Thankful Post "Angie"

Meet my very quiet and sweet friend Angie!

I know some may find this hard to believe, but I am usually the quiet one out of all my friends. But Angie has me beat for sure. Her and her family moved to our area, a couple of years ago. I met her thru some mutual friends. Over the summer, my family got really close to her and her little family. She is married to T.D. who is a great guy, and a lot of fun to be around. He and Trav are so much alike! And they both keep us laughing non stop! And she has 3 daughters!

I decided to blog about her for a few reasons.

One, I am just excited to have made friends with another family, who actually enjoys doing family things together! Who have the same outlook on life? And don’t deal with all that silly drama!!

Two, I am thrilled, I have met a friend who let’s me spoil her precious baby!
And last, to tell how Angie ministered to me..

Like I said, over the summer we got really close. A group of our friends would have family night at each of our homes. We had lots of cook outs, we put fires out together. We watched each others kids play softball. We just had a blast! Angie and T.D. were always smiling, very friendly, than they shared the news with us about her expecting! We were all giddy with excitement, (ok, maybe it was more me that was giddy)..

So, life kept on going on. Than they hit hard times. We found out TD lost his job, he had known for a couple of wks, but they did not want to bring us down, so they still had dinner at their place, and never acted down either! Umm, lets not forget that they just found out they were pregnant! Than her daughter breaks her ankle, and is taken to the emergency room. Again, no job! It seemed from the outside looking in, that they were taking hit after hit. But, during that entire time, Angie never had a bad attitude. She was always smiling; she was walking the track every single night, in that brutal summer heat. This woman was remarkable. I know, I would have crawled in bed, in the fetal position, and just cried!

I honestly believe, that because of Angie’s wonderful attitude, thru out all this. Is why, things are going so great for her and her precious family now. T.D got a great job, working for Coca Cola, Angie gave birth to a precious baby girl, and her daughter did not require surgery for her ankle. Angie is still smiling, and just enjoying being a stay at home mommy.

So Angie. I just wanted you to know, that I watched you thru those times, and prayed many prayers. And I am still just amazed at how you handled everything. Your strong Faith, ministered to me that God will take care of everything. So, thank you for being a part of my life, for setting such a great example, and I look forward to many years of family fun!

Thankful Post "My Ciera"

My Ciera Nichole..

Lordy, Lordy, she has been something else..lol

I first met her when she had just turned 6 years old. When I started dating her daddy.

This little girl had the biggest smile ever! A big time daddy’s girl. In the beginning, I had no idea that Trav actually had full custody of her, so I figured I could handle the every other wkend and occasional holidays. But, nope! We had her all the time. Lol

 Ciera, has such a joy for life. She accepted me with no problems, but wanted to be loving with hugs and kisses all the time, but I did not grow up with that type of affection, so it was awkward for me. I learned quickly how to fake it till I made it. After a year of dating, Trav and I got married. Ciera was the only one there for that, and she giggled thru the entire thing. Right after we said the “I Do’s” she asked me if she could call me mommy?!

 So here I am, 17 years old, pregnant with twins, and a mother to a 7 year old. Many days, I wondered what the heck my husband was thinking. Many days, I wondered how my dad made it look so easy!

But, my heart broke for this little girl. At the age of 7 she had been thru so much, and I knew that it was going to be my job, to love this little girl like she was my very own. I knew there was going to be tough days, but the good days, always out weighed the tough ones. So I sucked it up, and did the things, I had only wished my mom would have done for me. I let her get many brushes stuck in my curly hair. I played store with her, so she could learn how to count money. I was the home room mother, and stayed up late when Ciera volunteered me to make lasagna for the entire class. I took her to those early morning basketball games, and dance classes, and softball games. After a couple of years of playing this part, I realized that it became a natural thing. And that I had fallen madly in love with this little girl. Instead of playing the part, I learned that it was an honor to be her “mother”. I have to admit, there were times I forgot she was not from me. We NEVER referred to her as the step child, she was never treated like a step child. We always said the only steps in our home were the front porch ones.

So, life flew by quickly! We stayed busy, living life, and being a family. We made it thru the pre-teen years just fine. We barely made it thru the teen years, and ugh the high school days were brutal, lol and now she is an adult.

Almost 16 years later, here we are.

Ciera Nichole!! We MADE it! Whoohoo!

I thank God with all my heart for bringing you into my life. I spent many prayers, begging God not to allow me to fail you, or to screw you up.

 It has been quite the honor to call you my daughter. I may not have given birth to you, but I see a lot of my qualities instilled in you. From the “go to hell” look, to the “don’t mess with me or I will kick you butt” attitude.

You have some of the same passions as me, and it brings me much pleasure that I was there for the many first that you experienced.

 To watch you grow into such an amazing young women, who is feisty, yet loving.

Who is stubborn, but yet giving.

 To hurt when you were hurting, to be there to pick you up, when you had to learn a lesson for yourself.

 To be excited when you met your goals.

 To keep from screaming on the outside like I was on the inside, when I wanted to cause some boys some physical harm for hurting my baby.

To being your biggest cheerleader!

 I am so proud of who you are today! And I look forward to all that God has planned for you. Cause no matter what you choose; I know you are going to be absolutely amazing!

Thankful Post "Elvis"

My friend Big E..(AKA) Elvis

Shortly after I got my promotion at work a few years ago, I was the “new person” in our area for a while. That was until Elvis hired in. He became our AC guy. Elvis is one of those people, that you either hate or love. Even though he is over 6ft and comes off as being on the rude side, he is a big teddy bear!

He and I hit it off right away! He always has a smile on his face, and goes out of his way to talk with you. He loves to talk about his “boy” and his sweet wife. A very proud family man.

I decided to blog about Elvis, for a couple of reasons. One cause he and his family became great friends to me and my family. They are invited to family celebrations, and we always have a great time.

The other reason, is because Elvis is a true example of what a good loyal friend is. If they put pictures in the dictionary, they would have his picture beside the word “loyal friend”.

After Elvis went to work for a different place, we experienced one of the hottest summers here in Texas. During that time, our AC unit died on us! My husband being the amazing Mr. Fix It he is, could not figure out what was wrong with our unit. So he would call Elvis, and he would help Trav trouble shoot to figure what it was. Elvis always answered his phone, and always was more than willing to help Trav out. When they figured out, it was dead, and we needed to buy a new one. Elvis drove all the way out to “the country” on his day off, in the heat, and helped install the new unit. Did not ask for anything in return, never was ugly about it, he went above and beyond his duty as being a great friend.! And saved my family lots of money!

So Elvis, you may not think that was a big deal. But your kindness and great attitude ministered to Trav and I, and we are very thankful to call you and your family our great friends! I sure miss working with you, but am thankful for the years you did work with me! I pray you are always surrounded with people who love you, and that blessings are poured onto you and your precious family.

Thankful Post "Crystil"

Meet my drop dead gorgeous friend Crystil..

As I have mentioned before, my family has been attending the same church for over 6 years now. Being the amazingly outgoing person that I am, (yes, that was sarcasm) I did not make friends right away. I like to say, I am more a people watcher, which in translation means, I thought I was too good to greet people, they were supposed to greet me. I am growing; I am growing outside my safety bubble..lol
Back to my friend Crystil. She always has a lovely smile on her face. When she would see me, she always smiled, and I would look at her, and think, “I can not like you sweetie, you are too pretty!” I am being so serious with my thoughts. Yes, I was a mess.! Anyways, year after year, Crystil would always smile and say hello to me. I would smile back, but that was as far as it would go. Than, God stepped in, and one day I was working in the nursery, and guess who I get to work with?! Yep that hottie Crystil, smile and all.


She was even nicer in person,!! I was doomed! I had no choice but to really like her! We got to talking, and her kindness just ministered so much to me. Crystil was the first official friend that I made at church. We do dinner dates now, and we talk and smile at each other at church, and I am so thrilled that I can call her my friend.

Crystil, is so down to earth, transparent, and she loves to share her life lessons. She is a wonderful mommy of two handsome fellas, and she has quite the hottie for a husband too. I have had the honor of meeting and working with her parents and sisters, and I have already asked them if they could adopt me, because they have so much love for each other and so much fun!

So Crystil, I am very thankful that you were so kind to me from the beginning. Because of you, I have let my guard down, and am meeting new people at church. Your kindness, and the stories you have shared during announcements, ministered to me, more than you will ever know. Thank you for being a sweet friend to me, and I look forward to many dinners, and laughs with you!

Thankful Post "Briana"

My Friend/Sister-in-love Briana

Goodness, where do I start with this person. For those that don't know me personally. Bri is married to my baby brother Jess. Growing up in "Wise County" my baby brother, being the hottie he is, never really had steady girl friends. Now, don't get me wrong, girls liked him, but he just enjoyed the attention. =0)

It was a couple of years after I got married, that Jessie and Briana started dating. At first, I was not too fond of her, cause of course no one was good enough for my baby brother, but she was so darn cute, and sweet. And my brother fell madly in love with her, and she made him so very happy. So she won my heart too!

Thru out the years, we have been really close, and than some years not so much. Just different interest and people that we hang with. She actually worked with me for many years, and I really enjoyed knowing she was down the road and an email away. She was my lunch buddy, and work out buddy for a while. I do miss having her here for sure.

If you know Bri, she is that person who loves to laugh, and have fun! My kids think she is the funnest aunt out there, cause she don't care what people think, she will do what ever she wants to have a good time. That and I figure since all the kids are taller than her, she fits right in! lol Bri is one of the few family members that actually values and respects my opinion. LOL She is the one to call me, when she has a question about one of the kids being sick, or when she needs prayer for something she is struggling with. She knows and has accepted that she can depend on me to be truthful, and not worry about me giving her any BS. And she knows, that I would be willing to do anything to help her out. That I always have her back!

Not only am I fond of her for being a good wife, aunt, sister in love, but she is an amazing mommy. She has blessed me with one niece and one nephew, and another nephew on the way. I have no doubts that these precious babies will be loved and cared for no matter what, and I thank God for sending my little brother such an amazing wife and my nephews and niece a loving mother.

So, Briana! I am very thankful that you are a part of my life, and such a sweet sister and friend to me. A huge thank you, for growing that precious baby in your tummy, even though he is kicking your butt!

Love ya mucho!

Thankful Post "My MOMMA"..

My momma!

If you know my mom, than you know she is the one to not put up with much crap!

Unless it is from her precious boys! hee.hee

Most kids grow up with those sweet and loving mothers, who gave lots of hugs and kisses. But, I have learned, that if no one taught you how to be loving, than you sometimes don't know how to show it to the ones you love. My mom is the oldest of four children.She may only be 5ft 1in, but she is one of the toughest, hard working woman I know. I am 32, and I don't remember her ever being without a job.

She got married and pregnant early in her life. Unfortunately, the man she married, loved alcohol and other women, more than his family. So, my mom wanted what was best for her 3 young children, and she left him. Well after she beat him up, while she was pg! Told you not to mess with her!


I know so many women, who stay with men, who are drunks, and abusive, just cause they don't want to be alone, even though they see how their kids are being mistreated, and I have all the respect in the world that my mom chose the hard road, instead of just settling to leave us in that lifestyle. She chose her children!

So, there she went, young, single, 3 little ones, and having to start all over. Let's not forget the $36.00 a month for 3 children for child support! Ha!

Fast forward to 3 years later, after working as a cook to support us, she meets my daddy.
A good-looking, hard working, man who fell in love with her, and all 3 of her babies.
She knew she struck gold for sure. And the rest is history..

Twenty Six years later, and 10 almost 11 grandchildren later, my mom still works, and is enjoying the life of being loved and spoiled. I told you I get it honest!
I have had the honor to watch my mom have a huge heart, and bless people with money, furniture, shoes, clothes. She taught me how to be giving, and always willing to help those in need.

I am also thankful, to how much she loves all her grandbabies. Especially those girls! She is the granny, that can be loving but don't let them act up either. And she loves to spoil them, and let them spend the night, when they kick my dad out of the bed.

And it never fails, that when one of her babies calls her, she can tell right away, if there is something wrong. She tells you the brutal truth, gives you words of wisdom, and always lets you know, her door is always open!

I am so thankful for my momma's love. Her example of how to be a strong woman. How no matter how old your babies get, you will always worry and love them with all your heart..

Thankful Post "My Dad"

My daddy..

Yep, that is still what I call him today, even though I am 32 years old.
Most people, who don’t really know me, don’t know that my dad is actually my step dad. My mom divorced my real dad when I was about 3 years old,. And she married my step dad when I was 4 years old. I think my dad is the most amazing man in the world.

First of all he married my MOM! Lol
 Been married to her for over 25 years now!
Second, he married her with 3 young children.

From day one, he has always treated us like his very own children. I was and am a daddy’s girl. I am willing to admit that I am a little on the spoiled side. I will even admit that the first few years of my marriage, I compared Trav to my dad too much. It seems that all I said was “But, my daddy said” And I guess it did not go over too well for Trav!

One time at work, I passed out, and apparently when I came back to, I kept telling the first responders to “call my daddy” I kept saying over and over “I want my daddy”! How pathetic is that! I guess every girl who had or has a great dad, just knows they can depend on them. I know that my dad is always there for me, and with just one phone call, he will be there for me in a heart beat. When Trav is at work or traveling, and I would lock my keys in the car, or get a flat tire, or have to take my boys to the Emergency rm because they broke a bone or busted their head with a hammer, it was my dad that I would call, and he would meet me up there. He knew I hated to deal with these things alone, so he was my support.

He actually works with me, so I get to see him everyday. And it never fails that when I am struggling with something, he can come sit in here and he knows exactly what to ask, for me to break down and spill my guts to him. He is very quiet, a great listener, but he observes people, and usually is never wrong about them. But, he always has words of wisdom for me. But, let me tell you something. Don’t let his quietness fool you. Cause if you mess with his wife, kids, or grandbabies, you better watch out!

Oh, and what Joy it brings me to see him as a grandfather.. His love for each of these kiddos is just precious. My twins are 14 now, and they still crawl onto his recliner with him, and watch TV. He is the only one that calls my Jazzy by her middle name “Victoria”. Ohh, how she loves her grandpa, and ohh how she is spoiled by him, just like I was. I really think the relationship between a dad and daughter is very important. I think it sets the tone for the type of man our daughters will marry. I am very blessed, that I not only have a great daddy, but I married a man who is a wonderful father to his two girls. Two daddy’s girls for sure!

Not sure if my dad will read my blog, but if he does. I want to say, thank you daddy. For treating me and the boys like we are your very own. For loving us, and providing for us. But most of all, for allowing me to be a “Daddy’s Girl”