10 Reasons Why I Love Fall

Fall is my absolute FaVoRiTe time of the year. It is a season that reminds us that nothing is permanent. As daylight hours wane and temperatures cool, it is great reason to set aside a bit of time each day to enjoy this season.

Here are 10 Reasons Why I Love Fall

1. I love the colors of Fall
They are so warm & welcoming and I have them all through my home.



2. Cooler weather!
I love sitting on the porch with a great book & a cup of coffee, just enjoying the cooler weather.

3. Baking
Nothing makes me happier than spending time baking in the kitchen for everyone I love. Sure, I do this during the other seasons, but I do it more during the Fall and I can make goodies using pumpkin!

4. Two Words: CANDY CORN!
Who doesn’t love a fat free candy?! Not to mention all of the FUN things you can make with candy corn. Bring on the baking!

5. Football Season

I can curl up on my sofa with both of my boys, slide open the windows, and feel the chill in the air, while watching a great game of football! This time is so special to me!

6. My Birthday
Just wish the presents did not come with adding another year to my life, especially since I only have one more year in my 20′s. But we won’t talk about that, mmmmk?

7. Velour Jumpsuits
Yes, I am THAT girl!

8. Skirts & Boots. I LOVE wearing skirts & boots and skirts with boots.
If skirts with tall boots are ever not in fashion anymore, I would still wear them! I love tall boots & I love wearing them during the Fall.

9. The sound of the leave crunching under my feet.
I’m really a simple girl & it’s the simple things that make me so very happy.

10. My Favorite Holiday of the Year: THANKSGIVING (Tied with Mother’s Day, of course!)
Is there anything better than spending time with the family, getting overly competitive while playing games, cooking an insane amount of food and baking goodies that should be considered illegal? The last few years have not been easy ones, but I have so much to be thankful for.

**Check back often for lots of FUN Fall ideas!**

*Tiffany

School's Out For Summer!

I’m so proud of my Lil Man… He finished his 3rd grade year on top and I couldn’t be anymore proud of him!!

He was Gold Commended on his TAKS tests, which is a VERY big deal. He has come a long way this year and he makes me more proud every single day.

Looking forward to what 4th grade has in store…

Galveston, Oh Galveston!

AND... most importantly, I adore that Lil Man LOVES Galveston just as much as I do!

Merry CHRISTmas from The Jones Family!

(Photo by Southern Grace Photography)

As you and your family celebrate this holiday season, we hope and pray that you have joy in your hearts, great family and friends to share it with, and good times that build warm memories. We pray that you are blessed with all you need and much, much more!

Thank you Lord for Blessing us with another Christmas. May you alone be the Reason for the Season!

Wishing you and your family a VERY Merry CHRISTmas!

Much Love,

Abel, Tiffany & Ashton

Be Prepared!

Tiffany's Tuesday Tip: It's better to be safe than sorry!

Big D and I are trying to get a little more prepared in case of an emergency. After experiencing Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Ike (and with Hermina in the Gulf), we realize that you can NEVER be "too prepared" and I think it's smart to make sure we all take precautions ahead of time!

The Creative Homemaker had a post on a whole LIST of great blogs and websites that can help you get prepared for any emergency. I think these lists are VERY helpful & I hope this helps some of you too!

9 Things I LoVe About YOU!

Nine years old… How in the world did we get to nine so quickly? How is it even possible that you are nine years old? It just doesn’t seem possible that you are half way to 18 years old. I have spent the evening taking a walk down memory lane looking at a ton of old pictures of you. I want to cry for how much I miss the "little you", and yet I am so excited to be a part of the "bigger you".

Life with you is never dull, so I am going to try my hardest to pick some of the Top Nine about the past 12 months.



Your Top Nine:

9. For the first time (that I know of) you were writing "I love _____ " on your notebook. Lord help me, I am quite certain it won't be the last.

8. You've decided that you wanted to be Matt Lauer when you grow up. However, after watching you discuss the daily happenings of the world, it has become quite clear to me that you are more likely to become Joel McHale when you grow up…. This makes me so happy!

7. Your artistic ability grows daily! I am confident that if you do not become the next Matt Lauer (Joel McHale), then you are destined to become the next Picasso. It’s a good thing I saved every drawing you’ve done!

6. You scored your first Homerun and two triples in the same game! I secretly love the way you never listen to your coaches, because you know exactly what you need to do. (Don’t tell Dad that I said this!)

5. You went to your very first WWE event with Dad. He said he loved watching you clap and throw your arms in the air, hooting & hollering, and taking in every minute of the excitement!

4. You really wanted a guitar and got a little bummed when Josh bought himself one. Josh had been saving money for a while and decided to buy a guitar. Dad and I mentioned that if you would save your money, we would pay for half. You simply responded, “I want to save my money and give it to the church.” … We could not have been anymore proud than we were at that moment… There are no words.

3. Your love of Roller Coasters continues to grow; therefore, my fear of Roller Coasters continues to grow!

2. Your wittiness and quick comebacks keep us in stitches. You are one funny kid and definitely the class clown. I anticipate plenty of calls from your schools as the years go on. I will do my best to not respond with “What do you expect with a dad like his?” … What have we got ourselves into?!

1. From the day you were born, you have never ceased to amaze us. The doctors told us that you would never crawl and you did… early! We were told that you would never walk and you did… early! We were told you could not play sports and that has not stopped you. You play ball and you rock it! No matter the obstacles in your life or the hurdles placed in front of you, you always soar past them and come out shining!

Whew!! What a year! Your dad and I are super proud of you and very honored that out of all the parents in the world, we got picked to love you. I am so excited for all you will see and experience in the coming year. I cannot wait for all the adventures we have waiting for us this year!

Here are a VERY few of my favorite pics...

I love you so much I don't think my heart can hold it all.

*Mom

Top 10

Right this very minute, I couldn't live without:
1. My morning "wake up" text from Big D
2. Mindless Reading
3. Tidbit's Laugh
4. My BiG comfy bed
5. Air conditioning
(It's HOT, HOT, HOT in Texas!)
6. My Camera
7. Great Girlfriends
8. Trash to Treasure Projects
9. Cupcakes
10. Internet

But, I could live without:
1. All of the dust created from the "project of the century"
(I've dusted twice & I am STILL finding it places)
2. Monday Mornings
3. Snoring Dog
4. HUMIDITY
5. The Today Show
(Please don't tell Matt Lauer!)
6. Dishes in the sink when I wake up
(How did I even fall asleep with them in there?)
7. Daily HOT flashes
(I am TOO young for this!)
8. BUGS
9. Curly Hair
10. My insane schedule
(The word "No" is obviously not in my vocabulary)

Happy Anniversary Big D!!

Today is our eleven/one year anniversary!!

11 years ago this month, I began dating the Man of My Dreams & one year ago today, I FiNALLY married him! I fell in Love with Big D the moment that I met him and I haven't stopped falling since that day.



I will say, in honor of 11 years of dating and 1 year of marriage to my incredible husband (who knew I'd ever say that?), there is no one else on this planet I would rather be negotiating the twists and turns of this life with. NO ONE. We fully get how intense this past year was and we most certainly have patted ourselves on the back for surviving. However, the reality is that we have chosen, together, to live our lives with our eyes constantly on the One who holds all the answers.

We have learned, that this is the only way to survive!!

Big D has always reminded me to put God first and that life isn't always easy or fair, but that HE is still in control and we'll trust Him no matter what!

I am certain that a happy marriage is the best gift we could give each other. I have learned a lot about myself and Big D in these last 11 years and I look forward to the many, many years we have ahead of us.



Big D, I'm so glad you picked me to go through life with!

I love you for all that you are!
I love you with my whole entire heart. You love life and hold nothing back.
I love that you are so kind to everyone you come into contact with.
I love that you get emotional when I talk about my feelings for you.
I love how social you are and that you are always the life of the party.
I love how you tuck me back into bed every morning as you are leaving and kiss my forehead.
I love how you hear a song on the radio that reminds you of me and you text me the lyrics.
I love that you sing every song on the radio and if you don't know the words, you make up your own.
I love that you never get tired of kissing me.
I love how I fit so perfectly in your arms.
I love how you pray.
I love how intently you look into my eyes when I'm telling you something important.
I love that I get to be a part of your every day.
I love that I get to spend my forever with YOU!
I love that you are still the Man of My Dreams!

I love you Big D!! You will always have my heart!

I CAN'T, WON'T Stay Away Forever...

Dear Blogland,

I'm missing you MUCH more than you are missing me, I promise!

I WILL be back soon... I HAVE to be back soon. Blogging CReaTiVe, FuN ideas, is my escape from insanity (I mean... Life! LOL!!). I do appreciate the sweet emails/comments that you have sent wondering if I had vanished into thin air. They are always uplifting and have been very encouraging.

I thought I'd include a photo of one of my "chaotic-but-never-a-dull-moment-and-I-love-it-that-way" days. Photo courtesy of my sweet, sweet assistant.

(Update: I no longer have the desk calendar in the photo above, because I knocked over my entire LARGE cup of coffee all over my desk yesterday morning. Just lovely...)

Hope you are ALL doing Spectacular!! Let's catch up SOON!!

Hugs,

Tiffany

I'm ALIVE! I'm ALIVE!

I CAN'T believe how long it's been since I've blogged! There has been SO much going on and I am SO very excited the weekend is here. I'm going to the spend the weekend doing whatever I want... I'm sure it will consist of baking, crafting, time with my sweet boys and time in the yard. HOW PERFECT!!

Last Friday I took my TREC (Texas Real Estate Commission) test. WOWSERS... it was a booger!! I passed the hard part (National) with flying colors, but failed the easy part (State) by ONE question... KILLER!! However, there is a positive... I only have to retake the State part, which is 35 questions & much less material to study! I will take it again next week... FINGERS CROSSED!!

Sunday through Thursday, I was forced to spend the week in West Palm Beach, Florida at the PGA Resort & Spa for a work conference. The resort was gorgeous, the weather was spectacular and the people were wonderful! Even though I had a blast, I am so grateful to be home with my sweet boys... I just love them SO much!!

Sunday is Mother's Day & I can't wait to see what's in store... Hopefully some RELAXATION time!! That would make *this* Momma very, very happy!!

Daily updates next week... Fun, Fun ideas!!

Happy Friday!

*Tiffany

Taking a Break from Studying for a QUICK Update!

I know I should be studying away, but I need a BREAK & I thought I'd share a few pics with you!!

I met my new nephew Derrick Mitchell for the first time yesterday (My SIL & BIL are visiting from North Carolina) & thought I would share a few pics!

He is a doll baby!

AND... My FAVE pic!!

Hope you are all having a SPECTACULAR week!

Check back soon for FUN updates & GREAT ideas!!

*tpj

I need a BREAK!!

I need a BREAK!! Not from blogging, I need a break from studying! I am scheduled to take my Real Estate exam on Friday and I have been studying my booty off! I will be in ALL DAY Prep Classes Monday & Tuesday and spending the evenings at the baseball field with Tidbit.

After my test on Friday, I WILL get caught up on my blogging! Yes I WILL!

This is how I am feeling... Right.About.Now!

Keep checking back, because I will be adding the following ideas SOON!

* Breakfast To Go Ideas

* Monkey Bread Minis

* Monogrammed Yard Art

* Tiffany's Tuesday Tip

* Strawberry Jam Cookies

I know you're excited!! ;-)

I did manage to take a break from studying yesterday and spend the evening with one of my faves... Roger Creager!!

For your viewing pleasure... Here's a pic from his concert last night! *Sigh*

Have a SPECTACULAR week & if you get a chance, say a quick prayer for me!

*Tiffany

Wordless Wednesday

My Sweet Nephew Koda trying was to enjoy his cupcake, but Nana (my Mom) had other plans! There's never a dull moment at our family gatherings & we LOVE it that way!

Happy Easter

Easter Sunday was WONDERFUL!!

We spent the morning praising God for doing the impossible. Today, we celebrated the fact that our Savior has risen from the dead. The stone has been rolled away and the tomb is empty... Our Jesus is ALIVE & we are FORGIVEN!!

PRAISE GOD!

I just wanted to share a very few pics of our day...

Easter Goodies!!

Chocolate Covered Oreos with Colored Sugar

Colorful Easter Cupcakes with Edible Grass (So FuN!)

Headed to Church with my Boys

(What an amazing service!)

Headed to The Palmer Family Easter Lunch

Loving on my Sweet Nephew, Koda!

Confetti Eggs!! They pretty much RoCK!!

Headed to watch Extreme Home Makeover: The Beach Family. This episode features a local family and we have waited many months for the reveal. So EXCITING!!

I hope each of you had an amazing Easter Weekend & spent time with your family reflecting on your many blessings!!

Hugs,

*tiffany

Wordless Wednesday - My Sweet Nephew

I LOVE how NOTHING is to BiG for My God!

I continue to be amazed at the promises that have been made to each of us. The promises of God are trustworthy, because the God who promised them is Faithful! God's love is personal. He knows each of us individually and loves us personally with all His heart. I am thankful today for the love He showed me, long before I even noticed it and I'm grateful for His blessings and grace.

Here are a few reminders of God's promises... May you be blessed today and everyday.

"Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:6-8

Trust in the Lord and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him." Psalm 37:3-7

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," delares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity." Jeremiah 29:11-14

"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

"If God is for us, who can be against us? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:3,35,37-39

"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." Hebrews 6:10

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us." 1 John 4:18-19

Hugs,

*Tiffany

My Kind of Welcome

I am FINALLY back in my groove!! I've decided to start AND complete (that's the keyword) a minimum of one craft, home & cooking project a month.

I know I can do it...

I first mentioned my door dilemma, in THIS post. There was something missing!!

Below is the "BEFORE" picture.

I decided that what our home needed was a more "welcoming" entrance. I started thinking that a black door would do the trick.

SO... after months of going back & forth, I finally decided to take the plunge today!

And here it is...

I am loving the "new" door so far!

However... I just can't leave it alone. I am wanting to add the word "Welcome" with a stencil and my hubby isn't loving the idea. (What does he know anyway?)

I photoshopped "Welcome" below, to kind of give me an idea of what it would look like. I think it's the perfect touch, but wanted to get your thoughts as well.

What are your thoughts??

*tiffany

**Ignore my not-so-greenery. We've had a few freezes here in Texas (insane!) and everyone's front yard looks just like this. I'll have to fit the landscaping in before Spring gets here!**

Layla Grace... He Set Me Free

"Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and share with me, God wanted me now... HE SET ME FREE" - LAYLA GRACE MARSH 11-26-2007 to 03-09-2010

I have spent the last few months praying Layla Grace out of Heaven. Yesterday was the day to pray her in. Layla went to play the angels yesterday morning and has truly left a legacy and her footprint on so many hearts! She has touched many lives and made us take time to appreciate what we have so much more! She did more for the Kingdom of God in her 2 years, than others attempt to do in 80 years. This little girl has touched us all! She has brought us to tears. She has inspired us to smile. She has made us hold our little ones a little closer. She has forced us to take a moment to appreciate life and she has generated SO MUCH LOVE. I do know that she brought light to a world that was dim and now we are all better for knowing and loving Layla Grace.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." --Matthew 5:4

Thank you sweet Layla Grace for getting a hold of me and changing my life! Life has so much more purpose and meaning when God is put into the center and not to the side.

"Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love." --Lamentations 3:32

Compassion, which literally means, "to suffer with," is the ability to be moved by the troubles of others. When we reach out from our own pain to help others it comes back to us in healing and a sense of worth. Jack Cornfield says, "You take it all in. You let the pain touch your heart and you turn it into compassion. What a splendidway to go through life, bringing blessing to all we touch."

Praise God for Layla Grace & Praise God for the compassion of her Prayer Warriors!

Wordless Wednesday - Wacky Weekends

Welcome to My World... NEVER a dull Moment!!

It's Jon Bon Jovi's Birthday Baby!!

This Man... Well, He just does it for me!!



Using only song names from ONE ARTIST/BAND, cleverly answer these questions. Pass it on to 15 people you like and include me. You can't use the band I used. Try not to repeat a song title (There are 19 questions). It's a lot harder than you think! Repost as "my life according to (band name)"

Pick your Artist: Bon Jovi

Are you a male or female: She’s a Mystery
How do you currently feel: One Step Closer
Describe where you currently live: Runaway
Your style: It’s My Life
Your favorite form of transportation: Fast Cars
Your best friend is: We Weren’t Born to Follow
You and your friends are: We Got It Going On
What's the weather like: 99 in the Shade
What You Would Say To Someone You Just Met: (You Want to) Make a Memory
If your life was a TV show, what would it be called: Living in Sin
What is life to you: Live Before You Die
Your fear: Shot Through the Heart
What is the best advice you have to give: Stick to Your Guns
Thought for the Day: Have a Nice Day
How I would like to die: Undivided in a Bed of Roses
My soul's present condition: Livin’ on a Prayer
My motto: Keep the Faith, Always

This was SOOO Fun!!

**Keep checking back... I have a few before/after's that I plan on posting this week & weekend!! And I'm back in the game!!**

Hope your week is SPECTACULAR!

*Tiffany