Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Kandee Makes Me Smile!

I don't know how I haven't blogged about Kandee yet. She is one of my favorite bloggers and YouTubers ever! Watching one of Kandee's videos, automatically makes me smile! I love to read her makeup blog. And her personal blog. Kandee's kiddos are so cute! Her style is amazing. Her heart is as big as the world. And she just makes you feel better.

Did I mention? I LOVE her style! I wish she'd make a tutorial for her leather cuff. I want one. :) And I just love the clothes she wears. Her decorating is amazing too! So fun and fresh. Oh, and I just love these mugs. I might have to make a few. :)

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Apple Bread

If you are anything like me, you really enjoy baking. Especially, around this time of year. Yum! I think I've gained at least 10lbs since Halloween. :)

Anyway, I'm always looking for a new recipe to try out. I'm in love with Lola's pumpkin bread. I don't know if she has the recipe on her blog or not. But she made it for me, almost 2 years ago. After the first bite, I begged for the recipe. Ever since, I've made it at least once a month. And Alejandro's mom, makes the best banana bread ever! Is it bad, that I ate an entire loaf by myself?

I was looking for another sweet bread. Something yummy. When Lola sent me this recipe for Apple Bread. Yum! I've made it 3 times. And it's AMAZING! I just had to share it with you. I hope that you enjoy it too!


Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 cups sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups apples - peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped
1 cup broken walnuts

Directions

1.In bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt; set aside.

2.In large mixing bowl, place oil, sugar, eggs, vanilla and apples.

3. Stir into flour mixture.

4. Add walnuts and mix.

5. Divided mixture between two greased 8-in. x 4-in. bread pans.

6. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes or until bread test done.

7. Cool for 10 minutes on wire rack before removing from pan.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

New Year, New Wreath


Isn't this just a gorgeous little wreath? I'm in love with it! My favorite colors and all! The birds are my favorite detail. Since I'm just not that crafty, I emailed this picture to Lola. Who immediately told me, this is "a piece of cake" to make!

Well, we talked. And I have my list of supplies, that I need. We're going to be having a little "wreath making dinner" this week. So that she can help me make this. I can't wait! And I wonder, what Lola is going to make for herself. You should see all the cute wreaths that she has!

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy New Year's!


I just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy New Year's! I hope that 2012 brings many blessings to you and your family. May 2012 be a better year for us all. Bringing with it, health, love, and happiness!

Friday, December 30, 2011

Family

This time of year, I always think about my family. I get a little sad inside, and I wonder how things might have been different. How my kids might have more family. How I miss spending time with my parents and grandma.

When I was 15, my parents were killed. A drunk driver ran into their car. I've always prayed that they didn't see it coming. That they went quickly. And together. That my Mom and Dad didn't suffer. I don't know if that's how it happened. But that's what I've imagined. Maybe it was my 15 year old self, that needed to believe it.

For a long time, I slept with my parents' pillows. Taking in their scent. Remembering better times. Watching my daddy shave. And then, put on his cologne. Watching momma carefully comb her hair. Not a single hair, out of place. Remembering all the laughter that came out of our home. How my momma magically moved around our kitchen. Creating the most amazing meals.

Some of my favorite memories, are of our entire family sitting around our little living room together. My daddy reading to us, my momma playing with my hair, my little brother working on one of his model cars, and my little sister carefully painting her nails. I miss those times.

I miss talking with my parents. All of us sharing about our days. Praying over our meals. Showing our parents our report cards. The way daddy always rushed in, after work, to give our momma a big kiss. How we'd all rake up the leaves, to spend hours jumping in them. Building snowmen. And making snow angels. All of these things were taken from us, on that tragic day.

After that, my grandma took me. My sister went with my aunt. And my brother, he went to live with my uncle. Our family tried really hard to keep us together. We'd meet a few times a month, for dinner. And a night of fun board games. But it was tough.

Because I lived with my grandma, I got really close to her. I already was close to her. When I was little, I spent a lot of time with my grandma. I was the oldest. And I was just super close to her. But for those 3 years that I lived with my grandma, it was magical.

I learned so much from her. About keeping house, cooking, working hard, saving money. The important things. I was raised as a Christian. Grandma and I never missed a Sunday going to church. Never! We never had much. But grandma made everything special.

Every day was special in our house. Grandma would make me breakfast. And as I got ready for school, she'd make me lunch. I always got a note. And now that I think about it, I think my grandma probably wrote notes for my momma. Because my momma had always wrote us notes. And hide them everywhere! In our lunches, books, pockets, pillows.

Most of all, I miss all of our talks. My grandma always had the most wise things to say. She was so positive about everything. Thought only about the good in people. Made something positive, out of all the negative. That was my grandma.


Like I said, we didn't have much. But grandma always made sure, that I had everything I needed. When I graduated from high school, I figured, that I would probably stay in the same small town. Maybe get a job at the county. Live with my grandma.

But she had a different idea. She had saved as much money, as she could. And she sent me off to college. To do better. And be better. Shortly after my 1st semester in college, my grandma past away. I took it so hard. To have the 3 most important people, in my life, pass away, in less than 4 years. It was difficult.

More than any other time of year, I miss them the most now. We're right around their anniversaries. This is also the season for family. Now that my kids are getting bigger, I know that they yearn for their grandparents. It hurts deep in my heart and soul. I wish, that we could just have one day together.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

The Angel Lady


The Angel Lady

She was called the Angel Lady for the ornaments she made,
She carved them out of scraps of fir and pine,
They echoed a belief she held from which she never strayed,
That angels are around us all the time.

She first received her calling with a heart consumed by grief,
The year her loving husband passed away,
She found that carving offered her a measure of relief
And it brought a sense of purpose to her day.

And then when Christmas came with all the memories it brings,
And clouds of sadness fell upon her heart,
She carved her husband's likeness with a pair of angel wings,
And magically the clouds began to part.

She fixed it with a piece of string and hung it on the tree,
He always loved the smell of fresh cut fir,
And when she sat beside the tree to carve a bit or read,
She felt his loving presence close to her.

When others saw the ornament, her neighbors and her friends,
They marveled at how lifelike it appeared,
They begged her to consider carving ornaments for them
Of loved ones they had lost throughout the years.

And so her mission started and her reputation spread,
As orders came from cities far and wide,
From people who were seeking some remembrance of their dead,
And comfort from the pain they felt inside.

The children were the hardest and it often made her weep,
To carve their childish features in the pine,
But late at night a voice would reassure her in her sleep
That angels were around them all the time.

And one day she received a special letter in her box
From a boy whose family dog had passed away,
She thought about it briefly and then asked herself "why not?"
And she started carving pets that very day.

For twenty years she carved until her hands were old and tired
And all her youthful energy was gone,
But her belief in angels always made her feel inspired
And helped her find the strength to carry on.

And then one Christmas day a neighbor found her in her chair,
Her heart no longer sounding its commands,
With shavings all around her, in her clothing and her hair,
Her carving blade still nestled in her hand.

And as the medics came and slowly wheeled her to the door,
Her grieving friends were too distraught to see,
The photograph that rested right beside her on the floor
Or the newest little angel on the tree.

It hung there by her husbands like two birds upon a limb,
A woman carved in wood still wet with stain,
Her head was turned and she was smiling lovingly at him,
And he was looking back at her the same.

Like all the other angels she had carved throughout her days,
The image was so real it chilled the spine,
And engraved upon the bottom was this very simple phrase,
"Angels are around us all the time."
~Bob Lazzar-Atwood

Monday, December 12, 2011

Little Women


Last night, we happened to find Little Women on TV. I've been reading the book to my kids. A few pages every night. And they really seem to enjoy it. Little Women was one of my favorite books, as a kid. I have always wanted to own the movie. I fell in love with it, all those years ago. But I've never found it.

We watched last night. Alejandro and I made pizza, and some snacks. And we all sat and watched. I was pretty shocked that the kids were so interested in the movie. But we all enjoyed ourselves. It looks like, I need to start hunting down the movie. We definitely need it in our home. :)

Friday, December 9, 2011

Pillow Love!

The other night, I was googling a bunch of things. I was looking for some good gift ideas. Things that my kiddos and I could make. Nothing too complicated. But that had a lot of meaning. That's when I came across these cute pillows...


I don't even now where they're from! I've searched and searched. All over the web. With absolutely no luck! I really wanted to buy Alejandro and I each one. For Christmas. Since we don't live in the same house, I thought it would be a great idea. Has anyone seen these beauties? I really want to buy a few. :)

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Silent Night

After my kiddos went to bed tonight, I put on some Christmas music, and started wrapping their presents. I can't help but have a smile on my face. Not because of their gifts. But because it's Christmas time!

When the music got to Silent Night, I just had to stop. This is my favorite Christmas song. Since I was little, I've always enjoyed this song. Then I pulled out my bible. And I read for almost an hour.

It's amazing how God works. He sends us something to remind us. About the real reason, for Christmas. I really enjoyed my evening. And wanted to leave you with, my favorite Christmas song.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Dust of Snow


Dust of Snow

The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree

Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
~Robert Frost

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Fettuccine Carbonara

Alejandro treated us to dinner last night. It's always a treat to go out, as a family. We don't go out much. So our trip to Applebee's was quite a nice event. My kiddos were so excited. Why wouldn't they be? Yummy dinner, crayons, and mini desserts. Alejandro treated himself to a yummy steak. He works incredibly hard. All the time. It was nice to see him really enjoy his dinner. Me? I tried the Fettuccine Carbonara.


It was heaven sent! I'd recommend it to anyone. And everyone. Just keep in mind, it's very strong in garlic and onions. But if you enjoy Italian food, you'll definitely enjoy this! I sat and ate, until I couldn't eat any more! Even my kiddos tried it. And loved it! But then again, we eat a lot of veggies at home. Yum! Just looking at this picture, makes me want to go dig into my leftovers. :)

Friday, December 2, 2011

Lucy

Recently, I watched a special on Lucy. It was on PBS. One of their specials, that they play during their telethons. And I really fell in love with it! I've always been a fan of I Love Lucy. I remember watching it with my momma and grandma. I Love Lucy was one of our favorite shows. And when I'm feeling sad, I watch an episode.



It always makes me happy. Lucy just has a gift. And watching that special, it made me appreciate Lucy even more. The tragedy that seemed to be her personal life. All the struggles that she went through. It makes me appreciate her art and talent even more!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Crafting with Sticks


I've seen this picture all over the place! And I'm falling in love with this idea. Can you just imagine these candles, sprinkled around your Thanksgiving table? Heavenly! I can even see them lined up on our front windowsill.

I didn't find the original post. But how hard, can these be to make? I need to search in our yard for some sticks. Maybe take a quick trip to the Dollar Tree. They always have a bunch of neat glass containers. And I've got my gluegun. I think I've found my "Nap time" craft for the week. :)

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Love This Coat!

Lately, I've been really drawn to the color red. There's just something so royal and rich, about the color red. I'm still on the search for the perfect red scarf. But last week, when I saw these pictures, I was instantly in love!


Look at this jacket! I just love the shape of it. And the color. That gorgeous red color. Do you see that belt? I wonder if I can find something similar. You know, in my price range.


Let's take a closer look. I don't follow the royals. But I do have to say this, I'm in love with Kate's style! If only I could find these items, around here. And in my price range. I've definitely got a few items on my "Wish List." A red jacket, a red belt, and a red scarf. It just melts my heart!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

The Care Bears Movie

This morning, I got up early. With the hopes of getting ready, making breakfast, and getting my kids ready...before 8AM. On a Saturday. I know, I'm crazy! But we had plans, to go to the Farmers' Market. And with that, comes a lot of planning from me. It's tough. Getting 4 kids, under 4, out of the house on time.

Lilah got up around 5:30AM, hungry. So we laid in my bed, as she nursed. And before I knew it, Allison had climbed into bed with us. It was nice to snuggle up with my little girls. We don't get enough hours in the day, to just love each other like this.

I didn't have a TV in my bedroom, until Mother's Day. Since we moved into our home, we'd only had 1 TV. In the living room. And that was more than OK with me. But I got a TV for Mother's Day. It was a very generous gift.

This morning, it came in handy. As my girls and I were cuddling, we clicked on the TV. And searched for something fun to watch. Why not? I had already showered. And we had some time to just relax. That's when we found The Care Bears Movie.



For 2 hours, the 3 of us laid in bed. Watching this cute movie. I don't know how, but my sons slept through the entire thing! And my daughters LOVED this movie! I'm going to be on the hunt for a copy of this movie. And the second. Good Christmas presents if you ask me.

We don't have cable. But we do have a few digital channels. They're part of basic TV now. We've found a few shows that the kids enjoy, early in the mornings. But I've also noticed that they have some good movies. I'll continue to keep my eye out for some of these family friendly movies.

All day, the girls couldn't stop talking about the Care Bears. I'm sure the boys are wondering about this movie. Maybe it will come out again. And not at 6AM! If you're wondering about this new digit channel, it's This TV. You should definitely see if you can get it. They show so many good movies! And children's shows. :)

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

My New Favorite Show

Do you ever find a TV show, that you absolutely in LOVE with? I've found mine. On mistake. It's Hart of Dixie. I was flipping through the channels one night, and literally stumbled on the 1st episode.

It might sound corny, but I like the "wholesome" feel of this show. It reminds me of the Gilmore Girls. Or even Life Unexpected. By the way, I miss that show! Why did they have to cancel it? And I never got to see the last 2 episodes. That makes me sad.

But back to the Hart of Dixie. I don't know if I like the characters more, or the southern influence. No lie! It's definitely my new favorite show. I just hope, CW doesn't cancel this show too. Because I'm really starting to enjoy Monday nights. :)

Monday, October 24, 2011

Crackle Nail Polish

I've wanted to try the "Crackle Nail Polish" for over a year now. But I wasn't going to spend close to $10, a bottle for a bottle of nail polish. That's just too much for me. But the idea, of the crackle nail polish, just intrigued me.

I kept looking around. I heard that Sally Hanson was selling their version. It was supposed to be somewhere around $5. But I could never find it. Every time I went to Wal-Mart or Walgreens, I looked for it. With no luck! Then a friend, brought me an Avon book.


This "Mosaic Effects" polish was a new item, for that book. And it was being sold for around $5. A one time deal. So I used my "Monthly Treat Money" on a bottle. I also picked up a fun, fall color. Let me tell you something, this nail polish is fun!

All you do is paint your nails like normal. When they are dry, apply a thin coat of this polish. And it's like magic. I think the darker and brighter nail polishes, make your nails look "Rocker Chic." But if you polish your nails with light or neutral tones, I think this look is just "Chic" and fun! So fun!

If you're anything like me, you're lucky to polish your nails once a week. Life is busy. Especially with 4 kids. Half way through the week, I've been adding this polish to my nails. And it really extends, the life of your manicure. I'm super glad that I bought this polish.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Falling in Love with Scarves

I want to talk about scarves today. My friend has been inspiring me for a long time! When I first met Lola, I was in awe with her collection of winter jackets and scarves. Literally, every day I saw her in school, she had on a new variation. Most of the time, it was just a different scarf, with a neutral jacket.

But Lola always seemed so stylish. Effortless. And chic. Not only were her scarves fun, but so was the way she tied them. Last year, we picked each other, for "Secret Santas," at work. I got an amazing gift from Lola! That was totally above our set price range. And it was wrapped up, so beautifully, in a gorgeous grey and black scarf.

This began my absolute love of scarfs. Alejandro also bought me a gorgeous white scarf. Which I love to pieces. And I must admit, I have a little list going. Of scarves, that over time, I'd like to collect. I think it would be fun! Such a useful thing to buy. By the way, I always stop by the scarf sections at the store. Just to look around.


First up, is my favorite color. Pink. I'd love a pink scarf. Doesn't matter what shade. Just something pink and feminine. It could have a print, or just be plain.


My entire life, I've always wanted a red scarf. To me, they're very "ladylike." Both my grandma, and my mom, wore red scarves. That's how I knew the holidays were coming! I'd see those beautiful red scarves. I'd love a solid, red scarf. It's at the top of my list!


This mustard-y yellow color is gorgeous! I also like this feminine and flow-y fabric. I first seen a mustard colored scarf last year. At Target. I'm still kicking myself for not buying it! It was only $10.


Since I was in college, I've always had this attraction, to this teal-peacock color. It's just so rich! And at the same time, makes me smile. I also really like this style of scarf.

I've also been lusting after a plum-y colored scarf. Or even deep purple. Wouldn't this be a fabulous color? Perfect for late winter. When you're itching for Spring colors.

I'm also a fan of a few prints. Like this herringbone. Really, I'd love a jacket made with this print. But to start with, I'd love a scarf like this. I think it would look nice with my winter coat, which is black.


And plaid. Any type of plaid really. But this pattern in particular. Not the actual brand, but this pattern. When I was in college, I had a scarf with this print. But I let my roommate use it one night, and never seen it again. :(


The one scarf that I've been hunting down, since my college days, is a peacock scarf. I just love the feathers. There's something majestic and magical about peacock feathers. The only ones I find, are $45 and higher. Really out of my price range, at the moment. Has anyone seen something similar?


Lastly, a little leopard print scarf. So out of character for me! But I think it would be fun to wear. :) Just a little spice. When you're a mommy, sometimes you forget about things like that.

I have 3 scarves. I love them to pieces! And I hope to grow my collection, over the years. I'm someone that enjoys fun things. It doesn't have to be expensive. Just fun, and somewhat useful. Now I just need to learn, all the fun ways to tie them. :)

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

I Remember That Feeling...

My good friend, Emmers, is due a month from today. I remember that feeling. And I remember it well. I'm a mommy of four. And was pretty much pregnant from October 2006, until December 2009. It was crazy! Don't get me wrong, I'd never, ever regret my kids. They're my entire life. And I just couldn't imagine living without them. But that last part of pregnancy, is tough.


Lola and I, thoughtfully threw Emmers a Baby Shower early. We didn't want her to be miserable. We wanted her to enjoy, every single part of this amazing experience. It's really a miracle. A blessing. Something that should be celebrated. We all enjoyed ourselves so much. Mostly due to this gal. She really is a blessing. Straight from God! The best friend anyone could ever ask for.

I'm praying every day for Emmers. I pray for a safe delivery for her, and her baby girl. I pray for her and Paul. I know, that they will be amazing parents. But, I know that being a parent, is a tough job. One that we all love. But at times, we all need some help. A few prayers. And some encouragement. At the end of the day, being a parent, is the best thing in the world!

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

I'm a survivor. I'm not ashamed. I was not in the wrong. I was a victim. Today, I'm a survivor. I want to make people aware of this horrible topic. I want to help anyone that I can. And I want to share my story. In hopes, that it can touch, just one life. Can change one person. That I can help save one family.


All month, I'll be wearing purple on Saturdays. I'll dress my 4 kids in purple. And ask anyone who wants to participate, to please support the cause. On Saturdays, I'll be sharing a post about domestic violence. And I hope, by the end of the month, that I'll have enough strength, to share my story.

Like I said, I'm a survivor. I'm very lucky. I have 2 amazing friends, that I was able to finally call for help. Cowboy J and Lola. Without them, I don't think I would have gotten out. They were my total support system. 2 people that I trusted, and loved.

My relationship didn't start like this. No. We were happy, in love, and college sweethearts. Newly married. But soon after I got pregnant, with my first son, things changed. And for over 3 years, I lived in hell. My only hope, were my children. Ultimately, it was my kids, that gave me the strength to leave. I just couldn't let them grow up, thinking this was OK. Most importantly, I couldn't let them get hurt.

This is a tough subject. It's hard to open up. It's tough to let people in. You feel ashamed. Almost like it's your fault. And after all of this, I've learned so much. Like how, I was not alone. There are so many people that are dealing with this. In silence. In fear. Let's work together, to end this horrible violence.