - remember running down the ice cream truck just to get one!!!!

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? The smoky topaz ring that Judy Rader finally gave me because she got sick of cleaning my drool off of it!!

11. Favorite hobby? Reading, cooking, knitting, blogging, cross-stitching - I love them all!!! Oh, looking forward to days of retirement!!! Not too far away now!!!!

12. Do you have A.D.D.? No, what were talking about, oh yea, ADD, did you just see that bird fly by!!!!

13. What's one trait you hate about yourself? Controlling, I wear my self out - just trying to be me!!!!!

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment: what am I going to wear to this wedding this weekend; I've got to quit eating; what am I going to have for dinner?

16. Name 3 things you bought yesterday? thank you notes - Gummi Lifesavers (hey, it was my birthday) and gas - OMG - the gas!!!!

17. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? coffee, water and tea

18. Current worry? Trying real hard not to do that......that God's job...not mine!!!!!

19. Current hate right now? Don't know that i have a current one - probably a lot of old ones - but no, nothing current!!

20. Favorite place to be? At home, really, I love to be at home, puttering around!!!!

22. Where would you like to go? Some quiet place on the water in a cabin just for some tranquility!!!

23. Name three people who will complete this? no one, everyone hates these things

24. Do you own slippers? Funny you should ask - I don't and have been trying to find some I like...that is the hard part!!!!

25. What shirt are you wearing? a Turquoise & black stretchy kinda one....

26. What year would you go back in time to? 1976 - the year I graduated HS - I would things differently from that time on....

27. Can you whistle? No, I just spit!!

28. Favorite color? This one!! kinda bricky red!!

29. Would you be a pirate? I really don't look good in an eye patch!! and that parrot poop on your shoulder has got to be a nuisance.

30. What songs do you sing in the shower? I usually just talk to myself!!!

31. Favorite girl's name? Landry

32. Favorite boy's name? Gearen

33. What's in your pocket right now? No pockets

34. Last thing that made you laugh? Paula called today and I couldn't get to the phone right away - she called back and said - answer me when I call you - I may need a kidney!!!! She's a mess!!!!

36. Worst injury you've ever had? My ear almost cut off - but it's hangin' in there!!!!

37. Do you love where you live? Yes, it was a gift from God!! Literally!!

38. How many TVs do you have in your house? I'm ashamed to say - 4 - waaaay tooooo many!!!

39. Who is your loudest friend? See Question #34

40. How many dogs do you have? 1 in doggie heaven!!

41. Does someone have a crush on you? Lord, if they do - would you someone please let me know!!!!!!!!

42. What is your favorite book(s)? A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Cold Sassy Tree, Three, anything by Beth Moore

43.What is your favorite candy? Sour Skittles - love them!!!!

44. Favorite Sports team? L S U....Geaux Tigers!!!!

45. Your favorite meal? I'm so sick of eating - I don't even know anymore!!!!

46. What were you doing 12 AM last night? Sleeping

47. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Is it really 6:45!!!!!! I'm late!!!!!

48. Do you have any odd habits? Another time, another day, another post altogether!!!!!

Just one more....

2008-06-04T10:58:00.007-05:00

I received this today....I love this birthday stuff!!!!

A gorgeous watch/charm bracelet from a very dear friend. We have never met in person, no, I did not meet her through bloggin' - just through life's circumstances.....

I have always wanted a charm bracelet - ever since I was a little girl and now at 50 I have one... I just love it!!

Thank you so much Linda, I will cherish it always!!

Birthday Gifts!!!!

2008-06-03T19:51:00.003-05:00

Well, I promise ya'll could gawk at all my treasures from the birthday party..... here they are!!!

These are all the cards...and they really meant a lot to me - I sat down Sunday afternoon and read each one and just cried my eyes out....ya'll are so sweet - I love all of you!!!!!

These are from Angela - I call her Brandi's friend, but she is my friend too, just Brandi's age...I think this was the show stopper - these iron work crosses to go on the brick wall in my patio that Paula is decorating.....two big crosses and see the little black one at the bottom...I just love them.
About 5 blogs ago I featured some purses from Sam Moon's that I really liked, Cynthia, one of the ladies I work with, ordered one for me...now I have to switch over to the new purse...that is always such a chore for me......
Everyone knows I love books so that is always a safe bet with me - I also got a Barnes and Noble gift card - one Saturday soon I will spend there - browsing and sipping coffee...it just doesn't get any better than that!!!

Now this is a jewel and the perfect color for my house - I am trying the perfect place for it - because I really want it to show...I just love it!!!

Cookbooks, my all time weakness - that is the section I head straight for in the book store - like I need another one - but there is always that jewel out there and you just don't want to miss it....I can't wait to browse through these babies!!!

I was sooooo tickled to get this - and it IS wonderful - someone blogged about this not too long ago (can't remember) and she said it was GREAT and she was sooo right!! My heels are pathetic, and this really worked on them and very quickly - just sitting on the couch watching TV.....LOVE IT!!! Thanks Tonya!!

I just love this gorgeous make-up brush from Miss Mary. Kelsi is already trying to take it from me...look at that handle...and this picture does not do it justice at all.....

Now, I know all of you will want to come to my house and take this....I was so excited to see this little lady - she will go perfect outside by my chair. She is the perfect color. I think she is just beautiful....thank you Sandra!!! And when I got to work this morning, she also had some turquoise coasters for my table outside and some cute, tiny citronella candles...

This is a beautiful journal from sweet Emily...she knows I love to write - just write - what I do is not really journaling, I just write sometimes everyday and then maybe not for a year - but I just love to make list and notes, etc. - - - - uhm, there was also some Godiva chocolate with this journal, but it didn't make the picture..........someone ate it!!!!!! Imagine that!!!!!

Isn't this necklace and earring set beautiful, Patti said she had a very hard time giving it to me...don't you hate that....you're looking for a gift for someone and you want everything you pick up for them.....I do it all the time....don't give many gifts!!!! (Smile)

2 Calphalon skillets - from Donna & Jeff - Jeff is the cook in the family and he knows his cookware!! Thank you so much - I will use them a lot!!! (I guess I could have taken the label off so you could actually see the skillets....awh - you know what they look like!!!!

...and on top of all this I got Movie Theater gift cards and restaurant gift cards and about $200 in cold hard cash!!!!

And best of all I got the money for a dishwasher from the hostesses!!!!! We picked out one at Lowes and they opted just to give me the money and let me take it from there!!! So I may price shop a little bit....what power!!!!! Mine has been broke for about 8 months so I am really looking forward to this!!!!

Again, thank you all so very much - you have made this birthday a very, very special one - Sandi at The WhistleStop Cafe said this is her 50th birthday and she said she is celebrating all year - it is her birthday YEAR!!!

Hey, I think I like that - I think you can celebrate all year when you turn 50!!!!!!!!

The Big 5 0....and I'm loving it.....

2008-06-03T09:41:00.006-05:00

I work in a 24 story building downtown - this is what greeted me at the escalator this morning - I was SHOCKED!!!

I felt like I had just seen my picture hanging in the Post Office - I was ducking and diggin in my purse trying to hide my face - I just never expected such a VISUAL birthday greeting in the lobby of the building, cheeezzzzz!!!

Then when I got off the escalator I got back on and went and took a picture - the shock has worn off a bit then.....

Then this is what my office looked like....it's hard to see because of all the glass and light - but there are black ballons and streamers everywhere.....

Then this is what is on the back of my chair.......

I can thank Miss Annie for all this - she is the one who took all the great pictures at my party - I work with her and she is just a doll.....
Like I said - I have some GREAT friends....I feel so blessed....for one to have such great friends and two to just still be around......
I sure don't feel 50....I still think I'm 25...and I'm gonna keep right on thinkin' it!!!!!!!!

We had a PARTY!!!!!

2008-06-02T13:44:00.008-05:00

I had the time of my LIFE!!!

Let me begin by saying - there is a ton of pictures here and if you don't know me, my family or my friends - you are going to be totally BORED!!!!!

So you may to skip this post and tomorrow I will post pictures of the LOOT (my birthday presents!!)

Here goes....in no particular order.......

June Barnhill, a dear friends for 30+ years...she is one of those friends that requires no maintenance - you don't have to call and keep up - but when you need her - she is always there...I love you Junie.....(she hates to have her pictures taken - so she is really going to hate me for this!!)

(you can double click on the pics and get a clearer view)

This is June's gorgeous daughter, Amy, (she is due the same day as Brandi)..and her cute hubby, Brock Berlin - name sound familar to sports fans - yes, the quarterback for University of Miami and now with the St. Louis Rams...and then June's hubby, Darrell - I love him, too!!!!

This was the cake - it was wonderful

Danny & Mary - they have been in my life for as long as I can remember - he was one of my Dad's best friends - now that my Dad is gone - he is always a very sweet reminder!!

Mary, Me & Donna (another Donna) there were three at the party - Donna is married to my childhool friend Jeff

Danny, Me and Jeff (the childhool friend - married to Donna (above)

Connie & Sammy - in her card it said "We have loved you for a long time...." they are very dear friends - that I don't get to see often..someone told me the other day I looked like her, that is one of the greatest compliments I have ever had - because I always thought she was sooooo very pretty!!

Joyce, Glenda, Patti, Paula & Me

Frances, Me & Judy

Kelsi, Me & Brandi (my daughters)

Lillie, Fallon & Me

This, my friends, is Judy...and there are no words.....she was the MC for the night - Judy has been in my life since Brandi was 2 (23 years) and she is just like my Mom - she was escorted in Brandi's wedding as a grandmother - she is that close to our family - Judy put on a little skit about me....that is what the telephone is about - oh yes, she had props and everything!!!

Brandi & Judy (I think they even look alike!!)

Me & Judy (there is no telling what she is saying - but I thought it was funny!!!!)

Judy - she was born with a mic in her hand!!!!!

Judy and her incredible hubby..J.R.

Frances, her and her husband have been the pastor of my church for over 45 years - they are now retired and their son is the pastor. She has been through thick and very, very thin with me and she has never wavered with her committment to be there for me for over 30 years!!!!

Paula - yes, for you ladies that have been here before, she is the one that did my patio for me - we have been friends for over 40 years - she is the sister that I never had - we will always be together, whether we like it or not!!!!!!

Joyce, my soul mate - she is my prayer partner - one of my most cherished friends - when I want to scream and throw a fit and don't want anyone to know - I call her and have my hissy and we hang up and I know not of word will be said about it - to me or anyone else - we all need a friend like that!!!!!

Joyce and her husband Randy - he is my LSU football game watching buddy...we both like to read, so we are always discussing books - he is my pal!!!!!

Kelsi - youngest daughter - and there is no telling what she was saying about her Momma!!

Paula - another one - she got the most laughs - she is just funny!!! She is so fun to be around - everybody was talking about her by the time the party was over - they all wanted to be her friend!!

Emily (sitting) - a fairly new friend - but we have fast become "buddies" - she will sit and listen to you for hours - crying...snot flying...she doesn't care - she's wonderful!!

I promise I wasn't singing - but I can do a mean "Harper Valley PTA"!!!!

Miss Jo - Landon's (Brandi's husband) grandmother - very sweet lady!!!

Judy (another one- there was three at the party also - all we had was Judys & Donnas) Cynthia, Me, Annie (who took all these pictures - this is the only one she is in - bless her!!) and Sandra - these are the ladies I work with - I have only been with them 1 year and they have become such good friends.

This is Sandra (from above) and her husband Tommy - I even think he was having a good time and he didn't know a soul there!!!!!!

Brandi, my brother, Kelly, Me and Kelsi

Landon, Me & Brandi

There was about 60 people there - I couldn't believe that many would come!!!!

Angela (Brandi's friend) and Kristin (Landon's sister)

Donna, Lillie (her granddaughter) and my aunt, LaVerne

Buck and Donna (the 3rd one) this is Landon's parents - Brandi's in-laws - they are the greatest couple - they love Brandi like their very own and that means so much to a Momma!!

Joyce, Judy, Me, Brandi, Glenda and Paula - these were the hostsses for my party - my dearest, dearest friends.

I just have one thing to say....if I never have a dime to my name...I'm one of the richest women in the world...because I have some of the very best friends...not just acquaintances, but REAL friends, who I know would be there for me at a minutes notice if I needed them...that is true RICHES!!!!!

Thank you all for the great gifts, a fantastic party and most of all your love.

More and More This & That

2008-05-29T14:41:00.006-05:00

Good Morning, everyone, grap a cup of coffee or some of this wonderful stuff - although you will notice that is is Sugar Free and Decaff (not the first thing I have in the morning.....but later on in the day it's a nice treat!!!)

In all our moving and re-arranging, I had to move some books, so thought I would share some of my favorites with you.....

these are some herbs books - haven't read much in them - but I really want to learn more about herbs and how to use them...in cooking and home remedies....

I don't know why my pictures are turning out so fuzzy - they look good on flickr!!!

...these are some "homey" books - I love books like this...always looking for a new way to do things....

some of my very favorites...The Country Store has all kind of recipes for bath salts, shampoos, soaps, etc.....and then a book JUST on homemade soaps - I really want to learn to do that one day...on my bucket list!!!!!

...sewing books - my machine has sooooo much dust on it - hasn't been out in a while...another project!!!!!!

...gardening books - can you tell where I live??!!.....

...more gardening books - and no, I don't have a garden this year...I need more hours in my day!!!!

...speaking of which - I love Emilie Barnes...she tries to help me!!!!!

...I haven't gotten to read this one very much yet...it is my newest one and it's about 2 years old - have scanned it and it looks good - will spend some more time with it....

My precious son-in-law, Landon, here with Brandi on their wedding day, 2 1/2 years ago -

...sprained his ankle really, really bad - doesn't that look horrible.....

...but they doctor said it is not broken...would that look even worse???!!!!!!!

...hate to leave you on that note - this weekend will be busy with my BIRTHDAY PARTY!!!! YIPEE!!!!! ....do I will be back on Monday and I have tons of pictures of my dear friend, Judy's house - it is so gorgeous!!! It will take me all week to get them all on here

Have a wonderful and blessed weekend!!!!!!!

Donna

More This & That....

2008-05-28T19:23:00.006-05:00

Good Morning - I am noticing from my blog, that I need to quit being in such a hurry when typing my posts - I am making a lot of mistakes - I really can spell and know correct grammar - it's just that my fingers can't keep up with my racing mind!!

This is a prayer bottle, that my very dear friend, Joyce, gave me a couple of Christmases ago - isn't it beautiful.

See, the piece of paper rolled up inside - you are supposed to write your prayer on that and put it back inside the bottle (I haven't written anything in it yet!!)

In all our "changing" this week, I was trying to find a new place for it - I have put it on this cute little shelf in the hall bath (I think I got it at TJ Maxx) - for now this is where it will be.

No, all of my house is not red - the laundry room (entry way - since everyone comes through the carport door), kitchen and hall bath are the red rooms and the rest of my house is Harvest Gold.

These are the magazines I am reading now;

Look, what I found - I don't know where I got this bowl or how long I have had it - but while moving and changing I turned it upside down and look:

I guess I could have rotated that picture around - instead of making you stand on your head!!

I hate to admit it, but I used to have some nice McCoy pieces and then I went through a period in my life - where I just wanted to get rid of everything and I did - probably sold them for little of nothing at a garage sale or gave them away......

BJ at Sweet Nothings has got my mind on Kitchens - I saw this one in a magazine and I love it - just a little partial to red, you know.....

I absolutely love these book shelves in the kitchen......

This is just my favorite piece - I love those two colors together....(that was the best picture I could get, sorry!)

I told ya'll yesterday that I moved my kitchen table into my tiny, tiny kitchen...I tried to get some pictures so you could see just how tiny, and if the table is too much: this is what it looked like before:

...and this is what it looks like now....

..come Saturday, that white dishwasher is going to be Stainless - I am getting a new dishwasher for my birthday - my birthday is not until Tuesday, the 3rd, but my daughter and some very, very dear friends are giving me a 50th birthday party Saturday night!!!!

So what do you think about the table in the kitchen??? I love it - now I have a place to sit and visit in my favorite room in the house!!

I am going to paint the cabinets and the paneling that is half way down the wall...a light cream color.

Have a wonderful day!!!!!

Donna

This & That

2008-05-28T09:52:00.006-05:00

Hello, all!!

I know, I know, I have not been around in a while - I have been soooo busy!!

Still, being fairly new at this bloggin' thing - I always feel like I need lotz of pics and at least something semi-interesting to blog about....but I think I need to do this more for me and quit stressing about it!!

Miss BJ over at Sweet Nothings is having a Kitchen Parade - you need to go on over and see all the great pics she has. But be warned....you will be wanting to tear your kitchen apart and start over.

Which is about what I have been doin', except to the WHOLE HOUSE!!

My friend, Paula (you remember, the Sweetie, that did my back porch for me) and I went to a thrift store this past Monday on a quest for plates (will get to that later), but I found some light globes (4 for $.99) and my living room ceiling fan really needed new ones.....these are the old ones.....

Yes, the really ugly, frosted, looks like a square dancing dress globes!!!

These are the new ones - clear and simple......

I really like then, however, as I stand here and look at them from this view - I thinkt hey are too little....the bulbs stick out too much....so, I guess it's back to the drawing board on this one.

While we were at the thrift store - I ran into these (I got two) with the stickers still on them - never been used (love that) - I LOVE coffee mugs and I loved the shape and especially the color of these. They are a muted turquoise.....

...and they are a match to my cute little lamp out on the patio....

...and my turquoise chaise - so I had to have them!!!

And right next to the cups....I found this perfect valance for my kitchen window - I have had the same boring white little cotton valance up there since I moved in that house 4 years ago - in fact, it was there when I moved in...anyway, I saw this and Paula said it would be perfect - I wasn't sure, but she was right (as always!!) and it looks great.

After looking at soooo many wonderful kitchen pics, trying to find ones to send to Miss BJ - I caught the fever.....and that is never good.....and starting working on mine. One of the nicest pieces of furniture I have is a baker's rack in my kitchen...but I have never been very good at decorating it....but after looking at all of your wonderful decorating ideas....I think I may be learning something. I went through every drawer, closet and under beds and drug out everything I could find to decorate with....here are some of my ideas....if you have any, please let me know...Paula and I are still working on a lot of this....

This is a fleur-de-lis (remember I am in Louisiana) candle holder that I had stuck in a closet and an old bowl that came from my grandmother.

These are some very old cookbooks - the one in the middle my aunt gave me...she got it at a garage sale....she had been gone now for about 10 years and she was very special to me....so this is a treasure. The other two I got at garage sales or at our local college book sale (another post altogether!!!) ....and a fleur-de-lis book end - that weighs about 20 lbs.

This is a tray that I got a couple of years ago and has been on a antique piece in my living room - I moved it to here for now....I'm sure I'll move it somewhere else before this is all over with...
This is what it looks like now...the picture above it was in my dining room and I moved it over the baker's rack....that is my favorite thing I did to this whole area...is the picture - I love it over the rack!!!

...not quite sure what to do with the bottom shelf - don't know if I want to leave my bread bowl there on put it in the middle of my table....I will have to think on that....that cream loaf dish - I got at another thrift store a couple of weeks ago..I think I am going to start looking for that color....I really like it.

...this is a closer view of it...

see these fruit plates...I have had these for a couple of years...they have been in a vertical plate rack under the fruit picture (now over my baker's rack) in my dining room...we took them out of the rack and put them in plate hangers and put them here...

...I promise, my kitchen is not purple...but it sure looks like it in these pictures - the color of my walls are Brickpath Red (Paula picked it out when I moved in...I think this should really be her house!!!!)...see my table there...it has been in my dining room (which is just an extra room where the back door is...and I haven't know what to do to it (until now...another post!!!) - I have always wanted my table in the kitchen but it was just too small - well, it's in there now...and I LOVE it!!!!!! ...it's very cozy!!!!

...how do I get rid of that phone thingy!!!!

I was at a garage sale a couple of years ago and I saw these two red toile pictures in these wonderful black frames....I thought they would be expensive...the lady said, "Oh, $2", I almost choked, I very calmly said, "OK" - gave her my $2 and ran to the car and sped away as fast as I could go....they are my treasures!!!

...and this is what Paula did with them on my dining room wall where the fruit picture and fruit plates used to be. I had the white plate on top and the red and white platter on bottom...the other two or what we found at the thrift store....the reason we went...to find plates to match this grouping...can you believe the perfect plates we found....I really like this....
...and here is the progress on Brandi's house - it's getting there!!!!

Whew!!!! I am tired - see, I told ya, I've been busy!!!! I'll have more tomorrow!!!!

An Incredible Surprise....

2008-05-19T07:55:00.007-05:00

I had to go to a graduation party Saturday evening and while I was gone, my very dear friend, Paula, (we've known each other for 40 years now) told me she would be coming by, to leave my house unlocked - she had an idea for my birthday present and needed to see if it would work in my house.

Paula is an incredible docorator - I have always told people, "She can take what is in your house and $50 and make your house look totally different". And that is the gospel truth - she is very talented.

Well, when I got home, I was looking around the house and I noticed my back porch light was on - I opened the back door and this is what I saw:

Now, not only is this just gorgeous and an oasis for me, but you can't really appreciate it unless you had seen my back porch before - thank God -there are NO photos of that. It was crammed with a bunch of junk - wheel barrow - boxes of books, a really long very heavy table - like in school cafeterias - very, very ugly and she moved ALL that by herself - swept and cleaned it up so nice and then added this!!!!

I know the picture is a little dark - it was about 9 PM, the little lamp on the table was lit and the white lights on the tree behind the chair and it was the most peaceful, serene setting.

Is that chaise lounge not the most wonderful piece of wicker!!

Here is a close up of the table!! She brought some things and took some things from my house and made this "little piece of heaven" just for me!! I had mentioned that I really wanted to do something with my patio this summer - she is one of those friends that listens and does something for you that you really wanted.

(We are going to take the plastic off the lamp - just wanted to make sure everything was going to work!!)

These are pictures I took the next morning.

This is a closer veiw of the table - I just love it!!!!

I had this white iron dish - and she put these stones in it!!

This lamp is probably my favorite thing (beside the chair!!) - I love the color - you won't believe where she got it!!!!!!!

She put these flowers on the floor beside the chair, Youngest Daughter made this for me for Mother's Day - painted the pot and everything - she is the creative one in the family.

In the little frame on the table I will either put this picture of me and Paula...or

...this one of all of us from high school.. not sure yet!!

Paula said she is not through, she has a dresser she is going to re-finish and hang some curtains to kinda "screen in" the porch - just half of it - where the chaise is.....anyway - I don't know many people who have a friend like I do...she is ALWAYS doing things like this for all of her friends...she is truly one in a million.....

Paula, thank you so much - you couldn't have done anything that I would have liked more.. YOU ARE THE GREATEST!!!!!!!

Happy 50th, Harriett!!!!

2008-05-12T10:29:00.008-05:00

Wow - what a weekend!!!! A friend that I have known since elementary school had a surprise 50th birthday party this weekend in Houston. Her husband (who I also went to school with) and daughters pulled off the most incredible feat!!!

Not only did they keep the party a surprise - but the decorations and picture slide show of her life was absolutely incredible!!!

Four of us from Shreveport - three of us have known each other since elementary and the other we met in high school - traveled to Houston Saturday for the big event.

Needless to say, we hadn't gone down the highway 30 miles and we had to take care of the first order of business - STOP AND EAT!!!!!!

This is the place we picked - the BBQ was great

Again - the (non-blogging) friends - "Are you going to take pictures of everything we do!" "YES"!

Harriett (the birthday girl), her husband put us up in this great hotel!! Hiding us away until the big surprise!!!!

Here we are....all gussied up for the party!! (from the left - Paula, Patti, Me and Kathy)
Her party was at a very nice Italian restuarant - we had a private room. This is the cake - it was beautiful!!
....Ta Da....and this is the birthday girl!!!! She was so surprised - this is after she came into the room and they dressed her all up in her birthday finery!!!!!

Harriett and Paula
She sure doesn't look 50!!!!
This is all of us outside the resaurant - in front of the water fountain!!!

We had the most incredible time - my camera's battery died and I forgot to bring my charger - we went by her house the next morning before our trip home. I wanted to take some pictures of her patio and pool - she has the most gorgeous house. Oh well, next trip.

Have a wonderful Day!!!

Donna

Good Morning, Monday!!

2008-05-05T10:36:00.004-05:00

Had a very busy weekend - feel like I have to come back to work to get some rest!!

Saturday, Brandi (oldest daughter) and I had a shower to go to and errands to run - she took me to her new house - this is what it looks like now - why do they always look so small when they are like this - we were walking through the rooms - thinking is everything going to fit!!!! Remember, I am the one with no vision!!!

We had a Ladies' Night at church last night - gorgeous tables - great music - wonderful speakers - just a lot of fun - here are a few pictures. Each table captain had to decorate their own table - this was the table I sat at - two of my oldest (as far in how long we have know each other!!) did our table and what a great job they did!!!!! It was very dark and I don't know how to take pictures - so use your imagination!!!!

This is Joyce and June - the two friends with Brandi.
I tried to take pictures of several of the tables - there was some breath-taking ones - but they didn't come out because of the light - here is one.
Me and Brandi - I always critize photos of myself - all I am going to say is "it was a hectic weekend"!

We also had a great style show - this is Judy - not only do we go to church together, but we also work together and she has been a "god-sent" to me!!! Doesn't she look gorgeous!!

We were supposed to bring cupcakes, or a fruit tray - I didn't cheat - I made homemade cupcakes with homemade icing!!! Brandi decorated them. They look kinda cute!!!

Have a blessed day!!!!

Donna

Laundry Rooms.....

2008-05-01T11:23:00.004-05:00

I found some gorgeous laundry rooms on the net - most of these came from Better Homes and Gardens.

My laundry room is the first thing anyone sees when they come into my house from the carport - which is where everyone comes in - my front door is NEVER used.

My hot water heater - washer-dryer and (very small) pantry are in this room (really, nothing more than a small hallway).

So....I dream of beautiful roomy laundry rooms like these!!

I love the doors on this....

and the shelf with the baskets .....
this is really what I would love to have - something that totally covers up the washer and dryer......

isn't this neat - you would never know there is a washer and dryer under there - but you have to have just the right kind for this....and I don't!

I love how bright and cheery this one is......

Great idea!

Now this one is probably bigger than my house.....

Love these cabinets......

I went to church with oldest daughter last night to hear Ergun Caner. Had never heard of him before - he is a Turkish Muslim who converted to Christianity.

I don't think I have ever laughed so hard in my life!!

This guy is incredible - and his sermon was one of the best I have ever heard.

Have a wonderful day!!!!

Donna

Purses, Purses and more Purses....

2008-04-30T13:18:00.010-05:00

I promise I really do work...Annie....sometimes!!

I couldn't think about what to talk about today and I didn't have any new pictures...my daughter went to Dallas a couple of weeks ago with some friends and came back with the cutest purse from Sam Moon's.

So today I went on the website and found some really cute purses - this is the one that I decided I wanted to get....but I didn't, I showed great restraint!!!!

Very bold, don't you think!!! I normally go in for the more practical ones - I HATE changing purses!! More like this one...and I DO love it!!!! I love having outside pockets for my phone and keys.

Annie (we work together....and I use the term "work" loosely) decided to order this one.

This is the one Brandi came home with - it really is cute!! Everyone keeps calling it "that cow purse" - she whispers "it's giraffe"!!

Well, that's all for today!!

A Beautiful Day......

2008-04-29T09:48:00.004-05:00

Well, it is a beautiful day here today - and I have the best view in the building - so I'm not complaining about being stuck in this building all day...I said I was NOT complaining....just so you know!!

One of the ladies I work with has a small retail shop and she gets BOXES up here at the office - you know the ones that come from the suppliers - we all gather around to see what goodies she has - I might as well have my check direct deposited into HER account instead of mine.

Look at this precious purse - it is Kelsi made over - so I got it for her - I would like to say that I will keep it for a special occassion to give it to her....not going to happen - if I buy anything for Christmas in October...you're getting it in October - I am just horrible about stuff like that!!

The handles have these huge wooden beads on them - so cute!

I know you probably won't be able to see this very well, but THIS is what was sitting outside my window yesterday - a hugh VULTURE. I don't know what that means for me if the vultures are circling!!!!!!!

He keeps pecking at the window - he sees himself!!!

I must say - close up these are about the ugliest things alive!!!
Last night we had our book club meeting at a great Chinese restaurant, Ming Garden. I'm not a big Chinese food person - but I can handle shrimp fried rice.

I forgot to take pictures - it will take me a while but I will get used to having the camera attached to the other end of my arm!!

Tonight is our first meeting of the Evangel Eagles Football Booster Club - my daughter goes to Evangel Christian Academy and has since she was 3 weeks old (daycare) - I was single and had to get back to work and they very graciously took her for me. These people are like my family and I love them all very much. Although I live in a fairly large city - being a part of a church and school that is connected - it has a small community feel to it. Anyway, I LOVE high school football and especially the Eagles. My oldest daughter also went to this school from daycare until the 11th grade and decided she needed to see the world a bit before heading off the college so she went across town and graduated from a public school!!!!! I will be the new secretary of the Booster Club and I am very excited. It will mean some work and lotz of fund raising and meetings, but it will be more fun than work.

Ok - I'm going to get some work done now.

Have a wonderful day.

Donna

Wow - here I am again today!!

2008-04-28T09:47:00.004-05:00

We were on our way to take my Mom to a birthday lunch yesterday at Roadhouse - Brandi was driving us and she had on the most gorgeous bracelet - I am learning to take my camera everywhere with me and take pictures of everything - but have any of ya'll noticed how your children do not want to walk beside you and they start looking at you rather strangly!!!!!

Anyway, pretty bracelet, huh!!!!

This is on the other end of the bracelet - Brandi - oldest daughter....going to have my first grandchild in November!! She was on the other side of the table at the restaurant so she got a picture by herself - my Mom refused to look at the camera~
This is my brother, Kelly, youngest daughter, Kelsi and ME!!
We did get a picture of my Mom outside with the rest of the girls - that's me with my eyes closed - how most of my pictures turn out - don't you love Brandi's purse - she has the greatest taste - don't have a clue where she gets it!!!!!!!

These are a few of the candles I made this weekend - I am working on the labels - I think these are too big for these jars - This is still very much a beginning effort!! But I am loving it!!

Well, it's back to work - I have my book club meeting tonight - we read The Friday Night Knitting Club and it was soooooooo hard to get into - but then it took off after about 150 pages and I really liked it - cried my eyes out at the end.

Ms. Pat has a wonderful blog, Back Porch Musings (don't you just love that name) - she takes the most wonderful pictures and always has lotz of action going on - give her a visit!!

Guess I better get back to work

Bless, Donna

Blessed Sunday....

2008-04-27T08:53:00.006-05:00

I'm not going to make it to church this morning...I have some kind of head-throat thingy going on..so I am going to stay home and rest this morning. However, I do want to share my devotion with you this morning... the title of it is When your're on overload..I think that could speak to a lot of us.

When I was beside myself, You calmed me down....Psalm 94:19

Before a violin can produce music, stress must be put on the strings. But pull them too tightly and they'll snap. The same's true of you. Enough stress gets the juices flowing and helpsyou so what needs to be done, but beyond that you snap. Someone quipped, "You know you're on overload when you've no time to cook a TV dinner, the cat's on tranquilizers, and family reunions have to be mediated by law enforcement!" Seriously, before it gets to that point, do 2 things:

Ask for help: During Hurrican Katrina 8 dolphins were swept out of their aquarium into the sea, but because they stuck together they were rescued. If one had tried to go it alone he'd have perished. When you are alone too much you lose perspective. If the enemy can isolate you, he can influence you. God designed His family to stay connected. Or as Paul says, "So that all the members care for each other" 1 Cor 12:25.

Get real with God: Under stress the surge of negative emotions can be overwhelming, and unless you unburden your soul before God you'll explode at the wrong people. The Psalmist addresses this: "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you". Ps 55:22. "Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us". Ps 62:8 It's no mere coincidence that many of the Psalms start out with the Psalmist crying out to God for help, and end up with him rejoicing because he vented his pent-up frustrations.

I hope this speaks to your heart like it did mine this morning!!

Well, here it is - THE CAR!! My youngest daughter's first car. She was outside yesterday washing the paint off the thing - hope that last!!

You couldn't wipe that grin off her face with a sand blaster!!!! - Remember those days of youthful independence!! I'm on my own!!!! Is she only knew!!!!!!

The last time I saw her - she was leaving the drivway in her new "ride" - another chapter has closed in her life and brand new shiny one has opened!!

You wonderful ladies are always showing all the neat and beautiful things around your homes. I really don't have a collection of anything. Since I have been reading your blogs - I have been so inspired to spruce up the house and yard - it won't happen overnight - but I'm working on it!!

Here is a cute little elephant that I ordered from Lillian Vernon about 25 years ago. After 14 moves and storage for years at a time.....it is a small miracle he is still around. I really like him and don't have a clue why!

I'm off to make some more candles - I forgot to take pictures of those - will do that this afternoon and post tomorrow.

Today is my Mom's b'day - so my brother, me and the daughters are taking her to eat at Roadhouse this afternoon - so glad she picked that place.... I love it!!!

Bless
Donna

Busy, Busy, Busy.....

2008-04-26T20:50:00.008-05:00

Well, I have got to get better at this posting thing. If I was so intimidated by loading photos, knowing what to say....having something to say worth sharing, I would be better.

Played Bunco a couple of weeks ago...had the best time. I have been in a few groups and have always loved playing. This is a new group that we have started and it was our first night and I think this is the loudest group I have ever been in.....and this is a group of women from my church.

This is my oldest daughter, Brandi, (the pregnant one) and a friend of mine visiting in a little sitting area at the house where we played.
The hostess put together a Mexican buffett that was to die for....12 of us and we all sat around her huge dining table.

Look at this green serving piece - the containers around the sides go together like a puzzle...they are all shaped differently - it is gorgeous.

The girls from work and I go out to lunch most Fridays. Our TGIF celebration, a couple of weeks ago we went to this little Italian place called Monjuni's. It is local favorite. The shrimp pasta salad I had could have feed a small country for a week. Sorry, don't have a picture, was too hungry!!!

I know we had the "rooster parade" a while back - and I found out that I don't have ONE rooster in my house and I really like them. I went to a friend's house for dinner last Saturday and she had lotz of roosters - so I took pictures of hers for a late "viewing".

This is the rug in her kitchen

A beautiful lamp in her kitchen

a better view

Her house is so gorgeous I took pictures of the whole thing.....I started to tell ya'll this was my house....

the living room

other side of the living room

dining room (sorry, alittle dark)

sitting area off of the dining room

the guest bedroom

another one of the living room (I don't know how to load these pictures in order!!)

the outside patio

looking out from her patio (that is small "finger" from the Red River) with a fountain in it!

back of the house

another view of the back

another view of the water (there will be house on that dirt before too long)

my precious friend, Joyce, and my daughter, Brandi

Joyce and I went for a walk after wonderful steaks and we were on the other side of the water and I took this picture looking back toward her house as the sun was setting.

So I am learning to take my camera with me everywhere I go and I guess this will be like documenting your life.

Today I have just stayed around the house - I made some candles - will take pictures of those - a new venture I am trying.

Went for a 2 mile walk today.

Watched the NFL draft today - I love football - mostly high school and college - was checking out the LSU boys and see how they line-up. One went #5 - not bad at all.

Kelsi, youngest daughter, got her first car today. She has been driving for months, but when she drove out of the driveway today in that little white car....I just cried my eyes out. It was just different....and I'm sure things will never be the same.

Miss BJ is having a give-a-way over at her house - a darling black bird hook rack....and she has one of the best blogs I have ever visited. Go by and pay her a visit, you will not regret it!!

Good Night!!

Quiet Weekend...

2008-04-07T09:32:00.003-05:00

Hello all...

I went with my daughter, Brandi, to the doctor on Thursday - it was her first OB appointment since finding out that she is pregnant - they have been trying for a year - so this has been a group effort (I fell like anyway!!).

They did a vaginal ultrasound - something I had no clue about - I got to actually see the little booger - "he" and we don't know that is what it is - but we are hoping - was on that screen and his little heart was just beating away - that screen was just a flickering!!!! ....and then she turned on the sound....there are just no words to express that feeling - hearing your grandchild's heartbeat filling the whole room - it as not a quite or soft beat - it was strong, loud and spoke of life - she is only 6 weeks along - I don't know what that says about abortion - but at 6 weeks of conception - I saw and HEARD life in that baby!!!!!! So now we wait!!!!!

I had a pretty quite weekend - Kelsi had a couple of softball games Saturday, but they were at home - so that helped.

After church Sunday - I fixed salmon patties, deviled eggs, salad and some of those Lipton Noodles from a package (you gotta cut corners somewhere!!)

Oh yea, Friday night I read Ree's blog from beginning to end - I think I went to bed about 2 AM, but let me tell you it is worth every minute - this is one talented lady - in some MANY ways!!!!

Here are a couple of pictures of my bedroom: please be kind - I have a lot of work to do - I am not very creative - but I am learning from all the wonderful blogs on here.

Please ignore the navy mini blinds - they came with the house and I have not replaced them - this is standing in the door entering my room.

This is standing by the chair looking into my bathroom - I guess I could have cleaned off the counter in there!!

And this is my pride and joy!! A friend of mine - who has the greatest decorating taste in the world - found this bed - called me and said come get it - I went and looked at it and fell in love with it. (also please ignore that "jumpy thing" - it's gone - in the attic with all the other exercising equipment that I was going to use!!)

So any ideas - criticism - suggestions, etc are greatly appreciated - as you can see I have nothing on the walls. Just didn't know where to start.

Thanks for dropping by - I guess I better get some work done - my boss is looking at me funny - he knows typing this much, it can't be work!!!!!

Since this is THAT time of year - I leave you with this.....

Bless each of you....

Donna

Things to do.....

2008-04-02T13:15:00.004-05:00

Well, I can see right now...I am going to have to learn how to "fancy" this thing up. That's all I need is one more project!!

Today has just not been a good day...however, today is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it!! It may be through "gritted" teeth, but I WILL be glad!!! Sometimes, it's just a choice!!

I will try to get some pictures tonight at Kelsi' softball game to post tomorrow...oh joy, huh!!!

But for now, let me introduce myself - this picture was taken at the Football Banquet - Kelsi is a cheerleader so this is a big event for them. (Well, actually it was taken at my house - and we were on our way to the Football Banquet - well, we were standing in the living room, about to leave......well, you know what I mean!!!)

As usual I'm not crazy about the picture of me, but I think she looks gorgeous - my baby is growin up!!

Until tomorrow.......

Bless
Donna

Two days in a row.....

2008-04-01T14:48:00.003-05:00

...and with lotz and lotz of pictures - very random pictures - but I know that I love to see lotz of pictures on a blog - doesn't really matter of what - a type of voyerism I guess....looking into someone else's life.

Learning how to load these things is another matter all together!! Rhoda over at Southern Hospitality told me I had to load them backwards and then type between then - well, I didn't do that right - so in random order - here is bit of my life.....in pictures!!

This is my youngest daughter - she plays softball for her high school - she's in the middle - this was taken a couple of weeks ago at a weekend tournament - and I got the usual - "Mom, I'm all sweaty - don't take a picture - well, let me get some friends over here."

Some of the ladies I work with went "across the river" (the Red River that is) to have lunch one day a couple of weeks ago - We have a fairly new shopping place called "The Boardwalk" - it is very nice and has a lot of nice lunch places - we went to Buffalo Wild Wings and sat out on the patio - this is the building I work in - the tallest one - I work on the 22nd floor - which I believe is the last one with the concrete at the top - in fact, you can see my window - I face the Boardwalk - I have a great view.

Oh no, I have to change this font every time between pictures - here is an actual view of how far away we were from the "office" - this is the Red River.

Here are a few of the ladies I work with - on the left is Kathy (the blonde) - she used to work at the company but has moved on - she was not there when I came to work almost a year ago - but she still meets us for lunch sometime - beside her is Sandra, the receptionist - next is the "cute one" Annie - she is the geology secretary (here is her BLOG) and then Cynthia in the pink sweater - she is in accounting - they are going to kill me!!!!!

I made some pasta salad the other day using this pasta - I have had it for a while and I am on a mission to use everything in my pantry (or most everything) before I buy more food...

I also used this dressing mix - it was very good - I added black and green olives, sliced turkey pepperoni, diced mozzarella cheese - artichoke hearts and cherry tomatoes.

My oldest daughter (Brandi) has started a Book Club - her and I love to read - my youngest says we are Nerds!! Anyway we meet once a month and discuss the book we read that month - last night was only our second meeting - which was our first book discussion and it was really fun. My daughter couldn't be there - she just found out she is pregnant (with her first) and she is sooooo sick - bless her heart.

Starting on the left is her mother-in-law, Donna (yes, we are both named Donna) and then a friend of Brandi's Leah, a friend of Donna's Lisa - Donna's mother-in-law, JoVita and Cynthia - who you may recognize from the ladies' from work picture - she works with me. We had two missing, Brandi and a friend of mine named Donna - yes, we have three Donnas in this very small group.

Now on to my garage sale treasure I found this weekend.

This is a bird cage that I found for $3 - It's about 3 ft tall. Cindy has inspired me to re-decorate my house and this is my first piece in that direction.

I found these pretty rose plates (they are small, like dessert plates) - I may collect more and put them around the soffett (is that what you call it!!) in my kitchen.

This was just a cute trinket box I came across - I liked the design and the color - I love little boxes of all kinds

Some of you ladies will know what this is - some kind of "ware" - I just loved the color and the size - no, I did not get the apple at the garage sale - I just wanted you to see the size of this cute little thing.

I'm not even sure what you call these - they look like big finials to me - they are wooden and about 8 inches tall. I just liked them. That is what I have always heard - just get what draws you and it will all fit together - as you can see....I have very eclectic taste. Thought about maybe painting these white and putting a stain on them. Don't know yet - I love Cindy's white stuff so much I want to do everything in white!!

I don't have a clue what I am going to do with these - but I just love tassels -these are curtain tie-backs - but I thought I would cut them up and use the tassles for something. There was a tag on them that said 25 cents - they were all tied together and I thought great, what a deal. I paid for them with my other things. This morning when I was cutting the string that held them together - I found ANOTHER tag on them that said $4 - I feel so bad - but she looked at the 25 cent tag and said OK.

This was taken from my office window this morning - it was overcast and foggy - but I wanted you to see my an incredible view I have every day!! I will get another one on a good clear day!!

Well, that is it for today - i am still at work - my youngest has a double-header softball game tonight - so that is what my evening will consist of.

Blessings to all of you.....

Donna (how can I get one of those pretty signatures!)

I'M REALLY GOING TO DO THIS.....

2008-03-31T13:55:00.005-05:00

I am going to keep up with this, I really am, just been busy and sooooo intimidated by all the gorgeous blogs on this place.

I went to some great yard sales this week-end and came away with some wonderful "treasures" - I will try to post them soon!!

Here is a picture of my "little cottage" - not much "cottage", huh!! It is a 40 year old ranch style home. It is my first home that is ALL mine - so I really do love it. It just needs some "TLC" and a little updating wouldn't hurt.

I have some nice pictures of the inside that I will post later this week.

I hope that Cindy doesn't mind - I don't think I have even commented on her blog - but this weekend I read her whole blog - from the very beginning and it is one of the best I have ever read. She has incredible pictures and a very talented lady!! My Romantic Home is the name of her blog and IT IS just that. Go by and take a look for yourself.

Talk to you all later......

Donna

Kodak - Easy Share

2008-01-18T09:25:00.001-06:00

Ihate this camera!!!!

Something is wrong with it - it comes on ONLY when it wants to!

I have some pictures I wanted to download - my daughter bought me a beautiful bread bowl. She got herself one several months ago at Canton. I have been coveting it ever since - everytime I go to her house I try to sneak out with it - but she catches me everytime!!

She and friend went a couple of weeks ago and she saw one and she bought it for me - I know, she is so sweet!! (Really, she is just trying to keep me from taking hers!!).

It is oblong and wooden - looks like it has been carved by hand. Kinda like a little boat. Anyway, I am going to keep playing with this camera and maybe it will decide later in the day to wake up and let me my picture off.

UPDATE - Well, I got the blooming camera to work - but I cannot figure out how to get my pictures WHERE I want them. I click on the place in the post where I want them to go - but they always post at the top. Can someone help? Anyhow, that is my bread bowl - isn't it wonderful!!!!!

Ladies' Meeting Last Night...

2008-01-17T09:47:00.001-06:00

My ladies' prayer group met last night. As always, it was wonderful.

I had been asked to bring finger sandwiches - I wanted to take something different - so I made sandwiches with olive spread - the recipe is below - they were a BIG hit - every one wanted to know, "What is in these??"

Of course, I forgot to take pictures - I'm not used to carrying my camera with me everywhere I go and documenting my life - which is what I see you are expected to do if you have a blog!! He!! I will get the hang of it!!

I had a blog a couple of years ago at another site and really enjoyed it - but I got away from it and felt it was time to move on and so this will be new home.

BTW - I really DO live on Primrose Lane!!

Olive Spread for Sandwiches

6 oz cream cheese - softened
1 c. mayo
1 c. pimento stuffed salad olives - chopped very fine - drain and reserve liquid
1 c. pecans - chopped
2 T olive liquid
dash of cayenne
dash of Tabasco

Let sit for 24 hours and then spread on party bread.

**I also added chopped black olives to mine and spread it on Hawaiian Rolls and then cut them in half.

I wish I would have taken a picture!!

2008-01-16T11:30:00.001-06:00

Well, no, I haven't gotten much done on this - I really just don't know where to begin. So I just will!!

Here is a picture of me and my two daughters taken at Christmas - I never like pictures of me - but it is very good of the girls. (I can't even get the picture where I want it)!! That's us up there!!

I live in Louisiana and work full time - so I don't have a lot of time to do all the really fun things I want to. Like, read, sew, knit, decorate (which is really something new for me). I love to cook and try new recipes.

I have just started making scented candles and I am having a blast with that. Don't have a clue what I am doing, but I'll figure it out as I go.

Well, that's it for now - will piddle with this some more and try to find out what I need to do to get it to look like all these gorgeous blogs on here!!!! Wish me luck!!!