There is always an opportunity to bless someone...

Yesterday I was out and about running errands. I was headed home when all of a sudden I started craving a soda. I rarely drink it so I figured I would hit one of the gas stations. There is one that I love to go to because it is always super clean and it has a station that allows you to add extra flavors to your drink. I was in the far right lane and none of the cars would let me get over to where the station was on the left. I was going to go up a block and turn around but as I drove by, I realized it was busy with folks buying Lotto tickets so I decided to head home.

I was a few blocks from the house and I still wanted a soda. So finally I decided to head to the station near my house. I usually park right near the door but for some reason opted to park farther away and walk. As I was walking to the door, a lady in a truck pulled up and I heard her say, "excuse me Miss" several times. At first I didn't pay her any attention and even when inside but then something told me to turn around and go back out. She said, "excuse me Miss" again and I replied, "yes." She held up a handicapped sign and asked if I could have the attendant inside come out to help her.

I went inside and there were 2 other people in the store. I told the attendant about the lady. She was outside for a minute or so and came back to take care of the 2 people and myself. As soon as I was done, it seemed like more people started coming in. I could see she was trying to move quickly so she could help the lady outside. Finally I said, "I'll go help the lady so you can stay here." She asked if I was sure and I told her I was fine. I went up to the lady in the truck and told her I would help her. She said, "I only have 3 dollars so can you just give me 3 dollars worth of the regular gas." I told her sure and headed back inside to the attendant.

As I walked back, I was kind sad that all she had was $3 and I knew that wouldn't really go far. Usually I don't carry cash but yesterday I did. So I took the other singles I had in my wallet, added it to her $3 and gave it to the attendant. I went back outside and filled her truck up. I walked to her window to let her know I was done. She looked over me and at the pump and gasped. I told her, "don't worry, I added a little more to your money for you." She had tears in her eyes as she thanked me and told me I didn't have to do that. I simply said, "no problem and God bless you." I told the attendant I was done and went home.

I truly believe I was meant to be there in order to bless that woman. I know it was God that put that craving for soda in me so I would be at that gas station, at the right time, so she would ask me for help. Sure simply pumping her gas or getting the attendant was enough. But, I did a little extra not because I wanted to get praise but simply because I wanted to be a blessing to her. We all have opportunities to bless someone. It doesn't have to be money it could simply be a few kind words, volunteering, giving up your time or simply praying for people.

The bible says that the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. But I believe if each one of us makes it our goal to bless someone and encourage that person to bless another, more of God's work will be done here on earth. However and whenever you can, be a blessing to someone else and watch God be a blessing to you. Much love. Q

Today I needed them more than they needed me..

The morning drive to drop the Supremes off is the time I spend to talk to them. Instead of listening to music, we talk. It is one small way I am able to show them how important what goes on in their lives mean to me. I decided to tell them about Chris' passing. I didn't want to do it at night because I didn't want them to have that on their mind before going to sleep. So I choose this time in case they have any questions. It took me a few moments to find the right words without bursting into tears. But I think they already knew something was amiss.

K didn't give me any grief while getting dressed. As I was fixing her belt on her pants, she touched my face with her hands and gave me a kiss. D who is usually in her own world in the morning, stood behind me on the couch while I put my shoes on. B who is usually in the playroom reading a book, sat next to me. I don't know if it was my mood or the fact that my eyes showed the telltale signs of crying, but they knew.

They each reacted differently when I told them but all 3 were shocked. At the light, I looked at them in the rearview mirror. K was resting her head on the armrest. B had her hood on and was looking down at her hands. D just stared out the window. It took all I could to not cry at that very moment. I broke the silence by telling them they could help Chris' family by making a card or writing a letter. They were happy they could do something to help.

Once we arrived at school, they didn't run off with their friends. All 3 of them asked me questions about school and walked close to me. It was as if they were trying to cheer me up. After I signed them in, all 3 of them stayed nearby and gave me a kiss. Even B who is sometimes too cool and D who thinks kisses are germy. As I was leaving they stood there watching me, told me they loved me, and smiled and waved. I guess they knew because as soon as I got back to my van, the tears fell. That was one of the hardest things I've had to tell them. They knew Chris. They adored him, and he was like family to us.

Here I was trying to be strong for them, but they were strong for me. This is so very hard for me. Since August, I've lost 5 people who were close to me. No matter how many times it happens, it doesn't hurt any less. It doesn't get any easier. Each one of them was special to me. Each one of them meant something to me. I miss all of them. My girls knew I was hurting and they blessed me. Today I needed them more than they needed me and my girls had my back. I thank God for blessing me with them. Q

Deja Vu

Tonight my phone rang. It was my friend T on the other end. I already knew before she told me. She tried to be strong by asking about the kids etc but I already knew. Her husband Chris lost his battle with cancer. I felt like someone punched me in the stomach. When I last saw him, he was up and about, smiling and his cancer was in remission. Apparently it came back and this time in his lungs. It was real aggressive and it was quick. He went into the hospital and 6 days later, he was gone. She was just lonely and wanted to talk so we did. I told her the story about K and her tight shoes today and it made her chuckle. She thanked me and said she needed that. I am going to find the time to see her and check in on her. Just to sit with her and keep her company. I have so many thoughts because it seems like I keep losing people all around me. But I know it's because I love so many people and that is a part of life.

To Chris, my tall fellow NYer and Knicks fan, I love you and I thank God for having the chance to have known you. RIP Q

What a historic day!!!

The Supremes and are at home watching this moment in history. Here are some pics of us watching and celebrating. Q

There is nothing...

Today I had another post all planned out. It came to me a few days ago and I've been praying and talking to the Lord about how to word it so it will bless you. As I was fixing breakfast for the Supremes this morning, God whispered something else in my ear and urged me to post it.

Often times I will see someone IRL, or on the board and God will lead me to pray for them or sometimes contact them and give them a word of encouragement. But this time, I didn't get that. If you clicked on this and is reading it, then this is for you because God knows you need to know this.

God told me to tell YOU,
THERE IS NOTHING TOO HARD FOR GOD
ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY, NOTHING!!!!

Have a blessed day. Q

I was on HSN!!!

Well I called in. Anyway, I was laying in bed flipping the channel and saw they were offering the Todd English green pan set. As you all know, dh got a set for me at Christmas and I am in love. So I decided to call in and share my love. I was on hold for what seemed like forever. Finally a young lady came on, asked me a few questions, gave me some instructions and then I was up. The family was in the playroom listening and they jumped up and down as they heard their names on tv. They even mentioned my name and story again at a later time. I was bummed to find out the bakeware set I wanted was sold out. But I plan on getting them. I plan on doing some videos of my cooking with them and will put them on youtube. Those pans are the absolute best and I think everyone should get them. I will never cook with anything else again!!! Q

My hairveda twists

As you all know, I purchased some products from Hairveda. I had been using them mainly on the Supremes and occassionally on myself but I wanted to try them on my twists. I washed, conditioned, applied avocado butter on my hair and whipped baggy cream on my ends, braided, and then let my hair air dry. Today I took the braids out and applied my MT/castor oil mix to my scalp. I used my fingers to part and then I sprayed each section with Hydrasoft and then applied whipped gelly to the length. I twisted each section and applied a little more of the gelly to the ends. Both products are made by Hairveda and they smell great as well. My twists are soft, shiny, and bouncy. I wish they were a little tighter but so far I like them. Here are some pics. Q

Blessings all around me

Earlier this week I was communicating with someone via private messaging. They mention a book they were using during their time in the word and I mentioned I was looking into adding some new items as well. I'd planned on going to Borders some time this week. On the forum, another member had some Hairveda, hydrasoft for sale. I quickly scoop them up from her. She sent me a message asking if it was okay for her to include some other items. Me being me, I told her to go right ahead!!! That was on the 30th.

Yesterday I arrived home to find a box waiting for me. I figured it was from the young lady but I wasn't going to open it. My curiosity got the best of me and I sat down last night to open it. What I found brought tears to my eyes. Not only did she send me the hydrasoft that she only charged me for the shipping, she included 2 jars of Virgin coconut oil, a scalp massaging brush and a nlt bible promise book. Along with the book was a message card with a scripture that blessed me and was right on time. It was a small way of God letting me know He loves me.

Thank you so much D for blessing me. You are so sweet, wonderful and generous and I look forward to meeting you one day and giving you a big hug. If there is anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to ask. Muah!!! Q

Here is a pic of my items.

New Year, New Attitude, New Outlook, New Me

Wow I can't believe 2008 will be over in a few hours!!! This year has been filled with so many great things. My oldest turned 10, my dh and I celebrated 10 years of marriage, my youngest started Kindergarten, and I turned the big 3-0. It has been filled with some downs as well but the good outweighs the bad. If I had to, I wouldn't change a thing. Nope, nothing. Everything that happened doesn't matter because I am still here. Which means it wasn't bad enough to kill me.

Today when I looked in the mirror, I saw a new person. I am still Queeny and still ka-ute, but I don't see life the same anymore. My dh asked me if I had any resolutions and I told him no but I have goals. I have some personal goals but my overall goals are to live more, love stronger, and laugh harder. I am working on some things I can't mention yet, I am going to meet even more people, I plan to let God use me in any, way, shape or form He sees fit. Instead of complaining about stuff, I plan on working to help bring about the change I want to see starting with myself.

I want to be the type of wife, mother, minister, friend, daughter, and sister I would expect others to be. I have eliminated negativity, drama, gossiping, silliness, pettiness from my life, starting with me. I realized the only person I can control is myself and if I am not involved in those things, then life is that much easier. And yes I was guilty as charged but not anymore. No it wasn't hard but it is so worth it. Everyday I wake up, I want to make sure I please God and God alone. I am so focused, so determined, so steadfast that I cannot and will not be moved.

Thank you to everyone who has read my blog, pmed me, left a comment, or sent an email. This blog is here because God loves you and me. He allows me to use my life, and the insight He gives me to share with you. I can't tell you how much it means to me to read your testimonies or to know you've been blessed. That is why I do what I do and I plan on doing even more in the New Year. It is my prayer that we will all become the people God has called us to be. May 2009 bring you all the love, joy, peace, wisdom, and blessings you deserve and more. Remember to always seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness.. I love all of you!!! Q

End of year hair pic

So I was asked to be the Feature of the month for hair blog named Long Hair Don't Care. I wanted to give the owner a recent hair pic so I pulled out the old Maxiglide. Yeah I only did a small section. There is no way in heck I was doing all of that. Thanks girlie for choosing me!!!! Enjoy and goodbye 2008!!! Q

The Weekend recap

In spite of what happened with Thomas' gps, I can honestly say I had a great weekend. My in laws came in on Friday and we had such a great time. They gave the girls gift cards to Target for Christmas so we spent most of the day there while they purchased some things. It was so cute to see them pay for their items. T and I was going to check out a movie but opted for dinner instead. We had a nice dinner and got a chance to just talk, smile, and reflect. We shared our goals for New Year and gave each other encouragement.

Today we all went to church and the sermon was awesome!!! It spoke to so many things we were all dealing with and it blessed me. I came home and made brown rice, curry chicken with potatoes, leftover roasted squash and apple crisp. The guys watched football and my MIL hung out with the Supremes. I left to attend an evening service and came back to spend time with the family.

My in laws are leaving tomorrow and the girls thoroughly enjoyed having them here. I am surrounded by so much love and goodness, I can't complain. I know God has great things in store for me. Much love. Q

Why just why

My husband went out to his car this afternoon to head out. It was then that he discovered the gps I'd given him for Christmas had been stolen. I am mad, sad, and I feel violated right now. People can be so darn evil. We will be filing a police report in hopes the person left fingerprints behind. I just can't believe this right now. Q

Merry Christmas

My morning started off great!!! The girls received lots of wonderful gifts and they made me smile so much, my cheeks are hurting. Here is a pic of them on their HSM chairs they got from us as gifts. I pray everyone is having a safe, blessed, and wonderful Christmas filled with love and joy. Although we get gifts, let us not forget why we celebrate this time. Jesus was the ultimate gift for all of us and He is the reason for the season. Much love. Q

Day 22

I have so much to post but really I just want to tell the Lord how much I love Him and I thank Him for blessing me each and every day!!!! I will do a recap tomorrow. Q

Happy Holidays from the Supremes

Days 20-21

On Saturday I went to work and arrived home to get ready for D's party. After getting most of the stuff ready, the kids arrived. I had a great time believe it or not. Imagine being here with about 6-7 girls all age 10 and under giggling for no reason. It went on for about 5 minutes non stop and I survived. I smiled because my baby was so happy and had a great time so all the work I did was worth it. Some of the parents and myself watched tv and chatted while the kids ran around.

T was out volunteering, witnesses to people and serving food at the rescue mission. I love him so much because he is always giving of his time and helping others. After he arrived home, I went to get some Christmas dresses for the girls.

Sunday was a little different than usual. The heat wasn't working in church so everything was a little hectic. The kids still put on their best faces and sang their Christmas songs. They pretty much did all of the service except for the sermon, lol. I recorded them on the new camera but I need to download it and do some editing. We gave out gifts and then we headed to Target and then home.

I came home and went to sleep for a few hours. I got up and had to run out to get some stuff for the office Christmas party. I was going to do 3 things but I am worn out and tired. So as I type, I just finished frosting my red velvet and carrot cupcakes. Yes I am making them again. But they are so quick and easy.

But let me tell you guys about blessings. The other day, I discovered some water, and mold in the hall closet. Yeah I know. I think it was leftover from the situation early this year and I just discovered it because I had a plastic bag where it was wet. So after removing the carpet, cleaning and disinfecting, we realized there was hardwood floors under the carpet. Since our house is old, I wondered if there was more. I went in the playroom and lifted up a section and started dancing. Yes we have hardwood floors under the carpet. I was thinking about putting some in but now it looks like all we have to do is remove the old carpet, do some sanding and refinishing and viola!!!! Yeah I know it is not as easy as it sounds but I am still happy. I admit I was a little down when I found the problem and I am still have a company come by to check to make sure everything is on the up and up but I am still praising God anyway. See what the devil meant for evil, God turned around for good!!! Q

Cupcake recipes

This is for Kim6992 who requested it. Here is the original tutorial for the red velvet cake. I used it for the cupcakes as well. I was able to make 24 from the recipe using a cooking scoop. I put about 2 1/2 scoops in each and baked them at 350 for about 20 minutes. The following is the recipe I used for the carrot cake ones. I got it from the food network but modified it.

2 cups self rising flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup of granulated sugar
2 (4 ounce) jars strained carrot baby food
1/2 of a small carrot grinded optional
2 eggs
1 cup of vegetable oil
Mix flour, cinnamon, and sugar in a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients and blend well with a mixer for about 2 minutes. I poured them into 24 cupcake wrappers, the same amount as the red velvet cake and baked at 350 degrees for 20 minutes as well.

I used a double recipe for the frosting since I did 48 cupcakes. It makes a lot and allows you to put a good bit on each one so it is coated with frosting!!!

1 pound of cream cheese, softened
2 sticks of unsalted butter softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups of confectioners' sugar

Beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth. Add sugar on a low speed and beat until incorporated. Turn speed to high and mix until light and fluffy.
Enjoy. Q

D's party pics

Here are some pics of D and her friends at her b-day party today. As you can see, that is the same red dress from last year. She did jazz it up by putting a sweater over it but hopefully she will outgrow it real soon. Her hair is almost the same except last year she had braids and today she has twists. It's her day so it was her choice. Oh well, she still looks cute and she had a blast!!! Q

Cupcakes

These are some pics of the cupcakes I made for Friday. I used my red velvet recipe and a modified recipe from the food network for the carrot cake. They came out so yummy!!! I also made the cream cheese frosting and put pecans on top of the red velvet ones. Q

Day 19- Renewed

I stayed up late the night before baking carrot and red velvet cupcakes for the girls' teachers and rec leaders. They came out so yummy if I do say so myself. I also made 2 special ones for my coworker. She was surprised when she came to work because I also had flowers for her. It was her birthday and she didn't want to tell any of us, lol. It was great to see the smiles on everyone's faces as I handed them their cupcakes. I put them in groups of 3 wrapped in red saran wrap and tied with ribbon that I curled myself.

Before this week is over, I am going to be red velvet out. D also requested it for her party on Saturday, my coworkers want it for the company Christmas party on Monday, and some friends invited us to their house for Christmas eve and requested it as well. There goes my big plan to make something new and yummy that I blogged about here. I was going to make a red velvet cheesecake and had tweaked the perfect recipe. But I don't think I will do that now.

Anyway, I feel renewed today. I am happy and excited about all of the things to come in my life. I thank God for blessing me and loving me in spite of myself. I feel renewed and ready to embrace my destiny!!! Q