New Year scripture

Phil 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Just want to say to all of my followers, lurkers, commenters, friends, family and folks who email me, I love you all and I pray 2010 will bring you more love, more life, and more laughs!!!! Q

I'm really happy for you and imma let you finish but.... Part 2

I decided to finish it over here so the other post wouldn't be so long.

Stop Whining!!!
Whew goodness I can't take whining. Not from kids and esp not from grown folks. Man if some folks would spend as much time they spend whining on doing something productive, their life will be so much better. Now I understand stuff happens. Heck I've had my share of pity parties too. But all the time? Every freaking month? Go back and read my YOU series because you really need too. Talking and whining and crying won't change a thing. Esp if you are focusing on your past. You can't change it, you can't make it better, so move the heck on already. If you keep finding yourself in mucked up situations, then you are the reason and no one else. I honestly think some people live off the attention that mess brings them. Oh so and so, you are pretty, you are a good person, it's okay, I'm here for you, blah blah blah blah blah. Not me, not the kid. Once I notice a pattern I check out. I'll say one quick prayer and then I'm done. If you are tired of being fat, lose weight. If you are tired of being broke, spend less, and save more. It's much simpler than people realize.

Oh our beloved celebrities. The people we put in the place of God. Some folks will cuss you out if you talk about their celeb but won't say boo when someone curses God. Then we get all upset and mad when our precious celeb does something wrong in our eyes. We are so shocked and hurt and upset. They are people too. They have to put their pants on one leg at a time, if you (allegedly) bust them upside the head with a golf club, they will bleed. I mean really. What you should do is hold them accountable when it comes to what they are supposed to do. Stop supporting folks who put out crappy albums with nothing but fluff and catchy songs. Stop going to their concerts and making them rich. And when they do mess up, stop being so quick to give them passes or make excuses for them. "Oh well what did she do, or what did he do to her?" Heck to that, wrong is wrong. Call them out on it just like you would anyone in your life. Don't give them a pass simply because their poster is hanging on your wall.

And while I am on the topic of men and women, it's time for us to man up and woman up. The standards today for men and women have been lowered BIG TIME. I mean really? Really? Listen I know we are human and we make mistakes but some stuff we can avoid. You know like cheating on our spouses and stealing money from folks. You don't just wake up screwing someone you are not married to. It takes time and planning, and skill. Way before you get to the actual act, you have plenty of time to not do it. We also need to be responsible in other areas. If you owe someone, pay them. If you did something wrong, apologize. And stop lumping men and women into all these categories. Well all men cheat and all women do this and that. How do you know? I don't believe you, you need more people. I believe there is more good men who are faithful to their wives. Who understand any man can cheat but REAL MEN keep the vows they make. I believe there are more great mothers who will bite the head off a rattlesnake to save her child than there are those who would sell their child into sex slavery for some drugs.

And speaking of parents. Le sigh!!! It amazes me to see parents put on these elaborate shows to convince their child that Santa exists but once Christmas is over, they don't spend any time with that child. Too many parents are letting the tv, internet, game systems and teachers raise their children. Now I will be the first one to say, I used to look forward to the Supremes growing up. But now, I am happy my 11 year old, acts and looks like an 11 year old. We are too quick to make our kids grow up. We push them away as soon as they can walk or talk. But that's when the real parenting begins. We can tell you the colors of Mac's blush line but can't tell you when was the last time we went on a field trip, or a school event. Your children are not your friends. Above everything else, they need our love and our time. If you start good habits while they are young, they will continue. I get mad when folks act like their children are burdens. They didn't ask to be here!!! Esp when their are folks who would love to have kids and can't. Turn the tv off, and play games with them. Log off twitter and read with them. Stop buying them McDonald's making them fat, and cook healthy foods with them. Nothing to do on the weekends, go to the library with them. Go to a craft store like Hobby Lobby and do something fun with them. Learn a new language or how to play an instrument right along with them. On the flip side, stop pushing them to be baby geniuses. Yes they need to work on schoolwork but give them a chance to be kids too. Oh and rethink your old school ways because real talk esp for African Americans, if that stuff worked, we would be in better positions than we are now. It's okay if your kids speak proper English, or don't know the songs to every Lil Wayne song. You don't have to spank them every time they do something wrong. Maybe if you spent more time with them, they wouldn't act out so much.

Lastly, if God be God, let Him be God. If you believe God can do all things but fail, then let Him do it. Don't limit Him or say well I am just this way or that way. Because then you don't believe. If you are going to let go and let God, don't go back and try to put your hand in it or try to help God. God doesn't need your help!!!

Okay I'm done for real. I love all of you and I pray what I have said will make you examine some of the things you have said or done in your life. With the new year coming in, let us all resolve to better. Let's be better men, women, daughters, sons, mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, and friends. Find people who are like you and striving to be better and encourage them. Put a stop to the foolishness you see and hear and watch the company you keep. Stop the gossiping, lies, whining and cattiness. Above all, always put God first PERIOD. Q

I'm really happy for you and imma let you finish but....

Before 2009 ends, I just need to get some things off my chest. I figured today was the best day to do it since folks will probably get over it once tomorrow comes. :) Anyway, this year has been one for the record books. Not just in the world but in my life as well. I can look back and see how I've grown and how much growth is still needed. I can't say I am perfect, but I am better and getting better everyday. Those who know me, know I don't hold my tongue, EVER. That's just not my style. This is not being passive aggressive or taking shots at anyone. This is stuff I've seen, been a part of or needed to check myself about in the past year. So this post isn't going to be different. I know it may set some folks off but I hope it makes you mad enough to take a good look, stop what you are doing, and make things better. Okay? Ready, set, go!!!!

To my fellow Christian brothers and sisters please study the word for yourself. I am tired of these crazy backwards sayings being applied to God when they don't have any biblical foundation whatsoever. Stop putting God in your box and trying to get Him to conform to your ways. You should conform to His. And stop getting mad telling Him what you will and won't do like you are doing something special. God will still be God whether you serve Him or not. Stop half stepping when it comes to serving Him. Fornication is a sin, lying is a sin, adultery is a sin, cursing is a sin. Just because you haven't murdered someone, that doesn't make you an angel. You are still a sinner so repent. Don't get mad when you don't receive the blessings you deserve when you are shacked up with someone day in and day out.

Which brings me to my next point:
Ladies please, please, please demand more respect for yourself. I know some of yall will say Oh Q you can say this and that because you are married. But let me tell you something, I love myself enough to not settle. Believe that!!! Trust T wasn't the only dude that wanted to be with me. I turned down plenty because I knew they weren't about anything. Stop begging, pleading, crying and acting crazy to try to get some dude to "put a ring on it." Beyonce' got yall heads messed up. Maybe him not putting a ring on it,is a blessing in the disguise. He is probably not the one for you. I don't believe it takes a man years or you having to tell him the benefits of being married for him to do it. Maybe he wants to be married, just not to you. Maybe he is waiting for the right one to come along and just keeping you around because he doesn't want to be alone. Why deal with that? You see the signs, you know he is not the one, so instead of waiting for him to break your heart, take control and end it yourself. Stop giving it up to dudes and look deeper than how fine he is, or how much money he got.

My next point, log off and live life!!! I love the internet don't get me wrong. I love being on twitter, FB, and my blog. But some people have taken it too far. Their life revolves around the computer screen and their e-friends and foes they come in contact with online. I mean really if someone can say something on a site to set you off, make you cry, or make you feel bad about your life then you need to get it together. If the only people you have to discuss your life with is folks you only know by their screenname, then you need to log off and get some real friends. Folks are literally letting life pass them by because they are hung up on folks they have never seen or met. Taking advice from people, envying folks and changing your life just because ImSoSexyAndYouNot83 said it, is not the business okay. If you get off work and rush home just to log to the computer instead of calling up a good friend, or reading a good book, Houston YOU have a problem. Understand the folks you "think" you know could be blowing smoke in your face. They will have you thinking you need to be a certain size, wear certain clothes, eat at certain places, and on and on when really you need to just be you. They are probably fat, broke, and manless but yet you are hanging on to their every word like they Jesus. Take what is said and posted online with a grain of salt. If you are having problems in life, being on the internet all day won't make them go away. Log off and spend some time, living in the real world.

Lastly, if you are over the age of 25, it's way past time to grow the heck up. This year I made it a mission to stop being caught up in a bunch of gossip, drama, and foolishness. It was rough going at first because who doesn't like to hear some good gossip? But when I took a good hard look, I realized I was just like the people that didn't like me. If I wanted to be better, I had to do better and I did. I removed myself from some forums because they made it too easy for me to get caught up. But even though I have put that behind me, some folks haven't. They are still doing the same old same old. If all you do is post on a bunch of forums talking about folks, stirring up drama behind the scenes, sniggling and and giggling at folks all day, you need a life. SERIOUSLY!!! If you are friends with someone who gossips, keeps mess going, and is all around messy, don't be surprised if they do the same to you. It's time for folks to grow up and instead of tearing folks down, you should try to build them up. And stop playing follow the leader being mad with folks because your e-friend doesn't like them. Stand alone and make decisions for your own self. Everyone isn't going to get along. That doesn't mean you have to jump in on one side and try to bully someone else. And if you don't like the person so much, then don't talk to them, twitter them, or worry about them. Oh and stop being mad cuz folks like me and you don't. Trying to throw salt and discredit me reflects badly on you and not me. If I am such a bad person then folks will see it. Or maybe I'm not and you just want me to be. Either way, if you don't like me, keep my name outcha mouth. I mean who does that? Get a life already!!!

Whew that felt good. I know I will probably edit this because I have more to add but this is a start!!! Q

Pineapple upside down cake

I've been using this recipe for over 10 years so why change a good thing. Someone requested it so here goes.
1/4 cup stick margarine or butter
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 can (20 oz) sliced pineapple in juice, drained
Maraschino cherries
1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup shortening
3/4 cup milk
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 large egg

Preheat oven to 350. Melt margarine in 10 inch ovenproof skillet or square pan, 9x9x2 inches, in oven. Sprinkle brown sugar over margarine, and arrange pineapples over sugar. Place cherry in center of each pineapple slice. Beat remaining ingredients with mixer on low speed for about 30 secs, scraping bowl constantly. Beat on high speed 3 mins, scraping bowl and pour over pineapple. Bake skillet 45 to 50 mins or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Immediately turn upside down onto heatproof plate. Let skillet or pan remain over cake for a few minutes, remove and then enjoy. Q

Catching up

I know I haven't posted in forevuwary but so much has happened. I am off most of this week so I will break each down in detail so here goes:
B had a follow up appt. Everything is going well and she has to go back in 4 months.

T went to the ER one night. He has gallstones and has to get his gallbladder removed.

I finished school!!!

I finally saw my boo Vince Carter. Whew goodness that post will be amazing.

D turned 9 and we had her party. There was drama but turned out great.

T got one of his presents earlier than planned. Talk about quick delivery.

My business will be up and running soon. I've got amazing feedback can't wait to share.

I'm starting another blog, this one about the Supremes hair.

Thinking about closing my fitness one and just sticking to this one and the new one. I've neglected it big time so we'll see.

I think that's it. More to follow including more hilarious Supreme tales. Q

My tweet cloud

These are the words I've tweeted the most in the past year. LOL at some of the words that are together. *blink* Q

God still gets the glory!!!!

I can't believe it has almost been a year since this happened. It has been a long year dealing with it all. I've rarely said anything about it because it was hurting too much. Today I had several messages from my mother. She got news that my brother was free, and all charges were dropped. Of course I was super excited making posts on FB, twitter, and calling folks. My mother was finally able to get the full scoop from my brother. He pled to a lesser charge and has 3 years probation. My excitement went down for a minute. She told me he was tired of being in jail, tired of not being able to raise his son, and just tired of it all.

A part of me is mad as hell because he was innocent. We were behind him 100% and ready for him to go to trial and prove his innocence. But then I had to step back and put myself in his shoes. I don't know what it's like to not be free, to not be able to see your child everyday, to miss out on holidays and birthdays. I don't know what it's like in jail and to feel alone while life is just going on without you. So yes it's easy for me to want him to stay and fight, but I'm not him, and he's not me.

Another part of me is thankful and praising God in spite of it all. I know he has a long road ahead of him. I know he has some serious obstacles to overcome. But I also know God for you is greater than the whole world against you. So no it didn't work out the way we wanted, but God still gets the glory. I am praising Him because my brother is free. I am praising Him because my mother will see her son on Christmas. I am praising Him because my nephew has his father. I am praising Him because my brother is ALIVE and we have a chance to rebuild our relationship and start anew. I am praising Him because my brother has a chance to have a new and better life!!! Q

2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

When will I see Vince Carter Play (Part 3) 2 weeks to go!!!

Plane tickets-booked
Rental car- booked
Housesitter/babysitter- arranged
Hotel room- in process
Tickets- in process

I can't believe that in only 2 short weeks, I will finally see Vince Carter play. It seems like a dream but I know it isn't. I'm happy and nervous at the same time. To finally cross this off of my bucket list is going to be so great. I am almost ready and we just have a few things to take care of. Then I just have to wait. VC here I come!!!! Q

Some Thanksgiving pics

Just waiting on the turkey. Have a blessed day!!! Q

Peach Cobbler

Why lie, this is not my recipe. This is Patti Labelle's and I love it. I did tweak it a little but it's pretty much the same.

Crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter flavored shortening, chilled
1/3 cup ice water

For the Peach cobbler:
3 pounds medium peaches, peeled, pitted and cut into 1/4-inch slices (You can use canned just drain them)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (if using fresh peaches)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for top crust
4 tablespoons butter, chilled, cut into small pieces

For the Pie crust: Sift the flour and salt into a bowl. Add the shortening and cut it in with a fork or pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs with a few pea-sized bits. Stirring with a fork, gradually add enough of the water until the mixture clumps together. Gather up the dough and press into 2 balls (one slightly bigger than the other), wrap in waxed paper or saran wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Roll out smaller dough the size/shape of the pan to about 1/8 inch thick and bake for about 10 minutes on a cookie sheet. In a medium bowl, toss the peaches, cornstarch, sugar, butter, lemon juice and cinnamon. Place half of peach mixture in a round or square pan. Place baked crust on top and then top with remaining peach mixture. Roll out big portion of dough until about 1 inch hangs over the pan. Pinch the dough on the top edges of the dish. Put 3 slits in top to let air escape, place on cookie sheet to catch any juices, and bake 30-40 minutes until brown and sprinkle top with more cinnamon. Serve with ice cream and enjoy!!! Q

Mashed potato, mashed potato

This is one of those recipes I don't have measurements for. I just eyeball it. But I will try. LOL

5 large baking potatoes
milk
Salt and pepper to taste
4 T of butter

Scrub, rinse, and peel potatoes. Cut into about inch size pieces and place in a pot of water. Cover with about and inch of water, add salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 15-20 minutes until potatoes poked with a fork are soft. Drain and put in a bowl. Mash lightly with back of fork, add butter, slowly add milk while beating on light with a mixer. Beat until smooth but don't over mix. Add salt and pepper to taste. Q

Brined roasted turkey

I have several that I use and I just change up the ingredients a little. This is for a 10-12 pound bird. So here is one:
1 cup salt
1 cup brown sugar (maple syrup works too)
2 gallons of cold water
1 large cut up orange
A handful of seasonings, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves (Or you can use some Italian seasoning)

Remove neck, and giblets from turkey and rinse well. Dissolve salt and sugar in water. Add remaining items and then put in turkey. Let sit in brine in fridge for 4-24 hours. Remove turkey, rinse well and pat dry inside and out.

Roasting:
1/2 stick of unsalted butter
1 onion
1 orange
Seasonings
Salt and pepper
3 cups of broth
other 1/2 stick of butter (melted)

Preheat oven to 325. Place turkey in pan breast side up. Rub with half of butter and put some up under the breast skin. Squeeze some of the orange on breast and sprinkle with a little seasonings, salt and pepper. Place giblets etc in bottom of pan along with 1 cup water. Turn turkey breast side down and repeat. Stuff turkey with onion, and orange slices. Tie wings and thighs back. Cover tips of wings with foil. Bake for 1 hour breast side down. Remove from oven, turn over , remove foil from wings, baste with 1 cup broth, some butter, and sprinkle seasoning. Remove giblets at the bottom and put in dressing (optional). Bake turkey for another hour (depends on size) basting about every 20 minutes until thermometer in thigh reads 165. Let turkey rest at least 20 minutes before cutting. Q

Cornbread dressing recipe

To make this dressing, I start with the cornbread:

1/2 cup butter melted
1 egg
1 cup milk
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar

Grease pan and heat oven at 400. Combine ingredients and put in pan. Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes.

While that is cooking, I cut up some celery and sometimes a little mushrooms and turkey giblets if I have it. I like for my celery to be cooked a little so I cook them in about a tablespoon of butter.

Now for the dressing part:
The items cooked above
1 can of cream of celery soup
1 can of beef consomme soup
1 can of beef broth
seasoned salt to taste

I left the cornbread cool and then crumbled it in the pan and mix all of the above and stir it in. Cook for another 10-20 minutes until a crust forms on the top. Q

Entourage!!!!

Yesterday I had one of those hilarious discussions with the Supremes. I transferred D and K to a new school at the end of August. Prior to that, they were all attending the same school. Well B and D informed me of just how "popular" K was at their previous school. In their words, "K was the most popular first grader." She was the leader of about a group of 6-7 girls and 2 boys. The boys acted as guards or secret service and the girls were just her court so to speak. Her Vice President was a little girl she was good friends with. The person after that was another little girl that she sometimes had issues with. Sounds like the President doesn't it?

Well after listening more, I also found out that not only was she protected by this group, they would literally surround her from other kids. Even her own sisters had to get permission to approach her. I kid you not!!!! B told me if they approached the group, the boys would jump out in front and question them. Then someone would let K know who would then say yes or no as to whether or not they could speak to her. Bwhahahahahahaha This group would pretty much follow K around as well. I wonder if they would take a spit ball for her? LOL

Whew my kids, my kids. I told yall she was a natural born leader!!!! Q

When will I see Vince Carter play? Part 3

Twenty three more days left. I am so very excited like a kid in a candy store. I can't believe this is finally going to happen!!! I've been having dreams about him a lot. In all of them, I had a chance to meet him but I'm so frozen and so scared, that I chicken out. Last night I had a very vivid one. It was myself, and my girls Ten, Mari and Candy. We had a plan and was ready to go. They were going to be distractions during halftime so I could sneak and meet Vince. First we were late getting to the game because I had to be just right. Then we had drama with our tickets. When we finally got seated, it was halftime and in walks my mom. (Random yeah I know.) VC is in the bleechers right in front of us. I mean I could reach out and touch him. His trainer is stretching out his leg or something. My mom tells me to go over there but I can't. So she does. She embarasses the heck out of me. He smiles, and motions for me to come over but I can't. My legs won't move. All I can do is smile. Finally halftime is over and he has to get back into the game. My kids all laugh at me and I'm kicking myself. I really hope I don't freeze like that in real life. LOL Q

Who knew

My kids are hilarious. NO seriously they are. The things that come out of their mouths just have my stomach hurting. Here is the latest addition to the funny files.

D: Mom K is calling me a bad name
Me: What did she call you?
D: She called me a show off

In walks K at the tail end of the convo.
K: That's because you are a show off.
Me: Do yall even know the meaning of show off?
K: Yes a show off is someone who learns something new and they go around telling everyone about it like they are an expert or something.
D: Well that makes you a show off too K.
Me: Bwhahahahahahahaha Yall leave each other alone.

Who knew? LOL Q

Happy Veteran's Day

Today was such a great day. I got to sleep in. I woke up, showered and chatted with two of my favorite girls, Monica and my Tee girl. Then I ran out real quick, visited with my hairdresser and came back home. My fam and I went to Best buy to look at some new computers, then to Applebee's to eat some free food, to the library, and then the mall. As I sit here typing, I feel so incredibly blessed. Although America isn't perfect, I love my country. I enjoy some freedoms I know women in other countries could only dream of. I also know this freedom came with a cost and I don't take that for granted. As I enjoyed my day with my husband, I know some wife just said goodbye to hers as he headed to Iraq. As I laughed at my babies, I know there is a mother who patiently waiting for a from her daughter who is in harms way. So today, I take the time to pray for all those who serve, who are serving, and who will one day serve to keep this country free. Q

The news said that the sky is falling....

Man it has been one of those days. I'm sure you all have heard about the tragedy at Fort Hood today. Well it hit close to home. My father in law retired from the army a few years ago at Fort Hood. My mother in law works on base at the clinic and he is a civilian worker as well. So many thoughts rushed through my mind as I tried to get in contact with them. Although my gut told me they were okay. I finally got the confirmation in the form of a phone call from my MIL. Things could have been bad for her. The gunman bypassed her building and then another before taking aim. From what she described, those soldiers didn't have a chance. I am emotionally drained right now.

It's times like these I really wish Jesus would return. I don't know or understand why things like this happens. But what I know is God is real and we must always be ready. No one knows when their life may end. My thoughts and prayers goes out to all the people affected today. Q

Let's hear it for the Yankees!!!

#27 Nuff said. Q

When will I see Vince Carter play? Part 2

Southwest Airlines had a special on tickets for 72 hours. I booked some from T and I to go to Phoenix in December to see Orlando play the Suns. I'm waiting to hear from someone I know there about the game tickets. I may be able to actually meet him as well. Either way, just seeing him play is more than enough for me. Now I have to arrange for a house and babysitter, book our room, and hotel. I'm so excited!!! Q

Buttermilk Biscuits

2 cups all purpose flour
1 T of baking powder
1/4 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 stick of butter
3/4 cup buttermilk

Preheat oven to 400. Combine all of the dry ingredients in a bowl. Cut butter into mix using a fork or pastry blender until you see fine crumbs. Stir in buttermilk making a soft sticky dough.

On a lightly floured surface, knead dough over gently about 3-4 times. Roll out until 3/4 inch thick and cut with a 3 inch biscuit cutter. Place dough 1 inch apart on un-greased baking sheet. Brush with butter and bake for 15 minutes. Q

Thanksgiving Menu is set

I'm late posting this and I'll have all of the recipes up tomorrow. Here is my final list. I decided to do it simple this year.
Roasted Turkey
Cornbread Dressing
Gravy
Mashed potatoes
Collard greens with smoked turkey wings
Macaroni and cheese
Buttermilk biscuits
Coconut Cream Cake
Red velvet cake
Caramel apple pie
Sweet potato pie

So what are you guys making? Q

EDIT To Add: I was asked to put up my mashed potatoes, dressing and peach cobbler recipes. I will do that later today. Q

B's Christmas list

So all of the girls have turned in their lists. But yall know with the Supremes, comedy is never far behind. B turned in her list yesterday. On the front page was her items at the top. On the bottom it read:

Mom and Dad you do not have to give me any of this stuff. But since you love me, you probably will buy me one thing on this list. Either way, I'm okay with whatever you get even if it's not on my list. Anyway, I love you.

Then she had an arrow to turn it over. On the back it read:

All the things on this list can be found at Toys "R" Us (most of them) or at Walmart (maybe). Now go find them (if you want me to have them)(see the gesture on front.)

What is we gone do with these kids?!!! Q

When will I see Vince Carter play?

Oh yes I hear the sounds of my friends giggling. I can imagine them shaking their heads and praying for me. Well keep on heffas. LOL Anyone that knows me, knows I love Vincent Lamar Carter. (Yes I did use his gubment name.) Ever since I first saw him playing over 12 years ago at UNC I've been a fan. I followed his career from being Rookie of the year, to the Slam Dunk Champ (I have it bookmarked on youtube), an Olympic medalist, a philanthropist, a husband, a father, numerous All Star appearances (although they went lame on him last year) and so on and so forth.

I've tried countless times to see him play in the past but with so many things going on, it's been so hard trying to plan it all. Well after a year of losing some great people like MJ who I never got a chance to see, I decided to get moving on seeing VC. One of the things I hate about this state is, it doesn't have any professional teams. So right now my best bet is to head to Arizona, or Denver to see him play. Both are a straight shot plane ride from here and also less than 8 hours driving. Right now I am leaning towards seeing him play in AZ on December 11th.

I've already priced the plane tickets, $137 round trip, and the game tickets about $200 each. I think this will be a Christmas present to myself along with a b-day gift for dh. His birthday is on the 13th and he also wants to see a pro b-ball game as well. He wishes it wasn't because of VC but hey, beggars can't be choosers. LOL That's the first part of my goal, the second is meeting him. Whooo saaaaa I'll talk about that in a later post. Yall pray for me. Q

Three Cheese pasta bake the remix

I decided to take a hint from my commenter Mrs. Saddity and add some veggies to it this time. I added some green beans and broccoli to it. I made it last night and as I type, my family is finishing off what's left. LOL Q

My newest creation

I played around with my basic white cake recipe. I used some coconut cream, added some macadamia nuts, and white chocolate chips. I mixed my vanilla frosted with melted white chocolate, and toasted some coconut and sprinkled it on top. I named it "The Meya" after my friend who gave me this awesome cookie recipe. More info to follow. Here is a shot of one I sent to her as a birthday gift. Q

My 6 month press and trim

Yes it's that time again. Some of you may or may not know but I cut my hair back to bsl a few months ago so I was anxious to see how much growth I got. I decided to go a different route this time. I did a protein treatment at home the night before, detangled my hair and let it dry in braids. The next day, I took them down and gently combed through. I put my hair in 4 sections and headed to the salon. I got my hair flatironed and then trimmed. I lost at least 2 inches probably 3 but it's alright. I didn't get a hard press and I had her lightly bump the ends. I am still planning on donating my hair but I'm letting it grow over the winter right now. I am a few inches past bsl again so I'm happy. Enjoy. Q

Honey Mustard Curried Chicken

I found this recipe by going to allrecipes.com. I was looking for a recipe that included honey, mustard and curry. I tried this last week and I decided to make it again and make some adjustments.

1 whole cut up chicken
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup dijon mustard
2 tsp curry powder
1/4 tsp salt

Mix honey, mustard, curry, and salt together. Place chicken in a shallow pan and baste with some of the sauce. Bake at 350 for 1 hour and 15 minutes basting several times with sauce and turn once. I served this tonight with Trader Joes Basmati Rice Medley made with reduced sodium chicken broth and an organic spring mix. Enjoy. Q

No-Bake Cheesy Ziti Toss

I love baked Ziti. It is one of those dishes that makes me think of my mom. She was known for hers in the neighborhood. She would always pair it with cresant rolls and I do the same. This recipe is a quick and easy one on the stove. It also uses tomatoes along with traditional spaghetti sauce. But it still tastes great. You can do this without meat but I used some ground turkey.

1 16 oz package of ziti
1 lb of ground turkey
1 (15 oz) can of tomatoes drained
1 1/2 cups (6oz) reduced fat Cheddar and mozzarella cheese blend
1 small red bell pepper chopped
1 cup of tomato based sauce
1/2 tsp pepper
1 T of Italian seasoning

Cook ziti according to package and drain well. Cook turkey and drain. Stir tomatoes and the remaining ingredients. Add pasta, turkey, and toss. Q

Honey Mustard-and-Bacon Smothered Chicken

This is another recipe I got out of my new cookbook. It looks so bad but it's not, I promise. Here is my version of the recipe.



8 (6 oz) skinless, boneless chicken breast
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1T of smart balance spread (optional)
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup mustard (you can use prepared honey mustard)
8 cooked slices of turkey bacon (I broke each in half)
1/2 cup (2 oz) reduced fat shredded Mexican 4 cheese blend.

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Melt butter in large skillet and add chicken. Cook on medium high heat for 8 minutes on each side until done. Reduce heat to medium low and brush chicken with honey mustard and cook for about 2 minutes. Top each breast with 2 pieces of bacon and sprinkle with cheese. Cover and cook for 2 minutes until cheese melts. Enjoy. Q

Baked potato soup

I'm back to post some more recipes I've tried and tweaked. This one is a family favorite. I first had this soup at a restaurant and made it my mission to make it at home. After searching over the net, I was saddened to realize how fattening it is. So I made some adjustments to make it a little healthier. I mean it will still set you back in calories but it is good for those times you want some good, bad and hardy. I love to eat this with crackers.

5 large baking potatoes

2 T of smart balance spread
1/4 cup all purpose flour
4 cups of reduced fat milk
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp of pepper
1 cup (4 oz) reduced fat shredded Cheddar cheese
2 slices of cooked turkey bacon crumbled
1 sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Wash, scrub gently and prick each potato with a fork all over. Arrange 1 inch apart in the microwave on a paper towel. Microwave on high for 20 mins, turning and rearranging after 10 minutes. Let cool

Peel potatoes and mash with a fork. I like to leave a couple of large pieces. Melt spread in a pot on the medium heat. Add flour and stir until smooth. Slowly stir in 2 cups of milk. Add potatoes, salt, pepper, cheese and remaining milk and cook over low heat for about 10 minutes. Top with a little cheese, bacon and green onions. Enjoy. Q

Weekend giggles!!!

D:Mom are you cooking?
Me:No, you know I don't cook on the weekends.
D:Well what do you do then.
Me:*side eye with a blank stare*
D: Never mind

Yall see why I don't like kids?!!! Q

Three-Cheese Pasta Bake

Tonight is the second night of recipes from my new cookbook. Here is what I am making tonight:
1 (16oz) package ziti (I used mostaccioli)
2 (10oz) containers light refrigerated Alfredo sauce (I used 1 15oz jar)
1 (8oz) container reduced-fat sour cream
1 (15oz)container part-skim ricotta cheese
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (I used about a tablespoon of Italian seasoning)
1 1/2 cups (6oz) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350. Cook ziti according to package directions; drain well.

2. Stir together Alfredo sauce and sour cream in a large bowl; add ziti, stirring until blended. Spoon half of the mixture into a lightly greased 13x9 inch baking dish.

3. Stir together ricotta cheese and next 3 ingredients; spread evenly over pasta mixture in dish. Spoon remaining pasta mixture evenly over ricotta cheese layer; sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

I used a round dish and did a layer of noodles, ricotta, another layer of noodles, ricotta, noodles, and then mozzarella to finish. I'm pairing this with a nice side salad with balsamic vinegar dressing. Q

I got a new cookbook

Last week the Supremes and I took a trip to Ross. I was looking to get some stuff for the house but ran across the book section. I love cooking as you all know and I really love quick, easy and healthy cooking. Well I stumbled across this book "Busy Moms Weeknight Favorites" by Southern Living. I glanced through quickly and it had lots of pics, which I love, and a bunch of easy recipes. For only $5.99, I couldn't pass it up. So this week, I will be trying a new recipe for every meal I make.

My plan was to start yesterday but we went to a birthday party and ended up eating there so there was no need for me to make dinner. Here is tonight's recipe:
Caramelized Onion Chicken

Prep:7 min Cook: 16 min
1 lb of chicken breast tenders
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 tsp olive oil

1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam (or red currant, apple, or seedless blackberry)
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp soy sauce (I will be using reduced sodium)
1 tsp bottled minced ginger (I will be using 1/4 tsp of ginger powder)
1/2 tsp dried rosemary (I will be using Italian seasoning)

1. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Saute' onion in hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 2 minutes. Add chicken to pan; cook 8 minutes or until chicken is done, turning occasionally. Remove onion and chicken from pan, and set aside.

2. Add jam and remaining ingredients to skillet; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk to loosen browned bits from skillet. Return chicken mixture to pan; cook 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

I plan on finishing the chicken with roasted asparagus and brown rice. I will update with pics once I'm finished. Q

More braid out pics

So I decided to post some more pics of my b-day braid out. The first pic is of the braids I started with. I washed, conditioned, and blowdried my hair. I applied some avocado butter to seal and braided. Then I took them out. I wore it pulled back in a head band and I took some pics of the side as well. Q

Best birthday ever?

Okay so I've had a few great ones but this one is right up top. Last year was hard for me, real hard. I was dealing with turning 30, not reaching my goals, and not being able to share it with someone real dear to me. Although I was wrong, and she did contact me via email, it still hurt. An email is so impersonal for someone so close. So many people thought this was about them but sorry, it wasn't. Not trying to be passive aggressive or whatever but I just want to put any rumors or ASSumptions to rest about my post last year. Okay? Good. My friend doesn't even read my blog, lol. This wasn't just some everyday run of the mill person. She is so close to me, the word friend doesn't fit. She was there holding my hand as I pushed my daughter out. She was there going to bat for me when folks were spreading awful rumors. She was there for all of my previous pretty parties. But last year, she couldn't be there for me and it hurt.

But I was selfish. She needed me way more than I needed her. But this year was different and I knew it would be. I had been praying for her, not knowing when, but I knew she would be back. As much as I tried to deny it, my love for her was stronger than ever. The time, and distance only made it stronger. So I spent my birthday celebrating with my friend Jen and her new husband Shawn. They took the step into married bliss and I had a great time. I admit, I was feeling a little funny about not being with my family but they made up for it. It's nice to have friends that you can hang with like family!!! I also got to meet some of the girls I've spoken to or interacted with via forums and they were great as well. There is too much to tell but I have a new phrase, "I got what I came here for."

So imagine my surprise when I got home, I had a message from my friend, my girl, my sister. At first I was shocked and a little perplexed. Do I call? Do I wait? What do I say? Finally I just said forget it and picked up the phone. I got the voicemail but she called back. We talked, and we talked, and we talked. And she talked to Thomas, and they talked, and they talked. I got a lot of nice gifts this year, but hearing her voice and reconnecting with someone I love so much, is PRICELESS!!! My heart was smiling after we hung up. What we have, is something most people only dream of. It's not perfect but I thank God we are able to weather so many storms. Everything we've gone through has made our friendship stronger than we've ever imagined. I really think this was the best birthday ever!! Q

My b-day hair

I went to Baltimore this weekend for a wedding. I decided to rock another blowdried braid out since this will probably be the last one in a long while. I used Jasmine's shealoe butter on my hair and it gave me incredible shine. Here are some pics. Q

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Yes I am turning 30 again. *blink* Right now I am in VA for my friend's wedding that will be taking place today. This is my first b-day away from my family and I miss them. But I am looking forward to supporting my friend in her new journey towards wedded bliss. So I'll be celebrating her day, and cutting a rug for myself as well. Q

Powerful word continued...

34And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross,and follow me.
The third thing Jesus requires of us is to follow Him PERIOD. Which means we are forever growing, we are forever learning, we are forever to do as He requires and do His will. This another stumbling block for many Christians. We get too comfortable and we start to stray and slack off. We don't read our word as much, we don't pray like we before, we lose the desire we had for the Lord. But this is why 1 and 2 are important. If you are doing those things daily, then 3 will be easy. Those 2 lead you and strengthen you for the road ahead to follow Christ.

I know it sounds hard and not worth it but look a little deeper. Think about where Jesus' journey took Him. It took Him right to victory and now He sits on the throne in heaven. So even though our time here may be hard at times, remember where this is leading us. It is leading us to an eternity with our Lord and Savior!!! Be blessed. Q

Happy Anniversary to meeeee!!!!

Today dh and I celebrate 11 years of marriage. I can honestly say without a doubt, I would marry him all over again. Each year with him has been better than the last. He is a great husband, father, lover, friend, and provider. He loves me for me, he really loves the Lord, he has a great relationship with the Supremes, and he gives to others. Earlier this year he got a citizen's award for his charity work in the community, this past week, he got the sharp troop award. He is quiet and humble but he has a big heart. He is the kind of man every woman should have and the kind I pray the Supremes marry. After all this time, you are still the one!!!

Powerful word continued...

34And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

I found some interesting info about the crucifixion and the events leading up to it. Just like Jesus, we have to endure before we carry the cross. Jesus already denied His flesh when He prayed in the garden prior to being turned over to the guards. Roman citizens were exempt from crucifixion because it was considered a disgraceful way to die. Isn't it ironic?

Jesus was flogged before He picked up his cross. Here is some info I found on flogging during that time:

"It is at this point that Jesus suffers a severe physical beating. (Edwards) During a flogging, a victim was tied to a post, leaving his back entirely exposed. The Romans used a whip, called a flagrum or flagellum which consisted of small pieces of bone and metal attached to a number of leather strands. The number of strikes is not recorded in the gospels. The number of blows in Jewish law was set in Deuteronomy 25:3 at forty, but later reduced to 39 to prevent excessive blows by a counting error. (Holmans). The victim often died from the beating. (39 hits were believed to bring the criminal to "one from death".) Roman law did not put any limits on the number of blows given. (McDowell) During the flogging, the skin was stripped from the back, exposing a bloody mass of muscle and bone ("hamburger " : Metherall). Extreme blood loss occurred from this beating, weakening the victim. perhaps to the point of being unconscious."

Isaiah 50:6: "I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting."

So what is Jesus asking us to do? Now most of us will probably NEVER experience Jesus did physically but we go through emotional beatings to serve Him. I know when I gave my life to Him, I had a lot of folks saying some mean things about me that hurt me to the core. I wanted to retaliate but didn't. So when you go to this next level after denying yourself, be ready to deal with a lot of heat from people. Even other Christians that may say, "you don't have to do all that."

"The site of the crucifixion was usually along a well-traveled road, where criminals became a public spectacle. Their humiliation by such a death could be seen by all." So after being beaten, we are now exposed to all as sinners. This is when folks come out of the wood works bringing up our past. Or they make up lies and say mean things to others and spread gossip. After all of this, Jesus died. Just like we have to. We have to die to our past, die from our fears, and die from our heartache. The cross was a physical way of showing someone had sinned or broken a law. Jesus was without sin but He carried it for us.

So are you ready to carry your cross? Are you ready to allow yourself to be exposed for who you were so you can become who you need to be? Can you die to the things that keep you from Christ? I pray these questions will stop and make you think about how much Jesus loves us and how great a task we have before us as those who serve Him. The Lord's business is serious business. It is not for the weak but with Christ, we have strength to do all things!!! Be blessed!!!! Q

Pics from my trip

I had the pleasure of meeting the beautiful AtlantaJJ while I was in Atlanta a few weeks ago. She is beautiful on the inside and out. She brought her ds along and he made sure he got in a pic as well. He is so cute and smart. When I found out how old she was, I was blown away. Let's just say she is a few years younger than my mom but she doesn't look a day over 35!!! Q

Powerful word continued

Thanks everyone. Okay here is the first part that I want us to focus on:
34And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

As you can see, there are 3 things Jesus is telling his disciples to do, 1-deny himself, 2-take up his cross, and 3-follow me. If you notice, you won't find an "or", only "and." Which means all 3 things HAVE to be done!!! The wonderful thing about God is He never asks us to do something He won't do or hasn't done. Jesus first denied Himself by coming down from heaven. I am sure he would have been fine staying on the throne but he didn't. Throughout His life, He continued to deny himself from all the things that would keep Him from completing his task.

I looked up the word deny on dictionary.com and here are some definitions:
to withhold something from, or refuse to grant a request of:
to refuse to recognize or acknowledge; disown; disavow; repudiate:

—Idiom
deny oneself, to refrain from satisfying one's desires or needs; practice self-denial.

This is mentioned first because this is the hardest thing for us to do. But we HAVE to do it in order to please God. So many of us struggle because we refuse to deny ourselves the things this world has told us are okay like, lying, fornicating, gossiping, cursing, or watching porn. Some things we need to deny aren't sins themselves but we put them in place of God which is a sin. It can be people, the tv, the internet, and the list goes on. One of the main reasons why we are in financial turmoil is because we refuse to deny ourselves of things we don't need. We have too many clothes, too many shoes, too many bags, too much of a lot of stuff. But yet we don't reach out and say a kind word to others. We don't give of our time to help feed the hungry, or clothe the naked. We are so stuck on ourselves that we never stop to bless someone else. Jesus blessed folks up until His death and the same people He knew would eventually turn their backs on Him.

Antonyms:
1. admit, accept. 3. allow.
So if we choose to deny ourselves the things that are not of God we are then doing the opposite. We are now admitting we are sinners and need God's forgiveness and guidance. We accept Christ's love for us and we now allow ourselves to embrace the things that are of the Lord.

I want all of you to sit down tonight and pray to the Lord. Ask Him to reveal those things you haven't denied yourself of but you know you should. If you need to, make a list and began to pray and ask God for strength so you can remove those things out of your life. God is looking for His people to rise up and set the standard. For too long we have been just getting by but that is not what we are called to do. You can't fake serving Him, you either do or you don't. Man may be fooled but God never is. He is ready to pour out His blessings on His children but only those who are truly serving Him. How do you do that, by denying yourself and accepting Him. John said it perfectly, I must decrease so that He may increase. The only way to do that is to deny yourself and accept Him. Be blessed. Q

I got a powerful word from the Lord today

Well actually, it was something I've read numerous times but today, it was like reading it for the first time. I've been thinking about it and dissecting it. It's so powerful, it brought me to tears. I hesitated about posting but at the same time, I can't help but share. So anyway, the scripture is Mark 8:34-38. I am still breaking some things down and I will make it available later but I want to encourage you all to read it and pray over it as well. It is such a key scripture to who we are and what Christ requires of us but I think what is REALLY being said is often overlooked.

We are at a key point in history my brothers and sisters. The Lord is about to do something great but we have to be ready. It won't be easy but the blessings will be so worth it. We have all seen, used, and heard the term What Would Jesus Do and this scripture ties in with it. We must really step back and examine ourselves.
Are we really being who Christ called us to be?
Are we really putting God first?
Are you hot, cold, or lukewarm?
Are we making the sacrifices needed to serve Him or are we fooling ourselves?
Have you done all you can to serve the Lord and stand out or have you blended with the crowd?
Why are we still struggling with the same sins for all these years?
What is keeping you from your breakthrough?

These are the questions I asked myself when I read the scriptures and I encourage you to do the same. It's time for us to stop playing and start doing. We have to pee or get off the pot. Be blessed. Q
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This dude tried to mack me

So last week dh and I were in ATL for a conference. We took the Marta to our hotel because because parking was $10 a day at the GWCC. So there we were riding on the train. I was in my clergy, suit, collar and all and the train was packed so we got split up. I was standing by the door and this dude noticed me. So he starts asking about the conference and stuff. I mentioned Tyler Perry being there and he tells me that his company represents 2 of TP's actors. I look him up and down and just blink and nod. First he is shorter than me, next I can't believe he is running that lame old line. He is telling me all this I listen because I knew our stop was coming up soon.

But low and behold, he gets off too. So we are waiting for the next train. Dh is standing near me but you wouldn't know we were together because he had on a suit with a b-ball cap and was nodding his head. So dude asks, "what's your official title." I say, "I'm a minister." Then he asks "so can you get married and are you allowed to date?" I say, "yes we can get married and I'm actually married." So I turned to dh and say, "this is my husband right here, T." And on cue T turns to dude and shakes his hand. Now this guy was about 5'7" and dh is about 6'1". The look on his face was priceless. Needless to say the convo was over after that!!! Too bad cuz I was going to quote some scriptures, LOL. Q

I cut my hair

I forgot to post about my cut. I've been thinking about it for a minute esp since I think I hit my terminal length. Plus I got a little lazy and wasn't caring for my ends like I should. I am at bra strap length again so it's still long but manageable. I will post pics when I get a break. I'm also looking into going the all natural route. I am becoming more concerned about how certain chemicals interact with my thyroid condition. It's going to be hard finding a substitute for my beloved pantene hair mask and aphogee, but I am determined. I will be slowly getting rid of my products. Pray for me!!! Q

I got my Iron Chef on!!!

I took out some random ingredients and decided to put together a meal using them. I had some chicken breast, broccoli, linguine, chicken broth, soy sauce, powdered ginger, and cornstarch. I don't know the exact measurements but here goes:
4 chicken breast cut put
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
1 tsp of ginger
1 T of cornstarch
2 cups of broccoli
8 oz of linguine
1 cup of chicken broth

Cook linguine and set aside. Mix ginger, soy sauce, cornstarch and chicken in a bowl. Cook chicken on med heat until browned about 10 minutes. Add broccoli and broth and cook for another 2 minutes. Toss in linguine and serve.

I don't have a pic because my family ate it up before I had a chance to. Try it and let me know how it works for you. Q

K is losing 2 teeth

For the past few days, she's been complaining of tooth pain and constantly showing us her "wiggly teeth." The other night T asked for some tooth gel and then I inquired why. He brought her to me and had me feel the inside part of her gums and there was a hard lump. He wanted me to take her to the Dentist. After further inspection, I looked and saw 2 teeth were just below the surface of the gums. I told her the pain she was feeling was because of the teeth growing in and that her baby teeth would soon be falling out. But, they will quickly be replaced with permanent ones.

But life wouldn't be what I know it to be without drama from Princess K. Cuz yall know she is the only person in the world to lose teeth right? Right! So now she is rebelling, getting mad and throwing tantrums saying she doesn't want to lose her baby teeth because they look so cute. *blink* So every night before she goes to bed, there is drama surrounding her brushing her teeth. I have to put some gel on it to ease the pain, watch her wiggle the lose ones for the millionth time, explain to her what is happening for the billionth time, watch her poke out her lip in rebellion, and then send her on her way. EVERY.SINGLE.NIGHT. In the words of Tanyetta, wash, rinse and repeat. I wish these teeth would hurry up and fall out before I do something drastic. Yall pray for me. Q

Dream a little Dream

Yesterday I took D to get her braces checked. While in the waiting room, I picked up a magazine and began to read it. In the back of the magazine, there was a list of quotes mainly by people in the entertainment industry. Well I read one that stopped me in my tracks. First because it gave me chills, and spoke to what I've been trying to do in my life. Then second because of the author. "So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and..soon they become inevitable" Christopher Reeve
How powerful is that?!!!! I've always loved Christopher Reeve. There was just something about him as an actor that I adored when I was a little girl. Then after his accident, my love for him grew because he had incredible courage even with all of the obstacles before him. His passing was sad for me because I knew he wanted to walk again and I wanted it for him. But it is my prayer that He knew Christ as his personal Savior and is now not only walking, but he has a new body in heaven!!!

Today, I can say I have crossed over from improbable and now into the inevitable when it comes to making my dream come true. What started out as a little dream has grown into something bigger and better. Even with all the missteps and setbacks, I am more focused now than ever to do what I love to do. It wasn't easy getting to this place and over the impossible. But I've always believed that with God, all things are possible and I knew getting here would happen.

So to everyone who is reading this, don't let go of your dreams. No matter what happens, if you want it, and God wants you to have it, it's yours. Keep dreaming, keep praying, keep pressing and soon having what's yours will be inevitable!!! Be blessed. Q

Busy but Blessed

That's the best way to describe my life right now. School is a little more intense this semester because it includes an internship. The Supremes are out of school, my business is about to be launched and, I am just trying to keep up. But through it all, I am still blessed. Today instead of just resting today, I decided to get out and get moving. It started with a trip to the radio station to pick up some tickets I won for a midnight viewing of the movie, "Land of the Lost." I am taking my babysitter with me. Next the girls and I had lunch with someone I've communicated with previous but we are now hanging out a little more. I am interested in seeing what God is going to do through me in that situation. Next we headed to the Dollar Tree to pick up some cheap stuff for a craft project we are working on. (Reminds self to post about B's take on the economy.) Next we visited some other stores to do some shopping and then headed to the theater to see "UP."

I have to say, that movie through me for a loop. It really gets you from the beginning and takes you on a ride. I was sad, I laughed, I smiled, I got mad but through it all it was great. It made me think about my life and how far I've come. T and I are not rich but we have been blessed financially and we don't struggle and there isn't much we want for. We have a great marriage, wonderful friends, a great church family, and a beautiful house. So yes I could have used a little extra sleep or rest today. It was fun, and hectic. But most importantly, I enjoyed my day with my girls. Although they drive me crazy, I love them so much and I thank God for blessing me with them. So although I am super busy, tired, and sometimes stressed, I also realize how truly blessed I am. Q

I'm still here

So many times, I've come close to losing my life. But I know it is because of God's grace and mercy that I am still here. Today was no different.

I was driving home from work anxious to see my family. I had one of those days. I was driving along on the highway and there was an SUV in front of me and a big concrete carrying truck in front of the SUV. All of a sudden, there was a big puff of dust. I couldn't see and I was driving straight into it. I hit my brakes to slow down some and said a quick prayer. The SUV swerved to the side and the truck quickly got off to the side as well. The truck's tire blew out and it left a trail of tire pieces and debris in the road. But God saw fit that even though I couldn't see, I was able to drive right through without hitting anything or anything hitting me. This is a main highway and is usually packed with cars during this time but today that wasn't the case. So I know the devil thought he was setting me up but to him and all the people in my life who have ever tried to stop me, discourage me, talk about me, take me out, or keep me down, I'm still here!!!

Praise the Lord. Q

Go me, it's my birthday...

Whew I am so excited right now. They finally posted the grades for this past semester and I got all A's. Yes I did. I am so happy right now. Only 2 more to go and I graduate. It's been a long road but I thank God I am finally here. I did a screen shot of it for you guys. Thanks for all of your words of encouragement, prayers and support. God is so very good!!! Q

I got my eyebrows threaded!!!!

My girl Tee has been raving about this procedure for the longest. But I could never find anyone locally. Last week when I got my mani and pedi, the girl kept asking if I wanted my brows done too. I knew they were not looking their best but I was determined to do them on my own. Today I had to take the Supremes to get some sneakers. I noticed a little booth with a video playing involving the eyebrows.

On our way out, I stopped by the booth to get some info. I began to ask a bunch of questions. I told them I was scared and K said, "mom you should do it, I'll hold your hand!!" LOL So I went ahead and got it done. It was quick, almost painless and I am loving the results. For $10 plus a tip, it was well worth it. Here are some pics. Q

Catching up

I can't believe it's been 3 weeks since I've posted. I have been super busy with school, life, and getting my business off the ground. Let's see, D has braces now. She looks so cute. K cut her hair, lied and is on punishment for a month. D fell on her hand, I thought it was broke but she is fine. I have 4 papers to finish along with a lecture. I should have the news and info about my business up later this week. I had a great mother's day and I will post pics of my gifts later. Here are some pics of D's hand so you can see the swelling and then the splint she has to wear for 2 more weeks. Q

Tonight's Cheat Meal

My family eats healthy about 95% of the time. Every now and then, we have a cheat meal. I decided to treat them with one tonight. I made BBQ ribs with my homemade sauce, garlic cheese biscuits, corn on the cob, side salad, and mac n cheese. I also made a sour cream pound cake but it's in the oven. Q

21 Days to a closer walk with Thee (Day 21)

For our final day, I wanted to post John 21 in it's entirety. Q

1After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.

2There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.

3Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

4But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

5Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

6And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

7Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.

8And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.

9As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.

10Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.

11Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.

12Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.

13Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.

14This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

15So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

16He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

18Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

19This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

20Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

21Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

22Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

23Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

24This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

25And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

21 Days to a closer walk with Thee (Day 20)

Hey everyone. These are our key scriptures for day 20. I will add my notes to 19, 20, and 21 on Monday. I finished my semester of classes today and God is so good. I will also have a recap along with some info on how to keep going. I apologize for this not going as smoothly as I would like. But in all things I give God glory because I was obedient to Him in regards to starting this. I also learned a lot as well which will help me in the future. Take care. Q

5And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.
6Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,
7And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.
In the Jewish religion, if a person eats a meal and it was good, they would fold their napkins neatly and place it on the table. When Peter looked in, he didn't see a rush job. The napkin that was on Jesus' head was not with the rest of the linens and was lying neatly itself. That was Jesus sign that His job was finished and it was good.

11But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
12And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
13And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my LORD, and I know not where they have laid him.
14And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
15Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
16Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
17Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
It was only fitting that the person who carried the word (Jesus) and first saw the word (Jesus) when He entered the world would be one of the first to see Him alive after dying.

19Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
20And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD.
21Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

27Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
28And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God.
29Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
30And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
31But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Don't feel left out if no one else knows your name because God does. He was talking about us in these bolded scriptures. We are the ones who didn't see but yet we believe in Christ. God not only knows our name but our name is now written in the Lambs book of Life. We are now known as God's children and when we go to enter the Pearly gates, we won't enter as thieves but as rightful residents of the Kingdom of heaven.
Tonight in your journal, I want you to write your name. We all have been talked about and called names that don't belong to us. So tonight, I want you to write new names for yourself. Write Victory, Overcomer, Child of the Most High. Q

21 Days to a closer walk with Thee (Day 19)

Praise the Lord everyone. Here are our scriptures:
1Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.
2And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,
3And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.
4Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.
They did all those things to Him but yet they found no fault in Him.

9And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.
10Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?
11Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.
To be a fly on the wall when Jesus said this to Pilate. You can't kill what's already dead. Jesus had already resolved to die for the world so it was out of Pilate's hands. He was simply an agent used to help bring glory to the Lord.

16Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.
17And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:
18Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.
19And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.
20This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.
21Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.
22Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.
23Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.
24They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.

28After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.
29Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.
30When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

33But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:
34But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.
35And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.
36For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.
37And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

39And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.
40Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
41Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.
42There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.
Jesus didn't die an easy death. He was beaten and suffered greatly all for us. That alone should have each and every one of us doing all we can to serve Him and to do what pleases Him. Tonight in your journals I want you to began to prepare yourself for a fast. We've focused on praying, and reading the word and now it is time to deny your flesh and let it suffer a little like the Lord did for us. Write out the type of fast, you will do, the duration, and a day. It will be up to you to follow through with it on your own time. It's about you and spending time with the Lord. Be blessed. Q


May God bless the readers, hearers, and doers of His word. Q