Friend Makin' Monday & A Thankful Heart...all wrapped into one!

I NEVER do this.  EVER.  I'm posting twice today.  This just doesn't happen on Jenny Kate's Spot.  So, mark this day down.  I already linked up to McLinky Monday over at The RHOK with my favorite Thanksgiving food and recipe. Then, I read the message from Becca on Facebook saying that she was hosting FMMs and wanted everyone to post and stop by and link up...I always try to help out my bloggy friends when I can.  Besides, I love FMMs and miss them when I don't participate.  It's how I've met some incredible blogging friends!  I tried to think of a creative way to combine McLinky Monday, FMM, AND 25 Days of Thankful (with Shawn)...but I just couldn't do it.

With this post, I'll be able to link up to FMMs being hosted by Becca @ The Texas Darlings 

and 25 Days of Thankful hosted by Shawn @ Seriously Shawn

Becca asked us to list what we are specifically thankful for in 2010...our Top 10 of 2010, which falls right into Shawn's 25 Days of Thankful!

Here's my Top 10 of 2010...

One - My family.  I love them so much.  Anytime I have a bad day or things are going rough, I remember that I have them to come home to and all is right with the world.

Two - Fun times.  I love to have fun.  Life is too short to be boring.  So, I'm thankful for all of the fun I've had in 2010.  

Three - House Addition. I'll post an update this week!  Pinkie promise.

Four - Twilight.  I know this sounds crazy and a little far-fetched for some of you, but it has brought a lot of great things/people/experiences into my life.

Five - My extended family.  I'm the oldest of 15 grand kids and I am so close to my cousins, aunts, and uncles.  I don't know what I would do without them.

Six - My friends.  I love them so much.  They mean the world to me.  They talk me down from "ledges", tell me it's OK to have chocolate when the world has me down, support my addictions, and keep me sane.  

Seven - Reading!  I love my books and I'm especially thankful for the ones that change my life, make me think, and give me a different perspective.

 Remember this?

Eight - Blogging.  What would I do without all of my friends who live in my computer?!

Nine - Coffee. You knew this would have to make the list, right? I've gotta have my Starbucks!

Ten - My church.  I'm over the children's department at church and I love it...love me kiddos and my church family.

What are you thankful for?

Stop by The Texas Darlings or Seriously Shawn today and link up with a Thankful post!

Friend Making Monday

Friend Making Mondays is hosted by Amber, who has a fabulous new blog design.  You definitely need to stop by her blog...and join in FMMs.  It's fun!  You won't be sorry.

This week's topic is...

List 5 things {aside from the obvious} that you love.

easy-peasy-japanesy

Sushi.  This is a new discovered love affair.  I always thought it would be fishy and disgusting.  Not true.  I love it.  I could eat it everyday.

Thunderstorms.  I am a true Okie.  I am a bad weather junkie.  We live in what has been dubbed "tornado alley" and it doesn't even freak me out.  I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm not just itching for a tornado to reap havoc anytime soon.  I have seen the devastation first-hand.  However, I just can't help get a little giddy on a warm summer evening when there is a storm brewing.  Michael and I stand out in our front yard and we analyze.  It's good times.

iCarly.

I love Sam.  Sam loves ham.  If I was like 12, I would have a crush on Freddie...but since I am 12+20, I can't say that.  Last weekend, we had spaghetti tacos.

When Isaiah isn't in school.  I know.  I'm weird.  Most moms love when their kiddos are in school.  Don't get me wrong, I love school and education is close to my heart.  I just really love when Isaiah can be out of school and be with me.  I'm counting down the days until summer break!

Venti Iced Mochas from Starbucks with 1/2 the pumps of chocolate, skim milk, and no whip. This is my go-to drink during the warmer months.  LOVE love LOVE it!

What are 5 of your favorite things?

Go join in FMMs with {aefilkins} (Click HERE)

All pictures from Google Images

Friend Makin' Monday - Easter Edition

Amber at {aefilkins} wants us to tell about our favorite part of Easter for this weeks FMMs.

Well, my favorite part of Easter was...ALL of IT!  We had the best day. 

I had lots of fun stuff planned for my kiddos at church.  We talked about Jesus' crucifixtion, death, and resurrection while we made Resurrection Cookies...each ingredient represents a part of the Easter story.  It was very effective.  Then we had an indoor Easter Egg Hunt.  The kids loved it.  They each had to find the eggs with their name on it.

After church, we had lunch and an Easter Egg Hunt at my Granny's.  I love my family.  There is always good food, good conversation, good music, and fun times.

Hope everyone had a HAPPY EASTER!

John 3:16 "For God so LOVED the world that he gave His ONE and ONLY Son.  That whosoever believes in HIM shall NOT perish, but have EVERYLASTING LIFE!"  My Redeemer Lives!

Friend Makin' Monday - I ♥ SPRING!

1. Favorite things about Spring:  What is NOT to love about spring...newness, rebirth, green, blooms, fresh dirt, gardening, being outdoors.
2. What I'm doing for Spring Break:  We just had Spring Break.  Isaiah hung out with me at work most of the time.  We went to some of our favorite restaurants and hang out spots.  Friday we went to the Aquarium.  It was fun!

3. Favorite Spring flower: daffodils

4. Do you have a garden? Yes, a flower garden.  I'm wanting to till up a vegetable garden out at my mom and dad's farm this year.  I get the feeling that I'm a little behind, but I think I'll go ahead and give it a try.  This year's harvest may not be the best, but it will be a start.

5. If so, what do you grow. In my flower garden, I usually have petunias, begonias, vincas, and verigated grasses.  When I eventually plant a real garden, I'll definitely plant cucumbers, potatoes, onions, corn, green beans and beets...oooooo, and strawberries.

6. Do you do Spring cleaning?  Yes, usually.  At the very least, I do spring organizing and purging. 

7. What is your weather *really* like right now? {Just b/c it's "officially" spring, doesn't mean that it feels like it for some of you}  Well, yesterday and Saturday were just plain dreary...snow, blowing cold winds, ice.  Yuck.  However, today is a whole new story, 60's and sunshine!  Hello, Spring!

8. Snapped any weather related photos lately? Share one with us!

Happy FIRST Day of Spring!

9. What's your favorite thing to do on a sunny afternoon? take a walk, play at the park with Isaiah, soak up some natural vitamin d...a total mood booster.

10. Favorite TV show right now?  Ugly Betty.  I'm so sad that it's in the final season.  Boo.

I hope everyone is having a better Monday than me.  Tuesday has GOT to be better. ♥

Go see Amber for more FMMs!!

I'm Doing...Friend Makin' Monday

I am...having a Twilight/New Moon Giveaway on my blog right now...go HERE to comment and enter!

I think...I'm ready for Spring.
I should...be working instead of blogging.
I dream...in color and about weird things...often related to what I'm reading when I fall asleep (achem...Twilight)
I want...my whole family to know Christ and for the world to be at peace.
I know...random things. 
I don't like...mean people.  They suck.
I smell...a baked apple pie candle that I bought from the Calvary Boys Ranch.
I hear...the copier going.
I fear...loss.

I usually...have Pocket Edward close by.

I search...the web for info about RPattz/Twilight/NewMoon/Eclipse/Taylor/KStew/cute clothes/cute shoes/things with zebra print/birdies for my bathroom/random things.

I miss...my Grandpa Norman.  He went to be with Jesus earlier this year.  My niece, Gracie, her and my step-brother moved back to Washington.  My cousin, Lindz, because she lives in ATL...and she should come home! Just my PO. Friends who I haven't seen in TOO long or friends I've never seen in person before...I still miss them.
I always...burp.  I know, real lady like.  I'm just keepin' it real people.
I regret...nothing.  I live with no regrets.  I truly believe that EVERYTHING happens for a reason.
I wonder...what Edward and Bella are doing right now?
I crave...Starbucks.  I know coffee isn't a common thing people crave, but it's what I crave.
I remember...moments of extreme emotions.  I usually can remember everything...smells, scenes...what I was wearing, who I was with...etc.
I need...more sleep.  I hate this time change bizness.
I forget...what it was like before Isaiah came along.

I feel...distracted.
I can...do all things.
I can't...is not in my vocabulary. :)
I am happy...when others are happy.
I lose...my Social Security card.  I never can find that thing when I need it.
I sing...in the car...very loudly.
I listen...to a little bit of everything...Kari Jobe, Consumed By Fire, Casting Crowns, Beyonce, Jay-Z, T.I., Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Warren G, Tone Loc
I shop...frequently.  I love shopping at Coach, Target, Khol's, and White House Black Market.
I eat...pretty healthy.  Sometimes I slip off the wagon on the weekends, but I usually hop right back on come Monday morning.
I love...this time of year...Come on, Spring!

Go Check out Amber's blog for more Friend Makin' Monday posts!!  (Click HERE)

Friend Makin' Monday

For today's FMMs, Amber asked us to fill out this writing prompt from The Simple Woman's Daybook

I've seen this meme on other people's blogs before, but have never done one myself. I always enjoy reading them though. So, here goes...

Outside my window...the sun is shining and the sky is blue. You would think that it's a breezy summer day from inside, but the tree outside my window proves different with it's bare limbs.

It's very deceiving.

I am thinking...about my week and all I have to accomplish. Making my lists.

I am thankful...for everything. Just waking up this morning was a huge blessing.

I am praying...for Haiti, a friend of a friend who is battling cancer, finances to do some things I want to do this year with our house, a good productive week.

I am reading...Twilight (again), Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado

I am creating...a big mess of papers on my desk. Need to get organized.

From the kitchen...I put on a new (slightly altered) WW recipe in the crock pot this morning - Slow Cook Chicken Burritos. I'll let you guys know how they taste.

Around the house...I'm PURGING! Getting rid of things. Giving things away. Organizing.

One of my favorite things...getting a mani and a pedi...which I got last night.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Finish some projects in the evenings. Girls Night on Saturday.

Go over to Amber's blog to join in FMMs! (Click HERE)

Friend Makin' Monday

How was your Thanksgiving? Did you remember to count your blessings?? My Thanksgiving was super fab. I got to spend Thanksgiving Day with my big 'ol family. Friday I was in Black Friday shopping bliss. Saturday we went to Bedlam (aka OU vs. OSU) game. There was a little snafu. I'll tell more later. BUT my Sooners won...it was a shut-out! Can you say "BOOMER SOONER"?? Saturday night we had Thanksgiving at my in-laws. It was a really great long weekend and I'm counting down the days until Christmas! Pocket Edward joined me on some of my ventures over the weekend...I'll share some pics in a post later this week. Now on to today's FMMs.

Miss Amber over at {aefilkins} hosts Friend Makin Mondays. I haven't joined in the fun in a few weeks, so I'm back! If you don't participate, you should. It's a fabulous way to get to know your fellow bloggy friends and make new bloggy friends...and don't we all want more bloggy friends?! They're what make our bloggy world go 'round. Without further ado, here's this week's FMM task:

1. Favorite website: hmmm...there are so many. I would say the one's I'm on the most are Blogger and Facebook...and my Twilight blogs.

2. Favorite color: red

3. Facebook? Yes, I do. Jenny Altman. Look me up.

4. Favorite Christmas song? I have two. Silent Night and The Christmas Song

5. Christmas tree: Real or fake? Fake because I like to leave my tree up too long.

6. Hottest celebrity? It's a toss up between Rob Pattinson and Taylor Lautner

7. Favorite restaurant? PF Chang's

8. Favorite magazine? For my latest Twilight news and covers - Entertainment Weekly and Fantasy Films. For crafts and domestic ideas - Real Simple and Family Living. For parenting - Parenting. I'm a magazine junkie.

9. Favorite thing to drink around the holidays? Starbucks' Peppermint Mocha

10. Favorite Christmas movie? This is a toughy. I like so many. My top favs are Miracle on 34th Street, It's a Wonderful Life, Christmas Vacation, The Grinch, and A Christmas Story..."you'll shoot your eye out!"

Join in to FMMs at {aefilkins}!

Hope everyone has a marvelous Monday!!

Friend Makin' Monday

It's Friend Makin' Monday over at {aefilkins}!

This week's topic comes courtesy of Kenz at All the Weigh.

If life were a movie, which movie would you want to live in?

I know you guys think I'm going to say this...




BUT that would just be sooooo predictable of me. Plus, as much as I love the twisted love of Bella, Edward, and Jacob; I would not want that decision...do you pick the hott-hot-blooded-phaser or the HOTT-cold-blooded-blood-sucker?? Any girl would be lucky to have just ONE person love her as much as Jacob and Edward love Bella...let alone TWO.

I'm a huge fan of all tragic love stories like Romeo and Juliet...but I'm not a fan of the dying part.

I think my top pick would have to be this...



I love the character of Emma Woodhouse. Emma is my favorite Jane Austen book and the interpretation of the book on the big screen is an all time favorite of mine as well. Gwenyth Paltrow plays Emma. She is a strong independent woman. She thinks she never wants to marry, but she finds an unexpected love in Mr. Knightley. I LOVE unexpected love...oh, and I would love love love to live in the 1800's.

What movie would you want to live in? Go on over to Amber's and play along!

Friend Makin' Monday

It's Monday! I'm feeling like it's a "manic Monday"! Seriously, I've experienced all the stupidness I can for one day! I've spilt coffee, ran late, my computer broke, waited 10 minutes while people "rubber-necked" looking at a small "finder-bender"...seriously people, move on...NOTHING TO SEE HERE! My husband has text me TEN times today regarding calling the pest control people because he thinks we might have termites. I'M AT WORK! I mean, I realize he is too, but geez! OK, sorry...no more ranting from me...only puppy dogs and rainbows from here on out.

Amber over at {aefilkins} hosts Friend Making Monday. If you've never joined in, you should! Don't you like making friends? Okay, then what are you waiting for?

Today's topic: Craigslist - what have you purchased? what's the best deal you've ever got? etc.

Ok, well, I'm not a huge Craigslist-er, but I'm surrounded by them! All of my co-workers are big time Craigslist people...and freecycle and ebay...and all those other .com places. Honestly, the only thing I've ever tried to sell on Craigslist was a pair of NKOTB tickets. They didn't sell. I had to put them on eBay. So, I guess until I really "hit the big one" and walk away with some amazing thing for next to nothing, I won't be a big Craigslist person. My co-workers have got some awesome stuff like...free oriental rug, free headboard and footboard for a queen bed, a NICE black real leather couch for $100! Amber has got some pretty sweet deals too, so go check them out and all the other FMM's at {aefilkins}.

Now for a few awards...

Thank you, Macey for this Kreativ Blogger award! Man, it just totally makes my day when I get fun awards from fellow bloggers! Macey's blog, Living in France, it SUCH a fun blog. She is a HOOT! Always good for a laugh and a walk on the lighter side of life.


I'm supposed to tag 7 bloggers who I think are "kreativ"! That should be easy, right?, but it's hard to choose JUST 7!!!

1. Tanielle - she's always up to something "kreativ" and crafty!
2. Becca - I think she's so clever for having her kiddos collect a postcard from ALL 50 states this summer!
3. Vivienne - The best, most humorous story-teller EVER!
4. Rebeckah - This girl is the most talented photographer! She really knows how to capture the moment...she's also a beautiful person...on the inside and out!!
5. Kelli - She has a Cricut...and I'm jealous. :) I love her posts, her blog is a breath of fresh air...always doing something crafty...stamping, paper crafts...you name it!
6. Carrie - What a talented girl! She is so good at turning nothing into SOMETHING! She's crafty and so great and re-doing things and giving them life again! You've got to see her little boy's nursery!
7. JenJen - I LOVE hostessing and Jennifer is an amazing hostess. The parties she throws are DIVINE! I have her Twilight party from last year bookmarked in my favorites. It's like my go-to guide for planning my New Moon party. :)

Thanks to Shawn@ Seriously for this bloggy award. Her blog is such a fun read. She tells very humorous stories about her girls and hubby. She has such wit and spunk. I just lover her. She said this blog award reminded her of Twilight...imagine that my blog came to mind. Hmmm. :P

Thanks for the award, Shawn! I love bloggy awards! I'm supposed to pass it on to 4 deserving bloggers. As far as I'm concerned, all the bloggers I follow are TOTALLY deserving. It's always so hard to pick just 4! However, I know that if I don't pick 4, then the award basically "dies off", so in hopes of keeping this nifty blog award going, I award this to:

1. Michelle at Tickled Pink and Fabulous - she shares my deep love for Twilight (she's even been to FORKS!) and I really do think she is FABULOUS!!
2. Connie @ The Young and The Relentless - holy moley, she is HILARIOUS! I love this girl. Her Vlogs are the best!
3. Xazmin (pronounced HA-z-mean...in case you were wondering) @ This is the Year - she doesn't love Twilight, but she loves Angel and Spike from Buffy...and I love her! :) (ps I'm working on converting her over to the Twilight Side.)
4. Shortmama @ Family of Shorts - she is great and she's keepin' it real! I love reading her blog. Plus, she has some good meme's (you know where write a post related to a topic, copy and past a cute little button and link up...that's a meme:)
   

Hope everyone is having a great Monday!!

Friend Makin' Monday! ♥

It's FMMs over at {aefilkins}, who is expecting a new addition come May 2010! (you should run over there and congratulate her! Congratulations, Amber!!)


This week on FMMs we're discussing our FAV FAB FALL shows (that I am personally anxiously awaiting...I've already got my DVR set!)

So, Amber wants to know -

Since fall is {almost} in full swing, you know what that means!

Season premiere week is right around the corner!!

What are some of your favorite fall shows?

Fall is my FAV season for TV! All my shows premier sometime from September to October. I've got the DVR set and I'm preparing for less sleep. I usually have to watch the DVR'd version after Isaiah hits the hay. So, I'm usually up WAY past my bedtime, but it's oh-so-worth it! I love me some good TV.

Ugly Betty, who wouldn't love this show?! Betty is so real and human...and NOT perfect. I LOVE her! I secretly want her and Daniel to be together. I'm so sad that Daniel lost Molly and it seems that Betty can never catch a break. They would be so perfect together. Besides, she already loves taking care of him. It's so cute. Ahhhh. Amanda and Marc just top it off. They're so sneaky and snotty and just down-right nasty...and I LOVE them! October 9 @ 8/7c! I can't wait!

Grey's...what's to say? We all know and love this show, right? If you don't, then you SHOULD! It's the best. My question hanging from last season is will Izzy live or die? In my opinion, she has to live. How can you have Grey's and NOT have Izzy? I'm very very sad that George is making his exit. I cried a river on the season finale. I can't wait until the season premier...I've GOT to know what is going on at Seattle Grace!! September 24 9/8c!

PRIVATE PRACTICE! LOVE this show! I love Addison and her revolving love life. I really want SWAT guy back! He was hott! I'm anxiously awaiting to see what happens to Violet and her baby! I can't believe that these crazzzzy TV producers think it's ok to leave a person hanging for so many month...wondering if someone lives or dies...does the crazy lady take the baby...what happens to Violet? It's all too much really. I feel like writing them a piece of hate mail, but fortunately for them, the new season is about to begin! October 1 (my birthday! Happy Birthday to ME!) @ 10/9c!

Dancing with the Stars = hot guys with no shirts (like Maksim)!!! WOOT! I'm always appauled at some of the "stars" they get to come on this show...really? WHO ARE YOU??...and you're HOW OLD? Paahhhleeeaaassee! However, the few talented stars and the hot hot professionals make up for some of that. Plus, the old geezers always provide good entertainment...a chuckle here and there. I say bring back Cloris!

Click on HERE for a complete list of the fall television lineup!

Hope everyone has a mah-velous Monday!♥

Friend Makin' Monday is BAAAACCKKK!

I was just thinking this morning that I WISH there was a Friend Making Monday post to do...and, well, wishes really do come true! The wonderful fabulous Amber at {aefilkins} is hosting FMMs while Kasey is taking a bloggy break (we all need those from time to time).

Today's Theme:

Top 10 Things I Loved About This Summer

1. Michael doing most of the cooking on the grill. Thanks, babe. :)

2. Cookouts at the farm. (Is it bad that my first 2 favs revolve around food and eating?)

3. Not having to get Isaiah up and around for school. He's not a morning person, but he has been doing a fabulous job so far since he started kindergarten! ILY♥

4. Family Reunions...the Barney's representin'. We're so hard-core.

5. Visits from friends

and getting this tattoo...

6. The slip-n-slide!

Michael slippin' or trippin' on the slip-n-slide!

Isaiah slippin' like a pro.

and one of my fav shots from this summer...

The Crack Shot

(he'll hate me for this one day)


7. WICKED! By far the BEST musical EVER!!! If it comes to your local PAC, GO SEE IT!!!

8. Meeting up with my friends for Starbucks at my favorite locale. :)

9. Isaiah taking his first trip to Grammy and Papaws. I know it sounds crazy that this would be on my "favs" list, but it was a real growing moment for me. He had so much for, so how could I not LOVE that!

10. Our Colorado vacation, where we had the best time and met up with some great friends and really really enjoyed ourselves.

What a GREAT summer!

What is your TOP 10 of the summer?

Go join in on FMMs over at Amber's blog!

Hope everyone has a mah-velous Monday!