A Sister....

I was thinking of my sister this morning and what a strong, inspirational and great woman she is.

My sister is extremely talented, she makes beautiful jewelry, stained glass mirrors with vintage postcards within them. She takes care of a husband who is ill and never complains. My sister is a calm and understanding mother to sometimes challenging budding teenagers. She has a great love of animals and always shows compassion.

The thing that amazes me about my sister is that she always has a grace and a calmness about her. She always treats people with kindness and respect no matter the circumstances. Her demeanor reminds me a lot of my mother.

I may not always say it but I really love and look up to my sister and I hope she knows I think she is great. I love You. Your Sister.

My Sweet Mother, my best friend.

My mother turned 65 today and it seems like yesterday she was my age raising me. Now I am in her shoes with the children,house, husband and the things that go along with raising a family. I often think of how my mother rarely and I mean rarely got upset with me ( and believe me I wasn't easy), she never yelled, she always bought me books to read (which at the time i grumbled for toys) she always made me beautiful clothes and clothes for my barbies too. Thinking back on how she raised me I realize how selfless she was, no matter how tired she always let me sit on the counted to watch her cook, or play on the floor while she sewed clothes. She always tucked me in bed with a kiss and took me bike riding, drove me ballet twice a week and waited for me. I know how crazy my daily routine is and I always hope to raise my children with as much love, grace and care as my mother did for me. To this day my mother is my closest confidant, true friend and a great person. I love you mom, Happy Birthday.

First Day Pictures.

First day of school and my sweet girls were off. Talia thought she was going too!!!

School starts Tomorrow

Well with school starting tomorrow the kids are turning a year older, homework will be getting harder and a mix of emotions are turning in my soul. I feel sad and happy at the same time, they will be learning all sorts of new thing and their little minds will be busy. I will be home alone with the baby which will be nice since we could use some bonding time. I am trying to enjoy the day today with my girls and look forward to the school year to come.

Thankful Tuesday.

I know.... I disappeared for a while. Its been really busy for a while. I opened a little shop in a town nearby. I found a vacant store front, painted, set up , decorated , cried, didn't sleep and have spent every waking minute there for the last 6 weeks. I'm tired, determined, scared and thankful for so many things and happy all at the same time. I was going to post a picture of the business card its really pretty but then thought better of it since it has so much information that's personal but I will post pictures of the shop tomorrow. Its really pretty. Its Mexican Imports, South American and South Western. I'm proud of it.

Pictures from the Shore

A Mini Vacation

We went away for the weekend to a friends house at the Jersey Shore and it was sooo relaxing. It was a much needed break and I spent some time with a great friend. She is Mexican and gives me some insight into the culture that I might not otherwise get. It helps to have a good friend that you can talk to and one that can give you some great tips. We cooked (well the men did;) we talked, relaxed, played at the beach and loved our kids. Thank you Suzana! Cant wait to see you in July.
PS When I find the camera I'll post some Pictures :)

Since being home school has ended for me. The summer is now free for my time to enjoy my home, my husband, the girls and life. Ive been doing a lot of cooking the ast two days. Last night I made brownies, cookies with caramel, fried fish, rice, veggies and coleslaw salad. I had fun and my Hubby really enjoyed the dinner when he got home from worked. He was so tired from working an 18 hour day he almost collapsed into bed but not before a good home cooked meal. I also got up this morning early to make him eggs, coffee and his lunch. I packed him leftovers but its better then something from the deli made by a stranger.

I picked up some fabric this weekend and hope to sew a simple project this week and the best part of all I saved over $95.00 this today on grocery shopping using my coupons. Thank you Jesus for a great week!

Some Happenings.

The father daughter dance was a big hit this year because both girls got to go with daddy.

Nursing class officially ended yesterday. AP I that is. Ugh finally I needed a break.

We decided to go to the shore thi weekend for a three days with the kids for some MUCH needed rest. Relaxation is definitely on my mind.

I am gearing up to go shopping tonight with my coupons. Ill let you know how I did tomorrow. I'm so excited its the thrill of the hunt.

First Communion Party

We enjoyed a beautiful cake.

We opened gifts.

Took photos together and enjoyed the day.

And enjoyed the ceremony.

My Coupon Savings.

I started saving money using coupons and yesterday was my first day. This is what I got at CVS for $1.00. Oh the excitement. I saved $73.56 total for the day at Stop and Shop using my coupons and the Extreme Couponing website ideas. I bought a binder that zips shut and put clear page protectors in it with my coupons seperated by category not expiration date. All the sites I read suggested this was an easier way to keep them organized. I was a bit clumbsy in the store but made out okay considering it was my first time.div>

First Communion

My oldest is doing her first communion saturday and is she excited. We went to practice last night. Here are some photos of her on the way. She amazes me. She was also chosen to crown the Virgin Mary because she is the best behaved in class. Love her!!!!

Just Enjoying My Littles.

My wonderful husband sending my daughter and I to Disney for vacation.

A Happy Baby.

My lovely little one preparing her heart for her 1st communion. Enjoying my children's homemade play about the Chinese new year I am so happy for everything I have, my husband my beautiful children, my home, my friends and all the great opportunities around me. I am learning to relax, slow down and enjoy.

Guidelines for my Heart and Home.

HOUSE GUIDELINES Ive put these on my fridge to help remind me especially how to behave. I also read them to the children. One a day. I hope they inspire you.

1) Always use soft words, even when you don’t feel well.

2) Always display kind actions and joyful attitudes, even if you have been mistreated. Have the right response by quickly forgiving others in your heart even before they ask.

3) Always be enthusiastic and look for opportunities to praise others' character.

4) Always deflect praise and be grateful to God and others for the ways they have benefited your life.

5) Always use manners and be respectful of others and their belongings.
6) Always do what is right, even when others may not, or when no one is looking.

7) Thank God for how He made you, for what He has given you and everything He allows you to go through. (Romans 8:28)
8) Don’t mock or put others down. Develop compassion and pray for others.

9) Never argue, complain, or blame. Quickly admit when you have done wrong and ask for forgiveness (even if you were only 10% at fault). Don't wait till you’re caught. Be sure your sins will find you out. He who covers his sin will not prosper, but he that confesses and forsakes it shall find mercy.

10) Have a tough accountability/prayer partner to daily share your heart with and to keep you in line (your parents, spouse). The power of sin is in secrecy.

11) Be attentive and look for ways to serve others with sincere motives and no thought of self-gain.
12) Think pure thoughts (Philippians 4:8, Romans 13:14).
13) Always give a good report of others. Don't gossip! Never tale-bear unless physical harm will come to someone. (Use Matthew 18.)
14) Never raise a hand to hit.
15) Never raise a foot to kick.
16) Never raise an object to throw.
17) Never raise a voice to yell.
18) Never raise an eye to scowl.
19) Use one toy/activity at a time. Share!

20) Do your best to keep your surroundings neat, clean and organized.
21) Never let the sun go down on your wrath. (Don’t go to bed angry or guilty)
22) Amendment J.O.Y. -
-Put Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last.

Louisa May Alcott

My daughter is having a Wax Museum program Friday at school and she chose to be Louisa May Alcott who as you all know wrote Little Women. She has to give factual information and dress as the person. I found my grandmothers hand made vintage Couture gown in the attic and she is going to wear it. This is a picture of the dress and I was thinking to put her hair in a bun. You really cant appreciate the beauty of the dress without seeing it in person. Louisa was very stoic in all of her pictures. I am almost finished with the other sewing project I am working on and am excited to post the pictures.

I got a 96% !!!!!

My first assignment in Bio 112 HIV/AIDs I got a 96% with a great job keep up the good work. I am so relieved. I was worried and thinking of dropping the class. The A&P is so hard I was worried I couldn't do both but so far I'M DOING IT. Oh I just found out I have to dissect a cat next week, skin it and cut the tail off. I hope I don't get sick. Really I love Cats but if this is what it takes to be a nurse I am doing it. Pray for me.

Sewing Again

I started a sewing project this week for my little baby girl. Its a summer shirt and shorts and I figure if I start now it will be done in time;) I already read Ali the instructions (this time) cut the patter, cut the fabric and am rereading the instructions before I start sewing. I have never made shorts so I may count on a friend to help me ( yes that's you Terri)! So here's a pic of the fabric I chose. Ill let you know how it turns out. Oh and check out how cute I did my little girls hair yesterday.

Thankful Tuesday

I laughed at this sight the other day when my daughter was sick. She was on the couch being comforted by two dogs and a cat. There's no other way she would have chosen to spend the day. Believe me shes the animal lover.

Yes I am making Tuesday my day to remember what I am thankful for since I seem to feel a bit overwhelmed today. I started school today and when I logged on my two courses where there, Anatomy and Physiology and HIV and Aids. When I opened the learning module there was about 50 pages I need to print and get through reading before I actually attend class tomorrow. I must admit my heart started to pound with an overwhelming feeling. So I calmed myself printed them out, organized them into two binders and started plugging away. I am still not done between the kids, cooking and so on but I AM THANKFUL I HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND COLLEGE AGAIN.

I have to organized and document all of my 2010 business receipts on excel into categories then subcategories. There are about 600 receipts. I separated them into monthly piles this morning and have started to develop the spreadsheets. I am not nearly done but I AM THANKFUL WE HAVE WORK.

Oh I almost forgot I tried this lasagna recipe from http://www.cookingwithlittles.blogspot.com/ she has some really great simple recipes if you have the time check them out. I took pictures but cant locate my camera at the moment to show you :)

My kids are home from school today again. The house is a mess, its noisy and I feel a wreck myself but I AM THANKFUL WE ARE ALL SAFE AND HAPPY.

My Tinki Moo!!!

My baby turned 6 this week AND I 34. YES THE SAME DAY. THE BEST PRESENT EVER -SIX YEARS AGO I HAD MY LITTLE BEAUTIFUL GIRL. I thought she would be the last but-- no one more precious baby came 5 years later. I love my middle tinky moo. Thats one of her many nick names. We were born on the same day 1977 to 2005. We are the same in so many ways I love her so much and thank the lord for her everyday and every birthday.

There is nothing more CUTE.

There is nothing cuter then a little girl in a pink Tutu with purple whistle lips.

Blogging Again.

I have missed the blogging world so much. I erased my blog for a silly reason and then after I did I wished I hadn't. All those years of writing gone with a click of DELETE. I always read other women's blogs for inspiration, a sense of normalcy, just to connect with the outside world a bit more and really missed it the past year. I'm looking forward to connecting again, writing again and having a place that's mine for my thoughts. Without criticism or misunderstanding.