Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

May your Christmas be filled with love

and joy of the new year.

As we embark upon the holiday season,

let us not forget the greatest gift of all.

Merry Christmas

from

Six in One Hand.



Where Does the Time Go???

I have NOOOO idea.

Actually, that's not true.....

I've been ill.

Very ill.

Hospital ill.

Before you freak out.......

I had a really bad lung infection.

It sucked.

Apparently, my computer hasn't been immune either.

She got sick too...

It sucked BIG TIME.

Then there's this cutie...

Yep..

That's my girl Taylor up to bat.

 She decided to play softball so I've been at every game cheering her on.

Do you see her number??

Do ya?

She CHOSE that number all by herself.

That's right.

That's the number SIX she's rocking!!!

Her little sister is in on the act too...



That's my youngest Tori as their bat girl.

She's still rocking her number zero from basketball season.

It's now her signature number.

I now have this handsome fella....

That's not Louis Armstrong...

That's my youngest son Daviss blowing away on the trumpet.

He's doing an amazing job!

You should hear his

"Mary Had a Little Lamb."

Once the dust settled,  I realized that I've left you guys behind.

I'm sooooo sorry.

Can you ever forgive me?

And the Winners are............

Thank you to everyone who not only entered my giveaway but who

also gave well wishes for my first year.

I couldn't have done it without ya'll.

Let me stop rambling and get down to business.

The winners of my first year give back are.......

Love the Decor

won a

$25 gift card

for spreading some bloggy love!!!

Billypandnikkysmom

won a

$25 gift card

for being an awesome follower!!!!

and.............

Loui♥

won the

 giveaway basket and a $50 gift card!!!!!

Congratulations to these awesome ladies!!!!

If you are a winner, please email me with your contact information

and I will happily ship your treasures your way!!

Once again, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who

has read and supported my blog (and me) with your friendship and words of encouragement.

I have some major projects underway that I can't wait to show ya'll

and some new things for my shop that I think ya'll will just love!!

I'm Shameless

When it comes to lovinnnnnn ya'll!!!!!!

(not Garth Brooks, but not bad either...)

Ya'll have continued to show some amazing bloggy love!!!!

 Six in One Hand readers are some of the dearest

292 friends a girl could have.

Thank ya'll so much for all of the support and love this past year!!!

There is STILL TIME to enter and tell the world about my awesome anniversary giveaway!!!

What??

You don't know what I'm talking about???

Well then........

you must go here and learn all about it!!!!

Run on over!!

I'll be waiting for you.

In my excitement to give ya'll one of my greatest giveaways,

I totally forgot to tell you when it ends!!!

Mark your calendars for August 31st 'cuz that's when

this baby's commin' to a close.

Now, you have two choices....

You can either...

A.  Keep this wonderful giveaway to yourself

or

B. Share the love and tell the world about the fabulousness

 (is that a word?)

going on over at Six in One Hand.

I prefer that you do "B"..

Why??

Cuz I'd like to give my other 25 dollars away

or I can go shopping with it....

Your choice.

I've even made it easier for you to get the word out.

See that big 'ol button on my sidebar?

Yep, that's it.

Just slap it on your sidebar and you've shared some bloggy love.

Isn't that easy???

Soooooo

Whatcha waiting for?

Grab a button and grab yourself  some quick moolah.

Just don't forget to tell me you told the world

so I can share my piece of the pie...

or shoes...

or bling...

or whatever strikes your fancy.

The Wait is Over

After a week of keeping ya'll in suspense,

I was finally able to do a photo shoot.

As soon as I set everything up....the thunder and rain came

but I did manage in a few pics to show ya'll my give back for ya'll!!!!

If most of you are like me, then you love to browse blogland

while you're eating breakfast or sipping your morining coffee.

So, what better way to show ya'll your fabulous offerings than at breakfast?

One lucky reader will receive this lovely antique french linen

and sugar bowl which has the most lovely age and patina to it.

Some wonderful vintage sheet music for your crafting and altered pleasure.

Some wonderful old letters and postcards written to a mother from her son

along with a pair of children's shoes and vintage baby dress.

Now, once I got to this point it started to rain,

so I'm just gonna tell ya'll what else you get....

What?

You heard me....

There's more!!!!

My lucky reader will not only receive all of these lovely prizes but they will also

receive....

A gorgeous collection of vegetable and flower seeds from

Hometown Seeds.

These lovely folks have some really beautiful offerings

including an emergency garden packet if you need to grow your own garden

due to financial restraints or the apocalypse.

Wouldn't some of your own home grown flowers look pretty in your sugar bowl?

Your own vintage stationary

to compose your own treasured memories.

Last, but not least.....

a $50 dollar Visa giftcard!!!!!!!!!!

Yep, that's right ya'll.

I'm throwing in some moolah!!!!!

Sooooooooooooooooo

What does a gal (or guy)

have to do for all this greatness???

Leave a message.

That's it....

That's all.........

This giveaway is to totally celebrate my supportive readers who have been there through thick and thin.

If you happen to read my blog and have never decided to follow......

now's the time!!!

I'm offering one of my followers

$25 Visa Gift Card!!!

Just for hanging out with me.

How cool is that?!?!?!?!

If you want to spread the word......

go right  ahead.

Just let me know that you're sharing the love and I'm gonna share it back....

with

$25 dollars!!!!!!

Just let me know that you've let the world know about lil 'ol me and my blog in a separate reply and you're set.

This is over one hundered dollars in give back love folks!!!!!!

Thank ya'll soooooo much for an amazing year!!!!

I can't wait to show ya'll what's in the works for this coming year.

Still Hanging in There................

I'm still here.

I've tried desperately these last few days to get my giveaway posted.

I have some wonderful things for ya'll

but I can't get the opportunity to take pics

because it keeps raining.

The sun was out today so I ran outside,

set up my stuff

and got all ready to shoot some photos.

Then, the rain came.

It's not supposed to rain tomorrow.

I'm going to get this done.

The divine Mr. M even feels sorry for me.

He offered to be my assistant so that I can

tell ya'll about your giveaway.

I did happen to notice that I lost another follower today.

For all of ya'll who have been there .....

thank you.

I truly appreciate ya'll from the bottom of my heart.

Thanks for hanging in there......

I have great things for ya'll......

Tomorrow.

Happy Birthday to Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

This wednesday is a major milestone for me.

I turn one!!!!

Okay, I haven't lost my mind and have resorted back to childhood

(although that doesn't sound like a bad idea really..)

Wednesday will mark my first birthday

as

Six in One Hand!!!

You can continue to clap and scream....

I'll wait........

Exhausted yet?

I am so grateful to all of ya'll out there in blogland.

This past year has taken me on the most amazing journey.

I have met some of the most awesome people

and have forged some wonderful friendships.

I have been places and seen sights

(not to mention spent some major cash...and checks...and credit.)

Through all of my ups and downs...ya'll have been there.

Tumor....check.

New job....check.

Brand new husband and four kids....check.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

I'm doing a giveaway!!!!

I'll tell ya all about it tomorrow.

I'm pulling out all the stops on this puppy!!!!

I can't wait to share the love that ya'll have given me!!!!

See ya tomorrow!!!

Now, where did Shuga put my birthday cake?

Purple heart

I know that ya'll are wondering where I've been for the last few weeks.

I have been injured in the line of duty....

as a mama.

I fell down the stairs while caring my youngest daughter

because she had a sore foot.

Unfortunately, instead of receiving a purple heart

the only thing I did receive was a purple, swollen ankle.

I didn't fracture anything but I did tear a ligament pretty good

so I'm just now getting into the swing of things.

I'll be talking with ya'll soon!!!!!

My one year anniversary is coming up and I've got some awesome stuff in store!!!

I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a

Happy Independence Day!!!!

As we barbeque, spend time with families and possibly set ourselves on fire with fireworks,

please remember all of the priviledges and rights that we have been afforded because of our forefathers

who took a stand and had to fortitude to follow it through.

Now.............

could somebody pleeeeeze pass the potato salad?

California Love

Hi all!!!!

I know that ya'll are wondering where I've been.

The Divine Mr. M and I just arrived back to Texas

from San Francisco where we celebrated our first anniversary!!!!

I can't wait to show ya'll all of the great sights

(and even better finds)

from our trip!!!!

I'm going to rest now.....

I have horrible jet lag.

Time to Get Things in Order

I had such a great time in Athens

at Winnie and Talula's.

Not only were some of my good friends in attendance,

but there was some amazing finds as well.

See that fabulous little clock ?

It's mine.......

Go ahead and drool.

I'll wait.

The ever popular Mindy and Linda enjoying

the fabulosity of Linda's booth.

Linda's shop, Willow Nest, carries some of the most beautiful

pieces of vintage items and whimsy that you could ever lay your eyes on.

Linda's dose of white with a touch of color is simply perfect.

This ribbon and millinery were divine and were just right for spring.

Willow Nest also knows how to add the most wonderful

use of contrast such as velvet and burlap.

I made a bee line over to one of my favorite booths ever....

Robojunker...aka Margo.

Margo's wares make me swoon.

Although I'm a pearls and diamonds wearing lady

I'm really a rust and bolts kinda gal.

I LOVE RUST!!!!!

There...I said it...

I have an addiction to industrial junk

and Margo is one of my suppliers to my habit.

Just look at this scale!!!

With rust like this, who needs frills?

I tried to buy it but Mr.M reminded me that I already own one just like it...darn.

Margo did have some pretty shiny glass

because every girl needs some kind of bling.

This printer's tray was stunning.

The possibilities were endless but I had my eye on a few other items that I will show ya'll later.

I had to stop in and visit with my fairy blog parents,

Debbie and the infamous Cat Daddy

of Talking Trash.

My fairy blog mama did not disappoint.

Remember the clock?

That's right...swiped it right up from her booth.

There was nothing trashy about this offering of gorgeous delights.

Cat Daddy was out on the street corner (literally)

showcasing some of his fine silver and great vintage finds.

See this really awesome post?

Cat Daddy had it......and I wanted it....baaaaaaaaad!!!

I begged.

I pleaded.

I made puppy dog eyes and stucky my lip out

but Mr. M wasn't having any of it.

He said the truck was too small to tote it home...boo!

It was such a gorgeous day that even the butterflies were

out and about.

There were so many beautiful finds that I don't have time to list them all

but I wish that I could.

Being in Athens definitely gave me a new perspective for

the spring.

I felt fresh and renewed and ready to get everything in order

for the renovation and remodeling of our house and our lives.

It was so great to see old finds and friends.

If you're ever up by Athens, stop by Winnie and Talula's and stay for a while.

Who knows?

Perhaps you will be ready to get things in order as well.

Disorderly Conduct

I'm gettin' all wild and outta control tomorrow!

The Divine Mr. M has brought my bail money

in his pocket

and I've been practicing my mug shot pose.

Why? you ask?

Cuz.....

I'm gonna get

Junk and Disorderly

at

Winnie and Talula's!!!!!

There will be much to see and buy!!!

I can't wait to go disturb the peace

and my bank account!!

I know that I won't be the only one there

'cuz several of my partners in crime will be in attendance as well!!

If you happen to be on the run from the fuzz

and you just happen to escape by Athens,

then stop in and say howdy.

We'll keep your alibi for you.

Now.....

where did I put my recipe for baking metal files in cake?

Rock On

Yesterday was a day of great joy and much sadness for me.

Yesterday my oldest son, Alexander, graduated from high school.

I awoke that morning in tears.

This was the day that I had tried to dream about for eighteen years.

The day that my son was born,  the nurse placed him in my arms

and as I counted all of his fingers and toes, I tried to imagine our future.

You see, I was still in high school myself.

I was seventeen and very nervous.

There was no turning back now.

I tried with all of my might to imagine what type of man he would become

and if I could live up to being a good mother for him.

Over the years I've watched him grow

and become his own person.

As he sat amonst the seven hundred plus graduates in his class,

I sat and recalled his entire life.

His first word...."Dada."

His first steps...trying to take the curlers out of my hair when he was ll months old.

His first tooth....when he was six months old.

His first day of school....when he was four.

His first fight...age five...with a boy on his school bus.

His first little league game...when he was eight.

His first girlfriend...when he was fifteen.

Now, his first day setting out as a man.

It is so hard to believe that this is the same baby that I held in my arms.

The same little boy who could really cared less about baseball

and the same little boy who seemed all grown up.

Alex took the day in stride.

He was so calm and I was a nervous wreck.

The prinicipal asked the parents of the graduates to please stand for recognition.

Alex looked up at me in the stands and raised his arm

in the "rock on" hand gesture as he was all smiles.

I gave the "rock on" gesture back

then sat down and cried into my tissue

while Mr. M. hugged me.

As Alexander Vincent Price had his name called

and walked across the stage to receive his diploma,

he immediately gave the "rock on" gesture

to a screaming audience of approximately three thousand people

who loved it, with me being his biggest fan.

As he returned to his seat, Alex looked back into the audience to see if I was still there.

I hope that he knows that I will forever be right here watching and cheering

as he continues to make firsts in his life.

We've grown so much, him and I, and the bond that we have is immeasurable.

From the day he was born, I read Alex a book that said

"I'll love you forever."

"I'll like you for always."

"As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be."

Rock on Alex as you continue your journey through this life.

Always know that my baby you'll be.

A Big 'Ol Dose of Vitamin D

Sorry I haven't been blogging this last week.

My vitamin D is low and that means I am too....

Huh?

What da...?

My tumor consumes vitamin D like a kid at a candy store...

not in a good way.

When my level gets really...and I mean reeeeeeaaaaallly low,

I get really weak and my leg hurts like a muther trucker....

I've been on high doses of Vitamin D for three months now and I did really good!

So good, that my doc thought I could come off of it......NOT!

Two weeks without vitamin D and I'm

dragging my leg around like driftwood.

I called my doc and she started asking me questions...

Are you weak?

Yes.

Does your leg hurt?

I wouldn't be calling if it didn't.

Are you sick?

A little diarrhea...thought it was Mr. M's chicken salad.

Are you seeing or hearing things that you know shouldn't be there?

HUH???????

Apparently very low Vitamin D can cause

depression and even schizophrenia....

go figure.

So, back on the pill I go...vitamin D that is.

I will be out and about this weekend.

My oldest son Alex is graduating from high school.

There will be lots of tears and sniffling.

(Maybe it's the Vitamin D or me just being a mama.)

When I come back I have another giveaway for ya'll!!!!

This one's gonna be goooooood!!!!

P.S. In my absence,

The Divine Mr. M

celebrated his 30th birthday!!!!

Happy Birthday Punkin!!!!

I LOOOOOVVVVVEEE YOOOOUUUU!!!!!!

Now that I'm back in commission, I have a few

(okay....alot)

of projects to share with ya'll

as Mr. M and I

start to renovate our farm house.

Madness will ensue.....

Pretties will come forth.....

I guess I had better drink plenty of milk

for the months ahead.

A Little Experiment

is going on within the halls

of my Etsy shop.

I am experimenting with a few new finds

that are outside of my typical collections.

I've done all of the math

and science

needed and the numbers are iffy.

By my calculations,

I project that ya'll will love my new treasures.

So make sure to stop by my shop and

see what wonderful breakthroughs

are going on at

Six in One Hand.

And the Prize Goes To....

Lauren. bo!!!!!

Lauren, please email me with your shipping information

and I will have your clock shipped to you lickety split!!!

Thanks to everyone who showed and spread some love

to my little blog.

I have another giveaway planned for June

in hopes of having my big 300!!!!

It's gonna be gooooooooood.

My Blind Side

"I would like to thank what this movie was about for me, which are the moms that take care of the babies and the children no matter where they come from."....Sandra Bullock

I would like to say

Happy Mother's Day

to all the women of the world

who endured swollen feet, stretch marks,

and unrelenting childbirth to take on

the title of "Mom."

For those who have wiped noses,

tended fevers and kissed boo-boos

for their little ones, I applaud you.

I also would like to take this time

to give a standing ovation

to all the mothers of the world

who care for their children

and love them unconditionally

yet never gave birth to them.

These are the women that are worth

more than precious gold.

To love another as your own

is a love that holds no bounds and

knows no limitations.

I am proud to say that I have the pleasure

of belonging to both groups of women.

I have had the joy of raising

my two sons and what a journey it has been!!

Both of my boys are teenagers now and

one will be graduating high school in a few short weeks.

I've discovered that being a mother and worrying about your children

never really stops at age eighteen.

Last year, I got to join the special group

of women who Sandra Bullock spoke

of.

I became a mom to these precious girls.

They are my girls....not my stepdaughters....my girls.

I love them with everything that I have.

I could never imagine loving a child as

much as my sons until I met these two.

They touched my heart in a way that I could never explain.

I now have a whole new set of worries to add to my list.

Makeup....high heels.....boys.....

My oldest daughter Taylor told me one day,

"Don't worry...I got your back."

It was all in fun but I belived her.

She had my blind side during a home football game

and I will forever have hers.

As we spend time with our families today,

take the time today to not only thank

your mother for all the years of love and care,

but remember the other women in your life

who watched your blind side

and kept you from being tackled

in this game of life.