Bits and Odd Pieces

Some Wednesdays You Just Gotta Say Something

2012-02-08T12:43:00.000-08:00

One of my good friends started a for sale in Plainview page on facebook. It really took off and she made me an administrator of the page. Then for several pages. Then I made my own page for handmade stuff.

Overall, it has been really fun. I have met a whole lot of nice people and I have sold some things. I have also learned several things.
1) Some people cannot follow rules to save their lives.
2) Some people tell you they are going to buy your stuff and then you never hear from them again.
3) Women spend WAY too much money on purses and shoes.
4) People can get really rude and resort to name calling in a heart beat.
5) People should never post anything on the net if they have had more than 2 beers or 2 margaritas or 2 wine coolers....you get the picture.
6) Women spend WAY too much money on purses and shoes.
7) People should never type in all caps. It is rude and considered screaming.
8) Punctuation is optional in most people's lives.
9) Women spend WAY to much money on purses and shoes.
10) I am going broke. ~laffin~

I have been on a roll the last few days. I bought the first book of The Hunger Games series.

A cute blingy bracelet with big rhinestones. (I got a pink one too.)

And then these.......~cues the heavenly choir~ aaaaaaHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaa

These people are Toms. The real Toms shoes. I have wanted a pair for forever but I am too ~~cheap thrifty tight frugal~~ money conscience to plunk down all that money.

These shoes are ON MY BUCKET LIST!!!

And girlies these shoes are now MINE!

I was able to buy them at a fraction of their new price. They are all barely used. The cream colored ones you will see again because I am going to paint them.

But these....THESES are the ones that make my heart sing.

~does the happy happy dance~

Dorthy had her red ruby slippers and Mindy has her pink sparkly Toms.

marks a line through another thing on the bucket list!

PANTY PALOOZA!

2012-02-05T16:26:00.000-08:00

IT IS TIME!! Time for the SEVENTH annual Pantipalooza!!! Can y'all really believe it is has been 7 years?!?!

A long time ago, I was a very young woman with a small baby girl and crying to my grandmother about the ex leaving me. She listened to me cry and then told me that I had every right in the world to feel like I was feeling. Then she told me that I needed to start looking around and realizing that I could always find someone worse off then myself.

And she was right.

Panty Palooza came about because of two different things.

First, I was tired of the annual pity party that I held every Valentines Day. That is a day that can be hard for singles. It can also be really hard for couples but we single people think y'all are having a ball so we do not believe it is a good day for you. ~grins~

The second reason was because of a woman and a hurricane. There had been a hurricane and my son's school was gathering supplies to take to help out. I was there and a woman pulled up and motioned me over. She had sacks of things to donate but was beginning to have second thoughts and wanted to know what I thought. She opened the bags and they were full of sanitary pads, tampons, wipes, deodorant and panties. She told me that she had tried to think about what she would want if she found herself without anything one day and decided that it was some basic items that would help.

To this day I wish that I knew who that woman was. She was able to buy some women comfort and dignity for a few dollars. She was brilliant!

On my thankfulness list, I always list panties. Everyone laughs because they have come to expect it. It is our running job. But, we all know that I mean it. They really are such a blessing. I have lots of panties. Little ones and big ones. Tummy control ones and comfy ones. I have a washer and a dryer so I never have to worry about running out of undies. And if I did, I can just run out to the store and get me some.

There are some women in our lives that do not have that option...that blessing. For some reason or other, life has been hard on them. Be it abuse, poverty, hurricanes or whatever....so it is up to US to make a difference!

I wrote this a few years ago:
***I called our local Crisis Center and talked to some of the counselors there. If you decide to do that, please remember that there may be some questions that they cannot answer due to confidentially laws. They told me, on average, how many women are at the safe house at any given time. I explained to them what I was sort of looking at doing. They explained to me that they get things donated such as shampoo and lotion but it is usually the generic stuff. They suggested body sprays or lotions that smell nice. I will put those things on my list to pick up. I am also donating...PANTIES!! They told me that they can always use panties at the Shelter in all shapes and sizes. If not a shelter, other suggestions would be just asking around and finding one woman to zero in on. This is a hard holiday for a lot of people for many different reasons. Singles, widows, divorcees and couples having problems would just be a place to start. You are all very creative people and I just know that you will find the perfect person to touch.What about the chick that always checks out your groceries? Why not hand her a gift certificate for a pedicure? A Valentine left on the windshield of a teacher that explains that, not only are they appreciated but WHY they are appreciated. A Sonic card, McDonald's certificates, an offer to baby sit for one evening, an oil change certificate.....Come on! Put on your thinking caps and let me know what you come up with!***

So this is what I want you to do. I want you to think for just a minute. I want you to think about someone or some cause that could use your help. Then I want you to do something. How many times have we had good intentions? This time we are going to see it out to the end...WE are going to be the difference. I am going to drop MY pebble into the pond and you are going to drop YOUR pebble into the pond and our ripples are going to ROCK THIS DANGED POND!

The outpouring is always wonderful each and every year! I always buy panties in my size that way I am helping someone who is a lot like me. If you decide to participate, please leave me a comment!! I want to know how far this reaches. Also, feel free to steal the idea and put it on your blog.....only good can come of it!

DELIVERY WILL BE ON VALENTINES DAY!! But ANY donation ANY day will be so appreciated.

**Any woman who sews or knits or weaves blends colors in a tapestry or creates a patchwork quilt, knows by the feel that a single thread is weak. But the weaving, the blending, the intertwining with many others makes it strong. Any woman alone without friends to sustain her, to nurture and support, to hold with loving arms, like a single thread is weak. But the weaving, the loving, the nurturing of others, the networks of friendships make her strong.** Barbara 1994 The Kinship of Women

My mom will be so PLEASED that I have posted a pic of my panties on the Internet.

Wordless Wednesday 2/1/12

2012-02-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday 1/25/12

2012-01-25T04:28:00.000-08:00

...ppssssttt remember RAK this Friday!

One...Two....Three....Four.....

2012-01-22T17:49:00.000-08:00

The weekend started with getting to see my wonderful grandsons and is ending with me sitting here in my pjs watching Once Upon a Time (did you know that there was an 8th dwarf???). Despite the wind (and dirt) blowing more than 70 mph, it has been a really good weekend. Boy kisses, crafting, eating with friends, a nap.....a really good weekend.

It has been way too long since I have posted a Thankfulness list....so let's start this again. Join with me if you wish.

1. Pantipalooza and how it brings people together.
2. Clean panties!
3. A warm home to be in when the wind is so horrible.
4. A full tank of gas.
5. Finding the shade of paint that is perfect for the make-over in Cade's room that is not Cade's room anymore.
6.   Power tools.
7.   DVR.
8.   Friends who cheer me on while I am still trying to kick the diet coke habit.
9.   Messages and text.
10. A good hair cut.
11. A whole box of sweet potatoes!
12. Clear nail polish with glitter in it.
13.   Happy co-workers.
14. People who treat others with respect.
15. Dog kisses.
16. Working on Valentine Gifts.
17. Warm house shoes.
18. Oatmeal even though I talk smack about it.
19. Random Acts of Kindness
20. And you...always you.

I thought I would include a pic of Cade buying groceries since he is no longer living at home. ~grins~

XOXOXO

Thursday Ramblings 1/19/12

2012-01-18T17:58:00.000-08:00

I promise that I am still here.

Alive and kicking.

2011 was such a good year and I was kind

of sad to see it go.

But I think that this will be a good year too.

This is the year I am going to get some things done

on the bucket list.

The passport and Tattoo are

at the top of the list.

I wonder if anyone will ever read this.

I posted a pic of diesel at the top

to lure people in.

Bait and switch.

He will only drink water out of the faucet.
If you follow me on
facebook
you prolly already know everything
that I am writing.

I have paid off everything I owe

but my house.

Go ME and not having any credit cards bills.

Diesel says *Hey* if you are still here.

I have decided to put

*so she did*

on the inside of my left wrist.

You have seen that before.

*points to the top of the page*

My mom told me that I need to take that

pic

off of my header.

Her words *you look as big as that cow*

Bless her heart.

I am on week 3 of

~insert ominous music~

no flour or sugar

or diet coke.
Did I tell you that Diesel set himself on
fire????

The hardest thing has been the diet coke.

I fill so sorry for people trying to kick alcohol or drugs.

I wonder if I should put another

gratuitous animal pic here.

I could have kicked someone down and

stolen a diet coke last week.
Oh, and Diesel is okay
Just singed and the house
stinks of burning hair.
And NOPE I am not taking
that cow pic down.
I love it thank you very much.
*grins*

I just know the Sonic misses me.

I am probably hurting the economy.

I am getting my studio organized again.

So far there has been 4 bags of trash,

3 bags of thrift store donations and

I sold one box of miscellaneous items

for $15.
Damn, I really miss diet coke.

But I still cannot get rid of the

paper guitar and the 4 foot long

cat tail.

Like there will ever be an

occasion to use them.

There is still more to do.

Cause I am a pack rat.

But a damned cute one.

~grins~

I love you once, I love you twice. I love you more than beans & rice.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

2011-10-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

I know it is has been a long time between blog post. I also know that there may not be one soul reading me any more. But if you are.....I really need you to do something for me.

You know how much I love my corgis. They are just like my furry kids. This is Chappy. He was given to us by someone that was down sizing and did not need him any more. They were glad he was going to a good home. He is such a good old man and we love him dearly. I recently discovered that he loves to swing in the porch swing with me. ~grins~

And this is Gingerbean....lol I know I know she does not have to have an introduction. She is like 15 corgis hyped up on Captain Crunch cereal all rolled into one. She is my sweet sweet girl that I have had since she was a puppy.

I love my babies so very much. They are very well cared for and loved. They are fed, watered and have a good home. I could never imagine harming them in any way.

So you can just imagine how it hurt my heart to hear about a puppy mill that was recently shut down a few months ago. This mill was just a few miles from my home here in Plainview Texas. There was up to 300 dogs rescued from the AlphaTex Kennels. There were also horses rescued. They were living in deplorable conditions. It is reported that many had never been out of their cages. The dogs were living in filth and their own waste. The Humane Society of West Texas was instrumental in helping with the rescue and relocation of all the animals seized.   All of those animals are now being fostered due to the pending case. You can read about the rescue HERE.

There are several videos online that show the conditions of the animals seized. Most are in deplorable condition and have no trust for humans. The golden retrievers went to

Over 80% of the animals that are in foster care are very sick and are being treated. You can read about that HERE.

The owners of the *kennel* report that this was a temporary situation and that the county has overacted.

This was NOT something that just happened. This was years in the making.

So logically you would think that everyone is just waiting to go to Court to get this taken care of. You would expect that justice would sure and swift.

INSTEAD Floyd County Attorney and the County Judge want to settle out-of-court with Alpha Tex for $200,000.

NOT the KENNEL paying! That would be the COUNTY paying AlphaTex Kennels $200,000. Do you know why? Because the Kennel *spits* is going to sue.

WHAT THE HELL???

I have lost all respect for the attorney in this case. Shame on him and AlphaTex. I am suggesting that all 3 of them spend a month in the same conditions that the animals lived in....and eat their food covered in flies as the animals were required to do. Then let's see if there is any suing going on.

What is WRONG with people????

Please take the time and go read about this for yourself. Then, take just a minute of your time and sign the online petition requesting that Floyd County not drop the case and pay these people.

The petition can be found HERE.

Wordless Wednesday--9/14/11

2011-09-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

Day 1 Challenge--SECRETS

2011-09-12T05:08:00.000-07:00

I was doing some blog hopping and happened to come across this really neat idea for a blog challenge. A lot of the different bloggers were using this to get back into the habit of blogging. They chose to blog all 10 of the challenges in 10 days. I am going to work on doing mine on Tuesdays.

The 1st challenge is to list 10 secrets. I am not sure that I have that many secrets because I tend to tell y'all everything that I do or know. So here goes.....

#1: I got pregnant the night of my high school graduation. WOW...there I said it. That is just not something that we talk about. Of course, anyone that can count has been able to figure that out. It is not something that I am uber proud of but it happened. Yes, good girls do naughty things.

#2: I am one of the laziest people that you will ever know. I have good intentions but...well....yeah. Sometimes I have to get right up to that deadline before my butt will catch fire and I will get what every it is done. The internet is a big time suck for me. You would think I would update my blog more often with as much time as I spend on the net.

#3 I have checked someone else's email before. Without their permission.

#4 I have prayed to die before. I am so glad that prayer was not honored.

#5 I have been an welfare and food stamps before. Remember that the next time you are judging that single mom in line in front of you. You really do not know her story.

#6 I tend to cry when I am confronted. Even when I am in the right. It sucks because you automatically look guilty when crying. It is not because I am guilty or wrong. It is because I immediately feel like I am not good enough. I have an excellent ego but my self esteem sometimes sucks. I rarely let you see that on the outside.

#7 I have had a personal ad on a dating website before. ~rolling my eyes~ Never again. That was not one of my brightest ideas. I am still friends with one guy....at least he was not an ax murder. Or maybe he was and just took a liking to me and did not bury me in his mom's yard. A whole lot of men do not have a drivers license and live with their parents. Or are truck drivers.

#8 I know a lot more about people than they think that I do. If you are sweet and nice, people mistake it for stupid and naive. That is a big mistake on their parts.

#9 I have stolen milk crates before.

#10 I pretend that my life is a movie sometimes. It is showing on the big screen at any given moment. The earliest that I remember doing that was as a little girl. I must have been around 4 or 5. I was riding in the back of the pick up as my daddy and granddaddy was hunting rabbits. The sun was shining and my hair was blowing and all was good and right in my world. That means...if you have ever met me...you have been in a movie. You are famous. Please be careful of the paparazzi because they hid really well and the BAM there they are. And yes, there IS theme music.

Wordless Wednesday--9/7/11

2011-09-07T12:35:00.000-07:00

THE ADOPTION WAS FINAL TODAY!
And we only got kicked out of the Court room once. ~laffin~

Like I can be flippin' quiet today!!!!

Let me introduce to you...my grandboys!!!

They have turned our lives upside down and we are so in love!!

I think my heart is going to explode! ~grins~

Thursday Ramblings

2011-09-01T07:47:00.000-07:00

I never got around to telling you about my

trip to Dallas did I?

It was a disaster.

I could not get excited about it.

My mom even commented on it.

But my mom comments on lots of things and

I just let those go in one ear and out the other.

Speaking of ears,

One of mine hurt for about 10 seconds on the way to Dallas.

I thought it was odd but

then I realized I did not put on deodorant

that morning and did not pack any for the trip.

It is flippin' 112 degrees and I did not remember

deodorant????

Please! That should have been a sign.

So M2 graciously whipped into a Wal Mart

and I got deodorized.

And then we were off on the road again.

I had all the numbers to the peeps in the

Dallas area that I wanted to meet up with.

And I was sssoooo excited.
I missed seeing the camels
outside of Wichita Falls.

Got to the hotel....got to sleep.

Woke up feeling bad.

And then there was a big thick gray sock and someone's

phone charger in my room.

Only ONE sock.

And it was not mine.

We stopped at CVS so I could

dope myself up

and to school we went.

Got out of school

and went to Wal Mart to

dope me up some more.

Went to my room and the gray sock was gone.

But the phone charger was not.

I get to wondering how in the world did they know

THAT WAS NOT MY SOCK???

For reals?

Realized I could not swallow.

Crying made it worse.

Spent the night up and down feeling like I was

dying.
Advil and hot baths are my friends.

Got up the next morning

and went to school.

Left school to go to the CVS Minute Clinic in

Richardson Texas.

OMG...that physician's assistant

is actually an angel in a Dr. coat.

For reals. And I tried to tell her so.

But at that point I could not speak

AT ALL.

I think they kinda liked that at school.
I still wonder why they took the sock.

I could barely open my mouth.

She told me I had a bad sinus infection,

an ear infection

and strep throat.

She did not touch me after she realized I had strep throat.

Gave me meds and I went back to school.

Then I realized that *mother nature*

had come a calling for the second time in August.
Cause obviously I am such a LUCKY girl.

I sat there trying not to cry and asked God when he was going to send the locusts

to round out the plagues.

I realized that not packing deodorant

was the least of my worries.
A grasshopper did ride in the elevator
with me.
Up to the second floor.
I did mention that I was on lots of drugs right?

I wrote a lot of notes.

Cause I could not talk.

I don't think M2 appreciated that while

she was trying to drive.
We drove by In and Out Burger.
I got to see it but that was all.

I did not get to see anyone that I wanted to see.

But I saved a lot of money since I did not eat anything.

But I used that money for meds.

And I still did not get to go to Ikea.

I really wish I had taken a picture of

the big metal chicken right outside of

Decatur

especially after reading about Beyonce the Chicken

who is really a Rooster.

WHAT?? You don't know what I am talking about?

Go read it now.

Right here.

You are welcome.

I am so getting a giant metal chicken.

I am so glad that August is over.

The End.

Wordless Wednesday 8/31/11--What Love Looks Like

2011-08-31T07:35:00.001-07:00

Just A FEW Words Wednesday 8/17/11

2011-08-17T05:05:00.000-07:00

I have a very nice hotel room. It really is.

However, this is not my BIG men's gray sock and this is not my phone charger.

I am assuming they teletransported into my room during the night. Some where some man is saying...WTH????

A to Z....A Lot About Me....

2011-08-12T15:36:00.000-07:00

Like you don't already KNOW everything!! LOL

I found this over at someone's blog....~~I was blog hopping so I cannot tell you where I was.~~ Eurika! I remember that it was over at Sweet November's!! I thought that it would be fun. Let me know if you do it (play the meme not actually DO IT) so that I can go over and poke fun at you. ~laffin~

A: age 48

B. bed size:Queen 4 poster cherry wood

C. chore you hate: moping and cleaning the litter box.

D. dogs: Gingerbean and Chappy!

E. essential start to your day:#1 take my thyroid pill and I need caffeine in the morning.

F. favorite color: bright greens and pink

G. gold or silver: I used to be a total gold girl but that changed about 11 years ago. Silver all the way now.

H. height: 5'4"

I. instruments you play: instruments.. Sheesh! I don't even play air guitar!

J. job title: Probation Officer. No, I do not wear a gun. I do have a badge that I tend to misplace.

K. kids: 2

L. live: in the bestest State of all...TEXAS!

Trust me when I say do not vote for our governor for President.

M. maiden name: Morris I wish I had enrolled in college with my maiden name so that it would now be on my diploma

N. nicknames: Mom, Momdy, Mindy Lu, Mindy Lou Who, Princess, Sis...I cannot write what my people have *lovingly* called me here.

O. overnight hospital stays: The births of my two children

P. pet peeve: people who do not put up their shopping carts!! gggrrrrrrrrrr Cart pigs. *spits*

Q. quote: *She did not know she couldn't, so she did.*

R. righty or lefty:Right

S. siblings: a brother, Jerry, 4 years and 4 days younger than I am.

T. time you wake up: Monday thru Friday 5:30am. Saturday and Sunday normally around 7. I am a morning person and feel like I waste the day if I say in bed. However, I am not opposed to a 2 hours nap!

U. university attended: Clarendon College and West Texas A &amp; M University

V. vegetables you dislike: Raw onions, bell peppers, turnips, radishes and lima beans. ~gags~ I once saw my brother throw up ham and lima beans. IT.CAME.OUT.OF.HIS.NOSE!! He told my mom he did not feel well and she did not listen to him and told him to eat.

On a cheerier note, I recently discovered that I LOVE Brussel Sprouts! Who Knew!!

W. what makes you run late: I don't run late. That is unacceptable. Give me the keys and I will open up the damned place.

X. x-rays you’ve had: does a mammogram count? sonograms, teeth and one on my right foot. Oh! and my upper body and head when I went to the chiropractor.

Y. yummy food: Meat! I love meat. I love Mexican food.

Z. zoo animal favorite:It would prolly be the lions and tigers and bears oh my. I do think it might be a panda bear.

Anything else you wanna know???

~whispers~ well there is this one tiny little secret.....

Wordless Wednesday 8/10/11

2011-08-10T04:37:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday 8/3/11

2011-08-03T04:37:00.000-07:00

~Wiggling My Toes~

2011-08-02T11:44:00.000-07:00

Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?Frida Kahlo

I think my feet are one of my better features. I like my feet. I am all about keeping them comfortable. I hate having them cooped up in shoes so you will usually find me either barefooted or in my yellow box sandals. I wear 2 actual rings on my toes. The one on the right is over 10 years old. The left one is 1 year old. I used to love love love cute little flats until the bunion moved in. ~shudders~ such an ugly word. It is strategically hidden in the pic. HA!

Random thought....remember running thread through the calloused part of your heel in the summer with a needle??

I splurged last week and went to get a pedicure. I normally do my own toes but I like to be pampered and rubbed. In the chair beside me was an older gentleman. His grandson who appeared to be around 18 or 19 was with him sitting in a chair. They were both wearing blue jeans and cowboy hats. The older man told me that he had been getting pedicures for the last 10 years. He said that he is on his feet *all.the.damned.time* and learned that he could do even more if he just took care of his feet. He told me that getting his feet done always made him feel better and that made his whole outlook better. He tried to get the grandson to give it a try...even offered to pay for it. The grandson just blushed and told him that he was going to go outside and wait in the truck.

Wouldn't the world be a happier place if we took care of the little problems in our lives before they turn into big problems?

Years ago there was a sweet little family that lived across the street from my mom and dad. The wife was pregnant with child number 3 and the was due any minute. I went over one weekend and offered to give her a pedicure and she took me up on it. The minute I touched her feet she began to cry. I thought that I was hurting her. I asked her if she wanted me to stop and she told me no. She told me that what I was doing felt wonderful and the tears were not for that. She told me that she did not where the tears were coming from and that she could not stop them.

I chalked it up to being extremely pregnant and tired.

The baby was born. He died unexpectedly a few months later. Within 2 weeks of the baby's death, it was revealed that her husband was addicted to porn and had propositioned several underage young women. Their marriage crumbled.

Once, after I had an adjustment by my chiropractor, I cried. He told me that was actually very normal because our cells store memories.

Do you think that her soul knew all along? Do you think that something inside her knew things only looked bright and shiny...that that there was tarnish building?

Do we just keep polishing the tarnish?

....~laffin~ yes, I also believe that I have wings

Wordless Wednesday 7/27/11

2011-07-27T17:11:00.001-07:00

One Short Year

2011-07-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

I would be a lousy witness in a murder trial. You have seen the movies where the District Attorney is questioning the witness and says *Where were YOU 14 years ago on the night of September 1st???* And the witness replies * I had just left the volleyball game where our team won 7-5 and I was wearing a red sombrero.* You know what I am talking about!! But.....one year ago today....I remember. I remember that day.

It was one of the best days of my life.

I was working in one of our other counties and Camille had come over to have lunch with me. I was having grocery store sushi. I was there when she received the phone call.

Three little boys were coming to stay at her and Shawn.

Three little homeless boys were coming home.

These three lively spirits have turned our lives upside down and we will never ever be the same.

People tell us all the time what a wonderful thing it is that the kids opened their home up for the boys.

Those people don't get it. It was US that has been blessed. We cannot imagine life before the boys.

We were lost but now we're found.

This has been a year of many first for me. First with taking things in and First in letting some things go.

I realized that I was trying to force some pieces into the puzzle that really did not belong there. Those pieces LOOKED like they should fit. I could press that piece in with a lot of force and it would go in but it was still a little bit wonky and off. I realized that those pieces belonged to a different puzzle and put them in the correct boxes.

You know that feeling of satisfaction when you find the correct piece that fits? Yes that feeling.

That is the feeling that I get with the boys. Shawn and Camille have had trying times but, through it all, it has always just felt....right.

Those three little pieces just slipped right into our puzzle and it's good. It really is all good.

I realize that the puzzle is not finished yet. There are still borders to find and and parts to fill in. There are odd shapes that I cannot make out yet. There are other places that I never see coming together. Some of my pieces are a little frayed on the edges from trying to MAKE them fit where they don't belong.

I also can see other tiny little wee pieces that will be added eventually in the future.

One year ago today I became Momdy. One of the sweetest things I have ever been called.

...goes around saying Mine Mine Mine

Wordless Wednesday 7/20/11

2011-07-20T04:12:00.000-07:00

I'm going to miss this kid when he goes off to college next month.

In The Name of All Things Good and Right....WHY???

2011-07-15T09:28:00.000-07:00

A group of my really good close never met in real life except one of them friends has started a page on facebook to try to get us really into blogging again.

This week there was a prompt with questions so I am going to do my best to answer them for my adoring fans *insert princess wave*.

First off...Why?
Lordy there are so many different reasons. I began my blog because Rach had a blog and she knew I would like it and pushed me. Poor girl had to teach me so much and she was sssooo patient. There were times that I thought that she would move her office. That was 2004. I had nothing at all to say. Heck....I STILL have nothing to say but that does not stop me from flinging words out into web space.

I guess you could say that the #1 reason for me blogging is for the attention.

There! I said it! I love attention. I have felt like there were times in my life that I have been forgotten.....misplaced. I do not have that feeling on my blog. I love comments. They make me feel like the cheerleaders have asked me to sit at the popular girl table in the lunch room....and not in a Carrie and pig's blood kinda way.

What you expect?
I do not expect anything. I am not a focused on a certain topic kind of a blogger so I do not think that there is anything to expect from the world outside of my blog.

In not expecting anything....I have gained so much. I have a strong group of female friends that I could call on in a moments notice for help and they would be there....even though they have never met me in real life. That people...is sweet.

I do expect for people to be kind and respectful on my blog. I have had a troll here before....that was not fun.

How it makes you feel?
Sane. My blog is like my craft studio. It is my place to do and say what I want. I have worked through a lot of issues on my blog stuff in between the fluff. You may not have even realized it at the time but you were there for the ride and that was all that mattered.

Why have you fell out of practice?
Sometimes I convince myself that I have nothing to say and so I stay quiet. Other times life just gets in the way. I blog in my head all the time ~grins~ but it does not always get onto the net.

And Sometimes I get totally overwhelmed. Today there are over 500 post in my google reader. I have gotten out of the habit of reading blogs and I so want to get better at that.

However, if I have to be honest with you....I don't really fall out of practice. I have never tried to hide the fact that I have some depression issues and am on Lexapro. When I am not blogging, it is because something is going on in my real life that I am trying to work through or I am trying to hang on. You can normally tell where I am in life by my lack of post. My daddy usually knows something is up when I am not posting.

I have said that to say this......Now is the perfect time for me to write again. I have been working through some things but the last 2 weeks have brought me to a sweet place and I am very happy. My life has come to a bittersweet place but it is all good.

Doing it professionally vs for fun?
Once upon a time I dreamed of being famous for my blog. LOL Isn't that silly! I have come to realize that I am much to spastic to be diligent enough to have a famous blog.

So I guess you could say that I am in it for the fun. I find myself getting more and more irritated with the ones that are professional. The first blogs that I can remember reading were MiMi Smarty Pants, Crafty Chica and No Martha. I cannot stand Dooce. I am sure she is nice but she reminds me of fingernails on chalkboard. Love Pioneer Woman. I remember reading her when she just first started out. In fact, we exchanged several emails because she is fairly close and I know people that she knows....but her blog is too big for me now and I rarely read it. I do read her recipe site at times. However, I think that she is prolly a most awesome person and would love to hang out in her kitchen.

Hiding from your real life?
Oh heck no. Y'all know all about my divorces from the ex, my fear's, my home, my struggle with my weight, and being on welfare. I am sure that there are things that you wish you did NOT know. I do not hide. Y'all know more about me than what you really want to know. LOL What you see with Mindy is what you get. Most everyone that reads me already knew my family but I decided a few months ago to drop the nick names and use my families real names. I will continue to do that except where my grands are concerned. I will protect them fiercely. They are the ones that I will hide. ~grins~

was there something else you wanted to know? If so, just leave it in comments.

Wordless Wednesday 7/13/11

2011-07-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday--The Shining Edition

2011-07-06T04:37:00.000-07:00

Time To Dog Paddle

2011-05-05T05:13:00.000-07:00

Right now I am almost half empty. Those of you that know me know that I always try to see things as half full. People and things are so full of static right now in my world. So today I am going to focus on the little things in my life that make things so sweet.

1.   Sparkly toe nail polish
2.   The hope of rain
3.   Text messaging
4. Facebook
5. Good friends that are also frazzled and still moving forward

6.   Starbucks green tea iced tea with 2 equals. We no longer have a starbucks so I only get this every few months.
7.   Fat free half and half
8.   The postman
8.   Online ordering
9.   Chinese food

10. Friend's art
11. Clean fresh panties...tis a luxury
12.   Comments
13.   Corgis
14.   sandals
15.   black stretchy pants from Wmart
16.   Snuggles from kittys
17. A mother's day card with the boys handwriting. ~grins~
18.   Supplies for a zombie apocalypse
19.   Laughter
20.   Deodorant
21.    Naps
22. Coupons, Groupons and good deals

23. These little feet

So tell me....what small thing are you thankful for today?

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-04T16:01:00.000-07:00

IT was THIS big I Swear ~grins~

2011-05-03T18:13:00.000-07:00

I found these wonderfully weird crazy questions out there in blog land. Let me know if you play on your blog so I can come over and point and make fun of you. ~grins~

Do you have hairy legs?
eeerrrrmmm yes. And I have also been known to only shave from the knees down. Bet you wish you did not read this answer.

Do you smoke anything?
Nope. IF I had a smoker I would smoke brisket all the time. ~sings~ Brisket in the morning Brisket in the evening Brisket at supper time

Do you like monkeys?
Why? What are the monkeys saying??? ~mutters snotty little gossips~ The question should be....*Do the monkeys like ME?*

How many fillings do you have?
2...I never got a cavity until I got pregnant. Both of my kids have BEAUTIFUL teeth....me? not so much

Would you rather swim in the ocean or a lake?
~pouts~ I can't swim. I was even the keeper of the pool for 2 years at a motel in Clarendon. The guys took great pleasure in throwing me in the deep end and watching me dog paddle to the side.

Have you ever licked one of those square batteries?
Every chance I get .BBBBBBZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Have you ever read the Bible?
Yes I have and do.

Did you ever go to Sunday School?
Yes but the Church I am going to now does not have a Sunday School. I think I have learned more in SS than in big Church.

Do you wear a lot of black?
Yes have you not been keeping up with me on facebook?

Did you ever bring a weapon to school?
No. We did not have to do that when I was growing up.

Have you ever hugged a tree?
Yes but I don't think that the tree got anything out of it.

Do you know what a sphincter actually is?
Err... Yes? Don't you?

Describe your hair?
Short, brownish red, dyed....long tail in the back.

Are you a wildbeast?
Oh yeah uh huh that's me ~snorts~

Do you like to have fun?
Well yes. But my idea of fun and your idea of fun might really be different.

Do you like drama?
Personal drama, no. Real Drama like movies, books and plays yes.

Have you ever taken a bong hit?
No never. Little Miss Goody Two Shoes here

Do you like mayonnaise?
Yes I do. And don't confuse it with Miracle Whip. I do like both.

Are you afraid to die?
No

Do you like playing in leaves?
Yes

Have you ever peed your pants as an adult?
No I have not!

Have you ever thrown up on somebody as an adult?
No I have not done that either. What in the world are the people writing these questions doing in their private lives?!?!?!?!

Are you an adult?
Well according to my drivers license yes. Inside, I still feel like a teenager.

Ever won a spelling bee?
No and spell check has ruined what spelling skills that I did have.

Do you ever eat because your depressed?
Yes yes I do you tacky question asker. I bet you are freakin' thin sitting there eating your rocky road ice cream judging me. ~gives you the squinty evil eye look~

Are you a television addict?
No but I do like it in in the background. It can be playing music but I like it on. I just have a few shows I watch and I DVR most of those.

Do you think OJ was guilty?
Totally. But karma has come around has it not. I also have a OJ football card. Yeah I am sure I can sell THAT on ebay and retire.

Have you ever had sex in a hot tub?
WHAT?!?!?!?! Us girls from the South are GOOD GIRLS. ~blink blink blink~ And the answer is NO

On a swing?
Where is your mind at Mr. Question Writer? How would one do that? NO NO NO never mind I don't want to know!

Do you like Elvis?
Who doesn't?

Do you enjoy watching animals do it? Like on the Discovery channel?
I have been traumatized for life after seeing Shamu the Killer Whales's *business* at Sea World. We were just standing there minding out own business when he swam around. I just remember the look of horror on all of those little children's face pressed against the aquarium glass.

Do you enjoy the calming effects of turkeys?
WAIT! Turkeys have mystical calming powers? Maybe I should watch the Discovery Channel more often.

Does your mom think someone is hot?
If so it is totally her secret.

Are you a sugar freak?
No not at all. But give me something crunchy and salty and I am in heaven. I will also knock someone out of the way for good homemade bread with REAL butter.

Ever been arrested?
No Ma'am

Ever commit a crime and get away with it?
No I am a square

Do you like orange juice?
Yes I do but I want it to be really cold.

What sign are you?
Curves Ahead ~grins~ Libra

Ever do the party boy dance in front of the elderly?
I don't even know what that is. I guess I can say no because I do not even remember dancing in front of anyone elderly.

Where do you wish you were right now?
In my pj's.

Did you enjoy this?
Yes but some of these questions were bizarre.

Thursday Ramblings

2011-04-28T17:47:00.000-07:00

I bought another black and white top yesterday.

I am a wee bit too old to be emo.

I do have the pale complexion for it.

I went to the doctor today and

I have lost 10 pounds!!

So I promptly went and ate a chicken fried steak

and of course...gravy.

Stop looking at me like that.

I was sick all afternoon.

And sleepy...oh so sleepy.

But we had a blast sending M2 pictures

of the cheese rolls.

She just came in and told me that she was revoking

my day off.

She did not think it was funny as we did.

I went next door to the thrift store on Wednesday.

The lady that works there was tearing pages

out of a book.

One page at at time.

Then she was tearing each pages into

eight little pieces.

She said that the book was demonic.

I asked how she knew....

She said she saw a pic on the cover and it scared her

and so that was how she knew.

She said *How could anyone ANYONE

donate anything like that HERE?*

I so wish I could remember the name of the book.

The author was Camile something or other.

I wanted to tell the lady

you really ought to be worrying about

what people are doing on those couches

before they get donated.

I think Rach donated the book.

For reals.

Even though I am really sick at my stomach

I want a white cupcake

with white icing.

But I know it would make me barf.

Emo barf.

I miss the rain

and how it smells.

I wonder if I will recognize it

when we finally get some.

I don't know if we ever will.

But I bet emo barf has colors to it

so mine would be more Goth barf.

We talked about poor decisions when

you drink

in class tonight.

We also talked about child support, one night stands, intimacy problems

and condoms in class tonight.

I think it is important to be able to talk about those things as an adult.

And then someone said

social lubricant

and we all busted out laughing.

It was like we were 6 and someone said butt.

I love my job.

I get to go to lunch tomorrow with my mom and Camille.

Then I get to stay the night with the grands.

I may just draw little mustaches on them

while they sleep.

I have such a sweet life.

I am momdy hear me roar.

I have stopped getting my nails done

because I would rather have

gas in the CRV.

Now my hands look like

dirty troll hands.

They would have to have

chipped black polish

to complete the emo look.

I really miss blogging.

I have begun to really like

flying pigs.

I have several in my office.

~laffin~

Maybe that is saying a lot about me.

I hope Kate is happier than

Diana was.

Do you remember when

We used to pop popcorn on the stove?

And their used to be cabooses?

And the guy in the caboose would wave??

Wow that was a long time ago.

I wish I had been

a better mom.

And now I am tired.

I need to pack to go see my boys.

And I packed markers.

I am going to kiss them all

and be a better momdy.

I promise.

Especially if there might be brisket involved.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

Who finds it REALLY hard to be wordless!

SOMETIMES YOU DON'T HAVE TO KNOW OR UNDERSTAND

2011-04-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

I loved being pregnant with Camille. That first baby makes you look at your body in a whole new way. She was so tiny and hardly moved at all. Such an easy birth. For reals...under 2 hours. I was so young and not so bright but I relished that time.

Then, years later, I got pregnant with Cade. Such a different pregnancy! Such a big boy who moved constantly. He would move to get closer to his sister's voice. I swear he loved her first. That pregnancy was built on such a shaky false ground but I did not know that at the time. I again marveled at how I felt and how I thought I was accomplishing something so grand. My dark secret during that time was I thought I could not love Cade like I did Camille. I just had this sinking feeling that there was no way. I knew I would love him....I was already IN love with him. But I felt like I could not love him as much.

Then he was born and, with that last push, my heart doubled. It is like each child brings with them a piece of your heart that you did not even know you were missing. And your heart immediately adds that missing piece and beats a little stronger and a little louder.

Before Camille and Shawn got married, they started taking classes to be foster parents. I have to say I was very uneasy thinking that they were going to start off their marriage fostering children.   I have sat through many a CPS hearing and have heard countless horror stories. It scared me. I wanted to get a brand new squeaky clean baby.

Instead they got 3 already ripened boys. THREE boys. THREE BOYS!

And my heart? the uneasy heart? The one that wanted a brand spanking new baby?

Well it got 3 new pieces added to it. Three little pieces that I did not even know was missing. Three little pieces that make it beat even stronger and louder.

In the State of Texas, there is a process that one has to go through in order to foster and then adopt. Before the adoption process, the other parties involved can appeal and try to take the children back. That is NOT in the best interest of these children AT ALL. It seems like every week there was a new appeal...and then another and another. That is what happens when a person has a lot of time on their hands in the penal system.

Anywho......

AS of today, the files were transferred to the adoption unit. There will be no new appeals heard.

And that makes Momdy very VERY happy.

Especially since I have already bought Christmas stocking and had their names already put on them. ~grins~

also referred to as Momdy by the short IN crowd.

Thursday Rambling WITH Pics!

2011-04-14T15:24:00.000-07:00

Can you tell that my mind is fuzzy? I have wandered off from the blog and facebook and I am not sure where I am wandering off too.

I have always felt like that is a woman in my head she keeps all of my thoughts organized in filing cabinets. I want something and BLAMO! she whips it right out. Yeah well....she must have left on vacation and forgot to tell me about it.

It is hot here. Hot and windy. The sky is brown because the dirt is in the air kind of windy. We are in the middle of a drought and have had sever grass fires in the area. You that are getting rain and snow....send it here. NOW!

I am TOTALLY needing a pedicure. I am trying to save money so I am doing them myself. I such at the upkeep. I also such at cutting the nails straight as you can see on my left foot.

This is a sign that I see when I have to travel to Egypt for work. Maybe it is not THAT far away but it sure feels like it sometimes. I am not a big fan of Barbacoa ~shudders~ (LOOK! A meat that Mindy will not eat!!) If I was....I darned sure would not buy it at the gas station.

The top of my filing cabinet. It makes me happy.

LOL the flyswatter in Egypt. I guess it is there for when the plagues descend. I really hope that I am not there that day.

Sometimes I have to remind myself that I am tough. I am NOT all cupcakes and cotton candy.

I just love these colors. That is all.

Yes...I DO like to hear myself talk.
I finally recolored my hair! I am a Clairol #8 1/2 a kinda gal. No more gray for me for a little while. Now if I could just find enough time get a haircut.....

OMG....maybe it is the hair color that is making my brain fuzzy?????
I just realized that I did not even know enough to even have a good ramble...that is bad.

So what are you up to?

...is unavailable to take your call. Please leave a message after the beep.................................................................................................................................................................................*BEEP*

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2011-03-23T05:28:00.000-07:00

THURSDAY RAMBLING

2011-03-10T05:28:00.000-08:00

For reals

if you are going to try to pick a fight with me

bring your eyebrows.
And don't put them on with a thin Sharpie.

I love me some Sharpies but that is not their purpose.

So stop using them for evil.

The world would be a much better place if people
would just listen to me.
I wonder why the people in control have not called me??

Why have we not gotten any rain?

Do we need to sacrifice someone to get some moisture?

Cause I totally have a list ready.

Shaving your brows is NEVER a good option

when it comes to brow wear.
Real friends don't let friends shave those puppies off.
Have a designated plucker or waxer.

It is day four of no flour/no sugar.

Can you tell?

Why no, I am not prickly

Why do you ask?

At least buy an eyebrow stencil.

YES there IS such a thing.

And it has now been 6 days

since I have had a diet coke.

I won't be giving up iced tea

so don't ask.

Why do people put their brows on

WAY too high

but never too low?

I am hungry for figs.

Tania brought fresh figs to me

when I got to meet her.

My mouth still remembers how good they were.

Tania is one of the sweetest people

I have ever met.

I wish that we lived closer.

And I am eventually going to meet more of you.

It is really hard for me to concentrate

on someone's words when their brows

are all catty wonkered and pointed

in every which way.

Gingerbean was not knocked up.

Fudge.

My mom had to have a sonogram.

Wasn't she surprised to learn that they were doing on the

inside

and not the outside!

She is okay....no worries.

Well, other than her dignity. ~grins~

I am watching Twin Peaks again

from Netflix.

Women sure did wear a lot of dresses and skirts in the early 90's.

And everyone is talking on phones anchored to the walls.

Even the log lady had good eyebrows.

If your eyes are the windows to your soul....

then your eyebrows are the throw rugs to your emotions.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2011-03-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

THURSDAY RAMBLINGS

2011-03-03T06:04:00.000-08:00

I get to meet my mom and Camille in

Amarillo today. My mom is getting new glasses

and she cannot see without her glasses on.

We make her try on all sorts of funky styles until she realizes

what we are up to.

You would think she would know better by now.

I wonder if I can take her pic

with red ones on???

If so, I will post it to facebook.

But then
I bet I will be cut out of the will.
But that ought to be worth like
a million facebook points.

My mom hates her pic made.

I have lots of the back of her head

cause she turns so fast.

I hope everyone is in a good mood.

For reals.

Pray for me.

I replaced the corn because it got stinky.

Someone asked me about the fonts I am using and how I did it.

You have to turn your blog into

draft mode.

Sorry I did not answer that sooner.

I could not find my phone this am.

I finally found it beside the litter box.

gaggaggaggaggaggaggag

I made a detailed list for today

and printed out coupons and

my groupons.

Point and laugh at my frugality all you want.

Bon't come knocking on my door when

the Zombie Apocalypse happens

and you only have one box of poptarts.

I will not let you in

Not even if you bring your me

white chocolate.

Well, maybe for white chocolate.

But NOT for dark chocolate or raisins.

This is where Cade would call me a racist.

I miss the old SNL.

and I think The Office has
jumped the shark.

You could leave me alone all day long with a chocolate cake

and I would not eat it.

For reals.

I really need to get started back on no flour/sugar.

But not today.

I have grocery store sushi on my list for today.

Don't judge me until

you have walked a mile in my yellow box sandals.

Why can't they contact me about test driving

their sandals?

Why could I not have been a foot model?

Someone told me yesterday that I was just like the lady

from The Closer.

That is THE BEST COMPLIMENT I have

gotten this year.
Now that I think about it,
I hope she meant Brenda.

I sent The Vampire Diaries

back to Netflix after just watching

the first episode.

The vampires really should sue.

What are you rambling about today?

WELL REALLY? ARE YOU SURPRISED??

2011-03-01T17:02:00.000-08:00

You see this handsome boy?? Yeah he is in the middle of blowing out his winter coat. Corgis are notorious for shedding. He looks good here but he is beginning to look a bit...well....like he is molting. Since he is so skittish, I only furminate him for short periods at a time.

This is the first pile of corgi fur after about brushing him for about 3 minutes...FUR REAL!!

Do you think it is odd that I use craft items for size references??

And you read it here first and you will hear it here again...VALSPAR paints freakin' rock.

Back to the topic.

This is the next day. Again, about 3 minutes.

We are not even 1/4 of the way through. I told him that he had to be hiding another corgi in there.

He told me that he was going to donate it all to corgi locks of love for little bald corgis.

It looks like I have opened a barber shop for gray haired old men in my home.

I am telling you all about Chappy and his fur problems to avoid telling you this....It is March 1st and the second room is not totally ready. Almost...but not quiet.

So, with great embarrassment....I show you what the room looked like when I started. This is a spare room and it was just catching everything that did not have a real room. It also was the catch all at Christmas.

Honestly, this is what my brain has been looking like. For reals, but I am working on it too and making some good progress. It really is hard to show you the state of my house and what I am doing. But, in doing so, I make myself accountable to you all. I do much better when there is accountability. House wise and brain wise.

The room is just about finished. I have to pick up a few things when I go to Amarillo on Thursday and then I can show you the big reveal!! I am really working on economizing so I had to wait for a trip to happen instead of just running around willy nilly.

LOL I know y'all have got to be so bored with this already but I really do appreciate you being along for the ride.

THURSDAY RAMBLINGS

2011-02-24T14:18:00.000-08:00

I hate it when I don't have anything at all to say

but I still want to write on my blog.

My blog reader is way too big.

I read a lot of mommy blogs

not cause of the kids stuff but because they

have a lot of time on their hands and get to craft alot.

I especially love Mormon and LDS blogs

those girls sure know how to cook.

I am worried about losing my job because

of the economy and budget cuts.

I have been here 14 years.

I should not have to worry about stuff like that.

Damned economy.

But I also know that worrying is not going to get

anything fixed.

I got my hair cut.

My mom has decided that I am depressed and was hiding behind my hair.

I am depressed and having a hard time but don't know about the hair part.

I did get it cut and can say that I am digging it only taking

5 minutes to do in the morning.

Maybe there was something to her theory.

SSShhhhh don't tell her.

I am right now sitting here with corn on my back.

Frozen corn is THE BEST THING

for an achy back.

I got all ready to do my income taxes and realized

I shredded my info about how much I had paid on interest

on my home loan.

Cause that's how I roll.

I kept the 2 littlest boys last weekend.

I adore being called Momdy

but damn they make me tired.

I am kinda panicking about Cade going off to college.

But not in the way you would think.

I am uber excited for him.

But I have never ever been alone before.

Nope...never.

So this will be a whole new experience.

Y'all are going to have to really have to help me with that.

The corn seems to be melting.

I am almost done with the second bedroom.

I had totally let it get junky and it is looking good.

Going to sand down and refinish the bedside table

on Saturday and paint it with the Valspar sample

I got.

You totally need to get one. Go to Valspar.com

each morning at 9am(Cental).

It is totally free. I got a good sized sample and

the CUTEST little paint roller and holder!

I told you at the first that I really had nothing to say.

It's beginning to smell like a corn dog in here.

I am not happy with GoodWill right now.

They should not expect me to want to pay $5 for Dollar Store frames.

Or at least take the $1 tags off before they write $5 on them.

Especially when they are dirty.

All the blogs talk about how they get wonderful things at GoodWill for a quarter

and then those things were half price.

My GoodWill does not have sales.

I think they are allergic.

I think that the powers that be should let me conduct cooking classes

for people on food stamps.

And also teach people how to use coupons.

Maybe I can do that if I lose my job.

Or proof pics that men submit to online dating sites.

Leave your shirt ON and we don't want to see a pic of your flaired nostrils.

Also, no photos taken at K-Mart with the disco lazer line backgrounds.

I painted my toenails all by myself.

I sent my brother a Valentine but told him I wanted the card back.

It had a flying pig on it. I did not want to spend

another $3 for one for myself.

He totally understood.

I also sent him $1.

He told me that, if that was a bribe,

I was not doing it right.

If people really want to do stupid stuff

they really ought to make their facebook page

private.

I wonder if anyone is still reading.

Anything anyone wants to know?

Just ask....

But you don't have to ask about the book swap.

It is still planned but I am not through being depressed and hiding behind my bangs.

You will eventually get an email from me.

And you will be so excited.

As soon as I stop slacking.

I have to go put my corn back in the freezer now.

Guess what? January is OVER!!

2011-02-05T19:11:00.000-08:00

Here are some rules for the make-over:

1. One room a month. If I finish that room before the month is over, I can work on the extra list or start on another room.
2. There is a trash box and a donate box each room. When the boxes are full, they are OUT the door. If the room gets finished and the boxs are just half way full....they are GONE. If they stay, I am tempted to take things back out and that is a no no.
3. Once a room is done, things cannot find their way back in from other rooms. Completed rooms STAY completed. They cannot be used to store things.
4. Re-use, thrift, re-purpose. Shop from other rooms in the house. Keep up with the cost.
5. I reserve the right to switch rooms around on the month list. I was not thinking when I chose February for the storage building. HA! It is going to be way too cold to work out there in February!

Here is the closet! Looking more picked up and put together.

The top of the closet looking all nice and neat! The black and white box is my treasure box. The house box holds my gun and ammo. ~grins~ total southern girl...and yes it has a lock. My daddy taught me how to shoot when I was very young.
One of the uber cool things about my closet, Cade's closet and the front coat closet is that they all have refrigerator lights!! For reals! When they were constructed, they had it fixed so that the light comes on automatically when the closet door is open.

You saw this in the first set of pics but I wanted to explain it. I have a whole bunch of little hooks on the inside of my closet and I use them to hang my bracelets and necklaces. Hey Jules! Can you see the bracelet that you made for me??!?!?!?!?!

A few months ago I mentioned on facebook that I was looking for a bedside table to re-do. My Aunt contacted me and told me that there were 2 at my grandmothers that I could have if I wanted. I got them in the early summer. THIS is one of the tables!! I painted it white and mod podged scrap booking paper on top of it. More on this sweet table later. The table was re-done with things that I already had on hand!
Cost $-0-

I bought a new lampshade for the lamp I already had. Cost $9.00 Bling was added to the bottom of the shade cause...well....I like pink and I like bling. I just thought that it need a little bit of something. I already had the rhinestones.

I bought this SWEET little 3 drawer box at a garage sale last summer. It was just white. I painted it and mod podged paper for the front of it. Cost: $1.00 I wanted you to see it so that you can start looking at things in a little bit of a different way. Think about what CAN be done to make it yours.

One side of my bedroom. Notice the light cotton shawl on the rocker. It was really bright fuchsia pink. I bought it for $2.00 at Goodwill. I bleached it to make it a very light pink.

Another shot of my room.

My curtains were white. I found them at World Market a few years ago and love the design and the sheerness of them. I bought pink dye so that they went from white to....TA DA pink!

I also got rid of my pillow shams and dyed a pair of pillow cases that I had with the same pink dye. I love that the lace did not dye and stayed white. 2 boxes of dye Cost $4.00

The other side of the room!

THIS is the FB infamous coffee filter wreath! Actually, it is not the wreathe that I was working on. I started that one WAY too big! The more I worked on it, the more it resembled the neck piece that they put on the winning horse at the Kentucky Derby. So this is wreath take 2! I made the second wreath MUCH smaller! I was please with how it turned out. Cost $5.00 but that includes the trashed wreath and the wreath that I actually used.

But THIS is what I am most pleased with! I have seem tons of chandelier remodels on the net and I so wanted to do one!! However, it is hard to do if you do not HAVE a chandy! The thrift store next to where I work got in this light fixture in and I snatched it up. It was brassy and I painted it and added the beads and bead work. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!! Fixture $5/Beads $8 Total Cost $13.00

Are you bored as heck yet???

Total cost for my bedroom make over......................................$ 39.97

And it makes me very happy. ~grins~

FINAL CALL!!

2011-02-01T17:21:00.000-08:00

This is the final call for the book and bookmark swap. I still need some addresses!

Please your snail mail address to princessandthebeads@gmail.com

I need to have all addresses by Wednesday February 2nd at noon! If I don't get your address by then, I will assume you have decided not to play.

And anyone new still has time to get in if you want in....you also have until tomorrow at noon!

Book and Book Mark Swap!

2011-01-30T12:13:00.000-08:00

This is my list of swappers so far. I need each of you to email your snail mail address to me at princessandthebeads@gmail.com

If your name is not here and you want in, there is still time! Just email me your address! lol and if your name is here and you don't want to play ~~well too damned bad~~ just let me know and I will delete ya!

1. Mary Beth received address

2. Heart of Happy received address

3. Cyndi received address

4. Nicole Maki received address

5. Baby Gator I also know where she lives!

6. It's A Wonderful received address

7. Hot Cup received address

8. Yankee

9. Lori Z received address

10. FB Nea received address

11. Adrienne received address

12. Quilting With Ewe

13. FB Robie

14. Kim Pepper received address

15. Me i have my own address ~laffin~

16. Di received address
17. Cyn received address
18. Winny (Emily) received address
19. Ginny received address
20. Whoseyergurl received address

SOMETIMES IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS

2011-01-26T18:59:00.000-08:00

I am going to give you a sneak peek of some of the things that I have been doing in the bed room. *blink blink* Don't EVEN look at me like that...you know perfectly well what I am talking about! I am really working on using the things that I have, using out of my stash and re-purposing things from other parts of the house. That means ~~cheap~~ THRIFTY!

This is the light switch for my bedroom. Now why in the world would someone replace the plate but not the dirty switch???? If you are going to replace the switch, be sure to turn off the electricity at! the! box! It is not enough to just switch off the light! The replacement is actually very simple. All you need is a new switch ($1.49) and a screw driver. I was able to do it easy peasy! There are even youtube videos showing how to do it.
Cost: $1.49

Then I covered the plate with a little Mod Podge and scrap fabric. See! So much cleaner looking!

This is the cloche that I made to house a green glass ornament that I adore. The tag attached is my lucky fortune cookie that I got the night my daddy forgot who I was. The base is a candle stick with a plate glued to it and then spray painted.
Cost: $-0-

I have totally re-done my storage space. You are seeing my box of warranties/important papers, photos, cows in storage and new pillows. I stock up on pillows when we black Friday shop. I already had the plastic containers.
Cost: $-0-

These are the only 2 things that are now under my bed. The large container is full of wrapping paper. The smaller holds tissue paper and gift bags. Cost: $-0-

At any given time you might just find a black cat or a corgi under the bed. Molly says *HHEEEYYY*

THIS is the trash! The box and the sack are what was trashed from the room.

Two boxes for donation! They have actually already left the house. That is one think that I have learned by watching Peter Walsh. If it is going to be donated,get rid of it before you can change your mind!

Gratuitous Corgi pics. Chappy wants you to know that REAL Corgi boys can rock pink.

I love milk glass and thought that the white went well with the room. I used an old jar and put a label on it. I antiqued it with watered down brown paint. The tiny pic I put together with paper scraps. I had the frame in my stash. I painted it and then distressed it. I had the doilies in my stash. I bought them years ago at a garage sale.
Cost: $ -0-

I wish that I had painted the little while spot on the wall before I tool this pic! lol....it's now been painted. I spray painted an old frame and some window screening. I hot glued the window screen in and then added the tulle netting to make a bow. Then I took all my earring out of that jumbled mess of a jewelry drawer and hung them up! I found earring that I did not remember having!! It hangs behind my door and I am loving it!

See how happy they are to be out of the drawer! I had everything on hand but the screen. I have enough screen to do lots of these. If you need some, give me a hollar!
Cost: $4.00

This was made with a candle stick and a light fixture. Do you know how much you can do with items you already have, glue, paint and candle wax?? It is amazing! ~laffin~ I added ribbon and an old key. Again, all items that I had on hand.
Cost: $ -0-

If you want to know more about anything that I have made, let me know and I will try to do a tutorial.

Remember this is just a sneak peek! We will totally MOVE THAT BUS In the next couple of days!!

Remember there is still time to get in on the book and book mark swap!

MINDY'S EXTREME HOME MAKEOVER

2011-01-24T12:53:00.000-08:00

~~I still have not come up with a good name for my year long project!! I need your help....throw out some suggestions please.~~

The project now has a name! We are going to call it Mindy's Extreme Home Makeover---Non-sobbing edition.

I really have been busy working on my bedroom.

I have discovered that I have a BIG problem with simply putting.things.UP.

That sweet little thin thing? That's the new TV I won!

I have little piles of stuff all over the house. Like I am a hoarder in training.

One just needs to connect the piles to make me a full blown slob.

The pic of the closet. I have no idea why all of my shoes are at the top of the racks and not the bottom! It is not like I am 7 feet tall! And yes...that is a hula hoop. Why are you looking at me like that?

This is the top of the closet. I could not have told you what was in those containers even if it meant saving my life! They were put up in the top of that closet when I moved in over 2 years ago and not touched since.

Jumbled jewelry drawer.

And the sock drawer.......MOST of these will SO be out of here!

This is the plan broken down by months:

January: My room that includes the closet, under the bed and dresser.

February: Storage...THIS will be a BIG undertaking. I plan on y'all trying a rope around my waist so that you can pull me out if I go under.

March: Kitchen. The Kitchen includes drawers and cabinets, fridge, window treatments and back splash. Cellar....want it done before tornado season.

April: Craft room....oh how I have missed you.

May: My bathroom. That includes caulking the tub and tiling the floor. Man Cave

June: Front and Back Yard

July: Cade's Room...won't THAT be fun. ~rolling my eyes~

August: Extra Bedroom

September: Living Room

October: Cade's Bathroom

EXTRAS: Small Pantry, Large Pantry, Front Closet, Mail Box, Put up a Flag Pole, Unstick Windows.

That leaves November and December open for what ever did not get accomplished.

**The book swap is still open. You have until 1/30 to sign up. I will try to get you partnered up that day. If you have not already done so, leave me a comment telling me you want to play!

And just let me apologize right now for THE most boring blog post of ALL TIME! Sheeze...even I snoozed when I went back and read it.

I AM THINKING IT'S SWAP TIME.....

2011-01-19T05:32:00.000-08:00

I am thinking it is time for a simple swap. Anyone interested in a book and bookmark swap?? If so, I will organize it and get it started. I think it will be open to bloggers AND facebook peeps.

All that you would be required to send would be ONE book and ONE bookmark. Both can be new OR recycled.

Send out would be 2/5/11 so that everyone would get their package in time for Valentine's.

If you are interested, leave me a comment!

Heck, if you are not interested, leave me a comment....I LOVE comments!

...is getting way too much junk mail.....

Does Your House Look Better?

2011-01-02T08:15:00.000-08:00

All of you know that I ALWAYS make my bed. Always Always Always.
How could I even tell if a clown was hiding under my bed? So thankful that there was not a bra in the midst of all the chaos.

But what does it matter if the rest of the room is a mess???

In fact, I am not enjoying my home like I should because of the way it looks.

So I am thinking I am going to come up with a plan to tame my house. I need to wrangle it back into submission.

What? You don't own a fox tail? You don't have that many shoes?

I think 2011 will be the year or organization and clarity.

I am working on a 12 month plan. I am going to choose a room or project a month. Then I will chrono my progress here on the blog.

I am going to focus on organizing, cleaning, re-using, purging and freeing myself up.

Are you with me?

If anyone is interested, I will work on a really good easy to follow plan for us. We can take before and after pics. We can also take pictures of what we are throwing away and donating. I can even make (or try to) a blog button for us.

It will be a help to me if there are others on this journey. I love to organize for others but for me...well I have a hard time putting things back where I find them once I am finished using them.

I was not home when the tornado hit my craft room. Thank goodness!! LOL Where's Waldo?

Leave me a comment if you interested.
fears that she is the only one with a messed up house

Oh 2010, I Will Certainly Miss You.....

2010-12-30T11:17:00.000-08:00

Normally, when we get to New Year's Eve, I am so ready to have the year over. I am not so over 2010 just yet. It has been a sweet year. A year like no other. I am not sure that 2011 can top you. I think Liz said it best with a comment she left on facebook "just like now you say this was the year your heart was enlarged when two became one and three made joy."

My daddy survived cancer, Cade graduated from high school, Camille married Shawn and the boys came along, I got to do my first major blogger meet up.

Yes 2010...you have been a year among years.
Today I spent some time getting my living room back into some sort of order. Christmas has been put away so that we can welcome the new year. Of course, I will welcome the new year when I get up in the morning. ~grins~ I won't be seeing it at 12:00.

What do I want for this year? I am not sure just yet. The thoughts have been running around in my head today.

There are things I want to do...to accomplish in 2011. I would not really call them resolutions. I think I will stick with the term Goals.

**I started back today on my no flour no sugar. I stopped it around September and it shows on the scales. It started with a cupcake here and a cheesecake there and then the addiction took over. I FEEL so much better without the flour and sugar. So...here we go again.

**I am going to work on conquering the STUFF in this house. I am in the mood to organize so watch out! My room is going to be first and then the craft room. I am ready to move things and clean.

**I am going to do more crafts and post them. Right now I am thinking of doing at least one major project a month and posting about it. Just wait until you see the one for my room! I want to get back to creating and to doing real things here on the blog.

Am I the only one that does whole blog post in her head but never post them?

**I also want to work on my bucket list.

In short, 2011 is the year that I will have to learn to be alone. Cade will be moving out in the late summer to go off to college. I have never ever been alone in my life. There has always been someone that I have lived with no matter where I was. That will be an adjustment for me. I will miss him terribly. In fact, if I dwell on it too much, I can almost get a little panicky. I am trying to look forward to the time. It will be such a change but it will all be good.

I don't think I can call it *empty nest* since there are 4 animals that live in the house with me. Oh how happy I would be if one of them learned to unload the dishwasher and take out the trash.

So what about you? What do you want to see in 2011?

We Are All On This Crazy Roller Coaster Together

2010-12-18T17:36:00.001-08:00

Go read THIS....go ahead I will wait. Be forewarned...you WILL cry but it will be good tears!

Jenny the Bloggess opened up her heart and wallet and offered gift cards to the first 20 people to comment on her blog who needed help for Christmas. They went like lightening and then there were more than 20 who needed help. Then the elves stepped in. Go read it for yourself and remember that there ARE good people out there!

Then Camille called and told me that my oldest grandson asked Santa for socks.

SOCKS!!

When asked why he asked for socks, he told her "For in case we don't have anymore. What happens if someday we don't have any?" My grandbaby STILL worries about doing without.

Last Christmas, we shaved my daddy's head because of chemo.

This year, we CELEBRATE and want others to be able to celebrate too.

So...if you’re struggling for money right now and don’t know how you are going to do Christmas then leave me a comment. You don’t have to use your real name or leave a url or prove anything. Just leave me a comment. I will need your email address but you can email it to me if you are not comfortable with leaving it with your comment. I am posting my email at the bottom of this post. I’ll email a $25 Amazon or Target gift card or put $25 in your paypal account to the first four (4)people who leave a comment explaining why it would make a difference in their lives right now.

....anyone else want to jump in there with me?

And yes...Camille went out and bought J1 a whole bag on socks!

Winner Winner!

2010-12-16T19:57:00.000-08:00

Yeah yeah yeah....I am a slacker.

If anyone can tutor me on how to post the pic of the winning number from random.org, I'd be much obliged. ~grins~

Instead you will just have to trust me when I say that the winner is #11! Ester!!

PUT YOUR BUGGY UP AND YOU MIGHT WIN A PRIZE

2010-12-07T08:55:00.000-08:00

I recently tried to win this book on a different blog. I had never heard of it before and it seemed interesting. Well, I did not win so I had to go out and actually BUY the book myself. I fell HARD for this little book. It is beyond good!

Prudent Advice ~lessons for my baby daughter (a life lost for every woman)~ was written by Jamie Morrison Curtis. The book is actually very simple while being very deep and spot on.

Some of my favorite items of the book include (in no particular order):

#43 Don't be afraid to get lost.

So true...so true. Camille and I had our own little *adventure* OKC recently and made some good memories. I still locked the car doors at the *cough* establishment she went into but she came out safe and sound and that is all that really matters.

#125 You are an American.
"Whether or not you agree with every government policy, please don't take it for granted that you are a citizen of the United States. There is so much to be proud of, including your right to be passionate about your love of the country , or to be vocal about your disapproval."

We have all seen the news where people in other countries wait hours in line to vote. To often do we take our right for granted.

#212 Remember that most fairy tales were written by men.
"You are not a tiny princess awaiting rescue by a valiant man, a symbol of frailty and naivete, or the punch line in a morality tale. The women in those stories were crafted by a different sex at a different time for a different audience; these days you slay the dragon yourself."

~stands and applauds~

#280 The first stall is always the cleanest.
I used to always pick stall #2 thinking it was the cleanest. After doing some research, come to find out stall #2 is usually the first one chosen.

#297 Diamonds may be a symbol of love, but they are also a retail product.
I knew this but had never really thought about it. I do not wear my expensive diamond engagement ring. My mom tried it on once and I gave it to her to wear. She rarely wears it. She tells me that she is always terrified that she will lose the diamond out of it. I told her that it is okay...it has no value to me and is just a stone. I do have a tiny little sterling silver ring that cost me maybe $10 over 12 years ago. I wear it on my toe. I would be hear broken if I lost it. Value does not always mean monetary currency.

#233 You are more than a footnote in someone else's story.
"Don't be *the other woman.* She's always a quick side note in the great saga of another couple's love. Cast yourself as the lead in your own life, please."

How beautifully put. How many women are just a footnote.

And last but not least....

#203 Return your shopping cart.
"Abandoning your shopping cart in the middle of the parking lot implies a sense of entitlement. Someone has to put it away; that someone should be you."

There it is in black and white!! I knew that somewhere that had to be a rule!! darned ole buggy pigs. lol

The book is so much more than a mom's advice to her daughter. It is a good list for anyone...female or male no matter the age.

I really did just fall in love with this very simple little book. It is down to earth yet very profound. I like it so much that ~insert grand Oprah flourish~ I BOUGHT ONE TO GIVE AWAY!!

If you would like a chance to win this book, simply leave me a comment. Include your email address if you want me to contact you letting you know you are the winner.

Contest ends on Friday night. Winner announced on Saturday morning!

eeerrrmmmm.....Camille you are not eligible to win this book. I think Santa might just bring you one. Well, only if you are a good girl....and maybe come clean my house or something. I DO know Santa's phone number!

LET ME COUNT THE WAYS

2010-12-04T13:54:00.000-08:00

I watched *In Her Shoes* on Lifetime last night. One line from the movie has stuck with me all day. "Help someone else and heal yourself."

I think that there is something in that line for each of us.

I am taking a minute to stop and remember a few things that make my life sweet. I do have a good life no matter how much I whine. I am thankful.

Today I am thankful for:

1) ice cream and cake on toy story plates
2) scotch tape
3) a son who drives
4) a daughter who tries to make my favorite cake even if she left off the coconut
5) dvr
6) a paycheck
7) detergant
8) facebook
9) text messages
10) alone time
11) corgis with bells on
12) pre-lit christmas trees
13) gift certificates
14) redbox
15) clean panties
16) Sharpies
17) coupons
18) Advil
19) Wrapping paper with grids on the back
20) pj's
21) you

So now it is your turn. Tell me cause you know I wanna hear!

~clutches her diet coke and sings~ I'd like to teach the world to sing...

THANKSGIVING THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS

2010-11-24T16:33:00.001-08:00

On November 24th 2009, we were at a hospital in Amarillo Texas. My daddy had been diagnosed with lung cancer just weeks before. We were VERY fortunate that a small town physicians assistant had a nagging feeling about his cough and health and took an x-ray. We will forever be thankful for her.

They took him into surgery. We were surrounded by friends, family and a loving hospital that took very good care of us at that time. I was also lifted by my friends text and emails during that time. The surgery was a success and daddy did so very well. He came out with one less lung and a happy surgeon who was very sure that all the cancer had been removed. Mom and I stayed the night in the lobby while my daddy slept in his room in critical care.

By the next day, they moved him into a regular room. He was doing really well for someone that had just had a lung removed!! He had very little pain. He just had some problems adjusting to breathing. He really worried about it. Shawn stayed with him that night. He did well that night.

We ate Thanksgiving lunch at a hospital in Amarillo Texas last year. There were a lot of families eating at the hospital that day. We all hung out in his room or the lobby. The longer then day went, the more daddy worried. He would not sleep. I mean WOULD.NOT.SLEEP! It was like he was afraid to go to sleep. By supper time, he was full blown worried and his body was so tired. Camille and I talked and decided that we would not do the black Friday shopping. We did not tell him. We sent my mom to a hotel room to rest because she was exhausted. Camille and I fired up the laptops and shopped online some that night. She stayed there at the hospital until about 2:30am and then she went to the hotel room to get some sleep. I pulled the recliner up close to my daddy's bed and tried to nap when he would close his eyes. He did a little better as long as I could touch him. He still would not really sleep. I finally asked him what was wrong. I told him to talk and get it out so that maybe he would find some relief. He talked about how he could not let anything happen to himself because there would be no one to take care of my mom. He worried about all that my brother would have to do. He fretted over money and bills and what he had not gotten done. We talked and talked and talked. We made a plan for any scenario that might happen. He told me what he would want for me to take care of. I thought then he could rest.

Instead, he got even more restless and agitated. He did not hurt but he could not get comfortable. Up and down and up and down. He kept asking what time it was and what day it was. At 3:30am, I asked the nurse to check on him. She went in and took his vitals. She assured me that he was fine. She told me that he was *sundowning*. She said that sometimes older patients got confused and anxious and that it normally happened as the sun went down. She said that there was another man on the ward that was doing the same thing and to just give it an hour or so and he would do better. One time when he got up he said, *I bet you wish I would just get up and walk down the hall and keep walking so I would not be a bother to you.* I told him that I could give him a head start and if he got too fast, I would just crimp his air hose. My daddy likes to tease like that and we always tease him back.

But that morning, he just looked at me really funny.

At 4:00 am I asked him if he did not want to try to sleep. I was so very tired.

My daddy looked up at me and asked *Who ARE you?*

My daddy did not remember me. He did not know who in the world I was.

He then asked me who HE was.

Later I realized that he did not know who I was when I told him that I would crimp his air hose. The poor man thought his life was being threatened by a total stranger.

I told him who he was. I told him who I was. He told me he did not know anything. I went out and got the nurse again. She came in and drew blood and told me that she would call who ever was on call.

He and I talked and talked and talked. He asked me what horrible thing had he done to be placed there. He asked me if he had murdered someone. He begged me to tell him who he was over and over. He finally told me that he would allow me to stay but only because I knew who he was and how to get him home.

And then he asked me again *Who are you?*

About that time, the nurse came back in and looked at him and then at me. She left and made a call. All of the sudden, several people came rushing into his room and asked me to step outside the room.

I did what I was asked to do and burst into tears.

I have never been more afraid in my whole life.

I did not know that we had all just buckled up to take a hell of a 3 day roller coaster ride. That ride was awful....hysterical....bizarre and funny all rolled into one. But that is a story for another time

Last Thanksgiving seems like a million years ago. My daddy is doing so very well now. This Thanksgiving we will all be together. ALL of us plus three new little boys that took their sweet time getting to us.

We are thankful. So very very thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving

YES YOU CAN!

2010-11-22T07:29:00.001-08:00

I posted a really good recipe for a Pumpkin Crisp (it's so good!!) on facebook the other day. At the end of the recipe, I wrote that homemade whipped cream would be so good with it. I got a few messages about *imitation whipped topping* ~shudders~. The girls at work are the same way. I say whipped cream and I get these stares and mumbles of *imitation whipped topping*. Let me make this abundantly clear:

Imitation Whipped Topping AND WHIPPED CREAM ARE NOT.NOT.NOT! THE SAME THINGS.

I am sure that you have heard the same things that I have about whipped cream...tales of having to chill the beaters and bowls....adding your sugar at the precise right time....having to use a whip attachment. Well, that is horse hockey. I promise you that making whipped cream is not hard at all and your family will be amazed and will forever love you for it. To make whipped cream, you need the following ingredients: *Whipping cream--I used 16 ozs. You can use a half pint and just adjust the measurements. Do keep it in the fridge until ready to use.
*2 1/2 Tab Sugar ( I have also used Splenda but did not for this recipe)
*1tsp Vanilla---you can use any flavoring of your choice. I also love almond extract.

I hear you asking why my Vanilla is in that gargantuan bottle and not one of those little petite bottles that you get at the grocery store. My vanilla is from Mexico. I think it has a much richer and deeper flavor. Plus, I am a little drawn to the swarthy vaquero with his lasso. I think he is Juan Valdez's cousin. Throw your whipping cream and sugar into your bowl and have at it. Not a great pic...so sorry. I just wanted you to see the sugar on top of the cream before I started mixing. I do have a whip attachment on my mixer but you do NOT have to have one. A regular hand mixer with beaters will work just fine. Beat until it starts to be firm up. That is when I put in my vanilla and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Mine takes about 2-4 minutes to beat and get stiff. It will look like this: It will hold a peak and not run off your beater. See! Nice and firm. Put it in a bowl and pop it into your fridge until ready to serve. MMMMMMMMM......homemade pumpkin pie and whipped cream.... I promise you it is well worth the extra 5 minutes it will take to throw this together.

Disclaimer: No cream was actually harmed during the making of the tutorial for this blog. It gave up it's life nobly and with great pride and dignity.

Disclaimer #2: I dropped the CW and inserted imitation whipped topping as to not incur any wrath from the corporation gods that be.

.....wants to settle down on a little ranch and raise chickens and little pints of whipping cream.

CSN REVIEW---I'M A DIRTY GIRL ~grins~

2010-11-18T04:55:00.000-08:00

CSN contacted me and asked me if I would like to pick an item from one of their over 200 online stores to review. You know how shy and reserved I am so I hem hawed around and

I SAID HECK YEA WHERE DO I SIGN UP?!?!?!?

If you have been under a rock and have not heard about CSN let me tell you just a little bit about them. They have over 200 online stores where you can find everything from beds to briefcases, cookware to cribs, and so much more. I am very excited to do my first review on CSN Stores!

My biggest problem I had was choosing what to pick. Do I pick sheets for the new bedroom do? Jewelry for myself? That Caribbean blue Le Creuset pot that I have been wanting??

I am kind of embarassed to tell you that I went practical We had a little green machine in the past but someone ~looks over at Camille~ broke it. Now they have much fancier Little Green Machines! This is what I chose:

Bissell Little Green ProHeat Compact Deep Cleaner

Isn't he a sweet little thing! Of course he is a boy....he has an outie and not an innie ~shakes her head knowingly~ And he is totally self contained just like it shows in the picture. I like that because I hate cords and hoses all willy nilly trying to escape all over the place.

I ordered my new little Green Machine from CSN on Monday and it was at my doorstep on Thursday! Super fast FREE shipping people! CSN has a lot of items that ship for free. No hunting and adding codes to get the additional discount...it is all done for you right there at a touch of a button.

I have had my living room set for only 2 years. It is micro-fiber. Cade has an over sized recliner. I guess that makes the couch all mine. The couch is also made up of 2 recliners.

What can I say....we like to recline at my house.

Before pic of the couch:
Close up of the arm of Cade's chair. ICK!
Do NOT let the little size of this machine full you....it does a wonderful job. It was so easy to handle. It took about 20 minutes to thoroughly do Cade's chair all over. The suction in the dryer portion of the machine is great! The chair was totally dry in a little over an hour.

The after pic....notice I did not bother to move all of our cords.
Now the big reveal. This is one of my bowls. In fact, a little back history. This is the set of pottery that I received at my wedding shower in 1981. For reals. I got custody of the pottery. ~grins~ We still use it everyday.

I am going to warn you.....do not look if you are kind of feeling queasy or drinking coffee or anything.
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FOR REALS...I AM WARNING YOU!
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This is what was pulled out of Cade's chair alone. ~gags and shudders~
Mindy test and Mindy approved. The Bissell Little Green ProHeat Compact Deep Cleaner from The CSN Store WITH free shipping works!
......oh what in the world can I review next?!?!?!?

**Disclosure: This is a non-paid post and HONEST opinions were used. All opinions expressed are based on my own experiences and may be different from yours. Thanks to csnstores.com for providing me with a store credit to purchase a product to use and review.

PS: I am not sure why this is posting in all different kinds of text sizes. Blogger is being a wee bit cranky.

The Music Box Body Art Studio Response!!!

2010-11-12T11:27:00.000-08:00

News that you have all been waiting for!

I really did not know what to expect when I mailed my letter to The Music Box. I wanted to believe that they would do what I considered to be right. By that I mean that I believed that they would acknowledge their wrong, return my tat and refund my deposit. Cade that it was a hoot that I thought that they would do that! I told him that I choose to think that, basically, people will choose to do the right thing.

I received a letter from them today! I scanned it but it turns out really small so I am re-typing it here.

The letter reads:

Dear Ms. Choate,

On behalf of the reception staff of The Music Box Body Art Studio, please accept our apologies regarding your appointment. It was never our intention to make you travel for nothing, obviously our communication skills are lacking. Enclosed please find your drawing-we would never have given your design to anyone else. We're sorry to have lost you as a customer.

The Music Box Body Art Studio

My design was returned to me.

My money was not.

I am very pleased that they chose to write me a letter of apology and that it was done in a timely manner. I was disappointed that my money was not returned. They at least got it half right and that was more than what my son expected them to do. ~grins~ And I did it in what I considered a civil manner. Thank you all so much for helping me!

believes that you will never know unless you ask

Total Randomness With Some JackRabbits Thrown In

2010-11-10T04:37:00.000-08:00

Busy week and there are lots running around in my head so....I am going to just let it pour out.

*Odessa has fiberglass jackrabbits!
*About all that Odessa has going for it IS the fiberglass jackrabbits.

*The Music Box Body Art Studio has still not responded. I am still holding out for them to do the right thing.

*If you google Music Box Body Art Studio I am the 9th link. ~grins~

*Most of my Christmas shopping is already done.

*Don't hate me.

*Today I heard *Baby Jesus is still in the toy box.* bbbwwwhhhaaahhhaaaaa That cracks me up.

*I need a hair cut bad. I think it is odd that no one has pointed and laughed at me today. I did not wash it this morning. I curled it and then stuck a head band in it. I kinda resemble a tumbleweed with one flat side.

*My hair always does really good and then BLAMO between 10pm and 6am one night it grows out so long that I cannot do anything with it.

*I had a cranberry relish with jalapenos in it over cream cheese at lunch. I have got to find that recipe because it was muy bueno.

*Y'all did not know I could speak something other than English did you?

*I had a guy call and complain on a person that he thought was in his house doing odd stuff. I told him to call the police immediately. He said that he hated to do that because he did not if the person he was complaining about was messing with his house or if it was the ghost that lived there.

*I can see where that would be hard to explain to the police.

*I do not make this stuff up.

*I am not sure who broke the legs off the key board on this computer but I am going to break their legs off when I see them.

*I have this key board propped up on a bottle of white out.

*I have been away from the net for several days (other than on the phone). There are now over 1000 new entries on my google reader. I will never get caught up.

*If there is something I need to see...someone better leave me a comment pointing it out so that I do not miss it.

*I cannot remember the last time I wore panty hose...I think it has been years.

*I used to laugh at *old* ladies that wore knee highs. Not any more.

*I heard the theme song from *The Nanny* as a ring tone the other day. Kinda odd.

*My ring tone for my text messages is the little pig from the geico commercial going wwwweeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeee.

*Text me ANYTIME cause hearing it makes me smile. ~grins~

*Mennonites make some flippin' good fried pies.

*The Corgis ran away the other night. They only got 5 blocks away in about 1 hour. Chapy sure did slow Gingerbean down.

*He then snored all.night.long. He was one tired dog.

So what about you? What are you up to?
wwwwwwweeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

The Music Box

2010-11-03T04:33:00.000-07:00

Please read my letter and tell me if I need to tweek it any. I am totally open to constructive criticism!! It will not hurt my feelings at all for you to suggest that I add or delete something. I am trying to get my point across in an assertive manner without sounding like some cranky old hen.

Please let me know if you think I am being irrational!! I will totally pull this blog post if I come to believe that I am.

To: Music Box Body Art Studio
613 SW 10th Avenue
Amarillo, Texas

Dear Music Box Body Art Studio,

In September 2010, I went to your establishment to discuss getting a tattoo. This tattoo has been years in the making and planning. It is also my first tattoo so it is a very big deal to me. I chose The Music Box because I have always admired the work that I have seen produced from your establishment. I live in Plainview Texas and considered getting one closer to home but felt that it would be worth the trip to Amarillo in order to get my work done. I brought my original design with me when I went in. I was given an appointment for October 16th. I left my design and a $20.00 deposit. I was told that, if I failed to come to my appointment with out rescheduling, I would lose my $20.00. I had no problems with that rule. In fact, I believe it to be a very fair rule.

On Thursday October 14th, I called to reschedule my appointment. I had been to the doctor and was sick. I was also coughing really hard and did not feel that would add to the overall *great* experience for me or the artist. I talked to a man when I called (I did not get his name) and he told me "Sweetheart, that is so very responsible for you to call ahead and change your appointment. Thank you very much." I believe he thought I was much younger on the phone than I actually am! That appointment was changed to Saturday October 30th at 2:00.

I have been looking forward to getting my tattoo for some time. I was so excited the entire week leading up to the 30th. I got up that morning and made a special trip to Amarillo to get the tattoo. Amarillo is over 75 miles away from Plainview. I had no reason to make the trip other than to keep my appointment to get my tattoo. I arrived 15 minutes early for my appointment. I told the young lady that I was there for my 2:00 appointment. She then informed me that the artist was not there. He was out due to a death in the family and she did not know when to expect him to return to work. She then said "I just KNOW that someone called you and rescheduled! Joe asked us to call everyone". She then looked at the appointment book and said "Oh! I see NO ONE called you to reschedule. Someone should have totally done that." Let me also say that she was pleasant and not rude at all. I could see that my name was on the appointment book for 2:00 and my phone number was plainly written underneath my name. I was very disappointed and very upset that no one had called me. I was never even offered an apology. I made my new appointment and left.

After much thought, I realized that I was held to a higher standard than The Music Box was. I paid a deposit to ensure that I kept my appointment. Your establishment did not keep its appointment with me and caused me to drive over 150 miles round trip just for nothing. If you cannot take care of the small details, how can I trust you to do something that is very big to me....the marking of something very special and personal on my body.

I do want to say that I in no way hold the artist responsible. I understand that he had a family emergency and left to go attend to those matters. The young lady even told me that he requested that his customers be called and their appointments rescheduled.

I am choosing to cancel my appointment that is scheduled for 11/13/10. I am canceling my appointment several days ahead of time so that you have plenty of time to schedule someone in my spot.

I am requesting that you return my original artwork to me in the mail and that you not use that tattoo on anyone without my permission.

I am requesting that you refund my $20.00 deposit since you failed to keep your appointment with me.

You may see a copy of my letter on my blog princessandthebeads.blogspot.com. I will happily update how The Music Box handled my complaint with my readers once you have resolved this matter.

Sincerely,

*cluck cluck* I will peck you to death if you think 48 is too old to get a tattoo. Well...you can think it but I would rather you not say it.

It Gets Better.....

2010-11-02T15:39:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite it gets better videos.

PIMPIN' YOUR PUNKINS

2010-11-01T17:15:00.001-07:00

I had some emails asking how I had covered my pumpkins. So here is a quick tutorial. There are several out there so feel free to look around!

I used several old pumpkins that were old and cracked...some were a little sticky in places. You know me...I don't like to throw anything away so I decided to modify them. This whole process is really easy and quick. I sat up the cardboard table and made mine while watching TV.

You will need: Pumpkins (These are new from Wal Mart since I had used up my supply.
The big ones were $5 and the small ones were $1.), Mod Podge, Tape, Brush and Spray Paint. I also used waxed paper and did not get it into this pic.
You also need tissue paper. I went with an animal print this year but there are so really cool prints out there!
I wanted the steams of my pumpkins to stay natural so I taped them off.

I then spray painted my pumpkins. It does not have to be a perfect white coat. Since some of my tissue paper is light, I wanted to knock the bright orange color down a bit so that it would not show through as much. Please note my uber sophisticated spray painting station. I use an old bar stool covered with a shopping bag. For things that I want elevated, I use a trusty old bean can. ~grins~ Reuse and re-purpose people!!

Want to know my bestest secret weapon when it comes to spray painting?!?!?!!

It is this WONDERFUL little trigger that fits over the spray button. You just press the trigger and No more sore tired painting finger!! It keeps paint off of your finger and takes a lot of stress off of your hand. It also gives you better control. You can find the spray paint trigger hanging out with all the spray paint cans at Wal Mart. It was less than $3.00.

Now just let those little pumpkins of yours dry and we will get started with the next step soon!

We have a WINNER

2010-10-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

OR should I saw Winners??

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 2 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

zorra said...

Pick us!! Pick us!!

Riley and Sugar
(and their mom)
(if you don't still have my email, pls send me a FB message)

Heads up Riley, Sugar and Zorra!!

I will get the package into the mail sometime next week!

I still have not really figured out to post from random.org so I am just swearing to you that I did not cheat!

PAWS IT FORWARD

2010-10-18T14:00:00.001-07:00

There's a new game in town!! Well, or I am new to it.

I recently found a new blog that features a.....

wait for it.....

CORGI named Bailey @ Bailey's Adventures .

Bailey and her mom, Miriam, were playing Paws It Forward and Gingerbean and Chappy were the happy recipients!

Look at everything Bailey sent to them!

Okay, so now it is time for us to paws it forward. If you would like to receive a package from Gingerbean and Chappy, please leave a comment with your email address. You have to have a DOG. You have to have a blog because you are then going to also paws it forwardl Everyone needs to leave a comment and I will draw one lucky person/dog on Wednesday. Then, and I will contact you to get your address and you will get some Gingerbean/Chappy happy things!!

Thank you again Bailey and Miriam! The Beanie Baby and Chappy love it all! They have already tried out the treats!

I have also been playing around on picnik and their Halloween features. I turned Gingerbean and Chappy into Zombies in an old movie film.

SIT!

STAY!!

~holds up a treat~

Come on....leave us a comment!

WHAT MORE COULD A GIRL (GROWN WOMAN) WANT?

2010-10-13T04:00:00.000-07:00

This is the birthday card I got from my friends....

Front:
Inside:

My friends....they have my back. ~grins~

I really am one of the luckiest girls in the world. I may whine and groan and be discontent at times but....it is a sweet life. It has been a great 48 years.

Today I am thankful for:

1. My Family...parents, kids, brother, grands and extended
2. Gingerbean, Chappy, Molly, Diesel
3. My Home
4. My Job
5. Electricity
6. Trashy Music
7. Butter
8. The net
9. Pillows
10. Washer and Dryers
11. Cooler weather
12. Comments
13. Text messages. Why do I love them so much?
14. Clean Panties
15. Sonic Ice
16. Iced Tea
17. Girl Trips
18. Hugs
19. My charm bracelet.
20. Laughing
21. Yellow Box Sandles
22. My friends...that totally includes you *points directly at you*

Come on....don't be shy. Stop lurking and tell me what little thing that you are thankful for today.

PS: I really hope that y'all appreciate this entry. It took forever to do it because my H is sticking!! gggrrrrrr

Happy Birthday to the Baby

2010-10-05T04:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Cade...Bebo....Brother....Boy Precious....Unky Cade,You turn 18 years old today. Where oh where did the time go?!?!? For reals! Just yesterday you were crying as your big sister dragged you into pre-kindergarten. And now? Now you are happily driving yourself to college classes.

Remember when you were little bitty and would walk around with that red bucket on your head? How you would bump into everything but STILL leave it on your head and try to walk around?

Yeah, I am glad you grew out of that.

You are my big bear of a man with the tender heart. Everyone thinks that you ought to be a teacher because they see how the little ones just love and adore you. I know your heart is looking towards wearing a badge. No matter what you chose to do with your life, I know you will be wonderful at it and help others.
I used to feel like you were cheated because you had two over bearing women in your life that had a hand in raising you and no male in the household. ~grins~ But,looking back, I can see where God placed such good men in your life that taught you what a man is and is supposed to be. It began with your grandfather *Dad* who loves you fiercely. It has continued with coaches, an uncle, friends, a brother in law, my co-worker's husbands, teachers, your bosses and co-workers. They have all had a hand in helping you to develop into the man that you are today. For that I will always be grateful.
I love so much about you....
...how you make me laugh.
...how you are not afraid to learn to ride the motorcycle.
...how you still come and eat lunch with me.
...how you love your nephews.
...how you think I cannot unload the dishwasher.
...how you talk for the animals.
...how your friends are so important to you.
...how you love your life.

I love you Cade. I so miss the little boy but I adore the man.

Happy Birthday!

I AM SO OVER SUMMER

2010-10-01T19:01:00.001-07:00

Last year around this time, we were not in the mood to decorate. In fact, I did not even put up a Christmas tree. This year we have so much to be thankful for. So very much to be thankful for. So I have done a few things at work and at home.

These are really old plastic pumpkins that I gave a face lift. I mod podged wild tissue paper all over them. Very inexpensive but a totally new look.
This is one of the shelves at my office.

I spent very little money on my decorations. Most of the stuff I already had. Recycle...reuse...re purpose. The candle holder was made with 2 items that I bought from Dollar Tree and glued together.
The fur of were wolf is actually Chappy's fur!!
I made the toadstools out of clay that you bake.

Can you tell that I can never throw away a glass jar? Most of the jars held food items. I down loaded the REALLY cool labels from Love Manor. You have got to check out all the labels!!! The stuff is just awesome! I plan to add to my jars each year. I used ink and aged them after I printed them out. I used mod podge to stick them to the jars but you could use white glue or a glue stick. I also burned some of them to add a more aged look.
These are my petrified butterflies. I used a butterfly punch and old paper. I then attached some of the butterflies to a stick.

My snakes are just $1 plastic snakes and I added food coloring to the water. I really wanted some grow a snakes but could not find them. I thought that would have added a nice bloated touch but no luck.

The crow is from the Dollar Tree. I also bought the spider there. I added the red to make it into a black widow.

More of the baking clay to make earth worms!
A new M for my office in fall colors.
And a recycled candle holder with a bat mod podged onto it. The bat is from Graphics Fairy.

Are you as ready for cold weather as I am??

Would you like to see how I made the pumpkins?

Bedroom Dreams

2010-09-29T05:47:00.000-07:00

Eeeermmmm...not those kinda dreams.

Talking about my bedroom has got me dreaming about doing something different in there. I am working on some special projects and dreaming about a change....just something different.

I have been looking at bed sets from CSN.

Mine at home is cherry. I have thought about painting it white. So this one caught my eye!
Oh man...that is just WRONG! CSN and your over 200 stores....you had me at Corgi!! I am sure that, less than 10 seconds after this photo was snapped, that corgi was totally burrowing under all those sheets and blankets.
Or maybe replace those over 10 year old Martha Stewart sheets with some new ones!

So do you want to go on an adventure with me? Want to see what I do???

.....asking Santa for a ~~gigolo~~ Sugar Daddy of my very own for Christmas. ~grins~

MY Monday Morning So Far

2010-09-27T04:59:00.000-07:00

I went to bed early last night. I know, such a shock to those of you who know me. My children's favorite saying is *Wheel of Fortune went off....mom must be going to bed.* Anyway, I told Cade that he could put the corgis in their crates when he went to bed.

This morning I woke up to this. This is just one little spot. It is all over the entire floor! ALL.OVER.THE.ENTIRE.FLOOR.
It looks like someone had a huge party and has been snorting drugs off my ~~clean~~ one clean floor.

What is it? It's powered milk. See!
I managed to get a lot of it up this am. What you see in that floor picture up there? It is dried on powered milk. Looks like I will have to get a chisel to it. Powdered milk and corgi spit become concrete.

Gingerbean will not even stop licking the floor long enough to get her picture taken.

And YES that IS powdered milk on Chappy's nose. Do not let that I am so sorry look on his face fool you. He went back to licking the floor as soon as the pic was snapped.

The corgis cannot get into the cabinet that the powdered milk is in. They do not get into any of the cabinets. This has NEVER been a problem before.

So how DID they get into the cabinet and have a powdered milk orgy?

So who is it in my life that likes getting into and out of my cabinets?

Enter the CULPRIT.....Diesel!
*BBbbwwwwhhhhaaaaahhhhhaaahhhhaaaaa my evil plan worked!*

Wonders WHEN DID I LOSE CONTROL???

WHAT'S IN MY BAG?

2010-09-24T07:28:00.001-07:00

I am playing along with Nice Girl Notes today and showing y'all What's In My Bag! PLEASE...read down to the very end of today's blog....it's important to me.

I am afraid that my bag is pretty boring today. Your lucky I did not know about this 3 days ago. I bet I threw away 49 receipts and 105 Sonic mints out of my bag! Lucky you not having to look at my trash!

Today Mindy is carryng:

1. My sugar skull card holder that keeps up with my random cards... ie: Ulta, CVS, business cards etc.
2.Vickery & Clarke Stress Relieving Pulse Point Balm....no idea why I carry this with such a stress free life! ~snorts~
3. Hair stick For someone with short hair, why do I carry this? Cause my neck gets hot and I put up my tail.
4. Paint brush...you never know when the urge to paint or mod podge is going to strike.
5. Another hail clip....please see #3
6. A Cable Yoyo. The COOLEST invention in the world! It keeps my camera cord all neat and tidy!
7. A Shick Intuition razor case that houses my vitamins and meds. Those razors rock! If anyone wants any of the plastic tubs, let me know!
8. My brand new Sharpie Pencil!!!! Freakin' LOVE IT!!
9. Excederin Back and Body...you would use them too if you had to haul around my boobs.
10. My pink blingy lipstick case. Inside it lives my brand new Clinique lipstick that I got for $1 at a garage sale. It was sealed! Color is Chanti
11. Black paint marker. I have been working on a new/old window
12. Checks books for the 5 checks that I write a year. Ya have to remember I live in a small town and some places just do not take debit cards due to the fees involved.
13. My little change purse. I bought it from an etsy dealer
14. Plastic Spider Rings
15. ~laffin~ there is no 15. I must have lost my mind around about there!
16. One stick of gum
17. My camera case that I got for a little big of nothing from ArtsCows. It holds my little Kodak digital camera.
18. My wallet that I got from Sam Moon when I went to meet some of the bestest people in the world in Dallas.
19. Small tape measure. I use it ALL.THE.TIME.
20. My little Ouch Pouch that I bought from Etsy Seller PillowSewCute You have got to go see her stuff...so cute!! She is now making bigger pouches them the one one I have. Mine has a mirror, wet wipes, advil, band aids (hello kitty), another hair clip, Alavert, Sudafed and an Alka Seltzer Gold for an allergy attack.

What is not in my purse is my beloved BlackBerry with her hot pink case. I carry her in my bra most of the time. For reals. Now you know another weird little Mindy quirk.

Another little fact...I Love LOVE LOVE to text!! Freakin love it!

And while I have all of your attention, I want to tell you about another Etsy seller. As you can tell, I am NUTS about Etsy because I like the idea of handmade and re-purposed. My friend Ngrammie had breast cancer a few years back. After three surgeries, meds, chemo AND radiation, she beat it and is a survivor. She has been on an anti-cancer med for a few years now and was about to go to the doctor to see if she could finally get off of it. She was hoping and praying she could because it would be another victory. Anyway, she decided that if, the doctor let her off of her med, she was going to celebrate by buying this necklace from SpoonerZ on Etsy. Isn't that wing so cool?!?!?!?! It is made out of the end of a silver spoon.
Photo shamelessly stolen from SpoonerZ's shop.

So Ngrammie contacted SpoonerZ and told her that she would like to buy the wing but already had a silver necklace and wanted to purchase it without the necklace. She explained to SpoonerZ why she was buying the wing.

And you want to know what SpoonerZ did? She sent my dear friend the wing.

(I promise the wing looks JUST like her pic and not my crappity pic!)
For FREE! This woman helped my friend celebrate. She did not have any clue to know that my friend has had such a hard year that did not include the cancer. She did not know that she made my friend cry happy tears. That is what makes this story even better.

SpoonerZ went above and beyond with a Random Act of Kindness and I think that she ROCKS! Please go look at her uber cool store and tell her I sent you and we think she is awesome.

pppssstttt....let me know if you play What's In My Bag so I can check it out!

........who loves how the world go round.

My Bedroom....

2010-09-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

I love my bedroom. It is one of my sanctuaries in my home. The room is done in pinks and greens. It has my favorite pieces or art and family pictures in the room. It is a wonderful room to sleep in.

I was going to show you one of the things that I made. I was able to put together bits and pieces of things to make a cloche to show off some stuff.
This is a fortune that I got out of a fortune cookie following the worst night and day of my life. *Your skills will accomplish what the force of many cannot.* Bbwwwwaaaaaahhhhhaaaahhhhhaaaa

I have not told that story but you will eventually see why that fortune will also be near and dear to my heart and why I needed to save it. You will also see why it makes me laugh.
I was going to show you the new pillow cases that my mom made for me.
Pink roses with green leaves that go so well in my bedroom. She embroidered them herself and I just love this new addition to my room.
I was going to show you my Martha Stewart sheets that I bought off of ebay 9 years ago. Sheets that I love!! I do not even remember the thread count but it must be sweet because they are still so soft after all of these years. No piling or pulls. But a little hole developed and it had to be patched. LOL this little patch has helped me put clean sheets on the bed faster. No more starting to put the bottom sheet on and then realizing that they go the other way! Nope I know exactly where the patch goes!!
But, in the middle of the story about my bedroom, someone hijacked it. She thought that she needed to be the center of attention. Miss Molly Meow thought that she was particularly beautiful this morning and wanted to pose for the camera.
She is the quietest and most shy of all my animals. She sleeps with me every night. She was the first pet brought into the house.

And she wants you to know that she never voted on allowing another cat and 2 dogs into the house thank.you.very.much. She assures me that things were just FINE with just her.

She loves me anyway.

It was a really good whisker morning.

I AM....

2010-09-12T17:59:00.000-07:00

I found this over at Crafty Mommy and Me and thought it was fun so I am going to play. Leave me a comment if you play so I can read your answers!

I am...sitting here in my pj's stressed but still happy

I think... way too much.....cannot turn my brain off

I should... get Marty's birthday gift together

I dream...in color and remember my dreams

I want...to be so famous that I can quit my job and stay at home.

I know...what goes around comes around...good or bad

I don't like...People that call me names ie... F**cking B*itch. Seems to be happening a lot lately. aaahhhh I am just a little ray of sunshine to some people

I smell...Cade's roast in the crock pot

I hear...the Criminal Minds marathon in the background on tv

I fear... losing my job and letting people down

I search...for more time

I miss....my kids thinking that I knew everything and was always right. HA!

I always...Drink Diet Coke or Sonic Iced Tea

I crave... lately...popcorn balls

I remember...the being kicked out of kindergarten

I need.... a house keeper

I forget......that not everyone thinks like I do!

I feel...proud of my 3 kids

I can...do anything I set my mind to.

I can't...make everyone happy

I am happy... with where I am in my life

I listen...To my heart but tend to second guess myself

I shop...At garage sales and thrift stores

I eat.... lately popcorn balls...they have been a gateway drug back to sugar and flour. I am starting back on my lifestyle change on Monday

I love...my children, my grandchildren, my parents, my friends, my pets and on and on and on

......who really did not get a lot done this weekend.

Bits and Odd Pieces

Some Wednesdays You Just Gotta Say Something

PANTY PALOOZA!

Wordless Wednesday 2/1/12

Wordless Wednesday 1/25/12

One...Two....Three....Four.....

Thursday Ramblings 1/19/12

WE NEED YOUR HELP

Wordless Wednesday--9/14/11

Day 1 Challenge--SECRETS

Wordless Wednesday--9/7/11

Thursday Ramblings

Wordless Wednesday 8/31/11--What Love Looks Like

Just A FEW Words Wednesday 8/17/11

A to Z....A Lot About Me....

Wordless Wednesday 8/10/11

Wordless Wednesday 8/3/11

~Wiggling My Toes~

Wordless Wednesday 7/27/11

One Short Year

Wordless Wednesday 7/20/11

In The Name of All Things Good and Right....WHY???

Wordless Wednesday 7/13/11

Wordless Wednesday--The Shining Edition

Time To Dog Paddle

Wordless Wednesday

IT was THIS big I Swear ~grins~

Thursday Ramblings

Wordless Wednesday

SOMETIMES YOU DON'T HAVE TO KNOW OR UNDERSTAND

Thursday Rambling WITH Pics!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY RAMBLING

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY RAMBLINGS

WELL REALLY? ARE YOU SURPRISED??

THURSDAY RAMBLINGS

Guess what? January is OVER!!

FINAL CALL!!

Book and Book Mark Swap!

SOMETIMES IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS

MINDY'S EXTREME HOME MAKEOVER

I AM THINKING IT'S SWAP TIME.....

Does Your House Look Better?

Oh 2010, I Will Certainly Miss You.....

We Are All On This Crazy Roller Coaster Together

Winner Winner!

PUT YOUR BUGGY UP AND YOU MIGHT WIN A PRIZE

LET ME COUNT THE WAYS

THANKSGIVING THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS

YES YOU CAN!

CSN REVIEW---I'M A DIRTY GIRL ~grins~

The Music Box Body Art Studio Response!!!

Total Randomness With Some JackRabbits Thrown In

The Music Box

It Gets Better.....

PIMPIN' YOUR PUNKINS

We have a WINNER

PAWS IT FORWARD

WHAT MORE COULD A GIRL (GROWN WOMAN) WANT?

Happy Birthday to the *Baby*

I AM SO OVER SUMMER

Bedroom Dreams

MY Monday Morning So Far

WHAT'S IN MY BAG?

My Bedroom....

I AM....

Happy Birthday to the Baby