Bonita's Life

WOW!!! Time has slipped away.

2010-10-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

Wow, can you believe how long it has been since I last updated. Its been awhile. Not much has changed since I last posted. Jonathan and I are going on 1 year of being married. We are going strong and loving every minute of it. We love being the parents to McKinley and Amberly!! Hoping to be the parents of a new little one, when the Lord blesses us :). The girls are growing so fast that I cant keep up! McKinley is half way through her year of 1st grade. She is loving this year, more than I thought she would! Haha. Amberly is growing up to me one fisty little girl. She doesnt listen to mom as much as dad. Wonder why? You know, my life has changed so much just in the last few years. You never know what God has in store. My heart could not be anymore happier. 6 years ago( cant believe its been that long) I was in a VERY BAD marriage with one child and another on the way (having problems with that pregnancy) and living with my grandparents. 6 years later, I'm a happily married woman and mother of two gorgeous kids, planning for a 3rd, living in a 3 bd 2 bth house in a quiet little neighborhood. I can NOT tell you how blessed I feel. My husband is such a blessing and WONDERFUL to me. Sometimes we dont like each other, but I NEVER second quess his love for me! This is what life is about! Finally I get it. I'm still very much blessed with my job. Changes are in the near future, just not sure what. And YES, I still drive an hour and a half to work EVERYDAY!
Welp, I think thats about it..... I'll get around to posting our beach photos for you all to see!

Boredom at its best....

2010-01-18T13:47:00.000-08:00

So in my uneventful job, I usually have Facebook to keep me going when I have nothing else to do. That is until last week sometime. They blocked Facebook, Youtube, and Myspace from our computers. Even Rick and Bubba is blocked.

Today, its only 3:49 and Im about shot! I am struggling to stay awake and frankly I dont like it.

Thats all I have to say about that!

We Did It!!

2010-01-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

I am now Mrs. Jonathan Riddle... Woo hoo!! It was beautiful and wonderful. So glad the day finally made it.

Fall pictures

2009-11-10T12:07:00.000-08:00

The leaves this year have been quite beautiful and so has the weather, for the most part. I took it upon myself to take some fall pictures of the girls and so I did. Here they are. Hope you enjoy!

One year Baby!

2009-09-18T09:50:00.001-07:00

On August 8th, Jonathan and I celebrated being together a year. Boy, has it been tough. Haha. I love this man deeply. God has truly blessed me with a kind, gentle, loving man who genuine loves me. We've become fatter and uglier in the past year, but we are still the loves of each others lives. Love you sweet baby!

Alittle Amberly

2009-09-18T09:48:00.001-07:00

Amberly got her hair cut and she loves it. And so do I!

McKinley is in school...

2009-09-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

And the countdown begins....

2009-09-18T09:31:00.000-07:00

Wow it has been a while since I've posted and I'm not actually sure that anyone even reads this thing. O well.

Well, we are counting down to the big day. We are 106 days (3 months and 13 days) away from mine and Jonathans wedding. Things are finally getting done. LOL! I know I'm a late starter. Frankly, its really not all that fun to me to do my own. If it was someone elses, I could have a blast.

I am getting excited though. Finally things are settling down and getting to an even pace, so now I can focus on the wedding. I'm not sure why I thought it was such a bad idea to just use the courthouse? The courthouse looks pretty appealing to me now, but the dresses are made and I've already spent a good bit of money on stuff. So we shall keep moving on.

Tonight I will attempt to make a small version on my wedding cake, just to see if I can. If I cant then I will let a pro do it, but I'm positive about the outcome. Anyways, that just alittle update for now.

PS the girls are great! I shall post pics soon!

Crazy things.

2009-08-04T12:19:00.000-07:00

You know when I was growing up in church, I though that my church was nothing like churches were made out to be. As I grew up and started doing work in the church, I noticed people attacking me or talking about me. Why? I dont know. Over the past, I say, 2 years, I've learned the reasons why people dont want to attend church.

I'm just curious as to why people attack people who are working and striving to be who God wants them to be.

Why, when, you are honest, people say you are lieing? Even if evidence goes your way.

Why after a year ,and you are no longer a part of that church body, they still feel like dragging you down with them and others?

I've learned that the only person you can trust in God.

You try to show some light to people that you feel God has called you to do and it blows up.

Oh well, such is life, I guess. Time to move on.

McKinley is 5....

2009-07-27T10:38:00.000-07:00

These are just a few of the birthday party pics. We threw her a luau and she loved every minute of it. It was truly a bittersweet moment. My baby is 5 and starting school in 2 weeks....

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

Pictures of dog attack.

2009-07-27T10:35:00.000-07:00

McKinley was attacked by a family dog on Saturday. These are the pictures, taken on Sunday. She is doing fine and is happy and healthy.

My beautiful girls!

2009-07-10T13:51:00.000-07:00

This is just a teaser of what their photo session looks like!! I am one proud mommy! I believe they are the most gorgeous girls in the world!

24 years later......

2009-06-19T08:06:00.000-07:00

Well I'm alittle late in writing this, but we had computer problems, so its ok. Wednesday (the 17th) I turned 24. As you can see my family threw me a suprise luau. It was all in all a great birthday this year. I am very fortunate and blessed to have such wonderful family and friends. I was showered with lots of love and gifts.

As I'm writing this, I look back on my 24 years of life and am just amazed at God's love for me. I dont deserve any of his love or blessings, but nonetheless he loves me and showers me with it. I am so thankful for another year of life. I can only prayer for more to come!!

The girls...

2009-05-13T12:53:00.001-07:00

The other weekend we were at the park by the river and here are some of the pictures. It was seriously needed, sometime relaxing by the water with the children. Hope you enjoy!

Happy Birthday to Our Little Boy!

2009-03-31T13:22:00.001-07:00

I just want to write a short little blog wishing our little boy up in Heaven "Happy Birthday". Little Brandon went to see his Lord at 39 days old in 2006. I didnt get a chance to meet this little boy but I'm very proud to love his daddy. His daddy loves and misses him so very much.

Its funny how someone so small that you've never met can touch your life so much. I love that little boy like he is my own. Its amazing how Gods love has no boundries. Death cant put a hold on love. I've seen pictures. I've heard stories. I've seen videos. Oh how I wish I could hear his little voice call for his daddy. Tomorrow would be Brandon's 3rd birthday and I just wanted him to know that I love him! I wish I could be his other mommy. Hold him and love him and his sisters could play with him, but I know he is in a much better place. Happier than we could ever be here. He will see his Daddy again. I'll get to meet him and so will his sisters one day. Until then, Happy Birthday Baby Boy!! We love you!!

In Loving Memory of Brandon Lee Riddle. 4/1/06 - 5/10/06

Socialism Experiment

2009-03-27T07:04:00.000-07:00

This is just a short story, very simple, showing how socialism works. Not affectively, I might add. This we should all be able to understand.

Wednesday, 18 March 2009
Experiment in Socialism

An economics professor at Texas Tech said he had never failed a single student before but had, once, failed an entire class. The class had insisted that socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer. The professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class on socialism."

All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade so no one would fail and no one would receive an A. After the first test the grades were averaged and everyone got a B. The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy. But, as the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided that since they could not make an A, they studied less. The second Test average was a D! No one was happy. When the 3rd test rolled around the average was an F.

The scores never increased as bickering, blame, name calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for anyone else. All failed to their great surprise and the professor told them that socialism would ultimately fail because the harder people try to succeed the greater their reward but when a government takes all the reward away; no one will try or succeed.

H/T Shelly

Posted by Theo at 16:23

Family photos

2009-03-05T12:39:00.001-08:00

My Family: My mom, My dad, my sister,and the girls, Jonathan and I.

Prayer Request

2009-03-05T08:45:00.001-08:00

Hello all,

For some of you reading this, you may already know that for some time now I've been have really bad headaches on a daily basis. Upon seeing a regular doctor and now a neurologist, their medications have failed. On Monday, I was sent for an MRI at Decatur General. The results were in yesterday and for the most part they came back fine. They did, however, find a spot on the right side of the brain. I am still waiting on a call back from the neurologist to find out more details.I'm sure that the Lord has his hands on this situation, but if you dont mind, pray for me to continue to have faith and peace. Pray for my health, that I may continue to be a mother to my beautiful daughters. God is a wonderful God and he can and still does miracles. Thank you for the prayers and support!

Love,

Bonita

Life around the house with my family!

2009-02-18T11:06:00.000-08:00

Life is great! I have everything I could have ever wished for. Well, other than my Blue Dodge Charger and a few billion, but hey those are just minor details. LOL!

Here are some pictures from around my house..Hope you enjoy!

Love And Valentines Day!

2009-02-18T10:40:00.001-08:00

Ok, so first I want to say that I think that Valentine's day is completely and utterly ridiculious! I really have no idea as to why its even a holiday other than people try to make money off this stupid holiday. But nonetheless it was celebrated at my house this year. By celebrated, I mean much more than just buying something small for the kids. Jonathan felt as though we should follow the leader of nonsense of pink, white and red!! So we did. *Can I just say that the Valentine's Day we celebrate has nothing to do with the original holiday. But again nothing else we do in American follows the original intent either* I will say that I did however manage to give a "Just Because I Love You Gift" and not the VDAY gift because I gave Jonathan his on Thursday! Yes, I am a rebel and proud of it. Again, I hate the holiday. Think its stupid!!!

As you can see I made "Pretty" a gift basket full of stuff. Lots of choclates and stuff. On Friday, he sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers to work. They are now slowly dieing.. Waste of money, but its what I wanted and he did a fabulious job. Thanks baby! Your the best! And finally, Saturday we took the girls to Tenn to see Sophie and Ethan (Jonathan's Niece and Newphew). Before that the girls and I took balloons to celebrate V-day with Brandon (Jonathan's deceased son) at his grave. Saturday night we dicided to shop and not eat because we werent hungry but then decided to eat at Logan's. All in all we had a wonderful Valentines day full of love!! We hope you had a good one as well. Sorry for my venting but I just think its stupid but you have to do what the husband( no not married yet. That's his nickname) wants to do, right? LOL!

Lil' Miss' First Haircut..

2009-02-04T11:19:00.000-08:00

Yes I cried! No No pictures of it, but I did. We cut about a half inch of curls off and that made me sad. So here they are

Pictures

2009-02-04T11:10:00.000-08:00

Hope you enjoyed! These were just a few pictures taken a few days ago..

Enraged anyone?

2009-01-20T11:19:00.001-08:00

Is anyone else enraged by this photo? How can anyone think that putting anyones face on the American Flag is appropriate? Democrats, Republicans, Blacks, Whites, Asians, Hispanics, it doesnt matter.... I'm sorry but this is sad. Very sad!!

Christmas 2008

2009-01-06T12:10:00.001-08:00

Just some photos from Christmas. We had a wonderful Christmas this year. It was full of love and excitement. On Christmas Eve, we went to Jonathan's brother's in TN for their family Christmas. We all had a great time. Ordered pizza and hung out for a few hours. After that we went to my aunts house for my dad's family Christmas and played "Dirty Santa". We had a blast. Something that that family has needed. We went home and waited for Santa. Amberly was one hard kid to get to sleep. She went to sleep by 12 am and then back up at 3 am to see what Santa left. McKinley and Amberly woke me up at 6:30 am to open gifts so we had my moms family Christmas then. Saturday after Christmas we drove one hour to Haleyville for Jonathan's mom's family's Christmas(catch that?). There are ALOT of people in that family.. We hope that all of you had a wonderful Christmas and a wonderful New Year. We are very excited about 2009 and what God has instore for us. Enjoy the pictures!

Updates!

2008-12-31T08:25:00.000-08:00

That's right we are engaged! Everyone is excited. Pray for us that we keep God in the center.

More Princess party pics

2008-12-03T10:12:00.000-08:00

Princess is 3!!

2008-12-03T09:51:00.000-08:00

Yea, I'm alittle late on getting her birthday pics up but hope you enjoy anyway. Sister(Amberly), had her 3rd birthday on Nov. 22, 2008. Here are some pics of the birthday party.

Thanksgiving and what I'm thankful fro...

2008-11-25T12:01:00.000-08:00

As the holidays approach, there is so much to be said in this blog about Thanksgiving. I guess I've never really thought about what it means to be "thankful". Not that I wasnt thankful for stuff, but I never put too much thought in it. This year, Thanksgiving comes on a different note, as many others say in their blogs that I follow. This year the tone is much different at my house. It has snuck up on us, no doubt, but for some reason everyone is a little more thankful than before. I have so many things to be thankful for. My list is a good list so I will give it to you!

1. I'm thankful for being raised in the christian faith and for Christ dieing for me and saving my life.

2. I'm thankful for a free country and the freedom to worship God, my savior. After the election, I have a greater appreciation for this country.

3. I'm thankful for my two precious daughters. They give me a real meaning of love.

4. I'm thankful for God bringing me and my wonderful boyfriend together. I know that his hand was at work in both of us and is still at work today.

5. I'm thankful for my wonderful family. My grandmother who has always, always been there. No matter how much crap I put her through, she is always willing to love and give. Because of her, I am where I am today.

6. I'm thankful for my heartaches, my failures, my sufferings. God has worked through each and everyone of them to make me stronger and use them for his glory.

7. I'm thankful for the night of November 22, 2005 and our sweet little Amberly and I through a terrible pregnancy and delievery.

8. I'm thankful for my job. With the current economic crisis and layoffs, I'm truly blest beyond words to have a wonderful job which provides for our needs.

9. I'm thankful for my ex husband. No, I dont like him and I know you are wondering why I'm thankful, but I'm thankful for him because he gave me two wonderful gifts. I'm also thankful for him because he taught me how NOT to be treated. I learned alot from him which make me stronger to this day.

10.I'm thankful for wonderful friends who love me. I've never felt so loved in my life as I do right now.

There are so many more things, but with time running out I must end with those 10 things. For all of you reading this and for all the ones who love me! Thank you!! Thank you for being a highlight of my life. May God bless you this holiday season! Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

Just some catching up.....

2008-11-14T08:40:00.000-08:00

Its been awhile since I've posted so I thought I would post some pics from Halloween and everyday stuff. There's not really too much to write about. Everything is about the same, which I am very proud of. I have stability and to be honest, I think that's great! So enjoy!

Brandy Part Duex

2008-10-17T09:35:00.000-07:00

I forgot to tell you where to go see the other photos and more of her work..

go to www.brandycartee.com

Enter the site

go to clients proofing and type in "cotting" as the password.

Our slideshow will start. Hope you enjoy!

Bonita

Brandy Cartee Portrait Designer

2008-10-13T14:27:00.000-07:00

My friend, Brandy is a photographer and she is so amazing.. These are only a few. Hope you enjoyed them!

Few thoughts and Questions about the Dems and Palin

2008-09-19T09:43:00.001-07:00

First, I want to say that I am very excited about Sarah Palin being the GOP VP candidate. I support her and McCain 100%.

Now, lets get on to the meaning behind this blog. I find it almost comical that the Democrats are attacking Sarah Palin. It's just cracking me up. So I thought I would ask a few questions to the ol Dems.

1. Why is it that when the GOP decides to make "history" by picking a female to run for a major office, you attack her?

a. Didnt the Democratic party just have a female run for the candidacy? But she was all ready for the job, right?

2. Why is her "inexperience" being brought up?

a. It looks as though you have a Presidential candidate that isnt much more qualified that our VP candidate. I'm just saying here!

3. Why does her family have to be put under the microscope?

a. What about Clinton's husband (former President)? Why didnt you put them under the spotlight?

b. What about Obama and his family? His background? You are gonna dig hers up. Dig his up, right?

4. Why does she have to be a "slut"? Women can be better than "sluts".

a. Why not make her out to be that and it be wrong, but Bill Clinton can actually be one and it be ok.

Mainly, I just think that its funny that we are called the hypocrits. I mean seriously, the Democrats must really be "shaking in their boots" to be attacking the GOP VP candidate. Lets face it! Shes not gonna be the leader of the "Free World" if they get elected. John McCain would be. Its just funny to me! One way or the other, history will be made this year.

Vote McCain/Palin!

It's that time again!

2008-08-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

Well Saturday marks the start of the Alabama football season. I'm very excited! Hoping for a great season and lots of football parties! I just love this time off the year!

Good luck to all of your favorite teams, except Auburn! LOL! Just kidding!

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!

Updates

2008-08-22T09:28:00.000-07:00

Well its been awhile since I've posted any updates, so today is the day! YAY!

Where to start. We will start with the girls:

McKinley- We all know she broke her arm about 2 1/2 weeks ago. She goes next Thursday to have the cast taken off and another one put on. I'm praying that she wont need another one. The surgeon told me that it was just a 10 degree break so, maybe, its healed. I'm not sure because I'm not an expert at this stuff. I'm just praying. Despite the broke arm, she is doing fine. It hasn't stopped from doing much. Only those things she doesnt really want to do. Surprise, huh? She has gotten alittle whiny here lately and God love her, but its getting on my nerves!! I cant take much more. Kinda has me thinking I should run away and never come back! LOL! Ok, I'm totally kidding. I feel bad for her though. Shes had the cast on just long enough to have it start to smell and of course people have to say something. Well, that kinda makes me mad because the poor girl cant help that it stinks!! We all know that, so why say anything at all.. It breaks my heart! Anyways, she still is proud of it! I will have to take pictures of the whole thing because it is filled with names.

Amberly- She has got to be one of the cutest kids in the world, really! However, that girl is just plain mean! LOL! Just an example- The other night, McKinley was in her bed watching a movie to fall asleep to. Amberly comes into the kitchen to ask for some milk. I give her some milk and the next thing I know she goes into the bedroom. Well about 3 mins later I hear McKinley crying. She runs to me with milk on her face and said that Amberly spit milk in her face. Well, all Ms. Amberly does is look at me and smiles! May I just say that that smile is the cutest thing! That's a side note because she did get her little hinny tore up!

I am so proud of both my girls. They amaze me everyday at how much they have learned and know. Amberly has come along way. You can now have some sort of conversation with her. There are times that you have to tell her to right it down, but other than that shes communicating very well.

Now onto me, I guess. Things are going well. About the same as before. I am getting tired of driving though. I guess I have lots to do at home that I would love to be closer to home, now. I'm proud to inform you all(lol)that there is a man in my life. If you havent already heard. Not much to report there other than God has blessed me with him. I am very happy! So lets see what else we have to talk about... Not much of anything. I guess I will put some pics up for you. Enjoy!

Mac and her "Broke Arm"

2008-08-11T11:51:00.001-07:00

Last Monday morning, McKinley fell off my bed and broke her arm. She has a 10 degree break in her fore arm.. Thursday she got her pretty pink cast on and lets just say that is one proud girl! We have been lucky and she hasnt had much pain or discomfort. As you can see, she is going on like it never happened..

We wrapped up her arm so should could do alittle slipping and slide on Saturday....

All in all shes still happy and very proud of her "broke arm".

Ok lets clear things up

2008-08-08T11:51:00.000-07:00

Well I guess an apology is in order for the last blog.. Im thinking I probably should not have wrote before I cooled myself down. I should have taking more of a "love" approach, however, I did not. So I am sorry if I offended anyone or made any non-Christian look down on Christians because of me. Again I am so very sorry.

I do want to say that Christians do get mad and its ok too. Its just not ok to lash out.

How about lets keep our mouths shut!

2008-08-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

You know, its not surprising that I'm wrapped up into another big controversy. Its my life story! I guess its something about those "Turner Girls" that people just love to run their mouths. Let me just say that this post isnt gonna be "nice". I'm mad and I'm gonna take it out on the little blog.

It gets me that certain someones can go around talking about me and the "lack" of work I do, when them themselves have a "lack" there of as well. Now it is no secret that I'm not always busy. My work load comes in sperts. So with that said, where do these certain someones get off by talking about me. Oh and lets state that I drive roughly 200 miles a day to come to work, but lets complain that Bonita gets to the office at 9:00 am instead of 7:30 am. Wow! Lets cry about it alittle bit.

My question is what good did it do for you to go talk about me? Did you get a raise in all of this? I mean is that what this is really about? I'm really not sure.

Lets also say this: I dont get anymore special treatment than anyone else in this company. In fact, I may get it alittle more tougher than you have it, my friend.

You know, its really a waste of time to even be upset about this. Just remember that when you little talkers start to run you mouth, that one day the foot will insert mouth at some point. Dont come to me anymore when you have nothing to do and you just want to chat beacause from now on I will be moving up and showing what kind of job I can do.

Oh and you can stop the little gossip about me running around too!

Ok I think I am good now!

Decisions

2008-07-29T07:36:00.000-07:00

This morning as I was getting ready for work, I was thinking about some decisions I have made along the way. And well trying to figure out where I went wrong with some of them. Dont get me wrong I am very blessed and love my life, however, I think about where I couldve been if I made a different decision....

My junior year, I was elected to go to St. Louis, MO to intern with a drama ministry called (at the time) "Insync Drama Ministry". This was an outstanding ministry in which they took young adults (out of high school) and teach them the art of drama and put the through Christian school. I had my application and my references from my pastors and elders sent in an excepted. Now, I was scared and overcome by fear, I decided not to go.

This morning as I pondered over that decision, I wondered where God couldve taken me if I had let him take over that fear. I wont know that because I gave into my own fear. I dont regret this decision anymore because is using me now and using my life as a testimony of how he can change you.

My thoughts are this. Life is scary, but sometimes giving God the fears (or Giants as Keith preached Sunday) is less scary than you imagine it is. I'm thinking of my sister here. Her and her friends will graduate this year and my prayers go out to them. Its a dark and foggy road up head to find what it is that God wants them to do with their lives. However, they have to keep one main focus and that is on the Lord. He can light that dark and foggy road so you can see where you are going.

Please pray for students of all ages that they make decisions wisely. Based on God!

Four Years Old... Wow time flies!

2008-07-23T12:26:00.000-07:00

Today McKinley has turned 4. It is so hard to believe that she is 4 yrs old. It was just like yesterday that I held her as a newborn. Now I can barely pick her up. I'm so very proud of her in her few years of being alive. She is an amazing little girl with such a great spirit and willingness to love God!

We had her party on Saturday. Above are a few pics from the party!

Happy Birthday to You, McKinley! Mommy loves you with all her heart!

Wow! Where did this come from?

2008-06-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

Do you know how sometimes we pray for certain things and we know that God is gonna answer that prayer either with a yes or no? And sometimes we are suprised that the answer is yes. Or that we pray for something and then you watch him work in mysterious ways. Well I have been praying and watching for somethings in my life. A new change. Well let me tell you it is really amazing to watch God work and use my life to glorify him. There isnt anything more that I would want my life to do. He is answering prayers right and left. Yes, some are no's, but I also know he has something better in mind. Its just a wonderful feeling knowing that I can wake up in the morning and know that I have a purpose. Some search all their lives to find the "meaning of life". The only meaning of life is to glorify God and let him use you to reach others. I cant really express how I feel about all of this. Its just something that has to be felt. I know that he is ordering my steps and I'm at ease knowing that he will provide for me in any aspect of my life. He is a wonderful God.

I guess what I am saying is that he is filling my cup and letting it overflow and I am just so amazed that he wants me. I've prayed for someone to just want me, to love me for who I am, to feel as though he is the luckiest to have me. Well I've found him! He is Christ my Savior and in him I have strength..

My Birthday told in pics

2008-06-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

Flowers from Bobby with a $50 gift card
My bowl from Sue
Flowers from Felicia
My homemade brithday cake
Wow that took alot of air!

Well yesterday was a great birthday. My friends and family are the greatest in the world.. My family made homemade icecream to go with the cake, we had a party and got lots of gifts. The gifts included a membership to a gym, a spa day, tanning visits and the pictures you see above. After that, I went to the church softball game and had a blast with all of my church family. I still have other birthday events later on in the week. Thanks to all who participated in giving me a great birthday. I love you all! You are amazing!

23 and counting.....

2008-06-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

Well 23 years ago today I was born. No not really a milestone, but important to me. Today has been a great day so far. I am assuming my dad will be calling in roughly 3 mins to tell me that I was born at that exact minute.. LOL! I look back on the last 23 years of my life and realize I've been through alot, but it has all been well worth the trouble. I have a great family depsite the craziness in which we live in and most of all in my 23 years of life, I have managed to come away with two beautiful accomplishments. McKinley and Amberly.

Last night, as we got ready for bed, McKinley told me about all she had planned to celebrate my birthday. Just knowing she wants to is much more than I could ask for. The celebration in her mind includes: Chocolate cake and candles... Well that sounds PERFECT with me! She said she would have to go to Walmart to get me some candles.

My grandmother proceeds to tell her she has to have the firestation on standby. Not really sure how to take that.. LOL!

I imagine that the rest of the day will go great also...

God has molded and made me through these years and is still working on me. He has blessed me with a great job, great church, great friends, and a wonderful family. Geez! I've got it made!

Outrigger Island 2008

2008-06-08T19:45:00.000-07:00

This past week the girls attended Vacation Bible School at our church. It was called Outrigger Island. Here some pictures from the program tonight. I am so very proud of my girls. Both of them were big girls tonight! I praise God for a wonderful church to raise them up in. Them, along with their friends, are our church of the future. They are our future. Keep praying for them and the rest of our children that we raise them in the way of the Lord. Enjoy!

Missing the Mark

2008-06-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we miss the mark on what God wants or tells us to do. Now, I don't believe we are condemned for missing the mark, but I do believe he has called us to make the mark. We live in a world where everything is instant. We try to make our spiritual life instant too. We are so eager to get it right we don't slow down to think that maybe we are going about it the wrong way.

My challenge for all of us Christians is to slow down and make sure we are making the mark. In whatever life decision it is. Whether its our jobs, family, money, spiritual, or physical. Just slow down and listen.!

Mother's Day

2008-05-11T18:41:00.000-07:00

I wrote this poem early one morning. I dont write but I believe that God gave me these words to share.... Hope you are blessed!

Mom- by Bonita Cotting

Mom-You are my source of light and
My warm summer night

Mom-You are the love I’ve dreamt of finding

The days that went by and you received nothing,
Those are the days you just gave more.

Mom-You truly are God’s gift to me.

He made you with just the right voice and
just the right touch.

He made you just strong enough to take on Life’s complications.
There isn’t another who loves me as perfect as you.
You know all the right things to say and do
when I run to you.

Is it possible that God made you just like he made Christ?

With the way you love,
The way you teach,
And the way you lead?

Mom-You are that beautiful deep red rose
You are that cool spring breeze

You are perhaps the most beautiful of God’s creation
He made you especially for me.

Mom-You just are.
A hundred words, you are.
You are a thousand songs I sing,
But most of all you are my mom!

Today I celebrate you, Mom.
Thank you for being more than a hundred words, more than the songs I sing, more than the laughs I laugh, and more than the tears I cry.Thank you for being exactly what God made you to be…..MY MOM!

Mothers day was event this year. I did a special this morning at church and had the girls on stage to sing with me... Well I tried to make it through without crying, but that didnt work. I am very emotional when it comes to mothers day. I'm so thankful for the mothers in my life and very thankful for my children... God changed my life when he gave me my girls. There is no telling where I would be without them..

Being a mother is something that you can only experience. I'm not gonna sit here and try to explain it or put it in to words because lets face it, there are no words..
Happy Mother's day to all you mothers who read this!

Alittle on Amberly...

2008-04-24T09:51:00.000-07:00

Today, I was reading all my friends blogs and actually realized I forgot I had one. Its been awhile since I've done some blogging. I guess that my life has been pretty stable and haven't had the need to vent, but we will move on.

Sitting here at my desk doing absolutely nothing (yes as normal) I got bored. Decided to look through the web. Didn't find much there I cared for. I logged onto Myspace and was just looking at different peoples profile. I came across a man who had twin boys. They were preemies. I think they both weighed about 4lbs being born. I looked at those little boys and it took me back to the place of two and half years ago..

Amberly, now 2 almost 3, was born at 29 weeks. Weighing 3lbs and 5 oz, barely the length of a size 5 shoe (womens), defeated all odds of survival. That was only by Gods wonderful grace! I'll give you alittle background on this story and get to the reasoning behind this miracle.

October 31, 2005 I was hospitalized with "placenta previa". Go google that, because I really have no idea as to what that is. All I know is you bleed, bleed alot!! Back to the story. As a result of the hospitalization, I was put on permanent bed rest. The only things I could do where : sleep, lay, eat, and shower (on occasion). No church, no Walmart, no outings of any sort. I didn't really follow all of those... Sometimes I got out and went to Walmart... I rode those nifty little carts. Despite bed rest, things didn't get any better. It all just got worse. I kept bleeding.

On November 22, 2005 at approximately 6 pm, I was rushed to the ER. I had bled so much I was almost incoherent. I couldn't breathe, I was cold, and felt as though I was dying. Truth is, we both were.. I was immediatley taken to the labor and delievery floor. The doctors noticed my water had broke and there wasn't much hope left. Dr. Purvas told Justin and I that my sweet little girl would be rushed to Huntsville Hospital, where she may not survive. We also found out that without a blood transfusion, I may also die. They had some difficulties in my transfusion and that lead to the refusual of the doctor to let Justin in the surgery room. There was a good chance that I wouldn't make it,however, there was not way I could deliever the baby normal, so we had a C-section... Because of some transfusion problems, they put me to sleep. The last thing I remember from that was just pleading with God to let me survive for my babies' sake. I had little McKinley to get home to too.

It took approximately 5 mins to deliever little Amberly. I don't even remember seeing her before they sent her to Huntsville. There in Huntsville she was given an IV through her forehead, was put on oxygen, and had a feeding tube. Within 24 hours, pur prayers had been heard. Amberly was taken off the oxygen, in which that was a miracle in its self. Within the 48 hours, the IV was taken out. All she had left was her feeding tube. After 3 days, I finally got to see my beautiful baby girl. She was perfect. The doctors and nurses told me not to get too attached or even hopeful. They said she had a little chance, but that is rarely seen.... Well, God knew he had something planned for this child. She lacked 2 days being in the hospital one month. That is a miracle! We brought her hime 5 days before Chirstmas.... They didn't believe she would ever come home, but myself, family, and friends prayed and she did.

I tell you all this story because I've heard over the past few weeks of cases where these precious little babies didn't come home. I think of how lucky I am to get to watch Amberly grow. She is more beautiful than I could ever imagine. Her smile lights up my life and till the day I die, she will know that God has a plan for her. He is such a wonderful God to hear my prayers and bring my girl home... Those small little days are now gone. She is full of life and adventure, but it makes me happy to know that those days are gone because shes here. Shes experiencing life. That's what makes me happy!

Is HE the ONE?

2008-03-19T13:54:00.001-07:00

This was sent to me via email by my best friend.. Thought it had some good points so I posted it!

Is HE the ONE?"THE RIGHT ONE"First we must allow our Heavenly Father to do the picking. And second,the decision for a mate must be made on a spiritual and intellectualbasis before it's made on an emotional one."What about love? Shouldn't that be the third? you ask. No, and I'lltell you why. "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.Who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9).The heart is willful and is driven by its own agenda. It does notconsider things rationally and intelligently it just loves to love!Therefore you have to point it in the right direction: "Above all else,guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life" (Proverbs 4:23)!Whenever you meet a man, you need to get clearance from God, check outhis attributes, and then allow your heart to engage.Dating exists not for mating; it exists for collecting data. I believethat the biblical design would be friendship, courtship and thenmarriage.Friendship is two people walking together in agreement andaccountability, learning and growing together.Courtship follows the mutual agreement to commit to one anotherexclusively - it is the decisive turning toward the agreed-upon g oal ofthe marriage altar. It is a period of laying a foundation and preparingyour life together after
marriage.But dating? Well, if you do date, use the time wisely to gather thesefacts.1. Check out the fabric. Is the person mate material? Does this manhave an intimate relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ? Doeshe care what God thinks about his behavior? Is he accountable to Godas well as another co-laborer in the faith? Accountability is animportant factor.It is imperative to maintaining a committed relationship. Is yourpotential spouse a member of the same family - the family of God?You need to have common interests and values and agree on theessentials of living day to day. You have a similar spiritual walk. You eatthe same spiritual diet. You enjoy a lot of similar things. You havelike interests, like goals in life , like opinions on basic life issues.You have had like experiences in your background. Though there is sometruth to the idiom that opposites attract, like-minded folks farebetter together.Furthermore, does he want to get married? If you want to be marriedand your dreamboat isn't interested , don't waste your time.Remember, women fall in love and get married. Men decide to getmarried and then look for a wife. Note the difference in order. So if a guysays he's not looking for anything serious, take his words seriously.If he's not going in your direction, get off the bus and wait for theright one.2. Does this man want you? Is he pursuing you? The man who is rightfor you will pursue you, and God's hand in the relationship will beclear. No guessing, no fleeces, no dead ends.Scripture says: "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receivesfavor from the Lord" (Proverbs 18:22).Note -who finds whom? THE MAN FINDS THE WIFE. From the beginning oftime, God has transported men and women across the world in order to putthem together.At the RIGHT TIME, He will bring that man on the scene and he willfind you. In God's per fect design, the man is the one who recognizes hismate.Adam had no problem recognizing that Eve was his missing rib. You donot need to strategically place yourself anywhere. You don't have tohelp a guy out because he's shy!Men will do whatever they have to do to get what they truly want. Theman in your life should recognize you as the pearl of great price inhis life and be willing to do whatever he must in order to gain yourhand. If he is passive about gaining your affections, take it as a signthat he is not
interested.Many a woman's mother has suggested that it is a good idea to marry aman who loves you more than you love him. As cold as that sounds, itactually might be scriptural if you stop to think about it: "We lovehim because he first loved u s" (1 John 4:19). Until then, take theultimate chill pill .You don't need a bunch of men in your life to make you feel all rightabout yourself.You need only one man - your man, the one God has selected to selectyou.And trust me, the right man at the wrong time can be just as awful asthe wrong man at any time. So trust God's timing in this. He is theultimate matchmaker. Rela x, sit pretty and allow yourself to be found.Again - WAIT until the man voices his intentions. He should take thelead in establishing the relationship. You may have an inkling that heis the one, but God will use the man to set the tone of therelationship. Allow him the opportunity to woo you - this is your first act ofsubmission. Jesus set the standard for all men to follow. They shouldlove us first. And they should lead the relationship.3. The man in your life should not desire to move into your house,only into your heart . A man who prepares for your future has made hisintentions clear. A man who is husband material has the means to takecare of a wife. He is a responsible human being who understands he needsto have something to offer. In short, a man should have the means tobe a suitable lover for you.4. Check out his buddies. Everyone knows birds of the same featherflock together, yet most women fail to see the connection between a manand his friends. A man's pals tell you a lot about the person that youhaven't seen yet. They reveal things about the guy's character thatmight be hidden when he is on good behavior. Everyone knows how to puthis best foot forward. Don't stay focused on the foot, check out therest of the body!5. Check out his relationship with his mother. How does he treat her?This is your preview of how he will treat you. There are lots of menwho, because of a negative relationship with their mothers, reallydon't like women, yet say they do. Unresolved issues between mother andson continue between husband and
wife.6. Remember that a man's family reveals the cloth from which he's cut.Take note and decide whether you want your future with the man in your<> life to look like his present family situation.7. Check out the patterns of his life. Do you see repeated cycles ofdrama in his personal kingdom? Broken relationships? Problems in makingcommitments --including the job market? Mood swings? Is a problemalways someone else's fault? Does he embrace responsibility or shirk it?Does he keep his promises? Is he a man of good reputation? Rememberall garments look wonderful hanging in the store, but with wear, somebegin to unravel.Give yourself time and space to check out the man in your life. Timewill always reveal whether or not he is made of the right stuff.8. Does this man have a vision for his life? Is he running with that& nbsp;vision? Remember, God decided Adam needed help once Adam got busy DOING his assignment. As we saw Adam, a man doesn't need help until he isbusy doing what he was created and called to do. Is the man in yourlife guided by sense of destiny and purpose, or does he just allow lifeto happen around him? A man who is not certain of his mission can be amost miserable person - and you'll be miserable too if you don't knowwhere YOU want to go in life.A man who has vision is not intimidated by a woman whose missionstatement is clear. He will be your best ally, cheerleader and assistantbecause he wants you both to make it! A man who cannot be supportive ofyour achievements because he is floundering in a sea of uncertaintyover his own life is not a healthy partner to have and to hold forever.Creating dependencies or feelings of obligation is not the way to getthe best out of your man. Somewhere along the way, he will resent youand flee from the smothering burden of obligation he associates youwith. You want a man who is firmly anchored in his identity in Christ.Remember, we are looking for a man who will be priest and leader of hishome. His first instinct should be to want to cover you, redeem you,and provide for
you.Your job is to decide if this is the man God has ordained for you tocomplement.9. Complimentary. Do your talents and gifts complement his? Do hisgifts, compliment yours? What about your temperaments? Do you see the twoof you as an effective team capable of bringing blessing to the livesof those around you? Do your futures mesh? Can you coordinate yourgifts in an attractive and effective way?This is why knowing your purpose is so important. Make sure yourhearts beat for mutual causes. When I go shopping I always consider thefabric, the fit and what I already have in my closet. Will my nextpurchase be a complimentary addition to what I already have? If I find thatI am going to have to buy shoes and matching accessories to go with anew outfit, I leave it right on the rack. It is too expensive aproposition. If the man you meet makes you feel that you need to completelyreinvent yourself, something is wrong.This is where I ask you to consider the relationship in terms of cost.Is this relationship expens ive spiritually, emotional or physically?Does your longing for a mate make you willing to forfeit who you arein the process? Or does he see you as the gift that you are? The manin your life should consider you a rare find, a priceless jewel-becauseof you he is getting ready to get blessed big-time! Any relationshipthat causes you to feel unworthy, unlovely, unacceptable, undesirableor that you have to work for love, is too expensive!God has called the man to cover, protect and provide not onlymaterially for a woman, but emotionally and spiritually as well. You should bericher in mind, body and spirit for your union with the man of yourdreams. The man in your life should make rich deposi ts into your heartand spirit, not withdrawals.10. Does he have a healthy love and acceptance of himself? Make surethe man in your life has taken time to heal from past relationships andhas made peace with himself. How he cares for himself is how he willcare for you. A man's relationship with God is crucial here. His lovefor himself will only be as strong as his love for God. This is notsomething that you can impart. You cannot be his savior or
teacher.That is out of spiritual order. In his rightful place as your personalpriest, he should be leading you to a richer relationship with Christ.If he is causing you to compromise your faith and destabilize yourwalk, if he is leading you into sexual sin or causing you to bedistracted from your commitm ent to God, the relationship is too expensive.Offending the Lover of your soul, who promises you eternal love, is toohigh a fare to pay for a ride that has a limited run. If you and yourman can't soar in the Spirit, when the force of your love for another istested by the pull or gravity of the world, your union will not beable to survive.So you decide. How much is your life worth? How much is your loveworth?You will be able to accept only what you believe you deserve. Godhimself calculated the worth of your love and decided it was worth Hislife. He now pledges you His love for eternity. Yes, Jesus sets theexample for all others to follow when He paid a ransom for His bride.Should you expect less from a mortal man? Throughout the Biblical age, menwere willing to pay the cost for what they truly desir ed. The truth ofthe matter is everyone knows that anything worth having, costs and noone gets a ride in this life for free.Our prayer:Dear Heavenly Father God,I confess that I have not always been as careful as I should've beenwith my heart. From time to time, my desire for love has caused me toleave my heart in the wrong hands. I now commit my heart into Yourhands for safekeeping. Please help me to stop being so impulsive with whatyou deem so precious. As I learn to celebrate Your love for me, letme learn from Your example what a bridegroom should really be like.Help me to never settle for less than what you desire for me. As Iembrace You as the Lover of my soul, keep my affections in the haven of Yourown heart. As I rest in Your love, make me more discriminating of those who approach me.I ask that You take over this area of my life. Keep me from those Youknow would hurt my heart. I invite You to set a hedge around me andkeep me from all who would draw me into unfruitful relationships untilthe day you present me to the mate that You have selected for me. Grantme the discernment to recognize him as he recognizes me. Cleanse mefrom the temptation to typecast the men I meet according to what I
see.Help me to trust in Your knowledge and lean not on my own understanding. I know that You know what is best for me; therefore I yield toYour choice. In Jesus'Name. Amen.Ladies this is something you should definitely share with a friend,whether you are single or married... It is something to think about,When you ask is "He" the one!"the most exhausting thing in life is being insincere"Wounds from a friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. Proverbs 27: 6 Value the heartfelt criticism of a true friend."When wealth is lost, nothing is lost, when health is lost, something is lost, when character is lost, ALL is lost"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her."Find a place to be quiet enough to hear what's inside you!!!

Life as a traveling, working mother..

2008-03-19T09:36:00.000-07:00

Just alittle update on the girls and I. Many ask me how my drive to work everyday is going. My answer to them is that I love it. I have an hour and a half to sing, cry, laugh, think, talk on the phone and just get lost in the beauty of the creations, all by myself. No one screaming at me wanting to talk on the phone. No one crying in the background. No one asking me what's wrong. Just me! Oh and the many state troopers on the side of the road.

Yesteday, I got a ticket for speeding. Surprise! I was coming down a hill in Blount Springs when I saw the trooper car. Looked down and was going over 80, lets just say. I automatically pulled over and waited a good minute on the man... You know I respect cops and troopers because they keep my family and others safe, but I often wonder if some of them are just flat out stupid. I mean some of the questions he asked were "duh" questions. Like "do you know why I pulled you over?" "DUH, speeding!" Not only that but it takes 30 mins to write up a ticket. Come on! Put my name on a piece of paper and lets go!

So, on to the updates on the girls. They are doing great. Very cute, but mean. The cute comes from me, the mean would be there daddy! LOL! Ok so yes they are clones of me

McKinley- I will register here for Pre-K next month. I cant believe that she will be four this summer! She's about to be in school. Wow! Time flies, but I'm excited. This is what I've been waiting for. All the new adventures! Miss the quietness of babies, but love the independent part of kids!

Amberly- She will be 3 this year and it seems as though yesterday she weighed 4 lbs and in the NICU. Kayla and I were talking the other day and the time has flown by so fast that I can't remember her being little and at home. I remember the hospital, bringing her home, and that Christmas, but that's it. Time really does fly!

We are all great! Happy, staying busy and enjoying life. We truly can't be blessed more than we are now, however, I feel God has more instore for us! Can't wait!

Take it from me......

2008-02-07T07:42:00.000-08:00

Don't hide your emotions.... As humans, we are prideful so therefore we do not want someone to know that they hurt us. Well, don't not put on a smile when you feel like crying. Don't laugh when you want to scream. Do what you feel. You will be better off in the end.....

Teen Retreat 2008

2008-02-04T14:45:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, I had the oppertunity to lead worship at the Teen Retreat. I've been to this event many times, but never had the experience that I had this year. I'm gonna give you play by play. Some are actually quite funny:

Friday, Feb. 1st-

1:30pm- I met the worship team at the church to leave and head to Tishomingo, Ms early. Bobby (Bob Bob) as I like to call him, well didn't quite make the 1:30 deadline. I believe it was something like this: " Steak-Out was a bas idea" or/and the favorite of mine: " I got stuck behind this old guy who wanted to do like 3 mph and then got stuck behind the train"...... Needless to say, we left alittle late.

2:00pm- We get on the road. Rachel and I rode in my car. I drove naturally and thought I knew the way to Tishomingo State Park.........

3:30pm- Realized that I missed my turn and ended in Corinth, Ms....... Took almost 30mins to turn around in this small town.. Yes that's right! Everybody and their mommas were out in town.....

4:45pm- Rachel and I made it finally after some long disputes on whether we actually went 11 miles past the sign which read "Tishomingo State Parks 11 miles". Yeah well they were wrong! It's more like 15 miles!! In the meantime, I decided to pull over and ask a lady that worked at this convience store, how many more miles it was...... Lady: A very homely looking lady with no make up, an outdated hair cut and surrounded by men with no teeth. Conclusion: I don't fit in here! O and I'm still wondering where they get their hair cut......

5:30pm- We have already set up and had practice. Decide we are going to go eat at this little mom and pop restraunt...... Note: Read the analogy about the above woman and put in to play here....

7:30pm- Yes that's right! It took 2 hours to get food. Of course Bob Bob had to have the "inside meat" of the pork.

8:00pm- We've made it to worship and Bro. Walter (very attractive.. Sorry! Had to put it there) did an outstanding job and God started to touch hearts....

11:00pm- Forced to go to bed! Crazy!

Saturday, Feb. 2nd-

7:30am- Breakfast..... Is this the dirty peepants story or was that at lunch?

9:00am- Worship and Service- Praise God for sending such a Godly man to us. Conclusion: There is a war with in us..... A war between us and the world, the devil, and our flesh.... Solution: Jesus Christ!

10:00 am- Games: Here came the "Are you smarter than your Youth Pastor?" Well, lets just say it was kinda messy!

12:30pm- Lunch: Some very tasty food I might add.... Oh yes and the dirty peepants story thanks to David.

7:00pm- I skipped the hike..... This was Worship service and Praise God yet again. Worship went awesome and God really took it where he wanted it... Brother Walter preached and we had some Dramas.... Conclusion: One came to know Christ and many more were dealt with, even myself.

Well lets say about 10:30pm most of everybody left to go home. And that was about it..... God moved in that place and I thank God for that..

O wait! Sunday, Feb. 3rd, 2008- The vans get lost. Went to Tupelo, Ms and realized they were nowhere near Decatur, AL! Conclusion: Turn left instead of right onto Natez Trace.

No in all seriousness, I hated that it ended. We had a great time and I just hate to leave that little bubble but we all must. Continue to pray for all of us that we might seek our Lord better. It's time we take a stand. To all of you, I hope and pray you have a relationship with Christ. If not, now is the time. He loves you and is calling you. It's not gonna be easy, but at least you know that you know that you know.... God bless!

Note: Stay tune for pictures!!

Clarifications

2008-01-29T14:01:00.000-08:00

Ok so I realize that most of you reading the last post have no clue as to what I am talking about, so he I am to clarify somethings.

My ex husband and I seperated in Nov. of 2006. I filed divorce papers. I was completely done with the marriage. I started dating a man who I had known for awhile prior. I know what many of you are thinking....... I was still married, right? Yes I was but only on paper I felt. This whole relationship was suppose to be casual fun, however, it took a different route. It lasted a year.

To make the story better: We work together, so there is your understanding of how difficult it is to see him move on. The break up has been alittle tough and rough around the edges, but we are getting there.

Note: It was a wonderful 1/2 relationship.... Not a full relationship bc of a few things.... Distance, work (shh... secret!), family, oh and the age thing..... I know what you are thinking. How can that be a wonderful relationship? Well, it was just nice to be wanted by someone, ok? Well we finally ended it in September, however, that hasn't worked well either. Now it is finally over, because there is no point anymore! I'm not bitter, nor hurt. Let's get that straight. I'm fine other than being lonely. As you can read in the last post, he has moved on and I haven't. Why? I don't have a clue. My emotional side says I "need" someone, but logic tells me otherwise.......

There's the scoop! Now you know.....

Ok I'll fess up!!

2008-01-29T13:51:00.000-08:00

I'm gonna admit it! I'm alone! I feel alone! Sometimes alittle more alone than I would like to be. What do I do? NOTHING!! You'd think with two kids and a full time job that I wouldn't feel alone, well you are WRONG!! This isn't really meant for you to feel sorry for me, but it's just what is on my mind at the moment.

I had lunch today with the "wonderful" (a little sarcasm for those who love it) ex-boyfriend and I have to say that it went well. It was much different than dinners we use to have, of course. Apart of me is happy for him that he has moved on and that our break up doesn't bother him, however, majority of me wants to cry. I'm not upset anymore at the fact that we are over, but at the fact that I feel lonely. He doesn't, now and me being the woman that I am, is a little jealious. Not of her, because he will have issues with her too I imagine, but of him. I'm jealious that I can't have "someone" (not that I need anyone) to take my mind off things, or to fill some of the void of having absolutely no one.

Maybe I'm just rambling on but this is whats in my head and it's been in there for a few days now and I had to let it out! YAY! Ok I'm done......

Updates......

2008-01-22T08:40:00.001-08:00

Ok well there isn't much to update, but I will give you something to read...

Our New Year has begun with some rocky starts......

I have decided to not move to the Birmingham area because, frankly, I'm scare out of my mind! LOL! I don't want to be down here by myself with two kids if something ever was to happen. Currently, I'm driving everyday back and forth.... NO! It's not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. In fact I kinda enjoy that time to myself. I am ,however, gonna let the Lord lead my path. If he wants me to take a different path, then he will come through for me. That's all I really have to say about that.

McKinley started her horse riding lessons and from what I hear, she is doing better than most adults in the group. That's my girl!!

Amberly, well, she is being Amberly. She is the child that I always said I was NEVER gonna have..... LOL! "Never say Never", Right? No, she's hilarious, but very daring. She really loves getting her way thanks to acouple of people in our lives.... Not gonna mention any names here.

I am truly blessed beyond words! Hope all of you are having a fantastic 2008 so far. May God bless you and keep you!

It's Official!

2008-01-07T15:34:00.000-08:00

I'm have entered into the statistics of divorcees... Yep, today was the day. I know that it was the right decision for me so I am very happy about it. I can't say that I am at all happy that the marriage failed, but I'm happy that my life will go on and that someone out there will love me the way I deserve!

Days 1 and 2

2008-01-03T18:49:00.000-08:00

Ok so yesterday was the very first day of my new job at the Pelham office. Today was the second day. I have come to realize I absolutely LOVE my job!!! God has blessed me and so I just wanted to share that with all of you! I will keep you posted on how the job is going!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2008-01-01T06:33:00.000-08:00

2008 is here! I pray that is a WONDEFUL year for all of you! May it be blessed and happy! HAPPY NEW YEAR! Love, Bonita

Constants

2008-01-01T06:32:00.000-08:00

How do you know when people care? I'd like to think that when someone cares about you, they choose a constant in your life. Either they choose to be in your life on a CONSTANT basis or they choose the constant of never being there. I know you are asking yourself about that last constant of never being there.... Listen to what I have to say: The constant of being gone, here is when someone cares to the extent of knowing they are not a good constant IN your life. So they choose to leave and never come back.Then you are blessed with the ones who care so much they choose to be a constant in your life. Those are the ones who are there when you need them and never dissappear.
When someone chooses to leave and never return, it may hurt for the ones involve. However, it ends to be the better of the two choices. Wouldn't you think? You have to give credit where credit is due to those people. That has to be a hard choice to make, but because they care so much they do it anyways. That is unselfishness!
Now, what happens to those people who have picked the constant magic trick of being here one minute only to be gone the next. Yet again, you turn around and they are there only to be gone again.... Can it be that these people care about you? I'm really not sure. For my optimistic side, I would love to say that they do, however, it seems as though they are selfish and only care about themselves. They only pretend to "care" when they want or need something from you. So what do you do with them? Do you pick the constant of letting them in time after time? I don't believe so. I believe you have to ask yourself one question with these kinds of constants: How hurt am I when they come and go? Yes, this is a selfish act, but trust me! At some point in time you have to use your head and save yourself from the hurt and mental discouragment. You have to inorder to be a constant for someone else. If their coming and going doesn't bother you, then I believe that you have to choose to be a constant in their life and show them that YOU do care. If it seems to hurt you more, then you need to make a constant decision to love them, but with distance. It's ok to love them and be there for them, but at some point you have to choose a constant for them to be in your life. Pray for them. Love them. Help them. However, do it with clear mind and be focused. Don't give them what they WANT, but what they NEED. Say for instance, that you have a friend that supposely cares, but only comes around when they need money. Don't give them the money. You are not helping them at all. Instead, offer to carry them to dinner or small things like that. At that point, they choose their constant. Either they see love, or they get mad. If you have someone in your life who uses you, you must choose to carry on with your life without them. It's sad to say, but there are people out there who DO NOT care. Those people, you just have to choose the distant LOVE.
For your mental and spiritual health, love those with a distance.

Christmas 2007

2007-12-26T12:44:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was one of the best Christmases I have ever experienced in my life. I know that Christmas isn't about the commercialized "christmas", but the commercialized side was really special this year. God has blessed me with a great job and blessed me with the ability to make my daughters' Christmas list come true. Early Christmas morning, I watched my little girls' eyes get big in amazement as they saw their playhouse and all their toys. My heart was so filled by how happy my little girls were, that it didn't even matter if I recieved anything or not.

The spiritual side was one of the best too. This year I really got to enjoy my girls and I sat and wondered at how Mary was with her son Jesus. He had to be just like my little girls are everyday. Little life is special.. Life in itself is special. I love this time of the year! It just makes you think of how blessed your life really is.

If you have children, can you imagine how it felt for Mary to watch her son die on that cross? From a small tiny baby to a toddler who is filled with wonder to a man with a great purpose none of us can comprehend. Her heart must have broke for him the die he died. She carried a weight on her shoulder to bare her son, but she did it anyways, for the life of you and I.

Thanks be to God for sending his son on that Christmas day! For all of us are blessed this Chirstmas season because of that Christmas night. I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and a great year to come! God bless!

Little Things Mean A Lot!

2007-12-26T12:43:00.000-08:00

Wrapping Paper" {Little Things Mean a Lot !!!}

The story goes that some time ago a mother punished her five year old daughter for wasting a roll of expensive gold wrapping paper.Money was tight and she became even more upset when the child used the gold paper to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree. Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift box to her mother the next morning and then said, "This is for you, Momma." The mother was embarrassed by her earlier over reaction, but her anger flared again when she opened the box and found it was empty. She spoke to her daughter in a harsh manner. "Don't you know, young lady, when you give someone a present there's supposed to be something inside the package?" She had tears in her eyes and said, "Oh, Momma, it's not empty! I blew kisses into it until it was full." The mother was crushed.She fell on her knees and put her arms around her little girl, and she begged her forgiveness for her thoughtless anger. An accident took the life of the child only a short time later, and it is told that the mother kept that gold box by her bed for all the years of her life. Whenever she was discouraged or faced difficult problemsshe would open the box and take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there. In a very real sense, each of us, as human beings, have been given a Golden box filled with unconditional love and kisses from our children, family, friends and GOD. There is no more precious possession anyone could hold.

How do you handle situations that seem too big?

2007-12-11T06:47:00.000-08:00

I have brought this question to my own self in the past week. In the last year, I've had big ups and downs. They mostly seem like downs, but I try to keep positive. In a years time, my marriage finally fell apart after 4 years of trying my best. I never dealt with that pain because I knew how my family felt about my marriage. They seemed almost ecstatic, no probably more relieved that it was finally over. Well, because they felt that way I never shared how I really felt about my marriage falling apart. Also in that years time, I met a man who I learned to love with all my heart. This is another reason that I never dealt with issues. He took my mind off of the hurt I felt. I wasn't feeling alone so never had to think about things that were all fixing to come crashing down.
In the middle of the summer, it was brought to me that my office may close down. I still kept positive because I knew that God had everything under control. Since June everything has been going well and business has picked up, until yesterday! It looks as though my office is moving another 15 mins away or even closing. Now, I had orginally had peace about the whole thing because I was told I would still have a job. That might not be the case anymore. This has me very worried.
Back, in September, I lost the man that I loved. We decided to end it for several reasons, even though, we both feel the same for one another. Now this is hard for me to crasp because I don't understand how you long to be with someone, but decide not to be with them. It seems crazy to me! Well, we were friends, until last week. I decided we couldn't move on unless we cut out all contact. This is hard for me. Very hard. I miss him like nothing I've ever missed. My heart longs to be with him, but it can't. And I feel a physical pain.
Now I'm telling you all this for a reason. Through everything in my life it seems as though I have peace about everything. This is not because of me. Its only because of God. I'm not saying any of this because I want pity. That's exactly why I haven't said anything to many people about how I feel. People have come to me and said, " I'm so proud of you for the way you handle the stuff in your life!" Wow! That is something big for someone to hear. Exspecially me.
How do I feel? I feel alone, I feel heartbroken, and honestly, some parts of me doesn't even know how I feel. Why am I saying this? Because I have peace! I know that God is over all things and this too he is over. He has someone prepared for me when the time is right. That person will be more than I ever imagined possible. God had my job under control. I need not to worry! I pray and let the Lord know what my heart's desire is and whatever his answer is is more than I could want for myself. So when you have the world crashing down around, have peace. Know that God is here with you. He is fighting with you and wanting you to come out victorious! Remember, God made all things. He is above all things. So why worry when you have the Master on your side? I have peace and I know everything is gonna be alright! Praise God!

Holiday Traditions

2007-12-03T06:41:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered why we have traditions? This weekend I took over the familiy tradition of decorating the yard and house with Christmas lights. Ok, so normally we do this on Thanksgiving dat, however, I was lazy Thanksgiving and didn't want to do it. Because I believe that decorating is very important at Christmas time, I made myself get up and do it. I can say that my body didn't do it quietly. It protested the whole way. This lil' family tradition became a hassle! UGH! I am now sick and have a splitting headache because I decided to carry on the family tradition....
It didn't come easily either. I had all these grand plans and none of them worked. It's called electricity. Yes! Did you know that if you are not able to plug the lights into electricity they are not quite as pretty? Oh yeah, so now you have to figure out ways to plug them up. How about a hundred extension cords? I know that sounds crazy, but thats what traditons are made out of. Not to mention that I had to climb a ladder to try to put light in a tall tree. Only to find out that I didn't have enough and I would have to take them down.
So, I've decided to start my own tradition and just forget all the lights at Christmas.... There we go! I'll put up a tree and the stockings, but the lights on the house have to go. Now, I'm done venting about stupid traditions. Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season.

Blessed

2007-11-29T11:30:00.000-08:00

Have you ever thought about how blessed you really are? I know some of you are saying, " not everyone is blessed", but everyone is blessed. Some are less fortunate than others, but they are still blessed. If you live in America, you are blessed. We are free to choose the life we want to live. Now, living in America is not the topic of this blog. It's just about how blessed I feel.

Driving to lunch today, I thought about my life. I thought about my kids, my job, my friends, and my future. I may not have everything my heart longs for, but I'm content with what I have. I can lay my head down at night in a warm house. I have two beautiful daughters who love me. I have a great job that has exceeded any expectation I have ever dreamed. I have to oppertunity to do something with my life. I have a bright future. I am blessed.

I know that at times things seem to not go your way and things are crashing down around you. I have come to learn that everything will be all right. You are blessed with being able to breath another breath. You are blessed to live the life you live even though it may not be a great life.

God has blessed you with life. He has giving you the ability and knowledge to love him. That is a blessing in itself.

I think about the men and women who are not able to have children of their own. I know that I am so blessed to have two of my own, reguardless of the situation our lives are in. They love me unconditionally and bring so muh joy to my life. I think about the ones who have lost their jobs or have been hurt and can't work. I know where I am going with my job and the security of having a job. I have a nice car that is reliable. Some don't. I have wonderful friends that love and adore me. Who give of themselves when I need them. A wondeful family who does the same. How can I not be happy with all that I have? No, happiness does not come in material things, however, this world is materialistic. My life isn't blessed because of those things. It is blessed because God has control.

One thing that I have learned in the last week, is that God is over all things. Why are we worried about our lives and what happens? He is in control! If you give it all to him, you will be alright!
With all this said, everyone is blessed with something in your life, big or small.

My challenge to you know is think about the things you are blessed with. Thank God for allowing those things is your life because you never know when you will lose them. My life is blessed and I am thankful!

Testing... 1.... 2

2007-11-28T08:49:00.000-08:00

Well, it looks as though I am entering a whole new world of blogging. I have decided to try this out because I have alot on my mind. So this is a test, to see if I can do what I set out to accomplish with blogging. This should be interesting needless to say. So I will start out by just posting this test and see what happens.....