Living the Good Life

...And Then I Shot a Prep......

2012-01-08T16:56:00.000-06:00

Meet Kyle.

Kyle is near and dear to my heart.

Remember these 2 people? (CLICK HERE)

He is their youngest child and only boy.

I've known him since he was a wee "chuckle head".

That is what his dad called him because

his body was soooo much smaller than his head.

As you can see, his body caught up and

he turned out to be quite a handsome

man.

You never really see how fast time flies unless you

relate it to children.

You never feel very old until you look

at children that are now old enough to reproduce.

(BETTER NOT TRY IT KYLE)

Kyle has a bright future....I even understand he has the

talents for a job on the side working his way through

college. HA!

Don't worry Kyle, I didn't put the picture of you

pole dancing.....

Kyle isn't quite sure where he wants to go to school....although, I did

here him mention OSU...as in OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY!!

GO POKES!!!

Sorry...I get carried away....

I hope he enjoys his time at college....

I hope he stays there all the time...

Why?

Why would I say this?

Because when the kids are gone....

the parents shall play!!!

Yep! When you don't have to worry whether the teens

are having a party at the house while you are out to

dinner with friends, you can linger a little longer after

the meal....yep, that's why you need to STAY AT COLLEGE.

Thanks for letting me shoot you Kyle!

I can't wait until I get to shoot the AGGIE side of you

in a few month!!!

HERE IS HIS SISTER I SHOT LAST YEAR. (CLICK HERE)

HERE IS HIS OLDEST SISTER AND HER BOYS. (CLICK HERE)

I NEED BLOGGER TO HELP ME!!!!!

2012-01-04T07:24:00.000-06:00

Blogger is really messing up my pictures.

I am finally just going to show you what it is doing.

My posts have always been picture heavy, but

I've never had trouble uploading before now.

This started about 3 weeks ago....almost every picture has

these gruesome colored lines on them.

I was excited this morning when I uploaded a test picture

to see if it was fixed....then I did a 2nd picture...

and NOOoOoOOOOOOooOoO.

Someone HELP me figure out why it is doing this PLEASE!!!

Our Very First Christmas Ornament

2011-12-29T16:44:00.000-06:00

I am having a terrible time with blogger...I had to upload this picture 9 times before it loaded correctly...arrrggghhh. Needless to say, I can't upload entire stories or series until

I get this problem fixed.

Anyhow, when David and I first started dating, I received this little

mouse in a tennis shoe from David's mother, Bonnie.

It has gone on a Christmas tree every year since.....

Did I tell you I started dating him when I was just 15 years old?

I married him at 19 years old.

I love him more today than I could have ever imagined!!!

Shadow Play!!!

2011-12-26T21:27:00.000-06:00

YAY!!! I got a picture to post!!!!

Blogger has been uploading my pics all funky and stuff.

This one is the only one I got to work right

after uploading it 8 times.

Taken Christmas Day 2011.

This couple has been together since 7th grade.

That is 17 years!!!

Newlywed's 1st Christmas Portrait

2011-12-19T17:47:00.000-06:00

Meet Kody and Leslie.

They've been sweethearts for a long long time.

They couldn't get married until Leslie

graduated college.

Wellll....they almost made it to graduation.

They were married in June.

Leslie finished school and Kody joined the Navy.

They've been separated for a huge chunk of their married life.

Leslie graduated from college the day before this picture.

I did an entire photo shoot with them.

Believe me, asking them to kiss was noooooo problem...

matter of fact, I didn't even have to ask them....

Kody said he is making up for six months worth of no

kissing.

They get to be together for their 1st Christmas together...

Everyone say AWWWWWWWW......

Congrats on the marriage and the the graduation,

but most of all...thanks Kody for your

SERVICE to our country.

The Ultimate Sinnamon Rolls (Includes Cheater Directions)

2011-12-16T08:33:00.001-06:00

Are you a cinnamon roll junkie?

Well, I am NOT.

Until I tried this recipe.

One of my friends over at Fabric, Food, and Photos brought

some of these to Sunday School.

When I asked her for the recipe, she said she learned about them from

Ashley Ann of Under the Sycamore blog.

Ashley Ann hosts a wonderful photography workshop and food is

included.

We found out Ashley got the recipe from her sister, Lesley.

HERE IS THE ORIGINAL RECIPE.

CLICK HERE

I have since modified my version of this recipe and cannot tell

a difference.

I use my own ROLL recipe, however there is a cheater version of

using the frozen Rhodes Cinnamon Rolls.

Believe me, I wouldn't hold it against you if you did this version.

I was going to do it also, but our lovely ONLY grocery store

does not carry the Rhodes Cinnamon Rolls. :(

If your store doesn't have them, but they DO have the Rhodes Bread Loaf,

USE IT.

Roll and press out the loaf to resemble a rectangle.

This is a great workout by the way.

If you have small children, they can learn their shapes!

Did I tell you I flunked shapes 101?

The original recipe called for making a wonderful mixture of

brown sugar and VANILLA ICE CREAM!

This tickled me to death.....at first.

It takes TIME.

I decided to do the CHEATER VERSION.

I wandered the aisles looking for the ice cream topping...

I was beginning to worry that our ONLY grocery store

didn't carry it.

FINALLY my amazing husband wandered over by the PAPER PRODUCTS

and THERE IT WAS in all it's GLORY!!!

Yes, you read that correctly...PAPER PRODUCTS...CARAMEL....

I have no idea what the logic is to that....

I used the ENTIRE jar!!!

You just pour it in the GLASS cake pan...yep, that easy.

SIDE NOTE: These Sinnamon rolls are better in a glass pan for some reason.

I used my wonderful Pampered Very Seasoned Chef pan, and they

weren't as good.

Next step is to take a WHOLE stick of SOFTENED butter

and slather it on the dough....making sure you get to the edges.

Next: Sprinkle a GENEROUS amount of cinnamon

and get to the edges...it is okay if you get off the edges too.

Next is BROWN SUGAR....I used light because that

is what I have and wouldn't know if you can tell a difference

with dark brown sugar. PILE IT ON.

No measuring here.

Starting with the LONG side, begin to roll that baby up....

making a giant tootsie roll.

Once it is rolled, I either stretch it or scrunch it to make it

go from the 8" on the left of the mat to the 8" on the right side.

I guess that makes is 16" long, right?

You are going to DIVIDE the dough now....

start by cutting it in 1/2.

Be careful not to cut your mat if you are using one.

By the way, this is a Pampered Chef Pastry Mat....LOVE IT!!

I got it FREE when I hosted a party.

Then you cut each 1/2 into 1/2.

Now you have FOUR!

Now each 1/4 needs to cut into 1/3rds.

The cutting distorts them a little, just push them back together

and place them in the pan ON TOP of the cheater caramel.

Say hi to college girl, Sydni.

She loves these and wanted to learn how to make them.

Here they are all ready for their last rising before being baked.

At this point, we lightly sprayed the top with Pam and put

plastic wrap over the top.

I put the plastic wrap tight since I wanted to let them rise OVERNIGHT

in the fridge.

If you don't want them to rise overnight, just place them in a draft free spot

until they double in size.

My secret place is in the MICROWAVE with the stove top light ON...it heats up

the INSIDE of the microwave just right for proofing bread!

Here they are after rising in the fridge overnight.

(TOP VIEW)

(SIDE VIEW)

See how they are almost to the top?

Since I had the GLASS pan in the fridge, I let it set a bit while

the oven warmed up...DO NOT take them right out of the

fridge and pop it in the oven.....It could shatter the pan.

It could shatter your dreams of wonderful Sinnamon Rolls too.

Set oven to 350 degrees.

While they are baking, set out:

1 Oz. of cream cheese and let soften.

1/4 cup of butter and let soften.

Get together:

1 cup of powdered sugar

1/2 tsp. of vanilla

1 1/2 tsp of milk

Once the cream cheese and butter are softened,

mix ALL ingredients....

WHIP IT - WHIP IT GOOD!!!!

When it is whipped, you will have some glorious frosting

while turns them from Cinnamon Rolls, to SINNAMON ROLLS.

Honestly, I think the CARAMEL is what turns them into

SINNAMON ROLLS....see how it bubbles up around them while baking?

It is bubbling into the cracks and crevices....and

baking INTO the rolls.

Here they are baked.

If for some reason, they seem to brown too fast in some areas...

you can cover loosly with foil.

It takes about 30 minutes in my oven.

Since we like ours goooooey....we don't let them brown too too much.

Let them cool a tad before putting the frosting on or it will run all down into

the cracks.....

Just try them....do the cheater version.....

Tell me you don't change the name to SINNAMON ROLLS.

ENJOY!!!!

Then I shot SUPER GIRL!!!

2011-12-14T08:30:00.000-06:00

Ornery.

Isn't she just dripping with orneriness....did I spell that right?

Is that even a word?

Meet Livvie.

When I was asked to take Livvie's pictures, I requested

that they step away from the traditional frilly girl

pictures....step FAR away.

I had a picture in my mind and tried my

best to convey it to the family.

I think I did a great job, because just LOOK at that OUTFIT!!!

It is sooooo perfect for her little personality!

We hit the local park on a day that was supposed to be 51 degrees.

It was 51 degrees alright, with a windchill of about 40 degrees.

Livvie had snotcicles.

I had snotcicles.

On a side note: Parents, if you are at the park with your children, GET OFF YOUR PHONE

AND PAY ATTENTION TO THEM.

There were 4 - 5 kids that must have been lacking in attention because

they tried their darnedest to get IN THE PICTURES.

Their mom or babysitter just stood within 6 ft. and played on her

phone and never said a thing to them.....arrrggggh.

It was a good thing I was almost finished or I might have let my

ugly side make an appearance.

We managed to get some great shots of Livvie.

I must admit that the picture below is one of my all time

favorites....

Looking for Santa....awwwwww.

Thanks to Regina for letting us use her AWESOMESAUCE fireplace!!!

Livvie.....thanks for the great time and great outfit!!!

My Very Mad Men Looking Wedding Portrait

2011-11-17T19:22:00.001-06:00

This is a shot in the elevator on the way up

to the Honeymoon Suite.

Isn't the mirror AMAZING?

Doesn't this shot look like something from

Mad Men?

SWOON!

Father/Daughter Wedding Dance.....

2011-11-16T13:07:00.002-06:00

I made it through another wedding....

This is the daughter of long-time friends.

It was a beautiful day, beautiful family, beautiful wedding.

Caught Parking on a Country Road.....BUSTED!!!

2011-11-07T08:24:00.000-06:00

So, you have an old pick-up and a couple...what do you do?

YOU GO PARKING!!!!

Now you have to know that the guy DID NOT want to take pictures!!!

I honestly think he would rather gouge out his eyeballs.

I kept hearing him tell his wife, "You OWE me for this."

PFFFFFTTTT.......

He is not one that will smile for pictures either.

He whined and whined.

He did manage to muster a tiny smile.....

I am afraid to ask her what she "OWED" him

that would make him smile....HA!

Thanks Dennis and Summer for

allowing me to SHOOT you

while parking....oh and still being

able to do it while HIS parents are

watching....now that was PRICELESS!!!

"Digital" Wreath for Halloween

2011-10-12T16:12:00.004-05:00

I am trying to get my "spook" on....

Black wreath, orange hatchet, bloody fingers.

Did it scare you?

I wonder what the UPS man will think?

{EVIL LAUGH}

Do They Make Prozac Salt-Licks?

2011-10-05T09:00:00.001-05:00

I certainly could have used one.

Meet Reece and Trina.

They were married October 1, 2011.

Not breaking with tradition, I got them in

a picture together.

These pictures were taken at the wedding...which just

so happened to be their newly built home.

They moved their belongings in the week of the wedding....

and planned and prepared the wedding itself.

There are floor to ceiling windows on the west side.

The wedding was in the evening....just

right for getting that wonderful lighting.

She had a beautiful dress.

I needed some strong drugs to calm my nerves.

Did I mention, this is my first wedding to

photograph?

Yah, is it possible for the photographer to be

more nervous than the bride?

I. Think. So.

Once again, using the lighting from those wonderful

windows.

SIGH.

Her daughter was so precious.

She wants to be just like her mommy.

Should I tell you she is really standing

in a bathtub here?

The wedding party.

Another reason I love Pinterest.

I've seen a few of these shots with the "ATTACK

of the GIANT FOOT".

I need to practice it more so I know exactly how to get the

wedding party more focused....but, I think

it still turned out cute.

A sweet moment after the wedding.

Yep, the window lighting again.....

I do like the different textures in lighting...call me weird.

Time to relax and get back to the party.

HE GOT HER!!!!

Another shot of the wedding party.

She watched the season ending of The Bachelor, and got the

idea for the driftwood for the wedding "stage".

I still have numerous more pictures to edit.....these

are my favorites so far.

Thanks Reece and Trina for getting ME outta my box

and trusting me with your most special day. :)

...And Then I Went on a Shooting Spree at a Wedding....

2011-10-02T14:50:00.002-05:00

Well, I did it.

I climbed out of my comfort zoned box

and photographed a wedding.

I only had to use ONE Prozac Salt-Lick.

It was quite possibly the scariest thing I've done....

Giveaway!!!

2011-10-01T07:31:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite bloggers has become an author and

is having a giveaway of her first book!! I am promoting it here in

hopes that more people will get her book....and also

I can possibly WIN a free book.

OK, you can too....just click the picture and read all about it.

She is a great writer and her book is about her life.

Just click the picture and you shall be whisked away to her bloggity blog.

You can even tell her I sent you if you choose. ;)

CONGRATS LIZ!!!!!

...And Then I Went to the Wild Wild West for a Family Shootout.....

2011-09-27T08:19:00.000-05:00

Now we know the secret to how a cowboy gets his gal.

Why do kids freak out when parents kiss?

Pffffffffft.

I am pretty sure I won't ever get a picture like this again....

WOW!

And then I Tried the NO SHAMPOO Thing......

2011-09-24T14:47:00.001-05:00

Have you heard of this?

Stop using SHAMPOO?

I clicked THIS LINK on Pinterest.

I was quite interested.

I am beginning to feel that so many products

are just marketing gimmicks.

I know that shampoo hasn't been around that long.

So, why not give this a try.

I just had my hair colored 3 days ago.

Normally, I go 48 hours without washing it so the color will stay longer...

who knows if that really works or not.

So, when I tried 1 cup of water and 1 TBS. of baking soda,

I was very skeptical as I had 3 days of EW plus 2 days of gel, mousse and hairspray

on my hair.

I am sorry that I didn't take a BEFORE picture.

I did NOT use the whole one cup on my hair, just enough to work

into my scalp and let it set while I did the

shaving thing......which I am sure is another genius gimmick.

Making women thing they have to shave....but I do it.

I am not fond of pants sticking to leg hairs or lifting my

arm just to have the fat tickled by HAIR.

Here is the AFTER.

I applied no product, just blow dried it.

LIKE MY COLOR?????

I do.

Like my glasses?????

http://zennioptical.com/

and you can get them for around $4 for just the frames.

I get my daughter's their single vision glasses for

$25!!! NO KIDDING.

Make sure you understand HOW to order them

and how your eye Dr. writes the prescription.

They have awesome styles.

Up close shot.

I was very impressed.

I will keep using it and posting pics.

I have a daughter that has realllllly oily hair.

I am going to have her try it too.

Next.....

we will wash our faces with oil!!!

Yep! You heard me correctly, OIL!!!!

Stay Tuned.

More Signage.......I Shall Make a Canvas.

2011-09-23T20:51:00.001-05:00

I am really having fun making signs.

I've also discovered how to put them

on a canvas......so, here is the before.

When I make it into a canvas, I'll edit this post and

put the after.

...And Then I Shot a Mom and Her Two Sons....

2011-09-23T07:12:00.001-05:00

Meet Kaylee and her two boys.

Kaylee has a 3rd guy in her life, Tristan.

Tristan is a US Sailor.

Tristan is not here for the pictures. :(

We planned this photoshoot for the time of day best for the baby.

The baby decided this time was not good for him.

He was not a happy camper.

Despite the unhappiness, we did manage to snap a few where

he wasn't crying.

His brother on the other hand was VERY happy.

He was so happy, his mom was stressed.

He was all over the place.

That is normal, and she is used to stopping and posing.

When you have a toddler, you don't plan on stopping

and posing.

You catch them on the go....

You keep the parent in one place and the child

will eventually make his way back to the parent.

When he does this.....you SNAP SNAP SNAP.

If you are lucky, you will catch some spontaneous

very precious moments.

You can also introduce the toddler to props.

Then you SNAP SNAP SNAP again.

If toddler is worried little sibling is getting some attention,

he will come running to make sure he isn't being

left out of the loving going on.

Then you SNAP SNAP SNAP again.

Introduce more props and keep snapping.

Keep the parent aware that you are still snapping.

Believe it or not, Kaylee is stressed at this moment.....

I said, PSHAW.....and SNAPPED.

Just when you think the parent is about to blow her gasket

or pull out her giant Prozac salt-lick, you get

a shot like this.

PRICELESS.

So, stop posing and start living.....enjoy the moment.

I can work around it, I just can't make the baby

happy...only his mom can do that.

An Awesome Gift Idea for Newlyweds - Letter-Type

2011-09-17T11:55:00.002-05:00

I have been having a lot of fun trying my hand

at letter-typing.

Tell me what you think.

Do You Understand What I Mean???????

2011-09-16T17:29:00.002-05:00

Altered T-Shirt from a Man's T-Shirt

2011-09-07T07:42:00.000-05:00

Do you have a shirt that seems to be a perfect fit on you?

Don't you hate it when regular t-shirts fit you like a blanket?

Why do they charge more for a girly t-shirt when often

it takes less material?

I bought this t-shirt for $10 to advertise my

business....Cupcakes.

When you look at a plain shirt, it just didn't

do my Cupcakes justice.

I took my favorite shirt that fit me fine, got on YouTube

and looked for some tutorials.

What is funny, I am pretty sure it was a high school girl

who had exactly what I was looking to do to the shirt.

I added some ruffle to the collar...next time, I will make

it a smaller width ruffle.

All in all, I am content with how it turned out.

The cost of this project was the initial $10 for the shirt.

It took me about an hour to alter the shirt.

I would certainly do this again.

HERE IS THE TUTORIAL: (CLICK HERE)

I Shoot People.

2011-09-01T19:45:00.000-05:00

I am really having fun playing around with non-photographs.

I always say I am going to shoot so and so...

I thought this fit the bill.

I do enjoy shooting people.

Getting Out of the Box

2011-08-26T13:14:00.000-05:00

This was inspired by a certain boy ~~(Jacob)~~, who shall remain

NAMELESS.

He has the perfect vintage size and shape for some

really awesome senior pictures using vintage style

clothing.

I told him to TRUST me.

He is having a difficult time TRUSTING me.

I think he gets it from his parents. ~~(Mel & Rhonda)~~

I must get him out of his "I want the typical Senior Portraits Box."

So, this is my new motto/logo I came up with....

LIKE IT????

Does Jacob get out of his box?

Stay tuned......

I Shot a Preacher and His Family at a Church!

2011-08-16T08:41:00.001-05:00

Believe it or not, Jesus still loves me!!!

Meet the Davis family.

They like to have family pictures made to remember

their appointed churches.

I was very excited to get the honor to "shoot" them.

I didn't expect that I would end up so nervous, I couldn't relax.

I also didn't think the coloring of the church would play

games with me.

These two pictures are rare for the Davis family.

They very rarely get to all sit in a pew together as a family.

Why? Well, DUH, he is a PREACHER.

Also, she is a very talented musician and is

often in the worship band.

So, anyhow...this is normally a WILLLD AND CRAZY family!

Taking serious pictures, was hard for me.

I promise, I will get them away from the church to

have a great time getting their real personalities.

Did you just GASP? I have a picture of the PREACHER

kissing his WIFE in front of the CHURCH!!!

Poor preachers....sort of like teachers....people don't

want to believe they are NORMAL.

I also have a picture of them KISSING INSIDE the church!

It didn't turn out though....boo hoo!!!

It would have been an great pictures.

This is my new creation!!!

I woke up in the middle of the night with this idea.

I put out the plea for a family to try it.

The family I chose, never got with me.

I decided to do it with the Davis family.

Just imagine the possibilities with this.....Grandkids spelling

out GRANDKIDS. Oh my mind is going 100mph about

the possibilites.

Thanks Davis family for letting me shoot you at the church.

I promise I won't be as nervous next time...if there is a next time... :)

What Inspires You?

2011-08-14T20:32:00.000-05:00

There are times in my life where I just want to express my

joy through creativity.

In my Sunday School Class, we are currently studying the book, Weird, by Craig Groeschel.

He spoke about Esau giving up his birthright

for a bowl of red stew.

To the casual reader, one might think SO WHAT......it is just a birthright.

When you study deeper, you learn that the birthright is a bit

more than what it means in today's world.

Esau traded the ultimate for the immediate pleasure of red stew.

Esau could have been the one who was blessed by Isaac, son of Abraham.

Esau could have been the one that carried the line

straight to Jesus.

Abraham, Isaac and Esau......

It was more than a birthright.

It is ALWAYS more than the immediate satisfaction.

Instead, Jacob got to carry on the birthright.

If you don't let God use you, He WILL find someone else.

Are you trading a bowl of red stew for something that will later be meaningless?

What are you trading for the Ultimate?

Camera Strap for My Nikon D90

2011-08-13T14:35:00.000-05:00

I found this cute little tutorial on Pinterest.

(CLICK HERE) for the tutorial.

It was really easy, I made it in a little under an hour.

I did it in the usual FLYLADY WAY: 15 minutes sewing, 15 minutes cleaning.

Here are some hints I would use the next time I make one.

1. Make a pattern first. I do NOT sew, so I do not have the fancy cutting boards, etc. Plus, it will make the next strap so much easier.

2. Use FUSIBLE batting. I did not. Mine rolled a little. I might even sew top stitching the length of the strap to give it that quilted look.

3. The pocket was too small for my lens. :( I guess I would have to measure my lens to make sure I made the strap a little wider for the lens pocket.

4. Use contrasting fabric for the pocket. I did NOT do this and think it

would look so much cuter.

5. Use "attaching a camera strap the Nikon way" video on YouTube so you

don't have little strap flaps. It really makes me look like I know what I am doing.

Thank you Little Big Girl Studio for the great tutorial!!!!

Total Project Cost = $2.00

Never too Old for the First Day of School Picture!!!

2011-08-12T13:10:00.000-05:00

Our youngest is growing up so fast......while she will

be a sophomore in high school, our middle will

be a sophomore in college....WOW!

Running right now to find middle daughter and make a picture

like this of her college years!!!

Vintage Hairstyles

2011-08-12T10:59:00.000-05:00

I have always had a passion for all things vintage.

I remember in high school, wishing I could wear poodle skirts

and saddle oxfords.

I was afraid of what people would say....

I tried to raise my children in a WEIRD way...

go against the norm.

"See yourself through God's eyes, not the world."

I love my girls and love their desire to please God.

I love that they accept my vintage style and also

find some things they try themselves.

I regret that I didn't step out from the norm when I was

younger.....I am so glad my girls do not have this fear.

Seeing how cute their hair is...makes me want to grow

mine out.....NAH! I just like the short better....plus, I

get headaches too easily with long hair.

Does Your Cell Phone Fall to the Bottom of Your Purse?

2011-08-07T14:57:00.000-05:00

First I have to apologize for the poor picture

quality.

A certain youngest daughter borrowed my point and click

camera and left it at her grandparents' home.

Ok, now on to the important business.

I have a Blackberry Torch.

My very first "smart" phone.

I was so scared I would break the face of it, I

bought an Otterbox.

I broke the Otterbox.

I have not replaced the Otterbox.

Otterbox needs to make a better one or lower

the price.

The Blackeberry Torch has a terrible fallacy.

The lock key on it is very very easily unlocked.

Just trying to push it into a pocket will unlock it.

I do NOT like this at all.

I am sure people do NOT like

getting butt dialed by me.

I know I don't want to risk the data charges should

I accidentally hit the touch screen while

unlocked in my pocket.

I had to come up with a way of keeping track of it in my purse

and also tyring to keep it from getting unlocked in my

bottomless ~~canyon~~ purse.

Quite some time ago, I started clipping my keys

to the straps on my purse.

This kept me from digging and pulling everything out

in a panic even when I KNEW they were in my purse.

You know, that split second thought...."UH OH".

I know it is nerdy, but it works for me.

I use a rock climber thing-a-ma-jig.

So, if I can easily find my keys, why can't I find my cell phone?

I decided to give a cell phone pouch a try.

I can just make it like a key chain and hook

it to my keys.

I didn't want to go get specific material for this

project....I didn't even know if it would turn out.

I had found an old pair of capri's at our LOVE CLOSET.

No one wanted them, so I decided to re-purpose them.

I started by searching YouTube for any tutorials.

I couldn't get the right key words or there aren't any out there

specifically for this product.

I improvised.

I watched a POUCH tutorial.

I had to make a few adjustments, like adding the little

hanger strap, but it was pretty easy.

I had to use interfacing again.....I had to read

the directions on which side to iron AGAIN...thank

goodness I saved them...or I am sure I would have to YouTube

the instructions...LOL.

After about 1 hour and 45 minutes, I had my

pouch finished. I tried to take a picture of my

cute pouch holding the cell phone, but.....

like I said earlier....I didn't have my camera

and had to use my phone camera.

It is a little wider than I needed, but it works just fine.

I even added some little Velcro dots to

keep it closed.

I am thinking I could make these like the

Dave Ramsey envelopes complete

with a zipper!

I hope I've inspired you to try something new.

24 Years Ago Today.......

2011-08-01T08:51:00.000-05:00

I was 19.

I was young and in love.

I didn't know what love really was.

I married my high school sweetheart.

I am pretty sure people didn't expect us to last this long.

I remember on my honeymoon, having

a mini-panic attack.

I was repeating to myself....I can just get

a divorce if it doesn't work out.

I made myself sick...literally.

I was sick for our entire honeymoon.

I survived.

We managed to graduate college.

We managed to raise three beautiful girls.

We managed to go against the cultural norm

of divorce.

We've managed to stay married.

I almost feel sorry for those who haven't experienced

a lengthy marriage.

I know I can honestly say, I am truly, madly

deeply in love with my "Carl".

No, our interests aren't the same....he has his

hobbies and I have mine. We appreciate that

about each other.

It works for us.

We've grown up together....we've been with

each other longer than we were with

our own parents.

We are ready for next year...the big 25!

We are going to just hit the road and check

out some diners, dives and drives!!!

SQUEAL!!!!!

I love you Carl!!! I really really do!!!

I would say I DO all over again!!!

I'm MMmmmEELLLLLLTING.........

2011-08-01T08:32:00.000-05:00

Please, please pray for some relief from this heat wave and drought!!!

Thank you.

Mad Men Directors Need to See This!!

2011-07-13T15:27:00.000-05:00

We have a wonderful independent movie theatre in Tulsa.

It is the Circle Cinema.

This small theatre brings big stuff to Tulsa.

My family has met one of the subjects

from the movie, Lost Boys of Sudan.

The boy of the cover is the one we got to meet.

I still tear up thinking how that man gave up

so much to become so much for his

country.

We live in a country of selfishness.

If we are given the chance to be a professional

soccer player or a doctor....which do you think

most Americans will do?

I believe most will go for the BIG BUCKS and NOTORIETY

and be the professional soccer player.

I highly suggest you get this movie, it will change your life.

We also got to meet 2 Holocaust survivors.

I cried when I met them after seeing the movie.

I can honestly say that 2 of the top 10 experiences

in my life happened at the Circle Cinema.

The theatre is trying to expand and make a state of

the art theatre for the community to enjoy.

It is my understanding that they

are also having the original silent movie

organ restored.

To help with the fundraising efforts, they

had a special event.

They hosted a vintage fashion show through

the decades from the 20s thru the 2000s.

After the fashion show which included

awesome food from local

restaurants, each guest

was invited to a special

screening of

Vidal Sassoon, The Movie.

I was asked to take the pictures for

the event.....I tried to act

cool....but I think I might have s'queed!

Vintage + Photography = EXCITEMENT!!!

The models were awesome and looked

as if each one was meant for that

specific era!

He is not a model...he is a worker...but

doesn't he look AMAZING?

Most of the clothes were supplied

by a local store, Silver Screen Vintage.

This is Sheila, the owner of the shop.

Here are some of her outfits and some of the models.

This girl should be packaged and sold she

was that CUTE in a 1920s swimsuit!!!

I like the paradox of this photo.

1950s classic woman and a TATTOO.

I had a wonderful time at this event.

I hope that this encourages you to seek

out independent places and support them.

Small business America has to make

a come back!

Share some special places in your community with me in the

comments!!!

Farmers' Market - Okie Style.

2011-07-09T15:22:00.002-05:00

Our little town sets right where 2 state highways intersect.

Every corner has been bought up by chain stores.

We have Walgreens Pharmacy, Taco Bell/KFC, and Arby's.

The fourth corner is a small but wonderful little

park area.

Unfortunately, the rumor-mill says that it will soon

be another chain store. :(

During the summer months, the little park is used on Saturdays

for a farmers' market.

My oldest daughter, Carly, is a massage therapist trying to

get her business off the ground.

I got the bright idea to have her set up at the farmers' market

with her massage chair.

Of course mom had to go with her.....

she did pretty decent her first Saturday.

I, however, was bored.....

so, I got the bright idea to sell some of my

homemade yeast rolls.

We got creative and made a sign....

Carly got a fancy rug....and customers.

I made 4 dozen rolls.

I sold out.

Then I started adding lemonade to my products.

I sold out.

I really enjoy it.

I am a people person if you haven't figured it out yet.

I get to spend 4 hours every Saturday just

chatting it up with locals and distants.

(My hair is fried, it was windy)

Even Summer got into the market....she

makes homemade laundry soaps, cleaning spray, and bug spray...ALL NATURAL.

If you have a local farmers' market, take time to visit.

Take time to get to know the vendors.....

Go away knowing you are supporting LOCAL people

and not the big chain stores. Yah, the prices might

be higher, but the service is so much better

and you are remembered each week.

I will be very sad if the chain store does come

and tear down our little piece of paradise to

put up a parking lot..... :(

I will try to do a post of all the vendors for

you next week.

A Little Photo Booth Fun for the 4th of July!!!!

2011-07-04T10:59:00.000-05:00

A family reunion always brings out the freaks, right?

Well, not ALL of them are freaks....

Creativity......

2011-06-29T11:04:00.000-05:00

Family Maternity Portraits

2011-06-28T08:58:00.001-05:00

Meet Tye and Kaci.

Kaci has one of those bodies we wish we had while pregnant.

Who am I kidding, we would take that body ANYTIME!!!

I was scared to death to do this photo shoot.

I've never had the husband show up.

After this, I will REQUIRE the husband to

be a part of the session.

A pregnant woman is a beautiful thing.

But, a pregnant woman with her husband......sigh......

Yep! This silhouette will go down as one of my

true works of art.

Big sister said little sister says "HI".

She told us so and we believe her!!!

I do believe this is one of my all time favorite family

pictures......look at the genuine laugh and enjoyment.

Fairy love.

Yep, it's a girl.

Thanks Tye and Kaci for trusting me.

Bass Pro Set the Scene for this Engagement Session

2011-06-09T19:07:00.001-05:00

It was a normal day like any other around my house.

I was going about my business...eating a

burger from Braum's Dairy Store.

I happened to walk by my phone and saw the little

"message" light blinking.

My long time friend, Renee, sent an urgent message.

"Are you available to take pictures TONIGHT?"

Did I mention it was already 6:30 pm and they

live at least 45 minutes away?

It seems, Chris, the guy in the pictures was

drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

They never realized he would have to leave

in approximately 12 hours!

They thought they would have at least a week

to get some engagement pictures done...but NOOooOoOo.

I was very worried....the sun was setting....would I be

able to do this young couple justice?

Ashleigh and Chris are outdoorish type people.

The first thing that popped into my mind....

BASS PRO!

Yep! Every one of these pictures were taken at BASS PRO!

In just about an hour, we had almost 300 pictures snapped.

I felt like we didn't have time to even get to know

each other....well, I knew Ashleigh...not Chris.

I was still fretting about the sun...MOVE. MOVE. MOVE.

We must get them done before the sun goes down!!!

Then I caught this wonderful shot!

Yes! That my friends is what I have

been waiting a very long time to achieve...

that sweet, sweet moment where the

sun becomes my little friend!!!

I think I "squeed" a little when I saw it.

I am sure professionals have no problem

getting shots at evening time, me however

was in sheer panic.

I ended up feeling more confident about sunset pictures.

I do prefer that they be PLANNED....much less

stress on me and my props.

Chris and Ashleigh were picture taking pros and really

helped my do my job.

Oh...did you notice he looks suspiciously like

JIM CARREY?

Believe me when I say I was tempted to

write BLUE all over his face

as in LIAR LIAR.....hee hee.

Special Delivery

2011-06-04T09:50:00.002-05:00

Meet Kamryn Alese.

Kamryn came into this world

just a smidgen shy of her big

sister's 1st birthday.

Meet big sister, Presley.

I call Presley and Kamryn "deployment" babies.

I am sure there is another term for it.

Dad gets deployed, comes home, mom gets pregnant.

We are not sure if this family can handle

anymore deployments....hee hee.

I don't know though....if they can keep make these

beautiful babies.....we might just ship him off more

often.

See what I mean?

Thanks Val for letting me capture some precious moments

with your baby girls.

(P.S. I realized, newborn photography is NOT my thing I take

my hat off to those who can do it.)

It's a Cultural Thing......Small Town USA

2011-06-03T13:07:00.000-05:00

I shot this picture from the graphic on the side of a trailer.

I added some bling and now I shall

have a giant poster made from this.

SIGH.

The first weekend of June is a popular one

in our hometown.

The carnival rides come to town.

The politicians get to politic.

The different groups get to fund raise.

The local musicians get to feel like rock stars.

It is SUMMERFEST TIME!!!

Unfortunately, our city department had no

idea it was coming to town.

For some reason, the mowing didn't get done.

It didn't stop people from having fun nonetheless.

They rode til they couldn't ride anymore.

They just kept their legs up out of the

grass and made sure they had good

bug spray on their legs.

You are the Cheese to My Macaroni......

2011-06-01T09:13:00.001-05:00

(Please click the picture to see it better)

I am always looking for new and creative ways to

use my photography skills.

This picture was done with a great family....

funny story is....

while taking this very romantic picture...

the wife is actually SMELLING

his shirt!!!

The romantic moment is totally broken

by her sniffing and saying, "I don't

think I like our laundry detergent."

HEEELLLLOOOOOOOO!

Total mood buster....pffffffftttt.

Anyhow, I saw a cute poster with a

similar saying on it and thought it would

look adorable superimposed on

this picture......'cause if you didn't

KNOW she was sniffing his shirt,

you would totally think it was a

very romantic picture, right??????

I Believe in the Future of Agriculture (FFA).....and a rant.

2011-05-29T10:48:00.000-05:00

As you probably already know, my dearly beloved is

an Agriculture Education Instructor.

aka FFA Advisor.

Back in 1989, the Future Farmers of America

became politically correct and changed

to Agriculture Education....instead of Vo-Ag.

Pffffffftttt.....

Their creed used to say,

"I believe in the future of farming..."

Now....it is agriculture.

Pffffffftttt.....

If you have anything negative to say about

farming, you'd better not say it with a mouth

full of food......or any clothes on your back......or

in a house/building....

Just sayin'

Do you realize that a lot of schools are cutting back on

Agriculture Education to make way

for more COLLEGE-BOUND classes.

If YOU believe in the future of AGRICULTURE/FARMING,

you will make sure that your local

school keeps their program.

Not every child HAS to go to college to become a

productive citizen and it is time we appreciate

their choice.

I have a college degree in education.

I stayed home with my child for a year and had

an in-home child care.

I only had 3 of 7 children allowed.

I made $200 LESS than I did as a teacher.

What would I have made if I carried a FULL load?

College isn't for everyone, so why are we

making them take higher-level classes

when they can't even reconcile their checkbooks?

I see day after day, children who have so much homework

they have no outside life.

They can define biology terms, but can't wash a load of laundry.

They can make an awesome science fair project, but can't sew on a button.

They can read a required book, but know nothing about fixing a stopped up drain.

We as parents are just as guilty.

We micro-manage our children.

I see it every day.

Give a group of children some free-time on a playground

and watch what happens....FIGHTS, BULLYING and BLANK LOOKS.

They don't even know how to PLAY anymore unless

it is totally structured and micro-managed.

If they don't have 3 hours of homework, they have 3 hours of sports practice....

because we ALL know that they can one day make it BIG.

(insert eye rolling)

Parents, you are TEACHERS whether you have a degree or not!

You need to be a TEACHER and not a DOER!

Take time to TEACH your child some basics, don't DO IT for them!

Yes, it is easier to do it yourself.

Yes, it does take time to teach.

Yes, the rewards are endless.

You will have a child who becomes INDEPENDENT!

Why are we so afraid of that word when it comes to

our children?

What happened to giving them roots AND wings?

Instead, we put their feet in cement blocks

and more or less throw them to the bottom of the ocean.

What happens if something happens to YOU?

See where the cement blocks are going to get them.

Stop letting the "world" dictate what your child needs!

If your child already has everything by the time they get out on their own,

why would they want to WORK to get stuff they already have?

CEMENT BLOCKS or WINGS?

What does YOUR child have?

Unique Baby Gift

2011-05-18T11:08:00.000-05:00

One of my great friends had her 2nd child last week.

Since this child is another boy, it is sort of hard

to come up with ideas for gifts.

I decided to make a keepsake.

Military Portraits for a Wedding Invitation

2011-05-17T21:20:00.000-05:00

Meet Matt and Jenna.

I was so excited when I found out Matt is in the military.

(Thank you Matt for doing your job so I can do my job!)

I heard Matt has a great sense of humor.

I got the brilliant idea to do the "Palace Guard"

scenario.....

Jenna dances around her soldier trying to distract him....

BINGO!

Show him a little leg, and BAM! he looks....

we found his weakness.....

This was not planned AT ALL...I SWEAR.

He really looked when she hiked up her dress...

How cute is that????

He couldn't control it.....

How precious is she!!!

I could just snatch her up and run away with her.

This is one of my favorite poses....

I love how old abandoned buildings look

in a photograph!

This is something new I tried....after all, I did have a

bunch of scrabble pieces just setting in a jar.

Notice, he is holding her engagement ring.

See!! I swear she was dropped in a bowl of sugar

as a baby......sigh.....

Dave Ramsey Cash Envelopes/Wallets

2011-05-14T21:08:00.000-05:00

We started the official Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University

a few weeks ago.

I have always used the envelope method but got away from actually

using the envelopes...because they tore.

I used the big bulky plastic coupon organizer for years.

I found a great YOUTUBE tutorial on

making a zippered pouch.

She wasn't as detailed as I needed.....I broke 2 needles

learning how to put in the ding dang zippers.

I FINALLY got it!!!

Now I can whip them out in 25 minutes!!!

These used to be ONE pillow case.

Total cost for each was approximately $1.75 to make.

When I get better, I will make a tutorial...but you can go to

youtube and search zippered pouch and get several

tutorials.

In case you wanted to know, we have completed baby step #1.

We are plowing through #2.....

Oklahoma Sunset.....God is Good All the Time!

2011-05-14T20:48:00.000-05:00

Out my back door.....

And heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss

And my heart turns violently inside of my chest

I don't have time to maintain these regrets

When I think about the way

Oh, how He loves us, oh

Oh, how He loves us, how He loves all

How He loves

(Dave Crowder Band)

My Very First Layered Cake!

2011-04-30T09:27:00.000-05:00

I am not a cake baker.

When I bake a cake, it will be reallllly thin...not fluffy and has hard edges.

So, while on my weekly grocery shopping trip to Aldi's, I noticed

a cake mix for a spring confetti-type cake.

I decided at that moment, I CAN DO THIS.

I wanted to try a layered cake....

I bought to boxes for this cake.

I bought the special little round cake pans...at $4.00 EACH...ouch.

I mixed up both boxes...fully picturing that ONE box would make ONE round pan

and the other box would fill the OTHER round pan.

Yah, you see where this is going don't you.....

I have no idea what I was thinking.....

I only had TWO round pans.....and too much cake mix.

Not once did it cross my mind to make CUPCAKES....nope, not once.

What did I do?

I grabbed a glass pie pan.

I made a THIRD layer.

(Picure is sister, Terri, getting the first piece of cake)

It worked!!!

Cake was so fluffy and tall that the cake pan lid STUCK to the top of the cake!

I worried because I made it late in the evening and was very tired.

I pondered how I would frost the cake, because even I KNOW that

you don't frost a warm cake.

My friends in FLYLADY CHAT helped me....

I decided to leave them covered with a towel on a cooling rack overnight.

I put the layered cake together in the a.m.

This cake flavor really resembled a wedding cake flavor.

I used too much frosting....but some people like that much frosting.

I, however, will not use that much next time.

See the post below this post to see the price of the cake mix.

Do You Participate in Lent?

2011-04-26T08:00:00.007-05:00

I do believe that Lent is a great time to be more intentional in my spiritual growth. Each year, I pray about my growth and ask God to lead me to where He wants my focus. Usually, I am leaning towards "sacrificing" something...such as no soda pop, no chocolate....but this year was different. This year, God said, "Don't give up, just GIVE." Hmmmm....give? So, here is what I did.....I choose to be a blessing to others INTENTIONALLY. I listened to God's small whisper to guide me.....sometimes I heard it loud and clear, others....I think I might have ignored it.... :(. I am not going to add pictures to this post because it is certainly LONG enough with NO PICTURES.

Day 1: I took some pictures and blessed 5 families with copies of their pictures. I also made a batch of rolls and took them to GLOW and gave them to the first person who asked about them and in turn, they shared with others.

Day 2 Blessings: We drove through McDonald's drive-thru and paid for the people behind us. I did NOT expect them to drive up beside us and STOP....that threw me off. I just rolled down the window said "I'm passing on the love, know God loves you." They said they knew and thank you. :)

Day3 Blessings: I prayed for each car that passed me while I traveled to OKC. Many people were lifted yesterday. :)

Day 4 Blessings: For our housekeeper at the hotel. When I returned & got in bed, the note was neatly folded and place INSIDE my pillow case..LOL Was that to let me know she got it?

Day 5 Blessing: Because I wasn't sure if the housekeeper spoke english, I got a little more creative and wrote note in spanish. If you can't tell, the $5 is made into a dress..looks vintage doesn't it?

Day 6 Blessing: A little more spanish a little more origami and a little more joy in my life.

Day 7 Blessing: It was rather simple, I resisted an urge to not really scare a woman who walked around the corner while I was crouched on the floor looking at something. If you know me, you know how hard it was for me! So really we were both blessed.

Day 8 Blessing: I blessed 2 girls with the ride of their life touring Bricktown on Segways! Once again, I was blessed as well

Day 9 Blessing: I made a homemade pizza for Carly since she has been such a blessing and watching the house while I was at OKC. (I am back early because David's grandfather, Coy Baker, passed away.) Thank you Carly for blessing others. I love you!!!

Day 10 Blessing: I let 2 people move ahead of me at the check out even though they had full carts and I had 2 items. :)

Day 11 Blessing: I admit, it won't sound like much, but it was a BIG deal for me. I held my tongue when I was ready to jump up and scream at some people. I am not an actor and never claimed to be one. People can tell when I am upset or disagree......I managed to bless someone by not saying anything. The names shall remain anonymous. :)

Day 12 Blessing: I sent ice cream to youth last night!

Day 13 Blessing: I gave a roll of quarters to an unsuspecting person. :) Do you know how easy it is to drop those in someone's purse?

Day 14 Blessing: I put together 2 trash sacks of clothes for the Love Closet on Saturday from 9 - 2 at the First United Methodist Church! If you have extra hangers or paper bags, we could use them also. We will be at the church Fri. night at 6pm to set up

Day 15 Blessing: I drove through Taco Bell's drive thru and paid for the people behind me. This time, I made an escape before they were able to drive up beside me! A blessing for me is hearing that my friends are trying to pass on blessings as well....makes my heart swell

Day 16 Blessing: I shot some pigs. :) (Before you freak out, it was a photoshoot)

Day 17 Blessing: I took an hour to pray for people who have requested prayers. Please know that each one of you were lifted in my prayers.

Day 18 Blessing: The LOVE CLOSET! We gave away over 200 bags of clothing! Save your clothes, we will have another one before school starts back.

Day 19 Blessing: Wow.....I didn't intentionally do a thing....must do 2 today!!! tsk, tsk......

Day 20 Blessing(s): I bought a gallon of milk for a stranger. I was stopped by a train and for every car that passed, I prayed for each person that God placed on my heart. To that certain person who was brought up more than once, I specifically prayed for your depression to be lifted. ;)

Day 21 Blessing: I chose to allow cars to get in front of me....and then I prayed for each one.

Day 22 Blessing: I made a batch of rolls for a family. In this, I discovered that if I let the rolls rise longer...they are much more fluffy and I like them better. :)

Day 23 Blessing: I bought a few packages of panties and socks to give away at the next LOVE CLOSET in July. We were really shocked at how fast those thing went at the LOVE CLOSET. Every person should get to enjoy the feeling of new under garments.....not hand me down ones. :)

Day 24 Blessing: I bought lunch for some special friends. I also supported a fundraiser. I shall not mention that I also pulled an April Fool's joke on my "nameless" hairdresser.....who knew letting out a blood curdling scream while she is ripping off my eyebrow could get a reaction like that..... :/

Day 25 Blessing: We bought dinner for some new friends. I gave random hugs.

Day 26 Blessing: I used a blessing God gave me to bless a family with some family portraits.....and they turned out half decent even with the wind blowing 500 mph!

Day 27 Blessing: I changed a program I was going to give at a group yesterday by listening to my heart. I encouraged the group to write down their "story" and share it with others. We have a woman in the group who is turning 100! She said she didn't believe anyone would want to hear her story! What is something about your life you would like to make sure is passed on for others to remember?

Day 28 Blessing: I went barefoot all day to encourage people to think about those in the world without shoes. I believe I got at least 5 pairs of shoes to be donated to our LOVE CLOSET!

Day 29 Blessing: I spent some special time with the XS Group yesterday. Although, I do believe they are more of a blessing to me. :) I don't think a time goes by without laughing. Wait until you see the train pictures....bahahahahahah.

Day 30 Blessing: I gave a small sack of soap, shampoo, toothpaste and some change to a person standing on the corner needing help. :(

Day 31 Blessing: I bought 2 more packages of socks for the LOVE CLOSET. I encourage you to do the same please. Socks, underwear and bras were some of the first things to be gone at the LOVE CLOSET. The next closet is July 30th.

Day 32 Blessing: There was a lady at an estate sale who ran out of cash and I paid for her items. :)

Day 33 Blessing(s): We bought lunch for some people. I shot some photos of some girls. I helped with a Sunday School class. I did NOT scare the girls after watching a scary movie...because they made me PROMISE

Day 34 Blessing: I failed....must. work. on. it. today.

Day 35 Blessing: I mailed some random people cards to cheer them up. Making up for Day 34, I took someone's cart back to the little cart parking spot for them at the store.

Day 36 Blessing: I parked at the back of a parking lot and as I walked into the store, I prayed for each person and/or car I passed. I prayed God's abundant blessings and the wisdom to recognize them for each one.

Day 37 Blessing: I judged some FFA Creeds last night at the District Speech Contest. Glad I went....they were having a hard time getting all their judges with the storms. I believe in the future of agriculture.....

Day 38 Blessing: I blessed my Carl with a wonderful romantic night at home.....sigh....The rolls were part of the dinner I planned...Chicken Alfredo....yummo!!!

Day 39 Blessing: I attended a benefit event that supports a medical clinic in Ecuador where American physicians provide care to indigent families... and train local medical residents. I also blessed a woman by paying for her dinner. :)

Day 40 Blessing: I made cinnamon rolls (from a can) for the children's camp fundraiser at church. I also helped Amy while she teaches jr. high sunday school.

Day 41 Blessing: While at Braum's I let a woman go ahead of me. When I got my item, it was rung up wrong.....at least $3 less than what I owed. I corrected the cashier and paid the correct amount. She said, "Wow, that is a first, I've never had someone tell me they owe more than they were charged." she thanked me and thanked me. That broke my heart.....why do people think that is ok to cheat business?

Day 42 Blessing: I gathered stray carts at Wal-Mart and put them in their little parking spot. I know, it is lame.... I shall do better today. :)

Day 43 Blessing: Apparently I didn't take the cart pushing blessing seriously enough. I kid you not, I had to run into Wal-Mart and didn't notice the carts.....til I walked into one! I looked around, and they are all over the place! So, guess what day 43 blessing was? I promise, I will not underestimate the blessings God puts on my heart.....pinky swear!!!

Day 44 Blessing: I went through the drive-thru at McDonald's and paid for the person behind me. One thing has really surprised me each time I've done this....it has been less than $10. I was actually paranoid I was going to have someone who had a $20 order or something....actually only one time did it go over $5. This is one blessing I think I shall continue beyond the Lenten season. :)

Day 45 Blessing: I dropped a $20 bill into a woman's purse as I walked past her....she was busy looking at something on a bottom shelf. (Next time, I will do an origami design) It was just a spontaneous thing....making mental note: carry origami bills in my purse. :)

Day 46 Blessing (Final Day): While grocery shopping, I helped 2 women do their shopping...one was in a wheel chair. I got them a cart, which they didn't have and I gave them one of my shopping bags. I also helped them get to their car.

Final thoughts: I do believe I was blessed far more than I actually blessed! This kept me focused through the Lenten season....I felt closer to God this year than any other previous year. Thanks for letting me share with you! I hope you had a beautiful Easter!!

God loves you....oh YES He does!!!

Do You Shop at Aldi?

2011-04-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

Several years ago, I was driving by some construction and noticed

a semi-truck with some advertising on it.

It said, "Save 50% or Better on Groceries"

To be honest, I thought the building looked a lot like

a pharmacy. I didn't recognize the name Aldi.

When it finally opened, I decided to just go check it out.

I went to grab a shopping cart that was in a little area outside by the door.

I pulled....and found out they were chained.

I figured they must keep the carts we are to use inside.

I went inside. No carts.

Finally, I walked back outside and watched a person slip a quarter into the little box

on the cart. The chain unhooked from the cart.

AHA!!! You had to PAY for a cart! How dumb is that I thought....they might

save you some money on groceries, but they were going to get it back by charging

to use a cart!

Long story short....you DO get your quarter back when you return your cart!

Isn't that ingenious? No more stray carts all over the parking lot.

You also need your own sacks or you will have to buy their sacks.

You also will have to SACK your own groceries....they WILL not sack them for you.

I have been known to throw my sack in the cart and ask that they throw everything

in the sack...it was a free standing sack. They DID do that for me...when it was only

ONE sack.

Aldi's is a great place to load up on your staples.

I go to Aldi's FIRST and then fill in at other stores if needed.

I tried the coupon thing.....I was a failure....didn't have the time to

devote to it.

Aldi's was the next best thing.

I am going to show you what I got this week and let you comparison shop.

Now mind you, this is a weird week for shopping...with me buying some extra stuff

for the Easter holiday.

I also make a lot of stuff homemade, so don't buy too many pre-made items.

Black beans @ .55 x 2

Condensed Tom. Soup @ .49 x 4

Coffee Creamer @ $1.49

Refried Beans @ .69 x 2

German Coffee @ 4.99 x 2 (this is $1 higher than I normally get)

Deli Sliced Cheese @ $2.19 x 2

Elbow Macaroni @ $1.49

Powdered Sugar @ $1.49 x 2

32 oz. Ketchup @ 1.19 x 2

Cocoa Rice Cereal @ $1.59

Real Choc. Chips @ $1.79

Pecans @ $3.49

Sugar, 5 lbs. @ $2.68 x 2

Beef Hot Dogs @ $2.29 x 2

Multi-Colored Peppers @ $3.29

Old Fashioned Oats @ $1.99

Boneless Chick. Breasts @ $5.49

Sour Cream & Onion Potato Chips @ $1.39 x 2

Butter Quarters @ $2.29 x 2

Sour Cream @ .99 x 2

Oregano @ .99

Margarine @ .99

Confetti Cake Mix @ .95 x 2

Spring Frosting @ $1.19 x 2

Cream Cheese @ $1.29 x 2

8 oz. Cheddar Cheese Chunk @ $1.89 x 2

Subtotal = $77.97

Tax @ 8.5170% = $6.64

TOTAL - $84.61

If you are afraid of generic brands, I encourage you to try Aldi's brands. The sour cream and onion potato chips taste just like the name brand LAY's chips. The CHEESE is out of this world awesome.

Normally, when I shop I spend an average of $75 for a week's worth of groceries. I do not have to buy beef as we butcher our own. Before the economy went south, I was able to shop for our family of 5 for about $50/week. Now, for 3 of us and then some...we do the $75/week sometimes longer.

DIY Rootin' Tootin' Cowboy Wallet/Card

2011-04-23T19:53:00.000-05:00

It never ceases to amaze me what people will share for FREE on the Internet!

I found the blog, JustSomethingIMade over a year ago.

This woman is AMAZING in the creative department.

My great nephew just so happened to be turning two when I stumbled upon her latest creation.

I knew immediately I had to make this wallet.

She made a cute little card to go inside.....I made a cute little vintage

kid on a vintage pony picture.

She had some doo-dads to add to the left-side.

I decided to make some origami bill art.

A cute little cowboy shirt and chaps....yah! they are CHAPS....

who cares if they look like pants!!

IT IS MY THEME HERE!!

On the back of the little vintage picture...I printed the "card" for Tristan.

Yes! even the stitching is REAL....the rest is just printed from card stock.

She did all the hard work.

From start to finish, this probably took less than one hour. (At least 20 minutes

was spent searching for WHITE thread....which I have NONE, so I used yellow)

Make sure you check out her blog!

When God Puts Something on Your Heart.....

2011-04-17T14:19:00.001-05:00

Do you respond immediately?

Do you wait to get "clarification" that it is actually from God?

Do you push it to the side and ignore it, hoping it was a fleeting thought?

More than a year ago, I felt God's tug on my heart.

It might have even been longer than a year....I'm not sure.

While looking around my own life, I saw clutter.

In a cleaning frenzy, I must admit that I have just thrown

clutter in the trash can to make my life feel less

cluttered.

It worked.

The freeing feeling was amazing....at first.

Then that "cluttered" feeling crept back into my life.

So, once again I decluttered.

I threw clutter in the trash.

I felt free again.

Then HERE it came again!

That feeling I just couldn't shake.

How many times would I have to declutter to get rid of

that nagging feeling I was doing something wrong?

Finally, I stopped.

I prayed.

I opened my Bible.

I tuned into God.

I listened.

God revealed to me His infinite wisdom.

SHARE.

LOVE.

LIVE.

I prayed some more.

Here is what I heard.....

Instead of throwing away perfectly good "clutter".

SAVE IT.

STORE IT.

WHAT????? Did I HEAR that correctly?

Um, Dear God....I said I have CLUTTER and you want me to SAVE IT and STORE IT?

HELLLLOOOOOO.....

I questioned whether he really understood my problem.

I sat on it for at least a year....surely he didn't want me to SAVE and STORE my clutter.

One day while at my Thursday Sisters' Bible Study....I blurted out a suggestion...

"Hey, what if we had a clothing closet at church and gave away clothes?"

I think I hoped they would not show any excitement...and then I would

know for sure it was not a GOD thing.

WRONG!!!

They were almost TOO excited.

Matter of fact, the entire plan was hatched, planned and set in stone on the church

calendar that very day.

MARCH 26, 2011 would be the very first LOVE CLOSET.

We started spreading the word to save gently used and new clothes.

We facebooked it, we put it in the newspaper, we advertised in the church bulletin.

We made fliers for school, we made fliers for the local food pantry.

We collected items - we asked for ladders and hangers and broomsticks.

This last picture is all that is left of the March 26, 2011 LOVE CLOSET.

(Minus the kids.)

We planned to be open from 9:00am - 2:00pm.

People were at the door at 8:00am.

Each person received a paper grocery sack (Donated by Reasors Grocery).

If they could get it in the sack, they could take if FOR FREE.

Of course in the planning stages we had the nay sayers....but what ifs and so on....

we stood strong and said we would do this from the love in our hearts and

not judge whether someone "really" needed the things or not.

We didn't have any problems because

we knew we were tuned in to what God was calling us to do.

When we finished and locked up on that March 26th day, my heart was

swelling with LOVE and relief for God's children.

Here I sit, typing this post and can honestly say my heart hasn't deflated a smidgen.

Matter of fact, I think I continues to grow bigger.

Our next LOVE CLOSET will be a BACK TO SCHOOL LOVE CLOSET.

We are already SAVING IT and STORING IT.

Thank you God for continuing to whisper to me until I could take it no more.

By SAVING IT and STORING IT, we were able to SHARE IT and SHOW LOVE and in return, LIVE!!

(Thanks Tresa for noticing I had last year's date...oops...it is 2011, sorry)

Got Problems?

2011-04-07T07:46:00.002-05:00

Do you ever feel like you are minding your own business;

heading in the direction you feel is right.

It isn't until then, that you look up and

BAM, it is right on top of you!

Sometimes life just feels out of control.

Sometimes everything seems too big to handle.

Sometimes we don't realize just how bad it really is for us.

....until we look UP!

What do we do then?

We start running for our lives.

We forget everything and everyone around us.

Sometimes it looks like we are getting ahead of the

problems.

It looks like we are making progress.

But the problems keep barreling upon us.

The problem is....most times, when life gets like this we

think that doing a 180 degree turn will get us out of this dilemma.

When in reality, all we had to do was jump to the SIDE, take

a breath, turn to our Heavenly Father, and watch the

"train" go on by us.

God works like that.

Notice that I said it will GO BY, He doesn't promise

that He will REMOVE it from your life. It still has to pass.

If you keep focus, he can help you see the correct path you will

need to get you where HE wants you to go.

We don't want to spend our time, running in the wrong

direction from things that are so much bigger than we

will ever be.

Be Still and Know that I am God! -Psalm 46:10

(P.S. No XS GROUP girls were injured in the making

of this life lesson. The train was just setting on

the track and we thought it was a great photo op.)

I Can't Explain It......

2011-04-06T12:08:00.000-05:00

When I take pictures....I get emotional.

I just do.

It doesn't happen while I am taking them...

It happens the moment I pop them up on the computer.

I don't get a thrill when I take pictures of animals.

I don't get all gushy when I take a picture of

a beautiful sunset.

I get emotional when I take pictures of

PEOPLE!

My love for it started in 2008 when I took my oldest daughter, Carly, out

to shoot some pictures for her senior portraits.

It was my first use of a Nikon digital camera.

I was hooked.

Each time I pick up the camera, I get a surge through my body for

which I can't explain.

I have ideas in my head and the camera helps me get the ideas out.....

Only my love for my heavenly Father and my family

can compare.

I pray I never run out of this emotion.

I want to continue to bless others with what the

good Lord has blessed me with in this lifetime.

Thank you!

(P.S. This is my nephew and his beautiful family)

How to Shoot Pigs and Goats.....

2011-04-03T13:36:00.000-05:00

Made you look didn't I?

It was really funny to post that on facebook and

see what kind of comments I received.

The top collage is Hunter and Holden.

This was their first experience with goats.

They are experienced pig kids.

I think I was able to convince them that goats

are pretty neat and smell just a tad

bit better than the pigs.

The next collage is of Naomi and her pig, Shemaria.

Naomi took at least 45 minutes to scrub

Shemaria until she sparkled and it took the pig 10 seconds to find

a mud hole.

The last set is of Poss and his pig, Gordy.

Gordy cooperates much better than Shemaria.

Gordy also knows when he has had enough picture taking....

he just bowls Poss over and gets the heck out of Dodge!

52 NEW Recipes in 2011: Recipe #8

2011-03-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

Baked Paprika-Parmesan Chicken

(Click the above Link for the Recipe)

I totally forgot to take a picture of the ingredients.

I bought a container of supposedly "fresh" Parmesan cheese....

should it be dry? This was very dry.

This recipe is really simple....a little messy since

you have to dip the chicken, but still easy.

Doesn't butter make all recipes better????

Davie gave it the THUMBS UP!!

This took less than one hour from start to finish.

For some reason, I can NEVER get the same amount

of chicken as in the recipe.....I know I am doing something

wrong. It called for 6 breasts.....I guess mine were DD breasts

or something. :)

Even the daughter loved this recipe.

The chicken was very moist, but I would also probably

add a bit more spices to the breading......

52 NEW Recipes in 2011: #7

2011-03-25T09:31:00.000-05:00

Chicken, Jalapeño and Cheddar Casserole

(CLICK THE LINK TO SEE RECIPE)

I have delayed posting the new recipes because we have been super busy with stockshows...but I am still cooking!!!

I am ashamed to put my pics on here because her pictures are soooo much better than mine.

Ok, my dear husband had to leave early and didn't get to try

it while it was HOT!

He did give it a 2 Thumbs up!!!

It was really easy to make and had a great flavor!!

It took less than an hour to get onto the table!

How to Excercise Goats for Stockshows

2011-03-10T18:06:00.001-06:00

Remember JoJo the GOOSE CHASER?

I managed to get a video of his excitement

when it comes to exercising our show goats.

This is not a posh poodle...he would happily

live outside in the barn with the goats.

BEFORE YOU HIT PLAY

SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM

AND PAUSE THE MUSIC!

2011 GOALS - FEBRUARY UPDATE

2011-03-01T09:10:00.001-06:00

All February updates are in RED. I am going to keep them running...each month will be a different color.

1. 52 NEW RECIPES - I have successfully tried 4 new recipes in January. (Hoagies, Homemade Pizza, Sauerkraut/Pasta Dish, and Homemade Tortillas with Homemade Queso) The husband has loved every dish....so they are keepers. We tried 3 new recipes in February. I haven't blogged all of them yet. I missed a week, but will make up for it in the future. We did finally get the THUMBS down recipe.....

2. CLEAN OUT THE OLD HOMESTEAD - Not a thing done to it. Still nothing done to it.

3. TEAR DOWN THE OLD GARAGE - DONE!! I have a picture somewhere....it still hasn't been hauled off or burned, but will by summer.

4. RUN A WATER LINE TO THE BARNS - NOPE! Nope again. We had a huge blizzard hit, so even if we wanted to do this, we couldn't have done it.

5. PAINT MASTER BATH - NOPE! Uh, still a NOPE!

6. GET VW WINDSHIELD FIXED BY FEB. 1ST - NOPE! We have had other expenses come up, so this has been put on hold since it isn't a safety issue yet. This still hasn't been done.

7. TAKE MORE PRIDE IN OUR VEHICLES - YES! I spent the first Sunday sweeping and sweeping and sweeping out the VW...it took about 2 hours altogether to get the inside of the car cleaned out. I am proud to say that it only takes less than 10 minutes to sweep it out each Sunday after church. This was a HUGE light bulb moment for me. Even if it doesn't LOOK dirty, CLEAN IT! It will never get gross dirty if you do. I washed the car once in the month...which is a great accomplishment...as I was lucky to wash it 3 -4 times a YEAR. Don't judge me! We live on dirt roads and it is depressing when you wash and by the time you get home, it is covered in dirt. OK!!! YAY!! Finally I have a great update! I have still done this PLUS washed the outside at least TWICE in February!!!

8. ORGANIZE THE CURRENT GARAGE - NOPE! We are still hashing out the details of what we want and need in it. Still a big fat NO!

9. LEARN SOME NEW THINGS TO DO WITH THE BREAD RECIPE - YES! I made homemade pizza crust and it is AWESOME! I haven't done anything else with it....I am having a lot of fun doing the pizza though.

10. CONTINUE TO FLY WITH THE FLYLADY - YES! I did deep clean all 5 zones in January. I have some buddies who are also trying to focus on the zones and we have come up with a ZONEBUSTER game we play together. Because I have become more passionate about the zones, I didn't stick too well with the weekly home blessing hour....but I did manage to keep the floor swept and the feather dusting done. At this current moment as I am typing this, I am using my timer! I did learn that if I don't keep the routines, then my house will look like I haven't done a thing in weeks. Also, I got the sewing/guest room mostly finished. I wouldn't be afraid to have someone sleep in there now. My bed has been made EVERY DAY.

11. FEED MY SPIRITUAL SOUL - YES! I am continuing online "classes" through lifechurch.tv. Our Sunday school class has really stepped up and decided to make a change and be a part of the solution. I have really stepped up my prayer life as well and am seeing a big bonus in that area. I have slacked a bit in this area on a personal level. I attended our women's retreat with my church and it as a wonderfully renewing experience. I roomed with some of the most amazing women!!!

12. READ A BOOK A MONTH - EH! I have a book I need to finish.....fiction is my downfall....seriously, I can start a great fiction book and put it down and not pick it up again! I am currently snowed in...so, maybe I will finish it. It is called "A Vintage Affair". It is realllly good.....I have no idea why I can't sit still and read it. Yah, still not so good. I will have plenty of time to read while at the stockshows this month, so maybe I will catch up.

13. DRINK 8 GLASSES OF WATER A DAY - YES! I have had very few days where I didn't get them all in. Most days, it is more than 8. YES!! I have done really well with this....I can't even think of the last time I had a soda pop.

14. PLANT A GARDEN - NOPE! It isn't time yet...hee hee. Not yet, but I do need to get the old stuff torn out...right now, the birds are reallying loving it.

15. GET CHIMNEY CLEANED - DONE! We were having problems with back puffing into the house, so we went ahead and had it cleaned in January. It was NASTY!

16. FIND A NEW COUCH - NOPE! I have been looking. I am still looking and will look while we are at the BIG CITY.

17. WEIGHT LOSS - YES! I lost 5 lbs. Boo! I gained 3...I know it has to do with the fact we eat out a lot in February and March...but know that is not an excuse.

18. BLOG UPDATES ON THE FIRST OF EACH MONTH - DONE! You are reading this on Feb. 1st. WEEEEEEE....here is the FEBRUARY update, so YES, I did keep up with it!!!

Jan - So far, I am doing pretty good on the goals. I need to figure out how to list the recipes so they are easy to find.....I know there is a way, just have to figure it out. I encourage you to try the recipe thing.....it has really helped get us out of a slump of having the samo samo stuff.

Feb - I never really set my goals high for February and March due to it being very hectic months for our family.....if you don't already know, we show livestock and we have 3 huge shows in these two months. The one thing I am really proud that I accomplished was the sewing/guest room! I used the FLYLADY method and got it done 15 minutes at a time!! I use the FLYLADY chat to find other people who use this method. Although it has gone through some weird changes, I've still found some people who help keep me on track and still have a sense of humor. Thank you to those who are helping me FLY.

January = BLACK
February = RED

Happy Birthday My Oldest Daughter - Carly

2011-02-28T00:01:00.003-06:00

Yep, hard to believe that 21 years can go by in a blip....

She wasn't due for 6 more weeks...but she just HAD

to come busting into the world early.

Her dad and I were 3 weeks into our

student teaching.....

We were dirt poor student teachers.

Thanks to our mothers, I was able to

be reassured that she was well taken

care of while I went back to student

teaching only 1 1/2 weeks after having her.

If I didn't, I would have had to repeat the entire

semester!

She was 6.1 lbs and born at 1:20pm.

She was healthy despite being 6 weeks early.

Our hearts had never known this kind love...it was amazing.

It still is.

Carly has lived her life just like she entered this world....

keeping everyone around her on their toes

because they never know what is going to be next.

Carly,

Your mom and dad love you more than you will

EVER understand. We are so proud that you

want independence and are working at

getting it together. As you turn 21, it comes with

blessings and curses. Recognize them BOTH!

Keep God at the front and you should have no problems.

Put Him at the back, and you will make your path

rougher. Don't rush your life, take time to smell

the roses and don't believe all that you see in

other people's lives..... Some look way better than

they actually are.

You have a beautiful life ahead of you!!!

Enjoy being officially a certified ADULT!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!!

Mom & Dad

52 NEW Recipes in 2011 (#6)

2011-02-23T08:15:00.000-06:00

GREEK CHICKEN & PITA CASSEROLE

(CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE)

I know I am behind on posting recipes. It doesn't mean that

I haven't cooked any new recipes.

It means that my family is in a busy time of the year

heading to all the stock shows.

This recipe appealed to me for some reason.

For one, I don't think I've ever had Greek seasoning.

Of course in our small town, finding a seasoning with

GREEK written on it was a NO GO.

Another thing it had was zucchini.

We all like zucchini.

Of course, I couldn't find zucchini...so squash is the next best thing right?

The ingredient I was hesitant about was FETA CHEESE.

I do not care for FETA CHEESE, but decided I would at

least give it a try.

After all, I had just had some on some bruschetta and actually liked it.

When it comes time to cut the Pita Bread, us a pizza cutter....

of course I figured this out AFTER I cut it with a serrated knife...saw, saw, saw.

OK, back to the seasoning.....I couldn't find GREEK SEASONING.

So, I did the next best thing and called my MOMMY.

She wasn't sure, so we did the next best thing behind a mom's experience....

she googled it.

According to the ingredients, the MEDITERRANEAN SEASONING was

really close to the GREEK SEASONING.

It didn't look much different AFTER it cooked.

To me, it smelled good.

Here it is in all it's glory.

Ready for the real test.

Did it pass the manly man test or not?

THUMBS DOWN!

He even said, 2 thumbs down.

Of course he is holding the plate with the other thumb and couldn't point it down.

When I asked if he liked it.....he said, "I like the peas and carrots."

This recipe was a thumbs down by all 3 of us.

I can't pinpoint if it was using a different seasoning and squash or the feta

We did like the toasted pita so all was not lost.

So, please make sure YOU try it and let me know what YOU think.

The dogs liked it......

How to be a FLYLADY ZONEBUSTER Using PURPLE

2011-02-11T14:32:00.001-06:00

This is if you happen to like the FLYLADY.NET way of getting organized. I am posting this here so there can be easy access.

Have you ever felt like a ZONEBIE (aka zombie) when you go to look at the current zone? Here is an easy way to focus on any ZONE - Just think PURPLE. Often, I find myself running around all day cleaning and flying but at the end of the day, I look back and it LOOKS like I've not really done anything when I know I have. By focusing on ONE AREA/ZONE, it DOES look like something was accomplished and not only does it LOOK like it, it is CLEAN.

This works for any job, it gives FOCUS. It is SIMPLE. You do it yourself and see accomplishments when you are finished. It can be done in one 15 minute session or break it into more than one 15 minute session. It is up to YOU, not anyone else....and believe it or not, you can do it at anytime of the day!

EXAMPLE: I used it for my Morning Routine (MR): I "P"rimped, I "U"nloaded the dishwasher, I "R"escued my bathroom, I "P"lanned my dinner, I did some "L"aundry, I "E"liminated some trash. PURPLE.

P = Purge, Plan, Pick up, Pile, Primp (Choose one and just do it)

U = Under/Up (Look UNDER stuff and clean, Look UP and clean), Unload

R = Rescue, Renew, Replace, Repair, Remind, Repeat, Run (Run the sweeper, mop, etc.),

P = Pick Up and Put Away, or do any from the 1st "P"

L = Love (Show some love in this zone, make it prettier, Shine something...like a window, Dust, etc.) Load, Laundry

E = Etc. or Empty (This is the final letter so do anything you might have not touched in the first 5 letters) Eliminate, Escape, Email,

You could do one letter a day for 15 minutes. This will get your zone work done M - S.
You could also just run though the letters quickly to make sure the zone looks good.
Even if you do a room rescue, PURPLE works.

This idea was thought up by several flybabies working together to help keep a FOCUS. It has made a huge difference for several people and I just wanted as many as possible to benefit from it. Please try it and see if you see a difference.