My Bella Rose

We Will Never Forget.

2011-09-11T11:55:00.001-05:00

In memory of 9/11, of those who lost their lives, of the heroes who lost their lives saving others, and the loved ones who continue to mourn those lost that day.

"The hole in the skyline is symbolic of the hole in our lives" ~ President George W. Bush ~ 09/11/11

Until next time, God Bless.

Sandra

We Have Babies in the House!

2011-08-31T20:49:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone. I hope you all are doing well. I’m looking forward to fall! Cooler fall weather!

As my title says "We have babies in the house" they are actually puppies. My Shih Tzu dogs Skipper and Dixie are proud parents of three pups. One male and two females. They are 4 weeks old today. :)

This is Dixie as a puppy. :) Looks like she is saying “the camera flash is too bright!” lol

And here she is with her babies. She sure is a good mama. :) I had her trimmed very short so that her hair wouldn’t get in the way of the puppies.

So precious. Isn't it amazing how they know what to do after each puppy is born? It really is amazing!

I will keep you all updated on their growth. We sure are going to miss them when they go to their homes.

Y’all have a wonderful day.

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Psalm 92:1-2

2011-08-14T05:00:00.000-05:00

Psalm 92:1-2 How good it is to give thanks to you, O Lord, to sing in your honor, O Most High God, to proclaim your constant love every morning and your faithfulness every night.

I hope you are having a wonderful Sunday full of blessings.

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Is it Wine O’clock?

2011-08-12T16:55:00.001-05:00

I have a friend who says this often, Ha ha! :D It’s Friday and looking forward to the weekend. Why? Just because hubby and I are planning on finishing some painting we had started. The task of painting is never over for us!

Have a wonderful weekend full of projects and then relaxation. :)

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Decorating with Green Accents.

2011-08-11T20:40:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone. Today I want to share my green decorative pieces I have. Come on in!

I like decorating in earth-tone colors and have red as an accent color. I also like using green. My colors are brown, gold, green and red. Hmm, I guess I like warm colors. :)

Here I have faux green apples and because it’s summer, I like to decorate with shells. :)

I made this little arrangement using green tone flowers, faux fruit, and other little tidbits. :)

Close-up! What do you think? I love my little arrangement if I do say so myself. :) I should be able to use it in the fall as well.

Summertime! :)

More green accents. I have two faux plants on the mantle. Don’t you just love faux plants and flowers? I found the two vases at Hobby Lobby. Love that place! The color on the wall is Tobacco Road and I had it mixed at Sherwin Williams. Love this color!

I used faux ferns and feathers. :) They are both from Hobby Lobby.

Another view of my fireplace area. The picture is from Kirkland’s. That’s a great place to find beautiful decorative pieces for your home. Everything else you see is from Hobby Lobby.

Close up of the vases. Oh my gosh! I love these! I am partial to decorating with red and green. Can you tell? :)

Candles are a great way to add color. :)

Today I am linking with

Heather & Vanessa @ Inspiration Friday

Kate & Flaunt it Friday

Marty & Tabletop Tuesday

Kim & Wow Us Wednesdays

Be sure and visit all of these lovely blog parties for some outstanding inspirations! I love these blogs!

Thank you all so much for visiting My Bella Rose. Until next time….

TA TA FOR NOW! :)

Sandra

From Carpet & Stick-On Tile to Ceramic Tile.

2011-08-03T22:13:00.001-05:00

Hi Y’all! I hope you are doing great and surviving this heat! It’s hot in my parts of Texas! We are slowly getting rid of the carpet in our house. I’m so happy to finally have ceramic tile in the front entrance, dining room, living room, and kitchen. So proud of hubby for all the hard work! I helped too. :D We had the peel on stick tile and let me tell you it was a doozy to take it off!

This was the kitchen and I scraped the old tile off! What a job! Can you see the horrendous carpet? Ok, maybe not horrendous but I was ready to get rid of it. ha!

After hubby popped the lines to make sure that he placed the tiles straight, he began the task of installing the new tile! Woohoo! Hubby!

Look at him work! Looking good hubby! :)

My sweet hubby taking the flagstone off. What a job! Kudos to him for persisting and not giving up! lol

After we took off the carpet in the living room, we found the same stick on tile underneath! ugh! More work but we finished!

See that tool on the bottom right? We used that tool to scrape off the glue! Hubby was using another tool that scrapes off the tile. It was so much easier to scrape off the tile with that tool! lol

And this is the tile we decided to use. It is 18 x 18 and is called Fall Creek Suede from Lowes. Lub it! Lub it! Lub it!

Look at the tile now! Lub it! We still need to add baseboard but it sho is looking good, don’t you think? “wink” “wink” We are also planning on putting crown molding. The wall color is Tobacco Road and it was mixed at Sherwin Williams.

I also wanted to share this picture. This is an accent color we chose from the same color strip as Tobacco Road. This color is called Dried Tobacco. Got both mixed at Sherwin Williams. You can see both colors there. Tobacco Road looks off in this picture. But…. I love love how my house is finally coming along! We will be putting crown molding soon.

Oh my gosh! I love the tile! The wall color is Tobacco Road. And you can see the little accent wall with the color Dried Tobacco. Basically, the whole house is now painted in Tobacco Road with the exception of two bedrooms….the boys’ bedrooms. ha! I let them choose another color for their rooms. Next time, I will share what we have done to the house and what a change it has gone thru!

Today I am linking with:

Kim & Wow Us Wednesdays

Gina & Transformation Thursday

Heather & Vanessa @ Inspiration Friday

Kate & Flaunt it Friday

Susan & Metamorphosis Monday

Y’all make sure to visit these wonderful blogs for some inspiration!

Thanks for visiting My Bella Rose and hanging in there with me. I will try to post more often. I found out that I miss bloggy world! Y’all are the best! Until next time,

TA TA FOR NOW! :)

Sandra

What is Life About?

2011-07-30T21:10:00.001-05:00

~When I woke up this morning, I asked myself , "What is life about?" I found the answer in my room...

the fan said, "Be cool."

The roof said, "Aim high."

The window said, "See the world !"

The clock said, "Every minute is precious."

The mirror said, "Reflect before you act."

The calendar said, "Be up to date."

The door said, "Push hard for your goals."

But most importantly,

The floor said, "Kneel down and pray"...~

I want to thank those that left condolences on the passing of my father in law . I thank you from the bottom of my heart. We’re still dealing with the loss. Some days are hard. Hard for us. Hard for our boys. Thanks again y’all.

I’m trying very hard to get back on track and begin to blog. Thank you all so much for sticking with me. Love you all!

God Bless everyone of you!

Sandra

He Is With Our Heavenly Father

2011-05-30T17:04:00.002-05:00

Let’s see if I remember how to do this still.

Hello my dear friends. I have been MIA. I hope y’all remember me. Some of you may remember back when I posted about my father in law and his dealing with Alzheimer’s. That horrible disease. :( Here is my previous post. http://mybellarose.blogspot.com/2010/12/i-need.html and here is another previous that I mentioned my father in law and this terrible disease. http://mybellarose.blogspot.com/2010/12/i-need.html

I am sad to say that he passed on April 19th, 2011. April 19th was during Holy Week. Someone told us that he must have been so holy himself to have passed during holy week. I have no doubt in my mind that this is true. He was a man of God who loved the Lord with all his heart. He was devoted to the church and to Eucharistic Adoration every Thursday evening for years and years.

On Easter Sunday, we attended Mass with our Mother in law and then went to have breakfast. You see, we viewed my father in law for the first time on Easter. The kids all understood that this year there would be no dying eggs or an Easter egg hunting. We would spend our Easter at the funeral home. And I am so proud to say that everyone of the children in our family behaved properly. I am beyond proud of them all.

Even though we were all expecting this, it is still hard. We all took it very hard. I was honored to make a slide show of his life. My husband and I cried and cried every time I played the slide show for review. Then we cried again at the funeral home when everyone watched it too. I also had the honor of writing out his obituary. I prayed that the Lord guide me in my words as I began to write it out and that HE did. HE really did guide me.

He is with our Heavenly Father now.

May you RIP Mr. Paz.

I hope everyone is doing good. Remember to say “I Love You” to everyone you love. Let them know how much you love them. Hug your loved ones.

God Bless. I’ll be posting more often. Thanks to everyone of you who is still following and that you have not given up on me. May you all be blessed!

Ta Ta For Now!

Sandra

Oh The Scene of Green, Green, Green….And Red Of Course!

2011-02-11T20:46:00.001-06:00

Hello! Welcome to My Bella Rose! Today I am linking with Flaunt It Friday, Make it for Monday, and Marty & Tabletop Tuesday. Y’all make sure and visit these wonderful blogs! You’ll be glad you did!

I’ve been away but I’m hoping to rekindle friendships through out bloggy world.

Oh my goodness! I’ve been longing for spring so much. Texas has been very cold. It was so cold that we had lost power for close to a day last week. To top it off, we had frozen pipes because of no power. When the pipes finally thawed out, we had busted pipes! Our pipes run in the attic so you can just imagine the mess. Still working on the mess. We ended up having to replace all of the pipes. Next step is to work on the walls and ceiling that got wet. Those will have to be replaced. What a mess! I’m so ready for warm weather. I did manage to put this little vignette together. I’ve been on a green color kick here lately. I’m telling ya, I am missing spring. Really! I still love my red though!

I bought the flowers and vase at Hobby Lobby. The plate with the flowers and hummingbird is from Home Goods. The swan is from Home Goods as well.

I love the combination of red and green.

Look at that wonderful color of green. I love it!

Don’t you just love the glow from the lamp? I bought the lamp at H.L. at 50 percent off! Score!!

Love the glow! :)

I hope you enjoyed all of my photos. :)

Thank you so much for visiting My Bella Rose!

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Monkey Bread Anyone?

2011-02-10T20:14:00.001-06:00

I am linking with Design by Gollum and Foodie Friday. Please visit this wonderful blog to see what everyone else is sharing with us.

Hello! Remember me? I hope everyone is doing great. I don’t know about y’all but I’m so ready for spring!

Yay!! I still remember how to post! I know it’s been a long time since I’ve posted anything on my blog. Life gets in the way, kwim? It seems that the more you are away from blogging the harder it is to get back. Anyone else gone thru this? Anyway, I’m sure most of you have heard of Monkey Bread but I hadn’t till recently. LOL It is very easy to make and the kids devoured it. :D

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 cans (16.3 oz each) Pillsbury® Grands!® Homestyle refrigerated buttermilk biscuits

1/2 cup chopped walnuts, if desired

1/2 cup raisins, if desired

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

3/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

DIRECTIONS

Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease 12-cup fluted tube pan with shortening or cooking spray. In large -storage plastic food bag, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon.
Separate dough into 16 biscuits; cut each into quarters. Shake in bag to coat. Arrange in pan, adding walnuts and raisins among the biscuit pieces.
In small bowl, mix brown sugar and butter; pour over biscuit pieces.
Bake 28 to 32 minutes or until golden brown and no longer doughy in center. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Turn upside down onto serving plate; pull apart to serve. Serve warm.

I lost a few friends and it makes me a little sad:( To those that stuck around even if I hadn’t posted, Thank you!! God Bless everyone of you!!!

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Easy Peasy Gifts

2010-12-18T16:55:00.001-06:00

Hi y’all! I hope you’re having a wonderful weekend! We’re waiting for our son Jr to get here from Houston! He had finals up until yesterday (Friday) and he is finished for this semester. Woohoo! Some of you newer friends (followers) may not know this, but he is a second year medical student and we are so proud of him. Actually, we just got home from fightin’ the crowds at the stores! I have just a few more gifts to wrap up for our boys and we will be finished! There is a special gift that we have not been able to find for our three youngest boys! It looks like we will be up with the roosters tomorrow morning and hope to find it then! This certain store opens at 6:00 in the morning! Gasp!

I wanted to share with you some little gifts for some special teachers my boys have. I love to send the boys off with a gift for their teachers as a token of our appreciation. This year I decided to buy a mug and a one pound bag of Starbucks coffee.

The card says it “perfect” :)

And there you have it. Some easy peasy gifts but I’m sure they will enjoy it. They are coffee drinkers. ;)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sandra

Santa’s Boots??

2010-12-17T10:38:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone! I want to thank all of my followers from the bottom of my heart. I know I have not been posting as frequent but I know that you understand as well. Thanks for hanging on, sweet and dear friends. Please accept my apology if I haven’t responded to anyone that has left comments. I think common courtesy is to at least go back and leave a sweet note to anyone that has taken the time to leave a comment, kwim? Thank you from the bottom of my heart. So there is my little tidbit of a thank you.

As I was sitting in my favorite wingback chair and just enjoying my Christmas tree, I look down and what do I see? I see boots? Could they be Santa’s boots?

Look again. :D My hard working hubby decided to take his boots off and place them right there where you see them. :) He was too exhausted to take them off in our bedroom. Ok with me. I love you honey and I appreciate everything you do for us.

A friend suggested I wrapped them up for Christmas! :) That’s a good idea except what will he wear until then? *wink*

I’m linking with Vanessa & Inspiration Friday Party

Thanks for coming by!

Sandra

Christmas Tree Party!

2010-12-14T00:00:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone! Today I am linking with Thrifty Decor Chick’s tree party , Sherry & Share the Decor, and Hooked on Houses Holiday Party. I do apologize for being late but so glad that I am able to join. Here is the Christmas tree that I have in the living room.

Let’s start at the top. :) This year, I used mesh garland in red. I also used a gold mesh garland. I added picks that I found at Hobby Lobby. Love Hobby Lobby:)

I found this ribbon last week at H.L. and unfortunately found only one roll! I was able to use it on the front of the tree only.

And there you have it! :) Thank you for letting me join these fun parties! Off to see everyone else’s posts. :)

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

It’s Santa Claus Time!

2010-12-13T17:01:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone! Welcome to My Bella Rose! I am linking with Marty & Tabletop Tuesday, &, Sherry & Share the Decor, Vanessa & Inspiration Friday Party. Please give them a visit! You’ll be glad you did!

I have a small contribution to the parties but I hope y’all like it! Meet Mr & Mrs Santa Claus!

Here is a close-up of the flower arrangement. I decided to keep using the same arrangement I have here but added some Christmas picks to it.

And who do we have here? Why, it’s Mr. Santa Claus but in different attire! That silly Santa Claus! He gets bored of the same ole red and white clothing!

Here is a close-up of my bells I have hanging in my entrance hallway. I’ve had these for years and years.

Oh my goodness! What is that?! Gasp! An unfinished wall! Yep, we decided to open up our entrance, my itty bitty dining room and my kitchen. Dh knocked down a wall, had to place a beam, which is what you see, and open it all up. I can’t wait to show you all once we are finished.

So there you have it! I hope you enjoyed my little contribution! Have a wonderful day y’all!

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

My Christmas Mantle Setup.

2010-12-13T09:36:00.005-06:00

Hello everyone! First of all, I’d like to thank those of you that responded to my previous post. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Like my mother in law says, we are taking it day by day. We all agree that God has the last word on when our lives end. The dr gave a prognosis but we know that the prognosis that counts is God’s. So we are just going to be there for mama (mother in law) and love a lot to both of them. Pops (father in law) may not know who we are, but I’m sure he can feel that we love him. So with that said…..I want to share my mantle. Oh my goodness! I worked on this on a weekend nonstop!

This year I added the color chartreuse to my red and gold theme. Chartreuse seems to be very popular! I love it!

A close-up. Loooove it!!! The green color gives it that pop!

You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I’m telling you why. Santa Claus is coming to town. :) I'd like to add that I found this Santa picture at Kirklands on Black Friday of this year! Isn't he grand and beautiful?

I am linking with

Susan & Met Monday.
Sherry & Share the Decor
Sue and Rednesday! http://suelovescherries.blogspot.com/
Flaunt it Friday at Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Please visit these wonderful blogs for some really neat posts full of ideas!

Thank you all for dropping by My Bella Rose. :)

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

I Need…..

2010-12-07T21:53:00.001-06:00

to ask for prayers.

Hi everyone. I hope you all are doing wonderful. I don’t usually share personal things about my loved ones but…….I have been away from blogging for a while now and the reason is because we received some news about my father-in-law. You see, he has Alzheimer’s and things are not looking good at all. We are devastated. :( He is like a father to me and I’m trying to shake this depression. I will not go into details because I’m sure my little ones come and read my blog every so often. Please keep him in your prayers. Please keep my mother in law and all of us in your prayers. I hadn’t even decorated for Christmas until this past weekend. My sweet mother in law told me that I should decorate. I also told her that she should put her Christmas tree up at least (with our help) because their grandkids also look forward to seeing her tree up. Hopefully she will change her mind. If not, it’s ok. Here is a picture I’d like to share with y’all. It is of him and some of his grandkids and a couple of grandkids at heart.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers and your love. I’ll be back another day to share my Christmas tree and other little things I did. My heartfelt thanks.

Sandra

Buh Bye Brass!!

2010-11-21T18:26:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone! I hope y’all are having a good week! Thanksgiving Day is coming up! Are you headin’ out to the stores to get everything you need for the holiday? I am! I have just a few more things to buy and that’s it. The turkey is bought and stored away for now. Pecan and pumpkin pies are ordered. We used to make them ourselves but the last few years we have chosen to just buy them. So much easier!

Anyway, I wanted to show you what we worked on this weekend. I had this idea a while back to spray paint these two fixtures in one of my favorite colors…..Oil Rubbed Bronze. Hubby finally had a chance to take these off so that I could get to town with my spray paint. Woohoo!!!! Let’s start out with the chandelier in my mini dining room. It used to be brass! Brass is so out of date, isn’t it? :)

Here is a before picture:

Here it is in all of its brassy self. ha ha! This is how I decorated it last year for Christmas .

And after:

My sweet hubby hanging it back up after I spray painted it. So thankful he is such a patient man! He is always ready to help my crafty self! Ha ha!!

It looks so much better! Love ORB paint!

Luuuuvvvv it!!!

This little light also got a makeover. I don’t have a before picture but you can imagine it in brass. blaahhh……. Look at it now. :)

Here it is close up. Woohooness!

So there you have it! Spray paint is so easy to use.

I am linking this post with

Cindy and Make it for Monday,

Susan and Met Monday,

Talented Tuesday at My Frugal Family,

Power of Paint at Domestically Speaking, and

Flaunt it Friday at Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Please visit these wonderful blogs for some really neat posts full of ideas!

Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I really appreciate all of your comments.

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Ask, And Ye Shall Receive.

2010-11-21T01:06:00.000-06:00

God wants you to know that it's okay to ask for help. At times we get overwhelmed with the details and complexities of our lives. Sometimes we need some help to get untangled, to gain a new perspective. Ask for help. Help may come in human

or divine form. It may be seen or unseen. Ask, and ye shall receive.

Have a wonderful day!

Sandra

Tickled Pink!

2010-11-10T19:21:00.001-06:00

About what you ask? First of all, Gloria from Happy to Be was having a giveaway for a pink tool set and I won! Moi! Gloria and I talked on the phone for a good while and she is just as sweet on the phone as she is on her blog. :) I really enjoyed chatting with you, sweet lady. Thank you for the pink tool set and I look forward to using it. :) I quickly took this picture but please excuse the bad quality of it. I couldn’t find my little canon point and shoot so I ended up taking the pictures with my huge Canon. Looks like the flash settled on my face. *blush* My hair is a mess cause I had been running some errands around town. So anyway, that is the drill you see from the set. It’s pink:)

I love love it! My boys and I had such a fun time looking at all of the tools. They also told me that I looked like a kid at a candy store. ha ha!

I will definitely use these babies often, Gloria! I love it!

I also came to check my blog and noticed that I have two new followers. My heart was doing a pitter patter. :) Aw, y’all are too sweet. Thank you! I enjoy following along your blogs and even though we’ll probably never meet in person, you all are special to me. Everyone of you. When people want to follow my humble blog, I am almost stunned. lol Well maybe not stunned but it really touches my heart. I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. I pray that each and everyone of you receive many blessings. Till next time…

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Mantle Party…..

2010-11-07T21:48:00.001-06:00

Hey everyone! Have you checked out all of the mantles or is it mantels at Beth’s Party? Here is the link. You’ll want to go check out all of the mantles. They are all stunning! These are mantles from last year just to give you a little inspiration. :)
http://www.thestoriesofa2z.com/2010/11/last-years-christmas-mantle-mantel.html

Here is my link of my mantle from last year. -----http://mybellarose.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-fireplace-is-decked-out.html

I’ve been thinking here lately as to how I’m going to decorate it this year. I tend to change it up a bit year after year. :)

Hobby Lobby has their Christmas picks for half off this week! I need to go to H.L. :) http://www.hobbylobby.com/weekly/entire_ad.cfm?menu=1

Have a good night!

Sandra

You are a Human Being…..

2010-11-07T04:00:00.000-06:00

On this day God wants you to know that you are a human being, not a human doing. Take time to just be, to breathe slowly, to feel your body that is the temple of your soul. No activities, no worries, no buzzing.

Have a wonderful Sunday, my friends.

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Outdoor Fall Display

2010-11-06T19:43:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone. Today I am linking with Chari and Sunday Favorites. I do believe this is my first time participating, Chari:) Yippee!
I had originally posted this on October, 6, 2009 and since we are in the fall season, I thought it would be fitting to share it again.

This was from a Sandra Lee magazine and I loved this display!

I looked and looked for a wooden wheelbarrow but didn’t find one so I decided to use my old wagon. It’s not as fallish as the wheelbarrow but I think it'll be ok. I hurriedly placed the two pumpkins in front of the wagon. I think i’ll add a bale of hay and place the pumpkins on top of the hay instead. :) I took this picture this morning and fog was starting to set in.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day.

Sandra

I Got the Flu Shot & Being Spoiled.

2010-11-05T17:42:00.000-05:00

I’m linking with Vanessa and Inspiration Friday Party. Thank you Vanessa for hosting this fun party.

I am so spoiled.

Spoiled by my husband and my kids! *sigh* :) I got my flu shot and of course got some of the symptoms. Symptoms like headaches, achiness, etc. Is it worth it to get the flu shot? Of course it is. So in the meantime, I’m being spoiled by my boys. I decided to curl up on the sofa. I don’t usually do this in the living room. Ha ha! One of my twins was brushing my hair and the other twin decided to take pictures. I must be influencing them to be photographers. *wink* Love my boys. :)

Silly kids! I store my camera in the little cabinet. See the door open? LOL!

I’m going thru a midlife crisis! I have decided to be a blondie! My beautician told me that it’s going to take about four to five trips because she has to highlight it slowly. Oh dear me! LOL! I have to condition often so that my poor hair will not get so damaged. I’ll show y’all what products I use some time.

Look at that precious face! He has the most perfect complexion and color! He’s tanned like my husband. I wish I had a tan like that. LOL

I can’t believe I’m showing you this picture! The horror! I have no makeup on! ha! After I told my son “love you” in sign language, I told him to put the camera up!

Thank you so much for visiting My Bella Rose and a little peak at home life. :)

Until next time,

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Pretty Table Runner.

2010-11-02T20:50:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone! It’s Sandra! :) Today I am linking with Marty with Tabletop Tuesday, and Sue with Rednesday. Y’all visit these two wonderful blogs please! You’ll be glad you did. :)

I can’t believe it is November already. In addition to shopping at Home Goods (in Houston) I also went to Kirkland’s. This table runner caught my eye. As you can see it is red and gold. My perfect colors.

Perfect for my entrance hallway. :)

Until next time,

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

We visited our son in Houston.

2010-11-01T19:01:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone! I hope you all are having wonderful fall days. We just got back from visiting our son in Houston. Some of you may not know but he is in his 2nd year of med. school there. My sweet hubby had the weekend off from work so we decided to take our three youngest boys with us on a trip! It takes us a good nine hours to get there but I think it’s worth it. :) We had the nicest time with our oldest. We went out to eat and I splurged on a margarita. *smile* Then I wanted to go shopping but Jr didn’t want to so he took his three little brothers sight seeing. My hubby was the one that had to take “moi” shopping. LOL! He doesn’t mind though. ha ha! There is a new Home Goods in Houston and I was in Home Goods heaven! I wanted everything! LOL! Of course I thought of my blogger friends and that they’d wanna see what I saw. I walked around taking pictures and I’m sure people wondered by I was taking pictures. HA HA!! Please excuse the quality of some of the photos (like the Santas) I took these with my phone.

Oh my goodness! Look at this stunning rooster! Is he purty or what?!

Look at this stunner! Aaah, so beautiful!

Love these! I didn’t buy any roosters or anything rooster related. Boohoo!

But look at these! Isn’t he just beautiful?

So beautiful and ready to go home! :)

I couldn’t decide on which one to choose! Either this one or…..

this one?? So I had both side by side and I chose this one finally. :) I can’t wait to display him for the Christmas season. These Santas are all going for 49.99! I thought it was a good deal! He’s a good three feet or really close to it!

Well y’all, I hope you enjoyed my post. I’m going to look into how to cook pumpkin?! I bought a good sized pumpkin but because we were in Houston, we just didn’t have a chance to carve it for halloween! I told my hubby that I am going to cook it and make some pumpkin bread! We’ll see what happens. :D I hope you all have a wonderful Monday evening. :)

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Red and Gold

2010-10-21T19:15:00.000-05:00

I’m linking with Vanessa & Inspiration Friday Party, Tam & Three or More Tuesday, and Sue & Rednesday. Please visit these wonderful blogs! You’ll be glad you did! :)

Slowly but surely, I’m changing things around here. This is our bedroom. I bought this bedding at JCP for a great price! The bedding is called Castlebury.

Please excuse the handle there! That’s my treadmill. We have it in our bedroom cause we don’t have any where else to put it. It’s ok, I won’t complain. ;) Aaah, someday we will have a king size bed. This is a queen size. It looks small! LOL!

I found these two pillows at Kirklands. They were 2 for 19.99! Perfect!

Here is a close-up of the bedding. Beautiful rich colors but not overpowering! My boys have informed me that the bed looks like it belongs in a hotel. Ha ha! Kids!

I also bought some curtains in a gold color but I won’t put those on until I finish painting our bedroom.

And speaking of Red! It’s a red can! Have y’all gotten a hold of this air freshener? It is Glade Winter Collection in Apple Cinnamon. Oh my goodness! It smells yummy and so fallish!

Have I told you lately that I appreciate you visiting “My Bella Rose”? Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to visit my humble blog. Y’all have no idea how much it means to me. Again, thank you! Thank you!

Until next time,

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

My Fall Garland and The Color of Red! :)

2010-10-20T11:32:00.001-05:00

Hello y’all! (I really say “y’all in real life:D) My goodness, I don’t think we will have fall weather in my parts of the world. LOL! It was already sixty degrees early this morning.

Today I am linking with Susan with Outdoor Wednesday, and Sue with Rednesday. Please visit these two wonderful blogs.

So yesterday I mentioned that I was going to share my garland I have out in my front porch. I think sunflowers look right at home with the fall colors, don’t you think?

First, I hung grapevine and then whatever decorations I use for each season. I change out the decorations for each season.

Marla, can you see the subtle changes? ;)

Here is another view. I painted the little chair and the pot. The chair is Posh Red (like the door) from Valspar. The pot is painted in Spanish Tile by Valspar.

This also got a makeover. I gave it just one coat because I wanted some of the previous color to show thru.

I love how the yellow of the mums looks with the red! I can’t wait for these little flowers to really bloom. :)

And that’s about it. Y’all have a wonderful day, ok? :) Thank you for visiting My Bella Rose.

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Cozy as Candlelight.

2010-10-19T20:58:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone! Remember me? *wink* I hope y’all are enjoying cooler weather. Our weather is somewhat cool in the mornings but by afternoon it is in the upper eighties. I hadn’t showed y’all my table arrangement with the candles lit up. I finally bought some matches! ha! Doesn’t it all look so cozy? Aaah! I could sit there and sip a cup of coffee or hot tea. Mmm! I also added some little styrofoam (balls?) to the bottom of each hurricane. They’re red! I found those at Dollar Tree.

Well I hope you guys visit me tomorrow:) I’m going to show you my fall garland and some little changes I made in the porch. Marla, you’ll love my little changes. :D Hint…Red!

Y’all have a good evening!

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

God Has a Plan.

2010-10-10T18:03:00.001-05:00

Yesterday something happened so out of the ordinary that I know it was God’s doing. I won’t go into details but I had been praying about this for a while. After praying about this for a little while I said in my mind, “In your own time, Father” Our Heavenly Father answered my prayers yesterday! I thank HIM with all of my heart! You may be going thru something and have prayed and prayed about it. I’d like to encourage you by telling you that “In HIS own time” prayers are answered. Don’t give up! Please keep the faith! Keep positive and know in your heart that everything is going to be alright. Sometimes our prayer requests may not be answered in the way that we want but remember that God is our Father and HE knows what’s best for us.

I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

I hope y’all are having a wonderful Sunday full of love and laughter. :)

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Fall Tassels.

2010-10-06T21:23:00.001-05:00

I’ve been busy as a bee around here! I am linking with The DIY Show Off...Fall For All! Please visit this wonderful blog to see what others are sharing with us.

I went to Dollar Tree and found these two little cuties. Oh my goodness! I had so much fun making them into decorative tassels!

Little side note here: I must hurry and finish this post before the Benadryl kicks in. I was working on my garland outside when my allergies started to act up. I am allergic to dust. No seriously. ha ha I am allergic to weeds, grass, and dust.

I have it hanging here for now. :)

And here is the other one I made. This one is hanging on the curio cabinet in the living room.

I must say that once you make a tassel, there is no stopping! They are quite addicting!

Ok, I have promised myself that I will NOT buy anything else that is fall related. *blush*

Thank you for visiting My Bella Rose.

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Fall Party at Rhoda’s!

2010-10-06T17:44:00.002-05:00

I am excited to join Rhoda at Southern Hospitality for her fall party! Thank you Rhoda for hosting!

Come on in! In the front entrance, I have decorated with a few branches, some ceramic pumpkins, and some fall picks. The wall color is called Tobacco Road.

All I did was add the fall picks to this arrangement. I already had the red and cream color flowers in this vase.:)

Some of you have seen this photo. I hope you don’t mind me sharing it again. This is my dining table.

Mr Rooster all dressed up for fall.

I added fall picks to this wreath as well.

and last but not least, my mantle. I added some rich shades of reds here. The letter “M” was painted my moi. I used some paint that I had already called Spanish Tile by Valspar. I also applied Rub & Buff to it. Can you tell I that I love the color red? ha ha!

And this vase is sitting on the fireplace. More of the vibrant fall colors.

Again, thank you so much, Rhoda! Now let’s go see what everyone else is sharing with us!

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

I have to share this.

2010-10-06T17:23:00.001-05:00

Anyone watch The Rachel Ray Show? I hardly watch tv but I think it was meant to be that I watch it this morning. While I was cleaning house this morning, I I decided to turn on the tv. I happen to leave the channel on the Rachel Ray Show and this segment of this young girl really touched my heart. I had to stop and say a prayer of thanksgiving. I bet most of us complain about the smallest things but we need to realize that we are lucky. Lucky to wake each morning. Lucky that we are even able to complain, kwim? Please click on the link and watch the touching story about a girl named Chrissy. I was full of tears this morning y’all. Omgosh, she really touched my heart. God Bless her and her family.

http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/segments/view/new-face-chrissy/

The following link is about her triumph. People thought she could never go on with life. They thought she would never have a baby! Look at her now!

http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/segments/view/chrissys-triumph/

I hope this story touches your soul like it did me.

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

My Table with Fall Decor.

2010-10-05T19:29:00.001-05:00

Hello! Welcome to My Bella Rose. Today I am joining Marty and Tabletop Tuesday. I really enjoy participating in this weekly party! Thank you Marty for hosting. :)

I purchased these two sweet little angels two years ago at Hobby Lobby. I call them “Harvest Angels”

I placed fall picks in the bottom of the apothecary jar and the bird couple on top of a little piece of styrofoam because I want them to be higher up. :) On the bottom of the apothecary jar, I made a ring with some of the fall picks.

These hurricanes were made by moi. :) This great idea is from Creative Home Expressions. I didn’t make them exactly as she did because my Dollar Tree was out of the smaller hurricanes. As soon as they have them and I’m lucky enough to be there, I will definitely buy a couple. :) This is such a great idea! You can use these thru out every season! Love them! I think they would make great gifts too! Basically, you buy two hurricanes and two candlesticks. Glue the candlestick to the bottom of the hurricane and that’s it. Easy peasy!!

Thank you for visiting my blog! I do hope you enjoyed my little post and I certainly hope you come back for a visit! :)

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Blessings.

2010-10-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

You may think you have challenges, but you have so many blessings. Sometimes it takes only a moment of conscious effort to recognize those blessings. Once you focus on the gifts instead of the problems, your whole perspective will change and you will see blessings everywhere.

I think most of us tend to think of our challenges day to day. I know I do. I am now trying to focus more on my blessings. :) May this be a reminder to all of us to recognize those blessings from our Heavenly Father.

Have a wonderful Sunday.

Sandra

Pumpkin Bread Anyone?

2010-10-02T19:15:00.001-05:00

Hi y’all! We are having some cool mornings finally! Actually, I’ve had my windows open all day today! It is so nice to have some cool breeze coming in and not having to use the A.C. This morning I was in the “baking” mood and made a pumpkin bread and a banana bread. I made the banana bread for a neighbor. I love baking goodies and sharing with my neighbors. :)

Here is the recipe I used. I also made a cream cheese frosting and used just a smidgen of it for the topping. I don’t like too much frosting, do you? :)

Ingredients:

3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 can (16 ounces) pumpkin or fresh pumpkin if you’d like. (I used canned)

Directions
Grease and flour pan. Heat oven to 350*F.
In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and soda, spices, and salt.

In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, oil, and eggs; stir until well blended. Stir pumpkin into the egg mixture. Gradually add sifted dry ingredients to the pumpkin and egg mixture, stirring well after each addition. Spoon batter into prepared tube pan. Bake for 1 hour and around 15 to 20 minutes, or when cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool on a rack for 10 minutes before removing from pan.

Cream Cheese Frosting (optional)

6 oz Cream Cheese at room temperature
About 2 to 3 cups of powdered sugar. I didn’t use all three cups. I used a little over 2 cups. It was good.
1/3 cup of butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-2 tablespoons milk

Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and butter in medium bowl. Add vanilla and milk to reach a smooth texture and desired spreadability.

Well I hope you all are having a wonderful day! Please take time to relax and enjoy yourselves. :)

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

How Fights Started

2010-10-01T05:00:00.000-05:00

These are so funny!! I hope y’all get a good laugh at these like I did!

How Fights Started.......

One year, a husband decided to buy his mother-in-law a cemetery plot as a Christmas gift...
The next year, he didn't buy her a gift.
When she asked him why, he replied, "Well, you still haven't used the gift I bought you last year!"
And that's how the fight started.....

================

I asked my wife, 'Where do you want to go for our anniversary?'
It warmed my heart to see her face melt in sweet appreciation.
'Somewhere I haven't been in a long time!' she said.
So I suggested, 'How about the kitchen?'
And that's when the fight started....

================

My wife and I are watching Who Wants To Be A Millionaire while we were
in bed.. I turned to her and said, 'Do you want to have sex?'
'No,' she answered.
I then said, 'Is that your final answer?'
She didn't even look at me this time, simply saying 'Yes.'
So I said, 'Then I'd like to phone a friend.'
And that's when the fight started....

================

I tried to talk my wife into buying a case of Miller Light for $14.95.
Instead, she bought a jar of cold cream for $7.95. I told her the beer
would make her look better at night than the cold cream..
And that's when the fight started.......

================

I took my wife to a restaurant. The waiter, for some reason, took my order first..
'I'll have the strip steak, medium rare, please.'
He said, 'Aren't you worried about the mad cow?'
'Nah, she can order for herself.'
And that's when the fight started.....

================

My wife sat down on the couch next to me as I was flipping
the channels.
She asked, 'What's on TV?'
I said, 'Dust.'
And then the fight started...

================

My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming
anniversary.
She said, 'I want something shiny that goes from 0 to 200 in about 3 seconds.'
I bought her a scale.
And then the fight started...

================

My wife and I were sitting at a table at her high school
reunion, and she kept staring at a drunken man swigging his drink as
he sat alone at a nearby table.
I asked her, 'Do you know him?'
'Yes,' she sighed, ' He's my old boyfriend...
I understand he took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear he hasn't been sober since..'
'My God!' I said, 'who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?'
And then the fight started...

================

I rear-ended a car this morning.. So, there we were
alongside the road and slowly the other driver got out of his car. You know how sometimes you just get soooo stressed and little things just seem funny? Yeah, well I couldn't believe it... he was a DWARF!!!
He stormed over to my car, looked up at me, and shouted, 'I AM NOT HAPPY!'
So, I looked down at him and said, 'Well, then which one are you?'
And then the fight started...
================

SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST! ...

THE BROKEN LAWN MOWER
When our lawn mower broke and wouldn't run, my wife kept hinting to me that I should get it fixed..
But, somehow I always had something else to take care of first, the truck, the car, playing golf,
Always something more important to me.
Finally she thought of a clever way to make her point. When I arrived home one day, I found her seated in the tall grass, busily snipping away with a tiny pair of sewing scissors. I watched silently for a short time and then went into the house. I was gone only a minute, and when I came out again I handed her a toothbrush. I said, 'When you finish cutting the grass, you might as well sweep the driveway.'
The doctors say I will walk again, but I will always have a limp.

Have a great day!

Sandra

Mr Rooster and a Wreath.

2010-09-30T21:53:00.001-05:00

Hello and welcome to My Bella Rose! Today I am linking up with Flaunt it Friday at Chic on a Shoestring Decorating, and Inspiration Friday at Southern in my Heart.

I am slowly transitioning my home into fall decor. I dressed Mr. Rooster with fall picks from Hobby Lobby. I love H.Lobby! I used a casserole dish to hold everything in place. You can see a little bit of it on the bottom. I bought the “fall” sign last year from H.L. as well.

This wreath is hanging from a mirror in the living room. Basically, I had the magnolia flowers on the wreath already. I added fall leaves and picks to it to make it more of a fall look.

And there it is hanging in front of the mirror. That poor mirror just went through a lot of changes. First I painted it a white antiqued style but the look just didn’t match my living room. Then I painted a red shade and my this time my husband thought I was going bonkers! He immediately said “no!” Ha ha! Finally, I painted it a black and added Rub & Buff to the edge and finally I’m happy with it.

I hope y’all (do I sound like Paula Deen?) :) have a wonderful Friday!

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

My Fireplace in it’s “Fallness”

2010-09-27T23:01:00.001-05:00

Hello and welcome to “My Bella Rose” I am so excited to be a part of these wonderful parties! Please visit Marty &Tabletop Tuesday, The Nester’s Fall Mantel Party (Wednesday), Maryann & Power of Paint Party, and http://suelovescherries.blogspot.com/ I am slowly getting back in the groove of blogging! Yippee!!

I made some changes on my fireplace. Here is a picture of “before” This was during the summer.

And here it is in it’s “fall” look. I love the warm colors of fall. The picture is from Kirkland’s. The letter “M” is from Hobby Lobby, as are all of the fall picks. Those beautiful red and gold plates are from Home Goods.

Mr. Birdie does not want to fly away so he is nestled in the fall picks.

I painted the “M” in a color called Spanish Tile by Valspar. I also applied Rub & Buff to it. Love it! I love the combination of the colors red and gold. I am slowly adding more red and gold to my living room. I love love red and gold!

I think these plates are so pretty! I saw them at Home Goods and immediately grabbed a couple for me! I was tickled pink when I saw these! I wish I had bought more, they are so pretty. I don’t know if they’re “fallish” but I like them. :)

I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday. Please come back and visit “My Bella Rose”

As I always say,

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Oh The Joy of Getting Older…..

2010-09-23T18:23:00.001-05:00

I’ve been having problems with my eyesight and decided to go to an optometrist. Boy was I shocked when he told me “People your age start to have problems with their eyes” What do you mean “People my age?” Why, I’m only in my twenties! How can you say “people my age?” LOL Ok, maybe I’m not really twenty years old or even in my twenties but I sure feel like it. ha!

You can’t tell but they are bifocals. *blush* I’ve been wearing them for a while and I’m still having problems. I can’t see clearly! They may have to tweak them or something.

Lord help me tolerate these glasses.

As I always say….

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Who Likes Wrinkled Silk Flowers?

2010-09-20T20:48:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone! Welcome to My Bella Rose! Today I am linking with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Met Monday! Thank you Susan for being such a gracious hostess!

Have you ever taken your previously stored silk flowers out of the box and they are as wrinkled as can be? You want to just throw them away and buy new. Now I don’t about you, but I can’t be buying new flowers every year. So what do I do? I steam them! Let me tell you, it does work! Here is a “before” picture of some sunflowers I just took out of a box and they are very wrinkly.

I fill a pot with water and let it boil. While it’s boiling, I hold the flower and let the steam do the work.

Please be careful once the water is boiling. Protect your hands with gloves if you have to. The steam gets very hot!

Look at them now! They look good as new! Don’t you think?

Pretty! Pretty!

I am ready to hang them on my garland for fall! :)

So there you have it! I hope this tip helps you!

And as always…

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Remember Me?

2010-09-15T13:07:00.001-05:00

I’m still here! :) I hope you guys haven’t forgotten me.

Marla, thank you so much for that card. It really made my day! :) I am so glad that I found your blog way back when, my friend!

To those of you that left me messages, I thank you from the bottom of my heart! God bless each and every one of you. :) Love you all!!

My wrist is finally on the mend. I did have an orthopedic appointment and after x-raying my wrist, the dr told me that it was not broken. Woohoo! He said that it was more than likely that I had sprained it. He said that with time it would get better and that’s exactly what is happening. Yay!! At least I don’t have the pain I used to. whew!

I hope to get back into the swing of blogging. Do you ever get out of a routine and find it hard to get back into? It’s been so long that I’ve blogged and just as hard to get back into it. I even asked myself “Why do I blog? Am I blogging for myself? Am I blogging to connect with people who might have the same interests as I do?” I’ve been pondering a lot lately about this. I guess I can answer that I blog to hopefully connect with people that have the same interests as I do. One of my interests here recently (more like I started this past Monday 9/13/10) is Zumba!! I ordered the DVD set and just got it this past Monday. Have you heard of Zumba!!?

Zumba!!

OMgosh, it is so much fun!! It is like dancing! But it’s a workout! Now granted this is exactly how I’m feeling at the moment…. Ha ha!! My body is in shock right now. Especially my lower half. *blush*

But I am determined to look and feel healthy some day……ah I will not give up.

Share with me, your experiences about Zumba:) I would love to hear from you especially if you Zumba! And like I always say……

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Hello!

2010-08-01T22:19:00.001-05:00

Hello! I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer! I had, notice the word “had” a busy week, until I broke my wrist. Last Monday I was spraying all of my rose bushes with Miracle Gro and missed a step and fell! I broke my wrist! I came inside and took this picture of my wrist to send my oldest son. He immediately called me and said “Mama, you need to go to E.R. I think you broke your scaphoid.” My nephew came quickly and took me to E.R. Sure enough after x-rays, the dr told me that my scaphoid is fracture. I have a cast on it and have to wear a sling too. I have an appointment to see an orthopedist. Please keep me in your prayers that I will have a fast recovery. I had planned to do a lot of projects around the house. But as you can see, I am tolerating the pain and I’m able to type at least a little bit! ha ha! Thank goodness! So please please, y’all be careful out there! Don’t break anything like yours truly! I hope you all are having a good summer.

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Yay! New Curtains and Transformed Fireplace!

2010-07-21T17:48:00.000-05:00

Hey y’all! How is your summer going? We have been having a mellow summer and I’m thankful for that. Our oldest son, along with our eighteen year old and our twelve year left this morning to Houston and I’m missing them already. They’ll be gone for a week only but I feel so lost. Ugh! I think I will keep myself busy by painting everything I had planned before summer!

Today, I’d like to share with you the curtains that I found for the living room and my transformed fireplace.

This window had no curtains for a while. I wanted that perfect set of curtains. :)

I found these curtains at JCP. The gold curtains have a subtle sheen to them and the sheers are white with an embroidered design to them. The color on the wall is called “Tobacco Road”

I added a red and gold tassel to each side. I love the color combination of red and gold!

I think they match perfectly with my fireplace redo as well.

‘This is a “before” picture of the fireplace. While I liked the mocha color, I didn’t think it looked good with the newly painted walls. So out came the paintbrush and I proceeded to paint it! hee hee! :)

I painted the fireplace in Antique White by Behr. I also dry brushed the same color (Tobacco Road) as the mantel on top of the Antique White.

I’m linking this post to

CheapChicHome - Fabric Fun Thursday!

Between Naps On the Porch – Metamorphosis Monday

It’s So Very Cheri – It’s So Very Creative (On Monday)

My Frugal Family – Talented Tuesday

Domestically Speaking – Power of Paint (On Wednesday)

I hope everyone is having a wonderful day! Thank you for visiting my blog. I truly appreciate everyone who stops by. Thank you so much for taking time to leave a comment. Thank you!

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Cloche Party!

2010-07-15T15:31:00.003-05:00

Hello! Welcome to the Cloche party happening at Marty's blog http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/. I am so happy to be participating! Please visit the link to her blog to see what everyone else is sharing with us! This is the first time I use Blogger to write my posts. I usually write my posts using Windows Live Writer so hopefully there are no mistakes in this post.

My first cloche is this one. I made this one at the beginning of spring and the flowers look just as pretty in the heat of summer. ha ha!

This petite cloche is sitting on top of my fireplace mantel. I have little victorian looking roses in it.

This one is also show casing a rose. :)

I used seashells in this one. I also place the birds on top of the seashells.

See the curtains? I bought those for 9.99 at Ikea in Houston! They were tab top curtains but I cut the tabs right off cause they didn't look right with the valance I have in the middle. I like flowy white curtains in the spring and summer. :)

I hope you enjoyed the cloches I shared with ya! :)

Did y'all check out the changes I made with our fireplace? Check it out! http://mybellarose.blogspot.com/2010/07/changes-on-my-fireplace.html

Until next time,

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Changes on my Fireplace.

2010-07-15T14:25:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! How is your summer going? Today I am joining http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/ for Transformation Thursday! Please visit this wonderful blog to see what everyone else is sharing with us.

Anyway, I really hope y’all haven’t forgotten me. Please accept my apology for not posting often. I have been so busy with my husband and boys. Our oldest son Jr is home for the summer from med school so we’ve been nonstop with him. He won’t be able to come home next summer cause he’ll have to take classes in the summer too. He is getting ready to do year two of med school! I feel a little bit of melancholy when I think that he won’t be able to come like he did this year.

I also feel a little bit “sad” if you will, cause I logged on to my blog and lost a follower. Who could have left me? I have to remember that it’s not about how many followers you have, is it?

Anyway, I made a few changes on the fireplace. You may remember that it used to be this color. http://mybellarose.blogspot.com/2010/01/there-is-mantel-party.html

This is before:

And this is after:

I painted the mantel in Tobacco Road just like the walls. The picture is from Kirklands. The “M” and everything else is from Hobby Lobby.

I love it!

I love this picture! I had been looking for something more scenic if that is a word and had seen another picture called “Country Bouquet” at Kirklands. Well the picture was way too big for the fireplace. I found this one and loved it just as much.

Here is a close up of a little cloche I place on top of the mantel. :)

The color I used for the fireplace is called “Antique White” by Behr. I then dry brushed tobacco road thru out the fireplace to give it that shaded look. I also used a rag. Can you see the shaded look?

Here is another picture that shows the shades a little better.

I have started to have a thing for swans here lately! I found this one at Home Goods in San Antonio, Tx when we were there shopping for my Caddy! :) She sure is graceful, isn’t she? :)

Well I hope y’all enjoyed my fireplace changes. Like I told my hubby “This is the last time I paint my fireplace!” Ha ha!
My next post is about the curtains I bought. I had also bought two faux wood blinds from JCP but when they arrived, one of them was damaged so I’m waiting for another one.

Everyone have a wonderful Thursday!

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Dorky Me!!

2010-07-01T14:45:00.001-05:00

I had ordered some faux wood blinds for my living room and dining room and was soooo excited to get that call from JCP that they had arrived. Off I go in my purty red Cadillac (See my previous post please. :)http://mybellarose.blogspot.com/2010/06/hello-long-time-no-see.html) to pick them up. Never once did I remember that the blinds are way too long to haul’em back in the car! They measure 72 x 64! OMGosh! Blond moment for me! No offense to the blonds. I’m a wanna be blond myself. I totally forgot that I was not in my previous vehicle which was an Expedition! The blinds are like this big….see me measuring how wide they are? ha ha! And the trunk of the car is only this big…extending my hands out only a little bit. I called hubby and asked him if he could pick them up when he gets out of work. I’m sure they’ll fit in his big ole truck. ha ha! Can’t wait to install the blinds and the new curtains I just bought. I’ll show you as soon as they are up. I’ll have to beg my sweet hubby to put them up today before I leave tomorrow. I’m going to Houston and meet up with our oldest, go shopping, and drive home Sunday just in time for 4th of July. :)

If I don’t make another post tomorrow, I want everyone to have a wonderful Independence Day, mes ami, mis amigas!

That means my friends! :)

Blessings,

Sandra

Hello! Long Time No See!

2010-06-27T21:20:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone! I hope y’all are having a wonderful summer! I have missed visiting with y’all and reading up on the blogs I follow:) I hope to be able to reconnect with y’all again. :) Please forgive me for not being around. I promise to hang around more often. Really, I do! I have been busy the last few weeks with our boys since they’ve been out from school for the summer. I appreciate those of you who dropped lil notes of concern for me. I truly appreciate it! :) I’m getting over the pain in my shoulder which turned out to be shoulder bursitis.

Oh! Let me share my latest baby! After this baby, I will not be able to splurge on big purchases but it’s ok! I’m so happy!

This is my baby…. A 2010 CTS Caddy. Of course I had to choose it in red!! Luv it!!

Did I tell you that I luv it? :)

Thanks for letting me share my lil baby!

So what’s happening in your part of the world?

Have a wonderful Monday!

Sandra

My Little Chair Redo

2010-06-05T16:10:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone! I have to say that …..

“It's so hot that I have found out (the hard way) that my seat belt buckle could be used as a branding iron!” I just got back from going into town and the thermostat said 115!!! We are staying inside today! And to top it off, I hurt my shoulder somehow. Possibly a rotator cuff type of injury. It was probably because I had picked up some heavy pine trees to plant. My shoulder seems swollen compared to my other shoulder that does not hurt. ugh I am having to take Advil every four hours. If it does not get better, I may have to go to the E.R.

Anyway….

I love this little makeover. I applied primer first and then spray painted it white. After the paint dried, I used glaze to antique it. I love the shabby look.

I searched thru all of my photos to show you what the chair used to look like before. Aaah, I love this picture. My fall porch from last year. :) Anyway, the chair used to be black and I love the way it looks in this photo.

But for spring and summer, I decided to painted it white.

I’m going to just sit inside my home and drink some iced cold tea. Hoping that our weather will cool down a little bit soon.

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Nothing Like a Good Natural Snack.

2010-06-03T19:10:00.001-05:00

So refreshing!

Yummy! Aaah, sitting in the porch enjoying a slice of watermelon after school. :) It’s a serious job to eat a watermelon and spit the seeds, you know. *wink* Yep, the porch had seeds everywhere. I got the hose and just cleaned everything up. :)

Is that a watermelon smile I see? :)

Mmmm! Watermelon!

I hope y’all are having a great day! It is terribly hot in my little part of the world. We are expecting temperature of 111 in the next couple of days! Oh help me! I will have to get up super early to work in my yard!

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Busy as a Bee! & Updates…

2010-06-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

I hope y’all are having awesome weather and lots of fun times too!

I am linking this with Tootsie at Fertilizer Friday.

I been busy as a bee

here from gardening , cleaning, to graduations, and just relaxing as well.

I had been so so busy and would check in quickly on my favorite blogs right before I’d go to bed! I hope y’all don’t forget me! ha ha!!

I went shopping today for some plants and found a garden center that had their palm trees for 70% off! I had to buy two of them and I planted these big babies! They were so heavy!

Oh! Check out the booboo I made! I broke this pot from the bottom! I bought this pot in Fredericksburg, Tx so I will have to make a trip soon to Fredericksburg *wink* Hey I’ll take any excuse just to go there. It is beautiful and just relaxing there.

I also bought some hanging baskets for 5.88 each! I picked three of those! I placed two of them here for now. I need to get a couple of liners though. My rose bushes are definitely not thriving. I still see green on them so hopefully they will make it.

Here is a close up of the hanging baskets. I don’t even know what these plants are called?? The leaves feel really waxy and small pink flowers grow from this plant. I was told that it is a great plant for full sun. Hmm? Any ideas?

These Geraniums are doing really great here!

This is my little getaway in the morning and in the evening as the sun is setting. :) Hmm? I see a little space next to the window that I could add something like a pot of flowers. hmmm? :)

I had been asked by my wonderful blogger friends about my oldest son and how is med. school going. Well……he finished first year! He got thru all of the final exams with flying colors! He said that this semester was the hardest for him though. The reason it was hard is more of an emotional thing. One of the classes he took was Neuro-Science and he had to learn about Alzheimer’s. His grandpa (my father-in-law) was diagnosed, oh about three years ago. You can imagine how hard it had to have been for my boy to learn about the different stages and so forth of Alzheimer’s. :) He made it though and his grandma (my mother-in-law) is very proud of him, as we all are. :)

I also had a graduate from high school! My third son graduated from high school and we are very proud of him! His plans are to go to college for computer science. He is really into computers and I know he will excel in this field! :)

So there you have it:) A little bit of updates.

I hope y’all are doing great. Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Sandra

Outdoor Wild Flowers.

2010-05-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

“Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.” By Rachel Carson.

What a beautiful quote! If you have time, read about Rachel Carson.

I hope your Thursday is going great! These are pictures I took on the way back from Houston. I begged my oldest son to stop so that I could take some pictures for you all.

I need to make a post about Jr and how medical school is going! He really deserves his own little post. :)

I didn’t see many bluebonnets.

This is a pomegranate bush! This was at a picnic area. I wonder who eats the pomegranates?

I hope you are enjoying some beautiful weather! Our weather is very mild for a change!

Blessings,

Sandra

You Made My Day!

2010-05-25T21:44:00.001-05:00

How beautiful a day can be
When kindness touches it!
~George Elliston

This will be my Woohoo post. :) I am linking with Marla at Always Nesting for Woohoo Wednesday! Please visit her blog and check out the other participants joining in on this fun party!

Dear Sweet Marla! Thank you so much for this beautiful card! You made my day! Such a cheerful card! A card conveys so much encouragement to the recipient and Marla your card did that! Thank you!!!

I decided to display it next to my rose plate. Hubby immediately noticed the card and asked “who sent the card?” Of course I told him “My friend Marla did” I love it!!!

I found this plate at an Estate Sale and paid only five dollars for it. I had to have it! The roses spoke to me! “Please take us with you!” :)

I am so blessed,

I am so thankful,

to be part of you wonderful bloggers! I am touched by all the love!

Have a beautiful Wednesday!

Blessings,

Sandra

Sunday Blessings.

2010-05-23T18:48:00.001-05:00

I hope your Sunday is full of blessings.

Sincerely,

Sandra

Snapdragons and Updates!

2010-05-21T05:00:00.000-05:00

Hello! Thank you for visiting my blog! I am linking with Tootsie and Fertilizer Friday . Please visit Tootsie and her wonderful blog! You won’t be disappointed!

I hope you enjoy my photos! There are tons of snapdragons growing in my garden.

Their color is so vibrant! I think that angel is enjoying them, don’t you? :)

The yellow ones are just a few. I’m hoping for more though.

I wanted to thank you all so much for including Nancy and Joseph in your prayers.

Nancy’s surgery is today..May 21st at 9:00 a.m. I am planning on being at the hospital a good part of the morning. Please keep her in your prayers. Please pray for the surgeon too. Please pray that there are no complications. I talked to Nancy yesterday and she was nervous but eager to start with everything. The dr wants to give her three weeks of recovery and then he wants her to start chemo.

Joseph is doing good. He had a fever and had to go back in the hospital but recovered from that. He is at home recuperating before the next treatment.

Also, thank you all for the comments on the lost Yorkie.

This is my 12 yr old. :) He looks just like mama. :)

I decided to drive around and see if I could find the owners. I drove up from our street and asked a couple of people. No one knew. I drove the street behind us…nothing. I went on to the next street after that and I found the owners! I knew they were the owners because the Yorkie immediately went with the man. The boys were a little upset that she’s not here anymore but I explained to them that her owners were happy to have her back. I am so glad she is where she belongs. I am going to Houston so I didn’t want to leave without finding the owners. I’ll be back in about a couple of days! Yippee! My oldest son’s last day of school is today! We will drive back and I’m hoping to stop in Austin because I found a nursery that sells David Austin roses. I am so happy about that!

I hope y’all have a wonderful weekend full of love and laughter, alrighty?

Blessings,

Sandra

Someone’s Baby!

2010-05-20T20:31:00.001-05:00

Blogger friends, a Yorkie showed up at our house this evening. Ugh, I’m sure someone is missing their baby. I know I’d be freaking out if my babies Shih tzu Skipper and Chloe were gone.

Isn’t she a cutie?? Look at that precious face!

She is well taken care of.

Aw, we have to find her owners. My boys have gone up and down our street to find her owners but no luck yet. Cross your fingers that I find them soon, please.

Sandra

New Pruners and a ‘BooBoo!

2010-05-19T22:03:00.001-05:00

‘Be extra careful when you buy pruners. They are very sharp! I splurged and bought a pair of pruners . I was going to town as I pruned all of my rosebushes, snapdragons, and anything else that needed it.

I was having so much fun using my new pruners.

My pruners were doing a fine job of pruning. All of a sudden clip, I see red! I cut myself! My poor little pinky finger! I dropped my awesome new pruners and went crying to hubby. He saw how much I was bleeding and immediately got his first aid kit to clean my pinky. My twin boys and 12 yr old started panicking and kept asking me if I was ok. They kept insisting that I go to the E.R. I’ll be ok.

I might not be able to wash dishes for the next few days. *smile*

I think I will need to purchase some of these for me! Aren’t they pretty?

gloves

Umm, for that price, I’ll keep looking!

I hope you are having a better day than I am. :)

Blessings,

Sandra

June Issue of Better Homes and Gardens

2010-05-17T10:44:00.001-05:00

First, I’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for including Joseph and Nancy in your prayers. Joseph is doing good. He started chemo week before last and was able to go home. He will have chemo for five days and then get to be home for three weeks. Nancy sees a surgeon on the May 18th. Please continue praying for both.

I am really enjoying this issue! Did you know that June is the month of roses? Yep, it says so right here:)

I must start buying David Austin roses. These are gorgeous! (please excuse the glare)

I want a garden like this. Spectacular!

Look at those climbing roses! They are beautiful! Aaah, Everything in this issue is just beautiful!

I’m planning on reading this issue from cover to cover.

We finished painting the kitchen and dining room in Svelte Sage.. I can’t wait to share with y’all! I still have to put everything back in place in the dining room. You should see my living room. It looks like I’m getting ready for a garage sale but everything that belongs in the dining room is in the living room. The red and white toile you see are the curtains! ha ha.

Have a wonderful Monday.

Blessings,

Sandra

Quiet Moments

2010-05-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Make time for the quiet moments as God speaks in whispers and the world is loud….

Take time to praise God. Make sure there are quiet moments with God in your life.

"let us be silent that we may hear the Whisper of God"
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thank you Abba for the many blessings you give us. I love YOU with all my heart and soul. Thank you Father.

I hope y’all have a blessed Sunday!

Sandra

Believing in the Power of Prayer

2010-05-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hello my friends. Lately, I have been feeling down because of two situations happening to someone close to my husband and I. I have been thinking so much about this and wonder why things like this happen. :( We don’t know the reason “why" things like this happen but I do know that the power of prayer is very much real. I had kept all of this to myself. In fact, I had only told one blogger friend about the 17 yr old. I’m just a private person when it comes to my personal life and those that I love, especially something like this. I thought of not posting it on my blog but I’m feeling led to post it and ask for prayers.

I have a cousin whose nephew has recently been diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma Cancer. His name is Joseph and he is only 17 years old. He lives in a small town close to my city and his mother drives him to another city (Lubbock, Tx) for his treatments. Please keep him in your prayers. I truly believe in the power of prayer.

And last request….My husband has a cousin who just found out that she has breast cancer. Her name is Nancy and she will need a mastectomy. She is such a kind gal. She is always there for everyone. So loving and kind. This dreaded disease is attacking so many! Please pray for Nancy. She has an appointment next week with a surgeon. :(

I know that the “Word” tells us about healing. For instance:

Jeremiah 30:17
"But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds," declares the LORD.

These words were not only powerful then, but they are still just as powerful.

Psalm 103:3-4
Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

With Love,

Sandra

Crazy Weather!

2010-05-14T20:25:00.001-05:00

I hope your weather is much better than ours. Numerous tornadoes had been spotted around my area. The kids were placed under shelter and we were not allowed to pick them up from school. Thankfully, they were able to leave at 3:15 p.m when they were due to leave anyway. Whew!

Here is a picture that someone took of a tornado that was spotted in a small town fifteen minutes from us.

As of this moment, we are anticipating another storm. According to the meteorologist, the air is very unstable at this time. Praying that our weather calms down. To all of my friends in Texas, please stay safe if you are having serious weather.

Sandra

What Do I See?

2010-05-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

I was driving thru town today when this house caught my eye. What do I see hanging in the front porch? Can you see them? Ok, let’s take a closer look.

Can you see the pretties now? Aprons upon aprons hanging on a line there. I’m assuming that a gal lives here and washed all of her aprons and hung them to dry. I count ten aprons! :)

Oh gosh! I hope she didn’t see me taking pictures! *smile*

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

A Horse and His Pal.

2010-05-13T05:00:00.000-05:00

I was busy doing everything that needed to be done before we sat down for supper. All of a sudden, one of my twins came running in and says “Mama! Come outside!” He was so excited to show me that a horse and his pal were about to go by our house. lol We live out in the country and it’s not unusual to see horses go by but it still excites my boys.

“Can we get a horse someday?” says my son. Yes, someday we will get one. :) I love living in the country.

Blessings,

Sandra

Sharing my roses….

2010-05-12T19:46:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone! I hope you are enjoying warmer weather in your area.

I am linking with Marla with Woo hoo Wednesday

and Tootsie with Fertilizer Friday.

Please visit these lovely blogs. :)

Woohoo!! My white roses are all blooming! Oh I wish you could smell these!

This one is climbing on an arbor in my Mary Garden. :) It is more of a coral color.

A close-up. :)

This climber is doing a great job of showing off!

Take time to smell the roses. :)

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Blessings…….

2010-05-10T22:40:00.001-05:00

I hope you are blessed as I was when I read this wonderful story by Beth Moore. Beth Moore is a wonderful speaker and author of best-selling Bible studies and other books for women She has written books such as “So Long, Insecurity: You've Been a Bad Friend to Us.” and “Believing God Day by Day: Growing Your Faith All Year Long.” There are many many more books.

On April 20, 2005 at the Knoxville Airport -Waiting to board the plane: I had the Bible on my lap and was very intent upon what I was doing. I'd had a marvelous morning with the Lord. I say that because I want to tell you it is a scary thing to have the Spirit of God really working in you.You could end up doing some things you never would have done otherwise. Life in the Spirit can be dangerous for a thousand reasons not the least of which is your ego...I tried to keep from staring but he was such a strange sight. Humped over in a wheelchair, he was skin and bones, dressed in clothes that obviously fit when he was at least twenty pounds heavier. His knees protruded from his trousers, and his shoulders looked like the coat hanger was still in his shirt. His hands looked like tangled masses of veins and bones. The strangest part of him was his hair and nails. Stringy gray hair hung well over his shoulders and down part of his back. His fingernails were long. Clean, but strangely out of place on an old man. I looked down at my Bible as fast as I could, discomfort burning my face. As I tried to imagine what his story might have been, I found myself wondering if I'd just had a Howard Hughes sighting. Then, I remembered that he was dead. So this man in the airport...an impersonator maybe? Was a camera on us somewhere?....There I sat trying to concentrate on the Word to keep from being concerned about a thin slice of humanity served on a wheelchair only a few seats from me. All the while my heart was growing more and more overwhelmed with a feeling for him. Let's admit it. Curiosity is a heap more comfortable than true concern, and suddenly I was awash with aching emotion for this bizarre-looking old man. I had walked with God long enough to see the handwriting on the wall. I've learned that when I begin to feel what God feels, something so contrary to my natural feelings, something dramatic is bound to happen. And it may be embarrassing. I immediately began to resist because I could feel God working on my spirit and I started arguing with God in my mind. "Oh no, God please no." I looked up at the ceiling as if I could stare straight through it into heaven and said, "Don't make me witness to this man. Not right here and now. Please. I'll do anything. Put me on the same plane, but don't make me get up here and witness to this man in front of this gawking audience. Please, Lord!"...There I sat in the blue vinyl chair begging His Highness, "Please don't make me witness to ! this man. Not now. I'll do it on the plane." Then I heard it..."I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to brush his hair." The words were so clear, my heart leapt into my throat, and my thoughts spun like a top. Do I witness to the man or brush his hair? No brainer. I looked straight back up at the ceiling and said, "God, as I live and breathe, I want you to know I am ready to witness to this man. I'm on this Lord. I'm you're girl! You've never seen a woman witness to a man faster in your life. What difference does it make if his hair is a mess if he is not redeemed? I am on him. I am going to witness to this man."Again as clearly as I've ever heard an audible word, God seemed to write this statement across the wall of my mind. "That is not what I said, Beth. I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to go brush his hair."I looked up at God and quipped, "I don't have a hairbrush. It's in my suitcase on the plane, How am I supposed to brush his hair without a hairbrush?"...God was so insistent that I almost involuntarily began to walk toward him as these thoughts came to me from God's word: "I will thoroughly furnish you unto all good works." (2 Tim 3:17) I stumbled over to the wheelchair thinking I could use one myself. Even as I retell this story my pulse quickens and I feel those same butterflies. I knelt down in front of the man, and asked as demurely as possible, "Sir, may I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?" He looked back at me and said, "What did you say?" "May I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?" To which he responded in volume ten, "Little lady, if you expect me to hear you,you're going to have to talk louder than that. At this point, I took a deep breath and blurted out, "SIR, MAY I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF BRUSHING YOUR HAIR?" At which point every eye in the place darted right at me. I was the only thing in the room looking more peculiar than old Mr. Longlocks. Face crimson and forehead breaking out in a sweat, I watched him look up at me with absolute shock on his face, and say, "If you really want to." Are you kidding? Of course I didn't want to. But God didn't seem interested in my personal preference right about then. He pressed on my heart until I could utter the words, "Yes, sir, I would be pleased. But I have one little problem. I don't have a hairbrush." "I have one in my bag," he responded. I went around to the back of that wheelchair, and I got on my hands and knees and unzipped the stranger's old carry-on hardly believing what I was doing. I stood up and started brushing the old man's hair. It was perfectly clean, but it was tangled and matted. I don't do many things well, but I must admit I've had notable experience untangling knotted hair mothering two little girls. Like I'd done with either Amanda or Melissa in such a condition, I began brushing at the very bottom of the strands, remembering to take my time not to pull. A miraculous thing happened to me as I started brushing that old man's hair. Everybody else in the room disappeared. There was no one alive for those moments except that old man and me. I brushed and I brushed and I brushed until every tangle was out of that hair. I know this sounds so strange but I've never felt that kind of love for another soul in my entire life. I believe with all my heart, I for that few minutes felt a portion of the very love of God. That He had overtaken my heart for a little while like someone renting a room and making Himself at home for a short while. The emotions were so strong and so pure that I knew they had to be God's. His hair was finally as soft and smooth as an infant's. I slipped the brush back in the bag, went around the chair to face him. I got back down on my knees, put my hands on his knees, and said, "Sir, do you know my Jesus?" He said, "Yes, I do." Well, that figures, I thought. He explained, "I've known Him since I married my bride." "She wouldn't marry me until I got to know the Savior." He said,"You see, the problem is, I haven't seen my bride in months. I've had open-heart surgery, and she's been too ill to come see me. I was sitting here thinking to myself. What a mess I must be for my bride. "Only God knows how often He allows us to be part of a divine moment when we're completely unaware of the significance. This, on the other hand, was one of those rare encounters when I knew God had intervened in details only He could have known. It was a God moment, and I'll never forget it. Our time came to board, and we were not on the same plane. I was deeply ashamed of how I'd acted earlier and would have been so proud to have accompanied him on that aircraft. I still had a few minutes, and as I gathered my things to board, the airline hostess returned from the corridor, tears streaming down her cheeks. She said, "That old man's sitting on the plane, sobbing. Why did you do that? What made you do that?" I said, "Do you know Jesus? ! He can be the bossiest thing!" And we got to share. I learned something about God that day. He knows if you're exhausted because you're hungry, you're serving in the wrong place or it is time to move on but you feel too responsible to budge. He knows if you're hurting or feeling rejected. He knows if you're sick or drowning under a wave of temptation. Or He knows if you just need your hair brushed. He sees you as an individual. Tell Him your need! I got on my own flight, sobs choking my throat, wondering how many opportunities just like that one had I missed along the way...all because I didn't want people to think I was strange. God didn't send me to that old man. He sent that old man to me. John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."

What a story huh? I truly believe that I was blessed when I read this at http://ourcreativelife.blogspot.com/2010/04/dont-miss-blessing.html

Thank you Father for sending me to read this touching true story. :)

Sandra

Happy Mother’s Day, Mama!

2010-05-08T10:07:00.000-05:00

If roses grow in heaven, Lord, pick a bunch for me ~ Place them in my Mother's arms & tell her they're from me ~ Tell her that I love & miss her & when she turns to smile ~place a kiss upon her cheek & hold her for a while ~ Because remembering her is easy~I do it everyday ~ There's an ache within my heart that will never go away. Happy Mother's Day in Heaven, Mama. Siempre estara en mi corazon, mami.

Happy Mother’s Day.

2010-05-07T21:53:00.001-05:00

I’d like to wish all of the mamas in blogland a Happy Mother’s Day. May your day be filled with lots of love and laughter.

I’m sure my hubby and kiddos will make breakfast for me on Sunday morning. :) Probably french toast or something easy. hee hee!

Thank you for visiting my blog. I am truly blessed to have such awesome friends. Thank you!! You all are the best!

Blessings,

Sandra

Vinyl Art & Birdies!

2010-05-07T06:00:00.002-05:00

After painting our living room in Tobacco Road, I added the ever so popular vinyl art wall decor to this area.

That is my hubby’s pride and joy, his huge 65 in television.

For now, it’ll have to be in the living room until we have a family room. ha ha!

It says “Bless this Nest” After I did that, I thought to myself “something is missing” hmmm??

So I drew some birds on top of each picture and then painted them in a dark brown.

As you can tell, the paint has not even dried yet but I just had to show you! :)

I think it completes the look! Perfect!

I’m looking for curtains for the window so it looks a little bare. *blush*

I’m linking this post to

Between Naps On the Porch – Metamorphosis Monday

Cottage Instincts – Make it for Monday

It’s So Very Cheri – It’s So Very Creative (On Monday)

A Soft Place to Land – Do It Yourself Day

My Frugal Family – Talented Tuesday

Domestically Speaking – Power of Paint (On Wednesday)

I hope everyone is having a great day.

Blessings,

Sandra

Roses Galore!

2010-05-06T10:14:00.001-05:00

Hello and welcome to my blog. I am joining Tootsie for Fertilizer Friday. Y’all make sure and visit her link. There are many participants joining in this fun weekly meme.

I have not been able to post a lot this week. I’ve been busy tending to my babies outside…. lol what you call garden. :) I’d like to share some of my roses. The fragrance of roses is taking over at my house. I love it. As you walk by them, you get a whiff of the scent. There is nothing like it. :)

I took many many pictures this morning.

A close-up of a pink rose. :) What a beautiful color. The beauty of a rose is really stunning, isn’t it? :) Aaah, I love roses.

Aaaa, look at this one. I do believe it is called “Peace” rose.

And this one is called “Double Delight” I believe. I’m going to have to start taking notes of what my roses are called as I plant them. When I planted these, I didn’t know anything about blogging. I didn’t know there was such a thing. lol I apologize for that.

I hope you enjoyed my photos of my roses. These are from my front. Next week, I’ll share some of the ones I have out back. :) I do hope you are enjoying some warm weather. Take time to go outside and enjoy the scenery. Enjoy what God has given us.

Blessings,

Sandra

Yummy? Or not?

2010-04-30T05:00:00.000-05:00

Ever have a day that you don’t feel like eating a big meal? That was my case. I didn’t want to eat anything but veggies. What kind of veggie? Cabbage is what I felt like eating. Please don’t think I’m wierd, y’all! Ha ha!

I sauted chopped onions in olive oil. I then added chopped cabbage and a can of diced tomatoes including the tomato juice. I also added a dash of Kikkoman Teriyaki Sauce with Roasted Garlic.

I made way too much cause the kids won’t eat it. ha ha! Hubby will eat it but has to have meat alongside. I will make grilled chicken and place on top of my cabbage tomorrow. I think it’s yummy! What about you?

I’m linking with Foodie Friday.

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

My Grapevine and A Question….

2010-04-29T05:00:00.000-05:00

For my blogger friend Tootsie. My question is at the bottom, Ms Tootsie.

I’m joining Tootsie for Fertilizer Friday.

Please visit her blog and be really inspired by all of her expertise on gardening!

I was outside taking pictures when I noticed that the grapevine has many baby grapes! When I planted this it was a tiny little plant. My plant is three years old and this is the first year we will have this many grapes. My, he has grown! I’m afraid that the little trellis behind it will topple over some day!

See how tiny the grapes are? They are all over the place though!

So tiny yet captivating!

Look at that! What beauty! They are tiny now but they will be nurtured and grow to be big and beautiful. Kind of like us. We are nothing but little creatures but if we let our FATHER in HEAVEN take care of us and nurture us, we will grow spiritually. :) We will see the beauty and goodness in what surrounds us.

And what about these rosebushes? I don’t know what happened? Actually, I think they were damaged by the harsh winter we had. :(

Tootsie, what do you think? Are my suspicions right? I have four rose bushes (all in a row) that look like this. Hubby said that we’ll have to pull them. Ugh, my babies:(

See how narrow the leaves are?

The rose bushes on the other side of my house are doing great.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and relaxing Fertilizer Friday!

Sandra

Nana Always Has Special Treats!

2010-04-28T09:44:00.000-05:00

Special treats for grandbaby! :) This is my grandbaby. He is our second son’s little one. Look at that precious face! Grandma loves you!

Grandma keeps special treats in this canister. :)

Yummy. Tootsie Roll lollipops for my boys and my grandbaby. :)

Blessings,

Sandra

Svelte Sage…So Far So Good!

2010-04-27T17:31:00.001-05:00

I started painting our kitchen and am so excited to show you how it looks so far! Here is a “before” picture of that same wall. Our kitchen used to be painted in “Cottage White” I like the color but felt like I needed more color. Lately, I’ve been gravitating towards shades of green.

I am very happy at how this color is turning out! Looks like I have a lot of touching up to do! I see green on the white trim! Eeek!

I’m not finished yet but I couldn’t wait to show my progress to you all!

I am joining

http://www.domestically-speaking.com/ and Power of Paint.

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Spring Cloche

2010-04-26T19:14:00.001-05:00

Finally, I found some cloches. :)

The cloche in the middle is nice and big. I found all three at Hobby Lobby. I am so happy that they are finally going to carry cloches.

I made a spring arrangement and place a little bird right in the middle. For the bottom, I used a white plate, a bowl to place the flowers, and a champagne glass to perch my little bird.

I think it looks wonderfully cheerful.:)

As for the other two cloches, I’m still looking to see what I can place in them. They are small!

I’m getting ready to paint my kitchen walls in Svelte Sage by S.W. My hubby told me that this is *my* project so it looks like I will be painting it by myself (unless I look at him with puppy eyes) ha ha!

I am linking with:

Tabletop Tuesday….A Stroll Thru Life

Do It Yourself Day Tues.…A Soft Place to Land.

Three or More Tuesday.…The Gypsy's Corner.

Woo Hoo Wednesday.…Always Nesting.

Have a wonderful Day.

TA TA FOR NOW…..

Sandra

Tobacco Road Paint.

2010-04-21T11:18:00.001-05:00

Hello! There is a new party called Woohoo Wednesday hosted by Marla at Always Nesting! Y’all visit her blog and hopefully join us for Woohoo Wednesday!

I am also joining http://www.domestically-speaking.com/ and Power of Paint

and Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Chic Cottage.

Please visit all of these great blogs to view other participants joining in these great memes.

I had been looking for that perfect shade of paint for our living room for a while now. The paint we had on our walls is called Comforting by Behr. You can see in this picture what Comforting looks like compared to Tobacco Road.

I edited to add that the color Tobacco Road is not a Behr paint. It is a a Duron paint but you can have it mixed at Home Depot. Here is the formula in case you are interested. :) This is the formula for a quart.

and this is the formula for a gallon.

I really wanted a deeper color full of warmth. I thought about painting a shade of green but when I saw this paint color called Tobacco Road, I immediately knew this was the color for me. My sweet hubby didn’t think it was going to match the carpet we have or the shade I painted our fireplace. In case you’re wondering what I am talking about, Here is the link for my fireplace makeover.

Look at the after pictures! I am in love with this color! It gives off such a warm feeling. It is like a tannish (is that a word?) gold color. So pretty!

There is a lot of light coming in thru the window because I took off the blinds to clean them. I apologize for the glare on that picture.

Oh I love it! I can’t stop staring at my walls! ha ha!

It makes everything just “pop” on the walls!

So here I am jumping on the bandwagon of Tobacco Road fans. I love this color and I told hubby that I am so happy with this color that I won’t be changing the color again. He didn’t believe me. (rolling my eyes) Seriously though, I am so happy with this color!

I hope you have a wonderful day! Thank you for stopping by!

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

My Sagey Beadboard Wallpaper and Green/Cream Decorative Plates.

2010-04-19T20:25:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone! Today I’m joining Marty from http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com and Tabletop Tuesday. You have to visit her blog. She is not only very talented in creating vignettes but you will also find other inspirational participants joining in this fun party.

I am slowly transitioning into having more greens in my decor. Green complements red and I love love both colors. I painted my beadboard wallpaper backsplash in Sagey by Behr.

I found these pretty plates at Home Goods when I went to visit my oldest son in Houston. :) I saw them and immediately knew I had to have them. They are green with cream color and adorable flowers. :)

This one says: LOVE is like a Garden where the sun always SHINING.

Here is another plate and this one says: SUNSHINE. LAUGHTER, & FRIENDS are always Welcome. I added some yellow flowers I found at Hobby Lobby.

I had painted my kitchen in Cottage White not long ago. Although I love love this color, I thought I needed a little more color. I had also painted my cabinets in Antique White by Behr and those are staying. :) Stay tuned cause I will be sharing pictures soon of my new kitchen color and dining room. It is called Svelte Sage by Sherwin Williams. Ya’ll have a wonderful Tabletop Tuesday! :)

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

Red Doors

2010-04-13T20:47:00.001-05:00

A red door means "welcome". There are many meanings to a red front door. In Feng Shui, a red door symbolizes the mouth of the home. By painting our door red (or any bright color that stands out) chi which means positive energy, is drawn to the house. It is the entry point in which abundance and opportunities find us.

I’m joining Sue for Rednesday.

Please visit Sue and check out what other participants are showing off!

I drove around town and took pictures of red doors.

This is a log house with a red door. The red door rally stands out!

This red door is behind that brick wall. Oh but the door is so vibrant and you can spot it right away!

This door is a deep red color. I love it! I looks so vibrant!

This is one of my favorite doors! I love the shade of this red.

And last….this is my red door. It used to be just a white door, actually it wasn’t even painted. The color we chose is called Posh Red by Valspar. Uh oh! I’ve yet, to plant flowers in my pots! We will be working on that this weekend.

I painted the doorknob and deadbolt in Oil Rubbed Bronze.

It complements the green, doesn’t it? :) I still need to add my spring decor to my garland.

Red really does complement the green and the shade of red brick. :)

Now what to do with the inside of the door? I’d love to paint it red as well. What do you think? Would you paint it red or paint it white?

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! :) Have a wonderful Wednesday!

TA TA FOR NOW!

Sandra

My Bella Rose

We Will Never Forget.

We Have Babies in the House!

Psalm 92:1-2

Is it Wine O’clock?

Decorating with Green Accents.

From Carpet & Stick-On Tile to Ceramic Tile.

What is Life About?

He Is With Our Heavenly Father

Oh The Scene of Green, Green, Green….And Red Of Course!

Monkey Bread Anyone?

Easy Peasy Gifts

Santa’s Boots??

Christmas Tree Party!

It’s Santa Claus Time!

My Christmas Mantle Setup.

I Need…..

Buh Bye Brass!!

Ask, And Ye Shall Receive.

Tickled Pink!

Mantle Party…..

You are a Human Being…..

Outdoor Fall Display

I Got the Flu Shot & Being Spoiled.

Pretty Table Runner.

We visited our son in Houston.

Red and Gold

My Fall Garland and The Color of Red! :)

Cozy as Candlelight.

God Has a Plan.

Fall Tassels.

Fall Party at Rhoda’s!

I have to share this.

My Table with Fall Decor.

Blessings.

Pumpkin Bread Anyone?

Directions Grease and flour pan. Heat oven to 350*F. In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and soda, spices, and salt.

How Fights Started

Mr Rooster and a Wreath.

My Fireplace in it’s “Fallness”

Oh The Joy of Getting Older…..

Who Likes Wrinkled Silk Flowers?

Remember Me?

Hello!

Yay! New Curtains and Transformed Fireplace!

Cloche Party!

Changes on my Fireplace.

Dorky Me!!

Hello! Long Time No See!

My Little Chair Redo

Nothing Like a Good Natural Snack.

Busy as a Bee! & Updates…

Outdoor Wild Flowers.

“Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.” By Rachel Carson.

You Made My Day!

Sunday Blessings.

Snapdragons and Updates!

Someone’s Baby!

New Pruners and a ‘BooBoo!

June Issue of Better Homes and Gardens

Quiet Moments

Believing in the Power of Prayer

Crazy Weather!

What Do I See?

A Horse and His Pal.

Sharing my roses….

Blessings…….

Happy Mother’s Day, Mama!

Happy Mother’s Day.

Vinyl Art & Birdies!

Roses Galore!

Yummy? Or not?

My Grapevine and A Question….

Nana Always Has Special Treats!

Svelte Sage…So Far So Good!

Spring Cloche

Tobacco Road Paint.

My Sagey Beadboard Wallpaper and Green/Cream Decorative Plates.

Red Doors

Directions
Grease and flour pan. Heat oven to 350*F.
In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and soda, spices, and salt.