A New Journey

Closing the chapter of My Simply Inspired and moving to another chapter in my life.

I am On Colorado Drive.  New beginnings and hopes for the transitions in my latest journey in life.  I am thankful to God for all his blessings.  

Happy New Year 2016!

Hope to see you there!

Christmas Cheer

In the last week I've been a witness to the giving end of Christmas.  I work in a school where it is predominantly low socio-economic.  Over 90% of the students are on free or reduced lunch.  Some students have worse problems than us adults.  When they walk through the campus doors you would never know these children come from homes with limited resources.   Some children have a mom that works evening shifts so the only time they may see her is when they are on their way out the door to school.  Others live with a grandparent or a guardian because their dad or mom is not in the picture for whatever reason.  I can go on about the make up of a family.  Nonetheless, our students are the most well behaved, well mannered and adorable kids a school could ask for.  So no need to explain why each Christmas I want to give each child a gift to take home!  Unfortunately those means aren't always available.  However, thanks to some angels that surround us we are able to give gifts to a great number of our students in different ways.  Let me explain....

Our local fire fighters brought over bags of toys and a bike for our kids.  I had the pleasure of delivering the bike to a lucky student at my school.  I literally rode the bike around the school during dismissal "searching" for the lucky student.  When I got to the student I asked-"Do you believe in Santa?"  He said yes.  I say-"Well Santa left this for you and he asked me to give it to you."  The student was beyond shock!  

Another event that I was fortunate to participate in last year and again this year was the Shop with a Cop event.  The police union sponsors this event.  Children were taken to a Walmart where they get to shop with a cop.  It was a fun and exciting event!  We were able to bring about 6 students.  The teachers came out to help the students too.  My son is seen here helping out one of the kids.   My son was quite impressed that the young boy wanted to make sure and get something for his little brother.  These types of things warm my heart.  

Lastly, but certainly not the least.  For the past 6 years our school has taken part in a local toy drive lead by a local Tejano band-Negami.  Unwrapped toys and cash donations are given by teachers and staff members in the district.  Other donations come from local businesses.  The toy drive essentially helps out a great number of needy families at every school in the district.  Bags of toys are delivered to the schools to help out those families.  The remainder of the toys are given out on a given Saturday morning in the neighborhood.  The neighborhood is usually the one where my students live.  Each year it is a blessing to get to participate in the delivery of the toys.  It is my favorite part!  It is such a joy every year to get to do this!  It is an emotional and rewarding time!  The kids are so excited! The parents are so thankful.  Let me tell you-tears are certainly shed.

So these are my Christmas cheer stories.  It makes my world complete to get to take part in making a child smile. I love this season!  It is like no other.  Tis the season to give!   

My Daughter the Hairstylist

Last Christmastime, my daughter came to my husband and I (for the upteenth time) about attending cosmetology school.  She wanted to attend Aveda Institute.  She was already taking classes at a local community college and was a few classes shy of receiving her associates degree.  She had come to us before this asking to attend Aveda, but our constant response was "no."  No, you need to finish your degree and when you do, if you still want to pursue Aveda you can.

See, at the time I knew she had a passion for doing hair.  She has had that interest since she was young.  Geez she cut her own hair when she was 4 years old!  It wasn't the best style might I add and it was the day before her PK pictures.  She cut her bangs into a zig zag cut!  (Enter wide open eye smiley face here).  Nonetheless, she had an interest.  She tried to take cosmetology classes in high school, but her high school only accepted a certain number of students.  She didn't even get a chance. Since she was younger she would be the one called on to do everyone's updos.  She would trim her own hair.  She had a true gift for it, but I was still adamant that she attend college and work towards a degree.

Around this time (she was asking about cosmetology school) she also met a friend who attended Aveda and did hair.  So, naturally I began to think she is only excited about it because her friend does it.  It looks exciting for her-of course it did!  I started to think is this going to be a phase?  I was wrong.

It was not a phase.  She continued to ask about attending.  It wasn't until last Christmas when it hit me.  I've always wanted my children to make a life that would make them happy.  Do something not for the amount of money it brings in, but for what it does for you to make you happy.  If it helps you make a comfortable living-then great!  We then gave her our blessings.  Boy was I impressed with my daughter's ambition and determination she gave to her new choice of school. 

She started Aveda last May.  She is about half way done.  She is already taking clients and doing full cuts and color with supervision of course.  However, she has been told she's a natural at hair! 

I was able to see her in full action a week go when she did ombré on my hair.  She was so focused and professional.  I saw my little girl as a grown professional.  She did an amazing job.  I was so proud of her! 

Sometimes we have plans for our children. We have plans on what they are going to do and what path they will take. However, there will be times when we do have to let them live and learn on their own.  They do develop their individuality and grow into a responsible adult making informed decisions.  That is what we want for them as parents.  Now I will just sit back and take in the fact I have my personal hairstylist.  Anytime I want to try a new style, I'll have a professional at my fingertips to ask- "how will this look on me?" 

 

Forty

This is quite a late post, but it's better late than never-right?

I use to think turning 40 years old was such a significant point in your life that indicates..you're old chic!  Bring out the black balloons and confetti.  Bring out all the "over the hill" signs and old age gag gifts.  This is what I remembered 40 being when I was young and my parents and their friends were turning 40.  However, I was pleasantly enlightened how different turning 40 really is!

This birthday card message said it simply what 40 means...

"40 is the beginning of everything that matters.  It's when you start to be respected in the world, make an impact, and get listened to.  It's when you let go of everything fake and pursue what's important to you for real.  It's when you realize that knowing what you know, you wouldn't go back.  40 is when you deserve to celebrate yourself and take pride in your strengths without apologizing.  So celebrate you today--where you are right now--you deserve it."

I read this card given by my aunt and uncle on my 40th birthday and it hit my heart.  Yes, 40 is amazingly beautiful!  It's when you discover what matters.  You cherish those around you that add beauty to your life and know it's okay for those things that don't ...you leave them behind.  Cheers to 40 beautiful blessed years of my life!  Thank you God for all my blessings.  Cheers to 40 plus more!


A few of my beach birthday weekend memories in pictures.

A Graduate and a Dream

It's a beautiful feeling when a high school senior graduates.  It's a bittersweet moment when they have a dream to fulfill and it is one that takes them further away than you want.

My nephew and godson graduated this past June 2014.  He worked so hard to get to this point.  He had some moments where school was difficult for him, but he never gave up.  He participated in wrestling as a senior and was pretty awesome with it.  He was undefeated the entire season. 

About a couple of years ago, he asked me what I thought about him going to the Navy.  He was really interested in joining. His exposure of the Navy was basically from movies.  He was interested in reading books about the Navy. As a matter of fact, he asked me for a certain list of books for Christmas.  All the titles related to stories of the Navy. 

I told him that he really needed to think about it.  It's not as "glamorous" as the movies make it seem. It's pretty tough to be out there on your own.  He said, "I know Tia Shelle, I know."  At the time, I didn't feel he really did know.  Looking back, I think he did.  

Now it's 2014. He's a graduate and is so hungry for his next step.  He wants to enlist in the U.S. Navy.  Although I still see him as that little boy I baptized and carried in my arms.  That little boy I cared for when he was a baby-changing his pampers and feeding him his bottle.  Somewhere between then and now he's grown up.  He's not my son, but being my brother's son makes him like a son to me. 

I see the determination in his eyes and I know if it is in God's plan for him to enlist then it will.  He still needs to pass his aptitude test.  The closer everything gets the more emotional I get.  I feel like time has went by so fast! He's 19 years old, but I still feel like he's 12?! 

I know that wherever God leads him he will be successful.  I love him and wish him all the best!  When he joins the U.S. Navy, I'm going to be the most proudest aunt there ever was!! 

Here's to a Happy 4th of July! The irony-my nephew going to follow the dream of defending our country as the many others who have done so before him and because of them we have a reason to celebrate this day.

  

Hurricane Season is here!

My son told me the other day, "Mom we are in need of another hurricane."  I told him-becareful what you wish for!  Then I proceeded to ask him why he would say such a thing.

 He says "well remember when the last hurricane hit us and we didn't have electricity?  We were outside every day.  We BBQ'd every day.  We played football and just hung out.  Our family and friends who had light even came over to visit us?!  That was fun mom!"

We do need more times like that.  I responded by telling him, we don't need a hurricane to do all those things.  Ha!

Hurricane season has approached down here in Texas.  It lasts through November.  Numerous hurricanes are predicted each year.  Our weather people will tend to inform us on every storm that hits the Gulf of Mexico-tracking it's possible route and where it could possibly hit.  We don't typically get one every year.  They come in randomly.  You just never know and they could cost lots!  The only good thing is we get a heads up if they are coming so we can prepare in good time, unlike tornadoes.  So, I suppose that would be a positive thing if there is a positive to hurricanes.

So here's to Hurricane Season!  Really hoping for no major storms, but cheers to the "Hurricane type fun."  If that makes sense to you?  Welcome summer!  No hurricanes please.  Thank you.

Mommies Day

Beautiful day spent with the ones I love. 

Moms help make the impossible...possible.

Party of Five

My beautiful niece joined our family this past Sunday-April 27.  My brother and his wife have two grown boys 18 and 12.  They tried once more for a little girl and God blessed them with this little princess.  

I'll never forget the look in my brother's eyes once she was born.  He couldn't stop looking at her and he didn't want to let her go.  

He has never been so happy.  He finally has his complete family.  His sons and his daughter.  He has been blessed.  His little party of five. 

Power of Prayer

Monday night my sister got some unsettling news that one of her and her husband's friends was taken into the emergency room because during dinner that evening his speech began to slur. The only thing they determined that evening at the emergency room was that he had internal bleeding in his brain. My sister was naturally frightened.  The friend was in a different city for work and they felt helpless being so far away.  

By Tuesday morning, after a couple of emergency surgeries and procedures it was discovered he suffered a massive stroke.  He was unresponsive and had to be placed on a breathing machine.  My sister called me later Tuesday afternoon very upset and crying.  Her husband drove to see the friend and with his perspective it didn't look good when he got to see him.  

I began telling their friend's story to people at work.  My secretary told her church people and they prayed for him at church that evening.  I got on FB with my family group and asked for prayer.  I truly believed that the more are gathered in prayer, God's good graces will follow.  

Miraculously, this morning I got a text from my sister that he opened his eyes.  He also was able to recognize his wife.  He even had minimal ability to give a thumbs up. He was slowly beginning to respond.  Slowly... but he was responding.  

Later on Wednesday, my sister and brother in law went to visit with their friend at the hospital.  When my brother in law began to talk to him, he opened his eyes and stared right at him.  He squeezed my brother in law's hand when asked and even slowly nodded his head when asked whether he knew it was my brother in law.  

Doctors are in shock by his rapid responses so soon after his traumatic ordeal.  

I'm a testament that the power of prayer works miracles.  Wow! 

He still has a long road ahead to recover as at this time he continues to be on a breathing machine.  So far all the signs point to a positive outcome. Continued prayer is definitely needed as that is what I'll do as well as encourage others to do. I lay here in my bed amazed at the power of prayer.  I knew I was right all along.  Never did I doubt, but it just became so crystal clear through this episode. 

Texas Snow Day

Yes, I know.  We Texans are made fun of for our interest in sleet/ice and calling it snow.  It's the closest thing we have so let's just agree to disagree.  Yes, we have to shut our city down because we are not use to driving on ice nor do we have the equipment for our cars to drive in ice.  Last Friday was a testament to this as there were over 500 accidents in our city due to drivers still taking to the road.  Scary thought isn't it?  I chose to hibernate Friday and I chose to hibernate today too!

Our news is on just about 24/7 showing us all the ice and sleet going around.  It's continuous coverage.  I don't think they realize sometimes we just want the weather forecast.  Then let the regularly schedule programming continue.  You can keep the little ticker at the bottom to update us with changes.  It's really okay!  If I'm home, I'd like to watch the regular scheduled day time shows.  It's my only chance I get to watch them.

I did get a little excited about the "snow flurries" that came down for a brief 15 minutes and covered my car in snow....I mean ice! It makes for pretty pictures.  Not enough came down to stick to the ground unfortunately.  Everyone did make the best of it nonetheless.

I say if we get a day off to stay home safe and warm...I'll take it!  I don't usually get random days such as these to do just that.

Happy Texas Winter!  Oh and by the way...our temps are forcasted to be in the 70's by week's end!  Take that for Texas weather!  Gotta love it!

What I love about January

January seems to be one of those months that is long and overdrawn.  Sometimes it feels like January will never end!  However, I thought about some things that I love about January.  

January for me brings new hope, dreams, and chances.

Starting with New Years Eve/Day.  New Years has to be my favorite holiday.  Even though as each holiday throughout the year approaches, I think how I love them all.  I carry a love for each holiday for its uniqueness.  But New Years holds a special place in my heart.  It brings new beginnings.  I start new goals and reach for old ones trying to begin again and see what I can do to make it different this time.  

My husband celebrates a new year older.  His birthday is always a fun one.  We get to spend time with our friends and family.  There is always a dinner and night out.

The cook off season begins!  Although cook offs can be all year long, January starts the cycle up again.

Rodeo line up announcements come in!

The Bachelor season begins!

Scarves and boots are a part of every day attire!

Campfires & S'mores!

There you go...all the things I love about January.  My personal goals for the year are few and small, but I'm truly working on them....for real this year!

Continue to become closer to God.
Follow the 52 week money challenge.
Write everyday-document each day of 2014 in my Day One Journal.
Drink more water and no soda.
Find an exercise program that fits me and that I enjoy.
Purchase our new home.


And I leave with a little random something I came across that totally said a lot about me.... Happy New Year!

Twenty Thirteen

                              

Where does the time go?  This year has totally slipped on by.  I looked back at what I said would be some goals for 2013 and yeah...I did well with all but one- eating healthy and exercising.  That carried me about mid year and then I just fell apart.  I don't know why, but it is what it is.  Needless to say I really need to work on it.  No for real! Two reasons: I'm turning the big 4-0 this year and I need to feel fabulous & I have a family history of diabetes so that scares me a bit.  So I really need to get on the will power and determination bandwagon!  Soon!

         

On another note, 2013 brought much reflection within me.  I suppose naturally being a year from turning a milestone birthday may tend to do that to you.  (Enter truth serum here).  One of the things that has been on my mind is having another baby.  I've felt for the longest that I've been missing something in my life (or shall I say a little someone).  I must admit that I adore my two children.  Each of them have been a great blessing to me.  They have brought me much joy and total happiness.  As a matter of fact out of my many hats I wear, the mommy hat sure holds the gold in my books.  So naturally, hoping for another child has been weighing heavy on my heart this year.  You must know that my two children are 22 and 15.  I know people would be saying, wow? Really you want to start all over? Now? You should be happy where you are in life.  You are young.  Your kids are about grown.  You have all this freedom!  Why would you want to start over?  You should be doing things you've always wanted to do!  (Yes, this is what I've been advised by some lately). My mind responds yes, why not.  Then I get a little nervousness and fear deep inside wondering if I'm going through a phase or is it real? Does this sound familiar?  Although I have some supporters saying go for it!  If it happens then it was meant to be and if it doesn't, then at least you will know.  

Then there are all the factors that come up when you think about having another child.  Since I have a very occupied full time job, who will care for the child when we are working?  Will we have the energy?  Are we really too old?  Should we just wait for our grandchildren to enter our future life?  

           

As I enter 2014, I pray that God guides me towards his plan for me.  I know he has a plan for me and if it is his will, it will be done.  I pray that he helps me find the thing I am missing and help me see this season through.  

I'm ready to see what 2014 brings to me and my family.  With God's will, may it be of more beautiful memories to cherish with my family.  Wishing everyone a happy new year 2014!  May it bring you much happiness and treasured memories for you and your family! 

10 Things to Smile About September

Today I bring you 10 Things to Smile About from my blog friend Emmy.  I use to do this before but have not in a while.  So here I am back at it!  These are not in significant order, rather just in the order they happened.  ☺️ Enjoy! 

10.  Back to school lunch at Momo's house.  This was the Sunday before the first day of school, but since I didn't do an August 10 Things, I thought I'd add it in here.  I love all of these children with all my heart.  They are my children, my nieces, nephews and a couple of children belong to really good friends of ours.  I consider them our niece and nephew too-since one of them is also our godchild.

9. My latest caramel highlights.  After a trial and error with red highlights, I was thankful to get my caramel look back! 

8. High heel cupcakes my daughter made for her aunt's birthday.  Too cute!

7. Friday night lights!  High school football games are back again.  Our high school band truly rocks!  Especially the Drumline- where my son plays. ☺️

6. My grandmother's surprise birthday celebration.  One of my cousins had the painting made of her and my grandfather who is in heaven now.  Beautiful day. 

5. My best friend's daughter's quinceanera.  What a beautiful dress!  Gorgeous party! 

4. Our dear friend's BBQ benefit.  Our friend is in the midst of cancer treatments.  With God's will he will come through.  We cooked part of the meat for the plates.  We donated prizes.  All for a good and worthy cause.  

3. Play date with my nieces!  Love them to pieces! 

2. My mom's surprise birthday party!  She is here with all the grandchildren.  Yes, we love surprises! 

1. Grey's Anatomy season premier! Love love love this show! I can't say it enough. I took a whole year to watch from season 1 episode 1 since last summer til this summer.  I'm finally all caught up.  

Life... Lately

Monday, September 23: A "life lately" post. What you're up to, how you're feeling, how you're doing on your goals, etc. Bonus points for great photos!

I have so much on my mind lately where to begin?  What am I up to?  How am I feeling? 

Overwhelmed, preoccupied, celebratory and prayerful...

Overworked! Seriously, there has not been enough time in the day to get my work done.  So, there have been lots of late nights.  Still trying to get my bering to organize myself, but then I'm thrown even more things to cover and before you know it I'm back in a frenzy again.  

My thoughts have been heavy on our next move of buying a new home.  That's in the pre-work stage. Crossing our fingers and saying our prayers that by next summer we'll be in the midst of our plans.  Have lots of ideas on what I want our home to be like.  I can't wait to get there.   

My thoughts have also been weighing on whether to have another baby.  Yes....I know I should be glad my kids are quite grown and I have all this "freedom."  But I also know time is darn near closing in on me and it's now or never.  I miss having a younger child in my life.  I've always loved children.  It's no wonder I didn't have more children.  I did have my first born quite young.  I went through college and graduate school while my children were growing up.  So, I do know it never seemed like there was a right time to have anymore children.  Now that I am settled in my career and living comfortably, it seems something is missing.  Only God knows.  My prayers for finding the answer to my quest come daily.

We just celebrated my mom's 65th birthday.  It was a surprise dinner party at the house.  It turned out wonderful!  She was pleasantly surprised.  

My goals to exercise more and be healthy has fallen.  I need a pick me up!  Fast!

Enjoying this challenge! 

Autumn!

Autumn Fall...whichever name you use...it's here! I love it!  Football, campfires, jeans, festivals, warm drinks, fuzzy socks, and definitely much cooler weather.  One of my favorite times of the year.  It's the beginning of the seasonal "season."  

Kick up your feet and enjoy! 

Comfort

Friday, September 20: React to this term: comfort. 

Comfort is...

family

home on a Friday night

a home cooked meal

sleeping in on a Saturday morning

a hug from a loved one

being surrounded by positive people

a candle burning

all day Sunday movie marathon on the couch

a campfire on the beach 

a warm cup of coffee

warm chocolate cake and ice cream

children's laughter

rainy nights at home

home