Bits and Pieces of a Blessed Life

To my Mom~

2011-05-08T07:00:00.004-04:00

Mom~

So many times on Mother's Day children tend to focus on the good times and

all the things their mothers did well.

I certainly could write about only our good times, since there were many.

Or only comment on what you did well, for you did SO many things wonderfully.~

You guided each of your children to Christ.

You have always given of yourself not only to us but to so many others.

You make the best taco salad in the world

(something I look forward to eating in 2 weeks).

You always made sure that Eric, Shannon and I had MANY wonderful childhood memories and now you insure that we, our children and spouses continue making

beautiful family memories.

People have always loved you and wanted to be around you because of your

personality, wit, and character.

I could go on and on about all of our good times as I celebrate and honor you today.

However I want to reflect on a time that wasn't great. It was during this

period of our life that you did the most teaching and guiding.

It changed me, and changed how I saw you.

At the time of your greatest pain I saw unblievable strength.

There was a time where your life was broken into a million tiny pieces and I saw

you allow God to put it all back together again.

Once your spirit was broken, yet now it soar beautifully, once again.

There were moments that you could not see a future,

now you and I both see that future and it is bright and full of love.

As a child I saw you as my loving mommy.

Today I see you as a lady that I love, respect and cherish as my mother.

Seen, perfect and without blemish~

2011-03-13T14:12:00.007-04:00

This is exactly how Jesus sees us... unblemished and perfect.

How does He do that? Why does He do that?

In the past couple of years I've really tried to wrap my mind around this mystery.

How does He love like that?

Even with the enormous amount of love and compassion I feel as your mom,

even with that, I struggle.

I still have that silly preference for a clean face...brushed hair... cute outfit...

This shows that even with one of the strongest loves in the world, it does not compare to His love for us... to His love for you.

This world will desperately try to leave its mark on us, whether its good or bad.

However in its end it will hold no comparison to what will be our new beginning.

We will come to Him as dirty as this world can make us. He will forgive, mead, clean us up, and He will still see us totally unblemished and perfect... as only He can.

We are love by Him~ today this beautiful Sunday and ALWAYS

Superhero~

2011-02-08T17:35:00.004-05:00

I don’t have any super powers that allow me to run faster than a locomotive but I have the power to love fully and immensely

I don’t have the skill to read minds but I know how to make one little girls favorite foods by heart

I can’t prevent pain from coming but I have magic kisses that make boo-boos feel better

I don’t have the ability to see through walls but the courage to face the obstacle of daily life

I don’t posses the strength to bend steal with my bare hands but I have the strength to face all the emotions, wonderful and exhausting, that it takes to be a mom

To the world I am not a superhero but to my daughter I am.

At school today, Isabella was able to dress like her favorite superhero ~ she chose me.

I was honored beyond what words can express by the very one that shows me daily that I have talents and strengths that I never knew I possessed.

11 days~

2010-07-22T03:31:00.007-04:00

11 days to spend unwinding

11 days doing anything I want

11 days to read, boat, ski, hike

11 days to veg out

11 to learn all I can about my camera

11 days to wake up whenever I want

11 days to. just. be.

11 days to spend with the ones I love the most

To quote a hair band from my past

I'm on my way

Home sweet Home

Tonight, Tonight

I'm on my way

on my way

Home sweet Home

Hope that the next 11 days are wonderful for each of you~

I finally have one~

2010-07-17T07:03:00.001-04:00

I don't mean to brag

but something happened

not sure when

and I have no idea how

but recently I got

something I always wanted

tried desperately to obtain

much to the loss of many good "lives"

finally I have one

A green thumb!

Year after year I tried to grow an herb garden

the only thing I couldnt' kill was my rosemary

Hoping these little ones will survive where so many others could not

A face that makes me smile~

2010-07-08T18:05:00.000-04:00

This little guy wakes us up every morning with paws pouncing on our bed

Just seeing his precious face makes me smile

His name is Max~

just a few months ago he belonged to someone else

just a few months ago he was left alone

starved

neglected

finally rescued

Now home, he is so loved and loves greatly in return!

Have you ever considered opening your home to a pet from a shelter or rescue league?

Take it from our family~ do it! You will not regret it!

Here is a glimpse of the other doggie face that makes me smile~ our Gio

How I wish everyday could be like this~

2010-07-05T10:20:00.003-04:00

Wake up late

Savor a perfect cup of coffee

Read for a bit

Snuggle with Bella once she wakes up

Take the dogs for a walk with Vito

Create a yummy breakfast with buttermilk biscuits

and homemade strawberry jam and apple butter

When the clouds roll in~

2010-07-03T15:18:00.003-04:00

All morning we swam enjoying the hot summer

weather we now have

Then the clouds rolled in

and the thunder began

Out the pool (and shower) and into our PJ's we went

Not wanting our fun to end we baked up a tray of chocolate chip bars

for Bella and I to decorate

Never have we enjoyed a cloudy (still no rain) afternoon more.

Hope that each of you are having a beautiful weekend

A few things that Kindergarten tought me~

2010-06-12T07:13:00.022-04:00

Bella's first year in school is over~

it was an amazing year of learning

for her and for me

she learned about phonics, science, computers, black history, time zones, politics and Presidential elections, the planets, American history, our earth, and so much more~

she can say the days of the week and count to ten in Spanish

she learned what a good friend is like and what a bad one is like

she learned about pop tarts and fried chicken sandwiches

(and loves them both)

she can now read entire books and write me stories

she has reminded me about things I had long forgotten

I learned that it really does hurt as much as I thought it would leaving her at that big school

but watching her grown, learn, and become who she will be was more rewarding than I ever could have imagined

I learned that she can learn just as much from others as she can from me (perhaps more)

I learned that she will hear about things that we don't talk about in our home but that it opens doors of discussion and gives me more opportunity to teach and guide her

I learned that there are still mean girls in school

I learned that it hurts so much more when it is my little girl is being picked on or left out

than it ever did when it was me being picked on and left out

I learned that Bella is stronger than I gave her credit for

I learned that teaching my daughter to say yes ma' am, no sir, thank you and please is still appreciated and awarded

(Bella was award Best Manners at her school)

I learned that wonderful friends will be made for her and for me

(this is all about you Bella F and Carol)

I learned that the summer months are WAY MORE fun than the others!

Chasing the wind~

2010-06-05T16:01:00.006-04:00

While reading in Ecclesiastes yesterday morning I came across a verse that stopped me cold~

Better one handful with tranquility [peace] than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 4:6

My life is full of peace (for the most part) and my home is tranquile (at least it strives to be) but the last part 'chasing after the wind' hit me smack dab between the eyes.

What do I chase after?

Perfection?

Stuff? And even more stuff?

More pats on the back?

More money in the bank?

More hours in the day?

Creating a new look with some of old stuff~

2010-05-22T14:05:00.010-04:00

I've been wanting, no needing, a change in my home.

With our new budget in place ~ I knew buying something was out of the question

So I began looking around my home and idea came to mind~

lighten and brighten our family room

This morning while Vito planned in a golf tournament Bella and I got busy.

We moved the dresser from Bella's bedroom (soon I will show photo's from her room)

to the family room

brought in a white alabaster lamp that I had in another room

Added in an old locker baskets to hold the projects I am working on

a treasured piece of coral, and

a container full of gardenias, picked from our yard

And the change I needed was born~

Looks good right?

I am ready to take on another area!

Simple ingredients + time spent cooking with my daughter = an excellent afternoon

2010-04-10T18:10:00.003-04:00

Yummy bread and butter pickles

Coupons~

2010-02-20T11:58:00.002-05:00

Okay girlfriends I think I may have officially become obsessed with couponing. When Vito and I started this 'new way' of shopping a couple of months ago I truly did not understand the amount of savings that could be had. Today I feel like I have become a strategic shopper. I have read numerous blogs and have really absorbed what these smart shoppers have to offer!

Today I walked into my local grocery store with my list, coupons and a budget of $100.00. I walked out an hour later with a cart full to almost over flowing ,with a total saving of $108.19, and out of pocket spending~ WAIT FOR IT~ $68.23. Amazing!!!

Here are my highlights for the week ~ Muller Whole wheat pasta~ .14 a box (regularly $ 1.39 per box)
Lg Coffee Mate .49 a bottle (regularly $ 2.49 a bottle)
Large can of Hunt's tomatoes .64 a can (regularly 1.89)
Grape Nuts .50 a box (regularly $3.49 a box)
Cheerios .99 a box (regularly $3.49 a box)
Smart balance butter $ 1.04 (regularly $3.09)

Progresso Soup .61 a can (regularly $2.29)

One of my biggest light bulb moment was when I learned that you could use store specials, store coupons and vendors coupons all on one item~ once I got that the savings really began to add up!

Here is a few of my favorite smart shopping blogs~ but I must warn you it is ADDICTIVE!!!!

http://www.iheartpublix.com/
http://www.southernsavers.com/
http://www.couponqueendiaries.com/
http://www.bargainbuggyblog.com/
http://savingandgiving.blogspot.com/
http://www.becentsable.net/Default.aspx?pageId=331691 (this one will help you find coupon bloggers in your state)

Please share with me any ideas, lessons learned, light bulb moments or sites that you may have that have helped you and your family save a buck or two.

"Wii" had a wonderful Christmas~

2009-12-25T21:39:00.005-05:00

We have laughed so hard today! The Wii has been the best $ we ever spent on a Family Christmas present.

Hope each of you have had a Merry Christmas~

A few of the things I love about the South~

2009-10-27T17:51:00.003-04:00

Childhood memories - they remind me that a simple life is so remarkably full

The music - okay, those of you who know me well, know that country music is not my thing, but when I am in Nashville, going downtown is a must ~ those honkey tonks draw me in, get me dancing and play over in my head for the rest of the night

Cobblers and pies - it is an essential end to an evening meal

The ladies – I so enjoy being called honey, and sugar and love - it makes my heart dance

The men - they way they hold doors open and practically bow as you pass. Their old world charm that makes them both full of charisma and pride

The delicious depth of the air - the way it clings to your skin and fills your lungs

BISCUITS - need I say more?

Secrets - like knowing better than to order a Pepsi anywhere within a 250 mile radius of Atlanta, heck for that matter knowing that all soft drinks are called 'coke'. Or knowing that the reason that southern ladies tease their hair is so that it won’t go flat the moment the walk into the humidity. Knowing that to enjoy a great glass of iced tea is to enjoy it sweet. And that the state flower is spelt F.L.O.U.R., God bless ‘em

Beauty ~ it is everywhere

Football, BBQ and Whiskey – there are fans of these three things all over the world but in the south they are aficionados

Tomorrow as I board the plane bound for my sister and Tennessee, more than just my clothes will go through a transformation. Going home is good for my soul ~

What do you love most about your part of our beautiful country?

A wish granted~

2009-10-21T17:27:00.008-04:00

When we were at Disney earlier this month for Vito’s 10-K race, Bella and I had a date night in the Magic Kingdom. During the Wishes Firework Bella made a wish. Her wish has to see a falling star.

Being the cool mom I am ~ I had to help fulfill this wish. In my search to find an upcoming meteor shower I came across some interesting web sites.

Here are a few:

http://www.universetoday.com/2004/10/20/orionid-meteor-shower-october-21/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orionid_meteor_shower

http://www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy_calendar_2009.html

http://meteorshowersonline.com/calendar.html

So while most people were snuggled warm in their beds, Vito Bella and I took a pile of blankets and made a bed out on our front lawn. Laying there looking up at the stars above Bella's wish was grated (eight times). It was truly enchanting to witness the show above and pure delight from my daughter. As we laid there holding hands Bella said “this has been the best night, I am definitely doing this with my kids someday”

Today I helped grant a wish, started a new family tradition, and made a memories for our family that will last forever~ and I did it all before the sun came up! Pretty great day, right?

A fall, a bit of construction and some time away~

2009-10-08T05:10:00.002-04:00

Since July Vito has been training for a 10K

At the beginning of August while on one of his runs, he fell~

bruising his ribs and breaking a toe.

When he returned home and told us what happened

Bella told him that "she would be his doctor and that she was going to need to do a little construction on him"

A few weeks went by without incident, then one evening while

we were all at home Vito fell again.

This time Vito went to see a doctor (one who actually went to medical school.)

The doctor gave him a range of motion test, finding that one leg was much

weaker than the other and recommended that he go see an

orthopedic surgeon. X-rays were taken, with the conclusion

that he had torn cartilage in his hip.

Thankfully surgery is not necessary. He required rest, healing and down time. So from August till this past Monday, that is exactly what he did.

On Monday Vito woke up and said I am doing this race even if I have to walk it.

The race is Sunday, so we are headed to Orlando for some family fun and to cheer Vito on.

I have to admit that even though his

'construction', healing, rest and down time

has gone well, I am still a bit nervous.

But he is determined~

I'll let you know how it all turns out on Tuesday.

Girlfriends, I hope each of you have a fantastic weekend~

Clove studded oranges~

2009-10-05T18:09:00.007-04:00

Thank y'all so much for your comments on my 'Fall' post. A couple of you asked how we did the clove stunned oranges~

We used two small containers of whole cloves and about 10 oranges. Then we proceeded to make fun, unique, random designs on the oranges by poking the cloves in~

To make it easier on Bella's fingers, she would poke the orange with a thick upholstery needle first then she would poke the clove in.

It smells wonderful but thanks to my sweet friend Lisa (and courtesy of Paul Dean) here is a recipe for something that will make your whole house smell like fall

Sliced apples

Sliced lemons

Sliced oranges

Bay Leaves

Whole cloves

Cinnamon sticks

In a slow-cooker, combine fruit to preferences of smell. Cover in water. Top with bay leaves, whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks. Leave slow-cooker on low.

Let me know if this helps~

Fall~

2009-10-04T18:25:00.005-04:00

I can see it in the sky, as the darkness comes so much earlier now.

I can smell it in the morning while I am taking my walks.

It is felt in the evening as I watch Bella run up and down the soccer field.

It is seen, smelled, and felt ~ it’s just, well… not quite, but almost: starting to fell like fall.

ALLLLLLMOSSSSTTTTT ~

Now if the middle of the day would only begin to cooperate!

A bowl of clove stunned oranges, one tradition we have that makes our home smell like our favorite time of the year

How does He do it~

2009-09-30T19:43:00.003-04:00

How does God take a day that was tough right from the start

and end it so beautifully?

I don't know how, but I am awefully thankful that He does.

A trusted friend~

2009-09-28T18:11:00.001-04:00

On your second birthday your friend Laney gave you Pete. An instant friendship developed. You began sleeping with him the night he was given to you and he has slept with you every night since.

In the last 3 years Pete has been constant companion, your ‘baby’, your security (Dr. Mike has to give Pete his examine before he gives you yours), and a ‘mannequin’ for your clothes.

He has even been the groom on a couple of occasions

When we brought Gio home, he used Pete as his chew toy a couple of times, leaving your friend with no eyes or nose.

Daddy bought you another panda, thinking that maybe you would grow fond of another. And while you liked your new panda friend, it was obvious that he would never seal himself to your heart the way Pete did.

Last week while going through your clothes and toys for donation you said to me “Mommy, you won’t ever give Pete away, will you?” To which I answer "Pete is a part of our family and he will be with us forever".

Who knows when the time will come when you will no longer look for Pete prior to going to bed~ but till then he will continue to get tattered and torn, the tell-tale sign of your love for him.

Perfection~

2009-09-22T18:27:00.000-04:00

I have no intention of ever demanding, expecting or even suggesting perfection from you.

Ever.

But baby girl when I catch you in moments like this it really hard not to see perfection.

Looking at you here, in this moment I can see the perfection that He created.

And it is stunning

A beautiful night for some football~

2009-09-16T19:54:00.005-04:00

Or as we say here in America

SOCCER

This was Bella's second year of soccer~she loves it.

and just check out her foot action

Hope you all have had a wonderful night!

how to make your way through your local farmer's market~

2009-09-12T10:58:00.003-04:00

Put on your cutest sun dress, grab your market tote

purchase a lemonade the moment you get there

stop and smell the flowers

chat with the locals

tell Mommy (and the vendor) how much you hate green peppers

ask if they have any red or orange ones

ignore the crazy woman with the camera

May you have a beautiful weekend~

A Mother’s Love~

2009-09-07T21:27:00.001-04:00

A mother’s love for her child is like no other. It’s there always, unconditionally. This kind of love is never easy but it is eternal.

Will I ever be disappointed? Probably. Will you? Most definitely.

I promise you that as long as I am alive I will be here for you. Whether it’s letting you fall, so that you can learn to get back up or holding your hand when you need a bit of help. It maybe in giving you roots so that you won’t be afraid to fly. Or be a safe haven for you when your world turns upside down.

This special love that I have just for you will be shown in many ways, some will be more obvious than others. I pray that you will always feel it. Always know it. For baby girl it is always there.

My home~

2009-09-02T18:43:00.008-04:00

Yesterday morning while talking with my sister she told me about a recipe that she has fiddled with and finally perfected, for pumpkin muffins. She went on to say how her muffins went perfectly with the 63-degree weather that she was enjoying that morning. Listening to her talk I began to get homesick~ homesick for Tennessee, yummy homemade muffins, autumn morning and my sister.

Through out my day the thoughts of ‘home’ filled my mind. Our visit in October will not be here soon enough!

I miss living in Tennessee but even more I miss living close to my incredible sister.

However, as much as I would enjoy being there, Florida has found its place into my heart. How could it not? I am able to wear sandals year round. We get to eat alfresco from October to April. With a little bit of driving I can watch the sun rise on the ocean and set on the gulf, on the same day.

When February rolls in we will still be swimming while watching the palm trees sway. Anytime we want we can see, what is in my opinion, the best firework display just by jumping in the car and heading north to Mickey’s hometown. And in minutes my feet can be sandy, and I can be listening to the waves.

So, while Tennessee will always be my ‘hometown’, Florida is my home and I love living here.

What do you love most about where you live?

Humbled~

2009-08-31T08:21:00.004-04:00

I can walk through my day thinking I have it all together. I’m doing what’s important. I spend a bit of quite time in prayer. I thank God for the world around me. I thank Him for my home, my family, my job, and my life. I thank Him for allowing me to see the birds flying, or allowing me to smell the beautiful flowers. I have been blown away just by sitting on the sand, watching the sunrise. And I’m astounded by the grace He shows me daily.

Do you see a trend?

Lots of I’s, me’s and my’s~

This morning as Bella prayed I heard her say "Dear God please be with the kids who don’t have home".

I was humbled. And allow, once again, to I clearly see that it is not what I do in her life but what God does in her life that is truly important. I can guide but thank goodness He can lead!

Have a blessed day

First week of school, check~

2009-08-28T19:26:00.008-04:00

One week down, 12 years to go (oh and then there’s college, but I can’t even begin to think about that).

We are still working on fine-tuning our morning and evening routines, but it is begin to come together. Each night Bella came home full of stories of her day and of the new friends that she's making. So far the fact that pink and green is not part of her uniform has been the only real issue she's had with her new school. But we have compensated with a pink book bag, pink pencils, a pink & green lunch box, binders and pencil holder.

And of course pink shoes!

Thank you all for your well wishs, words of encouragement I am blessed by each of you!

Have a great weekend!

First day of school~

2009-08-24T17:07:00.010-04:00

We all had first day jitters, well at least Vito and I did. Bella, not so much, she has been extremely excited about the arrival of this day.

It was the first day in a month that we did not have to try and wake her up. She was up, dressed and ready for breakfast before I had my makeup on.

As I was putting her hair up in a ponytail, I could not believe how old she seemed to me. It is a marvelous thing to have witnessed her transformation these past four years~ she is confident, secure and quite prepared to face this day.

On the way to Bella’s class we were stopped by a few people that know Vito, the school counselor (she play a huge role in Bella getting into this school), the principal (another big player in our ending up here) and the school’s resource officer, each stopping us to wish her luck. As they continued to talk Bella began tugging at my hand to go.

It was at that moment that all my fears fell away and I knew she was going to love this year. I knew she was going to thrive, this little girl who loves to learn.

We walked into her class, put away her backpack and found her chair I bent down kissed her head and told her that I loved her so. She looked up and said “I love you too, see you tonight.”

It took all the mommy courage I could muster to walk away with just a wave, but I did it. And so did she, beautifully.

August 24th~

2009-08-24T02:34:00.002-04:00

It’s August 24, 2009, 2:32 in the morning, and I am worried.

I’m worried that Bella will miss me.

And I’m worried that she won’t.

A day well lived~

2009-08-19T21:50:00.003-04:00

This morning I got up took a walk, came home jumped in the shower to cool off,

got back in bed and snuggled with my husband and daughter, made it to work late

This evening we made dinner as a family,

never picked up the TV remote, swam till our legs grew tired

Climbed into bed and snuggled with my husband and daughter, read a bit, went to bed knowing it had been a day that had been well lived!

Hope you had a wonderful day~

A little fashion show~

2009-08-17T16:34:00.005-04:00

Here's a little peek into some of

the clothes Ms. Bella will be sporting at

school this year~

A hug from adoring fan~

Julie & Julia~

2009-08-15T21:57:00.002-04:00

Have you seen it yet?

If not GO! It is wonderful!

Vito took me this evening, well perhaps it would be more accurate to write that I begged Vito to take me and he finally decided that there would be no living with me till he did, to see this wonderful film.

I cried, I laughed, I cried again, then I did a semi ugly cry, I clapped, I said 20 or 30 times "I love this movie". And when it was done I gave my husband the biggest kiss and thanked him for taking me to a chick flick. And then it happened~ as we walked out of the theater Vito said "It was much better than I had anticipated, I even teared up a couple of times" (don't tell him I told you)

So call your mom, your sister, or your girlfriends and invited them. If they are busy grab your honey and make a date~ you won't be sorry!

Letting go (PART II)~

2009-08-14T19:02:00.003-04:00

Forgive me for still being on this subject but it is still very much on my heart and mind~

Letting go is a hard, deliberate, courageous process

I thought preschool would prepare me for sending my little girl out into the world of 'big girl school'

It did not

I thought that having the school issue sorted out would help ease the transition from lazy summer days to the beginning of kindergarten

It has not

She is growing so fast changing so quickly before my eyes

Can I slow it down?

Do I want to?

Yes and no

Yes because I want to hold onto these moments and no because I love watching her develop

This may be exactly the way it is suppose to be

So today, I will play with the little girl that she still is and be grateful for the for the person she is becoming

Letting go~

2009-08-12T17:14:00.006-04:00

At the end of last year we had applied for Bella to go to a new Charter School that opened in our area. We were told that selection would be made in January and invitations would be mailed out. By March we still had not heard anything. I work with a gentleman whose wife teaches at this school, she suggested that we call the administrative office to check on Bella's status. We were given a name and number to call where we reached a delightful lady that said that all the slots for the 2009/2010 school year had been filled and that the waiting list was lengthy. So we made the decision to get our daughter into a Christian Private School. After meeting the principle and taking a tour with her, our excitement began to build. A week later Bella took the entrance test, did well and was accepted to their school. We did all of this knowing that we did not have the funds for the tuition but I thought surely the state of the economy, which was having a strong effect on our savings account, will turn around and we will be able to pull this off. Last month we still had not been able to save the funds needed and the payment was due. I was sad, worried, wired, confused and I felt as if I was losing control~ which scares me.

Vito and I needed guidance, we asked my mom and a friend to hold their opinion and just pray with us. By the end of the week we made the decision that we would get Bella signed up for public school. Ever since moving to South FL all I have heard was how bad the schools were here. After we adopted Bella the chatter from well meaning friends, colleagues, and acquaintances got louder. We were told to get her registered early for the Magnet Schools or save for Private School. As we made this decision I couldn't help but think could I have done more, again I felt as if I was losing control.

The week that we registered Bella for school was filled with highs and lows. Some of the highs, were getting the school choice that was closest to our home, then finding out that a sweet friend's children would be attending that same school. The best high came while talking to my dearest friend about her oldest son who had just graduated high school, public high school. She told me a story of how his last year of school had been one that had caused her many hours of time spent on her knees in prayer over him and his struggles. As her story poured out fear entered in "had we made the wrong choice" ~ I asked her if she had it to do over again, would she send her boys to a Christian School. Her answer confirmed what was being spoken in my heart "No, I am so thankful that what my son faced this year, he faced while under my roof, while I still have a great deal of influence over his life, and while I knew specifically what I need to be praying for." One of the lows came in the form of an email from a friend who asked how I would handle a situation that she had read about going on in one of our local public schools. While it was not meant for anything other than discussion the email once again brought me face to face with my fears. As I responded to her email I prayed for control over them.

Control feels safe to me but feeling safe and having control is not God's desire for this time of my life. Obviously. Just like most lessons I have to learn (honestly all lessons I have to learn) I had to learn this life lesson the hard way. I had to let go and completely lose all control.

Once I let go, an unsuspected blessing came our way~ Last Friday Bella received an invitation from the Charter School that we had originally hoped she would go to. This week Vito and Bella took the acceptance letter to the school, while there they ran into one of Vito's customers who teaches kindergarten at the school. While Vito filled out the necessary paperwork the teacher took Bella on a tour of her class room. When they came back to the administrative office this teacher requested that Bella be added in her class room. Losing control never felt so good.

Dance~

2009-08-05T07:55:00.000-04:00

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain

Good conversation can happen anywhere~

2009-08-01T07:18:00.000-04:00

Bella asked, "if I'm from China, then why don't I speak Chinese"

I simply told her, 'because baby girl your mama's from the south

so you and I speak southernese"

Y'all know in the south we make up words to fit the need, right?

My life~

2009-07-27T06:02:00.000-04:00

A simple view of my weakness, my love, my fear, my joy, my sanity, my chaos, my frustration, my desire for the world to be different, my comfort, my strength.... my life

Awe struck~

2009-07-20T06:45:00.003-04:00

Saturday we were able to

get up close and personal with these

beautiful graceful creatures of the sea

This one keep coming over to take a peak at Bella

And she was awe struck by him

We are so grateful for our local

Loggerhead Rescue and Rehabilitation Center

Note to self~

2009-07-16T05:59:00.015-04:00

Soak up today

Be silly

Over look what needs to be done and enjoy what you are doing

Smile, laugh, heck even giggle a time or two

Be present in this moment

Tell them, Bella and Vito, every time they make your heart smile

Say I love you even more today

Swim, run, heck even twirl

Soak it up every bit of it

PS to self~ don't worry about putting photos of yourself in a swimsuit out there for all to see

Animal shelter visit~

2009-07-14T05:55:00.003-04:00

During the last week of Bella's preschool her class visited a local animal shelter.

They prepared for this visit all year long by saving their pennies as a donation.

Bella was so excited leading up to this visit~ then the night before she asked

what we hoped she wouldn't

"Can bring a cat home".

Vito (oh how I love this man, his quick wit, and his charm) said "Bella, Gio (our dog) and a cat might not get along. But I tell you what, if you find

a giraffe at the shelter you can bring one of home.

Bella, laughed and laughed then she said "daddy, I can do that. Our ceilings aren't tall enough"

I was so thankful that no one had donated their giraffe that day~

Glimpses of what is yet to come~

2009-07-10T06:45:00.012-04:00

As I took this photo I couldn't help but think~

some day this will not be make believe.

Some day he will take her hand and lead her down the aisle to the man she loves.

And the very next thought was~

Thank goodness that is not for years to come

For today daddy is still the only man that has stolen her heart

well him and Pete (her panda bear)

Of course when the real wedding day is here~

Daddy won't be in pajama pants, Bella won't be in a pink princess dress,

and Zsa Zsa will not be asking "do you take this Panda bear in

sickness and in health?"

At least I hope not!

Have a beautiful weekend my friends~

Nana~

2009-07-08T05:06:00.006-04:00

Bella wanted me tell you~

either you come for a visit soon or she

is mailing herself to you

I am afraid she just might do it!

brunch, swimming and fireworks, it is going to be a wonderful July 4th~

2009-07-04T10:10:00.010-04:00

This is how we started our festivities~

Veggie quiche, fresh squeezed orange juice

and thanks to my sweet friend Lisa for sharing this amazing

recipe~ fresh berries and cannoli cream

It is to die for!

The rest of our day will be spent swimming, floating on a raft~

and celebrating the Independence of our Amazing Country

Happy 4th of July friends~

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary~

2009-07-02T06:26:00.001-04:00

How does you garden grow?

Our grows with tomatoes so yummy

Eggplants so fine

And MANY squash on the vine

Dinners this week will consist of Tomato and Basil Sandwiches, Squash Casserole, and Eggplant Parmesan. Would you like to stop by one night? There will be enough to share,

thanks to our summer garden~

Tomorrow~

2009-06-26T18:17:00.008-04:00

I will....

snuggle in bed with my family

make one of our favorite breakfast

linger over coffee

wear a sundress

shop at my local farmers market

kiss the top of Bella's head

many

many times

hold hands with my husband

consider making a new dish with some of my farmer's market finds

but most likely will go to our favorite Italian restaurant instead

see the new disney movie~ up

fall asleep knowing I spent my day with the ones I love most

Share with me what you have planned~

Have a beautiful weekend, friends

First week of summer break~

2009-06-14T08:38:00.010-04:00

Don't you just love the first week of summer break. There is an excitement about it. Typically plans are a laid out for all the fun that will be had during the weeks that the kids are out of school. There are family vacations, projects, days spent with friends, trips to the beach, and pool parties. There are zoo, amusement park and museum visits. The kids stay up late and from time to time sleep in late. The schedules relax and the days full. The fun that will be had is anticipated by all.

Our first week, or at least Bella's first week, of summer vacation looks nothing like what I described above. Nope her first week was spent in bed.

Since Tuesday she has been running a fever and fighting a pretty nasty summer cold.

On the positive, we have gotten to catch up on our reading ~

Tumtum and Nutmeg:

Adventures beyond Nutmouse hall

This book is adorable, imaginative, just good old fashion story telling done right. Bella and I highly recommend it!!

Hopefully soon I will be posting about all the fun activities we have plan for the summer but until then I am content with soothing my little girl as best as I can and filling the hours and her imagination up with wonderful stories.

Have a beautiful summer friends~ keep posting your activities, I so enjoy reading them!

A special friendship~

2009-06-03T19:36:00.008-04:00

You know how some of the most wonderful friendships are formed in some of the most unlikely places?

Bella and Laney share this kind of wonderful friendship~

And the unlikely place this friendship began was in an orphanage in Nanjing China.

When ever we talk about our trip to China we always talk about the families that we were blessed to share that journey with. Without them the trip would have been just about more than we could have handled. Relationship were made that will last forever. Some families we stay in touch with through pictures cards and emails, some we talk to and get to see from time to time and then there is Laney and her precious family~

Each year we have a reunion.

It is a time that I look forward to for months and then cherish the memories made until we meet again

This time as the visit came to an end and we pulled out of the Animal Kingdom parking lot Bella's visable tears reflected what I was feeling in my heart~ We were already missing our friends

I reached back and took my baby girls hand and reminded her that we would see them again soon!

Laney, Emily, Perry and Kiah~ Thank you for an amazing visit. We love y'all

5475~

2009-05-07T05:07:00.003-04:00

5,475 days of loving this man~

5,475 and counting!

Happy Anniversary Mr. Man

i'm free~

2009-05-03T08:34:00.004-04:00

I'm free of struggling to keep friz at bay

I'm free of taking time, lots of time, to put fullness and body in it just to walk out side and 2 minutes later, it be flat

I'm free of lots of products

I'm free on the daily pony tails~

now that I'm free I ain't ever going back!!!

Grace~

2009-04-10T17:38:00.004-04:00

I've just begun reading Grace Based Parenting by Dr. Tim Kimmel. In just the few pages I've read it has revealed to me that I need to offer more grace more freely to those around me, to my family especially. I love when I find a book that can speak immediately to my heart.

In chapter two Dr. Kimmel wrote about a luncheon that was held in London a half century ago. The general topic of this luncheon was on comparing religions which sparked a debate on the question of Christianity's most valuable distinction. What separated Christianity from every other religion in the world?

One suggested incarnation, another the resurrection of Christ. It was pointed out, however, that these two vital features of Christianity were also part of the deities of other religions. C.S. Lewis (joining the debate late) uttered the answer as soon as he heard the topic of the day. "Oh, that's easy." Said perhaps the greatest Christian apologist of the twentieth century. "It's grace."

Don't you just love it when things are stated in a marvelous, concise, uncomplicated way? I sure do!

May each of you have a beautiful Easter.

Romantic

2009-04-08T19:15:00.007-04:00

In a little over a month Vito and I will be celebrating our 15th Wedding anniversary ~

When we first got married our plan was to go to Italy on this anniversary, sadly we are not.

Two years ago we discussed going on a Mediterranean Cruise, unfortunately we are not.

Last year we thought of going back to St. Lucia. We loved it the first time we were there. But this time it is not going to happen.

Early this year we decided we would go to Atlantis, in the Bahama's~ last week we felt that we needed to cancel this trip and do something a bit less expensive.

So this morning Bella and I were talking about what Mommy and Daddy could do to celebrate our special day.

She said "Go to Sonny's, Daddy loves it"

Wow, my baby girl really has a romantic gene!! I pray I can come up with something a little more special!!

*for those of you not familiar with Sonny's, it is a BBQ joint decked out with plastic plates and cups and you get to sit at picnic style tables. One plus about this place, they serve the best sweet tea I have had since leaving Tennessee

Breathtaking~

2009-03-16T19:46:00.006-04:00

Yesterday we drove to Kennedy Space Center

and experienced a once in a life time moment~

Memories were made that will last a life time

the moment~

2009-03-07T07:24:00.001-05:00

You didn't do anything to earn my heart. It just happened. The moment you were placed in my arms~ it was yours

Photo taken~ 4 Years ago today

Hello and please pray~

2009-02-09T19:08:00.002-05:00

My heart was so touched when I signed on tonight and read your precious comments. It brought a smile to my face! Thank you so much for stopping by to check in with me. I must tell you I have missed you all as well and have thought of you many times.

My free time (the little that I have) has been filled with playing dress up, swimming (I promise to post photos of the pool ~ it turned out georgous!), playing checkers, baking cupcakes, spending what precious little time I have with those that matter so much to me.

This is where my prayer request comes in. The transistion to the new job is taking a bit of getting used to. Where I left I was free to come and go as I pleased, where I am it is such a small staff that time away has to be scheduled. Where I was I was able to take time out of each day to pick Bella up from school. Where I am is too far away to make that work. And the drive to and from home is about 20 miles more, taking away even more time. I knew all of this going into the new job but knowing it and living it is two very different thing.

Please continue to check in I will post as often as I can.

I'll leave you with a funny story from the past Sunday~ Bella woke Vito and I up and informed us that she should not go to church this Sunday, because she did not want to give God her cold.

Love and huge hugs

Happy New Year~

2009-01-10T06:32:00.006-05:00

I hope 2009 has been a wonderful year for each of you so far.

Yesterday morning as I was taking my morning walk when something fast moving in the sky caught my eye. At first I was so unsure what my eyes were seeing still I watched in amazement. After my walk was over and I did a bit of research and realized that it was the International Space Station that had me memorized.

This morning we all got up and went out to see the ISS moving over head. Now I understand that this is probably old news to some of you but if there are others out there that are as naive as I was here is the sighting link that will let you track the space station and give you the times that ISS can be seen in your area.

Have a blessed day

Have yourself a Merry little Christmas~

2008-12-24T06:18:00.004-05:00

From our family to yours~ Merry Christmas

may this special time of the year bring much joy and happiness to your lives.

With much love,

Krista, Vito and Bella

The most wonderful time of the year~

2008-12-09T17:46:00.010-05:00

Here are some photos of our dining room all decked out and ready for Christmas

I have so enjoyed catching up and reading y'alls blog~

and appreciated the comments that you left for me. It is such a blessing to have such sweet friends!

Have a blessed evening

Oh how I have missed this~

2008-12-06T05:13:00.001-05:00

When I woke up this morning I knew instantly what I wanted, no needed to do today before I got caught up in the days activities~ catch up with my girlfriends in blogland.

What a wonderful time of the year this has been, but busy busy busy. I know you all can relate!

First let me say THANK YOU for all the emails that you sent. What special friends you all are! The new job is going good, I am really enjoying it, but the hours and the level of work is much different than at my old job. Thankfully we are finally all getting use to the new routine and life is becoming calm again. PHEW

Second we are deep into a wonderful project here at our home. When I say deep, I literally mean deep, about 5 foot deep to be exact~

This is what our pool looked like a few weeks ago.

And this is what it looked like this morning~

We are hoping to be all done by Christmas!

Inside we've been putting up the decorations. I will share more photos from around our home later in the week but heres a little peek~

And with the year quickly coming to an end I have been working nightly on Bella's Journal/Picture book. Here is the journal I wrote last night~

I wish I possessed a magic wand that would allow me the ability to go back in time. I would use it to go back and tell my younger self to not be sad for even one day over not being able to have kids. Because when the time is right the most perfect little girl will become my daughter. I would use it to go back and stop myself from making some of the life changing decisions I made when I was too young to not know any better. I would use it to go back and celebrate all the exciting days of my life~ like the day daddy and I met, or the day we got married. I would definitely go back to the day that you came into our lives.

I would also use it to go back to the simple days where nothing spectacular or amazing happened. But to the quite moments late in the evening when I cradled you in my arms giving you your evening bottle.

Or to a night where I was given you a bath, laying your head in my hand lowering you back to wash your hair, your eyes and mine locked together in a mutual love and trust, a confirmation that I would keep you safe.

I would go back to a night where you would snuggle into the crook of my neck with your knees tucked up under you, smelling your fresh washed hair and kissing your soft cheeks. Far too often I rushed through these simple everyday tasks never realizing how fleeting those moments would be.

If I possessed this magic wand I would go back and tell myself "enjoy every moment with your baby because all too soon she will be a little girl"

Everyone is waking up here so I must leave you now and get our day started. I am so looking forward to reading about what is happening in your lives. Good bye for now~

Finally...

2008-11-15T20:52:00.008-05:00

This is the final chapter of the dining room saga.

We are so pleased with how it all turned out!!!

Friends~

2008-11-13T08:02:00.008-05:00

Friendship...

It is one a lifes greatest blessings.

Some friends are there to give you an extra little push when you need it~

While another will be right there by your side~

Sometimes you have to do things all by yourself~

and some times your friends will follow your lead~

From time to time you may come across a new friend

that will be fun to get to know~

But remember old friends, tried and true friends

are always the best kind of friends~

They listen to your secrets and hold them close in their hearts~

And they always know when you need a little love~

Never forget to cherish your friends for they truly are

lifes blessings~

Photo's from our churches picnic on Saturday~

Finally something to share~

2008-11-06T05:29:00.002-05:00

A Dining room saga update~

The Chairs

Vito and I never imagined that this project would be so time consuming when

we began with eager excitement months ago.

Now what feels like "the never ending' project, is begin to see a light at the end of it's tunnel.

Just a quick reminder of how things looked before

We sealed the chairs with a spray sealer. Once dry we painted them Heirloom White.

When they were the perfect shade of white, I took some fine sand paper, much to Vito's horror (ye of little faith) and began to sand away at the chairs.

I sanded here I sanded there I sanded EVERYWHERE

(can you tell that Bella is into Dr. Seuss right now?)

After I had the look I wanted, I went over the chairs with and umber paint, wiping much of it away leaving a bit in the nooks and crannies of the chairs.

FINALLY the sealing, painting, sanding, and 'patina' were done~

And it was time to cover the cushion. The material I wanted was

a natural hemp~

For weeks I searched my local fabric stores, always coming home empty handed.

For this I was not willing to settle

Then on a visit to a fabric store in a town north of us

I found exactly what I wanted and the best part~

it was on sale.

I was over the moon!

Before we put the material on, there was one finally touch

that the chairs needed to be complete~

(Wait for it~)

What do you think?

The Chair chapter of our saga is complete!

Wonderful post~

2008-11-05T19:59:00.008-05:00

I loved this post, written by Randy Alcorn. In this post Randy urges us to pray for our new President, regardless if we advocated or voted for him. It is beautifully written, take a moment, read it.

Have a blessed night

Today~

2008-11-04T05:15:00.012-05:00

Pray

and then pray some more

May God bless our country and may Biblical values

be preserved

It is over~

2008-11-03T08:20:00.001-05:00

La formacion es mas y el lunes abrimos nuestra nueva sucursal~

Oh excuse me, can you tell that I spent most of last week in Miami? What I meant was,

Training and touring around Miami with the bank executives is DONE~ What a relief it is to have these past two weeks behind me. Now the real fun begins~ Today we open our new branch, I pray that everything that has been 'shoved' into my brain for the past two week can be recalled when needed, if not I will rely on my charm and pray it gets me through the day!

On to fun stuff~

Do y'all remember this project that I began, oh about 22 years ago? The project that Vito and I affectionately call the 'dining room saga'? Well some progress has been made in there and on Thursday I will share an update with you.

Have a fabulous Monday girls!!!

Listen~

2008-11-02T12:55:00.003-05:00

It is hard to describe how loud, talkative, and animated my family is. To truly appreciate it you would need to spend some time with us. We each one come by it very naturally. It has been passed down from grandparents and parents. It is seen in siblings, aunt, uncles and cousins (in laws and such). Through the years when someone needs to be heard they they say: excuse me, butt in, wait, or talk louder and louder to be heard. I would not trade my lively family for all the quite peace in the world!

Today was like any other day, we were busily rushing home from church, talking about what we were going to do today. From the back seat Bella asked us all be quite. The conversation continued it's course, once again she asked us to be quite. Then she said "mommy and daddy, put a finger over your mouth" We did as she asked, silently she lowered her head. When she looked back up she said "I can hear God talking in my heart" I asked " what did He say?" "He said He loves me"

It is funny before I was a mom I imagined all the things I was going to teach my child~ but I was so wrong, she teaches (or reminds) me daily of what is truly important in this life!

When was the last time that I asked 'my world' to be quite so I could hear God talking in my heart?

Did someone....

2008-11-01T08:21:00.006-04:00

... Call for a doctor?

Here she is, Dr. Isabella!

WOW WIE~

2008-10-26T19:10:00.011-04:00

What a week this has been~ The new job began on Monday. This week I realized that I am old really old! And this old mind of mine has a much tougher time learning new stuff. At the end of each day I was mentally drained! I have one more week of training, please bear with me and my lack of posting and commenting as I finish up. Afterwards I hope to get back to my regular posting schedule : )

Mixed in with all the training for work, Vito and I also were training for the 13K that we walked at Disney's Hollywood Studio's on Saturday Night.

This has to be one of the best 'races' that Disney puts on (I have only done two others so I'm no real expert). Like all the others they blare music along the course but in this one they also had entertainer (fun disc jockeys/MC's, dancers, smoke machines and lights) the atmosphere was pure party! Unlike all the others, this race is done at night- the fire works (start of the race) went off at 10:00 PM. Vito and I crossed the finish line a little after Midnight. FUN FUN FUN and more FUN

We had a blast, with one exception~ we tried to meet up with one of my favorite blog friends, Meredith but with 2600 other walkers/runners there it was close to impossible to find each other (girlfriend~ someday soon!)

Driving home this evening all we could talk about was doing it all over again next year!

During our down time in Orlando this was the view we had from our hotel room~

We were able to see Epcots fire works from our balcony. Nice!

Have a wonderful week girlfriends, I will be popping into y'alls blogs this week to say hey. Can't wait to catch up with each of you!

Question~

2008-10-20T05:59:00.004-04:00

This past Saturday Bella and I were running errands. The day was beautiful~ nice breeze, perfect temperature, and fluffy white clouds. It really does not get much better than the day we were blessed with.

As we were driving we began talking about all the beauty that God had created for us. The trees, the sky, the animals, the flowers, the warm breeze ~ all of it created for our enjoyment.

After we got done thanking God for everything Bella asked:

"Mommy, who created God?"

My reply:

"nobody created God, He has always been."

It was such a wonderful questions, and all weekend I thought on it and on my answer.

Do I simplify God?

I hate to admit it but I believe I must for when I really gave thought to Bella's question I struggled to wrap my feeble human brain around God, and how Omnipotent He is.

Bella's simple question caused me to stop and remember how big, how magnificence how mighty God truly is.

Photos: Taking from our home at sunset a few weeks ago

Thank you~

2008-10-19T12:37:00.002-04:00

Girlfriends,

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. Your comments were exactly what I needed to read (love it when that happens)!

I hope each of y'all have an amazing Monday. I truly have no idea what my is going to hold but I do know it is going to be new and exciting!

Taking the plunge~

2008-10-17T06:02:00.006-04:00

The Olympic divers have nothing on this girl!

Bella's not the only one in our family taking a plunge~ I just accepted a new job. Crazy? Oh Yeah! Especially in this economy and in my line of work (Banking). Still I am excited about the new possibilities and eager to do something a little different (not that different, banking is banking after all). It has been an emotional week with clearing out my office and saying goodbye to some truly fabulous ladies. Next week orientation and the training~

Oh my goodness what have I done!

Wish me luck as I take this PLUNGE!

Happy birthday ~

2008-10-16T06:25:00.002-04:00

To the love of my life~

To my very best friend~

To the one whose smile melts my heart, everytime~

To the one who share many of the same passions as I do~

To the tender loving father ~

To the one that share every part of his being with me~

Happy birthday, Mr. Man

I love you

Memory will have to serve me well~

2008-10-15T05:48:00.001-04:00

Because most of our time while in Vegas the camera was in the room. Here are a few of the photos we did manage to capture while there.

The famous Welcome sign. You know fun is right around the

corner when you spot this land mark!

The next few photos were all taken at Red Rock Canyon.

What a gorgeous day we were blessed with!

Can you see my flip flops? How hard do you think it was climbing around on the rocks?

But I am a girl that likes her toes free to move about!

Sun setting in the distance and the lights beginning to come up~ lovely

These two were a hoot together, the man played and Vito sang along.

My husband does not have a shy bone in his body, those of you who know him feel free to back me up on this!!!

Vegas at night is spectacular paired with my favorite attraction~ Magnificent!

What an amazing trip!

Hey, we're back~

2008-10-14T10:43:00.015-04:00

and we're a few pounds heavier, just a couple of bucks lighter, and completely jet lagged! But still reveling in the fun that we had!

I have been so anxious to share some some of our trips highlights with y'all~

FOOD FOOD FOOD and more FOOD~ I think we ate our way through Vegas! We had some amazing meals during our time, but our favorite meal of the entire week was at Mesa Grill. The food and the service were top notch and unsurpassed. We highly recommend checking this spot out!

Now I realize that most people go to Vegas to gamble, but I tend to over think the whole process~ Not to say that we did not part take a little (a very little!). In fact the first night we did more gambling in those few hours than we did the remainder of the trip. The reason~ I had the touch!!! Girls, I could not lose! Every machine I stuck my money into paid out. It was awesome, and Vito, well he just laughed the whole time. As we made our way down the strip we stop into my favorite hotel there, The Bellagio ~ while walking through, I slip a twenty into what I thought was a penny machine and it hit 10,000 points - thinking I had just won 100.00 I cashed out and low and behold realized that we had stumble onto a nickel slot and had won 500.00. I was a winner and I planned on staying that way so off to watch the incredible fountain show we went!!

We set aside some time durning the second day of the trip to spend the morning and afternoon in Red Rock Canyon. What a welcome reprieve this offer away from the strip. We rented a car and drove about 30 miles outside of the city to the beautiful red mountains that we had been looking at from our hotel window. It was majestic and very relaxing. While there I spent a bit of time looking for a heart shape rock for Bella, I came away with 4 of them. (She was so excited when we gave them to her. Oh how I love this age~ when a rock for a souvenir can bring so much excitement)

With our winnings we planned an evening that included a wonderful dinner at the Wynn's Bartolotta (Fabulous) restaurant and a Cirque show, Mystere did not disappoint. The food, the service, the music, the acrobats, the costumes and being with Vito~ I loved every minute of this evening!!!

Being east coaster the 3 hour time difference played havoc with our sleep. We saw the sun rise and sun set on our first two days. While this was beautiful to see it was not something that we were wanting. Finally by the third morning we were able to sleep in to the unheard of hour of 8:00 am~ heavenly!

It was fun to get away but we were both very ready to come home. On our last day there we decided that we were "Vegased-out" (Is this a real term? It should be!) While I am so thankful for the memories that we made I am equally thankful that we mutually decided that Las Vegas would not be part of our travel destination for a few years!

Sorry that there are not any photos, the jet lag works in both time zones!

Dining room update~

2008-10-04T03:58:00.001-04:00

We are a few days into our dining room make over project and I can feel the excitement beginning to build knowing that the look I am after is achievable. We've stripped the high gloss finish off of the table to reveal beautiful wood. After we return from Vegas we will add a low sheen varnish for protection.

As you can see in the photo, the chairs are now painted. We used a spray primer on the chairs and it worked like a charm. We then sprayed the chairs Heirloom white.

There is still much to do, so we will keep working and I will update as we continue along!

Just a little funny ~

I asked Bella if she liked the chairs? She wrinkling up her forehead and said " Not really. Well, I guess we could put pillows on the floor so we don't get hurt when we fall through"

Oh how she makes me smile and keeps me on my toes!

In a few hours Vito and I will be on our way to ~

I can not wait to see this view~

Last year we began a tradition for our first night in Vegas~ we ride to the top of the Stratosphere, watch the sun set behind the mountains and watch the lights come up on the strip. It is a fun romantic beginning to what is sure to be a wonderful trip.

Have a fabulous week! Catch up with y'all soon!

Untainted Innocence~

2008-10-02T05:12:00.017-04:00

I was talking with some friends this past week regarding the fact that our world is doing any and everything possible to steal our children's innocence. There is so many things now accepted as normal in our society~ fowl language in music and from passing strangers, sexual content on most TV shows, the endless vulgarity internet allows, and the list goes on and on and on and on and on!

This short but oh so important journal for Bella's book was written out of my hope that my precious daughter will value her innocence as much as I do.

Untainted Innocence

Will you believe me when I say it’s precious and that it should be treasured? Will you understand how valueable it is?

My goodness, I pray so.

for Owen~

2008-10-01T06:20:00.004-04:00

Many of you know Rebecca and have had the pleasure of reading her blog. If you have not please take a moment to look in on her and her family at China, Baby!

Rebecca is offering a raffel for some beautiful items , made by a stunning yound lady name Lana. To be entered into the drawing she is asking for a small donation. All proceeds from this auctions will be used to help bring their son Owen home!

Recipes~

2008-09-30T06:09:00.001-04:00

I neglected to get photo's of the food that was served at Netti's party~ still I wanted to share a few the recipes that we made~

Grape Salad~ somethings so simple yet so yummy! (you asked for it Rebecca and here it is)

1 lb of green grapes, picked from the stem, washed and dried.

In a separate bowl with a mixer blend till smooth the following 4 ingredients~

8 oz light cream cheese

8 oz light sour cream

1/4 cup of sugar (splenda can be used)

Pour mixture over grapes and add~

4 oz of chopped pecans

Mix together and add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, mix again, refrigerate and serve.

Bruschetta with fresh basil and tomatoes~ (one of the easiest things to make and one of the most delicious ways to eat tomatoes)

For our party we doubled this recipe:

7 to 8 ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
8 to 9 basil leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients and allow them to set for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator

Serve with French bread that has been slice (diagonal, about ½ inches thick), coat each side with garlic infused olive oil and toast in oven till crisp

Sausage dip~

1 lb of Hot breakfast sausage, crumbled, cooked and well drained mix with

1 drained can of Rotel tomatoes

In an 8x8 baking dish

Layer an 8oz package of of soften light cream cheese

sausage and Rotel mixture

shredded cheddar cheese

Cover and bake at 350 till warm and bubbly

We had a few other delicious dishes. I will have to save them for another post. Before I go Iwanted to leave you with one last recipe~

Netti's favorite dessert is Apple Pie. So instead of Birthday cake, apple pie with rum raisin ice cream was served~

Rum Raisin Ice Cream~ (Delicious served alone or made even better when placed on top of your favorite apple pie or apple crumb cake!)

1/2 gallon of premium vanilla ice cream (allow the ice cream to get soft)

rum extract to taste (about 2 tablespoons)

1/2 cups of raisin

mix all ingredients, refreeze and serve

Have a blessed day~

Netti's Party

2008-09-29T05:27:00.003-04:00

It was a Surprise!!!! We pulled it off~

Netti, was unaware that some of her dearest friends were gather at my father's home waiting for her arrival, she walked in and was blown away. I love it when plan falls into place!

The food was excellent but the hit of the evening was certainly the Netti-tinis! The base of this punch came from this recipe~ we omitted the Ginger Ale and added Spiced Rum, delicious!

Unfortunately I still have not learned how to make those cute photo collages. So please forgive me for subjecting you to a long post fill with photos of 'strangers'

How is that Bella ends up in almost all the photos???

Wonderful night, wonderful lady to celebrate, wonderful memories!

Our week~

2008-09-26T05:42:00.002-04:00

BOY OH BOY, what a week this has been. There has been so much going on and it left little to no time to write, read or comment in blogland~ I have missed it ~ I Have MISSED Y'all. But I could not let the week come to an end without saying hello~

Hey y'all!!

I also wanted to give you a little peek into what we have been up to~

First we have been re-decorating our dining room. What a huge project this has turned into.

Below are the before photos. Now don't turn up your nose just yet. I have no doubt that when we are done it will look fabulous!

It is going to take us a few weeks to complete and I can not begin to tell you how much ~~drama~~, ~~whining~~, ~~tears~~ , ~~pity parties~~, excitement this has brought into Vito's life!

As we go along I will post updates of our progress.

The table and chairs were handed down to Vito from his grandmother. Have you heard the term "good bones"? Well this furniture has them, it just needs a bit of sprucing up.

When we moved into our home few years ago I got a wild hair to paint my coffer ceiling to look like a cloudy sky (it was dramatic and VERY dark). Also the walls are much darker than they look in these photos. Now ~~almost as soon as it was finished~~ years later I am so tired looking at it. I am ready for a fresh light look~ so let the painting begin!

Next~ Vito and I have been training for Disney's The Twilight Zone 13K. My legs are screaming "didn't you get your fill of this the last time?"

Actually this run (or in our case, walk) is so exciting, mostly because Vito and I are doing it together (awesome), but also because it is being done at night (no hot sun beating down on us), then afterwards Disney is hosting a party at Hollywood Studios for the participates (Oh how I love a party) . The most exciting part I am meeting one of my blogging buddies, Meredeth. I can not wait! Legs don't fail me now!

Ms. Bella has had a busy week herself~ she finished up her swim lessons

(thank you Autumn and Kya for coming to cheer her on!)

and she has moved on to the soccer field.

She is so precious running around in her cleats and darling outfit.

Do you see someone familiar coaching?

Yep, it's Vito.

As the week has rolled on we have been party planning for Netti (Vito's mom). As I posted earlier we are going to have a few friends over to celebrate her and her birthday tomorrow night. It is a surprise, so SHHHHH.

Thanks for helping me come up with a name for Netti's cocktail. I loved two of the names so we are going with Nettitini (thank you Valerie, you are too creative) for the alcohol version and Zsa Zsa Voom (thank you Shelley - Love you sis) for the non alcohol version

And finally I have been putting together the final arrangements for our trip to

Via Las Vegas!!!

This weekend I will spend some time reading your blogs, catching up with you will be fun!

Have a blessed weekend!

Help~

2008-09-24T09:47:00.004-04:00

Hey girlfriends,

I need your help~

Saturday night we are throwing a surprise party for Netti ( Vito's Mom) to celebrate her birthday. Her favorite colors are Pink and Orange~ with this in mind I came up with a cocktail for the evening. The base is going to be Cranberry and Pineapple juice (once the 'mixers' are mixed in it will become pink). The choice of mixers will be Ginger ale, sparkling wine, rum or vodka.

Where y'alls creative juices are needed is for a name for this fun and girly cocktail! When thinking of the name I would like to incorporate the name Netti, Zsa Zsa or Sophia (which is how Netti~ introduces herself to anyone at a party).

I know that many of you don't know this lovely lady but think of the coolest person you know ~ fun, hip, easy going, loving, and so much FUN. Add in a bit of funkiness, throw in a ton of charm and a dash of flirtiness and you would have my Mother - in - Awe.

So please put your thinking hats on and help me out~

Beginning and the end~

2008-09-19T05:39:00.011-04:00

At the beginning of the week I shared with you how we were surviving through some power struggles. Thankfully as the week has gone on it seems like things are beginning to fall into place (can you feel my hope!).

Since I started this week on this subject I thought that it was fitting to end it on the same note~ here is a quick little note that my princess no doubt would have written herself if only she were able

Hope each of you have a blessed weekend~

Dearest Mother,

As head of my support staff I feel that you should be made aware of the fact that I am indeed royalty and should be treated as such~

As a princess I believe that there are many household rules that simply do not apply to me. If I am to live out all of my days blissful and carefree then we must address certain issues:

First I find it necessary to address the issue of my toys, books, games, dolls, shoes, and clothes. I know that it is littered all around the castle but it is completely unfair that you look to me to clean it up. Can’t we hire someone to follow me around the palace picking my things up?

Secondly I have an issue with the sleeping arrangements. While I do appreciate that you have set up my royal suite, with fine furnishings, a fluffy pink blanket, a number of stuffed animals, a night light and some soothing music to fall asleep to~ I simply can not accept the fact that I am required to go to bed prior to everyone else in the kingdom. This needs your urgent attention if we are to avoid any more night time clashes.

Next, what is wrong with Coke? I find it highly prejudice that I am only allowed this on special occasions. Even the Queen Mother~Nana, does not object when I choose soda over water or milk. In fact, she was the one that gave me my first taste of this delicious beverage. So why are you setting such outrageous limits? And while we are on the issue of beverage I must speak to the certain foods that I am finding on my plate. Items such as mushrooms, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Have I not made frequent request for you to stop serving these?

Finally there is one last item we need to tackle ~ it is absolutely unreasonable that I should be forced to brush my teeth and hair or wash my face when I am not leaving my castle.

In order for everything to begin running smoothly again, these matters need to be dealt with to my liking!

Cordially,

Your Royal Highness Princess Isabella

Just wanted to share~

2008-09-18T10:46:00.022-04:00

I read something this morning that I liked so much that I wanted to share with you~

How to really love a child, by Sark

Be there. Say yes as often as possible. Let them bang on pots and pans. If they’re cranky, put them in water. Realize how important it is to be a child. Go to the movie theatre in your pajamas. Read books out loud with joy. Invent. Remember how small they really are. Giggle. Giggle a lot. Surprise them. Say no when necessary. Teach feelings. Heal your own inner child. Learn about parenting. Hug trees together. Make loving safe. Bake a cake and eat it with no hands. Go find elephants and kiss them. Plan to build a rocket ship. Imagine yourself magic. Makes lots of forts with blankets. Let your angel fly. Reveal your own dreams. Search out the positive. Keep the gleam in your eye. Write letters to God. Encourage silly. Plant licorice in your garden. Open up. Stop yelling. Express your love. A lot! Speak kindly. Paint their tennis shoes. Handle with care. Always remember ~ Children are miraculous