I can see

I'm sitting here still in awe....I even prayed this morning and asked God why things are going so well for me but I don't feel like I deserve it...not exactly on top of my spiritual game these days! I have wonderful friends and family in my life who give so freely of themselves. That call me just to say hi, listen to me even when I'm saying things they might not agree with, who help me with Cameron and love him unconditionally, invite me places and want to hang out, offer service, love and compassion and I could go on and on and on.

A friend in my ward (who will rename nameless) stopped by on Saturday to check on us and I asked for their mechanic's number...my brakes were a little squeaky and I just wanted my car checked out. I've had that car for almost 2 years and besides the oil changes I've maybe put $100 into it and that was just for brakes.

Tuesday morning we switched cars and I headed off to work. I have my tax return $$ that I was ready to spend on repairs but didn't really want to (I want to buy a bike and a bike rack so Cameron and I can go play).......so I was nervous about what needed to be done but happy I had some money to pay for it. I received a phone call later that day and was chastised (nicely) about my lack of maintenance with oil changes, low fluids and cheap brake pads....the mileage was over but in my head I still had 7 days before the date was up....lol! I was then told that I was to ask no questions when my car was returned. I knew at that point that I was not to mention $$ or offer to pay.

I called Teri right away and she reminded me I need to do something nice for someone. Then I called Vicki and said "their car is almost on empty should I fill it up?" She said that would be real nice. To make a very long story as short as possible, I had a date with my mom out in Yelm last night and so I left the borrowed car and the keys in the planned location. I received a call last night and was told that I got an oil change, my car was all checked out and looks great, my cheap brake pads will squeak and will need to be replaced in 5-10 thousand miles, and there was a part on my back brakes that was not functioning properly and was repaired. Then they said to me, "so I see you filled my tank!" I replied, "yes, I had to get you back somehow," and then they said, "well, I got you even better....I replaced your windshield!"

I'm in tears writing this and still in shock???? My windshield has been cracked since they day I bought it. It was cracked from one side all the way to the other on the top and the bottom. I just got use to driving it that way and always had intentions to replace but never took the time. You should see how beautiful is shines right now and how clear my view is!

I don't even know what to say................I'm at a loss of words! I just want to thank my friend! I don't think I can ever express how their friendship, love and compassion truly has touched me today. It's given me a new perspective on some things in my life that I need to change. I believe God works through other people sometimes especially when your not listening!

Happy Easter

Need some input....

My mantel is needing a serious overhaul!! It lacks pzazz, it's small (5 inches deep) and does not hold much. I buy things bring them home and they either don't fit or it looks weird! So, I'm needing some input from all my fabulous friends....

I'm going to put JONES on my mantel off to the left side. I'm not going to paint them (I hate painting and I'm not good at it) I'm going to apply scrapbook paper in different colors and textures. I just want to know which J you like better?????

God Grant me the Serenity

The Serenity Prayer has been a big part of my life for the past 8 years. From the minute I heard it I loved it and I understood it. Vicki and I were talking this past summer as we were painting and decorating my house and one of us thought the Serenity Prayer in vinyl letters around my kitchen would be fun. So, I enlisted the help of a good family friend who cuts vinyl. The letters have been done for sometime now and I bribed Vicki and my Mom with dinner in exchange for some help.

Here is the blank canvas

the letters....

we lined everything up last night and for a brief minute we thought it was not going to fit...

I have some plates above my sink that we had to move so we could put letters there and have enough room. I'm glad we did that I think it would have looked funny any other way.

then it begins letter by letter

Four of the words I had printed in a different font...don't mind the pencil marks I have not erased yet.

and then the rest of the words were done in this font....funky and fun!! Totally screams Mandy!

I love it!!!!!

What do you think???

I love my house!!!! I have been so blessed! My sister often sings to me 'Count your Many Blessings' and this has been a huge one for us!

Spring is in the air

This year someone came up with an idea to do a Easter basket drawing so all my sisters and my mom pulled names and we were given a $15 limit to create something fun! I pulled Sharon's name and at first I thought this was going to be hard but after a little thought my $15 turned into a pretty creative basket.

I think I'm pretty safe posting these pictures....Sharon does not get on here much. So, if you're looking Sharon STOP RIGHT NOW!!!!!

I can't wait to see what Vicki has up her sleeve!!!!!

I smell cookies

Cameron was reading the Friend Magazine in church on Sunday and he came upon a recipe for sand dollar cookies. He asked if we could please make this week. Believe it or not I haven't baked anything in my new house. I mean I've baked stuff out of a box but not from scratch. I would bake more but there are two MAJOR problems; one I'll eat it and can't afford the extra calories and two I don't have the spices and little things you need for cooking. Like today I needed cream of tartar...who uses that??? So, I stole some from my mom!

Here is a picture to prove I actually cooked. Unfortunately, Cameron has had a rough day and all he wanted to do was argue so I put the dough in the fridge and we'll have to bake another day.

I have a very good friend Nancy who I absolutely adore!!! She loves me unconditionally and puts up with all my rants, raves and obnoxious stories. So grateful our sons we're in preschool together and we met. I always have sooo much fun with her. We took the kids to the circus last weekend and had a blast....still need to post pictures....as you can see I'm a little behind. Ok, so back to Nancy she is a domestic goddess, wonderful cook, great mom and a terrific wife. I love when she invites us to dinner because it's always yummy and homemade. She gave me a little present last weekend......

I laughed trying to picture me in the kitchen long enough to cook something....but today I used it and I loved it....thanks Nancy!!!

The grass isn't always greener!

Cameron has been saying some of the funniest things lately. He spent the day with his Aunt Ruth yesterday and I'll have to get her to email me their conversation but it was a funny one. Something about he hopes he never gets scales like her and Grandma Dorth....scales??? As we were driving through her neighborhood he was looking at all the big houses and here is our conversation.

C: I wish we lived in a big house.

M: I really like our little house.

C: I wish we had a bigger one.

M: That just means we have more to clean.

C: Oh, never mind I like our little house.

Last night Vicki and my mom came over and helped put up vinyl letters in my kitchen...I can't wait to show you!

No beeps /\/\/\/\----/\/\/\/\/\/\--------------

C: Mom, I want to feel your heart beat (Cameron placed his hand in the middle of my chest).

M: No, it's over on this side.

C: I don't feel a beep (as he continues to try and feel it). YOU'RE DEAD!!!

M: I'm not dead!

C: Well, I can't feel a beep cuz your boobs are in the way!!!!

(Note: the marks in title (---/\/\/\-----) is something Cameron created while playing doctor at the doctor's office on their computer....a heart monitor!!!!)

Spirit Week

This week is spirit week and Cameron is loving it!!

Monday: PJ Day (I wish I'd taken a picture...he wore his old man jammies)

Tuesday: Teacher Appreciation Day (Cameron made a card that said "best teacher in the universe" and we gave her some yummy lotion.)

Wednesday: Happy Saint Patty's Day

Here is a preview of Thursday.......

we practiced tonight to make sure it will work tomorrow. Crazy hair day Cameron is requesting a blue mohawk!!!! He was so excited he ran to show all his friend's in the neighborhood.

Oh, to be a first grader again!!!!

The last month has been crazy.....

It's been a crazy month and I need to get current with my blogging!!! Cameron and I are getting along REAL good lately and he's been very patient with me and all my running around. The new business is soaring and that makes me very happy....now if I could just slow down long enough to mow my grass and clean my bathroom then I'll be good-to-go!

Bare with me as I blog....

In February my dad had a birthday. It's always fun to get together with the family and just laugh!!!

Happy Birthday DAD!!!!

Grandma was in town and I love seeing her....Cameron especially gets excited, "my great grandma is here!"

Then that same weekend we went down to the beach on a beautiful Sunday afternoon with some friends...I've never in all the years I've lived here seen as much ocean life as we did that day. There were starfish all over the place, sand dollars by the thousands and lots of dead crabs.

My friend Brandi


Cameron doesn't care if the crabs are dead or alive he just loves to play with them. Another odd thing was we thought starfish only had 5 legs.........but these had 10???

Then came my birthday and we all know how important that day is!!! Cameron frosted a cake for me and even put the squiggly candles in the shape of 36! See my tea kettle in the background...so cute!

Then he picked Red Robin to eat at....it makes him happy and the meal is free for me!

Cameron's best friend Garret came along to help celebrate

and the bird was even here! Yes, it's sitting on my lap!

All in all it was a great day!!! I feel fabulous and so excited to see what this year brings!

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

Cameron's cousins all came into town and they brought a new little addition, meet

Christina Star

Getting them to all sit still and take pictures is a HUGE task but at least we tried!

Then this past weekend I headed to the ocean with my friend Brandi to attend an NA conference. What a great weekend!!!

lots of fantastic speakers, good food, fun shopping, great company and lots of laughter.

This is my friend Jennifer who's been asking me to go to this function for years!

Let's not forget the very tiny bathroom where the water is either 54 below zero or 157 hot...ouch!!!!

that says it all for me!!!

It's been a great month and I'm so excited for Spring to get here and then of course Summer (I'm so excited to hang out this summer in our new house)...Cameron and I have lots of fun things coming up so stay tuned.

Here is the little tree that's in front of my house....it makes me smile every time I pull into the driveway! Life is good!!!!

Spell Checker

I hate when I go back over my blog and I see words misspelled or grammar not right (thanks Vicki). Then when there are errors it makes things not as funny (see below). So, let's try this again...Cameron asked if I had my bib on not a bid!!! RAWR!

A what???

Mom, don't forget to put your bib on!

A bib???? Kids say the strangest things!

Happy Birthday to me.......

I started off my birthday by dropping my mac on the hard wood and unfortunately it's not working now (big sigh). I need to make an appointment at the apple store but I'm too busy this week to worry about it. I didn't realize how much I love it and it's been almost a week and I miss it terribly.....separation anxiety big time!

Anyways, I had a great birthday....turning 36 feels wonderful and I can't wait to see what this year offers....a date or two would be nice (big smile and a wink) but I'm getting pretty comfortable with the whole single thing, so who knows!!!

I have lots of pictures to show you....the big red bird at Red Robin even sat on my lap. But until the computer gets fixed I can't upload a dang thing.

My sister's surprised me.....Vicki made me a very cool glamour bracelet and Teri made me a pillow to go with my new bedding. I love them and they made my day extra special.

This weekend I'm off to Ocean Shores with a friend for an NA conference....I can't wait to get away!

He’s Bilingual

C: (looking at the sky while three Crows are flying by) Caw, Caw, Caw, Caw....I sound like a crow...Caw, Caw, Caw! Did you know I speak bird?

M: What are you saying?

C: Please don't poop on our car!!!!!!


On a side note: He told me today that I'm the best mom he's ever had. Well, I'm glad to hear that since I'm the only mom he's ever had! I wonder what he's comparing it too????