Thursday, October 29, 2009

Meeting Boomer Sooner!!!!

I'm so excited that on Friday I get to meet Valerie (Boomer Sooner) from Oklahoma!!!!!
We met this past year blogging and have become good friends via the internet!
Whoever thought when I started blogging last January that I would meet such wonderful folks in the blog world. I have made some awesome friends and have laughed and cried with so many of you over the past year via our blogs.

Valerie will be my first blogger friend that I will have the opportunity to get to meet. Valerie is flying to Virginia with her sister to visit her niece, who goes to college there. We talked a long time ago about how much fun it would be to meet each other. When Valerie decided to fly out with her sister, she emailed me and we planned to meet and go to lunch. It is about a 2 hour drive for me to get to where she is visiting. With the leaves changing colors right now, it will be a beautiful drive!

Poor Valerie, there were problems in Atlanta and her trip from Oklahoma to Virginia took all day and night! They couldn't fly into the city where they were supposed to be visiting. Instead, they had to fly to another city and her niece had to drive over to pick them all up and take them to their hotel.

Valerie called this evening to tell me that they had arrived in Virginia, but they still had the drive to the city where her niece goes to college. I know they are exhausted!
I have never been to the city where we are going to meet (just driven by there on the highway) and I am looking forward to getting to see some new sites. I have a friend who used to live there and another friend whose mother-in-law lives there and I asked them to suggest a good place for lunch. Can you believe it, they both suggested the same place!

I am so excited to meet Valerie, her sister and her niece! God amazes me at how he puts people in our lives. Who would have ever thought when I started blogging that I would meet so many wonderful people!!!!

I'm sorry that I have had a lapse of posting on my blog. My fall has been crazy!
You name it, it has happened.......
My camera broke and I had to get a new one, our computer was on the blink and it took a while to get it fixed, we had to change our internet carrier, I started a new job and I now work full time as a Nanny, for 2 months in the fall I was out of town every weekend but one, our water line broke coming into our house and we had to have a new water line put in, etc. , etc. Now I have misplaced my cord to the camera, so I haven't been able to upload my pictures. I can't win for losing, as they say. LOL!!!!

Hopefully things are going to slow down a bit and I am going to get some semblance of order back into my life. Is that possible? I was off work this past week, because the family I work for has been at Disney World. I love being at home and I have thoroughly enjoyed being able to get some much needed projects done around the house. I have enjoyed spending time with friends and also my family.

I have cleaned out my entire kitchen (cabinets, drawers, etc), cleaned out my master bedroom closet, cleaned out all of my bathrooms (cabinets, drawers,etc), cleaned out my pantry, laundry room, freezers, refrigerator, etc. Plus, I have done some yard work. I have been busy this week!!!

Although I have done a lot, there is so much more that I want to do. I am beginning to panic when I realize that Sunday is November 1st and that means Thanksgiving is just right around the corner and it is less than 2 months until Christmas.

As I am working to get my life back into some order, please bear with me. Although I have not been posting as much, I have tried to read your blogs regularly and make comments to keep in touch. Valerie and I will be sure to take lots of pictures to put on our blogs of our visit with each other on Friday. I can't wait!!!!!

PS I have edited this post for over an hour and I can't get the large type to go away on my finished blogpost. It does not show up on the edited version, before I hit publish post. Go figure!! I am just going to leave it. I have to go to bed. Good Night!!!

Saturday, October 10, 2009

My Computer is Back up and Running!!!!

Hey everyone, hope all of you are fine and enjoying this beautiful fall weather! Our computer has been on the blink and I just got back online yesterday (Friday, Oct. 9th). When I came home from the mountains 2 weekends ago, the computer wasn't working properly and had to go to the shop. We got it back and then our internet provider was not working right and had to be replaced with another provider. We got everything back up and running on Friday. When the Time/Warner man came yesterday, I could have kissed him, I was so excited!!! I was beginning to suffer from withdrawal, not having my computer "fix" each day.


It has taken me a long time today to weed through my 1,000 emails and take care of my correspondence, etc. I can't win for losing. A while back my camera broke and I got a new one. I am learning how to use it, but I am still no expert yet by any means. I will upload my pictures from the past 2 mountain trips, etc. and try to put some online this week. If I don't have any luck, Adelaide will be coming home for Fall break on Wednesday and can give me some help.


I went from a broken camera to a broken computer and in between all of this, our water had to be shut off due to an underground water leak that we did not know about. We ended up having to get a new water line put in from the street to our house. Our little dog and I went to stay with my parents and my husband went and stayed with his parents this week. Needless to say, I got NOTHING done all week, since I was not able to be at home. I did enjoy being with my parents, but I felt like my week was lost.

On my day off on Friday, I was able to get a lot done around the house and begin to get caught up on things. I want to get everything in order for Adelaide's visit with us over Fall break. I can't believe that half of her semester will be over when she gets home this week. It just seems like yesterday that I took her up to college in August. It is going to be Thanksgiving and Christmas before we know it!!


I so missed having my computer and getting to read all of your blogs and keep up with all my blogger friends and family. I LOVE my computer and was so lost without it. I am so dependent on it for my daily activities. Take care and bear with me. It will take me a while to catch up with all of you and what has been going on these past 2 weeks!

Love & blessings!
Melinda

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Back to the Mountains!!!!

I got up really early this morning and had the car packed by 5:30am. I didn't want to be rushed trying to pack the car and leave for work. I have to be at work at 7:30am this morning, so I think I will have plenty of time to get the rest of my things done here. I will leave from work this afternoon when I get off and drive up to my sister's house. It just takes around 2 hours, so it is an easy drive.

I don't especially like to drive in the rain, but I guess I don't have any choice. It has been raining here since yesterday and I believe the rain is here to stay for awhile, according to the weather man. It looks like I will be driving up in the rain and coming home in the rain. There is rain in the forecast for the next week. I know we need it really bad, but I hate rainy weekends. Don't you?

Tomorrow, my Mom, sister and I are going to a Quilt Show. For those of you who don't know me very well, I LOVE to make quilts. I have sewn ever since I was a little girl. My Grandmothers both loved to sew and my Dad's Mother made quilts. It is her old house that my parents live in as their summer home in the mountains. That house holds many wonderful memories for me as a child visiting my Grandparents. It now holds many memories for my children as the summer vacation home they visit my parents in.
I am looking forward to seeing all the beautiful quilts at the Quilt Show. It is always fun to see what other people have done and to be inspired!

I always love spending time with my family. My sweet sister and I love talking and visiting with each other. I am so glad that we live close to each other and can spend a lot of time together.

I am slowly learning how to use my new camera, but have not had time to upload any pictures yet onto the computer. I have worked a lot of overtime this week on my Nanny job and have not had much time in the evenings to work with the camera. Are there ever enough hours in the day? I promise I will get some pictures uploaded and posted soon. I did take some pictures at the beach that I want to share. Plus, I will try to take some this weekend if the weather permits. It doesn't sound very promising for outside activities.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sweet blogger friend, Joyce. (Tales from This Side of the Pond) Her birthday is this weekend. Joyce has just recently moved back to the states from England after living there for 6 years. I loved reading about her adventures while she was there and now I am still enjoying reading about her travels in the US and how she is adjusting to life back in the states. She is precious and if you have never visited her blog, please do so! I hope you have a wonderful weekend, Joyce!!!

To all of my other blogger friends, I hope this finds you well and that you have an amazing weekend too. My life is wild and crazy as always, but I wouldn't have it any other way. It keeps me going trying to keep up with my girls and share in the joy of their lives!!!

Love & blessings to you all!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Hello!!!

Just a quick note to let you all know that I am OK. I have been so BUSY lately with my new job, getting my daughter moved and settled at college, my camera being broken, etc. that I am sorry to say that I have not been posting on my blog. I have been reading and keeping up with your blogs as much as possible, but just not posting on my own.

Guess what? I just got myself a new camera. YEA!!! So now I am going to spend the weekend trying to learn how to use it. For those of you who know me well, this is no surprise; (LOL) but I am very technologically challenged. I would rather take a beating than have to learn how to use my new camera. I hate stuff like that. I will persevere though and get back into posting pictures for my blog!!! I got a Sony camera and it is so tiny and cute!!!

I am off to the beach today (near Myrtle Beach, SC) to have a fun "girl weekend" with one of my dear friends. She invited me down to share her beautiful beach house for the weekend. Our little dog Holly is going with me. We will have a wonderful time. I can't wait!!! I hope you all have an amazing weekend yourselves.

Love & blessings,
Melinda

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Another Great Giveaway!!

Hey ladies, I have been stretched a little thin recently, but hey, all is well and I wanted to take the time to let you all know about a wonderful giveaway that my friend Belle is having at Life of a Southern Belle for her 300th post.

Look at this cute candelabra that you put in a wine bottle. Wouldn't that be adorable for your favorite tailgate party this fall? The next item is this beautiful shawl/wrap. That color is definitely my favorite!!! Isn't it gorgeous?

There will be 2 copies of Belle's favorite author, Pat Conroy's newest book to be given away. My oldest daughter just bought that book last week and it really sounded great!!! It takes place in one of my favorite places, Charleston!!!

You also have a chance to win a $20 gift card to Starbucks!

There are 5 chances to be included in the drawing, which will take place this Friday, so hop on over to her blog and take a look. You will love her blog!!! I am in for 5 chances at winning one of these fabulous prizes and I hope you win something too!
This past weekend I moved my daughter to college and I will be going back this Thursday to take one more load and spend the weekend.
I am loving my new job so much and it has been a Godsend for me!! No more stress to put up with at the preschool. I think I have decided on my new camera. I just need to settle down long enough to purchase it. Then hopefully after this weekend, I can settle back in here at home and get back to my "Empty Nest" routine. I have not been as good about posting on my blog lately. Sorry ladies. Life has just been too busy, but that is a good thing. I wouldn't want it any other way.


Love & blessings from NC!















Monday, August 17, 2009

Julie and Julia!

On Saturday, Lauren and I had a girl's day out. We went to eat breakfast with my sweet parents to start off the day. From there, Lauren, my Mom and I went to the nail salon to get pampered. Lauren and I got pedicures and my Mom got a manicure. I didn't opt for a manicure, because with packing and moving Adelaide this week to college, I knew I would ruin my nails in the process.
After our pedicures, Lauren and I went to our local Lilly store and had fun trying on summer clothes that they had on sale for 75% off. We both got some great stuff!
After shopping we dashed by Chick-fil-A for a really quick lunch before catching the movie, Julie and Julia.
If you gals have not seen this movie yet, by all means, run to the nearest theater and see it. You will LOVE it!!!!! I grew up watching Julia Child on TV, so it was so much fun for me to see the movie and relive those "Julia" moments!!
Meryl Streep did an incredible job as Julia and I loved Amy Adams too. She did a great job portraying Julie, and she is so cute!
The reviews tell you not to go see this movie on an empty stomach and I would agree. The food looked amazing and it made you want to go home and cook up something really special!!


Speaking of which, Lauren and I went right over to Barnes and Noble and she got Julia's cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
We had so much fun looking at it. Lauren and I want to try some of the recipes, although I won't be making all of them, like Julie did in the movie. That was quite an adventure, to say the least!
Lauren and I both really loved this movie and I think lots of other people did too. The movie theater was packed the day we went. I can't wait to buy this movie when it comes out in the stores. I have always loved to cook, so I guess this was just a given for me that I would love the movie so much.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

My New Job!!!!

Just call me Mary Poppins!!! I am so thrilled to say that God closed one door for me, but opened another door that was even better than I could have imagined. For those of you who are new to my blog, I have been a 3 year old pre-school teacher for the past 16 years and I lost my job at the end of the school year. It was so devastating to me, because I loved the children and the special friends I had made at our school.

We had a new director at my pre-school and the past year had been very stressful, so it really ended up being a blessing that my job was abolished and I was able to get a much better job with a wonderful family!


I am going to be a NANNY for 2 sweet young boys!! They both have birthdays this fall and one will be 3 and the other will be 7 years old. The oldest child will be in private school, so I will mostly have the younger little boy. They are both precious! The parents are both doctors. I will work a full day Monday through Wednesday and on Thursday I will get off at 3pm. I will not work on Fridays. That will be great for me to have a long weekend. If I want to leave after work on Thursday, I can drive to be with either of my girls for a long weekend!


It is amazing to me how God works things out in our lives. The oldest child in this family had attended our pre-school in the past, but was not in my class. Instead, I had him in an after school cooking class that I taught. The mother heard that I had lost my job and she contacted me to see if I would be interested in being their nanny.


I remembered the family as being so nice!!! When I went and met with them and was introduced to the younger little boy, I knew that this was the perfect job for me. We worked out all the details and things just fell into place.


My biggest reservation about working full-time was that I had been in a Bible Study with a group of amazing ladies on Monday mornings. I hated to give that up. As it turns out, I am not going to have to do that. The family wanted me so bad, that they said they would work things out so that I could still be in my Bible study. The little boy will stay with the housekeeper while I am gone on Monday mornings to Bible study. Isn't that great? These ladies have been such a wonderful support to me during some hard times in my life and I hated to give that up.

Another "God thing" is that my Bible study leader's house is about a minutes drive from the home where I will be working. How about that? In a city as big as mine, that is pretty amazing!


I started my job on August 3rd and the first week went very well. It was so refreshing to drive to work and not be stressed out about the day. My 4 day work week went by real fast, the housekeeper was so sweet to me, and the children could not have been better. The parents told me at the end of the week how much the children loved me and how happy they were with me!! I was so thrilled. It will be so refreshing to be in a position where I am appreciated for a change!


Although I will miss teaching pre-school, it will be nice to just have these children, instead of a whole classroom full of children. I can love on them and enjoy my time with just them. When school starts, I will mostly just have the younger little boy. I won't have to do lesson plans, I won't have to cut out craft projects at night, I won't have to spend hours on the phone with parents, etc.

Since my own children are away from home, I will love spending time with my "new children" during the week. This family enjoys traveling and takes a lot of time off during the year, so that will be nice. I will get at least 2 weeks off during the summer, a week off at Christmas, time off at Thanksgiving, time off for fall and spring break, etc. Plus, they told me if I needed to take additional time off to do things myself, to just let them know.


I had interviewed at another pre-school, but the director there called me and said that she just did not have enough children enrolled to hire any new teachers. With the economy, there are just not any extra teaching jobs in our area. I was thrilled to get this opportunity to be a nanny for this family and to have a job!!! I still like to help with things for my girls and not be totally dependent on my husband for everything.


I am not an expert on children, but I have taught for 16 years and I have raised 2 pretty amazing young ladies (if I do say so myself). I am very proud of them!!!! God has blessed me with a great family and I hope I can be a blessing to the family that I will be working for.


I worked the week of August 3rd, but then have been off the week of August 10th, since they had already planned a beach vacation. That was fine with me, because it has given me a chance to spend the week with my sister and my parents in the mountains of North Carolina. My husband and my married daughter and her husband were up over the weekend, but now I am just here visiting by myself. My youngest daughter is at the beach with the family that she babysits for in the summer.

Next week I have to help get Adelaide packed up and bring her back to college for the fall. It has been a great summer, but the time has gone so fast. I have loved every minute of my time with her. I am already dreading the time when she has to leave. My nest will be empty again, but I will have my 2 sweet, little boys to love on!!!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Needing a New Camera

Hey gals, I am lost without my digital camera!!! On the last day of my trip to the mountains my camera just died!!! I was so upset, because I take my camera with me EVERYWHERE!!! I went to get a picture of my sister and me as we were leaving and the camera was totally dead. I tried new batteries and that did not work.

We came home that Saturday and went right to a wedding. I hate that I did not have my camera for the wedding. On Sunday I was busy getting ready to leave for a girl's getaway trip to Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia and did not have a chance to get another camera. I really would not have wanted to make such a rushed decision anyway. So, needless to say, I went to the lake without a camera. I was sick about that.

The gal's cabin that we stay in there is so awesome and the scenery so beautiful, that I wanted to take pictures to share with you all. That was not the case, since I don't have a camera now. Some of the other ladies had their cameras, so maybe I can get some of their pictures.

We had the best time riding the jet ski. It held 4 people!! We also went canoeing on the lake and the most fun was just lounging in the float-type chairs in the water. We played games at night out on the deck overlooking the water, we ate lots of good food, laughed until it hurt, TALKED,TALKED & TALKED and just had a wonderful time being together as girlfriends.


I have been with this group of ladies for a long time and we have shared lots of joy and sorrow with each other. There are 6 of us. We have been wonderful prayer warriors for each other!!! It was a great time away and we hated to come home last night. Now it is back to reality!! Laundry, housework, etc.


I am going to be looking around now for a simple, but good, digital camera. I am not real technologically minded, so I have to have something that is not too difficult to use. My daughter has a little Canon camera that she loves.

Do any of you have suggestions for a camera that you have purchased that you especially love or one that you have gotten that you don't like? I would be interested to hear some suggestions.

My other camera I had was an HP, but the screen was too small. I will be glad to have a camera with a much larger screen that will be easier to see. My old camera used batteries and I am thinking that I might like a camera that has a charging station (or whatever you call it) instead of using batteries. Any suggestions there too?


In the meantime I am without a camera. I will look forward to hearing from you all. I don't want to spend a fortune for a camera. I just want to have a good basic camera to use for my picture taking and blogging. Thanks and have a great day ladies!

Monday, July 20, 2009

My Daughter's Giveaway!!!


I almost forgot to let you all know that my sweet daughter is having a giveaway and is giving away a beautiful set of picture frames from CSN. Check it out. They have some great products. My daughter (Sweet, Sassy and Always Classy) is linked on my sidebar.

Good Luck!!!

Girls Getaway at the Lake!!!

I am leaving this morning for a getaway trip to Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia!!! I am going with my Bible study gals that I meet with on Monday mornings during the school year. Including me, there are 6 of us. We have been together for almost 5 years and have weathered lots of life's storms together. We are a praying group and have really prayed for each other over the years and have seen many prayers answered in some amazing ways. God is so good!!

When we meet during the school year, we do a book study. We have read and discussed some amazing books. I can't wait to see what we will decide to study this fall. We have not been together since we got together in June to celebrate one of the ladies' birthday, so there will be lots to talk about. We email each other, but there is nothing better than talking to each other in person. I'm sure it will be hard to get a word in edgewise. LOL!

One of the ladies in our group has a beautiful cabin at the lake right on the water, so we will enjoy the beautiful scenery. Last year when we went, we spent most of our time floating on the water and just being lazy. We may decide to hit the jet skiis this time if we are adventurous. There is a ski boat, but we probably won't ski.

We all share in taking food, so there is lots of great food to eat. I made homemade caramel corn to take to munch on and I also baked a chocolate cake. In case you haven't noticed, I LOVE sweets. Got to have my sweet fix while I am away! I am also going to make a zucchini quiche.

I treasure my time away with my girlfriends and it will be nice to get renewed and refreshed. On a sad note, my camera has decided not to work, and I did not have time to see what the problem was before leaving, so I will be minus a camera. I take my camera with me all the time, so I will be lost without it. Oh well, I guess I will survive. I will have to check out the problem when I return and I may be shopping for a new camera.

My daughter and I returned late Saturday afternoon from the mountains and got dressed and headed right to a wedding. Sunday was spent going to church, spending time with the family at the pool, going out for Mexican food last night, doing laundry, unpacking and re-packing and cooking for the trip. Are there ever enough hours in the day?

Since I don't have a laptop, I won't be on the computer until I return late Wednesday evening. Have a wonderful week and I will catch up with everyone Wednesday night!

Love & blessings from NC!
Melinda

Friday, July 17, 2009

Enjoying Our Week in the Mountains!!!!

My daughter and I have spent this week in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina with my sister and her husband. We have had the most relaxing week!! We have had no itinerary and have just done what we wanted to. Staying up late, sleeping late, eating lots of WONDERFUL food, sitting on the front porch (at night with a jacket), reading our books, looking at magazines, knitting, telling stories and laughing together, going shopping, etc. Just good old family time together!!!!


My sister's house has a tin roof and this morning I woke up early to the sound of rain pounding down on the roof. I rolled over and went back to sleep. Oh, the beauty of a vacation and getting up when you want to. The weather this week has been absolutely beautiful with highs just in the 70's. I know you Texas folks hate to hear that! At night we have to get a jacket or we get too chilly sitting out on the porch.


Fresh vegetables are in and we have been having the best dinners. Fresh corn, beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, new potatoes, squash, zucchini, cornbread, biscuits, etc.!!! One day we went to a local restaurant that has home-style cooking complete with country ham and fried chicken. And fresh cobblers for dessert. YUM!!!


Yesterday we went to a huge antique store and I found some beautiful milk glass sherbet bowls to add to my collection. We had fun reminiscing about old things that we saw that our grandmothers used to have or that even we had in the past. Isn't it fun traveling back down memory lane?

Today I am meeting a friend for lunch in the beautiful town of Blowing Rock. It is a gorgeous resort town that is here in the mountains of NC. I have taken lots of pictures this week, so I will post some next week for all to enjoy.


Adelaide and I feel so rested and relaxed and hate to go back home on Saturday. We are excited though to be going home to attend a wedding on Saturday night. My associate from pre-school last year has a daughter who is getting married. We are going to the evening wedding and the reception is afterwards at the Country Club. I love weddings!

Have a great weekend everyone!!! Love & blessings from NC!

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Rest and Relaxation in the Blue Ridge Mountains!!!

I am packing this morning to get ready to leave for a week in the Blue Ridge Mountains to visit my parents, my sister, brother-in-law, niece and other family and friends. My youngest daughter, Adelaide will be going too, but hubby will stay home and hold the fort down, as we say!
I am babysitting my Grand dog Chi-Chi, so she and our dog, Holly, will join us, as well. They love it up there. They get to visit their "cousin dogs", Allie, Sampson and Trixie.

It will be a fun-filled week of sitting on the front porch (at both my parent's house and my sister's house). Adelaide and I love to sit on the porch, especially on the porch swing, and read!!!
There will be lots of good food, as my Mom is a wonderful cook. We also have lots of favorite places that we love to eat out, as well.

I'm sure the week will find us shopping too. There are also options of hiking, kayaking, tubing in the river, riding along the Blue Ridge Parkway, etc. In other words, there is as much or as little to do as we want to. Whatever the mood strikes us! Sometimes when we go up, we are more energetic and we go and go and go. Other times, we just love to loaf and sit on the porch most of the time and relax.

That is the beauty of going up there; we know we will rest. At home I am always doing something... cooking, cleaning, etc., but up there we just take it easy and enjoy time spent with our family.

The house that my parents live in is the home that my Father grew up in as a child. It is a farmhouse with a beautiful front porch on it that overlooks a creek and a lovely mountain covered in Christmas trees. There are cows on the mountain behind the house. I have some wonderful memories of times spent in that house as a child visiting my Grandparents. When I was real young, the house did not have a bathroom and we had to use the outhouse. There was a woodstove in the kitchen and we took a bath in there in a metal tub. In later years, my Grandparents put in a bathroom, but I still remember "the good old days" without the bathroom. It sure makes us appreciate our modern conveniences, doesn't it? My Grandparents died many years ago.

My parents live in the same city that I do, but they spend their spring, summer and fall in this house in the mountains. We love going up to visit them. I can drive up there in a little less than 2 hours, so it is an easy trip for a weekend.

My sister lives in a house next to my parents, but there is a big field between the 2 houses. She and her husband had their house as a vacation get-a-way house many years ago, but after they retired, decided to live there permanently. They restored their farmhouse and gutted the inside. It is an awesome house!! It looks old on the outside, but the inside has been modernized and they added on to the house to make it larger to accommodate company and make it more spacious. My sister's house has a great front porch too.

My niece also lives up there and she has an adorable log cabin house that is just precious!! She loves to work in the yard and her yard is full of the most gorgeous perennials. It looks like a picture postcard!!! Her house has a great front porch, as well and a lovely screened in porch and deck on the back of the house.

I went to the Farmer's Market yesterday and loaded up on lots of fresh vegetables to take up with me to have to eat during the week. Where I live the fresh veggies are in, but up in the mountains the gardens are not in yet. We will love all the fresh vegetables. Mom has a big dinner planned for tonight. I can't wait. She is a great cook!!! My father loves soup for lunch, so I made 2 kinds of soup to take to share for the week. (Chicken corn chowder with sweet potato chunks and broccoli cheddar). I also made a double recipe of my famous Sandtart cookies that my whole family loves. Needless to say, we will eat well this week!!! What is a vacation without good food?

Although our summer weather has not been terribly hot this year, it will be really nice to get up to the mountains and enjoy the cool mountain breezes. The temperature up there is usually 10 to 20 degrees cooler than it is where I live. In fact, at night during the summer, we generally always need a light jacket or sweater. My parents home is not air conditioned, but with the windows open and the ceiling fans on, it can still get chilly at night.

My sister has a computer, so I will get on some while I am there and see how all of you are doing. I hope everyone has a wonderful week! Love & blessings to you all.

Friday, July 10, 2009

A Summer Gift From God!!!

During the summer when I am out of school, I love to walk in the mornings at a local park near my home. My girlfriend, Nancy and I walk together each morning. On Thursday morning, Nancy couldn't walk, so I made the rounds at the park by myself. The walking area at the park is a paved road that is cut through the woods and the scenery is so pretty. I love to walk and take in the beauty of the surroundings. When I walk with Nancy, we talk 90 miles an hour (imagine that!) and solve all the world's problems in the process.

On Thursday morning I was walking by myself, and it was quiet and peaceful in the park. I looked up ahead of me and a Mother deer was coming out of the woods right in front of me. She was just quietly walking across the road as if I wasn't even there. I couldn't believe that she was that close to me!

All of a sudden 2 babies came out of the woods behind her. They were so tiny and precious! They had white spots on their backs and it looked like they were not very old. A mother deer and her twins!!! What a sweet sight to see on my early morning walk. It was as if God was giving me a present on this gorgeous summer day and reminding me that He is the one who created this beautiful world that we live in.

Seeing that deer with her babies put a bright spot in my day! I was amazed that she was not afraid of me and brought her babies that close as I was walking by. I call this type of thing a "God Moment." Times when God speaks to us through simple, everyday events in our lives to get our attention and show His love for us.

Do you have "God Moments" in your life that bring joy to your day? If so, rejoice in them and share those moments with others!

Have a wonderful day!

Love & blessings, Melinda

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

WE WON!!!!!

Thanks to Sarah at Monogram Chick for hosting an amazing summertime giveaway! I posted about Sarah's giveaway and then my blog friend, Nancy, at Bacardi Mama left a comment and entered the contest. As a result, we both won a market tote. Isn't that awesome!!I was so EXCITED and so was Bacardi Mama!!!! This market tote is beautiful and I can't believe that we won!! THANK YOU so much Sarah!!! Please check out her website if you need a gift for babies, children, adults, bridesmaids, graduation or just to pamper yourself! She has some really nice items on her website. Sarah is getting ready to introduce items with Greek Letters on them for all of us who have daughters who are in Sororities. Check that out too! I can't wait to pick out my monogram and color choice for my market tote. Have a wonderful day! Love & blessings from NC!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Another Great Summertime Giveaway!!!!

Hey ladies, this is another amazing summertime giveaway from Sarah over at Monogram Chick!! Don't you just love this beautiful pink floral market tote? All you have to do to win is leave a comment about your favorite font, but if you want to increase your chances you can blog and/or Tweet about the giveaway. Check out Sarah's blog, Monogram Chick for all the details.

Sarah has beautiful items for gifts or just to splurge on yourself! I almost forgot to write about this. Sorry guys!! Things have been a bit busy here. You have until midnight June 29th to post a comment. Hurry on over and take a look. Hope all of you are having a wonderful weekend.

OH, IF YOU MENTION THAT YOU HEARD ABOUT THE GIVEAWAY FROM ME, WE BOTH WIN, IF EITHER OF US IS SELECTED!!!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DAD!!!!

Happy Father's Day Pap!
You are the greatest! I am so blessed to have such a loving, caring and wonderful Father! My sister and I have always been the "apples of his eyes" and he has given us so much love and attention. He is always there for us and loves being with us, talking to us on the phone, taking trips together, etc.
My Dad just turned 88 years old and he is still very spry and has a sharp mind. He gets up every morning and does his crossword puzzle. He keeps up with all the latest news, the stock market, etc. He is an amazing Grandfather as well, and has devoted his whole life to making his children and his grandchildren happy!!
We have some incredible memories of times spent with my Father and we love getting together with Pap so he can tell some of his "Tales".
Pap loves to tell "Tales" or stories about his childhood, when he was in the war or just tell jokes. He loves to have every one's attention and tell a good story or make people laugh. God has truly blessed me with a WONDERFUL Dad and my children with an AMAZING Grandfather!!!!!

Pap had a mild stroke on June 5th of this year, but he is doing great now. It didn't slow him down, other than his time in the hospital. Here is Adelaide in the hospital with him. Look how happy he is to see her. He loves his children and grandchildren and he lights up when he sees us! (Sorry, I forgot to take out the red eyes!)

Although my Dad just turned 88, he wanted one more new car, so he bought this new RED Toyota for he and my Mom. They are sure going to be sporty in their old age. My Dad doesn't drive anymore, but my Mom still drives them anywhere they want to go. This picture was taken just a few weeks ago. I think my Dad doesn't look bad for an 88 year old and my Mom is 85. I hope I get along as well as they do at their age. Adelaide is with them sharing in the joy of their new car!!!


Mom and Dad with their new car. They are so proud!!! Mom and Dad, you are the joy of our lives! We love you and we wish Pap a very happy Father's Day! I am having everyone over tonight for dinner. We are grilling out a London Broil and I am fixing my Dad's favorite veggies that I got at the Farmer's Market yesterday. Fresh corn on the cob, green beans and new potatoes. For dessert we are making homemade ice cream. We will have fun celebrating Father's Day with my Dad and my husband!



Saturday, June 20, 2009

I WON!!!!!!


I just got an email from Semi-Slacker Mom that I won her giveaway. I was so thrilled!!

It is so much fun to win! It feels like Christmas!
I won a $25 gift certificate from the Eco Store.

I can't wait to check out their website, and see what I want to order. I will let you guys know how I like the products I get. You might want to order some too.


Thanks so much Semi-Slacker Mom!!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Another Summer Giveaway!!

Semi-Slacker Mom is having a great summer giveaway from the EcoStore. This company is an extension of a New Zealand based company that manufactures products that are plant and mineral based and are so much better for us and our environment!

Check out my dear blogger friend's blog and you could be registered for a $25 gift certificate. Hurry, as the contest ends on Saturday, June 20th! Good luck!!
I am always glad to know about new products!

Monday, June 15, 2009

Another Great Giveaway!


Hey ladies, hop on over to Tip Junkie and check out the wonderful blog full of great ideas and tips for almost anything you can think of. I am amazed at all the tips I have gotten from this site since joining. The site is celebrating their 2 year birthday!
It is a wealth of information, so please check it out.
In the process, you can register for some awesome prizes this week!
There will be 10 winners each day for a total of 50 amazing prizes!!!!!
Good luck and enjoy the blog if you have never visited before!!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Great Giveaway!



My sweet blogger friend, Preppy 101 at All Things Southern and Preppy, is hosting a great giveaway. This adorable duffle can be yours if you visit her blog. Leave a comment for 2 entries and post for 2 more entries. I always love reading her blog!!

Giveaways are so much fun! I just recently won a wonderful giveaway myself! I will post about it soon.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Thanks!!!

Thanks to all my sweet blogger friends who have sent comments and/or emails and asked about me this past month. Things have been a bit crazy around here and I have just not had my heart into my blog posts.

First of all, things at my job (preschool teacher) have been very stressful this year due to the fact that we got a new Director. Words cannot begin to describe this woman. I have never met anyone like her before. She is the coldest person I have ever met. As a Christian, I know we are to love everyone, but this woman is hard to love.

The director started working a year ago during the summer and our precious secretary put up with her for one month and then quit. She couldn't stand the director and was so belittled by her that she decided life was too short to put up with that.

When the teachers started working there in the fall, we knew right away that the school was in trouble. The director began changing things right and left and the teachers were very unhappy with the changes. The director is very power hungry and wants things done her way or no way at all. The ones of us who have been there forever tried to make suggestions and let her know that parents don't like that much change at the preschool, but she wouldn't listen to us.

Needless to say, the school has begun to suffer as a result of the director's poor leadership and lack of "people skills". The director has no people skills in dealing with her teachers or the parents. Parents don't like her and have begun to take their children out of the preschool. The director blames the problems at the preschool on the economy. That is a joke, because our school teaches the children of some of the most affluent families in our town. The families are just moving the children elsewhere.

We normally have around 180 children at our preschool and next year there are only around 80 children enrolled. Because of that, my job was eliminated for next year, but the director did not even tell my associate or myself. We found out from one of our parents. The director had sent a list of classes for next year out to the school parents and our class was not listed. The parent saw that and came in to school and asked us if we were teaching next year. That was news to us. We were shocked. We went to the director that day and she just said that she thought she had told us.

She also told us that no ones job was secure for the fall and that this year she was going to control the contracts and would decide who was coming back and who was staying. I told her that I had been at the school for 16 years and my associate had been there for 14 years. She said that tenure did not matter to her. She was going to pick who she wanted to stay and she was even going to change teaching teams as she saw fit.

This was around March. She told us that the contracts would come out the first of May. We anxiously awaited the contracts coming out in May. She did not give them out on May 1st, but finally told us on May 5th that she would call each teacher into her office that day and give out the individual contracts.

I was never called into her office before the children left that day at 1pm. I went down to help with carpool and it looked like a funeral had just taken place among the teachers. I have never seen so many sad faces and lots of ladies looked like they had been crying. I still did not know anything. After helping with carpool, I went back up to my classroom and I was just getting ready to leave and she came down to get me to come to her office.

She immediately handed me an envelope with a bonus check in it and then proceeded to say that since my class was being eliminated for next year, she was not renewing my teaching contract. I asked her how she could justify keeping teachers on staff who she had just hired last fall and let me go when I had faithfully served that church preschool for the past 16 years. Her excuse was that since my degree is not specifically "early childhood education" and is Home Economics Education, she was letting me go. She stated that she is working towards having all her staff have early childhood degrees. That is just her excuse to get rid of me.

Since I have been there for so long, I feel like she thinks that I am a threat to her. I am loved by the parents and the students and she is jealous of that, because she does not have that same rapport.

In December she fired another one of our teachers who had been there a long time. I think she was intimidated by Ann too, because Ann was a wonderful teacher. The director barked up the wrong tree with Ann, because Ann's husband is a lawyer. Her husband's senior partner is representing Ann in a lawsuit against the director. Ann doesn't want her job back, but it is just the principal of the situation that Ann wants to prove her point to the director. I don't have the money to sue the director over my job loss, but Ann is hoping that my situation will help fuel her case and maybe in the long run, the director will end up losing her job.

I have had so many of my parents write letters to the minister and the Day school board on my behalf, which really makes me feel good. I have gotten so many wonderful notes, letters and emails from my past parents thanking me for shaping their children's lives and what a great teacher and role model I have been to their children. I have taught so many families and many families I have taught all their children. My gastroenterologist has 4 children and I have taught all of them. My own 2 girls went to my school, so I have a long history there.

It breaks my heart to leave, even though things have been so stressful. I have so many wonderful friends there, who have been like family to me. We have shared in the deaths of lots of family members, shared in the joys and sorrows of each other's children, I have had cancer while being there and so have some of the other teachers, etc. I will still remain friends with these precious ladies, but it is never the same as when you are working with them.
As one friend said to me, "You can leave the school, but your spirit will always remain a part of that school." "Your heart has been in that school and with those children and your impact on their lives will play a part in the people they grow up to be."

On the last day of school, we have a chapel program and we walk into the church with our classes and the children sing for their parents. My daughter, Adelaide and some former teachers at the school who used to teach with me, came and they all sat together to support me. They were sitting on the pew by the door as I walked into the church with my children and they gave me a big smile. I cry real easily, but I had prayed and asked God to give me the strength to get through that program and leave that day without breaking down. God answered my prayers and I held my head high and made it through the program, telling the children and the parents goodbye and leaving the building. As we walked out, Adelaide said, "Mom, hold your head up high and smile, because this is a celebration". " You are moving on to bigger and better things!!!"
I do believe that God has closed this door for me, but he has something even greater in store for me, but I just don't know yet what it is. He will open another door for me when the time is right!

I am not ready to retire. I still have Adelaide in college and I help with her college expenses. Plus, I love children and feel that teaching is like a ministry for me. I have met with another preschool director here in town, but am waiting to hear back from her. She was interested in hiring me if she has enough new students to start another class. Both of my girls just feel like this was a blessing for me to lose my job, although it has been extremely painful. They knew that I would have never quit on my own. I hate conflict and would have stuck it out and made the best of it.

Because of all the stress this past year, I have lost a lot of weight and I wasn't that heavy to begin with. I guess we can all stand to lose some weight, but hopefully I won't lose any more. Needless to say I am glad all this is behind me. When I walked out of school that last day, I felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders. A group of my special friends from school took me and Adelaide out to lunch that day to celebrate. This Wednesday night they are having a party for me at a friend's house. They felt so bad, because the school did nothing for me when I left.

In fact, the director sent a letter out to all the parents saying that another of our teachers was leaving to take a position elsewhere (lucky lady), but did not even thank me for my years of service, or say that I was leaving. The last day of school, she did not even tell me bye. Last week, she sent me an email and said that she had forgotten to tell me bye. I think the woman is sick, but at least I don't have to put up with her. Life is just too short and I don't need that stress in my life anymore. I am ready to move on to where someone will appreciate me for the person I am and what I have to offer.

Sorry, I didn't mean to write a book, but I have just had this on my heart for so long and I have not been able to blog. Lots of you have emailed me and I have written you back, but I just wanted to let everyone know what had happened and why they had not heard from me in a while. It's really hard to explain a job loss to someone and I never dreamed I would be so bummed out, but it was like experiencing a death. I know I only work part-time, but it was still my job and I loved it and I loved the children. I am married, so I have a husband who works and supports our family, but I also helped with college expenses, etc. I guess it is like cancer, until you have it yourself, you just can't imagine what it feels like.

From the time I found out about my job on May 5th until I got out of school on May 28th, that time was like a blur. I was going through the motions, but felt like the air had been sucked out of me. Adelaide and I went to the beach and to Charleston with a dear friend of ours after I got out of school and stayed for a week, so the rest and relaxation and "girl time" was a blessing for all of us. We had the most wonderful time!!! I took lots of pictures, so I will blog about that later. I just had to get all this off my chest and move on with my blogging. I have tried to read and keep up with most of you, but have just not been online as much commenting, etc.

I plan to spend my summer getting my life (and house) back in order. I am also loving having Adelaide at home this summer. We have had the most fun being together so far.
Thanks ladies for all your love and support. You are the best!!!!

Love & blessings to you all,
Melinda

Friday, April 24, 2009

I'm Back!!!

Hey blogger friends! I was on the computer until late Sunday night and everything with my computer was fine. I woke Monday morning and my computer was not working! I was so upset. My computer had to go to the shop and I did not get it back until Friday night. I have really missed my computer and have been lost without it.

It affects all aspects of my life. I found myself wanting to look things up, but couldn't, since the computer has been in the shop. I send out and also read lots of emails each day and was not able to do that. Not to mention, I couldn't read any of your wonderful blogs and leave comments. It will take me a long time to go back and read past blogs to see what I have missed.

Hopefully I am back up and running and can do some more posting soon. I am keeping 2 precious little girls this weekend while their parents are in the Caribbean. The grandparents will take over late on Sunday afternoon. My youngest is finishing up school projects and exams and will be home on May 2nd.
My oldest is with friends in Charleston this weekend. I have been babysitting her little dog, Chi Chi.

Have a wonderful weekend. I hope all of you are having beautiful weather, like we are having here in NC!

Love & blessings,
Melinda

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Chris Tomlin Concert!!!!

On Thursday, April 9th, my daughter met us on her way home from college for Easter vacation and we went to see Chris Tomlin in concert. It was an amazing start to the Easter season. What an awesome night of praise and worship to our precious LORD and His SON JESUS CHRIST!!!

Hey everybody, I finally got all my concert pictures together and I have them loaded in a weird order. Just overlook me again. LOL! I like to keep you on your toes when reading my blog. I have learned how to put more than 5 pictures on a post at one time, but I got them out of order. I need to move on with my day, so this is how they will stay. This first picture is of Christy Nockels of Watermark. She was amazing! Her voice is so beautiful and she sang a brand new song that she had written.

Here is a picture of the stage with the group singing together during the finale. Israel Houghton and New Breed opened up the concert and they were amazing too. I wasn't familiar with Israel, but all the songs he sang are ones that you sing in your churches that have praise and worship music. Israel was wonderful and his testimony brought chill bumps to your arms. His mother chose not to abort him and he became such a wonderful man of God! What a plan God had for his life.
Here is my dear friend Marilyn. We had one extra ticket for the concert and when we asked Adelaide who she wanted to take to the concert with us, she immediately said Marilyn. Marilyn is a special friend to me, as well as to my daughter, Adelaide. She was so blessed to be able to go with us to the concert. Marilyn loves the Lord and has been such a great prayer warrior to our family in times of need. Marilyn was so thrilled to get to meet Chris. Marilyn is a new grandmother!!
This is the cover of Chris' new CD and the name of the tour. If you have not gotten the CD, by all means, you need to get it. It is AWESOME. I love the songs on it. I especially love JESUS MESSIAH and I WILL RISE!!! The song LOVE is good too and it was sung with the Watoto African Children's Choir.
Here is my sweet Adelaide with Chris. We had actually meet Chris 4 years ago, but it was equally as exciting meeting him again. He is so adorable in person and so kind and friendly. He makes you feel so welcome when he greets you. Thanks Chris for a very memorable evening!!!
Here is my dear friend Sherian with Chris. Chris got started singing praise and worship music many years ago in the church where Sherian's brother-in-law works as a youth minister in Texas. Chris has remained friends with their families and he provided us with our tickets and the meet and greet passes. Thanks again Chris for your generosity!! We had such a wonderful time praising God with you!
Here is Chris seeing Sherian for the first time. He was so excited to see her and they talked just like old friends. Isn't Chris the cutest thing? He has such a sweet smile and he so loves the Lord!!
When we met Chris 4 years ago, I was so busy taking pictures of everybody else that I did not get a picture of me with Chris. This time, I said I was going to get a picture for sure. Well, the person taking our picture with my camera hit the wrong button on the camera, so I never got a picture with my camera this time either. Instead we have a video of us standing with Chris and we are talking back and forth to the person trying to take the picture. It is so funny, but I will spare you that right now. LOL!!! This picture was taken with Adelaide's camera and she had to forward it to me, but somehow I figured out how to load it and get it posted. Isn't that amazing?? I'm not so challenged after all.
Here is another group shot with Israel Houghton on the left with the hat and guitar and Chris in the black t-shirt on the right. This was the last night of their concert tour, so they really pulled out all the stops and gave it their all. It was one of the best concerts and I felt so uplifted when I left that night. A beautiful way to start the season with Good Friday the next day and then Easter on that Sunday.
At the end of the concert, the band covered Chris with that canned string stuff, whatever you call it. It was funny!!!
Here is a close up of Chris singing. He had the audience on our feet most of the night, but he did ask us to sit down for a few of the songs.
Chris not only is a very talented singer, but he loves to speak to the audience and his stories and testimonies add such a richness to the concert. He certainly knows how to lead praise and worship!!!
Here is our little group in our seats after the concert was over. We weren't ready for it to end. Poor Don, he had to ride home by himself, because all of us ladies wanted to ride home with Adelaide and visit with her and have "Girl Time". My daughter is so blessed to have these wonderful ladies who are such an important part of her life and who love her so much. This was truly an evening that we will all remember forever. Thanks again Chris!!!!!









Thursday, April 16, 2009

Great Giveaway for Summer!!!


My blogger friend Mrs. Newlywed is having a wonderful giveaway!!!! It is a beautiful monogrammed beach towel from another favorite blog site, MONOGRAM CHICK.
Monogram Chick has the most wonderful items for birthday, graduation, bridesmaid's gifts, etc. Please check out her site.

If you comment on the giveaway on Mrs. Newlywed's blog you get 1 chance to win, if you are a follower you get 2 chances and if you post about it on your blog you get 3 chances to win!
You have until midnight April 19th!

Check out both of these sites and register. You just might win! Have a blessed day!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Belated Birthday Pictures!!!

I am a month behind on posting my birthday pictures, but hey, who cares? These are my sweet parents and they are so special in my life! I see them almost every day as we live in the same town. My Mom will be 85 on April 29th and my Dad will be 88 on June 10th. They amaze me. They don't let their age keep them down. They love life and enjoy each and every day. We love doing things with them!
My girls showered me with all this beautiful Lilly stuff!!! Isn't it great? Blue is my favorite color, but I still love pink too, so I have some of both. I am having so much fun using my new Lilly products. Circle notes, mousepad, file folders, notebook, coffee mug, stickie notes, etc. If you have not seen the new line of Lilly stationery products, you are missing out. It is beautiful and great for gift-giving. I gave the girls Lilly stationery for Valentine's Day, but did not get any for myself, so they wanted to treat me for my birthday. Thanks girls, I love it and will think of you when I use it!!!
This is my sweet sister who came to visit me for the week of my birthday. She lives about 2 hours from me, but surprised me and came down to visit for my birthday. We had the most fun doing things with our Mom that week. We went out to eat, shopped till we dropped and had such a great time being together. It was a treat to have her visit me, because I usually go to her house. She lives in the mountains of North Carolina. My sister and I are 11 years apart in age, but now that we are older, it doesn't seem like there is such a distance in our ages. Thanks CC (Cecelia) for coming to visit and making my birthday so special.

This is my sweet friend, Sherian. She is so precious! We have shared many fun times together, as well as some very difficult times too. She never had any girls, so she has "adopted" my girls and they love her. We have so many things in common and love spending time with each other. Sherian had lunch with our family on my birthday. Thanks Sherian, you are a VERY DEAR friend!!!

These beads are part of my gift from my friend Sherian. She gave Adelaide a set of these beads for her birthday in January, but they were a different color. These beads are called Viva Beads and they are incredible!!! Whenever I wear them, people always comment on how beautiful they are. They are made out of polymer clay. I posted about Viva Beads after Adelaide's birthday, but if you are new to my blog, please check them out. The colors are AWESOME!! I could have a necklace in every color. They also have other items as well. You can just order from their website and they are not real expensive. The necklace is actually on a stretchy cord, so it is easy to get on and off.

Here is my birthday celebration at my pre-school. I love cranberries and one my Moms made cranberry bread for my birthday party with the children. I have a wax candle birthday cake that we light for the children (a pink one for girls and a blue one for boys), so I had that candle to blow out and the box shaped like a gift plays the song "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU". The children gave me a sweet card and some pretty flowers. My 3 year olds are always so excited to celebrate my birthday and to realize that the teacher actually has a birthday too. It is always funny to hear how old they think I am. That is a hoot sometimes!

These are 5 of my close friends who have been with each other since we were all pregnant with our children many years ago. We originally all went to church together and were in Circle and Sunday School together, but now several of us go to different churches. We have shared cancer together, deaths, job loss, weddings, graduations, etc. These are the friends who are there for you no matter what. When one of our children gets married this group of ladies does the bridesmaid's luncheon. We will do that for every one of our children. Isn't that fun? This picture was actually taken on my birthday celebration, but it is in the beautiful restaurant where we have had all the bridesmaid's luncheons so far. When we get together, it is hard to get a word in edgewise, because in case you didn't guess, we ALL love to talk. Isn't that what friends are for? We call ourselves the WOW'S!! This stands for WILD OLD WOMEN!!! LOL!!! We can get pretty wild at times!

Here is my wonderful family!!! My husband, Tom, and my girls, Lauren and Adelaide. In case you haven't noticed, I now have a link on my sidebar for my girls' blogs. They are the ones that got me into blogging and if you don't follow their blogs, you might be interested. They are amazing young women and I am so proud of them!!! My youngest, Adelaide, is finishing up her sophomore year in college. My oldest daughter, Lauren, has been working as an intern at a large accounting firm, but was offered a job with them several weeks ago. We are so proud of her for all her accomplishments! As you can imagine, I adore both of these precious girls and they are the apple of my eye!!! They bring so much joy to my life. My husband and I have been together since we met in high school when we were 15 years old. It is hard to believe that we have been together for 40 years!! Where does the time get to? We will celebrate our 33 year wedding anniversary on May 15th of this year. I love my family. Thanks for making my birthday so special!! My sweet son-in-law was taking the picture, so he didn't get in with us. Sorry Thomas!

Here I am getting ready to blow out my candles and make my birthday wish. Everybody is singing to me. That is my Dad singing his heart out and my daughter, Lauren sitting beside me. I fixed dinner and everybody came over and we enjoyed being together on the night before my birthday. In case you can't tell, we love family time together. We went out on that Friday night and had a Mexican celebration, I cooked dinner for everybody on Saturday night and we went out to a restaurant on Sunday. Then on Monday night I had dinner with my girlfriends. Birthdays are for celebrating!!! Right?

Here is Adelaide and me at the Mexican celebration. The whole wait staff serenaded me!! They sang in Spanish and English. I had to wear the Mexican sombrero and they put whipped cream on my face. We love Mexican food, so it was fun to celebrate at the Mexican restaurant too.
Thanks to all of you for the birthday comments on my blog. I also got lots of wonderful birthday cards from friends and family that helped to make my birthday so amazing. Having had cancer five years ago, I am so thankful for each and every day of my life. I try my best to live each day to the fullest and to praise God for all the blessings in my life. I have always loved birthdays, but they are even more special to me now! Thanks for sharing in my special day, even if I was late getting the pictures posted!! I love all my blogger friends!










Saturday, April 11, 2009

Happy Easter!!!


Happy Easter to all my blogger friends. I hope you have a blessed day with family and friends!

May we all remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross!

Love & blessings to you all!

Monday, April 6, 2009

National Champions!!


Congratulations to the Carolina TarHeels for winning the NCAA Tournament!!! They are National Champions! I was watching the late news after the game and Franklin Street in Chapel Hill is WILD, to say the least!
(This game was for you, Daniel, just like the championship 4 years ago!!!)

Another Spring Giveaway!!!


Bacardi Mama introduced me to a great new blog and a wonderful giveaway! Becky at Looking Through the Eyes of Luv has this amazing giveaway to get us all ready for the spring/summer weather (if it ever decides to get here). Yesterday at my house it was in the 70's and it is colder than ever tonight. BRRR!!! I'll put on my coat and grill if I win!!!
Becky is a flight attendant, so it will be fun reading her blog. She had some great recipes too! Check it out and register while you are there. You just might win! I love those circular shishkabob holders. They are pretty awesome! Thanks Bacardi Mama for giving me the heads up on the giveaway.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Go TarHeels!!!




GO HEELS!!!

My home state team, the University of North Carolina, better known as the Tarheels, has advanced to the finals of the NCAA tournament against Michigan State. The game will be played in Detroit on Monday night. UNC is in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.


Needless to say, I am pulling for UNC to win!! I didn't attend UNC, but you always have to root for your home state team. I have lots of friends who went there, as well as my children's friends who go there now. One of my daughter's good friends went up for the tournament. I talked to her Dad today and he said that she was so excited. That is a trip of a lifetime for a college student!


My brother-in-law is a die hard Carolina fan, so I know he is on cloud nine hoping for a VICTORY on Monday night. Their dogs will be glad when this tournament is over. The dogs get so upset with all the yelling going on during basketball season. Larry, I hope they pull this one out for you!!!


I forgot to say, my husband is a big Duke fan.

Daniel, I know that you will be watching the game tomorrow night. I hope they win for you too!!! You're the man!

Saturday, April 4, 2009

New Spring/Summer Clothes!!!

Having 2 girls is such a plus when it comes to clothes, makeup and shopping. They always want me to look my best and not look like an "old lady". Thanks girls for helping me stay young. I found this sweater recently at Target and my youngest daughter told me to get it, because it looked like one that they had at J Crew for a lot less money. I wasn't sure of the gray color at first, but I have loved it! I wear it with a bright colored (turquoise or hot pink) tank top underneath and a beautiful necklace and it looks so cute with jeans for work. I teach pre-school, so my uniform of choice is a nice pair of blue jeans.



I love this white blouse that I found at our local Lilly store back in the winter. It is not Lilly, but I thought it was just so cute. The 3/4 length sleeves are so unusual and they have bows tied on the cuffs. You probably can't see in the picture, but there are tucks up around the neckline. This blouse was 75% off, so I got a real steal on it. Love those good bargains!!!


This is another beautiful silk top that I found at the Lilly store for 75% off. I love the sleeves too and the detail around the neck is so pretty. There are little flower rosettes and they have beads sewn on them for added detail. I thought this top would look great with white pants for summer and a cute pair of sandals!


My youngest daughter loves EBay and is always sending me links to look online for good buys. Don't you just love someone to do your shopping for you? Thanks Adelaide!! She found this skirt for me and I won it. $18!!! How about that for a good deal. It had been worn, but it looks brand new. I love a long, flowing skirt in the summer with a cute tee shirt and sandals.


Adelaide found this skirt for me on EBay and I didn't want to take the chance on losing it, so I just "bought it now". It is my favorite, because I love blue!! I love the striped detail on the hem and also on the front pockets. This skirt is shorter, but not too short. I don't want to look like a teenager. These bright colors are just so happy.


When my daughter was home on spring break, we went to a wonderful consignment store that we heard had lots of Lilly stuff. I bought these 2 pair of gently worn capris there. I loved the colors and the prints. The blue pair has monkeys on them. So cute!! Blue is my favorite color, but I also love pink. A girl has to have some pink in her wardrobe!!!


This was my bargain find at TJ Maxx. I found this gorgeous top in the rack of blouses and it was the only Lilly blouse that they had. It was $15 and the original price was $150. What a steal!! The colors are amazing and did not photograph that well. It is dark navy, hot pink and pretty shades of green. I wear pearls with it and it looks so pretty. Every time I wear it, I get a compliment on it. It really dresses up a pair of jeans.
I didn't take pictures of them, but Adelaide found me the cutest 3/4 sleeve cardigans back in the winter at the J Crew outlet. She got me one in hot pink and one in turquoise. They were really cheap. I think they were about $15 each. I have loved them this spring with a tank top underneath and a beautiful necklace. I love new clothes, but I am a thrifty shopper. That way I can have more for my money.

I have a pretty hot pink double breasted trench coat that I inherited from my daughter and it has been the hit of the spring season. Every time I wear it, somebody wants to know where I got it. I'm going to have to purchase some more "FUN" coats. I might have to check out Old Navy and see what they have. With the weather staying cool, I need a light coat during this time of year.
I can't wait for my daughter to be home for Easter break and hopefully we can hit Target and some of our other favorite shopping spots and look for some more good buys. Take care ladies. I hope you enjoyed looking at my new purchases. What have you all been purchasing for spring/summer?