Photo of the Morning

This Precious Valentine and her gorgeous mommy dropped by this weekend and I was so happy that they did. Isn't she adorable! I love, love, love this tutu that her mommy made and I think Sweet P does too.

Her little shirt says, "I already have my Valentine, his name is Daddy!" Love it!!!

Lacey Bug is Turning One {A Sneak Peek}

This little cutie, her sweet mommy, and I had so much fun taking these 1st Birthday pictures this weekend. She is sugar and spice and everything nice!

And I am loving this little tutu...it's too-too cute on her!

See?  Miss Lacey Bug had fun too...she was laughing at her mommy and me.

Love those precious little legs...oh so sweet! Happy Birthday Lacey!!!

Caught!

By a nasty virus! My Hannah has it, bless her heart!  Oh,that makes me hurt for her...and at the same time, makes me want to lysol everything in the house to keep it from spreading.  I can't stand it when my children are sick and this one is a doozie!

We normally get the flu shot, but I missed doing this when we were in New York...and then I meant to get us all in over Christmas for the flu shot but, like every other Christmas, we were too busy and I forgot! The doctor thinks it is a nasty virus and we are hoping and praying that it is and doesn't turn into the flu.  There are only 3 more district basketball games left and hopefully on to playoffs after that.  We need her to be well....for more reasons than basketball of course!

My Rachel is battling a sore throat and not feeling well at college too....which makes her seem so far away!

UGH!  I'm praying my girls are much better soon.  Have you been caught too???

Ten on Tuesday

1.  Um, February begins Friday~what?!  That's the month my baby girl turns Sweet Sixteen.  {Be still my heart}

2.  We went Prom dress shopping last weekend and it was so much fun...but kind of made my heart hurt at the same time! Motherhood-a constant mix of special moments mixed with the ever present feeling that time needs to stand still!

3.  Just last week someone stumbled on to my blog because they googled, "Biker babe only wearing chaps." Huh?!!!  Why me???

4.  Turkey Burgers are delicious.  Sorry, fellow Texans!  But, seriously they are.  I didn't snap a picture of ours because I was starvin' marvin' but here is my recipe:  Mix 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground turkey, garlic, minced onions, and 1 cup of salsa.  Form into patties and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.  We grilled ours inside because a family of mice has decided our grill is their new home. Oiy!  I added a bit too much salsa so our burgers were not perfect patties but they were perfectly delicious!

5.  My photography business is booked solid until the last week of April....although I am still managing to fit a few more sessions in to my schedule between now and then.

6.  My Rachel is on the Dean's list for last semester's stellar grades.  This seems to be her norm...we are so proud!

7.  Last week, when nearly the rest of the country was snowed in, we had near 70 degree temperatures two days and 50's the rest.  They say if you don't like the weather in Texas, hang on, because it may change that very day!

8.  The hubs and I are are still drowning ourselves with water daily.  We read something about drinking half of your weight in water ounces.  Did that make any kind of sense?  Needless to say, I once thought 8-8 oz glasses use to be difficult...try adding a few more.  Yes, we are still Mr. and Mrs. I.P. Freely!

(found this image on google-it's not mine and I don't know who to credit-sorry!)

9.  I like sweet potato fries!  Not the kind I have to make-who has time for that! I like the pre-cut frozen kind. Delicious!

(Source:  Bed, bath, and beyond)

10.  I like a Ninja! Not just any Ninja....my Ninja blender. It crushes ice in seconds which is perfect for smoothies!!! 

Whew! I made it to ten.  Yes!!!!

Monday Morning Musings

Happy Monday!  Sorry, I know that sounded lame.  Hope you had a great weekend!!  A friend sent this to me and I thought it was perfect to share on a Monday. Who doesn't need an extra smile  on Monday...well, besides people who live under a rock, right?!


Christian One Liners

Don't let your worries get the best of you; Remember, Moses started out as
a basket case.

Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited
Until you try to sit in their pews.

Many folks want to serve God,
But only as advisers.

When you get to your wit's end,
You'll find God lives there.

People are funny; they want the front of the bus,
Middle of the road, And back of the church.

Opportunity may knock once,
But temptation bangs on the front door forever.

Quit griping about your church;
If it was perfect, you couldn't belong.

We're called to be witnesses, not lawyers or Judges.

Some minds are like concrete
Thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.

Peace starts with a smile.

Be ye fishers of men. You catch 'em - He'll clean 'em.

Stop, Drop, and Roll won't work in Hell.

Don't put a question mark where God put a period.

Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.

Forbidden fruits create many jams.

God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

God grades on the cross, not the curve.

God loves everyone,
But probably prefers 'fruits of the spirit' over 'religious nuts!'

He who angers you, controls you!

If God is your Co-pilot, swap seats!

Prayer:
Don't give God instructions, just report for duty!

The task ahead of us is never as
great as the Power behind us.

The Will of God never takes you to where the
Grace of God will not protect you.

We don't change the message,
The message changes us.

You can tell how big a person is
By what it takes to discourage him/her.

The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:
1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.

Rangers and Rachel

This cooler weather we have been having makes me wonder if spring is around the corner or if when the groundhog makes his appearance we will have more winter weather (I know the One who determines the weather but I still like to see what Punxsutawney Phil forecasts on Groundhog Day).

Spring means spring training and March Madness (my favorite)! And after looking through our 2012 photos, I realized I didn't post these images. Oh, the horror!  And this was on our anniversary weekend.

Our Rachel LOVES the Texas Rangers so we surprised her with tickets!  Hannah was at Varsity Basketball camp or she would have gone with us too!  The three of us wore our Texas Ranger shirts of course!

Here is our Rachel with her daddy while we waited for the game to begin. 

  

And this is Ian Kinsler.Someone in our party of three things he is awesome and just might be Mrs. Kinsler one day.  I totally understand this because a long time ago I wanted to be Mrs. George Brett.  Swoon!

I told her that it simply wouldn't work because she will be Mrs. Tebow someday instead.  If you are going to dream, you might as well dream big, right?!  And this momma has big dreams for her girls!

After the game it was time for fireworks. Love!

We stayed at the beautiful Gaylord Texan where this tall, dark, handsome, cute cowboy wanted a picture with our Rachel (who is a very good sport).

Look out! Another cowboy...but this one must be wealthy. Look at him wearing all gold!  Ha!



Oh, I miss this face! I hope she doesn't mind her momma having a little fun today on the blog.  She and I both know God has the most wonderful, incredible, amazing plans for her life. He shines so beautifully through her (and her sister too)!  I love you and miss you, sweet daughter of mine!

Dreaming...

longing...wanting...missing!!!  This is where my heart and mind are today.  I can almost hear the sound of the waves, taste the salty ocean water, and feel the warmth of the sun on my skin.

And then I hear a few of my students arguing and snap back into reality!  I miss you Virgin Islands!!!