Could this be any sweeter?

I am having a super busy week. 

I am trying to get my house clean, sew, and get ready for the weekend!  Hopefully, I will have some things to share in the next couple of days!

Easter Egg Stuffers, Holy Week

Well, here we are!  It's Holy Week!  I can't believe we are almost to Easter.  I feel it's been a good Lent.  I've learned more about my faith and why we do some of the things we do.  I have been blessed by these verses and the devotions I've been reading.  I hope these verses have blessed  you and your family as well!

Palm Sunday

Hosanna!  Blessed be the one who comes in the name of the Lord!  Mark 11:9-10

Monday

You, Lord, have called me for the victory of justice.  You have grasped me by the hand.  Isaiah 42:5

Tuesday

The Lord chose me and gave me a name before I was born.  Isaiah 49:1

Wednesday

"I didn't turn aside when they insulted me and spit in my face."  Isaiah 50:6

Holy Thursday

Lord, help me to understand what you have done for me.  John 13:1-15

Good Friday

Father, I put my life in your hands.  Psalm 31

Holy Saturday

And God saw that it was good.  Genesis 1

Easter Sunday

I rejoice in this day that the Lord has made!  Psalm 118

Happy Easter!

Glittered Easter egg wreath

I have been wanting to make a wreath for my door for ages.  We kept our Christmas wreath up almost to Valentine's Day!  I was ready for something spring-y!  I gave a different wreath a try, but it didn't work out too well, so this is where I ended up.  I'm sure it's been done before, but if you haven't seen it, here's the how-to!

You will need some plastic Easter eggs.  I got an 18 pack at Dollar Tree.  You also need a wreath form, some toothpicks or skewers, mod podge, a paintbrush, glitter, hot glue gun or other glue and some ribbon or fabric.  I also used some polyurethane spray to finish it off.

Begin by putting a toothpick or skewer into the egg's little holes on the end.  Then paint on the mod podge covering the entire thing.

Next take your glitter and cover the egg.  We found it easiest to dump a bunch of glitter into a plastic dish and use a spoon to cover the egg.

(tip:  I started to run out of glitter so I mixed a couple of tablespoons of sugar with the glitter and it worked out great!  I hope no birds or anything start hanging out on my wreath!)

I had an extra wreath form (also from Dollar Tree) that we stuck the eggs in to dry.

Once we had all of our eggs glittered, we took them outside and sprayed them with the polyurethane to seal in the glitter.  (be forewarned, we got glitter everywhere!)  While these were drying, I wrapped the wreath form with ribbon.  (Sorry, I forgot to take a picture of this step!)

For the last step, I used my hot glue gun to glue the eggs all over the wreath form.  I tied some ribbon around the top and hung it on the longhorn!!

I also thought this would make a cute centerpiece on the table.  Just leave out the last step and put a candle in the middle of it!  Shazam!  Sparkly table!

So, Happy Easter Ya'll!

I'm linking up to Gay's party!

And also

And also,

And also,  
   

J is for JACKPOT!

Today is Alpabe-Thursday over at Jenny Matlock's.  If you haven't visited her before, you MUST!  She is HI-larious!  I enjoy reading her posts, they consistently put a smile on my face.  Most days though, I am laughing out loud!

So today, the letter is "J". 

Yesterday, Big Mama, (that's what I call myself to my kids.  I'm not really big, but I think it makes me sound important.  ha ha!) is walking on into Target.  I've been hearing all of the hype about the Liberty of London line and had to see what the hullabaloo was all about.  I had no expectation of being able to find anything good since the line came out almost 2 weeks ago and everyone out in bloggy land said their stores were just about sold out of everything LoL.  First I checked out the women's dresses.  They had full size runs of just about all of the women's things, except swimsuits.  Well, we all know which swimsuit I'll be wearing this summer, God willing.  So I tried on a couple of dresses that I thought would be good for Easter Sunday.  That was not successful.  One made me look like a house, the other I just wasn't crazy about.

So, I moved along to the kid's section.  Each Easter I try to put something a little bit useful, but fun, in my girls' Easter baskets.  I've put Crocs in them before and last year they got new swimsuits.  There is usually PLENTY of candy in the little eggs that they hunt.  In November, I got myself a pair of zebra print rainboots.  I look forward to rainy days just so that I can wear them.  Each time I do, my big girl goes into whine mode.  "I wish I had some rain boots, wah wah wah" .  To which I reply, "Too bad kid, Big Mama never gets anything new.  Get over it."  Ok, maybe I'm not quite that short with her, but the kid does have more clothes than I do.  So back to Target.  I get an idea.  Maybe I should put some rain boots in the baskets this year.  Hmmm.  I go over to check them out and low and behold, I find these.

(insert singing choir of angels here)

Big Mama shoots...she scores!

They only come in big girl sizes, not toddler.  So I check out the toddler sizes and find these.

(singing angels, again)

My baby girl has a new affinity for Hello Kitty, so these were another big score.  She's been sleeping with this Hello Kitty that she got at Build a Bear on her birthday and that thing is just about as big as she is!!

So, I left Target thinking to myself, "Big Mama, you hit the JACKPOT!"

I could not believe that I found both in their sizes.  Amazing.  Now I will just have to make my way to the Dollar Tree for candy!  They have a great selection for...a dollar!  Jackpot, again!

Mutton Bustin'

Last Thursday we packed up the family and headed into the big city.  We had tickets and a parking pass (yeehaw) to go to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.  This event is just huge each year.  Western Wear stores probably make their year because of it.  The whole shindig lasts close to 3 weeks.  It raises a huge amount of money for kids in the form of scholarships.  There is of course, the livestock show, the rodeo, a big carnival and after the rodeo performance there is a concert. 

I have great memories of going to this very rodeo with my family growing up.  My whole family was born in Massachusetts.  My dad was one of the proudest Texas transplants you'd ever meet.  He had a bumper sticker that read, "I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could."

My dad loved all things Texas.  He wore the cowboy hat, the boots, the bolo tie.  He hung the longhorns in the living room over a picture of a cowboy who looked like the Marlboro man.  He hung the Texas flag outside in the yard.  He took us to visit all kinds of historic places all around the state.  (there are a lot of them too.)  We went to rodeos.  We went to little rodeos, prison rodeos (yes, the Tx Dept of Criminal Justice would put on a rodeo with the inmates as the cowboys, they don't do it anymore) and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.  We saw all kinds of great musicians at these rodeos.  I remember seeing Tanya Tucker and John Connelly.  One year we saw Billy Ocean!  "get into my car!"  (Dad hated that one, we left early) 

In my single days, I went to many a rodeo with girlfriends.  We saw Reba McEntire, Brooks and Dunn, Garth Brooks and I even saw George Strait!   I had never been with my kids though.  We've taken them to the livestock show, but all four of us had not made it to a rodeo performance...until last week.

The girls had so much fun watching the rodeo events.   They were really into it.  Of course, I was able to give play by plays, because, I'm a rodeo expert.  (right)

Last year they added a new event to the rodeo.  Mutton Bustin'.  This is where 5-6 year old kids are outfitted in bullfightin' gear (a caged helmet and protective vest) and perched atop a full grown sheep.  They let the sheep out of a shoot and the kid holds on as long as they can.  It was HILARIOUS.  Those kids loved every minute of it.  The kid who won was asked how he got such a high score, he said, "I just held on real tight!"

photo http://www.hlsr.com/

So now I have a new threat when my kids are bad.  "I'll sign you up for mutton bustin!"  Forget military school.  This is free.

The concert was excellent.  We got to see the Black Eyed Peas!  The little one was a bit freaked out by some of the dancer's costumes, but they loved it.  Pumping fists and all.  We had a mom with teenage girls dancing her bootie off in front of us and an 80 some year old woman in her prairie dress and concho belt gettin' down to "gotta get that boom boom boom".  It was awesome just for that.  Today the little one ran around singing, "let's get it started in here!" 

I hope that my girls have great memories of times like these.  Just like I do.

I hope I can still walk tomorrow

These are my new tennies.  I got them about a week and a half ago.  I've been wanting to get back into shape again.

I had every intention of getting started last week over Spring Break, but my kids didn't cooperate  I was too lazy.  So I am getting started this week!  I've pretty much always been one to workout.  I used to love walking.  You know power walking, going as fast as I could, almost a jog.  Then for a couple of years I got into running.  My knees can't really handle that and the beating of my feet on the ground had me chanting "why am I doing this, why am I doing this".  So, I stopped.  Then right after I got married, I took some training and started teaching Pilates on a reformer in a gym.  I taught for almost a year and then gave birth to my first daughter.  I never went back. 

When my baby was about 18 months old, I decided to shape it up and lose a few pounds.  I found Fit tv on my cable and discovered Sharon Mann.  I enjoyed her so much that I did two of her workouts a day.  One cardio and one toning.  She wasn't annoying and I saw results.  I kept it up until I got pregnant with my second child.  It's hard to get motivated to exercise when you are puking all the time.  So I fell out of the habit yet again.  After having a C section with my little twirp angel, I was chomping at the bit 6 weeks later to get back into shape, and back into my old clothes.  I worked my patootie off and about 5 months later I was back at my fighting weight.  I was probably in the best shape ever. 

Then, that summer, I got a bad cough.  My back was bothering me and I just was not up to working out.  I stopped working out.  Completely.  Since then (that was in 2007) I have been able to maintain my weight, give or take about 3 lbs, but I have not been able to stay on the fitness train.  I can tell the difference though.  I feel flabby!  It's been on again, off again for the past 2 1/2 years.  I was doing well last fall when I ordered Slim in 6.  I stuck to it for about 4 1/2

weeks.   Then my back started bothering me again.  I think I sometimes have an issue with my hips being out of alignment, but I haven't gone to the Dr for it.

So this morning, I had to get my husband up early for work.  (5 am)  Once his lunch was made and he was gone,  I decided there was no time like the present.  So I got my new tennies on and worked out.  It really is a good workout.  I did see results after 4 weeks last time.  A couple of weeks ago I did one day and overdid it a little and could barely walk to next day.  So, today I took it easy a little and will get more ambitious each day.  I will be 40 in June and I am wanting to rock this bikini I bought 2 years ago and have really not worn. 

find it here

So I am hoping that I can keep it up and maybe I will check in from time to time and let you know if I can move around freely.  Ha!  Sometimes for me, being accountable and having to report in keeps me on track.  If anyone wants to join along, maybe we can have a little group to keep us on track!

Easter Egg Stuffers, Week 6

Here are the verses for week 6 to stuff in your pocket Easter eggs!

Sunday
Lord, you are the resurrection and the life.  John 11:25

Monday
"Lord, your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life."  Psalm 23:6

Tuesday
Lord, help me to have faith in you for who you are.  John 8:24

Wednesday
Lord, I pray to know the truth, the truth that will set me free.  John 8:31

Thursday
"The Lord is our God, bringing justice everywhere on earth."  Psalm 105:7

Friday
"I sing praises to you Lord.  You rescue the oppressed from the wicked."  Jeremiah 20:13

Saturday
You, O Lord, are our God.  We are your people.  Ezekiel 37:27

Have a blessed week!

Rolled Rose Headband

I made this little headband to go with a t shirt for a birthday gift.  I thought it turned out pretty cute!

You can get the tutorial for the roses here.

I covered a plastic headband with a scrap strip of the fabric.  Before attatching the roses, I cut a circle of fabric and glued it to the back of the roses.  Then I glued the roses to the headband.  You can make the whole thing from scrap fabric.  These are cute to attatch to hair clips, pins and even necklaces too!

I'm linking up with Gay for Hodgepodge Friday!  There are some fun ideas over there, so go check them out!

And also,

And also, 

Wordless Wednesday

Easter Egg Stuffers, Week 5

Here are the verses for week 5 to stuff in your pocket Easter eggs!
Monday

"I prayed to you, Lord God, and you healed me, saving me from death and the grave.

Psalm 29:2

Tuesday

"The Lord all-powerful is with us.  The God of Jacob is our fortress."  Psalm 46:11

Wednesday

Lord, you will never forget me.  see Isaiah 49:15

Thursday

"Remember me, Lord, when you show kindness by saving your people!" Psalm 106:4

Friday

Lord, you are there to rescue all who are discouraged and have given up hope.  Psalm 34:18

Saturday

"You, God, are my shield, the protector of everyone whose heart is right." Psalm 7:10

So sorry for being so late in posting these verses again.  It is Spring Break and we are having some fun and staying busy as usual!  I hope you are blessed by these verses and have a great week!

I feel special...

Oh so special!

Last week I was given a couple of awards!  Aww shucks, ya'll!

I am sorry it has taken me so long to thank you properly!

First, Danielle from Humes, Party of Three passed along The Fabulous Sugar Doll blogger Award to me!

Thank you Danielle!

I'm going to throw out the rules and just ask that you check out these sweet bloggy friends of mine that I am passing this award along to!

Erin @ Little Texas Love Nest

Kelly @ Kelly at Home

Paige @ Some Days You Gotta Dance

Maggi @ Just Add Glitter and Stir

And if that wasn't enough, Heidi over at Wonder Woman Wannabe is thoughtful enough to think I am a master of something!  Thank you Heidi!  I've been trying to think of things I've mastered, and quite frankly, there is only one thing I can think of!  Lately, I am a master of avoiding housework!

I am passing this along to:

Alyssa @ Bloggin 2 Noggin

Lyndsay @ Cookin' Lean like Paula Deen

Courtney @ Tales from the Williamson's Trails

Diana @ To Everything A Season

Go say hello and tell them I sent ya!

Have a great weekend!

Am I Crazy?

Yes, I may be crazy!  I took on another project.  Actually, I signed up for this a long time ago.  My little bit's preschool holds one fundraiser every year.  It is a dinner and auction and we've been twice now.  My older daughter went to the same school for preK and K.  Each year they raffle off a quilt.  Two years ago, my mom made it and last year we did it together.  This year, I wanted to see if I could do it myself!

Here are the first photos of the top.  It's not completely sewn together yet, but by the end of today, it should be!

Sorry for the poor lighting.  I tried to fix the photo, but it didn't totally work!

The tutorial for this quilt is at I have to say...

I'm linking up with Gay for Hodgepodge Friday!

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Rock your socks off chicken recipe!

I just had to share this great recipe I tried it for the first time last week.   It's so good and so easy, you should try it sometime!  I found it on a website called go dairy free.  It has lots of good recipes and information not only for those who need to eat dairy free, but also for vegans or those needing to eat gluten free as well.

This recipe originally came from Latina Magazine and I love it!

Adobo-Citrus Grilled Chicken Thighs 

(gluten free, nut free, soy free and dairy free!)

makes 4-6 servings

1 cup orange juice

1/4 cup lime juice

1/4 cup cider vinegar

1 (7 oz) can chipotle chiles in adobo sauce

4 garlic cloves

1 tblsp Mexican oregano (I used regular)

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp freshly ground pepper

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken things

(I used both thighs and legs and they did have skin and bones!)

In blender or food processor, combine all ingredients except chicken and process until well combined.  Transfer marinade to ziploc bag or nonreactive dish.  Add chicken to marinade and coat completely.  Close bag/cover bowl and marinade at least 2 hours.  Preheat and prepare outdoor grill or ridged grill pan.  Remove chicken from marinade, drain and pat dry ( I didn't).  Over med-high heat, grill, turning once, until juices run clear or internal temperature reaches 180 F, about 15 minutes.

I think this would be great served with corn on the cob and some Mexican rice!  My whole family loved it, I hope it will rock your socks off!

I'm linking up with A Soft Place to Land for DIY day!

Sorry for my scarceness lately.  I've been busy with lots of new projects.  I've also been just loving all over my girls.  The story of Layla Grace has led me to realize, I have not been loving on my kids as much as I should.  So I'll be around to visit when I can!  Hug your kids extra long today.  It really feels good!

Easter Egg Stuffers, Week 4

Here are the verses for Week 4.  I am sorry to be so late with them!

Sunday

O Lord, we have heard you ourselves, and we are certain that you are the Savior of the world!  John 4:42

Monday

"In my heart, I am thirsty for you the living God.  When will I see your face?"  Psalm 42:2

Tuesday

"Show me your paths and teach me to follow;  guide me by your truth and instruct me."  Psalm 25:4

Wednesday

Help me oh Lord, to follow your commands, to teach them to my children and to my children's children.  Deuteronomy 4:9

Thursday

We worship the Lord with thankful hearts and songs of praise.  Psalm 95:2

Friday

Lord, that I may love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Mark 12:30

Saturday

Lord, our prayer is that we may do our best to know you today.  Hosea 6:3

Please keep little Layla Grace in your prayers.  She and her family sure need all the prayer warriors they can get right now.

Hodgepodge Friday

I am linking up with Gay today for It's a Hodgepodge Friday!  It's her first one, so go visit her and check it out!

I haven't posted much this week, I have been busy sewing!  We had a baby gift to get ready, so here are some of the things going into that gift bag.

Some applique'd onesies

Here is the back of one!  A little surprise on the bumsie!

A couple of bibs.

My nephew's little league baseball season starts tomorrow.  I wanted my sister to be the sassiest one on the bleachers, so she's getting a little "bada bling" for her flip flops.

Get your own here

.

And now, for the piece de resistance...a Nie Nie skirt.  This is made from a Pink Fig pattern.  It was worth all of the work because I love it!  My model was at school, but I am sure there will be pictures on her soon.  I am working on a t shirt to go with it.

I'm also linking up to A Soft Place to Land for DIY day!

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Waiting for the warmth

I was looking over some pictures from last year.  I came across these pictures from a trip to the hill country in the fall.  We went for a long weekend and had a great time.  They make me want the warm weather!