Live to Laugh

New Word

2011-01-03T10:11:00.000-08:00

It's 2011, so Happy New Year to all my readers. I have been awful about posting to my blog, but I really have to blame it on my savy computer family who I have to wrestle with to even get my time on the laptop. I just can't justify taking the computer from a 5 year old who is playing alphabet games. Just couldn't do it! Anyway, every January I try to choose a word that I want to excel at. I really don't take this likely. I want to be serious about improving myself in someway so I have chosen "Focus" as my 2011 word. This includes many elements. Couldn't we all stand to focus on many things in our lives such as focusing on our spouse, parenting,job and house. These are the things that I will be "Focusing" on this year. I hope that I can post different ideas througout this year that might help you along the way. Thanks for reading!!!! Blessings! Gina

Amazing Friends

2010-01-16T16:20:00.000-08:00

The first week of January, we got to spend a day with Kent and Becky Forester. This is an amazing couple who Rob and I look up too. They are examples of God's obedience to a "T". On January 18th, they are flying to Uganda,Africa to become missionaries in that country for 3 years. When you spend time with them, you just see "Jesus". There's no doubt about it. For all of my friends who have met the Foresters, please pray for easy transition, favor with whoever they meet and the strength to be away from their family and friends. Thank you Lord for bringing this family into our lives.

Toodles,

Gina

Happy 18th Anniversary Sweetie!!!!

2009-12-05T14:36:00.000-08:00

Happy 18th anniversary! Well, we did it. This year we will be celebrating 18 years together. Technically, it's 20, but 18 years says the state.Ha!

When I look back, man has it been a journey. We sure have seen alot through these years. We would have never expected to have gone through the things that we have but God has walked every step with us and has carried us on occasion. The best thing is that I have traveled those roads with my best friend, my lover, my husband.

We have created an amazing life together and have 3 handsome boys that we are so proud of. When I look back at that girl at 25 that didn't have a clue about life was about to bring her, I would love to just scream out to her to hang on for dear life because it's going to be a wild ride. I know that we can never be fully prepared for what is around the corner, but I can get through anything with Rob by my side. Thank you honey for all the amazing memories and I can't wait to make more with you for the next 18 years. I will love you ALWAYS!!!!!! Gina

Houston Butterfly Exhibit

2009-03-22T12:13:00.000-07:00

Saturday we headed an hour and a half toward Houston's Butterfly Exhibit. For those of you who have never gone to one of these you are missing a treat. It was beautiful to just sit and watch these graceful butterflies of every color and size fly around in this lush tropical like garden. It was a great family day to just relax and for once not have to rush anywhere. Our two youngest, Tyler and David came with us and ooohed and aaaahed over all the drawers of different types and sizes of insects. Some of them definately made my skin crawl. The thought of encountering one of those gigantic beetles, spiders or cockroaches in real life was beyond me. Needless to say, it was a day of fun and memories with my boys!!!

Toodles,

Regina

Bluebonnet Time!

2009-03-22T11:58:00.000-07:00

Well, it's March which means around here Bluebonnet Time. I finally followed through and took some of the boys to get pics out in the field.
Don't you just love how God puts these splashes of color in our world to show us His beauty that He alone can create. Thank you Lord for slowing us down so that we may see your wonder right before our eyes.

High School here we come

2009-02-23T17:14:00.000-08:00

Well it's finally that time to start thinking about High School. It really does just seem like yesterday that I was going and now i'm seeing my oldest go. Amazing.

We got to visit the high school here called A&M Consolidated. It's a huge school and I was trying not to say to my son,"Wow, I'd get lost in here."
It was interesting to watch him with all the peers. It was definately a social hour that night. Man, he sure is growing up fast. I thank the Lord everyday for such an amazing child that He has given me that has such a heart for Him, the desire to succeed in all he does, a great friend, and respects authority. Something that I see so often lacking in today's youth. Bless Him Lord with the hunger to seek you in all he does and protect him from harms way when he chooses to go against the norm during his High School years.

Toodles,

Regina

Calgon Take Me Away!

2009-02-23T16:40:00.000-08:00

Saturday started off just like any other day that is until my 3 year old got this look on his face of panic and proceeded to projectile vomit until I could run for a towel. He then spent the next 3 days with having off and on fever, no appetite and the strong will of wanting mom, mom and more mom. Bless his heart you could tell that he felt miserable. Maybe I should have put a picture of me in there too but there were days that I never even brushed my hair so pictures were out. It's amazing how all the crude that can be found around everywhere doesn't get us more sick. I'm happy to report that he is on the mend. It may take a few days to get his appetite back and feel 100% but thank you God for healing our broken bodies when need it.

Toodles,

Regina

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!!!!!

2009-02-14T06:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day Family and Friends........

I hope that your day is filled with tons of sunshine, hugs from your spouse and children, laughter, joy, and of course CHOCOLATE!!!!!

Toodles,

Regina

Happy Valentines

2009-02-12T18:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Friends!

Thanks for coming to our Friday coffee. Can I offer you some delicious raspberry tea or coffee along with some yummy chocolates? I just can't resist these. They seem to call out my name as soon as they get in my house.

I do feel that it's the one time that I just indulge and say,"It's o.k." Isn't it amazing how many different treats that you can find in the store or bakery? I just wanted to get some for my kids to give out at school and the choices are overwelming. Plus, it cracks me up how it's a contest about who can give out the "coolest" valentines. My sons are like,"Mom, it's not cool to give out suckers, we have to give out fun candy like AIRHEADS. So, now I know.

I'm going to take a little poll on my post today. I'd loved to know what you find romantic.

A night out on the town with eating out, movie, or dancing
A quiet night at home, home cooked meal, rent a movie , cozy fire
A picnic lunch at the park
A handwritten poem from your hubby
Flowers

Of course, I wouldn't give a poll without taking it myself. What I find romantic is a quiet night at home, home cooked meal(from my husband) and also he cleans it up, a great movie like Sleepless in Seattle or When Harry Met Sally and a great fire that's cracklin in the background.

I might even get lucky(hey this is PG) and get a foot rub which I LOVE!!!! So, if any of my friends want to contact the significant other and hint on the foot rub then I owe you.

Whatever your day brings, just remember how much you are loved by so many people that you may not ever get to meet but share a common thread of wanting their home to be a sanctuary for their families. Happy Valentines to all my Company Girls. I hope it's special as all of you are.

Toodles and<>,

Regina

Company Girl Coffee 2/6/09

2009-02-06T14:12:00.000-08:00

COME IN AND HAVE A CUP OF COFFEE WITH ME!!!!!!

O.K., if this is how you are feeling today then you are not alone. Many of us just don't have enough hours in the day to get all those daunting tasks done that we need to do. Luckily, I have discovered Rachel Anne's website @ http://homesanctuary.typepad.com/rachelanne and have gotten my life in order. She has introduced us to an amazing schedule that has put peace back into my life. Luckily now, my "I like to do" list is outweighing my "I have to do" list.

These are some of my A-ha moments this week:

That paperclip that is on the floor is not going to magically grow legs and walk into the drawer. I'm going to finally pick it up and put it away.No more groundhog day for me!
I don't have to keep a million magazines. Recycle them to friends!!!
It feels good to wake up to a sink that isn't full of dishes and is spic-n-span.
I can wash a load of clothes in the morning so they are ready to go when I come home.
The kids don't care that i'm not Betty Crocker. They just want a meal that is not in a can.
I can still look and feel sexy for my husband,ooohhlaaaalaaa!

Thanks again for visiting and hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!!

Toodles,

Regina

Company Girl Coffee

2009-01-30T16:47:00.001-08:00

Happy Friday Everyone!

I would love to sit down with each and everyone of you and enjoy alittle cup o'joe. Hopefully this post finds all of you well and happy. I just got through watching the national news and man can't that just depress you beyond belief? I was watching all the folks in the middle of the country that are having to struggle with just having electricity and heat tonight and my heart goes out to them. We all take things like that for granted until they are snatched away in a second. I know when I see things like that I am humbled and thankful that our God is in control. When we see just a small portion of what is going on, He always sees the big picture !

Our task this week from Rachel Anne is to have a housekeeping schedule. While most of us have the tendency to think, Yuck, I really have been searching my heart and realize that it's a blessing that I even have a home to get messy. My time with Him in the morning is spent in thankfulness for all the blessings in my life. I hope this thought lights alittle spark for you to spend alittle extra time in your day thanking God for all He gives us when we definately don't deserve it.

1Cor. 23:30 They were also to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord.

They were to do the same in the evening.

Thanks gals for coming and have a blessed weekend!!

Toodles,

Regina

Yeah, I conquered a 3 year olds room!!!

2009-01-28T17:54:00.000-08:00

Yes Yes Yes, I finally organized my son's room. After dumping, sorting, throwing away, donating, buying tubs, and labeling, I finished!!! Man, this is a great feeling and I will enjoy it for awhile before I head to the next room that is occupied by the 14 YEAR OLD,YIKES!!!!!!!!

Company Girl Chat

2009-01-24T08:56:00.000-08:00

Well this is my first company girl coffee. After waking up to a chilly start, I was determined

to work on my hair like Rachel and get the mop cut. I plunged out into the cold and came home

with a great feeling of accomplishment. It's always great to feel like you were able to complete

a task. That is why I love Rachel's site so much! Be sure and check out http://homesanctuary.typepad.com/rachelanne/

Now the rest of the day is up for grabs. I think the hall closet is calling my name.

*I have saved way to many coats that I never wear(donation time)

*Get rid of the empty boxes that accumulate in there for no apparent reason

*Maybe find a stray flip flop that we have been looking for since last summer

*Vacuum up those scarry dust bunnies that live in there

Well, i'm off. Enjoyed chatting and hope everyone goes to bed tonight with a feeling of ACCOMPLISHMENT! I've gotten a great start!!!

Thank you Lord for health,energy, and a house to be able to clean up.

Toodles,

Regina

Pie in the Face!!!

2009-01-19T16:22:00.000-08:00

Well all the Sunday School kids at church sure had a blast yesterday. They had the distinct

honor of showering Rob with a face full of cool whip. Boy what a mess and I could still smell the sour cool whip that continued to linger even after 2 showers. Yuck!! Thank you Lord for

your servant who will do anything to excite kids about you.

The Computer Wiz Kid

2009-01-19T16:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I snapped this picture of my 3 year old

ingrosed with his daily dose of Mickey Mouse cartoons. It amazes me that he is able to navigate the mouse around on the screen in order to find what video he would like to watch. He has such an amazing mind!!

Bless him Lord with wisdom,discernment, and the desire to learn about you and not just Mickey Mouse.

Toodles,

Gina

Diet Yuck!!!!

2009-01-12T14:05:00.000-08:00

Well, one thing that I would love to "RELEASE" for 2009 is the dreaded weight. I've jumped on the band wagon with my handsome husband and decided to go for it. I'm real excited because I think that I am missing out on so much because of the weight. I would love to run around endlessly with the boys without feeling like i'm about to pass out. That's just not a great feeling. So, if you see me then cheer me on, keep chocolate cake away from me and please tell me that I look the best that I have in years. I thrive on positive reinforcement!!!

Toodles,

Gina

High ho, High ho, it's off to school they go!!!

2009-01-04T16:42:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been so glad that Holiday Break is over? I say,"AMEN"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Toodles,

Gina

The Havens Boys

2009-01-04T11:13:00.000-08:00

Many of you have requested some latest pictures of the Havens Boys. Well, your wish is my command. Here's a few that were taken the day after Christmas on our family vacation to stay at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine,Texas.

The hotel is incredible and whoever gets a chance to stay there will love it. We went to Holiday in the Park at Six Flags and walked till we dropped. It's so fun there in the winter time because you can get hot chocolate, spiced cider, sausage on a stick and ghiro sandwiches, so this is not the normal things they offer in the melting summer's of Arlington. The roller coasters and most of all of the rides are open and they even have a snow hill to ride down. Be sure and check it out around next Christmas.

Toodles,

Gina

A Word

2009-01-04T08:13:00.000-08:00

A good friend of mine introduced me to an amazing concept.

It's "A Word". You basically choose a word that represents

you for 2009. It can be anything that you want to focus on, how

you are feeling, a struggle, just whatever. Well, after careful pondering

and trying to find that perfect word, I've chosen one. My word for 2009 is

"RELEASE"

It represents several things that I struggled with in 2008. I feel like the Lord is

prompting me to release things that I have struggled with for years and still

continue to even to this day. So Lord, i'm releasing those things to you and I plan

on having my word for 2010 to be "FREE". Stay tuned!!!!!

Toodles,

Gina

2008-08-06T20:54:00.000-07:00

Rain Finally!

2008-08-05T19:14:00.000-07:00

Guess Who's 3?

2008-05-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

Happy 3rd Bday David!!!!!!

We celebrated our youngest child's birthday. I can't believe that it has already been 3 years since you came into our lives. What a joy you are. You are amazing at your ability to count everything, speak spanish, know your colors and shapes. We look forward to watching you grow and who knows you could be the person who discovers the cure for cancer. Thank you Lord for blessing our family with David.

We love you peanut,

Mama,Daddy,Dan and Ty

Head,Shoulders,Knees and WHAT?

2008-05-10T12:10:00.000-07:00

O.K., many of us grew up singing the famous song,"Head,Shoulders,Knee and Toes" as a child. I was so proud of my 3 year old as he belted out the song the other day. Much to my surprise, I was taken back when he put his own special spin on it,"Head,Choulders,Knees and TeeTee." As always,"Thanks Dave for my daily giggle."

Love,Regina

Your a really cool mom!!!

2008-04-26T16:08:00.000-07:00

Wow, your a really cool mom stated my 13 year old son. I'm assuming I'm getting praise because i'm actually blogging. I thought, what's the big deal I CAN READ DIRECTIONS. Now, that i'm here i'm thinking what can I say that would be remotely interesting to anyone who reads it ? Hopefully i'll make someone laugh, empathize or just think twice about a thought that I write.

I do know one thing, I pray that you laugh your head off today!!!!! It is good for the body.

"At time for everything, a time to weep and a time to laugh." Ecc. 3:4

Have you laughed today?

Love Regina