A Milestone

I missed posting last Tuesday so I didn't get to mention that I had lost .8 lbs

(that's almost a pound)

and today when I weighed I was down 2 whole pounds...YAY for ME!!!!

That makes a total of 6.4 lbs since I started...I'm pretty happy about that.

If I can just keep it up!

To reward myself I went and got a pedicure. 

What do you do for you for fun or to reward yourself? 

I went for years and YEARS without doing much to pamper myself 

and then my sister invited me to get a pedicure one time when I was visiting her. 

It was heavenly! So mom and I started going, about every four to six weeks. 

We did that for almost 13 years. 

I knew once she was gone, it was going to be terribly hard to go in that place and get a pedicure.

It just so happened that when my sister came into town to help go through mom's things

we went to get our nails done. I was so grateful that I didn't have to go alone that first time.

I still cried, and so did the attendants there. They loved mom and always asked about her. 

The past year or so, it was too difficult to get mom in their shop, 

so when I would go in they would say, 'how's your mom?"

And even though on those trips I went alone, I knew mom was at home.
Now, it's just not quite the same.

Yesterday I watched Ethan and Abbey and they were so good;

and I was especially happy about that because I am fighting a cold.

We watched a few movies: "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" was one of them.

Ethan had never seen it before and he really liked it. 

I enjoyed watching it with him and was curious about his reaction. 

He sure picked up on the fact that most of those kids were out of control, ha ha, 

but he saw how Charlie, who was a very good boy, an honest boy with a pure heart

got rewarded in a big way.

I love the time I get to spend with my grandchildren! 

I'm starting to get excited about our annual Origami Owl Convention

which is coming up in August and will be held right here in FL. 

I've been on this journey for almost four years now.

I love the "heart" of our company.

This past weekend we raised $63,000 for Helping Hands for Freedom, 

an organization that helps Military Families in need. 

I hope your week is going well. 

What plans do you have for the Forth of July weekend coming up?

Camping Get-a-Ways, Weddings, & A Visit with Mima

So this weekend we had a chance to get away for a camping retreat. 

A Sunrise Wedding on the Beach helped us plan the location, 

We had the blessing of watching some of the grandkids 

while mommy and daddy went to the wedding. 

It's always a challenge trying to wrap things up with our business

before we head out of Dodge, but we decided to leave Wednesday night 

because we wanted to drive further south to visit Mima the next day.

So we got up early Thursday morning, jumped in the KIA and headed south. 

The skyline of downtown Miami is amazing.
I caught a view of the stadium, too.

We had a nice visit with Mima then headed back to the campground.
It was about a two hour drive but it passed quickly.

Mark, Meagan, Ethan and Abbey arrived Friday afternoon around 1:00 pm.

We went out to dinner then headed back to the bus with the two little munchkins.
This was our dinner by the way, and it was delicious!

When we got back to the bus Manny took Ethan fishing and I hung out with Abbey.
Abbey and I watched a squirrel and a bunny that stopped by

 

There was also "bubble" time.

We had such a fun night!

Once we went back inside the bus I gave Abbey a bath and Ethan got a shower.
Once in their Jammie's and ready for bed, we put on a movie,

But before long sleepy eyes were starting to overtake us all
So we turned off the movie and the lights and we all went to bed.
Everyone slept great and before we knew it - it was morning.
Time for breakfast

A little while after breakfast we finished the movie we had started the night before

and of course we had to make popcorn

Ethan was excited about that movie

We finished the movie and then mommy and daddy came to pick them up.

We were sad to see them leave, but they needed to get home.

We were sad, too, that Hannah and Sarah didn't get to join us

but they were having a mini vacation of their own and we were so happy they got to do that.

Manny and I had a really relaxing weekend.

This campground was very pretty.

We left this morning at 11:00 am

and were home by 1:00 pm.

And then it began to rain....

We were so thankful we made it home before the rain started. 

Now to catch my breath before the new week begins. 

Hope you had a great weekend, too!

Father's Day

The past few days have gone by quickly.

Friday evening we met up with Mark, Meagan, Ethan, and Abbey at Animal Kingdom.

We rode the Safari ride, saw a neat show on the water, 

and rode a neat ride, which was completely in the dark, I might add.

This was a picture taken by their automatic cameras on the ride. 

We had no idea Manny was standing up until we saw this picture, hahaha.

He did not like the feeling of being trapped in that seat in the pitch dark

 

We laughed about it later.
This next picture was taken at the Jungle Book Water Show

Saturday Hannah and I got to spend a good part of the day together.

We went to my sweet friend's annual recital.

She's a dance instructor and Hannah and I went to see the performances.

They were WONDERFUL and we had so much fun!!!

After the recital we stopped by the mall for some Pretzel Bites, an Icee

and some shopping at Claires.

Hannah found a purse, a hat, some leg warmers (it's a dance thing), and some glasses.

We also got a cute little stuffed cat for Sarah, a necklace, and her own pair of sunglasses;

and we got a pack of bows for Miss Abbey,

 I even managed to find a few things...some headbands -

one with a Cute White Bow, and another with Aqua Flowers

(I'm thinking ahead to our Origami Owl Convention).
We left the mall after our little shopping spree at Claires because Hannah needed to be home
in time to go visit her other papa that night in honor of Father's Day.

Sunday, we went to church, ran a couple of errands (things Manny wanted to do)
then we came home and I fixed him something to eat. The kids were all coming over later for dinner.
We grilled some steaks, the girls brought sides and a dessert, and we had a lovely dinner.
There was also an impromptu Dance Party - because this grandma loves to dance,
and I had recently discovered a new song.
Ethan and Sarah each made Papa a special picture for Father's Day

And this was a picture of Abbey and I just having fun together

I love my family so much!

Thank you God, for my family. 

Can't Stop the Feeling

Today was a better day, and I should have written here sooner. 

I don't like ending things on a sour note, and yesterday I was in a funk.

When I woke up this morning and got myself going

I decided to put on a Christian Radio Station instead of the news.

That was a good decision! 

They always play inspiring music and share positive things.

So, today I've been working on our Sales Tax Report for the month and ran a few errands.

Manny had a meeting in Orlando tonight and got home late after a LONG day. 

I spoke to my sweet niece tonight and she is doing absolutely amazing! 

She has gone through so much and come through on the other side VICTORIOUS!

Thank you Lord, for your goodness and mercy, we give you all the praise!

Haven't talked about my business lately but our founder (of Origami Owl)

Bella Weems - is turning 20 tomorrow! 

And in honor of the celebration, our company is offering something very special!

How cool is THAT! 

Oh, by the way, my website is

darlenemarie.origamiowl.com

just in case you'd like to place an order.

Tomorrow is FRIDAY! I love Fridays. How about you? 

Do you have any special plans for the weekend? 

I'd like to leave you with a fun video Origami Owl recently put out.

They believe in being A Force for Good

and they also like to spread Joy and they love to dance! 

This is not an uncommon thing around The Nest

Hope it makes you smile!

Unthinkable Tragedy

Woke up this morning hearing that a two year old little boy 

was grabbed by an alligator at Walt Disney World...

"the place where wishes come true"

How could this be? Why would this happen?

Please explain it to me. 

We go to Disney often, and living here in Central Florida 

we are accustomed to seeing gators everywhere. 

We have learned to be guarded and aware that they are usually around most water

but it is unthinkable that this would happen to a child, 

and certainly not at Disney - the most magical of all places! 

It breaks my heart that this family's life has been shattered forever.

I watched Ethan and Abbey today and I gave them a few extra hugs and kisses. 

We had a good day, but I see them growing right before my eyes.

They bring me so much joy, even so, 

sometimes I think Heaven would be so much better than all the struggles we face here on earth. 

Sometimes I feel, "Lord, I'm ready, take me now"

Just being honest here. 

This year has not been a good one.  

I've heard of so much tragedy and pain, and, I lost my mother. 

I thought I was better prepared to lose her - stupid me. 

I am a mess tonight. I was fine today, but tonight I'm a mess. 

I'm growing weary of the day to day struggles.

I know they are a part of this life, and I know that I have so much to be thankful for

but tonight, I feel beaten and broken. 

1 Timothy 2:5

Today was weigh-in day! 

I was pleasantly surprised - I lost 2.2 lbs.

Boy did that make me happy!

I missed last week because our work van was down and my hubby needed our car.

The SlimFast thing is still working pretty well for me.

I'm usually doing two shakes each day, healthy snacks and a sensible dinner. 

I'm feeling satisfied - FULL actually! 

Our community and nation are still mourning over the massacre in Orlando

and today, I learned there was a horrific killing in Paris.

An officer and his wife were stabbed to death

in front of their three year old child. 

We live in a sick and twisted world. 

So many are posting their opinions on facebook and other social media. 

Some blame guns, or the lack of stricter gun control, 

some blame our president and current administration.

Bottom line is, the enemy knows his time is short 

and he is spreading hate and evil throughout the world. 

It makes me sad because there are so many still searching in this lost and dying world.

I am thankful to have found God early in my life.

I don't know what I would do without HIM! 

HE is my ROCK and my sustaining force.

HE is everything that is good and kind. 

HE is LOVE! 

Do YOU know HIM? 

Massacre in Orlando

Saturday we had friends stop by on their way home from vacation.

They were passing right through our town and we got to spend a few hours with them.

It was nice visit, a nice time of fellowship...

Then came Sunday morning!

We woke up and started getting ready for church. 

We were going to the second service - so we didn't have to rush. 

As I was getting ready, I glanced at a post on FaceBook

a sweet lady from our church posted: 

"A domestic terrorist attack in Orlando."

I read the comments. The first one was from her again:

"20 dead, 42 injured. Oh my word."

And so the details began to unfold..
and as of right now the death toll is up to 49 innocent victims plus the shooter. 

Dozens more are injured. How can a human being do this to others?
How can they be so evil, so hateful?

This is the world we live in now, 

Evil is spreading throughout the world and in my opinion 

our country is unrecognizable as the country it once was. 

But I refuse to live in fear because I know who holds my future.

[ Psalm 91 ] Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. ...

[Jeremiah 29:11] 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Pray for America. Pray for the world we live in today. 

I'm Loved by You

I discovered a beautiful song by Chris Tomlin the last week of my mother's life on this earth.

The words spoke to me the very first time I heard it

and I listened to it over and over again those final days.

It brought me so much comfort and peace, 

knowing that our Heavenly Father IS indeed, a Good, Good Father

and that He was preparing my mother for her new home, in Heaven.

I hear this song often, on the radio, 

and it will play at the most appropriate moments

when it almost seems my mom is speaking to me.

I caught this picture from a video clip my son discovered 

on some old family tapes we've had for years.

I didn't even know this scene of my mother and father dancing existed.

I have it on as the screensaver on my phone, 

so whenever I pick up my phone I see them both looking at me and smiling.

I believe this is how they are in Heaven now.

Happy that they have been reunited after 39 years

and completely well and whole. 

I can't wait to see them again.

Here is that song: 

TFIG

Ahhh, another Friday is upon us! What is it about Fridays that makes us so happy?

Last night, we ended up at Manuel and Darla's for dinner and a movie

and of course, Hannah and Sarah were there. 

Dinner was Cuban sandwiches and chips. I had a Slim Fast shake and fresh tomatoes instead

and snacked on some popcorn during the movie.

The movie we chose (since Sarah was in bed and Hannah was doing something else in her room)

was "Batman Begins" and it was awesome!

My hubby and I rarely go to the movie theater, 

so we don't usually see movies until they've been released on DVD. 

This one was a few years old (shame on us, I know). 

Manny, as usual, slept through most of it. Movies always make him go to sleep,

but I didn't miss a second of it - it was wonderful!

I forgot to mention that I turned in our corporate tax info to our accountant yesterday

so that was a huge relief. Now to finish our personal taxes. 

I slept like a ROCK last night, and dreamed deeply.

I had trouble waking up and went straight for the Keurig Machine when I finally got out of bed.

I had a cup of French Roast with a Protein Bar. It was yummy and packed with protein.

Mid-morning I made a healthy snack of Non-fat Greek Yogurt, Fresh Strawberries, 

a small scoopful of granola, a few cashews and a drizzle of local honey.

It was SO GOOD! 

By the way, the scale told me I was down two whole pounds today.

That made this gal extremely happy!!!

Today, I've already accomplished some great tasks.

Yesterday, after visiting our accountant I ran a few errands. 

I wanted to return something to Macy's and while I was in the store it started to POUR

so, what was a girl to do (?) I started browsing the racks.

I don't go shopping that often, but low and behold, I found three tops and one skort

all on sale and they all fit like a dream! I was happy. 

So today - I went through my closet to toss out things I had not been wearing.

I gathered up 6 tops I'm not really wearing anymore - 

I will drop them off at our local Salvation Army.

Then, I decided to clean out a drawer in my bathroom. 

It's the drawer that gathers hair ties, face cream, nail polish, extra make-up brushes, 

my hair brush, nail files, lip sticks, lip and eye pencils...you get the idea.

As organized as I try to stay, eventually it ends up looking like a mess

and when that happens I empty my blue tray and re-organize

Things I have not used in a while get trashed and the blue tray gets a good cleaning

There now, doesn't this look better?

I actually don't use a lot of makeup, but I do fix myself up every day

whether I have plans to go out or not. 

I do it because I want to look my best for whatever the day may bring

and applying a little makeup makes me feel pretty. 

I discovered a lady who has a local salon and sells wholesome, mostly organic skin products

She's very sweet and really knows about healthy skin and wholesome products. 

I use these products (from her) to cleanse and then moisturize my face

and here is my makeup collection

I use a powder foundation that she sells, 

and my current blush is from Youniqe. It is also in a powder form. 

I use a blue eye pencil from Younique that lasts all day. 

I read long ago that blue helps the whites of your eye stand out more. 

I use different brands of mascara, black in color, and I throw the tube away after two months. 

I have heard and read that is a good practice because bacteria can develop inside that tube

and just in case you get some in your eye - better to be safe than sorry. 

I use a powder with a tiny brush for my eyebrows. I don't have a lot of eyebrow these days, 

and this formula from Clinique gives a natural look that lasts all day, 

and this compact lasts a long time. 

I use a bronzer/moisturizer daily for my legs because in the natural my legs are very pale

which is kind of embarrassing since I live in sunny Florida, but I don't ever lay out in the sun. 

The sun's rays are just too harmful and I don't want to look like a prune as I age. 

I also moisturize my arms and legs with a natural, hand-made moisture cream every day...

usually at night just before bed so it will soak in and do its work while I sleep. 

I discovered these products while visiting my nephew a niece in South FL a few years ago. 

These products are all hand-made by a young mom and her products are wonderful!

I highly recommend them. You can check out her products  here

That's pretty much my beauty regimen. 

I just heard about another brand of makeup for moisturizing and color

for women in their 50's and older. 

It was developed by a 60 year old model who hardly wears any makeup and she is beautiful. 

I'll let you know what I think of her products when they arrive and I try them out. 

I hope you all have a beautiful weekend! 

What are your plans? Comment below and let me know.

Enough Already (Rain, Rain, continues)

Had to get up early this morning. Manny had to be somewhere before 7:00 am.

The package we need is still floating out there somewhere.

Shortly after he left the rain started up again...UGH! 

But just before the rain started, 

I was reading a blog post from someone else's FaceBook page

about the death of a thirty year old man who died from ALS. 

It was titled, " The house of mourning: a post for those who grieve, in memory of Daniel Berg."

 It was about the writer's brother-in-law and it was graphic, but honest.

I understood what the writer was talking about, 

and as I look over at my mom's empty apartment

I feel hollow inside. 

I suppose I need to snap out of this funk I'm in. 

There is much to do today, so...

In honor of Daniel Berg, and his family here is that blog post: 

the-house-of-mourning-a-post-for-those-who-grieve-in-memory-of-daniel-berg/

I started today's post early this morning, and as the day has gone on
I wanted to post an update here, in hopes of ending on a happier note...

The part for our work van arrived at 10:15 this morning.
I dropped it and my husband off at the mechanic's (just up the road)
and headed to the grocery store so I could restock our pantry and fridge with food.
Low and behold - the sun came out! 

I put away the groceries and made a healthy lunch

(btw, day three with Slim Fast is going pretty well)

So, things always have a way of turning out, getting better, and the sun will eventually shine again

(even though at this moment it's fixing to rain again!)

Rain, Rain....

It's been raining ever since we got back home.

It seems a Tropical Depression is making it's way across our Sunshine State.

On top of that, we put our work van in the shop to have some work done 

while we were away camping, but another part was needed and it's still not here.

So Manny has been functioning...barely, out of our KIA Soul. 

He's been around here more, which has been so nice, 

but he's frustrated because work is backing up again. 

Ugh, decisions, decisions. 

We are still waiting for that audible voice from God to give us some direction, 

but until then we keep moving on, 

and as my sweet friend "Tee" would say, 

"BREATHE. Breathe In / Breathe Out"

and I know she's right. 

Oh, and I started on Slim Fast yesterday. 

It worked before, so I'm praying it will work again. 

I'm also trying to tackle our personal taxes now. 

I hope you are having a great start to this new week. 

Camping

Wednesday was a great day with the kids although Ethan seemed a little under the weather. 

I had forgotten to mention in my last post that we were suppose to go camping for the weekend 

actually  - Thursday to Sunday, so as soon as the kids went home Wednesday 

Manny and I got into load up the bus mode.

We were on the road by 10:30 Thursday morning which is task for us, 

mostly because of the never-ending phone calls which usually come in 

on a morning we are trying to head out of Dodge. 

Mark, Meagan, Ethan, and Abbey made it to the campground shortly after we did

so they helped us set up camp. We are staying at Disney's Ft Wilderness.
It's one of our favorite places and we have made so many memories here through the years.

Manuel, Darla, Hannah, and Sarah came just before dinner, 

In fact - they provided our dinner for that night. 

Manuel, Darla, and Sarah went home to sleep but Hannah got to spend the night in the bus 

along with Mark, Meagan, Ethan, and Abbey. 

This was Abbey's first time spending the night in the bus, and she did real well. 

The portacrib fit unbelievably well in between two chairs we have inside the bus.

 She was safe and comfy and she sleep all night!

  

We had a great time - being lazy, taking naps, going swimming,
riding around in the golf cart and just enjoying our time together.
And we had so much fun with the Grandkids!

There was Chalk Art

And amazing breakfasts (that I did not have to prepare)

Here's a classic picture (hahaha)

Friday night we cooked a Low Country Boil. It was D-elicious!

We even got to visit with my niece Angie (recovering from her recent surgery) 

and her sweet husband Kevin.

Friday night, we watched the Water Pageant and Fireworks together and my niece caught this picture.
It's a little dark, I know, but it's a picture of my husband with both our sons and our grandson Ethan.
It will always be a special picture to me

This one, too, I snapped of my husband and Ethan gazing out the window of our bus

Saturday night we met up with Angie, Kevin, her daughter Britt

and Britt's boyfriend and his mom at Disney Springs, and Angie caught this great pic

And here is one of ALL of US

Sunday, everyone headed home...back to the Real World, 

but we are so thankful for the great time away we had. 

Thank you Lord!