Sunday, October 24, 2010

Promises

There was a great loss in my family this week.  My cousin's six year old daughter was hit by a car and went home to be with our heavenly Daddy.  It is so tragic, so sad. It was hardest to watch my cousin bury her little girl, and imagine myself in her place. 
Only days before this accident, a friend posed a thoughtful question on facebook.  He asked, "What is it that you fear?"  I knew when I read that what my answer was, and I posted in response "Something happening to my kids."  After seeing my cousin experiencing my worst fear, I know, I never want to have to.
Sarah's death was tragic, but it holds so many reminders to me.  I am so thankful that God has used this event in my life to open my eyes and teach me.  It's really nothing new, but today it feels new.
I have never wanted so badly to hold my little girls and never let them go, to squeeze them so hard that they can't wiggle out of my grasp.  Wow, you think God feels like that about us... yeah, me too.
The little things that used to drive me nuts, are nothing now.  It's a blessing and honor to get to follow my toddler around picking up the cheerios she dropped.  Who cares about how many times a little girl changes clothes in one day.  It is a gift to have her laundry to wash, dry, and put away. And this bitty one kicking and spinning around inside of me as I type, she can just keep doing that.  It's the sign of her life to me, and I can't wait to pick up after her one day too.
Another thing I was reminded of is God's love for us, that while we were still sinners, He sent His son Jesus to die for us.  How wonderful... security.  We don't have to overcome anything, He already did.  Jesus said it himself on the cross, "It is finished."  Done, that's all there is to it. We don't have to do anything, but love and serve Him, and accept Jesus as our savior.  God sent a very special message to me on my way home from the funeral.  I was alone in the car, it had been storming all day, I was crying and singing worship songs along with the radio... then I saw it.





The Brazzell family has a fund set up at Arlington Federal Credit Union if you feel so inclined in your heart to give.  How hard to carry around the expenses of your daughter's funeral while you are trying to grieve.  Any gift is greatly appreciated. 
There was an article on Sarah in the Fort Worth Star Telegram if you would like to read it. 

Please continue to pray for this family. 

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Pie anyone?

This week was a big game for the Rockwall Heath Hawks football team.  It was the I-30 Classic, a showdown between Rockwall's two high schools.  We were a favorite to win, especially in our house.  We headed to the game last night in our red and black.  But alas, the hawks were overcome by the jacket offense.  We lost 51 to 52, sad.
But we did have one winner in our house yesterday.  The girls and I made a trip to the school yesterday morning for the pep-rally.  I thought it would be fun, plus I knew there was going to be a fun surprise.
All week the students had been putting money in jars as a fundraiser.  Mr. James Portis's name was on one of those jars.  And yesterday, he got a pie in the face for it!
Getting pied.

Eating the pie off his face!
This last picture is what makes me so proud of my husband.  The students love him so much that they chose him to get a pie in the face... I know, weird, but that's just how teenagers are I guess.  And, if you notice, he's wearing a football jersey.  That's because each week the football players get to choose a teacher to wear their jersey.  My man has been asked to wear a jersey for like three weeks in a row!  I love that he loves what he does.  I love that he is good at it.  And I love that he is making a difference.
You are my hero babe.

Monday, October 4, 2010

More than just a sticker.

I am excited to share a great product I have found!  I have been sticking them everywhere.  My sister commented the other day that she has seen them on all my stuff!
Well, there's a reason for that.
Mabel's Labels sent me a starter kit of some of their Classic Sticky Labels and I love them!
I have them on sippy cups, lunch gear for the kids, and recently put one on a dish I took to a family reunion.  There is never a mistake as to who the items belong to, the sticker tells you! And as for durability, the sippy cups have been scrubbed over a dozen times.  The label hasn't budged, faded, or worn off a bit.

The company has given me coupons to share with friends, so let me know which products you are interested in and I can pass them along to you.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Long time, no see...

It had been... well, a long time, since we had seen Stoney.  He told us he was making an impromptu trip to San Antonio to visit the most special Mawmaw, and we thought what an opportunity!  We would get to visit him and Mawmaw all at the same time!  Wonderful plan!!!
We couldn't have had a better time than we did that weekend.  It included Mi Tierras, dressing up in Mawmaw's dresses and wigs, and just plain old silliness.  Here are some pics of our time there.
Beautiful Hair Rinnah!

Brothers

The Portis and Burton girls with Mawmaw.

These girls love their Uncle Stoney!!

Rinnah enjoyed her time (eating) with Mawmaw.

Awww, now that's love right there.

Monday, September 27, 2010

KCWC ending

The last few days of this challenge were a bit of a blur, as most of my weekends are.  One day I was not feeling well, another I was in desperate need of groceries and things of that nature.  In all, I really only had a few hours over a four day period to put towards this challenge.  I used my time wisely though, and made four adorable zipper bags found on Dana's blog here.  She does a great job on her tutorials and I absolutely love the pictures she puts along with them.  I ended up using the vinyl in my bags.  It's great for wet things, sticky treats, and makes cleaning a cinch.
 On my first few I made some mistakes and had to rip seams ans start over.  I hate when you get a ruffle backwards, or seams that don't catch.... always puts me in a bad mood.  But once I got the hang of the steps, I could finish one bag in about 15 minutes.  Such a quick and fun gift!  I filled them with some treats and we gave them for presents at the 4 birthdays we had this weekend.
It was fun and I will definitely keep these on the list for future gifts.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

KCWC Day 2 &3

So I am a day behind on posting my progress on this challenge, but I will go ahead and show you what I did yesterday and today.
I made this cute little bow yesterday that didn't actually require any sewing, but it was fun, quick, and cute.
I also measured and cut for a dress that I ended up finishing today.  It was a "spirit" dress for Rinnah to wear so she can support the Heath Hawks!  Go Hawks!!!
This week is homecoming and there are lots of festivities, so I wanted to get it finished for her.  It turned out really cute!  I will include a picture of a few of the other spirit dresses I've made: Selah is wearing her Hawks dress, and the blue Wildcats dress was made for my niece.





I love these three!  The girls watching the parade with Daddy.

Monday, September 20, 2010

KCWC Day 1

The first day of Kids Clothes Week Challenge was a success.
We, as many of you know, found out the gender of the baby today. So, I had a clever idea of a way to have fun with whatever we found out. Now it's not actually worn by the kids, but it represents one of them, so I am counting it in the challenge.

It's a Hamburger!!!!!!!!

 And because I just love to show off my beautiful children................................


Thursday, September 16, 2010

Some pictures...

Since I got my camera back, I decided it's better late than never to post pics. So here are some from our lake trip... Enjoy!









Friday, September 10, 2010

My kind of challenge...

I found this fun challenge on a friend's blog and thought to myself "I can do that!"  So, I have signed up and have great plans of making lots of kids stuff.  By the end of the first day we will know whether this little one growing inside of me is a blue or a pink!  If it's the first, then I have some great ideas to sew for the little guy, I can't wait.
My plan is to post pictures each day what I have worked on...
Speaking of pictures, I will have my camera back by the end of this weekend, yeah, way cool huh!  The people at the cabin company in OK found it and mailed it back to my mom!  God is so awesome!
Sorry, got side tracked.... So look for those posts to hit in about a week.

Monday, August 30, 2010

New

I have added some new blogs to my blog list.  They are some I have been using lately for my sewing inspirations, which I will share more of soon enough.  Keep your eyes on that list and see what they have coming up.  I love their tutorials, so easy to follow and duplicate for someone like me.  I have some ability, just not very good at coming up with the what and how of making some of the things I have in my head. 
Check back in the next few weeks for some posts on my latest creations, I am so proud and excited to be making things!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Coupon organization

Some people have asked about getting started with couponing.  It's so simple to do and really requires such little time when compared to how much you can save.  The first step, for sure, is getting organized!
I have included some photos of my binder... I know, you're thinking "I have to carry around this big binder into the store while I shop?!'  No, you don't have to, but it's so worth it!  And it's fun to count the looks you get, haha.

This is my second binder, my first one busted at the seams.  I am looking for a good one with some good pockets and holders on the inside now that I've gotten so into this.
If I know I am going to be stopping by a store, I load my binder up with me and the kiddos.
Right on the inside you will find my ads and some clear pockets.  The first thing I do when I read an ad is circle with my black sharpie all the good deals, later it's easier to see what coupons to match from my binder.  In the clear pockets I have some envelopes.  One for each store I frequent and one for coupons that need to be filed away.  This helps me to be able to see everything right away.  In each store envelope I include a shopping list along with the corresponding coupons.



In a separate clear folder I keep all my CVS coupons from their "special" machine and my ECBs.  If your unfamiliar with the ECB concept check out this post from a fellow couponer.  I have to say this is my favoritest way to save money... almost always guarantees some free products!

Then you get to the meat of the binder... the coupons!  I use baseball card pages.  You can get them almost anywhere now.  I think I got mine at Target and WalMart... had to restock.
After you cut the coupons out, they fit pretty nicely, although you can tell from this picture some need to be folded.  That's fine, the important thing it that you can tell what product it is, the value, and the expiration.  I have seen some binders that put cut index cards so you can use both sides of the page.  Great idea, I just don't do that.

When organizing your tabs, do what works for you.  I use categories.  So, I have cleaning items as you see in the picture, baby items, cold foods, meat, condiments, canned goods, bake goods, Target... and it goes on for a while.  I read where one lady did hers alphabetically.  The key is you know your mind and what works for you.  There's no right or wrong way.




So, that's it, in a nut shell.  So simple.  The most important thing to remember is to do what works for you.  No one told me to use the clear folders in the front, but I do it because it helps me to organize everything.
I hope this helps with any questions you have about getting started.  Gotta start somewhere... so go get a binder and some card holders and start clipping already!
A friend of mine has a great blog where she posts her great deals... Here is a post that will help you get started.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

CVS for $1.44

So, I haven't posted a shopping trip in a while because I haven't had much luck!  But tonight I got some great deals, and to be honest I wasn't really planning on it, haha.
I ran into CVS with my binder and the need for some diapers.  The day before I had use their machine and gotten a $4 off Q for Huggies Jean diapers, and then the register spit out a $5 off $15 Q.  So I had an idea of what I was going for.... Things just got really confusing when I couldn't find any jeans diapers, so I just grabbed a package of regular Huggies (tag said $11) and then went searching for something to make my $15.  I didn't find my first choice, so I just kind of roamed the aisles for a minute.  Then I came across the Dawn.  On for $.97, I knew I had some Qs in my binder for them, so I grabbed 3 and headed to pay.  I was sure that would add up.
The lady at the front was so nice to call the manager to see if they would honor my Q for the jeans diapers, and he actually found me a pack, so that ended up working for me... and actually the jeans diapers rang up $8.99.  Well, that just meant I needed more items to make my $15.  I remembered that I had gotten a pretzel m&m Q when I walked in, which were on sale buy 2 get 1 free.  I grabbed 3 of those and one more Dawn... that did it with just $.12 over.
Then came all the Qs:
Huggies $8.99 (used $4 CVS and $2 Man)
4 Dawn $.97 each ($1 and 3 $.25 Qs)
M&Ms $.89 and B2GO ($.50 CVS Q)
Plus the $5 off CVS Q
Total OOP $1.44
I was very proud!  I raised my arms in victory as I made my way back to the car, and my man just giggled at me (he secretly loves it).
Sorry this was so long, but I just wanted to show that having a plan and an idea really is best for an in and out trip.  That way you don't spend so much time searching for the deals like I ended up doing.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Beaver's Bend trip

Last weekend we spent a few days in Beaver's Bend, Oklahoma.  Selah kelp calling it "Uncle Homa", haha.  She also thought that the only reason we were there was for a big birthday celebration for Pop, my dad.  His birthday was last week, and she connected the two and we all made it an ongoing joke.  And yes, Daddy, your birthday week is over.
So, my parents rented this great little cabin, we had all the food we could eat, and my uncle brought his boat for the lake.  We had a great time!  I can't even think of all the fun or especially funny things that happened (as they always do when this group is together), but it was just a blast!  Unfortunately, I got home with out my camera, and I am just heartbroken about it.  I had some great pics of the trip, but thank goodness I had already gotten all the other pictures off.  So I am just going to give you the low down of some of the best things that happened:
1. Selah tubed behind the boat for the first time... and loved it!!  I got a great video of this, but it's on the camera that I no longer have. boo.
2. The lake was like bath water almost, which is great for me.  I can't stand cold water, so if it were colder I wouldn't have gotten in.
3. We had some great homemade meals thanks to some wise women... us, haha!  We pre-made all our meals and froze them at home.  When we were ready to eat them at the cabin they had already thawed in the fridge and were ready to heat in the oven.  Great meals with no clean up!
4. Had some laughs when the power went out one evening.  It was just starting to get unbearably hot when it all came back on.
5. We went to this fun little shop called "Girls Gone Wine" and had fun just looking through their merchandise.  They also have free wine tasting there, with  some very different flavors.
6. Did I mention we spent a lot of time at the lake.  While some people went on the boat the rest of us would just relax and swim off the bank.  That's where we found all the treasure.  Two pair of sunglasses, one hat, goggles, and countless rocks, sticks, and beer bottles.
7.  Family time!  That was one of the best parts of this whole trip.
8. The greatest part of all was seeing the amazing creation of God's in this Park and lake.  As we were driving through the State Park Selah said the best thing, and those are the words I will leave you with.
"Look at all of God's beautiful creation, wow!"

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Photo Comparison

Here is a comparison of the girls, Selah (in the top picture) is 16 months and Rinnah ( in the bottom picture) is 13 months.  I think they look so much alike.  They have so many of the same facial expressions.  Love those girls!

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Tube Dudes!

Weeks ago we went to the library for a special event, they had a puppet show.  And it was so cute!  Selah loved it, laughed the entire time.  Since then she has been asking to make tube dudes, on of the puppets this guy had (it was his special name for them).  Well, the other day we finally did it and I got some cute pics of her and Daddy making their very own tube dude!  Rinnah even got in on the craft time a bit too, until she started eating the pencil.  Once the puppets were created, they wowed me with an adorable show!  She has been playing with them ever since.
Selah with all the materials.




   



Rinnah drew her own picture.                          




Selah and Daddy working hard to create the perfect tube dude.
                            





                                                                                                          

Tube Dude show at the Portis Home!

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Rinnah- Already 1!!

My precious little girl, so much fun, so happy, so curious and inquisitive... I can't believe you are already One year old!

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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Dance lessons for Selah

A lady at our church has been a dance teacher for years and has decided to offer free dance classes this summer at the church.  Yes, I said FREE!  We thought this would be a great opportunity for Selah to see if it's something she may want to do with out us having to spend a fortune, because for those of you who don't know, it is sooooo expensive to put your kids in dance! 
The first class, she did so good.  I loved watching her!  She tried to do the things Miss Sarah was teaching her, but her awkward little body just wouldn't obey.  The next class was a bit tougher, she is learning the things she doesn't like to do and runs over to tell me she doesn't like that and wants to sit with me.  We are talking now about committing and participating.  I really want her to understand that she can't do things half-way, and I think she is getting it.  This last class was better and she is even getting the moves down better too.
Her favorite part of the class is at the end.  Miss Sarah brings all the girls into a small circle an talks to them about worshiping God with dance.  Then she turns the lights down and turns on some praise music and the girl just worship.  Awesome!
Now, enjoy some of her beautiful movements in still: