Real Life: Live & Unscripted

On my nightstand...

32 Candles by Ernessa T. Carter

This has to be one of my favorite books to date. It was SOOOOOOO good. The characters were fresh and just funny. I found myself feeling SO sorry for the girl, but loving her at the same time. I couldn't put it down.

A.A-M-U Homecoming (PIC HEAVY)

Ok, seeing as how Magic City Classic is THIS Saturday...I'm a LITTLE behind with this post lol.

Gotta start with this one. Kayla has taken a pic with the Dancin Diva's for the past THREE YEARS. They know my baby's name lol. HILARIOUS.  She LOVESSSSSSSSSS the dance girls lol

And not to be outdone lol, Tony took one too. He has made it his profile pic on EVERYTHING lol

Might as well smile lol. They were gonna get my pic anyway lol

Awww smile Jaelyn lol

There ya go lol

Kayla all up in my phone lol. Everybody loves the G2 lol

 
Aj getting hemmmmmeeed up lol

 So there was food...

I'm loving this grill

She makin all kind of friends with that shirt lol

I love his tshirt!

 

Heyyyy Marvin!

The band was so blah to me. They better come with it Saturday!

LOL think she was a little tired of me taking pics? LOL

Heyyyyy! LOL

We had SO much fun once it got dark lol

 
I was being too silly with Patrick sister lol.

Tony was SO for real about that hat lol.

Ok, so there wasn't too much foolishness, well because I wasn't really looking lol. I only looked when Jaelyn said MAH (yes MAH, not MOM lol) look at that lol.

She looked so much like Pre.e.cio.us.

Click the pic and tell me what you see lol.

Look closeeeeeeeeeeeelyyyy.

I just hate those shoes. Never have liked them. It was umm kinda warm though lol.

Ya'll remember this guy from the other year!? I tried SO hard to get a better pic of his outfit lol. Just no words lol

Yeah, just discuss that one lol.

Toodles!

 

Day 7 - Lust. Seven love secrets

1. I'm a scorpio lol. Enough said lol.
2. I'm passionate.
3. I enjoy x.e.s. like realllyyyyyyy enjoy it lol.
4. I love to kiss.
5. I love to cuddle.
6. I'm not afraid to voice what I want or what I like and don't like for that matter.
7. Not afraid to try something new.

Kayla Bday Wrapup lol

Soooooooooooooo this is a little late but better late than never right? LOL

Kayla had a great bday and party! Let me show y'all lol

I wish y'all could have seen the look on her face when she saw her cake. AND OMG it was GOOD lol

 

Andddd she had a bday party a week or so ago lol

She was jazzy huh? LOL

 There were kids EVERYWHERE. I won't post those becaues I don't know if the parents want their kids on the internet lol.

Alright lol. Y'all have a good one lol.

 

 

Day 6 - Gluttony. Seven guilty pleasures.

I hate the term guilty pleasures. I mean, we all do what we want because we want to right? LOL

This one was actually hard because I don't have anything I consider a guilty pleasure, because I do what I want  lol.

Soooooooooooooo lol

1. That MTV show If you really knew me. It's SAD but it's good lol.
2. Youtube. I can stay on youtube ALL DAY LONG. There is always some foolishness going on. Just like that video I sent Zanete. LAWD lol.
3. Heavy Metal Music. I love to BLAST it. But umm I love to blast ALL music lol.
4. My phone. That really should have been number one lol. I love my G2.
5. Hoarders. No really. I'm totally addicted. Watching it with my twitter folks is HILARIOUS.
6. Twitter/FB. I'm so pg on FB because I have a lot of family on it. I talk about the FB folks on twitter lol. Twitter is my outlet lol.
7. Tape. Like packing tape lol. If you have EVER gotten a package from me it's always taped up ummm really well lol. I love tape lol.

What about y'all?

Day 5 - Greed. Seven worldly material desires.

Ahhhhhhh

1. A new car. Well a SUV. I love my car, it's been soooooo good to me but it is NOT big enough. Taking the kids to and fro, hauling my equipment and supplies...yeah soooo I want this:

At first I thought I wanted an Infiniti QX56 but it's the EXACT same car just more expensive. I'll take the cheaper one for $500 Alex!

2. A Macbook Pro

It's no secret that I'm a complete GEEK, and I love all things MAC sooooo there ya go lol.

 

 

3. *sigh* These shoes:

If they EVER go half price, then maybe. But right now...nope lol.

4. A  bigger home. We have totally out-grown this one. I didn't know I was pregnant when we purchased it lol. Talk about a housewarming gift lol. I NEED four bedrooms,  I WANT  5 bedrooms, family room, multiple bathrooms, HUGE kitchen and dining area (nothing formal-not my taste), studio with wonderful lighting and a DOOR that I can CLOSE for all my crafts lol, big front porch, wonderful back yard with a deck for entertaining. Got it? Good lol. Amen

5. I want to travel with my family. Like my WHOLE family lol.

That's really it lol. I don't really ask for a whole lot. But that's all I can think of lol.

 

What about y'all?

 

Simplicity 2472

 

Simplicity 2472

Pattern Description: Cynthia Rowley Collection. Misses' dress sewing pattern in two lengths or tunic, belt and tie-on ruffled bib.

Pattern Sizing: 12-20


Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes, Kinda.
Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn't even use them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I needed something simple to jumpstart my mojo. This dress did just the trick.


Fabric Used: Challis


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I used FOE (Fold over elastic) on the neckline because I wanted a little contrast. I think it came out great. I also didn't add the sleeve binding. I just hemmed it.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I doubt if I sew this again. I  needed an instant gratification project and this fit the bill.

Conclusion: Simple dress that was instant gratification for me.

Day 4 - Sloth. Seven things you neglect to do.

1. I do NOT always clean up behind myself...immediately. I will make a mess and leave it until I feel like picking it up lol. I have an empty bowl right now on my night stand that had raisins in it lol. I had it last night. There is also a water bottle thats empty that I need to throw away lol.
2. I do not always go through my mail on time. Now, this has not been a real problem until the past few months. When Tony was in the hospital, I wasn't home to get the mail and when I did, I looked to see what needed my immediate attention. Everything else went into a stack. That stack is HUGE today. It's on my to do list for today.
3. I don't always check my email. If we are having a conversation, you are straight lol. If you send me something ummm. I kinda scan the sender and the subject line and answer accordingly. Lately I have been doing better.
4. I do NOT always put away my laundry lol. I have had laundry in a basket before that needed to be put up, and I just got things out of the basket as I needed it lol.
5. After I finish sewing, I don't always clean up all the mess that I've made...immediately lol. I'm so glad to be finished with a project I'll leave it until I get ready to start something else, BUT I can't start a new project if my studio is messy. Ever lol.
6. sometimes i ignore the kids when i know they aren't talking about anything. shhhhhhhhhhhhh. don't tell them because they think I'm listening lol.
7. I hit snooze WAAAYYYYYY too many times in the morning. WAY too many times lol.
   

Aj Update

Yesterday (wow was that only yesterday?) Aj was playing outside with Kayla and he fell. Kayla came in the house screaming bloody murder saying Aj's arm was backwards. I was TERRIFIED to look at him because I didn't know WHAT to expect.

He looked fine when he came in and I looked at both his arms and they looked fine. I was upset with them because they were screaming like he was bleeding from the eyeballs and it SEEMED as if nothing was wrong. I was able to touch his arms and he was ok. He cried a little but that was it.

Welllllllllllllllllllll, he said his arm was hurting so I told him to take a bath and I was going to give him some tylenol and put some ice on it and he could rest in my bed.

WRONG.

I went to check on him in the bathtub and it looked like a tennis ball was attached to his elbow.

*freaking out on the inside*

I didn't want to frighten the other kids so I had to keep my calm.  It just looked weird and yes it freaked me out. So what. I'm a softee lol.

I decided it was best to go ahead and take him to the ER and make sure it was all well, instead of trying to treat it as a sprain myself.

BEST DECISION EVER

Turns out it was broken in two places and dislocated.

Say whattttttttttttttttttt?

Everything with him is fine now, thankfully he was out of school today and tomorrow so he will go back to school Monday with a big ole blue cast lol.

He isn't in TOO much pain but he does have some liquid lortab when he does. So far he has only had to take it twice today.

Thanks guys for all the prayers and emails checking up on my baby.

Now, I'm going to attempt to get some rest. Normally I'm a vampire and can go without much sleep but ummm. Momma is TIRED lol.

Aj is in the hospital and has to have surgery in the morning

He has never been put to sleep before so I'm kinda a nervous wreck. Please pray for my baby

Twitter/Blogger Book Club

If anyone is interested email Dana @  dpaynebrooks@gmail.com

I know a lot of y'all love to read soooooooooo lol and spread the word.

Thanks!

Hump Day Ramblings...

• Could I possibly have a smile on my face?

• I wonder if I made the right decision? Time will tell.

• Jaelyn emails me from school. It's hilarious. She always wants me to bring her lunch lol.

• Time sure did tell that one quickly. Wrong decision. VERY wrong.

• I need to finish sewing this blouse.

• My sewing table is JUNKY.

• I don't blog about EVERYTHING. FYI.

• The Hip Hop Awards were ummm Yeah. What happened to REAL music?

• My blood is BOILING. Trying not to even think about it.

• Got this quote today: "The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to
  overlook."
  
  -- William James

• That quote was PERFECT timing lol.

• Another quote in my email today:  Courage is the power to let go of the familiar.
  
  Raymond Lindquist
  
  
• Can you tell I'm going through my email? Another perfect one lol.

• Clean breaks can really be a good thing?

• My house smells sooooooo good!

• The truth is a wonderful thing.

• Today is ONLY Wednesday lol. I gotta ramble for a whole week lol.

• I haven't watched Project Runway in about 3 weeks lol.

• Dinner was SO good tonight.

• I have a busy few days ahead.

• Kayla's birthday party was wonderful! I love a party with a beginning and an end, and I didn't have to clean up! WOOHOO lol

• Keeping a friends family lifted in prayer. 

• I am SO sleepy right now!

• I have PURGED YALL.

• You know what makes me want to purge? Watching Hoarders. Just WOW.

• I am so close to a deadline. I have GOT to get finished. Normally I like a deadline. Not this one.

• I am counting DOWN to my birthday!!!!! WOOO HOOO

• My ringtone is Champagne Life. I swear that's gonna be my bday song lol.

• I'm LOVING MY G2!! WHY did I wait so long to leave blackberry!?! LOL

Alright y'all ramble away lol.

Day 3 - Wrath

Seven things that piss you off.

1. People who lie to make themselves look better. OMG, telling HALF truths is just as bad as not telling the WHOLE truth. I won't keep typing because I'm getting pissed.
2. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Seriously. HOW HARD IS IT TO DO? If you don't mean it, don't say it. Simple.
3. People who break promises. All three of these go hand in hand. But don't PROMISE me something, and you not follow through. SMH.
4. People who mistreat people. I hate to see a good kind hearted person get mistreated or taken advantage of. Hate it.
5. Some of the women sports casters on ESPN. DRIVE ME BATTY! 
6. People that don't  take care of their family. If you have a RESPONSIBILITY, handle that. That is all.
7. BUGS. Thats why I have a cat. Wall-E kills ANYTHING that moves.

Help! International food ideas???

I have to make an international food dish for THIS SUNDAY! I totally forgot until my faithful google calendar reminded me of it lol.

Do y'all have ANY ideas? It has to be for a group, so easy would be WONDERFUL.

I'm looking for any suggestions, from belgium waffles (which I don't want to make) to well ANYTHING lol

Thanks guys!

QOTD (Quote of the Day)

"I think of life as a good book. The further you get
into it, the more it begins to make sense."

-- Harold S. Kushner

Day 2 - Envy

Seven things you lack and covet:

1. Having a  sister. I've ALWAYS wanted a sister. I LOVE all my brohters,but I've always wanted a sister. Someone to tell my secrets to, someone to laugh with, to put on makeup with, to go shopping with. To be my best friend. My sister. *sigh*
2. People who can draw. I can't draw to save my life lol.
3. Applying makeup. I know it sounds trivial, but I just can NOT get it right. Always looks crazy to me, BUTTTT I'm working on that lol. I used to model and I could do it flawlessly...NOW? Not so much lol. I do okay, but I want it to be POW! LOL
4. Women with perfect boobs. Yes boobs lol. If I could change ONE thing about myself it would be my boobs lol. Now leave me alone lol.
5. People who can eat what they want and not gain weight. YES... I USED to be that chick. Children change your body lol.
6. A house on flat land. My house is on a hill. Enough said.
7. Being debt free. I'm close to this one, but not yet.

Linky love...

Do y'all have some sites you just LOVE!? Link them here and share the love! LOL

Here are a few of my favorites:

 

Black and Married with Kids- I REALLY enjoy this site. Always good food for thought.

 

To Love, Honor and Vaccume - Love some of the ideas here.

 

Art Slam - Don't let the name fool you. Lu has posts that REALLY make you think.

 

Mo - Just a sweetheart, down to earth and real.

 

Zen Habits

 

Serenity23- She has great posts. Makeup, fashion, hair, her son...just all around a good blog.

 

Quilt Group.com

mealfire.com

Make a dress form

This is my favorite blog ever! Love their commentary! LOL

 

What women want<<<SUPERB BLOG POST!

Day 1 - Pride

Seven great things about yourself.

Hmmm, 7 GREAT things huh?
Let's see...

1. I'm a wonderful mother and wife. I do believe I have a "S" on my chest lol.
2. I will tell you like it TIS. I try not to be rude with it, but sometimes the truth is just the truth and that can hurt. If you want an honest answer, ask me. I'll give it to you.
3. My smile. I think it's beautiful :)
4. I'm silly, but not a clown lol. There IS a difference. We can share many a laughs together.
5. I'm a giver. I hardly ever ask for things, but will give until I can't anymore.
6. I LOVE TO PLAN and I'm SUPERB at it.
7. I'm a fantastic cook. I love to cook and LOVE feeding my friends and family. Ask them, they will tell you lol.

Y'all wanna play? Go right ahead!

Hump Day Ramblings....

 

• WOW, its been a long time since I've rambled.

• I'm going through a mix of emotions right now.

• Do y'all watch that show on MTV...IF YOU REALLY KNEW ME?

• Lawd if y'all REALLY knew me only a cple people do. Well, not that many lol.

• I'm ready for this year to be OVER.

• Do y'all believe in that old wives tale/saying, what ever you are doing on  New Year's Eve is what you will do most of the new year?

• I need to have my carpet cleaned.

• My heart is broken. Just. ugh.

• Nuvo is the bombbbbb.

• I still need to do pics from AAMU Homecoming lol.

• Do y'all know that my mojo has been MISSING? LIke seriously?

• WHY is it so hot in October?

• *sings* what God has for meeee it is for meeeeee...

• I cried so hard today ya'll. In my car. Just bawled. Snot, ugly cry. SMH

• I love my G2. No like seriously. I do. Blackberry who?

• Do y'all need to laugh? I do...watch THIS VIDEO OMG LOL

• ok, maybe I shouldn't have watched that lol.

• Ok, watch THIS ONE!!!

• Don't blame me, it's Jaelyn's fault lol. She showed me lol.

• Ever laugh and cry at the same time? Happy and sad all at the same time? Yeah thats me right now lol. ugh

• Words with friends is too fun lol. Especially when you playing with people sitting next to you.

• I need a distraction. BIG TIME. Maybe I need to sit in front of my sewing machine?

• I've been reading. A LOT. This one book, I'm on chapter 8 and the story STILL hasn't opened up. LIke I don't know WHAT is supposed to be going on. I'm going to give it a few more chapters them I'm moving on.

• I have gold polish on my toes and I LOVE it.

• Did I say I'm ready for this year to be over? Ok. Just checking.

• OHHHH I've ordered some FIYA shoes over the past few weeks. 

• I wanted to loose a few pounds and I'm almost at that weight. That makes me happy. I'm acutally going over what I wanted to loose, so that is even better. I want to work on firming up.

• Mondays are my LONG days at home. Everyone has somewhere to be, and I have to take them there lol.

• Does time really heal all wounds or is that just some BS that somebody made up?

Alright, y'all. what's going on with y'all. I feel like I've lost touch lol. Ramble awayyyyyy!!!

7 Deadly Sins Challenge

I saw this over at Mo's blog and figured this would be a great thing to do...stay tuned..

The 7 Deadly Sins...
Day 1 - Pride. Seven great things about yourself.
Day 2 - Envy. Seven things you lack and covet.
Day 3 - Wrath. Seven things that piss you off.
Day 4 - Sloth. Seven things you neglect to do.
Day 5 - Greed. Seven worldly material desires.
Day 6 - Gluttony. Seven guilty pleasures.
Day 7 - Lust. Seven love secrets

Happy Birthday Kayla!

We love you!

Can't believe my baby is 11!

On my nightstand...

 

Ted Dekker Bride Collector

 

YEARS ago, I read Ted Dekker books and after one of he series, I did NOT like him anymore. I stopped reading them for YEARS. I saw this one in the airport in Miami earlier this year and made a mental not to check it out.

SO GLAD I DID! I could NOT put this one down! It was SO good!

Pics from my blackberry (the last edition lol)

So these pics were in my BB FOREVER! Here we go! LOL

I made a BUNCH of skirts for the girls lol. Carla can tell y'all how old this pic is lol.

 
Kayla loves accessories...

Ate at Chuy's. YUM

Jaelyn was in a hair magazine..

We love grilling lol

SMH, Kayla put Wall-E in a plastic box lol

Been playing tennis....

Jaelyn tried on pageant dresses. This one didn't make final cut.  The one she ended up getting is STUNNING.

Had some trees cut down around the house. WOOHOO lol

 Ok, that's it lol.

More later!!!