I have not adequately let you know exactly why I haven't been here as much lately. Yes, there have been a lot of things going on in my personal life, but it's more than that.

I became a member of an online group of women. These women do a variety of things!!!! Everything from visitng other's websites, and leaving thoughts of cheer, to welcoming new members, to learning and teaching how to make graphics, sig tags, .....and the best part is it's all FREE!!!!  It's called Friend To Friend, (F2F), and I realize how remiss I have been in not telling you about this group and selfishly keeping it to myself. It may be that you would be interested in learning more about this group, and possibly giving it a try. I have met so many creative people here on Bravenet, and this group could just be what you would love to participate in.

If you enjoy reaching out to others who are having a hard time, then this group is for you. If you enjoy welcoming newcomers, this group is for you. And if you think learning to make graphics is hard, then this group is definitely for you! LOL

There are several different areas within the main group. All have different needs, and there is something for everyone. There is even a monthly newsletter you might enjoy writing an article for. Our newsletter covers a huge variety of subjects. It would be your chance to be in print! LOL There is a chat group as well as a group that teaches how to make your own email stationery!!!!  Truly there is something for everyone.

By all means, check it out for yourself. I extend an open invitation for anyone who thinks this group deserves a closer look. The more the merrier! LOL

Be blessed!

Hello! My, but I have been neglecting this site rather badly. I must get back in the habit of being regular here. As soon as I figure out how I will let you know LOL

Things have been great here! They are even better now.

At the end of May, Sidney's Dad came and picked him up for a visit back to Texas. This was out of the blue and we only had a day and a half of notice. (He had not seen him in 8 years). Sidney was on cloud nine. He was so excited and wanted to spend the whole summer there. But things didn't go as planned. He was supposed to spend some time with his sister Kim, while she was off work for a week's vacation. Then he was to go back to his Dad's house. They live about 2 hours from each other. He spent about 3 days at his Dad's house, and was able to go fishing which had him excited. He then went to his sister's house. Most of her vacation was already gone, and she has two small children of her own. Her boyfriend would come over and they would have the most horrible fights, complete with physical hits and name calling. He was also left alone in a run down apartment complex, while the kids went to daycare and she went to work. I was horrified!!!! I wanted to immediately get him on a plane home. I was trying to arrange this when my daughter Julie voluntered to drive a long ways to go get him and take him to her house in San Antonio. That was awesome!!!! She hadn't been able to see Sidney in a long time and I knew he would enjoy getting to spend some time with her. It just happened to be Father's Day when Julie went to pick him up. His Dad was not happy about that, but he wasn't at his Dad's like he was supposed to be. And Sidney did not want to go back there. While he was able to go fishing one time, his Dad didn't fulfill other promises about horse riding or really seem to show any interest in his welfare. Since he left him at his sister's house, knowing Kim wasn't there with him,....get the picture? But I insisted that Julie be allowed to pick him up. I have to say this. Kim is a good person. She has a heart of gold and she cannot help that she is a single Mom, doing her very best. But this was my child, being left alone in a big city, in an apartment complex that had seen better days. Sidney also has never seen a knock down drag out fight like he did there. I had to get him out of there! So Julie came to the rescue.

Sidney had a lot of fun with Julie! He was able to go several times to Sea World, and really enjoyed himself. He was able to go swimming, and even got to spend time with Glynnis and Todd, as they flew in from England for a week!!!! Awesome! He had not seen them in about 3 years. Kim had bought Sidney a couple of pairs of shoes. Julie also took Sidney shopping, and got him some more clothes. He even tried them on and Julie emailed me the photos. That was great!  He spent his birthday there, and I mailed his birthday gift to him. It was also Todd's birthday, and of course I never send anything without including something for all the kids. So I sent a package with things for Sidney,Todd and Glynnis. Sidney and Todd got a DS and a game each. Julie bought Todd his DS, and Sidney's game, while I sent Todd's game. I sent a couple of things to Glynnis including a necklace she seemed to enjoy.

But Sidney came home a week ago today, after being gone for two months! It was odd not to have him here, but I was happy for Sidney that he had a most unforgettable summer. He had experiences he will never forget. Most of them good ones, thanks to Julie. Sidney was very nervous about flying for the first time. And alone at that. I went through a local travel agency to arrange his flight, and he was originally scheduled to fly out last Sunday evening. But when Julie went to the airport to get him on board, they refused to let him fly! Seems unattended minors cannot take the last flight out of the day. He was scheduled to leave there around 6:30 p.m., and finally arrive here around 10:30 p.m. Sunday night. I instantly panicked LOL. But the airlines calmly rescheduled him for the next morning. Poor Julie, having to take him twice. I had arranged for him to fly out on Sunday so it wouldn't interfere with anyone's work schedules. But it wasn't meant to be.

He arrived at 3:22 our time, and I was able to secure a boarding pass, and be right there as soon as he stepped off the plane! The kid has never played football, but he should as he tackled me in a run, and gave me the biggest hug! He almost knocked me over LOL. I squeezed him in a big hug, and he made the comment that I barely left any air in his lungs LOL. I had teased him over the phone, that when I saw him I would leave a little air in his lungs so he could breathe LOL. A gentleman who got off right ahead of him, saw us together and made the comment that I had a great kid. As we went over to claim Sidney's baggage, the same man was standing there. Sidney said it was his seat mate on the flight. I introduced myself, and it turns out that the man worked in Bentonville, AR for Wal-Mart! What a small world we live in. He had more good comments about Sidney and I was saying a prayer of thanks that God has indeed made sure all went for Sidney.

Sidney said the airline really made him feel good. They announced over the loudspeaker that he was on board, and that it was his first flight. They also gave him a tour of the plane, including the cockpit, where he met the pilot and co-pilot. They showed him the instrument panel and even told him about the main controls. I was so impressed when I heard that. Since 9/11 and security being so tight, I didn't dream they would do that for him. But they did. I am very grateful to American Airlines for treating him like royalty!!!! He now knows what it is like to fly, and should he ever need to again, he won't be afraid.

It's been so good to get him home again, and we have spent this last week, trying to get things back to normal. He has an eye appointment this afternoon, as we always do every school year. School doesn't start here for another week yet. And at his young age, he needs new glasses every year. Sidney is also looking forward to taking walks to the lake with Dillard, and has shown an interest in fishing as well. He actually was showing that interest earlier this year. Gene left two fishing poles here for him, and it will be no problem to develop that interest!!!

I was so impressed when I saw Sidney after he had been gone for two months!!! He had grown some, but he looked better than ever. He had good color to his skin, due to Julie having him swimming, and out at Sea World. He was no longer the white skinned child, and he seems to have a glow and extra energy about him. Spending time with Julie was the best thing that could have happened and it made his summer a great one!!! He has no desire to be in touch with his Dad now. What a shame that after 8 years, his Dad didn't take more time with him, or show much interest. I still wonder why on earth he would drive all that way to come get him, just to basically ignore him. It was a good 14 hour drive one way. Obviously I had my misgivings about letting him go, but if I had not, he would have always resented me for that. He had to learn. This is one time I am so sorry my misgivings turned out to be true. But it all worked out great in the end, and Sidney had a good summer after all.

I share al this, in case someone reading this, has had the same experiences, or will have. There is always a silver lining to everything. It may be hard to see sometimes, but I assure you, it is there!

Sidney missed out on seeing the garden grow but I did email him pics of the 4th of July celebration we have here every year, including pics of the garden. When he got home, we have since gone out into the garden together and harbested the last of the yellow squash, and several tomaotes. I am freezing what I can't use right now. Later I can slip off the tomatoe skins and use them to make sauce. I was able to harvest and store some lavender, and a bit of spices. I am so behind on doing that though. I need to dry some sage, and more rosemary. Chives too! My basil didn't do as well this year. I didn't replace the original plant from last year, and it was very woody in growth. But it's all okay. Dillard harvested a lot of corn and froze it still on the cob. It is great to think about enjoying that this winter. And we had oodles of green beans we have frozen and a lot of it we have shared with family and co-workers. It is a great feeling to share. While I froze some of the squash and zuchinni, no one but me will eat it in our family. So I didn't keep much, but gave away a lot of it. My melon plants are not doing well. They are still very small and still making blooms. But no fruit is even trying to form. But I will try again next year. I give up on them as it's too late now to get anything in time before fall sets in.

And I have been very occupied with continuing to make graphics and learning. There is so much to learn!!!! But I have really enjoyed it. I am now able to make and offer graphics for request in one of my groups. Another group has invited me to also share, but I just don't have the time to do so. It really is a time committment, and I have so many other things to do around here LOL. Boring stuff like housework, running errands,.....LOL  And sometimes other things suffer as I try to learn new techniques for making good graphics. But I am glad that I want to learn new things, and I hope I always learn new things. Here lately I haven't been repairing computers on the side, although I did bring home a laptop and clean out the nasty spyware and trojan that had gotten on it.

Be blessed and I will be back SOON!

Here is a tag I created recently. Feel free to snag or request one with your name on it. Email me at moonifa at gmail dot com and I will fix it and send it back to you! Unlike some, I do not request credit. I did this from a tutorial, and it was not my own creation. Sometimes I am able to do one completely on my own, but not very often LOL. I'm getting there,...just takes time.

I have no right to be as blessed as I am, and I thank God for every single bit of it.

Our July 4th celebration was wonderful!!!! Cory, my nephew, who will soon ship out for the Air Force, was able to come after all. His older brother Jason and his wife Kim was also able to attend, when it was thought they would have to work. My sissy (sis in law), Linda, her husband Marvin, Mom, Barbara, and Art, Honey, and her son Sean from next door, step daughter Misty, with her two children, which I claim as my own grandkids, Trenton and Dyllon, and of course Dillard and I made up our fairly large group.

While it was a bit painful to reflect on who wasn't there, I kept pushing that away, intent on making the most of the wonderful blessings right before my eyes.

We all had a good time and pigged out on the grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. There was fruit and banana pudding for dessert, along with a beautiful patriotic birthday cake for Cory's birthday. I was so hoping he would be able to attend this 4th celebration, as it may be his last for who knows how long?

And I owe a huge thanks to everyone for contributing to the eats we all enjoyed. Everyone brought something to help make the affair  a fun love filled event.

Rain was in the forecast which I was actually looking forward to. At about 10:00 or 10:30 p.m., we could hear the thunder getting closer and see the lightening move in. But we had already enjoyed many fireworks and so it was yet another blessing on an already rich day. We all moved inside and slowly everyone headed for home. We ended up with it raining all night, and more the next morning, before it finally left. But oh how we needed that rain!!!! This summer is almost a repeat of last year's drought. So I was a very happy camper!!!!! And I couldn't help but think, how many fires were prevented by the rain? Every year you hear of fires and other tragedies from fireworks.

It was much later than usual the next day when we were able to go out and clean up from the festivities. Art and Barbara came over from next door and helped as well. It was just awesome reflecting back on how we had all managed to get together and be family and friends sharing food and hearts.

Sidney is still in Texas with his sissy Julie. And I know he had a good time celebrating the 4th there!!!!! I missed him of course, but I was also content that he was in a good place having a good time, being well looked after.  Gene is in Army boot camp, and I wonder daily how he is doing. I know he is doing well. Of that I have no doubt. But I know the training is rigorous, and Mama's can't help but worry about their kids. Even adult kids LOL. Have I mentioned how proud of of him I am? But then I am proud of all of my kids.

And it was our anniversary yesterday! It was a great day as well! Back in December I had won a gift card at the Christmas party at work. It was to a local restuarant I had never been to. (I am not much for fast food). It was really good and I was impressed. I ended up with a take home tray and I brought home enough left from my plate for another meal LOL It was a good peaceful day that I wouldn't have wanted any other way.

And our gospel meeting started yesterday!!!! This year it's a four day meeting, and since I am on vacation this week, I will be able to attend every single night!!! It just keeps getting better and better. I feel so wonderfully blessed! The man holding our meeting is from Terrell, Texas. Terrell is not far from the D/FW area where I lived many years. But I had never met him. The sermon last ngiht was called how Jesus was hung up for our hangups, so we could hookup. Even if someone didn't pay any attention to the sermon, they had to come away with that powerful message!

Today I am spending part of my day with Mom. I am taking over some of our first harvest of corn. We planted two different kinds this year. One of them was ready to be picked. Due to the lack of rain the ears are small, but look great!!!! No bugs/worms, and all the ears are perfectly filled in. We also took some over to the neighbors. There is still plenty left over for cooking now and freezing for later. The zucchini and squash keeps coming LOL. I will probably start taking some to work to give away. I do love to share!!!! Since it is all organically grown, no chemicals are in the food!!!! My melon plants are small but healthy. Several already have blooms!  I will start them earlier next year so they will not be behind in growing as they are this year. The lack of rain has really hurt, but even if the melons are small, I will be just as happy to have them.

And sometime today I hope to get to talk at length to Sidney, Julie and,.....Glynnis and Todd!!!! They flew over from England and arrived in San Antonio Saturday. I knew they would be tired so I didn't try to call til yesterday afternoon. They were at the zoo!!! LOL So I didn't keep Sidney on the phone. I could hear Glynnis and Todd in the background excitedly talking about the animals. Julie and Ashley have done a great job taking care of Sidney, keeping him safe, and now they really have their hands full with three kids!!!! LOL I am so glad Sidney was there when they arrived back from their 3 year stay overseas. I know they have all really missed each other, and I didn't want to intrude on their outing. My time will come LOL. Sometimes it's hard for us Mama's to stay in the background. But we do.

I hope everyone's week is as great as mine has started out. May you be surrounded by the love of family and friends!

Hello friends! Hello family! It's been so busy but so rewarding on this end.

Finally,....I have my kitchen painted!!!!! It's been awhile in coming. A little tweaking here and there, but for the most part it's a done deal LOL. No more half wallpaper and half paint. We have a long rectangular cutout between the living room and dining room. Dillard filled in in with mirrors on both sides. Now if I get up in the middle of the night I need to realize there is not an intruder LOL. He framed it very nicely too and it's been painted by him to match the kitchen area. Looks great!!!!!

I am still pressed for time and have much to do today. But before I get back to it I wanted to upload some patriotic tags I made for you to snag if you want them.

I wish everyone a most happy 4th of July!!!!!

I don't think I have ever neglected my site as I have lately. Life has a way of throwing curve balls every now and then and throwing you off your equiibrium. This summer has certianly started out different LOL.

Gene is now in Army boot camp, and I would deeply appreciate any prayers for his success and well being. I think about him daily and wonder how it's all going for him. What he is going through is anything but easy. But I also know he can do it. It's something he has wanted for a very long time. I am very proud of him!!!!

Sidney is away for a few weeks this summer. His Dad decided that after not seeing him for 8 years, that he wanted to come get him. (His Dad lives in Texas). There was only about two days notice, and I was hesitant. Sidney however, was on Cloud Nine. He really wanted to go. If I had said no, he would have resented it now and probably even more down the road. SO I let him go. It was a disaster. He didn't get to spend time with his Dad like we all thought, and ended up being at his half sister's house. Don't get me wrong. She loves him dearly. She has really missed him and loved having him there. But you know how dysfunctional families seem to leave that legacy to following generations? Seems her and her boyfriend, have knock down drag out fights, and had one while Sidney was there. (Good thing he doesn't live there and that they are not married). Whoa!!!! Sidney is definitely not used to that. The name calling, the physical punches,.....and I wanted to put him on a plane right away to bring him home. He's never seen such a thing, and it really unsettled him. But his other sister (my daughter), drove up from San Antonio, picked him up and took him with her. He is having the time of his life!!!!! He is getting to see and do things he wouldn't have other wise enjoyed. Needless to say, this summer will be one he will never forget!!!!

Nor will I. I was not prepared for Sidney to be gone for most of the summer, so soon after Gene left the nest LOL. It's been strange not having anyone here but us two, and as days pass it's actually getting harder, not better. I miss him! LOL

But he will come home in plenty of time to get his school clothes, and other needs filled before starting school in the late summer. (I can't say in the Fall anymore, as school now starts in the first week of August). I know he is having a blast, and he hadn't seen his older sissy in a few years. He decided I was to keep his birthday gifts here for when he returns, rather than mailing them to him. His birthday is July 6th. So he will have more surprises waiting for him when he gets here. And I don't know how she did it, but she talked Sidney into buying some shorts LOL. I tried several times to have him agree to me buying him some shorts for the summer. He would have none of it. But then he did that every year, then as summer got hotter, would relent and wear shorts. She took him shopping, and he picked out some cute shirts and shorts. He even modeled them and she emailed me the pics LOL. She did a good job on the pics. They were precious!!!!! Still don't know how she got him to try them on at the store and then again at home LOL. It was like pulling hen's teeth to get him to do that at home.

We are simply doing our usual daily stuff. We haven't had any rain in two weeks or better. We have to water to garden and flowers every couple of days. Tongiht it got windy, cloudy, and a few faint drops fell before once again, it passed us on by. But I know that our needs will be provided for. God will give us rain when we need it, and if we have to work a little extra to water in between, there's a reson somewhere LOL. Dillard hasn't had to mow though. To mow a yard when there hasn't been any rain, is a sure grass killer. I have looked at many yards around our town, where people mowed anyway, and now they have brown lawns. We have tall weeds in places, and even baby trees sprouting here and there. Doesn't look nice for sure, but it's better to endure that a little longer, than to kill it all by mowing while it's so dry.

We were supposed to have our roof redone Saturday, but we had a 60% chance of rain. We held off as the roof coating needs several hours to cure. If it rains, the coating will simply wash off. It didn't rain. LOL So maybe next weekend. Sigh.

I have been busy learning more on making graphics. The more I learn, the more I realize I have barely begun LOL. Still. it's loads of fun and the groups I am in keep me challenged. If I ever get really good, I will put together my own webset for my own website. In the meantime, I try to use what little I know and create beauty to share with others.

Inventory is next week for our store. Groan. We have been busy getting ready for it. I love being busy!!!!! But I do dread the day of inventory. We absolutely cannot touch anything until inventory has been done for our department, and they have signed off on it. Customers can do whatever they like. If something is out of place, we have to let it lie where it is. (Thats so hard to do) So we basically just have to walk around unless we are assisting customers. But the company they hire, sends in tons of staff, and they swarm the store with their handy dandy little gadgets, counting away. Once all is said and done, then we deal with any discrepancies. Funsies!

Yesterday we harvested two Zucchini and two Yellow squash!!!!!! Today I went ahead and got another squash that wasn't as big, but good sized I thought. The beans have blooms all over them, and the corn is getting full of tassels!!!!! The tomatoe plants are slowing down for lack of rain. Healthy, but slow. I tried an old trick with the tomato plants this year. I mulched around them with several layers of newspaper. I read, that the newspaper would help hold in moisture, and it would also prevent weeds. All mulches promise no weeds, but then invariably some do manage to get through. So far, nothing has been able to come up through the newspaper!!!! It really works. Better than any commercial mulch I have ever used. Talk about recycling LOL. Next year I will use newspaper around everything!!!!! The melons are slow to grow though. Healthy enough, but small and slow. I so hope they come through. This is my first year to try carrots. They seem to be doing well. It's been years since I tasted a full flavored carrot! I want the real thing LOL, not the hybrid, quick grown stuff in the grocery stores. No wonder a lot of people don't like carrots. I wouldn't either if that's the way they really tasted.

Gotta run, but of courese I will share one of many things I have managed to create lately. Be blessed!

Just wanted to pop in this morning, and say how blessed I feel. Many times in life, things don't go the way yu envisioned. But that's okay. For every bad thing that happens, there are a thousand good things to take it's place. I recently did a couple of graphics that reflect the way I feel.

Remember to stop and count your blessings the next time you become negative in your attitude. The more you do this, the easier it will become.

Be blessed!