We're Moving!!!

I am really excited to make this announcement!!!
Our site has moved to

www.sassygalglamour.com

We have our very own address now!!!! Yay!!!! Come join us as all posts will appear there from now on.

Keep in mind that it is a little messy right now.......no coordination whatsoever. It is really bugging me.

Oh well.

Sassy Gal's Givin' Some Things Away.....Namely Her Firstborn

We're headed back to The Big Town. Dentist appointments. Errands. And then, as much as I'd like to pretend it ain't happenin', Numero Uno will be getting on an airplane with Mama Carol. Traveling to infinity and beyond.






With his little clean undies, some clothes, and a Nintendo DS, he's hittin' the road.....like a little Junk Gypsy Road Warrior (This is the only way I could think of to share one of my favorite jewelry sites. Kinda wild but fun nonetheless. Click on Gypsy Goods and then Jewelry)! For 2 1/2 weeks.

He's headed to the sunny South...Birmingham, AL, and he will be in 6-Year-Old-Heaven.

I'll be painting bedrooms, preparing lesson plans, and renting a Rug Doctor. Woo hoo. Tres fun.


I know he'll have fun. I know he will survive (even thrive) without me, but I can't help having that heavy, sad feeling. My firstborn is goin' on his maiden voyage across the country.



Well, nothing cheers me up like being fun-loving and generous. So, that's what I'll do!




I am in the mood for a giveaway! How would you like a new nail polish???


To enter:
JUST LEAVE YOUR NAME, EMAIL ADDRESS, AND YOUR FAVORITE BEAUTY PRODUCT IN A COMMENT!!! COMMENTS ARE YOUR ENTRY! EVERYONE IS QUALIFIED, UNLESS YOU LIVE IN MY BOY JOINT (I have to keep Big Daddy from trying to throw the contest) , AND 1 ENTRY PER PERSON



Contest will end Friday, July 25 at 12AM


Buena suerte!

Birthday Babes du Jour

(I am SO wishing I had picked Birthday Babe nail polish for my pedi! I opted for a Fancy Nail -my current salon of choice- custom design. Next time.)

I love Mammaw Barbara so much! It was such a fun day and while we're on the subject of birthdays- as Nancy said in the comments!- today, July 23, is Mama Carol's birthday!!! Yay! Happy Birthday, Mama Carol!!!


She got a surprise of her own at The Surprise Party......her brother and sister arranged for some long-time friends to "pop by" with a cake!





Mama Carol and Mammaw Barbara (aka Boo Boo)


I didn't get pics of that because I was herding Pork Chop- I am so sad- but Mama Carol was tres surprised! All I heard were loud screams and I RAN to the party room only to find 50- something candles burning on a verra lovely, verra yummy chocolate cake with red roses.


So, in honor of Mama Carol's and Mammaw Barbara's birthdays- we shall share a low-cal recipe.


Since both have shown great motivation, inspiration, and dedication to their own personal weight loss goals, I only think it appropriate to celebrate them in this way. They both look great! What a way to celebrate.


So, here we go, with our.............


Veggie Quesadillas (pronounced "kase uh dill uh" like Napolean Dynamite)







1 Cup Broccoli Slaw (found in the produce section of WalMart)
1 stick 2% cheese-grated
2 Whole Wheat Tortillas
I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Spray
Light Sour Cream
SALSA (ay yi yi yi!)





Spray one side of a tortilla with spray butter. Put into skillet and turn on to medium temp.


Put a generous heaping of raw broccoli slaw on the tortilla. Salt and pepper the slaw. Maybe even a little lime juice would rawk!


Cover with grated cheese.


Place the second tortilla on top and spray with butter.


Cook about 7 minutes on each side. Remove, cut into fourths, and enjoy with SALSA and light sour cream.




Ay Caramba.




This will allow you ONE piece of your favorite birthday cake. No guilt allowed.

Celebratin' Good Times!

What's the BIG Deal?

A verra, verra special day, indeed

Today, July 22, is Mammaw Barbara's OFFICIAL birthday but on Sunday, we threw a party that would have made even the Secret Service proud. You have never seen so much lyin' and story tellin' goin' on.

Mammaw Barbara's 80th Birtday Surprise!

No Surprise Party is complete without the regalia.

Mammaw Barbara and Sassy Gal

I am sure you've been unable to function today-what with all the mystery and excitement. So, there ya go.

Surprise Party On, Sassy Gals!

Fun Frenzy

Howdy! Been in The Big City. Still in The Big City. Me and Pork Chop and Mama Carol. Fun times. Lots o' shopping goin' on. I've scored some great deals.

Like this (in black/ivory ossi). And this to go with the new shirt.

And don't forget Pork Chop

And, well, Numero Uno got one of these for all of his hard work with Big Daddy. I think Big Daddy really wanted it.

Tomorrow, I'll tell ya why we've been in The Big Town! Shhhh, it's a surprise!

Love,
Sassy Gal

Short of a Chisel.....

What with my love and obsession for mascara- it brings about the need for removal.

I am currently feeling ritzy using my Diorshow mascara- but it will end and unless it's Christmas and Santa is feeling generous, I won't be seeing the likes of that there fancy mascara for a while.

Sacrifices are going to become the status quo around here- summer has brought about some prayerful changes in our family. I will be a work-at-home mom and we will be a homeschooling family next year. Me, Pork Chop, Numero Uno, school. Whoa. Talk about a slight crimp in Queen B's style. I am trying to not break a sweat.

No, really, it's gonna be great. And, I have a beat on a new drugstore mascara. I will be reporting soon but until then.....

If you wear the amount of mascara that moi wears, you have to use a remover each and every night. I have expressed my loyalty to Mary Kay OFEMR. It does rawk.

I have found a close second that is available in our favorite HBA section.

Neutrogena Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover. Good stuff. Great price. About $7 for a 5.5 oz bottle.

Until next week, Sassy Gals, be blessed!

Love,

Sassy Gal

Gray Matter

We have a full weekend flurry of activities....more on that next week. I think I'll have some pictures, too.

What I'm really hoping for is a nice pedi. I dream. I long.

If I were going to get a hypothetical pedi, what color might I have them use? Hmmmm.

Tiffany Blue (Hot Rod), Mini Shorts (neon orange), or could it be, maybe that little OPI called Birthday Babe?

Guess what the "it" color for fall shall be? You'll never guess. And, I am actually seeing it pop up in some of my informants- yes, I like to pretend, for one brief moment, that I am in the Mafia.

What chu loookin' at?

Ok, that's long enough. I am into characterizations. Movin' on.

"It" color for the fall, you say? GRAY! Check this out......from All Lacquered Up

So, my Birthday Babe is my Sassy interpretation of the Gray Movement. A little more sparkle. More silver, less gray. We'll see. Watch for it on fingernails near you!

We're outta here for a few days- hoping to leave you one more message for tomorrow!!! Have a beautiful weekend!!!

May Blessings Abound in Your Life,

Lovn' the Juice

I have been DYING to tell you all about my new FAVOR-ITE lippie gloss.



I don't know how I lived so long without these babies.....OMGoodnesses.



I love these almost as much as I love squeezing Pork Chop's divinely-doughy, fat-baby cheeks:

L'oreal Colour Juice Lip Gloss Tubes

Heavenly scented, great color:gloss ratio, and beautiful tints to choose from.

I opted for the

Strawberry Smoothie- a pinky, gold neutral AND
Tutti Fruitti- a matte, hot pink that I have been searching for in a lip gloss for YEARS

I am so smitten I can't even tell you. I put on my Colour Juice and I just want to run around and roll on the floor. I don't think I've fallen for something like this since Big Daddy and MAC came into my life.

They are $7.95 for a generous tube.

It is also rumored that these are almost identical to their higher-class stepsister, Lancome Juicy Tubes that retail for $18 for a tube.

Juice It Up and Get Some Sugar,

Sassy Gal

Poor Kittens Could Have Used Some Vitabath

It's Tuesday! It's Tuesday!


Numero Uno has had a friend over......this is what happens when you combine a blow-up swimming pool, kittens, and 2 ornery, tough-as-nails, lil' boys:

(slide from the swing set)

Oh, the preciousness. The dogs, cats, and frogs are completely and utterly terrorized, but my, oh my, aren't they precious?

Well, on to the REAL reason for this post. I just did a drugstore.com order. We needed flushable wet wipes and Deo for the B.O. And a few more little goodies.

So, my personal splurge, is a reminder of my AWESOME Mammaw Jewel Yates. I've told you that she is one of the biggest influences in my life. She knew how to make you feel so special. So does my Mammaw Barbara (her daughter), but more on that later.

Mammaw Jewel would warm up the bathroom, start your shower, and give you free run on the Vitabath. Then, when you got out, you had a bottle of Shower Fresh powder waiting on you. Sometimes, I swear, she even warmed your towel.

So, I had to have me a bottle of that there Vitabath.

10.5 oz bottle for $16.20 (I know, a little pricey but keep reading)

I would not have bought this bath gel except that every time I use it, it seems that all is right with the world. I remember being back at Mammaw Jewel's house where you could eat anything you wanted, dig through her HUGE dresser of clothes, purses, and accessories.

And you always got to sleep in the other twin bed in her room. Gran Jimmy slept in his own room at the front of the house. He always went to bed around 6:30PM. 7:00 if he was feeling particularly naughty.

So, you always had Mammaw Jewel to yourself until, what seemed, the wee hours of the night. She was a night owl, I think. We probably stayed up until 10 or 11- for a kid, that seemed like the "wee hours". We watched I Love Lucy reruns. And she always slept in one of those fabric shower caps.

Oh, how I love her.

You see why Vitabath Original has such a special place in my heart.

It has a woodsy, pine-like scent.

It is green and turns yellow when you rub it on.

It isn't particularly moisturizing and doesn't have exfoliating beads or citrus bursts or kryptonite serum.

So, I can't say that it is particularly fab, but it means a lot more than the actual product. (Although, it is European. Soo tres chic.)

It means love. And memeories.

So, find something that reminds you of a happy time. And get it.

Surviving Here With One More Dose of Testosterone Added to the Boy Joint Mix,

Sermon on the Ranch

Happy Monday! How's about a new week starting? Is it a good thing?





Did you notice we have a little bit of a new arrangement around here? I love changin' it up. I am doing this at my house, too.





Just put out an SOS for a little dresser (like the one below)- I have big ideas- and my sweet cousin, Angel (in every sense of the word), answered the call. I've been staying up WAY too late reading "Nesting Place"- check it out, Sassy Gals. If you are a home decorator, froo-froo type, you'll love this!

I just love rearranging things, especially on a budget (brings out the creativity!).....so much fun! Maybe I can take some pics to show ya when I'm done!





Sooo, I had Bible Study today with "my ladies". I LOVE these women. They are all like spiritual grandmothers to me.....so you can imagine that I am a blessed girly girl. Today, like every other Bible Study Monday, was a precious, beautiful time. I feel so humbled to sit and learn with and from these women. I just sit and write. I just soak in the wisdom and sweetness of the Spirit.





It is like going to a calm, cooling pool of crystal clear waters on a hot, exhausted day. It is like a beautiful banquet of food and a warm, soft (Spring Air!) bed to a weary traveler. I can't even do it justice with my inadequate words. It's a gathering of the saints that satisfies the deepest longings of a soul. Jesus is always there.





Today was no exception. We learned from our annointed teacher, Fredia, about Peter's betrayal of Christ. And how Jesus still looked at him with eyes full of tender mercy. Even after Peter messed up WAY BAD by betraying Jesus. We learned about the healing of the begger at the temple gate called Beautiful. Through the Holy Spirit, our sinful friend, Peter, put that miracle into motion. Once a Sinner Deluxe, now a Miracle Workin' Dude. That Jesus RAWKS.





These experiences took Peter from being a half-hearted follower to a fully devoted, repentant disciple (Zondervan NIV Study Bible footnote). The most effective kind of disciple- a forgiven one.





You see, it is sometimes our worst moment of indecency, inexusable behavior, or indiscretion that cements our faith in His unending mercy.





I am so intrigued, as I've shared before, with this concept of God's Economy. How does the human "economy" play out? We work, we make money, we spend money. Those with money have things and go places. Those with influence move up. Those with a harsh tongue or an iron fist rule the roost.

The Golden Rule a la Humanity?
He who has the gold makes the rules.





Well, I take much comfort in God's Economy. The more you love, the more you receive. The more you give, the more you are blessed. The more time you invest in God's Word, the more peace you reap. The more prayers that go up, the more opportunity you afford yourself to be victorious.





The worse you mess up, the more His Grace abounds in your life.





Not to say that the more you sin, the more forgiveness you receive. Not exactly. The closer your relationship with Christ, the less you want to submit to your sin nature and the less you want to hurt your relationship with Him.

I am no bible scholar, let me assure you, but these ramblings help me to make it real in my mind. You, poor soul, are just along for a meandering ride. SO sorry.





But, it so encourages me to know that because I'm saved by the Blood, I have access to a renewing of my mind DAILY. I may have messed up ROYALLY yesterday, but I am convicted of that sin and, by confession, have immediate reconciliation with the King of Kings today. He welcomes me back just as you would your lost child in a toy store.





Have you ever lost something of great value? Maybe a wedding ring or heaven forbid, a child? And then, after a heart wrenching search, you find it? Sometimes our heart doesn't even know how to handle the emotions- they flood all at once. Happiness, sadness, thankfulness, desperation, fulfillment. Found!





That is exactly how I think our Father feels about us. OH, I FOUND YOU, MY PRECIOUS CHILD. LET ME HOLD YOU AS TIGHTLY AS I CAN! YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE. YOU ARE VALUABLE BEYOND MEASURE. LET ME LOVE YOU AND MAKE EVERYTHING ALRIGHT.





So, there you have it, a sermon of the utmost randomness! I don't know why I felt led to write this today, it is not what I intended! I'll do that tomorrow- stay tuned, I got some GOOD STUFF comin' up! But, I love you so much- and I may not even know you or see you on a regular basis. I just know that you are here for a reason- thank you for stoppin' by.





Much love and blessings to you, GAWJUS One!

Three for the Road!!!

Ok, gals, you MUST check this out. A couple of fellow beauty bloggers are doing an AWESOME giveaway.



THREE FREE POLISHES with any purchase



I have been strongly desiring and greatly adoring the Zoya Polish called "Erika". I went ahead and took this as a sign....how can you pass up 3 GAWJUS colors FREE with the purchase of ONE? You'd be crazy not to jump on this- offer is good through July 18 so HURRY UP!



Go to this blog:

http://www.thebeautyoflifeblog.com/ or http://www.alllacqueredup.com/

They are both doing it and they are both different. Take your pick!


And check it out!



Nail Polish Obsession TOTALLY OOC!

Eye Like Primer

Surely you're wondering, "Does this chic ever talk about anything but nail polishes?"


I know. I know. I've been a little obsessed. Why? I don't know. Maybe because it's a cheap thrill. Enough already. Although, I do have a certain OPI polish on its way. Just don't tell my practical side. What she doesn't know won't hurt her.



Today, I'd like to discuss something much more useful. Maybe even life changing.



Do you use a primer? I don't mean for painting. I mean an eyeshadow primer?



If you don't, you should. If you do, you rock.



I think EVERYONE has at least one (usually more) Beauty-Claims-to-Fame.




I happen to be able to keep lipstick on for most of a day without a retouch. I will usually retouch once, MAYBE twice per day. You might say, "Well, that's easy when you don't even get out of bed until 10:45." Even on days that I must arise before the aforementioned time, I can still keep lipstick on for hours. Good try. :>)




Now, eyeshadow? That, my friends, is a different story. I can't keep eyeshadow looking decent for more than 12 seconds after application.




That's where my inspiration comes from today.



YOU GOTTA PRIME.



Whatever you can't keep on, you gotta getta primer (eyes, lips, foundation). It will change your life. Or at least your outlook on life. Or maybe just how you look in life.





1. I do love my Mary Kay Eye Primer. GREAT product. Colorless. Creates a smooth palette on the eyelid but works overtime when it comes to staying power. It seems to grab the color, even making it more intense. $11 for a tube with beaucoups in it.





2. MAC Paint Pots offer an array of colors and textures. I thoroughly enjoy this product. I have a lovely, dark plum purple called Nice Vice and a great peachy one called Perky. Coat the eyelid with the product and then apply eyeshadow normally. These will change the color of the shadow that is applied. You can create lots of fun combos. Can also be worn alone. Total Radness. $16.50





3. MAC Shadesticks- same idea as the Paint Pots in a stick form. More Total Radness. $16.50


(check out http://www.maccosmetics.com/ for these products)





4. I know Mama Carol SWEARS by the Clinique Touch Base for Eyes. And, many a lady has commented on the expertise of her eyeshadow application skills. Yes, she is easy on the eyes. Maybe, if you're really nice, some pics will come. You gotta see her. Loverlies. $14 per compact. http://www.clinique.com/





Do you have any good suggests on the primer situ-a-shee-own? Let us know if ya do!





Sugars all over your sweet cheeks!

Salsa- A Beautiful Thang

So, this Weight Watcher thang. I think it's a good thang. I was told yesterday, by one of the sweetest ladies in our congregation, that I was looking like I had lost weight. Oh, glory!!


Now, this Precious One is my "Golden Years Epitome of Style and Grace". I will be like her one day. She wears a full face of makeup, hair always coiffed, appropriately dressed-to-the-nines- outfit EVERYTIME I see her. And, she always gives a compliment. I shall strive.


So, back to the WW deal. I have a fun, little recipe du jour.


Salsa. Pico de Gallo. Hot Sauce. Whatever you choose to call it. I love it. God. Family. Salsa.


All Texans understand this unspoken reverence for the almighty Salsa. You have your preferences, but no matter what, it is a tie that binds us Texans for better or worse. Others may aspire, but we know when we're good at something.


So, for today, I will tell you how I make what I would call Salsa Fresca:




Tomatoes- 1 of those small, clear crates (I had grape tomatoes about to ru-ern, so that's what I used)


Jalapeno (1 or 2 depending on size or how hot you like it)

1/2 of a PURPLE onion (white can be used but I prefer the flavor and color of purple)


Cilantro


Garlic Salt (as much as I hate to admit- California Style- this small of an amount shouldn't taint our Texas Perfection)


Sea salt


Pepper


LIME juice (fresh is great, bottled will do)



Put tomatoes, 1 jap (de-seed if you prefer less heat), onion, a handful of fresh cilantro into the processor.




Spin it up (to YOUR desired consistency), and voila, the most beautiful concoction ever invented by man.







Now, for the fun part. Seasoning. There is no tried and true method, for moi, anyway.



A little garlic, a small spot of pepper, a good helping of sea salt, a shot of lime juice.......this is to taste.



Start here:

1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic salt (or 1 clove of fresh)
1 1/2 tsp of sea salt (probably needs more but remember, this is just a start)
1 Tbsp of lime juice




Here's how I like to roll:

1. CHIPS, of course. I am eating Stacy's Baked Simply Naked Pita Chips these days. But, I prefer thin, fried tortilla chips like Julio's or Tia Rosa Megathins on days that I like to splurge.



2. Toast an english muffin. Top with turkey lunchmeat, add 1 slice of 2% cheddar cheese (available in WW brand or Kraft Snackables), and toast, again, until cheese melts. Eat each bite with a heap of Salsa. Oh, thank you, Jesus, for this glorious food.



3. Use as a sauce for ANY type of meat. Brisket wrap. Grilled chicken breast. Breakfast Burrito. Even great on ice cream (only recommended for Texans *wink*)



GREAT TASTE, VERY HEALTHY, and above all, allows us to be the Texan that God created us to be or that the rest of you wish you could be. No. We're not obnoxiously arrogant.



Love y'all!

What in the World Do Hot Rods and Sharon Osborn Have in Common? Me, That's What

So, I hit the Wally World today. Keep in mind, I can't travel anywhere that doesn't have a WalMart. I have to find doctors, hairdressers, nail techs, and waxers in the towns that are within a 80 mile radius.

Today was Hair Day. Got a little trim and a lotta color. My hairdresser (Kacy Ivy at Sisters Salon in Childress, TX) was channeling Sharon Osborn today. Sharon's got great hair. Weird life, great hair. One thing I can say for her- she's got style. Maybe not so much in men, but lots o' style. And my Lil' Kacy Girl did me up right. She rocks.

Seriously, could you imagine being married to Ozzy? Insane.

Anywhos, while at WalMart, of course I had to take some of my own advice. I checked out the Petites by Scherer. Got me a sweet new color for $1.46.

The color is called "Hot Rod". This isn't it, but it is the closest pic I could find.

With a name like Hot Rod, how could I pass it up?

It is a soft, matte (no sparkle or shimmer) baby blue. I will be a vision. Ok, my toes will be a vison. Ok, I'll thoroughly enjoy looking at my own feet and it won't really matter to anyone else.

Good stuff.

Hot Rod'n Lady,

This Job Better Have a Beauty Allowance

(Numero Uno playing his trick on Ol' Pop. He planned this whole shananigan to "scare" Pop. You can take a big hill straight down in "the river", hit it full speed in the golf cart, and it is an exact replica of the Log Ride at Six Flags!! Water comes over the top of the cart! Yowza!!! Good times!)

After mounds of laundry and several mounds left to go, I have found myself slowing acclimating to real life again. The buzz of golf carts is clearing from my brain. Kind of like leaving Las Vegas. You are tortured by sounds of coins clanking for days on end. Misery.



I am now Big Daddy's secretary. My new job started today. That is going to take some work. I am sure it will have a great bearing on the "peace factor" around here. I am believing that no one can do it as well as I can. I have a vested interest. I am believing that I will relieve some of his workload. I believe I must be a very silly woman to believe that I can be employed by my husband.



I tell him, "We'll build this together." (very Field-of-Dreams-like)



He's like, "Um, ok. I have more work than I can shake a stick at, but whatever. Sounds good. What's for supper?"



I sometimes mourn my choice to avoid the corporate ladder. Until I drive in Dallas or San Antonio. Then, I am sooooo happy that I have chosen to be a rural Sassy Gal. THANK YOU, Jesus. I detest traffic. And I have a very sensitive heart. I am not tough enough for Corporate America.



So, with my new job, I will be spending even more time at the computer and that means I'll have to keep my nails nicely groomed for the boss' approval. Thanks goodnesses I can wear my pj's to work. But, I think a simple yet beautiful makeup look is required. Maybe the boss will give me a cosmetic allowance.



We want to keep morale high around here. I'll see what I can do about that.



So, back to the nails. I was in a pinch not too long ago and didn't have any base or top coat while in The Big Town. So, instead of buying one of each, I found this awesome little dude at WalMart (would you expect anything different?)



Maybelline Express Finish Base and Top Coat



I am really in a testing phase right now but SO FAR, SO GOOD. Things are looking positive. Especially for the price point and the 2-n-1 action!!! I want to say it was around $2.99 for a .5 oz bottle.

Now that's a sweet deal.

AND, unbeknownst to moi, IT IS RATED THE #1 60 SECOND NAIL COLOR!!!! You know what that means! I was meant for this nail polish and it was meant for me. It also means that I didn't buy something just because it was #1- which I have been in the terrible habit of doing.

Woo hoo.

So, give this baby a try- it will travel well and as far as I can tell, it works muy bueno!

A Very Nice Thing, Especially for a Monday

OH! MY! I am so excited.



I found my first link from someone's blog that I really, really like! Another beauty blogger, Blogdorf Goodman, has linked me in her blogroll.



What a great thing! Check her out, too!!! And, she what? Yes- rocks the house!

Bigger Isn't Always Better

Fave Polish Update!



You gotta try the Petites by Scherer at WalMart. They do show the love, girl.



Last night, for my post-camping mani, I reslicked my raggedy nails with "French Pink".



It is a gawjus pale, skin-tone pink that looks like all the celeb's nails in the magazines. That's what I aim to do, ya know.



Really, I love this look because it weathers well- chips don't scream "Redneck Riviera Mama didn't do her nails!" Thank goodness for that.



Anywho, the Petites are tres chic because they are cute, stylish, and fun. Who can't stand a little more of those things in her life?



These little beauties are priced at around $.99- $1.50 for a .25 oz bottle.......yummy!

Have a fab day, Lovelies!

Back, and Better Than Ever

We're baaaaacck.



Back home and back in action. Fun Fourth of July. I'll post some pics from our adventures very soon. They are worth a good chuckle.



Hey, I learned something a couple of weeks ago and I just remembered to tell you. With camping and T ball at the forefront of my brain, I lost my bearings for all things beauty. But, never fear, I've got my sea legs back under me and I'm ready to roll.



Did you know that Nicole (a nail polish brand at WalMart) is made by OPI?



I didn't either!



So, even though it is a little pricier than some of its counterparts on the same aisle, it is still less expensive than its salon sister, OPI.



I will have to look this line over a little closer next time I go to town and head on over to the Wally World.



Also, they have a cute little extension to the Nicole line called "Nic's Sticks". Fun little nailpolish sticks that are totally travel-friendly! I took mine camping this week! Click here to see



Have a greatly blessed Sunday!



Love,

How Could You Not?

(Yes, I am aware of the growly looking red patch on his chest- it is eczema and we are currently treating it in case you were considering calling CPS like the lady at the swimming pool with us yesterday. P Chop HATES the pool so in one of many attempts to "get him used to the water", we put him in a floaty as he screamed his lungs out. We splashed a small amount of water on him and a lady stared at us as if she had CPS on speed dial. Lady, if you knew anything, you would be dialing PPS- Parental Protective Services. We need them. Desperately. This child is abusing his parents.)

My three Sassy Guys. I am sure they would love to know I call them "Sassy".......

Feelin' the Love on the Riviera

We've been at the Redneck Riviera now for somewhere between 65-72 hours. Could be 72 hours, could be 72 years. We've had more emotions packed into those hours than you can shake a stick at. A 16-month-old can do that to you. PMS can do it, too.

Pork Chop is a blessing. He's a blessing. Thank you, Lord, for children. Numero Uno is such a wonderful gift. I love him. I like him. Thank you, Jesus. I recently read that you must speak good things about your children so that's what I'm doing. Sometimes, I have to reaffirm how special they are.

After I blow a gasket.

I don't know why I've felt my patience tested to the Nth degree, but whoa, have I ever. Vacay is supposed to be relaxing. I guess not so with a little one around. Vacay for us is a day or two of sending the kiddos with the grandparents or anyone who is willing to listen to blood curdling screams at least 10 of 14 waking hours, be ripped from a deep, fulfilling sleep at 3AM for a cup of milk, keep a human octopus safe from every dangerous thing it can possibly find, and survive at least 3 meltdowns an hour from a tired 6-year-old. Any takers?

God is so good, though. On Monday, I had one of the most glorious couple of hours. I put P Chop down for a nap. He does take good naps, thank Our Savior. He slept. Numero Uno took a nap. Mama read out on the front "porch" of the Longest Camper on the Face of the Earth. The "porch" consists of a piece of old, blue carpet.

I sat in my favorite blue, mushroom, fold-up chair thingy. And READ. READ. READ. Finished this week's study for No Other Gods. Glorious. Took in one of my summer reads.

Then, a bright red cardinal landed so close I could have reached out and touched it.

The cottonwood puffs floated through the breeze. One thing I LOVE about West Texas are the cottonwood trees. I don't recall seeing them anywhere else that I've ever lived. They send out little, white puffs of cotton that blow in the wind (we've got plenty of that to go around) and then land and cover the grass and it looks like snow. Soft, fluffy, fun snow. Not the hard, icy kind.

Gorgeous.

Then, a spunky little squirrel came right up to my "porch".

Stared at me for a while. I didn't know if he was going to smile or spit. I don't really trust squirrels. It's not that they've ever been anything but cute and entertaining. But, they always have that look like "I could go psycho and chew your eyeballs out."

Kind of like the look I've had this week.

It's called the PMS Look.

It is very, very scary and has been known to send small children (except for your own) and waitresses running for the hills in search of chocolate pie.

Oh, here we go, again. I am now cleansing my soul. Letting it go. Freeing the baggage. Dropping it off at grandparents house.

Next post should bring some pictures and maybe a new product or two. I have been so overtaken with PMS and camping that I've not been able to think on what products are showing the love.

I'll work on it, I promise!

If I don't get back before Friday,

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

PRAISE GOD FOR OUR FREEDOM

Amen