Sassy Gal Glamour

Many, Many WOOT! Moments

2012-02-10T11:27:00.001-06:00

WE ARE LIVE AND BROADCASTIN’!

FROM OUR NEW DIGS IN THE BIG CITY!

Oh my word…there are just no words for the past week.

We are SO excited to be together again…and to be cookin’ here….

House may look like this for now….

But, there’s hope!

Mama Carol comin’ in tomorrow…so I can get lots done….but for now, we are happy as little clams!

Puttin’ bubble bath in the airflow tub- a total no-no!- who are we not to break the rules a little bit….probably won’t do it again….but we are LOVIN’ that big ol’ tub.

Sleepin’ with a finger in your mouth? AWESOMENESS.

Several more years of Fat Baby Hands? OH YEAH!!

And, oh yeah, Dos was in a magazine!

Progressive Farmer….Pop (my dad) was reading it, and BOOM! There’s his grandson! How cool is that!?!

photo courtesy of our friend, Janie Campbell

Shown with J.D. Russell (yay Sugamomma!) of the Matador Ranch….and our awesomely cool cousin in the cap in the foreground!

Yay for BQA articles!

Yay for Fridays!

Yay for internet at our new house!

WOOT!

Goin’ West!

2012-02-02T01:19:00.001-06:00

We’re MOVING!

Be back as soon as internet is turned on at our new digs.

LOVE to all of you and THANK YOU for your prayers- they are greatly needed and muchly appreciated.

Our God is so good!

Poppin’ In For a Quick Visit….

2012-01-25T14:49:00.001-06:00

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

Sugar Fast Day 2….

Just a few cravings and daydreams of a warm, soft Krispy Kreme…..dripping in icing….crème-filled….

Figuring out my moments….I can prepare….have an activity or healthy snack ready when I would normally grab a Debbie Cake or dip into a sweet….

I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Next up….Sugar Detox for my kids….OH LAW! ☺

Today, I also want to tell you about my latest favorite cuticle treatment….

source

Sally Hansen Nail Nutrition Green Tea & Soy Cuticle Oil

Aside from the fact that cuticle oil applied often prolongs manis and pedis….I LOVE this oil for several other reasons….

1. The application and packaging…..it has a small brush and the wand/tube packaging so there is no mess.

2. It works!

3. Even though it is an oil, it seems to absorb rather quickly.

All-in-all, if you are looking for a great cuticle oil, this one RAWKS!

So Long, Sugar!

2012-01-24T00:41:00.001-06:00

I just wanted to drop a line…writing each night is like meeting up with an old friend…sometimes Sassy Gal is my only connection to sanity and adult conversation in a day! Well, except for some awesome friends who let me text them to no end and FaceTiming with Big Daddy and Pop and Nana….

But not today….today was our bi-monthly bible study….so I got to see my sister friends…mentors….most of them are 50+….OH THE WEALTH OF WISDOM AND BEAUTY! SO, I’m extra blessed today.

But who knows what tomorrow holds?!?!

Because I am trying to eat healthier….and now that Big Daddy is at a desk all day, he is so wanting to embrace a healthier lifestyle…and after having borderline gestational diabetes, well, I’m a regular Dr. Sassy Gal on the dietary forefront.

You know that Googling makes you almost a doctor, right?…..’cuz I’m practically almost a dermatologist….and maybe even almost a pediatrician….

But, for realz, we’re making more changes….every night I’m searching for my ‘sweet fix’ and since I’ve not bought sweets in awhile….HOLD ME!….there are not hardly any left in the house.

The last box of Little Debbie cakes I bought were gone in HOURS. NOT DAYS. HOURS…that’s a sign your family needs to tell sugar to BEAT IT.

I haven’t cooked a dessert in a coon’s age….

HOLD ME AGAIN.

Not gonna lie- I am missin’ my sugar….but in conjunction with my buddy/health guru/sister in Christ and quite-possibly-seperated-at-birth sister (don’t you LOVE those kind of friends?)…here’s her blog…you should SO read it….

Anyway, if you go read her latest post, well, it is EXACTLY what I need to be doin’.

I’ve gotten confirmation from several sources….which I am assuming is all actually from one CERTAIN source…the Source of all Sources, that is….you know that one….don’t you believe that the Holy Spirit moves us to a healthier lifestyle???? Kinda all that stuff about the body….and being the temple….so forth….and so on?!?!

Yep.

Well, we’ve been having this recipe…I’ve made it twice in the past two weeks….I went light on the beef…and VERY light on the “croutons” and used 1/2 the amount of butter….

Cheeseburger Salad

It is SO good.

Like, I’m-not-a-salad-person-and-I-crave-this good.

And tomorrow night I shall try a modified version of this….

Asian Lettuce Wraps

And I’m really talking and communicating with my kids about healthier choices….did you know that if you list out some choices of protein-rich snacks….they LOVE that?

I give them a list of “good” snacks…and more times than not…they make good choices simply because I tell them why it’s a better choice???

My kids eat hummus, carrot sticks, peanut butter on Wasa crackers with a slice of tomato, nitrate-free turkey lunchmeat and a low-fat cheese stick, turkey bacon, hard-boiled eggs (THEY LOVE these but BE WARNED! SMELLY TOOTS! LOTS OF ‘EM!)….

Not to say that ~~they~~ we wouldn’t PREFER a good ol’ piece of chocolate cake….but I’m shuttin’ it down for the time being…..

My SOURCE has sent a spirit of conviction on me and my sugar intake….so sugar…I’m calling shenanigans on you….I’ll visit ya ever once in a while….you just can’t live here anymore….

♥♥♥♥♥,

More On How CUTE My Baby Is and Healing My Heels

2012-01-23T01:11:00.001-06:00

Baby Sassy Gal Baby 3.0

If you’re my Facebook friend, you already got a dose of this!

If not, well, I’m tellin’ ya that my heart is overjoyed that one of my kids might look like me!

You see, all I ever hear is how my kids look ’JUST LIKE THEIR {BIG} DADDY’…. which…don’t get me wrong… is NOT a bad thing…AT ALL…but sometimes you just like to think that you carried and nurtured this child FOR NINE LONG MONTHS…you nurse him/her….some longer than others….I’m probably gonna be a little weird on this last baby…sorry if that weirds you out…AND BTW, I am pretty sure I should be given a Lifetime Achievement Award from The La Leche League….mostly for all of the nursing difficulties I’ve overcome…I’m tellin you…I AM ONE TOUGH MAMA MILK COW!!!!

Ok, anyway…he arrives looking like he was cut right out of a mold of his daddy…….

BUT NOT THIS TIME! NO SIREE! ☺

What do you think?!?!

No matter what, he is just so yummy. I want to eat him up…..just like the other two.

And Big Daddy said, “Well, maybe the reason I think he is so beautiful is because he looks like you.”

And here I am all bitter and sad-like that I don’t have a kid that looks like me until now.

Big Daddy has a way of putting me in line…..a sweet way….

OH, DEAR LORD, THANK YOU FOR THAT MAN. HE IS SO, SO PRECIOUS.

Ok, back to reality…

Before Christmas, I wrote about Flexitol…and how well it works and yada yada yada…but…THAT SMELL!

My heels were bad…but I used that stuff up…and then my good friend…(HEY CHERYL!)….recommended this AWESOME product….not sure what I did before it….

Gilden Tree Nourishing Foot Cream, $18

OH GIRL!

Here’s what I love:

1. It rubs in like a lotion….no greasy mess that makes you have to wear socks to bed….while there is a time and place for thick salves (and I use this when I’m down with sleepin’ in socks!)….not EVERY nigHT. (I can’t stand to sleep in socks….it’s one of my biggest annoyances in life. I know, right?!)

2. It is recommended for those with health issues, so it is safe and healthy….yet EFFECTIVE.

3. The scent. Clean, refreshing, yum. But gone by morning. Which is a nice thing, too.

4. The best part?! Waking up with soft, HEALED feet!

According to gildentree.com….

Rich, aloe-based foot cream with shea butter. Excellent for dry skin and cracked heels. Gluten Free. Safe for diabetics and celiacs.
A serious, but gentle foot cream that almost magically heals dry skin on feet, repairing cracked heels and softening skin. Made with a Certified Organic Aloe Vera base, instead of water, so it's thick, rich and very creamy, but soaks in quickly. Kiran Forest scent.

I also got this…

Foot Scrubber…called “The Best” by “O” the Oprah Magazine…here’s the lowdown from their website….

How to use:

Add a few drops of liquid soap or Extremely Gentle Cleansing Gel to the terra cotta Footscrubber and gently scrub feet. Focus on especially dry or callused areas, such as heels, balls of feet and toes. Polish and smooth skin with the back-side of the scrubber. Best when used at end of shower or bath.

Why it really works:

The "pumicey" texture works to gently scrub away dry skin, and the "washboard" side helps polish skin.
Terra-cotta, used widely in the Indian Sub-continent, is fired in a kiln, so it never wears out.

Plus, these are made by a women’s cottage industry in Pakistan (I think?!) and so you feel like purchasing these helps someone.

I gave each woman in our family this set for Christmas…..if you join their mailing list, you will find many great deals and sales on these and many more great products!!!

I’m glad they have NO IDEA who I am….I just love you, Gilden Tree…and I will forever.

Alrighty, I’m over and out….just waitin’ a couple more weeks to close on our house…and MOVE IT ON OUTTA DODGE!!!!

Have a lovely Monday!

Fun Friday

2012-01-20T11:21:00.001-06:00

We found some little gems on a private family blog….SO worth a Friday laugh….

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

This is Dos. He used to eat. A lot. And he could work that fat little leg like a champ.

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

And this one loved guns from way back. Still does.

Thank you for indulging our little trip down Memory Lane.

Lady Stuff….You Know, Basketball and Concealer…Oh Yea!

2012-01-18T11:48:00.001-06:00

Zoomin’ thru!

Headin’ to The Big City for a fun evening with our Big Daddy….love those Lady Raiders so we’ll go cheer them on against Baylor!

I’m a HUGE college basketball fan….I LOVE basketball…played in high school….and summer leagues….many people wouldn’t take me for a sportster….but I was a total Sporty Spice in my younger day

I also took this recommendation from Tiffany D….

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Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser, $9.99 at drugstore.com

You KNOW I need some o’ that concealin’!

Baby 3.0 was sleeping SO great….like 9-11 hour stretches….’til this last week….and he’s been up anywheres between 3AM and 6AM….wantin’ a snicky snack…AAAY! Small stretches of ZZZ’s are NOT good on the dark circle/puffy/allergy eye situation!!

Enter: Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer with a puffy, soft applicator top that I LOVE. So mess-free and very effective.

Here’s the info from Maybelline:

With Goji Berry + Haloxyl™
Instantly erases: dark circles fine lines
Visibly Diminishes: Puffiness
Micro-corrector applicator + super concentrated formula
Eye looks radiant and refreshed

GO MAYBELLINE!! I LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!

The Rest Of The Story….

2012-01-16T09:22:00.001-06:00

FULL SPEED AHEAD!

Let me finish this story of the House God Gave Us! haha! ONLY God could’ve done this!

We met some people who just moved here to our little town (actually I went right up to them and introduced myself as they finished their meal!)….when we saw them one night in our local restaurant (on Big Daddy’s birthday no less!).

Well, my dad actually knows them, and heard through the grapevine that they may be interested in purchasing land….and we had land to purchase….and as we talked and arranged to show them our place (THE NEXT MORNING! XMAS EVE!), they gave us the address of the house they were selling in The Big City where Big Daddy is working now.

We went online and saw the house, and I immediately knew God was up to somethin’! I got chills just looking at it online….I told Big Daddy, “I would almost tell them we wanna swap….sight unseen…. that’s how much I believe God is doing this!”

A few days later we schedule a showing with the realtor, and we LOVED it….about 20 minutes later their realtor called and told us they wanted to swap!! Even trade!!

SEE!?! Only God would find someone with a beautiful house in The Big City who wants to swap for 160 acres in rural West Texas!

And, as you know, the rest is history and we are packing and planning to be living there in no more than 4 weeks….hopefully sooner!

I am here to testify that if God calls, He will meet all of your needs according to HIS riches in glory through Christ Jesus….so I plan on using that house to the utmost of my ability to serve and minister to others….I LOVE to cook so I can see us feeding others’ bellies and their spirits….and I simply cannot wait.

I haven’t had much time for beauty stuff….buyin’ or usin’ or otherwise….my daily routine is at a bare minimum and I’m really stickin’ to what I know works right now!

BUT, I watched Tiffany D’s Favorites of 2011 video….and got some ideas!

I had to do an order from drugstore.com for this…

source

Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water

Are you familiar???

Yea, our kid is addicted to it….or rather we are addicted to how he acts when we give it to him….it’s to help with gas, bellyaches, etc…..

It’ll shut up a cryin’ kid in no time!

haha!

Just kiddin’….we wouldn’t overdose him or anything…but he sure does love it! And it sure does keep him quiet when we drive in the car….’til it’s past feedin’ time…and RAWR!!! My baby loves The Mealtime!

BUT, while I was on drugstore.com….upon Tiffany’s recommendation….I just HAD to try this…..

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Revlon Brow Fantasy

A brow pencil and a setting gel all-in-one!

I’m LOVING it right now….mainly because it’s so easy to create a natural brow and it stays put!

And its quick! Yay for quick these days!

Monday Blessings!!!

Well....

2012-01-12T23:59:00.000-06:00

I KINDA FORGOT TO TELL YOU THE MIRACULOUS PART OF OUR HOUSE STORY....THAT WE ARE SWAPPING HOUSES!

Yes, we traded houses because the precious people want our place and we want their's.

That's only the beginning of many, many miracles- both big and small.

Happy Weekend!

Some Days I Just Have to Pinch Myself

2012-01-10T11:37:00.001-06:00

OH MY!

I’m not sure how we did it, but we got a LOT done yesterday.

I made meals, took care of baby, packed some boxes, taught my 4th grader and Pre K’er, made a run to town, drank my daily water, and managed to make a $50 sale on Ebay! WOOT!

Speaking of daily water….got a new tip for you….I found it online!

I am now infusing my water with apple slices!!!

The water tastes normal except at the end…and then a little ZING of apple.

So good- I love making water more enjoyable to drink.

I just fill a pitcher with water, thinly slice 1/2 of an apple, and let it soak overnight.

You may recall that we have been taking steps of faith as God completely rearranges our expectations and our lives…calling us to ministry….not sure yet what it looks like….just stepping blindly…I told Big Daddy it felt like the safest cliff I’ve ever stepped off of.

SO, here’s what’s in store for us when we get to The Big City!

1. Beautiful (dream!) kitchen

2. 5 acres for three little boys to play….God knew that raising my kids in the ‘country’ was so important to me…..dirt roads are good for the soul….

3. Barn/pens…for this little guy….

4. Jet bathtub for Mama!

5. HUGE, wrap around master closet!!!

6. And a prayer chapel….☺

SO, all I can say….we have been overwhelmed….with God’s provision, His faithfulness, His mercy, His love.

As my precious friend and mentor reminded me….He goes ahead of us to prepare a place….

OH DOES HE EVER!

You may not believe that God is in to material things…and I’m not sure He is, either…but I do know that He moves in HUGE ways….and whether we stay there for 1 year or 100 years….it’s His house and His provision. I’m just passin’ thru.

THANK YOU, JESUS!!!!

You alone are worthy of our praise!

And I’m here to testify that miracles really do happen.

There are many more details that I’ll spare you, but it is easy to say that my faith in God is a mountain that can’t be shaken.

And I boast only of Him, nothing of myself.

Isn’t He awesome?!

Monday! One Day Closer to Friday!

2012-01-09T09:29:00.001-06:00

Our weekends are going to be filled with work, work, and more work as we pack up and clean out!

It is liberating to rid ourselves of so much stuff.

Our New House Resolution is to live much more simply.

Less décor, less junk.

And this is coming from a décor lover….I know God will release a grace for me to do it!

This one was THREE MONTHS old this past week….

SO sweet! SO sleeping through the night! SO Mama’s baby! SO don’t get much done!

Oh well!

I found another Mary Kay product that I am LOVING….it somewhat helps me feel better about being almost out of an all-time favorite MAC lip gloss that was a limited-edition….but here’s the new Mary Kay….

Mary Kay Nourishine Plus Lip Gloss, Au Naturel

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LOVE it with my Maybelline Totally Toffee Lipstick and Mary Kay Lip Liner in Clear!

SO pretty!

Happy Monday!!!

Lip {Liner} Service

2012-01-03T21:51:00.001-06:00

So we had one of those gloriously smooth days today!

The one where everything triggers when it should, and you have patience beyond measure! And the baby really doesn’t scream all day, and you know that your morning prayer of asking for a “grace to be released to do this thing” or “Deliver me, Lord” was answered so exactly the moment you breathed it from your lips.

And now….

I am sitting down to jot a few notes to you, my WWW friends, and thankful for this moment to share with you.

There’s no telling what’s about to happen as we pack ten years of our life, and head to a foreign land (The Big City about 70 miles away! ☺).

I hope I’m not MIA, but if I am, will you still be my friend?!

I hope so!

Enough sappy stuff….here’s a new thang I’m LOVIN’!!!

Recently, as a Mary Kay consultant, I recently placed my wholesale order. And I added some new things…and this was one of them…..

Mary Kay Lip Liner, clear

source

OK, I’m not sure why I’ve not ever had a clear lipliner, but it is my new favorite thang! You can wear any color of lipstick or gloss and it stays in the lines!!!

I’m all about lipstick/gloss staying in the lines these days.

Anyway, I happen to ADORE Mary Kay’s lip liners. They are the greatest texture! So it is only natural that I would LOVE a clear Mary Kay lip liner.

SO fun!

It lends itself to a more natural look, but it really depends on the color of your lipstick/gloss.

One more thang…..

Just so you know, if you get a song stuck in your head, Dos says you can slap your face and that will get it out.

ROFL!!

Happy Day~

SO MUCH To Catch Up On!!!

2012-01-02T12:20:00.001-06:00

I didn’t intend to take such a long vacay from you Sassy Gals (and Guys?!) It has been some of that CRAY CRAY at our house…things are moving a-mile-a-minute, and I’m not as quick as I used to be.

And to be quite honest, having a #3 is pretty much rocking my world!

I always heard adding a second child was the big leap….OH NO! Don’t believe the propaganda….#3….that’s the doozie.

Well, for me, anyway.

And it might have something to do with being 35+…..a couple years plus…because 3.0 is a good baby….really, he is….but WHOA NELLY! I’m tired.

And my head, it spins!

Anyway….I’m not at liberty to disclose the whole deal, but let me just say that if/when we walk this next journey, God will have orchestrated a MOST AMAZING thing!!! It has to do with moving/house selling, some amazing people coming into our lives, and most awesome-ly, how our God is SO faithful….and how He loves us….

And, no matter what, we have PEACE! There’s that peace of God in our lives again….and I couldn’t appreciate it more. God’s ways are bigger and more mysterious than ours.

God is so worthy of our praise and bragging…..and God will have bragging rights on this one….for eternity….because it is GOOD!!!! Can’t wait to tell ya! Soon, I promise!

In the meantime?!

We are packin’ the boxes.

So much has happened since I last posted!

We had a lovely Christmas…..gotta say Tater the Litigator got us the BEST GIFT…..a Keurig!

OH MY! I LOVE THAT KEURIG like it’s one of my children!

I’m sipping on some Dunkin’ Donuts Original as we speak!

I’m pretty crazy about the Green Mountain Coffee Company “Nantucket Blend”, too.

I also got this….

source

Consuela Grand Tote

I was shopping with Nana and I found this bag and my heart leapt!

I have been traveling a bit more lately, and my sorry excuse for an overnight bag left MUCH to be desired….and when I saw this….well, it was PERFECT for a Sassy Mama of three boys….yes, I use my children as an excuse to buy totally girly overnight bags…

It is one of those things that I’ll never regret buying.

And Nana said they would let it be my Christmas from them…I had to add in a little contribution….and man, have I LOVED it.

My favorite gifts aside, it was a blast to spend time with family, eat some good stuff, and let folks hold Baby 3.0. A gift to my sore back.

I hope you sought His love and found it over your holidays, too!

New Years Eve is always very low-key for us. I cooked a TON of goodies and then I ate a TON of goodies….we watched the ball drop…..and quite frankly, I was fearful for my children’s eyes as Lady Gaga performed….I kept remote in hand ready to STOP THE INSANITY! at any moment…..but it all went off without much fanfare….just a commentary from Uno, “She’s the Queen of Weird!”…..yes, my firstborn is very observant

We did have to turn it off for the after-midnight performances.

My spirit just couldn’t take one Niki Melanj? Or Nicki Minaj? OH HELP ME! Whatever her name is! Her dancers and her performance were completely horrific, and I wish someone could share how to be a P31 woman with them.

I TOTALLY WOULD!

I didn’t recognize ONE performer on Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Eve….DICK?! WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?

Something tells me he had NO IDEA who they were, either. But I do appreciate that Dick is still countin’ it down at 82.

Alrighty, I hear a baby fussin’ for some groceries….I’m outta here!

Happy New Year!

We Have A Real Actor On Our Hands!

2011-12-20T14:29:00.001-06:00

Sometimes I feel like I come up for air….then go back down into the vast sea of laundry, housework, responsibilities…and then I resurface again! Not to say that I feel like I’m drowning or anything, I just know that this season is very demanding of my time in specific ways….and as I see my friends who have teenagers….I’ll take this stage ANY DAY! haha!

And there’s only so much one can get done during Wee Baby Naptime.

I’m trying to keep perspective that every season of life is a blessing!

And I really want to build strong relationships now so that when my kids are teens, I have some investment in them that will pay dividends! And if all else fails, I’ll pray according to Ezekiel 38:4 for hooks in their jaws! ☺

As we are in the midst of Christmas hustle bustle, I am keeping myself reminded that my time is what is so valuable….I am only one person who can only do so much….that is just the perspective I need!

That giving of my time is as valuable as anything…..this was our pastor’s sermon this past Sunday, and it really hit home for me right now….

We had our church Christmas program this past Sunday evening….and THIS is what happened……

My Baby 3.0 made his debut as Baby Jesus!

SO sweet! Impromptu…as you can tell from the polka dot blanket….which made it that much sweeter!

Dos the Donkey (2nd year in a row…what are they trying to tell us?)

Uno- furthest one on the right…he said, “I’m one of the wise persons.” ☺

Of course, he called Jesus a ‘she’ for the first three years of his life.

The sweetest presence of God at this little program…..I think God must look down on children sharing His Story…and it must please Him so…..

Merry Christmas Week!!!

Love a Little e.l.f.!!!!

2011-12-14T12:08:00.001-06:00

I got this in my birthday goody bag from Pop and Nana….

$1, Target and wherever elf products are sold

e.l.f. All Over Color Stick (I have Golden Peach)

First of all, for $1?!?!

I’ve always thought my skin was too oily for this product, so I never bought it!?

Well, come to find out, I CAN wear it, and I LOVE it!

Cream blush is really great for those with dry skin….but I’ve found that applying a bronzing powder over the top (I tip I heard from a bone-uh-fide makeup ar-teest), makes it luminous and lovely. Especially for us oilier girls!

It adds a whole new option to my blushing choices!!!!

If you are unsure, there are a wealth of videos on Youtube….just put “how to apply cream blush” in the search box….

LOVE the wealth of info that can be found on the ‘net!

Loves!

Holding Pattern Exercises

2011-12-13T00:19:00.001-06:00

I’ve been kind of a little teeny bit down the past few days….I keep thinking that Christmas is only 14 days away, and I’ve got my hands SO full with a new baby and schooling that I can’t even get any Christmas decorations up….

We are moving sometime in the near future, so I’m not sure we need to put up a lot of Christmas decorations…..I don’t have 5 matching stockings for all of us….and oh my….

SO, I’m really praying on a daily basis that Jesus will show me what He wants for us to do this Christmas….

Because He already knows it’s out of the ordinary….and that I’m feeling a lot uneasy about it….and a little sentimental….

We are in a holding pattern right now just waiting on God’s next move..

What do we do during holding patterns when we really just want to go to bed and wake up with it all fixed???

Well, I’m no expert and I sure would welcome some advice if you wanna add….I’m just doing these things:

1. Tell myself on a daily basis that God really does intend to move us, and that He has every detail already orchestrated. This is the time where I’ve heard people say, “stand on the Word you received”…a word that said to “GO!”…..I feel a lot like Abraham….and I’m STANDIN’….’til He says, “GO!”.

I sing that song, ♫ “He who began a good work in you….will be faithful to complete it…He’ll be faithful to complete it….He’ll be faithful to complete it in you”♫….about 2 or 299 times per day!

2. I have found a verse that I repeat several times per day….Philippians 4:19…..and my God shall meet all of MY needs according to His riches in glory….ok, so the universe is His Storehouse….so I know He can meet my needs.

3. Ask God what He wants me to learn in this ‘holding pattern’….and pray that I will grasp it QUICKLY.

4. See God release a supernatural grace to face the unknown….did you know that ‘grace’ has two meanings in the Bible?

Of course, it’s unmerited favor…..

And it also means a God-given ability to do what He has called you to do.

I recently learned that! And I LOVE it…..and I’m a partaker!!! He has released so much grace to me in the past few weeks.

5. Be thankful. Gather your chicks in your bed at night, and be thankful.

6. Pray. A lot.

7. Don’t worry about lots of Christmas décor….make the best of it….and start packing!

Ok, happy Tuesday!!!

Deep In The Heart…..

2011-12-06T20:50:00.001-06:00

I made a stark realization- I know, I’m a fast learner. ☺

My kid needs grades.

If you are a homeschooling family, maybe this will be of help to you…..my kid was not doing his best, he was unmotivated, and I was, quite frankly, a disappointed and heartbroken homeschooling mama.

Because I knew I had taught him better.

Well, turns out, I decided (seriously, once again, that Holy Spirit gave me wisdom) to start grading his work strictly….and told him that I may start turning his grades into the state of Texas….which isn’t entirely the WHOLE truth….but, ya know, there’s always the possibility….and, well, I was desperate….and wholeheartedly believe in SCARING MY KIDS STRAIGHT.

Well, let me tell ya, the State of Texas wields a LOT more power over my child than I do….because…. suddenly… he has started CARING about his work!

THANK YOU, STATE OF TEXAS!

So, I will probably set up some sort of Excel spreadsheet to average his grades…and I might put them in an envelope….and send them right, straight to theheadquarters of the STATE OF TEXAS!

(If you don’t know, Texas is one of the most ‘hands off’ states in which to homeschool. No requirements of attendance or grades. Love that the gov’t doesn’t try to manage us, but I guess lying to my kids that they do is a necessary evil. What will happen when he finds out one day that Texas is a small government state, and his mama might’ve storied to him?)

Kinda like The North Pole?! You think they would read it?

ATTN: GOV. PERRY

Dear Rick,

Could we be of assistance to your campaign? My kid has many attributes that might vastly improve your current bid for President….

SPIRIT!

We know you’re an Aggie, but we could really class you up. Nothing says class like Febreeze ‘guns’.

Stylish.

I’m sure you could use another {talented} stylist on your staff.

Mature.

Yes, of course that’s a real ‘stache.

I know he’s just 9….but, trust me, it’s real…..he got it from his mama.

Ingenious.

Such beneficial and progressive ideas (who knows?! Drinking Capri Suns upside-down and half-naked could bring a revolution?!)

OK, I’ll let ya know as soon as we hear from Rick.

No matter what happens, I’ll always be grateful to The State of Texas for scaring the shee-shee outta my kid!

LOL!!!

Behold, I Make All Things New

2011-12-06T09:55:00.001-06:00

This past week flew by!

Big Daddy started his new ‘office’ job! Ha! He ended up traveling the territory and delivering hams! The company he works for is super generous, he got to meet many customers, so it was great.

He is working for the company that he bought his parts and pumps from for 17 years while he ran his own water well business….now he’s on the other side as a sales rep/whatever needs done/ PR….not sure of his exact title right now.

All I know is that I prayed for God to give my man a job that didn’t break his {aging} body down anymore….and that I wouldn’t lose him to heatstroke {he worked outside}…and I’m here to TESTIFY!

God opened doors for him….gave Big Daddy favor….to take on a new path that would allow him to work inside and to put all of his 17+ years of experience to great use.

And to be our Big Daddy and to lead us into ministry….that’s another story for another day.

Just let me tell you that ONLY GOD could do what all is being done in our life.

THANK YOU, JESUS!!!!

Now we stand at the door- waiting on the perfect buyer for our property- and ready to move from a place we had planned to live in for all of our days!!!!

Like Abraham! By faith!

And last night was the company Christmas party! We didn’t know what to expect! But we do know that this company, amidst a nationwide recession, is growing by leaps and bounds! Isn’t it just like God to place Big Daddy in a booming company that profit shares based on monthly sales?!?

And here’s a super cute necklace that I whipped up to wear to the party!

I had all of this at home….just had to deconstruct one necklace that didn’t really lay right anyway….and hot glue some stuff together….and VOILA!

A repurposed necklace!

I already had the pearl and black strands….

DO YOU LOVE TO REPURPOSE?!

I told a sweet lady at the party that I had a baby two months ago so I felt a little on the lumpy side….but all you gotta do is put ruffles and layers on the lumps!!! Haha!!

Have a lovely day!!!!

Somebody Turned Two Months

2011-12-04T21:20:00.001-06:00

OH MY HEART.

Really?

Don’t lick the screen.

It’s not becoming.

And it leaves marks.

Trust me.

I’m dyin’.

How can one baby be so darlin’?

Have a lovely day!

I Got Some Tricks Up My Homeschooling With A Spirited 4 Year-Old and Newborn Sleeve

2011-11-29T20:41:00.001-06:00

First of all….this was our ‘new’ basement this past weekend….

Yep, the Lego Monster threw up.

My kids have underwear issues….the little one only wears underwear at home…all day everyday…and the older one likes to let his ‘layers’ show….look at the picture…so funny.

We’re back into school full-swing…and I’m finding that keeping my middle boy busy is the greatest challenge I have right now….so I did some Googlin’ and research- what would I do without Google?!- and I found some great ideas!

Just Google “what to do with a 4 year-old who only wears underwear and makes it his personal goal each day to challenge everything his parents tell him”

1. This website has all kinds of pattern block designs that they can ‘build’- my boy LOVED it…..and he really loves to smile all normal-like for the camera…oy….

www.prekinders.com is the website….click on “Pattern Blocks” under the “Math” heading.

2. Magic Snow

(Note the pants shucked to the side)

OH YES….this may be one of the best Mama tricks yet….

You can use Epsom Salt or Iodized Sea Salt (which is what I bought and realized it was not the right kind for brining our Thanksgiving turkey so WHEW! I found a use for ALL OF THE SALT!)…

Put salt in a shallow dish (I used my roasting pan), add 4-5 drops of food coloring (I used blue because it’s Dos’ favorite color) and mix.

VOILA!

MAGIC SNOW!

Rules to playing with Mama’s Magic Snow:

1. It cannot get out of the pan or it will disappear and we don’t know if there is anymore Magic Snow in Mama’s hiding place.

2. You can LIGHTLY shake the pan to ‘erase’.

3. There are several fun activities, but my boy mostly loved putting Legos and cars in it…BUT we also had to play Mama’s games if we wanted to use the Magic Snow….like I say a word, and he had to write the beginning letter of that word….OR I say a letter and he writes it in the snow….OR he writes a letter and I have to guess what letter he wrote (good luck on this one!).

3. Never underestimate the power of The Marker Board.

I found this one in the dollar bins at Tar-jay.

It has lines for handwriting….but we have several….little ones and one big one…kids LOVE marker boards.

And, when all else fails, get out the paint and PRAY!

LOVES!

SO Blessed Are We

2011-11-25T15:32:00.001-06:00

OH MY WORD!

I hope your Thanksgiving was full of many blessings.

We stayed home, just us five, and it was THE PERFECT DAY. Not that we didn’t want to see family, but with an impending move (our property/house is the last thing left for God to move for us, and we showed it yesterday!) and lots of life-changing events about to go down…we just opted to stay home and rest and revive.

And rest and revive we did.

Our meal?

OH! We all moaned and groaned through the whole thing- some of the THE BEST recipes EVER!

The Green Bean Bacon Cheese Pot Pie????

Big Daddy wasn't too excited about it, but at the end of the meal, he said, (and I quote!), “that green bean casserole might be the best thang on the table!”

OH YEA!

And that's saying a lot because we have a brined turkey, deviled eggs, dressing, gravy, Rhodes rolls, and homemade cheesecake!

Then we took naps! (The two big boys actually played downstairs for HOURS…nary a fight one…PTL!)

Like I seriously felt like this nap saved my life….I slept like I hadn’t slept in days!

Thank goodness Baby 3.0 felt the Nap Love, too!

Then, after leftovers, we also watched a GREAT movie….

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All in all, we decided it was The Perfect Day!

I keep forgetting to show you my nail polish….I put it on about a week ago and it just started chipping- a 7 day mani with all I’ve been up to? AWESOME…AND it’s a GREAT color!

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Essie Bahama Mama

Hope your Friday is everything you wanted it to be!

Things I’m Lovin’ Right Now

2011-11-23T12:49:00.001-06:00

Some fun things I’m diggin’ right now…

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Mossimo Cardigan in Oatmeal that I could totally live in. Got it at Target for $22.99

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Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water, drugstore.com, $9.99 4 fl oz

Baby 3.0 may need to be the Mommy’s Bliss Poster Child. He loves it, and we love it. It calms a crying baby almost on contact. We just put a few drops on his tongue- waaaay less than required- and he will settle right down.

I wouldn’t try any other brand, either.

Mommy’s Bliss is the BEST.

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Maybelline ColorSensational Lipstick in Caramel Kiss

A wonderful, Fall lipstick. Makes me feel so festive!

I layer it with this…..

MAC Lipliner in Spice

And, of course, I’m diggin’ my iPad that has all of my Thanksgiving recipes open and ready to cook!

(And some activities for Dos with pattern blocks)

(Always finding ideas that make me a better a Teacher Mama)

Cheesy Bacon Green Bean Pot Pie

Balsamic Glazed Brussel Sprouts

Turkey Brine

Best Cheesecake

6. We rented this and watched it last night….

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It was SO good….it’s a documentary….and completely fascinating….the guy that the movie The Horse Whisperer is based on….

Of course, Dos LOVED it…..Uno went to bed….but Dos lasted it out.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!

Heavenly Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe and Other Things

2011-11-21T17:51:00.001-06:00

Progress….we (meaning Big Daddy and the little mouse in his pocket) finished most the improvements to our basement this past weekend….YAY….and we were gonna be all excited-like and do some school….’cuz that’s how my people roll…EXCITED! ABOUT SCHOOL!

Here are some janky iPhone pics of our new basement….wish I had some before pics to show you….because this SO does NOT look improved….but, really, it is….

You should totally note and appreciate all of the lovely, newly sheet-rocked and neutral-painted walls

And, as it turns out, we had a thunder storm that put our electricity on the blink (literally!)… and the baby slept almost 12 hours….and who am I not to do the same?!

SO, we got started a little late on our school plans, but HEY! WE GOT STARTED!

And, as we speak, Baby is napping, Uno is schooling, and quite frankly, I have no idea what Dos is up to.

I just know that the T.V. is off and I hear some skittering and rustling in his bedroom. If there’s no screaming or tormenting howls or screeching Romeo, then I leave him well enough alone.

We are about to do a little watercolor painting.

He is EXCITED! ABOUT PAINTING!

Last night, we had the Annual Community Church Thanksgiving Service- our church hosted which means our pastor gave a (GREAT!) sermonette- he always speaks the truth! He’s awesome like that!- followed by a (HUGE) smattering of finger foods deluxe.

So, it’s some Methodists, Baptists, and some Full Gospels along with us of non- denominationals…….all eating and celebrating and convening together….to be honest, I really was a bit saddened that there was only a handful of folks…seems a “community” service would bring out more than 50 or so folks in a community of 800+….but, hey, I’m thrilled that I got to see the people that I did…..and to worship and come together no matter what our by-laws and creeds and what-nots say that make us different.

Because I think that’s what life in the body of Christ really is all about- unity and love so that the world may know who we are because of Jesus’ death and resurrection….

And because I needed to take some finger foods…here’s a recipe I found….and y’all, my chocolate chip cookie dreams have been fulfilled….

Award Winning Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies ….

Oh, yes, I have been searching for a recipe like this for some time now.

SO moist!

SO soft!

SO goooood.

Try them. Soon.

May I recommend that you use vanilla flavored pudding even though it says you can use any flavor?

Because chocolate pudding led to some brown cookies with a pink-rose tint….my pastor looked at them and said, “Well, they sure have a funny color!”

Haha!!

Finally, I Can Bear My Soles Again

2011-11-18T11:43:00.001-06:00

Happy Friday!

Whew weeeeee- I think I’m adjusting to the ebb and flow of three kids around here- but sometimes I feel like I’m on a roller coaster in my own house! haha! I guess with several kiddos, you feel like you get one’s issues addressed and then another kid pops up with some ‘issues’. LOL!

But I’m learning- at warp speed.

The last couple of nights have gone so well, though!

At six weeks, maybe our Baby 3.0’s sleep cycle is kicking in!

He’s slept some LOOOOONG stretches and for that, I’m thankful!

And Big Daddy rocked him from 5-7:30AM one morning, and for that I’m SUPER thankful. Apparently, 3.0 had TWO dirty diapers during that time! Big Daddy hasn’t changed many diapers…..so this was a great experience for him.

And we get an unusual amount of laughter and joy out of 3.0’s diaper making.

“He let ‘er rip!”

“He fired off!”

“He FARTED!”

Haha! You can hear these declarations SEVERAL times per day at our house- and tons of laughter!!!

Why is there nothing more hilarious than a little wee one ripping like a man????

Or are we strange and twisted?

Ok, on to more lady-like talk….or not.

I know I’ve talked about this before, but I pulled out an oldie…..

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Y’all, my heels were AWFUL.

I mean, so dry and cracked….I remember this when I had my other kids….I think something about having a baby dries your feet- maybe the anesthesia or something- or just always being barefoot from being home so much- I don’t know.

BUT, I had some cracks that were painful- my poor feet finally screamed loud enough, “HELP ME!”

I kept this in my drawer hoping to use it all up- WILLING myself to use it before I allowed myself to buy any other heel cream.

Because, you see, I LOVE how this works, but I do NOT love the less-than-glamorous odor and packaging.

There’s just something about medical-grade products that don’t appeal to me.

BUT, at the point my poor tootsies were at?

Call in the medical-grade, STAT!

If your feet/heels are in a mess…..get you some of this….and get over yourself.

My hands have also suffered MAJOR dryness- I rubbed some on my dry knuckles- it worked there, too! I did it right before bed….

Not gonna say it will do much for your love life, but hey, neither do dry, crusty feet and hands.

And after this is all gone, I think I’m gonna look into some of those heel creams in The Walmart’s pharmacy foot area….ya know that section with all of the Dr. Scholl’s inserts???

Is it bad to admit that I’m so intrigued every time I walk by that display!!!

A Sassy Gal’s DREAM! I’ve never let myself stop for fear of my grocery money disappearing and having no food to feed my kids…

Just super soft and pretty feet!

Happy Friday!

‘Tis the Season for e.l.f.

2011-11-15T12:18:00.001-06:00

For my birthday awhile back, I got a goody bag of cosmetics from Pop and Nana.

I LOVED it!

I wanted to share this great little product with you today…

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Are you familiar with e.l.f.? It stands for eyes, lips, face…..e.l.f.

I’m sure you are- they have a large selection at Target stores…all so inexpensive….low-commitment costmetics….it’s what I’m all about!

I REALLY like this eyeliner…it goes on creamy and dries to a stay-put finish.

Best part?

THREE BUCKS.

OH YEA.

I have Gunmetal….a nice steely, gray.

I am pretty sure I’m gonna get some more colors once I make it to a Target!

Have a lovely Tuesday~