A Day With Family and Some Layouts....

I love SONdays with family and a day to just hang out.  For me it has been a lazy weekend with some scrapping in between doing for the girls....cooking, chaffeuring and today laundry and some grocery shopping.  I wouldn't have it any other way and today when I woke I was thanking our Heavenly Father for the ability to do all this and for another day to enjoy what comes. 

Here is one layout called Western Day from Red Ribbon Week at my dd's school this past fall.  It is taken from the sketch or visual challenge over at http://www.butterflycrafts,ning.com/.  They also have a written challenge as well with items to select to use on a layout.  I am going to try this one too and also finish my layout for My Favorite Drink over at My Favorite Things Blog with Julie Tucker.  Somewhere in between I need to finish my laundry and get this house cleaned up :-).

I am also using this layout for a challenge over at Dixie Pieces using paint and some type of sewing.  I actually love to sew on my layouts and have always wanted to learn how to sew on my layouts with a machine.  Not that I have a machine but I love the way to looks and what it adds to the layouts.  

Items used are red thread for the circles, letters from the Paper Studio, black sharpie outlining the white letters, red, black and white bazzill paper, handdrawn outlining, star punch, MM sticker letters, PP under the picture and splattered black and white acryllic paint.

Layout reads:  Reb Ribbon Week, Just Say No To Drugs, Western Day - Oct 2009  (Each day of the week there is a theme and this year for 4th grade since they are studying Texas, the kids had a western theme.  This picture is of Demi and RJ, a friend of the family's son who Demi has none since birth and these two have gone to the same school since PreK.  We just love him and his family!

xoxoxo

Diana    

Being A "MOM" Is By Far One Of The Greatest Gifts....

Being A "MOM" Is By Far One Of The Greatest Gifts....I have received.  I am so grateful for the being given those responsibilities and today I was reminded of this great gift by someone who lost a child after trying fertility treatments for years.  My heart was broken and aches for my friend.  I pray she will being to adopt a child so that she too can experience the PURE JOY that I have over the last 10 years.  Demi I hope you know how much I love you and how much meaning my life has since you were conceived....I hope that someday you too will experience the same joys!  Nadja, I hope you know how much our lives have been blessed with you joining our family this past year and that we love you dearly.  I would keep you but I know your mom, dad, brother and grandparents miss you so much.  And those friends of yours are waiting for you to come home.  Thanks for taking a chance on us and for giving us the opportunity to create so many wonderful memories these past 7 months. 

I also thought today how we all have the opportunity to shape and influence children every day whether they are our own or not.  I love children and would have had more God willing but that just wasn't the case.  But one thing I do know is that over the years I have hopefully helped some other children to believe in themselves and to help love themselves more.  If you know me at all, you know that I have always felt like it takes a village to raise a child and that we can all love every child that comes before us.

It has been a wonderful Friday!  I must say that after resigning from my position that I realized just how much I needed to do that and I am so glad I did :-).  I subbed today at the High School I went to and had another full circle moment. (I seem to have a lot of those lately?).  The kids were great and I must say it was so much easier than teaching 5 and 6 year olds all day.

I am looking forward to tomorrow.  I hope to scrap and just hang out with the girls and their friends.  From the sounds of it we will have a full house which I love.  The weather is going to be beautiful and around 77 with lots of sunshine.  Life doesn't get any better and again I am so blessed and have found myself smiling more this week and enjoying all the simple things in my life.

Have a wonderful weekend friends and hopefully I will be back over the next couple of days with some layouts that I hope to create.

xoxoxoxo
BiT  

School Pictures of Demi Layout....

Okay here are the finished pictures taken inside tonight.

Love my dd's school pictures and so glad I have them...my favorite is the one on the bottom middle because in this picture she had lost her first tooth and had her tongue pushed through the hole.  Just love her so much.  Wishing my other dd, Nadja best wishes for her playing on the Varsity Tennis Team tomorrow in a local tournament.  It is supposed to be beautiful on top of everything else.  I love Fridays and the weekends.  PS - Trying to decide if I am going to clean up a local camping facility with the Girl Scouts this weekend.  Should I stay or should I go?

Again so happy I have a blog and hope that one day I can print my entries to print in a book.  Have you done that and if so how much?  I have 217 posts since starting a couple of years ago.

xoxoxo
Diana

School Layout, which one do you like better?

So I made some changes to my last layout because I wasn't completely happy with the finished product.  What is funny is that I had the crepe ribbon out first and then put the white ribbon on it.  My afterthought was to paint dots on the white to match the letters but would have meant more time.

Here is the finished layout with crepe ribbon and doodled frame around the pictures in the middle, what do you think?

After looking at this, I think there was too much sunlight but you get the idea.  Still love all of Demi's school pictures from PreK to 4th grade.  It is hard to believe that she will be in 5th grade next year.  Where does the time go and why so fast?  Do you have wish you could slow down the clock?  

PS - I may try to take another one tonight inside to see if I can get a better picture, maybe the third time will be the charm.

Today I am thankful for: 

1.  My children

2.  JOY that I feel in my heart

3.  Prayers and my faith

4.  Resigning from my position, grateful that they gave me the opportunity

5.  Stores close by

6.  My family

7.  My subbing jobs this week, K on Wednesday (did I mention how much work that is?) and my High School position tomorrow (this is my first time at this level, should be interesting)

8.  My dog that is shaved and all cleaned up (she looks like a new dog and that is what everyone has come in to ask this week :-)

9.  Our home and neighbors

10.  Sunshine and spring weather

I hope you have a FABULOUS FRIDAY and if you take the time to stop in, thanks!  I love the company.

xoxoxoxo

Diana     

A-Z layout for Greta's challenge

I loved this challenge and will be uploading a few more tonight for some other challenges at http://www.noelmignon.com/ and the Spring Break Crop this past weekend.  Thanks ladies!!

Scarlet Lime Kit RAK at this blog...you have to check it out!.

Great RAK and great blog too!

http://pamelasworldofscrap.blogspot.com/2010/03/day-1-of-my-raks.html

And the best part is Pamela is giving a way a RAK a day for the next week.

Good luck,
Diana

New Beginnings - Teresa Collin's Design blog - Challenge #1

Here is my layout that I created for TC's first challenge at her new design blog using her Bebe Boy and Mr and Mrs lines. I love how this turned out and love the handmade flowers with bling.

Aren't these pictures gorgeous?  The older I get the more I appreciate the beauty that surrounds everyday including the beautiful sunsets and skylines from my front door and yard.

So today is the first day of spring and we ended the day here with hours of snowing after it was 75 degrees on Friday.  This by far as been the strangest weather I can remember in years. 

EnJOY your SONday!

xoxoxo

Diana  

Enjoying Life With Those We Love and Cherish (PHOTOS)

Today was another gorgeous day and I am so thankful to have spent it with the girls and family taking lots of photos. 

Here are a few that I took of the girls, together and separately before we headed out for my brother and nephew's birthday dinner at Buffalo Wings for some teriyaki chicken and good ole college basketball. 

I hope you had a wonderful day and that you are able to find someone or something to be THANKFUL for like me.  This has been the most awesome week and I have appreciated having time off to spend with the girls and doing some things that we really enjoy.   Making memories, taking lots of pictures and knowing that today was a gift to be enjoyed with those we love.

xoxoxo 

Spring Cleaning and Spring Break.....

WOW, what a busy couple of days to say the least. 

Lots of cleaning, laundry and just hanging out with my youngest daughter while Nadja is at church camp.  It has been so long since Demi and I have had time to just be US.....it really has been wonderful as much as my back hurts there is something about decluttering and having some organization in closets and home that feels so good.  Oh and did I mention that I did yardwork yesterday, 5 hours worth...it felt great, the grass smelt great, my 9 year old help me bag leaves but I am so out of shape.  But my yard looks great and so does my neighbors now I just need to drain my pool on Thursday and I am good to go, woohoo!  PS - My water consumption has been great and I am getting used to drinking H2O again. 

So tomorrow I am off to court for an emergency hearing on my bankruptcy because my attorney forgot to tell me I had to send a money order instead of a check for my payment.  I am hopeful that all will go well and that I can get this behind me and I can push ahead.  The future looks bright and I am excited about getting my finances in order to include insurance for both of us and also to start a savings and retirement.  It is big but doable if I stay focused and have set goals. 

And today for the first time in a long time, I had an opportunity to contact my clients and new businesses with hopes to get some new job orders.  Somehow someway I am going to make this work while trying to stay sane and keep the stress down.  I am really hoping that if I can get something going with my business that I can make ends meet and also help my mom so she doesnt have to go back to work.  I could use some prayers here too if you don't mind.  TIA.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, I am expecting a great day again with my lil angel.  I included a picture of Demi and her friend, Sydney playing yesterday.  They served us dinner and waited on us, they were so cute and might I say pretty good cooks and waitresses.

xoxoxo

    

INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS......

I read two books years ago that I love to read through every now and then when I need to remind myself of the ingredients for success.  Bill Glass, a former athlete wrote Plan to Win and Expect to Win. 

In Plan to Win, the main ingredients for success are:
1.  Planning
2.  Picturing
3.  Focus
4.  Commitment
5.  Preparation
6.  Goal-Oriented
7.  Affirmations
8.  Loving Ourselves, Encouraging Othes
9.  Keeping Scores

In Expect to Win, the main ingredients for success are:
1. Think the Right Thoughts
2.  Say Good Words
3.  Be Specific
4.  Take Responsibility
5.  Choose Real Friends
6.  Handle Your Hurts
7.  Go the Second Mile
8.  Live the Faith Phenomenon
9.  Never Give Up

Sometimes new beginnings need a fresh take on life and a look at the basic ingredients.  So the focus will not be on what has happened over the last year and few months but more on where I want to be and how I am going to get there.  If I told you that over 15 years owning my business, I made over 1M dollars in revenue you may be surprised.  None of my family and or close friends even know because it wasn't about the money but the love of what I was doing in helping ex-military find new careers which I am passionate about thanks to my dad who served this wonderful country we live in for more than 20 years.  When I think about that I know, I konw I am in a small group and instead of reminding myself daily of that and the success I have had I have focused on the failure of the economy and how I got myself in this position today because of the challenges I have faced.  I have settled with a position outside of the home because it was needed to provide for my family and I know that thre are many who have had to make sacrifices for the same reasons.   I am leaving the valley and climbing the mountains again, mentally and physically starting today.  Just the thought of this makes me smile and gives me a new sense of purpose.  With a background in sales, I know what it takes to be successful and I am not just talking about money but being happy and loving what you do each and everyday.  So last night in a conversation with my aunt I realized many things.  One is that I am not where I want to be but I have learned many valuable lessons this past year that I know will take me to a new level of success which I will share this week that others can probably relate to as well.  I have some tough decisions to make and with prayer and a lot of thought I know I can create and live the life I so desire for myself and our family. 
xoxoxo,
Diana

Dear God........

I am so grateful for today and thank you for your continued blessings and protection today for me and the girls and my family.

I am tired...mentally worn out...I can't do this anymore by myself.  Will you be my partner in all that I do?

Will you please take this load from me so I don't have to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders any more?

I want to be used by you and want to live by your word in all that I do.

Thank you for not giving up on me and for loving me as I am, all while wanting the best that you have for me and the girls.  Thank you for the responsibility of being a mom, it is the best job in the world.  Thanks for trusting me with them.  Thank you for the gift of life. Thank you in advance for helping me get back on my feet and becoming successful with my business again with a new and exciting outlook on what I have enjoyed for years soon.  Thank you for wrapping your loving and healing arms around those who need and want it today.  Thank you for your answered prayers.

In your son Jesus' name,
AMEN and AMEN

Sweet Baby Layla Grace went to be with Jesus today - VIDEO

http://animoto.com/play/8341CcJBlE3z1lS85n1Dbw?utm_campaign=one_click_share&utm_medium=share&utm_source=twitter?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=one_click_share

As a mom I cannot imagine the loss of a child and I pray that Layla's family will find some peace and joy in their time as short as it was with their sweet angel.  I hope that they feel the love and prayers of many who have been following her story.

I hope you had a great Thursday and that you have a FABULOUS Friday making the most of your day.  I challenge you to write your children a note telling them why you love them so and if you have none, write a letter to a sweet child you know.  I love children so and hope that every child would know they are loved.....do you make time to celebrate your children?  In what ways? Lately I have been so wrapped up in my own life and changes that I have taken the time to JUST BE IN THE MOMENT WITH THEM AS MUCH AS I COULD OR FOR THAT MATTER AS MUCH AS THEY PROBABLY WOULD LIKE.   BUT IT IS A GREAT TIME TO DO SO AND IT IS NEVER TO LATE TO DO SO.  I AM OFF TO WRITE ONE MORE NOTE, I WROTE ONE THIS WEEK AND NEED/WANT TO WRITE ONE MORE TONIGHT.  I DO WRITE A DEAR DEMI LETTER TO HER EVERY YEAR ON OR AROUND HER BIRTHDAY TELLING HER ALL THE REASONS I LOVE HER AND ALL THE THINGS THAT MAKE HER SO SPECIAL TO INCLUDE ALL THE THINGS SHE IS INTO AT THAT TIME AND LOVES.  I HOPE TO HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN HER SCRAPBOOKS OR IN SPECIAL BOOK WITH ALL HER LETTERS.

Simple ways to make your kids feel special that I enjoy doing and know that my girls enjoy receiving:  their own special/favorite meals, notes on their bathroom mirrors, notes in lunches, letters, long walks, game nights...time to discuss the best part of their days or maybe part of their day that didn't go so well, together as a family writing what we are thankful for and putting them in our G "grateful" jar.  What about you, what do you do?  

Sweet dreams and remember God loves you just as you are and were made!!
xoxoxo
Diana

  

Big Decisions and Prayers

I am so proud of my girls and love them dearly!  Tonight I was reminded of how I would love to be a stay at home mom and how important parenting is for our children.  They like us are always looking for approval and acceptance.

Anyway Demi's Alamo project looked awesome and the kids in her 4th grade class did a great job!  Tomorrow is the judging but I think they already decided who won since they took some pics today but in my heart my Demi is a winner!.  It was a fun project and we learned a lot together about our state.  What do you know about your state?  Me not enough since I didn't grow up here but after 30 years of living here I should know more and want to know more.  Since Nadja leaves in less than 12 weeks for Germany, I am going to pick out 5 places we have to visit and start setting the days for us to become "Official Tourists".  Doesn't that sound fun?

Guess what, Nadja won a silver medal today in her first tournament for her high school!!  Wow, she is a winner in more ways than one too. I can't say enough wonderful things about our daughter that joined our family some 9 months ago without even knowing us.  Often I think about how her mom was strong enough to let her daughter spread her wings and fly to experience life outside of her country with a family she doesn't know.  I can't say enough about her mom too.   We love her dearly, can you tell? She is enjoying her tennis team and last trimester.  She is starting to develop good friends and I couldn't be happier, I just wish she had another 6 months here.  Congrats again sweetheart!!

So today I made the decision to quit my job at the physician's office.  I love doing collections and working with patients but the environment is not where I need to be....I like being around like minded and loving spirits and this just isn't it.  I have decided that even if I do end up selling our home, we will get a small place or apartment/condo and enjoy it.  I don't want to be married to my house and I don't want to stay in a job that I am not happy with...I will say that I wish I worked on the clinic side.  The nurses and NAs are so funny..I left there after training for 2 days with my cheeks and sides hurting from laughing...that is my kind of place :-).

Do you know of any great positions out there?  I might even consider moving for the right position...just sayin.  I am going to continue praying and know that God has great things in store for me....expect great things and God will deliver bigger and better everytime.  (fundraising, marketing, collections/billings, sales, recruiting, HR, school related - yearbook/teaching)   NETWORKING..everyday....

Did you know that it is Women's History Month?  I didn't until today and it got my thinking about the women I know that are changing the world and or have overcome a life changing event that are shaping who they are today.  I admire a lot of women and will come back tomorrow to list those women that have or do inspire me.

I have always said it only takes one women/man/child to change the world and to make it a better place to live.  I hope that when I am gone that I will leave a legacy greater than me.  How will my children, family and  friends remember me?  How will you be remembered?  Isn't that a great question?

Big hugs with some Texas kisses and love!!

xoxoxo      

Attitude iis.......

Please finish the phrase as you see the word today....Attitude is?

Attitude is what shapes you and your life.  For me, I am a half cup full type person but lately I have found myself as someone new that I really don't care for regarding life and decisions that have to be made.  My attitude is one way in my heart and another in my head and  it is like trying to put a round peg in a square hole.  Do you know that same feeling?  A lot of that has to do with the last year and the challenges I have encountered and FEAR....fear of not being in control and fear of the unknown.  I want to get back to being ME and finding the good in my NEW life, again I am not sure where the road is going to take me but I know with an attitude of gratitude and thankfulness that I/we can get through anything.  That it is more important right now to get back to being grateful I am healthy enough to work, drive my kids, pay some bills, grateful that I have a car because I need it to do all of the above...I have lost the focus of what is really important, FAITH, FAMILY and FRIENDS.  So today I am re-commiting to myself to let go of the past, look forward to tomorrow and do what I can each day to be and do my best.  At the end of the day make sure those I love know it and to remember all that I am blessed with as little as it may be some days because as I said yesterday to a friend, in the big scheme of life most of these things that rock my boat don't mount up to be much.  I have been down before and bounced back stronger than ever because I put God first in everything I did EVERYDAY not just when I hit rock bottom and things didn't go as planned or hoped for during that season.  What season are you in?  I read an interesting blog a fw weeks ago about the seasons we live in each year.  It really brought clarity to me and how we as humans think.  I will find that and be back to share this with you as well.

I will leave you with one of my favorite Bible verses -

Isaiah 40:31

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

So today is thankful Tuesday and I am going to be random with the first few things that enter my mind:
1.  Dryer
2.  My laptop
3.  That my daughter knows that God loves her and is so open to share that love with others so that they too know it.
4.  Comfy bed
5.  Sunshine and our family walk today.
6.  Blogs that I have enjoyed visiting lately:
a.  http://www.teresacollins.typepad.com/
b.  http://www.aliedwards.typepad.com/
c.  http://www.melodyross.typepad.com/
d.
e.

So what attitude will you tackle tomorrow with so that you can make the most of the gift of life that most of us take for granted?

xoxoxo  

  

 

WOW, what a day!

The last 2 days were not exactly what I had planned but lately that seems to be the "norm" if there is such a thing.

First off, I heard the best message from Joel Osteen yesterday morning.  His message was about enjoying those things we are able to do with a happy and grateful heart because we are able to such as going to work, cleaning our homes, driving the kids or as in my case last night and today, finding those lil pesty crawlers that girls seem to share and it was not fun.  But hey we made the most of it and I have to say that with the right attitude we can get through anything.  I often think about what I am teaching the girls.  To live and teach by our actions along with our words and that anything with a smile is always so much better.

And so today I had to take work off which was okay with me.  One is because after staying up to 2am hunting our friends, we both had very little sleep.  I hope this part of our week is past us.  Then we still had to go a hunting and then mama had to have an oil treatment and her head inspected.  Today my friend said that we should open a shop where you bring your children who have the same problem and drop them off.  She advised me that in some pricey neighborhoods up north they have them where you bring your kids and drop them off for hours to have them cleaned up.  I don't think I would want to do it but sure could own a shop that does if it makes money.  So let me ask you, have you had to deal with this before and would you pay to have someone else do this for you and your child?  I think I would if I had the extra money for sure! 

I am struggling right now with my currect work situation.  I have no desire other than money to go and I really don't want it to be like this because I am sure that I exhibit the same thing in person.  Now I am doing the exact same thing I was doing last year but for some reason I don't feel the same and don't enjoy it.  I cant imagine doing this for much longer.  The thing is that I haven't taken anything into consideration like spring break, sick kids- at my last job I had some flexibility but here I don't feel like I do.  I guess that is part of it, I feel like I am working in a prison. No talking, no cell phones, no food at desk, no open drinks, don't use sticky pads because they cost money....on and on.  I think  it is time to get back to my business and again learn to appreciate all that it affords me both at home and with my life with my girls.  I think this may be my last week.  That scares me a little because I need the money but I know with one placement I can make 4 months worth of salary.  So I decided this yesterday but need to convince myself thoroughly.  I need to pray about it and make sure I am doing the right thing for us.    

Anyway I took Teresa Collin's advice about cleaning our clutter yesterday.  I did get so much done like clearing off our kitchen table, cleaning out Demi's clothes, 10 loads of laundry which I am learning to enjoy again since I am working out of the home.  It actually cracks me up just thinking about enjoying all that stuff.

Today we finished up Demi's Alamo project.  I have to say it turned out great and she is pretty excited about it.  I love learning again with the girls and wish I had studied and cared more when I was younger.  Pictures to come but we had some fun playing with clay and army men.  I loved being creative and spending time with Demi even under the conditions we did because in the big scheme of life, the hunting game was more of  nuisance and not the end of world.

I am hoping you will pray with me tonight, our adored adoptive neighbor, Gramma Dorothy is having brain surgery to fix her tremors tomorrow.  We love her dearly and are praying the surgery goes well and that she is able to rid herself of her tremors so she can get back to living and being active.  Thanks for joining in prayer with me tonight and tomorrow for our loved Gramma.

I wanted to add 2 more things that I enjoyed while I was growing up, my POGO  stick and also my UNICYCLE.  Did you ever try either one of these?  I tried the pogo stick not too long ago and couldn't get off the ground..haha!

Have a wonderful and JOY filled Tuesday.  I hope to receive the gift of life tomorrow and want to let both my girls, Demi and Nadja knw that I love them dearly and also that I love my family with all that I am because God blessed me with each one of them.

PS - You should venture over to Teresa's blog at http://www.teresacollins.typepad.como/ and see the FAMILY project that Camille created with her new line!!

xoxoxo

I love Saturdays!!

The day could not have been any better.  The day started with my niece Cami's basketball game in which she made 2 free throws, nothing but NET!  Then it was off to babysit Brylee.  On the way, we stopped at Rosa's and picked up some food and a much needed Dr Pepper.  They have the best soda's in town and it was just what Sheri (my sister) and I needed, it hit the spot.  We walked to the neighborhood park where we played for a couple of hours.  It was so awesome to be outside, taking in the fresh air and warm sun.  Boy I am so ready for spring but not the kind of spring that may be here on Monday.  They are predicting tornado type weather.  Oh way can't it just stay like today?  Anyway, Nadja is off at the movies with her sweet friend, Lydia from Africa and Demi is spending the night with my niece.  Quiet....alone time.....oh so delightful and the perfect end to a beautiful day!

PS - this may be my shortest post yet :-)

Hope you had one too -

xoxoxo
Dianaa  

Happiness is...

Tonight I am looking back at my childhood and remembering all the things that brought me happiness.  They still make me smile today.  

Back when I was 6 years old, my dad was stationed at Lajes AFB in Portugal.  I must say I am so grateful for the time we spent there, it was unike any other place I have ever lived and there have been many places too.  After reading Tara's blog http://tara_pollard_pakosta.typepad.com/just_tara/  this week, I was inspired to list some things I loved when I was younger and that brought me happiness hours upon hours. She sets aside a day to "go back" and includes pictures too.  She really got me thinking about some things I loved when I was younger so I will share those with you.  Little did I know that most of  them were in the time I lived in Portugal. 

My list includes:

1.  Having brothers and sisters - instant play mates and boy did we have fun!
2.  Pong
3.  Tether Ball
4.  Freeze Tag
5.  Camping out in the backyard
6.  Roller Skating everyday weekend when we lived in Portugal
7.  Bingo on Sundays at the base hall with great prizes
8.  Growing up with parents who were active...we always had so much fun at the ball park...making strings of can lids hoked together and smashing cans to walk on..did you ever do that?
9.  Pig roasts and company sqandron picnics in Portugal
10. Bull fights down our street -
11. Playing craps with our easter candy....for hours....who does that?  ha
12. Living in the Hamptons with my mom's family while my dad was stationed overseas...love going there now with my daughter.
13. Art classes that I took from a very old man..I remember his long fingers and gentle spirit.
14.  Ballet classes even though I wasn't very graceful...
15.  The bowling leagues that my brother and I were in, I still love bowling today.  (Did I mentioned all the pin ball machines..the tilts...playing partners with my brother.
16.  The freedom we had growing up on a base, we could take the bus to the horses and softball fields which we did often by ourselves...
17.  Reading all of Nancy Drew books
18.  The rock em sock em boxers...do they still make those?
19.  Music, songs like Michael Murphy sang...Wild Horses...I will have to make sure that is the name of that song since I bought that cd a few years ago because I loved that song so much.
20.  Learning to crochet and making baby blankets...making macrama (not sure about the spelling) plant holders..

I am so grateful for this time and for growing up as I did in a nilitary family.  So many fun memories in our backyard with my siblings.  I love my brother and two sisters and am happy we are all still close and great friends. 

What are some of your favorite memories or things you enjoyed while you were younger??  What things brought you joy and happiness??  I can't wait to hear to see if we had any of the same fun memories!!

I hope you have a wonderful and fun weekend!!

xoxoxo
Diana 

The ultimate gift.......

Look at the people around you. Is there someone in your life that you could easily take under your wing and mentor? Someone you could teach your skills to and speak faith into? Proverbs 22:6 tells us that when we train up a child in the way they should go, they will not depart from it. When you give of yourself, your time, your energy, and your advice to train someone, it is the ultimate, lifelong gift. I've learned this: the greater the giving, the greater the living. You will never be more fulfilled than when you're making a difference in somebody else's life.

The definition of GIVING:  give (g v) v. gave (g v), giv·en (g v n), giv·ing, gives. v. tr. 1. To make a present of: We gave her flowers for her birthday. 2. To place in the hands of; pass: Give me the ...

This is written by Joel Osteen at http://www.joelosteen.com/ if you want to read the entire piece.  He wrote this about Dave Thomas and what he was given by one of his mentors in the restaurant business.  Did you know he was adopted and rasied by his adoptive father after his adoptive mother passed awa.  I totally believe that life is better when we GIVE.  What ways can we give?  As Joel mentioned  we can give of our love, our time, our money, our ears to listen with, our knowledge, our friendship, our prayer, our smiles, our kind words, our hugs, our I Love You's to list a few.  What do you have to offer today?  I challenge you to find something to give away today.  If you do I would love to hear what that was and to who and how you felt afterwards? 

Enjoy the gift of today and remember the ultimate gift of giving will brighten your day!!

xoxoxo
Diana

A "Day In Our Lives" .....

I hope everyone had a great day!  I have to say that today marked the 2nd good day at my new job and honestly I am starting to enjoy my work again.  I often say that life is too short for those things that don't bring us joy but have to remind myself that not everything brings us instant joy.  That is just how I think and sometimes good things are worth working for, it is a good thing I am not a quitter, that I am determined to make things better as I am with finding the good in people disspite what they say or what they do even in this case I have been thrown into at work.  I will make the best of this ride and quest to love and live my best life with all the new things happening yesterday, today and tomorrow.  Wanna join me?

So today, a day with us, begins with all 3 girls getting ready at the same time.  We pass in the hall, all on our own mission to get ready and out the door with smiles on.  Out the door at 7:50am to drop off Demi and order a yearbook this morning.  (I take the pictures for the school and still have to pay for one :-) but I am good with that, that is one thing I have enjoyed thoroughly for the past 4 years and will so miss that if I don't find a more flexible position but that is another day and story!)  Then it is off to work from 8:30-4:30.  Swing by mom's to get Demi and then it was off to pick up Nadja at the high school.  We made a pit stop in at the Brookside Center so I could VOTE.  What a priviledge it is to do so, to make a difference.  Oh and the best part was the items on the back to vote on, putting prayer back in school which I am all for, making it a law that every woman and girl would have to have a sonogram and see it before ending a life - I am all for that too and then it was all about our government, having more say so in how they spend our money and how we are to determine the size of it as well.  I am summing up those few things but I do feel like my VOTE matters.  The girls came in with me which I also am glad happened.  Nadja so she can see how we vote her in the US and Demi to see what goes on and how it all works.  Valuable life lesson that I didn't get until I was 36 years old.  Then we swung into Taco Bell for some tacos and burritos.  Did I say that I have to work on pre-planning dinners on Sundays, precooking so we can eat when we get home.  Nadja is starving after tennis and I am too after not eating much since I dont take a lunch so I can get in and out of work to be with the girls.  With a few minutes to spare, we are off to get a friend and then to Girl Scouts.  I take that hour to blog, facebook and catch up here on computer.  The day has come and gone and now it is time for bed so we can all have a great day tomorrow.  TAKs for Demi and work for mom and since Nadja does not have to take any TAKS being an exchange student, she has the day off - woohoo!!!    PS- I have to find time to work out or walk and to play with our dog Cheyenne who I am sure feels very neglected these days. 

I hope to find quiet time to spend reading and growing in my faith.  I really like to start my day with quiet time but have overslept the last 2 days.  Not late, just not early enough for that time I enjoy and look forward to each morning.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.  I am off to pray for Demi and all those children here regarding the TAKS tests, a must pass to move on to the next grade so say some teachers.  Do you have that as well in your state?  I dislike this system of pass or fail because I think some people just don't test well and that our teachers don't teach like they could or would if not being mandated by our State Govenment.  I hope that will change soon so they can get back to enjoying what they do and our children can enjoy school and learning again!!  That is just my 2 Cents worth today and a "day in our life"  Thanks for stopping by my blog today!!

xoxoxo
Diana