just one cup at a time

New home not new new just new to some!

2009-09-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

I'm not here anymore. Nope not here. Well I'm here, that is here where I'm sitting but not here as in this very location of my blog.

Nope I'm HERE, my new blog that is.

Please come by and visit - stop in and say hi, grab a latte and let's chat.

New Home CUP

2009-04-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Change is here!!!

I have MOVED!

I have a new home....well no I still live in my same house but my blog has new home.

Come see my new HOME!

Thanks for you joining me on my journey so far.....

Cheers!

Smile CUP

2009-04-05T13:35:00.000-07:00

Today is brighter

Today I'm better

I didn't go to church - I stayed home so I could have some time alone and read and did some writing and then sat at my computer going through so many pictures and so many blessings and thanked the Lord for how many times each day my cup overflows. I am blessed.

So today I smiled...especially when I see pictures of my family and friends and my sweet niece and nephew and think of how full my cup is with all of them in it!

Cheers!

Good and Plenty CUP

2009-04-04T23:11:00.000-07:00

Today was a very hard day....matters of the heart are always very hard....today was very very hard. Have I mentioned it was hard.....it was!

I can't be funny

I can't really focus so no work has been done...list what list?

It's hard to hope even though I know that's the only way

It's hard to trust yet I know I have to

It's hard to believe but then what am I really without belief

A friend said today would catapult me - I think I like that word so I thought I should use it (a weak attempt at funny-ness today)

I pray she's right

....I can't make sense either so please forgive me :)

Today was hard

Today my BFF and my friend Kailey surrounded me with comfort....

They went to the store to make me some comfort food...

Salmon and scallops and shrimp and crab....

ahhhh sushi and I didn't have to put on any make-up or even get dressed!

then Kailey brought me one of my favorite candies....

love of dear friends......good and plenty of it is what I needed today!

and then on the spur of the moment, like the wind whirled them away before they could talk any sense into themselves......they were out the door and on the way to Best Buy to purchase some fun for today.......a latte would have been much cheaper but who am I to complain!

8 hours later and my thighs and stomach and arms and calves and butt and everything else hurt......I like distraction but hurt in another form isn't exactly what I had in mind but it was a blessing and I laughed and smiled and had good and plenty fun! Thanks friends!

Not all of today was good and plenty though......

the sprayer on the faucet is in need of some help....I kind of felt like this faucet earlier today....water breaking free from it's normal trained flow and squirting everywhere and some crusted hard water stains to boot....yes I kind of feel like it does!

Tomorrow is a new day - thank the Lord for new mercies every day!

BTW - this isn't AT ALL the "change" I told you was comin'.....this was simply an unexpected intermission. Change in a completely other form is still a comin'.

Cheers!

Change CUP

2009-04-03T07:01:00.000-07:00

Change...it's kind of a funny word isnt' it? A word that many people are afraid of?

I'm actually not one of them.

Change doesn't really bother me but then again maybe I haven't had to experience much life altering change. Sometimes I think I'm a creature of habit but then I'm not (especially if you track what time I get up and/or go to bed every night). I don't follow a routine...yet you've seen my excel life. I think I love details and multi-tasking but I'm willing to ebb and flow as situations dictate (or so I fool myself anyway).

But there are people that do not like the word change and.....gasp.......gulp.....sigh...hits them all at once.

That's not me. Is it you?

Change - cause to be different....change can be good right?
Change - to give a completely different form or appearance to.....hmmm
Change - to give and receive reciprocally.....too big of a word for me at this time in the morning...sorry.
Change - to exchange for or replace with another (that's not so bad if it's of equal or greater value)
Change - to lay aside, abandon, or leave for another.....ooooooh maybe this one is what causes people to gasp?

Change - now I don't like the kind of change in the form of a lower domination in many currencies....no not so much. It weighs down my purse!

Well my blogger friends.....in case you hadn't noticed the theme.......

I know you're sitting on the edge of your seat.......stay tuned!!

Happy Friday....my favorite day of the week and that's never changed!

Cheers!

Music CUP

2009-04-02T17:30:00.001-07:00

So I have a question for all you bloggers out there in blog land........so please chime in even if we've never met and you have dropped by to visit from time to time........

Question:

When you visit blogs, do you like music on them or no?

I'm curious....I'm torn......of course I know what Tracie's answer is but I want to hear everyone elses as well :)

Cheers!

Plug and Pour CUP

2009-04-01T12:50:00.000-07:00

Anyone with me on this.....anyone.......anyone?

I tell all my Washington friends that coffee comes out of the faucets in their town...this would be even better seeing that I'm clearly addicted to both coffee and computers!

Cheers!!!

Spreading the Word and the Prayer CUP big time!

2009-04-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

If you have never been to or visited this blog you should! This is an amazing blog about a family and a 5 month old baby who has SVT. Jenny mentioned it one day and I've been hooked every since. "MckMama" tells her story about her family and her daily life as a mom, her love of photography and her relationship with God.

As many of you know I went through a rough patch a couple months ago when someone who got access to my blog used it poorly....I'll admit it had me stop and think, should I secure my blog, should I password protect it, should I? I do this to share and to meet new people and to reach people I'd never be able to without the internet. I've made some new friends simply by stumbling upon their blog, secretly reading it and never posting cuz I felt like a blog stalker but then I got over that and have since made some new friends, have been encouraged and touched by old friends since reconnecting this way and have had many a many laughs....oh how it feels good to laugh! So why should I block that access....but when someone has hurt you, you want to close it off. I didn't and I'm thankful!

This mom and her blog are amazing and since Stellan went back into the hospital a week and a half ago, she has been getting over 200,000 hits! What a testimony she is and what a message she has been able to share of love and hope!

She created this link called Stellan's Name Gallery where people have taken pictures of his name written from literally all over the world - the pictures will give you chills..Check it out! She has and is touching thousands of people through this physical struggle of her baby! What a testimony!

I love that our blogs can not only be journals of our lives, pictures of our memories, fun, entertaining and many times a message of love and encouragement! This sweet mom would never have so many people praying for her precious baby if it wasn't for her blog!

So blog on friends.......blog on!

Cheers!!

Spring CUP and FREE too!!

2009-04-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

FREE - 3 of them! No not from me - I don't have that kind of advertising on my site yet....yet? Not sure I want it but you know what I mean.

Well miss Pioneer Woman is giving away 3 of them today so go enter before 8pm PST!!! You even get to pick your own color!!!

Go go go - yes leave me now and go here...or here...or here (in case you missed it the first 12 times!

P.S. Pic borrowed....okay stolen from TPW website!! See what I'm willing to do for you!!??

Cheers!!!

Weekend CUP...time off...sort of!

2009-03-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

Hello out there - so I just realized as I went to post this morning that my Saturday scheduled post (my last beauty product post) didn't happen and for now I'm not sure why....I'll dig into it later and find out....oh the anticipation I can hear it (well along with the crickets).

I actually took the day off Saturday (well almost the whole day) - woo hoo! I didn't go into my office at home at all......and for good reason......

My day was packed - it started by waking up at 6:30 on a Saturday morning - gasp - yes I know! Never fear....Starbucks drive-thru at 7:30 to my rescue!!

You see....I needed to make it to Newport Beach by 9:30 for this:

and this

Do you blame me?

Marcus had a soccer game so I came prepared with my telephoto lens to capture the moment. I mean is there anything cuter than 4 year olds playing soccer??

These boys were ready to play!!

Not sure if he's dancing or running....but who cares!!

As soon as I got out of the car and Marcus saw my camera he had a huge smile on his face and my sis told him "see I told you auntie would bring her camera". However I soon realized that I had to be a little more discreet with my camera because whenever Marcus saw me he just turned and smiled at the camera and didn't pay attention and ran the wrong way...oops! Sorry Coach!

Can you resist that smile and oh the bouncy curls?????????

Sophia had a game of her own on the sidelines....

shhhhh don't tell but I think she can kick better than her big brother......

Just when my sis said that to me....out of nowhere came Marcus' big play of the day....well actually of the season....

I mean look at #5 go.....

and now this is a killer kick.....

"hey wait a sec.....I want to do that...."

back to coloring for a bit.....

what a game!

So fun to be there and to see Marcus so excited that his auntie came to watch.

Can you believe I used to tell my BFF, after her first nephew was born, that she was an obsessed auntie??? As you can imagine, I've eaten those words a thousand times over!!!!

Thanks for indulging me in an auntie moment.....I've made you all wait far too long for updated pics :) so I had to make it a good one!!

After the game I headed to a Starbucks in Newport for yes latte #2 of the day and a meeting with a wedding planner out of Newport Beach who heard I was coming down and wanted to meet with me and see samples of my work - it was a fabulous meeting and a new business contact for more opportunities!! I loved her and can't wait to work together with many new brides! I feel so blessed!

After my Starbucks meeting I headed to Irvine Spectrum for lunch with a friend I've known since we were 20. She lives in San Diego so we meet in the OC once or twice a year to catch up.

After a fabulous lunch with an old friend, I love it when you can pick up where you left off like no time has passed, I went and picked up Marcus and Sophia for an afternoon together and dinner at McDonald's (and latte #3 for me - I think I have a problem folks) so my sis and Rod could spend some time with friends. After the kids went to bed, I said good bye and headed home. I finally tucked myself in at home at 10:30! Phew!!

I will get back to my last beauty product post when I figure out why it didn't post upon schedule....for now I'm finishing up this...it's assembly time!

These are for Ronnie's sweet sister - what an honor to work with Bernie and Rodrigo on their wedding! I love what I do!!

Cheers!!

Eyes CUP

2009-03-27T01:28:00.000-07:00

Day 5:

Isn't this fun or have I just been entertainming myself all week.....I'm hearing crickets.....

Several weeks ago I mentioned that there are some Bobbi Brown products that I just can't give up and simply can't bring myself to find a substition.......I simply can't!!

These little guys I can never be without:

I was told by a Bobbi make-up artist that miss Bobbi was in search of a perfect eyeliner and went to an art store and that was when the gel liner came to life. Who knows if that's true but it's definitely like an artists ink jar that you dip your brush into. Ideally you need a flat eyeliner brush or similar but I love this stuff! It stays on all day too.

I'll admit I have it in 5 colors - Chocolate Shimmer is my favorite!! Sorry I didn't take the cap off the Chocolate Shimmer during my very amateur photo taking opportunity so I could show you....it's so pretty!

This is granite and was my first and is my staple color

It's not totally black - it's a warm version of black! LOVE! And........they are worth the $ cuz they last a very long time - probably a year or two unless you do your make-up like Elvira then probably not as long....but hey more power to ya!

Those that know me know how much I love eyelash primer. I have been wearing it for years - I can't remember when this love affair began. If you don't like your lashes, or lack thereof, you should definitely try a primer.

Origins Underwear for Lashes is my favorite (cuz I love the name). It goes on white so you can see what you're doing - just don't leave the house and forget your mascara on top of the primer which I do often and then Ronnie reminds me at work that I look like an alien (well she doesn't say that but I think she secretly thinks that). Because of this, I always have back-up mascara in my desk drawer.

Have you met Ronnie since I've talked about her all week? Here she is:

and again with her handsome son Marcelo!! Hot Mama and very handsome son!

anywoo - back to this
The other is by Maybelline - they make a clear mascara that is a little cheaper and does a similar thing. You get 2 coats of mascara without the thickness of 2 coats of mascara. Did that make sense?

And lastly the brows.....ladies we gotta color our brows. We put on this lovely makeup and forget these guys!I don't do brow pencils - I can't! I'm retarded and then I end up looking like Elvira! I use an eye brow brush - flat and slanted and just a matte eye shadow. Nothing fancy - and the shadow lasts forever! This eye shadow is from my very first make-up session with Missy (a good friend of my sis and a Bobbi artist) for my sisters wedding in 2003 - I'm not kidding!

Here is proof with the date on the picture - don't you love how our cameras so nicely captured the dates we took our photos - so funny.

Meet Shar Shar (aka Sharlene)....one of my Sister's BFFs!

This was the night before my sister's wedding, we had our make-up done for the rehearsal dinner and Shar and I both bought our first truck load of Bobbi. I mean that is a HUGE bag for make-up but it was full. I even titled this picture SharandBobbi cuz she honestly slept with this bag of make-up that night she was so worried I was going to steal it from her (she knows me too well!). Oh fun times - I love this picture because all of us girls slumbered in this 2 bedroom guest house next to the main-mansion house in Newport Beach (where the reception was) and laughed with my sis all night long...so much that my stomach muscles hurt the next day!! If you want to laugh for hours...Shar Shar is your ticket!

Tomorrow - a few final tips!!

Okay this post has taken 3 left turns and a u-turn so I'll say goodbye and....

Cheers!

CUP of Nails (finger nails not man chore nails!)

2009-03-26T03:07:00.000-07:00

Day 4:

I had acrylic nails since I was old enough to have a job....eek! I should have pulled out some pictures to show you when they were really long and red :) and had rhinestones on them......can you say suuuuuuu - weeeet!

Then I moved to pink and whites (loved them) and then I finally took them off and haven't looked back since. My sister had taken hers off before she got married and kept trying to talk me into it and then I was thinking if she can do it (she used to bite her nails something awful) then I could. A few years ago my church was trying to raise money for our new building and I kept thinking what can I give up to give a little more money.....my pink and whites cost me about $90 a month - $45 every other week. So that was the little nudge I needed and off they went. I've since talked many others into ditching the acrylics!!

Now the joy of trying to grow out my years of chemicals affixing themselves to my precious nails only to leave them with a couple layers missing and ridges like potato chips. It took a couple months but it was worth it!

You need 4 simple things to get great nails (in my opinion of course):

First thing to get your nails in shape is Nailtiques and it is the BEST.

If you aren't familiar with it it's just like a clear coat only it's a nail protein. Keep it on all the time, once in a while but the more the better - you'll thank me later I promise!! I use it all the time as a base coat or just as a clear coat. It comes in different formulas - I'm not really sure of the difference but I use #2.

TIP - Nailtiques comes in a few sizes and unless you are a maniac and put it on all the time (I mean disciplined like my Sis), I would recommend buying the smallest one because if you get the big one and don't use it all the time it thickens up on you quicker than nail polish I think. A small bottle is around $6-8 and you can get it at most beauty supply stores.

Now I have another MUST MUST MUST have and you MUST use - you with me here I say it's a MUST :).....

You've all seen this display I'm sure but if you've never used it you should give it a whirl (and it smells good too). I put this on my cuticles almost everyday driving to work. I have used this for years - it's a wonder drug for your cuticles and hands - they will thank me later and then they'll buy me a latte!!

The other 2 items are Rubbing Alcohol and quick dry top coat.

TIP - right before you paint your nails, put alcohol on a cotton ball and clean your nails with it and then polish. This helps keep your nail polish on a little longer than normal. That tip was free BTW ;)

People are always amazed that I do my own nails but ladies I cheat - I really do!! I do them at night - mostly while I'm working in my office or watching TV. I make sure I'm already in my PJs, ready for bed, etc. and have about 20-30 minutes before I tuck myself in. I'm a multi-tasker and have a hard time just sitting and waiting for my nails to completely dry - they can dry while I sleep! I always use a quick dry and get this I ALWAYS have polish on my fingers - I never color just inside the lines when it comes to my nails. Then when I get in the shower the next day.....wa-la I pick it off when my hands are good and wet. I know it's brilliant simply brilliant :). Someday they'll pay me the big bucks for this stuff!

If you're trying to grow out your nails - the best way to do it so they don't break or get brittle I have found is to keep polish on them all the time even if it's just clear!!

I see my blog is looking like so many others.......I'm such a follower!!

Tomorrow - EYES - wooot wooot (I just wanted to say that cuz Tracie just emailed me that today at the end of a fun sentence and I thought it was so cute and then as I kept saying it I realized it made me think of owls and you know how I LOVE owls.....!)

Cheers!

Cover-up CUP

2009-03-25T01:46:00.000-07:00

Day 3:

So a couple weeks ago as I was getting ready for work one morning......this is what I found:

It was all GONE!!!!!! I love my Bobbi Brown foundation but it's quite costly and I told myself this was my last one (for now.....kind of leaving the door open) :).

I had been on a search for a new less expensive make-up, I mean this is serious business and my partner in make-up crime told me about this...................

I love that girl! It was featured in Instyle's Best Beauty Buys for 2009 for Best Inexpensive Foundation! Who knew?! I actually bought it and tried it before I knew this - and I can see why they voted it the best. I bought it from CVS but you can find it anywhere that sells Loreal. The hardest part about a new foundation is matching it to your coloring. But.....Loreal has this little color chart hanging from the shelf and you lay the chart on your wrist and match the color - it's a match when the color disappears against your skin. I found a perfect disappearing match and when I used it for the first time - it was a PERFECT match! Love it! It's a very light foundation and goes on so smooth.

I also bought this.......

It's mineral make-up and the "new" thing. It's actually powder foundation and I love it! You don't think you'll get enough coverage but you do. It's meant to be used alone but I've also used a little of it with the liquid foundation a couple times but be VERY careful cuz you don't need alot of the powder when you are also wearing the foudation...if you use too much you'll look like you're about to be on TV!

I love when I stick to my budget and make wise choices - God always provides in random ways (my little jesus romances). When I went to CVS to buy this it was a buy one get one free sale. Funny, I don't recall Nordstroms ever offering a BOGOF sale on Bobbi??!! So for under $20 I got both of these:

Tomorrow....nails!

Cheers!

Day After CUP

2009-03-24T01:11:00.000-07:00

Day 2

For the day after....when you just don't have enough energy or time (because you hit snooze too much) to wash your hair...help is on the way! I used to gasp at the thought of not washing my hair everyday but now.....I embrace the day after and no more gasping!!

Mama H (my mom) doesn't remember this but I sure do......sigh....when I was younger she didn't think it was good for us to wash our hair everyday and I'm telling ya I think I'm still carrying around childhood wounds from those day 2 very oily hair days. Like when I was in Mrs. Thomas' 3rd grade class they checked all of us for lice (it was one of my "day 2" hair days) and they sent me straight home cuz they thought I had lice. I was humiliated....so humiliated that I can still recall where I was standing in that class when they pulled me aside. Turns out I didn't have lice just OILY hair! I've learned to embrace this and not complain because oily skin has it's perks....at 40 I don't have a sign of wrinkles (but then my eyesight is going too....but shhh don't be honest with me on this one) and you should see Mama H....at 71 she hardly has any and looks like she's in her 50s!

Here are 2 products that I love - I use both - I can't decide which I love more?!

Ojon is from Sephora and my first can was a gift from guess who.....yep little miss Ronnie with a cute little note that said "for the day after". She knows how much I love the little day after helpers!!

Psssssst is from Clairol and I don't think they have changed the packaging since the 50s as you can see. Believe it or not this little kept secret is from Mama H. When my sis was in the hospital for a couple weeks about 10 years ago, (she has the same lovely day 2 problem as me) and since she was in ICU for most of those 2 weeks and not able to get out of bed, washing of her hair was not possible. Mama H went to the store looking for this because she remembered using it when she was young - um hello Mama you were definitely holding out on us!!! I have been using it ever since and have been known to buy this by the case - shh don't tell! It's a less expensive option and you can find it at CVS on the bottom shelf by the shampoos and probably for around $5-6.

TIP - after several years I finally got a clue and instead of using this at the end of the day when the oily bangs start....after I'm done blowdrying my hair, I spray a little on the underneath side of my bangs in the morning and the oily bangs never come!!! This helps alot too if you're going to go 2 days. Shake really well and don't use too much as it starts to turn white but it fades in a few minutes or you can brush out - just DON'T PANIC if you look like a skunk...just brush it!

If you use a similar product and I've completely missed the boat - please don't hold out on us like mama h did for all those years!! Or if you're one of those people that don't have oily hair.....watch your back in dark alleys....I'm just saying ;)

Tomorrow - makeup!

Cheers!

CUP of Beauty

2009-03-23T10:58:00.000-07:00

It's here!!!

Day 1:

A week of MY favorite beauty products from hair to make-up to nails to feet and so on! Please comment and share your favorites too!!

I'm doing this because I have an amazing beauty expert in my back pocket (Ronnie my co-worker), I've lived long enough and spent plenty of money on trial and error figuring out things I like the most and because being on a budget has taught me that there are some wonderful less expensive products out there.....no really it's true!! I hope you enjoy!

Today's product is Hair Spray! Loreal Elnet Hair Spray

I have used many many different kinds over the years and little miss Ronnie told me about this and it has become my absolutely new FAV! Hence it's first on my list! It's like spraying air on your hair only it holds but is so light yet it holds. Honestly girls - IT HOLDS! I mean it's not going to hold down a comb over in a wind storm but it will hold what you need it to hold! :) Originally they used to only sell this in Europe so people would stock up and bring it back to the US but now it's sold here!

You don't have to go searching all over town for it - Target sells it for about $14.99 and you know you are all there at least once a week! Have I mentioned that we got a NEW Target - oh my goodness it's beautiful - Tracie, Jo and I went the other night and I couldn't believe how beautiful a NEW Target could be. Wait until you push the new shopping cart with the cup holder (because of course there's a new Starbucks inside)......it was heavenly in the Target/Heaven sense of the word!

Tomorrow dry shampoos....(I know you're holding your breath!)

Cheers!

CUP.....check...LIST...check

2009-03-18T13:10:00.000-07:00

Lists, lists, lists....I tell ya I'm a list freak. I have to be or else I'd be way more nutty than I already am. I met with a mgmt shrink several years ago (okay he was a mgmt coach but I fondly referred to him as a shrink) and he hit it on the head when he told me that if I just keep all my to dos running around in my head then I feel overwhelmed but once it's written down, I relax and let me tell ya it's like a drug. Because I'm a born multi-tasker I rarely forget anything but it all just stays "active" in my brain so many times if you ask me how I am I would ALWAYS say "I have alot going on" and if you were in my brain you'd quickly agree and you'd buy me a latte!

So when something is a "to-do" but it's weeks or months away it's a huge relief to right it down on that month and I don't think about it again because I've written it down and when the times comes I'll deal. I've kind of always done this but not as seriously as I do now and I never let it go like I do now.....

But....I learned a lesson about lists (and those of you that have reached this point of my post and are yawning...this is for you). My dear friend Jenny....I helped her plan her wedding so naturally we spent months together chatting and planning away (ahhh Jenny I miss our sofa times so much). Then one day something happened........things were not as hunky-dory with us as usual and she was upset and before I knew it I was handing her kleenex and thinking "oh Andrea what did you do now"?

Well what I thought was this new found genius way of living is not so genius, much less helpful, for everyone. There are people out there, yes I was shocked too, that DON'T LIKE LISTS.....gasp (me too)! Little miss dear Jenny is one of them. She keeps things sorted out differently then my one giant freaky-task list. Well, I had cleverly mapped out the last 2 months of her engagement for her down to when she would buy bridesmaids gifts, wrap them, buy this, get this, etc. I was truly patting myself on the pack and no this isn't a thing normal wedding planners do but she's a close friend we walked this road together, every ribbon of it.

Well let me tell ya it wasn't pretty.....the list absolutely overwhelmed her. What spoke organization to me spoke OH MY HEAVENS to her. She needed to stay organized in a different way then me. So needless to say we quickly adapted and out the door the list went and still everything went off without a hitch...well except for the part where she moved to Washington - that still bothers me cuz it WASN'T on my list!

This is the "system" (if you really want to call it that) that I follow today - good 'ol excel!
I continually add things on here daily, several times a day - I mean everything goes on here (well almost everything....I don't list when I pee! The red is my stationery biz....yes I be a busy little beaver right now...the green is my RAM (room-a-month home tour)..catchy huh??! and the blue is errands, dates (not the love interest kind don't you worry you'll still be the last to know....wink wink) chores, etc. When a week passes, I hide everything in that week. When I complete a task I use strikethrough and cross that puppy off the list! It's old school but it works for me and I need it. I have other tabs attached for my biz but this is a precious file and always up on my home computer.

My BFF came in my office last night and said so "what do you have going on tomorrow night" and I said "look" (pointing at Wed's column) and she goes "ohhhhh".....haha! It was funny...okay maybe you had to be there.

I can't keep it all on my iphone, however I do use the notes app on my iphone alot for shopping lists, etc but i need a bigger visual so excel seems to work. Is there a better way - anyone? What do you do?

Today I picked up a pair of pants I had altered that I'd been meaning to get since last Friday but it wasn't on the list. After I picked them up and got back to my office...I added it to the list just so I could cross it off! I know I'm nuts.....but I know some of you have done the same thing before. We like the feeling of accomplishment way too much to not get the credit! ha!

Cheers!

Gossip CUP

2009-03-17T12:14:00.000-07:00

A woman repeated a bit of gossip about a neighbor. Within a few days the whole community knew the story. The person it concerned was deeply hurt and offended. Later the woman responsible for spreading the rumor learned that it was completely untrue. She was very sorry and went to a wise old sage to find out what she could do to repair the damage. "Go to the marketplace," he said, "and purchase a chicken, and have it killed. Then on your way home, pluck its feathers and drop them one by one along the road." Although surprised by this advice, the woman did what she was told. The next day the wise man said, "Now go and collect all those feathers you dropped yesterday and bring them back to me." The woman followed the same road, but to her dismay, the wind had blown the feathers all away. After searching for hours, she returned with only three in her hand. "You see," said the old sage, "it's easy to drop them, but it's impossible to get them back. So it is with gossip. It doesn't take much to spread a rumor, but once you do, you can never completely undo the wrong."

An old and familiar story (well not familiar in the way that I've ever plucked the feathers from a dead chicken before....) but such a perfect analogy of what happens when our tongue is used to harm and to hurt and not to encourage. I have sure been guilty of it before, we all have been. The recent hurt I experienced reminded me of this story. It also taught me that I can't run around and try to repair the damage someone else caused me, I need to let God work that out. I just need to remain faithful myself and keep my tongue from hurting or harming others.

Just thought I'd share my thoughts with you before your wise old sage asks you to buy a chicken....now you can say you already know how this story ends.

Cheers!!

Bloggie CUP

2009-03-16T11:31:00.000-07:00

Man does time fly - did you know that the Bloggie awards have been going on for 9 years?? Wait - did you even know there were Bloggie awards?

I still remember the day I heard the definition of a blog - it wasn't 9 years ago......good thing I didn't get hooked back then....I'd never get anything done!

Well the blog of the year was my new favorite - The Pioneer Woman - not that I had anything to do with her winning or being nominated...but then she's had several post about dogs....perhaps my mind is changing about the fav thing.....especially since her last post on the answered prayer I actually got a tear (that was singular) and it was about a dog??!!

No, i'm not softening towards animals....i'm not.....i won't.....i can't! Cheers!

World CUP Soccer!

2009-03-13T11:05:00.000-07:00

My sister sent me these and they're so cute and okay okay.... so yes just another excuse to show off my adorable nephew! He just had his first soccer game - look out Beckham!! Although Marcus probably needs to get a haircut if he's hoping to replace Beckham...or not I mean look at Manny??!!
I can hear him now..."okay pass one to me and I'm gonna kick it in real hard with my new shoes"....how darn cute are they??!! I mean they're 4!!!!!!!!!

This is Marcus - so serious paying super close attention, not missing a word the coach said! He's so obedient...well most of the time :).

and of course little doll face cuz I can hear her now..."ehhh ehh ehhh (aka what about me???)". Miss you little ones - love you to pieces!

Cheers from Auntie AA!!

CUP of Shirts...not just any shirts!

2009-03-11T10:44:00.000-07:00

Saw a brief recap of TPW's day with Bakerella and there were 2 ladies who attended - they are t-shirt designers. Very cool stuff - very talented designers and women starting their own business....you know how I heart people like this!! Someday.....someday.......

One of them is a military wife, Stefanie, who adopted 4 kids from China - cool story and testimony!

Be sure and check them out Wild Olive Tees!!! Time for me to go shopping....

Cheers!!

Ashley's Baby CUP

2009-03-10T15:42:00.000-07:00

Sweet Ashley is having a little boy in April....Baby Jackson....I can't wait. Ashley is my BFF's younger sister so she is like a younger sis to me too and I just love her to death! I can still remember when I first met her when she was in high school and now she's going to be a mommy! I helped her and Mama O with her wedding and now I was blessed to be a part of her baby shower...with tons of help I might add by her family....Mama O (Ashley's mama), Grandma Pat, Kari (SIL), Melissa and of course my BFF....Auntie JoJo to soon-to-be Baby Jackson!We threw a Tea for Ashley's wedding shower and she asked if she could have another one for her Baby Shower....how could I resist! The guys helped move out the furniture Friday night and we set-up tables for 40 people!! eeeek (my feet still hurt thinking about it!).

So a tea it was for little Ash. We gathered up the china and tea cups and served scones and strawberries (chocolate covered of course) and tea sandwiches shaped like baby bottles and ducks....is there any other way.....and mini cheesecakes and creme puffs and pear salad....it was yummy and so much fun!

(click on the photo above to get a close up :))

Ashley's SIL, Kari, took her maternity pictures and made copies so that we could frame them and put one on each table - they are so beautiful I just had to show them off here!!

Well I actually hung this one on my front door as the guests arrived :)

It was a fun day now the count down for Baby Jackson!!

Cheers to Baby Jackson!!!!

Secret Scone CUP

2009-03-09T10:45:00.000-07:00

It all started years ago - I can't really pinpoint or remember the first time I made these but I definitely remember the kitchen - it was an apartment I lived in behind IHOP years ago. I was into making scones at the time - all kinds. I had a few recipes I loved - others not so much but still hadn't found one that was perfect! I got really into blueberry ones and would add some lemon zest. Then I moved to chocolate (not sure why these didn't come first given my love for chocolate) and at the time my favorite Starbucks drink was the Mocha Valencia......CHOCOLATE ORANGE!. This is where my love for these 2 items combined made history in my heart and Andrea's Chocolate Orange scone was born. I combined 2 recipes and this was the result!

People seem to looooooooove these - one friend who shall remain nameless, told me that she consumed an entire leftover bag in 2 days (I wont divulge how many were left in the bag). These little gems became sort of a "known" thing for me and I have not been able to give out the recipe to this day despite being asked all the time - I flat out tell people I don't. .....how rude huh?! :) I've gone back and forth and back and forth over the years and still have not given it out. It's not like I'm ever going to sell them so I'm not sure why....perhaps I'll weaken one day soon???????????????? (although I keep saying that).

Even my BFF doesn't have the recipe - she always says mix them up and I'll bake them.

After the important kneading process............

The 2 secret weapons on top..................baked on stones of course!!!

Okay so these pics in this post are 2-fold - I'm trying out a new 28mm lense for my camera (I just ordered but had to test it out first) on food that I made for Ashley's baby shower this past Saturday. I need this lense to photograph my stationery but it works great for food too!

Look familiar?

Cheers!

someday maybe someday......thinking....thinking........................

Sara's CUP

2009-03-05T15:42:00.001-08:00

Sara we have to talk!! This has gotten way out of hand lol.....What have you done to me turning me onto The Pioneer Woman which led me to Bakerella and to Pastor Ryan.....I'm never going to get ANY work done and I'm going to gain TOO MUCH weight!!

Oh my goodness oh my goodness I LOVE these blogs if you haven't checked them out before you should!! But I can't take the credit - Sara turned me onto them :).

P.S. Sara - want to take a trip to Northern Oklahoma and stay at the ranch? haha

Cheers!!

Whits CUP

2009-03-05T10:54:00.000-08:00

Wishing my my gorgeous sweet niece, Whitney, we call her Whits, a very happy birthday today! She's 17 - woohoo!! One of the things I love about this girl is her very sweet spirit and her amazing hugs. She's a lover alright and I'm beyond blessed to have her in my life!

Happy birthday love!!! xoxo

Twitter CUP

2009-03-02T15:37:00.001-08:00

I said I wouldn't do it but I did - I'm really not this bad at keeping my word...just sometimes with things like this......I joined TWITTER (what was I thinking...still dunno). It sure wasn't because of the little bird mascot they use - no no - it actually makes me remember the bird that built a nest by my front door and then attacked my neck when he was protecting his babies. All I was doing was taking my trash cans to the curb....the little rascal kept me locked in my house....no I didn't join because of the bird mascot :).

I'm still learning how to tweet - haven't had anytime time since I signed up yesterday but I found this humorous and wanted to share......my first 2 "follow-ees" (I made up that word but hey they make up words like Twitter so I'm not too far off the mark....ya know?!) are Martha Stewart and Jimmy Fallon...not sure why cuz I'm still learning what I did to follow them.

Do you tweet? Let me know :) I'm JavaAA (poker and now my tweeting name - some things need to be consistent since my 347 online log-in names and passwords are all different).

So once I discovered I was "following" Jimmy (I still have no idea what I clicked to follow him as I've never paid much attention to him before but I will watch his show tonight - I mean it's kind of a big deal in the TV world - I watched Conan's first, Leno's first and I'm always up that late.....). Anyway he posted this pic today as he's getting ready for his first show and I thought it was a very cool, he took it with his iphone looking out the window of his new office which is really the reason for this post after all this rambling and because as much as I love 80 degrees (110 not so much) I would love to have a snow day or 2 or 3 wouldn't you? And it's pretty and I think I'm due for another trip to NYC!!
Cheers!!!

Help Me CUP!

2009-02-27T12:08:00.001-08:00

I need your help my faithful friends.....

My recipe book cabinet in my kitchen is yet another big reason for my Hunt for Junk House Tour (I will blog about the specifics of this soon since several of you have asked me what exactly I'm doing)........notice the before and after - pathetic before I know....I'm still in process I tell ya!!

But notice in the after how my shelves are all one notch lower....argh!!! My house came with these adjustable shelfs with plastic plug brackets (don't know what you call them - that's my chick definition) that are horrible and really don't hold up well.....hence losing most of my crystal, including my Waterford, last year (pic at the bottom so you can cry with me - very sad day).

Anyway since I'm in my kitchen this month on my tour and have reorganized almost every cabinet now I've discovered that more than half of these plastic brackets that hold the shelves in place have broken and when they do break, some have been hanging by a thread I tell ya, they leave the plastic plug piece that goes in the adjustable holes IN THE HOLE...are you following me.....then forcing me to put the shelf up one or down one notch.

Soooo has anyone else had a problem with this? Any new brackets you recommend? The only thing I've been able to do....man chore....is drill the plastic plug out but I'm a little scary with the man chore drill sometimes and if I try to do it on this particular cabinet - I'm liable to go right through the side since they aren't that thick and leave a hole on the outside. This cabinet is exposed to the world on both sides so that would be no bueno and I would leave it looking like swiss cheese.

Here are the brackets I'm talking about that should be illegal :)

If you have any suggestions, I'd love it!! :)

Sad day last July 29th..............this also happens to be a good picture of my kitchen before - I'll post a pic when it's done cuz the clutter has gone on the junk hunt!

Cheers!!

Week of February 15th

2009-02-26T23:15:00.000-08:00

CUPs, Plates and Napkins

2009-02-26T05:34:00.000-08:00

I came across this on day 21 of my kitchen tour....okay okay so they weren't stacked this neatly in the very top back shelf of my pantry that I needed to use the man chore ladder to get to them....

But I think it's safe to say that I have officially thrown alot of baby/bridal showers and birthdays at my house. This is all the "leftovers" that you can't just toss (cuz you paid good money for some of them...others not so much) but there are never enough in the leftover set for party #2 themed the same way. What do you do with these?? Do you honestly just toss them or do you find the same thing when you climb on your man chore ladder and peak in your cupboards?

Perhaps I'll throw a BBQ soon and serve the food with all these leftovers - sort of a mosaic party goods party....

P.S. I must have 300 plastic knives and 300 spoons but only 25 forks - you always buy all 3 but never use as many knives and spoons!! I guess for my BBQ all the food needs to be knife and spoon friendly.

Cheers!

CUP of Girl time

2009-02-25T00:43:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Shannon came over Friday night - I absolutely adore and cherish our friendship. Ever since we met years ago, our friendship has continued to grow over the years - I'm so so so so very thankful for her and Steve (and their three beautiful kids.....I love hearing them yell out my name...Auntie AA and I do mean they can yell - it just melts my heart every time). We have some similarities in our personalities (actually I wish I was MORE like her) but it just means SHE GETS ME! This is a huge blessing in my life when somebody just GETS me and Shannon does. (I'm blessed with many friends that do as well so a shout out to them too!)

Everytime we're together is not only fun but heartfelt and packed with lots of meaningful conversation and encouragement (and okay some not so meaningful too - we're girls!). Thank you Shannon for always reaching out to me and keeping up on what's going on in my life (sorry I kept you in suspense last week..haha) - you have an amazing gift the way you remember things and are so good at following up on what's going on in others lives - it blesses people more than you probably know!

We made lattes (I know shocker but it's tradition in the old spanish trail house) and Jodi captured Shannon perfectly enjoying her latte (even though I make a mean foam, she opted for lots of whipped cream - can you really blame her??!!)

So I really didn't want to post this picture of the 3 of us but I am....remember my previous post about my new love interest...that heavenly cheese popcorn? Well I clearly ate too much salty popcorn (or I raided the morton's salt container in my sleep) cuz my face looks all puffed up but I opted for humor and memories instead of vanity - it's overrated anyway so I'm posting it!! If you're curious about how or where we are sitting for this photo shoot with that view of the family room behind.....after I made us lattes, we just decided to hang out on our knees in the middle of the kitchen. Okay not really...Jodi used the island in the kitchen to prop the camera for the self-timer and so we had to squat on our knees to avoid a very unpleasant thigh shot! A girls gotta do what a girls gotta do ya know??!!

P.S. Kailey my sweatshirt doesn't say Bar Hopper it says Bar Harbor!

Cheers!

CUP (or wheel barrel full) of Popcorn

2009-02-24T12:22:00.000-08:00

Uh oh.....I'm in trouble!! I just discovered this cheddar cheese popcorn and I'm not only in love now (I was in need of a new love affair come to think of it) but I'm in big trouble or at least my waste line is!

I asked my BFF the other day - do you think it's as lo-cal as the cheddar cheese rice cakes that I love so much....hmmm you should have seen the look on her face in response (it would have been the perfect 365 pic come to think of it) it was priceless! Basically the answer her face gave (no words were apparently necessary) was a big NO but feel free to kid yourself and eat up!!

The Cinnamon Toast and Kettle Corn were amazing too but don't hold a candle to my new love interest!! I never go to our mall but I may soon become a mall rat.....just to indulge in this store!!

Kitchen CUP

2009-02-24T10:33:00.000-08:00

So as you know I'm on my one room a month tour this year - touring around my house on a hunt for junk and trying to bring my life back to the organized haven I crave. Many people say "your house is always neat....it's never a mess".....that's because they don't often open my drawers, closets or go in my garage. I mean it's not like I'm a pack rat with only a small path to my bed and bathroom but it definitely became time for more than just a spring cleaning (and why does this need to happen in the Spring? I've never really understood that?!).

These 2 drawers were day 23 in my kitchen tour - 2 of the main reasons I wanted to do this room a month tour - every time you go in this drawer for a spatula, you get stabbed by a fondue fork, cut by a serrated pie spatula (is that a necessary item in a kitchen - honestly?) and lately....I haven't been able to find my cake tester - life has been hard! Not that I've been baking alot of cakes but I just feel better when I know I can find it when I need it.

Okay really yes this all fit in one drawer (the right one) - now do you see what I mean? How many cooking utensils does one girl really need? Even the knob was broken on this drawer making it even more frustrating but in my special MacGyver ways.....I fixed it (that's what my BFF calls me when I fix things but I tell you this single girl has about had it with the man chores!). "This is a man chore" seems to be a line I utter way more now than ever before.....sigh!

Awwww relief - I can see everything and I can find what I need without cutting or stabbing myself anymore! And I slept great last night because I know right where my cake tester is - it's in the left front corner!

Cheers!!

4x4 Cup - Take 2

2009-02-19T11:32:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by my sweet friend Kelli (of Gleeson Wonder I call them....haha) so I thought I do this second one from my other computer cuz I have pics on 3 computers and one external drive - some day I'll have them organized....some day!??!!

Funny given my previous post that this folder was from an amazing trip....this photo is of Jodi in the Belfry tower when we were in Bruges, Belgium a few years ago (same tower the guy fell out of in the movie In Bruges - although it's a pretty dark movie so I don't recommend it but I had to watch it since I had been there :).....amazingly beautiful city...the Venice of Belgium!

Melissa took this pic though - I'll admit I was a chicken and did not climb it (nor did I climb the tower at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.....I think I need to work on this fear I'm missing out!)

Cheers!

P.S. Mel and Jo - remember those yummy waffles in the piazza that morning? ahhhhh let's go back!! Fun memories with you girls - can't wait for September now!!

Time off CUP

2009-02-18T23:17:00.000-08:00

Ahhhhhh vacation time at home! I never ever do this but I had 3 days off this week (I have to go back to work tomorrow) and I wish I did this more often. Don't get me wrong I get lots of time off, I'm so blessed that I've taken some amazing vacations the past 10 years or so (eeeek and I'm going on another amazing vacation in September to Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Poland and Norway - I'm truly blessed!) Because I love to travel I NEVER use my vacation time to just stay home and this week I did.

I didn't take the time off for play but to work in my home office and catch up on a ton of orders and designs. I'm weird like this.....I "recharge" and get "rested up" by getting things done and checking things off my lists - not by sleeping or just relaxing. So this week I did what I love (my stationery biz) and got a ton done and I feel so good! With all my computer issues going on I never even cried or got stressed and you know that's a SHOCKER! lol

I also worked on my kitchen since February is kitchen month - I love what I've done so far :) I'm also oddly addicted to organizing but I know I'm not alone on this one!! I love doing one room a month this year - I'm hooked! If you need to get organized or attack a long to-do list I highly recommend it. With my crazy scehdule I'm able to do a little bit here and there - if I can you can!!

Well I miss Ronnie and Debbie so I can't wait to get back to work tomorrow! xoxo

Cheers!!

Marcus Birthday CUP

2009-02-17T23:29:00.001-08:00

Marcus celebrated his 4th Birthday at Chuck E. Cheese with his best friend Lauren. They share the exact smae birthday and are best friends so their parents decided to do a party together! 30 kids at Chuck E. Cheese.....need I say more!!

Cheers!

Weekly CUP - Feb 8th

2009-02-17T13:06:00.001-08:00

Thumb CUP

2009-02-16T11:11:00.000-08:00

The Olsby family was at my house last night to celebrate Keith and Mama O's birthdays. Keith and Kari are trying to get Kate to stop sucking her thumb during the day......so when she told Auntie AA what she "wasn't supposed to be doing during the day" we could not stop laughing and we had to get it on video :) This little one is quite the love and pretty darn funny!!!!

Cheers!!

Marcus CUP

2009-02-15T16:13:00.000-08:00

Happy 4th Birthday to my sweet nephew, Marcus! Happy Birthday buddy! This little guy makes my day!!! xoxo

CUP of Hearts!

2009-02-13T12:31:00.001-08:00

Cheers to my sweet friends!!!!

Kailey's CUP

2009-02-12T11:31:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday ended up being such a fun day but it certainly didn't start out that way...........

I had alot of biz to work on so I knew I needed to spend all morning in my office well it didn't go as planned. My computer, or so I thought crashed leaving me in a complete panic. After 90 minutes or so on the phone with India (I mean my comp customer service) - they told me it was my video card or the motherboard...sigh! My mom was in town for the weekend and sat downstairs listening to me cry on the phone wishing she could do anything to help! The Cstmr Svc man actually told me to put the phone down and get a glass of water....haha! I was just worried about the files I hadn't backed up - in the middle of so many weddings this was horrible timing!

Thank goodness for good friends like Keith who came to the rescue and went out of his way to come over (I owe you and Kari big time!!!). 5 hours later - it wasn't my computer (thankfully) it was my beautiful new widescreen monitor - and wouldn't you know - the warranty ended 3 weeks ago....sigh!

By the time he got a temp monitor set-up, I had all of 20 minutes to get ready for Kailey's birthday - I was almost going to miss it knowing I had deadlines and a sick computer but I decided I needed a break and there was always Sunday! We had a ton of fun - Kailey, her mom Peggy, Laurel, JoJo, Mel, her best friend Mallory (who I finally got to meet!) and me! Thanks for inviting me Kailey - we must do it again!

We went to Aqua Dulce Wineries for a little wine tasting - who knew it was there???!! Lots of laughs and lots of fun - too bad we couldn't really stomp on the grapes like Lucy!!!! After the winery we headed to Wolfcreek for dinner and gifts. Kailey's best friend Mallory surprised her with a homemade quilt - her very first one! It was soooo sweet (and sooo beautiful)!! Then we ended the night at Laurels house (checking out her new bathroom and kitchen) and just sat around and talked for a couple hours!! I love girl time!

Cheers!!

Sis CUP

2009-02-12T09:56:00.001-08:00

How could I not post my sweet sis's birthday last week - what a horrible sister! Sorry sis - love you and I'm glad you had a very Happy Birthday! We'll celebrate again this weekend :). (Clearly I blew it cuz this would have been a MUCH better post last week than the other one - ooops!!??) Love you and thanks for giving me the most beautiful niece and nephew (above and below and every other picture...lol) so I can show them off to the world!!!

CUP of Laughs

2009-02-10T15:11:00.000-08:00

Because I needed a good laugh this week and this made me laugh!!! Thanks Ronnie!!

Why some men aren't the best message takers.........

Cheers!!

4x4 CUP Challenge

2009-02-10T12:36:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Mary (I think it was me or maybe the other Andrea....or both of us!!).

I had to go through my photos and go to my 4th folder and post the 4th picture. Ahhh the folder was "Car" and it was pictures I took when I was trying to sell my car - oh how I miss my Winnebago (aka Seqouia)!Wasn't it a beauty!!!

Ok consider yourself tagged - Jenny, Jayme, Kelli, KK, Sandy and Cherie......

Cheers!!!

Weekly CUP - Feb 1st

2009-02-08T10:56:00.000-08:00

I realized I never posted this.......Cheers!

Convincing CUP

2009-02-05T07:52:00.000-08:00

So you know my beauty queen friend Ronnie, well it only took me about 15 minutes to talk her into doing a blog! I designed a header for her and it will be up in no time......stay tuned...I'll post the link as soon as it's a go!!!

Jodi always said I could talk people into anything (not sure I should really be proud of this fact but tis true) :). Hmmm but how come I can't talk Jodi into doing a blog - I've tried and no way no how??!!

Cheers!

The Beauty CUP

2009-02-04T10:36:00.001-08:00

Stay tuned for beauty week (maybe longer than a week) coming later this month! A beauty product a day!! Not because I'm some great beauty but because I have tested and tried enough products in my time AND I have a beauty expert, guru, knows it all, tried it all, reads about it all, it's her passion and love and I keep her in my back pocket (okay really she sits next to me at work :)). ...Ronnie (see her hot pic below)!

Ronnie and I chat about beauty products often, exchange nail polishs, etc and especially lately with my new budget (somebody asked me what is this new budget you keep talking about and basically said oh it's called CUT). It's not really because of our economy although timing is appropriate I just have realized how many areas I can truly CUT. I'm blessed with an incredible job and business but I was also blessed :) with expensive taste so it's all about taming that urge. Ever since my sisters wedding (no thanks to sis and Shar Shar) I have been an exclusive Bobbi Brown wearer and as much as I LOVE her entire line it's not-so-cheap. So I'm on a hunt for replacement items that are not as expensive - some of her items I will not replace but that's what my new budget is about - cutting where I can but not everything :).

Soooo back to this beauty thing - the upcoming beauty week is really two-fold. I have some favs that I want to share and it's about me trying to talk Ronnie into doing her own beauty blog - she absolutely should!!! hmmmmm maybe I'll design a blog header for her to get her started :) I'm thinking PINK!!!!!!! C'mon Ronnie us women need YOU and your expertise!!! Hugs my friend!!

Cheers to Ronnie - c'mon gals let's encourage her!!! (she could also do a recipe one but I won't overwhelm her just yet.........)!

Week of January 26th

2009-02-03T15:39:00.001-08:00

I Heart the Brooks CUP

2009-02-01T21:49:00.001-08:00

I had the joy of having some of my favorite house guests this weekend - my sis and her family! My sis brought her kids to my work on Friday so she and Rod could go out Friday night and then they drove up to SCV Sat morning so my friend Emily could take their pics in the morning then they had to leave today :(. Click her name or here to see a sneak peak! We had a great weekend - I was incredibly sad today to say goodbye to them but I was exhausted and have a ton of work to do in my office tonight (I should not be posting this right now :).

They loved sitting at Aunties desk on Friday

I gave them baths Sat morning and my sister actually entrusted me to do their "hair" for the pictures - eek! This is before I washed their hair - just FYI.

I invtied the Fontals over Sat night for dinner (Fernando, Sue, Christian, Gabriella and Cameron) and to celebrate my sister's birthday! We've all been friends since High School. Fernando knows he's like family cuz he still gets away with calling me Bando!! (if you don't know why I cannot tell!!) :)

Marcus was waiting all day for it to be "dark" which meant his firends were coming over. In the late morning he came to me and said "Auntie waiting takes forever it's so hard". I wanted to say AMEN Marcus I hear ya - it's the story of my life!!!

We ordered in Chi Chi's - Sophia loved her spaghetti!

The kiddos! The Fontals were up at 6am to play in 2 soccer games then a birthday party for their cousin and then our house for dinner - they said they weren't going to miss it!! Fun times - thanks for spending the evening with us even though you were all pooped - Sis said it was the perfect birthday present!!

Sunday morning I made them heart shaped cinnamon toast :)

Marcus got a train set for Christmas which we left at my house for when he comes to visit - we played it until the very last minute before they had to go home and he said to me "Auntie I'm going to miss you when I leave"....you wonder why I get so sad......sigh!

Cheers!!!

Week of January 19th

2009-01-27T08:42:00.001-08:00

CUP of uh oh

2009-01-25T20:45:00.000-08:00

So while the Olsby kids were here - I still had to get some work done in my office so I'm sitting at my computer working away on some designs (with my back turned to the room) and Noelle came up to my office to play up here with me. Well I was obviously distracted - I turned my chair around and this what I found :) Good thing at Auntie's house anything goes!!

Accident CUP

2009-01-25T20:40:00.000-08:00

So we had some unexpected dinner guests tonight...our church had a flag football game this afternoon and Jodi's brother was playing in it and well he broke his collar bone so as Kari was taking him to the emergency room, Jodi brought their 3 kiddos to our house. They were full of energy as always - they chose our house instead of Grandma and Grandpas cuz "they wanted junk food and pancakes for dinner (a standard kids dinner at my house).

Keith just took vicodin before he got to our house - looks like he's gonna have to find a clever way to use his mouse or learn to be left handed :)

Compliment CUP

2009-01-21T23:51:00.000-08:00

My nephew is turning 4 yrs old on Feb 15th - I can't believe how time is flying. His "girlfriend" Lauren turns 4 on the same day so they're having a joint party and I was blessed to be asked by my sis and Lauren's mom to make the invites (she better not ask anyone else!!) :). Well my nephew paid me the biggest compliment ever so I must be really good at what I do :).......

I'll admit I need a little affirmation about my designs (I think this is true of most creative beings). I emailed my sis the digital version to proof and approve and when we talked that night she said "I printed out the proof and showed it to Marcus and he asked if he could take it to bed with him and sleep with it cuz he loved it"....ahh that made my day!!! Biggest compliment ever.....I love that little guy!!

Cheers!!

January 12th weekly CUP

2009-01-19T09:58:00.000-08:00

My first week of 365 and I'm lovin' it! I hope to get in a groove soon with it so it's not just "another added thing"! I'm excited that Tracie and Brenda are going to do it now - YEAH!! Can't wait to see your weeks in progress! Cheers!!

CUP of Clouds

2009-01-16T16:11:00.000-08:00

I have an amazing love for sunsets...I have for as long as I can remember. I can honestly say that in my life here on earth it is probably my most favorite thing that God gives us as a gift every single day. I think about them everyday, what they are going to look like, will I be somewhere that I can see today's, etc. They are always a precious "moment away from the world around me" where I can sit and soak in The Lord. The world can take away so much but one thing in my day that will always be - there will always be a sunset every single day. I can tell you each afternoon if it's going to be worth the watch just by how the sky looks that day - are there clouds, clear skies.....whenever there are lots of patchy clouds I long for that time to watch the sun set - this is why I love where I live! Somedays they are memorable - others days not so much. I had never really thought past the simple fact that somedays they stop you dead in your tracks and others it's "oh that's pretty". The days where the sunset is amazing is because of CLOUDS!! We give clouds a bad name, we don't tend to seek out clouds.....yet what are sunsets without them??!!

Well the other day my friend Nicole sent me a daily encouragement that was a huge blessing to my heart. I never thought of sunsets and clouds like this before nor could I put it into words the way Van Walton did. Van is referring to her love for sunrises, much like my love for sunsets but what we crave and desire from each of them is the same:

"Have you ever risen early in the morning with one purpose “ to watch the sun rise? I especially like to take time for sunrises, so I purposefully chose to rise early each day during my vacation. One morning I found myself sitting on the dock facing east, looking for the sun to rise up over the lake. Another morning I sat on the long veranda of a century-old hotel gazing at the Ohio River, waiting for the golden glow that would announce the sun's arrival. Days later, toward the end of my trip, I wrapped myself in a heavy blanket and curled up in the glider on the front porch of the cabin where I had spent the night. Peering over the Utah landscape, once again I searched the horizon. Soon a bright orange blaze appeared, forcing me to close my eyes because of its brilliance. In a few seconds, with wide-opened eyes, I continued my search for the morning's drama, only to see a half globe sitting on top of the mountains. I kept watching, not wanting to miss the spectacular sight. Then, in another blink of an eye, the sun lifted itself from the peaks, and hung there in the sky - a perfect golden circle.

That was it. It went so quick. The sun had come up, creeping into the day, and now it simply dangled “ a yellow ball in the air, surrounded by blue, looking like a child's simple drawing. For a few minutes I pondered my disenchantment with this particular sunrise. Is there such a thing as an incomplete, imperfect sunrise? At that moment I believed there was. I had just experienced it. And, I remembered others like it, somewhat lackluster.

Why had the sunrise not impressed me this day? Where was all the drama I had expected? Then I realized there is no drama in a sunrise without clouds. Clouds - they've been given a bum rap, but all along, these predictors of bad weather, these symbols of negativity, sadness, blues, and gloom really serve to expand light, reflect color, cast dazzling rays, and paint incredible scenes in the sky. A sunrise without clouds is like a life without trials and hardships. I do all I can to avoid challenges and difficulties, but the fact is the so called "clouds" in my life can cast me in a certain aura of God's splendor. A life free of complications and struggles can resemble a bland sunrise … little contrast, seemingly dull artistry, and little context in which I can reflect the Son. "

Soooo beautifully put!!

Today I am thanking God for the clouds - some days I have more than my share, other days I have none but the clouds bring out my character and show the richness of the journey I call my life! I'm so thankful for my loved ones that walk with me through my stormy and my sunny days!

Cheers to the Clouds!!!

The 365 CUP

2009-01-14T11:50:00.000-08:00

So I'm going to do this 365 journal project - I debated back and forth since I'm not a photographer but I'm a daily journaler (who has a camera :))...so I decided to do it (thanks Emily!). Although for me it's really the 353 project since I missed the first 12 days of January but who's counting.....stay tuned!! I'm praying for lots of wonderful things this year so I can't wait to look back and see the journey I will have walked in 2009! It should be fun and a very different kind of journaling for me. I'll use my camera and my iphone since that's real life for me so the pics will be mixed! Happy pix-ing!

Cheers!

Birthday CUP

2009-01-12T10:08:00.000-08:00

Wishing my beautiful Niece Kamisha a very Happy Birthday!! Miss you and I hope to see you soon! hugs xoxo

and my dear friend Shannon's brithday is today too! Your friendship means the world to me and I'm so blessed to have your family in my life. Here's to many more years of our friendship and growing even closer!! See you tonight for chocolate!!! xoxo

Birthday Cheers!!!!

WWW.CUP.2009

2009-01-08T11:18:00.000-08:00

So the Lord has already been teaching me so much this year and it's only Jan 8th!! Amen!! He's really impressed on my heart WWW and no it's not the world wide web but Worship, Waiting and Work. Worship - He wants my best, my first - it's all His anyway. Waiting - I'm definitley definitely in a tough season of waiting on Him for much direction, peace, wisdom, discernment in many areas of my life right now. And Work - we are called to work hard - we were never promised an easy life (thank you for Shannon for reminding me of this fact a couple months ago - it has still really hit home with me). To quote my buddy Oswald Chambers again - "we often hop around like spiritual frogs from worship to waiting and from waiting to work when in reality, we should be doing them all at the same time". This hit me hard this week.

Those of you that know me well know that when I'm going through something and waiting on the Lord, I tend to really take to heart "be still". In fact, many times I end up freezing in place - I become so deeply connected with what's going on that I cannot move, move forward or be emotionally available to anyone or anything, much less apply myself to what's in front of me and work hard. This was a big exhortation to me that while things are going around me that may be hard or that I'm working through, I still need to worship and give God my best and I still need to work (not just my job but work at life). I can still carry on with my daily life while waiting on him instead of doing one or the other. This is a struggle for me but one I know I need to put in practice this year.

Here's to the WWW - Cheers!

New CUP

2009-01-06T16:48:00.000-08:00

Sorry I couldn't look at that owl one more time.......here's to new and new and new!! January - means 2 things for me: No eating out and Garage month!

1) So I'm day 3 into my "not eating out in the month of January at all" even if someone wants to treat :). (Sandy maybe we can get together the first of Feb :). This is for a myriad of reasons but the Lord really laid it on my heart to go without for a month - for budget, diet and just so I can learn to say no to things I soooo easily take for granted. On day 3 it already feels good to be sticking to a commitment. I do have one freebie and that is Starbucks - I'm not crazy woman and I can't give up everything plus I have over $100 in gift cards so I'm only allowed to use those no cash!

2) Garage month - well this year is all about FlyAA for me (similar to dear old FlyLady). I am completely attacking one room of my house each month this year - top to bottom! How does this single girl accumulate so much junk! So the garage has to be first - my goal is to park my black roller skate in the garage by the end of the month - if I used to park my Sequoia in it surely my roller skate can too!

Cheers to New Year's resolutions (this is only 2 of mine of course)!!

New Year's Eve CUP

2009-01-05T14:53:00.001-08:00

I spent New Year's Eve with the crew at Tracie and Jason's house. We were all done with cooking after the holidays so we ordered StoneFire and just relaxed. It was a mellow night with lots of laughs and Karaoke....never thought I'd say I did it but I did. Someone has a pic to prove it - I think Brenda so I'll have to get the picture and post it......or not :). But can someone explain why Karaoke is pronounced Kar-e-o-kie? I'm puzzled......

Tracie clearly takes the prize for the best singer - she even does an intro before her song and gets the crowd into it :) She's either singing YMCA or Fame

Ryan honestly thought he was Lynyrd Skynyrd singing Sweet Home Alabama (P.S. the only vowel in his name is a Y????)

Randy would not take his turn on the mic so Ryan had to come to him......these 3 three boys crack me up!!!

Brenda's face......perhaps the singing was bad????

Happy New Year Friends!!! Cheers!!!

CUP of Laughs

2009-01-01T08:35:00.000-08:00

This new background I designed for the New Year in honor of all my friends who love to tease me about my love (aka fear) of animals and especially OWLS! They tend to show up in very random places - both live (like when we were camping, leaving a friends house, etc). I do not like owls and of course they are a trendy item right now so I seem to be haunted by them wherever I turn :). I even inherited 3 little brass ones from Grandpa O that showed up on my memory table at my 40th birthday party!!??

Some friends came over before Christmas.....you know who you are..and left this ornament on my tree. It didn't take me long that night once I sat down to say "where did that owl ornament come from...?"

So to all my owl loving friends.......Happy New Year!!! xoxoxo

Cheers!!!

CUP of Hair and some Christmas Memories

2008-12-31T13:11:00.000-08:00

Some people pay big money for this hair....as for Marcus this is his natural beauty in the morning - Sohpia well she wasn't feelin' it quite yet!!

The day after Christmas, my sis and I were chatting and decided it would be great to let the kiddos spend one more night with me, grammy and papa and let my sis and Rod go home to Newport and have a date night! So Sat morning these little ones snuggled up on my sofa in front of the fire with Marcus' chocolate froggy (he gave it this name because it got chocolate on it's nose one day :) and Sophia's blanket I made her that DOES NOT leave her sight or else - hence the reason it's in almost every picture I have of her!!??

Since it had been so cold and they had been inside so much, I decided to get us all out of the house for a little bit so we headed to the mall for a ride on the carousel and a warm chocolate chip cookie! Auntie JoJo came with us :)

Sophia couldn't wait to ride the carousel

Let's just say we left the mall seconds after this moment when Sophia had a meltdown cuz it was time to get off the Clifford ride...........

Sat morning we packed up and headed to my Sis and Rod's house for the day. Rod and Dad just wanted to veg and watch football so we let them and the kids and girls headed to fashion island to see the tree....here's also a glimpse of their new beautiful house. My Sis has great taste!!!

I must say...the cutest presents under any Christmas tree!!

Only in Newport Beach.......

As you know, my most favorite thing in the whole world that God gives us....SUNSETS and this was my gift as we were leaving Fashion Island so I ran to the edge of the parking structure to soak it in :)

Time for baths and bed and time for grammy, papa and me to say goodbye to the

Brooks family :(

My favorite photo of the day cuz Marcus took it :)

Ahhhhh more Christmas memories!!!! Cheers!

Family CUP of Christmas

2008-12-31T11:57:00.000-08:00

Christmas with my family was at my house this year....we had a great time and lots of fun memories with my niece and nephew!! Marcus is almost 4 and what a fun age at Christmastime...

Sophia.....she's in charge.....don't let those curls fool ya!!!

Auntie AA gave Marcus a red scooter this year - he loved it although his daddy made him try it for the first time on my driveway going downhill :( he was a little scared.

Sophia just wanted to open gifts no matter what they were or who they were for but she got 2 dolls that she loved :)

These precious little ones bless my life more than words can express - this face is just a glimpse of the love I receive whenever I'm around them......I am truly blessed!!!
Grammy and Sophia relaxing Christmas afternoon!

I cooked up a mexican dinner for Christmas/Rodney's birthday that was YUMMY! I made Mama O's chicken enchiladas, chile relleno, beans and mounds of rice! It was great fun having us together and everyone spending the night at my house - we were on every sofa, aero bed and floor space but it was worth it!! xoxo

I hope your Christmas was extra Merry!! Cheers!

Christmas Birthday CUP

2008-12-30T15:17:00.000-08:00

Rodney (my brother-in-law) has a Christmas Birthday!! My sis does a great job every year of making Christmas evening about him so he feels special and still has a brithday celebration. He's from London so American birthday celebrations always blow him away anyway so it's fun to make a big to-do out of it for him! He's the bestest BIL I could ask for (partly because he gave me the 3 of the most amazing and beautiful nieces and a very handsome and incredibly kind nephew).

He can grill up a mean BBQ (hence what he's doing in this picture from last Sat night.......he made us yummy tri-tip!!). You name the meat and he'll make up some connoction he calls a "rub" that may scare you as he's grabbing for any spice or sauce from the cupboard he can get his hands on but as soon as you taste it you don't care what he used :)!

I love you Rod - Happy Birthday!!!!

My mom made her famous Apple Pie for his birthday - this one was his she made a 2nd for everyone else :)

CUP of Life

2008-12-29T15:37:00.000-08:00

I feel bad that Christmas gets so busy that we lose sight of some very important things. A dear friend of our family passed away before Christmas. He was a good man and left a great legacy behind. We will miss you Larry! written by his daughter:

LARRY G. MILLER

Larry Miller died at home on December 18, 2008, one year after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He was 67. He was born in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, and moved to California as a young boy. He graduated from Culver City High School, class of ‘59, and attended Santa Monica City College before serving in the Army reserves. He was a proud member of the Los Angeles City Fire Department, starting the training tower on August 29, 1964. He retired in 1993 as an Engineer and moved from Valencia, where he and his family had lived for 20 years, to Nevada City.

Gingerbread CUP

2008-12-22T12:17:00.000-08:00

I decided to start a new tradition this year and instead of buying gifts for some of my friends children, I invited them over Friday night to make gingerbread houses, a pancake dinner, cookies, hot chocolate and a movie and a date night for Mom and Dad. I of course could never do this alone so Auntie JoJo helped me! We armed the house with plastic and off we went!!!

I decided to assemble the houses before the kiddos arrived - GOOD CALL!!

They couldn't wait - but dinner was first!

Dinner was Chocolate Chip Snoman pancakes!!!! Noelle and Kate helped their Auntie JoJo mix up the batter.

Sydney LOVED the mini chocolate chips!

Noelle couldn't decide which she wanted more of - marshmellows in her hot chocolate or more pancakes (she had both.....sorry Kari!!)

Owen was the youngest but kept up with all of them - especially when it came to how many pancakes he ate....he almost ate more than Joshua.

Will was diggin' it all!

Kate just was happy as could be!!

Kaycie helped me make the icing so we could get started on the Gingerbread houses....

They ate about as much candy as they put on the houses....afterall it's Auntie AA's house and no parents were around!

Joshua, Noelle and Kate loved their house!

TA DAAAAA.......The final masterpieces!!

Jake and Will took a break to race their cars down the long hallway....Movie time!

Jake with the girls :)

Cookie time :)

Not sure who was more tired at the end.....

I feel truly blessed to have these little ones in my life and for all my precious Auntie AA moments! A lifetime of great memories!!

Cheers!

Birthday CUP

2008-12-19T12:46:00.000-08:00

So I'm a little late on this but better late than never......Monday was my dear friend Jenny's birthday! I love this girl so much and her friendship is an ENORMOUS blessing in my life. I have had some amazing memories with her, conversations (much couch time...wink wink), laughs and tears! Jenny, I have been blessed and honored to watch you grow the past 10-15 years into the woman you are today. I have loved seeing you grow with Brian, become a wife, mom and country girl all in a couple years! You are an encouragement to me everyday! I love you my sweet friend and even though you're miles away - WE will never be!

Hugs to you and I hope it's been a fabulous birthday week!

P.S. I still LOVE this pic of us from your Bridal Shower!!! Cheers!!

CUP of Truth!

2008-12-17T07:17:00.000-08:00

I read something that really hit me this morning that I wanted to share:

"Nothing can satisfy the need but that which created the need. This is the meaning of Redemption - it creates and it satisfies".

Oh I love this!!!! I'm so thankful that the God that created our need for Him so perfectly satisfies the very need He created. At this time of year I find such comfort in such a simple yet incredibly profound and oh so very important truth!

I hope you are enjoying the true meaning of this Season!!!

Cheers!!

CUP of Laughter (and tears)

2008-12-15T15:01:00.001-08:00

My sister sent this to me today and I have not stopped laughing all day!!

I truly have the most precious nieces and nephew - this picture captures Marcus and Sophia's VERY different personalities perfectly! Although in Sophia's defense, when Marcus sat on Santa's lap at the same age he didn't cry but he would not crack a smile for nothing (not even chocolate or soda or anything Auntie tried to bribe him with!) he just frowned. I think this is an Ellen submission!!

Happy Monday!! Cheers!

CUP of Beauty

2008-12-06T17:40:00.000-08:00

Sunsets are one of my most favorite thing in the whole world - they are a big Jesus Romance to me!! Well today I sat in my office at home designing away and working on orders all day long and this picture was my gift this afternoon - it didn't last long so I grabbed my camera and took a pic from my desk.......BEAUTIFUL!!!

Cheers!!

Crispy CUP

2008-12-05T11:07:00.000-08:00

Can I just say I'm addicted to Honey Crisp Apples - the apple people have been holding out on me or somebody has...... How come I have never heard of these until I went to Washington and one was left on my pillow in a cute bag tied wtih raffia? (thanks Jenny). I absolutely love them and have never been an apple person before but they're a big treat for me (especially on my juice/fruit only days!). Well I just ate my last one so me who never goes grocery shopping...clearly needs to go buy some today :). It's the little things in life that make us happy right?

Happy Friday!! Cheers!

CUP of Ornaments

2008-12-02T22:51:00.000-08:00

I have come to the conclusion that cleaning up after you decorate is not very fun at all! It's right up there with taking down the decorations!! Last night I was trying to put my house back together after taking it apart to decorate hmmmm...and thought these are the things that can take joy and the true meaning away from Christmas if we let it!! I played music to keep me joyful and took lots of pictures. When I was done I took note that I'm an ornamentaholic so it's a good thing I'm not allowing myself to buy any decorations this year (and as you can see I don't need any).

Don't be worried that there are tags still on some (after Christmas PB sale)!

Mind you at this point in my decorating most people would say that my tree was "full" and where on earth were these ornaments going to be hung???!! Well ornaments just aren't for the tree anymore.....I'm in trouble!!

I still love my snowmen!!! (see more ornaments in a mercury glass bowl with snow thanks to Jen Sharp)!

Are pot racks out of style......sigh! Oh well if they are I still love mine!!

Happy Decorating!! Cheers!!!

'Tis the Busy CUP

2008-12-02T10:24:00.002-08:00

Okay it's back........me that is! After a very special friend, who shall remain nameless to protect her identity, said to me yestserday.....not "Cup of Healing" still......I thought okay okay I know it's time for me to update my blog. I've definitely been feeling like I don't have a whole lot of exciting stuff to share (and no pictures really)......but life has been busy the past 2 weeks (but as another friend would say "when isn't it busy for you??!!):

Helped my sister pack for her move last week (well really I was just morale support and took home 6 pairs of her shoes and a cool vase in the process) Glad you're finally settled in Sis!!
Currently designing and making 12 Christmas cards for friends and customers
Working with 7 Brides and all their wedding paper elements
Decorated my house for Christmas (pictures coming tomorrow Jenny!!)
Enjoyed Thanksgiving with friends (missed my family)
Shopped from 4am to 2pm on Black Friday (Tracie I still can't believe we pulled off 4am!)
Celebrated 2 birthday dinners for dear friends (shout out to Tracie and Jason)
Cleaned my closest (this is important to list if you had seen it before - the garage is next!)
Almost pee'd my pants watching a grandma (aka Pam Olsby) do the Wii Fit Hula Hoop game - there is video to prove it but I may have to get permission first!! :)
One of my favorites.....beat Jason Cooper at Guitar Hero on Thanksgiving - thought I was a stud at this game when it was just he and I against each other and then I got a little arrogant when I joined the "band" and proceeded to get us boo'd off stage every single song after that (pictures to prove it!) :(

I hope you all are enjoying this time of year - it's my favorite!!! Cheers!!

CUP of Healing

2008-11-18T17:45:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh today I'm so thankful for friends, insurance and to quote "Oprah" paying it forward. I have had a gland problem with my face (I'll spare the details) that has left me incredibly frustrated and very insecure with my skin lately and it was only getting worse. For those of you that know me, I hate the doctors with a passion so I tend to put it off and deal with the discomfort but this one was really getting to me. Well the day I asked God to give me the courage to just "deal" with it the flood gates opened wide. I got a few referrals but then my friend Ronnie suggested I call her friend who works for a dermatologist and see her....so miraculously I called her within minutes (trust me this is a miracle in and of itself that I made this call). This was all last Wed and today I had my diagnostic appointment and while in the chair for a simple diagnosis - they did all the treatments right then - they gave me over 30 little treatments (okay it was full fledged cautery if you want the truth) and ALL was covered thanks to a friend and insurance....truly a miracle!!! It's money I would not have been able to spend right now that's for sure!

A few weeks ago I did a very simple favor for this friend-of-a-friend and designed and printed some birthday invitations for her - a little favor but to her it was a big blessing. I did it having no clue that 2 months later I would actually be calling her to help me with what she considered a little favor but to me an ENORMOUS blessing!!!

I have dozens of little sores that need to heal but the key word is heal!!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel blessed and had to share (especially since Sandy shared the other day about "procedures" and I'm sure more will keep coming since I'm getting old.....sighhhhh!).

Little Kendall Sharp also had a "procedure" today and thankfully hers went well, she's home healing and her sweet Mom, Jen, is relieved!!! YEAH!!

Cheers to Procedures (I think??!!)

CUP of DVR woes

2008-11-14T14:42:00.000-08:00

So I cozy up on the sofa last night (my first night I've been able to do this in weeks) and was excited to catch up on some DVR recordings. I have Uverse at home - that's a story in itself converting everything over from SBC and Time Warner......so I remotely recorded (via the internet from my office) a couple of shows I really wanted to see (mind you the remote recording has worked just fine before). One of them was the WSOP Final Table that I've been waiting for weeks to see and avoiding any website about poker so I didn't find anything out. So last night I got comfy and searched and searched through my "recorded TV" and nada....I get so bummed when technology fails!! So if anyone has it recorded still, please keep it for me and I'll come over to visit you - I'll bring the starbucks!! :)

Cheers!!

CUP of Yakima

2008-11-13T16:58:00.000-08:00

Last Friday Jen and I travelled to Yakima, Washington to visit my dear friend Jenny who moved there with her Groom 2 years ago :(. She has a beautiful little girl Olivia that I loved being Auntie AA to. I couldn't resist giving a sneak peak of her 1 year old photos I took.......I'll let Jenny show the rest :)

Thanks to the "Jens" for an amazing weekend. I loved everything - our chats, tears, stories, laughter (especially the really good ones Sunday night) , shopping, lots of coffee but mostly just hanging out together....it was much needed for all of us - like Jen said it was time with dear friends that "know" us.

Jen, we survived the trip home after so many changes and cancellations and missed connections - it just meant more time together!!

Cheers!

Friday's CUP

2008-11-06T10:23:00.000-08:00

I've been looking forward to this day for awhile and I'm even more excited for it since it's at the end of a full and eventful week....I'm heading to Washington in a couple hours (the state - no political rallies for me in the other Washington) to see my dear friend Jenny and a bonus, another dear friend Jen decided to come too - these are two friends I don't get enough time with. Yeah for airline miles and free trips but even better little getaways with wonderful friends!!

Today I'm thankful for 3 other dear friends (Jodi, Kailey and Melissa) who stuffed and stamped the very "eventful" invitations last night so I could pack, helped me juggle cars around AND had homemade sushi waiting for me when I got home from work last night.......God is good to me!!!

Well I'm off to the state where coffee comes out of the faucets......wahoo!!! Cheers!

CUP of Mud or CUP of Stars?

2008-11-06T07:34:00.000-08:00

(this picture of my sweet niece is again so appropriate for this post :))

Jodi reminded me last night of a story I read when I spoke at our women's retreat in May:

"A young bride's life was not what she had hoped or expected it would be. When she married her beloved, who was in the Marines, she thought it would be romantic and exciting to live in foreign countries and travel the globe. But two years later she was lonely and deeply discontented. She wrote a letter full of complaints to her mother. She had no friends, she couldn't speak the language and figured it wasn't worth the effort to learn since they could be moved from one country to another at a moment's notice. Worst of all, her groom was never home. She ended with "I can't take this any longer. I'm coming home." Her astute mother faxed a reply consisting of just two lines:

Two women looked through prison bars
One saw mud, the other saw stars."

Ahhhh a secret to contentment in two short sentences. We all have a choice of how we look at life. At times we all feel as though we're standing behind prison bars but it's what we focus on that matters. Am I choosing to see the stars or am I only focusing on the mud? So often I only see the mud and ignore the nuggets of light and joy that is always at my fingerstips - it's so easy for me to write this but at times it can be so hard to live out. God wants me content now, not just content once my cirucmstances improve.

Thanks Jo for reminding me of this awesome story!! Cheers!

CUP of Time

2008-11-05T15:50:00.000-08:00

So some people call them crackberries or my icrackphone but I have to admit I've always loved my electronics and especially today when a simple trip to buy some stamps for some wedding invitations (no not mine sillies.....) took 25 minutes....who has time for that?! But.....with my electronics close at hand - the time flew by and multi-tasker-me got several messages and follow-ups done. In fact, I was so into what I was accomplishing in line that when they said "next" I actually said to myself..."darn it's my turn and I was almost done with this email". :)

However, the fact that I was the one buying the stamps for these invitations is another story completely.....

paper sent for invites was damaged
had to pay overnight shipping for non-damaged paper-project delayed 2 days
company didn't score cards correctly
had them fixed (sort of) at Kinkos
Kinkos messed up so they said no charge (hmmm thank you - I guess??)
finally finished the 10 piece set invites (125 of them) last night at 11pm and due to the kinkos change - they didn't fit in the envelopes....yes I cried (and a little panic and prayer too)!!!!!!!
had to order new envelopes today and pay overnight shipping - project delayed another 2 days while I wait for shipping

Sooooo I'm mailing them for the bride-to-be (thankfully a dear friend) to save a couple days!
Thankfully in the 2 years of my biz - this has NEVER happened before!

Time to refill my CUP! Cheers!!

CUP of RED!!!

2008-11-04T10:14:00.001-08:00

One of my absolute favorite days of the Fall is today......Starbucks RED CUP DAY! It means the holidays are here and it's my favorite time of year (and what an even better day for it to happen, election day, so I can be distracted from all the politics and think about happier things....you know CUP things).

Well I'm thrilled to share red cup day with all those who love it like I do.....

CHEERS (red cup style of course!)

CUP of Treats

2008-11-03T15:16:00.001-08:00

I didn't get to see my niece and nephew on Halloween (just couldn't do the Burbank to OC drive on a Friday afternoon) but I couldn't resist these photos my sister sent to me of Jack Sparrow and Tinkerbell. Ahhh the joys of being a kid and getting to dress up - I'm sure at some point in my life I loved wearing costumes but it's hard to recall because today costumes and me together.....ehhh not so much!! Happy Monday!

Cheers!

Friday's CUP

2008-10-31T07:42:00.000-07:00

I read something this morning that was very encouraging to me.....

Oswald Chambers wrote about Discernment of Faith from the verse in Matthew "Faith as a grain of mustard seed....". "We have the idea that God rewards us for our faith. It may be so in the initial stages, but we do not earn anything by faith; faith brings us into right relationship with God and gives God His opportunity. God has frequently to knock the bottom board out of your experience if you are a saint in order to get you into contact with Himself. God wants you to understand that it is a life of faith, not a life of sentimental enjoyment of His blessings. Your earlier life of faith was narrow and intense, settled around a little sun-spot of experience that had as much of sense as of faith in it, full or light and sweetness; then God withdrew His conscious blessing in order to teach you to walk by faith. You are worth far more to Him now than you were in your days of conscious delight and thrilling testimony."

Walking by Faith is so hard at times but I was reminded this morning that I'd much rather be in a place of living by Faith than in a place where I'm full of worldly joys and gifts, as pleasing as they sometimes are and as much we desire them...they still leave us empty once the initial pleasing has worn off. Worldly joys aren't in and of themselves bad, but when they are what makes us content and happy and full of joy, we are gravely mislead.

Happy Friday! Cheers!

The TOO Busy CUP

2008-10-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get so wrapped up in your to dos and what's going on around you that you find yourself at that too familiar "overwhelmed point" and you just want to shut off? I'm embarrassed to say that I find myself in this place way too often. One thing in particular happens to me when I get in this place and want to "shut off" - I don't want to answer the phone or return phone calls that I know I need to - or I'll answer but I'm only partly "there" in the conversation. It's so bad but I get in administrative mode so email, text or a quick phone call is better but all that's doing is checking someone off the list and it's so impersonal. By doing this, I'm robbing myself of the chance to allow God to use them to touch my life or perhaps God wants to use me to touch theirs......

Last night I was faced with that very choice......I got a call from a dear friend who's been in Africa for months. I was busy working in my office at home on some stationery deadlines but knew in my heart I needed to take this call and am so thankful I did. We talked for over an hour and I can't tell you enough how much she blessed me during that conversation. We are soul sisters at heart and God gave us a sweet time together to catch up (talk about her upcoming wedding in 8 weeks..YEAH!), to encourage one another and to connect on a deep level because she's one of those dear friends who "gets" me. I hung up with my CUP definitely overflowing and was still able to meet my deadlines.

Funny how that happens when you "think" you have so much to do and you allow yourself to get so overwhelmed....but in reality if you just focus and get things done it's never as bad as the "thought" of what you had to do. Sure I went to bed a little later than I would have hoped but sacrificing a little sleep to bless and encourage someone else is sometimes the very thing we need!

Happy Monday....Cheers!

CUP of Sushi

2008-10-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

This is not a stock photo from the internet - I took this on my kitchen table...no really!!!

Today has been an extra fun day already......Jodi got sushi supplies for her birthday from Kailey Gray so she decided to give it a try today for lunch. She went on the internet and looked up some recipes and off she went.....let me tell ya it was soooooooo yummy! Thanks for sharing Jodi - can't wait to make it again! I think we're on to another budget saving fun thing to do!!!

Friday's CUP

2008-10-24T11:17:00.001-07:00

This sweet picture I took of my niece was a reminder to me this morning to live in today and not worry about tomorrow!!

This week has been another eye opener for me (I'm sooooo still growing up) as God graciously showed me what it means to truly live in today and not tomorrow. I didn't realize I wasn't living like this until it was made clear to me Sunday night as I cried with my best pal about all that's been going on around me and some daunting things that lie ahead.

We all know we're to "not be anxious about tomorrow for today has enough troubles of it's own"....but do you really truly embrace what that means? Here I am 40 and still learning this truth....God really opened my eyes this week to what that means and I have NOT been living like this. I challenge you to really take it to heart if you don't already.

Today I need to keep today's priorities in check, today I need to make wise choices that I will face today (not worry about tomorrow's decisions), today I need to be a good steward of what God's given me, today I need to be diligent at work and not worry about all that's pressing, today I need to be a loving friend to those I cross paths with and am reminded of today.....what a huge weight has been lifted from me this week when I truly sat down and embraced all that it meant to live in today. It sounds so easy and something we've always known but I'll admit - it's not how I have been living. Earlier this week I truly put this into practice daily and what a difference it has made in my life - I feel more at peace than I have in quite some time!! AMEN!!

I hope you're encouraged today to live in today and be the person God intended you to be today - tomorrow is just that - tomorrow!

Cheers!

Belated Birthday CUP

2008-10-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I completely forgot about my dear friend Jodi's birthday this past Monday!! She's the best!! A friend from college and a friend for life! Thank you Jodi for your friendship, kindness, love all these years! Miss you and I can't wait for our next Westmont girls weekend!! xoxo

Birthday CUP

2008-10-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

Today is my friend Debbie's birthday. We work together and I absolutely adore her and all of our little chats when she sits on my sofa and we solve the problems of the world :). She's a great encouragement to me. Hope you're having a great day Debbie (especially since you took the day off from work)!! Hugs, A.

My weekend CUP

2008-10-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend with Marcus and Sophia so my sis and Rodney could celebrate their 5th Anniversary. I made the mistake earlier this year of giving my nephew some pirate jewelry....now he never wants to take it off.....lol.

Marcus said "Auntie AA take a "cool" picture of me".....this is his cool pose...not sure who taught him this but can anyone say....Rico Suave?

Love this little one....it only took 20 pictures to get one where she wasn't frowning!

Auntie took them to the Pumpkin Patch.....we didn't buy a $20 Newport Beach pumpkin though...we just sat on them :).

Yes I was honestly the photographer in these 2 pictures standing in the petting zoo....once I realized I was inside the fence and animals all around me.....I snapped a few shots and got out of there :). The things I'll do for my niece and nephew.....

CUP of Love

2008-10-18T10:48:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th Anniversary Sis and Rod!!! I love you guys!

Friday's CUP

2008-10-17T10:48:00.000-07:00

We've all been faced with choices to do or not do something (in my case purchase something) and then the conviction starts in, then you have the "justification jargon" with yourself trying to see if it's still "okay". Well I had a victory in this particular choice this week, thankfully, and I didn't go through with the purchase. But afterwards, on the thoughts went...I did the right thing I know I did...yes it was right...thank you Lord for giving me pause and allowing the time for a choice. But then came part B.....I came to realize that I was frustrated with my decision - I think more frustrated that it was the "right" decision and why did it have to be right. As I pondered and prayed through my attitude this week, I realized that I was feeling as if I was owed something because I made the right decision instead of just being relieved and happy with the fact "I did the right thing". I truly was in a place of....I did the right thing so blessing, preferably a tangible blessing, will no doubt follow. It didn't instead I turned a good decision into a struggle...hmmmmm will I ever grow up and be better at these things...perhaps someday...still a work in progress! Happy Friday...Cheers!

CUP of gas

2008-10-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

So I finally got my new prius last week.....I feel like a brat not being happy about it....like my best pal Jodi said "most people are thrilled when they get a new car...." but getting a new car means I'm having to sell my absolute favorite car :( but I know it's something I need to do to be a good steward and lower my monthly spend. Needless to say I felt horrible about my stinky attitude. Last week I chose to start focusing on all the cool features (of which I will say there are MANY)...what a difference that made in my attitude. Mind you I feel selfish and a brat even having to go through this emotional process when I know people are losing their cars, homes, jobs, etc. We are so rich in so many things but yet we focus on such trivial ones....I'm in process for sure!

I'm very thankful to the kind people at Keyes Toyota - they gave me a smokin deal so I can't complain (it pays to know people in high places - thanks JoJo!). Then came my first gas up.......$30.57 to fill it with 8.8 gallons of gas. The GPS computer gadget thingy boper tracks your average MPG so on my first tank I got 45 MPG......now how I can keep boo hooing especially given the financial state of our country. My flesh still wants to pout about needing to sell my Sequoia but I'm working on my tude and I'm letting go......Cheers!

Kiddie CUP

2008-10-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

I love these 2 little ones so very much. My sister finally crossed over to the other side and created a facebook account last night (it kept her up until after midnight so I know I'm going to be blamed today for her being so tired) well this was her profile pic so I just had to steal it. I wish these precious babies lived closer...they definitely light up my life whenever I hear them laugh or see them running towards me. Sophia talked to me on the phone for the first time last week - well okay so her talking to me was just her saying "hi hi..aasjlxmlkxmlajdrfal.....hi hi hi" but at least we had a nice chat. Happy Wednesday.....cheers!

Just one CUP at a time.....

2008-10-14T17:40:00.000-07:00

Post numero uno........

Well here I am finally getting my blog started (yes even though I created the account over a year ago). I guess I kept putting it off because I would read so many others and think how witty and funny you all are, how much great stuff you have going on in your life that you can share, and then there's the fact that I'm no Holla girl (this cups for you Jenny and Hollie....). Anyhooo here I go......maybe I'm finally doing this because I turned 40 and think I've somehow empowered myself (should that even be possible) so now I feel certain that you all will think I'm witty and funny and interesting....noooo I know you will!!

Well here's hoping you enjoy my blog and sharing my CUP........cheers!!

The test CUP

2008-10-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

Marcus my little love......

Not sure Sophia thinks I'm her little love in this pic but she's mine!!!

P.S. The pictures were a test and what better way to test than with my nephew and one of my nieces!!