Fresh Thoughts-Journal Entry 2009

Well this has been a roller coaster of a year for myself and my family. Not only have my parents moved away, my sister and her kids have moved out of state as well. My emotions have took a nose dive literally and I've been feeling miserable the past month or two. So, What's new?

I have enjoyed the change even though it has been one of the toughest to bare in my life. But, overall I have to end this year on a really thankful note.

Thinking back since the end of last year soooo much has happened. Good happenings to bad, sad and lonely, depressing and joyful. Almost every kind of feeling has crossed my body at one point or another.

First off I have to make a shout out to my husband who has been the best friend anyone could ask for. We have had dramatic ups and downs this past year. Just only being together for coming into our 5th year; we have experienced the loss of loved ones not once, twice but over three times. We have fought about finances, jealousy, jobs, the kids school and so on. But we have managed to stay positive through all our negative thoughts and keep our marriage together.

We have moved more than five times since we have been together. This is wayyyy more than anyone should have to move in their lives!! We started off in a small; I think 500 sq ft town home; to our current home now at 1500 sq ft. Let me tell you people, Huge Difference!! Living here now for almost two wonderful years.

This past year we have almost lost our home, had our utilities shut off at one point, sad to say while company was here of all days. Thankfully we had enough to have it turned back on the same day. Thank God and thank you hunnie for putting up with my whirl wind of emotions, loving me unconditionally!! I love you!

Our oldest daughter hates school and is failing fourth grade. This has been my utmost frustration because I want more than anything for our kids to succeed at whatever it is they do. She has been tutored and has our help all the time, but she just isn't happy trying to learn something new. She is so much like me its crazy. My husband has been the best role model for her. He sits with her everyday and walks her through each step. Now she is actually enjoying the work a little more each day. The little one fits me to a "T", she loves singing and is so smart..maybe a little too smart for her age..well you can never be too smart. But, she excellerates at everything she does and reassures me that I'm doing a good job as a mother. I'm so proud of both of my girls this year. They not only have tried hard to learn, they listen more from my words of wisdom and I appreciate myself more for knowing that I have instilled such good morals, values and life lessons in them. Love you my amazing girls!

Not only have we elected our first African American/Muslim president, our world has made some changes I see. I'm not one to watch the new every time it is on or pay attention to our political side of life, but I'm slowly starting to get involved with learning about what is going on in the world. I have to say it is a good feeling to know that we do have many people who care so much for the well being of our earth and ways of life.

I started my change of eating habits and have started a workout log to losing weight before and after the holidays. So far since I started running four miles a day I have lost almost 15 pounds. Stretched out within the last 6 months but I would say its a good start.

I'm back to feeling like a kid again too since I decided to get braces and maybe help out my self esteem on my image. This has also been a good way for me to lose weight because there are certain things I just can't eat anymore...R.I.P (Spare Ribs) lol

At least until these darn things come off in a year or two. :(

Family time has sky rocketed. We play more board games with the girls, rent more family movies and I have started to let the girls cook and bake when I can.

We have had some of our first family outings like picnics in the mountains and long drives into other small towns around our area. Sampled a few winery's around and dinned out quit a bit this year, which by the way we probably should NOT have. But I'd say this year has definitely brought us together as a family.

I have had time to get to know the Internet and OOoopps I did it again..I'm in love!!

I found my circle of life, Twitter, Facebook and Myspace, ohh and have to add in my new blogging experience. I have to admit that these ways of my life have made me really find a whole new me. Since joining these sites I have been able to catch up on lots of lost time with a ton of my school mates and very good friends. I have found out too just how wonderful friendship really can be. Myself being shy in person, I have to admit I have come out of my shell now that I am able to let out what is on my mind.

Through all the backstabbing of lost friends, I have gained more true friends this year that ever.

My husband and I have been fortunate to take a few trips to the ocean this year and I was able to have lunch with some old friends that I haven't seen in years. It was nice to be able to know that through all the years lost we can sit down talk like the day was yesterday since we were last together. Love u Jenn & Family <3

The list goes on and on with my lives and learns. The top "learn" would have to be that no matter how much you lose in life, in the end you will gain a fortune..even if it isn't a million dollars. :)

Although a million dollars would make my world spin round and I would be the happiest person in the world...hey its good to have dreams right? lol

Money does make one happy, this I know from experience. At the beginning of this year we went from having it all. I never had to scrounge for change or even care how much I spent out shopping. But I have learned to limit myself and be thankful for what I have. Not too many people out there understand how to do that..just yet. But you will.

I still remain closer than ever with my parents and my sister. We talk on the phone almost everyday. TG for unlimited long distance!! Now my grandma is at her summer home here while it is freezing cold where her winter home is. So it's been nice to be able to get back into the swing of things with her playing cards and putting puzzles together.

Times like this year really do make a person enjoy what life has to offer.

So, I'm getting ready to head into another year of living and learning. I'm all prepared to face the worst and gain whatever it is that comes through my life.

I will do this knowing I have the best of friends, family and the Internet to keep me sane and going strong.

I hope everyone has the best Christmas and Wonderfully Prospering New Year!!!

2010 here I come...you better watch out world. ;)

Love, Peace & God Bless Everyone!!

Sincerely,

Steph.

Harsh Critics & My Reply-Inspired by Julie Powel

I just finished watching the movie Julie & Julia and I must say I was very amused by it. Not only did it bring inspiration to many people, it gave me a reason to comment on the cruel judging reviews that critics are remarking about for Julie's new book.
Not many people are liking the fact that Julie not only writes about her cooking passion but she also mentions her sex life and the affair that took place in her marriage. I personally feel she just writes her "real" life experiences and she should not be judged by that.
Cooking for many people is a way that one can take out frustration, sadness, hurt, and also it relieves an inner passion of love that one has with food. Something that not all people can relate to but it is a love that some of us have with music, dancing and any other passion in life.
I can relate to her love of food with my love with music and singing. Ever since I could even speak I started to make up my own silly songs and just sing about whatever came to my mind. In the car driving many miles to go visit my grandparents, or walking around the store with my mom, it seemed like all the time I was singing. As I grew up I was in chorus through out middle school and even high school. I feel if I really wanted to pursue this love and dream of mine I probably would have made it pretty far. But I went a different route with my life and started a family at a young age of 21 and my life blessed ever after.
Even though I had a huge supporting team with my family and friends telling me that I was a great singer, I had some critics as well who boosted down my self-esteem and got me thinking negatively about pursuing a career as a singer.
To this day even though I did not pursue a career in music, as a wife and a mother I instill my love and passion for music and singing with my two daughters. Both of them love to sing, my youngest more so, but they both know that no matter what anyone ever says negatively about their passion and love for something, to always let it go in one ear and out the other. Yes, it will hurt and tears will pour out like rain sometimes, but it's those hurtful words and remarks that make us stronger and thrive more for what we know is right on the inside.
No one in this world has the right to judge anyone. Look around people...No one is perfect except God and until the day that we are all at his court room, God is the only one who has the final word and can judge us all.

So, I say Keep up the good work Julie! To the world: Know we have the freedom in this country to speak out our minds. Even though not everyone will agree with what we have to say.
We all have the freedom of speech and the right of knowledge to know that.

Love, Peace & God Bless Everyone.

Life Goes On

Sat in bed last night around midnight with a ton of thoughts going on in my head. Going through my recent lay off and struggling financially has definitely put a damper on my life.

I guess I never realized just how good life really was when we were pulling in an additional 3000.00 a month while I was working, until now.

I would say I'm not a very materialistic person, I went so many years never knowing about computers, ipod's, brand new cell phones, new clothes, all the new technology basically.

Then I found myself finally on my own as a single mom with a really good career ahead of me and I was actually able to afford the finer things in life.

I felt that since I worked my butt off at work, why not spoil myself and my two daughters. I never had it while I was growing up and I want more than anything for my girls to grow up with as much knowledge of life, knowing the things they can have if they succeed and work hard for it.

So, I bought me name brand clothes, bags, shoes, accessories, etc. Got my hair done professionally every two months, mani's and pedi's every two weeks....and did the same with my girls and so on. My girls and I moved into a small home with a tiny monthly payment and just utilities to pay for, I took advantage of the spending.

But I made our lives happy and I couldn't have asked for more.

About a year after we moved into our little home, I met the man of my dreams!! He spoiled me even more financially and when I should have been saving my money, it was into my bank account and seconds later after the bills were paid, it was spent.

Thinking back, it wasn't the best lesson to be teaching my girls but I was caught up in the moment.

The company I was working for was the best job I've had in my life. I met great friends and was able to advance in my career with the help of my CFO. I went back to school to pursue my accounting degree, became a public notary and now that I had a new perfect romance in my life, it was the highlight of my past.

Myself along with many more were laid off because the company took a dive and ever since then, it has been a roller coaster looking for the best job. I somehow kept working on and off through a temp agency making great money and my boyfriend got a raise at work and worked as many hours as possible for us.

A year later, we got married, got our first home and have a house full of nice things. My life was heading in my dream come true world. We bought our first brand new vehicle's together, he had his own SUV and I had my own. Three months later, I was in a bad car accident and totalled my SUV. I was ok, thank the Lord, but the SUV was not. Fortunately after looking for a new SUV, I ended up with smaller car that I later on fell in love with. Both of us together we pulling in over 4-5 grand after taxes so we sat very comfortable.

Until, a year ago, I was hired at another great company. This time I had my own office, how much better can you get than that to start off; It was perfect.

After working with that company for a year, I started noticing things around me were falling apart. I was again laid off and after my husband's hours were cut and pay was cut back, we found ourselves in the biggest financial rut ever. We lost both vehicles, we're starting to get behind on the house payment, have bills up the wazoo that we just can NOT pay for and our marriage started getting a little rocky.

The best thing about any relationship is good communication. Which is the one thing that my husband and myself have. Since the day we met we just understood each other. One night after a huge fight about money and where we would end up at the next month, we made a pact never to fight about money. Even though now, I can not go and buy whatever I want, when I want, I have learned several things out of all of this.

My true friends, you know who you are, all the comments made to me about just having faith and staying positive have really helped. No matter what happens in my life, I know that having great friends and a wonderful family that are there makes all the hard times worth something in the end.

I am penny pinching now more than ever and it's been the hardest thing I have had to learn how to do but I am taking it as a growth and dedication.

My husband's work is picking up and he has his hours and almost his whole pay back. His work sold us one of their newer trucks, so we have another new vehicle. My parents have let us borrow their jeep until we can get another vehicle for me to drive but it gets me from point A to B and really that's all that matters. Our house payments are slowly getting paid off but we're getting them paid and everything else is slowly pulling right back together.

I find myself now thinking alot more positive and clearer about finances. You'd think being in accounting I would have known all about how things work financially, but we all live and learn.

Life goes on, right? Another lesson learned through all of this is that I'm not going through this alone.

If you are struggling financially, look around your hometown for help. Churches, Family Assistance, etc...there are so many people out there that can help.

If you are in Tucson surrounding areas:

Food Pantry- Abounding Grace

2450 S. Kolb Rd

520-747-3745

Rental/Utility Assistance & More - Tucson Urban League

http://www.tucsonurbanleague.com/

Other Assistance - Info & Referral

520-325-2111

If you have any questions, please ask me, I'll do what ever I can to help as well.

Feelings

I'm usually a very positive, happy and upbeat kinda gal. When other people's worlds are caving in, I'm the one giving them my advice. Or going to be by their side for a shoulder to cry on or talk to.

Recently, I've wondered where all my True Friends really are. I don't just want someone to be there for me when I'm going through hard times..I want them to be there through my good times too. But it seems that I am alone in friendship.

My thought and words seem to be the only friend I have right now, so I need a shoulder to cry on..or a paper to pour out my inner tears on.

I just don't know how to feel anymore. I've tried thinking, "Be patient, good things will happen." Then something bad or unexpected happens and my family is right back where we started off. Poor, no food, no gas and no self confidence or self esteem.

I know we are all going through hard times right now and I should not be selfish in my ways of thinking...but I see around me people who say they have no money going on vacations, and buying new cars, which makes me feel lied to and betrayed.

I have burnt all my financial bridges with my family. They help me out and when it comes time for me to pay them back, again I have no money and I feel like I get buried into the deepest, darkest hole that I just can't seem to get out of.

You'd think that since my husband makes decent money that we are OK, when in reality, we are far from OK.

We are two months almost going on three late on our rent....Thank God that our landlord is a very patient man. Or I feel we would have been evicted a long time ago. Our electric is about it get shut off as well as our water.

Plus the other bills that we have that are just climbing to the sky, it worries me that the Holiday's are right around the corner. *tear* I just hate feeling this way and I my husband is probably feeling the weight on his shoulders as well. It just doesn't help me that I am stuck at home with more free time to sit around my house and let all this build up in my mind.

I have dreams that I just blink my eyes and all of our dreams come true. We buy a car, house, winter clothes for the kids, and soo much more that we just don't have.

Well I do have to be thankful for one thing. Thank the Lord for the Internet!! Even if I am stuck at home alone, this is the one thing that keeps me sane during the day. If all this means is not one person will read this posting, I will at least get the stress out of my mind and off my shoulders.

*deep breath*

*smile*

I do feel a little better already. Maybe by some miracle and the grace of God, something good will happen to our family and things will finally get better for us.

Stay strong, think positive, Pray

Words I always tell my friends when they need me, yet I find it so hard to do myself.

Hottest "Male" Celebrity Poll

WHO DO YOU THINK IS THE HOTTEST MAN ALIVE??

We all know that by the grace of God some of us are just born with the "Hot" gene and other's just are "Not". For these celebrity men, Pictures can say a thousand words. But the one word that jumps out of my head it just plain ol "HOT"!!

My Favorite "Hottest Men" Celebrities

1. Channing Tatum

2. Paul Walker

3. Chad Michael Murray

4. Orlando Bloom

5. Jesse Metcalf

6. Ryan Phillippe

7. Adrian Greniere

8. Jensen Ackles

9. David Beckham

10. Mario Lopez

Wow, it would be amazing just to be up close to one of these fine men, even if it means just to stare into their eyes!! Well, it's good to at least be able to dream huh? lol ;)

I Hate Struggeling!!

Ever since this economy has took a huge fall, life has been extremley tough for everyone. But for my family it has led us to a major crises. We have not lost our house yet, but we are now two months behind since I was recently laid off. We have had no money for food, bills or even gas to get back and forth to work with. I have tried to be strong for the sake of my kids. I've kept my inner tears back and prayed more than ever.

Now, we have not even a dime to our name. We went from both our pay days landing every other friday, so my husband would get paid one friday and the next I got paid, so we always had a week where we had money.

I have now been out of work for almost two months and it seems like we get more and more burried into a hole. I have now come to a highest weakness with all our struggle that I finally broke down and cried today.

I still try not to let my kids see my sadness and show them that we are ok, but when life went so good to where we went out for dinner often or even to go see a movie, to now, not being able to do anything...and our kids are smart so i'm sure they are starting to see a difference.

Out of all our struggles, my husband and I were sitting down this evening talking about what were going through. He says, "We have to be strong for eachother and know that NO matter what material struggles we go through, we have eachother and our health". I cried and we hugged for the longest time. He is very right and no matter what materialistic things we have to sell in order to get us money for our house payment and utilities, at least we still have a house for now and we do have eachother. Our marriage and bond with us as a family is really what means the most to me. At the end of each day as long as his love reassures me then that makes all my stress, anxiety and suffering go away.

I hate struggeling, but the I see it as a learning experience and know that I am not the only one going through harsh times right now.

If you are going through hard times and need a shoulder to cry on, message me and let me talk to you..we can cry on eachother's shoulder's together and over come all of our obsticles.

Peace, Love, God Bless!!

A Full House

Well the past three weeks I have graciously allowed my best friend and her four kids stay with my husband, myself and our two girls. Her youngest daughter is 7 months old, she has a little girl that is 18 months, another girl that is 5 and a son that is 7.
I have a three bedroom two bath home around 1500 sq. ft. Not too big. But it works for my family of four. My oldest daughter gave up her room for my friend and her two little ones to sleep. The other two of her kids shared a room with my two girls.
When they arrived, I was extremely excited to be having an infant in my house. She is the cutest little girl too. But she is teething and so far since they have moved in I have not had one night of peace.
My fried works at night and has no vehicle so I have been driving her back and forth from work.
Our days consist of waking up in the morning and getting the kids ready for school...then the hole day is filled with her 18 month old screaming at the top of her lungs and spilling food and drinks all over my house. Did I mention that my carpets are a very light tan color??!! Since they have moved in, it's more like dirty sand color now. Stains galore!!
The oldest two are in school so I at least get that break during the day. Since my friend works at night, she gets home at around 4am. The infant wakes up at 6 or 7 and after the older kids are off to school, guess who takes care of the little ones while she sleeps?? Yup...Me.
I don't mind to help out a friend, but times have been tough. I can't imagine what it's like to be a single mom with four kids. I know she has it extremely tough.
All I can do is be a good friend and be there for her in her time of need.
Good news...she was able to find a house for rent and was available immediately. So this coming Monday she gets the keys to her place and I drive her one last time to work.


Awwww finally will have my house back to normal and first thing Monday afternoon, Get my carpets clean!!!!


So Long Full House!!



Ever need an aroma to cure all moods??

Visit:

http://www.charmednaturally.com/

Just Felt Like Talking

I often sit here with a ton of thoughts going through my head. So much is going on everywhere in the world at this very moment in time. Hurt, pain, suffering and starving. Not to mention the war that is still going on for some reason. I often tell myself that if I ever won the lottery that I would be one of those people out there helping as much as I could to stop all this. I know it is impossible for me to stop a war. But, I know that I have the biggest heart and am determined to help in whatever as much as I could.

So I sit here in my peacefully quiet home and try to conquer all in my mind. I wish it were that easy.

Anywho...just wanted to get this out of my mind and into yours. Thanks for listening.

I Need Motavation!!

I love to workout and run. But here lately I have had so much going on in my life that I just get tired and all I want to do is, NOT be active.
When I stopped I noticed that I immediately gained weight. None of my pants fit me and it makes my self esteem shoot straight down to the floor.
I need some help getting motivated.
What would you recommend??

Yes, I'm A Shopoholic

My Name is Stephanie and I'm a Shopoholic...

For so long I never knew that buying a new outfit everytime I went out clubing was a bad thing. Not only do I buy either a dress, pants, skirt, blouse, sweater, whatever makes the outfit...I also must buy all matching accessories to finish off the whole attire and make it complete.

It seems like every time I have a dollar on me, stores are always calling my name for me to go spend it. My savings would never get to high becuase those special occasions of going out always seemed like they landed on a payday weekend.

When I see a mall it's like beams of shining light flow out like a shimmering diamond urging to be touched. I walk in and the smell of "New" is everywhere. It's hard to explain this smell, but I take a deep breath and it's like an instan rush of energy and I'm on cloud nine. Each store is new and different to me. No matter where I am or what I am doing, the word "SALE" always catch my eye and it's an instant purchase for me. I'll usually walk out of each outlet with something.

My New Favorite Fragrance

Coach "Legacy"

Purchase this online or at your nearest store.

You'll LOVE it!!
http://www.coach.com/

I could start my day out walking extremly slow and checking out each mall outlet for a good fifteen, twenty minutes each. Trying on clothes and shoes add on an extra ten to fifteen on top of that. Smelling each parfume, testing as many as possible to find the perfect one.


BCBG had one of my favorite clothing lines. I can always find a unique top or bottom everytime I look in this section of the store. Buy online or at your nearest retailer.
http://www.bcbg.com/




Just being in the atmostphere of being around people walking in the mall with money to spend, and the smell of food brings to me at utmost addiction.



Then after many hours of looking for the perfect shirt, or earings, I have this glow to me. It's the most pleasuring peace of mind and happiness that I have a new item to put in my jewlery box or closet. What makes this all worth while, is that when I am out having a night on the town or just walking around people, the comments of how gorgeous my boots are, or how beautiful my outfit is, makes the money I blew on it worth while.



Chanel - Another One of My Favorite Name Brands
There are a ton to choose from, view them at
http://www.chanel.com/











Clothes, shoes, hand bags and accessories aren't all I am addicted to buying. I love to just splurge. Passing by a nail or hair saloon, immediatley calls me in. Then of coarse I have to keep up with the fills every two weeks on my nails. And the root touch ups on my hair ever two months. Ahhhh what a girl has to do in order to look good. It's hard, but worth it to feel and look like a million dollars.



Yes, I am a shopoholic and after I am through splurging from my addiction, I have no money left. But I have a closet full of incredible outfits, shoes and handbags, a jewlery box full of hot new fashion accessorries and the biggest smile on my face. Oh...not to mention..sore feet, worn out old sandles from walking all day, sore body and totally drained and oh yes...completly exhausted. But, I can't wait to do it all over again!! Until then, all that goes on in my mind is, what will I buy next?


The Most Important thing you must know about My addiction is...I am a responsible shopoholic. HUGE difference. Bills are paid before I even think about what my next purchase will be.

Ever feel the same way as I do??

Here are a few of my favorite online fashion links for the latest fashion:
http://www.elle.com/Fashion
http://style.com/

http://catwalktocloset.com/



Catch up on fashion news as well:
http://www.stylelens.com/

Crazy Last Minute Halloween Shopping

Crowds of people are swarming every store that has Halloween costumes, candy and/or accessories needed last minute before Halloween day. Pushing and shoving just to pick out the perfect costume or the best candy treats. This holiday season always seems to bring out the worst side of people when it comes to waiting for the last minute.

Shopping isles look like total disasters, everything is unorganized and put in hard to reach places.

There is hope for the everyday last minute shopper. You're not the only one!!

Busy working people that just don't have time because of hectic work schedules, or parents that stay home with their children and have no transportation and those of you who simply just wait until the payday just before Halloween.

Not just Halloween stores carry costumes like, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, Party city, Ross, even your local grocery stores also carry them. You might want to even consider browsing a used clothing store like Twice as Nice, Savers, Buffalo Exchange and many more. Especially now through our harsh times, alot of clothing is being donated to these places and you can always get a good deal for you buck.

Throughout time our country has tried to make Halloween more affordable, funner and safer.

Check out your local newspaper for any ideas where you can take the kids, or just hang out with other single people in the area.

If you do have children, you might want to consider looking for places where families are going to be at like the Zoo, Mall, Baseball Park, Parks and Recreation as well.

If you do not have children, have no plans, or just don't feel like you want to be out in all the caos, rent some scary movies, and grab a huge bowl of candy to pass out for all the fabulous costume watching that goes on around your home.

Don't forget take the time to enjoy the fun of the holiday and always have a safe one!!

Scary Movie Ideas

ADULTS KIDS

Poltergeist

House on Haunted Hill

The Grudge

Chucky Halloween Town

Friday the 13th The Haunted Mansion

Nightmare on Elm Street

The Shining

Halloween

The God

It

Saw

The Ring

Hell Raiser

Carrie

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

The Hills Have Eyes

KIDS

Casper's Haunted Halloween

The Haunted Mansion

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Scooby Doo, Monster's Unleashed

Hocus Pocus

Casper Meets Wendy

Pooh's Heffalump Movie

Check out ABCFamily Channel for specials on too.

Halloween shopping is tough on a budget, here are a few ideas to help:

Black Cat

All you need for this is to wear all black clothes, buy a set of cat ears and tail, which you can even find at the dollar store. Paint on your face with black liner some long whiskers, add a cute little pink nose and your all set.

Bum

Have a very old pair of clothes in your closet? All you would need to buy would

be a black and grew make up set which an be under 5 dollars, to make your face look like you have been with out a shower in months.

Clown

Really baggy colorful clothes and colorful faces are all clowns really are. Find the cheapest

most colorful outfit which can be found for under 20 dollars at places like, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Ross Dress for Less and even some local grocery stores. Add makeup set, which can be bought at the dollar store. This is really all you would need to make this costume.

Ghost

Large white sheet, cut out holes for eyes..this is really all you would need.

Got Boxes?

You can be a robot, radio, spaceship, dollhouse, and I'm sure your imagination will take over and you will think of something.

Tourist

Hawaii shirt or any shirt with a pattern on it, slacks for me, shorts or long skirt for women. Handbag, Sun Glasses, and don't forget the camera!

Mummy

Have an old white or grey sheet? Tear it up and make several thin pieces of strapes. Wear the same color clothes underneath and start wrapping yourself up. You might need a little help. To hold all these pieces together, get you a packet of safety pins from the dollar store and pin them all around you.

Bunny

Dress any color of clothes you want, all you would need is a set of bunny ears and puffy tail.

Cheap and easy to make.

Serial Killer

Any old clothes you have, tear them up more! All you would need to buy is a makeup kit, fake blood and a scary long knife that you can get almost anywhere!

The fake blood is under 5 dollars at any costume store.

Make your own blood:

2 tablespoons shortening

4 tablespoons corn starch

red food coloring

Let your imagination take over and make your costumes fun!!

Important Safety Tips:

*Carry Flashlights

*Keep your eyes open, where you are walking or just around you (Parents, always keep your

eye out on your child and follow his/her every where abouts)

*Explain to your children how important it is to follow all safety rules

* Inspect all candy before eating

Always Make Time for YOU

It seems like the older we get, we can just never find enough time to pamper ourselves. Guy or Girl, Married, Have kids, or Single.

It is rejuvenating to take at least 10 minutes even out of your busy day and just take a deep breath and just relax.

I'm the type of person that is always busy but seem to find some time to be online so that I can post new blogs for everyone to read. Just expressing my inner feelings helps me stop, take a deep breath and let my mind run free.

Every once in a while, I fill up the bath warm hot water, surround myself with candles and fix me a glass of wine. Soaking my stress and tension away, I just lay there and relax.

What ever it is that makes you happy and calm, start doing it more.

Sometimes I go for a job around the neighborhood or Sing on my karaoke mic. This helps me drain out any negativeness that I have and clears my thoughts out.

I've also found that reading other people's blogs helps me see how different but familiar their lives are with mine and I don't feel alone with my thoughts.

Although harsh times are upon us and it's hard to come up with the money to do fun things to relieve stress, set aside a "ME" money stash for an emergency and make time for you!

Single Mom's of Today

Being a single mom myself at one point in my life, I realized that there is hope and help out there.

I struggled for many years of my life with only the loving support of my parents. I found myself pregnant at the age of 21 and all alone to raise a child. When I found out I was pregnant, so many thoughts of horror went through my mind. I had no money, no car, and no job. How was I going to be able to provide for an infant??

After talking with my family and very careful consideration. I decided to keep the baby and move back home with my parents help. I always was an independant person and I did not want to rely on anyone for help, Yes, I have to admit I was very stubborn.

But, the only way for me to get on my feet was to get help from the government.

I worked my whole life starting at the young age of 15. I saved up a little and was always a very responsible person. While speaking with some supportive staff at a local DES office, I signed up for as much help as possible. The father of my child was not about to help me out, so why not get help to get on my own.

If it weren't for help from the government, I would have never made it.

They offer:

Cash Assistance

Food Stamps

Job Opportunities

Medical

and much more.

Because I was pregnant, I was also given help at a place called WIC, for women, infants and children. They were able to help provide more food for myself and my unborn child.

I found myself at many shelters talking with other single mom's and they also made me realize just how much help is out there.

I was not alone! I had family, support and opportunity to gain more with the help that I received than to try and make it on my own.

If you are in this situation, Do not feel Alone! There is more help out there than you can imagine. Churches are willing to help if you attend. I was also given the chance at going back to college to get a degree. Fortunately my college offered child care while attending classes and this helped me out big time.

I am now, after many years of being single, married to the greatest man in the world. After everything that I went through, to the life I live now, I am able to be here as a friend and motivator for other single mom's. I am more than willing to be listen and give the best personal advice as I can in order to help make a positive difference in you're life.

From Single Mom to Single Mom, From Friend to Friend.

With Love,

Steph.

Google "Single Mom Help"

If this doens't help, let me know and i'll answer any questions that I can.

My Life of a House Wife

My Family 2008

So, not all housewives are as dramatic as you see in today's trending tv shows. I currently am a stay at home mom and housewife and its not as fun as they make it out to be.

My day consists of waking the kids up to get them ready for school. While they try to dress them selves, I make lunch for my husband and get him off to work with a kiss goodbye.

The girls eat breakfast then I drop them off at school by 9 o'clock.

As I enter my quiet, lonely home; I take a deep breath and start a load of laundry. Clean up the mess left behind from breakfast and start my daily cleaning the house process.

You would think I have the dirties house because I find myself cleaning it more than once a day. But, there is always something to pick up after my husband leaves his clothes on the floor after a shower, or bowl of half way eatin cereal on the coffee table. The same with my kids, their toothpaste mess in the bathroom, water all over the floor as if a thunder storm took over the bathroom.

I sweep and mop at least twice a day as well. We bought our girls a ginnie pig and I would say it was a huge mistake, but our girls are not picking up after it all the time the way I do. To make matters worse, whilst sweep around its cage for some reason he gets excited and thinks I am playing a game with him. So while he is whistling and jumping around making more of a mess for me to pick up, I sweep, sweep, then sweep some more around his cage.

After the floor is all clean, I load the diswasher, wipe the counters and this phase is done.

Heading off the the kids rooms I'd like to call "The dungeon of No return", I take down the blanket forts that they so kindly put up from one side of the room to the other. Almost making it impossible for me to even walk in. By noon, the rooms are picked up and look brand new. Too bad they will just look even worse when the kids get home.

I fold and put away the laundry by 1pm, after grabbing a small bite to eat for lunch and catching up on any recorded shows from the prior night.

Right now it's, So you think you can dance and Dancing with the Stars. Two shows about dancing and you'd think maybe I would have learned how to dance by now. LOL

Nope no time for a quick nap, its off to Starbucks to get my usual, Iced Non-Fat Caramel Machiatto with Extra Caramel add Whip.

As I sip pure satisfaction, I browse through the grocery store looking for a quick meal for dinner and If I have time, snacks and stuff for dinner through out the week.

I stop and get gas if need be and by the time I get home and put everything away trying to prepare for dinner, it's already 4pm.

Time for the girls to get home from school. As they run in the house shouting hysterically about their day, we sit at the kitchen table and work on homework while, at the same time, I start the preparations of dinner.

Some days this task gets exhausting because yes I have burned the pasta and have had all the smoke alarms go off, while calming the girls down and trying not to burn the house down at the same time.

For the most part, the days at dinner time go pretty smoothly. Homework is now finished and my husband is finally home to help me out. Or so I thought.

He jumps in the shower and lays on the couch watching his pre-recorded tv shows now.

While I push the girls to their rooms to read for 15 minutes, I finish making dinner and set the table.

I peek in on my husband and guess what he is doing???

SLEEPING!!!!

I want to scream at the top of my lungs for him to wake up and help me stop the girls from killing each other over who is taller than the other and "but mom, she has my lip gloss", but he looks so cute and peaceful.

I take the kids war into my own hands and while they are standing at the wall facing their nose and toes, I take a deep breath and think to myself.

I wouldn't want life any other way!!

My Life As A Mother

Ever feel like you never have enough time to sit down or even take a 5 minute nap? Being a parent is a tough job, but being a Mother is even harder. We as women have the motherly instinct to look after our children like hawks look after their prey. To not lose track of every second of where your child is at, every moment of their day. This is what we live for.

I, myself have two children. A 9 year old daughter and a 7 year old daughter. Ever since the day they were born I looked after their every move. As a mother you constantly worry, and wonder if your child will be ok and how they will grow up. We always want what is best for them and strive to offer the best no matter what. Even though there are books that you think will prepare you a little to be a parent, living as one from day to day is the only way to grow as one.

I had an incodent when my oldest daughter was an infant. I had just brought her home from the hospital and being a brand new mother, I placed her in her crib to sleep, not knowing it was the wrong way. When i went to get a quick drink, I checked on her before I went to bed and she was choking. I instantly went into panic mode, grabbed her and called 911. Ever since that first horrible experience, I would sleep with her right at my side while she was sleeping and I would lay my hand on her stomach to feel every breath she would take. It seemed like every second after that I would look upon her even during the day to make sure she was alright.

Of coarse it is impossible to look after a child every second of the day. A kid will be a kid and they will get hurt at some point in thier lives. But I tried as hard as I could to make sure that It would never happen.

The first few years of her life I would never let her out of my sight, while she played, ate, and slept. I over did my motherly nature and did not just let her be a kid. When she would fall, I would bath her right away so she was not dirty, I know I babied her alot. But as a mother, we hurt if our children get hurt. I just wanted to avoid the pain but in fact I was just causing myself way too much stress and anxioty worrying every second of every day of my daughter's life.

As she grew older, yes she got hurt and I did hurt for her to see her big alligator tears or to see her bleed. But she grew up a very happy little girl even after getting hurt. I drifted back on being a hawk and started just to be there when she needed me the most.

After my second daughter was born I had gained motherly experience and was able to learn and mature at being a mom. School functions, activities, homework, their friends, and now, attitudes; were coming into play. This all comes with the role of being a mother, just being there with them, to watch them grow and teach them right from wrong, good from bad and to understand them when they come to you for advice or just for you to listen.

Yes, it has been the toughest job in my life. It has good days and bad. I never have time for me to get my hair done, nails done, or even to take a 5 minute nap. But, for me, I believe that being a Mother is the greatest job a women could ever have.

To know that you are their shoulder to cry on, their helper with homework, help make them look and feel pretty, to be able to buy them things they want and see the biggest smiles on thier faces, and so much more, makes you feel like everything you do without having "You" time, is all worth being a MoM.

My girls with a few of their cousins 2008