30 days of Thankfulness

Many of you participated in the 30 days of Thankful-ness on Facebook.  For those of you that didn't, I thought I would recap my thankfulness.  What a treasure to remind myself of the things I am thankful for on a daily basis.

Day 1 -  Today I am thankful for life.  It is so precious and not guaranteed.  I am especially thankful for new life and the miracle of life.

Day 2 - Today  I am thankful for my job.  In a time when so many people are out of work, I am thankful to not only have a job, but a career....and one that I enjoy.

Day 3 - Today I am thankful for music.  Gospel, Country, Top 40.....Nothing can change my mood faster than the right song.  Thank you to all you musicans out there for following your dreams.

Day 4 - Today I am thankful for modern medicine which is making it possible for me to function.  And for my bestie who set up a mini pharmacy for me when I told her I wasn't feeling well :)

Day 5 - Today I am thankful for a restful day off.  I have caught a cold and I am thankful for this day to do nothing and rest.

Day 6 - Today I am thankful fr a wonderful worship service.  God new exactly what I needed today.

Day 7 - I am thankful today for all my bloggy friends.  You inspire me daily with your creativeness, your triumphs, and your everyday life lessons.

Day 8 -  My heart has been captured by 4 little ones....Alexandra, Madelyn, Preston, and Aubrey.  I am so honored to be your "aunt Cha Cha".  Today I am thankful for these little treasures.  Its funny, but I don't remember life without them.

Day 9 - My favorite local restaurant is celebrating 40 years in business today.  I am thankful for them.  Thanks Fatboys for all the wonderful memories...past, present, and future.

Day 10 - Today I am thankful for dinner places that deliver.  After a long day, its nice to have someone else worry about dinner :)

Day 11 - Today I am thankful for all veterans around the world.  They ensure our continued freedoms.  Both my grandfathers have passed but they were both veterans.  Thank you doesn' seem enough but ill say it anyways.  THANK YOU!!!

Day 12 - Today I am thankful for great friends & fellowship.  Both of which I will have tonight at the Chandlers annual Thankgiving dinner.

Day 13 - Today I am thankful for surprises.  Surprised Alexandra & Coen with an afternoon of bowling and we are having a blast!

Day 14 - Today I am thankful for the patience of my customers.  Everyone has an "off" day and it turns out I had one last week.  My customers patience in correcting the error was amazing.

Day 15 - Today I am thankful for the time I get each Tuesday and Wednesday night to hang out with Preston (& sometimes the girls).  He is almost 2.  I just can't believe how fast it has gone!

Day 16 - Today I am thankful for a roommate that works close to home.  Can't remember if I turned off my flat iron this a.m. #dontwannaburndownthehouse

Day 17 - Today I am thanful for Good.  The phrase "I don't know, let me google it," comes out of my mouth at least once a day. #constantlylearning

Day 18 - Today  I am thankful for Disney.  Added more family memories today thanks to Disney.  PS Happy 83rd Birthday Mickey!!

Day 19 - Today I am thankful for Alexandra Pasquarello who arrived 6 years ago today.  Happy Birthday Yaya!  I love you bunches!!

Day 20 - Today I am thankful for pink, pearls, and tea time....All things girl!!  Continuing Alexandra's weekend of surprises!!

Day 21 - Today I am thankful for the mailman, UPS man, & Fedex man.  They are beginning to deliver the Christmas presents I ordered :)

Day 22 - Uh oh, some how I missed a day.  Oopps :(

Day 23 - Today I am thankful for "mini breaks".  These next 4 days off are exactly what I need to recharge my batteries.

Day 24 - Today I am thankful for so much....family, friends, health, and so much more.

Day 25 - Today I am thankful for black Friday sales.  I am hoping to get a few Christmas gifts and save some money at the same time.  #wishmeluck

Day 26 - Today I am thankful for #4Rivers and a great time with a great friend :) (Ashley Wilder)

Day 27 - Today I am thankful to be part of a church that isn't afraid to get RADICAL.  So proud of my FBC family.

Day 28 - Today I am thankful for my Aunt Jane and the wonderful package I got from her today :)

Day 29 - Today I am thankful for hot cocoa.  Nothing better than hot cocoa & my back porch on a cool (cold to this Floridian....its 58) evening.

Day 30 - Today I am thankful for my life.  There have been ups & downs but I'm excited to see what the Lord has in the future.

Well folks, there you have it.  30 days of thankfulness.  It was wonderful to remind myself of all the many blessings in my life.  I have so much more to be thankful for than even this list shows.

What are you thankful for?
 
What are you thankful for?

Girls Night In

I am so incredible blessed to have such a wonderful group of girlfriends in my life.  This past weekend, we all got together and had an old-fashioned, slumber party. 

We all had matching pj's.

We did our hair.

We did our nails.

We did our faces.

There was even a run to Walgreens (in our matching PJ's) for more snack foods and hair dye!

Fun in Walgreens

We ate junk food that we normally deprive ourselves of....Cheetos, Twizzlers, cookies, and Pizza.

So Yummy!!!

Yummy Pizza AND it supports Breast Cancer research

Yummy snacks on the table.

Our party planner extraordinnaire, Danielle, even made each of us a new pillow case monogrammed with our initial.  A super special keepsake!

Even with the "blip"(around 2am), it was one of the best nights I've had in a while.  I have been friends with most of these ladies for years and years.  We have grown up from teenagers to grown women with careers and husbands (some).  Through it all, we remain friends.

Takara Pate, Michelle DeCarlo, Crystal Cedeno, Brandy Garrett, Marissa Sackrider, Ashley Wilder, and Danielle Daku, thanks for the memories!!!

note: Michelle is missing from this photo b/c she had to come late :(

I love you girls!

PS A special thank you to Takara Pate for hosting the event!

Monarch of the Seas

Every year, my bestie and I try to plan a weekend cruise.  We usually go around the end of September or beginning of October. 

My bestie, Danielle

This year we went October 14-17 and this year Ashley Wilder joined us.

Me, Danielle, Ashley



Night out on the Boat



It was such a blast!  It was beyond that.  I was one of the most fun trips I've ever been on.

I cannot wait to plan the next one.

Maybe you'll come with us next year!  Wouldn't that be fun?

One Click

Visiting Orphans  -  GO. BE. LOVE.

Your vote can make a difference!

If everyone on our email list would be willing to vote - Visiting Orphans could be awarded a $50K grant. In order for this to happen - you don't have to donate, you don't even have to register (although if you do, you get more votes), you just have to vote. It'll only take a moment but it can have eternal impact: http://www.givingoflife.com/browse/visiting_orphans/

There are millions of orphans in this world... ALL over the world. We are only in 13 countries. Can you imagine the lives of orphans we can touch if we could reach more countries? With your vote, we can do this! If you register you get 3 votes to use right away...

Please vote for Visiting Orphans today on the Giving of Life website!

The voting will end on Friday, November 4 at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Thank you so much!!!

Visiting Orphans is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation; Tax ID # 20-3179796









www.visitingorphans.org

Inspired

That is how I feel lately!  I have become lazy.  I have become so wrapped up in my daily routine that I have lost my creative spirit. 

Well, that is going to change......as of RIGHT NOW!

A project at work has reignited the fire I used to have for creating things and being creative.

In addition, I have been inspired daily by several of the blogs I follow.  Their ideas are just amazing.  They keep me coming back for more.  I hope to once day be even half as creative as they are.

Anyways, just thought I would let you know that I am ON FIRE!! RE-IGNITED!! INSPIRED!!

And I am so glad you are along on this journey with me!

Happy Birthday to Me!

On Friday, September 23rd, I celebrated a birthday. 

How old am I you might ask? 

Haven't you ever heard that it is rude to ask a woman her age? 

You haven't? 

Oh, in that case, I just turned.........28.  Wow!  Where has the time gone.

My birthday this year was such a wonderful celebration!  It started with a blast from the past.....BOWLING.  We hit up our local bowling alley, AMF Lanes on 192. The Pasquarello kids had.a.blast!  And so did I!

The girls and I bowling (check out their crossed legs, lol)

The Pink Lady bowling

Go Mo!!!!  Get that strike.

A couple of days later it was my actual birthday.  I woke up to a new purse from my Bestie, Danielle.  It matched my outfit for the day, so that was an added bonus.  All day I was greeted with "Happy Birthdays" and well wishes.  I received flowers from Laura Draper (a sales rep at work) and the largest cookie cake I've ever seen from another sales rep, Marvin.  (my camera ate the picture of the flowers, but below is a picture of the cake).

Throughout the day, the birthday well wishes never stopped via Facebook, Twitter, email, and text message.

That evening, we all got together for our weekly Friday Family dinner.  I walked in and the place was decorated all in Orlando Magic theme!  If you didn't know, they are my FAVS!!! 

Thanks Guys for the birthday wishes! :)

Yummy cupcakes (but they did turn all our mouths blue)

Alexandra and I

The Bestie and Me

I am so blessed and so thankful for the wonderful people in my life.  The path hasn't always been easy, but I can honestly say that the "bad eggs" have been removed from my life.  Those that are left, please know that I love you. I value your place in my life. 

Thank you for a wonderful birthday!

Tapping in to my creative side

Are you a creative person?  Prior to beginning this blogging experience, I would have said NO to this question.  However, as I am reading through lots of other blogs, I am learning to become more thrifty and yes, even more crafty and creative. 

I now have a list of projects I want to try thanks to several new bloggy "friends".

Have you tried any of these? 

Do you have any more creative projects for me to try?

If you like the ideas below, be sure to give them love!
NOTE:  Quite a few of these came from Kim over at A Girl And A Glue Gun, or AGAAGG, for short.  Check out her blog, she has TONS of crafty ideas!

"Because I love you" Frame

source

Looking for a cute way to display family photos?  How about a family tree?

source

Recycled T-Shirts
#1

source

#2

source

Rolled Fabric Flowers

source

Tissue Paper Pom Poms

source

The tissue pom poms I have actually done for Aubrey Lemon's birthday party.  **Thanks Tiffany for introducing me to these.  I love them!!

These are just a few of the crafts that I am anxious to try for myself.  Do you have any DIY projects that you can share with me?  I am hoping my list keeps growing and I keep learning!

Graduation Celebration

Well, folks, I did!  I have completed my MBA!  I doubled up on classes (mostly because I'm impatient) and finished my degree in 13 months.  I am almost at a loss now as to what to do next.  The good thing is that I trust God.  He will show me what is next.  In fact, I'm counting on it!

I had a dinner to celebrate my graduation!  Thank you to all the family and friends that were able to make it.  Those that couldn't make it were greatly missed!




Best Friends/Family a girl could ask for!



Madelyn May & I

BTW, if you haven't been to Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney lately, check it out.  We dined at Paradiso 37 and it was fantastic!

Many Thanks!!!

Well folks, it has been about one month since I began blogging on a regular basis.  I just want to say thank you to each of you who are reading my blog, those who have commented, and those who are sharing my blog with others.  Keep the comments coming!  Keep sharing my blog with others!  Keep me smiling!

I have met some wonderful people through other blogs and I hope the same thing happens with my own blog.  If you aren't following me, please take the time to do so.

Keep the comments coming!  They truly make my day!

                      

Love you all!

Bestie's

Do you have a person in your life who is your best friend?  Or Bestie, as I call mine :)  Someone you can tell everything too?

Is it your sister?
A Roommate?
A Friend from church?

Mine is actually all of the above.  Who is she exactly?  Well, let me see if I can paint you a picture.

My bestie.....

• is sweet, kind, loving, fun, and ALWAYS the life of the party/event (when she shows up....lol).
• is loud!  (So is the rest of her family).
• has the kind of spirit that just draws people to her.
• loves throwing "themed" parties.  If you haven't attended one, you are missing out.
• has my back no matter what!
• loves Elvis, Fergie (from BEP), and You Tube. 
• would lay down her life for her nieces/nephew.
• never sits still. 
• laughs at EVERYTHING.  Seriously!  And she makes those around her laugh about it too.  It's infectious.
• has been through a lot and still always comes out on top.
• listens to me when I just need to vent.
• challenges me to become the best version of myself possible.
• is always ready for the next adventure, whatever it may be........Tony Danza, Skydiving, exploring Colorado, Cruises, Rachel Ray, NYC, numerous beach trips, and Parasailing, just to name a few of our adventures.

God put her friendship in my life at a time when I truly needed it.  I don't know what I would have done over the last 8 years without her.

So, Danielle Daku, thank you so much for your continued friendship.  I can hardly wait to see what we get ourselves in to next!

BESTIES - 4th of July 2011

" A friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one's heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away."

- Arabian Proverb

Know Any Good Books??

If you know me, you know that I am an avid reader.  I love to curl up with a good book.  Below are some books that are on my list to purchase. 

RECENTLY READ:

The Help (Kathryn Stockett)


The Bride Quartet (Nora Roberts)


Reshaping It All (Candace Cameron Bure)


The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (done)
The Girl who Played with Fire (1/2 done)
The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Next (up next)
All by Stieg Larsson

UP NEXT TO READ:


Adoption Books


101 Tees: Restyle*Refashion*Revamp by Cathie Filian (found at AGAAGG)



The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins)

Have you read any good books lately?  Have any recommendations?  Let me know.  I'm always on the hunt for a new book.

What If...

I love this question.  Sometimes I just sit around and think about what if's.  Have you ever done that?  Some hard hitting what if's, like what if I had gone to college right out of high school rather than waiting until my mid-20's?  What if I had picked a different job than the one I have now?  And some less important what ifs like, what if I had worn my hair curly  today instead of straight?  What if I had gone to this place for dinner over that one?  My favorite though is what if I won the lottery? 

The state of Florida (which is where I live) offers the Powerball lottery ticket.  This jackpot often soars in to the 200+ million territory as it rolls over from week to week.  It is fun to think about what I would do with the money if I got it. 

Me?  Well, 10% goes to the church, automatically (yes, even though it is lottery winnings).  A LARGE chunk would be invested.  It is important to me to have the money wisely invested so that it might benefit my grandchildren, great-grandchildren, even great-great grandchildren, and so on.  You get the point.

I would then take care of those people who have taken care of me for so long.  Family (certain ones) and friends (who are family).

My school loans would be easily paid off.

I would travel.

I would buy a house (and land).

I would be able to adopt a child(ren). (Which I will still do, but if I won the lottery, the financial burden would be removed).**

Since I can be honest here, I will say that I would probably "blow" a good chunk of it too.  I am an avid shopper and my current funds do not always support that.  :)

My biggest splurge?  Season tickets to the Orlando Magic.  Floor seats.  Cost.........A LOT! :)

Another large chunk would go to various charities that I have fallen in love with, Visiting Orphans, A Gift for Teaching, The Florida Baptist Children's Home, and many more. 

After that, who knows!  The skies the limit.  What would you do with the money if you won the lottery?

**The financial burden of adopting can be overwhelming at times, but often times I think it brings a person closer to God and strengthens their walk with Him.  We must fully rely on Him to make it through.

1st Day of School

It's that time of year again.  School is officially back in session.  This year Alexandra is in 1st grade and Madelyn is moving to a new class as well.  I am praying for them, their classmates, and their teachers as we begin this school year.

Good Luck Girls!!!

Cha Cha is praying for you and cheering for you!

She just loves her new Harajuku Mini backpack



Sisters





Say Cheese!



Stress & Worry!

If you read my previous blog, you read # 9 where I said I was good at a lot of things, but not great at anything. Well, I might have to amend that because there is something I am great at……stressing and worrying. The Lord tells us not to worry about tomorrow and I cling to those promises more than most. I also know that I am human and I definitely falter in this area.


What am I stressed/worried about right now you might ask? Money…specifically repaying my student loans. I continue to struggle with being the best steward of the financial gifts God has given me, but I try my best. Now I have completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree and it is time to begin repaying my loans.

This is very personal for me and not something I would normally share in such a public forum, but I believe in the power of prayer. So that is what I am asking you. Please pray for me over the next several months. I will be re-figuring my budget to include the repayment of my student loans along with my current bills and continuing to tithe.

My parents told me numerous times growing up that continuing to tithe often did not work on paper, but through God’s provisions, there was always enough money in the bank for all the bills and their tithe. I am going to cling to these promises of God as I begin my own financial journey with God.

25 Things You Don't Know About Me

If you have ever read an issue of US Weekly, you will find their column 25 Things You Don't Know About Me.  It wasn't easy to come up with 25 things, but I finally finished the list.  I hope you enjoy this list of 25 things you may not know about me.

1.  I have loved He-Man (and Masters of the Universe) since I was 4 years old (and continue to love him).
2.  I want to adopt a child (or children)....possibly in the near future.
3.  My favorite downhome restaurant is Fat Boys in Kissimmee, FL.
4.  I wish I had more time to volunteer and more money to help the less fortunate.
5.  I want to own my own hotel.
6.  I love Calamari and Gator bites.
7.  Nothing beats homemade Sweet Tea.
8.  My favorite color has always been purple.
9.  I am good at lots of things, but not GREAT at anything.
10.  I have two cousins that are closer to me than anything.  They are more my brother and sister than cousins.
11.  My best friend and her family are the best/truest example of "family" I have ever seen.
12.  I often talk first and think second.
13.  I love puzzle books.  They keep my mind alert!
14.  I am a read-a-holic.  I will anything {almost} that I am given!
15.  I LOVE the Orlando Magic.
16.  I have never been to Europe, Asia, or Africe.  I am hoping to change that in 2012-2013 by visiting both Africa and Europe.
17.  I am addicted to Switchflops by Lindsay Phillips.  Genius Idea!
18.  I have never truly been in love.
19.  I believe ALL birthdays are special days and should be celebrated in a BIG way.
20.  A genuine belly laugh from a baby is the best sound in the whole world.
21.  I am left handed.
22.  I haven't seen my natural hair color since I was 16, but I think it's a light brown.
23.  My dad and I have a special relationship.  We hit a rough patch for a few years, but I am so thankful for where we are in our relationship now.
24.  I am afraid of costumed characters!  Irrational? Yes!  But a fear nonetheless.  I've gotten a lot better over the years.  I can be in the same area now, but I can't look at them and I panic if they come near me.
25.  I suffer from anxiety (as most of us do), but have been controlling it {without meds} for the last four years.

Well, I hope you have enjoyed getting to know me a bit better.  I hope it inspires you to make your own list.  Trust me when I say it will take longer than you think.  If you do, make sure you send it to me.  I would love to read more about you.

Sunday School Teacher

Yesterday, Ashley and I completed our first year as Sunday School teachers to the younger 3's class.  This was my first time being the teacher in the room.  It was such a blessing.  I have grown to love these kids (well, most of them - lol) so much.  It was actually much tougher than I thought to say goodbye to them when I left on Sunday.  I knew that when I arrived next week that it would be to a whole new group of kids.

On Sunday, one child in particular gave both Ashley and I homemade cards to say thank you.  Ava Kennelly is such a sweet girl.  I am so thankful to have had her in our class for the first year.

Below is the card she colored and the sweet note from her (I think her mom probably helped :) )

This Sunday brings an entirely new group of kids.  They will gain a new place in my heart, but this first group of kids is something very special that I can never replace.

Henry in Parenting magazine

Marvin is one of my co-workers at work.  He came in this morning beaming from ear-to-ear.  It didn't take me long to figure out why.  His grandson is featured in the September 2011 issue of Parenting magazine.  He is one proud grandpa!  If you get this magazine, check out Henry on page 102 and in a full page spread on page 110.  What a cutie!!

Changes, Changes, & more Changes

So I said I was going to blog more, so here we go!  The first blog is about changes.  Specifically the changes in me over the last two years.  When I first sat down and thought about it, I didn't think much had changed.  However, after beginning the list, I realized that not only have I changed in my outer appearance, but my thoughts and goals are changing too.

First, my outer appearance has changed by about 40 lbs.  Two years ago I decided to get healthier.  I began following the Zone lifestyle.  I love that this is called a Lifestyle, not a diet.  I was extremely strict with the lifestyle and was able to drop 40 lbs in about 12-14 weeks.  It is now 2 years later and I am proud to say that I am still within 10 lbs of that goal weight.  I don't follow the program as strictly, but I am more aware of good vs bad carbs and when to splurge vs eat healthy.  I am confident that I will be able to keep the weight off for the rest of my life if I continue using the knowledge I have gained.

BEFORE

AFTER

Another big change for me over the last two years is the completion of my MBA.  In 2009 I completed my Bachelor's degree from Ashford University.  If you know me at all, you know that college was never really in my plans.  So it was a shock to most of you (and me) when I enrolled to complete my Bachelor's degree.  So imagine my surprise when I began missing the school atmosphere and the learning.  Two months after completing my Bachelor's degree, I enrolled at Columbia Southern University to pursue my MBA in Hospitality and Tourism.  In April 2011, I completed my Master's degree with a 4.0GPA, all while continuing to work two jobs.  Now I am in the process of planning my graduation party.  Keep checking your mailboxes for the invites.



Ashford University - Bachelor's Degree



Columbia Southern University - MBA

 Now, to the inside.  I feel like I am always evolving and changing.  The last five years or so have been a very trying time in my life.  At some points I was holding on to a lot of bitterness and anger.  I have since learned that these emotions do nothing but poison myself.  There are no negatives for the person I have the feelings towards.  Through lots AND LOTS of prayer, I was able to let go of those emotions.  I am a much stronger person (emotionally) than I was two years ago.  I am stronger in my beliefs and convictions.  I am beginning to realize what I want in life (I know, it took me longer than most) and I am going after it.


How have you changed over the last few years?

Unending Love

I have not yet been blessed with the joy of motherhood.  In face, technically, I have not been blessed with the joy of nieces/nephews either.  However, I have been blessed with an adopted family that has given me these things.  These kids may not be linked to me biologically, but I can assure you, there is not anything I would not do for them.  I love them unconditionally.  I want only the best for them.  I cannot imagine my life without them.  So, with that said, I thought I would share them with you.  Enjoy :)

The first born, Alexandra.  She is now 5.  She can read 400 words and she learns more every day.  My grandfather passed away a few months back.  When I came home from the funeral, she asked me "Cha Cha (that is what the kids call me), are you okay?  Did you get to say goodbye to your grandpa?"  She is such a sweet spirit.

The next princess is Madelyn.  Her faces and mannerisms keep me laughing daily.  She is now 3.  She is talking up a storm.  She is addicted to lollipops and ice cream.  And seeing as I get the roll of aunt, I never (or hardly ever) say no to those requests.

Preston is the only boy and he is currently 18 months old.  He has what I call a Million $$ Smile.  This kid will melt your heart with his smile and he gives it freely.  I can hardly wait to see what sort of young man he grows in to.

Lastly, little Princess Aubrey was added to the family just over a year ago.  She is so dainty and so precious.  She is the shy one of the bunch, but once she warms up to you, you never want to let her go.  She just turned 1 in July.

Family comes in all sorts of definitions! They may not be blood related, but I could not love them any more if they were.

XOXO - "Cha Cha"