{Oh be still my heart . . . }

Over Christmas break Lily and Carson took a nap together. Ahhhh. I am glad I had my camera ready. Buddy is a little snuggler!

{Quite Eve.}

We fixed dinner (Mr. Hobbs had to help). I just wasn't sure what I was doing with green peas and boiled chicken. . . I bet you wished you were dinner guest with the sounds of that, huh?

Did homework.

Played.

Gave baths.

Brushed teeth.

. . . . and then I watched that trashy Bachelor show. Crazy me.

Love, Tonia

{At school. . .}

Well, I dropped all the kids off at school this morning. I am okay. I just miss them.
Love, Tonia
P.S. We were on time.

{Kind Greenwood People}

Can I tell you about one of my more embarrassing moments? Why it came to mind I am not sure, but it did.
Anyways, one morning, I was running late taking the kids to school (as I usually am) and we missed "the ladies" (as we usually do). Clayton willingly got out of the car on his own. Lily wouldn't budge. It went like this:
Me-Go ahead sweetheart, you are going to have a great day!
Lily-No, mom I cant.
Me-I bet you will do a craft. Mrs. Mickle is going to miss you.
Lily-No we won't. I just want to go back home.
Me-Go ahead Clayton, I'll handle Sis.
Lily-Mom will you walk me in?
Me-Sis, I cant Mom isn't wearing shoes. I am barefooted!
Meantime, kind and sweet girl I went to high school with seen me and came to the car! She says, "Hey so good to see you! What's wrong with your little girl?"
Me-Well, she wants me to walk her in and I didn't wear shoes!!! She offers me hers. . . I think for a second and accept! OH MY GOODNESS! Yes, I did. Sure did. I proudly walked my little Lily in gracing her husbands flip flops every step of the way!

Wow, cant believe I just typed that. A little humor at my expense.
Love, Tonia

{Mystery Solved}

I now have Katie on my blog roll! Thank you Mischelle! I feel much better!

{Katie Holland}

Does anybody have her link on their blog roll? I was just trying to find it?

{Sick Feeling}

I just read Shannon's latest post and reminded me of how I forgot to share my feelings. I dread, really dread, sending my kids back to school. I have enjoyed their little faces so so much this holiday. I am really teary about it. Everybody together is just right. Mr. Hobbs has been on vacation too, so all of us has been able to go to sleep and wake up together. Eat three meals together, play games, and actually talk for long periods of time. School, Work, Life. . .seems to be really bugging me right now. Why cant we just stay home, eat, and play Candy Land forever?
You?

{Maybe was right!}

I didn't make the broc salad. Instead I made (drum roll, please) . . . breakfast. Biscuits and gravy, bacon and eggs. Organic eggs (New Years Resolution). Speaking of which I haven't shared. I am just going to simply try to ad in more healthy choices and buy organic as much as I can afford to. Simple. And hey if I happen to lose a little weight in the process that certainly wouldn't be a bad thing either.
Also, if I don't get me USB out of storage, purchase an i-phone, or a computer I can simply put my memory card into, I am going to go crazy. My blog post are not very hearty without pics of something happening. . . I will try to resolve soon.
Love, Tonia

Oh, and by the way, I am so glad this thing has spellcheck on it!! I am embarrassed for me!! Forgive me Mrs. Tarver.

{Broc Salad}

You know the Broccoli Salad with nuts, onions, and I am not sure exactly what else . . . I am going to make that tonight. Maybe.
Love, Tonia

{Happy New Year!!}

Dont ya' just love the New Year? All fresh and crisp. Have a great day!
Love, Tonia

{Sled-dog}

I am hooked up like a sled-dog today! I have got to get the January Nursery Schedule out! Ye-haw!

Talk Later!
Tonia

{Enjoy}

I have really been enjoying Christmas Break with the kids.
We have been playing, coloring, and resting. I hope all of you are having a nice time . . .
Love, Tonia

{61, going on 25}

I caught the end of SS interview with Larry King Live the other night . . . seriously sparked my interest. Didn't think much more about it until I went to the library the very next day and I seen it in the "new book" section and I wasn't even looking for it. So I checked it out and have been trying to process as much as possible. I must confess one of the next two scenarios is true:
1. I am not smart enough to understand anything she is talking about.
2. I seen the book and interview for a reason and I am supposed to walk away with some sort of
knowledge.

It is just very confusing to me. Hormones, injections, toxins, drugs, no drugs, chemicals , etc.

If you have time, get the book (warning: its small print and thick), and skim through it at the least, and see what ya' think. I am more than half way through. . . some of the things she does seem unreachable, but some things seem simple and WAY NECESSARY for our health. But hey, the chic is 61, and looks 25. Obviously she is doing something right.
Good Luck. Report back soon.
Love, Tonia

{Super Funny}

I just seen a really comical site. Clayton must have paused one of his new games to go to the bathroom . . . he was in such a hurry to get back to his controller he didn't even have his "drawers" pulled up! Can we say . . . addicted?

{MERRY CHRISTMAS}

How are all of you? Merry Christmas! I have just been thinking about all of you in your homes this morning . . .I bet it was great fun! My kids said, "This was the best Christmas ever!!!
So I guess ole' Santa did good! I love my family and friends ! Merry Christmas to you all!
Love, Tonia

{We all made it}

The last week of school went well. I am thankful. I am ready for a break!
Merry Merry Christmas!
Love, Tonia

{Travis Robinson}

I would like to say a little more about the Robinson Family. If you go to caringbridge.org and go to prayfortravis. I would create the link for you if I knew how. But anyways, If you can read Travis' Dads prayer for today. It made be sob. I couldn't stop crying. A short time after reading it a child threw up here at MDO, and I was GLAD to help clean it up, for I just wanted to do something for a child. I just cant grasp how they must feel. He starts off his prayer, "This is the worst day of my life" and that is something that must be so true. I am rambling trying to put my feelings on this post, but I cant . . . I am just so so sorry for their loss. I hate cancer. I hate what cancer does. I don't even like to use the word "hate" but it just is the best word I can think of.
Focus, Tonia. Focus, on what really matters.
Love, Tonia

{OH MY!}

I was just informed that I am not supposed to bring vegetable tray to Lily's party, but CUPCAKES . . . oh dear. I was confused. . . I was thinking that I could mix a little dip and sprinkle some broccoli and carrots. Cupcakes will be fun. Although what will not be fun is me making them after Clayton's PTO Program! Yeah!
Love, Tonia

My heart aches for the Travis Robinson Family today. I just don't understand. I am so so sorry for them.

{Thursday-Outlook is Good}

Its Thursday! Praise the Lord! I got the kids to school ON TIME with teacher gifts in tow. I have make up on and I am fully clothed . . .by 7:45. I am in office working before 9. I have wrote on my hand:
Cheer practice
Pick up Sierra
PTO Program

Amen, my friends, Amen.
Love, Tonia

{Ice Day Tuesday}

I am doing a little "lite" housecleaning. The kids are watching TV. . . and I may let them. . . ALL Day.
Love, Tonia

{Simply Homemade}

I almost forgot to tell you! I received a Homemade Christmas gift today. . . okay, I have heard and thought, "how special" . . . and then you receive one, and its true. . . they just make you feel so special.
Thank you Gina. I am honored to have something your precious hands took time to make with me in mind.
Love, Tonia

{Pink and Brown}

I thought I would share these neat pics from House Beautiful . . . Enjoy a Sweet Treat.

{Monday Mission Accomplished}

Praise the Lord! I made it to Staff Meeting, but more importantly I remembered to pick up the Fox Boys from school! I am trustworthy enough to pick up any of your children from school if need be. Don't panic if you see me write it on my hand as a reminder. . . that is just standard practice.
Love, Tonia

{The line-up}

Okay guys. . .busy week. Busy, a word I dont like to use very often.
Monday-Staff & Musical, P/U Fox Boys
Tuesay-Work, Carson Party, and Staff Party
Wednesday-Clean for Amber, Party for Clayton, P/U Sierra
Thursday-Cheer practice, basketball practice, P/U Sierra
Friday-Lilys Party, LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!!!!!!

Okay none of this will happen if we arent well!! I have got everything wrote down in my mind. . . thats always good.

Now who needs cupcakes? Who needed the vegetable tray? Pray for me my friends.
Love, Tonia

{I made it!}

I made it through the childcare for the Christmas Musical! God is Good!
Talk more later!
Love, Tonia

{Simplicity}

I have already read this book once. . .but its one of those I need to revisit every once and awhile. Parts of this book are a little "out there" but for the most part its good stuff.

One section is concerning "Simplicity" and the line I highlighted was,
"REFUSE TO BE A SLAVE TO ANYTHING BUT GOD".
Simplicity is freedom, not slavery.

• Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status.
• Clothes. Hang the fashions. Buy only what you need. . .(If I was skinny I might have a problem with buying fashionable clothes but that is NOT the case so I am very limited as it is - I am safe!)
• Reject anything that is producing an addiction in you. CAFFEINE!!!!
• De-accumulate.
• Learn to enjoy things without owning them. Parks, libraries. Share things.
• Develop a deeper appreciation for the creation. Listen to the birds!

God give us the courage, wisdom and strength always to hold as the number-one priority of our lives to "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness," understanding all that that implies. To do so is to live in simplicity.

Love, Tonia

{Upward}

This is Lily's first year to cheer. She has practice at 4:30 on Thursday. It is a great program for kids to be involved in minus all the pressure to cheer like a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader. . .

Clayton has basketball practice tonight at 7:00, also. So we will have UPWARD THURSDAYS!!
Talk more later!
Love, Tonia

{I almost forgot to tell you. . . }

Lily did her Christmas wish list at school. . . . (drum roll please)
1. A rabbit ( shout-out to S.W.!!)
2. A doll house (done!)
3. A baby sister (Can you believe it????)

Needless to say, she will be getting. . . the dollhouse.
Love, Tonia

{Little Miss Fancy Nancy}

Hello, my friends. I am feeling better. Thank you, Lord. I so enjoyed the Tour of Homes . . . I am sorta' like S. in a hurry, so I will talk more about that later too!! Ahhhh!

Mr. Hobbs and I went to Target and did some shopping last night! We really enjoyed ourselves. I am so so thankful just to be able to buy things for my children. . . things that arent exactly needs!! You know what I mean? I had to hold myself back on the hard back childrens books. I am such a sucker for those!!! If they have a cute cover (which most of them do!) I want to buy them.

Although, my favorite find was Fancy Nancy Doll for Lily. My word, who could pass this lovely doll by?

Love, Tonia

{Parade of Beautiful Homes}

I am excited about looking at the beautiful homes tomorrow. I know all of you have worked so hard. Thank you so much for inviting us in. I hope you all have found joy amongst all the tinsel. Tomorrow I want to remember the real reason for this season. Jesus. As I walk through homes I want to whisper a prayer for the family. I want to pray that this is not for "show" but perhaps a chance to witness and make new friends. I love to see how other people decorate and live, but I don't want people to feel like I need to be "impressed." No matter what our homes are filled with what matters most is what we do for Christ. What does Christ think of my home and what goes on in it? I want to "impress" Christ tomorrow and everyday.
Love, Tonia

{On the mends. . . }

You know I don't go to the doctor much, but today I called good ole' Dr. White. I got a round of antibiotics. I tried to Christmas shop earlier in the day, but I couldn't stay focused for the snot and headaches. I went to 4 stores and got 1 present. . . so I knew something was way wrong!!!
Maybe by Sunday I will be tip-top. Next week I will be busy with church. I hope all of you can come to the Christmas Musical. I am sure it will sound angelic, as I think our choir always does.
Talk more soon.
Have a great weekend!
Love, Tonia

{I've got a cold}

I have a cold! Every year about this time I have some sort of ailment (that is a word I dont use much, spelling?). I am supposed to clean for Amber tomorrow and I am determined. I am looking forward to the Holiday Homes this weekend. I love to get ideas, and just see how other people decorate their homes. I hope you all are well. I haven't been able to spend alot of time in "Blog Land" lately. Happy Holidays! I'll share more soon!
Love, Tonia

{Happy Thanksgiving}

Today was a good day. Mr. Hobbs had to work until 3, but we were able to "hold-off" eating until then. It was a wonderful meal. Of course, Mom did everything - minus some simple cookies I made. We all missed Grandma today. I hope all of you had a good day, too.
Love, Tonia

{A good day}

I have just been relaxing today. I cleaned up the kitchen and living room, but other than that I watched some T.V. (tried to avoid just watching only FOX), played with the kids, and fixed some good ole' chicken noodle. Everyone is outside raking up a big pile of leaves. I know that is my cue to go take pics and all . . . but I am going to pass and stay in.
Love, Tonia

{I am thankful.}

Something I know for sure is that I have so much to be thankful for. As I watch the news I see: Panicked people, hurting people, missing people, poor people, hungry people, homeless people, jobless people, lost people. I could go on.
I am thankful that I am alive. I am a Christian. I have a full stomach. I have a job. I have a warm bed. I have a loving family. I belong to a church. I know where my children are. I have my health.

Thank you, Lord. I am not deserving of all your many blessings.

Enjoy your time this week with your loved ones.

{Get ready . . .}

Get ready guys! It will not disappoint. You will be challenged. You will be stretched. You may even have some days you feel very emotional. It is helpful and very thought provoking. Will you be "friends" with the same people? Will you be so concerned about what you were last week? If you can really buckle down and try your hardest to apply the principles it can be life changing. Love, Tonia
Come join us! Greenwood FBC January 2009!

{Hot off the Press}

I adore the October 2008 issue of Country Living.

I have looked at it over and over. I love the warm colors of brown and amber.
If I could just put all of these lovely things in a jar shake it up and come up with a paint color for the walls, I am going to try. Not Brown, green, or tan. . .something kind-of suede-like. Any ideas?

{Thank you nice people at fabric store}

I just got home from Fayetteville. I decided to leave Friday eve. and we stayed in hotel with indoor pool for kids! Yippee! Fun! Yippee!
Anyways, i am tired.
I've got good news and bad. I am not at all impressed with Fabric Gallery (Sorry). Fabric - nice. Service - not so nice. Because I needed HELP!! But I found just the perfect store with just the perfect samples of the beds! I cant remember name, and its in the car, and its cold outside. So I'll share later! Just think . . . brown velvet with a monogrammed French Script "H". . . .
Love, Tonia

P. S. I will have to try to zip up to Creative Kitchen and check out the book Shannon is talking about! Top 5 fav store!!!

{Mission ~ Headboard}

After much thought I have decided for the new house I want a fabric headboard. I am heading to Fayetteville to the Fabric Gallery just to see these infamous headboards I've heard about. Now, I might change my mind after I see them, but for now that is the goal. Once I have purchased the supplies the "follow through" will be another blog post. . . How hard could it be.

P.S. Whats the matter Phillip? Didn't have anything nice to say about my Christmas tree post. Well, I am sure you could have something to say about Blake L. Right?

{Pretty Christmas Trees}

~I am in the spirit!~

{Small Talk}

Don't ya' think Blake Lively is so cute?

{Strong and Steady}

Yesterday I had what I will call a "Divine appointment". Those do happen, you know? More than you think. I just needed some comfort. A good listener. A warm wash cloth on a sleepy face. . . so, Thank you God for coming to the rescue.
After a long talk with one of the kindest persons I know. . . and then some quite time for me in my office. . . I was thinking. Actually, meditating on what I know for sure.
The conversation led me to "Day 13" in my book . . .
God allows some sand paper ( people that rub you the wrong way) people and toolshed trials into our lives for one reason: to increase the heat and pressure so we will become stronger. He's much more interested in our character than in our
comfort. Paul (one of my favorite guys) describes the "particle process" this way: "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials for we know that they are good for us ~ they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong a steady" (Romans 5:3-4, TLB).
As uncomfortable or unsettling as we may find it, God intentionally places some people in our lives to rub us the wrong way, to smooth the rough edges of our character, so that we're more like Jesus. It's part of His plan to make my character strong and steady, so God allows people and pressure to build my character. Even our critics can teach and help us grow. We should be selective and not absorb all the criticism that comes our way, nor should we categorically dismiss it. Instead I favor the chewing-gum approach to criticism: chew it and spit it out - don't swallow it. Take advantage of criticism by chewing on it, absorbing the 10 percent or so that's valid, learning from it, and then spitting out the other 90 percent. Don't swallow it whole, but allow the flavor of criticism to help you grow.

We may be the only face of Jesus they'll ever see. God wants us to surprise them with His love in ways that only we can.
Love, Tonia

{Relax. Keep your mouth shut!}

After some thoughts of maybe "said to much" on Tuesday my day went like this. . .

~Dressed in the closest thing I could find to PJ'S that I could get by with in public.
~Hot Mocha.
~Tanned (for the 1st time in a decade) ( I am not sure if that was good or bad, but whatever).
~Shopped at antique store.
~P/U Carson.
~Eat Turkey Sandwich.
~Took a nap together.
~Perfect Day.

{To connect or not to connect?}

Within the last couple of weeks I have had a few people try to re-connect with me.
One whom I have some issues with, One whom doesn't know me very well, but thinks she does, One whom I have completely no control over what so ever.
I have decided one of the stinkiest things is being misunderstood. Okay, after saying all of that I need to say in advance this post probably isn't going to make any sense and probably could be down right weird.
Anyways, I am still reading Crazy Love, but in addition I am reading a book about dying in 30 days and I have just allowed myself to get completely overwhelmed with emotion and feelings. Sometimes making things right is hard. Well, I think all the time making things right is hard. Especially when its so much bigger than us. Way bigger than me! Just pray for me. Pray that God with grant me the wisdom I need to complete these three races with grace. I will no doubt need to pull from my reservoir. Find it in me to be Christlike. I know I can because I have the Holy Spirit. Stuff is just bugging me right now, for lack of better words.
Thought for the day from my book:
Most of us, if we knew we only had one month to live, would live differently. We would be more authentic about who we are and more deliberate about how we spent our time. But such a contrast begs the question: what keeps us from living this way now?
Love, Tonia

{Carsons Room}

I found his bedding at Target. Its the patchwork type ( I am sure you ladies have seen it. . .)with those alphabet sheets. I thought I would have A.L. paint him a sign that says, "C is for Carson". I like that idea.
He has an old iron bed too. It will work . . . I hoooooooope.

{Claytons room}

It is a toss up. . . what do you think?

There was a third choice, the one that was actually on sale, and it seems to have disappeared off the website.

{Oh how I wish. . .}

I have read this blog for years http://www.curioussofa.com/, I was in Kansas City back in the Summer, but I wasn't able to make it the store. Oh how I wish I could have! I have always wanted to! Look at this table!!! I have a thing for tables and chairs. This place setting may take the cake!

This is what Debbie D. (owner of store) said:

Above, the famous 10' zinc covered oyster shucking table from New Orleans I schlepped back from Round Top. All the hurricanes were from a customers wedding I helped with. I had this vision months ago and it is exactly as I had wanted it. The chairs were frantically found over the weekend and the angel wings were a last minute thought of mine as we were setting up. The table and all the wings sold in 12 hours.

{Lilys Room}

Shannons blog was full of decor info! Dont you love that!?! I do! I am not near as inspiring or informative, but I would like to share Lilys bedding for the new house (Rocky says when framers are done in VB they will be here) with you. She has an old iron bed that I am going to paint white. I think it will look nice.

{Thanks Shannon}

After reading Shannon's blog . . . you guys know I LOVE tea towels! I have to have this one! Along with the rack at The Secret Nook . . .

{Phillip & Dr. Nick}

I think it is just wonderful that you two guys have tapped into the Blog World. In your honor I dedicate todays blog to you two. Have a great day!

{Random Pics of Sweetness}

Carson and our Dog, Tootles

Lily and her bestest friend ever Hiedi Grace!

Sweet Smile!

My oldest sister Carla, Young Sis Deana, Me, My Mom

Enough about me! I am going to see how you all have been.

Love, Tonia

{Celebrate Veterans Day}

Something caught the kids eyes!
Westwood School Annual Veterans Day Assembly

So proud!

Thank you Dad for being a great soldier!

{We broke ground}

Blocks, Sand, and concrete! Yeah!

More to come . . . I will share with you about how Sweet (ha, ha) it is going to be living with my Sweet family in a camper until house is finished!

{Trick or Treat pics in November!}

Fall Fun!
Crazy eyes!

So Sweet!

Trick or Treat!!!!

What is wrong with me!?! It is Thursday! My fingers havent touched a computer to blog since Sunday! Thank you Sherry for asking, it's nice to be missed! Oh I have missed you guys! Lets catch up with some pictures!

{A good day}

Today was great! It was wonderful to be back at church and see everyone! We went to Popeye's chicken for lunch aka Happy Papa's. . . since that is one of the Mr. Hobbs favorite. I went home took a nap, and it just doesn't get any better than that!
Talk Tomorrow!
Happy Monday, Monday!
Love,
Tonia

{Friday Night Date}

Well, hello sweet computer. Looks like its you and me again. . . .since Mr. Hobbs is at work.
I met A at CiCi's (that place can be really interesting) and swung-in BJ-Maxx (as Buddy says) and then took the trek over to Lavaca to the in-laws. You know, I don't know why I don't go over there more often. They are hilarious. The Mrs. Hobbs has been sewing for Lily. She made some of the sweetest things. I would provide pictures but I have lost yet another memory card. . .

A special thank you to K, M, and S! I found the nicest surprise on my desk from you guys. That was so kind of you all. I will enjoy picking out something from Target. . . what a sweet treat from three sweet friends.

By the way, please don't look at my ROOTS Sunday! Due to all the circumstances in my life lately I have had to cancel 2 hair appts. It is not a pretty site! Just so you wont worry I have yet another appt with A on Wed!
I'll be there with bells on!!!
Love,
Tonia

{Oh Dear!}

I guess I better get off the computer . . . Lily, just informed me that her and the boys are going to watch a movie. . . She said, "Mom, I got everybody a blanket and pillow and a bunch of candy for the movie, isn't that great!"
OH DEAR!
Love, Tonia

{Just around the corner}

These aren't exactly simple Thanksgiving tables, but they sure are pretty to look at.

{Come What May}

I was snooping around on GodTube and stumbled upon a movie called Come What May . . . it looks very touching and thought provoking. We will have to check it out together. . .

{Get well soon boys}

I am back at work today. I love this place. How many of you can say that?

My to do list reads like this:

~Visit new sweet babies

~Deliver Famous Pizza Barn Pizza

~Send some flowers

~Pray for new moms and dads

~Turn in budget (that was done on time)

~Return phone calls

~Dust Desk

Isn't that great! Well, let me tell you the best part. I can do it all next week (except the praying, of course) because my kids are sick sick!!

Carson-ear infection

Clayton-severe bronchitis bed rest for at least 2 days.

I am thankful for a job that blesses others, but is full of blessings for me too.

Thinking of my Grandma today as I look up to the sky. . .

Love you all, Tonia

{So Nice, so peaceful}

At my Grandmothers funeral yesterday she looked so nice and so peaceful. The service I feel was just as she would've had it. No dynamic speakers no dynamic singers, but her old close friends. R. said "She wasn't a fancy lady, but a busy lady." Meaning she wasn't concerned about her appearance she was busy doing for others. He also said something else so true. . . "We all preach our own funeral by the way we live everyday". . . and with that said maybe he was a dynamic speaker after all.
Talk later. I kept my kids home today. I wanted to spend time with them.

{Funeral time}

Over the past few days I have been helping my mom with the funeral arrangements. Tomorrow is the viewing and Monday will be the funeral.
Talk soon.
Love,
Tonia