Sleep Well Sweet Girl

I just can't seem to find the words to describe how I'm feeling. I have so many questions as to why, how, who, and why why why???? I'm not a mother, but this case has affected me in so many ways. As a woman, I tend to want to nuture and take care of everyone around me. My parents have always referred to me as Mother Hen. That's just who I am. For example; In middle school my friends and I were at a pool party. Morgan had a older brother so all of his cool friends were there also. All of us girls were just loving the fun of being out of school and swimming with really cute boys. Anyway, my friend Amanda and I went to the bathroom....you know how it is....girls go to the bathroom together...always! So she did her business and then boom!!! The toilet won't flush. Knowing how embarrased she would be if anyone knew, I decided to "save the day". I won't go into any details, but let's just say that for the next 4 years I was known as the Pooper Scooper. I learned that just because I think I'm helping, I don't always have to. Shocker right? Moving on now. There were many times growing up that I learned people need to fight their own battles. Sometimes helping isn't percieved as such. Getting back to the subject of Caylee, I'm at peace knowing she's with Jesus. I'm comforted by the fact that He's made her perfect again. No one can ever hurt her again, she's at peace. I hope that her family finds peace in that also. Please say a prayer for Caylee tonight. Let her know that even though her own kin didn't love her enough to be truthful, that we do. As a body of women let's love her, let's love her enough for a lifetime, no matter how long that may be. Sleep well sweet girl. xoxo

Wordless Wednesday

$12.95 Embroidery Included

A few weeks before Thanksgiving I was browsing through the L.L. Bean Christmas Look Book and these adorable stockings were on sale for 25% off, embroidery included! The fact that you could choose your hair color for the kiddo on the stocking was reason enough to take advantage of such a great deal. They actually had a red head option!!! Loves it ;).

FYI

If you ask anyone I grew up with, or even anyone that even remotely knows me, they'll tell you the same thing. I was a terrible friend to many people I love. I made really bad choices that led me to really bad consequences. BY MY OWN DOING. As I've matured I have been able to reflect on a lot of my choices and how they affected other people. There have also been times where I think to myself that I don't deserve the life I've got. My blessing are far too many to count. But then I remember. God picked up the tab. Because of Him I have been forgiven. Because of Him I will dwell in heaven with those who have passed before me. I can look the other way as I'm judged by my peers and enjoy it...because I know the truth...and so does He.

Jesus' words of caution add crucial instructions on how we can "see clearly" in our judgments: "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye"

Matthew 7:1-5

Taco Soup, Worthless, Wild Dogs

I just finished making a huge batch of Taco Soup. The whole house smells amazing and I'm starting to think about how worthless I've been over this long weekend. No cleaning, very little cooking, and lots of sleep have made for a pretty great weekend. No laundry has been done, no dogs have been bathed and I'll admit there's dust caked on my ceiling fans! Wow, that was thearuputic. I've actually convinced myself that lighting a few candles just takes care of it all. No worries here, there are not 1, not 2, but 3 candles burning in my home as I blog. Corey thinks I'm a hazard. I think it's resourceful, ;). I can dream right? The dogs are running around the christmas tree knocking every ornament off the bottom 1/3. If Boss chews on one more light, I'm going to lose it. Sara plays coy by laying in front of the fireplace everytime I walk back into the room. I wonder if she truly doesn't know I can hear her footsteps from anywhere in the house. I.Really.Love.My.Dogs. I hope you all have a wonderful Monday, and even greater week. Christmas here we come!!!

Polka dot wellie socks, "Not Me's", Ornaments sparkle

What a joy Thanksgiving was! I just love my family and I'm so thankful we have persavered through the last few years. This year has really proved to be life changing. Christmas is just around the corner and I look forward to the happy times ahead. Thanks Mom and Dad, and Grandma and Grandpa Jones, for a wondeful holiday. Too bad not only my camera batteries, but my Mother's too, were DEAD! I did do a little shopping today for some very sparkling tree decor and a few gifts. Maybe a few things I didn't do this week are wear my polka dot wellie socks with my crocks...in the rain...so what right? I also haven't eaten over half of the two-layer chocolate cake I made. I. Just. Didn't. I'm also not sitting her while my poor Boss claws at the door just waiting for me to let him in. :). Oh believe me, he just leads a horrible life. Enjoy the rest of your long weekend. Blessing, xoxo

Wordless Mouthwatering Wednesday...

Just Another Lazy Sunday

I think this is the first post I've done while at home just relaxing. I just put the cakes in the oven for my Sinful Chocolate Cake and am now just enjoying my clean house. I mean...somewhat clean of course. We booked our 2009 vacation to Jamaica, contimplated building a fire, drank hot coco, read the paper, and enjoyed a pizza & pasta lunch all before noon, and without hardly moving off the couch. Corey's feeling better and steadily driving me nuts but of coarse I love him! Sara and Boss seem to be in a constant rotation between inside and outside. I think they just need to nap. This crazy Texas winter weather is just as fickle. No wonder we have the sniffles all season long. The cakes are now spilling over and creating a huge mess in the oven, the house smells delicious. It's possible that instead of dividing the one batch of batter into 2 9in cake pans, I just used a batch of batter for each pan. They look like huge mushrooms. Whoopsie. Corey is zoned into the tv watching Carmicheal dominate races from 2004. Just one of those days where I'm thankful we put the DirecTv in our bedroom too. The sacrifices we make for the ones we love.* I was planning on eating lunch at school with my little cousin Brennan tomorrow but you know the kids get a full week off for Thanksgiving these days. Lucky! Although Corey and I both get a week off of work the week of Christmas. Well the holidays are here, are you prepared? I for one not so much. I don't really have a lot to do just odds and ends to finish up. Whatever your plans may be, I encourage each of you to please donate any old coats or other clothing to your local clothing charity. This time of year is when these items are needed the most. It's a simple act that goes a long way. Enjoy your Thanksgiving, xoxo

Circa 1972

I've always said that I've felt like I should've been born in the 70's. Well here I am, circa 1972...yikes! I just feel like a true hippie at heart. I love incense, all things natural, the everyones a neighbor attitude, laying in the grass, outdoor concerts, jeans and t-shirts, flowers, graffiti, big sunglasses, and the times where smoking a little grass wasn't such a big freaking deal. God made weed, man made beer, who do you trust?(all time favorite bumpersticker) Everyone has their vice wether they admit it or not, I'm just saying that I would've loved to grow-up during a time where you were'nt crucified for expressing yourself. Yearbookyourself.com is a lot of fun, especially when you work at a boat dealership during a recession...and it's winter time. Anyway, Corey caught a virus that's been going around so he's not much fun these days. I'm sure I'll get my turn soon. On a lighter note Four Christmas's comes out on Wednesday so I'm looking forward to that. My boss just informed me that we will be closed not only Thursday but Friday and Saturday too...great. No paycheck hardly for me! I need a new job. Well Happy Thanksgiving everyone and stay warm. xoxo

Welcome To My New Bog

So what do you think??? Isn't it cute, I know I'm biased. I first what to address Mrs. Miranda Gregg Mayse. She went to be with the Lord after battling cancer. Please keep her mother Michelle, and the rest of her family, in your prayers. She will be laid to rest Tuesday at Mobberly Baptist Church in Longview. Her family has been dear friends of my family for years. We love you Miranda. The past couple of weeks have been pretty hectic. Corey raced at Swan in Tyler this past weekend and WON ALL HIS MOTOS except one. Way to go baby!!! Other than starting to holiday shop, there's just not a whole lot going on. I must mention that my amazing husband got me a new wedding ring. There wasn't anything wrong with my other ring, he just spoils me. The ring he proposed with was the ring his dad gave to his mother when he proposed 20+ years ago. The diamond is flawless and ever so lovely. We wanted to preserve that ring so one day we can give it to our son for his future bride. My new ring is incredible. I must say he did a perfect job! I would post a pic but isn't that just a little tacky? Trust me, it blings! Have a great weekend, and please remember the less fortunate ones around you.

A Letter To My Husband

Dear Corey,

I can't believe how fast time has gone by! It seems just yesterday we were getting to know the good, bad, and sometimes ugly of each other. The past several months have been special to me because it seems we are settling into our marriage. What use to be the unknown is now the norm in our everyday life. We seem to know what the other is thinking or saying before it's thought or said. I want you to know that you've never disappointed me or let me down in any way. The foundation we are building for our family is strong and our love continues to grow.
I haven't mentioned this to you yet, but the other morning when you were leaving to go ride with Stephan and Sean, I was watching you out of our bedroom window. I don't know what compelled me to do this other than God. I felt His presence as I watched you with little Sean and thought of what an amazing father you're going to be. It made me so proud to see not only Sean's face light up, but yours as well. You have such an incredible heart and seem to have a way with children. You know me, I'm always thinking ahead! You're selfless in every way and always put the best interest of our family before your own. When a disaster strikes like water leaks, blown out tires, dog accidents, burnt dinner, Boss getting stuck under the house, Boss eating the house, wild pigs in the yard, or I just plain have one of those days, you're always there to fix it. When we lost Bishop, you held me when I should've held you. I love you for this and so much more.
Our life together is crazy insane chaos. I'm so proud to be your wife but most of all, I'm proud of what an incredible man you have become. I know if your Dad was here, he would say the same. We have driven from one side of the country to the other and then back again. I've been places with you I'd never thought I would be. We've had adventures, surprises, and lots of laughs along the way. I praise you Corey for always being not only my partner in life but my best friend. Going with my gut has never felt better. The best is yet to come baby, I can just feel it.


xoxo, Lindsey


( I caught him watching TV the other day. just. like. this. )

Thanks Mom & Dad

Growing up, my dad and I notoriously shared the sweet tooth! When I worked at Cotton Patch, most of my check went to bread pudding, cobblers, and the pies. On any given night either he or I would make cookies or cake or anything sweet. My mom makes this pumpkin roll that is truly amazing. I think she deserves a Nobel prize for it! So on my birthday I wasn't all that surprised when mom had this delivered...

It was just as good as it looked. I was in Heaven. What more could a gal ask for...than an Italian Creme Cake.....ahhhh the bliss :) Happy Friday!

Easy Lemon Chicken Penne

I found this recipe and we loved it!!! It is healthy and super super delish. Not to mention very easy.

Lemon Chicken Penne

1 pound dried penne
2 chicken cutlets, cut into fingers ( I used breast)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 cloves garlic, sliced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
2 lemons, juiced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan

In a deep sauce pan sautee chicken with salt and pepper. ( I dashed mine with a little McCormick Lemon Pepper Seasoning)

After you cook chicken, cut it up to your liking and set aside

Combine your olive oil, red pepper flakes, and garlic in sauce pan

Let simmmer on low heat while you cook the penne

Cook penne with 1/2 tbs salt

Let pasta cool just a bit

Pour your olive oil over the chicken in a mixing bowl

Combine with pasta and toss

Squeeze the lemons into the bowl and add the parmesan

Toss and enjoy!

A Dallas Weekend with my Hubby

****updated*** blogger is being fickle about my pics, I'll post some later, promise!

Well i guess it's finally happened. I'm no longer a young twenty something. Nope, not me! I'm now 24. ouch! Corey and I celebrated by getting out of town. We stayed at the Hyatt Dallas and loved every minute of it. It was very nice and very hassle free. (Unless you count them charging us twice for our stay.) Any who, we loved it. It was nice to get away with the one I love so very much. We went to Macaroni grill which is one of my favorites and then spent the rest of the weekend at the Allen outlets and The Galleria. My awesome husband gifted me a super cute Coach satchel which I really love b/c I'm not much of a purse person. This way I won't sit it down and not pick it up. He also got me a few items at the ever so lovely j.crew, and then I kind of went a little crazy at the Gap (that's what outlets are for right?). We enjoyed a late night dessert and just enjoyed being alone (no dogs). We slept in and went to Starbucks and well, the rest is pretty much history. I love you sweet husband and thank you for a fabulous weekend. Here are some pics to document our highlights. Have a great week. xoxo

A $26.00 Creation...

Can you believe it???

To all you ghost and goblins out there...

Drumroll Please....

Stellan...

entered the world this sunny fall morning at 10:19 am, CST

weighing 6 pounds, 10 ounces and measuring 19 inches long

So far mom and baby are doing great!

Praise God!!!

Happy Birthday Stellan

So some of you may have been following MckMamma's blog. Please pray tonight because tomorrow is Stellan's birth day!!! 9:30 cst is the time for her c-section. There will be a vigil for him tonight, click on her button for details. Pray, pray, and pray people...this is a miracle in the making so get ready!!!

Nothing Like a Tagging

Rules: Each player answers the question themselves. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment letting them know that they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person that tagged you know when you've answered the questions on your blog.


10 years ago: I was 14 and had just entered my freshman year of highschool, oh the awkward years...

First car: A white 1992 Ford Explorer, I was in love with it. I drove it pretty much through highschool

First Job: I was a cashier at Cotton Patch and totally addicted to their bread pudding. yum!

First kiss: Let's just say we were watching Titantic.

5 things on today's "to do" list: price garage sale items, dinner with Laura, bathe Sara and Boss, clean my wedding ring, and return some j.crew stuff.

5 snacks I enjoy: granola w/yogurt, fruit, any raw veggie, cookies, and pecans

5 things I would do if I were a millionaire: buy a beach house, payoff morgage, payoff Jaron's college loans, take my family on a world wide adventure, and refurnish my entire house!

5 places I have lived: Longview, Lakeport, Jefferson, Marshall, and Tatum

5 jobs I have had: waitress, nursing assistant, t-shirt maker (lol), outside sales rep, and accountant.

The rules say I have to tag 5 people. I'll have to think about that one....do I even have 5 "friends" that blog? If I do...you know who you are! So get. her. done. I hate when people say that :)

Tree Hugger...

So these days I'm trying to do my "part", which means going a little green. For me of coarse I started with food. This is the easiest way to start the transition from processed to organic eating...which we all know is way way better for you. Not only does it fascinate me, (Corey could care less), but it motivates me to have fully made the change by the time we have children. You better believe I'll be making my own baby food, cloth diapering (at least at home), delaying vaccines and of coarse homeschooling. Ha, only in a perfect world. I envy the mom's I read about in the blogging world b/c they seem to live this way without blinking an eye...I on the other hand need to start small. Going organic in east Texas is not that easy of a task. Remember, we don't have a Whole Foods on every corner. Most of our organic selections are scarce and pretty expensive. We don't have a wide range of products and just b/c it says organic doesn't mean it's 100% organic. Come on people, read the labels! We do have the benefit of having a great local farmer's market as well as a few health food shoppes. So for now I'll leave you with my two favorite health foods...they are delish! Just grab you a bowl (not plastic of coarse) and pour some granola into it. Put a heaping spoonful or more of the yogurt on top. Add a dash of cinnamon and tada! You've made a great, fast, healthy breakfast or snack. See, wasn't that easy?

Have a great weekend, and good luck going green. xoxo

$Free99Free

That's what Corey ALWAYS says when he's made off with a great deal. I got this background at thecutestblogontheblock.com. The best part is....you guessed it...FREE!!! They have a lot to choose from and seem to update the site pretty often. Although this isn't my new blog "look", I thought I would enjoy it for a bit. Now go! Hurry and get your shabby chic FREE blog background. xoxo

Extreme Makeover Blog Edition!

Hello friends. I'm so so excited that some sweet Jenny from Pink Armchair Designs is going to makeover my blog! I've been wanting to do this for awhile now but thought the necessary expense was well...unnecessary. I'm really excited to see what they come up with. The wait was quoted at 4 weeks so here we go....counting down. (this is truly the most exciting thing going on in my life right now, sweet!) By the way, my sweet friend from high school Jill is a designer. She totally needs to cash in on blog designs. She is incredibly talented and would make a killing. Kudos Jill, xoxo

Honeymoon 2.0

The weather here today is rainy, dreary, and a bit chilly. I long to be somewhere remote, sunny, and tropical. Or really...anywhere but work. ;) I could also use a pina colada...ummmmm. So all I can do for now is wait until June 22, 2009 when my hubby and I leave for our honeymoon 2.0.

Turks & Caicos

A Life Changed

This book is great. I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a different perspective. The book is very very easy to read and really encouraging. Happy reading. Have a great weekend. xoxo

Already...

So yes it's here!!! Per Potterybarn of coarse, I can't wait! All the great decor, yummy food and special time with family, tis the season. xoxo

Sinful...

I just wanted to let everyone know what I've been doing...getting fat!!!! This toffee is the best in the world. It's called Elaine's Toffee Company. I heard about it in a magazines and then happened to catch it on The Rachael Ray Show, which I never ever watch normally, and just had to try it for myself. It's amazing, truly. Have a great weekend. xoxo ps: they have a website where you can order it, they ship pretty much all over***

Flower Power

Right now these are my favorite. They're in our backyard and bloom year round.


I love the intense colors!
I'm not proud at all, well maybe a little. ;)



Have I mentioned I'm getting into photography? Well I still have a lot to learn but I would love to shoot anyone or thing that's willing. If you live in the east Texas area and are interested just let me know...the best part is thats FREE!!! I'm just doing a lot of testing right now so take advantage! Peace! xoxo

Then....& Now

My sweet baby Boss then....

And now...



I thought this was too funny not to share. My dogs live a very tough life as you can see, but hey, we love them.**** Peace!

God's Handy Work...

This is Crew. He is a brand new soul and I just had to share his perfect little life that the Lord so graciously sculpted with all of you. Have a great weekend!

Just A Few of My Favorite Things

Thanks to Mrs. Kelli Dixon my blog is back and booming. So in honor of her, here are a few of my faves, in no particular order.

1. Corey's racing of coarse! We have so much fun traveling and meeting so many fun people. Roadtrips are such a great way to spend quality time with my hubby. We have been all over the USA...just chasing our dreams. Awww.

2. East Texas in the fall, it's truly beautiful. As Mimi would say...God's country. The crisp air and football games can't be beat. Not to mention the Holidays'.

3. My newly discovered green thumb.....who knew?!! My roses are awesome, just an fyi. :)

4. ebay
I truly could not live without this place!!!!
I buy everything from kitchenware to jeans to race gear on this site. Being on a student/racer budget I'm not always able to afford the things I love. Thanks to ebay, that's no longer an issue.

5. My KitchenAide Stand mixer

I have my great grandmother's mixer with all the original attachments. Even though it is mustard in color, I just could'nt operate without this must have staple in my kitchen. From making cookies, ice cream, dough, and more, this mixer can handle anything! oh and it looks super chic too.

6. Need I say more? This is by far my favorite store for everything! Although I can't go very often, this place is dear to me. Their hardware is prescious.

ok, so I'm running out of time but now it's your turn. What are some of your favorite things?

No photos + No sense = Boring Blog

Hey guys...I know my blog is pretty lame. Will someone be ever so kind in teaching me how to post photos, know it'll be greatly appreciated! Have a great weekend, xoxo

Labor Pains..Not that kind

Hola. Another weekend approaches with another long list of "must get done" chores. Yet I have no motivation what so ever to get these things done.

--- Bathe dogs
--- Wash guest room bedding
--- Laundry (person enemy)
--- clean out our closets for donations
--- Buy a baby gift
--- Pull weeds....

So you get the point. We need to do the things that we've both been procrastinating. No Labor Day plans as of now so who know what we'll end up doing. Long naps, great food, Corona, and some sun are definitely on the agenda. Have a great & safe weekend. xoxo

Extra, Extra, Stellan bracelets are Here!!!!

Hello friends and family. Before reading this post, please scroll down my blog and click on the McKmamma button and read their story of hope and prayer. Are you done? ok, now, isn't she great?! Such a great role model I know, I hope to be just like her, lol. I want all of you to know that appreciate you praying for their family. I also added another button to get ya'll up to date on Ms. Audrey Caroline, please feel free to comment with any questions you may have. General question I want your opinons on; is it weird to read and pray and love people you have never met? Is it strange to carry their burdens aswell as your own? Please tell me what you think, we are all human right? Well, lets see. :) xoxo

****** Immediate Prayer Request STAT

Many of you know the story of Audrey Caroline Smith. This sweet sweet family buried their infant daughter just a few months ago. Yesterday, the Smith family buried Luke, infant son of Angie's sister and brother-in-law. The Smith family weighs their heavy burden on the mighty heart of our Lord. Please join me tonight in praying for their family. Pray that they'll find peace in this dark time of loss. Help me carry this burden to the Lord for comfort. Thank you for taking the time. xoxo

Boss is Out of Control....Yes I Admitt it

I'm at my wits end with this dog! You tell him no, he hears yes. You punish him, he loves on you. He's just not getting the point. Boss came into our lives at a very difficult time. ( we had just lost Bishop) We were pushovers when we should've been stern. I guess we over looked a lot because we were still hurting...boy do I regret not crate training him. What were we thinking???? Okay, I'm done venting, remember Corey's out of town so I haven't had much company. :) Pray for my sanity. xoxo

Home Alone 3...Lonely in Tatum

Well it's finally here, the infamous Wisconsin trip. Corey is leaving tonight for what will be my first time without him....I have to say that I'm sad! I know the space will probably be good for us both, but what can I say, I just love the @#%# out of my husband. I feel so blessed that we share such a deep bond, cheesey I know, but so true. I thank the Lord everyday for my sweet husband. I'm one lucky lady for sure. Thinking back to our wedding, we made a vow to love through good times and bad....I get butterflies just thinking of all thats happened since that day.

" I carry your heart with me, I carry it in my heart. I am never without it, anywhere I go, you go, my dear...I carry your heart, I carry it in my heart. " E.E. Cummings

New Adventure Here we Come...

So Corey has been very unhappy at his job. He loves what he does, but just not for the people he works for. We have decided to try and make a career change, should I say I have decided to get into the oil and gas industry. I start school in August and I'm already looking for a job....wish me luck. In the meantime we haven't really been doing anything exciting enough to blog about. Besides working, we're pretty much a boring couple right now.

My new Home!!!!..........

I'm officially a blogger....finally! I've been wanting to start for awhile now but like everyone else says...who has the time. I will post more later...I want to explore!