Cherry Baby Shower - "Oh Baby"

This past weekend our family hosted a baby shower for my cousin, Stacey. My aunt has a beautiful home with a view of the ocean and hills in Laguna Niguel. We didn't need many decorations which was a good thing since there is nothing out there for a cherry themed party. Any type of party. I decided to make cherries and little "Oh Baby" signs that my sister added a nice touch to. I somehow became the coordinator of this shower since my sister is busy planning her wedding and day dreamin' of someone far far away, lol. So, I took it over and ran with it. Hectic, stressful and unorganized until the last minute. I thought it turned out great in the end and it was exactly what my cousin wanted. The family chipped in with food, sandwiches and salads. My aunt got some games together and we were ready to go.

The mommy-to-be

The most scrumptious cherry cupcakes. I made these with my own rendition of cherry cupcake and Paula Dean's Cherry frosting recipe.

There was a sweet treat in one of the cupcakes...

My grandma found the sweet treat... a little plastic baby.

What a perfect setting, right?

The tables, not very baby showerish which is exactly what I wanted! =)

I got the "Oh Baby" from a stamp that I used on the invites. We carried the theme throughout...

Onesie section that my aunt setup. My sister and I made the cutouts with the baby's name.

The spread!

This is my aunt who is 89 years old and acts like she's 55! ;) My beautiful Grandma is to the right.

**DISCLAIMER**

The following picture is so gross, but this should help those that love the poopy diaper game.

Please, please, let's put this game in the past... I think it's run it's course. Especially now since the new fad is co-ed showers. Men can't help themselves!

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It was a perfect day! Family makes it exciting and it's even funnier to see people that are not in your family watch the antics.

Do you want to know a secret? I hate cherries. There cute, but they taste... ugh. =)

300th Post

I've been fretting over the 300th post since about... 20 post ago... but I've decided it's just not worth it. The big "300th post" party will have to wait until 350! I'll make sure it is worth the wait =).

As of now, I am so swamped, like I said before, and I don't have time to really think of anything else but an upcoming baby shower, out of state trip, wedding showers, wedding, new duties at church... everything is happening at the same time. Lots of planning and dealing with life. Oh so fun.

I am so tired and wish for a break, but I don't see that happening anytime soon. Thank the Lord I can count on HIM to give me the sound mind and energy I need. He NEVER fails.

Bittersweet Thoughts

The last couple of months have been life changing and the months to come will bring even more changes. Good and bad. Bittersweet changes.

My sister, by dearest friend, is leaving on a journey all her own. Far, far away from me and everything she's ever known. She can't wait while we (most of my family and I) hold back the feeling of despair and sadness. Wow, this is a gloomy post. I should have warned you before you got this far. =)

She is the closest person to me and I am the closest person to her. But it won't be like that in a matter of weeks. Someone else will take that place and I could not be happier... yet I can't help but be sad for the changes that life brings.

I'll give more details as time goes on, but for now, things are so busy and there really isn't much to post about. So if I disappear, you know where I went. You can keep up with me on my Twitter updates to the right... whoever invented this deserves an extra piece of cake.

Oh yes, do you like my new format? I wasn't sure about the three columns but it's growing on me...

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In other parts of my life...

I'm currently working on:

• My 300th post (not too exciting lol)
• Planning a baby shower for this Saturday and I'm so unorganized
• Fighting the strep virus that I think is knocking on my door

That's my life today.

Blog Shmlog

I am not a fickle person. You can ask my family, they will vouch for this. BUT one thing that I am beyond fickle about is my blog design. Just thinking about it makes me tense. What is it that makes me so irritated? I think I change it so much because it's the one thing that I can change and not worry about the opinions of others since I know that my faithful blog buddies will always come back even if the page is changed every.single.week (I'm not that bad, yet).

I stumbled on a site last year and have been obsessed, not stalkerish but obsessed no less, with the designs of this person. Her blog makeovers are sought after by anyone who loves pretty, chic blogs. I want to get a blog makeover so bad, but this is one thing that I can't do! It's that extra money that you need for something else. It's not very expensive but if I'm going to do it I want the best. Maybe I should just settle...

ANYWAY! I am changing my header for the gazillionth time because I can't stand the one that is up (the daffodil one). Back to the fickle issue. I loved it when I made it and days after I couldn't stand it. Fickle.

I said ALL that to say this... If you want to be in a contest for a blog makeover, click the below button and leave a comment for the Design Girl. You will love her designs and maybe one of us will win. **crossing my fingers for me** Okay, you too!

I love you Disney

I came across an old Disney video of an attraction that was removed a long time ago... Can I go down memory lane for this post? I must share this with you because if you haven't seen Captain EO, took a trip on the People Mover or sat through The Country Bear Jamboree... you missed out.

My Disneyland
I grew up at Disneyland. Literally. I've said this before, but I'm going to say it again. My mom and dad bought us passes ever year growing up. We would go 2 to 3 times a week. Sometimes after school for dinner and one ride or show. We usually went on Pirates of the Caribbean, the Jungle Cruise, It's a Small World, saw The Country Bears or Captain EO after dinner at the French Market or The Blue Bayou, Our favorite restaurant.

I miss the good ol' days of Captain EO. I remember sitting in the theater with my 3D classes on, peeking through as the scary parts came on and trying to touch the little animals as they came up to your face. It was always cold in the theater and when we left I always had a good "the world is right" feeling. Even to this day I can hear the ending song and feel warm and fuzzy. I think it was the idea of evil conquering good ( <-My sister pointed this out... lol) GOOD conquering EVIL... I'm sure it had nothing to do with *Michael Jackson.
Part 1

Part 2


The people mover was also another great attraction that I miss!


The Country Bear Jamboree... sigh... I miss it so much! Why oh why did they have to stop this?
Part 1


What were some of your favorite past time or present time Disney rides, attractions and restaurants? I'm curious to know...

It's another Birthday...

Today is my little brother's 24th Birthday. I woke up this morning and couldn't believe that he is 24... where has the time gone? It makes me sad to think that next year will be here before we know it and again I'll be saying, where has the time gone?

My little brother is an incredible person. He's the sweetest "kid" you'll ever meet with the biggest heart of anyone I know. He's strong, stubborn, and loving. All those traits make up this incredible person that he is. He is the bestest friend anyone could ask for.

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Dave, I wish nothing but the VERY best that God has for you. I can't wait to see what this next year holds for you...I believe, without a doubt, that there are great things on the way. I love you very much. ~ Deb

David and I

My (silly) brother and his beautiful girlfriend, Steph

Wedding Weirdness

Wedding talk has overtaken our vocabulary these past couple of weeks. When you google wedding anything, sometimes you stumble on strange things. Very strange disturbing things.

The strangest wedding party out there... The minister is the one with half red hair.

The cheapest wedding cake

The dead dolphin cake that will make you gag

The cake your 8 year old MUST have ordered for you

The redneck wedding

Dead animal cake

Who makes this stuff?

All I can say is, people have such eclectic taste... and they have to show it in one of the most important days of their lives. Thankfully I have never had a dead carcass cake or had to sit through a camo wedding.

If you want to see really bad and sometimes LOL funny cakes, go here. I love this site.

I love this day! Irish roots are strong and celebrated in our family.

We will have our Irish dinner tonight just like last years. Corned beef and cabbage with potatoes and "Green Stuff" for dessert.

I am proud to be IRISH!

MEN - Sometimes we CAN live without them

"Men can't live with them and can't live without them" - Who came up with this saying??

There is something so appealing to the eye as walking by the men's bathroom while it.is.in.use. I know this because the door is open... not just the outside door but the stall door. HELLO!

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"To the men who use this facility..."

"From the women who have to walk past!"

It's Expensive being a Teacher

It's that time of the year... School Fundraisers.

I teach the most incredible kids at SCWC. I love them and they know it... The whole "I just can't say no" applies here.

What do you do when you see this smiling up at you with a fundraiser book in one hand and a list of what prizes they will get if they sell the most in the other?

You buy whatever is cheapest... or at least I do. When there are 30 kids, you can't afford to buy what you really want.

This is what I got back over the last year.

Magazine Subscription: I think I read one issue and started handing them off to a family member - BAD CHOICE

Holiday Ribbon Organizer: I think this ended up in the trash - BAD CHOICE

Silicon Cupcake Holders: These are collecting dust on my nightstand... why on the nightstand? I have no idea - BAD CHOICE

Girl Scout Cookies: I got these last night. At church. In front of the youth and kids. These were the one thing that I was looking forward too. Obviously everyone else was too - BEST CHOICE

Let me elaborate on this Cookie Phenomenon.

I opened a box to try, mouth watering and ignoring how much fat they contained. Next thing I know, I have hungry teenage eyes staring and begging with their eyes. "Would you like one?" They didn't have to be asked twice. I turn around and there's a sweet little face staring at me, I say again "Would you like one?". Minutes later the little girl who sold them to me ask "Where'd you get those from?" (Really?) I say, "Would you like one?".

Those little cookies barely made it home. Too bad everyone else didn't have radar for a ribbon organizer and silicon cupcake holders.

That, Ladies & Gents, is the joy of being a Sunday School teacher... If you see me with a sign on the corner you know why.

A Daily Bee Thought - March 9, 2009

What I'm thinking about

How my life will change drastically in the next few months

What I'm reading

Constant Heart by Siri Mitchell and always reading Taste of Home (I love it)

View from my office

White walls and busy people passing by

I am thankful

My family - God's 2nd greatest gift to me and of course that one things that everyone can't live without... extra WW points.

I am in the middle of project

Photography. Trying to get this ball rolling...

I am feeling

vulnerable and emotional =)

I can hear

my music and typing fingers

Couple of plans for the week

Bible Study tonight, Planning with the sistas tonight, Tues & Wed church activities, weekend teachers seminar

A pictures says it all

Things to do while you're bored... at work

Slow. Slow. Slow.

That does not describe how things are at work. Work is almost non-existent. I come in, do the couple of things that I need to - prepare a couple of files of legal records, go through emails, pacify angry attorneys and inpatient paralegals... done.

I sit here, staring at the screen. Nothing to do at work or even to play with. So what is a working girl to do... according to the Internet, these are the top things.

1. Blink wildly and then close your eyes really tight for an interesting light show

(Amusement Potential: 1-5 minutes)See a variety of blobs, stars and flashes. Try to make out shapes and see if your subconscious is trying to send you a message

2. Make up you're on office aerobics equipment with rubber bands... (I did this! lol)

(Amusement Potential: 10-15 minutes) keeps you going until you're a little sweaty and can't stand your own stench and still waiting for the clock to turn 5.

3. Try to not think about penguins

(Amusement Potential: 1-5 minutes)This is especially hard, because by trying too much, you remember what you were trying to avoid thinking of. If you try too little, you end up thinking about penguins anyway.

4. Scratch yourself

(Amusement Potential: 1-3 minutes)Go ahead, scratch yourself now. Even if nothing itches, go ahead. Doesn't that feel pretty good?

5. Make a low buzzing noise

(Amusement Potential: 15-30 minutes)Hours of fun in libraries! Keeping a totally straight face and looking nonchalant, make a low pitch humming/buzzing noise and see who reacts.


In the middle of blinking, playing with rubber bands, penguins, scratching and buzzing - I am THANKFUL that my job is secure even though it so BORING right now.

In The News...Breastfeeding

I read the most disturbing article on the headlines today. Not about Obama, not about the war, not about a rapist or murderer... it was about breastfeeding. Now that I write that it seems so petty, but let me tell you, this was disturbing on so many levels.

I am not a mother, but I know many mothers, I have friends and family that are mothers. Oh yes, and I have a mother. Some may say I have no room to talk and those people are probably breastfeeding their school aged child. Is this a normal thing mothers do? According to the statistics it is... most mothers breastfeed until the age of 4 1/2 - 7 years of age. I don't know any women that breastfed their child after 2 1/2 years old. Just because I didn't breastfeed (me and my mama) until I was in elementary school doesn't mean I don't have a bond with my mother or am sick and missing certain nutrients, right? What is going through someones head when their 8 year old is in their lap breastfeeding. Uh uh.

If and when I were to have children, I would want to breastfeed but NOT until my kid can tie their own shoe or get on a school bus.

What are your thoughts on this?

**Deb removing herself from the soapbox**

Exciting Mail...

Coming home from a long day out shopping to find this in the mail...

I knew what it was right away! I hadn't been looking for it since my mind has been somewhere else these past few weeks, but looking at the writing and the name, I knew it was from Dee.

For those of you that don't know who "Dee" is, she is an incredible author in the Christian Fiction world. Her books are well written and her characters come to life off the pages. I've had the pleasure of getting to know her over the past couple of years and helping out in her chat room as a moderator. This package is sent to all three moderators as a perk for helping out. I think I have the better end of the deal for sure!

This is what was inside...


Her new book comes out in June, but she gets ARC's (Advanced Readers Copy) and sends them out and does a giveaway on her blog.

Now this will come as a shocker to all you that know how much I LOVE to read. I haven't read a fictional book since November! Gasp. Yes, November. I've been wanting to read and I have new books sitting on my shelf calling my name, but I was trying to finish a devotional book that was very deep, therefore it took a lot longer to read. I'm still not finished, but I made the "mistake" of opening and reading the first chapter of A Bride in the Bargain... and I was hooked.

I truly feel sorry for all the Dee fans that have to wait until June. I've already got a line forming for my ARC... It.Is.Good. VERY GOOD!

And one thing that just made me giggle right off the bat, there is a character that talks just like my blogging buddy, Becky's toddler son. What's even funnier... it's an elderly lady. You'll be laughing out loud!

So what did I think of the book? One of Deeanne Gist's BEST yet! And one of the BEST books I've read. GOOD STUFF!

Okay then...

Some avid shopper can be happy about the economy...

"The Economy Sucks Sale"

I saw this and grabbed my phone. Too funny.

Family Photo Session

I did a family photo session with a family in my church. They have four beautiful girls who I just love. We had so much fun, tons of laughter and craziness. Definitely not your normal professional shoot since I am so close to them. I was able to say, "Knock it off" "Be quiet" "Pay attention" "Open your eyes!" "Look at me not at them!" lol. I'm sure a stranger would take it well if I told their kid, "Shut up and look at me!", something I probably should work on. =)

You can click on the images to enlarge. Feel free to give me feedback, I'm always looking for encouragement or to improve!

It's a Crazy World

Goodness! It's been over one week since I last posted. I haven't even been keeping up with my photo blog like I KNEW would happen.

Life is busy, I haven't had one free night this week. Monday we had ladies prayer at my house, so good! Tuesday we have community groups, at my home. Wednesday - It was my week to teach the kiddos at church. I had a mini breather on Thursday, got a much needed pedi and then had to pack for the weekend.

I'll be a little lonely the next week and 1/2. My sis is left for an adventurous trip and I am already feeling a little lonely... okay a lot lonely. =( But I'll survive.

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What else? I am supposed to be on Weight Watchers but I.can't.get.motivated. Maybe tomorrow... but then again there is too much going on... (shame, shame, shame).

Since we're on the subject of food. I must share this recipe for the BEST stuffed mushrooms. You cannot get any easier than this. Look at the picture... drool a little and then make it yourself! You will love them.

RECIPE

Button mushrooms, cleaned with edge of stem cutoff and stems removed (and saved)

Filling:(approx)
8 oz Cream Cheese
2 tbs of bacon bits
2 tbs of green onion
2 tbs of chopped mushrooms stems
3 tbs of shredded cheddar cheese (I use sharp)

~Fill mushrooms and place on baking sheet. Cover (sort of smoosh down) with chedder cheese

~Put in oven at 375 for 10 minutes or until cheese is starting to brown on top.

~You can add anything else that you think you make it better - Onions, garlic, spices...

Get ready for a party for the buds!

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Onto other news, I did my first family shoot on Saturday! I had some families at my church approach me about doing their family photos after seeing my cousins photos that I did for Christmas. I was so excited because, of course, I now had JW and we can really get some great shots with his help. (Reminder to self: stop referring to your camera as a "him".) I'll share some of the photos once I get the "ok" from the family.

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Check out my photo blog for some shots around town during our rain storm - The Daily Photo

Weird Art

Some people view things so different. We live close to Ripley's Believe it or Not and as a kid/teenager my parents used to take us there whenever we had guest or someone new showed up in the area. At our Ripley's there is a wedding portrait made out of lint. Entirely of lint. Someone put those loads of laundry to good use. The same artist was recently featured in our newspaper. I couldn't figure out why they featured a picture of sushi on the front of the local page. After reading that she was a lint artist, I gasped and proceeded to show everyone that came by.

How would you like to receive this box of chocolates from your honey? One good thing, there truly is now fat here. Ha! Maybe just an asthma attack.

Another odd thing that is one of my favorites at Ripley is the Last Supper Portrait made completely of TOAST. I love it. Now they have tools ans such, but this was done long ago without tools, just a crazy mind. I wish I could find it and show you, but this will give you an idea... makes me want to try it.





So, next time your overloaded with wash, think about saving your lint. Better yet, find ways to see other things as art, such as your dogs hair, dust balls, cob webs, chewed gum and your kids boogers... you never know what they can form into.

My Sister My Friend

Happy Birthday SONIA!

Today is my sister-in-law's birthday. It's been almost nine years since I met her. It seems more like twenty.

Sonia is my best friend, one of the people that I have in my life that I would be lost without.

Sonia,
Have the best burfday ever! I'm so glad that Peter talked you into dating
him nine years ago, we would have a much less eventful life without you!

I love you!

Deb

Everlasting Place

The past couple of months I've filled myself with uplifting music about the greatness of God, His love, mercy, grace and care for me. The moment I get settled in at work each morning, I turn on my music - "Blessed in the City" "You're Grace is Enough" "From the Inside Out" "Mighty to Save" "I'd Rather Have Jesus"... this music rings in my ears all day long and gets me through the days. Sometimes I am so moved at my desk that I feel it bubbling inside me to the point that I just want to have some church right there!

I was listening to one of my playlist from long ago and heard the words from an old song by Nikki Leonti. I listened to this song over and over as a teenager. For some reason today it spoke to me and I heard things that I'd hadn't heard before. It became new and fresh and made my soul long for that Everlasting Place.

I can see beyond

The meadows and the fields

I can see forever

I can tell you now

That His love is real

And holding me together

And I won't tell you that

Life is always easy

But I've found better days

Waiting there for me

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I can't count how many times I've seen dark days that seemed like they would never end. There was no light at the end of the tunnel. But it always, always came to end. God never left me there. There were always better days around the corner.

Don't you wanna come with me

To an everlasting place

No tears And no pain

Forever we'll remain

Forever in the arms of love

Sheltered in the wonders of

Such a beautiful place

It's an everlasting place

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When you're in the middle of the dark days, it's so easy to forget that it's all for a purpose. This is only temporary. One day soon those dark days will be over... forever. No tears and pain? Can you imagine that?

If it's hurting you

Choices that you've made

Regret is your companion

Just lift your eyes and pray

He'll receive you now

You are not abandoned

I don't care about

Things you used to do

Cause I see better days

Are waiting there for you

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One thing I choose to remember, no matter how far I fall, how far I drift, how much I ignore Him - He stand waiting with open arms. Ready to wipe away all the wrong and let me start new and fresh. What a loving God we have!

My soul has one goal. To see this Everlasting Place, to get everything I can out of the dark days and be forever with the One who picked me up more times than I could count.

My Sig

HisGirl had a fun party at her place for her 300th post! Of course, be the wonderful giving person that she is, she gave away a custom made signature to each person that left a comment. Thanks HisGirl!

The snazzy sig below....