I Will Soar Again in 2010 with New Wings!!

As you know I love SONdays and have spent much of the weekend with my family, finishing up some layouts that I had started and reading wonderful blogs.  I love the path God had me on this weekend and am smiling at how much He loves all of us.  This morning after reading more of Teresa Collin's blog, she had a link to Melody Ross' blog,   WOW, she is BRAVE and honestly it is refreshing to find women like her that you can totally relate too.  To know there is HOPE and a flock of birds with broken and mended wings gives me a sense of not feeling like I am alone.  Aren't there days when you feel like you are the only one feeling what you are feeling or going through?  You can read more about her and her passion for keepin it real and giving a voice to what so many women feel here:  

http://melodyross.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/01/you-will-fly-again.html#comment-6a00d8341c5c2253ef01310f484111970c

Her post back from 2009 really describes how I have felt over the last 12 months and throughout much of 2009.  I am so looking forward to life turning around this year.  Check out her retreats she has 4 times a year.  I would so love to attend one of her retreats, God knows I could use it.  I continue to pray and be faithful for what God has in store for me.  I so agree with Melody that sometimes we have to hit rock bottom before we turn to God completely and also as in her case, to have to depend on others to survive literally.  I have been in that same boat over the last year and I hated to ask for help because I have always been the one to extend help.  My pride was hurt, yes my pride was thrown out the window several times.  When I was at my lowest point it still wasn't like after 9/11 and the feelings I had back then.  Between  being a new mom back then and feeling overwhelmed there were many days when I thought some very ugly things.  I remind myself often that I am human and as much as I hate showing my feelings they are still there bigger than ever.  This time around,  if not for the help of family,  a few friends (not the ones that I thought would be here for me/us) and my church, I am not sure what we would have done or where we would be at today.  I mean like living, eating and basically just getting through each day.  It is hard to put into words all the emotions I have felt this past year and this WINTER I have endured but I am thankful for the assistance and help we received.  I know nothing happens by chance but it has often made my wonder why now  and how could this happen again.  What am I supposed to learn from all of these struggles and challenges?  I now believe it is time for me to walk away from the business I have known for the past 15 years and that there is another journey to embark on in 2010.   I couldn't put into words how I have been feeling until I read this post about having broken wings.  I am not borken spiritually but the load has been heavy and some days unbearable especially when you have children depending on you for the basic necessities.  There has been no time to stop and feel sorry for myself even though there have been many days when I wished life would pass me by.  Mentally I have been worn out and still find myself there many days as I have mentioned  before.  Being a single parent comes with a price but I wouldn't change anything for the wonderful blessing of being a mom.  That has been the greatest gift and I cherish that dearly.  That is probably the one thing that gets me up and going and keeps me going when I want to quit along with the answered prayrs from our Heavenly Father.  And even though I know I am not where I need to be today, I am continuing to explore all my options and will do what I have to in the meantime to put food on the table and provide for my family.  I know this too is only a season and that spring is around the corner.  Until that time comes, I will dream, seek and pray for those answers. I am determined to continue this quest to soar again and higher and with more JOY than ever.  Did I mention how excited I am about what is to come and the NEW life I am meant to be living and sharing.  I will also strive to do all I can to make the lives of others better and to SERVE, showing God's love even in these times of uncertainty.

I hope you will take time to enjoy your day with your family and remember to enjoy the simple things in life with those you love.  Remember it is not about how much money you make or how big your house is that matters to your children but the time they get to spend with you.  Also remember that you can find blessings when you look for them.   It is amazing what you can do to find happiness and laughter if you really want to with the right mindset.  **Remember that starting over can be a good thing and that God has great things in store for all of us even if we can't see what that is, never give up!!

I WILL SOAR AGAIN IN 2010 WITH NEW WINGS!!! 

xoxoxo     
Diana aka BIT

Teresa Collins, her new blog and some great give-aways!!

http://www.teresacollins.typepad.com/

Last year when I happened upon her blog, I was struck by how real and personal she was with her work, family and life.  I read a post about her buying a homeless man a pair of shoes and I knew she was a kind and loving woman and one that I would enjoy keeping up with when time permitted.  (I am still amazed at how small the world seems at times with technology and how big our world becomes with the knowledge we have at our fingertips.) 

I hope you will take time to venture over to her site for some great give-aways as well and don't forget to wish her Happy 13th Anniversary today.  P.S. - I will see if I can find her post about her random act of kindness so you too can enjoy this oh so feel good moment she shared one night.  I hope it will inspire you to go out and be that difference in the world you would like to see and can be today.

**Okay I found the post and need to make a few corrections after searching for the story I mentioned, it was almost almost 2 1/2 years ago I read her blog and you can read the story here along with some other random acts of kindness her and her family took part in that same month in December of 2007 - http://teresacollins.typepad.com/teresa_collins/2007/12/page/2/  

Enjoy your Sunday and the gift of life today.  Remember to let those you love know it and to find the time to be kind and serve someone so you can experience the true JOY and happiness that comes from the giving of time and yourself.

xoxoxo      

Big Give-away and SECRET REVEAL soon at PRIMA!!

Go to Prima's website to hear more about the big give-away and a BIG SECRET soon to be revealed!

http://prima.typepad.com/

Also if you haven't seen their new line Strawberry Kisses, it is so beautiful. I picked up several sheets today and cannot wait to sit down and create with all of them. The papers will be perfect with 2 girly girls in da house <3

Happy Friday to yall today,
Diana

Finding the good in every day....

I hope you had a great Wednesday!  It has been a crazy couple of months since I started working full time outside the home.  Although I miss being at home for many reasons, I have found that I have and do enjoy coming home and cherish the time I have with the girls at night.  It is kind of like being on vacation, you go away for a couple of days and come home so ready to be a mom again with your cup filled up.  I guess after 10 years working for myself since becoming a mom, I have worn many hats and have found myself mentally worn out trying to do it all.  For me now, I can go to work and leave it there to come home and be all that I can be for me and my girls.  I don't have that constant feeling like I have or should always be doing something here either for work or in the home.  What I have found is that I actually have enjoyed doing those chores like laundry and vacuuming so much more.  Anyway just love finding the good in every day moments and trust me there are so many if we just look and change our outlook on life.  (Life can wear you down very easily so I prefer to look for the good in both life and people and must say that I have been challenged beyond belief this week in the every day moments like work/school.  So if you are like me, I prefer to be thankful for the gift of life regardless.  Somedays you have to just let it be and look forward to what God has in store for you tomorrow.)
    
Finding the good in today.....

*My faith, prayers, answered prayers
*My girls and being a mom, thankful God has given me the responsibilites today!
*My mom for her help every day with the girls
*My family, they mean the world to me/us!
*My friends, cherish them all
*My new position and that today was a much better day
*A working car
*Heat and the basic necessities
*Love and compassion
*Laughter and hugs
*A warm bed to lay down in tonight
*My bible, reading material
*Blogs and so much at our hands to enjoy and learn from, so amazing to me!
*Grateful for our public servants and their sacrifices daily
*Teachers that really care about our children and love what they do...talk about sacrifice and many hours put in for our children
**Kisses and prayers at the beginning and end of my day with my girls....powerful and heartfelt moments.

Have a great day tomorrow and remember to enjoy the simple things in your life. Tell those your love that you do <3.

xoxoxoxo

My "Snow Day" Layout again...

I hope you enjoyed your day with family and or doing whatever it was you did!  I truly love Sundays and having time to fill up my cup and getting some much needed rest. 

I took a picture outside today with some sunlight to see if it really makes a difference when viewing the layouts.  What do you think?

And now it is time for our family game night.  Chutes and Ladders with a little memory game. 

I hope to be back with some new layouts created tonight. I want to try and be creative everyday and get back to doing what I love when cherishing our memories.  I need to figure out a way to get a book done for Nadja before she heads back to Germany.  If you have any thoughts please let me know.  I am thinking right now about doing a 2 page layout for each month.  I saw some pages in a CK magazine with 6-8 pictures.  Anyway, off to see if I can reach the top of the game before my girls :-).

x0x0x0x0 

Sketch Layout.....Snow Day!

I joined in the fun over at The Story Matters and Penny's first sketch. 

http://www.thestorymatters.blogspot.com/

Here is my layout, Snow Day and a picture of Demi after we had our 12 inches of snow.  And guess what?  We are expecting to get another 2 inches this Tuesday which would make it the snowiest winter ever in Texas :-).

I enjoyed the inspiration from the sketch and so love our lil snowman, snow made from cotton balls, snowflakes with bling, ribbon circle and a cute picture of my snow princess. 

I hope you enjoyed your Saturday!   

  

Happy 1st Birthday Brylee!!

We love you so much! You have blessed our lives and brought us so much JOY and HAPPINESS!!

Happy 1st Birthday, Bry!!!

Love you,
Aunt Di, Demi and Nadja

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY 2010!

I cherish SONdays and Valentime's Day because it truly represents the day of love.  God loves us so much, the same way we love our children, families and friends.  It truly is amazing! 

For those of you who love to scrap and make cards/projects, head over to SIStv at http://www.scrapinstyletv.com/ today for some fun games and challenges with some great RAKS today.  The challenges will up for the entire week so you can put all your LOVE into them.

Have a wonderful day wtih those you love and remember to enjoy the little things in your life today.  PS - Don't forget how much you are loved as well!!  

xoxoxo
BiT

KINDNESS WEEK Feb 8th-12th

It doesn’t matter which country you were born in or where in the world you’re from, being kind is incredibly important for the success and well-being of people,” said so well by Warren Larson.

Giving and Changing the World One Day at a Time!

Thought it would be good to get back to doing what I love the most, giving to others and making a positive and loving difference in the lives that I encounter daily.

You can join me in this 29 days of gifting and giving and if you need some ideas, Cami at http://www.29gifts.org/ has some great ones.

PS- Let me know if you would be interested in joining this great cause and fun way to make a difference. 

Hugs and blessings,
Diana    

Think I will challenge myself tonight....

I have always wished I could scrap a layout in 30 minutes or less....I would love to get more pages and stories told without spending 3 days to create one page.  Not that I don't love the outcome but if you scrap you understand.  I think I love the finish part the best :-).

So here goes...one page, one layout in 3o minutes or less...and I am going to use the new Basic Grey sktech challenge.  I hope to be back soon with the picture of what I create.

PS - Did not scrap but will take this challenge this afternoon while I take care of my sick daughter....thankful for a day here with her and just some down time. 

Be Back Soon -
BiT 

Love scrapping games and really love my girls!

Here is my latest scrapping layout of Nadja, our German exchange daughter that I created over the weekend for a fun scrapping game with my dear friend Wendi over at http://www.scrapinstyletv.com/.  Love games but really love my girls even more and cherish the everyday moments like this one that we spent together taking fun pictures in our front yard.

**I am not really sure why this is sideways but I wanted to show you all the flowers and embellies along with all the buttons, handmade ribbon and hand sewn border.   Also we have had lots of rain so the picture lighting inside leaves some room for improvement :-)!

I willl have some additional layouts this week to share some additonal photos of Demi too!

Grateful today for:
1.  My new position and a steady paycheck (I don't think I will be here forever but I am thankful that a company was willing to bring me on without a lot of experience.)
2.  Homemade fries tonight for dinner - love these and love making them too!
3.  Heat...
4.  My home
5.  24 - love this show
6.  My girls
7.  My niece for picking up Nadja everyday.
8.  My fire place
9.  New Blue Irish soap - talk about smelling great!
9a.TV show - the Undercover Boss - did you see that show last night?  Talk about motivating you to give it your all at work, no matter what you do!!  WOW, we really enjoyed that one along with the SAINTS winning!!!  The crawfish was good and so was the company of family and great friends last night!!
*My faith, family and friends - there isn't a day that goes by that I am not thankful for these three things in my life!!

Hope you had a great Monday,
Diana

Attitude of Gratitude and Happiness....

I am on a quest to really dig deep and find those things that bring me true happiness this year.  How can I get there and really feel happiness and joy this year?  I have so much I am grateful for but I don't always find myself in that state of happiness or feeling it deep down inside. Do you know what I am talking about? You know that feeling that you can't wait to get up and find what is in store for you and your family today.  Like you don't want to waste a minute  You know when you see people you want some of what they have!  For me it has a lot of do with what I see as success and my wrapping my self worth up in how well I do with my business and what I have found out this past year is how much I am able to do for my kids and others financially and in terms of doing for them whether it be in attending shows, buying clothes they desire, treating others to small gifts and in general because this is how I have been living for the past 15 years.  Living simply but able to do for others without thinking of my financial situation.  Why I dont know but I struggle with this even knowing there are other things I can do that cost nothing.  I have often said I am wired like a man in the sense that I feel a lot of accomplishment and joy in being able to provide and help my family and others.  So when all that changed last year, I lost that feeling of what I think is happniess along the way.  So here I am today, looking forward to the New Decade, New Year, New Day and our NEW life as we know it today.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." -The Bible-Phil 4:6-7 NKJV

I asked myself this question today.  Does having an attitude of gratitude always bring happiness or help us get there even when things are challenging and not as planned?  I know it is always easier to be happy and feel that joy when life is going as planned.  I am speaking from with in my heart and mind today.  I have always been a pretty happy person but as of late just am not feeling it.  I miss that feeling and also laughing/smiling.  I miss what I think is my happy place but I also know that my journey has taken me to an even better place with all that has happened and that I have to continue to work on what that is today. 

"Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation." -Brian Tracy

So in my pursuit for happiness this NEW year, I am trying to let go of the old and what I knew and was comfortable with in my life,  It is time to embrace the new paths and doors and the blessings God has in store for me/family in this NEW season.    I read not along ago in Victoria Osteen's book, that sometimes we have to let go of what we think are good things in our life for gifts the Lord has in store for us.  Sometimes that is easier said then done if you are like me and have my mindset, if it is not broken why fix it? 

I have also realized that I had become stale in my zest for life along the way.  So it is time for me to take responsbility for where I am today and be open to the NEW things that will come this year.  I am excited about today, what the future holds and honestly what happiness and JOY can come from it all.   

Lastly, it is my belief that by starting or ending your day with your gratitude list that we bring ourselves to a place where we focus on attracting ourselves to the Abundance and Happiness that we all desire and deserve in your life..  It is one of the most important things that you can do for attracting and manifesting the things that you desire into your life. In fact, if you have a desire to consistently attract desired outcomes, it's essential that you do this so that you can live a life of happiness deep down inside since I know that God created all of us to experience this in life!


xoxoxo
BiT  (blessedintexas)





 

10 Things That Make Me Happy!

Today I stumbled upon a great website that is so in line with my thinking and living.

http://blog.thankfulfor.com/

I thought it would be a great way to start the day with a list of 10 things that make me happy.

1.  Family time when we celebrate life and "birth" days.

2.  Being a mom - there is nothing better or sweeter than the sound of children's laughter.  Laughter as a whole is great medicine for the soul and I so need to do that more.  Maybe even take in a good comedy show which I love and haven't done in a long time.

3.  Photography and the beauitful sunset out my front door here in Texas.

4.  Time to read/quiet time - so many awesome blogs, facebook and reconnecting with old  and current friends.

5.  Clean house and great smelling candles with a warm burning fireplace.

6.  Looking through scrapbook pages that I have created over the last few years - love scrapbooking and creating a legacy for my daughter.

7.  Good movies - I think I have seen more movies with my exchange daughter from Germany over the last several months than I have seen in the last 10 years.

8.  Peppermint tea on a cold winter morning.

9.  Massages and I sure could use one today.

10.Singing praise songs in church, in the car, at home....talk to my heart every time.

So what about you?  My list could go on but I was really thinking of some things that bring me joy and truly make me happy when I am there in the NOW.

Have a wonderful Saturday and weekend friends.  Until you come back remember to love those you love and adore.  MUAH!

xoxoxo
Diana

Grateful Time - "Being appreciative of kindness or benefits received,thankful!"

I am thankful for/that...


1. Another month in the New Year

2. My faith and church

3. My family

4. My dds - so love being a MOM!!

5. Friends

6. We still have our home

7. Our car

8. Jan birthdays..."-)

9. New position and a steady income

10. Getting paid for an Oct placement finally

11. Laughter

12. Nice people

13. Rest

14. Quiet time

15. prayers and answered ones at that!

16. Internet friends and blogs

17. Grateful Jar -

18. Stores close by..

19. The Village - it does take one these days to make it all happen everyday..I have always said it takes a village to raise a child

20. LOVE and compassion



Hope everyone feels they have something to be grateful for even when things may not be as planned or hoped for last month.



xoxoxo

BiT

Word for 2010 and an awesome quote!!.

Love this quote by Alan Cohen that I found today!

It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.

This so describes where I am today. 

xoxoxo




 

Who Dat?? Sunshine, Football, Crawfish, Family and Friends - Bring It!!

Go Saints!  I am so excited for Sunday and what I hope will be a great football game.  Did I mentioned that my BIL flies in crawfish from LA and that the food and before the game activities jus rock at his BIL's house every Super Bowl Sunday. 

So today was a much better day for a couple of reasons  One is I felt so much better and the other is that I got some more exciting training.  What is so odd, is that I have been doing this for 5 months with no training and then I go to a company whose training is so comprehensive.  But no complaints, hopefully this will make the position that much easier and fulfilling when I get started next week.

I will be back with another post with my word of the year, a layout with that word and also some things I hope to accomplish this year.  I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, One Month to Live http://www.onemonthtolive.com/ by Kerry and Chris Shook.  As you can gather, the book gets you to think about how you would change  your life if you knew you only had 30 days to live.  What would you do differenly?  It is a great question isnt it?  At church http://www.centerpointchurch.com/ we are doing a series on using our gifts and talents to make the most out of life and to do something we are passionate about TODAY and NOW.  Are you doing what you are passionate about today?  Are there dreams you have yet to fulfill and if so why?  I have lost myself in motherhood and running a business that I can honestly say that I don't know what dreams I have anymore or who I am..what makes me happy?  What drives me in the morning?  I didn't know just how much until I started trying to answer some of these questions lately.

Hope you had a day full of blessings and that you remember to hug and cuddle with your loved ones....let those you love know it TODAY!!

xoxoxo
BiT

New Month, New Day and a New Position

So yesterday my BFF in AR Fbed about this website, check out this jewelry that Lisa creates.  I love it all but especially the xoxo's neclace since this is Demi and I's signature when writing letters and notes to each other.

http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2010/02/lisa-leonard-giveaway.html

So today is my 2nd day at my new position,  I have to say that I am hoping today goes by much faster.  Talk about a slow day and what would mae it even better would be some SONshine today.  I am so ready for some warm weather. 

This week I am thankful for so much as always. 

1.  My church, my pastor, my church friends and the messages for the past 11 years.
2.  My family, there is not a day that goes by that I don't thank our Heavenly Father for entrusting me with the responsibilities of being Demi's mom and Nadja's for the last 6 months since she arrived from Germany.
3.  My friends who have been such a huge support for all of us.
4.  Compassion
5.  Our health
6.  My new position that may not be a perm. fix but works for today :-)
7.  New doors that God opens for us
8.  Today and the gift of life
9.  A day full of blessings, protection and His grace
10.Unconditional Love, Valentine's Day this month and a time to express the love we have for others!!

How about you?  I hope you can take the time to find something to be thankful for today and this week.

Make it a great Tuesday and remember to find time for at least one RANDOM ACT of KINDNESS today.  Talk about a way to lift your spirits in an upward manner.  That will do it every time.  If you find time to RA someone, please come back and share your moment. I love to hear what others are doing to share kindness in the everyday moments. 

Hugs and blessings
xoxoxo

Diana aa BiT