When I was a young child, I spent a lot of time at my grandparents house. My grandmother had a great love for collecting antiques and was a firm believer in using what you collected.

The old wash stand used to house thousands of family pictures, every time I would visit, we would drag out old pictures and look at them.

The Secretary Desk and Music stands were home to my grandmothers Elvis record collection. I still recall a statue of Elvis that used to sit on the upper shelf.

And my most favorite is the piano, where all of the grandchildren would run to when we got to her home, none of us able to play, but would always pretend to be a pro. Now it is one of the first places my children go.

My grandmother has since pasted and gone to Heaven, but these beautiful pieces of furniture continue to have lasting memories.

-Cheers, Amy

Cheers!

Last night I was in charge of our Daisy (Girl Scout meeting), and being the typical “Cheer Mom” that I am, the topic was on team work, and decided to invited our High School Cheerleaders to attend the meeting. The girls loved it and had a great time.
After the meeting I was chatting with one of the mom’s and said how surprised I was that her daughter was not talking about being a cheerleader like she normally does. She confessed to me that they recently had a conversation about the dangers of cheerleading and how she was trying to deter her daughter away from the sport. I agreed that it is one of the most dangerous sports now a days, but like anything else, if you learn the fundamentals, it makes you a stronger and smarter cheerleader. And if you do not allow yourself to learn these basics, or to prepare yourself, you could miss out on an opportunity.
I have thought about this and how it applies to my own life, how am I letting the fear control my decisions. Just Do it! Is pretty much my conclusion.

It is just a booth, if it doesn’t work… we will have an AWESOME Garage Sale.

Grand Opening April 1, 2009

-Cheers! Amy

This week has been full of ups and downs and all around. I think I have felt almost every emotion possible about starting a new business. The hubby and I went to visit a local antiques and craft mall yesterday and then had a heart to heart. Unfortunately there very few places here in San Antonio to have your own booth, therefore you are more limited. My only other option is to travel to Boerne which is about 25 minutes away from us, and is a bit pricier, but you are able to get larger spaces.
Once we had discussed the location, the topic of conversation continues to go back to our financial situation and our family needs. Renovation, Children’s activities, Bills, College fund; this extra money could go to all of these other, more important things, when I’m still not sure if I will really make a profit.
I am in a constant struggle with myself, I continue to have this personal goal of wanting to have my own business, but I am aware of the fact that I am first and foremost a mother to three children. I’m not sure if it is the fact that I started at such a young age that I never fulfilled the need to be somewhat successful before I had children, or that there is a vast age difference that this is something that I should start when they are almost out of the house. I would hate for them to miss out on developing their dreams, due to me trying to live out mine.
There has to be some sort of balance…right?
I have no answers, only questions today.
-Amy

Well, after a lot of thought and encouragement, I have decided to start an online store. I am still in the “research and development phase,” and have created a separate blog for Morgan McKenzie Designs. You will be able to follow my journey and development of our new business adventure.
But, in the mean time, I have more exciting news. My mom and I booked our first trip to Round Top for the Spring Show. We are so excited! After months of reading other fabulous blogs, and hearing about their wonderful trips to Round Top, Texas; we knew that we just had to go and check it out.
I have already started compiling a “want list” and have officially cut out trips to Starbucks, and other extravagances to help save more money for my trip. Unfortunately the dog groomer should not have been one of those items.

Poor thing, it will grow back… Right.

Any ways, this is my mom. Better known as my partner in crime. You might remember what happen the last time we decided to go out on an adventure. So there is no telling what kind of trouble we might get into in Round Top.
-Cheers, Amy

New Journey

For as long as I can remember I have always had a passion for Interior Designs and Home Decorating. My dear friend Trish would always tell me that I could find a stick on the side of the road, and make it look fabulous.
After we move to San Antonio, I would love to visit little home interior shops during my mother’s day out days. I would just linger for hours. I love to look at the different ways they have their items displayed, and the go home and try to incorporate it in my own home.
A few years ago I had gotten up the courage to apply for a job at a well know store here in San Antonio called Traditions. At the time the only position they had available was a manager in the Brighton store. I was content with my job responsibilities for a while, but my true goal was to one day work in our home accessory department. Unfortunately, the owner decided to close portions of the store and combine our jewelry, clothing and home items into one store, therefore cutting employees’ hours. I had to stay in my current position, but was able to work in the other areas of the store from time to time.
Slowly I began to learn more and more about home decorating, what worked and most of all what doesn’t work. One of my most favorite time of year in retail was decorating the store for Christmas, the lights and the colors were all so beautiful. Then, in May of 2006, my husband and I decided to try to have another child, therefore I became a full time stay at home mom. I was sad to leave Traditions, and while I have enjoyed being a stay at home mom, I still have this dream of opening my own shop.
The fact is, with having three children, and a husband who has a very demanding job, it just is not a reality for me at this time. Or is it, I find myself in a cross roads. Is it possible to fulfill your own personal goals and not feel that you are neglecting your family at the same time? Can I really have my cake and eat it too? After blogging for a few months I have noticed that there are many women who are SAHM that have online stores, could this be my cake?
Here is my plan, I would like to open an online store. The store would offer high end home accessories at reasonable prices. So my question to you is, what would you like to see sold in the online store. What do you look for when shopping online? I would love your suggestions as I begin this new journey.

Possible products:

Lamps

Serving pieces

-Cheers, Amy

sista'

Girls Trip '08

My friend Melinda sent this to me this morning and it made me smile. Please feel free to copy it and send it to a girlfriend.

Good Morning Sista'

Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right.

Love the ones who don't just because you can. Believe everything happens for a reason.

If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it.

Kiss slowly.

Forgive quickly.

God never said life would be easy. He just promised it would be worth it.

Today is sister's day, send this to all your sisters, mothers, daughters, girlfriends even me if I am like one. If you get back ANY you are loved.

Happy Sister's Day! I LOVE YA SISTA'!!!

Girlfriend and Sister's Week I am only as strong as the coffee I drink, the hairspray I use and the friends I have. To the cool women that have touched my life. Here's to you!

National Girlfriends Day What would most of us do without our sisters, confidants and shopping,lunching, and traveling girls? Let's celebrate each other for each other's sake! TO MY GIRLFRIENDS! If you get this twice you know you have more than one girlfriend. Be Happy! PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO ALL OF YOUR GIRLFRIENDS AND RETURN IT TO THE FRIEND WHO SENT IT TO YOU! It is good be a woman:

-Cheers, Amy