I have always believed and been taught that God directs our lives. If you have faith and believe, his hand will lead you. I know from personal experience that I have questioned some of the "doors" that were opened and shut in my life. I haven't always been happy or pleased.  The good, the bad and the ugly.

Today a dear sweet friend of mine sent me this pic.

I love the idea of the key with the words on it. I have read, seen, repeated it often, and I believe it to be true. You may think that you know which doors should and should not be opened and closed for you. Have faith, God will open and shut the right doors for you ......he gets to pick. 

 Matthew 7:7

"Ask and it will be given to you,

seek and you will find,

knock and the door will be opened unto you." 

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.

2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you,

 is because they want to be just like you.

4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone,

even if they don't like you.

5. Every night, SOMEONE

thinks about you before they go to sleep.

6. You mean the world to someone.

7. You are special and unique.

8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

9. When you make the biggest mistake ever,

something good comes from it.

10. When you think the world has turned its back on you

take another look.

Thanks to Pam at It's me Again...Pamela for the nomination.

Rules to follow:

* Include the blog award in your post.

* Thank the person who nominated you.

* Nominate 5 people and let them know you have done so.

* Tell 7 random things about yourself.

My nominees for the One Lovely Blog Award:

TheJavaMama

HappyLittleFeet

TheRoyalDaughterDesigns

AllTheSmallStuff

EatWineandBeMerry

7 random things about me:

1. I want to go camping more often.

2. I dislike fashion blogs that show an outfit, and the clothing is not available (something from their "closet")

3. I watch Pretty Little Liars, Drop Dead Diva and Mad Men....if not, I dvr them

4. I would like to have more of "an eye" for crafting and scrapbooking

5. I am a morning person

6. I like Katy Perry and her songs

7. I am ready to retire

Desire to Inspire

This is my first link up with Royal Daughters Designs, so Amanda if it is not quiet right…..let me know.

I was looking on Pinterest – wow – shocker I know, and I came across  this.

It is actually from an Etsy shop Walkingthefaith777.

This just screamed at me and I got to thinking, things, who, what? What did I thank God for yesterday? It brought tears to my eyes, I stopped right then and thanked God for many things, but these were the first 10. Now I find myself doing often.

1.       My Lord and Savior, if it weren’t for him….any and everything else would be pointless.

2.       My boys, daughter-in-laws and my grand angels.  Strange that I put them before my husband, but if you are a parent, you know – once you have kids, they trump your spouse…at least for me.

3.       Hubby – he is my BFF, he works hard, is an A+ hubby, dad, and Pops. He is and has always been a provider of love and happiness. He is healthy and I am blessed beyond words to have him.

4.       The rest of my family, immediate and extended. They are always there for me – in good and in bad.

5.       My health. For my age – I am reasonably health. I don’t take any meds for blood pressure or cholesterol – I am a little overweight – but working on that.

6.       My friends. Can’t ever have too many of those. They come and go – they change, but you always need them.

7.       My job. For obvious reasons. Unfortunately we have to have money to survive. I am blessed to have a job – that for the most – I love. I have been doing it for 24+ years.

8.       The roof over my head. We have what I feel is a very comfortable home. When my friends and family come over, I want them to feel they can put their feet on the couch, help themselves to the fridge, kick back, take control of the remote – whoops – maybe not that. I want and feel I have a warm and welcoming home.

9.    My furbabies. I love animals and especially love my dogs. They love you unconditionally. All you have to do is speak their name and they start wagging those tails. I think they bring joy and happiness. Studies have been done that show kids that have animals, dogs especially, do better in school and social skills. For the elder, they can prolong their life.

10.   And last, but surely, surely not least, if you are reading my blog, know that I am thankful for you.

What have you thanked God for today??

Being TEXAN

To me being a Texan means talking with a southern twang.

It means Sunday morning spent in a church pew, then Sunday afternoons spent having lunch with family.

It’s bird huntin first weekend in September.

It's bow hunting in October,

and rifle hunting in November and December.

It's days spent at the county fairs in the fall.

It's Friday Night Lights.

It's tailgatin Saturdays.

It's cattle, horses and cowdogs.

It's the State Fair in October, and the Houston Livestock Show in March.

It's Warrenton twice a year, and Canton every first Monday.

It’s playin sports (football) as soon as your old enough to walk

It's FFA all through high school, and 4H as soon as you're old enough to show.

It's Blue Bell ice cream and Dr. Pepper.

It’s grandmas peach cobbler

It’s boots, all year long

It's rattlesnakes and armadillos.

It's George Strait, Miranda Lambert, and Willie Nelson.

It's small towns where everyone knows everyone else.

It's honkytonks and dancehalls.

It's Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrushes.

It's rodeos and barbecue.

It's families and friends.

Being a Texan means everything to me. And sure, maybe not everyone one sees it this way, but I do. This is my Texas. And I have to say, my Texas is pretty great.

Linking up today...and it is hard to believe it is MONDAY already! Geezz...I say let's have a 2 day work week and a 5 day weekend...but, still make the same $$

My weekend was not too exciting. Hubby worked and so I pretty much just hung out at the house with my "girls"

There are 3 of them....Sam (Samantha) on the left - she is the same color as the couch. Cappy, my "little" girl and Solo....she is a brown. This is pretty much what they do in the house. It's a tough life, but somebody has to sleep...

Friday night, hubby was off so we went out to dinner. We decided to try a new place in the town of Weatherford. I won't mention any names, because we left before we were seated. We both felt a weird vibe the minute we walked in. We were asked to wait at the bar - while she seated her 7pm reservations. (there was not one person "waiting".) OK...so we sat down at the bar. Very uncomfortable, very ...I can't describe it. So we decided to look at the menu...OMG.....are you getting me? I thought I would die....the dinner prices were something you would expect to pay at a VERY HIGH DOLLAR restaurant...not this place... WE LEFT. Then we looked across the square and noticed that the WEATHERFORD DOWNTOWN CAFE was open.

Been here for years, and under new ownership in the last year. So we headed over there.....all I can say is YUMMY. Even tho they were busy (I am sure the other folks started out at the other place too) We were seated right away. The food was AWESOME, the staff fantastic, and the prices were incredible. We will be returning - FUR SURE!!

Saturday, was the usual. Laundry, house cleaning, watching TV( the idiot box as my daughter in law refers to it), playing Word With Friends, Pinterest and Etsy on the "puter"........

Saturday night we met up with the local chapter of the TEXAS EXES at a watching party for our Longhorns as they whooped up on OLE MISS 66-31.

Sunday was a lazy day for sure. The weather was cloudy - reasonably cool - for Texas. And then POW - it's MONDAY all over again

How was your weekend?

Rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, and Friday morning... LINK UP!

Oh, and remember (pay close attention...this is the important one)...HAVE FUN!

1. How long did it take for you to find your wedding dress? (Wedding dress pics anyone?)

When I was getting married, my grandmother owned a dress shop. I don't really remember how long it took (MY GOD, I've been married 38+ years). I do remember gettting to go over the the Dallas Market - and go thru all the retailers when I was looking. Ultimately tho, as was with most things I wore...my grandmother had the final decision. Not a problem, she had a great taste.

This is my myself and my mom


2. Someone in your general vicinity releases a NASTY smelling fart. Do you say anything or blow it off?

Hmmmm..tough one. Kinda depends on "who" or is it "whom" did it. One of my kids...OH YEAH, my hubby, double OH YEAH..co-worker..maybe...a stranger - NO - but I can give one of those "mother" looks...the kind where you know your in trouble and you have been caught!


3. What is the scariest thing that happened to you or scared you recently?

Two nights ago, my husband came in from outside. Terrified look on his face....out of breath....WTH?..he had been out on the patio, stoking up a fire for some grilling and smelled something "funny"(and no it wasn't a fart)...when he investigated, the pool pump was on fire. I'm not talking smokin'..I'm talking FLAMES!!! He was able to put it out before too much damage. It was extremely odd that both of us were home, during the week and so early in the afternoon....otherwise...who knows what would have happen. Thank you Jesus!!


4. Favorite brand and flavor of ice cream.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE  ice cream. Especially anything that has chocolate on it, in it, chips, chunks, syrup, sprinkles, shavings,......MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM - can't beat Blue Bell...now can you?


5. Are you able to sleep well in hotels?

If it is a really good hotel, like a Marriott, Westin, Omni...you know the kinds with really good soft, plush mattressess and comforters.....can you say HIGH DOLLAR....otherwise, not so much.
I always pull the bedspread off and throw it in the corner. Don't even want to think about what has taken place on there.....even high $$$$ ones! I bring my own pillow, my sleep sound machine and I take drugs..sure I can sleep in hotels...with a little help from my friends!!

Happy Friday Ya'll !!

I was reading one of my fav blogs…..Prairie Princess. http://deeretomyheart.blogspot.com

This girl cracks me up and I love her post. She is a down home country girl. She speaks from the heart and it must be a big one. She had posted this a few blogs back, (her list was longer, I condensed for my view point) but I found it very interesting and felt I needed to share it. They ring so true. I have been married to Wheatie for 38+ years. Some of the roads have not been easy. Some have been a piece of cake. Tears have been shed……some on a positive note, some not so much. Some, I wish I had never traveled. I love him and he loves me. We work hard at what we have. We are blessed to have two wonderful sons, two beautiful daughter  in laws and if you didn’t know my now…..four GRAND angels.

If you are now married, getting married, thinking about getting married…take it serious. It’s not to be taken lightly. It’s not a fairy tale, you are not a princess and he is not a prince (although I would hope you treat one another that way.) Go forth and remember a few of these..

1. Be their cheerleader. You are the one person that is supposed to support them in everything they do. If you disagree with something they would like to do, GENTLY bring up your concerns.

2. Be honest with them. Dishonesty gets you nowhere, and can hurt worse down the road.

3. Get off the couch and greet the other spouse when they get home from work or somewhere else. 

4. Tell them that you appreciate them, a lot. 

5. Make the time to go on dates with each other, no matter how busy you are.

6. Never talk down to them...especially in public or around their family. 

7. Simple: treat them as you would want to be treated.

8. Watch your tone, as well as the words you choose when arguing. 

9. Know that you both are a family unit now. Don't let each other's families decide what you should do, where you should go, or any other major decision in your lives. You two decide what's best for YOU.

10. You always love the other person. Even if sometimes you don't like them very much, you ALWAYS love them and need to let them know that.

11. Don't EVER let the "D" word be thrown around casually, or when you're arguing. NEVER.

12. The grass is never greener on the other side....it's greener where you water it. 

I put #9 in red - because I think this is very important. One of the best things Wheatie and I ever did was to move AWAY from family in the first year of marriage. We moved to attend college. We had no family, no friends, NOBODY AND NOTHING. Everything we did was without influence from our parents, friends, family. We made our own decisions. We made mistakes and we made lots of memories. If you are parent, let your kids go....cut the apron strings. If you teach your children to be independent, responsible, caring and loving, then let them do it on their own. If they fall down, let them get back up by themselves. When they marry, they will be better partners and parents.

haPpy HaPpY Jaxson !!

Today, my youngest grandson angel - Jaxson - turns 6! Jaxson is a person in his own right. He is smart, funny, mischievous, caring, lovable, cute as a button and he is his father's son. I see so many things in Jaxson that I saw (and still do see) in his dad - Corey.  He is a blessing to us all !

Love you to the moon and back Jaxson....

Happy Birthday Buddy !!

Boo and Pops

Horns up !

As most of you know, and if you don't..just take a look at my pic...I LOVE THE TEXAS LONGHORNS.....we are alumni and we do bleed orange. We try as often as we can to get back to Austin - we hope to move back that way soon - we especially like to go when the horns play football. This past weekend we went down and attended the game. We have an amazing group of peeps that we tailgate with. If you have never tailgated....you are missing out.

Our tailgate was featured and won tailgate of the week, two years ago with ESPN. We do know how to tailgate and is with everything in TEXAS...we do it BIG. This past Saturday, CNN was at our tailgate and spent the entire day with us. In October, they will be airing a documentary on "southern tailgates". We were his pick of all the tailgates to spend the day with. AWESOME ! He was a great guy, interviewed everyone, talked, ate, joked - if was as if he was one of us.
You can't have tailgate without food...and our tailgate does not lack in that department....

bacon wrapped jalapenos

stuffed pork tenderloin

shrimp stuffed jalapenos

Stuffed pork tenderloin, brisket, brats, chicken wings, shrimp, stuffed dove, sausage balls, beans, potato salad, jalapenos, tortillas, chips, dips, cakes, pies, cookies....you name it, it was probably on the table...

No tailgate would be complete without beer. Each year we have a sponsor. This year is a appropriately named....

How freakin' cool is that...actually it is Boulevard beer.......

We, of course, attended the game. I just love college ball. I love all the traditions and the shenanigans that go on with all your peeps around you.

The alumni bad was on hand. They are 500 strong. The largest in the nation

...duh, it is TEXAS!

This is the alumni band showing off their 75th year!

WE WON ! 45 - 0 and when one of the sports at UT win...they light the tower.....

Sunday, we headed to a really cool little place for breakfast. It was featured on Drive-Ins, Diners and Dives...

The CORNER CAFE...a very small, with extremely GREAT food...

WHAT A GREAT WEEKEND.....

I have done a couple of blog swaps, made some new blog friends and got some great stuff.

If you have never done a blog swap, here is a great time to start! What better way than to do a "fall into fall swap" with these lovlies......CHECK IT OUT !! You will be glad you did.

1. FIRST AND FOREMOST – I want to thank GOD. Yesterday on my way home, a car blew thru a red light and lovelies I am not kidding when I say she missed me by the hairs on my chinny chin chin. Then she just put her hand out the window and waved. SERIOUSLY !! I had to pull over I was so shaken. And mad. I normally count to 5 before I start up on a green light…especially in a busy intersection..but I didn’t yesterday. I hate people that run red lights. I know GOD laid his hand on the situation. This morning on the way to work, I started thinking about it again (actually it was on my mind all night)and CRIED all the way to work. PEOPLE, LOVELIES, FRIENDS, FAMILY – please, please don’t run redlights!!

1. I got ANOTHER necklace from one of my favorite bloggers (here ) and ETSY (here) shops with a bible verse included. "So with you:Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one willtake that away from you - your joy." John 16:22.  Pam donates all her profits to charity – so besides the lovely jewelry I get to get, a good thing comes from it! Thanks Pam for another great necklace.

1. I am really, really am looking forward to fall and some cooler weather. I started putting out/up my fall decorations in hope I could hurry it along. This is my “pumpkin man” that sits at my front door. I add a little sumptin’ spooky for Halloween, but for the most part he is all fall.
2. This weekend Wheatie and myself are heading to Austin to the TEXAS vs. NEW MEXICO football game and little tailgating. Looking forward to some good times and good friends.
3. It’s Friday, enough said!

Happy Friday Ya’ll

  Linking up.....It's O.K.!   ....I stayed up late watching the Dallas Cowboys kick some serious a$$ - in the home opener of NFL football   ......I made low-fat cheesecake cupcakes and ate 2 (I did say LOW FAT!)   .......that I am so glad it is Thursday and tomorrow is Friday   .....that I am hating this stinking hot weather - come on Fall, already   .....that I put out my fall decorations in hope of making it come faster   ...totally stoked at going to the UT vs New Mexico game on Saturday - tailgating here we come!   ..that I am not at all excited about pumpkin spices lattes or anything else at Starbucks   ...I want to run a 5K, but my poor old knees keep telling me "HELL NO!"   .....to hate my hair...why can't I just be happy with it??   ..to be angry at all the stupid people on the freeways  - where did you get your liscense??   How's your Thursday....is it O.K.????    

I'm loving - that the dog days of summer are coming to an end - these 100degree days are almost over. Forecast for this weekend - rain and cooler temps...bring it on!!

I'm Loving - my furbabies. They are just so cute and make the world right. They are ready for the "dog days" of summer to be over too. They aren't spoiled at all......are they???


I'm loving - that we will be going to Austin this Saturday for FOOTBALL with our UT TEXAS LONGHORNS. Tailgating is such fun and we have the best one!!



I'm loving - It's HUMP DAY already and a four day work week.  

I'm loving - this dress



 and this one

Rain boots...Boot Toppers...

Stop..must stop !!

What are you loving today?

Linking up today...

I am by no means a jewelry maker....lover of - but not maker of......NOT AT ALL!  But lately I have had this obessions with necklaces and bracelets. It is almost out of control. I have so many, but everytime I see one - I want it.
Sooooooooooooo I have had these pieces that have just been screaming - DO SOMETHING WITH ME - so I did - at least I tried and here are the results....no fair laughing!!

These are parts of purses and broken necklaces and bracelets.

First I connected the two necklaces with a chain and clasp.

Then I added the piece from the purse.

TA DA.....the end result. Not bad and it actually looks pretty cute.

HiGh FiVE foR FRIDAY!!

1. I made it thru the first week of school. After 24+ years…this is beginning to get easy.
2. This weekend is DOVE season in Texas. In case you didn’t know and if you live in Texas and didn’t know, then you must not be a true TEXAN. Obviously my husband is a hunter (of many things) and will be gone. This weekend is a weekend of lots and lots of testosterone at the “lease” (which is far, far away) BUTTTT – it is also a weekend that I get all to myself. OH HELL TO THE YEAH!!!!!!! Do a pedicure, have some “girl” time at PETE’S DUELING PIANO BAR Saturday night, sleeping in, watch college football, church, catch up on my DVR’d TV programs………whatever I want!!!
3. Speaking of doing things for myself. One of my “vices”, since I don’t smoke or drink (too often), is that I have artificial nails. When people ask me “Are those your nails?” I reply, “of course, I paid for them, didn’t I?”  Tonja, my dear sweet friend, has been doing my nails for many years. She always has the latest “fads” and wants me to be her guinea pig. This is what she talked me into this week. These are ROCKSTAR nails. Hmmmmmmmmm….not sure – guess they will grow on me!

    4.This weekend starts college football, enough said.

    5. Got my stuff from NestPrettyThings in Etsy. They are too cute and I can't wait to wear them !      

Happy Friday Ya’ll