"....I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." ~James 10:10~

Friday, February 26, 2010

Hello again!!!...From Nassau with Love!

Hi everyone!

We found another public library...this time in Nassau, Bahamas!

We just got a Bohemian dollar to keep in my photo album and we are having a great day! The weather is PERFECT...not a cloud in the sky and about 70 degrees!

Our port in Half Moon Cay was cancelled yesterday due to bad swells/wind and since you have to take a tender boat to get there the Captain wanted to make sure he kept us all safe...so we enjoyed a "Fun" day at sea instead! Travis had escargot and lamb for dinner, I kept it safe with some yummy pasta. After dinner we played Bingo (you know we're big bingo fans) and were one away from winning the $1,000 jackpot! A newlywed couple that we met in the elevator the day before won it so we were happy for them...not a bad way to get your marriage started off right! Lol!

Our luck didn't end there though...we HIT IT BIG IN THE CASINO!!! We turned $20 into $200 on the slot machines! Woo Hoo! I love the sound of that machine....ding ding dinga ding ding! We were going NUTS!

So...I was able to get a beautiful Coach purse and wallet here at the straw market! I LOVE IT! I finally found the backpack style I was looking for..after much haggling and bartering...they REALLY wanna sell there stuff!

We snuck in the Parliament building and got our picture made on the head seat, Travis has been voted new governor of the Bahamas!

Tonight we will enjoy another good dinner and show but for now we are on our way to explore the Atlantis Resort...we saw the bridge suites earlier from a distance...if you wanna go it'll only cost you $25,000 per night but there's a four night minimum! Wow!

We send our love again from the Bahamas! We are glad to hear our family and pets are all doing well! Thanks Bubba for giving Rex that special treat!

Yea for Island life MON!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Hello from Grand Turk Island!

Hi Everyone!

Travis and I are having a blast on our cruise! I'm typing this entry from Victoria Public Library in the Grand Turks, built in 1810! Wow! It's EXTREMELY basic...a fan in the corner for air and four little computers for tourists. This island has gorgeous blue beaches with white sand but behind the scenes we've found that there is alot of poverty. It's been a great day so far...we are thinking of trying some cracked conk a little later!

So far we have made lots of great memories on the boat...
1. Travis won a gold trophy for winning sports trivia!
2. I won $20 on a slot machine!
3. Travis won $10 playing black jack!
4. I got an INCREDIBLE massage at SPA carnival...ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!
5. Last night I had prime rib and Trav had Lobster...yummy!
6. We won a bottle of champagne forbeing the most energetic people at the art auction which we only went to because they were having a free raffle...which is REALLY kinda funny considering we don't drink! haha! Someone actually paid $39,000 for a painting! I most certainly would have bought a new car instead...but to each their own I suppose!
7. We each got "mini" hot stone neck massage for free at the SPA!
8. We've seen two really good shows...last night was "Nightclub Express"!
9. We have had so much fun together!
10.We found a conk shell already on the beach!

We will get back on our boat, "Destiny", around 2 pm today and have another exciting night awaiting us! My time is just about to run out and just wanna say "hello!" to everyone and I love yall and miss you!!! Bubba, if you read this, give Rex and Roxie and hug for me and thanks again for taking care of them! Also, Molly...tell Makaya "Hello" for me too and I hope you're still keeping her in there for me a little longer! lol!

Yea for VACATION!!!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Top 10 things I'm looking forward to...

...on our Cruise!!!

10. Sleeping late if I want to...
9. Shows, Shows, and shows...(I LOVE shows!!!)
8. Wearing my new flip flops since I will have a fresh pedicure...
7. Exploring the Islands...
6. Slot Machines...Ching, Ching!!!...
5. Eating what I want, When I want...lol...
4. Fancy foods and Fancy dinners...
3. The all-you-can eat SUSHI!!!...
2. Getting cool little souveniers...
1. Spending SO MUCH quality time with my Hubby!!!

I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Pics from this weekend!

I promised pics in my last post...so here they are!

My $2.50 sewing machine!!!


I found this wreath idea online...So easy! I also found this heart shaped wreath at Goodwill for only a buck! I used a white sheet to cover it and still gotta add more ribbon and some cute buttons but I am excited to use it for Valentine's Day next year!


My sweet Mom gave me this Tervis Tumbler full of candy! Isn't it cute!!!









See..My bread actually turned out good! I was so proud!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Goodwill...How do I love thee? Let me count the ways!!!

JACKPOT!

You'll never-in a million years-guess what I got for $2.50 today at my local Goodwill!
So I'm gonna go ahead and tell you!

A SEWING MACHINE! And not just ANY sewing machine but one that WORKS and is portable so I can take it with me to my Granny's house for lessons! Yea! Yea! Yea!

And...

I got a cute pink sewing box, a TOO COOL kids cookbook, stuff to make my homemade Valentine's wreath (pics will come tomorrow!)and several other great deals! SO EXCITING!

We had a very nice weekend too! Our Sunday School class hosted a Valentine's banquet and it was a blast. I think everyone really enjoyed the fellowship. Sunday after church Trav took me to Cracker Barrel for a Valentine's Day lunch and smashed me in checkers...but I usually win so he deserves his time to shine I suppose! lol!

I SO enjoyed my day off today and made the most of it by sleeping in and then thrifting, crafting, and cooking...two of my most favorite things!

Tonight's dinner was homemade Turkey burgers (seasoned with diced onion, garlic powder and chili powder) and homemade seasoned baked french fries! YUMMY...and Healthy, too! Yea! I made five burgers and two helpings of homemade fries for about $4.00 (I already had the buns and kethcup,ect.) and there's enough for Trav to take to lunch tomorrow so that's about $1.33 per meal!

I guess I'm about to take my apron off and call it a night. I have some good TV to watch tonight...Winter Olympics, Intervention, and Hoarders! I love Mondays!

Hope you have a great night! Can't wait to share pics of the V-Day Banquet, my sewing machine, my new wreath, and pics of my homemade cinnamon raisin bread!!! (Yep...it turned out great!)

Yea for TODAY!!!

Friday, February 12, 2010

Bread-Making Weekend...

My goal for this weekend is to make two loaves of homemade bread, one white and one cinnamon raisin!

From the looks of the recipe this is going to be no easy task...wish me luck!!!

We don't use a whole lot of bread in my house but I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE homemade bread and butter so I'm just doing it to have something yummy to eat! The cinammon raisin will be for my Sunday School class because I'm in charge of refreshments this week. And if all else fails-and my bread flops- I'll just run by Bojangles before Sunday School starts!

Yea for cooking from scratch...or atleast trying!

Homemade Laundry Detergent

I am so EXCITED!

I made my first batch of homemade laundry detergent last night and it turned out wonderfully! Super cheap to make and it worked great...I washed our bed linens and they were so soft and fresh when they came out of the dryer! I was able to make 2.5 GALLONS of detergent for $o.69!!! Since I only use 1 cup per load that should last me quite some time!

Here's the recipe...

1/2 bar Fel-Naptha soap (you can substitute an ivory or dove soap bar if you choose)
1/2 cup washing soda (Sodium Carbonate)
2.25 Gallons of Water
2.5 Gallon Bucket

1. Grate half the bar of soap and heat on low in a skillet with about a cup of water until melted, stirring occasionally.
2. When soap is almost melted, fill your bucket with the 2.25 gallons of hot water.
3. pour melted soap into the bucket of water and mix well.
4. stir in 1/2 cup of washing soda and mix well.
5. Can be used immediately!

It took my only about 20 minutes and most of that time was spent waiting on all the soap to melt! It smells nice and you can add essential oils (a few drops) to add a nice fragrance to your detergent!

I found all the ingredients for this at Publix!

You can also double the recipe and use a 5 gallon bucket...I just happend to have a 2.5 gallon bucket at home so I used that.

Happy Detergent Making!

Free 8x10 collage from Walgreens!

Click HERE and follow instructions to order your free 8x10 collage! I'm picking mine up today at lunch! *Thanks "Freebies4Mom"*
Yea for FREE GOODIES!!!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Striving to be a Proverbs 31 Woman!

I have recently gotten very inspired to start being more conscious about how much money our small family (Me and Trav:) are spending on our monthly food budget. I went ahead and planned all of our meals for February and got what I needed for the first week of meals yesterday at Ingles. Luckily, I found some great deals.

Last night I made homemade Lasagna, one of my favorites!

I made a 9x13 size lasagna for $8.78 and there was plenty for us each to have lunch today, too. So that's a total of $2.19 per meal and Travis was able to have big portions for both meals. It made lots! I was so proud of myself! I just feel like I'm not being a good steward of my money when we eat out TOO MUCH and waste money. I want to stretch God's dollars as far as possible! Tonight's meal is gonna be Crockpot BBQ chicken, baked potatoes and corn which costs me about $5.00 to make and there will be leftovers for lunch for Friday. So each meal averages to $1.25. Wow! Beats something off McDonalds Dollar Menu anyday!!!

I am striving to be as much of a Proverbs 31 woman as possible! It's a long blog read but an encouraging one...


"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." The Hebrew word chayil, translated here "noble," or "virtuous" (KJV), means a wife of valor — a strong, capable woman with strong convictions. This description of the ideal wife does not agree with those who associate femininity with weakness and passivity.

"Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value." Her husband trusts her management of their resources. Her industriousness adds to the family income.

"She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." This woman does not do right only when it is convenient and profitable. Her actions are not based on how she is treated by others or by what others think. Her character is steady. She is reliable and dependable.

"She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands." This woman enjoys working so much that she plans ahead for what she needs in order to accomplish her responsibilities.

"She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar." The trait not to settle for the mediocre is portrayed by a woman who goes the extra mile for quality items.

"She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls." Though the woman described here has servants to take care of many of the household duties, she sets the pace. She understands that good managers have a responsibility to take care of those under their authority. That is one of her top priorities.

"She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard." Every woman doesn’t have to go into real estate and horticulture — the principle here is that this woman uses her mind. She does not act on a whim, but logically analyzes a situation before making a decision. Her goals are not only short term — she envisions the long-range benefits of her decisions.

"She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks." We get a picture of a woman who vigorously goes about her duties. She keeps herself healthy and strong by proper health practices — good diet, adequate rest and exercise. Many people depend on her.

"She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night." She knows that her merchandise is good and takes pride in doing a good job. Night or day, no one worries that her responsibilities are not taken care of.

"In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers." The example she sets is one of skill and industriousness. Whether this woman would be a computer programmer, a concert pianist, a mother, or all three, she develops her talents and hones her skills through education and diligent application.

"She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy." Although it’s good to donate to needy causes, this means far more than writing a check. This woman shows personal concern. She visits the sick, comforts the lonely and depressed, and delivers food to those in need.

"When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet." Providing clothing for the family is one of her responsibilities. She takes this seriously, and plans ahead. She does not practice crisis management.

"She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple." This woman has high standards and dresses properly for the occasion.

"Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land." This man does not have to spend half his time trying to straighten out problems at home, and his success in the social world comes partly from her support, just as her success comes partly from his support. The original woman of Proverbs 31 couldn’t phone her husband for his opinion on matters. She made many of the day-to-day decisions about their property and goods. He trusted her to manage the estate efficiently.

"She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes." This woman runs a business from her home. Her efforts and industry add to the family income.

"Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come" (NKJV). Not only does this woman benefit each day from her wise and diligent actions, long-term lifetime benefits and rewards lie in store for her.

"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." This woman is well read and has the facts. She knows what she is talking about. Whether about her job, her personal values or her opinion on world events, she is able to express herself intelligently, tactfully and diplomatically. People come to her for good advice.

"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." She is an organized, energetic person who carries out her responsibilities.

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." This woman is not a doormat, slavishly trying to appease and please her family, no matter how unreasonable their demands. She is honored in her home. Here we gain an insight into the character of her husband as well. He teaches their children to respect here and the virtues she personifies.

"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." High praise for this extraordinary woman — a role model for women of all time.

"Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Here is the key to this woman’s effectiveness. Her priorities are determined by God’s will, not her own. She is concerned about what God thinks, rather than with what other people think. Physical beauty and clever conversation are admirable qualities. But if a woman’s beauty and charm are the extent of her virtues, what happens when time and the trials of life take their toll? This woman does not depend on beauty and charm for her success. She recognizes her need for God.

*excerpt from http://www.wcg.org/lit/bible/poet/prov31.htm*

P.S. I am also going to learn to sew! My Granny sews and I want to carry on the tradition! Now I just have to find someone close by in Anderson who can teach me! I really want to be able to make my children some cute outfits one day!


~ I'll continue to keep you updated on my new found adventure of saving my family money!!!~

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Party Time!

I had the best birthday ever!!!
Here's a few snapshots of all the fun!











Monday, February 8, 2010

A Cool Birthday Wish!

Click HERE to see a really neat birthday wish that my sister Nikki gave me!!! Make sure your sound is on...

Today has been a really fun day! I am blessed to have so many sweet friends and family to share my birthday with!

Yea for BIRTHDAYS!!!
Pics of our celebration in Elberton to come soon!!!

Hip, Hip, Hooray...Baby Makayla is on her way!!!