She is Baptized!

Sydney is baptized on March 9, 2008 in Quincy, FL at the Quincy Ward Building located off Hwy 267 near the Post Office.

It was a good day and a bad day for me. She was great! It was all nicely planned. It was only a few people allowed to be there that day. Those on the program were the only people allowed to attend, as this was per Sydney's request. She was scared of everyone's eye's watching her.

THE PROGRAM

Presiding Bishop Decembrino
Conducting (Dad) Thomas Smith
Opening Song: “I am a child of God”
Opening Prayer: George Smith
Baptism Talk: (Mom) Carmella Stroud
Baptism of Sydney: David Stroud
Witnesses: George Smith & Brother Zabriskie
Changing Time: Gam-Mommy play people’s favorite songs.
Holy Ghost Talk:: Jacie Stroud
Confirming of Holy Ghost: David Stroud & other priesthood holders
Welcome into the Church: Bishop Decembrino
Welcome to Primary: Sister Hackney
Closing Song: “Scripture Power”
Closing Prayer: Sister Zabriskie
Photography provided by Beth Smith
Music provided by Liz Smith and Annette Stroud

I had a hard time with this because my thoughts had rested on this day for many years. In 2001, when the divorce was final I thought.... I will find someone by 2008 to be married to and they will be able to baptize my baby girl. That was not the case and it was not God's plan for this day.

But, God knows what is best for everyone and it is his time plan we are living on not our own.

GREAT MOM, I AM!

This is what happens when a career change comes into one's life as a single mom. You get more time to spent with your child and make the cool little items that a mom always wants to do with their child. But, there never is enough time!

Sydney picked the candy on top! See how she slaved over them, she even got some flour on her face from working so hard. (DATE BACK!!! Remember the commercial where the mom makes the rice crispy treats and acts like they were so hard by putting flour on her face? Well, that is exactly what we did!)

It was fun making. It really made me feel good when Sydney made the comment that she wanted to be with me next time that she had treat! That this is the best. That no one else has taken the time to make something, they usually go and purchase something. 10 points for mom! Yeah!

Ebay! All the way

Well... Miss Sydney is selling items on Ebay! She is an entrepreneur and sometimes I call her Miss Entrepreneur. To see her items go to http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270159796022. She is modeling the scarf. She is doing this item called finger sewing. It is very interesting and she is making all kinds of belts, scarfs, bracelets and hair pieces. All the girls at school love it also! She is making it the new trend!

Newman Celebrates his birthday

Drew - Me - Newman - Tina

Good 'ole Newman! Got ta luv him! Newman celebrated his birthday at the Leon Pub this past weekend. It was nice to see everyone that Sydney and I got to know when we lived on Alachua Ave.

School

Today was the second day for school and Sydney is at her dad's. She is having a great time and loves her school this year. She has the same teacher as last year and has enjoyed writing over the summer. While talking to her today, I mentioned starting a blog and she could publish her stories on her own blog. So, we are going to start a blog just for her labeled www.TheMagnoliaCafe2.blogspot.com. It has not been created but will soon be created. Everyone will be notified when it goes live as it pertains to you reading my blog and Syd's blog. Her first day pictures should be here soon and I will post them.
Sydney the day before school after receiving her HSM backpack. Boy does she love HSM.

Sharing my Pix's

I love taking pictures. Mine are more of the focus on landscape so here are a few of my most recent pictures.



Mexico Beach, FL (3/07)




Playa del Carmen, near Cozumel, Mexico (6/07)



St. Andrews State, Panama City, FL (7/07)

Getting Hooked!

I am going to get hooked on this! Just finished reading my sister-in-law's and had too many posts that she has to approve. This is going to be easier than physically writing in a journal and it will track my stories that I tell about Sydney!

LXR on the Farm

It was a hoe down at the farm in Monticello, FL. LXR Luxury Resorts and Spas hosted this this fun event for all the Associations in the area or North Florida. We had a blast!