Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Happy Birthday Lauren...



This is a long post :)



I love this picture, she is 2.5 years old here. okay, okay, your bangs were short, lol...



So, my baby girl is "25" today. Lauren was born June 29, 1986, 7 lbs even, at 7:38 pm. I remember being pregnant, not knowing what the sex was, and prepared for a boy. I just knew it was a boy. I barely remember after an emergency C-section, my mother, whispering in my ear as I was wheeled down a hallway at the hospital, that it was a "girl". I was "estatic"... very sick but very happy. Originally, Lauren's name was "Lake", whether it was a girl or a boy, we were going to name the baby Lake. She was going to be Lake Elizabeth, but I changed to Lauren Elizabeth after seeing her. She was so girlllllyyyyy... a big ball of pretty pink. Just right to hold. I just knew one day I would have a boy and name him Lake. Little did I know, that never happened. Here goes what I remember about my baby girl,



She had and has soft beautiful hair, fuzz till she was 15-18 months old.

She was very independent, hard headed, strong willed from the get go.

She was with me everywhere I went. I rarely left her. She adusted to everything.

She wore "pink", her room was pink, she loved pink. Pink walls, pink carpet.

She is spoiled, but a good spoiled. She likes her own space, she is an only child.

She is a hard worker. She is an entrepreneur at heart.

She loves cookie dough, she grew up with a beater in her mouth, http://www.morethanchocolate.net/

She is beautiful, natural beauty, she is photogenic, she is tan :) always has been.

She is gentle. She does not like confrontation. She is kind. She has a sweet spirit.

She loves her family. She may not like what she hears, but she knows she is going to hear it. :)

She is loved. She has always had my attention, and always will.

She always knew I would be there, I cannot remember missing an event.

She is my world. I cannot imagine my life without her.

She has been a delight to me even in the teenage years. :)

She is her grandparents delight also!

She has given me the greatest gift, Layton. Oh I love him so.

She is more like me than she probably wants to admit, ha!



I giggled to myself a couple of weeks ago. It was a Saturday, I was working on the phone with clients, she was waiting for the phone to ring to deliver cookies. We were in and out of the pool, and after she finished her last delivery, she made the comment, okay momma, we can relax now, or something to that effect. She always knows that I have to handle business at odd hours and she is now doing it herself. Insert laughter here :) There goes that entrepreneur... I so love that!



Lauren, I love you more than life itself. I pray you raise Layton to love his family and God. I pray you put God first in your life, and truly understand that he is all you need. That is when all the pieces fall into place. I pray you know you can always lean on me. You are never alone. I pray you are happy, fulfilled, loved, successful, and content. If you want to ever know the meaning of contentment, look at your grandmother. Her life verses are,



Proverbs 30:7-9

“Two things I ask of you, LORD;

do not refuse me before I die:

Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches,

but give me only my daily bread.

Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’

Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. "




Lauren, I raised you the best I knew how, I made mistakes, but you are the best thing I ever did, I love you, I love you "more than chocolate".




~Momma~

Fresh Blueberry Muffins...



My Aunt Lelia had a lot, a whole lot of blueberries, so I ran by to get a few. I made fresh blueberry muffins, I really thought that the "fresh" blueberries folded in would not be very good, but oh my, they are good! Quick and easy,

1 1/2 cup flour

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 t salt

2 t baking powder

Mix together in a bowl.


In a one cup glass measuring cup, add 1/3 cup oil, 1 egg, and enough milk to fill the cup. Combine with the flour mixture. Fold in 1 cup fresh blueberries.

Fill 12 muffin cups, I use cupcake liners, and fill to 2/3 full. Bake 18 minutes at 400 degrees.

Cool on rack!

Monday, June 27, 2011

104 FairwayDrive, Bullard, TX 75757

New Listing at Emerald Bay...









Absolutely house beautiful. Excellent taste in updating this established house located across the street from the golf course. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 2 car garage, plus golf cart storage. This house offers two living areas, split bedrooms, separate dining room, breakfast room with built in hutch, granite in kitchen, whirlpool stainless steel appliances, updated fixtures, soft paint colors, tile flooring, (except for carpet in the back family room). Master Bath includes a shower and a garden tub, with separate walk in closets and dressing areas. Vaulted ceiling in Den, with built in shelving and WBFP. Garage has extra shelving and a separate garage door for your golf cart. This house is warm and inviting, and a pleasure to show. Excellent curb appeal, cozy backyard with open and covered patio. If you are looking for a house that is ready to move into, then you must see this one! MLS # 10012312 $200,000 Click below for more pics and virtual tour :)

http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-755094.html


New Law Bans Transfer Fees...








We Realtors have been fighting for this ---- transfer fees are bad, but now they are banned!



AUSTIN (San Antonio Express-News) – Gov. Rick Perry has signed legislation banning private transfer fees attached to home purchases, the San Antonio Express-News reported yesterday.
Such fees throw a percentage of a home’s sale price back to the original developer each time the home is sold.
Under the new legislation, new private transfer fees will not be allowed. Developers who have existing fees on properties must file a notice of the obligation in county property records by Jan. 31, 2012, and update it every three years. If they fail to meet this requirement, the transfer fee is void.


Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Sly...



I listened to David Jeremiah this morning, thought provoking story.

I have shortened the story,

Two devils talking, one is teaching the other his craftiness...

The apprentice devil says, "I will just tell her there is NO God", and there is NO hell, but the experienced devil says, you cannot do that, because God made all mankind to know that there is more, and of course , the devil himself knows there is a God. The more experienced devil tells the apprentice devil, just tell her "there is no hurry", wait until tomorrow, live your life as you please, you have time...

You see this is exactly how the devil is, he is crafty, he makes sin look appealing, he trys to slow you down, but TODAY, is the day of salvation, today is the day we should be watching and waiting for Jesus to return.

This really caught my attention today, are your ready? have you made that decision to choose believing in Jesus Christ, God's son? Today is the DAY.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Texas Real Estate...



Dr. Mark Dotzour's Update:

"chief economist for the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, said

U.S. housing numbers and reports often do nothing more than cause potential homebuyers in healthier markets to panic.
"They're not helping people make good decisions," Dotzour said. "It's kind of a hindrance."
Dotzour said good properties in stronger markets continue to hold their value."



My update:
Stronger markets = Texas.
Buyer's market-
Historically low interest rates
Real estate is still a great investment
Real estate over time, will produce a return.
Great inventory
Get excited!





I find myself continually being brought back to total dependence on my God. I read these verses this morning, and I just believe I will commit them to memory. I have posted these two verses as "11" lines. I will memorize in this sequence. Memorize them with me, will you? :)

Jeremiah 9: 23-24

This is what the LORD says:
“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom

or the strong boast of their strength

or the rich boast of their riches,

but

let the one who boasts boast about this:

that they have the understanding to know me,

that I am the LORD,

who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth,

for in these I delight,”

declares the LORD.


The lines in blue, bring tears to my eyes, I can boast that I have the understanding to know God and he delights in me! So, once again, any event or circumstance in my life is in complete control by him. Proverbs 21:30, "there is no wisdom, no insight, no plan, that can succeed against the Lord".

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Happy Father's Day...

This will be a long post, :)


My daddy and Latte', good pic... he loves that dawg... sorry, doggie... :)



Daddy with Layton when he was little...


Daddy and my brother Lance last year... I am sure this was a long story, see the hand... :)



Lauren, Daddy, me and Mother at their 50th Wedding Anniversary, he sure loves my momma!


Yep, he was a looker...1960... they were both "Wow"...


Daddy and I last year... I am thinking that my coloring is the same as his... huh? :)


Christmas last year, we need sun, ha!


Daddy and I, a few weeks ago... I sure love him!


Ahh, and my favorite picture of all. Mother- it is just a man on a horse, baby girl, just a man on a horse! Settle down...


Seriously, let me see if I can put in words how I feel about my daddy...

Isaiah 30:21, "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

I can hear my daddy telling me " just do right. Till the stars fall out of the Heavens, just do right." That brought on a new meaning to me Friday as I was listening to David Jeremiah on the way home from Branson. He was describing the signs of the second coming of Jesus Christ. Bingo, Jesus is the sign! The day Jesus comes back, picture this:

The sun will not shine,

The moon will not shine,

The stars will fall out of the Heavens
There will be complete darkness, can you imagine? I cannot. We do not know that kind of dark. Do you think this will get the attention of all mankind? I bet it does, the Bible says men will run and try to hide... they will see Jesus, they will want to hide from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! You would think men would bow down and worship HIM but some will not. (Matthew 24, Rev 6)

Back to my point, Do right till the stars fall from the Heavens, this is what my daddy tells me, and I just now understand what it means. Do right, no matter what, because "the one that stands firm till the end, will be saved". The end, what is the end, Heaven, Jesus coming back for me. We can all endure hardship, if we keep our focus on what truly matters.

So what does my daddy mean to me,

He is Strength, he never slows down, he never sits, he works till the end of the day, he is not lazy. He does not whine, he endures pain, he has had numerous hard surgeries, and has come out on the other side, strong. I don't think I could keep up with him everyday.

He taught me to finish, he taught me that I can do anything, if I work hard and put my mind to it. He taught me entreprenurship, ownership and the importance. He taught me how to save money, he taught me loyalty, he taught me ethics and taught me the Golden rule. He taught me that women are not inferior to men. He taught me the word of God, he took me to church, because of my rearing, as a preacher's kid, I was saved when I was 14 at a revival where he was the evangelist. Growing up in a truck, travelling, I thought I was missing out, but because of this stage in my life, 8th - 11th grade, I learned to self teach myself. Today, I can credit most of my success from knowing how to self teach myself in so many areas.

He loves me, my sister and brother. He loves my mother and only my mother - a love I will probably never understand.

He has been there for me, always. When my world has fallen apart, let's see, I can count several, he is the one I run to. He does not judge me, which I find almost impossible to do with my own child. How does he do that? He picks up the pieces. He is my Rock!

So, some of my favorites about my dad,

I love it when he calls me on the phone, I love it when he drops by my office, in fact, he just did this last week and stayed for two hours. What do we talk about, good grief, I don't know, but I am sure he listens to me more than I listen to him. I love it when we go to Taco Bell (yes, people fear when we meet there for lunch), and decide to buy a property together. I love to see him on his tractor in the pasture, I love to cut hay with him, I love to see him pass to and from in his truck numerous times during the day. I absolutely love to see him riding Bar K. I love to see him and mother laugh, I love to see them hug and I love it when he kisses the top of her hand each Sunday when the church service ends.

I am sure I have forgotten things, and if I have I will write about them later.

Happy Father's Day Daddy,

I love you!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Night Life in the Country...



Not every night is the same, but tonight I totally relaxed by the pool for several hours. Wonderful scenery....and I do not take it for granted! God has blessed me so, if you only knew what I came from 8 years ago, you would say "Wow"! I love you and thank you God, for my life, for all the blessings and for sending your Son, Jesus, just for me!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Say NO to default..

I heard Dave Ramsey on Fox News yesterday say,
Your mortgage/house payment should not be more than:
1/4 of your bring home income, with your payment amortized on a 15 year note.

For example: using 5% interest rate
$100,000 Loan - 15 year note $ 791 principal and interest only (add taxes/insurance)
$200,000 Loan - 15 year note $1582 principal and interest only (add taxes/insurance)
$300,000 Loan - 15 year note $2372 principal and interest only (add taxes/insurance)

This sure would be wonderful in a perfect world. Right?

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Big God...

Listening to James MacDonald today, "Grace when I am disappointed"...

I so needed to hear this,

What do we do when we are disappointed or depressed,

We isolate ourselves

We focus on negative thoughts

We forget God's provision


Let God speak to you, "Big God, small problem OR big problem, small God?"

So, get going, get involved, get around people, surround yourself with encouragers, don't focus on the past, focus on the next step, and receive God's provisions. We tend to overlook all the blessings we receive on a daily basis, while focusing on the negative.

I choose, yes choose, Big God, small problem! Thank you Lord, that I can tune in and listen to Godly people as I work!

Hot Sauce on a Hot day...

My favorite, quick 5 minute Hot Sauce...
I keep all these ingredients on hand. At any given time, you can just whip this up and serve!

1 can Rotel
1 can Original Stewed Tomatoes
2 T Vinegar
2 t crushed red pepper (like the ones you put on pizza) :)
1 t garlic salt

I put all ingredients in a blender and pulse for a few seconds! Marvelous!


Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Convince...




"A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still."

Think on that statement, so true, no one can talk you into believing in God. God comes to everyone, but we must choose.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Oasis...

Fun in the sun...Austin for the day, relaxing, does the body good!

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Circus of the King...

Layton and Boo Boo... Green Acres ... Layton loved it, even though I couldn't get a smile...

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Calm Expectation...



This is taken from a devotional by Lysa Terkeurst...
"Dear Lord, I am tired and I can’t seem to figure some things out today.
Please help me to see Your part in this equation. Where my strength ends
is where Yours will begin. Help me, Lord, to look to You for my very next step.
I will wait in calm expectation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen."


Wednesday, June 1, 2011

When It Storms

Click here When It Storms
Be sure to click on James MacDonalds video...


"God allows His children to go through the same things that people who don’t know Him go through, so that we can handle them differently, so that we can bring Him glory by displaying His supernatural signature."

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