Super Bowl Eyebrows....

So, I went to my brother's house, Aaron, to watch the Super Bowl. Carrie and I got bored in the 4th Quarter so we massacred my eyebrows. We had fun but now my eyebrow need at least, at least, a week to grow out. I have to use a eyebrow pencil to fix. It is kinda funny. While we were doing this, Kai came in to the bathroom. He kept saying eye and was handing a band-aid to Carrie. We thought he was hurt, but that was not the case. He wanted it to be put on my eye. Hence, the Diego band-aid on my right eyebrow. :D) Thanks Kai Kai!!!

BTW... We did watch the last part of the game. Heart wrenching...

Callaway Gardens

I recieved an email from my beautiful mom and thought this needed to be shared. Callaway has so many great memories to me. We would go and swim there or watch the butterflies or go to the gardens. Here are some pictures that we took in 2003 of our day there.

Dragonfly real life artwork

Sydney next to a Hugh Ladybug

Holding a snake. Sydney was not scared. We even got her a Cottonmouth Rattlesnake stuffed animal with this trips.

Cool Special... >>>>>>

Beginning January 1 through February 28, 2009, Callaway Gardens is inviting everyone to "Be Our Guest." Admission is complimentary for these two months providing guests with the opportunity to enjoy time with their friends and family reconnecting in nature. Just show up - no ticket necessary to enter the Gardens.

Warm up those chilly nights with an escape to Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia! Experience the wonders of our resort that blends the tradition of nature-inspired luxury and superior service with a new era of indulgence and dramatic rejuvenation. The comfort and elegance of this magical Georgia retreat is surpassed only by the mesmerizing beauty of its expansive natural surroundings.

Juggling Elephants at Inauguration

I read this book back in 2005, called "Juggling Elephants" by Jones Loflin and really like the concept of the book and how to manage my life. I get newsletters and they remind me and help me refocus. The below is an excerpt from today's newsletter. I am blogging about this because I liked how they phrased it is our responsibility to make a difference. It is the person in the mirror who is responsible.

Juggling Elephants Comment At The Inauguration

The title wasn't mentioned, but concepts that are strongly promoted in the book were highlighted by President Barack Obama. Consider these words from his inauguration address:

What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character than giving our all to a difficult task.-President Barack Obama

In short...Be The Ringmaster of your circus and act based on your purpose. These are difficult times, and if we are to survive and achieve any level of success professionally, personally and as a nation, we must take full control of our actions-and align them with our purpose. Expecting our situation to magically change solely because of the actions of others or an organization is like putting up a tent and hoping a circus will come by...it just won't happen.

Take what you want and apply.... to YOU!

To learn more about Juggling Elephants at http://www.jugglingelephants.com/.

Dave Ramsey vs. Marvin J. Ashton

The computer screen says, "Tax Shelters of the Rich & Famous."

AKA, Swiss Bank Account...

My personal goal is to have one of these eventually.

How awesome would that be?

Pretty Awesome!

**********************************************

With the Economy as it is, there is much discussion on the ways to become self reliant and be ready for anything. So, in the recent days, my mind has been on how to apply money so that it works for me. Here are two plans that are what I will be applying into my life.

Dave Ramsey's Money Make over (He calls his steps, "Baby Steps".)

Step 1 - $1,000 to start an Emergency Fund.
Step 2 - Pay off all debt using the Debt Snowball.
Step 3 - 3 to 6 months of expenses in savings.
Step 4 - Invest 15% of household income into Roth IRAs and pre-tax retirement.

Step 5 - College funding for children.
Step 6 - Pay off home early.
Step 7 - Build wealth and give! (Invest in mutual funds and real estate).

As I wrapped my mine on these steps from Dave, it brought back another Money Guru. That would be Elder Marvin J. Ashton. The LDS church publishes a pamphlet that was once green but now it has been updated and is gold, which is called "One for the Money: Guide to family finance."

1.) Pay an Honest Tithing (10%)

2.) Learn to mange money before it manges you

3.) Learn self-discipline and self-restraint in money matters (Debt-Elimination Calendar)

4.) Use a budget

5.) Teach family members early the importance of working and learning

6.) Teach children to make money decisions in keeping with their capacities to comprehend

7.) Teach each family member to contribute to the total family welfare

8.) Make education a continuing process

9.) Work toward home ownership

10.) Appropriately involve yourself in an insurance program

11.) Understand the influence of external forces on family finances and investments

12.) Appropriately involve yourself in a food storage and emergency preparedness program.

******************************

Personally, I think Ramsey wins!!! But both of these ideas should be implemented for the well rounded and self-reliant person. Going to work on the Baby Step Program with Dave and teach Sydney at the same time. She will think it fun. She likes to see money grow!

Two Pretty Gals, oh to the shed

As I was looking at my blog today, it came to my mind that this is for Sydney and me. So, the header was changed to reflect both of us. To involve Sydney, I asked her what the theme should be and she came up with, "Two Pretty Girls" which I changed the "Girls" to "Gals" and we have been created!

Still we are "The Magnolia Cafe" which has never been explained on this blog. But, the name comes from the street we live on in Quincy, FL. But most importantly, it is from Sydney's shed she has used in the back as a playhouse and mini diner. She had a table/chairs, kitchen, bathroom and TV plus a full length mirror and bar for ballet practice. She was helped by Gam-Mommy to set it up. But as time went by she stopped playing in it and she claimed it was because of the tiny lizards who came to visit. Well, we just cleaned out this shed and have sold it to a neighbor. We won't be playing in it any longer. As a reminder, I took a picture of the sign we has posted on the door.

Bye bye to Primary... :o(

After 6 weeks in primary as the chorister, I have a new calling. It was made official today at church. Now, I am 2nd counselor in the Relief Society. This is a new calling that I look very forward to learning more about because I have never done anything in the Relief Society leadership.

But, I wanted to blog my experience of Primary music... LOVE IT! When I was called to this, I was terrified but learned to implement my Admin of Recreation and Leisure degree to work with the children. They were learning the songs and they were having fun! At "The Crazy Chorister Blog" (http://www.thecrazychorister.blogspot.com/), I found this idea and used it for my Singing Time. Here are the props I was beginning to use in "I Lived in Heaven" below.

On the first Sunday that I did the Singing Wheel, the children found it awesome! Even after we had finished, the Sunbeams walked up and spun the wheel. It was loved that much. It was really cute to seem them enjoy something that much.

"Sydney STORY"
Sydney and I were staying in the hall at church. She turned to a friend and said, "You should see my mom's wheel, it is really cool." My thoughts were, why is she telling someone that they should see "My Will" because it is not any of their business." Then she explained herself a bit better with, your "Singing Wheel" mom. LOL

Close up of the "Singing Wheel"

Verse 1

Verse 2

Verse 3

Soccer Pictures

I rebelled against the photo's this year. Last year the photos were terrible and I say this because as I photographer you should look at your background. That was not the case last year. They had cars all in the background. Hello people!

So this year, I took my own pictures. We will have our own individual throughout the season and so Saturday was the time that I got to capture the team... Here ya go. What do you think about my photo work...

Ughhhh, bummed

So, I really try to stay positive in my thoughts but today I am sad.

There are great experiences going on in my life. But today I got some news about a great friend of mine that I work with is going to do something different and going to work with another company. It made me sad for myself because they inspire me and make me push myself. Not that I don't push myself enough but it gave an extra energy in the room when they were there. (Now, I am excited from a friend point of view because now they are going to do their life passion. They figured out why there are here on earth and are going for it! That part is amazing they have found that answer and I am happy for them.)

Funny part was today someone was snapping back at me about calling them and I responded to them... You don't have to get rude, I was trying to help. Which I wouldn't have done, but I became bolder this week. LOL

Now the other item that has bothered me is having to go to bed by myself to a lonely empty bed. This feeling goes in cycles. Sometimes I am okay with it but with it being cold, I have found myself sleeping on the couch some this week. I think if anyone asks me when I am older what was the hardest thing that I did in my life, it will have to be a single mom. Thank goodness for mom's, sisters, friends and boyfriends. Dang it is hard. All you married moms that stay at home and complain about the kids or how much your husband needs your help. You are lucky! You get to see your kids and you get to share the bed with someone. You get to share problems about money, broken down cars, share memories and pick up the kids after school. Its amazing how you have dreams and you can work toward them and then life happens. (however, not wish to be back in that other marriage... )

Now, that I said this, I feel much better.... Should be good for a month or so... Uplifted! :D)

Proverbs 13:22

"A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children."

I am listening to Dave Ramsey's, "The Total Money Makeover: a proven plan for financial fitness" He mentioned this proverb and it hit a cord with me. I want that financial gift for Sydney.

Dave Ramsey also mentioned that it is good to right down goals, which that is something that I don't have a problem. Actually, setting goals is fun for me. So, I did set some small goals this year. They are posted up on my wall at work so I see them each day and that makes me work for them. Here they are:

Performance Goals
- Get comfortable with hearing No’s
- Learn to respond successfully to No’s or Call me back.
- Love the people!

Sale Goals
- Work Schedule (get to work by 9am and work until 4pm when have Sydney and until 8pm without her.)
- Get to writing 8 applications a week.
- Get to a $5,000 dollar week in ALP.
- Write $175,000 ALP make $79,625 gross income.

Personal Goals
- Read Scriptures 15 minutes day
- Pray at least AM & PM
- Blog 3 x’s week

Here is my inspirational quote:

"We CAN do anything we want to do if we stick to it long enough!" Helen Keller

These are positive thinking make me better and keep my thoughts in the right direction.

I am the greatest
I can do it all
I am beautiful

New President Obama

Just amazing about the people that showed up in DC. I watched it on TV in Thomasville, GA with two other girls in my Cubical. Sydney watched it in the lunchroom at school. I asked her what she thought and she responded that the girls looked really cute and behaved. She likes the younger one. I am excited to have children in the White House. I think this will be a good thing. I like his family values. His political views are a bit different to mine so we will have to see what happens in the next few months/years.

President Obama and family The Crowd in front of the Capitol

People all the way back near the Lincoln Memorial

The people... Just people and people and more people.

An Goodyear Blimp picture from above... But it is not from the Goodyear blimp, they could not get approval. Only military vehicles.

The Bushes giving their goodbye wave. Leaving in the helicopter.

Prayers answered

Well, I feel blessed. Yesterday (Friday) was an interesting experience for me. I know that prayers were answered. With the economy being as it has been, it has been a bit hard for me. I had a big meeting and I won. Hooray!! It made me really feel that God does answer prayers of those that pray and pray sincerely. Thanks Mom, Kelly and Mauricio!

Tonight, Saturday... Prayer time went as following, I think she has been observing my conversations and those of others. Sydney gave the sweetest prayer. She asked Heavenly Father to help her mom and her Uncle Aaron to make the sales they needed. She asked that this Economy get better and help those people that need jobs and food. Then her next sentence was asking that her stuffed animals be blessed and to keep everyone safe.

This made me think of the scripture in Isaiah 11:6 at the end where it says, ".... a little child shall lead them." We teach our children the right and sometimes they will lead us when we sometimes are off the narrow path. Just like it says in Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." I am glad that the Lord has blessed me to have such a caring and loving daughter. She reminds me of myself. LOL! I am blessed! May the lord bless those that need the blessings!

Cousin Morgan's B-day

Last night we went to Morgan's B-day party for the family. It was great! He turned 13 years old this morning. We enjoyed being around family but when we were leaving, Sydney did not want to leave. She wanted to stay and play with her cousin. Here are some of their crazy pictures...

All about making faces!

More Faces....

Peace Dude! Playing around!

Oh... a nice picture with normal smiles!!!

First Goal of the Season!

So, I have been wanting to post on my blog for a week now but nothing happened until Saturday that was worth sharing. Sydney had a soccer game and she scored 2 goals! Hooray! She got the first goal of the season and then the 3rd. The winning score was 4 to 1, Rugrats.

Here is a video of her dribbling the ball to a goal....

mom

I love my mom.

              Sydney


Sydney wanted to post something too, so above is what she wanted to share with everyone!

Linked to Facebook

I am so siked... I just discovered that the "Notes application" has a way to import blogs. Now, I don't have to do double duty entry. Now I have tons of people that have the opportunity to correct my grammer though. Oh well, it will save me time and I love saving time!!!

From Ward to Branch

Today we got some major changes in Quincy, FL. The whole Stake Presidency came to visit and changed us from Quincy Ward to Quincy Branch. Sydney was listening and when this was announced she asked, "Mom, does that mean at my dad's church where they have a bunch of people that they are called a Tree?" I explained the different names of a Stake, Ward and Branch but she still things her dad's church should be called, a Tree instead of a Ward.

We also went to Tudy's house to visit with her today and while I took a two (2) hour nap Sydney and Tudy played cards and even picked up Pecans outside. We really enjoyed going to the farm and visiting with her.

Faith is when....

I saw this at a store in Warm Springs, GA when we were there for the lights this year and pointed it out to David and Jacie. They bought it for me. I just love it!

Last night, Sydney and I were having our "mommy and me" time at her bedtime like we always do. This time she asked for a story about me as a kid and my favorite Jesus story. She wanted a story similar to the one when I lived in Mobile, AL at the age of two (2) where I stripped down to nothing and ran to my next door neighbors asking for a cookie. So, I told her the story when I was picked up by Tudy and Papa in Mobile, AL when mom and dad were sick with the flu. It was at that time when I weaned from nursing. (Sydney thought it was weird to still be nursing at two (2) years old.) My first meal was grits! Love them still!

The next story was about faith...The Miracle of 2 fishes and 5 loaves of bread in Matt 14:14-22. I thought it was interesting that this would be my favorite story but it is a story of faith just like my sign that David and Jacie bought me. Have faith to feed the 5000 men (not including women and children) with just the 2 fishes and 5 loaves of bread from a little boy. It reminds me that we have the faith and Jesus Christ will provide. It reminded me of a story where this women and her son had only enough flour and oil to make her last meal and die. Then this man came to the door asking for food. She feed him and did not have anymore food for her family. After the man left the next day she went to check the container for flour and their was just enough there for her to make a loaf of bread for her family and this continued until the season changed and food was available. This is 1 Kings 17:7-16 paraphrased about Elijah and the widow.

Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

I saw this today whil playing on the computer today. It is one close to my mom's recipe. When I turned 16 years old. It was what mom made for Seminary class. It is awesome! Enjoy!

Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Ingredients
1 lb of Italian pork sausage, (then cooked, drained, crumbled)
4 1/2 cups cubed day old bread
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
10 eggs slightly beaten
4 cups whole milk
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp onion powder
Fresh ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
1/2 cup peeled, chopped tomatoes (optional)
Method
1 Heat a skillet on medium high. Break up the sausage into chunks and cook, working in batches if need be, until browned all around. Make sure the chunks of sausage have some space around them or your meat will steam and not brown. Remove the cooked sausage from the pan and let sit on some paper towels on a plate to soak up the excess fat. Crumble into smaller pieces.

2 Place bread in a well buttered 9x13 inch baking pan. Sprinkle with cheese. Combine the eggs, milk, dry mustard, onion powder and pepper. Pour evenly over the bread and cheese. Sprinkle sausage and optional ingredients over the top.
3 At this stage you can cover and chill overnight, if you want to prepare ahead. If not, let sit for 10 minutes before putting in the oven. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Bake uncovered for about one hour. Tent with foil if top begins to brown too quickly.

Serves 6-8.

Our New Year's Evening Party... it's 2009

It started with Pupusa's that I made... Don't they look marvelous.
We ate junk food. (Brianna and Kai were over for a while and we watched Randy from next door shoot off fireworks.) FYI... see the mini ice cream cones. They are tiny.
We shaved Sydney's legs.

The process.

Before and after.
After the shower.
We baked cookies too!

Mom and daughter

It ended with us watching the ball drop and then Robby Knievel jumping the Mirage hotel-casino volcano. He did it! Yeah! (Sydney hit the hay at 12:15 and I popped in "The Women" movie.)

Going the distance to keep Santa alive

Sydney is 8 years old and she believes Santa is so real. It has taken much reinforcement over the years and it is still working.

Let me share two experiences over the years.

In 2006, I purchased some items that were missing some pieces from Wal-mart. Gees what should I do? We had to get that fixed. I told Sydney that when Santa came by he told me that if they were missing any pieces, we could take to Wal-mart because they had similar toys. She went for it. So we went to Wal-mart together because it was her toy. As we get to the Customer Service, I wondered what I was going to do because I was going to have to show the receipt. Well, I put the toy on the counter and quickly placed the receipt in front of the clerk and proceed to tell her the following, "When Santa came, he told me if we had any problems with the toys we could bring them to Wal-mart and they would take care of it and let us get new ones." She went along and we were able to exchange the toy and get ones that worked. Sydney still believed and had no reason to think otherwise.

In 2008, we went to a Christmas party. We had a visitor, Santa Claus. The adults were doing the adult things about talking up Santa.... Sydney was not impressed. She is too analytical. During this visit two things happened:
1) Santa's boots were not real, they were Dock Martins with black plastic wrapped around his calf's to make it look like he was wearing books. She was like, that is not Santa because his boots are not real.
2) Then the adults were asking her if she was excited that Santa was going to come and visit. Sydney responded that it was not Santa because he is too busy and would not be leaving the North Pole. She did give the list of what she wanted.... A washboard and tub to the Santa but it was obvious she knew it was not the real Santa. But she played along. Too busy, what child thinks about that? Too busy? It all works out with the Santa helpers and all.

Afterwards, she is still believing. We have gone the distance to keep Santa alive! She won't be told otherwise. :D) Today, when I spoke to her I also mentioned that some of the items she requested would most likely be split between her dad's house and mine. She responded that she understood and then said that Santa doesn't always get everything that we want because we have to share with others.

I just love my little girl and her bright mind! She is so faithful and believing.

Carmella....

BTW, she is eight and today she called to complain about her dad. Eight going on thirteen. I told her that we all have hard days and that her dad was having a hard day. It meant a bunch to me to have her call and share her feelings with me. She had become a big talker on the telephone.

Christmas Card 2008

So, I am doing a Christmas card. Need to go and pick them up at the store. I am so excited to be doing a picture card. It is the first one that I have ever done. Thank you Carrie for taking the pictures!

If you would like a hard copy email me or send me a comment with your address. Love you all!!!

Do Re Me Fa So La Te Do

For some one that took singing lessons in High School because my best friend told me not to sing in the YW program now is in charge of the music in Primary. From using Sign Language when the YW sang in church instead of using my voice because it was sooooo terrible, I am now teaching children to sing and direct the music during Sacrament.

So, of the callings I have had in the past, this is one that scared me out of my comfort zone. However, it was a great experience to feel the tested feeling and still is. Before I walked in the door, I thought I was going to crash and burn. But, that did not happen and everyone had fun including me!

Looking for more ideas to do with the kids, so if you have any cool ideas let me know. Thank goodness for the websites.... www.sugardoodle.net is a great resource plus Christy's Clipart.

How long did it take Rome to be built?

That is what I have felt like today. I want it all today, but I have to climb the brick wall or knock it down (reference to All pumped up!!! an earlier post). It is a learning process. Today, I got some business but lost some business. Loosing business is not fun because you had money in your pocket but it got pulled back out.

Learn from mistakes. I knew this already but I messed up. I had someone give me the wrong account number and forgot to verify the bank. So, when I called back to get the information her mind was changed. Dang it! She was a great sell! Next time, I will double check my work and make a note for what I need to check off and need to slow down.

As a good note: they say I am doing great! It is a learning experience. Justin heard me on the phone today and gave me pointers that I need to slow down and make that friend. Put emotion into the program. Which, I have felt like I am missing the emotion. So, focusing on this improvement.

So I remind myself... be patience because in the end it will pay off. Yeah! I am going to be able to spend time with Sydney... ;D) VERY VERY SOON!!! None of this, "I miss you mommy" coming from Sydney. Have rectified that problem.

Santa List

Sydney we need to write a letter or do a video. Sydney said, "but, mom why?" Carmella said, "Sydney santa needs to know what you want for Christmas." Sydney said, "Mom, but why, because he always gets me the best stuff without needing a list."

Carmella... Oh no! What have we got going on now.

....Carrie, if you want to grammer correct... just email me the corrections. LOL....

All Pumped Up!!! All Pumped Up!!

I am so excited about the direction of my career. It is amazing the way in which the lord prepares us. Today was a great day for me because I was in Atlanta, GA for some training and motivation. It worked.

So, I am going to explain what I got out of the session. (Below are some of my huge personal goals. Ones that I really want to see but could seem a bit crazy, but I want it!!!)

• $500,000 a year in 2018 (10 years)
• $100,000 saved in the bank in 2012 (4 years)

Here is what I heard that motivated me....

• Seeing is Believing
• Can't win if you can't control your emotions
• It is all mental
• Justin issued $75,000 in business 3 months which is the first 3 months that the telesales started.
• Never Quit and Believe in self, you have to believe in yourself. To Be Successful
• Choose to be somebody
• Believe in self
• Make your story!
• Flush the Junk!!!
• It is all DREAMING and BELIEVING
• Keep business on the books
• Inspect what expect
• Build my pocket
• Need Owners not stockholders
• Got something to prove, prove it!
• It is your business. Treat it like your business
• If you hire someone and let them flounder is not good, need to be the cheerleader
• If it is to be..... it is up to me!
• Raising the Bar (this is familiar to us LDS members)
• Brick walls are there to prove how much we want it! love this!!! :D)
• From a video.... "Let us express your creativity", "Love people verses things", "Decide early on whether you are a TIGGER and Eore"....I wish that I could get this across to Sydney. It is interesting that this all came up because I was even thinking that Sydney needed to watch more Winni the Pooh the other day. This could have been a sign for me to look at focusing a bit more on that show because of the positivity it has with the characters.
• How do you achieve your childhood dreams is by living properly with them in focus and your dreams will come true. Sounds like a Disney line. Love it!

Oh beside the extremely long post... There is a Push Month for cash after Christmas. I set a personal goal for $25,000 in policies written for December and if I reach this goal... Then I will get between a $1,300 to $1625 bucks of bonus cash in addition to the money I will make on the business.

Thanksgiving Photo Shoot

Had a great time this Thanksgiving at "The Farm". Carrie moved back and we did a photo shoot. So, I finally have my own pictures from CarrieStroudPhotography.com.

Mother and Daugther (Me)

Mother (me) and Daughter (Sydney)

Me in front of my Honey Bee story from Morgan, GA.

Skip the car

As we drive to school every morning, we travel behind people that drive too slow for me. However we are on a road that is very curvy and cars can't be passed every time that I want to pass.

This is one of the cutest things that Sydney says, "mom are you going to skip them?" She is watching the paint on the road and will tell me that I can skip the car when it is okay. I think it is really cute, "let's skip them'!


BTW... Carrie, I blogged! :D) Welcome to Florida! You have a beautiful home and great neighbors it seems!

Visualize Success Activity

Had to add another post just minutes apart but different subjects.

Last night in Family Home Evening we did a neat lesson. We wrote out and each person decorated their passage and put up in there room to repeat and implement. I got the idea from Mariwilla (My Aunt) and have 12 others that work on positive thinking and personal improvement.

An Attitude of Faith
Repeat the following passage 3 X's
- before arising in the morning - before school/work
- after lunch - after get back in bed

"I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me" Philippians 14:3
"Heavenly Father is with me, helping me and guiding me."
Visualize Success

Not that I thought this would make an improvement but it made a difference today with me. When I felt frustrated, I repeated this passage and it helped! I visualized the success and Heavenly Father did help me today!

Hurricane Ike

After receiving an email with a few pictures, I felt that I needed to document it. This had a special spot in my mom's heart because her High School girlfriend lived in a town called Port Orange, TX. She was in contact with them constantly through the storm and was listening to every advisory that she could. It happened that she did not have flood insurance and Ike was heading straight to her house. It is amazing how God watches out for us. Her house was saved and had no flooding and minor wind damage where basically it has been explained to me like the picture below. The community is gone, the new school, neighbors houses, daughters house but her house stands. Heavenly Father will protect us when we give all power up to him. He is in control.A single home is left standing among debris from Hurricane Ike September 14, 2008 in Gilchrist, Texas. Floodwater's from Hurricane Ike were reportedly as high as eight feet in some areas causing widespread damage across the coast of Texas. (David J. Phillip-Pool/Getty Images)

Tudy's Mac and Cheese Recipe....

This needed to be documented somewhere, so here seemed to be the best place!!!

ENJOY!

There is no recipe but here the best idea of what we can come up with for Tudy's Mac and Cheese:
- box of regular spaghetti boiled
- 3-4 8 oz bags of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- six eggs beaten and mixed with a small can of evaporated milk

Take a 13 X 9 baking dish
- dot butter on the bottom
- about 6 spaced tablespoons
- pour a thin layer of hot spaghetti over the butter
- sprinkle a layer of cheese over the spaghetti
- put another layer of spaghetti and then a layer of cheese until the pan is full
- pour the egg and milk mixture over the spaghetti and the cheese
- if it does not almost cover the mixture
- add more evaporated milk
- sprinkle a little bit of salt and pepper
- bake at 350 until it looks familiar.

(For those that have not had this, it is AWESOME!!!)

GPS Garmin

I bought a Garmin, a nüvi® 360 to be exact! Yeah! I am excited. It should arrive just in time for my Birthday next week! Maybe Aaron will wrap it up so that I can open on my b-day, Thursday. Been researching them for a while now. Finally decided that could not work with the laptop any longer in the car. It responds a little too slow for my driving and it is not too safe.

The 360 has all the specs that I should need for a while. Even bluetooth for my phone, so I can talk and not hold the phone or have that little bug in my ear. It has everything in it. I wonder if i have an option to have an Australian voice give me directions?

Navigator. Translator. Entertainer. Tour guide. Garmin's nüvi 360 is your pocket-sized personal travel assistant. This versatile GPS comes with hands-free Bluetooth® wireless technology in addition to the popular features offered in the nüvi 350 — making it the go-anywhere travel companion. Like the rest of the nüvi 300-series, you’re just a few screen taps away from anywhere.

Any Suggestion for a name???????????????

NOTE: Not sleeping well the last few days!!!! Miss my little girl and miss the time that I use to spend with Mauricio.

Men and Action Figures!!!

This reminded me of my three brothers. Especially my brother David. He was our G.I. Joe boy with the camo shirt, shorts, hard hat and black plastic gun. If you know him, I bet you could totally see him like this. Enjoy the laugh!!!!

Time is a blessing

I have thought much about how to post this experience and here it goes. You don't know what you are given until it could be gone in a second. Thursday night my life changed. There is a larger respect and understanding of what is meant when someone says, "be safe" or "drive safely". It is not just something to say, it is something to mean and not take lightly.

ON a trip back from Perry, FL I came upon a two car accident in which there were critical injuries. I wasn't the only one on the scene, there were three other people, but I was the only one that had First Responder training. Much of what could be done was to assure them that help was on the way because they were both trapped in their cars and would need the "jaws of life" to release them. It took too long for official medical help to arrive, we were at least 10 mile from Perry. I don't know if anything could have been done to save either of their lives but I witnessed one passing into the next life a minute prior to help arriving. The other was breathing but unconscious and the medical team was accessing his injuries as I left the scene of the accident.

In my mind, I had always wondered what would happen if I did have to use my training. Just earlier in the week, I had gone to sleep reviewing my CPR. Well, I did stay calm and did everything that could be done. I was most proud of myself when the police arrived and that I could inform that we needed the "Jaws of Life" and report the status of both men. In a conversation with an Officer, I was asked what type of training I had. This would make Barbara Law (Prior boss/trainer/friend) proud of my performance.

It has really opened my eyes to not only the safety part but how important what I do for a living is for people. I knew how important it was because of my dad's death in an accident and how it helped my mom but to witness first hand an accident. It is even more realistic. Going to work the next day was excruciating but I survived and helped a few people too.

Here is the write up from the television news station below.
"A two car accident Thursday night leaves two people dead.The Florida Highway Patrol says the accident happened a little after 11 o'clock Thursday night near Highway 19 and state road 14 in Taylor County in the Eridu community northwest of Perry.They say 66-year-old Charles Back of Monticello was driving south in the northbound lanes of Highway 19 when he collided with a car headed north. He was killed and so was the other motorist, 30-year-old Scott Mcleod of Perry.There's no word yet on whether alcohol was a factor."

Ironing your body

Okay... I just had to share this funny event. I iron every day because I just love ironing, well, I really just enjoy wearing pressed clothes and looking awesome. Yesterday was no different. Turned the iron on and started ironing clothes. Finished ironing and put on my pants and top. When I looked in the mirror my linen top was not as pressed as I would like to start the day looking like. So, instead of taking the time to remove the top I grabbed the iron and smoothed out the wrinkles around the buttons. Hit the steam button to be more effective. There was the usual heat that I have felt many times before from doing this same activity over the years. But this time it seemed to last a little bit longer but paid no attention to the pain and went on with my daily events.

Today, I get up and start getting ready. Which starts with taking a shower. I am stepping into the shower and I notice my breast. There is a brown mark on it. As I look closer, there is a blister over half of this silver dollar burn mark. I had burned myself yesterday and caused a blister on my boob. LOL Good thing that it does not really hurt. All these layers of clothing I wear you can't even tell.

Ugh... Busy

Boy, this new job really keeps me busy and is a bunch to learn. It is fun when closing deals but when not it is stressful. It takes some thick skin to do this job and to be single. I think the being single it the hardest part of life. This past week was a few anniversaries for me. I really try not to focus on them but they pop up every so often when I am alone. The first date of August 10th where I would have been married for 12 years last week. The other dates was August 8th where I have been single for 7 years. It really hurts because I grew up in an ideal world where I would be married in the temple and married for all eternity but that ended a 5 years of marriage.

Honestly, as I compare to different problems that people face in their life on earth it is comparable to the pain someone has who wants to have a child and can't.

That enduring can be so hard. Harder than one would really think. Someone can only pray so long to have angels to give you a hug verses a human hug.

In The Field

Thursday was my last day working as a Public Relations Director and the first day as an Insurance Agent. I went out in the field all by myself and made a deal on my first night. During training they kept saying that when you are in the field and explain the program you will begin to say to one's self, "they really need this." That is exactly what happened. The person really needed it and they got it! It is a really fulfilling career that I have just started.

It is going to take sometime to get my presentation and interpersonal relationships tuned it. I need to tune into the person in the first 5 minutes which is something sometimes hard for me. But, I am listening to books to improve my skills. As Zig Ziglar says, I am taking an investment in "Automobile University."

Beautiful Country and H.F.

I was driving back from Birmingham, Alabama today and felt love for this state. It is a state that many people make fun of because of the country-ness of it and the people that come out of this state. However, my experience was beautiful!

There were the most beautiful trees and hills in Birmingham, AL. It was a feeling that brought me peace to my soul each day that I got out of my room and saw the hills filled with green trees that were so think that you could not tell that people lived on the hills. It also gave me another example of the love that my Heavenly Father has for me and his spectacular mind that created such a magnificent place.

Yesterday, I received an email with this quote and felt it really expressed a simple but complex thought which today, is what I am discussing in my blog.

“All that I have seen teaches me to believe in the creator I have not seen.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Takes some time today to see what we have been so blessed to have!

I'm doing it!

So the job changed last year in June (2007) which made my life change with a different career focus. This past year, I did Public Relations and created leads for insurance agents to go and work. Now, I have the confidence to go in the fields. Currently, I am in training this week! It is the most energetic and self-fulfilling experience and I see success coming soon.

Most importantly all the prior experiences over the past 14 months have been the a preparation for me to be here by my Heavenly Father. He is the person in charge of things. No matter how much I will try to fight him, he will always win. This is his world and he knows what is best for me. I am here to learn to be the best person that I can be. We are all here for this experience and to grow from the trials of life. It gives me strength knowing that my Heavenly Father loves me and knows what is best for me.

When trails are hard I recall what President Faust said years ago, "Ask what can I learn from this trial and not why is this happening to me". This has been my focus ever since I heard that advice in General Conference. It changed my focus as I go through life.

I sit in my classes and see the potential I have at this point in time. I sit with confidence knowing that I was not prepared for this experience until RIGHT NOW. If it had been any earlier then I would have been a shrinking Violet as the saying goes, but I am a strong Daisey ready to shine. To go forth and sell!

"You and I" by Michael Buble

I was on a friends blog today and she had one of those song players and heard this song. It was just a fabulous song that touched my heart. In my planner mine, I am recording this song because it is a song that I want played at any wedding that I plan.
Either my wedding (one day but not anytime soon... no one start jumping for joy. LOL) or for Sydney's.

"You and I"

by Michael Buble

Here we are

On earth together

It's you and I

God has made us fall in love

It's true

I've really found

Someone like you

Will it stay

The love you feel for me

Will you say

That you will be by my side

To see me through

Until my life is through

Well in my mind

We can conquer the world

In love you and I

You and I, you and I...I'm glad

At least in my life

I've found someone

That may not be here forever

To see me through

But I found strength in you

Cause in my mind

You will stay here always

In love you and I

You and I, you and I

You and I, you and I

You and I

In my mind

We can conquer the world

In love you and I

You and I, you and I

You and I...

Freedom

On this 4th of July, I reflect of my gratitude for this country that I have been blessed to be born in and at this time. We have wars and rumors of wars and they are not on my countries soil! How blessed I feel that I can walk outside anytime that I want and drive where ever I want. I am proud to be an American and continue to hope for a safe country for my family and other countrymen.

It also makes me proud to know that we have a country that you can be whoever you want. From a business owner to a bum we have the freedom to choose and the support in this country. May we all be grateful for this country and continue to believe in the American Dream. Make your dreams come true because this is a country that it can happen! Have a glorious and tremendous day of freedom! Remember those who have past before us for this freedom.