I miss them -

As I am sure many others are doing on this last day of 2008 - I woke up this morning thinking about all the things that have happened this year - as well as reflecting on the changes that have taken place the past 15 years & thru them all God has been in the mist.

• 3 of my grandparents have gone on to be with the Lord - Grandpa Hughes in 1994, Grandma Mag in 2000 & Grandma Emma in 2008. I don't think there is a day that goes by that I don't miss them. They were such a vital part of my life. Grandma/pa Hughes were married for over 50 years & I don't ever recall them speaking a harsh word to each other. The love they had for their children and grand-children was such a blessing.
• Chance having enchaplitas in December 2001. Every year on 12/5, when I look at him I am humbled and on my knees not only recalling seeing "my baby" of 9 years on the ground in convulsions, on the ride to the hospital in a siren screaming ambulance w/ his heart stopping twice, in WRMC when the doctors telling us they don't think he will make it & angel flight from Ar Children's Hospital was on the way to get him, the flight crew arriving, them taking me in to see him before he left, being given the clothes that were cut off of him - being pushed out the door because even with all the tubes everywhere on him & the medicine that was enough for 3 grown men still wouldn't stop the seizures they had to use the paddles again, on the angel flight his heart stopping, FINALLY arriving in Little Rock, being taken into his room and seeing him on life support... Staying at ACH for a week while he fought to live...the love, support and prayers of our family, friends and community and the grace of God in hearing our pleas and allowing Chance to live.
• Momma being diagnoised with "Small Cell Lung Cancer" on 7/18/05 being given months to live - my telling the doctors - "No one knows that but God" her living in Houston, Texas for 6 months under going extensive chemo. and radiation at MD Anderson. 12/31/08 God continues to answer our prayers and allowing momma to be here with us. She is such a source of inspiration to all those around her in her determation and in her Faith.
• Tana & Kyla both graduating and moving out on their own. We miss them not being a part of our day-to-day life but are proud of them. We pray that God protect them and they have a burning desire to know him and lead their lives for him.
• Kapriel being born on 4/12/02 & oh my the blessings we have been given from this little brown eyed beauty. Thank you God for your goodness!
• Adopting 2 separate sibling groups set of 2 in 2001 and set of 3 in 2006. With them we have been blessed with many blessings as well as many challenges. They are proof of just how much a child needs love, nuturing and the basics of life and what can happen when these needs aren't met. We pray daily for them.
• Jeff & I are coming up on 23 years of marriage - it's hard to believe that my high school sweetheart is STILL the man of my dreams. God has given me such a blessing and I praise him for this amazing life he has given me.

WOW-See reflecting & changes just all part of life...I am excited about 2009 & look forward to all that the new year will have to offer. May God bless you and yours & may the upcoming year be exactly what you hope it will be!

EEL SOUP

Yep, Thats right --- Tonight for supper Jeff made us "EEL SOUP" needless to say as much as I love my precious husband - when it came time for this meal - I just wasn't hungry... Sorry honey but there is just no way... The kids on the other hand loved it - Need I say more...

A girl & her pap-paw

My husband is a military man of 16 years - worked in heavy duty construction for several years and has been Transportation Supervisor for 12 years and can be as "tough as they come" but when it comes to his grand-daughter he turns to mush!!! She had him wrapped around her pinky the minute she was placed into his arms. Jeff was even the one that came up with the name "Kapriel" [pronounced cap-re-l] & her middle name is McKenzie. She follows him around and anytime he is in the kitchen cooking she is there right along beside him - "helping" I know his gentle love and patience will help her grow into a Godly woman someday. She so adores her pap-paw and what a blessing that is.

HOME-MADE ..... ????

PIZZA is a HUGE hit at our house!!! The kids love it when Jeff makes it!!! Their favorite is CHEESE - the more - the happier they are!!!
Here is Jeff after he just took one out of the oven! Jeff loves to watch cooking shows, reads cookbooks constantly and we never know what he is going to make!

Cancer Changes Everything...

We praise God that momma was here to celebrate Christmas with us again this year & we were blessed to be able to do it in their home. For the past 3 Christmas' she has been in the hospital. Momma's Cancer has certainly changed everything for our family but one thing it can not take from us is the love that we have for each other. It brought such joy to my heart to be able to watch her yesterday as she sat in her chair and looked around at everyone there. It was easy to see that her cup runneth over. Jeff & Daddy made our Annual Christmas morning breakfast & although it "wasn't the same as momma's" it was just as good! We all exchanged gifts but I think the best present for each of us was just to be there in my parents home, with them & being blessed! Thank you God for your mercy and for your understanding - we give you the honor and the glory for blessing us with such a special Christmas. We know our hope lies in you.

35 years of...

What has now become a "Christmas Tradition" actually started 35 years ago this December when I was in the 5th grade and wanted to get my brother something for Christmas. Now being a 10 year old I didn't have alot in the way of spending money so I figured my baby brother would love something that was a cookie and had chocolate so I decided to make him a batch of

"No Bake Oatmeal Cookies" Well...Every Christmas since I have baked him a batch of these cookies and they are the first thing he expects in the way of a gift! :) It is such a blessing to see the little boy that was once my "bubby" still enjoy eating these cookies! Merry Christmas Bub - you are still my hero!

SANTA Couldn't WAIT

Jeff has been hinting for several days that he needed a "Crock Pot" for a Christmas dinner that we were going to! I kept trying to put him off - knowing that Santa had already put one under the tree for him. Well, Nothing would do him but to go to Wal-Mart so I gave in and let him open one...

Here it is - the Crock-Pot. I know some may think that it is a little strange that Santa left one but dear hubby does all the cooking in our family - I'm sure Santa just knew that!!! :) The funny think is since "dad got to open one" all the kids thought they should get to as well! haha Sorry kids, but Santa said NO!!!

We've LOST

Wednesday night - Kapriel's front tooth was "wiggly" Thursday Morning at the dental office for our 6 month check up Dr. Triplett said if she would eat an apple it would come on out..

Well, Instead of eatting an apple - Kap bit into her sandwich at lunch and swallowed the sandwich bite and the TOOTH!!!

She was so concerned that the "Tooth Fairy" wouldn't come since she didn't have the tooth to put under her pillow --- But that 'ole tooth fairy made a stop that night & left her a shinny new quarter anyway!!!

Cookie Pizza

This is her Cookie Pizza when it was finished! Good Job Kapriel!

Putting the ingredients on - She choose mini marshmellows, gummy bears, green/red M&M's! We spread peanut butter on top of the choc. chip cookie before she put the "goodies" on it!

Getting the box ready to put the pizza in - we bought the box from Hawgtown, cut up pieces of Christmas Scrapbooking Paper, Kapriel glued them on! She loved doing it & it looked so cute!

Headband w/ Bow for Sale - $5.00

I made 100 of these headband w/ flower bows & have about 30-40 left - I am selling them for only $5.00. These are selling at boutique stores and etsy for between $15.00 - $21.00. They make wonderful Christmas presents, birthday presents or just because! All little girls look so adorable in them. If you are interested in seeing them - please email me at tgraves@windstream.net, post a comment here or call me at 479-871-9146. I have many different colors to choose from!

Silly SUNDAY

Today was an awesome day - all 8 of my kids were at the house + my grand-daughter. It was so nice to spend time with all of them. Kyla brought her 4 legged boys - Chuy & Sam to meet their new cousin Harper Grace. Jeff made a wonder dinner of your choice - home made beef stew with huge chunks of meat or thick pork chops, with a salad, corn & mashed potatoes. I wish I would have taken a photo - it was all so good! I made my Carmel/Cinnamon Apple Delight and it was scooped out of the pan in a hurry! It is soooo easy to make and there is never any left!!!

We are continuing to get to know Harper - she is just exactly what I wanted - a cuddle doggy! She follows me from room to room and when I sit down she jumps up on my lap! One of my hands has to be on her at all times or she will take her little head and put it under my hand and push it up! I AM TOTALLY LOVING IT!!! I told Jeff this is the best Christmas present that I have ever gotten from him -

Momma is still in the hosptial - they aren't sure what exactly is wrong with her. Please join me in prayer that he will once again provide us with another miracle. He is so good and I give him all the glory, the honor and the praise for his goodness.

It's a GIRL!!!!!!

Introducing HARPER GRACE!!! She is bichon & my Christmas present from Jeff!!! She is such a soft cotton ball! We went shopping for her today - I mean a girl has to have all of the latest fashion right? She got 4 new dresses, 3 hair bows, a new pink/white collar and of course pink polish for those paws!!!! I bought her glass Sundae dishes for her food and water bowl which I am going to decorate with jews, tulle and ribbon!!! I mean a girl can't have to much BLING right!! She has been in my lap ever since we brought her home - I am in love!!! Merry-Merry Christmas to me!!!

My Daughter's - Daughter

Even tho I have been a "G.G" [Groovy Grandma] for 6 years - it is still sometimes hard to believe! I mean it seems like only yesterday that Tana was 6 years old! Kapriel has so
many of Tana's facial expressions & personality that I am constantly telling her " You act just like your momma" - We are so blessed that Tana lets her spend each weekend with us! I understand that saying now "If I knew grandchildren were so much fun - I would have had them first" haha... Kapriel loves to do arts/crafts with me, work in the flower garden! She is so precious and Jeff and I definately enjoy spoiling her to the max when we have her with us! I honestly think that "Pap-Paw" is worse than I am! In this photo you can see how much they look alike - she even has all those freckles on her little face that Tana does! Thank you heavenly Father for allowing me the gift of being a mother and the blessings of being a "G.G"

"Baby Brother" No More

Looking back thru the Thanksgiving photos I got quite a chuckle from this photo - these are my 3 oldest children - Tana Lynn [26], Kyla Nicole [22] & Chance Brentin [16]. I remember the day we brought "baby brother" home from the hospital the girls were soooo excited. They thought he was the grandest thing on Earth and if he even so much as started to cry one of them rushed to pick him up. Needless to say he quickly became very spoilt. I think they have started to realize that "baby brother" isn't really such a baby anymore - in this photo they are both having to stand on their tip-toes to give him a kiss! He loves his sisters & enjoys to this day all the attention that he gets from them. I'm so lucky to have these 3 awesome kids - Thank you God for the blessings!

MY GIRLS - MY WORLD

Here is a photo of all "my girls" - Each different and unique! Each loved & my prize blessing!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYLA

It's hard to believe that 22 years ago today we were at Ft. Gordon Army Base in Augusta, Georgia and you were now officially 4 HOURS old -- flash foward 22 years and you are still just as beautiful as the day you were born! You had a head full of cole black hair and your eyes were sky blue. The nurses all commented on what a beautiful baby you were - You have brought us so much joy and we are so proud of you. I cherish the past 22 years - God couldn't have given me a more precious, loving, funny, silly, tender hearted girl than I have in you. I praise him for your goodness and for giving me the ultimate gift of being your "mother"... I love you Nic with all of my heart and I hope you have a birthday that is as special as you are!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM THE GRAVES GANG

Today was such a blessing! The weather was beautiful, the food was delicious, being with my family was priceless! We had 16 loved ones here with us to eat Thanksgiving Dinner! Here is our "annual Thanksgiving photograph" The WHOLE GANG!!!

9 Whole DAYS

Kapriel goes to Fayetteville Schools and they are out all this week.

When I picked her up last Friday from school she informed me that she had "9 whole days with Gigi & Pap-paw" We have had a blast - Monday & Tuesday we went "Christmas Shopping" -- we spent most of the day Monday at the mall, Tuesday we went back and finished up! She wants to get "fixed up" everytime we leave to go somewhere - we bought 2 pair of shoes on Monday, 2 outfits for church, 2 pair of pants and 2 shirts. The girl has to shop in STYLE!!! :) I love spoiling her. She is only 6 but already has a true Diva sense of fashion!

The day she was born she had a whole head of curly hair - she loves to wear it down but with it being so long and curly it tangles so easy!

24 Pages Completed @ PMS WORKSHOP

It's been a week since 4 "die-hard" scrapbookers came to the PMS Workshop! They scrapped their hearts out from 6p until midnight! They completed 24 pages and now have 1 whole year of holidays [1 holiday per month] ready for next years photos! They were all amazing. Thanks ladies for coming! I enjoyed it :)

Kyla & Ashley discovered they share the SAME birthday! Which is coming up on the 28th of this month! HAPPY BIRTHDAY EARLY GIRLS!

Simply Threads Has Been SOLD

Due to health issues, the desire to spend more time with my family and my mother who has lung cancer - I have sold "Simply Threads".

The new owner, Kim Counts will be re-locating the store to 74 & 16 Junction uner the name "The Gypsy Junction". She is very excited & I know she will do an awesome job. She will be assuming all contracts and I hope you will join me in welcoming her as she continues to consign for you.

I have enjoyed the time I had in owning Simply Threads and all the consignors and customers that came into the store.

November consignments may be picked up from Kim on December 6th.

God Bless You,
Teresa

My "Dear" Hunters

Here is a photo of my "dears" heading out to the deer woods! Run Bambi - Run!!!

FIREPROOF!!

I just came from the Family Christian Book Store and Josh said that Fireproof will be in their store by the end of this month - if you haven't seen it-please do - it will totally rock your world! & if you are like me - I plan on getting in to watch over and over. Today I bought the "Love/Dare Book", "Fireproof your Life Book" & "Fireproof your Marriage - Couples Kit"

I think Jeff & I have a great marriage but thru God's word and this movie I realize that the devil is always out seeking to devour those who seek to honor & serve God's word - & its best not to ever be lulled into a false sense of security - but to instead always be on the look out & to keep God at the heart & soul of your marriage. Jeff & I can only be stronger by reading these books and using the couples kit.

I have been looking for Christmas cards the past few weeks but just couldn't find the "right" ones - today I found them and totally love the verse to them & I was blessed by getting them at 25% off! How awesome is that!!!

Kyla is coming over this afternoon to help me get the paper & kits put together for the PMS ]pajamas,munchies & scrapbooking] workshop next Friday! I am super excited about this. I really think it is going to be alot of fun!

Leave me a comment so I know you have been here! Thanks :)

SHHHHH....It's a SECRET

For over a year I have been trying to find a "chow" puppy to buy for Jeff --

Our new "baby daughter" was born 2 weeks ago and will be coming home to meet her new daddy as a Christmas present next month. I can not wait to see his face -

I am gonna have to go shopping for this little diva - I am thinking that it is a must she have all the latest fashions from Target & of course some pink toe nail polish for those paws..

BUT please remember --- IT IS A SURPRISE!!! so don't tell!!! Merry CHRISTmas Jeff!!!

MY HOTTIE!

Jeff & I have been married for 22 years and I still can't believe that out of all the women in the world he could have chosen to be his wife - HE CHOSE ME!

The day we were married I honestly didn't think I could ever love him anymore than I did that day BUT I was so wrong. Thru the years I have been blessed over and over again by this man by his strength, his desire to live a Christian life and lead his family in the same direction, his patience, the way his eyes light up when I walk into the room and that smile that lets me know that no matter how many times I do something crazy he still loves me. I can't imagine my life without him and I praise God everyday for placing us in the same path and for the precious life that we share!

So, To you my hottie as we are quickly approaching 23 years as Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Graves - I thank you for all the laughter, the love and the little things that you do for me on a daily basics.

THE GANG

Because we are such a "large family" thru the years we have started being refered to as "The Gang" -- Although we have 8 kids total - these are the 6 that we still have left at home! They are: Chance Brentin 16 - [the youngest of our biological kids]

Riley Grace 14 [adopted 3 years ago]

Rhyver Faith 13 [adopted 3 years ago]

Addison Bailey12 [adopted 7 years ago]

Bren Parker 11 [adopted 7 years ago]

Ridge Jackson 11 [adopted 3 years ago]

This is their "First Day Of School" photo for the 2008-09 school year! I can't believe how fast they are growing up! We also have Tana Lynn 26 & Kyla Nicole 21!!! & of course our grand-daughter Kapriel McKenzie 6 years. YEP... I would adopt more, maybe someday! :) If that is where God leads us!

I'm so excited about the upcoming PMS Workshop! I've started planning the layouts & making the list of supplies! If you haven't responded yet - please do so - that way Iwill be sure to have enough kits for everyone [12 kits - 24 pages total] Won't it be great to have a whole year of holidays already scrapped - all they will need is your photos! So, YES.... EMAIL ME @ tgraves@windstream.net or call me at 871-9146 & tell me you are coming!!! I promise you will be glad you did!

We rarely have Trick or Treaters - I always buy a small bag of candy - just in case... That bowl full of all the goodies is such a temptation but I keep telling myself I want to be a size 12 more than I want the candy!!! Knowing my luck tho - I will gain just looking at it... :)

Well, Blogger friends - I'm off to plan more layouts - please leave me a comment so I will know you've been here & leave your blog address as well!

Boo!!

Happy Halloween

PMS PARTY

Hey Girls,
I hope you are all doing well! Are you in need of some girl time & some
creative therapy? Are you behind in scrapbooking or have never gotten started
but want to learn? Would you like to compete 24 pages in one night? See the
details below & then let me know if you can join us! Please feel free to
forward this to any of your friends/relatives that might want to come with you!
Teresa

PMS PARTY
Pajamas,Muchies & Scrapbooking

Join us for a night full of creative
fun!
We will complete 24 scrapbook pages in ONE night
& have a whole lot of fun doing
it!

Friday, November 14th from 6:00 p.m. to midnight
Teresa Graves House
19208 East Black Oak Road Fayetteville
* I live appx. 3 miles past the Elkins School

Projects: 24 Scrapbook Pages [1 holiday theme per month]
Cost: $50.00 due at time of registration
MUST REGISTER BY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD!!!
Email me or call 871-9146 to reserve your spot - then you can mail me a check
YOU NEED TO REGISTER BY 11/3 so I can get all the supplies ordered!!!

ALL YOU NEED TO BRING IS ADHESIVE & SCISSORS!
There will be door prizes & some yummy munchies to enjoy!!
Don't forget to wear your pj's!!

Again, PLEASE feel free to forward this to anyone you know that likes to
scrapbook or might be interested!!! If you bring someone that has signed up -
your name will go in for a drawing!!!

This is alot of fun & when you leave you will have scrapbook pages for one whole
year of Holidays - all you need to do is add the photos!!!

Teresa Graves
P.O. Box 584
Elkins, Ar 72727
tgraves@windstream.net
871-9146

BOO!!! SPIDERS

Cooler weather always brings out the "crafter in me"...

I made 25 of these spooky spiders for Kapriel to share with her classmates., put them in a boot box which I placed a black trash bag on the bottom, than placed "spider web" down - than came the creepy crawly spiders... Hopefully her classmates will like them! They have a candy york mint in the center of them!

Let me know what you think?

Sniffles,Strep-Throat, Broken Bone In My Back...

This is a photo of Rhyver "after" she was cleaned up from her bike accident...

This is what "Strep Throat" looks like -- my poor baby had 103.2 temp. by the time we arrived at WRMC. I was so thankful that they got her back quickly. I get so nervous when the kids get sick. Wow-When it rains it pours... First we had Rhyver's bike accident,

last week Kapriel had an ear infection, I got home from the store Saturday and she was burning up so I rush her up to the e.r and find out she now has "strep throat", Riley was up all night throwing up & has a headache, Addison came home from school today with a headache and sick to her tummy! Please pray God will pour out his blessings of health on us.

I went to Dr. Knox office today and met with his nurse practioner - she was a very sweet lady... I left knowing that I have several things wrong w/ my back in addition to finding out I also have a broken bone in my back. I tried not to laugh when she told me - my first thought was yeah, I can't just have something simple - I have to get the whole kit and koodle as IF I have time for any of this... I was given a medical back brace, a "tens" unit that I wear 24/7 except of course when I am in the shower!!! 2 different types of pain medication which if I wasn't feeling bad before the 121.00 I handed out for it I sure would have been after! This is all part of their "pain management" program. I go back on 1/7 to see how I am doing and will discuss other options then. Please keep praying for me - I am at all cost trying to avoid surgery.

I am having a "PMS" [pajamas, munchies, Scrapbooking] party next month. We will do 24 pages of scrapbooking in 6 hours. IF you have never scrapped before or if you are at an advanced level this is something for everyone!!! I am planning it around a holiday of each month so when you leave you will have a complete year of scrapping and all you will need to add is your photos! IF you are interested in coming - please let me know. The cost is $50.00 which will cover all the materials for the kits, munchies etc. All you will need to bring that night will be your scissors and glue & wear your pajamas! We will also have drawings for doorprizes! IF you know of someone that would like to come - please share this with them. I went to one last week and had a blast! My email address is tgraves@windstream.com so please email me and sign up!!!

We are having revival at Living Hope Assembly this week on HY74 - it starts at 7p. If you get a chance to come - please do. Brother Bagley is awesome!

I AM BLESSED!!!

Working on her very own Scrapbook Album - I've completed 8 for her [yes, she is only 6 - I am obsessed with this child I know]
Kapriel & "GIGI" in Branson @ Ride The Ducks. She loved it!

Kapriel & "Uncle Chance" @ Cold Stone Ice-Cream in Branson.

Meet "America's Next Top Model"

As most of you know - one of the most precious blessings in my life is my grand-daughter

Kapriel McKenzie... She spends every weekend with us and believe me when I say I count the days until Friday. She is such a joy - this summer she wanted to "go on vacation to Branson" As you can tell from the photos she loved it. After picking her up from school the other day, in a very mature voice she told me she decided where we were going on vacation again next year -- You got it BACK TO BRANSON!!

FALL DECOR...

Here are some photos of the "Fall Decorating" I have done for this year!

HOSPITAL, ICU --Finally Home

Jeff, Rhyver & I would like to Thank everyone for the prayers and visits during her stay in the hospital! It was quite an event. It started out with her spending the night with one of her friends on Saturday - Sunday was one of those relazing days until the phone rang - it was her friends mom telling us that Rhyver had a "bike wreck" now like most mommies I am sure I am thinking skinned "knees and elbows" this was NOT THE CASE!!! She ended up in ICU for 24 hours with bleeding on the brain - and spent the next 3 days in a regular hospital room. She is scrapped from head to toe, fractured elbow and jammed thumb. She is on the mend - Praise the LORD! We go back to the neurosurgeon the end of this month for a check up and our regular doctor this week as well. Again, Thank you for the kindness,love & prayers you have offered.

I have almost caught up on my scrapbooking! Yeah me!!! We finished remodeling the room last weekend and I love it. It is a sage green on the walls w/ a black trim- the curtains are burgendy w/ a gold swirl. We have our old kitchen table in the center of the room [seats 6 so come on over], Everything has a place and I just totally love it. There are moments when I feel a little guilty for having this "room to myself" BUT I honestly think it makes me a better person to be able to go in there and just have "me" time!

I begged Jeff to take me to the War Eagle Craft Fair today but it isn't anything he is interested in so I am determined to go next year. Anyone want to go with me???

Jeff has lost 30 pounds and is looking slim and trim - I am stuck at 14 w/ over 19 inches. I just have to keep reminding myself of my goal. I bought an adorable shirt that I have hanging on a hook in my room to keep me focused!

I enjoy reading everyones blogs and hope you enjoy reading mine as well. Please leave me a comment so I know you've been here!

God Bless!
Teresa

It's WAYYYYY Short Baby!

I finally got the nerve - & it is S.h.o.r.t AND.... I TOTALLY LOVE IT!!! I had my hair cut ät "Alter Ego"today and Dianne rocked it! Thanks Dianne!

I made it thru the MRI yesterday after 3 tries...The lady was very patient with me - do you think it could have been she was scared after my "freak out" last week when I tried to have it done!! :) My doctor wasn't suppose to get the results until Wednesday or Thursday BUT apparently its bad enough that she was contacted today and I go see a neurosurgeon [Dr. Armstrong] on Monday, October 27th. Please be in prayer that God will heal me and I won't have to have surgery.

Thanks to everyone that came to my rubber stamping workshop last week! I had alot of fun & appreciated you all coming. Neeless to say - I had so much fun and I am now addicated that I have decided to sign up to become demonstrator! If you would like to come to the monthly workshops that I will be having - please let me know OR if you would like to have a workshop at your house and receive FREE stamps I would be happy to do a workshop for you! I'll be having a Stamp Camp probably the first weekend in Saturday when we will do a few make 'n takes as well as make 10 Christmas cards. If you are interestd in coming to this - zip me an email [tgraves@elkins.k12.ar.us] or give me a call!

This cooler weather lets me know that fall is upon us 'n I am loving it!

I weighed in yesteday and lost a total of 12 pounds for the month of September..Woot!! Woot!!! Only 36 more to go!!!

Decorating for Fall

I've finished my "fall decorating" & really quite happy with the way it turned out. Normally I drag out all 7 plastic tubs of my Halloween Decorations and the whole yard, house and porch is decorated... I don't know if it is because I am getting ahum.. "older" or if my taste is changing but this year I went thru the tubs - boxed up the stuff I thought Kyla might want and the rest I chunked in the trash - I've decided less is more - and what I have out on the front porch and thru out the house with the exception of a few pieces can stay out thru the end of November and I LOVE the way it turned out. I'll post photos as soon as Ky comes over & shows me how!!

Today Kyla & I went to "Oops" - it was such a blessing to be able to spend time with her. I am so thankful that God has given me a daughter that is such a source of joy and pride! She got alot of really cute whimiscal stuff for Christmas decorations - I was "good"this time and only picked up a few items. Yeah me!!! I am trying to come up with a budget - okay - yes its the sticking to it part that I have the most problem with !!! haha

Tuesday night at church [FBC] we had a "Ladies Night Out" the food was delicious and after our meal we made a fall wreath. I really enjoyed visiting with other ladies at the church and seeing how talented they are! I can't wait until the next LNO! :)

Right now at "Simply Threads" we aren't taking any new consignors and with current consignors we aren't accepting any more clothing right now. Watch for more info. on this next month.

We had Direct T.V turned on Tuesday night - so I am getting my fair share of T.V time & of course it is tuned to HGTV! Anyone else addicated to this? During Christmas break I am planning to re-do our bedroom and bathroom. Right now our bedroom is painted in "Cowboy Boots Brown" & Jeff has always hated it so I think I am going to go with a creamy tan w/ black accents. I just love this time of year - I always wanted to drag out all of my crafting supplies and create sometime or make something old - new!!! :) I've promised to paint Kyla this huge shelf that I bought her in a zebra print -- right now it is so ugly --- when I brought it in the house - Jeff thought I was crazy - I explained my "plan"to him -- he still thinks I am nuts - but he'll see :)

Time for House Hunters so I better get in my comfy chair & start watching.

Going Down... SLOWLY

At weigh in on Friday - I had lost 11 pounds and 19 inches. I'm excited but of course wish it would go down alot faster! Please keep me your prayers that I can stay strong and committed! My birthday is on Friday [10/4] & the holidays are coming up so I know I have a huge challenge before me.

We have 106 new headband bows in the store - for those of you that aren't sure what they are - they have the headband w/ a huge flower attached! Also, have them with smaller headbands and flowers. I think we beat almost anyone's prices - at $5.00 each. Come and check them out!

This cooler weather is making it hard for me-I want to be able to stay at home and work on our family scrapbooks and do arts & crafts. I've started doing personalized totes and will post some of them here soon! I just finished one order for a 6 year old playmate of my grand-daughter's with her name Sarah in zebra print material & a fusha pink bow. She loved it!

The fam has all been busy- the kids are enjoying the evenings riding on their bikes, playing freze tag & just hanging out. I miss those youthful days... We closed our pool last weekend...the diving board & slide look so lonely hanging out above the tarp. Just 7 more months & we'll be spashing around in it again!

Guess, I better get back to scrapping - I'll try to post some photos soon!

A BUSY DAY....

We had a busy day at our family clothing resale/consignment store "Simply Threads" today - we had alot of "new"customers in and it was awesome to get to meet them! I really appreciate everyone that comes into the store and has been supportive of it! If you haven't been in lately, please stop by and check us out. We carry all the name brand clothing "American Eagle", "Tommy H", "Gap", "Old Navy""Hollister", "Aber. & Fitch" just to name a few. We get alot of comments on how reasonable our prices are. We carry clothing from newborn to adult plus in addition to maternity! Hope you'll stop by soon! Tell us you read about it on the blog and we'll give you "10%"off your purchase.

I also wanted to give a shout to - 2 very special people this week...

1. My husband - without him I couldn't do all that I do...He has supper on the table every night when I get home & just makes me feel like a princess every day. Thanks JAG - You are such a blessing.

2. My daughter, Kyla who has stepped up to the plate everyday this week and helped me even tho I knew she would rather be doing something else. You rock my world!

I am having a "Angel Rubber Stamping "workshop on Saturday, October 4th @ 7p at my house if anyone would like to come! The instructor is Tonya Williams - I've seen some of her work and it is awesome!

Have a good weekend!

Back Pain At It's Worst

Okay, All my life I have never thought twice about moving a piece of furniture, scooting something over, lifting something but here I am at the wonderful óle age of 40 something and have a "bulging disc"in my lower back that has knocked me for a loop. I noticed some pain back in July & told myself it would get better. I went to the chiro. several times and it did improve but school started and who has time to go 3 times a week -- NOT ME--- so once again I decided to endure the pain. Well, Tuesday morning when I got up the pain was so severe that as I hobbled into the bathroom I felt a "shift"lost feeling in my left leg and fell. I knew then I was in serious trouble. I called my doctors office and got in at 11. When they took me back for x-rays and the tech. told me to lay down on the "bed"I was thinking this man was crazier than I am... there was NO way I could lay down because not only is it next to impossible the getting up is a miracle. He assured me I could do it ... My doctor told me I have a bulging disc - gave me a shot in the back, sent me home with a muscle relaxer and hydcodine. Needless to say I slept thru most of the next 48 hours.... I feel some better today but certain moves or turns reminds me all is not well. Those of you that know me know that I am not a very patience person -- whooo this is a lesson in learning for me. Please pray that God will send his healing mercies soon...

The kids are doing great in school - It's hard to believe that Chance is a junior. We have kids in the 5,6,7,8,9 & 11 grade. We are told that we need to adopt again to fill up the 10 spot. I never thought I would say it but I don't feel the desire to adopt anymore. God has blessed us with 8 & as I grow older I am ready for some me time and time alone with my precious husband.

Is anyone out there interested in meeting at my house once a month to Scrapbook? or join a scrappin'club... I signed up to be a Creative Memories consultant & would love to have you come to the house to scrap once a month or do a workshop yourself. There is no charge to join the crop - just a time to devote to all those photos that are piling up!!! Call me at 871-9146 if you are interested!

Mom is feeling some better this week... PTL - She goes back to have a pet scan done next month. Please pray for her & that the results come back as a Praise to how wonderful of Lord is.

The diet is still going strong...Jeff has lost around 18 pounds - I hate the food we have to eat but I haven't cheated just choke it down but I've only lost 9. If there ever was a diet for cheeseburgers or pizza - I think I could master that one... haha :)

Until next time... May your day be full of God's blessings

Another HOT Summer Day

Wow- It is sooo hot!! The kids are sure making use of our swimming pool! I don't know which they like best - the diving board or the slide. I've gotten some awesome pictures which will make great scrapbooking pages.

Jeff & I started our "diet"on Monday - it is great having someone to keep me "on track" ... Dawn Mabry has been an inspiration to me - just in reading her blogs and seeing her "before and after"pictures -- THANK YOU DAWN!

Kyla & I have been busy getting ready for our big "Midnight Madness & Back to School"sale on Friday, August 1st from 9p until midnight at my resale/consignment family clothing store "Simply Threads" It has been an answered prayer for me to be able to open this store. Jeff has been so great and understanding when I get home past 7, building racks, having dinner on the table, helping the kids with the housework and taking over my job as the lawn mower... I honestly couldn't do it without him. We have been married for 22 year & I love him more everyday!

The kids got back from War Eagle Camp a few weeks ago & as usual had a blast...They were gone for 2 weeks ... They leave again for Green Valley Bible Camp on Sunday and will be gone for a week. It is a camp that my brother & I use to go to when we were in school and a camp that Kyla went to for 3 years. The girls went last year for the first time and had so much fun - this year the boys will be going as well. Chance will stay here as he has to work and we will have Kapriel with us but it will be a change from having only 2 kids in the house each night INSTEAD of the 7 we usually do!

My mom had her last chemo. treatment on Wednesday & she had a "pet scan"done today - we will get the results from it next Tuesday. Please keep her and daddy in your prayers.

I had an Pampered Chef party last night and the consultant - Carla Laing was once again awesome... I usually have a show once a year but decided to do one in the summer instead of the fall.