Thankful post day 5 "Bonnie"

Today, I am thankful for my friend Bonnie..

Everyone knows Bonnie!

She is loud, outgoing, the real deal of what you see is what you get.

No games! No drama! 

 If she knows you, she will go out of her way to acknowledge you. And boy, don’t you dare ignore her. It don’t matter if you are having a bad day, because she will call you out! Lol She is the one that will yell across the parking lot or grocery store, or even better, the restaurant just to say “hello”!

Ohh, and her laugh! Gotta love her laugh! My kids and husband get a kick out of her. They know, if we are out and about, and if they see Bonnie, that we will be there for a while, cause her and I are going to talk and act like we have not seen each other in years.! Did I mention she is a perfect match for my husband?! Hee Hee It is just an ongoing joke, because she has the same personality as Trav, and watches the same corny shows as him.

I met Bonnie the year our “now freshmen” started kindergarten. I was the room mom, and she was always so helpful to provide stuff for parties.

Bonnie is an amazing mom, wife, daughter and friend. She has a huge heart, and is so dependable. I chose to write about her today, because I have spent many years watching her. The way she treats people, always ministers to me. She shows no signs of fearing rejection. She will walk up to a complete stranger, and find something to compliment them about. Many times, when I have been in the middle of talking to her, she will stop me just to let me know I look pretty, or that my hair looks great, or how she loves my earrings. She inspires me to step outside my bubble, and to be a better person.

 So, thank you Bonnie. For being so good to me. For being there to answer the phone after midnight to listen to me cry, cause I got hurt or discouraged.

For always, knowing when it was the right time to be honest with me, or just being that shoulder to cry on. For always having something encouraging to say, and for being my cheerleader in life!

I thank God for sending me such a sweet friend..

Thankful Post 4 "Jessie"

Today I have the honor to blog about my baby brother Jessie.

For those of yall who know me personally. Know I am the only girl, and the middle child. Double whammy!

But, I have to admit, that I have the best baby brother a sister could ever ask for. Jessie and I have always been close. My mom worked nights, so basically I am the one that took care of him, and played momma bear . In his teen years, I was the one to get him out of trouble, or to hold his garter at homecoming and cheer him on when he was in a fight. This young man had/has a temper! One person you don’t ever want mess with. But he is also a sweet heart. And a very handsome fella. (He kinda looks like me)..lol

I am sure he is going to love me sharing this part, but he played dolls with me, even Barbie’s,. No worries, we took turns, and I would play hot wheels with him too. We were creative; we made roads with all of my dads duct tape, and built Barbie beds out of dominoes! Lol
 Even though Jess is my little brother, he was over protective of me, and did not like me to have boy friends over. Let’s just say, he would cause them physical harm and than run and lock himself in the bathroom! Yeah, my boyfriends usually would not come back over.

Now, we are all grown up and living this crazy thing called life. I even named one of my boys after him. I find it amazing to see my baby brother all grown, with a sweet little family. It just makes me so proud. He has two kiddos and one on the way. He is such an amazing daddy to his babies. He is a great husband to Bri. Jess has a big heart, very dependable and realistic. He is a hard worker, with good family values. He is easy going, and knows how to have a good time. I could call him up any time of the day, and he would be there for me in a heartbeat. My kids think he is the coolest uncle, and you always hear him telling my kids, that if they ever need anything to never hesitate to call him.

I love my baby brother, and I regret that we don’t get to see each other very often.

So, Jessie Lee, thank you for being a part of my life, even though you really had no choice.!

The day my baby brother became a daddy!

I am proud of the young father, husband you grew up to be. Know that I am here for you no matter what.

Thankful Day 3 "Alicia"

Today my post is about my friend Alicia..

I actually had the honor of calling Alicia my very best friend for many years! We have known each other since her daughter and my fellas were only 2 years old, her mom in law owned and ran the daycare that I enrolled my boys in, when I went back to work. So, I have known her for over 12 years. Alicia loves my children. She has always treated them like they were her own, and my kids love her too. I am talking, the type of relationship that my kids walk into her home, and grab something to eat and lay on the couch! Lol

Our kids have grown up together, and our husbands were old friends from school, so it was just really easy to get close to her.

She just understands me, and always has my back.

She was there for me many times, when she knew I was struggling with something, or having anxiety about going to a party. She would go in and save the day, and make sure I felt part of something.

She is that friend that we could get in the car and just drive and listen to music, without feeling the need to make small talk.

She was there for me, to give me hope, that I would make it thru Ciera’s teen years! Lol She was the first person to ever defend my kids, when I was about to jump all over them.

She helped me see things and people from a different perspective and with an open mind.

Although life and certain events got in the way over the years and we don’t see each other as much. Alicia has a special place in my heart and within my family’s heart forever. And I thank God for bringing Alicia and her family into my life. I only hope that she always has known, and will always know, that I love her,.

SO, thank you Alicia, for being an important part of not only my life but my family also.

Day 2 of Thankful Post "Paula"

Today I am thankful for my friend Paula..

When I started working for this company 8 years ago, Paula hired in around the same time. At first, we did not really click. I thought she was uppity and felt like she thought she was above me,.. She had one of those happy attitudes, and all spunky. And you know me; I did not care for those happy people..LOL We became desk neighbors, than cubicle neighbors when we both switched positions. Who would have known the next 8 years she would be one those people who I admire and look up to?

Paula showed me how powerful a praying mother and wife can be. She showed me that I am not God JR, and that I don’t have to voice my brutal opinion to everyone.

When I wanted to have a bad attitude and a pity party, and would go to her, she was not the one to say “oh poor baby” she would encourage me to think of my actions, and how to learn from my mistakes.
Paula is that big sister I never wanted. Lol But so thrilled that God saw it different.
Paula has a sweet spirit of love. She is a wonderful mother, to my little friend Jonathan.
She also fell in love with my Jazzy girl,.
Most people don’t know this, but she is the reason I visited The River Church!
She has been my saving grace.
Paula moved away this year, to follow her dreams,.. I miss her like crazy. But am so very proud of her for taking chances and following her heart.
So thank you Paula, for loving me. For being a big part of my life, and accepting me for who I am..
I am oh so very thankful for having you be such an important part of my life!

Oh so THANKFUL.. Post one

November already!? Where in the world did this year go? I must admit, it was quite a rough start of a year for me, some horrible things I had to deal with,.. But, I am also thrilled to say the last few months have been amazing. Lots of prayers being answered!

If you are on face book, than you know that most November's, lots of people post each day something they are thankful for..But, I have been slacking on fb some lately.. Just cause I have noticed lots of silly drama starts on FB, and I am just burnt out! People are just so brave behind a computer, and yes, I know it is just Face book, where we all brag, vent, or just share daily activities. But do you know that 5 different people can read a status, and come up with 5 different meanings. Some get pissy, some laugh, some get their feelings hurt. But instead of calling that person up, they just decide to treat that person like crap. CAN YOU SAY COMMUNICATION!? It's Face book people..Use it wisely!
Ok, back to my blog..So I figure, that I could just write a few blogs thru out the month, about what I am thankful for. So follow along..I promise to keep them shorter this time!

* My Savior: Without him, I could not do anything! His love is overwhelming, and I am thankful for his grace and mercy! And that he loves and loved me, even at my worst!

*My Husband: I have been with him for 16 years! This month we celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. I don't care who you are and what you say. Marriage is hard! Now I know, you may be shocked to find out that our marriage is not always lovey dovey and perfect. LOL.. I mean how amazing it must be, to be married to such a perfect woman like ME!? (wink, wink) AND I am sure we both have wanted to throw in the towel and call it quits. Heck, we both have watched many Cold Case Files, and CSI episodes, and have gotten some ideas to get rid of the evidence..lol But, at the end of the day, he is my best friend. My biggest fan! He goes out of his way to make all my dreams come true. He works his butt off to provide for me and our children,. He has endured horrible jobs, and crazy hours, and dealt with crappy bosses for us. He is MY HERO! And for that, I love him with all my heart!

*My Babies: Ci, Aaron, Cam, & Jazzy..These kiddos are growing way too fast. Being a mommy, is one of the greatest joys in my life. Yeah, there have been tough times. Especially when I have to be a mom and not their best friend. To me the hardest thing is to allow them to make their own mistakes, and to let them fight their own battles. Lord knows how many prayers and tears have been had for my kids. And just when I think there is just no hope left, I see a little spark, that they might just have a clue. That they actually did listen to me! After all, a little spark is all we need to start that fire! I will always be their biggest cheerleader! I know that my babies can do anything they put their mind and heart into. I know I have the most amazing kids ever! All different personalities, some out going, some shy, some sarcastic, (they get that from their dad) but the things they all have is a big heart, and a great sense of humor, and they know how to have a great time. We spend most of our time together laughing and singing! These young ladies and young men, are going to make amazing spouses, and parents one day. Let's not forget how gorgeous and handsome they are too! Of course I continue to pray for them, that they will always be surrounded by people who love them for who they are, and that they make the right choices in life that they can be proud of! And that they give me LOTS, and LOTS of precious grand babies!

That's all I got!..

LAUNDRY is a MUST!..

Yep! I am soooo going there! I try my best to be a private person. But those close to me, know that I am an open book with some things. I can make many blush, but mostly they just laugh out loud at my brutal honesty! Some get pissy with me, and want to judge me as too young and clueless. To each their own I guess.
It seems there are certain things in my family's genes that we are very passionate about..Let's call it "LAUNDRY"!

Lots and lots of LAUNDRY!

It has come to my attention, that I have lots of ladies in my life who have "issues" in this area. It seems in the old days, it was always the men who complained about not getting to do the "LAUNDRY" as often. But, it seems that in this generation, I am running into many married women who are doing the complaining. It seems as if, these married men who have been married for 10 plus years, have gotten comfy. Or shall I say "LAZY"! I have heard the saying, that men treat life like hunting. They go out of their way to track and hunt what they are looking for, but once they get it, they hang it up on the wall for a trophy! They figure, ok I got it, I am the man! Whoohoo!

Now don't get me wrong. I know some women can really make you not want to do "LAUNDRY".. Especially if all they do is nag you, or whine and complain. So women, if you are doing that, than STOP IT! We all want to feel appreciated, we all want attention. I heard from a Pastor once that, when we get married, the husband and wife, are both babies..They go wah! wah! I want this, I need this, ME! ME! ME! and than we end up fighting cause we both want the same thing, but we are only thinking of ourselves! But, when you were dating, you would go out of your way for that person. You would bathe, and shave, and put the smell good stuff on. You would buy cards, and flowers, and hold the door open. And for most, you would be really active in the "LAUNDRY" area. Ask yourself, do you still do those things? If not, why not? Cause you got lazy! But fellas, nothing has changed. Yes, you are married, you have a nice trophy, but take her off that shelf, and show her how proud you are of her so you can keep her!

Now for the ladies out there, that like to hold the "NO LAUNDRY" from their spouses to get what they want. Shame on you! We all forget that God intended us to enjoy this activity. When you got married, you gave your body to your spouse! So, don't you dare turn them down. Take you some IB Profen, take you a nap, do what ever you have to, but you better give that man some "LAUNDRY"!! It is something "precious" "beautiful" and a way we can connect with each other, that we can't do with anyone else. God wants us married people, to do lots and lots of "LAUNDRY"! Not to mention, it is great for your health, and helps you to lose weight, cause of the calories you burn.

We have 4 children, they keep us busy! I have found, that my life revolves around my children. And I will admit, I may have neglected showing my husband some attention, and he has done the same.. Cause it was all about our babies. Ohh, but married mommas and daddies, those babies grow up, and they will leave you. And than you are going to look at your spouse, and think "Who the heck are you, and when did you get here?!" So, don't allow your spouse to become a stranger.

So here are some tips, free of charge!

*Each day, when you greet your spouse, lay a big ole kiss on them. I mean hard core, passionate kiss, that will make your kids go "EWE, nasty mom and dad"! (By the way, it is great for your children to see that kind of affection between their parents, it gives them security)

*Write each other a love note, for them to find on occasion thru out the day.

*Go out on dates! HUSBANDS! Let's just avoid the "What do you want to eat? Oh I don't care, what do you want to eat?" Do all the work, find a sitter, look up the movie, look up your wife's favorite eating place, take a shower, and put the good smelling stuff on, and treat your wife to a nice date! Lots, of door opening, and hand holding, and just give her your 100% attention! I promise you will reap the benefits!

*For the busy moms and dads, who have kids involved in football, basketball, cheerleading, softball etc.. Come to an agreement, that on a certain day or night, no matter how tired you are, that you will do the "LAUNDRY".. So every Wednesday, you can expect it. I promise, that you will find yourself looking forward to every Wednesday! And who knows, you may make it happen on Wednesday and Friday each week!

*Bring home flowers or send them to her work just because!


*If you know what her favorite drink is, stop by the convenient store and pick one up for her.


*Give her a call at work, and see how her day is going!
*Pray for her! Ask God to show you how to love her the way SHE wants to be loved.


*When you walk by her, touch her. And I mean more than the slap on the butt fellas!


*Don't be a fuddy dud! If yall are making dinner, turn on the radio, and grab her and start dancing!


*Turn off that darn TV, and show your spouse some attention. I promise that when you DVR your favorite show, it wont be any different when you watch it later!


*Another thing I heard from a pastor is.. If you are not keeping your pasture mowed and green.. Someone will notice, and will be more than willing to come mow it for you..

Ok, that is all I got!..

YES! I am a Romo Lover! Get Over It!

Tony Romo! My most favorite quarterback EVER! I am a Dallas Cowboys fan! I always have been, and plan to always be one. I just love football. Growing up we always played football, it was me "the only girl" with my two brothers, and uncles and dad. Of course I would get hurt, running my face into a barb wire fence and would be begged not to go tell my mom.! I was also the one that stayed up with my dad and watched the Cowboys play. I also remember attending Super Bowl parties at our church youth group, and getting so excited when they were doing really well. Of course my passion for the Dallas Cowboys grew when I married my husband who was an even bigger Cowboys fan, and got to attend some Cowboys football games! I was in awe of every game we got to attend.
Yeah, we had our favorites! Emmit Smith, Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Deon Sanders,. I remember the head coaches, like Johnson, Switzer, Campo, Parcells, and even poor Wade Phillips! But I have to admit I am really enjoying Jason Garrett!

I get a lot of crap for thinking that Tony Romo is amazing. Of course most of these people think, I am just a clueless female that likes Romo cause of his great smile and dimples, and even though I do like those features. (wink, wink) I personally think he is a great player! I do remember the game when he went in for Drew the loser Bledsoe, who was way better than good ole Vinny! Yes, I know! He does mess up when the game is very important, I am sure he knows this! But when he interviews, and these reporters and haters are asking him about him "choking" and pointing out his faults. He still has that smile. He says it over and over that he loves the game of football, and how he knows how lucky he is to be able to play something that he loves so much. He is only about one year older than me, and for me to think about playing something like that and to get paid for that! Would be amazing. He knows how blessed he is! And even though, people all over Texas, call him names. They write all over their face book, and twitter, it is all over the news. People reminding him of every mistake he made. How disappointed they are in him. They blame him for losing the game, cause evidently the offensive line don't need to protect him. He still goes out there, with his smile on, and plays the game he is passionate about. So, yes, I do admire him for that.

Think about it, think about your daily life, how many mistakes you have made. How crappy you must feel, when you know you let someone down. How would you feel, if your mistakes were broadcasted all over the news, and face book!? "This is Channel 4 news, and today Amanda made a mistake on her check book, and now she cannot afford to put gas in her car, or buy the school pictures for her kids!" How about we go ahead and follow you around with a camera, and we replay your screw up, over and over,! Oh yeah, I think that would totally stink! Now ask me, if I would get up and do it all over again, with a smile on my face?! Umm heck no! I would tell everyone to kiss off! I am sure many people would feel the same way! Ohh but not Tony Romo! Of course people have to throw in, how much money he makes, and how if you made that much money, you would still go out there! Oh come on now! Seriously! Just admit it already! You may go out there and play, but your attitude would stink, and you sure would not be smiling. And let's not forget how many people are telling them to "fire Romo!".. Gee people, are you really that good at your job? Do you give the company you work for 100% each day, and make zero mistakes.? Are you never late, and never surf the web, when you are supposed to working? Yeah, I am thinking not! So, yeah I know these are things we are passionate about. And it makes some people feel better, to point out everyone else's faults. But remember these professional sports players are human just like us. So give my Romo a break! Or better yet, support your team, and stay a real fan, win or lose.!

That's all I got,..