THE SWEET LIFE

Still Here

2009-07-02T15:11:00.001-04:00

I do not want to think that I forgot about my blog friends. I am in the potty training stages of a 21/2 year old. Happy 4th!!!

GREAT WEEKEND

2009-06-24T10:08:00.003-04:00

I know that I am late on this post, and I am so sorry. I had a great day with the hubby on Friday. It was relaxing and was able to soak up some sun without the kids. This has not happen in almost 3 years. I am ready to do it again, but I think with the kids. We saw light house and ate fresh seafood too. My fave. Here are some pics from the day. Hope that you enjoy.

Me with the view of the ocean from the lighthouse.

The beautiful Lighthouse in St. Simons Island, GA.

The hubs and me with view of the ocean from the Lighthouse.

Us before dinner.

Cutest Give Away!!!

2009-06-23T14:16:00.002-04:00

You must go over to Monogram Chick and check out her cute give away. When entering the give away a say I sent you over there. Hope everyone has a great day.

HELP!!!

2009-06-23T10:20:00.001-04:00

I am starting a bible study class in my home when school starts. I am leaning toward doing it on Godly Mothers. This is where I need your help. I am trying to find a book that we can read and talk through. If any of know of one that is good, or even read one that is good, please let me know. Thanks.

Devotional Tuesday....

2009-06-23T09:22:00.003-04:00

As was reading my daily devotional today, the Lord laid it my heart to share it. It was about fear of people.

"The fear of man lays a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord is safe." Proverbs 29:25.

We have all been afraid of what someone might say if we told them the truth, or what they might think if we wear something that is out of our comfort zone. I bet you have even had fear walking into someone that you really just did not care for. I know I have. I always try to rely on myself, and it never turns out the way it should. Well, this verse says it all to me. I am so glad that I can turn to the Lord and I am safe. Fear is from the devil. He uses it to his best advantage too. He will make us think that we are nothing, when we are CHILDREN OF GOD!!! How good is that. We need to cast all of our fears on God and trust that He will help us through them.

My prayer for all of my blog readers is that God will be with you today and help you with any fears that you face today.

Tasteful Thursday....Old Fashion Ice Cream

2009-06-18T08:15:00.002-04:00

It is summer time in South GA and that means it is time for homemade ice cream. I was ready to get it out and make my first freezer full. I love to make it and serve it to others. I am all about baking, cooking, and serving others. I truly believe that is one of my God Given Gifts. This is not your usual recipe either. It takes all day to make it. I can remember as a kid thinking that homemade ice cream took all day, well this one does. It is worth it too.

OLD FASHION ICE CREAM
(this is for a 4 quart churn, if yours is bigger I can email you the right recipe for it)

2 1/2 CUPS OF SUGAR
1/4 CUP PLUS 2 TABLESPOONS ALL PURPOSE FLOUR
1/2 TEASPOON SALT
5 CUPS MILK
4 EGGS, BEATEN
4 CUPS WHIPPING CREAM
2 TABLESPOONS VANILLA EXTRACT

Combine sugar, flour, and salt in saucepan. Gradually stir in milk. Cook over medium heat for approximately 15 minutes or until thickened, stirring constantly.
Gradually stir about 1 cup of hot mixture into the beaten eggs. Add egg mixture into hot mixture, stirring constantly, cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Refrigerate 2 hours. Combine whipping cream and vanilla in large bowel; add chilled mixture, stirring with wire whisk to combine. Freeze as your freezer directs.

You can also add anything that you like to it before freezing. I have added chopped up butterfinger to it and it is great. I will be adding some peaches to the next one I believe.

I hope that you enjoy your summer. I will be back Monday to post about my anniversary weekend. We leave tonight and head to St. Simmons for the day tomorrow. This will be our first trip without kids. Please pray that everything goes as plan. I am a little nervous about it. Have a great weekend!!!

5 Years....

2009-06-17T10:07:00.004-04:00

Where has time gone? That is the question that ask my self. This Friday, will be our 5th anniversary. I will tell you that I am more in love with my hubby than I was 5 years ago. We have been through so much together. Here is just some of it: First miscarriage @ 6 months of marriage. 2nd miscarriage year and half of marriage. Birth of our first son @ 34 weeks. Found out that he would have to have three surgeries before the age of 2. That is more than my husband has ever had. He also spent 3 weeks in NICU. The birth of our 2nd son and he spent 24 hours in NICU. I having to go from 2 incomes to one in matters of hours. Understand that I am a nurse and my son was too little and had to much going on for me to return to work. Through all of this, we have gained love for each other and strength too. I can say that if it was not for the Lord I do not know where we would be. I am so thankful for my husband. I love him and ready to see what the next 50 years will bring.

Here are some pics from our wedding and honeymoon. We went to Ocho Rios Jamaica for a week. We loved it and can not wait until our 2 sons are old enough to go with us.

Tender Hearted

2009-06-11T13:14:00.002-04:00

I was reading and doing my bible study, and this verse just spoke volumes to me. With all the hate blogs that has been done lately, maybe God will speak to you too.

" Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:31-32.

That is strong. Have a good day.

Tasteful Thursday....Pound Cake

2009-06-11T08:18:00.003-04:00

I am from the south, and you know that southern ladies loves pound cake. I have tried different recipes and this one is my favorite of all times. It came out of Paula Dean Dessert Recipe book. I can not claim it, but I do cook it all the time. I have made a birthday cake with it too. It is easy and everyone will rave about it too.

SOUTHWEST GA POUND CAKE

1 CUP UNSALTED BUTTER

3 CUPS OF SUGAR

6 LARGE EGGS

3 CUPS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR

1/2 TEASPOON BAKING POWDER

1/2 TEASPOON SALT

1 CUP HEAVY CREAM

2 TEASPOON PURE VANILLA EXTRACT (you may use lemon or almond instead. I only have used vanilla.)

DO NOT PREHEAT OVEN!!!!

Generously grease and flour a 10 inch bundt pan.

Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar together until fluffy, add the eggs one at a time, beating well between each. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt; alternately add flour mixture and heavy cream to the butter sugar mixture, beginning and ending with flour, stir in vanilla.

Pour batter into prepared pan, PUT INTO COLD OVEN and set temperature to 325. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes WITHOUT OPENING THE DOOR (DO NOT PEAK); Bake an additional 15 minutes if necessary.

Remove from oven and cool in pan for 15 minutes, invert cake onto cake plate.

This cake will be so moist. Yes, and cooking without preheating the oven works. I will be honest, I did not think it would come out cooked all the way through and it did.

Great Give Away

2009-06-09T12:56:00.002-04:00

This is a great give away and one that you will not want to miss out on. Fantabulously Frugal's is giving away some gret things that you will not want to miss out on. Go check it out.

Elmo Comes to Town!!!

2009-06-09T12:32:00.009-04:00

I told you yesterday that I would post about my great weekend, well it did not happen and I am totally sorry.

Friday night, hubby and I took kids to see Elmo Live. I will have to tell you that I was not looking forward to it at all. I had a blast. It was great and I enjoyed it more than I ever could imagine. Trey had a blast and Noah danced and ate is Elmo that he got the hole night. I am already to go to another one. Here are some pics from the show.

Love Dare

2009-06-08T09:50:00.003-04:00

I did say that I would be back to tell you about my wonderful weekend and I will. I just had to share something with you before then. To all of you who are married and have not done "The Love Dare" devotional book. It is a must. My hubby and I started it this weekend, I will tell you that I love it. I can already see my self changing in areas that I did not think I needed too. I just want to but this out there: OUR MARRIAGE IS NOT IN TROUBLE, BUT WE JUST WANTED TO DO SOMETHING TOGETHER. OK with that said go out and buy it. You will not regret is.

Final Swap Partners

2009-06-08T09:33:00.004-04:00

I have a few people email and let me know that they were not going to be able to be apart of the swap. Here are the final partners:

Jen and Rob & Politics and Pearls
The Pink Chick & Wee
~Holly~ & Miss Anne
Simply Chic & Needs Help
Amanda's Sunshine & KRISTEN'S PALACE
Mrs. Potts & MLG
cpullum & Carly
Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend & *kimmie*
Please email them and get some info on them. Be creative and have fun. Remember the limit is 35.00. Please have them mailed by the 20th. Hope that everyone has a great day. Will be back later to tell about my awesome weekend.

The Winner is....

2009-06-05T13:18:00.004-04:00

I have had a blast hosting my first giveaway. It has been fun. I am looking forward to the next one I do. There were lots of people who enter and I wished that I could give everyone of you something but I can not. The winner is Mrs. Potts @ Experiments in a Galley Kitchen . My email address is amandylpn12@yahoo.com. I will need your initials to go on towel. Congrats.

Swap Partners are:

Whitney & Politics and Pearls

The Pink Chick & Wee

~Holly~ & Miss Anne

Tara & Simply Chic

Needs Help & Kathie @ my net finds

Amanda's Sunshine & KRISTEN'S PALACE

Mrs. Potts & MLG

cpullum & Carly

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend & *kimmie*

Jen and Rob & Me. I had to be in the swap because there was not an even number.

Please get the swap packages out by June 20th. If you can not be in the swap, please let me know. I want everyone to get a package that sends one out. I hope that you all have fun with the swap. Be creative with it. It is unlimited. Have fun!!!

Tasteful Thursday...Butterfinger Sundae

2009-06-04T09:00:00.009-04:00

Who does not like ice cream sandwiches , butterfinger, cool whip, and peanuts? When you put them all together, who have the most wonderful, sinful dessert that you will put into your mouth. I have been making this for many years and it is one of favorite summer desserts. It is easy and everyone will want you to make it all the time.

BUTTERFINGER SUNDAE

2 PACKAGES OF FUN SIZE BUTTERFINGERS-CRUSHED

1 BOX OF ICE CREAM SANDWICHES

1 SMALL CONTAINER OF COOL WHIP

CHOCOLATE SYRUP

BUTTERSCOTCH SYRUP(OPTIONAL)

1 CUP OF ROASTED PEANUTS (OPTIONAL)

IN A TRUFFLE BOWL- YOU WILL START WITH THE ICE CREAM SANDWICHES. YOU WILL WANT TO CUTE THEM IN HALF AND PLACE AROUND THE BOTTOM. THEN ADD A SMALL AMOUNT OF COOL WHIP. SPRINKLE SOME BUTTERFINGER AND PEANUTS ON THE COOL WHIP. REPEAT THIS UNTIL ALL OF IT IS IN THE BOWL. ONCE ALL IS IS IN THE BOWL, DRIZZLE CHOCOLATE AND BUTTERFINGER SYRUP ON TOP OF IT ALL. PLACE IN FREEZER UNTIL READY TO SERVE.

This is a recipe that you will want to share with everyone and one that you can put together fast all the cookouts you will attending this summer. Enjoy

Slow To Speak

2009-06-03T12:15:00.002-04:00

For the last few weeks, I have read some blogs, which other people have left mean comments or sent mean emails. People the blogs are our blogs, NOT YOURS. We can say, type, express what ever we want to on OUR blogs. If you do not like what you read, QUIT READING THEM!! You say that you leaving some Godly advise, but in the end you have done more damage than you thought you were doing in the first place.

As I read the blogs, some passage from James came to mind. I am going to share them with you: James 1:19-22 " So then my beloved brethren, let every man be SWIFT TO HEAR, SLOW TO SPEAK, SLOW TO WRATH; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore lay aside all FILTHINESS and OVERFLOW OF WICKEDNESS, and receive with the meekness the implanted word' which is able to save your soul. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."

People, remember that these people are really and they do have feelings too. Think about if it was you, would you want them to do it to you? I would so not, but who knows. People use this as therapy and to vent, be sensitive to them.

Sorry, I just had to get this off of my chest. Hope that everyone is having a great day.

Reminder....Give Away this Friday

2009-06-02T10:48:00.001-04:00

I have not gone any where, I have just been very busy the last few days. I will be back later today to tell all about this weekend. I just wanted to remind everyone that Thursday will be the last day to enter the summer giveway/swap. I hope that everyone had a great weekend.

Tasteful Thursday...Nacho Chicken

2009-05-28T11:51:00.003-04:00

I know that I missed last weeks post, but I have to share a fav of mine today. Your kids will love this and will eat just because there is chips on it. NOW, who would not eat it.

NACHO CHICKEN

2 TABLESPOONS of MAYO
1/4 TEASPOON SALT
1/4 TEASPOON DRIED ITALIAN SEASONING
2 SKINNED AND BONE CHICKEN BREAST HALVES
3/4 CUP of CRUCHED CHEESE DORITOS
1 TABLESPOON MELTED BUTTER

Combine the first 3 ingredients together. Spread on both sides of chicken. Dredge chicken in crushed chips. Place chicken on a lightly greased baking sheet. Drizzle butter of the chicken and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is done.

This is the best stuff. I always serve it the green beans and corn. What family would not love this.

Help Needed!!!

2009-05-27T09:54:00.002-04:00

As you saw yesterday, I repainted my kids bathroom. It is the guest bathroom too. I am wanting to paint a saying on the wall and have no idea what I want it to say. I want it to go along with the frog theme. This is where I need your help. Please help me come up with a saying. If you think of one, just leave it in the comments for me. The one I pick, I will send a gift card for. So good luck to all.

DIY is That Easy!!!!

2009-05-26T10:35:00.009-04:00

I am so sorry about not doing my Thursday post. It was a crazy day. I had 7 children here and was totally give out after they left. Friday was just as crazy. Noah is now 4 months old and it was time for his check up. He got clean bill of health. Thank God. After that I started on my long DIY projects.

My first project was the kids bathroom. A few months ago I purchased a shower curtains with frogs on it. It looked good in the bathroom, but the room needed some more color in it.

This picture is of the room before I painted it. A little boring, what you think.I decided that while the hubby was gone I would paint it. The color I picked out is called Pear Green.

The second projects were curtains for both of the boy's rooms. I knew what I wanted, but I could not find anything I liked so I decided to make my own. This was my first time doing it and I know that I will be making all of my curtains now. It was easy and you have unlimited ideas.

This is my oldest room. I just used denim fabric and checked red and white ribbon. It was what I wanted. His room is trains and animals so I wanted it look rustic.

This is my youngest son's curtains. I already had the white panel curtains and wanted to had some color to them. I found these place mates. I really like the why they turned out.

On Sunday after church we had some friends over and we grilled steak and shrimp. I telling you, I ate to much that day and I am ready for some more. I really love entertaining and having friends over. That night we rented a movie and camped out in the living room floor with the kids. "T" really enjoyed it. He got to stay up past his bed time. I can tell you that I am getting old because yesterday I was extremely sore all over.

Yesterday, we had a relaxing day. It was great just spending it the family. I hope that you all had a great long weekend. I am so ready for the rain to stop in South GA and see some sun for a change.

Yesterday we relaxed and

To The Rescue!!!

2009-05-21T13:58:00.003-04:00

OK. I have 6 kids at my house today and they are in out of the bathroom all day long. Well, until one looked the door and no one was in there. In our house, we do not have the door knobs that can be unlocked with a tooth pick or hanger, if you know what I mean. So, I am off to try to unlock the door. Find the screw driver and unscrew the screws. The knob falls off. Oh know! I study the part that was left in there and decided that I need something big to turn the metal part that unlocks it. My 2 year old son see me working on the door, so he brings his tool box to me. (laughing at him) I study his tools and realize that one of his screw drivers is fat and I think it will work. IT DOES!!! My son to his mom rescue helps open the guest bathroom up. Thanks "T". You are such a great "worker man".

Thanks Swap Partner

2009-05-20T11:59:00.004-04:00

I love what I received from my swap partner, Whitney @That Girl & her pug. Go check out her blog! This was my first swap and I loved every bit of it. After opening my package, I thought oh know I hope that she likes hers. I should have put more in it. I love both pairs of flip-flops. The water bottle is something that I have been wanting, but just would not buy it for myself. Thanks Whitney. I just adore the bag. It will be used as my swim/beach bag this summer. The flip-flop note-pad holder is just so cute. LOVE IT. She also gave me some bubbles that my little boy is going to love. He will have so much fun with them . Thanks again Whitney. You are the best.

Leaning on Him

2009-05-20T10:07:00.002-04:00

I know that most of us have been effected by this economy. I know that my family has and it has been really hard at times. My hubby family has really been effected by it. They are chicken growers and the company they grew for closed the planet down. It is really hard for me to watch them go from having a job - to no job in about 3 hours. This was their main source of income and his uncle only income. Though all of this I have been trusting on the Lord more. I know that you go through valleys and are mountain tops too, but while in the valley listen to the Lord. He is with you even when you think that he is not.

I was reading Psalm 37 today, and these verses spoke to me. "Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your ways to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday." Psalm 37:3-6.

I hope that they speak to you to. I pray that everyone has a good day today and the Lord will bless you.

Working on Father's Day

2009-05-19T15:01:00.005-04:00

I have started working on my hubby's Father's Day gift. I am doing something really special this year. I am not going to share to much because you never know when he will be sneaky and read this post. I do know that he will love it and I think that his hole family will too. I will show you some of the pics I will be using for it

This is his mother and dad. I think that it was a SR Prom, but not for sure.

This my hubby and his mother. I have not met her, but am looking forward to the day I get too.

This my hubby and two of his cousin. I only think that there is months between each of them. The one in the middle was killed when a car ran over him, so this pic is really special to the hubby.

I will be getting some pics from family members to go this some more I already have. I am really looking forward to giving it to him.

Weekend Fun!

2009-05-18T14:12:00.002-04:00

This weekend was a funny one. One of my great friends from high school got married. I never thought that she would. It was a simple beautiful wedding. The best part of it was I got to see friends that I have not seen in 13 years. Yes, I can not believe I have been out of school that long. It was fun catching up on their lives and hearing about their families. I did take my children with me and "T" had the best time ever. He dances all night. I wished I had pictures, but I did not get any. I did have my camera, but was taking care of the baby and forgot to take some.

Also, Sat morning I finally got my hair cut. I was so in need of it. I love it. I finally decided to go with bangs and I love them. I do not know why I have not already did it. I makes my face look smaller. Thank God for that. For the ones that do not know I have a round, fat face.

I hope that everyone had a great weekend and I am looking forward to reading about them.

MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-05-15T09:14:00.002-04:00

OK. It has been a year since I have been blogging, I have decide to do my first give away. On top of my special give away, I am going to do beach/swimming swap. What do you mean, Amanda. Well, I am going to give some of my favorite things away on June 5th. Some of the things will be beach towel (will monogrammed with winner initials), flip-flops, and some of my favorite gift cards.

You also have the chance to be apart by doing a beach/swimming swap. Only do this if you are going to be apart and swap with your partner. In this swap, I want you to be creative: beach towel, favorite magazine, cup, etc... The swap is up to you. The limit will be 35 dollars. I will announce the swap partners the same day as the drawing.

OK for your chance to win the give away:

1) Comment on this post about your favorite thing about summer ~ 1 entry

2) Follow me or become a follower ~ 2 entries

3) Due a post about this giveaway or post link on your page ~ 3 entries.

4) Be apart of my swap ~ 10 entries.

I hope that you all have a good weekend!!! GOOD LUCK!!!

Tasteful Thursday....Chimichanga

2009-05-14T08:55:00.003-04:00

OK. I am so in love with Mexican Food. For Mother's Day we had smoked brisket. It was so yummy, but after the 2nd day of BBQ sandwiches, I wanted something different. I decided to cook chimichangas. They were so yummy too. My hubby loved them and is already for me to make them again. You can make them with chicken as well.(This is not a picture of the ones I cooked, but I wanted to a picture to show you.) Hope you enjoy them as much we do at my house.

BEEF OR CHICKEN CHIMICHANGAS

1lb of BEEF or CHICKEN-shredded

1 can of CHOPPED TOMATO

1 GREEN ONION-chopped

1 cup of WATER

1pk of TACO SEASONING

1tablespoon CUMIN

FLOUR TORTILLAS

VEG OIL-for frying

IN A SAUCE PAN ADD BEEF OR CHICKEN, TOMATO, ONION, TACO SEASONING, CUMIN, AND WATER. BRING TO A SIMMER AND LET SIMMER FOR ABOUT 30 MINS. WHILE THIS IS SIMMERING, IN A FRYING PAN, GET OIL TO 350. TAKE TORTILLA AND PLACE MEAT MIXTURE IN IT AND FOLD LIKE A BURRITO, PLACE TOOTH PICKS TO HOLD TOGETHER. PLACE THIS IN THE OIL AND FRY UNTIL GOLDEN BROWN-this will be about 5-10 minutes. REPEAT UNTIL ALL MEAT MIXTURE IS GONE. THIS WILL MAKE AROUND 6-8 CHIMICHANGAS.

TO SERVE, I GARNISHED THEM WITH REFRIED BEANS, CHEESE, SALSA, AND SOUR CREAM. You can do what ever you like.

Mothers...

2009-05-08T13:32:00.006-04:00

Since this weekend it Mother's Day, I am going to blog about my mother. She is a very special woman to me. Yes, we have had our arguments, but I do not know what I would do with out her in my life. She has always been there for me, even when I probably did not deserve her to be there. She gave me what I needed and what I wanted growing up. I can remember her sacrificing things she wanted to get me the things that I wanted. She taught me how to work and take care of myself. She is the reason the woman I am today. Thank you so much mom for loving me and teaching me the things you did.

This is a 4 generation picture. In order: me(very long hair, my mom, grandmother, and son(T). This are the women I want to be like when I grow up.

My mom and my dad when I was about 3 days old. The love of a mother begins the first time you look at them.

I hope that y'all of you that are mothers have a great Mother's Day. To everyone that is going to spend their time with your mom's, make it a special day. I am going too. You never know when she will not be here and cherish every minute that you have with her. For the ones that have lost their moms, just take this day to look back on how she changed your life and what she did for you. I know that you miss her a lot.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Everyone Needs a Good Laugh

2009-05-07T14:39:00.004-04:00

Wanted to show you my fat baby. Everytime I look at him, I just laugh.

This is what you get when they dtart dressing themself.

Tasteful Thursday

2009-05-07T09:53:00.003-04:00

As many of you know that I love to cook, so I have decided to share some of my favorite recipes on Thursday. I will try to post pics of the food, but I might not have any to show. Most of the recipes that I use are easy and good. Hope that you will enjoy them as much I do.

For the first one, I am going to share a pizza recipe. I know that Pizza Hut has a great Chicken Pizza, and I wanted to try to make one at home. I loved it. It is good and easy. Here it is:

Barbecue Chicken Pizza

2 SMALL BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREAST HALVES
1 TABLESPOON VEGETABLE OIL
1/2 TEASPOON GROUND CUMIN
1/4 TEASPOON PAPRIKA
SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE
1 PRE-MADE PIZZA CRUST
1/2 CUP BARBECUE SAUCE (I use Sweet Baby Ray's, you can use what ever you like)
1 1/2 CUP GRATED MONTEREY JACK CHEESE
OPTIONAL- 3 GREEN ONIONS-finely chopped

Preheat indoor or outdoor grill. I used my George Foreman Grill to do this.
Combine oil, cumin, paprika, and salt & pepper in a small bowel; brush on chicken.
Grill Chicken until done. Cool the chicken to room temp and then thinly slice.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Place pizza crust on pizza pan. Spread barbecue sauce on it. Arrange Chicken on top of the barbecue sauce; sprinkle with cheese and onions. Bake for 8-10 minute or until cheese is melted and the pizza crust is crispy.

Your family will love this with a good garden salad.

DIY Most

2009-05-06T14:58:00.003-04:00

OK. I have to tell you the truth about this. When, All things Fluffy...Fashionable...& Famous! blogged about the DIY lotion, I was kind of thinking NO WAY! Well, last night I went out a bought the stuff to make it. OH MY GOSH! It is the best stuff. I have really rough feet(even after a pedi) because of going bare foot a lot, and I applied the lotion to them and wore socks to bed. When waking up this morning I was amazed. They are a lot softer and feel so good. I am telling you that you need to make this stuff. If you do not follow her, here is how you do it:

13 oz. Baby Lotion with cocoa butter
7 oz. Vaseline
7 oz. Vitamin E cream

Directions:
Whip together in bowl with hand mixer!

Girls it is that easy and I used the off brand too. Now go make this so your skin will thank you for it.

Nine Years Ago

2009-05-05T09:19:00.003-04:00

Nine years ago today, my hubby lost a very special woman in his life, his Nannie. I never was able to met her, but what I have heard, I really wished that I had been able too. Last fall his uncle gave me one of her day lilies. Nanny was all about them from what I hear. It did not bloom last year, but we have been watching the last couple of days to see what it was going to look like. Yesterday, I went outside and behold there was a beautiful yellow Day Lily. I took a picture of it and sent it to hubby. Once he received the pic, he called and told me about today. I just thought it was cool that it bloomed the day before her death nine years ago. It seemed like to me that she was telling us that she has a new life and can not wait until we are reunited again. I can not wait until I am able to met her. This is the picture of it. Hope that everyone has a blessed day.

Chuckie Cheese and More

2009-05-04T13:06:00.008-04:00

This weekend started off to be an emotional one. My dear hubby's brother is going through some tough things and Friday night, I think, was the worse. We did not get home until 1:30 Friday night-Sat. morning. I had to get up early because I was hosting a baby shower. Needless to say, I was a little slow getting out of bed. I did get everything done and was on time too.

The shower was great. I made my first diaper cake, and everyone liked it. This is a picture of it. We also had a craft project at the shower, we made burp cloths for her. All the ladies took cloth diapers and decorated them for her to use a burp clothes. This was a big hit and fun. Everyone got into it. She got some cute things and her swing and stroller. I am so glad that I got to bless a great friend with the shower.

(I would also like to say if you need a diaper cake, I will make it for you. Just let me know. I can do any theme or even add what ever you want on them.)

After the shower, I came home and rested. Hubby and I deiced to take the the little ones on a date. We went to CiCi Pizza in Tally and then to Chuckie Cheeses. T had a great time. It was so much for him to take in at first. We lost him one time and I thought I was going to loose it myself. I am so glad for the security that they have there. Here are some pics from the date. Hint: T one the Bob the Builder ride. He loved sitting on it, but did not like it moving. Remember is birthday party? Bob the Builder.

Lemonade Award

2009-04-28T09:40:00.003-04:00

I want to thank Holly at Pink Is My Signature Color for this wonderful award. It is wonderful to have such great friends in the bloggy world.

1. Put the logo on your blog or post 2. Nominate at least 10 blogs that show an attitude of gratitude 3. Link to your nominees within your post 4. Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received this award 5. Share the love and link to this post and the person who nominated you for the award. 6. Tell us how you've come to have an attitude of gratitude.

I am going to give this award to Dancing in the Rain, From the land of cotton..., It's Not Easy Being Me (but it sure is alot of fun), Pocket full of pink., Smarty Pants, Texan Couture, THAT GIRL, The Pink Chick, and The Watermelon Tree.

I am so thankful and honored to be able to worship my Holy Father. Without Him I would be nothing. He is the one that has shown me gratitude. Second, I am thankful for my wonderful hubby. Is my rock and the father of my two wonderful, bright your day up boys. Thirdly I am thankful for my church family and friends and the friends of the blog world. It is y'all that brighten my day up when I am down. Thank you.

NEW LIFE

2009-04-27T08:41:00.004-04:00

This weekend was a busy, but spirit filled one for me. I told you last week that my town was having a Women Conferences and it was something that I needed. I was involved with it. The Lord had revealed to me to be a prayer counselor. I was doubting Him at first, but I listen and did it. I broke out with the teen girls for their special time. I did not know how that was going to go, but once again I listen. It was during this time, I realized what God was wanting me to do. He used me in a way that I knew that it was the Holy Spirit leading me. He had me give my testimony. Now understand, I have never given to anyone expect a few close friends, because Satan I had been telling me that I could not do it and people were going to think about me. I had been listening to him and Sat I decided to listen to the Lord. Man, am I glad I did. I am new person.

That Friday night, I was praying and God gave me a vision of a butterfly and the new life that it represents. I thought that it was going to be for someone else. I now know that it is for me. I have a new life and stronger walk with God since Sat. I feel different. I can not explain how I feel. All I can say is I feel like burden has been lifted off of me. THANK YOU JESUS!!!

I hope that everyone had a great weekend. I am ready to start a new week.

Prayer Please!

2009-04-24T09:41:00.003-04:00

I have been praying all week about sharing this. God, truly wants me too.

I am also asking my blog friends to pray with me today. In the town were I live, we are having a women conference, and I ask that you will pray that God will show His Love, Grace, and Mercy to all the women who attend. I will also ask that y'all pray for the ones that do not know Christ, that they will feel Him like they have never before. Thank you and have a great weekend. Will post Monday about it.

Laughter

2009-04-22T10:40:00.002-04:00

I am so excited to tell that Noah laughed for the first time today. This year is going to be so much fun. I had forgot what it was like to experience the first. I am looking forward to first time that he rolls over, the first time he crawls, first words, and the first time he walks. There is much joy in children. Thank you God for my children.

Too Many Clothes?

2009-04-22T09:38:00.005-04:00

How do you women handle your husband having to many clothes? My hubby is one that will hold on to clothes for years. A few months ago he just go rid of some that he had in high school. I do not understand that. I mean they get worn looking, out dated, and you just need to get rid of some to make room for the new. Let me tell you, he has 2 closet full of them. I have to share one with him and so does my youngest son. I am praying that he will get rid of some soon. If you have suggestions on how to handle this, please feel free to leave a comment.

Grace Covers Us

2009-04-16T12:10:00.003-04:00

Ever since Easter I have been thinking about God's Grace. I have found myself lying in the bed at night thinking about it, ashing dished thinking about it, and thinking about pretty much of the day. So last night I started studying Grace. This is were this post is coming from.

All of this is from my NKJ bible.

Grace-favor-noun. "favor"-voluntary act of "good will" or that which one grants freely even though there is no obligations to do so. (Strong's #5485)

Man is that not a strong meaning of the word GRACE.

Gal 1:6 "I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel." In my footnotes of this verse it states: grace of Christ: God's free forgiveness of sinners based on Christ's death and resurrection. In grace alone is deliverance from sin possible.

Man is that strong. I can not believe how strong God's Grace is for us. I am just in awe of it. I really can not take it all in. I believe that I will never be able to take it all in either. I keep learning more about God's Grace daily. I have been through somethings in my life that I know I would not have been able to handle with out God's Grace. If it would not have been God's Grace covering me, I would not have been able to even had children. I know that His Grace covers me more than I know. All I can say is "Thank you Lord for you grace."

The song that says " Lord I stand in awe of you." is how I feel at this moment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24JgbmbkTvg

Easter

2009-04-15T09:34:00.010-04:00

This past weekend was great. It was filled with lots of Easter fun. Sat. we had an Easter Party at our house for friends and family. The kids had a great time and the parents did too. It was great weather for it. Hubby brother was able to spend Sat afternoon and night with us. It was great getting to visit with him. Trey had a great time with his uncle. He is all boy and loves to play rough.

Sunday was great as well. The boys looked cute in their Easter outfits and the Easter Bunny even brought them matching outfits to wear that afternoon. Trey and my niece hunted lots of eggs at my sister house. The food was great. fried quail, and smoked boston butt. Yummy.

Here are some pics from this weekend. Hope that you enjoy.

Beach Towel Give Away!1

2009-04-15T08:19:00.002-04:00

Yet another cute give away. If you are about cute beach things, you will need to go check it out. Misadventures of a Newlywed has the cutest beach towels to give away.

I will be updating on my great weekend today. I have been really busy so far this week.

Easter Cookies

2009-04-10T14:12:00.003-04:00

I think that every mother needs to do make these with their children.

friend sent this to me and thought it was too good not to share.....These are a really neat idea. Some of you may not have children or our children are to young to grasp the idea but this is way to good not to share.

EASTER STORY COOKIESTo be made the evening before EasterYou need:
1 cup whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whitespinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon
tape
Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important-don't waituntil you're half done with the recipe)!

Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the woodenspoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested,He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.Read John 19:1-3.

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl.Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross,He was given vinegar to drink.Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gaveHis life to give us life.Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it andbrushthe rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shedbyJesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.Read Luke 23:27.

So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing.

Add 1cup sugar. Explainthat the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He lovesus. He wants us to know and belong to Him.Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.Explain that the color white represents --in God's eyes -- the purity of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.Read Isa. 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper-covered cookie sheet.Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.Read Matt. 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain thatJesus' tomb was sealed.Read Matt. 27:65-66.

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the ovenovernight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice thecracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the firstEaster, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.Read Matt. 28:1-9

Please feel free to share with anyone. Happy Easter!!!

Cute Give Away

2009-04-09T16:27:00.001-04:00

Go check out From the land of cotton... . She has reached 100 posts and is having a give away. Go and enter. If you win you will love it.

Easter

2009-04-07T15:23:00.003-04:00

I just wanted to show you one of the kids Easter Pics. I will add more to this post, but this is the only one I have for now. I love it. Hope that you enjoy.

Flashback Friday

2009-04-03T12:17:00.004-04:00

As for the ones that do not know, I was very active in FFA. I started in Texas and continued with it when moving to GA. I was going through some pics the other day and came across some of my FFA favorite moments. So I thought I would share them with you . I will be starting to do Flashback Friday every week. Hope that you enjoy.

This was taken at our annual FFA award banquet. It was my 9th grade year in Texas and I had to tell all of my friends bye after it. It was the hardest banquet that I attended that year.

This is the 97-98 GA State FFA officer team with the National FFA President. I have a lot of memories from this year. One of my best years that I have in my life this far.

This is the State officer Girls. We were a pretty crazy bunch of girls.

God Strength

2009-04-02T08:56:00.003-04:00

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped." Psalm 28:7

This verse is helping me this week. With all of the bad storms that have been passing through physically, there have been some spiritual ones too. It is hard sometimes to know that God is there with you when you see so many people hurt. I am saying all of this because some of my close friends are going through one of the hardest time in their life.

I do not understand why the Devil attacks some people the way he does. Just remember that the devil knows are weakness areas in our lives. He will attack them too. Please pray for my friend family. The details are not necessary at this time, but God knows who you are talking about. The family has 5 children and they really need your prayers. Thank you so much.

Old Memories

2009-03-24T15:54:00.002-04:00

I how many of you like going through old pictures? Well, I do. I have been reconnected with some old friends on facebook and has made me start going through them. I have decided to scan some and post them to my facebook account. I am hoping that everyone will love them like I do. If you have a FB acct. I would love to connect with you. Hope that everyone is having a great Tuesday.

Back...MIA

2009-03-24T09:38:00.002-04:00

I have been MIA the last few days, and I am glad to be back home. This weekend we went to the hubby's parents house. We had a great time. My mother-n-law and I went shopping Sat, while the boys went golfing. Trey went on his first golfing trip and had a blast. That night it did not take him long to fall asleep. My shopping trip was a successful one. I was really needing it too. I got some cute things from Cato and a great consignment shop. I just love finding a great deal. The only problem I had, was all the pants or carpi pants where too long. My husband grandmother fixed me up. She was able to hem them.

After the great weekend, we had to take Trey to Augusta for a follow up with his doctor there. We got a good report and do not have to go back for a year. I thank God for that. The only bad thing from it is I am very sore today from riding in the car for 13 plus hours. It was a long day to say the least. I hope that everyone had a great weekend. I will try to post some of my great deals I got later on this week.

To Do List?

2009-03-19T09:32:00.002-04:00

I would like to know, how many people really do a To-Do-List. I have so much to do in the next two days, that I am really thinking that Ineed one. The fam is going out of town for the weekend and then "T" my son has a dr appointment Monday in Augusta. I so have to get my house back together. I would love to see what everyone has to say.

2009-03-17T09:27:00.004-04:00

I receive the Kreativ adward from Pink is My Signature Color. Thank you Holly.

Here are the award rules:List 7 things that you love, and then pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you love! Be sure to tag them and let them know that they have won. You can copy the picture of the award and paste it on your sideboard letting the whole world know...you are Kreativ!

1 I am love with my Lord and Savior. Without Him I would be nothing.

2 My husband. "T" is a wonderful man and is always suprising me with something all the time.

3 My wonderful 2 boys. "T" and "N" are my pride and joy. I do not know what life would be without them.

4 Flip-Flops. Man what would I do without them.

5 My church. Grace is the best church that I have attended and I know that God has put me there.

6 Flowers. I can not wait to start working on my flower beds. I they truly need my attention soon.

7 All of my Blog Friends. Thank you for all that you do in your blogs.

I give the adward too:

From the land of cotton...

Misadventures of a Newlywed

Pocket full of pink

Smarty Pants

Texan Couture

It's Not Easy Being Me (but it sure is alot of fun)

Monogrammed Teacher

TAG!

2009-03-10T10:47:00.003-04:00

Tara from The Watermelon Tree gave me the cutest blog award. Thanks Tara. It is always special when I receive a blog award. The rule is that you have to come up with 10 uncute things about yourself.

1. I am a very OCD person when it comes to my children rooms and my kitchen.
2. I do not like to fold socks and when I do fold them I would really like everyone to put them up.
3. It seems to be the I will be wiping "hind parts" for a while.
4. I do not like socks on my feet. I hate to wear them, so in the winter I am so not comfy.
5. I really need a tan. I have not been able to enjoy the sun the last few years because of being big fat and prego. (I hope I can this year.)
6. I love to eat miracle whip on my sloppy joes and it is so good.
7. I truly hate people holding me down. I will get mean in a minute.
8. I really love Labor & Delivery. I think that is my fav department to work in.
9. I know that it this weird, but I do not like grilled chicken. I love all other kinds of chicken.
10.This is prob one of the hardest things that I have to do in a day.

I tag:

Holly @ PINK IS MY SIGNATURE COLOR

Kelly @ It's Not Easy Being Me (but it sure is alot of fun)

Shonnie @ STANLEY MOMENTS .

Wonderful Hubby

2009-02-26T09:20:00.002-05:00

I have the most amazing husband every. About 6-8 months ago, my blazer went dead. I mean will not start, or go. So, I have been driving the full size dodge truck. I have felt like a redneck girl. It was hard to turn in and back up any where. I have almost hit a few things the past few months. I have not said anything about driving it. I was just grateful that I had something to get from point A to point B.

Well the last two weeks, "T" has been looking for something. He has driven a lot and spent many hours worried about the kids and me and the dodge. That all changed yesterday. He called and told me about a Ford Expedition. He brought it home for me to look at and I loved it. Well, an hour later he called and said that it was mine. YES IT IS MINE!!!! I have never been so happy in my life, since the day that "T" proposed to me. He is so wonderful and I love him dearly.

Great Offer

2009-02-25T09:14:00.000-05:00

"OneStep Babies is offering a free plush baby toy and blanket when you submit this form! You can choose from a bear, lamb or piggy. This offer is good until March 15, 2009 or while supplies last. They are pretty cute, go check it out!"

Thank you The Watermelon Tree for letting me know about the cute offer.

TAG!

2009-02-23T08:48:00.002-05:00

I have gotten tagged by The Watermelon Tree. And... the rules are to tell 7 things about yourself and then tag 7 others.

1. I am the mother of two wonderful boys, and one keeps me so busy.
2. I love Mexican Food and can not eat it right now because makes the baby gasy.
3. I am from Texas. I really miss seeing my friends and family, but do not miss the flat dry state.
4. I really love children and teaching the Word of God to them.
5. I am not the best house keeper here lately, because the children take up so much of my time.
6. I am the process of buying a new car. When having the second child, you realize that you have to have bigger one to carry everything in.
7. I am follower of God, but I have to be forgiven everyday. I am not perfect.

I tag:
Everyone. I want to here what yall have to say.

My Heart Aches

2009-02-11T09:21:00.002-05:00

This morning as started reading my blogs that I follow, my eyes filled with tears and my heart aches for this mother. Please read her blog and pray for her. http://cynthialovespictures.blogspot.com/. She will be laying to rest one of the most beautiful baby boys I have seen. I am so bless to be able to hold and kiss my two boys. Today Noah is a month old and as I look at him, I say a little prayer for her. Please do not take for granted that you have your children. Please hug them a little tighter today and kiss them a little longer.

Check this GIVE AWAY out!

2009-02-09T15:25:00.004-05:00

Polka Dotted Owl is doing an awsome give away. Go check out. She has some yummy things that she is giving away. You will not want to miss it.

Noah At 4 weeks.

2009-02-06T09:48:00.005-05:00

I can not believe how fast time passes. Noah will be 4 weeks old Sunday. As you can tell from other pictures, he is growing so fast. He eats all the time. I think he is going to be a little pig when he starts eating food. I hope everyone has a good weekend.

Tag

2009-02-05T09:16:00.005-05:00

I have been tagged by the sweetest The Watermelon Tree. Here's how it goes down:1. Go to your pics, pick the 6th folder and the 6th pic.2. Tell who and what.3. Pick 6 people.

This Trey when he was about 2 months old. I was trying to get 1st Christmas Picture taken for our first family Christmas Card. This was Dec '06. If you look closely you can see that his socks are too big for him. We bought his Christmas Outfit before he was born, thinking that he was going to be a full size new born. Well did Trey surprise us. Nothing we bought him fit. That is way he is in a white onesie and the Christmas Bib. I miss him being little. They grow up so fast.

I am tagging these wonderful people:

It's me Haley!

Monogrammed Teacher

It's Not Easy Being Me

STANLEY MOMENTS

Smarty Pants.

I only could come up with 5. Hope that have doing it.

Thankful

2009-02-05T08:41:00.002-05:00

The past few months, I have come to realize that God has given me the chance to raise to of his beautiful little boys for Him. I am so thankful for their health, and being able to be the mother to them. After reading about people that have lost their child before they were born, or even their child being diagnosed with cancer, I am very grateful for their health. I know that they could go and be with their ABBA any day, so I will try not to take their life for granted. Each day I have with them is a gift and I am so thankful for that gift. This year for Valentines I do not want any material things, all I want is a day with my the loves of my life-Truman, Trey, and Noah. I think I will just go out for a nice dinner that night with all 3 of them. That will be the best Valentines gift any woman could get.

As I am saying all of this, I ask that you pray with me for a outgoing 6 six year old from Bainbridge, Pearson Martin. He was diagnosed with brain and spinal cancer yesterday. You can follow his treatment process at: http://caringbridge. org/visit/pearsonmartin. He and his family really need our prayers at this time. I know that God can do powerful things through prayer. Thank you for reading this and please re post the link, so others can pray too. The more prayers that go up the better. Thank you and I hope that you have a blessed day.

Must Watch Video

2009-02-03T09:40:00.003-05:00

I got a link to this wonderful video and I do not know how to upload it. I will just have to post the link.

If you know who Casting Crowns is then you will love the video. If you do not know who they are you are still going to love the video and it will touch very much. I have heard the song a million times, but after hearing it in the video, I love it even more. I hope that you enjoy it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT7x3VnrqbA

Single Mom

2009-01-30T08:21:00.002-05:00

Last night I truly felt like I was a single mom. Do not get me wrong, my husband is great help, until last night. The baby was up a lot last night with gas (well that is my fault, I ate taco soup.) The two year old was in our room at midnight. I turned over and I had this feeling that someone was staring at me, and I was right. Trey was. I get him and put him in our bed, thinking that he would just go right to sleep. Wrong! At 1:30 he was getting off the bed to go play. I ask my husband to get him. Needless to say he did not move, so I had to get Trey and told him to lay down or he was going back to his room. At 2:00 the baby was back up. I was giving gas drops it seemed all night. Well, I am give out this morning, so it is a big cup of coffee morning for me. I praying that my husband will at least wake up tonight to just help with the two year old. Have a good day.

2009-01-29T19:19:00.001-05:00

Here is a picture of me with the new hair style. Sorry, I am not the best person to take pictures of myself. Hope that you enjoy.

New Me!

2009-01-28T11:59:00.005-05:00

I just got back from getting my hair cut. Before Noah was born, I told my hair dresser that I was going to grow it out for the birth, but as soon has he was born it was getting cut off. You are probably wondering why. Well, I had to have a c-section and was not all about fixing my hair while in the hospital. Well, today was the cutting off day for long hair. It feels so much better. It is off my neck.

I wonder why in high school you want it long, but the older you get, it just gets shorter. I do not know the answer to this. But all I know is my hair feels better. This is what my hair is cut like. I will have pics of me soon. Hope everyone has a good day.

Give Away

2009-01-23T14:06:00.001-05:00

My great friend at The Watermelon Tree is doing a give away. Go a check out her post and let her know what you think. Have a great weekend.

Lovely Award

2009-01-23T09:39:00.003-05:00

I want to thank my wonderful friend The Watermelon Tree for the great award. I am very thankful for wonderful friendship.

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind of bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers.

Deliver this award to three bloggers who must choose three more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

I pass this along too:

1. The Pink Chick

2. Smarty Pants

3. Monogrammed Teacher.

Noah Stephen

2009-01-15T19:42:00.009-05:00

Noah Stephen made his entrance into the world. God brought him here on Jan 11 @ 12:42 am. He weighed 5lbs 10oz and 19 1/4 inches long. He is doing great. Big Brother Trey loves him very much. He calls him "My Baby". He will not call him Noah. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

I Have Not Left

2009-01-02T09:00:00.002-05:00

I know that I have not blogged in for every. I have not been up to much. Santa was good to Trey. I will post pics soon. The Tuesday before Christmas Trey started running a very high fever and we had to take him to the doctor. He had RSV. He was a sick little boy all durning Christmas. It really worked on me. Being pregnant and due any day now, it took a lot out of me.

Saturday after Christmas I started having contractions. You know me, being a nurse, I would not go to the doctor. Finally on Sunday I was hurting better bad and called the doctor and told what was going on. He called me in some pain medicine and said if this does not help, you have to go to the hospital. Well, they slowed down and I stayed home. Then it is Monday. The contractions started back and stronger, so about 3:30 I decided that I needed to call again. I did, they sent me to the hospital. Contraction every 3-5 minutes, they gave me fluids, shot of Demerol and phenergan and sent me home. The contractions stopped sometime durning the night and I got sleep. I am still having them and so ready for Noah to get here. I will keep you updated.

THE BEST FRIENDS EVER!

2008-12-18T09:57:00.003-05:00

Last night was out K-Group Christmas Party.(For the ones that do not know what K-Group is. It is like a Cell Group. Home Bible study.) We had such a good time and ate. The kids exchanged gifts. Trey got one of his fav things, a tool set. All he could say was "Bob! Bob! Bob!" Bob the Builder is on his mind 24/7.

Then it was time for the adult Christmas exchange and we were suppose to be doing "Dirty Santa", and you were suppose get things from your house and not buy anything. Will the first one went and the gift was opened and it was a GA Bulldog sippy cup. GA Bulldog paci, and GA Bulldog baby hat. Then it was the next ones turn and it was a baby outfit (which was a Braves outfit.). For the ones that do not know we are huge Braves Fans! It was number 3's turn and that person opened diapers I think. Well, I was # 4 and I got onsies and baby soap. You know I was not given that up. I will need them in 5 weeks. When each person would open a gift it would be something to do with a baby. This went on until #15 which was Truman's number. He picked a gift and it was diapers. Well, at that point they told us it was a Surprise Baby Shower. Truman and I was so surprised. We had no clue. You know that funny thing is, they gave me #4 thinking by then I would figure it out. No! I had no clue.

You are sitting here thinking what Truman and I brought. Well, it was not anything to do with a baby. We wrapped some Doggy Bedroom Slippers that were given to him by someone else and PartyLite Candles.

I truly feel like I have the BEST FRIENDS IN THE WORLD! I also felt like I had been Punked! LOL! No, not really. We were truly blessed last night and every thankful what they did for us. It just shows you that God put the best people in your lives!

Cookie Lady

2008-12-17T13:44:00.010-05:00

I guess you can call me the cookie lady. I usually make candy this time of year, but deceided that I would bake cookies. One of my blog friends made the pinwheel cookies and I loved them. I deceided that I would make them for the kids I keep and all of the kids in my K-Group. Man, they are cute, but take a long time to make.

This is the wonderful Peppermint Pinwheels Cookies. If you would like to try baking them, the recipe comes from Paula Dean.

This the cookies in the basket I will take to K-Group.

After making the pinwheel cookies, I deceided to make sugar cookies so I could do some Cookie Icing. Man, what have I got myself into.

This is the sugar cookies before decorating them. I deceided on Christmas Trees.

The finish project. I know that are not the best, but when you are as fat and pregnant as me, it takes a lot to bend over. LOL!

Well, I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas.

The Rain Comes

2008-12-11T10:19:00.002-05:00

Well last night, I guess that God forgot that he said he would never flood us again. We went to church and when we got back home, it had already rain 5 inches in about 3 hours. It rained all night long.

It has rained so much here that have moved the Christmas Parade to Monday. I am really glad because last night with all the rain came some contractions. I guess Noah wanted to come out and see the rain, but it is too early for him to arrive. I got no sleep last night and there are 4 wild children at my house. Please pray for me today.

Fits-Where Do They Come From

2008-12-09T15:50:00.002-05:00

This past weekend Trey started his wonderful winter cough, so we had to start breathing treatments. A couple of months ago he had a serve asthma attach and they changed the med he was on for breathing treatments. Before the med change they (breathing treatments) did not effect him to bad. Well, we are seeing a different child the last few days. I AM SO READY TO PULL MY HAIR OUT! I can not handle the fit throwing. I am really thinking about changing him back to the old med because he is not Trey on the med he is now.

An update on Noah Stephen. Oh if did not know that is what the new baby's name is going to be. I can not remember if I had told my blog friends or not. I only have 6 more weeks to go today. Jan 20th is not coming soon enough. It is going fast though. I remember with Trey I felt like I was pregnant for ever. Noah is weighing around 4lbs 2oz a week ago. Can you believe, he is weighing twice as much as his big brother did at birth. That is an answer pray too. I guess Trey will be "The Little Big Brother" and Noah will be "The Big Little Brother". That is mine and Truman's little joke.

Well, I hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday Season.

Running Has Just Started!

2008-12-03T10:18:00.005-05:00

I am sorry that I have not posted anything in a couple of weeks. I can tell that the holiday season is here. The Running has Started! The last two weeks have been crazy. I know that I have received my first blog award and I am going to do that too. Sorry Jennifer that it has taken me so long to respond to it.

Truman and I try to take Trey to see HOHO already this year and he was not having that. Santa was in the same room we were to take Christmas picture too, so we had to set for 20 min before he would let Christy take the pictures. Thankfully that she is a friend of mine and I keep her kids, because she was very patient with him. The pictures that we finally got with him in front of the Christmas Tress turned out cute. Thank you C. Barnett.

This year was the first year we had Thanksgiving at my house. It took me all week long to get ready for it. I had to clean and cook. Thankfully there were others that cooked as well. We had a great time with family and friends.

The day after Thanksgiving, Truman went on his first shopping trip with me. Needless to say, I do not think that he will be return again next year. He might though, we will have two to buy for then. We did get Trey his powerwheel fourwheeler that we wanted him to get at half price. That was at Toys-R-Us. While there, I got to see a great friend of mine that I have not seen in years. It was a reunion and a great way to start my Christmas Season.

Well, I guess this a start to my Running Around this Holiday Season. I hope that everyone else has a great Holiday Season. I am sure that will be posting some crazy stories from my shopping trips.

9 WEEKS AND COUNTING

2008-11-20T07:36:00.002-05:00

This past Tuesday I turned 30 weeks, which I only have 9 more weeks until my C-Section. I know that a few more weeks to go, but I know that have the holidays to keep me busy. I am hoping that it will fly by. I have just an easy pregnancy if you compare it to Trey's. I have been having some heart problems. It is not effecting the baby, but it makes me where I can not do daily functions easily. Trey does not understand when I can not play with him. I did go to the doctor Tuesday and he was able to give me a pill that helps. That God for it, because it helps a lot. I just keep praying that keeps working until I have the baby. Hope that everyone has a blessed day.

My Big Little 2 Year Old

2008-11-16T20:03:00.012-05:00

Two years ago today, my little big boy was born . I will never forget that day. It was a scary, but blessed day. My little man was born at 34 weeks and weighed 2lbs 16ozs. As he spent 3 weeks in NICU, I truly new that God had given me a miracle.

Truman, Trey, and me in Augusta. As you can tell the UGA is bigger than him.

Trey has been through so much since the day is born, but he is stronger than most adults. He has shown me so much of how I should live. I am so thankful for my Little Big Boy!

Yesterday we had a Bob the Builder party. He loved it. We bought a pinata thinking that he would not really like it and that it would be for the older kids. Wrong! Trey loved it and did not want to share hitting it. Trey was the one that busted it too. It is funny, because he saw the broke pinata today and all he could say was "Bob and cady". (Bob and candy). All of his friends family was here and he was truly blessed. Here are some pics from the party.

Sock Monkeys and Craving Pumkins

2008-10-31T10:08:00.007-04:00

Yesterday was the trick or treat night at Bainbridge College. I deceided that Trey would love it. I was so right. At first he did not want to put on his Sock Monkey outfit. He cried and fussed as I button it up. I put on the head and hated it. I did take one of Trey's little friends with us. Preston and Trey were little monkeys. Trey did wear his hate and was the cutest little Sock Monkey around.

My little Sock Monkey!

After gets lots of candy Truman and I took the kids to Burger King. I think they were both starving, they ate like they have never eaten before.

When getting home Truman and Trey carved his first pumkin. Trey thought it was nasty. He did not like it at all, so I ended up helping out and we got it done. Trey loved the final result.

Trey diggin in.

Trey and Daddy with final results.

The Love of FALL!

2008-10-29T12:14:00.010-04:00

I so love the fall time. Pumkins, the turning of the leaves, and cool weather. I also know that it is fall time because of candy corn. Who can not love this. I wished that it was out all the time. I love the cool weather too. I am really enjoying it this year because I can go outside with Trey and breath. Up until now going outside was not an option for this pregnant girl. It is too hot in South GA. I am so glad that I only had to indure a little bit of my pregnancy durning the hot, humid summer months. I do not know how women surive carrying one through all of the summer months. I guess God knew that I could not handle it. Back to my story.

This past Sunday we took Trey to his annual pumkin patch trip to pick out his pumkin. My parents and my sister family meet us there. Trey and Josie had the best time. Corie said that Josie was crying and pitching a fit before Trey got there. You would not have guessed it because that girl did not even cry while we were there. After Corie and her family left, we rode the hay ride. Trey got off and started calling for Josie. He did not understand why she was not there with him. I really enjoy watching them grow up together. Here are some picks of them at the pumkin patch. Some of them are edited. I guess you can say that I am trying to be a photagrapher. LOL! I would love to learn more about it.

Trey and Josie on the tractor.

The two of them on the "Big Ones."

Paw, YaYa, Josie, Trey.

Trey playing in the straw.

Trey hiding. His fav thing to do.

It Is About Time

2008-10-24T09:36:00.003-04:00

I guess that it is about time that I blogged something. I have been slacking here lately. I am now in my 3rd trimester and once again have no enegry. This week has been a trying one. I have had some issues, but I think that it is getting better. I pray that it does. I am not wanting to contact the doctor until I have to.

Two weeks ago I week for my 24 week appt and I had to drink that nasty tasting sugar drink. I passed Thank God. I was not looking forward to doing a 3 hour one. The doctor also scheduled my c-section for Jan 20th. That is only 13 weeks away. I am so ready for it to happen, but the room is not ready. This weekend I think that we are going to start painting and getting everything together. Next week is Mule Days and then 2 weeks later is Trey's 2nd birthday. I will be busy with his birthday and then starts the holiday season, and everyone does how busy you are durning that time. So, I guess I better get to moving. What do you think?

BEING A KID AGAIN!

2008-10-08T08:49:00.006-04:00

This past Friday, Winnie the Pooh Live was in Albany. My parents decided that they were going to take Trey and my neice Josie to see it. I had plans to go to the Worth County Homecoming Game first the first time since I graduated, but I decided Winnie the Pooh would be better. Man, was I right. It was great.

I thought that would Trey would like it, He loved it. He bounced like Tigger all night long. If he was not bouncing, he was dancing. Josie could not take her eyes off of Pooh Bear. And for me, I sang a lot of the songs and watch my son enjoy himself. That in itself was worth all the money I spent.

Trey bouncing like Tigger

in my lap.(Not to much

fun when pregnant)

"Ink, Ink, Ink"

The thing I liked about the show, was in was Old School Pooh. It was not this Super Sluth stuff that is on T.V. now. Trey thought is was going to be what he watched onT.V. On the way to the show, you could ask him what Pooh said and he would go "Ink, Ink,Ink". On the new Pooh show they say "Think, Think, Think."

Trey and Josie drinking out of their

Pooh cups.

You Call this Blogging or Venting

2008-10-02T12:26:00.003-04:00

The past two weeks have been really hard on me. It all started with my grandmother getting sick in Texas and not knowing if she is going to make it or not. Oh by the way she is better and doing fine.

While picking my dad up from the airport(from taking care of my grandmother), we get a call that Truman's dad is very sick. The bad part about the phone is 1) Dad is sick, 2) we are in Tally @ the airport,3) we have not way to get to back to Bainbridge. We were a little stressed at this point because we did not know what was going on or what was wrong. We were an hour from our house and 2 1/2 hours from his parents. Last Tuesday night was the longest night I think I have ever had (even after having a newborn). We made it there and Truman had to start taking care of everything, because his dad was hosting his first cow sale. My plans was to rest the whole weekend while the cow sale was going on. WRONG! I had to do more work then I do at home. It was a long week and I was give out.

After the long weekend, I start my week keeping the kids. Ok it is going normal, until yesterday. One of the fathers come in and tell me that tomorrow is going to be his little's one last day. Ok that is fine, but then goes to tell me why. I was alright with it. They were planning on help family out is what I was told, until this morning. Then the truth comes out. The family had ask my best friend to start keeping the little one, and really did not want to hurt my feelings. What hurt my feelings!? You just lied to me and I am not suppose to be upset!

Here comes the venting: Why didn't my best friend tell me that she was going to start keeping him and hide it from me and second why didn't the family just tell the truth to being with!? I feel like some people just never grow up and take on adult hood. Now with that said. I am not saying that you have to put all your childish ways aside. It is ok to act like a child with humor and jokes, but when it comes to business be an ADULT.

In the Night

2008-09-17T10:16:00.002-04:00

I am sitting here thinking that I am just crazy for being tried or that it is pregnancy. I am wrong. The past two nights have not been good at the Henderson's household. Monday night Trey had a bad reaction to ant bites, so we had to have sleep with us. The only reason for this, is because he was having a little bit of trouble brething. I know I probally should just put him in his bed, but I am scared that he will start having lots of problems and I will not get to him fast enough. So no sleep for Amanda Monday night.

Last night started off good. I was sleeping like a baby, until I hear a scream of the monitor. This is 3:30 in the am. I get out of bed and I am meet in the kitchen by a little boy saying mmmilk please. No Trey it is to early for milk and you have to go back to bed. I take him back to his bed and crawl back in my. I lay there for about an hour and half trying to get comfy again. I finally get back to sleep and then I hear Dada mmmilk please. This is at 6:30. Trey was also coughing as he walks into the room. Truman gets the milk and I get up again and get the breathing treatment stuff. We all crawl in my bed. I give the breathing treatment as Trey is watching T.V. and drinking his mmmmilk. By the time the treatment gets done, it is time for me to get up and start keeping other children.

Tonight is our K-Group and I pray that when I get home that I can go to sleep and rest peacefully. I thought that you were suppose to rest when pregnant, but I am not getting it with this one at all.

GOD STILL PERFORMS MIRACLES!

2008-08-26T10:06:00.000-04:00

As most of you know that my little man has been through so much since he was born. Truman and I know that he is our little miracle. I know that from the time I got pregnant with him and got passed the 1st 12 weeks, that he was going to be a miracle. This past weekend was a great one. We went to Truman's parents house and celebrated his Papa'a 80 something birthday at the Country Cabin in Pearson, GA. If you are every in that area on Thrusday, Friday, or Saturday night, then you need to eat there. It is great. That night Truman got a call from a friend in Bainbridge that told us that a top of a tree had fell and misses our house by about 3 feet. I knew there was nothing I could do at that time but pray that there was nothing else wrong when we got home Monday night. Thank you God for this miracle. Yes it is a miracle that there was nothing else wrong.

This is a picture of the tree that fell. I am truly blessed that God is in control here.

Back to Trey. Yesterday Trey had a doctor appointment in Augusta. This was the appointment to set up his next surgery, or talk about when we were going to come back to do it. When the doctor came in he looked at Trey and said that we would not have to do another surgery. Truman and I looked at each other and was like what. The doctor told us that it had healed on its own and he did not want to see Trey until next August. Yes, August! I thought to myself, we suppose to have surgery in May and you do not want to see us until August. At that point, I knew that God performed a healing miracle on Trey. I feel truly blessed about this because when Trey had his next surgery, we would have 3-4 month old to watch after too. Thank you God for answerin prayers and performing miracles.

Just remember that God can performs miracles to you. You just have to faith and believe in Him and it will happen.

How Time Flies!

2008-08-06T15:56:00.001-04:00

As I am sitting here thinking about the time, I have come to realize that time flies by so fast. As being hooked on facebook, I am able to talk to some old friends that I have not talked to in awhile(Thanks Facebook.), but it just seems like I seen some of them just yesterday. That yesterday was 10 years ago. Man, do I wish I could stop time and just hang out with them again. Now, I am not saying that I do not love my life now, I do. I just wished that we could all get back together again. Most of us are married and have families of our own, and other have moved away. Man does time fly by.

Talking about how time flies by. It just seems like yesterday I was pregnant with Trey and plan on his arrival. Well, he will be two in November and he is getting to be a big boy now.

This is Trey the night before he came home from the hospital. He is not my little baby no more, even though we will always be my baby. Trey is now into Bob the Builder. I am not just saying watching for 30 minutes either. I am talking about watching for 5 hours. Truman and I have to tell him Bob went night-night so we can watch t.v. This past weekend we took him to get his first pair of boots. They are Johnny Hopper Boots by John Deere, but Trey calls them his "Bob Boots". He is so cute with them on.

On Sunday, I ask him if he wanted to wear his boat shoes or his "Bob Boots" and he picked the boots. I guess I better get ready for him to want to wear them with shorts before long. LOL. Man how time flies.

Jan will be here before you know it and the second will be here. I am hoping that we will find out with the next coulple of weeks what we are having. As soon as I do I will let everyone know. Just remember that we are not promised tomorrow, but only today. So do not put off what you want to do today for tomorrow.

Heaven Part 2

2008-07-14T09:41:00.000-04:00

I guess that it is time to add another about heaven study I am doing. The other night was are 3rd study of the topic and we talked about what we would be like in heaven. As I sat there listening to everyone talk about the verses we had to read, I just thought what it would be like.

One thing that I have learned is we will be made like God. Man is that not cool. I am going to be made in the image of the LORD! What more could we ask for. Second thing that we learned is we are still going to eat. I am so glad. We are going to be with the Lord, eating with Him and worshiping with Him. What more could we ask for. And Guess what there is not going to be any DRAMA in heaven. I think that I am really looking foward to that. DRAMA free, what more could we ask for!

The Beach

2008-07-08T11:31:00.000-04:00

On the 4th Truman and I took Trey on his first beach trip, He loved it. I really think that he could be a beach bum. Trey loved the water and the sand. We took one of his tractors and puched and dug the sand all day long. Truman also dug a hole and he sat in it and played for a while.

As I thank about the Joy that God has given us, I can not help to think about the joy that Trey had that day.

He was so much fun and I enjoyed just watching him. I really think that is what God does when we doing something that pleases Him. He looks at us and says " Look at Amanda, she is just a joy to watch." I try each day to do that, but I know that I disapoint Him some too. I am so Glad that My Father is a forgiven Father.

I look at the beauty of the beach and I can truly see the Lord. Thank you, ABBA!

The Special Gifts

2008-07-02T16:39:00.000-04:00

As I sit here and thank about the many gifts that I have received through the years, I can not help myself thanking about the GIFT of PARENTING that God has given me. After we had Trey, Truman and I deceided that he was going to be the only one. We had been through two miscarriages, and then a tough pregnancy with him. Not to mention the three weeks in NICU that we spent with Trey. Through all of this we decieded that my body was not made to care or have children.

Well, I guess God has other plans. Six weeks ago, after K-Group one Wednesday, I told Truman that I was pregnant and he did not believe me. So, here we go off to Wal-Greens and get a test. The test showed the truth. I was pregnant. So, here goes the phone calls to the doctors office. The med, vitamins, and zofran. Well, I thank God every day now for not letting "our plans" stop Him. This just shows you that He does give out special gifts to everyone.

I am due Jan. 28th and I know that I will have it 7-10 days early due to C-Section. I will keep everyone posted as I keep getting bigger. This one has been so easy so far. I just keep on praying that it keeps going this way.

It Is Great to Be Loved!

2008-06-17T13:13:00.000-04:00

As I am sitting here today, I can not help to thank about the love I have for Truman. I know that I do not show it in ways that he thinks I should, and I am not the perfect wife either, but I love him with all of my heart. As the 19th comes closer ( which we will be together 4 years on that day) I am reminded about the vows that I spoke to him that day. I am also reminded about the love that Jesus as given to both of us. It is a blessing to know that we are forgiven for all of the "BAD" things we do. Yes we all do them, but even though we do them, Jesus still loves with everything. I try each day to give Truman all of my love and desires. I know that it does not happen everyday, but I am trying to do. Thank God, that I found my true love and was able to marry him!

Seeing Great People

2008-06-16T13:42:00.000-04:00

This past weekend Truman and I had to go to two different weddings. The first one was his old college roomate's. I was thinking that the only people I am going to know is the groom and bride, so I had ready set my mind to just take care of Trey at this wedding. I guess God has different plans for you. As I was sitting there eating I notice a lady that I thought I knew. So I ask the groom who it was, and I did know her. After talking to the lady that I knew, I also found out that her daughter was in the wedding and I had no idea who it was when I saw her. It was great being able to see both of them. you never know who you are going to see when you go any where. Just remember that you might run into one of your long time friends when you just go to the store.

Heaven

2008-06-12T09:56:00.000-04:00

Last night Truman and I went to our Wednesday Night bible study(K-Group for the one who know) and we are doing a study on Heaven. I was setting there thinking about what it would be like the day I get to met my Abba. I am still thinking about it today.

I can see the great creation that He has made for us. I am also looking forward to the day I get to met the two children that I have not been able to met yet. I wonder what they will look like and even wonder what sex they will be. I wonder if they will run up to me like Trey does now. I know that they are sitting there with My Lord and he is taking care of them. I can not wait until the day I can sit there with them as well.

I was also think about the unless worship that I will be able to do. I am not saying that I am perfect by know means and that I am not going to be ask why I did something either. I know that I am going to face some judgement on the the things I have done in the past, but I am looking forward to being able to worship all the time. I wonder if I will fall to my knees or will I just stand there in all.

I guess I will find out more as we study this subject. I just wanted to pass on a few of my thoughts that was going through my mind.

He is God Child!

2008-06-10T10:01:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I wonder why you go through some of the valleys of life. The past three weeks have been every trying times for Truman and I. After Trey's surgery, we found out that he was going to have to have another one in a year. This past one was going to be the last, but it did not heal right. I am so ready for this to be over with. It is really hard to see your little man in so much pain, and there is nothing that you can do.

I know that God has a reason for everything, but this one I do not understand what He is trying to tell me. Wait, He is trying to tell me that Trey is his child and He has control of his life. This is sometimes hard to understand. We are just here to take care of them for Him while they are on earth.

Here We Go

2008-05-28T14:43:00.000-04:00

The last two weeks have been pretty much not the norm around here. It all started off with Trey having his 3rd surgery. (It is the last. Thank God.) Truman and I were all packed up ready to leave Bainbridge heading to Augusta, when my car deceided that we were not taking it. I started to freak out, then I just sat back and listen to God, say I am doing it here and not in Macon, Amanda. I guess that if there is anything good about it, it did happen about 2 miles from the house. We unloaded the car and headed to my parents house to use theirs. We get to Augusta ok that night. The next morning is Trey's surgery and I just letting God take him in His hands and keep him safe at this point.

The surgery starts. Truman and I are prepared for 4 hours and ends up taking 6 hours. My little man has done wonderful after surgery, unti this time. It takes him about 2 hours to become alert enough to be discharge to the hotel. Once we get there Trey wants something to drink and gets sick. This happens about 4 times before he goes back to sleep for the night. I was so thankful when he did go back to sleep. The next day he is in pain so we give him is pain med. Then he starts playing great. Truman and I are saying to each other that he is feeling much better. Well, at 3:00 in the morning we reliaze that he is having an adverse reaction to the pain med when Trey is sitting up in the bed asking for his "trac"aka tractor. The next morning we go to the doctors office to remove the dressing and he tells us not to give him any more of the pain med. Well, I was not going to anyways. For this point on it is motrin and tylenol. It helps a little. After about 3 days with no sleep, we call and ask for something different of the pain. Thank God for tylenol #3. Sunday was the best night of sleep since the Sunday before.

We are still dealing with pain, but it is getting better. God has been with my little boy since last Tuesday. For my car, it is still not working and I hope that getting running soon. I am so tried of being stuck at home with no way to go.