Hello Dear Friends!

Hello Dear Friends!

It's been what seems like FOREVER since I've written!

I feel so badly about that.

My life just became so incredibly busy, I couldn't keep up with it all. 

Unfortunately, my blog suffered :0(

It's been an incredible year though and I am so thankful for so many things...

First and foremost, my Savior who has blessed me beyond measure

and holds me together.

Next, for my incredible family who mean the WORLD to me!

Without them, my life would not have much meaning. 

My business has really soared this year. 

It's been a lot of work, but it hasn't seemed like work because I enjoy it so much. 

My husband and I actually put a goal into place recently

and that's to retire...REALLY retire in the next 6 years. 

Of course, it's all in God's hands, but I've learned it's important to have goals to reach for.

I have already met several in the past year and for that I am very grateful!

I wish each and every one of you all the best in the coming year!

If you don't know Jesus, I pray you will come to know HIM. 

There is nothing that matters more!

 I believe with all my heart that the soul lives on when we leave this earth

but the only way to make it into the Father's Kingdom, is through HIS SON! 

One day there will be a glorious reunion up there.

In the meantime, I want to make the most of every moment

and pray that my family will ALWAYS KNOW

how much they mean to me, and how much I love them!!!!

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

My 1st Anniversary as an Owl

One year ago today I became an independent designer with Origami Owl.

This journey has been AMAZING!!!

It has helped me to grow and blossom in ways I never knew were possible. 

It has gotten me out of my comfort zone, helped me to be brave, 

and is teaching me to lead others as we all work towards our goals. 

And in case you are wondering about this business...

Goals are being reached very quickly with this company.

I was able to start making my car payments with Origami Owl $ in the second month.

My husband and I took a week long vacation in the Spring

and yesterday we paid off a credit card.

Two nights ago the 50th member was added to my team.

I am SO Blessed to know these ladies and work along side them 

and I am very grateful for all that God has brought my way

through Origami Owl! 

It is very gratifying seeing others reach their goals, as well.

Thank you for this opportunity, Lord. 

Please help me to make the most of my days and always remember 

the things that are most important in this life!

Happy Birthday To Me

Today is my birthday.

I am 55 years old today.

VERY hard to believe, but the old clock continues to tick, tick, tick...

as the days, weeks, months and years go by.

I haven't posted in my Blog for over two weeks

my life has been that crazy busy

but I am still alive and blessed beyond measure. 

I am typing from a tiny netbook computer

from inside our bus. 

We headed to the East Coast (Ft. Pierce, actually)

to celebrate our nephew Scott's 40th birthday 

and our great niece Aria's very FIRST birthday. 

So thankful we can be here to celebrate these very special events.

Campground we stayed at

View at night

Manny & Me

Scott, opening gifts from his grandmother

SO THRILLED with what she got him, he went and put one on right away

Scott and I celebrated many birthdays together when we were younger
since our birthdays were so close together

The Birthday Cake

Let's just say DELICIOUS!!!

Cousins

Scott, Paige, Me, Manny

Aria's 1st Birthday Celebration the next day

Manny with his Mother

Our Great Niece Aria Rose, born on my birthday in 2012

Uncle David with Aria

Uncle Kevin and Aunt Jen

Aria's Paternal Great-Grandparents on her Mother's Side

Bisabuela with Ethan, Papa, and Ethan's Mommy

Remembering 9-11

Today was the anniversary of September 11th.

Hard to believe so many years have passed since that tragic day. 

We live in a much different world now.

I met a friend for lunch today.

Haven't seen her in almost a year and we live in the same town. 

That's sad, isn't it! 

But let me tell you what's happened to my sweet friend...

she has lost over 100 lbs. 

She's struggled with her weight for a long, long time

then she gave it to God...completely 

and HE is guiding her every step of the way. 

Amazing!!!

 Tomorrow we are going camping.

Bus is mostly loaded, laundry is almost done.

My husband is snoring in the next room, and I am almost ready to go to bed myself.

I baked some cookies tonight...CHRISTMAS cookies. 

A special kind that my boys LOVE. 

I didn't get the chance to make them last Christmas 

because I was so busy with my new business.

I suspect I'll be busy this Christmas, too, 

so I thought, since we'd all be together camping, 

we could enjoy them. 

A jump on the holidays so-to-speak.

I probably won't get to post the next couple days.

I am so looking forward to spending some quality time with our family. 

See you (here) when I get back.

Day by Day by Day by Day...

The days pass so quickly anymore.  

I am always so glad for my days with Ethan for several reasons...

For one, we just love him so much, 

but also because he gives me a reason to put all the busyness aside 

and just be with him.

He fills my day with love and he makes me laugh. 

I am amazed at how smart he is, and a bit saddened by how fast he is growing. 

We have established a pretty familiar routine...

breakfast, playtime, lunch, nap time (of which I also partake).

I just LOVE having a reason to rest and not feel guilty about it.

He takes pretty good naps now, for not being home in his own bed.

Then, when he wakes up it is snack and movie time -

usually Toy Story 1 or 2, and he has to get the characters out.

Buzz is his favorite. 

Manny brought the bus home tonight. 

Lord-willing we'll be going camping with the family this coming weekend

and I can hardly wait.

Happy Birthday To My Hubby

Today was my hubby's birthday. 

We brought in this new year for him at our son's house.

Our son and sweet daughter-in-love were taking their Youth Group 

to a nearby Christian Festival for an overnight trip, 

so we volunteered to watch the two boys...

Ethan and Rufus...one human, one canine...both Buds!

 Papa and Ethan in daddy's music room

Good Morning Papa. Happy Birthday!!!

We had a great time with them. Ethan slept great all through the night.  

Rufus woke up first, ha ha, he's always real hungry in the morning. 

After we had coffee, and Ethan (and Rufus) had their breakfast

we loaded up and headed back to our house. 

We made a stop at the grocery store first to buy stuff for dinner 

and I bought a cake without Manny knowing because he was entertaining Ethan.

The kids all came over around 5 pm. 

Ethan's mommy and daddy were VERY happy to see him!!!!!!!!!!

My hubby's brother came, too.

Manny grilled some wonderful chicken

and I made baked beans and cheesy potatoes (thanks Danna for your recipe).

We also had salad and bread...a well-balanced meal and it was delicious!!!

Ethan taking a nap before the party started.

He likes knowing I'm right there. I love the rest time!

The grandchildren playing and watching Toy Story 2

Dinner Time

My older son hates having his picture taken...

consequently he is always making some kind of silly face (on purpose)

Sarah and her mommy playing with letters

 After dinner, some fun time outside and the gift opening, 

we had cake...with ice cream, whipped cream and candy sprinkles per Hannah's request. 

It was then that I realized I had bought cake with Whipped Cream frosting 

instead of Buttercream.

My sister (in Heaven now) would have been REAL happy!

She loved whipped cream frosting...

but not me, lol. 

My husband didn't seem to mind it though, and after all, it was his birthday.

God and Family...that's what it's really all about. 

NOTHING is more important...NOTHING.

I love you honey. Happy Birthday!!!

Terrific Tuesday

I love starting out the week one day down...

The 3-day weekend made for a shorter work week...YAY!!!

Today I had Ethan, a slight change in the schedule 

but we are suppose to be watching him for an overnighter on Friday.

His parents are taking their Youth Group to a Christian Music Festival nearby.

I don't think his parents are looking forward to being away from him

but we are looking forward to watching him.

This was our day today...

 Ethan discovered the tape measure

After his nap it was cookies and movie time

Toy Story of course!

I think I enjoy it as much as he does.

Hope I never outgrow that part of the child inside of me.

Labor Day Weekend Day 2

Yesterday my hubby and I went to a Food Truck Festival

at our State Fairgrounds about 40 minutes away. 

They had over 100 Food Trucks there. 

It was fun but SUPER HOT and I had not brought a hat along.

I don't like for my face to get too much sun, it's not good for us ladies. 

Anyway, I played it safe and only ate from this one

 I had their Pita Chips with Hummus and Tabouli. It was delicious!!!

Then my husband and I noticed a smoothie truck.

This was their Carrot-Orange Smoothie and it was WONDERFUL and so refreshing! 

 My husband got a Spanish soda from this truck

And he also bought some Fish and Chips from another vendor.

We also sampled some donuts from this truck

Here are a few more trucks that caught my eye

This one's for you Sis

We left after a few hours, but it was so nice to do something fun.

Today was Sunday. Church was awesome.

We brought a surprise for Hannah - something I found for her this week

She has started back at Dance Class and we figured she could use this bag.

She l♥ved it!!!

After church we headed home and later in the day we got a house guest

Our Granddog Rufus

 His family was going away for the night.

We love having him over!

This was dinner time.

 Hope you are having a great weekend.

Here's a cute picture I saw posted on FB tonight