Mimi Sue's

21 Weeks!

2012-02-12T15:27:00.000-08:00

How far along: 21 weeks 4 days

Size of baby: about 10 oz, the size of a carrot

Total weight gain: 5 pounds

Gender: It's a GIRL!! Kodi Reese

Cravings: anything salty, especially olives!

Sleep: Sporatic...get up twice to visit the bathroom, been waking up about 3:30 a.m. and never really go back to sleep before my alarm at 5:45

What I miss: Nothing really! I am so happy to finally be pregnant!

Symptoms: None, I've felt really good.

Best moment of the week: Doing my first shower registery at Babies R Us. It was fun! I'm expecting the baby bedding this week!!!

19 weeks!

2012-01-30T08:42:00.000-08:00

How far along: 19 weeks, 3 days

Size of baby: A mango or large tomato! About 6 inches long and weighs nearly 9 ounces!

Gender: It's a GIRL!!!

Maternity clothes: Love my jeans and have worn a few t shirt style tops, they are so comfortable!

Sleep: I think about 3 pounds now, I go to the Dr. on Wednesday

Cravings: I still enjoy salty foods, but I am trying very hard to avoid them. I'm scared I will start swelling, since I work on my feet all day, I am trying to avoid that!!

Symptoms: It's not a bad one! I have tons of energy! I am currently going through each of my rooms at home and "cleaning out"! It feels so good to get rid of stuff!

Best moments of the week: Ordered the baby bedding!!! Once it comes in, the painting can be done, then the carpets can be cleaned...then we can put in the FURNITURE!! I am so excited seeing it come together!

18 weeks!

2012-01-23T17:14:00.000-08:00

How far along: 18 weeks, 3 days

Size of baby: Bell pepper, about 6 inches long

Gender: It's a GIRL! Kodi Reese

maternity clothes: the jeans are so comfortable but I still prefer the yoga pants! I could live in them right now!

Sleep: Good right now! Still visiting the bathroom at least once.

Cravings: I've gained a couple of pounds, I go to the Doctor next Wednesday, I am anxious to see if I have gained back all I lost from being sick.

Symptoms: I've had some "pulling" in my pelvis, I guess everything is stretching as she grows!

Best moment of the week: I bought some clothes for Reese this weekend, Clint was with me and he picked out the most precious pink onesie that says "Daddy's Princess". He said, "we're getting this, she NEEDS it!" It was funny, because everything I've bought, I always say "she NEEDS it!"

17 Weeks

2012-01-17T20:14:00.000-08:00

How far along: 17 weeks, 4 days

Size of baby: 5 ounces, about the size of a turnip

Gender: It's a GIRL, Kodi Reese!

Maternity clothes: Jeans and a few shirts. But I have to admit, I love Old Navy yoga pants!

Sleep: Good. Just have to get up and go to bathroom at least once or twice!

Cravings: Still salt. I'm trying extra hard to eat well. My appetite seems to be a little better!

Symptoms: None really. The nausea is gone, knock on wood. I have been a little tired in the evening, but as long as I don't set down, I'm ok. If I set on the couch or recliner, it's ALL over!! Haha!

Best moment of the week: People are starting to notice my belly! Several people at a basketball game told me tonight, that I look really good. That makes me feel good.

16 weeks and BIG news......

2012-01-08T18:44:00.001-08:00

How far along: 16 weeks and 3 days

Size of baby: an avocado

Gender: See below

Maternity clothes: not really, I have a few pieces, and wear them when I want comfort or feel bloated.

Weight gain: down another .6

Sleep: good for the most part, still get up and go to the bathroom two times.

Symptoms: None really, had a bladder infection when I went to the doctor, probably will be on antibiotics

Cravings: still salt. This week, I ate a whole head of fried cabbage!

Best moment of the week: Here's the BIG news....we found out we are having a

GIRL!!!!!!

We are thrilled! I can't wait to dress her up!!! I am so excited. Now, time to get the nursery finished!!

Can't wait to meet this precious baby girl!

15 weeks!

2012-01-04T17:58:00.001-08:00

How far along: 15 weeks 4 days

Size of baby: A navel orange

Gender: Possibly will know Jan. 5th

Maternity clothes? I bought some jeans this weekend, they are REALLY comfy!!

Weight gain: Still in the negative, will know for sure tomorrow

Sleep: Has been great, still go to the bathroom a couple of times a night.

Symptoms: I am sick 2 or 3 times a week, usually anywhere from midnight to 3 a.m. (that is not pleasant to wake up for!!)

Cravings: anything salty! Tonight I had A tuna fish sandwich with a side of fried cabbage! Yummy!

Best moment of the week: I got my baby bed and changing table! (Thanks Mom and Dad!) We put the changing table together, but are waiting on the bed until the room is completely ready!!

Post Christmas BLAH's

2012-01-02T12:50:00.000-08:00

I am always ready to put the Christmas decorations away and get everything cleaned and ready for a new year, but my living room always looks so sad! I was a little late this year, we went to my sisters for New Year's and that is usually when I put all the deco away. But, I had today off of work, so I got busy! Happy New Year everyone!

Merry Christmas Memaw!

2011-12-22T18:31:00.000-08:00

My Memaw had huge Christmas cactus that put on these beautiful blooms every Christmas. After she passed away in 2002, my Mom took the cactus and made my sister and I some pots of it. I have been waiting patiently for years for my to bloom...and it did! I was so excited when I saw the little flower start blooming, I looked at it everyday and couldn't wait for it to open up! My Mom's cactus has lots and lots of blooms, every Christmas we look at it and say, "Merry Christmas, Memaw!"

13 Weeks!

2011-12-17T18:23:00.001-08:00

How far along: 13 weeks, 2 days

Size of baby: a peach

Gender: Will find out January 5th

Maternity clothes: Not yet, but I did buy some tops to wear to work! My t-shirts are getting a little snug!

Weight gain: -4.6. Thanks to the lovely all day sickness I've had!

Sleep: Good, I get up at least twice to visit the bathroom!

Symptoms: Other that the nausea, not really anything else. I have been fortunate, I think!

Cravings: McDonald's French fries and salad.

Best moment of the week: Received a few special gifts from some sweet friends! Also, while we were putting up the Christmas tree, Clint said. "next year, we will have to have a Baby's 1st Christmas ornament!" I was shocked he said that, he isn't usually a detail oriented person!!

199 days to go.....

2011-12-08T18:51:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am under the 200 mark!! Woo Hoo! I will "officially" be 12 weeks on Saturday, but my Dr. told me today my sweet little one was measuring right at 12. I just sit and stare at the picture! It is a true miracle!

I am so thankful to God for allowing us this child! I was thinking on the way home....I looked down at the picture in my console, how is it possible to be so in love with this little baby already! I can't imagine how I will feel on his/her birthday!!! I am giddy with anticipation!

My Dr. said we "may" be able to tell if its a boy or a girl by the next appointment! We are planning a small "reveal" with our family! Fingers crossed baby!!

11 Weeks

2011-12-03T19:46:00.001-08:00

How far along: 11 weeks

Size of baby: 1.5 inches (the size of a fig)

Gender: Don't know yet!
Maternity clothes? Not yet

Weight gain: None yet

Sleep: Still good. Get up at least once to go to the bathroom!

Symptoms: No appetite...have 24 hr nausea. But its getting better, hopefully!

Cravings: Nothing really...I do enjoy homemade hot cocoa since its started getting colder.

Best moment of the week: A friend offered a bassinett and some other stuff...I still can't believe I'm getting to talk "baby"! I've been cleaning out my sewing room, which will be the nursery....I've started dispersing items throughout my house and to the donate pile! I can't wait to get started on it after Christmas!

10 Weeks

2011-11-27T07:14:00.000-08:00

How far along: 10 weeks, 3 days

Size of baby: Kumquat (about 1.25 inches)

Gender: Don't know yet, should find out right after Christmas!

Maternity clothes: Not yet

Weight gain: None

Movement: Not yet

Sleep: Pretty good, go to the bathroom at least once or twice

Symptoms: 24 hr nausea, was actually really sick for about 5 days during week 8.

Cravings: Nothing right now thanks to the nausea!

Best moment of the week: Spending Thanksgiving with my family and talking about how next year, the girls will be holding the baby instead of doing the dishes!!

Does this mean what I think this means.....

2011-11-01T15:35:00.000-07:00

First we saw this.....

Then we saw this.....

Finally, we saw this!

We are currently "over the moon."
Clint and I have been trying to have a baby for a long while...we've went through many tests, many treatments, failures, heartache, and finally, finally.....can not believe we are going to be parents!! We are SO, SO, SO thankful that God is allowing us to experience this!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 NIV

Erin Condren Coupon

2011-10-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

You guys know my obsession with Erin Condren! I'm patiently awaiting my new life planner!! If you go to onekingslane.com today, you can get a coupon for a $50.00 purchase for only $25.00! Better hurry, they are going fast! Use the link below!! (and happy shopping!)

https://www.onekingslane.com/invite/amandapierce5

Erin Condren craze!

2011-08-24T17:05:00.000-07:00

I so want to join the Erin Condren craze! I have drooled over this planner for weeks now....but just can't seem to turn lose of $50.00!

SOOO....i'm linking up to a blog I just recently discovered....The Link Home.....she's doing a give-away for a gift certificate to Erin Condren! Keep your fingers crossed I win and go check out her blog, it's awesome!!

Going through the "Big D".....

2011-08-23T19:30:00.000-07:00

Got your attention, huh!

Today was my day off and Clint had to burn some vacation time, so I scheduled a Dr. appointment in Dallas. It wasn't until 2:00 so I spent some time watering my poor, thirsty flower beds this morning! After we left, Clint got a call from the office so he had to go by and see about some problems they were having...got that taken care of, then we were off! My Dr. office is right across from Academy and we had 45 minutes to kill, so we went in there. We came out with a new glove for McK, 2 Nike t-shirts from the $4.88 rack and a fancy, new pair of tennis shoes for me! I love Academy!
After my appointment, which went perfect, we stopped at Olive Garden! Yummy! It must have been my lucky day because Clint NEVER suggests italian food. It was so good!

We swung by the high school baseball game on the way home. It was a good one!

Whew! That was a busy day off! Back to work tomorrow and McK has a game!! Woo hoo! Go Scorpions!

Good Times....

2011-08-22T19:07:00.000-07:00

The last week of July we spent at Hugo Lake. Clint, the kids and I stayed all week long and on Friday, the Underwoods joined us! We stayed on the lake ALL day long, it was FANTASTIC! We had a great time! Saturday we got up and ate then waited on the Russells to get there. We grabbed a bite of lunch, then, to the water we went!!! Billy and Becky brought their boat so we had plenty of room for everyone! We tubed, swam, skiied (or tried to! Haha Bryon!) swam some more! The kids had a contest who could make the biggest splash jumping off the boat. I can't remember when I have had a better time. We were exhausted when we got back to the camper. I mentioned to Clint, we could go on home if he wanted...I'd pack the camper while he loaded the boat and he AGREED! We drove home after dark and slept until 9 a.m. on Sunday. We were beyond exhausted but happy! The Underwoods and Russells have been our friends forever basically! Misty and I have been best friends since we were 4, our husbands, of course, had no choice but to be best friends! We all have known each other our whole lives! Our kiddos are inseperable most times! Thats what happens when you are surrounded by friends and people you love! We love you guys and can't wait until next year!!!

My sweetie and me!! Oh, how I love him!!

The Underwoods

Best Friends FOREVER!

Hang on tight, Blondie!

Hunter loves the tube!

McKenna and Wyatt

The Russell's, Billy, Becky, Levi and Carly

Happy Summer 2011
The Pierce's, Underwood's and Russell's

The "easiest" cookie recipe...EVER

2011-05-14T13:42:00.000-07:00

I've had this "go-to" recipe for a while. I don't remember where I found it, but it has gotten me out of a pinch several times! And, did I mention, they are delicious?

Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

1 Cup Peanut Butter, creamy or crunchy
1 Cup Sugar
1 egg

Mix together. Drop onto cookie sheet and flatten with sugared glass. Bake on 350 for 12 minutes. Makes about a dozen.

Yes, that is it! And they are sooo soft. Enjoy!

Let's play ball!

2011-04-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

I love baseball and I love that I have a son that loves it too!! We are undeafted thus far this season! Whoo hoo! We were in a tournament this weekend and won! I was so proud of McKenna and how he played! He pitched and hit great!! We celebrated the win at De Happy Cajun on Lake Texoma. We all had different entrees and shared. The "gata" was good! I had a steak and it was fabulous!

On another note...I have been a cleaning fool the last week. We had someone come out and steam clean our carpets and it is fabulous! My best friend and I had a garage sale recently so I had cleaned out lots of stuff. Therefore, I had lots of space. I love not having clutter everywhere. Now, if only I can remember that when I go shopping!

Family Post

2011-02-22T19:21:00.000-08:00

I realize this picture is from Christmas...but I wanted to remember this day. My dad's side of the family decided this year we would start a new tradition...an annual get-together at Christmas. We have a rather large family and it is SO hard for everyone to get together. Our family has had a tough last few years and it has made us very aware how precious family time is. We had a wonderful day and can't wait until next year!

The recent Snow-cation!

2011-02-02T17:39:00.000-08:00

We have had a very unusual weather pattern as of late! We received measureable snow amounts 2 weeks in a row! My clinic closed for a total of 3 days, that has NOT happened in the 10 years I have worked there....so what's a girl to do while cooped up in the house? Bake, of course! and, play!
I channeled my inner Pioneer Woman and made a wonderful cake. I found it on a blog that I follow, Salt Creek Ranch. It was so easy and um,um good!
Yes, those are farm fresh eggs, courtesy of Doc Pope!

We also got in a little play time! My boys rigged up a set of skis behind the 4 wheeler...yeah, we're redneck! haha

I took my camera out for a little while, I was honestly afraid it was going to freeze! The temps got as low as 6 degrees. I did manage a few.

We are ready to get back in a routine....we're that kind of people!

ICE day!

2011-02-01T17:51:00.000-08:00

We had an ICE day here in Southeast Oklahoma! I woke up this morning about 4 a.m. to sleet hitting my window - HARD! McK was out of school, Clint was off work and after several phone calls and prayers, so was I! So, I headed to the couch with a blanket, my dog and watched TV with the boys almost all day. It is SOO cold, coldest in 15 years according to the weather man. We kept the fire going all day and just relaxed and ate!

I totaled up my January receipts and saved a grand total of $100.37! I had just saved the "savings" part of the receipt, but in Feburary I am going to save the whole thing so I can see what I spent too!

Well, I am going to tune in to the news now, to see what is closed tomorrow! Fingers crossed!!

Just a bunch of Randon stuff....

2011-01-24T14:46:00.000-08:00

This is a busy week for us...recovering from the flu, trying to stay warm, last basketball tournament of the year, lots of Polka Dot factory orders to be done, getting tax stuff finished....the list could go on and on!
Saturday, my stepdaughter, Hunter brought a friend over. I had a million things to do, so I bribed them with flower headbands if they would help me dust! I gave them each a rag and they got my whole living room done! I went in behind them and vaccummed...done with that! We went to the county basketball tournament to watch the girls championship...we lost by 2 points! Ugh! I would rather get beat by 20 points than 2!
Sunday, we went to church, then came home and snuggled by the fire! I piddled in my craft room, trying to organize a little. I am working on a mass-declutter in there...pictures to come later! I sat down with the paper and looked at the ads for this week. I made my list for Walgreens and got my coupons ready...I've been on quite the coupon kick as of late.
Monday, I shopped on my lunch hour..got a great deal, I think! I spent 33.08 and saved almost 60.00! I was so tickled! Here is a pic of my purchases...

I bought...2 cases of water, 1 lb of super bubble, 2 Kraft dressings, 3 boxes sugar free jello, 1 Almay eye make-up, 3 Suave lotions, 2 bars of Dove soap, Lrg Listerine, 2 boxes of taco shells, 2 boxes of Mac and Cheese, 2 cans of Tomato soup, Miracle whip, 2 Pantene shampoos and 2 boxes of cereal. Pretty good, huh?
Monday night, I went over to Shannon's house and we made up goody bags for our Jr. High basketball players. They are in their last tournament this week. Both our boys are on the team. We fixed them up with lots of goodies! Cross your fingers, we bring home another win! We have only lost 1 game this year...they are a good team..only 5 losses in 4 YEARS!
Today I got off work a little early, we had some machine maintenance to be done. I was a totally lazy rear, I came home and got my pjs on and went to bed. I have had a horrible sinus headache for 2 days and I felt yucky! I woke up after 2 hours! Ugh! I am thankful for a husband that cooks, he had made supper! Thanks Clint!
Well, I think that catches me up for a while!

Sicky, icky day

2011-01-19T15:00:00.000-08:00

The flu has officially hit the Pierce house! My sweet boy came down with it on Monday...I assumed that's what it was but the Dr. officially confirmed it yesterday. I feel so bad for him! In the 6 years he has lived with his Dad and I, this is the FIRST time he has been to the doctor! Isn't that crazy! Well, I stayed home with him today and got to baby him a bit! Even at 14, he loves a little baby-ing!! We've taken our meds, drank our fluids, and rested, just like the doctor ordered. Clint picked his homework up from school today and that's what we are working on now. Luckily, he has been fever-free for about 14 hours, so I think we will be good to go on Friday for school.

I have used the day to make up some Valentine's hair bows! They turned out SOOO cute. I made a few for the salon that carries my bows, a few for my Etsy shop and a few just to have for my favorite customers! I organized my ribbons last night, it would be easy to say I could make bows for weeks and not run out of ribbon!! I function so much better with an organized stash! My goal tonight is to get some on my Etsy site, and my FB Page. V-day will be here before we know it!!!

On other news...I am getting quite efficient using coupons here lately! My work hours are being decreased for a while so I thought I could do a little to save on our grocery bill each month! It is a challenge to scope out the best deals, but I've had fun doing it! I will post one of my successful shopping trips soon!

Here's to keeping your family healthy!!!

Redland Rendevous

2011-01-11T19:11:00.000-08:00

My niece, Sydney had a volleyball tournament this weekend in Oklahoma City. My sister invited Mom and I to come spend the weekend with her and the girls. SOOO, Friday after work, off we went! We arrived in Bricktown that evening about the same time the Wichita girls did!

We turned in early since Sydney and Tina had to be over at the Cox Convention center at 8:00 a.m. Mom, Nicole and I stayed back at the hotel until 9. She had 4 games of 2 sets each on Saturday.

They finished up about 3:00 p.m. Nicole and I had already schemed a plan to go across to the Ford Center and try to get some tickets to the Thunder game, but they were sold out! :(
We headed back to the room to freshen up for dinner. We went into Bricktown and ate at The Spaghetti Warehouse...yummy! It was so good. After dinner, Mom went to the room and Tina, the girls and I went over to Pinketzel Cupcakes!

It was such a neat place! Of course, there was a sea of teenage girls due to the tournament! We sat in the cafe and ate our cupcake and had some hot cocoa. It was SO cold and the cocoa hit the spot!

Sunday, CCVA played at 8:00 a.m. They qualified for the Gold bracket, which were the best teams in the tourney! Unfortunately, they lost their first 2 games and ended up in 4th place. But, they were proud anyway! It was the 1st tourney of the season!

Mom and I headed home Sunday afternoon. We got home and had 5 inches of snow on the ground!! The best part, I got a snow day on Monday!! Woo Hoo!!

It was a super great weekend, spent with my favorite girls!!!!

>

Fresh Beginnings...

2011-01-02T15:18:00.000-08:00

I love a new start, a clean slate, a fresh beginning! The beginning of 2011 sparks a fire in me to clean and simplify, to start new things, tidy up if you will. Not only my home but my heart too. I don't like to express "resolutions" for the new year, I prefer "hopes." SO, my hopes for the New year are.....read my Bible through, simplify my home, clear clutter in my home and mostly my mind, save money, live simply, send birthday cards to my family and friends (on time!), be a better friend, but mostly I want to draw near to God and let him guide me.
I want to be a better blogger, I have many family members that I don't get to see very often and recently they have told me...."you haven't updated your blog, what have you been up to?" SO, I can't disappoint them!
My job recently announced a cutback on hours. Starting Feb 1 we will be working 4 days a week. It's a scary thought, even though it isn't as big of a cutback as some people have faced recently, but it's enough to shake me into reality and begin trying to think of ways to save my family money. SO, as the year begins, so does the budget! Wish me luck!
Happy New Year!

Happy Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T16:40:00.000-08:00

Today was a very emotional day. Along with honoring our Veteran's today, we laid to rest my great-uncle. He served in the United States Army for almost 30 years, he fought in WW II and loved his country until his last breath. He was buried with full military honors and the service was beautiful! It was fitting for him to be buried on Veteran's Day. Thank you to ALL soldiers and veteran's today, I LOVE being an American!

Loyd Leon Sample
1919-2010

This photo is one of my very favorites! I took it this summer, this flag flys over the battlefield in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

The never-ending "to-do" list

2010-11-07T08:29:00.000-08:00

Seems lately my "to-do" list gets longer and the "crossing off" almost never happens! The approaching holidays have my excitement level going up! I am having Thanksgiving AND Christmas at my house this year!!! I am so excited for that! My fall decorations MAY make it until Thanksgiving! I am so ready to decorate my tree! I will try to control myself and not make my family look at a Christmas tree or listen to Christmas carols while we dig into the turkey!
I have been very busy getting ready for a Christmas show I am doing in Dec. The Polka Dot Factory has been in overdrive trying to get orders out for Christmas! I am SOOO thankful that it has been blessed this year! I hope you come see us in Antlers on Dec 3 and 4 if you are local!
Yesterday, I headed to Sam's for some netting for my wreaths. I needed some other colors besides what HL had. Clints nephew and his wife went with us and we ended up running into two other couples we know inside! We got there about 30 minutes before it closed so I was running through the isles trying to gather what I needed! I know that employees were glaring at us because we were in a big group talking and laughing. I got what I needed and enjoyed the visit too! We then ran to Target and the boys stayed in the car! Ray and I headed straight to the baby dept, they are expecting a baby in the Spring so we looked at all the cute stuff Target has for little ones, and there were some cute stuff!!! We wanted to grab something to eat before we went to a movie so Cheddars was our choice! It was delicious. I have been watching my carbs so I had the veggie plate with tortilla soup(ok, it had a few carbs) with steamed broccoli, green beans, and carrots. Yummy! It felt good to not "over-stuff."
Today, I am catching up with my house! I have a list to get through today, I am currently working on a "home-keeping" notebook with weekly lists of things I want to do. I think that will help me get ready for the holidays and not be over-stressed.

Little trip to the South

2010-10-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

Clint and I celebrated our 10th anniversary in September! We put together a little trip with my parents, who will be celebrating their 41st in November.
We decided we wanted to get in the truck and drive - East. We landed in Mississippi. We spent 2 days visiting Vicksburg and touring the battlefields, cruising down the Mississippi River and just relaxing. One day for lunch we stopped at this little hole in the wall place. It was literally 3 "shacks" in a row. One was the cookshack, one the ?storage? and one was where you ate and paid.
It was so whimsical and quirky. There were fresh produce bins lined on every table. It was a place you could look for hours and see something new all the time! I took some pictures, actually a lot of pics! Everything was so bright.

We drove down the Natchez Trace Parkway and spent the next 2 days in beautiful Natchez! We loved it. We ate, walked, ate, shopped, and ate! Fat Mamas Tamales while watching some SEC football on Saturday, that was fun! We toured several plantations while there. We toured Rosalie, Longwood and Stanton Hall. We had brunch Sunday at Stanton Hall, fried chicken, seafood gumbo, andouille dressing, itty bitty biscuits and jelly, creole cheesecake (to die for!) and sweet tea. Oh, it was SOOO good. We had a wonderful vacation. It was so nice to get away for a few days!

My newest obsession! (new post just for Sherri!)

2010-10-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

I always love a new challenge! A few weeks ago I helped host a baby shower for a dear friend. We had decided we wanted those cute little decorated cookies for our guests to take home as favors. I piped up that I would make them! Have I ever made a decorated cookie, you ask? Well, no, but I am sure I can figure it out!!! So, I made a trip to Hobby Lobby, looked at a few blogs on-line and off I go! I invited my bestie over to help. She is my confidence booster! We made up the cookie dough and had to do a little taste test! It was wonderful!!!
As some of the cookies were baking, the icing got started. It posed more of a challenge in the fact that we had to quadruple the recipe and we decided it definately DID NOT have enough liquid in the recipe. So, a little of this and a little of that later, we had a perfect royal icing. LET THE DECORATING BEGIN.........

5 hours later, we had a finished project!!! They turned out so cute and they were delicious!!!

AND.... as for the title of this post, we are decorating Halloween cookies this Sunday afternoon! And I have basketball cookies to do, and Thanksgiving cookies to fix, and Christmas cookies to decorate....well, you get the picture!

Babe Ruth Southwest Regional baseball tournament

2010-08-02T18:55:00.000-07:00

My summer has been filled with baseball, baseball, baseball. And, I wouldn't have it any other way! McKenna, my stepson, at one point, was playing on 3 different teams. We were practicing everyday for one team or another.
But, as of this weekend, we are officially down to 1 team!! YEAH!!
McK was a part of the Southeast Oklahoma All Star team that went to the Babe Ruth Southwest Regional Tourney. The tournament was this past weekend and we had a blast, didn't win it, but had a blast. We started with the opening ceremonies on Friday morning, then we played our 1st game Friday night. A lot of family came out to watch McK play. He was the only player from our town to be selected for the All-star team. My niece, Macey, came out to watch. She is leaving this weekend for college, where she will be playing softball. She gave McK a lucky bracelet that she wore in the State Softball tourney this year!
She is such a sweet girl! We are going to miss her. Unfortunately, we lost. Our second game was on Saturday at 2 p.m.
I don't know if any of you have caught the weather lately, but the entire state of Oklahoma was under a heat advisory! It was 105 degrees when we got to the field on Saturday. Hot was a mild word. Very mild. We lost this game too. SO, we are spectaturs we became! It was a very nice experience though. There were teams there from Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma. It was a wonderful put together tournament too, lots of extra stuff to do. Thursday night there was a dinner and banquet, kinda a meet and greet.

Summertime!

2010-07-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

It hit a 100 degrees here today! Oh my, it is so hot! The kids and I enjoyed staying in the pool today! I brought out some lemonade to cool us off!!

Tell me they are not spoiled!
We had an enjoyable afternoon splashing around and relaxing! We LOVE our pool! I don't know what we did without it!!!
It's sad our summer is almost coming to an end, school starts in about 3 weeks and we are all a little sad. We still have a few activities before it ends. McKenna is playing in the Babe Ruth tournament next weekend, we have a trip to Dallas scheduled for school shopping, and hopefully a weekend at the lake.

We just finished VBS at church! It was a wonderful week, exhausting, but wonderful. I love VBS! I teach pre-K-6y/o and we had 21 kids!!! It was crazy! It took 6 teachers to corral all those kids! I told another teacher, it was like herding cattle - 1 gets away from the pack and they all scatter!!! It is a learning experience to have that many kids! They are so innocent and funny!

I hope the next 3 weeks CRAWL by!! I'm not ready to get the kids back in school!

Sweet strawberry goodness!!!

2010-05-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! Strawberry season! I've had a strawberry garden since the first year we built our house out here (5 years). I have nutured these babies every year and slowly built up from getting a handfull of berries to a WHOLE BOWL! My neighbor across the road had a beautiful strawberry garden, and every spring he would invite us over to pick all we wanted. The first year we lived here, everyday for a week I came home from work to find a 3 gallon bucket of strawberries on my porch! So I called his sweet wife and asked her, "what in the world do I do with all these!" She said in her sweet, soft voice, "Make jelly, honey!" SO, that was the first year for my jelly. I get requests every year for it now!!! My step-daughter took some home with her to her "other" brother and she said, "Dakota thinks you should sell this jelly in the store!"
Well, this year, I have enough berries at one time to make more. I had to "borrow" some from my mother-in-laws garden but not many.

I got all my stuff going early this morning. I washed and cut up the berries, mashed them a little for that sweet juice to start flowing. UMMMM!!

Cooking away!! The only part I hate is the "stirring constantly." I did take a break for a photo!!!

Time for a bath, sweet babies!!!!

Doesn't get much prettier than that!! I get so excited to hear their tops start popping! (That means the seal took!!!) Yeah!!

Ok, is there any question what the Pierce's are having for breakfast tomorrow!!! Biscuits!!!!!

Cleaning Therapy

2010-05-13T21:29:00.000-07:00

I took out my pent up stress on my living room today. I decided not to go back to work until Monday, so this morning I asked Clint if he would help me clean the upper stuff in our living room.
Our ceiling is cathedral and the highest point is 20'. So, needless to say, the upper window and fan don't get much attention! A few days ago, I looked up as the sun was shining through the window and there was an ENTIRE village of spiders living up there!
Awful, I know! But, not anymore!!! I swear it was even brighter today as all the sunshine was getting through!!!!

It's amazing what you can get accomplished when you put your mind to it! Who knows what will get cleaned tomorrow!

We've had a good day today! It started out pretty emotional but we recovered. Tonight, McKenna had a baseball game and literally, we couldn't watch it for all the people coming to us to give their condolences and share memories of Brad. It was hard on Clint, but I know how much it meant to him to hear all of it. My new motto is "Today is better than yesterday and tomorrow will be better than today!" Only time will heal and we can only take it one day at a time. Please continue to pray for our family!

I've been GONE a LONG TIME!

2010-05-11T19:10:00.000-07:00

Gosh! I have been gone a long time! My life, it seems, is going in fast forward! My small sewing business has really taken off, I've done oodles of orders and just participated in my 1st craft show! It was a wonderful success! I, unfortunately did not get a picture of my booth, but it was cute!!! I have now to tackle a stack of custom orders to do!
On a more somber note, please remember my husbands family in your prayers. We lost my brother-in-law on Saturday. It has shaken our family to the core and we are just at a loss for words at the overwhelming outpouring of the community! He leaves a wife and 5 children (all Sr. in high school and older) It has definately put into perspective how short life is!

I promise to stay up on this better from now on!!

Spring Break 2010

2010-03-28T19:52:00.000-07:00

We spent a week in Wolf Creek, Colorado for Spring Break. We traveled with the Sullivans and Mr. Schutts. We had such a wonderful time. It had been 2 years since we had been skiing so we were all excited to get there and hit the slopes! We stayed in a house in Pagosa Springs and so glad we did. We cooked breakfast each morning before we left and then a delicious meal in the evening.

Hunter had not skied before, but after 1 day of lessons, the girl was hooked. She did very well. Next year we will work on stopping better! haha (Sorry Mr. Schutts!)

We were able to see some great friends on the mountain. We ran into several people we knew. I laughed as I told Shannon, 20% of my senior class were there! Yep, there were 3 of my high school graduating class there (we had a grand total of 16!)

Sweet Walker! He was our guide on the mountain! When we got off the lift, we said, "Which way Walker?" and off we'd go!

Our well-deserved lunch break!

We had a wonderful time. We were thankful for a injury-free trip and most of all, can't wait until next year!

Love and Respect

2010-02-24T18:28:00.000-08:00

We are in week 4 of a Bible study at church called Love and Respect. It has certainly been an eye-opener! So far we have learned men and women are totally different beings! (It didn't suprise any of us, huh!) Last week we talked about how women and men deal with emotions...well, considering Clint and I went into the study Sunday a little miffed at each other, I would say God had a hand in what particular lesson we studied. Women have a need to talk about their feelings, emotions, problems, etc. We ask lots of questions, want answers, and expect the FULL detailed version of all of the above. Men, on the other hand, like to be on an island, ALL ALONE. They don't like to talk about it, don't want to be questioned, and give only the limited info needed to get out of a situation. The speaker used a really great mental picture of how we relate...he said men like to be on an island, and when you have a problem, your wife wants to help you solve it. So, she gets in her boat and she rows out to the island, and she circles and circles, and bumps the shore until you let her come ashore. She doesn't give up. I thought that was hilarious because it sounds just like Clint and I. When he gets quiet, I know something is up and I ask and ask until he finally tells me. Another thing he spoke of is how women are multifacited. We can multi-task...here's an example...2 of your children come to you at the same time, talking at the same time, about 2 different things. Women can process what they said, answer each, pat them on the head, tell them we love them and send both away satisfied. He asked if we have ever watched a man in the same situation...a man listens to one while holding up the quiet sign to the second. One at a time! It has really been a good study, I look forward to it each week.
We are getting ready for our ski trip! Yeah, can't wait. I am starting to pack and get things together. McK is at a educational/Science camp the week before so I am busy getting his stuff together for that. Lists, lists, lists! We all are certainly ready for the weather to start warming up. Doing chores in the cold is getting old! Bring on Spring!!!

I stand AMAZED.

2010-02-14T17:58:00.000-08:00

Gosh, I am going to try to re-cap the last few days! I am still recovering! I can basically sum up all the details in 3 words -- I STAND AMAZED! First of all, Thursday we had a wonderful blast of beautiful snow.

In southeast Oklahoma, we don't get a whole lot of snow. It was breathtaking!

I am amazed at the small details God has blessed us with. I was in awe how the snow settles in the crooks and crannies of this earth. We had a good time too! Though, I was the only one that did not get a snow day on Friday, I was able to sleep in and go to work a little late! I had to post this picture, my Bassett, Duchess wasn't impressed with the stuff - of course it came up to her neck!!

Friday evening my Mom, Delena (my SIL) and my Mom's high school best friend Brenda all attended the East Paris Baptist churchs annual women's conference.

The theme was "I stand amazed." Let me tell you, Saturday afternoon when the conference ended I was exhausted and amazed! We heard two dynamic speakers and the music was unbelievable. It was so awesome!
The best part was experiencing it with this group of wonderful women! We spent the night in a hotel had a blast! It was a great time! Thanks Dee for being my roomie! BTW, the speakers were Carol Kent and Dennis Jernigan. Both have phenomenal stories, and each have a website if you want more information. Both stories will knock your socks off!
Saturday evening after we got home from the conference, we had about 15 minutes before we needed to leave to go watch my niece play basketball in the playoffs. We decided to eat in McAlester at Pete's.
It's a popular place in Oklahoma, great atmosphere and food! Italian, yummy! We celebrated Valentine's Day over dinner.
It was nice to spend that time with my parents, Clint, McKenna and Brenda. Brenda was very impressed with Pete's and she liked the high school basketball experience. I'm not sure she was too keen on the winding roads in Oklahoma!!McKenna spent the road trip on the laptop!
We got home very late and went right to bed! Sunday morning we went to church and I had to teach children's church. We had a very cool Valentine's party. I think the kids had a blast. We ended our evening at a Bible study at our church called Love and Respect. It's a male/female relationship study. Very interesting! I think it's going to be great to get inside Clint's heart and mind. Happy Love Day!! I hope all of you had a great day!

10 things I've learned about hospital rooms (while in one)

2010-02-08T17:57:00.000-08:00

My husband has had the unfortunate experience the last 2 days with a kidney stone. He's fine but I have been about to go crazy sitting here! I have surfed the web, made all kinds of lists, read almost an entire novel and probably gained back the few pounds I've been working like crazy to lose! Here is one of my lists:

Things I've learned about hosptial rooms (while in one):

10. There is no room service.
9. Everything smells like aneseptic.
8. The TV remote can only reach so far.
7. The chair/bed is as hard as a brick.
6. The lines smell like bleach.
5. There is no privacy.
4. The ice is good and perfectly crushed!
3. Some nurses need a good sense of humor.
2. It's definately not our bed at home.
1. We are luckier than some people in the other rooms.

Of course, this list is meant to bring a little humor. The major thing we have learned is kidney stones are minor and we are blessed. You only have to round the corner in a hosptial to see someone worse off than you. It is my prayer Lord that you bless each family here tonight and give them the strength only you can provide.

Exciting time of the year

2010-02-06T18:12:00.000-08:00

I have been blessed with wonderful nieces and nephews! I have 3 of each. There's Macey, Sydney and Nicole and B.J., D.J. and Garrett. I know, the initials are confusing but they are on opposite sides of the family! All are great kids, good students and gifted athletes. B.J. and D.J. are out of high school and Macey is a Senior. I can't believe she is fixing to graduate! We are lucky enough to live close enough to get to watch her play softball and basketball. She is so good. She is fast and strong. Many colleges are looking at her for sports, I am praying she picks one that is close to home. Clint and I are very proud of her. She is an A student on top of being involved in several sports. She is a pleasant girl too! She is kind, sweet, respectful of others, patient, and she loves her uncle Clint!
You won't find a harder working young lady. She is tough and works circles around most boys! She is a tom-boy and likes to have fun, she rides horses and has a really cool motorcycle! It was really funny when she was little, I asked her if she wanted to go shopping with me. She looked at me very serious and asked,"do I have to comb my hair?" I replied, "Yes." She said, "No, I don't want to go." She's come a long way since then!! (Sorry, Mace, I couldn't resist that story!) Recently, she was a major focus in her teams victory. She is a one of the leading scorers in our county in basketball and scored the winning points in 3 different games.

I love basketball and I especially love watching her play. It is exciting to think about the course of events that will take place in her life in the next few months. I pray God will lead her to a college where she will excel and be a mentor to others.

Clint and I are beyond thankful for all of our neices and nephews, they all love to hang out at our house and that makes us very happy. I can't wait for you to meet them all.

I am a frustrated blogger!

2010-02-05T14:52:00.000-08:00

I love blogging! I love looking at other wonderful blogs! BUT, I am so frustrated because there are SO many times I want to reference someone else's blog in my post and I can't figure out how to be able to just click on their name from my blog and it goes to theirs. Is that clear as mud?? For example, if I say, "go to my friend Pam's blog at Come to Mammy's....how can I make it where my readers just click on "Come to Mammy's" and it goes to her blog.
I would love for someone to settle this for me so I can sleep at night! Hahaha It's not THAT frustrating! Thank in advance. This may be worth have a giveaway next week for Valentine's!

Out of control creativity

2010-01-30T11:17:00.000-08:00

For the last several months, my dining room has been my sewing room. I was so blessed through the holidays with many, many orders. I loved every minute of making the adorable Thanksgiving and Christmas clothes for the kiddos. I also loved getting to create matching accessories like foo foo bows and headbands. Unfortunately, the chaos that surrounded all that creating left me with a ribbon stash that looked like this....

So, here it is the end of January and I am still working around all this mess! I can't believe the orders haven't slowed down much! I'm thankful, don't get me wrong, but I have to stop for a second and re-organize my supplies. I am a slight OCD personality and I like order in my workspace. This past week, we had a lot of work done in my kitchen (a later post). We had the floor replaced and new granite countertops put in. I have been cleaning out cabinets and purging a lot in the kitchen, so today, I continued on to the dining room/studio!! It took me 2 hours to wind all the ribbon back on the spools and organize them. I tried to do it by color and size, but I know the next time I start getting them all out, that will go away!!! I think it turned out quite well. I'm satisfied for a while now!
I have to see all my options when I am making something. I like to see colors of everything and see what makes a popping contrast. I love just reaching in and grabbing a bunch of different colors and textures and putting them all together. It's funny how you can make things match! So, this 3 drawer tote is perfect for all my ribbons. I think I have a serious ribbon addiction!! Hahaha What do you think?

My favorite thing on the farm

2010-01-24T19:00:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite time of the year on the farm. We have many baby calves making their debut! I love the babies! I could watch them all day long. They are so cute and funny to watch. They are a little shaky when they first get on their feet but soon they are bucking and running around. I mean, look at this, who wouldn't fall in love!

My other favorite thing is to go feed with Clint. The cows just see his truck and they come running. We drive along and he feeds out of the back.

How do I drive AND take pictures, you ask? I don't. Look who's driving us along?? Isn't he cute too!

CHANGE IS GOOD

2010-01-21T17:30:00.000-08:00

Gosh, I didn't intend to stay gone this long...Sorry! I don't know if you can tell by the title, but my life has completely turned upside down in the last 2 weeks. Sometimes, change is good. I recently had some "changes" in my job. While I had thought I loved what I was doing, I don't think I did. Actually, just recently I had started not to love it. Does that make sense? I have worked in my department 3 years. For the last 6 months, the stress level was at gynormous levels, I don't do stress well. Stress causes all kinds of problems. Needless to say, since the change, I have been in a great mood. Tons of weight has been lifted off of me. I feel refreshed and awakened to a whole new world. I took a great weekend trip with my hubby. I didn't lug a bag of books, either!! I took craft stuff and leisure books and fun stuff. I have came home at night and cooked a great dinner for my family, did a few sewing projects, planned some fun nights with friends, and planned for the future without saying, "what if.. and maybe after..." Hopefully, we will be welcoming a little Pierce this year. I feel like I put many things on hold for advancment in my career and when I got there, I didn't like it. It was hard for me to admit, I don't give up easy. I like to "make" things work and that's not how it should be. Lots of things have occurred recently that made me realize that you can't put things off, live each minute to its maximum. There is a song on the radio that says "say I love you a million times a day." 2010 is going to be "my year." My year of accomplishments, new projects, and fun stuff. My year of spending time with my family over spending time in textbooks, being loud while playing games with my kids rather than sitting at a quiet table studying. I can't wait.
Funny how God orchestrates our lives with intricate details. How He knows what we need before we even have an urge. He has planned our lives to a degree farther than we could ever dream. My friend Stanna had a wonderful quote in her Christmas card this year, "Happiness will chase you if you follow Him." That is so true. I have realized over the last few years, I have tried to direct my own cart. What a failure that ends up like! With all that said, I have projects to finish!!

WICKED Girl's Weekend!

2010-01-05T16:17:00.000-08:00

So, with the holidays behind us, I can finally settle down and give you the WICKED details of our WICKED girl's weekend! One word for the musical - no, not WICKED silly! AMAZING! We had such a great time!
We headed out after work on Friday at 5 p.m. It was a good 6-7 hour drive so we knew we were in for a long night!
We cranked up the 90's station on XM (love XM radio!!) and we sang almost ALL the way to KC. My adorable Mom sent us a care package of snacks. Ummm, her chocolate chip cookies are THE BEST! Well, she had tied up the canisters with this cute tulle bow. Being the silly girls we were, we decided it would be hilarious if Sherri put it on her head when we went through the toll booth (kinda a like an adult hairbow!) I think we made the toll booth lady's night! She thought we were cute!
Ok, down the road 3 hours --- TULSA, OKLAHOMA. TARGET. We needed white long sleeve shirts to wear under our cute WICKED t-shirts we had made. T-shirts, I know, we're crazy thinking t-shirts, it's Kansas, Hello, cold weather, really cold weather in December!!!!
We stopped for a quick bite to eat at Chick-fil-a! Yummy! THEN, our road trip turned interesting! We had done a Mapquest search a few months back while planning our trip and we didn't really pay attention to the route or, let's just say, how many lanes the road was. We ended up on a scary 2 lane road and it just went on and on. We kept saying, "Surely we'll get back on the 4 lane soon." No, never happened. We stopped somewhere just over the Kansas line at a QuickStop and we all went in together to the bathroom! We were sure we were lost, but we had a map and we had GPS. We scared ourselves in one town, we saw a really big old house or some kind of building we were sure was haunted! We just knew we were going to get stranded out in the middle of nowhere. Did I mention is was a brisk 22 degrees? Silly girls! We were getting pretty tired, I think! We finally ended up on a 4 lane road shortly before getting into KC. We had made good time and had a new burst of energy and excitement as we neared the downtown. AND THEN IT HAPPENED...bright red and blue flashing lights in our rearview mirror! OH, CRAP. Yeah, we said something like that.... I have to give a shout out to my girl Sherri, we drove her SUV and she can drive I tell ya, well, unfortunately, it caught up with us. Yeah, can you all say Kansas Highway Patrol. How about 150.00 speeding ticket? We could see the name of our hotel on the building downtown as we sat there getting a ticket. Oh, well, have to remember the trip somehow, right?

We got to our hotel shortly after that. Did I mention now it was 19 degrees. BURRRRRR.
We got up and at 'em Saturday morning. We were only gonna be there 1 full day and had a lot to fit in. We started out at Memaw's Bakery. mmmm...pecan sticky buns!
Then we were off to shop...I had seen a neat shop on some blogs that is in Kansas City called The Curious Sofa. Soooo, we looked up the address, typed it into the good ole GPS and off we went. Well, when you have a city such as Kansas City that is split into 2 different states, Missouri and Kansas, it is important to type in the correct state into the GPS! We were driving up in front of the "hood" looking at the bars on the windows as the friendly voice on the GPS said, "arriving at your destination." We were PRETTY SURE this was not The Curious Sofa!
We finally found it and went on to a shopping area that was all really cool, local shops that featured local artists. It was unreal. We stayed for a couple of hours, then headed to the Country Club Plaza. It was all lit up for Christmas, so beautiful. We shopped some more. Sherri had an old high school friend that met us there and stayed the afternoon.
We had a plan for dinner, Dave's Famous Bar B Q!
UMMMMM..... the ribs were fall off the bone tender and it was sooo good. It was slap-your-grandma good. I can't believe we were able to eat because we were so excited to see the play. It was so cold outside but we ran the 3 blocks back to the hotel to get ready for the play. It was just across the street from the hotel. We primped and changed and off we went to get there early to soak it all in. All we could say was....."I can't see, can you?" Ok. I am all about getting your monies worth, but seriously, folks, the lady in front of me, stood up, folded her coat up and SAT ON IT!! Hello, "no, I paid for this ticket, but didn't want TO SEE THE SHOW! That was so rude. It was like I was a bobble-head. Look to the left, now to the right! I even turned to the ladies behind me and in a very LOUD voice said, "I am so sorry I keep moving but the lady in front of me is SITTING ON HER COAT!" Other than that, if you get the chance to see this play, GO! It was so good, amazing, colorful, wonderful, splendid, work of music. It's definately a "must-see." It is going to be in Dallas this spring or summer and my mom and I are going! I can't wait. Have any of you seen it? Let me know your thoughts. Elba was THE BEST! Wrapping up our trip, we took a different route home, 4 lane all the way, baby! And no tickets!! It was a great girls WICKED weekend!

Happy New Year 2010 (a few days late)

2010-01-03T19:23:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year from The Pierce's, Sample's, and Linn's! Make it a great one!!!

Warm Comfort Food

2009-12-29T15:42:00.000-08:00

It's cold and rainy here, sleeting some here and there and a little snow. The kids and I are on break until January 5th so we had a lazy day today. I did do the laundry and got most of my Christmas decorations down. We also made a quick trip to the fabric shoppe to get some material for a project I am working on. I am fighting a cold, so I wanted something nice and warm for supper. Last week at work, we had a chili cook-off for our contract physicist's last day. He is from Oregon by way of Florida, so he wanted a "real" Texas chili cook-off for his going away party. My friend Sherri made this awesome Cheesy Chicken Chili! I thought I would pass along the recipe. It is the ultimate comfort food! (it's very easy too!)

Sherri's Cheesy Chicken Chili

4 cooked chicken breasts (shredded) I only used 3
1 can chopped green chilis
3 cans great northern beans, undrained
1 medium jar of Pace Picante sauce
8 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Mix all together and simmer until hot.

Serve with tortilla chips! Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T19:28:00.000-08:00

Hope each of you had a wonderful Christmas! We did. I have seriously fallen behind on my blogging, but with the hustle and bustle of the holidays almost over, I will do better - promise! Thought I would share a picture of my two kiddos in front of our tree! They are almost too old, so they think, to have their picture made each year.

Favorite Christmas Treat - Millionaires

2009-12-11T10:08:00.000-08:00

I am participating in the Show-us-your-life post today at Kelly's Korner. Christmas in our house DOES NOT begin until my Mom makes her Millionaire candy. We patiently wait while the pecans are chopped and the googy goodness melts in the pan. It is a two day process with making them one day and dipping the next. I would like to say, I have swiped some out of the fridge before they are dipped, but at 30-something (ha!) I still understand the consequences that would involve! Our family loves these, the recipients of these in a gift expect them year after year and even the mail-woman salivates when she finds her package in the mail box each year! I hope you all enjoy these - I may very well lose my place in the family for putting this recipe on the web!!

Mom's Millionaires (My mother is from Texas, she calls them Texas Millionaires, but me, as an Okie, can't seem to use the Texas part, so I refer to them as Mom's)

1 C. light brown sugar
1 C. white sugar
1 C. dark Karo syrup
2 C. Carnation milk
2 sticks margarine
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix all ingredients except 1 cup of milk in a pan. Let it come to a good boil. Add another cup of milk SLOWLY as not to stop the boiling. Cook to soft ball stage. Add 4 cups of pecans, brocken into large pieces. Pour into a large buttered pan. (Use a cookie sheet with sides). Place in the refrigerator overnight. Cut into 1" squares and dip in chocolate. (My mom spoons hers onto the cookie sheet in 50 cent piece sizes.) Chocolate: Melt 2 LARGE (1 lb size) Hershey candy bars and 1/3 lb paraffin.

My mother is proud of these each year! The pecans come from our own orchard and they make this candy so yummy! Hope you all enjoy these, and let me know if you try them!!

3 Days and counting....

2009-12-01T15:18:00.000-08:00

Tickets? Check!
Map? Check!
Clothes? Check!
Pillow? Check!
2 best girls? Check!
WICKED t-shirt? Check!

It is only 3 days until our road trip up to Kansas City to see Wicked! I am so excited. We are trying very hard to concentrate on our work this week, but it is very hard.
I have several orders ready to go out, if you are waiting on something from me, it is on the way! yeah! I want to see pictures of all the cuties in their holiday best from The Polkadot Factory! Hop on over to my other blog and look at the stinking cute background I put on it!! www.thepolkadotfactory.blogspot.com

Cute ideas

2009-11-24T17:28:00.000-08:00

I had to share this little baby skirt with you. I have a friend that has a "preemie." Elyse was born 6 weeks early and is a cute, little peanut. She is up to 7 pounds+ right now. I made her the cutest "turkey" onesie to wear on Thanksgiving and her "Momo" wanted to know if I could make her a skirt to go with it, and a hairbow. I haven't made a skirt or any other garment in a LONG time. I do a lot of clothing embellishments but never have made the actually piece of clothing itself. I had an idea in my head, I am forever designing in my head. I talked it over with my Mom, who can make anything. Since I didn't have a pattern, I needer her advice. She said, oh, it's easy....figure your width then make a hem and a casing for the elastic.....ya ya ya. I sketched and cut and threw away and then finally had an epiphany...get the Cabbage Patch!!! The doll is about the same size as Ellie. So, away I went and this is what I came up with! Please excuse the naked doll, I didn't have a top for her. I made the bow to match the outfit.

This set was made for a friend to give as a baby gift. I love the pink and brown and this little one is a "cowgirl." I decorated the denim overalls and made a set of burp cloths to match. Then I made her a "keepsake" chenille bib. I love it!

I have been quite busy lately with Christmas orders and baby orders. My newest thing is a "diaper cupcake". I will post some on here later.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday week. I am looking forward to a few days off.

New Moon

2009-11-20T17:56:00.000-08:00

Call me crazy, but I was one of the millions that saw New Moon first!! It was an awesome experience and I got to share it with several of my greatest friends! We began our "Twilight Evening" at Jill's house. We ate and laughed and talked and planned...and look who dropped by....OMG! It's Edward Cullen!!!!!!

Before we left for the theater, we watched Twilight. This is Bethany, Abby, and me just relaxing on the sofa. We were so excited!! We didn't get to finish it because we HAD to be at the theater by 9p.m. I mean, the movie started at midnight and we NEEDED good seats!!

Here we are!!! YEAH!

We had great places in the line. There were about 50 people in line in front of us. But within a few minutes, the entire theater was full of crazed Twilight fans. We sat in line for about 1.5 hours before they let us go into the theater. Again, there was lots of laughing and talking, getting to know other "Team Twilight" groupies, and pictures, of course!

Listen up girls!! When they open the doors get to the first empty row and run, all the way to the end, we need the WHOLE row! Got it? Ok, on three, ready? 1,2,3 break!!

We got awesome seats!! Whoo hoo, only 1.5 more hours of waiting! They let us in the theater at 10:30p.m. We had a blast, taking pictures, updating FaceBook, sending texts to friends who only WISHED they were there!! Hahaha We shared lots of popcorn and by the time the movie started we were set to soak up some Edward!!!

We had an awesome night, Bet and I stayed the night with Sherri and Abby and I am so glad we did. We got home around 2:45 a.m. After we ran around like teenagers swooning over the Cullens and the wolfpack, we settled down to a VERY SHORT night!! Unfortunately, the alarm sounded after only 3.5 hours! We had a plan about how the day was going to go ---- MOUNTAIN DEW!! Bet hooked us up with some caffeine!!

Overall, it was a great night with friends and a great movie!! Thanks girlies!!!

My Holiday plans

2009-11-14T05:57:00.000-08:00

This year I want to put a "slow down" button on my holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas are my favorite time of the year. I love to be around my family and friends. I love seeing the sparkle in the kids eyes as they write thier lists to Santa! I just want to be able to savor every moment this year. My extended family has taken a hit this year as far as deaths and sickness in the family and I just am blessed that my family is healthy this holiday season - what else can I ask for!! I have been so inspired by Teresa over at A Baby Changes Everything. She is a professional Christmas tree decorator. I can't wait for the Friday after Thanksgiving - instead of hitting the sales, I'm hitting the storage building and dragging out ALL the Christmas decorations!!! I can't wait to decorate my tree. I can't wait to smell my favortie Aromatique candle burning, and mostly can't wait to wrap all the gifts in pretty packages and seeing them under my tree. By the way, most of those gifts have already been bought - that's the best part!
I am going to strive to reduce the stress this year, I am going to do things ahead so I can enjoy the moment and the excitement of the season. Last year, I spent so much time trying to catch up, I usually missed the whole thing! I am getting to do some exciting things this year and I want to be able to soak it all in. First of all, I have been asked to make two outfits for a new friend. She is taking her daughter to see 101 Dalmations (the play) in Dallas so she wants an outfit for her to wear. My pencil has been busy getting a plan on paper. It is going to be darling, I will definately post a picture. But the best one, she is taking her that same weekend to the Neiman Marcus Christmas parade and wants a Christmas outfit for that!! Doesn't that sound exciting! I have alredy bought the fabrics and only have one word - Fabulous. Pictures will be posted for that too!!!
My Mom and I always spend one Saturday, going to the local Christmas bazaar/show and then we hit our favorite shops that have thier Open houses the same day. We go to our favorite resturant and just enjoy the day. I look forward to it every year.
Overall, I want my holiday to be a memory making time for me and my family. I also wish the same for each of you!!

My Favorite Things Party!

2009-11-08T17:40:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across a blogpost at 320 Sycamore that is a "my favorite things party." The object is to list 5-10 things that are your favorite that you would send a friend in a care package. The date of her party is Nov 19, I'm doing mine today because I think it is totally going to be fun!

1.) Scentsy - Orange Clove scented squares
2.) Bath and Body Works Body Butter - Coconut Lime Verbena scent
3.) Buxom Lips lip gloss by Bare Minerals (it makes your lips all tinglely and peppermint scented.)
4.) Canon Rebel XTI ( I heart my camera!!)
5.) My mom's chocolate chip cookies
6.) Big Sexy Hair hairspray
7.) Target gift cards ( I heart Target - not as much as I do my camera - but alot!)
8.) Scrapbooking supplies
9.) Turtle flavored coffee
10.) Selah CD's ( I love them ALL)

So, if you're my friend this is what you would get in a care package, if I sent care packages, and if I had unlimited funds, and if I didn't keep all this stuff myself, and...well, you get the point - be satisfied if you get a card from me!!!

Only 7 weeks til Christmas!!!!

What an update!!

2009-11-01T17:58:00.000-08:00

This weekend was an action-packed-to-the-rim! Friday at work we dressed up for Halloween, three of my friends and myself went as "The 3 blind mice and the farmer's wife." It was quite hilarious, the farmer's wife was a guy!!
We were pretty cute!
When I got home, we went to the Harvest Festival at McK's school. The PTSA booth was temporary tattoos - I think we tattooded every kid in the gym!!! McK had a friend come over to spend the night - teenage boys - that's all I need to say....for those of you who have boys, please tell me they get easier! Hahaha Hormones!!!

Saturday, I woke up early and didn't stop until after 10:00p.m. We had Trunk or Treat at our church and I had to get my trunk ready, bag the candy, make a few decorations for other booths, and get my costume together. BUT, before Trunk or Treat, we had to go to Clint's aunts suprise 66th birthday. I needed a gift, so I made a beautiful fall wreath for her. She had a fit because she didn't win one I had made for the family reunion so I knew she would love it, and she did!! And she was so suprised! After that, off to the T or T. We had over 300 kids! I have never seen such cute fairies, witches, doctors, indian princesses, draculas, clowns, but the cutest, most unusual costume was a chef! He was so cute! I have never seen a chef costume. We had a blast with all the kids.
Clint and the boys had worked cattle all day and when they came to see how the night was going they were starving. We went and ate mexican food and watched some football at the resturant. Unfortunately, my OSU Cowboys lost to Texas. :(
It was such a wonderful day, but I was dead tired! I collapsed into my nice, fluffy bed! I forgot to mention I had done 6 loads of laundry and my sheets!!
Sunday, we were up early thanks to Daylight savings time! We made pancakes and bacon for breakfast. Wyatt was still with us and they ate, and ate. Wow, growing boys eat a lot!! After church, we had a quick lunch and Clint and the boys were off to gather some more calves. Clint had promised an afternoon hunting trip to McK and Wyatt so they had to hurry. I cleaned up, did more laundry and got ready to do a mini-photo session at the park with my best friend Misty and her girls. They are so adorable. We had a blast! Her oldest daughter is a natural in front of the camera, her youngest, a total ham!!! She was hilarious!!

I think we got some really good ones. I am writing this post between yawns so I better get myself to bed. Tomorrow is McK's first basketball game so we have to be rested up!!!

Macey - Senior 2009

2009-10-24T18:12:00.000-07:00

It was such a beautiful day today! Lots of sunshine! Perfect for pictures. I took my niece Macey today and we did lots of pictures. She is a Senior this year, sniff, and we wanted to do some of the photos while the leaves are changing. I wanted to post a sample of what the results were. I haven't edited them yet but wanted to get a few on here for her to see. Let me know what you think.

Thursday Thin Down Week #3

2009-10-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is going to be short, it's late and I'm tired!

Week 3 = -.8
Total = -2 pounds

My exercise is going to increase this week and I writing EVERYTHING down!!!

Weight Loss Challenge

2009-10-21T19:01:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is my weekly "Thin Down Thursday." It could go either way this week. I have done good on my food choices and not eating out BUT my exercise log has a BIG, FAT ZERO! SO....I am going to try something new. I stumbled upon a weight loss challenge over at the Domestic Princess in Training via one of my favorite blogs, Mandi Shandi's. She is hosting the challenge from now until November 12. I think it will be great motivation and support.
Here's how this works, on Monday she will post some questions and we answer them and link up for the week. So here are this week's:

1.) What goal are you trying to reach before November 12th? I want to kick start my exercise regimen and my goal is 3-4 times a week for at least 30 minutes. That can't be that hard, can it? I am also quitting soft drinks - AGAIN. Up until recently (last 4 months) I had not touched a soft drink in over 2 years. And, lastly I would like to lose 7 pounds by the 12th.

2.) What are you going to do to support yourself in reaching your goal? The cool, fall days are encouraging enough to get outside and walk. What's 30 minutes? BUT, it has been raining buckets here - BUT, I have a treadmill!! and a DVR. I will walk while I am watching the crap I don't have time to watch on regular TV. As for the soft drinks, I will always keep tea in the fridge!

3.)Optional: You can include a picture/pictures of the things you are going to use to get you moving in the right direction. Picture it: a treadmill. (Sorry, don't have time to snap it right now.)

Take a look over at the Domestic Princess' blog (http://domesticprincessintraining.blogspot.com) and join in if you want...It's only 3 weeks!!

Thin down Thursday Week 2

2009-10-15T17:09:00.000-07:00

Well, when I said I needed to blog my weight loss journey I decided I would do ALL weeks, even the bad ones. This week was a bad one, and it's only week 2!!! We were on the road 4 days this week, and I don't do well planning ahead. So, the verdict - I gained 1 pound. I WILL do better this week!!! Saturday is the only free day I am giving myself this week. I also will do more exercise.

GAIN +1
Total = 1.2 loss

Ladies and Gentleman....we have PECANS!!

2009-10-14T17:08:00.000-07:00

Granted there aren't enough to make a pecan pie, but, we know now they will produce some nuts!!
We planted over 1,000 trees over the last 2 years and some of them had a few nuts this year so we decided to make a "photo op" out of the day and take some pics as we picked them off. We are patiently waiting for the year we get at least a trailer load or two!!

Randy and Delena are standing beside one of our 2 year old trees. Looks good! We can't wait to see them in 5 years!

Thin Down Thursday - Week 1

2009-10-08T16:35:00.000-07:00

I've decided to blog my weight-loss journey for hopes that I can get encouragement from my sweet friends and family. Ok, Ok, it's really because of accountability! I know some of you will email me every Thursday to see how I did! (At least, I hope you will!) I don't really have a goal weight, I'd like to be back at my weight when I graduated from college. I really just want to be more healthy, exercise more, and, oh, yeah, the 5k race!! My race partners for the Thanksgiving race currently have a medical crisis going on and our training is practically extinct. Lord knows I'm not disciplined enough to do it myself! I have found a race, however, in late March that is my "new" goal. Wish me luck. On to the good stuff....

Week 1 = -2.2 pounds

Total = 2.2 pounds

A good recipe: Chicken Parmesan Bites

1/4 c. dry Italian bread crumbs
1 can 99% fat free cream of chicken soup
2 T. Parmesan cheese
2 C. cubed chicken breast
1/4 t. oregano
1/4 t. garlic powder
1/8 t. black pepper
2 T. Parmesan cheese
1 t. paprika

Combine crumbs, cheese, oregano, garlic, and pepper. Add soup and chicken. Place in 13x9 dish. Sprinkle with paprika and Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

4 servings = 6 points each (WW)
Serve with 2 oz. spaghetti noodles (4 pts) and 1/2 c. canned spaghetti sauce (1 pt)

Feeling Wicked?

2009-10-07T16:56:00.000-07:00

Lookout Kansas City - here we come!!!
Sherri, Bethany, and I are headed up to KC in December to see the Broadway musical Wicked. We almost cannot contain our excitment! We are heading up after work on Friday - ROAD TRIP! We should arrive around midnight or so, Christmas shop on Saturday (if you know of any good shopping in the area, let me know) and then the musical on Saturday night!!! Sounds great, doesn't it.
Since it is in December and all of us have families, we didn't want to take away from our Christmas shopping. So we decided we should start an envelope a few months ago, we put in money each payday. By the time the trip gets here, we will have the money for gas, hotel, and tickets!!
It will be a great trip!

The Polka Dot Factory

2009-10-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

I started a new blog for my children's clothing and accessories. Check it out!!

www.thepolkadotfactory.blogspot.com

Orders can be made by emailing polkadotfactory@yahoo.com
Let me know what you think and add me as a favorite!!

Long weekend recap

2009-09-27T10:22:00.001-07:00

I say "long" because I was off on Friday and am also going to be off Monday. Yeah me!! So, this is an update of the last few days, I was too busy to blog until now. This could get quite lengthy, but, I have time. I am sitting in the Tahoe in the Gander Mountain parking lot waiting on Clint. There is something about a man and his hunting hobby!! I can't say a word, he waits on me when I am in Hobby Lobby, Recollections, Michaels, the mall, well, you get the picture! He is so good to me! Ok, update time.....
Wednesday was our 9th anniversary. I can't believe it has been 9 years. I have a very sweet picture post to do, maybe tomorrow. Clint sent me flowers to work that day, they were so pretty. The bottom of them were yellow and faded to hot pink out toward the tips. I felt so special with them sitting on my desk that afternoon!
Thursday I attended a very special occasion. One of my dearest friends, Sherri, and her daughter Abby, are moving into a new place. So, Thursday a bunch of us showed up at her place unannounced while the washer and dryer were being delivered. We thought this was a perfect time to circle around and pray over the home before anything was moved in. We all joined hands and each of us prayed that God would wrap the home in love and just bless these special girls that all of us love so much. It was really a neat thing, I totally felt the Holy Spirit in the room. Love you guys so much!! and I know the new place is going to be perfect for the beginning of your new life.
Friday was a vacation day for me, we thought we would go out of town for our anniversary but things didn't work out. I took the day anyway. I got up early and did several loads of laundry and cleaned up the kitchen real good. I was working on some things for a show I was doing on Saturday and then there was a knock on the door....Most of you know our home is for sale, WELL....I opened the door and saw a very lovely couple standing there. They explained they were passing through and had called to make an appointment to view our place. They also explained they didn't receive a call back from our realtor (another long story, tell that one later!!) so they decided to come by and just look around. I took them through the house and we walked out to the pastures and stuff. They were so nice and seemed to be very interested so we'll see. Say a prayer we get an offer!!! I don't believe in coincidences, I believe in faith, and we have been praying fervently that God would show us we were doing the right thing. SO, you put that together.
Friday night we went to the local FFA rodeo. McKenna was up in the junior bull-riding. He has ridden for 5 years now, and I thought he was "retiring" but he couldn't NOT ride in his hometown rodeo!! HELLO!!??!! He got bucked off, so didn't win anything. Hopefully, he will hang up the bullrope now and get into something else!! Keep your fingers crossed.
Saturday morning I did a trade show with a friend in Hugo. I took some of the things I have been making and set them up in her booth. There were lots of people but not a whole lot of sales. But I did make several contacts so that was encouraging. After I got home, Clint and I packed a bag and were off to Frisco for the night. We stopped and shopped a few places on our way (I shopped, Clint waited) We checked into the Embassy Suites in Frisco and then went to eat. We love mexican food, so decided on Posados. Yum! They have the best homemade tortillas. Next, to the mall. We looked at the movie schedules and decided on the one we wanted to see. It was going to be about an hour so I went shopping and, well, Clint waited! After the movie, we perused the bookstore then headed back to the hotel and watched football. Yep, football!!!
Sunday morning we had a delicious breakfast at the hotel. It was soooo good. On the way home, we stopped and did some more shopping (I shopped, Clint waited). So, that brings us to the present and I'm finished. And I'm waiting, Clint's shopping!

No need for words....

2009-09-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

I snapped these with my camera tonight as the sky was lighting up! Wow! I am just in amazement at God's creations!

Who says I can follow directions?

2009-09-15T18:44:00.001-07:00

I was so excited about getting a Blog award, I didn't pay attention to the directions...Haha, I must make my mother SOOOO proud!

Ok, I am supposed to say "Thanks" to my presenter.....Ya'll - meet Mammy! She is one of my very favorite people in the whole world. She used to be my Sunday school teacher and was wonderful at it. She could take a passage of scripture and make it truly sing to my soul. She is so funny and absolutely an angel. Visit her blog www.cometomammys.blogspot.com
I am also supposed to share 10 things about myself - I listed 7 in the post below so here are 3 more...

8.) I pass out at the sight of my own blood. I start IV's on people everyday and it doesn't bother me, but when the needle is coming my direction.....Whew..I'm kinda light headed already!

9.) My husband prefers me raking hay, he says I am the only one that doesn't make a crazy pattern in front of the bayler! That is really a compliment, people!!

10.) I met Jimmy Houston coming out of the Branding Iron in Durant, Oklahoma. He is my all-time favorite professional fisherman, yes, I know, that is pretty amazing! Hahaha, as a girl who grew up on Red River in a family of fishermen, this is BIG. HUGE. I was even nicknamed "Jimmyetta" and my brother got me a genuine, autographed copy of Jimmy's book and he even wrote "to Jimmyetta....." He thought it was hilarious, had never heard such!

I am now supposed to present this award to 7 bloggers I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those whose blog has encouraged me.
Here they are.....

*Erica, www.haidynandlandry.blogspot.com
She is one of my very dear friends and an excellent photographer in Navarre Beach, Florida

*Amber at www.mcillecespot.blogspot.com
I love reading her blog and she encourages my "monogram" frenzy!

*Tickled Pink Housewife - I am honored she follows my blog, can't believe anyone finds my life the least bit interesting!
www.tickledpinkhousewife.blogspot.com

*Eloise at www.weaselsjourney.blogspot.com
I love reading her blog and tonight her brownie recipe makes my mouth water!

*Cassi at www.martyandcassirash.blogspot.com
She is on of the blogs I read for inspiration, she's a runner among other things

*Jeni at www.athomeingeorgia.blogspot.com
For one, she is raising her kids while her husband is overseas in the military -that alone is inspiring, but also she makes the most adorable things out of the cutest fabric!

*Melissa at www.huckleberryprairie.blogspot.com
I love her blog, it is so stinkin cute!

Now I must tell those 7 people they've been awarded Honest Scrap and inform them of the guidelines.
Please pay them a visit and tell them Mimi sent you!!!

Honest Crap Award (I mean Honest Scrap!) and a cookie recipe

2009-09-15T16:58:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have been awarded the Honest Scrap Award from Mammy over at Come to Mammy's. I am supposed to list 7 honest things about me that people may not know. Hence the title, crap or scrap, either way here they are....

1.) I am terrified of water, I hate to swim and failed 4 years of swimming lessons when I was a kid.

2.) I flipped my teacher off when I was in Kindergarten and the sixth grade. In my defense, a high school boy told me it meant "Good Morning" so I was so excited to do it to Mrs. Knight in Kindergarten. As for doing it in the sixth grade? Let's just say I knew by then it did not mean "Good Morning." I am realtively sure I just mortified my mother!! AGAIN!

3.) I count my change once a month and keep it written down according to denomination. I keep it in a huge can in my closet and to date have $300.00 plus in pennies. Sorry, it's very OCD, I know.

4.) I got my first ticket when I was in college and was so scared to let my parents know, I went to the courthouse and met with the judge to beg him not to have it recorded on my insurance. I had a money order ready to pay the ticket, it was actually too much and when he asked for an address to send the refund, I quickly spouted out my aunt's address. He told me I was sure going through a lot of trouble so my parents wouldn't find out and I replied, "Sir, my dad told me if I ever get a ticket, I will have to park my car and not drive, and I believe he will do it!" As far as I know, my Mom just found out as she read this - and that has been 16 years ago!!

5.) I shave my legs EVERY SINGLE DAY!!! No, I don't have some wild disease where my hair grows at warp speed. I just can't stand even the thought of stubble.

6.) I eat M&M's according to color, red, then green, the blue - well, you get the picture. The only time I don't eat them that way is when I pour them into my popcorn at the movies.

7.) I love to duck hunt. Last year, I took up hunting so I could spend more time with my husband, and, well, ended up loving it!! Can't wait until December!!!

Whew! That was hard. I am a very open person, to come up with things I don't think people know was brutal. Ok, on to the recipe!!

THE EASIEST PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

1 cup peanut butter, creamy or chunky
1 cup sugar
1 egg

Mix together, form into balls, and press with a sugared glass. Sprinkle with a little sugar before baking. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. They are so soft! You can make them any size you want. But the recipe will make about one dozen 1.5 inch diameter cookies. ENJOY!

Weekend Recap

2009-09-13T11:18:00.000-07:00

We had a very rainy, relaxing, low-key weekend. Friday night when I got home from work I suprised Clint by saying "Yes" when he asked if I wanted to go to Sherman with him. When I say suprised, I mean I never do anything spontaneously - so when I said "Yes" he said, "you do?" So, off we went. He had bought a new bow for hunting this year and he wanted to go to Gander Mountain and get some things put on it. He dropped me off at Hobby Lobby so I could shop while waiting on him. I walked down to the bookstore after I was finished in HL and bought a book I had read about on someone's blog. The book is a diary of a girl during a trip from Arizona to Texas in the late 1800's. It is called, "These is my words" it is really good so far.
Saturday, I sewed all day and watched football. My OSU Cowboys got beat, but the game was good. In the evening, we drove around looking for deer (Clint is getting the fever, this happens every year!) It is getting to be that time of year - I always say I am a widow from October 1 to January 15 every year! I guess I can think of worse things my husband could be addicted to rather than hunting - so I feel very blessed. I took some pictures of a couple of things I finished up for my Etsy shop. Let me know what you think!

I am spending Sunday afternoon catching up on laundry and ironing. May even sneak a little nap in. I taught children's church this mornng and our lesson was over Mary and Martha - so this week my goal is to try to keep my heart and my ears open for God's word - not get so wrapped up in being busy, busy, busy. Hope everyone has a great week!

Tomorrow is Wednesday and a Giveaway!

2009-09-08T16:09:00.001-07:00

I have come up with the most grand idea!! Let's start beginning the week with Tuesday every week! I loved going to work today - mostly because Mondays are just dreadful at work - both doctors working, busy, busy, busy. BUT Tuesday, they are at our satelite clinics and it is my catch-up day! So, I managed to get slightly caught up today! Yeah! So, my vote is to do this every week! What about you?
I would like to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my friend Sherri - shhhhh! Don't tell her, according to her - she's no longer having birthdays! But she deserves a special day so I hope she got one.

Hop over to www.cherrysjubileehome.blogspot.com - she is having a giveaway of the most adorable banners that she makes. I love her artwork and would love to have one of those hanging in my house. Check it out!!

Ok, remember - Mandy no longer does Mondays!!

Happy Labor Day!

2009-09-07T18:18:00.000-07:00

Wow! I love 3 day weekends. I just wish they came more often! We had a nice restful weekend. I got my Etsy shop going, I only have 3 things listed so far but if you want to look go to www.etsy.com and chose Seller under the drop down menu and then type in thepolkadotfactory (all one word). I will get more up soon, very soon.

We cook steaks at Mom and Dad's tonight. Yum! We had steaks, red beans, mashed potatoes, corn salad, garlic toast, Pioneer Woman's onions, banana pudding, and apple pie. Are you stuffed yet? I am. If you haven't seen Pioneer Woman's recipe for grilled onions, go check out her website. They were delicious.
Well, back to work tomorrow! Oh, happy day!

Busy Saturday

2009-09-05T16:10:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to get things made up for my Etsy shop and the shop in Soper today. I stopped at the quilt shop yesterday and picked up some more adorable fabrics for the bibs and burp cloths I am working on. It is very hard not to be drawn to the western and cowboy prints for little boys, because that's what my little boy will have. BUT, I have to realize not all little boys are cowpokes! SO, I came away with some very cute airplanes and dots fabric, some car/truck prints and this vintage Dick and Jane spaceship fabric. It is one of the cutest things I have seen in a while. I used it on a set of burp cloths today. It is so bright and cheerful and I love bright colors for babies.

Max laid in the chair all day while I made a huge mess of my dining room, a.k.a. "my studio." He couldn't take the chaos and covered his eyes!!

Here is what a day of creating does for my table!! Ever so often, I have to stop and straighten things up, I'm a touch OCD!!

This set is my "little buckaroo" set. I love the cowhide print. This one is set to be my "most popular" I'm sure. I have a cowgirl version also, that is pink and brown. It is so stinkin cute too!

Hope you all had a great Saturday. We're off to a rodeo to watch McKenna's friend Wyatt team rope.

"Dip"iddy do dah!!!

2009-09-04T15:30:00.000-07:00

This is fun! Kinda like a big recipe parade. Here is my dip that I am featuring on BooMamas dip extravaganza. It is the best dip ever! And the crockpot is an easy way to take it along to a potluck and keep it warm.

Spicy Layer Taco Dip

1 pound hamburger meat
1 pkg. Taco seasoning
1 can black beans, drained
1 (16 oz) sour cream
1 (8 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Brown hamburger meat and add taco seasoning. In a crockpot, layer meat mixture, then black beans, followed by the sour cream. Top with grated cheese. Heat on low until cheese is melted.

Welcome Welcome

2009-09-02T18:35:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhh....do you feel that? That crisp, cool breeze. I think Fall is riding in on the evening breeze. AND I LOVE IT!!! Fall is my favorite time of year. This weekend I am dragging out the pumpkin candles, the fall wreath for my front door and the beautiful ceramic pumpkin I got in Frisco a few weeks ago. Last night I opened all of the windows in the house - I love sleeping with the sounds of the outdoors! WELL - that is of course with a few exceptions - LIKE WEANING CALVES! Clint seperated the calves away from their moms on Sunday. Last night I thought I would have to put the pillow over my head to be able to get to sleep. McKenna even commented this morning that he wished those mamas would SHUT UP! Not only were they loud, but they were quite frisky. Two calves were out when I got home so I spent 30 minutes trying to get them to go back in the gate. They were having none of that! Luckily, a neighbor came down the road and helped me get the job done. I love nice neighbors.
I am also working on my Etsy store. I hope to get it up and running this weekend. I have some really cute things made up to add to the store. I will keep you posted on that!

Cut from the same cloth

2009-08-28T16:18:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post something very special today! So many people have commented on my new baby things and the sewing projects I have done recently and while it is so wonderful on my pride, I can't take all the credit! I am a third generation seamstress. Both of my grandmothers were excellent with their hands. My Memaw, my maternal grandmother, crocheted the most delicate and intricate doilies. I treasure all of the ones I have. She also has done a beautiful crocheted table cloth for each of her grand kids, even my brother (he's the only grandson) It covered my reception table at my wedding and has been on my table at home for many special occasions. She also made so many afghans. I love to snuggle into them on cold days and think about all of the time she invested in her projects. I miss her so much!
My Nanny, my paternal grandmother, is a quilter. The very first thing I remember her making for me was a "coat of many colors" when I was very small. She made a quilt for me when I got married and embroidered her signature on the back, it's the tiny things that are so special to me. She is where I get my "fabric addiction." I only used quotations because that's what my loved ones call it - I personally don't think it's a problem.
Then there is my mother, the second generation. My mother taught me to use my sewing machine. There is no one out there that can sew more perfectly than Mom. If something isn't right, she will rip it out and start over. She taught me to measure twice, cut once and all that jargon. I loved doing things with my Mom because I knew they would always be perfect. She also could put my vision into something tangible. I would come home and say, "Mom, I wish I had ___?__?__? and she would say, "Oh, we could make that!" She is very creative. I love bouncing ideas off of her - the only thing that she raises an eyebrow at is my choice of fabric, or actually the combination of my choices sometime. I once made a patchwork purse by just shutting my eyes and reaching into the bin for 6 pieces of fabric. She thought it was hideous but it was the first purse I sold at a craft fair! I love my Mom!!
All in all, I guess the love of sewing and creating is in my genes! Thankfully these special ladies loved me enough to share their love of doing it with me. I am so thankful!!

Baby Shower Gifts

2009-08-23T15:05:00.000-07:00

I just had to share these overalls and burp cloths I made for a friend to give as a gift at her cousin's baby shower. I thought they turned out so cute!! The little baby girl is going to be a little "cowgirl" so I made the overalls with a vintage pink/brown fabric. I made a set of matching burp cloths, and also a set of polka dot burp cloths.

I am currently making a basket of burp cloths for my beautician to display at her beauty shop. People are always looking for a quick baby gift to pick up and the monograms make it a little more personal! Let me know what you think!

Fun Idea

2009-08-22T12:24:00.000-07:00

I made these cute ornaments for my nieces and nephews. I just got empty glass ornaments at Hobby Lobby and filled them with shredded paper that you would use in gift bags. I used glitter stickers to spell their names and cutesie Christmas ribbons were tied to the top! WA-LA! Very inexpensive, yet adorable! These would be great for teachers or Sunday school kids too!
Thanks Sydney for helping Mimi take the pictures!!

Suprise!

2009-08-19T19:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, I've lived in my house for 4 years. We bought new furniture when we moved in. I picked a beautiful black Attic Heirlooms hutch that matched my farmhouse table and its black chairs. The hutch is my favorite piece in the whole house. It houses my Fiesta collections of red, sunflower, shamrock, and tangarine. Beautiful colors against the black. WELL, several times I have asked Clint would he please put in the glass shelves in the bottom cabinets so I could maximize the storage of those areas (I'm sure all of your husbands do things the first time they are asked!) WELL, 4 years later the glass shelves are still stored under the guest room bed. OK, now for the suprise. I was cleaning the wood floors in the dining room today. Ever so often when I get a wild hair I love cleaning the floors with a rag down on my hands and knees. Just something about a shiny floor!! (That doesn't happen that often, Lord knows we don't want to put the Swifer Wet Jet people out of business!) So, I'm reaching under the hutch and I see this black strap hanging down. As I press my face to the floor to get a better look I see not only 1 strap but 4. What on earth! So I get the scissors and start cutting blindly through the straps, not seeing a thing of what I am cutting. As I clip the 4th strap this heavy wrapped package falls down on my hands! Ouch! I catch myself yelling because 1. it scared the crap out of me, 2. it kinda hurt 3. I just knew it was a secret treasure left by someone who knew I could use a treasure! I pulled the package out and unwrapped it and, low and behold, its shelves! Wooden shelves! For the bottom cabinets! No wonder my darling husband hadn't installed the glass ones, he KNEW they weren't the right shelves! I'm kinds embarrassed it took 4 years to find them but who in the world would have looked on the very bottom of the piece. And why didn't the furniture salesman tell my the blasted things were under there?? So now I'm happy, I have a clean dining room and I love storage so having the shelves makes me want to clean out the cabinets and rearrange on my new shelves. and I know Clint is so happy I have added another thing to the honeydo list!!

How many people can fit in a king size bed?

2009-08-18T18:26:00.000-07:00

This weekend Mom and I met my sister and 2 nieces in Frisco, Texas for some back to school shopping. We met up about 10:30 a.m. and shopped until 7:00 p.m. Yep, that's right 8.5 hours!! OMG. My feet hurt so bad. We topped our night off with dinner at The Cheesecake Factory! Yummy! I got on-line Friday night and got us a room using Priceline.com. Well, I secured a room at the Sheraton Stonebriar for 65.00! Go me! WELL, when we checked in, the only room available was a King room. Yikes! We got a roll-away bed to put in there also. So, what's that mean, you ask. That means Granni got a great nights sleep and Tina and I got to share the bed with two teenage girls! Kings are not meant for 4 people! We got a good 3 hour sleep - Maybe!
We got up Sunday and had breakfast at IHOP before parting ways and heading back home. We had such a good time, parusing good deals, and getting some high fashion items for the girls to start to school in!
Next time I vote Mimi doesn't make the room reservation!

First Day of School

2009-08-14T16:44:00.001-07:00

Wednesday was McKenna's first day of 6th grade! He was so excited, can't you tell! Ha! I was more excited than he was...I'm the one that didn't sleep a wink on Tuesday night! I love the beginning of school, I always have. There is just something about the smell of a new box of crayons, or a brand new notebook! Buying school supplies has always been a favorite thing of mine. My Mom always made us save our new school clothes for school, of course, but I remember for days leading up to the first day, I prepared. I chose my outfit, and had all my supplies in my book bag way before the first day. Good times they were!!
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This year McK's teacher is a lady that lived down the road from my family while I was growing up. She is such a precious person and I am thrilled she didn't retire last year! I begged her to at least stay until McKenna got through the 6th grade. So, I decided to make her a little "Thanks for being a teacher" gift for the first day of school. I have several people in my family and some dear friends who are teachers and I know we all take our teachers for granted. I wanted Mrs. Jones to know she was appreciated and we were excited about this year! Of course, McK was mortified I was doing this. He was so embarrassed that I wanted to take him to school and make sure he got settled the first day! Oh dear, nothing like having a teenager in the house!!

I filled this little basket with green and red apples and some of the ingredients to make a yummy apple dip that has cream cheese, toffee bits, and sugar! It is soooo good! I made a cute little card to go along with it and attached the recipe inside. Didn't it make a cute basket! After I finished it, I showed McK and he asked, "Who's taking that to Mrs. Jones?" I replied, "Well, Honey, you are." His face said it all "I'm NOT taking that to her!!" So, who do you think ended up carrying the basket into the classroom? Me, yes! So I carried it in on Wednesday morning and sat it on her desk. I couldn't help but think about him all day and wondered how his day was going. At precisely 4:00 p.m. my phone rang. It was McKenna. Do you want to know what he said? "Mrs. Jones loved her basket, "WE" got her just the right thing. She said, that was sweet of "US." (Did you notice the "we" and the "us" that all of a sudden popped up when she liked the basket?)Haha

I hope next week goes as smoothly as these last few days!
Here is the recipe for the dip if you would like to try it:

Toffee Apple Dip
1 box cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. sugar
1 t vanilla
1 package toffee bits

Mix together and serve with apple slices

Some serious cuteness!

2009-08-09T11:20:00.000-07:00

Here are some new things I've been working on this weekend. The initial onesie is so cute. I made a little fabric flower and attached it with a button. I used some new fabric on the bib, I love the bright colors. The little girl I made it for will have a very vivid personality I am sure!! (Kim, if you see this, close your eyes!)

You can see the coordinating materials on the back. I love them both! Dare I ask for you all to pick a favorite??

This is an initial bib. This is what happens when the name is longer that 5 characters!! Haha. No, I wanted to try something different. I love the vintage print of this one! Sorry about having to look sideways at the photo, I'm not sure how to flip it over.

Well, this explains why very little house cleaning got done this weekend!! I had fun though!

10 Things about Me

2009-08-07T19:07:00.000-07:00

I have seen this on several of my favorite blogs this week. I thought it was so neat and interesting, so I thought I would give it a try. Here are 10 things you may or may not know about me, find interesting, or really may not give a hoot but may be board to tears reading blogs and landed at mine! Whatever the reason, here it goes...
1.) I love brown. How boring you say...think fall, chocolate, coffee. Ummm...

2.) I am hopelessly addicted to "18 kids and Counting!" I think it is quite bizarre for anyone to have 18 kids but I love the Duggars. It is refreshing to see clean TV. They teach their kids about God, hard work, loving relationships and morality. Check it out on TLC. (Guess I'll admit to watching "Toddlers and Tiaras" also. I mean who doesn't love watching a mom totally make her child over to look 21 in a beauty pageant!) Ha Ha

3.) I can drive a stick shift. But I have to admit I am very nervous driving in the city. When I drove Clint's truck to work, I left an hour early so I wouldn't have to take off in 1st gear in the midst of early morning school traffic!

4.) My clothes are hung in the closet facing the same way, by season, then color. Suprise, suprise huh! I also hang Clint's the same way. I have been known to ask the cleaners to please hang his shirts the opposite way on the hanger.

5.) When I was little, my Nanny claims everytime I fell, I landed on my head. I have scars to prove it! Once I fell in the back of my Papa's pick-up and bumped my head and I told my Nanny he hit me in the head with a bucket! I sometimes wonder how many brain cells were damaged in all those falls???

6.) I am terrified of water and failed 4 years of swimming lessons! The smell of chlorine almost makes me vomit.

7.) I want to visit all 50 states before I die, so far I have visited 21.

8.) I love to scrapbook.

9.) I love magazines and currently have subscriptions to 7 each month!

10.) There is very few Sundays in the year that I don't take an afternoon nap. It's a habit I started many, many years ago. There is just something about it that I love!!

There you have it. Share 10 things about yourself with me!!

Results

2009-08-05T19:38:00.000-07:00

Well folks, the ballots are in....I didn't pass. :(
I got my letter yesterday with the news that I will yet again spend another year studying for my dosimetry boards. Sounds like fun, huh? I want to vomit! Out of the 9 sections I passed all but 3, those sections I scored "minimally under compentency." That's the nice way of saying "too many wrong answers." I am frustrated, mad, sad, and after a good stomping around, crying, and ranting evening last night I am ready to go again! Those who know me well know that I don't take failure well - in fact I have never, I repeat never, failed anything until last year when I took the boards the first time. So, for me to have to stomach the fact I will be repeating the test a 3rd time is almost more than my pride can take. Please remember me in your prayers as I hit the books again. I can't say enough how great my family and close friends have been. Encouraging would be a mild word for it! Thanks everybody!
Ok, enough of that mushy stuff. Now, where did I leave my book?????

Go Fish

2009-08-01T20:38:00.001-07:00

This is my Nanny. She came to eat fish with us on Friday night. We grew up right next door to her and she spoiled us rotten. She is going to celebrate her 81st birthday on the 11th.
This picture is of 3 of the 4 "Sample girls" (Miss you Tina!) Me, my Mom and Delena, my new sister (in-law)

The newlyweds! Randy and Delena Sample

Have I ever shared with you that we have the best cooks in my family! No, not me. (Hahaha) but these 3 guys! Cliint and Randy are masters at the grill or the fish cooker. My Dad does a good job supervising and taste testing. They are the chief cooks at all our campouts, reunions, and birthday parties. We love it too, because they usually clean up!
Mom and Dad had fished on Thursday and caught a bunch of crappie so we had a fish fry on Friday night. It was so good!

Amendment to Fridays Post

2009-08-01T07:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, I read my last post. Yes, I proofed it BEFORE I said publish, but it was 11:00 p.m.!!! Give me a break. I am laughing hysterically right now, but I swear Randy - I DID NOT mean to leave the "r" out of brother and say my "bother" came and fixed my air conditioner!! Seriously, I did not mean it! Kinda funny though if you think about it. For many years you were a bother - and a brother. But yesterday you saved me from having to sleep in an oven!! I love you very much and appreciate you so much. Delena make him read this if he doesn't read my blog often!!

It helps to have connections...

2009-07-31T19:51:00.000-07:00

Today I got off early from work. I thought I would get to spend a leisure afternoon doing fun stuff- yeah, right! I stopped at my favorite quilt shop and picked up some new fabric for some projects I have planned. I went by and got the kids at Clint's mom's. As we walked into the house I was met with a huge gust of heat! Our house was so hot! My first thought was I turned the thermostat up too high this morning when I left. I looked at the read-out and it said 87. I went to McKenna's room and stood up in his chair to see if the air was cool coming out of the vent. I am only 5'3" so I really couldn't tell if the air was even blowing. I went into panic mode thinking, "Great, its just my luck, Friday afternoon and I need an A/C repairman." Luckily, my bother was at the ranch this week so I tracked him down and asked him if he had time to come check it out. He hopped in the truck and came over. He came inside, looked at the unit, went outside, took the cover off, listened, looked, wiggled some fuses, AND wa-la! The fan started right up! We went in and waited a little bit to see if the temp was coming down, indeed is was. Praise the Lord, this girl doesn't like to be hot! Randy tested some of the vents and all seemed to check out fine! He seems to think the recent electricity surges from the thunderstorms made it go wacky! Moral of this story - I am SOOO thankful to have connections within the family!

Just a note...

2009-07-27T18:43:00.000-07:00

It has been pointed out to me that I didn't mention anything Hunter got to do this weekend! What kind of mother am I??!!%*# First, I want to start by saying, McK and Hunter are two VERY different kids!! Hunter is a shopaholic, doesn't like anything physical or hot, not really keen on the idea of cleaning her room and would much rather sit out on the patio and love on the dogs! She is very lovable and fashionable. McKenna is athletic, charming, and likes to be outdoors. He doesn't like to shop, in fact his school clothes request were 2 pair of Cinch jeans. Which he intends on me going to get WITHOUT him! So, back to where I began, when we got to OKC Saturday, we hit Penn Square Mall. Hunter and I went our way and Clint and McK went straight to the movie theater. (Clint doesn't like to shop either!) She drug me to every store in the mall!!! She is only 10 but no one needed to show her where the dressing rooms were! We found several great deals and left with several bags on each arm. Hunter enjoyed the ballgame but, like I said, she doesn't do heat! It wasn't really that hot, but oh so humid!! We melted. Sunday, the Cowboy Hall of Fame didn't really interest her either. But, when you have two kids you have to make them both happy. We really did enjoy our trip, though!! ALL 4 OF US!

Now, on to my new "project." For several years now, my dream is to create and produce clothing and accessories for babies and children. My own boutique would be a fantasy, anyway, here is a little sass for a soon-to-be named Elyse! Isn't it precious??

Weekend Recap

2009-07-26T19:27:00.000-07:00

We had a really good quick trip to OKC. The Cowboy Hall of Fame was very interesting. They had an awesome art exhibit, all cowboy related, of course. There were some breath-taking paintings. Some were so good it looked like a photograph. It was neat to share some culture with the kiddos, everybody needs a little sometime!! McKenna absorbed the rodeo exhibit, I don't know if it is always there, but the Gaylord section was set up like a mini-arena. You walked through and they had all of the categories explained. We sailed through all except the bullriding, of course! We poured over various pieces of equipment that once belonged to Lane Frost and Freckles Brown. We stared at pictures and watched video clips and 2 hours later walked out with a little boy on cloud 9!! If you ever visit the OKC area, stop by the National Cowboy Hall of Fame!
Drove home through some dark clouds, unfortunately never saw actual raindrops. We were hoping to have a little rain shower.
I walked 2 miles when we got home and worked on some sewing projects I needed to finish. I made out my menu and grocery list for the week, that is one of the things that really helps me stay focused on my "new way of eating." (Notice - I did NOT say diet) It helps to see my week and have some idea of what I will be eating, preparation is the key for me.
Want to send a big birthday wish out to my sweet nephew Garrett! Happy Birthday, G-Man!!! We love you very much!
Have a great week everyone!

Mini-vacation

2009-07-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

The family and I are in Oklahoma City this weekend on a little "mini" vacation. Clint asked me earlier in the week if I wanted to go somewhere this weekend and I jumped at the chance. Being married to a farm boy sometimes has its disadvantages, summer being one of them! When he gets home from his "real" job he jumps on the tractor and I usually don't see him until way after the sun goes down. So, here we are. We took in a OKC Redhawks game this evening and it was really cool. The small ballpark feel was so neat. We set right behind home plate so we were right on top of the action. McKenna and I stood in line for an hour to get Andre Dawson's autograph. He was set up to sign from 7 to 9 and we got in line at 7:45 - at 8:55 we finally got up to the table. I was really getting nervous they would shut down right in front of us! Andre Dawson was an awesome baseball player in his prime. McKenna said I was a pretty good mom to stand in line with him for an hour! That was sweet. We had dessert from the Cheesecake Factory! Yummy! Shhhhh! Don't tell the diet police!!
I am now sitting in bed with Clint's laptop! What I would give for wireless internet at home!!!
We are off to the Cowboy Hall of Fame tomorrow. I am excited because we haven't told McK where we are going. He will be beside himself!

Day One

2009-07-21T18:28:00.000-07:00

Day one. Only a gazillion more to go!! I started an exercise program today. It's my sister's fault!! She got the great idea to go on a cruise next summer. Great! Now I have to lose weight. Don't get me wrong, I need to, but, now I'm forced to!! So, here I go. I walked 45 minutes today. My goal is to do something at least 4 days a week. When I get used to that I will increase to 5. I have been doing Weight Watchers over the summer and had lost 10 pounds but lately I have been eating everything in sight. I have gained 4 back, so I have to get in gear. Just pray I can do this! I'll let you know how it goes. I would love to have a walking partner so if you're up for it, give me a call.

My new "favorite thing"

2009-07-19T17:23:00.000-07:00

MONOGRAMS!!! I have seen monograms becoming very popular! and I love it! I have recently purchased several "P" things without really paying that much attention to my growing monogram collection. This yard flag was my most recent purchase, doesn't it look great in my flower bed? Now, if only my dog will leave it alone!

I had a very full weekend...Friday, I spent the evening at my friend Pam's house getting ready for our garage sale on Saturday. We had a great time, it was pretty hot but there were 7 people so it didn't take long to get organized. We had pizza for dinner and it was yummy!

Saturday, I got up early and drove over to Paris for the yard sale. We had a successful day and the temp stayed below 100, we were so thankful! Pam made the best breakfast AND lunch. She is a great cook and made the yummyest monkey bread for breakfast and the best chicken salad I have ever eaten for lunch! I will pass along the recipe if she doesn't mind. I mentioned she was a great cook, well, as I was having a second helping of chicken salad, I noticed she had a bundle of recipes by her stove, they were labeled "recipes I have NOT tried." How clever is that? I just have all mine stuffed together and never know when I made it or not. Let's just say my OCD tendancy kicked in and I am in the process of re-organizing my recipe box! Thanks, Pam!

I met my mom Saturday evening and we had dinner at Roma's in Durant, (yummy!) and went to see the Oklahoman Shakespearen Festival's production of "Honky Tonk Angels." It was really good. We usually attend at least one of the plays each summer. We had a few spare minutes and popped into Bliss Boutique, that's where I got my "P" flag.

We went to church on Sunday, I substitued for the children's dept teacher and afterwards I came home and took a long nap. How I love Sunday afternoon naps! I finished mowing and then I cooked dinner for Clint. Gosh, how does the weekend pass so fast? Tomorrow is Monday and I have a very busy week ahead.

Is there such a thing as "summer cleaning?"

2009-07-16T19:46:00.000-07:00

I have had a very productive evening. My good friend Pam and I are having a garage sale this weekend. I have been cleaning out my closet and am officially "shirtless." Clint and I stood in our closet and took out everything we haven't worn this season or last. We currently have about 20 items of clothing between us now! That is awful that we had that many things we didn't wear. Sad to say we got rid of 2 t-shirts we bought on our honeymoon to Walt Disney World 9 years ago!! Ridiculous! I feel very good now, it is awesome to walk into the closet and be able to put things away without having to shove stuff out of the way. I love organization. Now, on to another room!!

Happy Saturday!

2009-07-11T18:44:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a week this has been! Vacation Bible School and McKenna was in baseball playoffs. We had a great VBS and lots of kids!! There were many hilarious episodes this week, that's what happens when you have 15-20 preschool kids. After the week, all the stories, games, and crafts, one little one put it all into perspective - "My brain can't think anymore!"

McKenna's team ended up 2nd place in the Cal Ripken League! Not bad for a group of boys that couldn't buy a win the beginning of the year! We had a fun summer of great baseball. McKenna really did well with his pitching and his hitting! We are so proud of him!

It's officially 4 weeks until the beginning of school! Yeah! I love the beginning of school. New supplies, crisp clothes, schedules! I love a routine!

My nieces go home tomorrow. They have been visiting for the summer, I'm gonna really miss them. They are "tweens" -it's very different than having young children. I just sit and listen to them, ah, to be a teenager again! Such excitement.

Have a great day!

How do you like the new layout?

2009-07-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to see what you think of the new blog design. My Friend, Kelly, at Fabulous K Creative did it for me! Isn't it adorable. Perfect for summer. Leave me some blog love and tell me what you think!

Baseball update: We won tonight and are playing for the league championship Tuesday night at 7:30. McKenna is on cloud nine!!

Happy Independence Day!!

2009-07-03T13:31:00.000-07:00

I celebrated a day off of work today by making a little "eye candy" for my front door. Granted, no one but the occasional visitor will see it since I live in the middle of no where, but it makes me very happy!! And, my nest of new baby birds seem to love it!!

Here are the before and after pictures!

Will someone please push the "Pause" button

2009-06-29T19:25:00.000-07:00

I feel like Dorothy in the tornado..........Last week Hunter had a softball tournament, it was Boswell Homecoming, McKenna had make-up games, Clint was busy in the hayfield, work was spiraling out of control, and I was right in the middle of it all. On my way to work, I called my Mom (Hunter was staying with her during the day while we worked) I made arrangements for who and what time she would be picked up for the games. I called Clint to relay the message to make sure he knew if he had "pick-up" duty or I called to find out what field and what time. The weekend came and it was blazing hot, we went to the parade and came home to cool off, just to find out someone was coming Sunday to look at the house. I flew through a major tidy-up session in time to head to the rodeo Saturday night. Hunter got too hot at the rodeo only to throw up right on the streets of Boswell during the street dance, actually not on the street, I made her dash behind the Dixie (am I a bad mom for doing that? I didn't want to look at vomit and didn't think anyone else did either.) Anyway, we went home. Turned the air on high and went to bed. Sunday, Hunter and I stayed in our pjs until 11 a.m. She didn't feel well and I had odds and ends to tidy up for the visitors. They came, they saw, they went. No word on an offer.
Fast forward to today, off to work, busy Monday as usual. Clint sent a text, he's sick - can't breathe! Send him to Walgreen's for allergy meds. He buys a sack full of various cold, allergy, flu and cough meds! Just like a guy!! McKenna started playoffs tonight. We won! Yeah! Play again tomorrow night. On my way home, my week was running through my head: Tuesday - ballgame, Wednesday - get Alumni stuff ready for Saturdays meeting, Thursday: ballgame, Friday - holiday from work (yeah!) - ballgame - decorate for VBS that starts Sunday, Saturday - Bennington Homecoming, Alumni meeting and finish decorating for VBS and Sunday - 1st night of VBS Yeah! I love VBS!!!
And is all boils down to the title - "Will someone PLEASE PRESS PAUSE" (so I can at least take a breath!)

Spread your wings and fly

2009-06-25T19:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, where do you draw the line? I have 2 nest-fuls of baby birds on my porch. They are at the age of getting ready to leave the nest. So far, I have rescued 5 from the jowls of my bassett houndDuchess and 1 was not so lucky, Jed, my heeler, is just too quick. Isn't that ridiculous? Not only do I have to race the dogs to them, I have to go indoors and drag the bar stool out to the porch, climb up on top of it, stand up so I can reach the nest to return them. Clint is sure I have lost my ever-lovin mind. His philosphy is if they die, that's one less that will be back next year. According to my "bird expert" husband, where the bird is born is where it returns the next year to have its nest.

Anyway, it really has got me thinking...Which one am I? Am I the brave baby bird that tries to fly first? I mean, none of them are experts right? Can they see below? If so, how brave they are to fly down to an awaiting, salivating huge dog? Am I the second bird that waits to see what happens to the first one? You know he is thinking, "Hey, I'm gonna see how Bob does before I jump." Or am I the LAST bird out of the nest. The "Safest" one? Do you think he leaves the nest because he is lonely? Don't you wonder if he thinks, "Hey, I think I'll stay here and kick back with the pad all to myself?"

Which bird are you? The brave one? The most cautious? Makes you think, huh?

Home Sweet Home

2009-06-22T16:37:00.000-07:00

Hi ya'll. We're backkkkk!!!!!! Who ever thought I could miss Boswell, Oklahoma so much! We had a wonderful weekend, but man, we are so glad to be home. The closer we got, the faster Clint drove! Kinda like a horse headin for home! We went to the Ft. Worth Zoo Monday and it was fantastic! We all decided we'd like to go back but prefer a cooler month. The animals were out but most were lazily lying around the cool water. Smart animals! They probably were laughing at the dumb humans walking around in the 100 degree heat looking at them! Here is a picture of me and the girls.

I suggested we stop at Cabela's on the way home because we have a gift card from Christmas we hadn't spent so that took up a very precious hour of our time! Clint actually let me spend it all on myself so I picked up a gun strap and carrying bag for the new shotgun he bought me for Christmas last year. Long story, just know I had to take up hunting last year to be able to spend time with Clint and I got addicted!!! More on that later!

Hope all are staying cool!

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T18:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day! While I took my boards Clint got to drive Hunter and Sydney around Houston! Needless to say, when he picked me up, he was as worn out as I was after the 3.5 hour exam. Those two girls are a hand full!!! Having to entertain two "tweens" is a job, Clint explained. He took them to Golden Corral for lunch and he said they came to the table with a small bowl of mac n cheese and a little bit of mashed potatoes! He made them go back for some "substance" he said! Ha, would have loved to have been there! Welcome to a mom's world, honey!

My exam was excruciating! Keep your fingers crossed, it will be 7 weeks before I know the results.

We are back in Ft. Worth and planning a trip to the zoo on Monday. I let Clint kick back for a while and I headed to the pool with the girls! They are having a blast, gosh, I wouldn't go back to being a pre-teen for anything! We are having pizza via room service tonight and watching a movie in our pjs! Sounds like fun to me!

I am excited about beginning the Beth Moore on-line summer Siesta bible study. Head over to the LPM blog to learn more. "Me, myself, and Lies" is the title. It is going to be fantastic, her studies always are!!

That's all I have for today! I will post our zoo visit tomorrow.

Tomorrow's the BIG DAY!

2009-06-20T16:26:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, I'm sitting in the internet cafe at the hotel in Houston, Texas! Gosh, it is SOOO Hot! Tomorrow is the big exam, pray extra hard for me tonight and tomorrow. I have had this day circled on my calendar since August of last year and it finally arrived! I wasn't nervous until the drive down, I realized I had only 1 book with me! Yikes! I have lugged around two different book bags stuffed to the gills with books for the last year, it almost made me feel queasy!! I have been so wrapped up with the date that I almost forgot tomorrow is Father's Day. Luckily, I did get my cards out but just a few minutes ago I read Mammy's post over at cometomammys.blogspot.com. Mammy is a very dear friend and her post today about her Dad made me a little teary-eyed. I am very thankful for my Dad. Though he doesn't want to be mentioned or photographed for my blog, I am gonna mention him today of all days! (He thinks the Chinese maffia or something is monitoring my blog - yeah right! Me, little ole me from podunk Oklahoma!! It's a hilarious joke with me and my mom) Ha Ha. Love you Dad - You are very special to me. I can count on my Dad for encouragement, love, advice - whether I think I need it or not, physical help, and lessons in loyalty and family. He is a wonderful mentor, father, Pepaw, and husband to my wonderful mother. I'm thankful for my Dad today and everyday. He was the last person I saw today before I headed out, he hugged me and sweetly whispered, "Go get'm Babe!" Love you Daddy! Happy Father's Day.!
Speaking of Fathers, I better go rescue my kiddos, Clint is watching them at the pool!!

Random Thoughts

2009-06-14T19:12:00.000-07:00

Today is a catch up day for me...Catching up on some studying, laundry, other house work (lots since I was gone all weekend) and most of all sleep. I had 2 hours of sleep Friday night and then slept with my 5 year old niece Saturday night, so needless to say, I needed some catch up!

I read a neat blog a while back that had a series of sentences to finish. They went something like this.......

Today, I am thankful for....My amazing family. Each member brings unique characteristics to a large web of love. My niece Sydney traveled with me to and from Wichita this weekend and we talked a lot. She is such a sweet, loving teen. She loves music and had a blast with her Mimi as we "rocked out to some tunes!"

Today, I feel like.... I am ready for the week. This week is the final week leading up to my CMD Certification Boards. If you are reading this, please pray for me as I prepare for the exam. I can't wait for it to be over, yet I am extremely nervous!

Tomorrow I want to... Have a good day at work. Then I want to come home and have supper with my husband. A friend gave us some fresh squash and cabbage so I am going to cook something good!! Have I mentioned I have loved cooking lately. I think it's the Weight Watcher thing, looking at all the great recipes. Yummy!

I find this amazing... My friend Bethany taught her miniature pot bellied pig, Priscilla, to sit! Can you believe that! She says, "Sit Prissy, sit!" and when she sits Bet gives her a cheerio and says "Good Girl!" It is the cutest thing I have ever seen!

I am looking forward to...A lot of things, building a new house next to my parents, Fall!! (I hate hot weather!), taking my photography class, hopefully having a baby, becoming an aunt again when my bro and SIL have a baby, starting a new Bible study "Me, Myself and Lies" , and having some free time to catch up on my scrapbooking!

Share your random thoughts with me! Look forward to hearing from you!

Mimi