3 Generations

It's hard to believe that my daughter has a 7 year old daughter of her own. The older 'lil Miss Kapriel McKenzie gets the more I fall in love with her and the day she was born I didn't think I could love her anymore.

I see so much of her momma in her - she has curly beautiful hair, dark brown eyes and freckles..She can be quick to get an "attitude" but just as quick to bless your heart.

Just as all of children - my grandchild brings me many blessings and great joy!

Thankful = Blessed

I love my family... I love being a mom. I love My Heavenly Father for allowing me these 6 blessings.

Thanksgiving 2009 was a hard one this year...our first without my momma...I know she was looking down on us ...we made it thru the day but oh how we wish she could have been here.

Summer Vacation

Every summer when the kids go to camp - Jeff & I take a week of vacation and enjoy the time together. This year we went to "Beaver Lake Front Cabins" in Eureka Springs. It was very private and our cabin was wonderful. The peace & tranquality of the place was just want our souls needed. It is something that we look forward to every year! Thank you Heavenly Father for allowing us to spend this time together as we draw closer to you.

They Got it ....

My dad is very allergic to mosquitoes.... a few years ago while sitting on hit front porch - he smacked a mosquitoe.... a few months later he had a very small red bump come up...over the years it started to grow... A few weeks ago I made him a doctor appointment...Dr. Bonner informed us that he thought is was skin cancer - he had a biosopy on it and it did come back as skin cancer - we went to see Dr. Wood who explained everything he would do during the surgery.. what was suppose to have taken 15 minutes ended up being 55 minutes as it was alot deeper than he orignally thought.... daddy ended up with 19 stitches and will have quite the little scar ... they had to take a flap of his skin and form it to cover the hole... We just PRAISE GOD that Dr. Wood was able to get IT ALL. It was such a blessing to hear those words and to know once again just how our Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers.

My Daddy....

Is trying SOOO hard to be strong... he still misses my momma so much. It breaks my heart sometimes just to look at him. I can't even imagine loosing my soul mate... We try our best to keep him busy but I know it doesn't take away the pain. Please keep him in your prayers... We know only God is the only one that can truly bring about healing.

Devil's Den State Park

The boys enjoying their "picnic dinner"
Chance, Kapreil & Addison on the paddle boats... They loved this!

2 weeks ago after church we took a trip over to Devil's Den for "something different to do" - We were lucky to grab the last picnic available -- enjoyed some good 'ole sandwiches & chips. Afterwards the kids played on the playground for a bit than off to the paddle boats. Kapriel was a little scared to get on at first but Uncle Chance assured her that it was fun! They had a blast!!!

My cup runneth ..... OVER

There are no words to truly express how blessed I am to be married to my best friend for 23 years. He still does the "little things" that touch my heart. The other night when I got home he was already in bed asleep... I tip toe to my side of the bed to & take my glasses off to put them on my night stand only to that - "that spot has been taken" I get the flash light to see what is there and find that on his way home from work he stopped at Harp's & bought a package of candy kisses and put them in my favorite yellow coffee mug and put them on my night stand. Is that not precious or what?

Thank you Heavenly Father for creating my soul mate & for bringing us together.
May we continue to grow in your love & may it glorify you.

My GIRL...

Jeff & I love the summer for MANY - MANY reasons but I think the very first one would be our precious grand-daughter gets to spend it with us. We have so much fun with her & can't believe that she is already 7....

Last Year....

I have been carrying around a box of kleenex for the past week ... Chance is going to be a SENIOR this year.... I keep thinking geez.... WHERE has the time gone.... 17 years ago I was carrying him around in my tummy.... NOW he is a SENIOR, drives, doesn't need me to "baby" him anymore.... I also feel sad because I know how much momma would have loved to see him graduate... she was so proud of the girls when they did & took so many pictures....

He doesn't even come close to realizing how much his life will change after his SENIOR YEAR... but I guess that is the beauty of youth!!!

Enjoy your year "my little man" --- you deserve it!

How Much Longer....

Until the pain of not having your here - doesn't take my breath away...

Until my daddy doesn't cry almost non stop from missing you...

Until I quit going to the phone to call you - only upon dialing realize you won't answer...

Until seeing something I know you would like - but can't share with you, hearing something I know you would think funny & hear you laugh, smelling something that brings back a memory of a time we shared....

Until seeing "Mother's Day Gifts" in the store won't remind me that I can't get you a gift this year...

Until walking into my "childhood home" & not feeling gut punched because you aren't sitting there in your favorite chair...

Until I no longer feel like I have to be the "strong & encouraging one" for those around me - because I know it is what you would want me to be...

Until I don't cry myself to sleep anymore ...

Until I don't feel like I have to go to the gravesite every Saturday & stand by your grave & cry out for you my precious MOMMA...

How much longer ... How much longer.... How much longer.... UNTIL THIS PAIN GOES AWAY..

Living A Dream...

Jeff's chest-a-drawers. We will be putting a mirror up tomorrow that matches the picture a few photos down.

My dresser! Love it...

Corners in the room! Love it! The walls are "Cowslip" - Kinda of a buttery cream. The ceiling trim & baseboards are white!

I love this photo - The matching mirror I received from my former boss & it will be placed above Jeff's chest-a-drawers.

Ahhhhhh. My favorite. I love this big bed... It's sooo super comfy .... The comforter, pillows, sheets, pillowcases I got from J.C Penny's...

Opps.... I told 'ya I love it.... Didn't mean to post it twice tho!


My night stand - It only came with one so we have ordered another one - hopefully it will be here by the end of next week! The wood floor is another favorite - it looks so much better than the yucky ole brown grody carpet!

This is the view to our bedroom as we walk out of the master bath...

I am soooo pleased with the way the room turned out - Please leave me a comment & let me know what you think!!!

Goodbye Cowboy Boot Brown , Sleigh Furniture...

GOODBYE 'Ole Bed... Cowboy Boot Paint HEllo Cowslip Buttery Cream

It's remodeling time at our house --- about the only room left in the whole house we haven't done is our masterbedroom and bath.... SOOOOOOOOO.... as of today...

Goodbye

cowboy boot brown wall, sleigh bed, pine chester drawers, dresser, night stand, UGLY-UGLY brown carpet.....

HELLO-

Cowslip buttery cream walls, white trim, gorgeous bedspread, curtains, awesome new bedroom furniture, new wood floors.... AWWWW... I am so loving it...

I'll post photos when we are totally finished.... Better get back to helping put down the floors...

A beautiful day

Today the sun shining was so great! It was nice to get out of the house and just walk around & be able to praise God for all of his glory. It is comforting to know that my momma is in heaven & enjoying all of its beauty as well.

Kapriel is on spring break this week - it has been a blessing to have her here with us and help us keep our mind on her & not dwell as much on our loss.

I hope everyone has enjoyed today as much as I have.

God Bless

Thank You...

I would just like to Thank everyone that has lifted my family up in prayer this past week... it has been very hard & I just want you to know that the prayers are helping. Just when I feel like I can't go on - I feel a gentle nudge and a peace & I know that God has me wrapped in his hands.

I want to share the poem that I wrote for my momma...

I can't see you
But I know you're here
I carry my memories
In my heart - very near.
I miss you with every breath
And your precious face
There is no one that could ever
Take your place.
A childhood of memories
By a life so blessed
Being your daughter
Is simply the best.
Your with Jesus now momma
Your body is whole
But it doesn't make it any easier
To let you go.
You gave me everything
You gave me life
You were my momma
And my daddy's wife.
In God I find comfort
Just as you did
Peace comes from knowing
And being a Kings Kid.
I'll see you again
My goal - Heaven Bound
You'll know I'm coming
By my "halleuiah" sound.
Flutter your angel wings
Eat brownies galore
Rest peacefully now my momma
Your inside Heaven's door.
Teresa "Sissy"
3-6-09

I will remember you....

My momma went to her eternal home in heaven on Thursday morning, March 6, 2009 at 4:39a.m. after a long and couragious battle with cancer.

She was surrounded by my dad, my brother, my aunt, a special friend, Ms. Betty,a grand-daughter, my husband & myself. We held her hand & prayed for her as she departed this world. We know she is in a much better place - but we struggle with not having her here. I already miss so many things about her...

Please pray for strength, comfort & peace for my daddy. They were married for 48 years - his heart is truly broken.

Visitation will be on Monday, March 9th from 5-7p at Moore's Funeral Home
Funeral services will be on Tuesday, March 10th @ 10a at Black Oak Church of Christ.

My First Award....

Thanks to my friend, Tammy - I received my first blogging award -- I wasn't prepared so I don't have a speech prepared but I will say I humbly accept it with pride!!!

List 7 things that you love and then pass the award on to 7 people...tagging them and letting them know they won! You can copy the picture of the award and put it on your sideboard letting the whole wide world know you are KReATIV

1. My Heavenly Father

2. My precious family --- my awesome husband, my 8 children, 1 grandchild, 2 dogs & 2 turtles

3. My arts/craft room

4. My parents

5. My house & pool

6. My life

7. Flea-markets, Thrift Stores, Yard-Sales

Now, I am going to tag

1. Kyla

2. Kayla

3. Krystal

4. Amy

5. Tara

6. Jessica

Have Fun!!!

5.

My baby is ready!!!

Introducing my Valentine Present from my dear husband

Mr. Talen Drake

born on January 11, 2009 to Doodle Bug & Billy Jack

I just love his little face & how he follows me around. His little nose twitches like a bunny rabbits. He is just oh so adorable!!!

OMG!!

I got home from work tonight and look what my sweet-sweet husband had waiting for me on my pillow!!! SURPRISE!!! Peep Ducks & Whopper Robin Eggs.... 2 of my very favorites --- a sign that spring is getting closer not to mention how good they are!!! He is such a sweetheart - Thank you Heavenly Father for the blessing of my husband, his gentle loving nature & the love that he shows me. It truly is the little things that make it all worth while!! :)

I need Your HELP...

Hey Ladies,

I need your help - please! A really sweet friend of mine, Glenda M. is just getting started as a consultant with Mary Kay - she has ask me to help her by booking a class - she is in a contest of 30 faces in 30 days where she does make overs on 30 people.

I am SO excited for her and told her I would love to help her get started!!!

My class to help her will be on Thursday, March 5th at 6:30 at my house.

There is NO obligation to buy anything - just please come, enjoy some snacks, get a free mini make over & she will be off to a running good start. There will be catalogs and products to order IF you are interested but that is strickly up to you --- this is just a class to help her get started and WIN THE CONTEST!!!

PLEASE - PLEASE Post a comment AND LET ME KNOW IF YOU WILL or WON'T BE ABLE TO COME!!!

If you can't come but would like to see a catalog or book a class from her - I know she would appreciate it.

Us ladies have to stick together!!! Can't wait to hear from you!!!!

HE PASSED!!!!

Chance took his drivers permit test almost 2 weeks ago and failed by a 72% - Jeff & I both told him that he needed to spend more time studying but I guess there is just something about being a teenage boy & cool.... that he just couldn't quite get it into his routine.... well after he "failed" he was heart broken - how I wanted to take that hurt from him but a life lesson learnt & I did notice that this time around the drivers book was almost like his new best friend!!! We went again this past Tuesday and HE PASSED WITH AN 84%.... WHOOT...WHOOT... We went to Granny's Kitchen in Huntsville to celebrate. I am happy for him but the momma part of my heart is sad.... my baby is growing up and with that comes less of a need for me. On a lighter note -Anyone that wants advance warning when he is going to be driving on the road -- let me know.. hehe

Cancer Changes Everything

As most of you know my precious momma was diagnoised with small cell lung cancer almost 4 years ago - it has now spread to her liver. Hospice has been called in - my entire family is struggling with what we know is coming that will forever change our life. Sometimes I have to remind myself to breath and than when I do - it is a gut punch... I had no earthly ideal that one person could cry so much. My momma has put up a strong and courages fight and I am so proud of her but I can tell that her little body is getting weaker. She said that she doesn't want to die but either way she will be okay - you see I take GREAT comfort in that because my momma is a very devoted Christan - she has been all of her life. I have no doubt that when she passes from this earth she will be with our Heavenly Father. Some days are harder than others for us - I am finding that the days I can't be especially strong - than someone else in the family is and they lift me up or visa versa... God is good that way - we have no doubt that thru all of this he is there gently holding us up. Please remember my momma and daddy in your prayers thru out the day - & evening if we are learning one thing right now --- take the time to be with the ones you love, tell them you love them and cherish each and every moment. God Bless You

Happy Birthday Bren - "DAWG"

Today Bren-"DAWG" turns 12 --- it is hard to believe that this is the same little boy that came to live with us when he was just 2 years old... We have seen alot of changes in him in the 10 year period. He still struggles with many things but he has a true heart of gold. He is an inspiration to many to not ever give up - HAPPY HAPPY Birthday to you - our "Tex", "Grandpa", " Lil Man", "Booger" & most importantly "D-A-W-G" - you rock our world!!!

Valentine KING

King Carl Hutchins

First off let me begin by saying that my grandfather is a 86 year old patient at a local nursing home. He was married to my sweet-sweet grandmother for 55 years until she went to be with the Lord on 6/20/00 - my daddy is an only child - he married my precious momma almost 48 years ago and they had my brother & myself... Being the ONLY grand-daughter I was very-very close to my grandmother - I say with pride that she spoiled me rotten! Every single time I go to see my grandfather - I am a rememberance of Grandma & he cries.... he had a stroke almost 5 years ago and is not able to talk & does not have the use of his right arm or leg. My grandpa is the only grandparent that I have left on this earth - he is very special to me. I feel guilty that with my busy life I don't spend as much time with him as I should - this week I vowed to change that. When I arrive he cries, while I am there he cries & when I leave he cries... the whole time saying "day - oh - day" which he means "Stay All Day" It breaks my heart - but grandpa I am going to start "Day Oh Day" with you several times a month in addition to other little mini visits.

The nursing home called yesterday and said that grandpa was chosen "Mr. Valentine King" -- he won this by receiving the most votes from the nursing staff and patients. When they called his name - he just grinned - & of course started to cry. It was just to adorable. Before his stroke he was very much a "Manly Man" & as tough and grough as they come -- He was very honored by this award today - and I am so proud of my "Grandpa the King"

23 years...

On February 6, 1986 I became Mrs. Jeff Graves.... Jeff was in the Army stationed in Germany - he arrived back in the states on Feb. 5th,1986 & we were married the next day at Baptist Ford Church in Greenland, Ar... we left on 2/7 headed to Augusta, Georgia where he was staioned at Ft. Gordon. We lived there for 3 years until he got out of the Army. I totally love looking at this photo - I thought I couldn't love him anymore but I look at it now and realize just how young we really were... [23 & 25] if someone would have told me I was wrong that I would love him more - in fact everyday and that we would be the parents of 8 kids [5 adopted] I think we both would have cracked up laughing! I had so much fun planning our wedding & reception - he could only call me on Saturday mornings so I tried to cram all I could in those phone conversations....I wrote him daily. The letters we have saved from the 9 months he was in Germany are boxeand put away.... Priceless and precious are these

Flash forward 23 years later - Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Graves.... older, a little chunkier and still just as in LOVE... the parents of 8, pap-paw & Gigi to a 6 year old... We are so blessed. When I woke up this morning I told Jeff I really didn't "feel that old"

This is what was waiting for us when we checked into our room -- the chocolate chip cookies were on our bed!!! YUM-YUM!!!

Jeff waiting on me to get ready before he takes me to dinner!!

This bed was super comfortable -- Jeff has promised to build me a headboard like this! The room was TOTALLY GORGEOUS!!! The amr. is another favorite in the room!

This is the breakfast we had delivered to our room this morning ---ohmygosh ... the chocolate cros. were to die for!!!

I got Jeff 3 gifts...a pair of tennis shoes he had been wanting, the E.S.V Bible & I made him this little can - on the top of it - it says "23 Things I Love" .... - in the inside I listed 23 reasons I love him sooooo very much!! I think it was his favorite. He bought me a GORGEOUS ring w/ 6 heart shaped diamonds in it --- It is being sized and when I get it back - you can bet I will post a photo of it.

This wraps up our 23 year anniversary - it was such a precious day we spent -- we took the day off from work, went Flea Marketing all day, ate at Denny's, Mamma Z's, Lone Star.... The memories will be priceless..... I am now working on planning our 25th.... it will be a blow out as we are planning on re-newing our vows.... than off to Cancun!!! :)

Random Things...

Today has been one of those days --- it was over before it started and I am sitting here wondering just WHERE did the day go - WHAT did people see in me today? WAS - I an example for Christ?? I don't deal well with change - I like a routine, my feathers not ruffled... School has not been in session since last Monday and I liked the routine of sleeping until 9, working on my arts/crafts, hanging out with my family - TOMORROW we go back to school - along with that comes the busy, hecktic pace... I realize that I truly do have so many things to be thankful for!~
Thank you Jesus!

Here are 4 more notebooks I made!!!


Chance cooking on the front porch during the Ice-Storm!!! Yummy!!!


Lemon Sugar Cookies w/ Royal Icing!!! Super YUMMY!!!!

This is the tree out behind our pool area - it is now laying on flat on the ground...

This is the picture out of our bedroom window - hanging off the roof! My favorite!

Praise the Lord we were only out of electricity for about 26 hours - my parents are still without it. It's really an eye opener when you stop & realize just how much our life revolves around flipping on a light switch, pressing the remote control button! We were in bed almost as soon as it got dark - our house is all electric and it got cold quickly. Several times I heard the girls saying "This is just like Little House on the Prairie" We went to Dollar General & stocked up on canned foods [V. Weenies, Potted Meat, Canned Ham etc] bought a b.b.q grilled and cooked supper on the porch in weather in the teens... It was crazy and fun... I think my favorite part was being out of school - I love my job of 19 years but to just be home - not having to worry about going somewhere, no routines and schedules was a much needed relief - & like I told the kids in 6 months from now we'll be hanging out in our back yard -- I CAN'T WAIT...