I have uttered those words probably even more than the words, "I love you". From the time my daughters were born, it became almost a mantra. When my oldest was walking (at 8 months old), I would yell, "Be careful" as she climbed up on tables, chairs, shelves, trees...you name it. I'm not sure if she actually heeded those words or even understood them. When my youngest, Single Boo was born, there were a few medical issues that caused me to use those words frequently. We had to "be careful" when feeding her because certain foods just didn't quite digest right. We had to "be careful" when her tiny leg was put in a cast from a curvature in her leg. Even when the cast came off and she would walk or run, I'd yell, "Be careful" because she easily tripped over air or her own two feet. Wouldn't you know it, Single Boo became a gymnast - a really good one at that. One that had skills like somersalting on a 4 inch 4 foot high ba...

I have had a tough week....as you know from my "struggling" post. It all started when I discovered that ex-Boo had stolen money from my bank account. I not only felt foolish but angry and sad. It made me reflect on what it was that I saw in him in the first place. I got lost in the "what could be" instead of the "what was". I failed to see that that "what was" wasn't pretty at all. Sure, he was handsome but the outer shell doesn't always reflect the inner heart. I kicked myself for being naive and making bad choices. But, I came up with the answer....I'm human but I'm better than this. I will get past the shock of being used and stolen from. (Yes, the bank has been alerted about the fraud and then there's a police report as well.......) It's just the heart that is wounded. How can someone hurt another without flinching or feeling the conviction of wrong doing? On top of it, I cross paths daily with someone who is downright...

Thank you all for how you uplifted me with words of encouragement, prayer and of course, your friendship. It's times like this that I'm reminded of how wonderful blogging and friendships really are. To solidify it even more, I have the privilege to introduce to you Kathi Lipp's newest book, The Me Project. It couldn't have come at a better time. I anxiously awaited it's arrival in the mail and once it was in my hands, I got going on finding an accountability partner. My twin sis was and still is my accountability partner, reminding me to take time to hear God's voice as I dream dreams and to allow myself to be important and valued without excuses. We've both gotten much from this 21 day journey. One of the projects that I enjoyed was the Not-To-Do List. I'm a list maker so being able to make a list of things that I didn't have to do or at least do perfectly was the best thing ever...an excuse to not feel guilty if I didn't bathe the dogs, dust an...

Okay, my blog is supposed to be the place where I can be honest with myself as well as my blog followers so I've got a confession...I'm struggling. Emotionally, I can be happy and all smiles one minute and the next, I'm fighting back tears. So much hasn't been said here on the blog and I still can't go into some of the things that circle around my head due to how it will affect my day to day situation. The last few days have been days of tears and anger and frustration. I'm human so shouting to God, "Why me?" seems to cross my mind more often than it should. Since I was knee high to a grasshopper, I was taught that to hate is a very strong emotion so I very often choose not to use it but I've been hating a lot lately. Thankfully, God is able to remind me that more powerful than hate is love and He is the perfect example of that. Worry has also been up close and personal for me lately. I find that I worry over little things and big things to a point...

When my twin sister and I were little, we were called by our middle names instead of our first names. From there, the middle names were shortened by relatives and we became Neecy and Nay Nay by all who knew us. By the time we got to kindergarten though, rules changed and we were told that not only were we going to be put in separate classrooms but also called by our first names. I remember the moment like it was yesterday. New name and new faces and I had to learn to handle it all on my own for 3 1/2 hours a day. It took a while but eventually, I learned to value my name, Simone. Then the other issue surrounding the names was that we were also called, "twins". It made it much easier on people who couldn't tell us apart. It took away their embarrassment of having to ask, "Which one are you?" All through school, including high school, we were referred to as the "twins". Although I was used to it, I still wished that we were both recognized for being ou...

I'm reading a book called The Me Project by a wonderful author, Kathi Lipp. I'm excited because I'm hosting Kathi on her blogging book tour and I can't wait. In the meantime, the book has really got me thinking about....ME. So today's Things I've Learned is all about me. 1) I'm a lover, not a fighter BUT when it comes to me and my character, my kids, loved ones and friends...I'll go toe to toe. 2) I have a hard time seeing nudity as beautiful. I know that it has a lot to do with loving and accepting my own body the way it is. But, also, it feels so private and intimate that even looking at nude statues or art in different galleries, I tend to turn away or blush. 3) There's not a day that goes by that I don't hate every article of clothing in my closet, except for my house slippers. I need a new wardrobe and BAD!!! 4) Keeping a bucket list of things to do while I'm still here seems to be growing by the minute. It's exhilarating to know tha...

Some of my most treasured moments with my daughters begin without much thought. For instance, when Single Boo was living in TX, I missed her so much. I tried to convince myself that she was not too far away. I would call her when she was at work and leave her a voice message, singing a song, any song, in my typical goofy way. When I missed her phone calls, she'd surprise me the same way. It got to a point where I couldn't wait to get her missed call so I could save them. Single Boo also has this unusual collection...grocery lists. Working at Costco, she finds tons of them lying around. Whenever I'm at the store and find one now, I bring it home and I proudly present it to her. (I have no idea what she plans to do with them but who knows, maybe she'll write a book and title it, Things To Remember To Get At the Store. Then, there's the I Dare You's. That begins when one of us mentions something on a whim and then, that other person dares them to make it happen. ...