Every Child Matters

I hope you will feel encouraged to make an ordinary day into an extraordinary day by being the hands, feet and mouth for Jesus today.  Today I heard the story of Jimmy Graham, the Tight End for New Orleans and it really brought home what I see often with our children.  He never felt like he mattered until a woman adopted him.  I am not saying you have to adopt a child but reach out to those you know may be struggling, become a BIG SISTER to a child, sponsor a child through a school and or volunteer at a local kids club all run by donations. 

My 1st challenge to you this week if for you to find an opportunity for a RANDOM ACT of KINDNESS with a child. 

My 2nd challenge is to find an opportunity for a RANDOM ACT of KINDNESS with an adult or family in your area.

Let's love a little more and be more compassionate with those we encounter.  I know if we did this along with being the feet, hands and mouth for Jesus that our world would be a better place to live.  Let's shoot to Out Live Our Own Lives by making a difference today and this week.

Have a wonderful evening as I continue to enjoy
 the COWBOY game, the RANGERS and a TIM TEBOW win today.  Have I mentioned how much I love SONdays and Texas and this life that God has given me.  I DO!!!

xoxoxo
Diana 

New Blog,,,

I am so excited to have found this blog and website today....check it out!!

http://www.mycraftchannelblog.com/

I will be back to blog some tomorrow with a recap on life and the latest of God's blessings!!

xoxoxoxo

Diana 

Starting A New Chapter and Some Thought Provoking Questions.....

I am excited to say that I am starting a new chapter this week  with  http://www.babycominghome.com/ and am inspired by wonderful women again!

Demi should be coming home this week too so hopefully life will get back to some normalcy if there is such a thing.  I have missed her and the life we have but am so happy that she has had this time with her dad's family!  She is at South Padre and doing something today with her Aunt RaRa and Uncle Nick..can't wait to hear because it is a surprise since they are all lobsters today from being at the beach all day yesterday!!

Today I am going to be thankful for the difficult times and the time I have had to grow and learn.  That is an on-going process and daily thing.  I am really trying to learn to give total control over of my life for His purposes but it can be somewhat difficult at times.  I also need to learn to REST IN THE STORMS which is also not very easy to do without feeling the guilt and with my Type A personality.  I am sure some of you can relate to this as well.  

I want to ask you some questions today to get you thinking outside the box. 

If you knew a friend needed help with such things as food, gas, a hug and some encouragement would you be the first to jump in line to help?  If you have been in these shoes, have you been able to ask for help?  What does it take for you to see for you to want to step up to help or offer up a random act of kindness?  Do you ever feel compelled to step out of your comfort zone to see the world from a new set of eyes?  If not why not?  What lessons in life have you learned the hard way?  Do you live with regrets?  Do you let your circumstances define you and or are you willing to step up and make a difference by the way you live or with how your respond to these situations?    Do you feel blessed or wonder why life keeps throwing these curve balls your way?  Do you get up and go through the motions or do you really feel with your heart?  When you say you love someone, do you mean it?  Do you show those in your life that you are grateful by doing special things for them?  Do you ever get on your knees to pray?  Do you have friends who keep you accountable?  Does your life make a difference?  When you leave this world is it a better place?  What kind of legacy are you leaving for your children and family?  Do you inspire those around you to become better and make a mark in the places they have been?  Do those who have helped you become who you are know who thankful you are that they were in your life?  Do you live everyday as if it is your last?  Does your life have more importance because of what you have material wise?  If you were penniliess, how would you get by?  What is happiness to you?  Do you have a bucket list and if so what is on it?  Are you brave?  Are you a HERO?  Can you do more today?  Is today enough for you?  If today was your last day on earth, what would you do, who would you contact and what would be your last words? 

Aren't these some really good questions to make you think today?  

I hope you  make it a great Saturday and that you enjoy what comes your way...love your kids and make sure they know how special they are...and be thankful for your life <3.

**I set up some FREE SHOPPING over at Formly SISters on FB if you want to get inspired and have some scrappy fun today!!  I am as soon as I get the car washed and some house cleaning/laundry done!!**

xoxoxo

BiT 

Missing My Lil Dragonfly....

My sweet daughter has been gone for almost 3 weeks with one day home in between three stops...oh I miss her!!

I have to say that I am so thankful I have not had to share her all these years during the summer and holidays but am filled with joy and happiness knowing how much she is having this summer.  She went to church camp for 5 days and then to her BFF's that she has had since she was one and then she has gone to San Antonio to spend time with her dad's family.  Did I mention that when she left here to go to Kenz's house, she left her suitcase here.  So she had 2 pair of shoes and a pair of shorts and her cell phone.  Hasn't bothered her a bit?  We can learn so much from children and their outlook on life. 

Demi spent the weekend at Horsehoe Bay jet skiing and tubing which was a first.  She had a blast!  I wish I was there and hate missing firsts but I know it is not possible to be with her 24/7.  This week she leaves for South Padre Island for the weekend.  Then when she comes back she is off to her dads for a week.  I think this is going to be her summers and mine for the years to come, I am just praying there will be a visit in between all the trips and visits.  So blessed that her dads family is so awesome and that she loves them dearly.  And they are fun to boot.

Hoping I can make another 2 weeks without her, any advice?? It has truly been a blessing having Bry here but I am not sure if I don't get a job what I will do....it might be different if I had the money to do things so I need to be creative in that area.    

Anyway have a great Tuesday and I will be back tomorrow to post a 2 page layout with some sewing and lots of color.  I will also be posting my thankful thread so fill free to leave me a link to your blog should you decide to join me!!

Hugs from hot Texas,
BiT

xoxoxoxo      

Scattered Seeds and Fnding Your Passion

Good Morning!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend.  I had the most wonderful weekend full of blessings and I am so grateful for so many things starting with family .  I am an aunt again for the 13th time to my sweet tiny niece Bella Rose who was born on July 15th at 5lbs 5ozs.  Babies are definitely God's big miracles of life in tiny packages in every way.  So happy and proud of my baby sister.  I have had the best 5 days with my niece Brylee while they have been in the hospital. Above is a picture of Brylee and Bella.  Brylee is so full of love and is a 2 year old full of wit beyond her years. 

So this weekend I was thrilled to have been invited to Formly SISters on Facebook.  It was so much fun to see so many old friends from the SIS days.  Miss SIStv for many reasons but the main one is because there are so many wonderful, fun, giving and creative women making a positive difference in the world all in one place. 

Has anyone ever started a non-profit?  If so I need some advice as to how to get started?  I have had this idea for a while now and I am ready to do something about it this week.  That is what my post title Scattered Seeds is all about today.  I am passionate about wanting to make a difference in the world we live in ONE FAMILY AT A TIME.  I will elaborate more but in a nutshell I am hoping to start and organzation that will be about scattering seeds of hope, kindness, and love to those we encounter in our lives and also about getting our children involved in making a difference in the world today.  Hoping that families will take the initiative to do this together and to make the time to randomly or deliberately performs acts that will not only change the lives of those they help but change their lives in a positive manner bringing HAPPINESS to everyone involved in each act.  It is my dream to bring JOY to others and to show God's LOVE in ways that only He can create and to LOVE OUR NEIGHBORS starting today.  Wouldn't the world be a better place if we all did one thing today to start a random act of kindness and the chain kept going....reaching millions by taking seconds to think of someone else.  What can you do today?  What can you do with your children today?  What needs do you have in your communities and schools?  Summer is a wonderful time to get involved and when your kids are bored you can make it a point for a RAK Random Act of Kindness) or RAL (Randon Act of LOVE). 

Here are a few ideas for today:
1.  Check with your city and local nursing homes for needs.....the elderly love children.
2.. Check your local non profits to see what needs they may have such as the soup kitchens, homeless shelters, boys and girls clubs, american red cross and or others you may be aware of...
3.   Ask your local church about needs in your community or families within your church.
4.   If you know someone has been struggling maybe you can drop a gas card or target card in their mailbox either randomly or deliberately.
5.   With the heat wave in the US, treat your local city workers and friends to cold drinks and snacks...this is one of my daughters favorite things to do.
6.    Have your children create cards with encouraging notes and drop in mailboxes...sayings such as "You are loved", Life will get better, Find time to enjoy the simple things in life, Live Laugh and Love...be creative and let your children exhibit love the way they do so easily.
7.   Create a 12x12 page or a mini book for a friend, neighbor or complete stranger because you can and just because you love this hobby.  You can always create cards and buy stamps to give as a gift for someone...maybe a college student leaving soon.
8.   Visit or volunteer at a local hospital or clinic holding art camps for children being treating for cancer, diabetes or at a place that is dear to your heart.  You can always create little fun packs to leave there or make knitted hats for those going through chemo.
9.    Bake some goods for a sick friend and or neighbor.
10.  Hand write a letter..there is something still so special about receiving a handwritten note of love and thoughtfulness.
11.   Check with your schools now for upcoming needs for the school year.  One thing that is done for teachers and students where I worked was monthly treat bags with candies, cooked goods, coupons and gift certifcates in decorated bags.... food for children all donated by a local church and women.   It is possible you can help one child with supplies.

Remember you can do this alone or ask other families/groups to join you in your efforts depending on what you want to do and accomplish.  Be creative, have fun and remember you are making a difference with your act regardless of how small or big.  It all starts with you and one family.   

There are so many wonderful things you can do and I hope you can find or make the time to join me in this endeavor and dream of mine.  I am hoping that in a world that embraces "all about me" that I instill in my daughter and those around me that it is so much better to give than receive and that even our children can change this world we live now and for generations to come.        

Thanks for stopping by today and for any comments you share.  Please feel free to share any ideas of RAKS or RALS and where you did these. 

Make it a great Monday and hugs those you love,
BiT

The Best Medicine Available....

Happy Monday friends!! 

What is this medicine that I am talking about? 


I am currently reading another book written by Joyce Meyers called "I Dare You".  This is a wonderful and enlightening book.  She mentions many remedies to help you get going and to live the life you were meant to live.  She also says that fun and laughter bring restoration and rest to the soul. 

So my daughter are going to have a stay vacation of sorts while grandma is away.  We pray that she has a great trip visiting with my sister and her family in NC.  While she is away we hope to relax and enjoy our home.  My mom is a little OCD when it comes to house cleaning, vacuuming and doing laundry and because of that makes it a little hard at times just to sit and enjoy our home.  Do you know anyone like this that spends so much time worrying about the order of things that they don't enjoy what they truly have...I don't understand it but do understand the need to control life. 

Which brings me to another story that I have been thinking about often.  Like my mom, I believe her generation has been hit very hard with the economic issues of security and work.  At 68 my mom lost her job of 31 years.  Talk about life changing and not in a good way.  While in a whataburger last week, I saw a woman who was probably 75 years old.  I felt bad for her and thought this is not the life she probably envisioned for herself.  While I admired her too and my mom for finding work at half the pay and the type of work much harder than it should be.  My mom and this woman are just too of millions and it made me want to talk with her about her personal story.  I have often said and believe that behind every face is a great story and I often think how I would like to bring this to light and share these stories. 

I really do think as a nation, community and individuals that we need to be more sensitive to others and to love our neighbors.  That when we see someone in pain to reach out to them in a way that you are comfortable with....just letting others know that you care could be enough to change the course of someone else's day. 

Why does there have to be so much pain and heartache in the world we live in?  Is this all life has to offer?  As difficult and challengin as life can be and be seen, we are blessed and have to remember those things and be thankful each day we get.  This is coming from someone who understands and is walking by faith.

What is "walking by faith"?  This is trusting in our heavenly father that his plans for our future are best and with his partnership we will be better than we could ever dream or imagine.  Somedays this is harder to do because we are human and we let our feelings get the best of us.  

So two things, what are you thankful for today and what makes you smile and laugh?

I am thankful for:
1.  The gift of life today
2.  My family and friends
3.  My mom going on a vacation to visit my sister.  I am excited for my sister that she will get this time. 
4.  That my clear air card is working today, in this spot and now :-)!
5.  Having a roof over our heads and AC.
6.  DP and caffeine
7.  Rest
8.  Spiritual Refreshment
9.  *Purex Softner Grains* - this is my new great product...if you haven't used it, you have to try it.  If you love great smelling laundry.  You can buy this at the dollar store for 4.00 and print a 1.00 coupon on their FB site.  (It is 5.99 at Walgreens but it is a much better deal the other way) 
10.Prayer, Answered Prayers and quiet time to read....I love reading and enjoyed reading to Demi last night .  Love having "us" time and spending quality time each day.

Things that make me laugh....
1.  My Dem....her laugh makes me laugh and her view on life...
2.  A good comedy show which I haven't been to in a very long time....
3.  You tube videos that we have seen...I think i will be heading over there today bcause I dont laugh enough these days and if you want to see some funny ones, you can look up Bon qui qui....she has the King Burger and the Nail Salon videos.
4.  My 2 yr old niece..she says the funniest things!!
5.  A good game of ping pong with my police officer friends....
*I am sad to admit that I had to think about what makes me laugh and I realize that I need to incorporate more fun and laugher in my life today, NOW!   No more focusing on the things I can't control and more time spenton doing what I can to change that....whether it is volunteering or coninuing to fill out applications then I will do that all while finding time to enjoy the simple things in life.  Wanna join me?

Did I mention that I actually made the time to scrap this weekend?  I love my 2pager that I created and will be back to show you the completed pages once I put on the pictures.  I am also creating a page today called "Dream Catcher" and will show it as well.  I am going to try to be published this year in a magazine, completing one things on my bucket list.  Do you have a bucket list?

Have a magnificant Monday and remember to tell those you love that you do......and ......find time to love your neighbors and make someone else's day better.  I love just thinking of how Demi and I can do that...maybe it will be sweet in mailboxes today....I am going to look at non profit groups in our areas to see if there is something out of our norm that we can participate in this week. 

xoxoxoxo
BiT   

Happy 11th Birthday Demi "dungbeetle"!!

What an amazing birthday week it has been for you!  This year I decided to give a gift a day to celebrate your "birthday week" which just added to the thrill of turning another year older.  Let's just say you have enjoyed it so far....with a few days to go.  Oh by the way, my niece and Demi's cousin have nicknamed her dungbeetle...isn't that funny?

It has definitely been a very busy and fun week starting with PALS camp with our Hurst Police Dept starting on Monday.  They do such a terrific job for 60 children in our local elementaries with games, swimming, team building, putt putt and a movie, this year the movie was Kung Fu.  It is all for free too!  For some of these kids if not all would not be able to attend a camp or week of fun like this without our police, vendors who donate time and food.  We live in such a wonderful and giving community with loving and caring volunteers and officers.  I was lucky enough to be able to be a mentor taking photos week along with spending time with my daughter and my brother who is a Police Officer with the city.   (If I can get my clear card to stay on long enough I will upload pictures.  I must say that if I could do this for a living I would.....I love it!

So this weekend is Demi's best friends last weekend here in town for another year.  Alyssa's dad is due back from war in Afghanistan in about 2 months so they are on their way back to KY.  It has been an incredible year for them both in 5th grade.  I am hoping and praying that Demi can stay busy until she returns.  She was gone th eyear before and it seemed like the longest year.  HOpefully with club cheer and tumbling and 6th grade work, she will have enough to keep her mind focused on what is at hand and maybe she will meet some friends along this year.

Wishing my angel another wonderful and amazing year at 11.  Here is to happiness, joy, peace, grace, forgiveness, fun and many more amazing memories to enjoy for years to come.  I love you so much and am excited to see what this brings for you and our family.  Thanks for being the angel you are and for being so easy going.  You make life so worth living and me so grateful for you and our continued blessings together as a family.  Muah.......xoxoxo


  

Dallas Mavericks - NBA Champions

Congrats to our MAVS tonight!  What an unbelievable series against the Miami Heat. 

How exciting that Dallas has finally won their 1st NBA Championship after 31 years since becoming a franchise!!!!  Way to go Mavs and congrats to all the players, coaches and owners.   I must say we have the best fans ever too supporting them every step of the way.

I hope they enjoy this for the weeks to come in a safe and good way.  Now we must start cheering on our Texas Rangers.  And then it will be time for our Dallas Cowboys. 

xoxoxo

Go MAVS!!!

It has been a wonderful weekend.

Today here in the DFW area, it is all about our MAVS.  With 6:46 to go, the game is looking great.  With a win, we win it ALL tonight but they must hang on for a little while longer.  The thing with basketball, it all comes down to the last shot and it seems the last 1 minute of the game lasts one hour...hehe.

I am excited about this week.  It is my sweet angel's 11th birthday.  It is hard to believe it has been 11 years already.  She has been such a blessing and the last 11 years have been so much fun and amazing.  So this years theme,  yes you guessed, Justin Beiber, Beiber fever.....and many more wonderful memories.  I can't wait to see what the next 11 years bring. 

Demi also has the Police Pals camp here in town thanks to my brother.  She will get to do this with her cousin Cami whom she loves dearly.  One of the best parts is that it is free and from someone who is still struggling financially, I really do appreciate all the police and city do for our kids and children.  They will have another basketball camp too.

So tomorrow I will be posting a few projects I have created and will show you some of Demi's scrapbook that she made for SS and her state of New Hampshire.  Until then, enjoy your evening and remember this week to love your neighbors <3.

xoxoxo
BiT  

Love Lazy Summer Days and Fridays.....

I love Fridays and the start of the weekend.  Today was one of those days when I stayed in my pjs and read thruughout watching FL vs Casey Anthony.  (Why do women often feel guilty doing this or taking a day off from the normal routine of cleaning, laundry or basic errands?  Why don't we give ourselves permission to do this more often?) I am fascinated with the case and the science they disclosed this week.  Afterall I did get my minor in college in Poli Sci because of my interest in law.  Somedays I think I should have chosen that career path.   So what do you think about the case?  Are you following the tv shows?  I have to admit I often think "who would or could do this to a 2 yr old precious child of God"?  It makes no sense to me and I pray for her parents daily.  I cannot imagine walking in their shoes and pray that God will wrap his loving and healing arms around them both and her brother.  It is just SAD and heartbreaking to see all this unfold.

So tomorrow it will be a full day of fun and sun.  Swimming in the early morning before it reaches 100 degrees and then we are off to see Judy Moody's new movie.  I love children's movies!  Then I am going to scrap the day away for the first time in months.  I am going to join in some challenges on some blogs that I enjoy reading daily/weekly.  If you know of any good blogs and or books to read please feel free to pass them along. 

I will leave you with a summary of my reading today from The Relationship Principles of Jesus:  It's often in what seems to be the lowest spot that we find life's greatest blessings.  The richest relationships, the purest joys, the most profound influences are often found when we are out of the limelight and feel free to simply love and serve.  Isn't this amazing and so true?

Have a wonderful weekend and remember to hugs those you love.  Try to find time for random acts of kindness and love.  These opportunities are everywhere if you will open your eyes and heart.

xoxoxo
Diana    

This Makes Me Smile....

I really hope you had a great Tuesday.  So today Demi and I started our day with  "A Taste of Demi's State, New Hampshire" and having to cook her "American Toast".  Her entire 5th grade each brought a dish from their state and I have to say, they did a great job!  There was so much food and a wonderful variety from three classes.  She really does have wonderful teachers this year!  We have been blessed to have had really awesome teachers since she started school back in 2004.  Now she has to make a scrapbook of her state which will be due in a couple of weeks.

I wanted to blog about a few things that I love and enjoy on this Tuesday with a thankful heart:

1.  Great smelling laundry
2.  Clean teeth and fresh breath
3.  Demi back in cheer because she loves it so much
4.  Being an aunt
5.  Teaching and being a tutor (love my sweet friends that I have been blessed to work with over the last 3 months)
6.  Sunshine
7.  Prayer time
8.  Alone time
9   That Demi passed all her TAKS this year after a rough start, so proud of her!
10.Today and the gift of life!!

When I start to think about what makes me happy, so many things come to mind.  I may end up posting a couple of pics.  I will be back shortly with something else that brings me JOY to share with you.

**Demi and her best friend Alyssa at their 5th grade ballroom dance**

**Demi and her dance partner, Adam Tice**

**Demi and her future husband, RJ whom we just love and have known since birth!** 

Again thanks so much for stopping by my blog.  It means the world to me and in return I love going to your blogs just as much!!

xoxoxo
BiT   

Finding JOY and HAPPINESS in the every day things in our life....

Yesterday I visited Rita at http://www.letsembellish.blogspot.com/ and she had a beautiful picture of her view going home which has inspired me to post photos of things and people that bring me JOY and HAPPINESS in my every day life.

May 1st - This is a picture of my mom and my daughter, love them both and so happy that we got to spend Easter with her and our family celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.

May 2nd - these beautiful girls inside and out bring us all lots of happiness!!

So what or who brings you JOY?  If you decide to join me this month please let me know so that I can venture over to your blog to enjoy your pictures.

Have a wonderful Tuesday and remember tomorrow is National Teacher Appreciation Day so tomorrow would be a perfect day for a RANDOM or DELIBERATE Act of Kindness for one or all of those special teachers in your life.  

xoxoxo

BiT 

New Beginnings Layout with Homemade Flowers...

Today I landed at http://scrapfit.blogspot.com/2011/04/workout-41-stop-and-see-flowers.html through Julie Tucker Wolek's blog and am so excited I did.  Their latest challenge is to use a handmade flower on your layout or card. 

Here is a layout I created with handmade flowers from Teresa Collin's baby and wedding lines.  I love how this layout turned out and especially love the pictures of our old home that we just moved out of recently.  Not only does this layout make my heart beam with pure JOY but it represents where Demi and I are now with our new beginnings.

I will be back in a bit to share some other cool things we have been making over the last month along with some new flowers that I have made with felt. 

xoxoxo

BiT

 

Seeing the World with Eyes of Love....

I hope everyone had a wonderful Tuesday!

I am thankful on this Tuesday for so much!  Thankful for today, my sweet daughter who is so loving and kind and who has a great sense of humor.  I love her innocence too!  Love my family and my mom's home cooked meals!  Thankful for my faith and the HOPE of what is to come if I am blessed with another day.  Thankful for our friends and the time I get with them.  Thankful for my place at my school and love my friends whom I get to work with everyday.  Thankful for opportunities for RALs, random acts of love!! 

So how do you see the world around you?  Through eyes of love with the effort to understand others or are you quick to judge because others are different or having a bad day?  Joe Osteen's message this week was on this and it would be awesome to approach everyday and everyone I encounter with EYES of LOVE.  I try but I can always do more.  I think we all see the world through the eyes of which we have grown up and live in but that may not always be the best thing.  As I have gotten older I know I am so sympathic and empathic    

Never Say Never....

I had a date night with the girls and it was awesome!  Dinner at RJ Gators and then to see Never Say Never with Justin Beiber.  He is such an inspiration and all I could think about was what a great job his single mom and her parents have done raising him.  His songs are amazing too.  The girls loved it and now they are true fans once again!  Me too!!

I wanted to say that I love the message behind the movie, Never Say Never.  I so believe that and hope my daughter and her friend get this message and that anything is possible and to never say never.  Dream Big and Stay True to Who You Are.  His humble beginnings make him thankful for his blessings and he doesn't take anything for granted.

The best part is that he and his team are always giving back to his fans and his community.  You know that I love that and I love that he doesn't forget to do that with those who have made it possible for his to live out his dream of singing and performing.  WOW!   

Happy Birthday Brother!!

Enjoy your weekend and remember that God loves you and is there for you always <3

xoxoxoxo~
BiT  

A Surprise Visit.......

It just made my day today to see my sweet neice Brylee when she stopped by to visit me today.  She missed her Aunt Di and what a blast we had.  We walked the babies and then were joined by my angel Demi and another neice Cami for a snow cone from Grannys.  Talk about good, so good as we ate our flavored snow cones with vanilla ice cream.  There was brown cows, toasted coconut and cotton candy!!!!  Love that we had a great day at the park and that we had some quality family time today. 

Today I forgot to mention how grateful we are to have Demi's best friend, Alyssa back in town while her dad is in Afghanistan.  The girls have had so much fun this year and it is awesome to see both girls so happy.  They don't miss a minute in the day to have fun and enjoy each other.  She will leave on July 7th, although it will be sad it will only be for another year hopefully and then she will be back fro Jr High.

Also grateful that there are two of the sweetest girls that live 2 doors down and my daughter has made friends with them.  God is so awesome!!  One of the girls is the same age has Demi and is in 5th grade and they are so much a like in all they enjoy such as dancing and swimming and the other a 4th grader.  Both seem so sweet and easy going. I love that my daughter is not shy too.  It makes life so much easier for her and for me.  :-))

Hope you had a great day too!!


 

Spring Break and Blessings...

It is spring break for Demi and I both from school and work.  It is so nice to have some down time.  I am finishing a book called PathWay to Purpose for women by Katie Brazelton while Demi is over at her best friends house today. 

Today, this warm and spring Tuesday I am thankful for so much!
1.  Thankful for the gift of life
2.  Thankful for my daughter, Demi and her fun and loving spirit.
3.  Thankful for my faith, family and friends.
4.  Thankful for good books and blogs.  (Love this one I happened upon today http://www.tracywburgos.typepad.com/)
5.   Thankful for our good health (getting my teeth cleaned tomorrow and am grateful for a BIL that is a dentist and then off to have an irregular mole removed, again grateful for free doctor care too since I have no insurance.  Praying for a clean bill of health being that I have had skin cancer and a scare 5 years ago)
6.  Thankful for being able to think, dream, have visions and goals to live by each day.
7.  Thankful for a roof over our heads after loosing our home.
8.  Thankful for our freedom and for those who are in the Armed Services so that we can make choices and live freely everyday.
9.  Thankful for my work that I am passionate about and those who have opened these doors for me.
10. Thankful that I am able to get Demi back into what she loves and that I am able to do some things for her lately.
11. Thankful for those who blog and for time to read and share.
12. Thankful for great teachers who are still passionate about what they do everyday.
13. Thankful for Cheyenne and her unconditional love.
14. Thankful for scrapbooking and the joy that comes from documenting our lives.
15. Thankful for community service and those who give of their time.  Love Demi being a part of her Girl Scout troop and the good they are participating in this spring.
16,  Thankful for love, compassion and grace/forgiveness.
17,. Thankful for longer days to enjoy outside with my family.
18.  Thankful for SONshine.
19.  Thankful for technology, skype, internet, cell phones.
20.  Thankful for the opportunities to share God's love and to love our neighbors and to make a small difference with random acts of love and kindenss!!

It is good to be back with a blog entry and it is my hope that somehow I can find or make a way to get some scrapping done.  Even thinking that I may make a new Grateful Journal/Cards to put on
 4x6 cards to late put into a photo album kind of like the 365 days scrapbook I made back in '09. 

Here is to you having lots to be thankful for and to finding joy in the simple things of your life.  Remember, it is ordinary people doing extraordinary things everyday to make this world a better and happier place using their gifts to bring HOPE to others in need.  What can you do today?

xoxoxo
BiT (blessed in texas and then some!!)

The Journey Begins - Week One

I am so ready to put my heart into our new lives and this new chapter in mine and Demi's life.  I have been re-reading a book by Cheryl Richardson called Life Makeovers which is 52 Practical and Inspiring Ways To Improve Your Life One Week At A Time. 

I will start with my OLW or better known as the One Little Word I have chosen for 2011.  My OLW is HOPE.  When I asked Demi randomly one night she said HOPE too. 

The hope for a new start and a new life as we begin over.    


   

BiT's Updates and a New Book/Blog to Share....32nd day of giving/kindness!

I hope you had a great Tuesday.  We have been hit with that snow/ice/sleet storm and had a day off today.  We also got word we have the day off tomorrow.  I love it because I so needed it but I wish it was with pay.  That part is not so good but may give my back and legs a rest from packing and moving.  I am so ready to be done and have 2 days left before that is completed.  Where did all the stuff come from and why haven't I been better at purging?  Oddly enough today as I was channeling surfing, I heard this guy named Dave talk about his new book http://guynameddave.com/about-the-100-thing-challenge/.  Boy do I wish I had heard about this long before this past week.  I am so tempted to get here this month because I am on a mission to live simply with a NEW outlook on our lives daily.  I thought I lived simply but I realized with this move that I have been married to my house and business for many years.  Much to my surprise, I am almost relieved to be going through this transition and am looking forward to a FRESH NEW START in 2011. 

So what about you, could you live with a hundred personal items?  Not sure I can get there but I sure would love to try! 

I want to live again, be FREE and make the most of everyday.  Live life to the fullest in every way.  I want to let go of the past and FORGIVE more freely without holding on.  I want to live my life the way a Christian loves her heavenly father.  Not keeping score and living in the past.  Not being a victim of her past.  Not being bitter.  Accepting responsibility for where I am, ready to make some significant changes in every area of my life and being open to what the LORD has in store for us, our family.  So ready...heart and mind become one on this journey and being grateful for our blessings and challenges in the past and today!

Hope you have a great Wednesday and remember on this 32nd day to reach out and make someone else's day better be it your kids, husband, mom and or neighbor.  Today I was amazed at our news coverage and a good samaritan who took a four wheeler to the freeways to help stranded motorist that had been on the freeways for hours just because.  That brought a huge smile to heart today.  This week my big give is to help a non profit with clothes and furniture, the stuff I am not taking with me so they can use it in a good way.  I hope to start doing this twice a year as a way to purge and clean out the clutter.  I also would encourage you to do this because it is a good tax write off. 

BiT

Day 23 ~ Sick Child

I am sad to say that I think my lil angel may have the flu...darn it!  We just got her flu mist 9 days ago so I guess we missed the window.  The good thing is if she stays asleep she will get 12 hours which she so needs and I am off to join her as soon as I prepare for work tomorrow and also get Demi ready for school just in case.  She wasn't running a fever either so that is a good sign. 

I am also sad at how the weekend turned out.  So many emotions and lots to do with noone to really talk to...made me look at my life and how I have invested all of my time and energy into my family and when I really needed them, they were no where to be found.  Made me realize that I am going to open myself up for a move and look outside this area for a teaching position.  I have limited myself because I wanted to keep Demi by them but I am not going to be so close minded anymore.  Praying the Lord will show me where and what soon.

Go JETS....this is for my NY family....hoping they can pull it off in the next few minutes.  If not it has been a great game.  I thoroughly enjoyed my fantasy football league this year too with all my lady and scrapbooking friends all over the US.  I took 3rd place and did win some money.  Even if I didn't it is something that I enjoy so much.

So I hope that someone RAKs you tomorrow and that you in return find the time to make someone else's day better just because you could.

Happy Monday,
Diana with lots of xoxoxoxoxo

Day 22 ~ Expectations and Empathy

Expectations and Empathy......how do you describe both of these words and feelings?

I set myself up for disappointment due to expectations from family and friends this weekend regarding my move.  I get that life happens but is it too much for a few to give up an hour or two to help someone in need to get out of her home within the week?  Why does life seem to be so hard and frustrating?  I will find a way to get moved or empty my house even if I don't get it all to stoarge without the help of those I thought would help me out today.  I don't want their help now and as I sit here today am so glad that I am the type of person who doesn't need to be asked or begged for help.  When I see the need I just do it.  I have to remind myself, especially after today remind myself that not everyone is the same way.

Do you like to be validated when you are feeling a certain way?  Why is it that some just don't get that...it really doesnt mean you have to agree with any of it but isn't nice to have those you care about acknowledge your feelings good bad or indifferent.  I am so happy I dont need that often too because I would just be disappointed much more.

I am glad I am self sufficient.  Although I am worn out and ready to be done with all of this, I will find a way to survive this and move on.  I know when I look back upon this time that I will see this as a blimp on the line of life. 

Did you find time for your RAK?  I have to admit that I don't think I did today and will look to double up tomorrow, sometime, someway.  Hope you will join me.  I am still looking to hear some new and awesome ideas regarding PIFS and RAKS. 

What was amazing today was the message at church, LOVE!!  Best expression of Love is TIME.  The Best Time to Love is NOW.  So agree and after my day, so enjoyed this message.  Hoping you know you are loved and that I think you are great in all you do and are every minute of every day.

xoxoxoxo
Diana