Thursday, April 30, 2009

Throwback Thursday


Mother's Day 2007. My son, Nate, me & daughter, Steph. Who would have thought that they would make me a Mimi of "6"! I think I have 2 very gorgeous children....and they have spirits to match. This picture goes along with Beth's You Capture today, although I wasn't behind the camera for this one. I think of JOY when I look at this picture. I am proud of my kids!

Monday, April 27, 2009

Very Rewarding 6 Mile Walk!

Yesterday, I felt like the "The Little Engine that Could" while walking the 6 miles for the March of Dimes beside my new blogger buddy, Bacardi Mama. I felt so honored to be a part of this Team, with Beth and her awesome family and friends to remember her precious twins, James & Jake and other precious babies who left this world too soon. Each step I took, I felt like it was a step of hope and love for every baby who, with the money raised will be able to have a start at life and grow up to be healthy. The love that was felt by everyone is hard to put into words. It was a Beautiful Sunday!
I hope she doesn't kill me but I think she looks pretty darn good from the back. (sorry Nancy)This was my view for the last few miles of the walk when I felt like the Little Engine that Could. The purple arm in the picture is a friend we met at the beginning of the walk and really enjoyed her company. She was walking for another team but latched on to us and we were glad she did. Go to Beth's blog and check out all of the other 100's of pictures that Crooked Eyebrow and other's took. I've never seen so many cameras going at one time. I also wanted to say that it was a special day to share with my daughter, Steph & grand-daughter, Ivy.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Help! There's a Dinosaur in my bag!

I went to hang out at Steph's one night this week and played with the Grand-kids. She had my Pampered Chef in a large bag that I ordered from Beth's party. When I got home and took out what I had ordered, (the deep covered baker) (Can't wait to use!) This Dino was in the bottom of the bag. There is only one explanation for how it got there. My little "Gray" . He is a character for sure! He role played that he was some kind of a tiger dinosaur when I was over and was growling at me and climbing on my back...he gave me a work out, let me tell you. He might be a little peanut but he is a strong one. Thanks Gray for giving me a chuckle when I reached in and pulled out a dino! I have it sitting on my desk at work to remind me of my precious, one of a kind Grayson.....

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Happy Birthday Elsa!

Happy Birthday to my Darling Daughter-in-law. I could not have gone out shopping to pick a more perfect match for my son. She has a heart of Gold and loving & caring spirit. She has been a true blessing to our family. She makes the Best homemade cookies, cakes and yeast rolls. Enjoy your day Elsa!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Happy Earth Day!

I went for a walk on my lunch hour today across the street from where I work. This is a very beautiful lake and it has a nice little road around the lake which is a little over 1 mile. I found it to be very peaceful, spiritual and fulfilling. I listened to a variety of songs on my ipod then I came back to work and ate my lunch. I have had so much more energy since I started back exercising and eating right. I am very sore, but that's a good thing. This has been a Great Day. My boss surprised me with a large pot of beautiful purple tulips and a very meaningful card for Administrative Day. It feels great to know I am appreciated at work.
Take some time today to enjoy a walk or stop and smell a rose or two, you will feel better.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Babies are True Miracles!

This is my Healthy Great Nephew Evan (Bubbie). I look at this picture of him and think of the Miracle of Life and how sometimes we take this for granted. There are so many babies born with birth defects, sickness or death. This Sunday, April 26, I will be walking with Beth and her Team, James and Jake, for the March of Dimes. I will walk with love and hope for all of the babies and their families.
Our Goal as a team is to raise $5,000 for this wonderful cause. We are almost at our goal. If you would like to sponsor me and make a donation, all you need to do is click on the side to make a donation. It is a very easy process. I appreciate your support. If you are unable to, just say a prayer for our babies! Thanks!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Whine or Walk?

There is NO excuse for not walking the great walking trail by my house. This is me and my sister last year after we both lost some weight and she came for a visit. We could not wait to put on our walking shoes that morning and hit the trail together. We had been motivating one another for months via the web cam and email to get in shape. Well, we are doing that AGAIN and decided that instead of whining about it, we will walk. We are looking at 2 months now until our vacation together at a beautiful beach in Florida and we both want to look and feel our best. This morning we met at the web cam and motivated one another again, so is it whine or walk? We will walk, thank you very much! Happy Trails!

Friday, April 17, 2009

TGIF

Thank God for Fridays. Let's dance! The sun is shining and we are suppose to reach the 70's! Hooray! So, I am stuck in an office all day, but I will take breaks and walk out and enjoy a little at a time. I am looking forward to a fun weekend. I have a concert to go to at a local High School to help out the Drama Team and it is featuring Doug Church, one of the most like Elvis voice's you will ever hear. He travels all around the world. I have seen him many times before and it's like seeing the Real Elvis. I did get to see the Real Elvis in concert before he died....big thrill.
Happy Friday....What are your weekend plans?
p.s. the picture of a young Elvis was sent to me by a dear friend, who actually has an Elvis museum in her home....my Elvis concert ticket stub along with a small piece of his scarf is on lone to her museum in a frame.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Let's hear it for the Girls..

These are Mimi's girls, Abby & Ivy. Everyone came over for Easter dinner / Nate & Elsa's Birthdays yesterday. Abby has a little problem sharing me with anyone. It looks like Ivy is saying to Abby "she's my mimi too". I love my girls.
Ivy loved holding the plastic Easter Eggs and throwing them. She is so entertaining to watch.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Happy Easter/Birthdays


Today is a very Special Day "Easter" and also, my son, Nate & sister, Diane's Birthdays!
"Easter Sunday" is a celebration of Jesus Christs Victory over death. The Resurrection from the dead and his glorious promises of eternal life for all who believe in him.
29 Years ago today a stubborn little boy was born. Nathan Joel. When I was in labor the night before he was born I wanted him to wait to be born on the 12th cause it is my sister's birthday. I thought it would be special for them to share their birthday together, even though they are miles apart. God heard my prayer and he was born the early morning of the 12th. So, Happy Birthday to my son. He has always been a momma's boy. He knew and still knows how to get to me. I am very proud of the Man, husband & father he has become and I wish him a very Happy day. He loves gifts and he has always begged me for early presents growing up and would tell me months in advance what he wanted for Christmas or Birthday and wanted to open them early. I think he is growing up a little bit cause he hasn't bugged me this Birthday, but he did say he wouldn't mind money this year...LOL. I love you son!
55 years ago today a precious angel was born and her name is Diane Lynn. She is not only a Sister, she IS my best friend. As I type this, I have to admit, I have tears running down my face because talking about her is very tender to my heart. Living so far away and only seeing one another once a year, if we are lucky, has been a very hard adjustment. We were so close growing up that I only remember 1 fight we ever had and we cried and hugged so fast, it was forgotten quick. We did everything together, like we were twins. We even kept each other company in the bathroom....Our joke to this day! I just can't say enough about her. She is a Cancer survivor, my sister, my best friend, my hero! She is the wind beneath my wings! I love you sis, and I wish you the best Birthday....and I can't wait to sit on the beach with you in June and Sista' talk! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
P.S. The rabbit at the top is her precious grandson, Evan, her Bubbie.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Abby's Toes

Abby wanted to come over last night to show me her pretty pink toes. She was so excited!
The first thing she says now when she opens my front door is "EAT". She sits at the kitchen table and waits until I fix her something to eat. Even though she has already eaten, there is nothing like Mimi's cooking! She lights up our world! as does the other 4 1/2 grand-children.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Have you Heard?


I was so excited when I clicked on one of my favorite bloggy buddies post yesterday. Go over and congrat her....She holds a very special place in my heart. Show her some love!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

You Capture/Spring

I am joining in on the fun this week of capturing springtime pictures. Beth, over at I should be folding laundry, has this awesome photo awareness going on every week and I was so excited to finally join in. I had so much fun looking around to find signs of Spring that would be unique. I am so proud of my New Garden Gloves. I don't like dirt under my fingernails, unlike my sister, who loves to play in the dirt. When I saw these pink gloves with the breast cancer logo, I had to get them, Big Lots $5. And yes, these are plastic easter eggs in my pot. Just a fun touch until I can plant the flowers. These are some of my little flower garden friends. Can you see the green plants peeking their heads up? This is in my front yard. My tulips are finally popping up. I must have planted about 50 bulbs about 5 years ago and these are the only ones that pop up every year. Join in on the fun and check out all of the Spring pictures and meet some new blogger friends. Thanks Beth for this awesome idea. It made me look around and capture not only on camera, but in my mind, the beautiful nature that God created. My camera is not the most expensive, fancy camera but it meets my needs. It is a Nikon Coolpix S210.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

It's the turtle's fault

Happy April 1st to all my Blogsters. My day started off on a healthy note this morning with my egg white omelet and turkey bacon, then lunchtime came and I ate my Healthy Choice meal. I can't stop thinking about my vacation in only 13 weeks where I will be on a beach surrounded by lots of bikini's and sipping dreamsicles with my sister...........................Then my boss puts a box of TURTLE CHOCOLATE candy on my desk. I opened the box and thought it wouldn't hurt to just take a peek, well, I found a turtle that was shaped like a turkey and I thought, turkey is a healthy food and before I knew it, I had eaten it! I didn't give myself time to think about what I was doing. So, I got the candy off my desk and didn't eat anymore. Talk about feeling weak! But, I didn't let it ruin the rest of my day. I guess an extra 20 minutes on the treadmill tonight was worth it. Confession is good for the soul!

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Double Birthday's

Happy Birthday to my hubby, Mike shown holding Abby almost 2 years ago. He is the happiest when he is with his family. He is "55" today. I can't say enough about this hard working man. He is multi-talented and a very important part of our family. We can always count on him to come through to help out in any situation, except diaper changing...just kiddin'. Happy Birthday Dear! I love you. Happy Birthday to my Beautiful Great Niece, Madigan. She is "11" today. I wish we didn't live so far away from one another. Madigan likes money trees for her Birthday. She is a girl who knows what she wants! I hope you have the best day and I can't wait to see you in June! I love you! Aunt Rhonda & Uncle Mike.....

She loves holding her cousin, Evan.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Monday March

I just love this little grasshopper fella! He's doing the Monday March. Thank God it's Monday! And I didn't get squashed by a car or foot! Sorta like how I feel today!

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Summer Challenge

I decided to get on board with the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans Summer Challenge. I have a vacation coming up the end of June and I don't want to look like a beached whale lying under a beach umbrella. Trust me ladies and gents, the older you get, the harder it is to lose those unwanted pounds. I am up for the challenge and will do my weigh in on Wednesday's and report my progress. I will not reveal the dreaded number, but I will be honest and reveal pounds lost. Go over and check it out and come on board with us. Let's support one another on this weight loss journey and get healthy together.
My before picture: I'm not afraid to reveal my size in this picture taken in February 09. Size 18 jeans, 1x top. I can remember at one time in my life being a size 22, 2x, so I am proud to have been able to keep some of the weight off. I would love to at least be in my size 16 Tommy Jeans by the end of this challenge. I don't think that is an unrealistic goal to set. Good luck to All! See you at the scale!

Friday, March 27, 2009

Hand of God

I got an email today with this beautiful cloud formation picture. I don't remember a week such as this with a lot of sickness and heartache going on. I've called out so many peoples names in prayer this week. To think that God holds all of us in his Big Strong Hands is an awesome thing. May you have a Blessed Friday and fun filled, relaxing weekend. I love you all!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Treasure Tales Tuesday

Today is called Treasure Tales Tuesday and I hope you can see why.
I have 3 adorable grandson's that came over last night while "the girls" went out.
TT#1. Gray - "Mimi, I have a headache, I need another jelly bean"
TT#2. Carter- "This is the worse day of my life"(in the drive thru at McD's after finding out they are out of the black spiderman for the happy meals)
TT#3. Noah - "Mimi, what's the number to time and temp? Mommy let's me call them a lot"
TT#4. Gray- "Mimi, my tooth hurts, can I have a poptart?"
TT#5. Carter- "Mimi, I want to read The Little Red Hen to Gray, I know that one by memory" "Mimi, what does it mean to reap the wheat?"
TT#6. Noah- I heard the cookie jar lid about a dozen or more times while upstairs checking on Gray. I came back downstairs and told Noah, he had enough sweets and he said "Yeah, Mimi, I think so too!" He's such an angel!
TT#7. Gray- "Mimi, why is grampa laying on the couch?" I think he's tired Gray, why don't you go and ask him. "that's ok" (grampa put him in time out the last visit, so I think Gray was glad to see grampa tired.)
These are just a few of the fun tales I wanted to share from last night. I love my boys!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Spring has Sprung

Happy Spring Everyone! Not only am I happy to see the buds on the trees, tulips starting to peek their heads out and the sounding of birds chirping again, I get to change my Coach purse, to my Spring/Summer style....It's been in it's little brown protector bag, hibernating all winter and it is ready to come out of hibernation.....
Enjoy your Sunday! I am thankful for this beautiful sunshiny day, not a snowcloud in sight!