Happy Birthday Jenna~Wade...

I love these cookies that Lauren baked for her cousin's birthday! 
Hope you had a fun time on your birthday, Jenna~Wade... you are special!

www.morethanchocolate.net

Surely Says...Texas Real Estate Update...

Did you Know?
33% of loans in Foreclosure have not made payments in 2 years.
4.1 million loans are 90 + days delinquent or in foreclosure.

RECON, Mark Dotzur, per his presentation below:

Restarting the Housing Market

• People still want to buy homes.

• They are worried that prices may fall further.

• The OCC reports over 4 million houses in

foreclosure or over 90 days delinquent

• Loan modifications are not working

• At current rates, it may take 50 months to

clear the foreclosure inventory

We need to speed up the foreclosure process

• We need to encourage private investors:  

– Make investor financing available

– Shorten depreciation to 15 years, with ACRS

– Write off losses against earned income

– No capital gain if you hold the property 5 years

Everyone agrees that housing is the key

headwind against the US economy.

• Postponing and delaying foreclosure does

nothing but extend the market paralysis

• We need a change in policy now.

Apple Smiles...

Okay Lauren, this is too cute!

• smooth peanut butter
• 1 red apple, cored and sliced into eighths
• squeeze of lemon juice
• miniature marshmallows

Spread peanut butter on one side of each apple slice (squeeze a little lemon juice over the apple if not serving immediately).

Place four miniature marshmallows on one apple slice and then lay another apple slice, peanut butter side down, on top.

Sweet Punkin'...

My punkin' is making punkin's.....so cute!   www.morethanchocolate.net

Drought comes HOME...

I took this pic today, Sep 21, 2011 - drought, this picture brings drought

to the personal level HOME,

 see the water to the left,

the water should be all the way to the right, way past the windmill.

This pic was taken July 22, 2010... hay baled, wonderful site!  see the water,

compare to the previous pic.

Pretty sad, daddy predicts water may be gone by January. 

Prayer needed indeed, for Rain! 

 God's rain!

Claire Bear said, are you ready?...

 

Yes I am ready!  You are too cute Claire Bear, thanks for texting me this pic tonight!

It makes me Happy!

I have had  a Happy Day! 

Pull Apart Bread by Tammi...

Yes, this is bread, not sweet bread. My cousin, Tammi, makes this bread!

 I had this recipe on my  last real estate postcard!

24-Frozen Rhodes Rolls (Frozen Section of Grocery Store)

Grease Bundt Pan.  Using tongs, dip each roll in melted butter.  Place in Bundt pan.

Grease saran wrap and place on top of pan.  Let rise for 4 hours.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Smells heavenly, !

Surely Says...Texas Real Estate Update...

According to RECON, Real Estate Center Online News, Sep 20, 2011.
AUSTIN (Fiscal Notes) – Agricultural losses from Texas wildfires this year are approaching $200 million, and at least 3.6 million acres in Texas have been scorched by wildfires so far this year. That's to say nothing of the many homes that have been lost.

Not sure if there is an end in sight this year... we surely need rain! 

Mighty fort-ress...

He is good for my soul!

My prize today...

 

Everyone should have a daddy just like I do!  He is my constant encourager.  He knew I had a hard time last week, and he even said I needed a prize.  That is what I have always told Lauren and Layton.  Anyway, today he showed up with a card and a "lamb".  Can you  just see him picking out this little lamb and the Hallmark sticker.  Pretty ingenious, huh!  I love this man more than anything!

Lelia, notice the "keep on keepin' on"?  Remember me emailing you this morning and saying the same thing?  Apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

Rinley Grace Update...

Rinley Grace update from her father, Rusty (my cousin),

"Just got back from seeing Rinley this morning. She had a good night. They gave her a bath and she had one of each diapers. They are giving her tiny bits of food to get her Tummy working. No procedures scheduled for today. They took off her breathing meds and are just going to monitor her throughout the day." 

Please keep this little girl in your prayers... she was airlifted by the Kangaroo Crew  (love that)  to Children's Hospital in Houston after birth -heart problems.  Her mother is still in Nacogdoches, just released from the hospital-she had a C-section, so she is trying to mend enough to make the trip to Houston.  Rusty is unable to hold Rinley, but he can rub her head.  He said she may not have hair because of all the rubbing, hehe. 

Praying God heals this baby girl...

Nice Matters...

I saw this picture on Facebook today, Rinley Grace is at Children's Hospital, you can read post below from yesterday.  Like my mother said today,

"Is there any better way to make this family know that these nurses and doctors care about this child..she is not just a number..she is little baby Rinley..God bless..."

Just a few minutes ago, I received an email from a vendor and the quote of the day is:

"They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel."

~Carl W. Buechner

Isn't this so true?  Everyday, we have many opportunities to make other's feel good about themselves and to love them.  Nice does Matter!

Surely,

Little baby Rinley Grace...see blogpost below,

Prayers for Baby Rinley...

My cousin, Rusty and Vicki Wood, had a little girl this morning.  Her name is Rinley Grace Wood, 7.5 oz, 21".  I do not have a picture of her yet.  We have since learned that Rinley has Ebsteins anomoly and pulmonary stenosis (Heart issues).  I hope I am getting all this right.  Anyway, please lift up my family and baby Rinley in  your prayers.  Pray that God's gives the physicians the knowledge, expertise, and stamina, to know exactly how to treat baby Rinley.  We all know God is in control, but humanly, it is very stressful on all involved.  I am hoping my blog reaches alot of people that will stop and say a prayer.  God hears our prayers!

Surely,

Pic courtesy of www.morethanchocolate.net

609 Whiteoak Lane, Tyler, TX 75703...

New Listing...

A Gardener's Dream. This house looks like it belongs in a Magazine. Meticulously maintained corner lot with stone pathways in front, side and back. Beautiful front door entry opens into the family room with lots of light looking out onto a covered patio. WBFP with gas starter and gas logs. Kitchen is open,with an island, black granite, black appliances, breakfast bar, and breakfast room with a built in hutch. Owner added tile in kitchen, half bath, and utility room in 2010. Kitchen has updated lighting and faucets. You will love the spacious master suite, and the gorgeous master bath, complete with double vanities, jetted tub, shower, separate walk in closets, and updated faucets. This home has an updated warm, inviting, color scheme. Plantation shutters in most of the rooms, Carpet was updated in 2009, roof replaced in 2009, A/C replaced in 2010. 2 car garage with built in storage. Located close to banking, movie theatre, and shopping. You have got to see this one!  $239,000 

click below for the virtual tour!

http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-822579.html

E.T.

Layton loves the E.T. Movie,  Lauren has been making him ET fingers out of foil.  I walked in the kitchen today, and this is where I found his "finger". I laugh everytime I walk by it!  Silly Boy!

Nosey neighbors... :)

We spent a long time on the porch today.  We noticed a deflated metallic balloon in the pasture and the cows were nudging it.  Scared that they may eat the balloon and die, :( , Greg went and retrieved the balloon.  Layton ran up and down the driveway dragging this deflated balloon.  The cows were so mesmorized by this balloon and would follow him.  I guess this is cheap entertainment, huh?  That balloon kept Layton and our nosey neighbors busy!  Why do I even buy Layton toys?  Give him trash and he plays.  Give him a water hose and he plays.  Gosh, when will I learn?  I say "minimum" toys for Christmas this year!   Just a day in the country y'all... it was a great day with my kids... relaxing... if I say so myself! 

Pinterest...

My new favorite website, PINTEREST

A virtual pinboard, you collect what you love.  You follow and are followed!  You are able to visit places you would never have found... addicting...

www.pinterest.com

Ribbon organizer, ingenious...

Found this today, is this ingenious or what?  I have always wondered how to keep my ribbon neat and easy to use instead of piled in a drawer,  go to this link,
http://spunkyjunky.blogspot.com/2011/01/tutorial-tuesday-5-dollar-ribbon.html

Think Fall...

Yes, I did it, I put out my Fall Punkin' Wreath, Fall Flag and a tin Punkin'...  I couldn't stand it, cool weather, bring it ON...

I read a post from James MacDonald on Facebook tonight, it says,

"Not one of God's purposes is ever delayed or frustrated—not even for a moment."

Time for every season, a purpose for everything, God's in control! 

Texas is on Fire...

Click below, Texas Forest Service Fire Activity,

http://ticc.tamu.edu/Response/FireActivity/

Fires in Texas are serious, we have already talked about our evacuation plan.  Sad!  We need rain!  And I admit, I do not consistently pray for rain.  God help our land!

5151 Lemon Road, Big Sandy, TX 75755...

Antebellum Ranch...

Just listed, virtual tour coming soon, AMAZING...
http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-819422.html

Blueberry Coffee Cake...

I cannot wait to try this recipe from www.alexandracooks.com
Buttermilk-Blueberry Breakfast Cake
Serves 6-8
½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 tsp. lemon zest or more — zest from 1 large lemon
7/8 cup + 1 T. sugar
1 egg, room temperature
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. kosher salt
2 cups fresh blueberries
½ cup buttermilk
1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Cream butter with lemon zest and 7/8 cup of the sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until combined. Meanwhile, toss the blueberries with ¼ cup of flour, then whisk together the remaining flour, baking powder and salt.
3. Add the flour mixture to the batter a little at a time, alternating with the buttermilk. Fold in the blueberries.
4. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan (or something similar) with butter or coat with non-stick spray. Spread batter into pan. Sprinkle batter with remaining tablespoon of sugar. Bake for 35 minutes. (Note: Some of you have found this cake needs much more time in the oven, so don’t be afraid to cook it for 10 minutes longer, if need be. Just check with a toothpick every 5 minutes or so.) Check with a toothpick for doneness. If necessary, return pan to oven for a couple of more minutes. Let cool at least 10 minutes before serving.

75 Quail Lane, Whitehouse, TX 75791...

Ready, Set, Sell! Looking for that perfect property, comforts of the city but room to expand? 6.48 acres located in Whitehouse ISD, 3 stall barn, loft, 3 stall

lean to, tack room with 3 wall mount saddle racks, spring fed pond, fenced property. House is 1608 SF, 3 bedrooms, Walk-in closet in the master bedroom, 2

baths, 2 car garage. Warm paint colors, WBFP with insert unit. Roof 2009, HWH 2011, 2009 new energy efficient windows, R38 insulation in attic. Covered

back patio, 12 x 12 storage building. Long concrete driveway leads to house and barn giving you the feeling of a small ranch. Great place for horses, yet

close to shopping and schools. Fruit trees and many sunny spots for a garden. Pictures shown are August 2011 drought, and the Owner's pictures in April

l2011 when the grass is green and pond is full. A must see!

MLS # 10014252, $200K.
Virtual Tour
http://vu.realbiz360.com/Listing-810794.html