Sandy Hook Massacre

  I've been so caught up in life and trying to get ready for Christmas, that I've been slacking with posting. This week's events have made me feel obligated to post, to let go of these feelings and how deeply I feel about what happend. Last week the Sandy Hook Massacre took place. I avoided watching the news and I turned the radio down each time I heard any mention of it. I did a pretty good job all weekend long until last night. I went to MSN to log-in to hotmail and there on the screen appeared a little girls photo. I saw the words Sandy Hook Elementary next to her name I automatically knew...All the emotions that were bottled up, the emotions that I didn't know were there came out. I begin to sob like a baby, and I couldn't stop. My little "Brownie" walked in on me and was so afraid. She went to get her Dad who immediately thought the worst because I'd just got off the phone. I explained to him what was wrong and he just held me. I haven't felt those emotions in so long, they were real, raw and uncut. The last time I felt this was when Faith was in the NICU and I got that call and her Doctor told me she was "worried." I could not begin to imagine those mother's grief. There are some days that I am so tired in the morning and I complain when my kids want breakfast, I'll rush them out of the house or fuss about the hangers that someone left on the floor. For what? Why? What would I do if...Every so often terrible things happen and everyone rallies together and then months later some of us forget. Don't get me wrong I want to forget this event, I want it to have never happened but I also pray that these children's deaths were not in vain. I pray that these families are able to heal and that school's take measures to insure that our children are just as protected as the animals at the shelter or even the zoo. Even they have protection to prevent anyone from getting to them to do harm. I pray that this world can come together and that people with mental illnesses are able to get the help before something as tragic as this happens again. I pray that this world can just slow down long enough to appreciate those they love instead of getting caught up in politics, racism or simple things such as facebook beef. If we ever needed religion and to be believers, now is the time. This is my Prayer. Amen.

Cake in a Jar GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

  Author of Story of a Girl's blog, Tia is doing a Giveaway of my Cake in a Jar today through Friday 11/30.

Checkout her blog and enter at Cake in a Jar Giveaway.

                    

Home for the Holidays, Happy Turkey Day!!!!

  It's so funny how one year changes things. Last Thanksgiving we were on lockdown because Faith had just gotten out of the NICU the week previous. This year Faith is trying to walk and we're spending the Holiday's with family. Everyone is really enjoying these days with a toddler. Our family tradition is to put up the Christmas tree on Thanksgiving. We're gonna start bets on how long it will stay up because with all the active kids in the family someone(Faith) will definitely tear it down. Today is my weigh-in day and it doesn't make sense to step on anybody's scale the way I've been munching. Its so hard to lose weight during the holidays...at least for me.

On the Menu Today:

Turkey

Ham

Cornbread Dressing

Seafood Mirlition Casserole

Rice Dressing

Green Bean Casserole

Potato Salad

Peas

Swedish Meatballs

Deviled Eggs

Sweet Potato Pie

Apple Pie

Peanut Butter Special K Bars

Almond Coconut Cream Cake in a Jar.

  Almond Coconut Cream Cake in a Jar available. Perfect gift idea for the Holidays! $36.00 for (6)8oz Mason Jars filled with freshly baked cake. Comes with Christmas label and ribbon. Checkout my Etsy Shop for more details! Shop Here.

Bath Salts Oh My!!

  I absolutely love Baths! After Hurricane Katrina hit the first thing I wanted to do once we got water was take a nice long soak. I have a collection of bath products so when I was contacted by a Rep for Cleopatra's Choice to review one of their products, I was super excited. Besides blogging, I'm also a Licensed Esthetician so I know a bit about about scrubs, salts and skincare products. The item I received was the Adovia Pure Dead Sea Salt bath product. I was apprehensive at first because I've heard some scary things about Bath Salts on the news recently but figured I should be fine to bathe in them. Boy was I right! I poured the salts under running water and I love the fact that they actually melted and I was not forced to skate on any once I got into the tub. The salts also left my skin feeling moist but not oily. The salts lacked any scent and it would have been nice if there was a little aromatherapy smell but over all I was pleased with the product.

A-
10lbs for $24.95

Cleopatra's Choice also offers a Essential Oils, Acne Products, Makeup and several other products.

Disclosure: I received a sample for the purpose of this review however all thoughts remain 100% my own. I was not compensated for this review.
          

More Cajun Goodness!

  
On the menu last night was Baked Tilapia. It's a part of my Weight Watcher's diet plan, but I felt the need to "jazz it up." I prepared Cajun Spicy Potatoes to go along with it but figured the cream sauce that was added to the fish was enough, so I skipped those. My creation below :)

Happy Friday!

My Etsy Shop is Open Again!

  My Etsy Shop is up and running again, currently I'm only selling Cake in a Jar for the holidays. It makes a cute Holiday Gift. Seeking bloggers to review the product, if interested contact me at: cjacksonboyd@gmail.com

Shop Link is here  Sweet Momma's Creole Confections

My BBQ Shrimp, Yum-A!!

  My Mom would make this for me as a little girl. I'd always eat the entire dish myself and I must admit I almost did the same thing last night, well I did save the kids a few. I made sure to fix them something before so they'd be too full to want to over indulge...so selfish I know, Lol 

They were so darn Yum-A!!

1 Lemon(sliced)

3lbs of Raw Shrimp

1tsp of Minced Garlic

1 tbsp of Cajun Seasoning

8oz Italian Salad Dressing

1tbsp of Olive Oil

Preheat oven to 350. Throw all ingredients in a Roaster Pan(Covered). Bake for 7-10 minutes.

Remove cover so it doesn't continue to cook once out of the oven.

Enjoy with French Bread!

I'm a Hero!

  While going through #2's school things, I can across a project that he'd never shown me. It was an autobiography about himself and he did a really good job on. Noticing it was two months old and he'd never asked for help with it, I felt sorta bad. #2 marches by the beat of his own drum, he's hyper and out right gives me the blues most days but he's also very sweet. He's the child that checks on me 2-3 times while I'm in the rest room or the one that's extremely worried about me when I'm sick. Some days I think he doesn't like me much but I know he Loves the crap out of me. Well back to the autobiography, he had to include who his hero was and when I tried to make out the drawing of the person I had to look very good. The words were not to clear but when I finally made it out I almost cried. That hero was me..."My Mom is my Hero" he wrote. I sat there trying to think of what I'd did that would make him feel that way. I'm a SAHM, I don't purchase the coolest sneakers or games. I say "no" more than I say "yes" and I've heard grown-ups say I'm a bit too strict. I asked him was I really his hero and he said Yes and looked at me like...Duh. I must have hugged the poop out of him that day. That moment showed me that although I'm not where I want to be in life, I don't have big house or my dream job yet, but I'M SOMEONE'S HERO DARN IT!

Yes!

  Last week my oldest son tried out for the freshman basketball team at school. This is his first year in high school and although I thought he's be intimidated, I think I'm actually more nervous about him being among tattooed, 6 foot, 200 lb high schoolers than anything else. The tryouts were two days long and they left them hanging over the weekend with no decision being made on Friday. At one point my son was outstanding but he's gotten rusty after not consistently playing AAU and on the local Biddy Team. They say "practice makes perfect" I say "being lazy makes you a bum" harsh I know, but it's true and it's life. After falling off and even being cut once from the team in middle school, I was extremely nervous this time around. I can normally pick my kids up from anything but when it comes to something they love and Mommy having no control over a situation, my hands are pretty much tied. Anyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE sports and I'm especially competitive. So far my children are the same way in nature. When I sent them off to school this morning I asked #1 "Do you have your call phone?" He said yes calmly, almost too calm. I then asked like a little kid "Can you call me as soon as you look at the list He was like "Yea" again too calm for my liking. He got to school early so after an hour of not calling me, I texted him and got no response. It was then that I got an email from the Joel Osteen newsletter that I signed up to receive when Faith was in the NICU. Those emails got me through the days that I had no clear vision in sight. The Daily Word stated: 

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”

(2 Corinthians 1:20, NKJV)

  I believe in signs and this message definitely  brought me a sense of peace. Finally he texted me saying "They haven't put up the list yet." I felt so annoyed but again I was at peace and then five minutes later I got this message from him "Yea i made it" I began to jump around screaming and so did Faith! We danced for a few minutes and then I got on the phone to spread the great news. I'm so excited and happy. With not too many things special going on right now, its simple things like this that can make a Mom like me smile from ear 2 ear. Yes!!!          

Weigh-in Day!

  Today is the day I dread and despite eating Pralines & Popeyes Chicken three days out of the week, I still managed to lose a pound. Last week was a different story, when I weighed-in I was up two pounds. I need to to get it together and stop the emotional eating. With so much going on it's hard to avoid temptation and the cold weather is preventing me from getting out for my daily walks. Posting my weigh-ins are a for sure way to stay on track and it seems as though if I avoid doing it one week then I begin to slack off staying on track. My goal was to get to 165lbs by Thanksgiving, let's see if that happens. I've got 2 weeks!

168.4lbs(Don't know what's wrong with my camera)

One Day Post Election Day

  So glad that the Election is over and done, hopefully we can move forward as one...Ok maybe I'm a dreamer but it makes sense if anyone wants to live a productive and bitter-free life. I cannot imagine all of the friendships that have been severed with this year's Presidential Election. There was so much mud slinging and countless amounts of disrespectful Facebook posts by many of my friends, Democrats and Republicans. It truly doesn't make sense, at least not to me. I just wonder what happened to the days that people voted and kept quiet about who they were voting for. My mother always told me "You never tell who your voting for, it's no one's business but you and that curtain" I still live by that advice. She also warned me never talk politics, religion or money with people. 

  Politics bring out the worst and I guess even the truth in people. Even the Mister and I disagree on certain political points but we've agreed to disagree. Regardless of who won, I still had to wake up this morning and take care of my family, the bills will still roll around and I still have to focus on losing more weight. I cannot and will not consume myself with hate and I wish others felt the same way. We only get 1 Life and 1 Mine, let's preserve both. 1 Love 

Alive and Well

  I've had a few people messaging me about my absence. I've just been taking a much needed break. The new medication is not only slowing down my heart rate, but it's slowing me down. Normally I have tons of energy and bounce around but these days I'm dragging myself to get out of bed. I think it's only temporary because I am feeling better everyday. I've also had a household of sick people so things are just crazy right now, I ready for some normalness (is that a word? lol). Thanks for the concern folks, consider me back. 

No Broken Hearts Please(Updated)

  In a few hours I'll be going to my Cardiologist for the results on my 24-hour heart monitoring and for more tests. Hopefully the "ole ticker" is in good shape and it's only anxiety that's causing my heart to feel like it'll jump right out of my chest at times. Also my pressure is up and down so that's a concern. I've been trying to relax and take it easy but sometimes it feels like there are not enough hours in the day. I guess it's all balance, I'll just have to find it somewhere along the way. Praying for good news.

Update: My stress test came back fine. I do have a leaky valve and have been experiencing tachycardia, meaning sometimes my heart rate is in the 150s when the average adult's heart rate is between 60-100 beats per minute. I'll be starting medication to take care of that. Thankfully it's all minor!

Happy Friday!

  Today I am Guest Blogging at Battling the Home Front. This blog belongs to Jessica, who's husband proudly serves our country overseas. Jessica is seeking coupons to use while overseas due to the high cost of things. If you would like information on that you can contact me and I'll give you information. 

  So, check out my guest post; Son Are Those My Heels Your Wearing? 

Weigh-In Thursday!

  I am very pleased this morning! I got a new scale scale so it could be slightly off by a few ounces, although the weight does correlate with Monday's Doctor's appointment. But to be on the safe side I'll just say 2 more pounds down since last week!

169lbs 8oz

You can also follow my Weight Loss Challenge Buddies:

Just Jenny

Sweeping Mama

Things I Love...

   I awoke this morning down in the dumps. I hate days like this, so I decided to do the first thing that entered my head...pray. I got up feeling better and then it clicked in my head, "if this day is gonna get any better, its up to me to change it." So I marched my butt into the kitchen, made some coffee and ignored the two fighting kids in my background. As my morning progressed things got worst, #2 had a severe tantrum, Faith decided to rip all my coupons in half and I dropped my new iPhone. Regardless I was still determined to shake the devil off. I decided what I needed to do was take a minute, regroup and just stop. I grabbed a tablet and decided to write down the things that I love and bring me happiness, here are a few:

1. I Love to cook, with that being said I also love to eat.

2. I Love to host events and cater to my guest.

3. I love the Fall season.

4. I love to see my son Kobi shoot a basketball.

5. I Love softball and would spend all day playing it in the park with my family or whomever wants to play.

6. I Love HGTV and I can and will watch home improvement shows all day.

7. I Love puppies!

8. I Love to hear my Mother laugh, it's contagious.

9. I Love to hear my Dad cuss it's hilarious.

10. I Love Target and Lowe's, I'd move in if they let me!

11. I Love company and hate to be alone.

12. I Love tattoos.

13. I Love Coffee but just got a warning from the Cardio Dr to quit.

14. I Love to take pics of random things.

15. I Love Faith's gap-toothed smile.

16. I Love Jewelry, not the expensive kind but Etsy jewelry.

17. I Love shopping.

18. I Love to see #2 and "My Little Brownie" dance.

19. I Love to laugh, was told I don't look friendly but I swear if u can make me laugh u'll be my friend 4-eva!

20. I LOVE ME!

If your having one of those "wanna throw a brick days" try the 20 Things I Love, it just might cheer you up.

Bittersweet Moments

  This past weekend I did some serious house cleaning, and I realized the first thing that was in the way was Faith's cradle. I've been using it for the past few months as a "catch all." As much as I loved it, I knew it was time to part with it. It was bittersweet because one year ago it was being assembled in preparation for her homecoming from the NICU. It was very had to see it go, but Faith is becoming a big girl and needs a "big girl' bed now. It's been 6yrs since I had a toddler and I forgot how quickly they grow up. I'm trying to soak up every moment and milestone. I know soon she'll be walking and fending off my hugs and kisses. For now I'm just living in the moment.

                                     

Our lil Pumpkins

  This weekend I decided to skip Garage Sales since I have two "sick chickens" recovering from nasty colds. We stayed in and did crafts, which makes Fall seem so real even though it was about 81 degrees. We attempted the Golden and Zombie Pumpkins and they came out pretty darn cute.

Supplies Needed:

Modge Podge

Paint Brushes

Eye Stickers

Paper Plates

Golden Glitter Sparkles

Weigh-In Thursday

  I stepped on the scale and was pleasantly surprised. I surpassed my weeks goal and I'm extremely proud of myself. I'm totally feeling this Weight Watchers thingy!! Even though I tend to go over my daily allowed points on my emotional days, I do have a hard time getting in all of them sometimes. Feeling great, I'll just need to work on my "soccer mom" attire once I've meet my goal. Four more pounds down!!

Yes, I need a pedicure! 

Male Dancer for Hire

  So Christmas is 69 days away and I so love this season...BUT, how I wish it was tax return season too! Being a SAHM, I try to live frugal and with today's economy who isn't? I've been also trying to teach my kids the value of a buck. As a kid I was given everything I wanted, which backfired on my parents and heck even backfired on me! When the recession hit I darn near lost my mine. Anyways back to Christmas, last week I told the kids to make a list of 3 items that they really wanted. They were like "ONLY THREE THINGS!" so I had to explain they chose three and just maybe they'll get something else. Well they were cool with that until the Mister comes in last night and tells them in his coolest Santa voice "Make a list of what you want for Christmas, anything!" You can imagine how annoyed I was because there is a budget and I know their new request would break it. I was the reminded by him that every year we go the frugal route and the kids rarely get what they want. That is sorta true but at the same time unless we get a surprise stimulus package, things are still tight. Things are tight for a lot of families, so I know many can relate. The holidays are about spending time with family and pigging out to me. The Mister still insists on getting his list, so I laid down the law and explained to him that he'll have to hold true to his promise and that means if he has to go "Shake It" at the Blue Moon part-time, then that's just what he'll do! I'm kiddin...

I'm blogging at My Thirty Spot today!!

  Today I'm a Guest Blogger on My Thirty Spot & Im sooooo excited!! 

Check it out at:  http://www.mythirtyspot.com/search/label/project

                                       

   

Love for 30 Project

  Tomorrow, I'll be a guest blogger on My Thirty Spot(www.MyThirtySpot.com). I'll be writing about my fabulous thirties compared to my twenties. The website is very interesting and one could definitely get lost in all the articles. So please show support and check out the blog and my guest post "Finally at Peace" tomorrow, Oct 15. 

The direct link to the article is: http://www.mythirtyspot.com/search/label/project

  Girl Scouts meeting today so we didn't do Garage Sales. I was not looking forward to the meeting as you've probably read I don't do well sitting and listening for extended periods. As the time past this morning I was almost dreading the meeting. When we arrived I wanted to drop and run but felt like that wasn't the "motherly" things to do although several other mothers did. I didn't think the were "un-motherly" I thought they were smart. Things turned out nice and fun. The girl did some painting which is a favorite past time, so all is well.
   

My "Little Brownie" painting and Gabby Painting.