Sunday, December 26, 2010

Cookies for 2010

Making cookies this year was fun! It was great to have time to make them and what was really neat was to be creative in the cookies and in the packaging. Melinda helped pick the cookies to make this year and helped make them too. Had the help of the girls also!

And then there were more....

P.S. Have already made my list for next year because this year was very time consuming only making a few and they are:

  1. Cheese Straws/Discs- Sue's Recipe which will get posted later.
  2. Peanut Butter Balls- Like Reese's
  3. Fudge- Mom's Recipe
  4. Healthy Item- Undecided because have to have SOMETHING NOT planned out.

Counting Down to Christmas

This post has been a post that I wanted to write for a while now. However, because of gift reasons I haven't been able to post and then when I could the time was not there to post. For Christmas I made Count Down Blocks for all my brothers and their families. Then, I shipped them on the Monday after Thanksgiving with ALL of my other presents. Couldn't believe that I was honestly done with Christmas Shopping by Thanksgiving. But that didn't keep me away from the stores. I still went and enjoyed shopping for more people that were not even on my list and more presents for Sydney (I bought a few items for myself also)

Green and Navy- Aaron and Carrie's Family (Because trendy colors)
Pink shades- David and Jacie's Family (Because of all the girls)
Navy and White/Gray- Rob & McKenna's Family (Suppose to be their school colors, we can pretend that I got that correct. :D)

Sunday, November 7, 2010

The Starfish Story...

This is the story that I told at church today. About how we need to reach and help people. It can just be one person and that help but look beyond oneself and help another. Find the Starfish that you can toss back into the ocean.
The Starfish Story
adapted from The Star Throwerby Loren Eiseley (1907 - 1977)

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer.

He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all.

The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die.

"Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!

"At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference for that one."

We can all make a difference. Look around and see who we can help today!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

If "its" and "buts"

If "its" and "buts" were candy and nuts we would all have a Merry Christmas.

This is such a funny statement that I heard from Sheldon on The Big
Bang Theory. Someone was giving him an excuse and that was his
response.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Halloween 2010


We did our Trick or Treating in Quincy, FL and had a great time. Sydney went as a Princess and I was Lady Gaga (Mormon Style). I had a GREAT time with these EYELASHES!
Mom and Daughter
Made cupcakes
Three friends back together after 3 years.
(Sydney, Laurel, and Katreen)
Lady Gaga and Beautiful Witch
(Carmella & Diana)

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Carmella's Creed

Written 7/6/2005
Felt a need to make sure it is in record other than in my scriptures.
I created this when I needed to have my life focus on special items.
I still need to do this and will try to live by this creed that I
wrote for myself.

No matter how hard- I have to be: Fairthful, Choose the Right, Endure.
Even if bad things happen to me.
I am living for eternity

"Oh Lord? Oh Lord, give ME strength according to MY faith which is in
Christ, even unto MY deliverance." Alma 14:26 (18-28)

I AM A SPIRITUAL BEING HAVING AN EARTHLY EXPERENCE!

-- I am single woman, see and watch me do it." 7/6/05 --

Sunday, October 10, 2010

10/10/10

I just wanted to record in history that today is 10/10/10.  It is a neat date.  Sydney reminded me this week that we were going to have this cool date.  Only a few more cool dates like this (11/11/11 and 12/12/12).

Sunday, October 3, 2010

My Birthday

So the family celebrated my birthday a week later but ALL weekend long. LONG LIVE 34 years of age. The year of the Dragon and Libra sign.

FRIDAY

Mom and Tudy came in town. We had cake when Mom and Tudy arrived! We all sat around and talked. Caught up on TV shows and visited with friends who came to visit. One of those friends was Mauricio (plus Lailana and Ovidio) who my mom convinced to make all of us Breakfast.
SATURDAY
Saturday Mauricio & Lailani came over and made a traditional Salvo Breakfast with eggs, beans, fried plantains, cream and cheese! Love it! Mom said that I have turned Hispanic like she turned Italian from my dad. Quincy, FL has turned me into a lover of Central American Food! I will take that! :D) I didn't take pictures of the food but here is something similar to what it looked like. I made the tortillas and got a compliment on how well they were done. Also a same picture too. :D)
SAMPLE Picture
I made the homemade Tortillas!
It was also General Conference. For the first time in a VERY VERY LONG time, I stayed at home for GC. During which I made all the decorations for Fall.

SATURDAY NIGHT

We had a GREAT Crab/Seafood Low Country Boil. Mariwilla came over from Tallahassee to celebrate with us also! Another time I forgot to take a picture. :D) Fun Times!!!!

Decor for Halloween...

Got this really awesome magazine for Halloween ideas and have created them. Below are pictures of what I did. Thank you Woman's Day for these great Halloween ideas! (Believe that I got my money's worth buying this magazine at $2.99 for issue.)


O' to the Candy Corn Mantle!Candy Corn Twigs with Fall Place matsFall Wreath made by Annette Stroud (MOM)

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

August Birthday Contest & I won

So, I have another fun and exciting announcement to share. In August, there was a contest for Managers and Marketing Specialist held by my Director to celebrate her Birthday in August. The results were..... My team won first place both times. One of the Marketing Specialist on my Florida team won for most groups written and I won the managers contest of most groups written for the month (33 groups).

We both received a $150.00 in gift certificates. So, I got my gift card s in the mail this week.

I headed to Padgett's Jewelry and bought the new Marie Osmond's Bag Collection. Never thought I would have a bag that was similar to the Vera Bradley bags. But, I finally found a pattern that I liked. The Sommerset Green pattern.
Laptop Bag Description......
Holds up to 15" laptop extended top zipper spacious laptop compartment full zippered flap pocket inside 3 card pockets, one gadget pocket with tab closure one large cd/ipod pocket, two pen pockets full slip pocket with magnet closure cushioned tube straps additional adjustable shoulder strap with shoulder pad key clasp, additional detachable cell phone holder pouch on exterior. 15.9x3.6x20.5

Jim Albright Leadership Award

Photo (left to right: W.K. Walker, Me, A.G. James- Wiregrass CLC President, Al Henley- Alabama AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer)

Last night was a great event! I became the recipient of the 2010 James Albright Leadership Award. This is an annual event held by the Wiregrass Central Labor Council in the Dothan, Alabama area.

It was an exciting event for me. This was the first time that I have recieved an award and I felt very honored to share the evenings awards with the other two recipients:
  1. Posthumous Award 2010- Philip Williams (1/26/1958-5/5/2010)
  2. Friend of Labor Award 2010- Mayor Mike Schmitz (Dothan, Alabama)

Below is a copy of the introduction used to present the award last night which lists reasons I was presented with the award. Again, it was such an honor to be recognized for what I do in the Labor Movement and have done.
*****************************************

This individual has been a union member since August 2007.

This person has served on many committees and assisted in events such as:
□ The Wiregrass Peanut Festival Float,
□ International Union District Conferences (one in particular event they became a “Royal Order of the Alabama Machinist Member”),
□ State AFL-CIO COPE/Bi-Annual Conferences,
CLC Labor Day Picnics,
□ Participated in hotel strikes/marches,
□ Organized Worker Memorial Days,
□ Phone banked for endorsed Senate and Governor races,
□ Walked for candidate, and
□ Helped hold candidate screenings.

One of their passions is lobbying legislators for better laws for Working Families.

This individual is a delegate to the Wiregrass Central Labor Council and four (4) Central Labor Councils in Florida. What makes this person so great is you never hear them complain and they are always willing to give a helping hand.

They are not just a delegate; they get involved and hold officers positions. Such as, they are currently serving as the Recording Secretary for the Northwest Florida Central Labor Council, and on occasion has been known to take notes for the Wiregrass Labor Council when Don Shaw was out.

One point to note is that per caps have been paid by their local for years and it was not until 2007 when this person joined the union that we have had an active OPEIU Local 277 member.

The dedication of this person is not unnoticed. The person drives 125 miles one way to attend the Wiregrass CLC meetings. Some of you might have already guessed who this individual is. It is a female.

In June 2010, she attended the AFL-CIO Next Up Conference for Young Union Workers and came back with much enthusiasm. Currently she is heading the organization of the Young Workers of Florida, Tampa Chapter and working with the Florida AFL-CIO to organize it on a statewide level.

She is also helping with the “One Nation Movement”, which is a coalition of over 150 progressive organizations focused on Equality for All, Quality and Affordable Education, and Putting America Back to Work! The first plan of this movement is a rally on the Mall in Washington D.C. on October 2nd.

She is active in her church and volunteers her time to teach the women of her church.

She is a mother of one beautiful girl that is ten years old. Who sometimes attends and sleeps in the car on the way home when it is school nights.

All the while, she stays positive and her motto is "Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out."

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Posting over 25 entries today (Back dating)

So to my followers.... I have been so extremely busy with my life that I have not had time to document. Today is a day of blogging because its Stake Conference and I don't go until 2pm. Wanted to sleep in but I woke up earlier from a dream that was actually living another day in my life and I hated the day. It was a nightmare. It shook me up for a while. But, I read my scriptures and feeling better. I thought, what a great day to update my blog and remember the fun things that have been done over the past year.

I have gone back and looked at the dates of all my pictures and will be posting all the way back to some in January 2010. Went from paper scrapbooking to electronic blogging. It is easier and quicker! LOVE BLOGGING! Love to share my life with all and glad to have the time to do this!


Today's Blogs (25 entries so far today)
  1. 5th grade first day
  2. IAM 2777 20th Anniversary Picnic
  3. Saving Meat using FoodSaver
  4. Hair cut and pedi
  5. Gabes new clothes
  6. American Legion Post 13 beanies
  7. Sour Faces
  8. Piercing Ears
  9. August Bdays
  10. Starbucks Discovered
  11. Trousdell Swim meet last of summer
  12. Croquet @ Magnolia Cafe
  13. Meeting Chris and Linda
  14. Bye bye car
  15. Jeremy's new car
  16. Wreck was on way to swim meet
  17. Canning at farm
  18. Dothan swim meet
  19. Organized kitchen
  20. Next Up Conference
  21. Pineapple Quail for Mothers Day
  22. Cool Silverware
  23. Garden Update
  24. AIL Awards Banquet
  25. Chinatown NYC

Monday, August 23, 2010

5th Grade; First Day!

Sydney started the 5th grade 8/23/2010! She seemed to have a great day and teachers are: Mr. Barfield (Math), Mrs. Peacock (Language Arts), and Mrs. Goracke (Science).

Her homeroom teacher is Mr. Barfield. The best thing about the whole thing is that she and Marjorie are in the same block schedule together! Finally, they are in class together! It took 4 years to happen.

Sydney and Marjorie and 3rd grade Hootenanny at school.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Saving Meat using FoodSaver


Went to Quincy Meats and got the 5 for $19.99. Then, I had to breakdown into packages that would be best for Sydney and me to use. Here is how much meet I got for $19.99. Love going and getting meat for that kinda price! Yahoo!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Hair Cut and Pedi

Hollywood Nails and Hair Impressions were on our agenda for today! Look how cute Sydney's hair looks! Now the funny part is that it won't be curly like this until she gets it done again by Krystal. LOL. We had a fun day getting ready for school. After we left getting toes done, we went to Canopy Oaks to see who here teachers were going to be. Met her dad there so he could be involved and meet Syd's teachers also.

Friday, August 13, 2010

American Legion Post 13 Beanie's

Sydney and I went and gave Beanie's out with Mrs Hazel and Sarah. It was the first thing we have don't to participate in our Post 13 membership.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Sour Faces

So as I was going through the faces, I just had to share the "Thomas Smith Face." This is a funny face to me.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Piercing Ears

After 2 years of being allowed to get her ears pierced, Sydney decided that she finally wanted to get her ears pierced. So we rushed to get them done. It was a family affair. So Connie was paying since she did mine she promised (or I told her that was what she was doing for the 8th birthday just a few years later is when it happened).
Connie & Sydney Before the ears piercedGam-Mommy, Tudy, and ConnieMarking of the ears.
Mom and DaughterConnie & Sydney with funny faces

August Bday's

It was August again and we celebrated Tudy's 91st birthday... Who else?


Connie and Mariwilla's birthday also!
Sporty Tudy!

It is also Aaron, Kenny and Ashley birthday! Celebrated via telephone with Happy Birthday sang to them or texting them Happy Birthday. :D)

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Starbucks discovered

Standard Card: Mella
So, we had a swim meet on the 31st of July and one of Sydney's friends mom called me ask I was running to the store for some treats for the meet. She asked that I stop at Starbucks to get her a coffee. So, I did and while there I decided to get me something. It was a GREEN TEA LATTA... I am in love! I now am a part of the Rewards Program and I have 22 more stops to be a GOLD Card holder.

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Trousdell Swim Meet, Last of the Summer

It was the last swim meet of the summer. Sydney had a great time with her friends.
Sydney S. (Smurf), Virginia R, Sydney B. (Squid)David came and cheered for Sydney along with Thomas, Beth, Grandmother Smith and me.
Body Art!

Friday, July 23, 2010

Croquet at The Magnolia Cafe

We played Croquet in the backyard. Sydney had it out earlier in the week and had put the sprinkler on and played in her own rain storm. She talked about how much fun she had planning in the rain. How creative!