Poor Jess!

I am back at work today after 4 days off...ugh! Actually, I am a bit thankful. Sounds weird, I know. I was so busy over the holiday that I never even got to breathe until Christmas evening. I went to bed that night around 11 pm and I slept until 12 noon. Can you believe that? The kids all slept in too. I was supossed to get up early and go shopping with my sister, Lori, but the alarm went off and I turned it off. It just wasn't that important to me to get the after-Christmas deals. My sleep was much more important!

We did indeed have a great Christmas. The kids got what they wanted. I gave them a limit of one or 2 things and that was it. It made it much nicer for me and Santa! :) We went to my Mom's at around noon and let all the kids (11) open gifts, then the adults opened after we ate dinner. Dinner was really good. I am a bit scared to weigh-in this week. We are weighing in Thursday this week since Monday was Christmas. I really tried to do well, but we will see.

Yesterday my Mom watched Jordan and Jackson so Jessica and I could go get a manicure and a pedicure. She got a gift certificate for Christmas and was dying to use it. So we dropped off the kids and headed for the shoe store to exchange some shoes. When we got there she slapped her entire thumb in the van door. She is not a crier so when she started to cry I knew that it was really bad. We went and exchanged the shoes and then went straight to the pediatrician's office. Dr. Karen took a look at it and decided she need to put a hole in her nail to drain the blood building under her nail. She took a heated thingy and burned a hole in her nail. The blood started to pour out. Jess cried really hard. I hated it that she was hurting so bad. We went for X-rays and thankfully it was not broken. She put a splint on it. Needless to say she could not get her manicure, but we did go get a pedicure. It was nice. I really had to gear myself up for it because I really don't like people touching my feet. I told the guy that he was the only man I ever LET touch my feet. He just smiled and said "I lucky man". So, as soon as her hole in her finger heals we will go back so she can get that manicure. To make up for it we went and ate Chinese...her favorite.

I am so thankful for such a wonderful Christmas season. I was so busy, which was really good. I hope that things stay kinda busy with my bags. I am already on the look out for some great spring designs. I have come across 2 so far. I can't wait to make mine, maybe I will do that this week. So, thanks to everyone who placed orders this year and I hope you enjoyed your Carolina Rags bag. I hope to hear from you again this upcoming year! God bless!

...Checking it twice!

What a busy week this is. I am sure it is just this busy for everyone this time of the year. I totally have not even put a dent in my shopping list! I have the list but just can't find the time to get out and go! I think that I am just gonna have to go to Wal-Mart after midnight one night this week. I think that that is the best time to shop.

I have been staying up til all hours of the morning trying to get all of my Christmas orders finished. Thanks to everyone who helped to support my business this year. I have truly been blessed and amazed at it all! I am still amazed that you guys actually love my creations. I enjoy making them and it is even more of an enjoyment when you guys love them too!

I am taking tomorrow off from work so that I can finish up with the orders and maybe run out and get some shopping done. I promised the kids that I would give them each $20 for shopping money. So we may do that too. I also have 4 orders for the "Happy Birthday Jesus" cake. This is the coolest cake ever. Every part of it is symbolic of Christ! Ever Sunday morning before Christmas the pastor at SHBC cuts the cake and reads about what each part means. Then one of the kids sing "Happy Birthday Jesus". This year it is going to be my nephew, Mason and my Jordan. It is always such a sweet part of the Christmas service.

Friday night is my brother (Bernie) and sister's (Amy) birthday (they will be 30...shhhhh!)! So we will have a little (big) family party for them. Then we are all going to go Christmas caroling. We have never really gone caroling. I think it will a fun, memorable experience, especially for the kids!

Sunday night we are going to a candle light service at the beach. That is going to be pretty neat too! The kids are quite excited about that! And of course they are excited about Christmas morning. I think we should add a few extra hours to Christmas Day. We are usually running around all day that day, and we never even have to leave town.

So, I hope that all of you have a very Merry Christmas and a very blessed New Year!

Blessings

This time of year is always so hard on me the past few years. I get very stressed out about what to get the kids and I am always afraid that I will not be able to get them what they really want. Unfortunately, when Buddy was here we really went a bit over board. I truly regret doing that now. I talked to the kids a few weeks ago and explained to them that "Santa" was going to bring them the one thing that they really wanted and that was it. So I stressed about that too. Quite honestly a few weeks ago I truly did not know where the money was going to come from. I am pretty much living paycheck to paycheck, which is fine any other month of the year.

We were not able to even afford to get a Christmas tree yet. Then yesterday a sweet lady brought us over a large 7 1/2 foot artificial pre-lit tree that someone was giving away....giving away! I haven't had a chance to put it up yet, maybe tomorrow night. But it is so amazing to me how God is always there to take care of us. He sends the right people in our path all the time. Now I don't have to worry about getting a tree EVER!

Then I met another sweet lady this week. She had purchased some bags that I made the first of the week. And she called and wanted more so she met me at my office downtown and got 3 more. First of all, that was a blessing in it self. I am still amazed that people like my bags.

Then later that day I get a phone call from a local guy who had talked to this lady. She was trying to get him to get some bags for his wife and daughters (which he is). But he said that he had someone who wanted to help a family this year and asked if he could help out my family. I was very taken back and surprised to say the least. 3 1/2 years ago when Buddy left I really had a hard time accepting anything from anybody. I was determined to do it own my own. And for the most part I have but God sends these angels my way when He really knows I need them. I had a really big pride issue. But my Mom explained to me that when people do things for us that it probably blesses them more than it blesses us. Which is hard to believe because I feel SOOOOO blessed right now. Words truly cannot describe how fortunate I feel.

So this year for Christmas my kids are definitely going to get that one thing that they really want. And I may even be able to get them something from Mommy too. I also got an anonymous check from someone at church too. God takes the worries that I have and over shadows them with such blessings. I know that I am not supposed to worry about anything and I should give God my worries. But sometimes it is really hard to do that! You would really think that it would be an easy thing to do especially with God's track record. He never ever fails us no matter how we treat Him.

So to say the least, I am feeling very blessed this Christmas once again. My business is booming, especially right now with Christmas orders. The word is getting out about Carolina Rags. My children are all very healthy. My family loves me unconditionally. My church families are always there for us. God is just good! Please know that I am so thankful for everything that God has blessed us with.

6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that
he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares
for you. 1Peter 5:6-7

Cooper

Yesterday was a pretty rough for the Bennett household. One of our boxers, Cooper, was hit a car and they could not save him. This is the first real pet that my kids have lost. They were devastated.

Cooper had never been out of the yard. He used to be an inside dog with his momma, Harley, but he eventually decided that he liked it better outside and would not come in anymore. Cooper was the most beautiful boxer I have ever seen. The day he was born I fell in love with him instantly. He was the only male in the litter. He was fawn colored with solid white all the way around his neck. He was mine. He was a good dog, just very, very hyper as we did not get him fixed. We had kinda planned on studding him out, but never did.

The kids were very upset to say the least. Jessica started crying immediately, I told her first. Then we went out and told Jordan and Jackson. They were outside playing with friends. Jackson just kinda looked at me and stared really hard. I could tell he was fighting back the tears because his friends were there. Then he just let it go. I picked him up and carried him in the house. I talked to him about Cooper going up to doggie heaven with my sister's dog, Buster. He kinda thought that was cool. "At least Cooper would have a cousin there." Jackson eventually cried himself to sleep on the couch, bless his heart. he woke up and maybe thought it was a dream, because he came and asked if Cooper was really gone. I told him yes and he cried a little more and all night he kept talking about things Cooper would do that were silly.

Jordan actually handled it pretty well. She is my tender-hearted child, I kinda thought she would take it the worst. But she was comforting the rest. My brother, Bernie, came over last night to patch up the hole that they were getting out of under my deck. Thanks Bern, I love you!

I did try to explain to the kids that this is part of life. This is just the first of many heart breaks that they will have throughout their lives. We did not get to bury Cooper in the back yard because I really wasn't sure how to do that by myself.

Harley (the momma dog) moped and cried all night to go outside and I would get up and let her out and she would wonder around the yard just waiting on Cooper to come out to ponce on her. She knows that something is not quite right. She actually looks sad. I guess she will be ok.

Ok..ok..here I am...

We have been so busy these past few weeks. I reckon it is just this time of the year. I have had tons of shows, which is a great blessing because I am pretty worried about Christmas coming up. Here it is the 11th of December and we have not even gotten our Christmas tree yet...not real sure we will be able to get one, but that is ok. I haven't had anytime to even decorate the house with all of my pretty decorations. I even have new ones that I bought the day after Christmas last year and have been waiting all year to bring them out.

I thought that I would be able to decorate this week but I am gonna be even busier this week. Last night we had the Christmas Pageant at our church (SHBC). All of my kids were in it. I am one proud Momma. They all did so well. ALL of the kids did well. It was a real miracle that it all came together. Although I really should not have doubted it would come off without a hitch, my Mom was the director. She did an amazing job. She may have a new job calling in directing. She paid attention to every detail, and I mean EVERY detail. It was really good!

Friday night my 2 girls were asked to sing at a live nativity in Port Royal at the tea house called 'Lil Peace of Heaven. They sang for about 45 minutes or so. They did so well. The live nativity was so cool. They had a real donkey and pony and goats. They even had a real live 'baby Jesus'. But he didn't last long because it was so cold out. So once again I am a very proud Momma.

This coming Tuesday all 3 of my little ones are performing in the school Christmas program. Jessica is the choreographer for one of the dances they are doing. She has worked very hard. She loves to do things like that. She must take after her Mamaw with the directing gene. Her music teacher thinks that she hung the moon. She calls her her little administrator. So I can't wait to see this performance too.

Friday night is my Christmas party for my office that I do title researching for. We are all going out to dinner. I am not real sure when things are going to slow down. I was up until about 4 am working on purses and it looks like I will be doing that quite a bit this week. I have to get all of these orders out this week. I am do it, I just wish that I could buy me some real energy somewhere. Anybody got any for sale...cheap? On top of it all I got bronchitis last week. I have been coughing my lungs out. I am tired of coughing. But today I feel a little it better, not 100% yet. But definitely on the mend.

I guess this is just an update of what has been going on in the busy, hectic life of a single parent. It never ends! It is so hard to forget the reason for this time of year. It's not just programs and gifts and shopping. It is ALL about the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Sometimes we get so busy we tend to forget all about that. I guess that is just the devil working on us. So don't forget. We would not even have Christmas if it wasn't for Him, some people just don't truly realize that! I know it. Even if we don't get that Christmas tree this year or the kids don't get everything that they want, we still know that Jesus came to this world to save us all and it all started on that first Christmas all those years ago. It is important to keep that thought in the front of your mind at all times. Happy Birthday Jesus!

Giving Thanks!

On today, the day before Thanksgiving, before it gets all crazy and wild tomorrow (cause you know it always does!) I am gonna reflect on many reasons I am thankful.

I am thankful for Jesus Christ. I am thankful that He died on the cross for my sins and yours. It is in Him that we can have a new life. I am thankful that He can forgive us of ALL of our sins. I am thankful that I grew up in a family that taught me to love the Lord!

I am thankful for my kids. I am thankful that they love the Lord. They are the light in my life everyday. Maybe there are days when they absolutely drive me insane, but I am thankful that they CAN drive me insane, that means I am not there yet all by myself!

I am thankful for my parents. Although it was a rocky road to where you guys are right now, I look at you and see hope for all the rest of us! I am thankful that you guys love me unconditionally, because I am sure that I give you reason not too sometimes! :) I love you both so much!

I am thankful for my sisters and brothers. I am thankful that we are all so close now, Lord knows we weren't when we were younger! I am thankful for your friendships and your support. I always know that I can call on you no matter what! I love you big goobs!

I am thankful for all of my friendships. I am so blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people that actually claim me as a friend. :) I am thankful for the Flip Flop Club! You girls have put a light in my life that I thought had gone out. I feel so blessed to be apart of the most wonderful group of ladies ever. I am also thankful for all my blogging friends. You may not know it but you have all encouraged me so much through your kind words and your own posts. Thanks for that!

I am thankful for my health and the health of my children.

I am thankful that God let me go through some really tough times because He knew that I would grow and become the strong, independent woman that I am. I am thankful that He gave me a talent that I could use to provide for my family (and enjoy it!). I am thankful for all of my customers throughout the years, all of your support has made it all worth while!

I am thankful for my church family both CBC and St. Helena. You know what I need when I need it. I am thankful for J-Miah for making me cry every single Sunday morning with your lessons. I truly think that God has blessed you with a great gift. I am sure that you are speaking to me and only me every Sunday.

I am thankful for our home and our freedom. I am thankful for the rain and the sun. I am thankful for fun times and bad.

I am so blessed! Happy Thanksgiving! So, what are you thankful for?

Thanks

I am so thankful for all of your prayers the past couple of days. I have felt a real peace. I am still not sure what that means but I will take it and run for now. I had forgotten how much better I used to feel after blogging about things. You guys are a great bunch, real prayer warriors! So thanks!

I am waking up kinda tired this morning because we had some pretty bad thunderstorms here last night. I slept but it was not good, sound sleep. I could hear the wind blowing through the trees. I am always afraid when it storms at night because what if a tornado or something develops. We live near the Marine Corps Air Station and I kept listening for the tornado alarm to start sounding, it was that bad. My yard, which I raked and cleaned up this weekend, has pine cones and pine straw all over. It even blew my flag down. My chairs out front are blown over. I even think I heard hail falling for a second (hope my van is alright!). So, I laid in my bed last night with Jackson snuggled up beside me and prayed for our safety. And it felt really good to pray and feel it. They are saying that we are going to have more bad weather this morning.

For lunch today I am going to my kids school and have a Thanksgiving Feast with them. This year I am eating with Jess. I have to alternate every year to be fair. The kids always love it when I come to their school. All of the kids know my name so my kids think that I am famous at their school. It's kinda cute! So, off to work I go with a hat on my head (the rain makes my hair frizzy). Hope you all have a great Thursday and Friday. Tomorrow I am in a golf tournament on Parris Island with my sister, Lori, and our friend Jessica. It is going to be a lot of fun. Then tomorrow night I have a small show. Saturday night the flip flop club is having dinner at my other sister, Amy's house. We are going to start working on the float for the Christmas parade. That is my weekend wrap up so far. Have a blessed day!

Tough Times

I have been going through some "stuff" lately. I am having a really hard time dealing with my situation in life. I have been second guessing some big decisions I have made in the past. Which has in turn brought out a lot of very old feelings that I had pushed way deep down inside. Things that I really didn't want to remember, things I thought I had forgotten. And there is a lot of hurt down there.

Tonight I went and had dessert with a really good friend (oops...shhhh) , she helped me out a lot. She asked me, of course, if I had been praying. I said yes, but I had felt very distant. It is like I start to pray and I feel empty, so I stop. I have always tried to do the right thing by everyone else and in everyone else's eyes. That is just the person that I am! And it hurts me really bad when I feel like I have let other's down. But I am only human. I have always tried to do what everybody wants me to do. Maybe that is my problem. I tried it their way and I am still not happy. I really am not sure what to do next.

I am a much stronger person now than I ever was before. I have come a really long way! Ask anyone who really knows me! But these struggles are not going away! They are right up in my face 24/7. Maybe I still have a ways to go. I am hurt and disappointed and I am tired of feeling like I have been walked all over! This is hurt that I thought I had buried a long time ago. Perhaps I just tucked it away, not too sure! But now I am trying to take a step back to look at the big picture. I will get through this time and come out on the other side with my feet planted firmly on the ground. I have really great friends that I know pray for me. I have an awesome family that I know I don't spend enough time with. Sometimes it is just easier to hide than to face the ones you feel like you have let down and disappointed. So I am gonna pray more and I am not going to stop until I can hear Him talking back to me. I am gonna pry the devil's hands from my ears.

On a much happier note.....I lost 4.8 pounds this week in WW. I am down 36.2 now. I do feel really good about that! I am getting compliments everyday! That really keeps me going. My kids tell me all the time that I look nice and that I am skinny! I never ever thought that I would be called skinny EVER!

A quickie post....

I am sitting here and thought I would try to do a quick post. Things just have not slowed down for me lately and I think that they are only going to get busier till at least Christmas. I am very thankful for that but am just so pooped.

We are planning a float for our hometown Christmas parade...a Carolina Rags float. It is going to be too cute. We have lots of god ideas. All of my really good friends, also known as the Flip-Flop Club, are helping to put it all together. Have I told you guys about our Flip-Flop Club yet? Well, these ladies are the best friends I have ever had. Their are 9 of us. We all do WW together and we all hold each other accountable for everything. We get together once a month at one of our houses and have an awesome time. The one hosting cooks us all a WW friendly dinner and dessert. Then we play games and just act silly! We also go to Applebee's (WW menu) once a month after our Monday WW meeting. We are always getting together for whatever reason we can come up with...ie...shopping, golfing, shopping, golfing...oh and trick or treating. I am so thankful and blessed that God brought all of these ladies in my life (well, 2 of them are my sisters so I guess they have been in my life since the beginning).

Anyways, back to the float...it is going to be really classy, cute. Since we are the Flip-Flop Club we are going to have lots of flip-flop decorations. I can't wait. Plus, I hope to get my business name out there a little more. It's not all about the fun...it's about business too...a little. I will be sure to post pictures of the parade and float after the 3rd of December.

Oh, and in WW I have lost a total of 31.4 pounds so far. I feel so good about myself now. I have some of my skinny sisters' hand-me-downs. Sunday I wore Lori's size 10 gaucho jeans to church. Did you hear me...I said size 10. I was a size 18 (probably bigger, though I would not admit it!) when I started this the end of June! Mostly though I am wearing 12 and 14's. I never though that losing weight would be so much fun. These girls have really made it FUN! Thank you guys...you all know who you are. (Aren't you proud of me...I am finally blogging!)

But I am afraid that for now this is all I can do. Lots of work to do. I am supposed to be going to lunch with an old friend. Then to the gym, then back to the home studio to sew, then church tonight, then back home to sew...you get the picture, right? But I love it! I really would not have it any other way. The busier I am, the better!

Bernie Mac is back!

I was able to be apart of one of the most amazing things this weekend! My baby brother, Bernie, graduated from the Faith Home this weekend. He had been there for 60 days. Yesterday he came home!

The Faith Home is one of the most amazing places I have ever been. God's hands are all over that place. Almost our whole entire family plus several friends went. I am so thankful that I was able to be apart of it. SO THANKFUL! My dad, Bernie and my son, Ryan sand Long Black Train. It was so good! Then my dad preached the graduation message....again....awesome! Then Bernie got his certificate of graduation. God has great plans for him...big, big plans! I can't wait to see what they are!

If you would like to see Bernie's graduation speech then please go here to my sister's (Lori) blog where she has it posted in 2 parts. It is awesome! Please go see it!

Bernie I am so proud of you! I will continue to pray for you and I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for you! I love you baby brother!!

Here I am...for the moment!

Ok, I totally have not fallen off of the face of the earth! I have just been super busy, I mean super busy!
Vacation was awesome! We had THE.BEST.TIME! I am ready to go back after having to work a week! All we did was hang out by the pool and well, that was about it! We all got great tans! The kids are so dark, especially Jackson. Where does he get that skin tone from? Not me!

As far as Weight Watchers goes, I lost 5.8 pounds in 2 weeks. Yay! I actually lost on vacation! Can you even believe that one? It helped that Lori was there and she is following the plan too! The only time that I went over my points was when we ordered hot wings (I only had 6...they are 6 points a piece!) and my friend made me dinner at her house and for dessert she made us banana splits. Yummy!
Lori and I got up and walked 3 mornings at 6 am. It felt really good. And can I say that it was high tide most mornings and walking in that soft beach sand does wonders for the legs. I even jogged a little bit. I am not very graceful so jogging is not easy for me, especially with a bum knee, but we did it!
I will post some pictures as soon as I have the time to download them. Busy, busy, busy!
I really don't have time to do anything anymore.Even though I am only working about 4 hours at the courthouse doing title researching, I still have to come home and sew for the rest of the day and even night. Plus the kids stuff they have to do. And house cleaning, I guess I need to do that actually! Maybe this weekend! I don't know how other single women out there do it all and seem to have it all together. Oh well, I guess I will adjust to it!
I have a PTO meeting this afternoon to plan the Fall Festival, then a wedding to attend (yes, on Friday the 13th, go figure!), then out with the girls! Tomorrow is up in the air. We are supossed to go see my husband but we are waiting to see if he has to work. If we don't go then it is definitely house cleaning day tomorrow, plus a few orders that I need to get done! Sunday is church day and Awana, so that about covers us this weekend.
I hope that everyone is doing great! I haven't forgotten about you, I promise to try to make time to stop by and see what you all have been up to! Have a great weekend!

Goin' on vacation!

We are leaving first thing in the morning to go on a week vacation on the Florida coast....me and my kids and my sister and her son. We are going to go to the pool everyday and walk on the beach. This is the actual resort we stay at. Do you see the first palmetto tree in the back behind the pool? Well, the balcony of our room is right by that tree on the 2nd floor. See it? You can picture us hanging out right there in the evenings and taking walks on the beach after dinner with the kids. See the row of chairs by the pool in the middle? Well, that is where we always sit so we can see the kids good in the pool. We will be nice and tan when we get back next Saturday. I can hear the waves breaking right now, hear 'em?

So, I hope that everyone has a great week! I know that we will! If you place an order on the website, I will get right to it on the 9th. Thanks so much for your understanding of a much needed break from the real world! ADIOS!

WW-wk12

Here I am(said in a sing-song voice)....did ya miss me? I have been sooo busy this past week! The kids are out of school and I am working. So when I get home I try to do something with them. Last week we went to the park and out to get ice cream. Fun, they loved it.

I have also had 2 shows and have tons of orders to get completed before we leave for vacation on Saturday. Yay! So, I am exhausted!

As far as WW goes, I am up again .7. It is a little frustrating because I want to see the pounds drop. I have been working out like crazy. I think that maybe I am going to stop working out on Monday afternoon, maybe wait til the evening. I realize that muscle weighs more than fat. I can really see a big difference in my clothes.

Saturday when we went to see my husband he said that he could really notice a huge difference, especially in my face. He even said I had a nice butt. *blush*

We are leaving Saturday morning bright and early for our week in Florida. We are going to a condo on the beach. Our room overlooks the ocean and the pool. We have been going there every year for 9 years. We always go the 39th week, so we get to see the same people every year. It is really nice to see everyone, especially after a year. There are not a lot of kids that go, only a few. But my kids are out on break so it works out.

My sister is going with us again this year. She has gone with us every year since my husband has been gone. We always look so forward to going. This year her hubby can't go so it is just me, her and the kids. Florida better watch out!

Since we are both broke our plans include laying out by the pool and on the beach every single day! Sounds great to me! I can't wait to go! Of course the week goes by so fast! We will be home next Saturday the 5th.

We both should be able to post since the condo has a community computer. Probably only briefly but I may have more time than I have now at home these days!

This past Saturday we had our 2nd annual Flip Flop Club dinner at my sister's house. This is the picture we took after dinner, and a yummy dinner it was! We had so much fun! I haven't laughed so hard in a really long time. But my lips are sealed! *zip*

Carla, me, Sandy, Paige, Cyndy, Amy (my baby sister), Lori (other baby sister), Jessica and Ivette

So here we are once again! These girls are a trip! I am so grateful that they are all in my life. We have all become such great friends! I know that I can call on any of these ladies at any time! They are the best. I love you guys!

WW-wk 11

Weight Watcher's night.....ugh....I am up .2. I was just a little disappointed. :( I really, really tried extra hard this past week. And since I also joined the gym Wednesday, the "weigh-in lady" said that that was why. Apparently muscle weighs more than fat. Which I get but I just started on Wednesday. I have worked out 5 times since then.

Regardless of what the scale says, I feel so good. It has been a really long time since I felt this good, high school...maybe! Who knows? I love going to the gym. I go right after I get off of work so there is hardly anyone there. I never have to wait on machines, which is so cool. I met with a trainer and he put me on a circuit routine. I just go from machine to machine to machine. Next week he is going to show me another routine I can do too.

Finally people that I haven't seen in a while are noticing. A couple even called me "skinny". Can you believe it? That is the kinda thing that keeps me going! This guy was even hitting on me in the gym...go figure! "Sorry...Married!" But it still made me feel good.

S, here are the plans for this week besides working out everyday. Friday afternoon I am going to play golf with my sister Lori and our friend Jessica. I love golf! Me and Jessica played a couple weeks ago and it was so fun! We are going to walk (some), one of us will be driving the cart while the others walk. We are taking turns. (right, ladies?) Then Saturday evening we are having our 2nd annual Flip Flop Club dinner party at Lori's house. She is making shrimp and crab casserole of some sort. We'll see! I just love getting together with "the girls". Saturday afternoon me and the kids are going to see my husband. They are having some sort of cook out. They are serving fried fish. He is so excited. He has only had fish once since he left, and it wasn't fresh and it wasn't fried. I have not seen him in about a month, I think! I am curious to see if he notices my weight loss. He does not like it that I have joined the gym. (Probably 'cuz guys might hit on me....just kidding!) Anyways, and being that I am a working girl again, I am going to be a busy woman.

Oh, I have a purse show tomorrow night and then another one Sunday afternoon. Yay! I love doing these kinds of shows. I get to fellowship with other ladies, it's not even like work! So, I am not sure how much I will be on this week. Plus the kids are out of school for the next 3 weeks, intersession break. SO.MUCH.GOING.ON! If I don't get by, be patient, I will!

Back to work...

Well, I took the plunge this week and went back to work. I am working in the deed room at the courthouse. I am working part time at the moment. This is a big transistion for me as I have not been out side of my home to work in 5 and a half years. I am still making purses as well. I am doing those when I get home and when the kids go to bed.

I Prayed about this decision for a while and really felt led to do it now. Things are just way too tight for us right now. I am hoping that this will help ease the stress just a little bit! Plus, I work in a room with a bunch of my old friends form when I worked there before. It is kinda nice to actually get to have adult conversation once in a while. Or at least to be around other adults, same difference!

I also joined the gym today. Yay me! I am meeting with a personal trainer tomorrow afternoon (after work). I went today and worked the elliptical for 30 minutes. I was dying! I can already feel it in my legs. Ugh! So that was all i did. Hopefully tomorrow I will get an idea of a workout I can do to try to tone up a little. I am really excited about doing this. I just got tired of trying to workout at home when I have to stop and do laundry or the dishes or to stop the fight breaking out in the bedrooms. Now I have non-interrupted time for ME!

Tomorrow night (Thursday) is our PTO meeting when the current Pres. hands over the reins to the new 'gang' of which I am the VP. I am a little nervous as we are starting to plan the Fall Festival which is in October. I have never planned anything more than my kids birthday parties. So, any ideas you guys have will be greatly welcomed.

I am heading off to bed now, I am tired! This is going to be hard to get adjusted to, getting up before the kids and actually having to get dressed and ready. So, sweet dreams to all!
Oh, HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILL (my nephew)! Can't wait to come to yours and Mason's party Saturday. I am so gonna go down that slide with you guys this time! So beware! Aunt Angie is ready to have fun with you guys! Love you!

WW-wk 10

Tonight at our weigh-in, I was a little bit nervous since we had a week off for the Labor Day holiday last Monday. It seems that when I get a week off, I am a little more "lax" with my eating. Although I did not do that bad, I was still a little nervous about it. I really worked hard this past week. Although I would have loved to lose more since really it was 2 weeks, I did lose 2.8 pounds, which puts my total at 23.2 pounds. I am now 196.4.

Next week we will set my next goal. Tonight I hit my 10% goal (21 lbs.). I still can't believe that I lost 10% of my body weight. It was so easy. We have such a close small group (our Flip Flop Club) and that helps because I have kinda made it into a competition for myself. I want to succeed and do this. It feels good when I get compliments. Especially from my Mom (hi Mom, I lost 10%, ahhhh!). I haven't seen my hubby in about a month, I wonder if he will notice. We won't go see him till next weekend so I will lose more by then.

CC, I will be calling you this week to check on your progress. I am holding you accountable girlie! You can count on it! Walk Thursday?

"We shall never forget"...Suzanne H. Passaro

On this the 5th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, it is my privilege and honor to remember and share with you about Suzanne Helen Passaro of East Brunswick, New Jersey.

Suzanne, or Suzy as she was known to many, perished on 9/11/01 at the World Trade Center. She was 38 years old. She was an Aon Corporation client service broker. She had worked very hard to climb the Aon corporate ladder. She was well known for her "down to earth exuberance".

Suzy was born May 12, 1963 to Tony and Helene Passaro. She was born on Mother's Day of that year. Her mother says "She was a wonderful gift." Her mother remembers on May 11, 2002, "Our Sue was the little one in our family which was funny because she turned out to be a good three inches taller than her older sister (Irene) which was her only sibling. Her middle name Helen (english) was after myself since just like tomorrow she arrived to the World on Mother's Day. We miss her and wish that she was with us every moment of every day. As her family we will be meeting tomorrow morning to celebrate her birthday at what once was the WTC."

Her sister, Irene, remembers, "Suzy liked going to Atlantic City and playing the slots, she liked to travel to different resort islands, Aruba being her favorite. She loved to be with people, dancing, fine dining and on the flip side she like to go camping and fishing. She had a lot of energy and was full of life."

Suzy had so much joy and love to share in her life especially to her cat named "Max". He brought lots of happiness to her life as well. Suzanne's block for the United in Memory 9/11 Memorial Quilt reflects that. The block was made by Suzi Cassidy. Another quilt block was made in her honor too, you can go here to see it. What a special tribute, truly it is!

Her sister, Irene, also recalls a very special memory of Suzy when she writes, "Suzy enjoyed the holidays spent with family, friends and the needy people. She looked out for two special little sisters who were living in a homeless shelter with their mother and she became their secret Santa. Each year, the day right after Thanksgiving, she would go shopping to buy toys for the two little girls. One year, they sent her a note thanking her along with their picture and she placed their picture in her wallet next to her family photos she carried with her all the time. It meant a lot for Suzy to give to those who had a lot less. Sometimes money may have been tight for her but, she always found a way to help others."

Obviously, Suzanne was loved by many. She was a very giving person, kind, considerate, funny and loved to have fun. Although I never knew Suzy, I feel know as if I do know her. She will forever be apart of my life and I will remember her and will pray for her family often. She is surely missed by many.

My heart breaks this time every year as we remember all 2996 people that perished that awful day 5 years ago. That is why this was so important to me to be apart of the 2996 Tribute today. This world was changed forever on that day. I can say that it has made me a stronger person. My faith grew stronger as well as my heart. Although I did not know anyone personally who perished, I now feel like I have known Suzy forever. Thank you for that! I would also like to thank Suzi Cassidy of Southern California for helping with this entry. I see that Suzy has a special place in your heart as well.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Hometown Football Game

Last night we went to the Beaufort High School football game. I took all of the kids. We met Jessica and Jeremiah and their 2 little ones there. I have really been wanting to do things like this for Jackson especially. He is the lonely boy here amongst all us girls. And after he asked his sister to paint his nails a few weeks ago, I thought I better start doing 'boy' stuff too.

Well Jackson had a blast. He sat right next to Jeremiah the whole game. He would holler whatever J-miah would holler. "GO DEFENSE!" "WHAT WAS THAT?" COME ON EAGLES!" You get the picture? It made me feel so good on the inside to see J-miah step up for Jackson and be a Godly role model for him. Thanks J-miah!

I can also say that me and the girls had a good time too. Ryan goes to BHS and it is also my alma-mater. And honestly I never thought my kids would ever be in high school. Funny, huh? But they grow up so fast! I can not even believe it!

Oh BTW, the Eagles lost 10-14. Big bummer, but it was a good game. We will definitely make this a family outing on Friday nights from now on.Me and JessicaJackson and Sam (Jackson really thought he was posing with a famous person). Thanks Sam!

Out of Control

Do you ever feel like your life is totally out of control? I am sure that I am not alone in this, come on 'fess up. In this, a very fast-paced world, life can slip out of control. I am sure that it happens to the best of us...agree?

But I know that because of God's grace, He won't reject me when I fail or fall short. Because afterall we all fall short, right? I have learned that God looks for our willingness to let go and let Him have it. He looks for true repentance. I also know that when I am "in Christ" that life is not in MY control but in God's control. Thank goodness for all of us that all of our past problems and our current struggles and even our temporary setbacks do not hinder God's work in and through our lives. He offers us all hope to getting our lives under control even after we have crashed and burned.

He wants us to live our lives as a person after His own heart. He is here to help us all control our sin nature. ('cause you know we all have a sin nature) He understands our struggles and our weaknesses. He knows all about them ALL. If we are obedient and follow His will for our lives then He will indeed take care of us.

I count on this everyday. Maybe lately I have not been as Christ filled as I would like to be, but He always leaves the door open for us and our placed saved for when we decide to return to His feet. And I count on that! Boy, do I ever!

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:12

Been busy!

Been a busy girl these past few days. You know it is Labor Day Weekend! I am in the process of adding my new fall designs to my line of purses. They will be on the website soon, like really soon! So go take a look-see!

This is a new Western Rodeo Diaper Bag.
This one is called Olive Carousel...I love the fall colors in it!
Black and Pink Retro Circles...I think this one is very hip and very bright!
One of my favorites...Red Bandana...this one is just plain fun!
Classic Blue and Brown Toile...I can do this one in a diaper bag too.

I just wanted to share with you guys what I have been up to lately. Sewing away like a mad lady! Spread the word....The New Fall Designs Are Here. There will be many more on the website...hopefully by next week. So go check 'em out!

The storms a comin'

Well, we are starting to brace a little bit for Tropical Storm Ernesto. Just a little wee storm but a storm nonetheless! It is starting to drizzle outside now and the wind is picking up just a little. But it doesn't look like it is going to be too bad. It is forecasted to make landfall right above us near Charleston. But we are supposed to get quite a bit of rain and some winds.

They cancelled schools here for tomorrow. So the kids are kinda excited about that. Although they will be cooped up in the house most of the day with nothing to do except bug me. We do have to go to Savannah, GA in the afternoon so Ryan-Guy can get his braces off. I didn't have the heart to cancel that appointment. We will just have to weather the storm. He has had his braces on for almost 3 years. So he is so ready. He is afraid that he is going to have a white line across his teeth. But I reckon we will see. At least he isn't going to miss school for the appointment...ha!

So please pray that our trip will be a safe one. Savannah is about an hour away. And I really don't like to drive in the rain, much less a tropical storm. Hope that you guys are all staying dry. Have a great Thursday!
UPDATE: 9:45am Ok so it is just raining a little, like barely a drizzle and the trees are not even moving. My flag out front is still! I guess it will rain on and off all day but it looks like we lucked out once again! Jordan and Jackson are playing Play-Doh making me all kinds of neat low calorie snacks...0 points!

A new journey

Each new day brings a new way to praise the Lord. And today is a new day! Today is my brother's 2nd day at Faith Home. I am sure that this is not going to be an easy journey for him but it is a journey he has to take nonetheless. I am so proud of him for taking this step.

God is in the business of putting lives back together. He does not always do it the way that we expect Him to. But He always does it in a way that is best for us! I know that I don't particularly like the path we are on. But I know that there is a plan for all of us.

Trials are apart of life, especially life with Christ. I known that when my husband was going through his trials, both literal and spiritual, he would often ask me when I was on the way out of the door going to church without him if I would pray for him to get out of the situation he was in. At first, yes I did, but soon my prayer became that he would stay strong and for the Lord to do whatever was best for him. And He did.

It was and still is very despairing when I think about the big picture. I definitely would not have wanted this for my family. But because of these trials I have become a much stronger woman. I have become quite independent. And whether or not my husband has changed or not, I know that I am a better person because of these trials. I have grown in more ways than I could ever describe to you.

As long as we are in this world, we are going to have trials. It is a definite way of life here. Sometimes not so fun but if we learn from them then, yes, it is all worth it. We also may not even understand why things happen, but He will always bring the good out of every situation. I have learned many spiritual lessons from our trials. Some not really what I would have wanted.

So, this is also my prayer for my brother. I know that this is going to be a tough time for him. But after witnessing him on Sunday morning in church I could tell that he has finally given his cares and trials to the Lord. God has great, great plans for Bernie and I personally can't wait to see what they are.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many
kinds. James 1:2

Bernie and my Dad yesterday

WW-wk9

I am finally below 200~woohoo! I lost 3.4 pounds this week for a total of 20.4 which puts me at 199.2. I am so excited! I was so excited after weighing in that I don't think I even really listened at the meeting. So I really don't have anything to share from it.~sorry~

After the meeting the Flip Flop Club went out to eat at Applebees. Of course we all ate off of the WW menu. Yummy! I even had dessert, the lemon cheesecake dessert is really good (it's WW). Of course we all had a great time fellowshipping (is this even a word?) and laughing so hard that we almost wet our pants! These are a really great bunch of girls. I am so thankful to have fallen into this group. Next week is Labor Day on Monday so we won't be having a meeting, so until the next Monday...tootle-loo! Yay us!

I have a yard guy

My yard was so bad! I mean so BAD! The grass was probably up to my knees in the backyard! I hated it! My lawn mower broke about a month ago and has not been done since. I have always done our yard. My hubby did it some when he was home, but I just enjoyed getting out there and sweating really hard and having something nice to look at afterwards. Now it is not fun anymore. It has become more of a chore.

But now I have a yard guy. One of my brother's friends has a lawn care business and he came and did it for me. Yay! It looks so much better. All the rain we have had lately has definitely cause my grass to grow faster...duh! I just love the smell of freshly mowed grass. It just started raining again and he just left. So I guess I can't go out and smell it right now so I am telling you guys about it. Aren't you happy?

I will also say that this was a big step for me allowing someone to come over and help me out. I am way too independent, I guess! I always want to just do everything own my own. So now you know! My yard looks great and I now have a yard guy! Baby steps, Angie, baby steps!

My Word Cloud

I saw this at My Quiet Corner tonight and thought I would give it a try to see what would come up. I think that I am very pleased with the words that frequent my blog! If you want to give it a try then go here. Let me know if you do it too!

I hope that everyone is having a great weekend. We are! Today I went to the beach with my sister (Lori) and my sweet, sweet Mason (I miss him so much!). We were only there for about 2 1/2 hours when the rain came a pourin' down! The we loaded up and went to Lori's house and let the kids swim in her pool while we tried to lay out. It was so hot, it really didn't last long. She doesn't quite have the same breeze at her house as the beach had. After we left her house me and the kids went to the Sands (a small waterfront beach type area on the river) and looked for sharks teeth. We found a couple. So we had a good day today. Tomorrow we are going to church with my family. I am really gonna try to be strong and not emotional since Bernie will be there. But I know that I am going to miss him so much. But it is all worth it!

Enjoy your Sunday with family and friends! Tootle-loo!

Storms

My heart has been engulfed by my little brother the past couple days. I am so proud of him for taking a step towards recovery. It has reminded me of the storm on the lake that the disciples encountered while Jesus was not with them. I'm sure that it must have been scary for all of them being out of the lake and the boat rocking and the water crashing in the boat. Can you even imagine? But then they look out across the lake and see the image of Christ walking on the water towards them. I'm sure that that in itself was a frightening sight.

Then they heard that familiar voice, the voice of Christ saying, "It is I; do not be afraid." Then as they took Him in their boat they were immediately back at the shore. Jesus helped them through the storm.

Every spiritual storm has a purpose. It may be to teach us patience or the purity to rely on Him. God always works the storms out for good. And with each storm we face, we grow and are that much stronger. Jesus is always holding His hand out and telling us, "It is I; do not be afraid." So we can relax during the storms and wait patiently to see what God has in store for us.

I know that this is going to be tough on all of us who love my brother. We are going to miss him so much. But he is finally letting God work in his heart. He is taking Jesus' hand and following Him to his recovery. I can't wait until he gets back and HE is back! I love you baby brother. Know that my prayers are always with you...

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry...He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Psalm 40:1,3

I said to "Trust Me!"

"O God, give me the serenity to accept what cannot be changed, the courage to change what should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other."

I have really tried to make an honest effort lately to be happy. I am a very happy person anyways but it seems that lately I have caught myself down in the dumps for many different reasons. Oh, I am not grumbling right now. But I am giving myself an attitude adjustment.

People ask me all the time "How can you be so happy and cheerful all the time after all that you have been through these past few years?" I am so glad that I do appear to be that way but it is not always true, I guess. But quite honestly, I have a choice, I could complain all the time or I could just trust in God and let him carry my burdens for me. I am not at all saying that I do this on a daily basis, I am human and sometimes I forget to give it all to Him.

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to
you." 1 Peter 5:7

This is a natural reaction, especially for someone who does not know the Lord. But for believers, such as myself, we should know better and let Him take it. He tells us..."Stop worrying! You are in my care. Let me do it for you. Trust me!" I also know that this a continual, learning process. It is so easy for us to recognize God's hands in the good things but so hard for us to see it in the bad things too. Why are we so reluctant to practice Jesus' teachings?

If we step back and take a look at our lives as God sees it then maybe it wouldn't be so hard for us to let it go and let Him carry that burden. Then we may lose that urge to worry and complain and start "casting our cares on Him".




Think of it this way...what if our children left the house everyday and worried about how we (their parents) would care for them? Wouldn't that make us sad? Wouldn't we be grieved on many levels because of that? Their concerns are our concerns, as is our Father's. It is the same thing!

Pizza Meme

Ok, I was tagged to do this Pizza meme by Jen at a Good Cup Of Coffee. So here goes! This is gonna be fun!

What was your favorite thing about being a kid? I loved being a kid. We have a very large family. I loved having family get togethers (still do). I can remember going to Hilton Head Island for family reunions with my grandmother (MaMa). There was a pool and I got to swim like the entire time. I would get to see aunts and uncles and cousins that I only saw once a year. I always looked forward to those times. I guess then I grew up and was too cool to go and now I miss them.

What was your favorite subject in school? I can't really say I had a favorite subject...maybe math, algebra. But my most favorite class in high school was when I was on the yearbook staff. We got to do tons of fun things and I love coming up with new ideas (still do).

Who was your best friend when you were 10? My best friend was Beth Phillips. She was and still is a very good friend. It is hard to come by those types of friends anymore. We went a long time and were out of touch but we picked right up where we left off. I was always at her house as a girl. I always went on vacations with them. They were the ones that took me to the mountains for the first time ever. Being a coastal girl, I had never really been away from the coast. We always had the best time. Lots of very good memories!

If you could be any animal what would you be? I would have to say probably a cheetah. They are so mysterious and beautiful and fast. (this was a hard one, I'd rather not be an animal.)

What would you change about you school, occupation or life right now? I would not change a whole lot. The Lord has blessed us so much. I know that everything happens for a reason. I would probably want to make a little bit more money so I can continue to stay home with my kids all the time.

What's your favorite color? I love pink and green (like a lime green). They are such bright and cheerful colors....makes me smile.

What is your favorite type of crust and toppings? I like thin crust with pepperoni and cheese mainly. I do like ham (or Canadian bacon) with pineapple but never get it because the kids think it is gross.

Thanks Jen for the tag, it was fun! Anybody else wanna do this one let me know so I can check yours out too. Hope you all are having a blessed day!

WW-wk 8

Here it is Weight Watchers Monday (actually it's almost Tuesday). So I am gonna be real quick here. If you want toread what I learned tonight in the meeting then go here and look for the post "How does your seed grow?" I didn't put a direct link because these ladies are very inspiring so browse around and glean some weight loss wisdom.

I had a good week this week. I was very excited. I can honestly say that this is the easiest weight loss plan I have ever done. I can have whatever I want, no questions asked, I just need to stay within my budget. So, when I am deciding what to eat, I ponder on it and decide if it is really worth the point value. Is it really gonna be that good? Nah, so I'll put the Oreos and M&M's back up. Will power, I have gained a lot of will power the past 2 months.

I lost 2.8 pounds this week, for a total of 17 pounds. So, now I am at 202.6 pounds. It was kinda funny because Lori and I started at the same time and tonight we had both lost 17 pounds exactly. Of course, she is .8 from her goal weight and I am about 30 or 35 away. You go girl! Thanks Lori for making me go 2 months ago, ok, not making me but asking me to go with you! Yay us!

Pictures from the Flip Flop Club

Yummy dinner!

So, my sister insisted on taking a picture of my plate before and after since I am such a picky eater. I hope I did her proud! Who would have ever thought I would have eaten fish tacos?

My plate before (Jessica behind me)

My plate after

After dinner conversation

L to R: Paige, Amy, Ivette, Jessica, Me and Sandy (Lori is behind the camera)

The Flip Flop Club

Sandy, Lori, Jessica, Me, and Ivette (Amy and Paige had to leave early)

Fun at Cheesecake's house

OMG, we had so much fun last night at our first ever WW supper club at Jessica's house aka Cheesecake. It was so good. And I am not sure I have ever told you guys how much of a picky eater I am. Well, I am a picky eater. I don't like many vegetables, which makes eating healthy quite a challenge. But I am really trying to expand my horizon's regarding my food choices.

So, when I got to Jessica's house I was a little nervous about her menu. She had a really good appetizer. Then she served fish tacos. (I was really worried about them.) It just doesn't sound appetizing. But they were really good. She also served black beans and corn, mango chutney, homemade salsa, ginger coconut rice, and ginger slaw. I ate everything except the ginger slaw. And it was really good. I bet Jess stayed in the kitchen ALL.DAY.LONG to get all of this ready for us. Then for dessert she made homemade tiramasu. I had never had it but mmmm it was good. (4 points for a 1/2 inch slice.) She modified the recipe to make it WW friendly. I really could have eaten another slice but didn't, although Lori did. shame*shame!

We had great conversation and we even named ourselves the Flip Flop Club (duh...we all had flip flops on). The we all tried to give each other our own little funny nicknames. It was just good, clean, silly fun. Jessica is such a great person and is so much fun to be around. We all have a lot to live up to when it comes our time to host the Flip Flop Supper Club. She even printed up fancy menus with all of the point value next to them. Lori is hosting next month...can't wait already!

Losing weight is kinda fun when you are doing it together with family and friends. Oh, Lori did take pictures but she hasn't forwarded them to me yet. Come on, Lori! We are gonna take a picture at every dinner party so we can see our monthly weight loss!

So, thanks Jessica for being such a great hostess. YOU ROCK! See ya tomorrow evening when we all weigh-in. Yay us!

Weekend plans...

I can't wait till tomorrow evening. We are going to have our first Weight Watchers Supper Club at Jessica's house. We decided to do this a few weeks ago and it is finally here. I guess you are wondering why I am so excited...huh...are ya? Well, I really don't get out much, especially with just the girls. That's grown-up girls, my friends. I love hanging out with the girls every now and again. We all need a little girl time, right?

So it is going to be me, Lori (my sister), Amy (my other sister), Sandy (my brother's girlfriend), Ivette (friend) and of course Jessica (since it is at her house!). I am not sure if anyone else is coming, so if you are in the neighborhood, then stop on by. Jess is serving fish tacos, I think. I'm not real sure about fish tacos but I guess we will see. The thing I am most excited about is whenever we all get together, we laugh so hard it hurts. (I need to remember to tighten my abs when I laugh, could help, right?) After dinner we are all going to go for a walk around the neighborhood. It is gonna be a really good time, I am sure! I will have to take some pictures to share, if stupid blogger will let me upload pictures. The sign of a true blogger is the camera she carries with her EVERYWHERE! Go figure!

Tomorrow morning we are going to visit my hubby. Thank goodness he is only 25 minutes from our home. The kids are excited. We can stay for about 4 hours. Although Jordan is going to a birthday party so we will have to leave a little early. The visitation room is like a big cafeteria with lots of round tables and chairs. We have to sit at an assigned table. There are vending machines with snacks and microwaveable meals and of course soda machines. He loves it when we come visit, not only because he misses us but he gets to eat things that he normally doesn't get to eat. He is known for eating a chicken sandwich, a double cheeseburger, a couple packs of wings, and a couple of strawberry shortcake cups and a candy bar or 2. Sounds like a lot but I guess since he doesn't get to do it often, he indulges when he can. We will play umpteen games of Uno or war or Go-fish or maybe even checkers. We will talk about the kids and school. They all just got really good progress reports so they can't wait to tell him. Jackson will probably arm wrestle his daddy and the girls will sing him a song or two or show him a new dance they learned on the playground. Basically, it is the same visit everytime we go. I just sit there and watch my kids with their daddy, every minute is precious.

After we get home, Mommy gets to cut the grass and work in the yard. Fun, fun! I totally can't wait....NOT! But it is something I guess I will have to do for a little bit longer. I'll be alright, it always is. So, what are your Saturday plans? Doin' anything fun? Huh, huh are ya? Well hope you have fun doin' it! Happy Saturday!

NOTE: Jessica, my spell check said your name was spelled wrong too, it also suggested cheesecake. Geez, I wonder what that means? Are we having 0 point cheesecake tomorrow night for dessert?

Where is my little manly man?

It's kinda funny. Since my hubby is not home, and won't be for another 16 months, and Ryan (15) stays with my mom and dad during the school year so he can go to a better high school across town, poor 'ole Jackson is stuck here with all the girls. I have read enough parenting books and attended enough parenting classes at church to know that he needs to be doing "manly" things. You know like fishing and playing ball and grunting and making f*rt noises and all those other guy things. I try to do fun things with him that don't involve baby dolls and barbies. Being around us girls all the time, I reckon he just takes after us.

When the girls are painting their nails, he will come back and sure enough they have painted his too. And he loves playing daddy when Jordan plays baby dolls. He is nurturing and loves to snuggle with me at bed time. He likes to watch all those silly Nick shows, like Lizzy, Raven, etc.

Of course, he would rather be doing the guy type things but I am a girl and God made us girls to be girls. So, it worries me that he isn't getting hardly any guy time lately. I hate to ask friends and family to do this with him because they have their lives too. I feel like I would be bugging them. But then again, I don't want my son to miss out on those things that he should be doing with his daddy.

I think that he needs a mentor/a buddy to hang out with on occasion. Maybe to take him fishing or throw around the baseball or to scratch their butts together, something. I don't want these crucial years to slip by and regret not doing something about it later when it may be too late. (OK, maybe not butt scratching but you know what I mean.) Jackson is definitely all boy, don't get me wrong. He loves to run around with his shirt off like his big brother and things like that but he really needs an adult to step in and do things with him.

Ok, now here is the problem, I am really not sure how to approach this. There have been several men at church who have offered to spend time with him, but they have never followed through with their offer. Yes, I have a dad and 2 brothers and 2 BILs but they all have their own kids or jobs or whatever. So, what should I do? Wait 16 months and hope for the best? I also want to make sure that I absolutely trust this person.

As I reread this I realize that I just need to ask around and find someone, I already know what the answer is. But I am not the kind of person that ever asks for help. I get really nervous whenever I have to ask anyoneto do anything for us. (I guess I need to get over this!)

I wrote this post wanting your advice but in the end answered my own question. Funny how that happens, huh? (Now, why won't blogger let me uypload any pictures? It haven't been able to do that for a while now, any ideas on that? Help!)

You know the thing about blogging...

...is that you really get to make some really good friends. I don't know about the rest of you, but I truly feel a connection with all of you out there in the blogosphere. Being a small town girl, I kinda feel like I have broadened my realm. I have gotten out in the world, so to speak. I never thought that I would have friends that I feel so close to that I have never even met. I look forward to reading your blogs everyday and when I don't get to do it daily, I feel like a piece of my day is missing. But unfortunately, life still goes on beyond the blog world.

With that said, right after I started blogging, geez eons ago, I had an awesome blog welcome from Blest With Sons. She used to live here several years ago, I didn't know her then but she was my son's choir teacher. We have several mutual friends and one of those friends forwarded my business site to her. I remembered seeing her in the hallways, but not sure we ever really met. She was so sweet and even ordered a purse from me, 2 actually. Come to find out 2 of her most favorite people in the world are my very own nephews, Dustin and Brandon (the twins). She is one of the funniest, straight forward people I know. Now I blog with her and several other woman at One Weigh Or Another. Come get encouraged by our journey to weight loss.

Then, I was so surprised a few months ago when GiBee from Kisses of Sunshine called me. She had ordered a purse that I special made for her and she was calling to thank me for it. She is just as sweet and real as she is on her blog. It was so cool to sit and just talk to her. GiBee, I hope you still love your purse.

Then just last week I got a phone call from Faith at Faithful Mommy. Now this is a funny story that goes to show how small this world really is. When Winston passed away 2 weeks ago we had to travel to Atlanta for the funeral. Well, Faith was reading the paper and saw that Winston was being buried in her hometown. She emailed me and told me. I truly thought that it was so cool that she made the connection. We did not get to meet, yet, but I am sure that we will in the near future because my MIL has moved right up there close to where she lives. Anyways, she called me last week and I.LOVED.TALKING.TO.HER! She was so encouraging to me. She is the true meaning of a Titus woman. I definitely feel like I have a true friend that I can call on anytime I need encouraging. Thanks Faith!

Then, Sunday I met Monica from Homespun Heart. I had been reading her blog for a long time when I recognized a link on it that made me think that maybe we lived in the same town. Well, it turns out we go to the same church. I have been trying to figure out who she is for a couple months now. But she has been busy going on bedrest and then having a beautiful baby girl. So, Sunday I saw a woman with a brand new baby and knew that it had to be her. We even sit on the same side of the church. So, we both introduced ourselves at the same time. Her children are just as beautiful as they are in the pictures. Monica, I hope that oneday soon we can maybe have lunch together or something.

Then, of course there is my real life sister, Lori at Making Memories of Us. And her friend from high school who was there when my first son was born, Laura at Our Life and Times. Then there is my brother's girlfriend Sandy at Heart Strings. Let's see who else? Well, my friend Jessica was trying to start a blog but hasn't gotten it off the ground yet. Come on Jess! And my friend Debi from church started one, brand new The Journey Continues, go welcome her, would ya!

So, this may be a big world but it is so cool to know that I have tons of new friends from all over that I can count on whenever I just need to spill my guts and beg for prayer or whatever. And I do count on that and am encouraged by that! Thanks guys!

WW-wk7

After last week and gaining .6, I was a little nervous about weighing in tonight. But I lost 3.4 lbs. for a total of 14.2 lbs. I really tried to make an added affort to eat right this week. I think it helped that I ate dinner with a WW buddy twice this week. (I loved it Jessica!) She made a whole pizza that was about 16/17 points, so we halfed it and each ate about 8 points. (Now that was half a pizza and we didn't even finish it all!) It was really good! Then we walked about 2 miles or so, then walked again the next night before another great dinner. It is really important to have support. If you surround yourself with other people that are eating right then you will not be tempted to 'cheat'. That is my tip for tonight!

So Saturday night we are having our first WW supper club. Jessica is hosting the first one. She thinks that she is gonna make fish tacos. She says that they are really good, they better be, girlie! I trust her. I had my first taste of asparagas the other night at her house. It was not bad but I don't think I could eat a whole serving. At least I tried it, right? So, my prayer for this week is that I would make smart choices in the things that I eat and that I will not give into temptations.

First day of lots!

Well, tomorrow is the start of school for many around here. My 3 little ones started in July so they are settled. But Ryan starts the 10th grade in the morning. I still can't believe that my sweet baby darlin' is growing up so fast. He is taller than I am, about 6'1". I never thought I would have to look up at him. He is such a handsome young man. And I am so proud of him! I don't think I say it enough! I love you baby! (I know you read this, you nosy little booger!)

Tomorrow is also the first day of all day preschool for my 5th child. Oh, you thought I only had 4 kids! Well, don't tell my sister, Lori, but her son is part mine too! My sweet nephew Mason has been with me since Lori went to work soon after his birth. I have kept him for almost 4 years. It broke my heart to think of that sweet baby going to a daycare center so I volunteered to keep him for her and Brett. I honestly can'y believe that it has been that long.

Well, my sister has decided to let him go to preschool 5 days a week. Apparently it is time to cut the Aunt Angie umbilical cord! Ugh! I am so sad. This kid is one of the most amazing kids I know. He is so smart and quirky and funny, no, he is hilarious! He is just gonna blossom even larger than life now that he is going to real school. He soaks up things like a sponge.

So, tonight I am a little sad that my little buddy won't be adorning my home on a daily basis. I am also gonna miss seeing my sister every morning and afternoon. We have some of our best talks at those times. She is one of my very best friends and I am so thankful that God made us both sisters and friends!

Now what am I gonna do with my time? Just kidding...actually I am thinking about trying to find a small part-time job, maybe in the mornings. Since Lori paid me to keep Mason, I now need to try to replace that income. I am kinda scared about working again outside of my home. I have become very independent, not having to answer to anyone and coming and going as I please. Obviously, I still want to keep doing my own business, making purses and such. So, I guess we will see what the Lord has in store for me now!

Mason and Ryan I hope you both have a great first day of school. I love both of you!

Friday's Feast 106

Ok, since I am doing WW I think that I am going to participate in the feast today...0 calories, 0 fat and high in fiber, therefore, 0 points!! What could be better than that?

Appetizer: Tell about a toy you remember from your childhood.
I remember I used to have an inch worm, it was green and I could get on it and bounce up and down and it would go. It was always at my grandma's house. (I loved that thing!)

Soup: If you could make one thing in the world absolutely free for everyone, what would it be?
No doubt, gas!

Salad: Approximately how many times per day do you think about your significant other?
All day long, everyday...

Main Course: What is something you believe in 100%?
Absolutely Jesus Christ and that he died on the cross for my sins so that I could live forever with Him!

Dessert: Name one thing you have done this week that you would consider a "good deed."
This week? Hmmm...I took a cobbler to a good friend. I am own my way to the school to sell popcorn for the PTO! (is that really a good deed?) Last week was my really big good deed week!