And the Blessings Keep Coming

Nicki has been making changes to her car, and as a result of her "tinking" her ride, I am now the recipient of a massage pad for my scrapbook chair. This thing felt good when I came home from church today ! Now if only Marc would hook the TV up, I would never leave this space ( maybe that's the reason why he hasn't done it yet...lol).

Speaking of blessings...look at what I received in the mail from a very nice lady in Canada ( that I have never met ). She had some CM products she did not want or need anymore and she knew I still used some of their albums ( actually all of my Disney Albums are Creative Memories ). So Saturday morning ( after Ernesto had cleared away ) I received a very large package in the mail filled with page refill, page protectors, and some cute flower embellishments ( we all know how much I love using flowers ) and MM 12x12 cardstock mats. There was even a beautiful card from her that I will cherish forever. It was a great way to start the day. Thank you Jenny Poo. My girls and I are making you something special and I will send it as soon as I can.

Day 28 and 29 ( 31 Day Challenge )

Hurricane Ernesto.......What a Difference A Day Makes !

Today ( well technically it was yesterday...I just did not have blogging or journaling about my 31 day adventure on my mind.....but a storm/hurricane tends to make you forget to take the time to blog ) I am grateful to be alive ! I am also grateful that all of my family is doing well. Where my mom lives two people died when their home was hit by a tree. We had heard the reports the night before that the storm was headed our way, but because we thought it was just a typical tropical storm we let it go and went to bed. For the full story read my personal blog. It was not as bad as it could have been, but less just say the next time I will pay more attention to the weather report. Thank you Lord for bringing us through the storm. The picture on the left was taken today, the ones on the right yesterday. What a difference a day makes! Maybe we should be approaching life that way. The old folks use to say a storm came through to wash away all of the bad stuff ( or something along those lines ), then the next day when the sun came out you had a fresh new day in which to begin again. Today I am thankful for the fresh new day.

Note: Noticed how I combined the two days blessings? You never know when or where your blessings might come from, or if they will come one after the other. Just be ready to receive them when they do come.

Day 27th ( 31 Day Challenge )

Completed Layouts

Yesterday I actually completed two layouts that I was having issues with ( mostly from me over analyzing ). There is nothing worse for a scrapbooker then loosing one's mojo (lol). I also posted a layout with pictures of my daughter preparing for her trip to Nashville to see my favorite gospel singer..Cece Winan. I'm getting this gratitude journal album updated as fast as I can. Of course now you add in the pages I am trying to submit to magazines , less just say I will be sitting at this desk a while (lol). But who can complain about scrapbooking all day.

Day 26th ( 31 Day Challenge )

Back To School ( Finally ) !!!






















My girls on their first day of school. Now granted college classes started back last week, but with all of the financial aid fiasco going on the last thing the girls felt like doing was taking a first day of class picture ( come to think about it the last thing on my mind was even pulling out a camera). Boy, what a difference a week makes. Thank you Lord for working it all out. So here they are my senior girl Quisha ( Master's classes should be a breeze after all of this ) and Nicki my sophomore ( crossing my fingers that by January she is a junior...another mess up at the University that needs straightening out ). Its become a tradition to take there picture at the front door before they step out into the world. Looking back that front door has become a portal into the life of my girls and my boy. I can recall the first time they went to school from our new home, the many proms, ring dance, C-Unit get togethers, first day of college for all three of them, praise dance performances, drama plays, first jobs, second jobs,....you name it and my children have used this door first before entering into life's everyday adventures. I know the day will come when they won't step out from this particular door too often , but when they do it will be for new adventures and one day my grandchildren will stand where their parents once stood and the cycle will began again.

Day 25 ( 31 Day Challenge )

Day of Rest

Sunday was a day of rest. Marc and I dressed alike in Black and White for service hey, labor day is next week...no more white suits). I wore my new hat. Afterwards we went to I-Hop for dinner ( just the two of us ). Its been a long tome since we have had any couples time. That evening I hung out with my girls and we spent time creating. There is no better way to spend the day.

Day 26 ( 31 Day Challenge )


Girl's Gotta Shop

Monday I got a nice little surprise in the mail. So what's a girl to do but go out and spend a little money!!!! Had a blast. Having a coupon on hand doesn't hurt either.

Day 27th ( 31 Day Challenge)

Good Times

Today was a good day, Nicki's appeal letter was accepted and she got her financial aid and got back in her classes. I finished a layout for a Guest DT member and turned it in. So here's hoping. I also created a little something for myself. A planner cover for next year. I have the feeling 2007 will be a good year. Even 2006 is nothing to sneeze at. I did lots of traveling and spent lots of time with the family. My goodness who can complain after spending 2 weeks in Hawaii, a week visiting Atlanta and Birmingham, and even a day at Busch Gardens ( my 2nd favorite park ).

Completely off topic I can't believe I am only 4 days away from ending my 31 Day challenge. I promise to post layouts as soon as possible.

Michael's Bag

I did not want to get this bag ( really I didn't ). I have been resisting it even though everyone I know has been buying them. Its all the rage on the scrapbookboards. This week I went into M's to get some scrapbook supplies and I finally got to see the bag in person. I still resisted. Then I kept dreaming about the darn thing, so I thought ...what the heck, might as well ( especially after finding out my M's would take my Joannes 40 % off coupon ). It was only 12.00, and then to top it off I got my hands on a little spending money....so I figure the scrap God's were looking out for me. So I took the plunge. Even as I was buying it I still wasn't sure I would keep it. Oh my goodness, I love this bag! It holds all of my tools, and I still have room for more stuff. This afternoon my friend Peggy called me and wants to set up some scrap time at the LSS. Let's just say this little baby will be getting a work out in the next few weeks. So all you ladies out there who have been straddling the fence on whether to pluck a few dollars down for it or not I say go for it. And to the ladies at www.loveisinthedetails.com, www.twopeasinabucket.com, www.scrapshare.com and even www.magictrips.com I just want to say thanks for putting the pressure on. I don't regret buying it at all.

Day 24 ( 31 Day Challenge )

Hanging with the Girls!

I love hanging with my girls. Can I just say I have the best daughters around. They don't mind staying out all night with mom at a lock-in with nearly 300 other women. Teresa did a great job. "T", I'm proud of you. You put together a great program. There was lots to do, lots to eat and plenty of things to keep you going all night. Did I happen to mention the fact that I also have some great girlfriends ? The highlight of the night for me was singing Karaoke ( "When A Man Loves A Women") with Joyce, Teresa, and Nicki. We rocked it if I do say so myself. I wish the picture had come out a little better. Special thanks to the women at the Mount and the Women of Issachar ( especially the group leaders and volunteers). Last night we laughed, cried and just plain cut up. It was worth it just to see my daughters relaxing and having fun.

Nicki at 4 am
Quisha at 4 am Me at 4 am !
We had a blast! So much so that we never went to bed! Of course I will pay the consequence for that today. And poor Nicki had to go to work at 9 am. There were so many activities to choose from. I want to send a special shout out to the "EatUmUp" ladies. I did aerobics, karaoke, set in on a good "marriage" chat, had a mini facial and won a great prize ( may try to use my new pedicure set this evening ). And thanks to a very special angel I even got a new hat at the Church Lady Hat Exchange and some shoes at the Heavenly High Heels/Passionate Praise Pumps/Soul Saving Sling Exchange ( thanks Annette ). Nicki and Quisha both participated in the pajama contest , aerobics, karaoke and set in on their first single ladies chat ( bet that was interesting). Well, I have had two catnaps, off to surf a bit and then go down for the count again. Have a great day ladies.

Oh, one last thing...if you are a mom (of any age), take it from this old pro...take some time for yourself. I talked to a lady last night that doesn't even have the time to read a book ( and her kids are grown). Mom's need to take care of themselves so that they can take care of other's. With all of my daily stress issues...I learned early on that I needed mommy time. And thankfully I have a husband who is very supportive of that ( some even call me spoiled )...but hey this 42 year old girl does not have a grey hair in sight. And if I could resist Lay's potato chips my bp would probably stay down also. Its never to early to start...so take some time out for ...YOU.

Ok, this was long ( will have to edit for my scrap page). I'm really out of here now.

Day 23 ( 31 Day Challenge )

Have Bed Will Travel

I have this friend named Teresa whom I can never seem to say no too. Once again she has talked me into coming to her church for a women's lock-in. This year I am dragging the girls along with me. But that is not what I am grateful for. If you look below there is a picture of a big pillow in a plastic bag. Its actually one of those chairs that folds out to make a bed. This is what I will be sleeping on tonight and for that I am grateful. This old body at 42 years old just can't take the floor anymore (lOl). You should have seen the contraptions those ladies pulled out last year at the sleep-over. I will post pictures tomorrow after I get a decent nap and a shower. Well, off to finish getting ready. It should be an interesting night...if I know Teresa there will be lots of surprises. Last year the girl walked around in her pj's with cold cream on her face, a wig with big rollers. May have to go dig that picture out and post it. The way I look at it she owes me. But now that I think about it Jesus once told a man to take up his bed and walk....maybe there is a message in that for me and the girls ( especially after the week we have had).

My bed for the evening. Thank goodness I did not throw this thing away. It seems like every time I turn around my friend Teresa has me sleeping on the floor somewhere.

As you can see my backpack is empty !

Quisha bags are packed and she is ready for the lock-in. Just need to get myself together.

My daughter is crazy. She came in this morning to tell me to bring my camera outside to take a picture of her putting a seat cover in the back seat of her car ( only Nicki would be able to get her whole self into the trunk ! ) She cleaned it out for our trip to the lock in tonight.

Have a great Friday night everyone. V, hope you guys are having a great crop. Adrienne hope you and your friend are having a blast. Mom hope you are enjoying Myrtle Beach and SIS can't wait to see more pictures from your vacation in Maryland.

Day 22 ( 31 Day Challenge )

Quotes.....Gotta Love Them!

Quotes!!!! Don't you just love them? This morning when I got up to check out the boards I saw a post from my friend Carol who became a IRW consultant a few months ago. She already has 6 recruits ! Way to go Carol. She also posted a great quote....."Find what inspires you and stay in that light. Find what works for you and keep doing it over and over. " I think after I finish the 31 Day Gratitude Challenge I am going to do a quote book. Maybe it will even become another class. I love the inspiration you can find on-line, especially scrapbook sites. There are a great group of women and men in this industry. I am so glad I found this hobby, that has become my passion and which has changed my life in so many ways. This did not start out being a gratitude entry, but its funny where you can find gratitude if you just take the time to stop, look and listen. I think Marc has even gotten it...he told me this morning to get cracking on those layouts ( of course he is seeing the dollar potential right now..but that's ok, at least now I have an excuse to stay in my scraproom...lol). Saw lots of new calls on the Pub Calls blog this morning so I have no excuses. There is plenty out there to choose from.....so I better get cracking! I need to stay in the light and just keep doing it over and over.

Day 21 Picture

Day 21 ( 31 Day Challenge )

Daily Inspiration

Promise Yourself

* To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
* To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
* To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
* To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
* To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
* To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

* To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
* To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
* To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
* To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

Thanks Adrienne....I needed this poem today ( actually my entire family needed it so I printed out a copy for each of them). So today I am giving thanks for inspiration provided via bloggers. And the funny thing is that not long after I found this poem on Adriennes blog I found another one here ( search for the post about "My Perfect Life, Your Perfect Life" ) and here ( Melody did it again ). Thanks ladies ( and God...because I know the message came through them from you). Sometimes you get the right information at just the right time just when you need it most.

Day 20 ( 31 Day Challenge )

Second Chance

Ok, can I just say that I am so glad that God gives us second chances ( because we sure don't ) ? Yesterday was a bad day, heck who am I kidding its been a bad couple of months what with Marc loosing his job, and then getting a new job that keeps him away from home way to much for my liking ( yes, I actually like having my husband around ), then this week Nicki's financial aid was denied ( thank goodness we have been able to keep her in at least one class...and hopefully next semester and summer school next year will take care of the rest )....lets just say there is nothing that can hurt me more then seeing my baby crying. Not sure what's going on with that but we are coping and I praying that some day ( very soon ) I will get the message in all of this. But anyway I digress....Second Chances......this morning I got up and the day just didn't seem to be getting any better and it hit me that with so much going on yesterday ( besides the financial aid stuff, meetings at church, people with attitudes, you know the everyday stuff ? ) I had not taken the time to get into an "attitude of gratitude". Granted I had an attitude, but not the type that was pleasing in God's sight ( or anyone else's for that matter ). Needless to say I was not very happy with myself ( or anyone within my path ). Then I remembered the reason for this challenge....to challenge myself (lol). So instead of getting mad for straying off track, I have decided to just get over "Cyndi" and give myself a second chance. In the grand scheme of things this is a small thing...so why get my knickers in a bunch over things I can't control and just move my tuckers (sp) in gear and move forward ? So I'm looking at the reflection in the mirror, really seeing me as I really am and based on what I see...this old girl needs to pull herself up , dust herself off and get back in the game. Will I get sidetracked again? Probably. Should I let that get me down ? No. If I never learn to forgive and forget ( even if that forgiviness is for myself ), how can I expect it from other's ?

Completely Off Topic....But I Love, Love, Love this Bag !

Sis, I hope you see this entry. Most evenings I check out my favorite blogs ( thank goodness someone introduced me to bloglines, its been a lifesaver ). Anyway, I was poking around and found this bag on Katherine Brooks website. Its cute as a button, but its $50.00 and right now that is most certaintly not in the budget ! So I am hoping my very talented sister can make me a similar one. But if you would like to get this exact bag just go to this site. She has some great fabrics to choose from. She also sells jewelry, belts, and blankets. Maybe when things pick up I can order a few things. Well, I'm out of here, my bed is calling my name. I will post my gratitude journal entry in the morning.

This picture should be under the Day 17 and 18.... "Family Ties" , but for some reason that I yet to figure out ( can you tell blogger is frustrating me ? ) its not working. So I am trying it in its own space. Let's see what happens ! The picture was taken last homecoming and is the front of my home church. Also if you have noticed I still have not placed any new layouts on-line. The reason for it is because I am trying to submit some of my pages for publication and a lot of the calls require that you send pages that have not been posted on-line (I'm kicking myself for posting the first couple of ones, because they were my favorite). Most of them are due in by mid September, so if nothing happens by the end of September I will sart to post them again. Here's hoping that it will be a while before I do that (smile).

Day 19 ( 31 Day Challenge )

Butterfly in the Sky

Did you know that a butterfly is a symbol of transformation and change? Saturday a butterfly landed on my head not long after we entered the gates at Busch Gardens. My sister was able to capture a picture of it before it spread its wings and took flight. It was not until today when I was feeling down and lost that I thought about the butterfly. It's funny how when you are feeling your most venerable that someone or something steps in to remind you that bad days don't last forever, and that joy is waiting around the corner. Perhaps the butterfly showed up to remind me that I too can transform. If you think about how a caterpillar starts out...Woven inside its cocoon, waiting to emerge and explore the world. Then in the final transformation she emerges a beautiful colorful butterfly. Maybe at this moment I am still in my cocoon, and with time and patience (on my part) someday soon I will emerge, spread my wings and fly.

Busch Gardens Pictures

Cousin Shelly and Me
Quisha
Nicki and her friend Carlos
Cousins Trice and Jen
Nephew Alex and my Mom
My sister Cori and me
More Busch Gardens and Homecoming Pictures here and here.

Day 17 and 18 ( 31 Day Challenge )

Family Ties

This weekend we had a family reunion (of sorts). Each year (on the 3rd Sunday in August) my mom's church has a homecoming celebration. People come from all over ( Philly, Jersey, Washington DC, etc ) back to the homeplace where our Christian upbringing began. Even my Christian roots started at the little small church back (and I mean way back in the woods) in the woods of Virginia. I was baptized there by my godfather who was the pastor at the time. Marc and I got married not far from there at my grandparents home in the front yard in almost the same exact spot that my mom and my stepfather were married 33 years ago. As a little girl I recall being taught Sunday School by my great Aunt Julia, listening to my cousins sing in the choir (some still do). I remember homecomings pass where the church overflowed with old family members, where you met new cousins and long lost relatives you never knew existed. I remember the August heat, rain showers, the big fans that use to sit in the corners of the church to combat the heat. I remember waiting for the second service to start and sneaking out of the balcony with my little cousins so that we could walk down the road a piece to sit at Aunt sweethearts home with the big cousins.

We started the weekend off by climbing into my Uncles RV to make the trip back home. My uncle parked his RV at my mom's home for the weekend. Some of us stayed with my mom, some stayed in a nearby hotel and some stayed with my cousin Pat. On Saturday morning a bunch of us went to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg for the day. Sunday morning we went to church for morning service and that afternoon family members poured in from various places to celebrate years of tradition. Also that weekend my great Uncle Moses celebrated his 94th birthday. My sister and I talk all of the time about how blessed we are to have such strong family ties. In today's society its not always cool to be seen with your family, as a matter of fact many family members do not speak to each other and have not spoken for years. I thank God everyday that I am part of a family that may disagree from time to time, but who would never let the walls divide them so much that they wouldn't come together to celebrate in Christian love. See...the family that prays together really can stay together!

Day 16 ( 31 Day Challenge )

Music Soothes The Soul

When you are having a bad day, pop your favorite CD in the CD player and let it soothe your soul. As far back as I can remember music has been a part of my family's make-up. Gospel music, soul music, a little jazz and even some country. As a child I recall dancing with my mom in the livingroom to some of her favorite tunes. I started singing in the choir in middle school and stayed with it throughout high school and even now I sing on the choir at my church. When I am having a bad day I put a little music on and let it sooth my soul. When I'm having a good day music just adds the little extra something. My husband has been known to have his gospel music playing in the car so loud that we can't stand it. TJ listens to oriental songs all day and can usually be seen with a CD bag in hand with earphones on. The girls like me incorporate music into their lives through chorus and dance. I think music is the one thing that can bring most people together of any nationality. I can't imagine a world without music and for that I am grateful.

Day 15 ( 31 Day Challenge )

Women of Influence

Yesterday evening I started reflecting back on how blessed I have been during my lifetime by such a great group of women. So today I want to say thank you to all of the women who have ever crossed my path and have influenced me and helped to mold me into the person that I am today.

Thank you......Mommy,Grandma Berta,Grandma Lea, Aunt Julia, Cousin Pat, Cousin Barb, Aunt Maryland , Aunt Marion, Aunt Sweetheart, Aunt Reba, Cousin Laura, my Mother-in-law Roberta, my Sister Cori , Michelle ( sister/cousin ), Mrs. J ( In Germany ), Evonna ( Nicki's Oklahoma Godmother ) , my Daughters Nicki and Quisha, Aunt Jo, and Gran Renie, WIT Wives Wiley, Teresa, Pam, Greta, Sonia, Cynthia, Ruth, Neicy, Sandra, Joyce, Diane, Lula, Cassandra, Dress Sale Buddies Sheila, Tamra, Priscilla, Peggy, Aunt Otelia, Sister-in-Law Marsha, Ms. Dorothy, Mama Up, Disney Buddies Vanessa, Maggie, Sondra, PattyT, Laura, Kelli, Julianne, Kim, Pauline, PammyJo, Mt. Bethel Mama Cat, Pat P, Chico, Ms. Amanda, and Ms. Annie and the list goes on and on ( many more then I can ever name ). I am just grateful today for....long-time friendships, sisterhood, mamma's and bestgirlfriends.