Sunday-Blog day

I guess Sunday morning is working out best to be my blog update day. It's early, everyone is still sleeping, and it seems I can hardly sleep past 6:15am anymore so I might as well make wise use of my time.

Tidbits: The weather has been beautiful. Aside from some storms that have passed through, which for us were not severe, it has been perfect. The other day I was homesick for So. California because it was just one of those weather days that reminded me of home. BY the way, I am planning a little business trip there in October. I have at least two friends who are planning to do jewelry shows for me. I plan to talk to Mom and Molly about doing the same so that I can make it VERY profitable and so that I can stay a little longer! One of those friends, Toni, has been my life long buddy and at long last, has found a prince charming. She went through and painful divorce and separation several years ago and the Lord has blessed her with the most amazing guy. I can't wait to meet him and share her joy with her.

Mike and I are going to be hosting a Wednesday night drop in for the igh schoolers for the summer. For whatever reason, our church cuts back on youth activity during the summer when we think it shold increase. So, we are going to open our doors and invite the kids over on Wednesday nights for games, food, and a short deovtion time. Our High School ministry director is thrilled and wants to drop in as well and for once, just "hang" with the kids. Themore the merrier.

We plan to go to Memphis for Mother's Day. Unfortunately, it has been a very long time since we went to see Mike's folks. We plan to drive down Friday night and then drive back Sunday. One of the last times we were there we went to Sun Studios for a tour and then Graceland and the kids LOVED it! THis time we plan to go to Soulsville Studio-the black version. Remember? SEGRERATION! But different black artists and groups recorded there so it will be very cultural and interesting. I got an early Mother's Day gift...an ipod shuffle. Mike and the kids all pitched in and got me one so that I would have some work out tunes. I had been wanting one for a while so it was perfect!

The kids have had a pretty good week at school. They have been doing their required state testing so that has menat that they have not had homework. Only three weeks left of school and we are all very excited.

Grace is going on a mission trip to Scotland this fall! We already have her passport. The trip is only $800 with the high school ministry and I am so proud of her for taking the initiative to go. The church will be doing different things to help the kids raise money so we may not have to ask our friends and relatives for support. But I know from my own experience that she will get just as much out of it, if not more, than those she goes to minister to.

I am reading and excellent book right now called, "Dare to Dream and Work to Win" by Dr. Tom Barrett. The subtitle is, "Understanding the Dollars and Sense of Success in Network Marketing". I have only read through the Introduction and Chapter One and already I have learned so much. You see, I plan to really work this business so that one day, is works for us! My goal is that in two years, after Sam graduates and before he heads off to college, to take us all to Hawaii for one big last family trip. My jewelry business has started off slow and I think a big part of that is that I started at probably one of the busiest times of year for people. For example, yesterday as Derby Day AND Prom Night for most of the county. Parents not only ahd all their soccer and baseball commitments for kids, but then there were Derby Parties and kids to get ready for Prom which takes all day. I did a show with a woman and she ahs invited about 70 people andonly 3 showed up. It just so happens that one of those ladies is going to sign as a Rep on Thursday night of this week! However, all my Saturday parties have done this so I am steering clear of Saturdays all together for a while. But in this book, it quickly reminds the reaader that slow and steady becomes sucsessful. Its' the "pack horse", not the "race horse" that builds a successful business. Consistent effort, duplication, and giving it enough time are the keys to building a successful business.

That's all for now. I am going to make some coffee, get a shower, and make some homemade muffins for breakfast. Then I plan to head out after church for another party, that I pray, will be a little more profitable today.

My love to all!!!
Deanna