3CHEERS4MOM

Try it Tuesday

2009-10-06T16:54:00.007-05:00

Monkey Bread

On the quest to try new things, we are implanting "Try it Tuesday" in our house. I thought that I would start off slow, so that just saying that it was Tuesday, the kids don't start heading for the hills...

Mason was given a small piece of dough to help out

This is the results!

MONKEY BREAD
4 cans refrigerator biscuits (about 40)
1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
1/2 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup pecans, raisins and/or coconut, if desired

Cut each biscuit into 4 pieces. Pour sugar and cinnamon into a plastic bag and mix.
Add biscuit pieces, several at a time; shake to coat well.
Place pieces in a buttered tube or Bundt pan until all are used.
Sprinkle layers with nuts, raisins or coconut.
Bring brown sugar and butter to a boil in saucepan. Cool 10 minutes, then pour over top of biscuits.
Bake at 350F for 45 minutes. Allow to cool 15 minutes before removing from pan. Turn upside down to serve.

Results:**** YUM!

2009-09-16T10:02:00.009-05:00

For the past few months, I have been looking for ways to motivate myself as a stay at home mom. In many ways I feel that I am pulled in many other directions. I took some time out last week end to see the movie Julie & Julia. I think that it has encouraged me to look at life as more of a challenge. In some ways I have felt like I might be lacking in some domestic skills, so what better to motivate yourself, than to try something new.

So here it …

The mission:

The quest to becoming the ultimate domestic diva. The challenges include: learning to cook health meals that 3 picky kids will eat, basic sewing, decorating, and organizations skills, and entertainment coordinator. This is a big task, but I am up for the challenge…
The obstacle…
Time: with 4 busy schedules, softball, dance football games. How to organize myself enough to find balance and inner peace, without permanently damaging everyone in the process.
Budget: Darn you Dave Ramsy… we have a love/ hate relationship.

The unwilling participants…

Mason age 2.7

likes to play out side and tormit dogs.

learning to potty train. Thinks that McDonald's is "his friends house"

McKenzie age:8

loves art, cheerleading and softball. Hates cleaning her room.

Morgan age:15
Busy school and social calander.

Darling Hubby age: old enough
Trying to find his own balance between work and family.

Loves all sports.

Wish me luck!
-Cheers,
Amy

Garden Plans

2009-09-13T10:00:00.006-05:00

I have been thinking about planting a Fall Garden. For the past two summers the kids have planted a garden in the early spring, but with this Texas Heat, and lack of rain, it hasn’t done very well.

All photos from: Hobby Home Farms

We are predicted to have a “wet fall” here in San Antonio, so I thought that maybe I would try to plant a fall garden. Does anyone have any suggestions what to plant? I have thought of heirloom tomatoes, but wasn’t sure if that was just for the summer. I am a woman on a mission…

-Cheers!
Amy

2009-09-08T15:40:00.006-05:00

As a stay at home mom, I occasionally feel overwhelmed, and restless.

One day I was sitting in church and someone was talking about a friend of theirs had rededicated themselves and was trying out new life groups in church, so I started thinking... Maybe that is what I need to do, rededicate myself to being a Stay at Home Mom.

This is where you come in: Tell me how you stay motivated at home. Decorating, cooking, cleaning out, or even a girls night out. Tell me what has worked for you in a post, and add your name to the Mr. Linky.

-Cheers, Amy

I love the fall

2009-09-03T08:43:00.007-05:00

I love the fall and all it brings with it. It is always a great relief from this Texas heat, when the cool air arrives and and the leaves start their glorious show before they fall to the ground.

Photo: Country Living

I love the the splashes of colors from the mums and pumpkins that greet you at the front doors

photo: Southern Living

& most of all, I love the smell of Cinnamon as it fill the room.

Galvanized Server from Pottery Barn.

-Cheers, Amy

First Week of School

2009-08-31T11:39:00.005-05:00

Within one week, the kids have started school, we had had two Pep Rallies, and one football game. I was so ready for the weekend!

Morgan getting ready for the 1st day!

Only three more first day of school pictures to go!

Kenzie is ready to go "to school and get some knowledge!"

-finding nemo

Year after year, I seem to get a little more organized before school starts. This year, I thought that I would just buy a little more school supplies. It never fails, the first day, the teacher always sends home a list of extras that they would like for them to have. Extra folders, or spirals are normally on the list. Then you have to fight with all of the other parents scrambling for the leftover school supplies. This year I thought I would be ahead of the game...

Would you believe it, no list. Two of Morgan's teachers just put together packets of items for the children to purchase directly from them. Never fails!

Cheers! Amy

Where have you been?

2009-07-30T16:29:00.002-05:00

Someone asked me today, "Where have you been?"

Well, I have been here, hangin' out in the Trailer. If you recall, I wrote a post about wanting to buy an old travel trailer, and fix it up. Well, a few months ago, we bought one, and "trailer trash" was born.

3Cheers4Mom is going to continue to be my "mommy site", but is going to over go a few changes, so stay tuned!

Junk Sistas!

2009-05-01T09:18:00.000-05:00

The Junk Sistas are doing an amazing thing:

They have United to host a Good Ol' Fashioned Fundraiser for a sweet little girl named

Bella Marie.

Bella was born to her beautiful mother Jenn, at just 24 weeks and weighed in at 15 oz.

She continues to live in the NICU, and amaze her doctors.

Fabulous women from all over have donated unique, hand made, and one of a kind items to raffle off to help pay for Bella's Medical Bills.

Tickets can be purchased at the JUNK SISTAS BLOG for only $10 per ticket, the more tickets you buy, the better your chances are.

-Cheers, Amy

Viva Fiesta!!!

2009-04-22T10:39:00.000-05:00

It's Fiesta Time her in Good Ole' San Anton:

Fiesta Information

Ya'll are all invited!

-Cheers, Amy

Lace

2009-04-12T07:03:00.000-05:00

Ever since our Round Top Trip, I have had an obsession with everything lace...

Can't you just imagine a cool summers breeze blowing the the lace curtains the through an open window.

-Cheers, Amy

Round Top

2009-04-01T10:15:00.001-05:00

We had such an amazing time in Round Top, TX. I thought that I would share a few pictures with you.

Round Top

2009-03-31T15:51:00.000-05:00

We're back! Nothing could stop us! Not cold, rain

Nor mud!

The best $22.00 we ever spent!

Hi Ho It's off to Round Top I Go

2009-03-25T14:57:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm off to Round Top to go Antiquing, but first I thought I would show you what I made for my shopping cart.

20% chance of Rain

This was my first sewing project ever! Over half way threw, I broke the needle to the sewing machine, and had to liquid stitch the rest.

My biggest fear is that the rain will dissolve the glue, and I will leave a trail of fabric and ribbon behind me.

-Cheers, Amy

Morgan McKenzie Designs

2009-03-23T10:45:00.000-05:00

Well the booth is starting to come together, I am open a little earlier than planned because Homestead on Blanco Rd. is having an Easter event this weekend. I am donating a few items for the giveaway, so if you are in the area, stop by for a chance to win. I am also planning a GRAND OPENING giveaway next week for the Morgan McKenzie Designs website.

-Cheers, Amy

2009-03-13T16:31:00.000-05:00

A lot has happened in the past few weeks. Morgan McKenzie Designs has evolved from the idea of an online store, to an actual booth in a local craft and antiques mall. As the “store” has evolved, I think my own tastes and style has become more defined also. I would always have described myself as being “eclectic.” But part of my problem with decorating my own home has always been liking too many different things and then trying to make them work together. So, I had to stop and step back and decided what look did I want to start out with.
My conclusion, Vintage French Garden.

Chandeliers

baskets

Bunnies

Wreaths

Nest

and more bunnies

-Cheers, Amy

2009-02-27T07:48:00.000-06:00

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!

2009-02-25T09:46:00.000-06:00

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

2009-02-22T22:07:00.001-06:00

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

2009-02-15T22:26:00.000-06:00

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

2009-02-08T19:37:00.000-06:00

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'

2009-02-05T10:06:00.000-06:00

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

Let's Rodeo!

2009-01-30T08:30:00.000-06:00

It's Rodeo Time here in San Antonio, and I am so excited! The San Antonio Rodeo and Livestock Show is in town for a few weeks and we always love to take the kids. Most of the time we try to take them to see the popular kids headliners. They have seen Hilary Duff, Ali and Aj and Morgan's favorite, The Jonas Brothers. But this year we are taking them to see Taylor Swift. She is such a doll, and I actually like most of her music.

Each person in our family has a favorite thing to do at the fair, Morgan likes to ride the rides, while Mason and McKenzie enjoy the animals and the petting zoo. I think Adam's favorite is to watch the Rodeo, but most of all the Extreme Bull riding. And, what is my favorite thing...

Well the funnel cake, of course.

Rodeo Duds:

Old Gringo Boots

-Cheers, Amy

2009-01-27T16:28:00.000-06:00

Well, I went off the deep end and chose a color for the Formal living room. I ended up choosing a Chocolate Brown color (SW Fudge Bar) it is very dark and at night almost looks black.
The curtains belonged to our old bedding, I still love the pattern, but are a little too short. I am trying to decided on what to do about curtains, I could either add a contrasting fabric to the existing curtains, or make new ones. I found a toile at Hobby Lobby that would tie in the gold of the sofa and the brown of the walls, or...

I could just go in a total different direction and use blues and browns.

-Cheers, Amy

The Foundation

2009-01-26T08:42:00.000-06:00

My parents divorced when I was 5 years old, my mother had married at 19 and like me had a child at 20. My father was an abusive alcoholic and after 5 years of marriage got the courage to leave. We moved back to Ft. Worth and lived with my grandparents for about a year or so, while my mom finished a secretarial program so that she could find a job.
My father was pretty much out of the picture until I was about 7 years old. To this day, I still remember my mother telling me that I was going to spend the summer with my father; I was so excited that I instantly packed a little blue and green suite case and kept in my closet. My father never showed. He gave no explanation, just never called or came.
When I was 10, I received a letter and a picture. The letter was short, and the picture, was of him holding a fish. He was quite the fisherman. He has a passion for the outdoors. After this, we began spending the occasional summers with him. He was still an active alcoholic at that time, therefore this affected our relationship.
They say we tend to repeat the same mistakes as our parents had made. I too was a new mother at the age of 20, unlike my mother though, I did not marry. To be honest it really was not an option. Morgan too, doesn’t have a strong relationship with her father.
One day something had happened and we sat on her bed talking about her father, and for some reason I began to talk about mine, then it hit me. “Morgan,” I told her “Maybe this was Gods way of preparing me for you.”
From that day on that is how I look at “my family history,” it is what it is and it is up to me to change it. Gods knows me in and out and knows that I am truly a stubborn little red headed woman; therefore I think he gives me life lessons. It is up to me to make changes and lay the foundation for my children to have full and happy lives.
-Cheers, Amy

Prayers For Harper

2009-01-19T10:42:00.000-06:00

Come Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove,

With light and comfort from above.

Be Thou our Guardian, Thou our Guide,

Stay close by Baby Harper’s side. Amen!

-author unknown

Instead for writing from the heart today, I would like to ask for a prayer request for a fellow blogger. Sweet Kelly at Kelly’s Corner gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on Friday, unfortunately she in ICU due to heart complications.
My heart goes out to her and her family.
-Amy

Color Me Happy

2009-01-14T12:52:00.000-06:00

Every time I see a decorated room, I am always curious to see the wall colors, make a note, and pick up the swatch when I am that paint store. I have piles and piles of paint swatches in a large zip lock bag that are just laughing at me as we speak. I am constantly getting stuck on a particular color, you think that it would make your choices a little simpler right.
WRONG!!! Who knew that there were so many shades of a “golden brown.”

Do you remember this chair? I am thinking about recovering it also. I have battled back and forth about covering in the leopard print or a linen fabric with chocolate brown embroidery. If I decide to use the leopard on the chair, I could later add dining chairs in the linen.

I also bought upholstery fabric to recover a sofa I had bought a resale shop. I chose a golden brown tight weave chenille hoping it would be a good child friendly fabric. And, the golden brown should hide just about everything, right?
-Cheers, Amy

Who am I

2009-01-12T09:04:00.000-06:00

My parents had divorced when I was about 5 and soon after that we moved to Ft. Worth with my grandparents. In the early 80’s my mom met and married a man whom was in the oil business. They packed us (my sister and I) up in the car and moved us to the small West Texas town of Abilene.
Abilene is known for the 3 faith based universities and therefore referred to as the “Bible Belt of Texas.” My parents occasionally attended a local Baptist church on Sunday mornings, but not on a regular bases. This particular church still carries the same southern values, everyone still dresses in their Sunday best and is very social, since we were a small lower middle class family, I never really felt like I “fit in.” I still remember going to Sunday school class and having to read the bible story in front of my peers, and being embarrassed because I was never a strong reader. This really did not help to develop my relationship with God.
By the time I turned 13, my life had gone down a different path. My Mother and Step Father divorced, my grandmother, whom I was very close to died and I began to spiral out of control. My teenage years were not good ones and it is truly by the Grace of God that I even survived.
At 19 I became pregnant with my daughter Morgan and at 20 I was a single mother on food stamps, trying to survive. I remember returning to the same church I had attended as a child, just after I had Morgan. I just sat there in the church pew with tears in my eyes threw the service, once again lost and ashamed.
I later met my husband Adam and we married over a year later. We will be celebrating our 9th year together this Friday. I truly believe leaving Abilene was the best thing for me, in a since leaving the past behind you.
You might be asking yourself, why is she sharing all of this very personal information on her blog, at this time? Well, I believe that your past doesn’t define who you are, but are “Gods little obstacles“ that help you become who you are, these life lessons have laid the foundation for the person that I have become today.
I am truly a “work in process,” I am learning things as I go. I am trying to be the best woman, wife, and parent that I can be by learning from my own mistakes. I must admit I truly have to stop and laugh at myself from time to time though, because I do seem to handle little things differently that some of my friends, which you might see in the weeks to come. But hopefully still learning as I go.
-Cheers, Amy

From The Heart

2009-01-11T10:19:00.000-06:00

This morning I sat in total silence drinking a cup of coffee, which is very rare for me. Adam and I went to an event last night and the kids spent the night with his parents. The TV was off and Adam was still asleep. Total silence.

As I stared out the window I thought about the direction my life was going in, who I am and where I’ve been. And I thought a lot about the challenges that I am facing right now as a mother of three children. Since I have large gaps in ages, I have very different challenges with each one of my children, but I guess since each child has their own personality, I guess this is normal.

I also thought about my own personal challenges. Who I am and how to organize my life? I not just talking about my house hold items that are lying around, but the day to day challenges that I am faced with. I am questioning my day to day actives that make me a better Christian woman, wife, and parent.

This is where my blog comes in, I decided to organize my blog a little. I would like to write a series of post on Monday’s that are a little more personal that what I normally write. I will share a little more about me and my life and probably a little too much about parenting and the obstacles that I am facing. I guess it is a little more, “From the Heart.”
-Cheers, Amy

House Goals for The New Year

2009-01-07T12:34:00.000-06:00

One of my goals this year is to work on the outside of our house. We live in an older neighborhood where most of the houses are the typical 50 year old ranch style house. For the past 5 years that we have lived in this neighborhood we are seeing younger families moving in and remolding their house.

One of the things I would like to do is add a metal roof, they are quite expensive, but I hear that they have a bit more life span than you typical roof.

Here’s the other dilemma, we need to add a bedroom and have thought of converting our garage into a master bed and bathroom. Therefore it would bump out the front of our house. I would like to add a large front porch to unify the addition and the rest of the house.
My inspiration are the houses in Fredericksburg and their old large porches. I would love to add a porch swing and sit there while I wait for the school bus in the afternoons, or while the kids play in the yard.

So what do you think?
-Cheers, Amy

2009-01-06T09:49:00.000-06:00

I must confess I really haven’t been myself lately. It took me a little longer to put my Christmas stuff up this year, and it has taken me even longer to take it down. But slowly, I am getting it done.

On New Year’s Eve, I had to run to Target for a few odds and ends, I was on my last diaper, so I just had to go. Morgan wanted to see if they still had a skirt that she wanted to wear to her New Years Eve party. I explained that it was to be a quick trip, because Mason had not taken a nap yet.

Mason of course was fussing and wanted to run around the store, but we grabbed the diapers and Morgan wanted to look at the clothes. I tried to carry Mason for awhile, but he is getting a little too heavy to carry him for long periods of time, so by then, I told Morgan that we need to go and I was getting in line. As I stepped toward the checkout line this spandex wearing, 20 year old cut in front of me. Of course she cart full, I just stopped and got in line behind her. By this time Mason was back in the cart, crying and I was doing my best to keep him distracted, but nothing was working.

Now, let me stop and explain to you, what I am about to share with you, I am not proud of. I am most normally a very polite person, but on this day I’m not sure what came over me. It might have been when the spandex wearing girl in front of me had two transactions, or Mason screaming for twenty minutes, but when the cashier and the 20 something girl just sat their chatting about what they were doing to that night I must have lost self control.
I hear a very rude voice say, “Oh come on, I’m ready to go!” I couldn’t believe I had said it. The spandex girl and the cashier just looked at me in amazement; the people behind me chuckled a little.

I said nothing.

When she began to check me out, I apologized to the checker, and explained that I didn’t mean to be rude. While walking out to the car, for some reason I couldn’t stop laughing. Not that I think rudeness is funny, but in the disbelief that I had actually blurted out something like that. Morgan on the other hand didn’t find it so funny.
I later called my mom to tell her what I had done, her response:

“Wow Amy, you turned 35 and now you will say anything.”

Oh no, it this the case? Will I have my picture posted on the door of shopping centers across the nation warning every one of my rudeness, I hope not. Or, is my mind already going that I forget to “Think before I speak.” I’m not sure; I guess I am having a little trouble this year. And it’s only the 6th of January!

-Cheers, Amy

Dream Home

2008-12-31T11:16:00.001-06:00

The HGTV Dream Home

For the past couple of years I have marked my calender and set the VCR for the reveal of the HGTV Dream Home. I must confess, the other homes have been beautiful, and I would have been very happy to have won the homes, but I am in love with this year’s home. I love the wraparound porch and the inviting door with the glass panels. I could envision myself sipping coffee there in the mornings or having a glass of wine and watching the sun set in the evenings. But most of all it makes me wonder what my idea dream home would look like.
So, this is my question to you, what would you do if you won the HGTV Dream Home? Would you sell everything and move to the lovely Sonoma, California? Or, would you keep it as a vacation house and rent it out. I would love to hear your thoughts.
As for me, what would I do? Well, I’m not really sure. First, I would host a home tour to raise money for charity. Then, hopefully have a romantic trip with my husband. We never really had a honeymoon, unless you count the night that we stayed in Embassy Suites in lovely Abilene, TX after our wedding. After that, I’m not sure what I would do. I guess I have plenty of time to think about it.

-Wishing you New Year Cheers!
Amy

My Dear Friend Jen @ Fiddle Dee Dee has given me an award!

2008-12-20T14:11:00.000-06:00

Jen @ Fiddle Dee Dee has given me the Spirit of Christmas award. If you have never been to her blog, please take a moment pop on over and say hello. She was one of my first blog friends here in blogland and has truly been an inspiration to me, so I am so glad that my very first award was given to me by my friend Jen.
If you would have asked me a few days ago to write this list, I’m not sure what order I would have listed my items, I actually read her note to me last night and then woke up this morning thinking about it. But by 10:00 my Christmas week has changed. We received a phone call that my husband best friend’s mother passed away from cancer last night. She only found out this fall that she had cancer and has been undergoing treatments, but unfortunately lost her battle last night. Now we are organizing a trip to Midland to attend a funeral on Tuesday. My heart goes out to Jeff and his family, and to his sister who is about to bless her first child into the world. What this holiday will mean for them.
On a lighter note, I would like to pass this award to a few people, and have fun with it. My friend @ Pink Polka Dot , Judy @ Gracious Southern Living , Leslie @ Diary of a Southern Drama Queen and last but not least, The Divine Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality.

Here are the the rules:

~You must be a true Christmas lover to receive this award

~The person you give the award to must be in love with Christmas

~You must link back to the person who gave you the award

~You must list 5 things that you love about Christmas

~Pass the award along to as many as you like, you must pass it on to at least one person to keep the Christmas cheer going around.

FIVE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT CHRISTMAS
5. The Decorating! I love to decorate my house for the holidays, and to look at different ways other people decorate their houses and trees for the holidays. And I really have been amazed how the girls have had so much input in how they would like to start different traditions this year.

4. The friendships. I love the excitement in my child’s eyes with all the Christmas festivities, expectations of what is to come. I love the parties that we go to and the friends that we have get to see.

3. THE Day off! With all of the hussle and bussle from the weeks before, last year we decided to just stay in our PJ’s most of the day, watch movies and play with our toys. Later, we get dressed and have a nice dinner.

2. The Family (My mom) who travels to visit us.
1. The Celebration! I love that we have the freedom to celebrate Christmas and it’s true meaning of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Tooth Fairy…

2008-12-16T22:23:00.000-06:00

Me: McKenzie, you need to brush your teeth…

McKenzie: Mom, I did

Me: Do you have any new loose teeth?

McKenzie: Yes, this one (she pointed it out)...
But I just don’t understand it though.

Me: What do you not understand?

McKenzie: Why the tooth fairy likes Amelia’s teeth better than mine, because she brings her $3 when she loses a tooth, but only bring me a dollar.

Me: Well, maybe she uses all of her money over there and runs out by the time she gets over here.

McKenzie (after a short pause): Maybe I should write her and tell her to stop bye here first next time.

Christmas Tour Part II

2008-12-15T08:32:00.000-06:00

Kids Trees

Every year I let the girls decorate trees in their rooms. They each took the left over lime green ornaments from the family room garland and added their own touch.

McKenzie decided to add ribbons to hers and then she used a cup cake garland and candies from our ginger bread tree that we had last year.

Morgan Painted and glittered her ornaments

The Ginger Bread House

Friday after school, McKenzie invited two of her best friends, Ginny Bell and Sarah to come over and decorate a ginger bread house.

If you look closely one of the ginger bread men is missing a few buttons

Believe it or not, some of the candy actually made it on the house.

-Wishing You Many Christmas Cheers! Amy

Christmas Tour Part 1

2008-12-11T14:59:00.000-06:00

A party! I thought I would join in the fun.

Living Room Garland

I had seen some hurricane lamps in a local boutique for a $200 dollars, I bought these last summer in Salado for $25.00 and used the left over’s from my tree.

In the Family Room, I wanted to use lime green and red. Since I didn’t have anything in this color scheme, I used old red ornaments that were discolored from age and painted white polka dots and added glitter. The glitter helped cover up the imperfections. I bought lime green ornaments at hobby lobby for ½ off and painted red dots and glittered them. Then, I used left over ribbon to decorate the ornaments.

I still Working on the picture frames

I painted $1 frames from Michael’s red, lime and white, then added ribbon to them also. What do you think?

-Cheers, Amy

Tree Decorating 101

2008-12-05T21:06:00.000-06:00

I was talking to my mom on the phone today and she asked me how I decorated my tree, I started to explain my process when she stopped me and said,
“I think that you might need to write it all down…”

First, here is a tip that I learned when I worked in a home décor shop, if you cut finger hole in a dress sock, it will protect your hands and arms from the prickly branches while to be “fluffing your tree.”

While “fluffing” the tree, pull each tip on a branch in different directions, where it almost looks like a star.

Once I have my tree somewhat fluffed, I add a garland. My tree is a prelit, 7.5 tree, so I use two garland. I work the garland in to the base of the tree, and use the twigs of the branch to wrap around the garland to secure it. You could use floral wire if you wanted, but this would work well, and helps cover the base of the garland if it is a different color.

I then added my “Nest Arrangement” to the tree. Here, I grouped one nest, two different feather picks, and an acanthus leaf pick together. I wanted this to be my focal point, and staggered them around the tree. Next I add my pine cone picks to the tree, I take my pine cone pick and gently open or spread everything out, where it a little more open and light, not so clustered together. Then I add it in an upward motion, to give the tree more dimension, and use the tree twig to wrap around the end to secure it. Finally I added my Christmas ornaments. I usually start with the largest ones to fill in whatever wholes I have and then work to the smallest. I didn’t want to fill the whole tree up; I wanted to still see some of the green, for a little more natural look. Here’s another tip. When I add the ornaments that have a long string, I wrap them around the twig and then fold the tip of the twig over to secure it. This helps the ornament from falling off, especially in high traffic areas or if little ones like to touch. They don’t slip off.
The Last thing I do is make a bow for the top of the tree and then add my hydrangeas and feathers, I uses two different shape of hydrangea, because that is just what I had around the house, the loose feathers I had left over from my mantel project. I just keep moving them around until I like the way that they look. There really is no method to my madness here.

Hope this information has been helpful.
I’m off to finish decorating…
-Cheers, Amy

O Christmas Tree…

2008-12-03T13:50:00.000-06:00

Well, here she is. I think I am finally done with decorating my tree for the holidays. I decided to do something a little different this year and use birds nest that I bought from The Rusty Bucket, and picks, feathers, and ornaments that I had collected over the year.
-Cheers, Amy

Sneak Peek

2008-12-01T14:14:00.000-06:00

I’ve started putting up the Christmas Decorations, come back Friday to see what I’ve been up too.
-Cheers, Amy

Thanksgiving Dinner

2008-12-01T13:43:00.000-06:00

Everyone has traveled back home and are back to their busy schedules. My Thanksgiving dinner turned out very well for it being my first time, and I am afraid that "The Spoon has been passed down" now. Which means that I think I have a new tradition of hosting Thanksgiving Dinner at our house.

Here are some Family photos of our holiday.

I spray painted the large green bean cans brown and reused them for the flower arrangements

Filled mason jars with popcorn kernels and tied straw around them for candle holders

Mom and Sister enjoying their meal

I hope all of you had a safe and blessed Thanksgiving also.

-Cheers, Amy

Hill Country Style

2008-11-25T13:14:00.000-06:00

I love the Texas Hill Country in the fall. The change of seasons are not are noticeable in town, but once you leave the city of San Antonio and head to the rolling county sides, the colors of the falling leaves are in full swing.

One of my favorite Hill Country towns is Fredrickburg. I have always loved to visit and love all of the German style architecture, not to forget the German food.

Today while looking for pictures to post, I found my Hill Country Dream House. Just a cool $3,200,000.

Photos: Remax

Friday Night Lights

2008-11-21T12:45:00.000-06:00

I can’t believe that our football season is already over and we have completed our first nine weeks of school. I must confess our football team didn’t win a lot of games, actually they only won two games, but the kids always played a good game. I am always amazed at how a sport teaches some of the best life lessons that we carry with us for the rest of our lives.

"Every game is an opportunity to measure yourself against your own potential."
-- Bud Wilkinson

Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-19T21:24:00.000-06:00

Photo : Country Living

Thanksgiving Dinner

2008-11-10T16:24:00.001-06:00

My Mom decided after last year’s family fiasco that she has sworn off making Thanksgiving Dinners. Therefore, everyone has decided to come to my house here in San Antonio. At first I was excited. Then reality has set in. I think that it dawned on me last night that I have no clue how to make the traditional turkey and dressing dinner. It is times like these that I wish my grandmother were still here.
She was the total Southern Belle. I can still remember her famous brunch meals when I was a child. She would be in the kitchen for hours making all of our southern favorites, homemade biscuits and red eye gravy, fried chicken, salt bacon, bacon, eggs, you name it, it was there. You would be so full that you just had to take a nap after wards. Thanksgivings were a lot of the same, but with a Bloody Mary’s before the meal . Oh, and a turkey!
Don’t get me wrong, I know that this is an opportunity to start my own traditions, to form my own memories with my family, I guess it is the fear of the new, the failed dressing or the burned turkey. But there is also the fear that if it is too good, I might get stuck doing it every year!

For now I am off to look at table ideas. Here are just a few.

Photos : Country Living

Computer Blues

2008-11-09T13:36:00.000-06:00

Uhg!
I have had such an offal time with my computer the past few months that I so ready to shoot it! But, now I think that everything is ok, so I’m back!!!!
-Cheers, Amy

Homecoming '08

2008-10-07T21:26:00.000-05:00

Homecoming ‘08

Since school has started, it has been one thing after another. One of my major projects has been the preparation for Morgan’s first homecoming. The girls have a tradition from your freshman year until graduation to trade mums with their friends. In the beginning I just started out making the mum that she would were to school on homecoming day, and then again to the game later that night. I had asked her several times how many she needed to give to her friends. “Mom, I don’t think I’m going to do that.” She told me. I just knew that she would come to me the week before the game and order about 20. Well, I was part right. She needed only 8 mums. Oh, and she decided that she didn’t want the traditional school colors of RED, Black and White.
Oh no, she wanted them to be different. SO that’s what I did.
Each girl had their own theme. Somewhere animal print, some were polka dot. Here’s how they turned out.

She ended up not even wearing one to the game.

Then, there is Dance.

The Date: ED (JUST FRIENDS)

The Friends

The car Ride

The Dinner out

She wouldn't let me take pictures at the dance I guess that isn't cool....

First Day of School & Freshman Frustration

2008-08-26T21:56:00.000-05:00

The first day of school went fairly smoothly. McKenzie didn’t sleep very well the night before, so I was surprised that she got up and got going as quick as she did. We even had a little time left over to take a few pictures before the bus came.
I had asked her several times if I could take her to school, but she insisted that she wanted to see all of her friends on the bus. Who am I to fight the connivance of the bus?

Morgan got ready on her own and decided to be dropped off at a local taco place to meet her friends for breakfast tacos and that way they all could ride to school together. My husband asks if we needed to have a party for everything.

Morgan’s reply.. “Yes, isn’t that what High School is all about?”

We are in BIG TROUBLE!

Freshman Frustration

On Saturday night Morgan’s high school had a BBQ and Pep Rally to introduce the football players and kids that participate in different sports and sprit organizations. It was a lot of fun seeing the parents of the children that you have watched grow since elementary school to young adults and starting to mature. I also enjoyed meeting the parents of new friends from the other activates that Morgan is starting to participle in.
My dear friend Debbie, who has a daughter who is now a sophomore, has kind of taken me under her wing. She called me a few days before the dinner, to let me know that I needed to be there early to draw “lottery” ticket, so that you can meet later, another night to pick your seats in the stadium.
“You what?” I asked her in amazement. “You have to get a lotto ticket to be able to know when you can buy football tickets.” This was all new to me. A freshman mom…
I decided to get there early, 3:30; the dinner would not start until 5. I realized that I was not the only early bird, there were at least 31 other people ahead of me. These people mean business! My friend Debbie joined me a little later; Morgan was saving her place in line. She asked me if I had bought my “Sprit shirt” yet. Dazed and confused I stumble to the row of tables lined against the wall. Tee shirts, jackets, button downs, caps, bleacher seats, just to name a few things. There were so many choices. One mom decided to have mercy on me and told me that most of the moms had bought the black button down. So that’s what I ended up with, plus a few shirts for the rest of the family. I go get back in line and about 30 minutes later, the line starts to move> FAST! Within seconds I was being hand a paper and force through the line.
I would relive the same experience again on Monday night trying to pick our stadium seats. I know that it must seem like a simple task, but trying to figure out what side of the field your daughter will be performing for a whole 2 minutes a game can be a little confusing. Thankful Debbie just said put her here next to us. So, $300 dollars later, I have tickets to high school football games.

Week Before School Starts

2008-08-22T15:41:00.000-05:00

This week has been crazy, from Pep Squad practice to Birthday dinners. We have been on the go nonstop, and it is getting ready to get worse. I sat down with my day planner and tried to combine all of the kid’s schedules for the next two weeks and figure out dinners so that I can go to the store to avoid all of the mass confusion that is going to start next week. I tried to plan meals for the next two weeks to cut down on the trips to the store, and then made out a grocery list trying to use some of the same ingredients for the next two weeks. For example I needed cream cheese and frozen spinach for one recipe, so I tried to find another recipe that called for at least one of those ingredients, because it would normally go to waste if I didn’t use it. To Adam’s amazement, I only spent $138 for two weeks of groceries. Now I might have to grab milk here and there, but I got most of what I needed for dinners and snacks. I was pretty proud of myself.
To keep the kids straight in my planner, I color code them. Each child has a set color for the year, that way when I glance to see who has what I know what color they are and keeps some of the confusion down. This usually works pretty well, until the kids steal my gel pins.

I have included a couple of recipes that we made for Adam’s birthday dinner:

Morgan made this all by herself!

Peach Crisp

Prep: 20 minutes Bake: 40 minutes
Ingredients
· 1/4 cup granulated sugar
· 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
· 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
· 7 cups 1/2-inch fresh or frozen peach slices (8 peaches about 3-1/2 lb.), or 1/2-inch cooking apples, such as Granny Smith
· 2 Tbsp. honey
· 2/3 cup coarsely crushed graham crackers (5 squares)
· 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
· 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
· 2 Tbsp. rolled oats
· 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
· 1/3 cup butter
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. For filling, in a bowl stir together granulated sugar, the 2 tablespoons flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Add peaches; toss to coat. Spread in 2-quart rectangular baking dish. Drizzle honey over peaches; set aside.
2. For topping, in a bowl stir together crushed graham crackers, brown sugar, 1/3 cup flour, rolled oats, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle topping evenly over the peach mixture.
3. Bake, uncovered, for 40 to 45 minutes or until topping is golden brown. Serve warm. Makes 8 servings.

Chicken Parmesan Bundles
Prep Time:35 min
Total Time:1 hr 5 min
Makes:6 servings
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, well drained
1-1/4 cups KRAFT Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese, divided
6 Tbsp. KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese, divided
6 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1-1/2 lb.), pounded to 1/4-inch thickness
1 egg
10 RITZ Crackers, crushed (about 1/2 cup)
1-1/2 cups spaghetti sauce, heated
PREHEAT oven to 375ºF. Mix cream cheese, spinach, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and 3 Tbsp. of the Parmesan cheese until well blended; spread evenly onto chicken breasts. Starting at one of the short ends of each breast, roll up chicken tightly. Secure with wooden toothpicks, if desired. Set aside.
BEAT egg in shallow bowl or pie plate. Mix remaining 3 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese and the cracker crumbs in separate shallow bowl or pie plate. Dip chicken bundles in egg, then roll in crumb mixture. Place, seam-sides down, in 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
BAKE 30 min. or until chicken is cooked through (165ºF). Remove and discard toothpicks, if using. Serve topped with the spaghetti sauce and remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese

Lighting and a Hole in the Wall

2008-08-18T22:53:00.000-05:00

Some of you might ask what one has to do with the other. Well, our little home is about 50 years old, and apparently has changed hands more than a couple of times over the past decade or so. It seems that each owner must have had their own ideas of what needed to be done to the little home. One of the owners thought that she needed a larger closet, therefore removed one of the two bathrooms to accommodate this. The owner before us added a corky little master bathroom and decided that the kitchen area need more light, so he decided to put a pass through (a hole) in the limestone wall that separates the formal living/dining room, and the kitchen/family room. It is the typical 50’s ranch style floor plan. Therefore I am left with this great big hole in the wall, and still very little light over the little table that is against the wall (that is another issue for another post).

I could do several different things:

1st, I could add a glass window or iron work:

2nd, I could leave it as it is and just hang a light over the table.

Or, I could just move….

Oh Boy!

2008-08-15T08:52:00.001-05:00

When I found out I was pregnant for the third time, we had hope for a boy. God had blessed us with two beautiful girls, and we would have been happy with another girl, but we really hoped that it would be a boy.
Little did I know what I was getting myself into. My delivery was full of complications, after 10 hours of trying to deliver; we decided to do a c-section. It turned out that his umbilical cord was wrapped around his little neck twice. But, thankfully he was ok. Over the past 19 months he has grown into a very happy, healthy and active little boy.
This past month, he has started to be more interested in the potty. He will pull off his diaper and run for his little potty. Most of the time he has already gone, but from time to time he makes it. It is so funny to watch his little naked hiney run through the house and you can’t help but laugh. This has become a common thing around our house, I will look up from whatever I might be doing at the time to see a flash of nakedness streaking through the living room, with the diaper on the floor. But, yesterday I glanced up from cleaning the kitchen to see him with the diaper in hand and a little steam coming from his body onto my tile floor. I’m still not sure why I just stood there and watched him, I guess it was disbelief that my child was actually peeing on the floor. I had never had this experience with the girls. By the time I had realized what was going on I had a very nice sized puddle on the floor. So I wasn’t sure what to do first, cover or clean. I decided to cover, might be best and once I got a diaper back on him I ran to get the paper towels to try and clean up his mess. When I returned, Mason was helping me clean it up with his hands. What a helper he is.
You know, I had always wondered about little cherub fountains of Italy and what the appeal was, now I know. Apparently I have a real live one in my living room.
-Cheers, Amy

Fall Cleaning

2008-08-13T07:51:00.000-05:00

I’m not sure what it is, but about the time school starts, I start my fall cleaning. I guess most of you refer to it as spring cleaning, but most of mine is done right as the time school lets back in. I don’t know if it’s because of the summer heat, and we tend to stay inside most of the time, or because the children have been home for a large periods of time and they make huge messes, that can only be truly cleaned after they return to school. Whatever the reason, I tend to do most of my big cleaning once school starts back up.
This past week, I decided to clean and rearrange my bookcases, I know that you are thinking, “big deal, she cleaned some book cases,” Oh no, could it ever be that simple with me…
You see I have a tendency not to only take everything off the bookshelves and clean them, but I have to rearrange everything and redecorate them, I guess it comes from my retail days of contently changing the displays and making them look fresh. I am also affected by wanting to put my Christmas tree up in September, but my family would really think I’ve lost it.
Anyway, I have been working on these darn bookshelves all week. I normally just decorate the bookcases and not as much on the mantel, but this time I decorated the mantel first. I like the way that it turned out, but now I didn’t want the book shelve to be cluttered. So, now I’m at a standstill and have just left it the way it is.
-Cheers, Amy

Saturday Shopping

2008-08-10T12:37:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite things to do on a Saturday morning is slip away and go shopping. This time I took my camera along. I love to go to shops that are off the beaten path, and they tend to be a bit more reasonable. One of my favorite places is called The Arrangement located off West Avenue. This adorable little shop is owned by a mother daughter duo who are just as cute as they could be. Let’s take a look at what all I found.

I loved this old church door, I want to reuse it later on for a pantry door.

Only in Texas would you see cute décor and a Long Horn Head on the Wall, Hook’em Horns!

Hummingbirds

2008-08-09T11:08:00.000-05:00

I have a special place in my heart for hummingbirds, as a child I can remember my grandfather always having hummingbird feeders outside his windows so that he could sit and watch them throughout the day. He was always sure that they had just the right food and their feeders were always full. I thought about that this week when Janie at Southern Lagniappe posted a picture of a beautiful hummingbird picture that she had found at a garage sale. I am truly touched by how a lovely creature can bring back so many memories of loved ones and every time I see a beautiful hummingbird, I am reminded of my loving grandfather. –Cheers, Amy

Confessions of a Stay at Home Mom

2008-08-07T22:18:00.000-05:00

A few weeks before school let out McKenzie met a new friend that lived around the corner from us. She was so excited and of course wanted to set up a play date as soon as possible. So, I talked to her mom and we decided that she would come over that Friday after she got home from school. The mother invited us in and then showed me around her lovely home. Then she said that she would bring Kenzie home later. Well, I knew that she might want to “look around” since she had shown us her house. So, franticly I went home to clean my house.
I must tell you, I really hate to clean. I love coming home a getting a wif of pinesole when I walk through the door, but I just dislike the actual chore of doing it myself. So, I started cleaning up the mountains of baby toys on the floor and made sure the dishes were done. I stuffed whatever else that needed to be hid into my laundry room and shut the door. Surely she wouldn’t want to go in there.
Just the time I had finished vacuuming, in walks McKenzie through the garage and laundry room doors, followed by her new friend and her mother. I was so embarrassed. I showed the mother around and when they were ready to leave, the friend couldn’t find her shoes. She had taken them off somewhere in the house. So we looked everywhere. My house was pretty clean by that time, nothing really on the floor, so they would have been pretty visible. They had DISAPPEARD!!! The mom thought that maybe she had left them at home, and they left.
Almost a week later, while looking for our own lost shoes, I looked under McKenzie’s bed, and there they where, the lost shoes. I just really had to laugh. So I took the shoes and put them in a bag with a note attached to them.
Here is a copy of the note:

Dear Ms. Sarah,

You will happy to know that we have solved “the case of the missing shoes.”

After a week long search it is reported that the shoes had been abducted by the notorious Dust Bunny Bandits. Their hide out was discovered under McKenzie’s bed early this morning.
Their plan to take over the world one shoe at a time was foiled by Ms. Amy when she discovered the shoes under McKenzie’s bed by accident. The two are now in custody. They are now being questioned in other unsolved crimes like

“who took my other sock” and “who colored on the wall.”
We will keep you informed.

P. S.
We have I enclosed a copy of their mug shots:

Confessions

2008-08-07T10:04:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite blogs to read is Confessions of a Pioneer Woman. She just makes my want to throw a cowboy hat on my husband and roll him around in the dirt. I guess we’ll have to save that for date night. Anyway, she got me thinking about what would I confess? So, on Fridays I am going to start, Confessions of a Stay at Home Mom. There might be funny little stories about the wacky things I do, or the things I let my children do and maybe there might be a tip in there (probably what not to do.) So, join me on Friday for Confessions of a Stay at Home Mom….

Tuesday Night At The Auction

2008-08-06T16:04:00.000-05:00

About 6 years ago I left a small West Texas town to move to the big city of San Antonio. My husband Adam had grown up here and decided right after I found out that I was pregnant with our daughter McKenzie, that he wanted to go to Law School. So, I was induced two weeks early so that she would be old enough to move to San Antonio, a week before he started school. Well, having two young children and starting school, you could only imagine that there was no money, so we had to live with Adam’s family until we were able to find a place of our own.
In the mean time, I began to learn more about my mother in law. She loves to collect things and has a verity of collections ranging from dishes, vintage table clothes, and rugs. She enjoys going to the local auction on Tuesday nights. She once told me that sometimes she just likes to watch the items sell. Sometimes they will go for a great deal, and other times they can get “bid up” by someone who just really wants the item.

The first time that I went was on a French themed night, this is how I fell in love with French Country Antiques. I found a beautiful bedroom set with a triple door armouire, two night stands and a dressing table. They split the items up so that I had to bid on them seperatly. I had won the nightstands for $50 and the large armoire for $300. Adam thought that we didn’t need the dressing table at the time, so I let that go to someone else, I had always regretted it. I must add that I’m not one for matchy matchy. But I will buy things and pull them apart, and use them in other places in my house.

Anyway, back to the auction, Diane said that she was going to go for a little while last night, and I asked her if she minded if I tagged along. She said sure. I went to the preview and found two different sets of nesting tables that I liked, one set was French, and the other Queen Ann style. I opted for the Queen Ann style so that it would blend with the other French pieces that I have in my living room, but once again not too matchy.

This is what I won: A set of Three Nesting Table, I am just using two of them in the living room, the height is perfect with my little French chair. Yes, that is the chair from the “Ugly Chair Parade.” I want to recover it before Oct. We have family coming in to town, I don’t want to scare them off.–Cheers, Amy

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality is having a party!

COLLECTIONS

2008-08-04T10:54:00.000-05:00

This morning while enjoying my mandatory cup of coffee, I decided to start bringing a few of my fall decorations out of the closet. I figured that if I brought a few things out, maybe it would bring a bit of cooler weather. Hey, a girl can dream can’t she?
I must confess I am a seasonal decorator. Two of my favorite time to decorate is fall and Christmas. On the first day of fall I brew a big pot of apple cider and make a pumpkin spice cake (in the shape of a pumpkin of course) for the kids to enjoy for and afternoon snack. I love her smell of cinnamon and spice.
My first project was to change my dishes out of my kitchen cabinets. I started collecting dished about 5 years ago. This is a gift that I inherited from my mother in law when Adam and I got married, we both enjoy going to antique stores, she thought me what to look for and how to haggle for a better price. This is a gift that I will always cherish. My collections started with Johnson Brothers “Strawberry Fair,” I just loved the Red and White transferware. I guess this is my summer pattern. Then I started collecting “Rose Point” by Pope Gosser this pattern is usually my base pattern, I tend to mix it in with everything. I love the tone on tone pattern with the raised roses. But, my latest collection is brown and white. I love the chocolate brown colors and the wildlife scenes. This is the pattern that I have put out today. I think that it just might work. I think it is suppose to be cooler tomorrow, 94°.

Spode Woodland

CHEERS FOR CATY

2008-08-01T11:41:00.000-05:00

Words cannot express how touched by all of you I am. Your response has been overwhelming;

I have decided to create a separate blog for “Cheers for Caty” where we can add updates and current information about Caty. If you would like to add the link to you blog, please let me know.

CHEERS FOR CATY

Thank you, Amy

Cheers for Caty

2008-07-30T15:28:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,
I am a firm believer that God gives us little lessons in our lives to help us along on our Journey. Today I would like to share a story about my daughter’s friend, Caty and her journey.
A few weeks ago Morgan received a phone call from one of her close friends telling her that their friend Caty had just returned from her doctors visit and they were going to admit her into the hospital the following Monday for test on a cyst that was located in her back. They feared that is might be cancer.
A few days later, Morgan and Addie went to the hospital to visit, and while they were there, she received the news that her tumor was indeed cancer. She learned that she had a form of cancer called Ewing’s Sarcoma and she would begin a long duration of treatment.
Instead of being asked to leave, her parents invited the girls back into the room. There they sat together and prayed with her. To Morgan’s amazement she talked of her faith and growing relationship with God. She talked of words of encouragement and how she was going to “Tackle” this head on. Then she said the most wonderful thing, she reflected on her times at church camp, and how they had talked about their purpose, she then told them that she realizes her purpose was to bring people closer to God. There in that hospital room, 13 years old and just being diagnosed with cancer; she realized her purpose was to help others. This story moved me.
Caty was able to leave the hospital for a few days before starting “Chemo Camp” as she calls it and decided to cut her beautiful long red hair and donate it to Locks of Love, still thinking of others.
I have decided to try to share Caty’s story of Faith and Encouragement to everyone I can. I am asking for people to add her to their Prayer Request at their Church and to your blogs, and to send her letters of encouragement. I would love to see how far her message is received.

Please send letters to the following:

Cheers for Caty
2935 Thousand Oaks #6-220

San Antonio, TX 78247

Thank you,
Amy

Wordless Wednesday

2008-07-29T22:46:00.000-05:00

Maintenance

Because of a Dog Named Scout

2008-07-28T21:42:00.000-05:00

Well Dixie turned out to be a dog named Scout. She was returned to her loving home late this afternoon. But, will stay forever in our hearts as a dog named Dixie.

McKenzie cried all the way home.

Look What Followed Us Home

2008-07-28T13:33:00.000-05:00

Last night after dinner we went for a walk around our neighborhood. We took a shorter walk than usual because I was worn out from working on Kenzie’s room all day. The girls like to ride their bike ahead and were home a few seconds before us, when we turned to corner to our street, the girls shouted “Look at this dog in our yard.” The most adorable dog was playing with the girls in the yard. We thought it might belong to the people who live a few doors down, so we walked over and knocked on their door. Nope, didn’t belong to them. We put the dog on a leash and walked it around for a while and knocked on a few door to neighbors whom we thought owned a golden retriever. Nope, no one. So the girls went home and made some signs, we drove around (by now it was 10:00 @ night) and posted them around the neighborhood hoping to find its owner. No luck so far. She is obviously someone’s pet because she has been trained really well, ha maybe she can teach our dog a few tricks. When Adam left for work this morning he told them “Now don’t get attached, she belongs to someone.” Ha too late, the girls have named her Dixie from the book, ‘Because of Winn Dixie’ by Kate Dicamillo. Will keep you posted on this one….

Tickled Pink

2008-07-27T14:51:00.000-05:00

Look what we did. I had this crazy idea that we needed to paint Kenzie’s room this weekend. She and I took a trip to Lowes and looked for the most perfect shade of pink. This is what we came up with.
Kenzie chose a color called Very Berry from Lowes

The letter were custom made from Miss Bella's Room

Weekend Adventures

2008-07-23T14:04:00.000-05:00

This weekend my mom came into visit for McKenzie’s 7th birthday. We had lots of fun with Kenzie’s mini slumber party and just hanging around the house. On Saturday we decided to venture out of the house before mom had to go back to Ft. Worth. My neighbor had mentioned that there are the cutest Antique shops off of Hildebrand and San Pedro (in San Antonio) and that the prices were “still reasonable.” So we tried to be polite and ask in one in the house if they would like to go, when all of the sudden Morgan said that she would like to come too. So she threw on her shoes and off we went. We had to make a few stops along the way. But once we finally approached the highway, Morgan asked “where are we going?”
“To a few shops Mary told me about” I told her.
“Wait, I thought we were going to the mall…..” Morgan was confused.
“Why would WE want to do to the mall?” I told her. I try to avoid the mall whenever possible.
“Oh wait….can you take me back home,” she the sure look of panic across her face.
“Nope, so just enjoy the ride.” I laughed.
We reached a small row of shops in a row, and went in. Now, these shops were not fancy by any means, but had good cute pieces of furniture and very reasonable prices. Most of them said that they were having a sell, and most of them like cash and No credit cards. We found a set of 6 beautiful old Chippendale chairs for $699 and a buffet, which is what my mom has been looking at for years, but the table was already sold. Then at the next little building, I found a vanity for Morgan’s room. I asked the man how much and he said $135, I then asked him if he would consider $100 (I had never really haggled before, but thought I would give it a try, you never know) He said he would, and I tried to control my excitement I paid for it. I have looked for a long time to find a cute vanity for Morgan’s room. This one was good because the top can be used as a desk also. Now, to load it I said….
Lucky for me I drive a large car; most of my time is spent driving lots of kids to and from places, so I needed the extra room. At least this is how I sold my husband on it. Truth be known I like to find stuff and bring it home (see ugly chair parade), that way I don’t have to borrow my husband’s truck, he might figure out what I am up to. (Sorry babe!)
After a few tries we got the car loaded with the back two row seats folded down, when Morgan asked, “Uh, where am I supposed to sit?” “Oh Morgan, we’ll figure it out,” I reached between the two legs of the vanity which was lying on its back and flipped up the middle seat so she could sit. “Here you go,” I told her.” “You gotta hold the mirrors also though.” Oh she looked thrilled to say the least.
We drove down to the next little set of shops, there we found Morgan a pair of high heel cowboy boots, which she has wanted, but all have been very expensive (I refuse to pay lot for shoes when her feet are still growing) I asked the lady and she said twenty dollars. I handed her a twenty and off we went.
Then we came to the cutest shop called Casa Bella, it is a mix of Shabby Chic and French Country finds. He had an adorable rusty twin size bed we thought would be perfect for my niece Re. “Oh mom it’s so cute.” So she made a deal with the owner and it was ours. Now how to get it home??? This is an issue all its own. But we did it, with a happy teen in the mist of it all.

I'm still not sure how we got the bed into her little car.

Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming…

2008-07-07T07:53:00.000-05:00

A few nights ago we went to an end of season award ceremonies for McKenzie’s swim team. All of the parents gathered around waiting for it to begin, and of course all of the kids run off to go play on the play ground. Gratefully the six and under were the first to get their awards. The Coach gave her little speech about how hard they had worked, and how some of the children really didn’t know how to swim very well in the beginning, but now were strong swimmers. This is my McKenzie. McKenzie really hadn’t swum in the deep end of the pool until the first day of swim practice. They had her jump off of the diver’s blocks and start swimming, to my surprise she didn’t sink to the bottom and came up smiling. I was so proud of her.
When school let out, we had 11 am practice, and McKenzie was always dressed and ready to go. Every day, she would swim her little heart out. Then we had the first swim meet. There were 4 girls swimming against her in the freestyle. And in that meet she only stopped a few times to hold the rope and catch her breath. In the meets to come she would stop in the lanes and hold on to the rope. And typically she would come in last place. But she never gave up. She would always look forward to practice, and be dressed and ready to go at 11 am. Never once did she make a comment about always being the one to finish last. But, she looks forward to going to practice every day.
McKenzie received two awards for swim team. One was the trophies that they receive just for joining the team, but the second trophies was for most improved. We brought it home and it sits on the bookcase with all of her little 5th and 6th place ribbons she received. But to me the biggest reward of all is how she swam the race. She just kept going, and never gave up.

The Cottage

2008-07-05T08:58:00.000-05:00

This was one of my favorite little cottages in the King William area

Garden Gates

2008-07-01T13:38:00.000-05:00

Ok, I couldn’t wait until Monday; here are some more pictures of my walk in King Williams.

The Ladies of San Antonio

2008-06-29T20:15:00.000-05:00

The Ladies of San Antonio
I can remember when I was a child that we would come to San Antonio for a holiday or a quick vacation. We did the typical routine of seeing the Alamo, and walking through the River Walk. As an adult, the only time I see the Alamo is either when I am driving down town for something, or when someone is holding an event on TV, they always seem to pan over to the graceful old structure, which is a historical symbol of what San Antonio stands for.
There is another part of San Antonio that is almost never spoken of. That is some of the most beautiful Architecture that lines these streets of this historical old town. Just south of downtown lies a neighborhood called King Williams. The development of the King William area began in the 1850's on land that was originally farmland owned by the Mission San Antonio de Valero (the Alamo). Ultimately, it became one of the finest neighborhoods, where prominent citizens built their mansions to announce their success. The majority of these original families were German immigrants, and thus the street and later the area was named for Kaiser Wilhelm I of Prussia. In 1968 the King William Historic District was created as the first historic district in Texas. (Historical information provided by Nobles Inn website)
On Saturday I took a journey to pay tribute to these beautiful ladies. They still stand so proud and graceful. I took so many picture that Iwill share a few of them with you on Mondays for the next few weeks. -Cheers, Amy

Sisters

2008-06-25T13:14:00.000-05:00

About Me.....

2008-06-24T09:22:00.000-05:00

About Me…
I am a 34 yr. old, stay at home mom with three children. Morgan is 14, McKenzie 6, and Mason 18months. We live a very full and busy life. I feel like I am very blessed to have the life that I do, God has been very good to me.
I was raised by my mother in a small town in West Texas, and I moved to San Antonio eight years ago with my husband. He seems to appreciate my zany attitude and unconventional ways of doing things, considering that he was raised in a very conservative house hold. I think that he just keeps me around sometime because I make him laugh. Well, that and I can cook.
A few weeks ago I took a trip to Ft. Worth with my husband. He had to work and I tagged along for the ride. The ride was nice, we talked and then he had to prepare for his lecture. While he did this I put on my IPod and listened to Michel Buble’. I drove and sang and even danced a little. I sang so loud, Adam really couldn’t concentrate on his work. But still sang. To be honest with you I can’t really remember the last time I sang and danced in the can. Most of the time the car rides consists of driving the kids around to where they need to be. I do enjoy some of the car pool conversations with the teenage girls when they are not interrupted by ringing cell phones. I have learned that if you want to know what is going on. DRIVE THEM AROUND, you would be amazed what they will tell you.
Anyway, on Friday I went to visit my grandmother whom I had not seen in twenty years. This is a big thing for me, because to be honest with you I really do not do a lot of new things, and to walk into a room to see a woman who you do not really know very well, not knowing what she thinks and feel is a little bit scary. I had to wait for what seemed like almost an hour for her to finish her lunch. So I went in to a waiting room. Teary eyed and scared. Then I stopped and prayed. I thanked God for my relationship with my husband, even through the tough time, we always see The BIG Picture. I thanked him for blessing me with three healthy children. And I prayed for guidance; to help me be a courageous and strong woman. And then I though….I AM A STRONG COURAGOUS WOMAN OF GOD. At that moment, she was wheeled in to see me and we sat and visited.
We talked for about 2 hours mostly about family members that I hardly know. Then she told me the oddest thing. I knew that she had worked in a health food store for many years, and she actually used to be somewhat of a health nut, which is a bit odd since she liked to drink a little too much. Then she told me that she retired at the age of 60, but wished that she would have stayed and worked longer, she said that she could have worked for at least ten more years, she is 83 now. WORKED? This had stayed in my mind until today. She said that when she retired that she has big plans to travel and see the things that she always wanted to see. But she never did, so she should have just stayed and worked, plus she enjoyed the people that she worked with. I have never been the same since this conversation.
To sum it up this is how this little adventure began. I thought of what do I want to do. Who am I? Well, besides a wonderful wife and mother. What type of relationships do I want to have? What memories do I want to reflect on when I am 83? This is not about being unhappy with my lovely family who I know that I am still growing and cultivating, but the other relationships in my life. The relationships that help me become a stronger daughter, sister, friend and woman. So this is where the crazy idea begins…. Now where it takes me, that is another blog on it’s own.
http://offherrocker2.blogspot.com/

Imperfections

2008-06-17T10:57:00.000-05:00

The Nesting has asked everyone to share their imperfections. I sat with my cup of coffee and thought for a while. Which imperfections I would like to share? Should I tell you about the fact that I celebrated the fact that I have started running 2 miles twice a week with a million calorie cup of Starbucks coffee, or the fact that sometimes I have eaten raw cookie dough for breakfast, because I haven’t made it to the store yet. No, instead for scaring my new blog friends I decided to share my other disorders with you.
Yes, I am admitting it! I am addicted to little chairs. I feel that I am doing my little part to recycle these little chairs, with big hopes of saving money and beautifying my house. One little chair at a time. It first started when I found a little Berger chair in a home store that was out of my price range, by the time I had convinced myself that I couldn't live without it, it was sold. A week later, I found this one at a garden center that the man had used it as his own. He willingly sold it to me, and probably laughed as he counted the money. I was so excited, and hence the addiction began, with high hope to recover them soon.
The ugly chair parade….

No, Mason didn't do it.

I found it in the trash this way.

Ft. Worth Stroll

2008-06-15T16:47:00.000-05:00

Ft. Worth strolls…
I saved this one to write a separate note. This little house has got to be one of my favorites. The owners are in the process of remodeling it; in fact you can see the permits posted in the windows. It is hard to tell from the pictures, but the owners have added a thick layer of stucco to the exterior of the house, but you can still see some of the brick peering though. But, I must say, my favorite thing is the crystal chandelier hanging on the front porch. I have seen larger houses with iron chandlers in the houses with port cache', but never like this. I think that I stood out there for so long, that when we walked back bye, the owner had come out and was looking around. He had re-entered by the time we had gotten to his fabulous house, or I would have tried to strike up a conversation with him. Hey, you never know when someone will invite you in for a cup of coffee….

Stroll through Colonial Country Club Ft.Worth, TX

2008-06-15T11:19:00.000-05:00

This weekend I went to visit my mom in Ft. Worth. We went for a little walk in The Colonial Country Club area. Here are some of the homes that have been lovingly maintained and restored. The Colonial Country Club was founded in 1936 by Marvin Leonard and is host to Crowne Plaza Invitational a PGA Tour an event held in May.

My Morgan

2008-06-11T12:43:00.000-05:00

This is our first full week of summer and it is already full of activities. I can’t believe that Morgan is now going into high school. During the last weeks of school, the realization kicked in when she had to get fitted for Pep Squad uniforms, then the last week the stickers for our car and yard signs came in.
This week she is volunteering at church to work VBS and I have enjoyed listening to her daily adventures. This year it was organized a little different, they allowed the children to pick the groups that they wanted to be in. Therefore, Morgan’s group consists of 17, 2nd grade boys. She doesn’t seem to mind because it has allowed her best friend Jordan to be a helper also. Needless to say, the boy’s love the teenage helpers. Apparently one of them told Jordan that he has big plans to kiss her on Friday. Luck for her VBS ends on Thursday…
Where has the time gone? I so remember the days when she wore her little plastic dress shoes everywhere she went. It has now been replaced with make-up, flip flops and cell phones. Before too long, we will be packing up her car and sending her off to college. I pray each day that I remember take the time to slow down and cherish every moment that I have with each one of my children, because they truly do grow up so fast.
-Cheers

How does your garden grow….

2008-06-07T10:13:00.000-05:00

How does your garden grow….
In March we took a family trip to the garden center, to look at some trees that I was interested in planting in the front yard. When I was finished looking at the prices of the trees, my husband said that he wanted to look at a few things, so I took the little ones to look at flowers and he wandered around. A few minutes later he emerged from the greenery with two plants in hand. One plant was a blue grapevine, the other was a black berry vine. “I want to plant these in the garden” he told me. Now, we have lived in our house for about a year now and I think that we are just now getting settled. The previous owners must have had a wonderful garden, at one time. It is an enclosed structure that would make Martha Stewart proud, but now had become overgrow and out of control with the past year of neglect. But, he was bound and determined that he would have a bountiful crop of grapes and black berries.
So now we venture home with vines in hand and he and the girls spend the whole day working on our garden. Mason and I supervised and then took a nap. Supervising is very hard work you know.
The garden was cleaned out in a day and he planted his vines in the perfect spot. I then decided that the area is so large that we need to plant other things. So the next day, Mason and I head to Wal-Mart. They actually have a good little garden center, and I really didn’t want to spend a lot of money on plants that I would probably kill.
In the span of two weeks I had planted corn, squash, tomatoes, cantaloupe, and okra. Without any prep what so ever, I just put them in the ground and added a little mulch, and said a little prayer and watered the garden.
To my surprise we go out there every day to watch out little sprouts turn into little plants. Then to watch the beautiful flowers turn in to something that you can eat. As soon as McKenzie gets off the bus she runs to see what new things have grown that day. It has become a wonderful family project.
Now, what to do with the fruits of our labor????
-Cheers

Blessed

2008-06-05T14:43:00.000-05:00

A few days ago I saw a commercial for a lawn fertilizer. There was a man looking over his perfect green lawn with great satisfaction. Then, out of the corner of his eye he sees his daughter picking a dandelion out of his neighbor’s yard, makes a wish and the seeds fall in his yard. He then dives to capture the seeds so that they would not damage his lovely yard. I laughed a little and then went about my day without giving it another thought. A few days later I sat in the chair trying to catch my breath from the rush of the mornings activities, breakfast, getting the kids dressed and on the bus, and watched my 16 month old son dancing around to music coming from the TV. At that moment, it dawned on me…
We are so obsessed with perfection that we seldom stop to make a wish or count our blessing. So, today I will be thankful for my 3 children that God has blessed me with. Does He really care if their socks don’t match!