Autumn is finally here!

There are so many things I love about autumn. As a child I loved watching "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown". Now, I love it even more because I watch it with my kids. I believe we can still have simple and special family time, without having to leave the house or spend tons of money. I choose to have the faith of Charlie Brown and believe in something special greater than me.

What are your special autumn memories, or new memories you are making?

Pepper Dog

This is my Pepper Dog a miniature Schnauzer. I will never forget the day we brought him home. He was so tiny and I felt so bad for him because he was away from his mommy. I held him through the night, cuddled him in my hands close to my heart so he could feel a mother's heart. He is so cute, adorable, and fun-loving! Pepper Dog lives with my ex-husband Keith. Luckily Keith and I are still good friends and I get to see Pepper Dog often. Pepper Dog will always be my baby!

The Sewing Sweat Shop

BLAHHHH. Need to clean my sewing room, or as my son calls it "The Sweat Shop". We put the treadmill in sewing room because it has a direct view to the televison, so that meant that I had to move things around. I guess now it really is going to be a Sweat Shop. I'm determined to get the room cleaned and organized this evening.

Ya'll have a blessed Sunday!
Yoli

Health ~ Happiness ~ Humor

Here is a picture our wall decor that we have as you walk into our home: Health ~ Happiness ~ Humor. We have perfected happiness and humor, but health is a challenge. We live a busy life and too often pick-up fast food. It is my 16 year old son Vinny who is getting us back on the health track. We found a treadmill on Craigslist yesterday at a great price and brought it home last night!!! Now the fun and work starts.

Better Safe than Sorry

There is no doubt, I am a Mother Hen. My teen kids have been coughing and congested for 2 days, so I took them to the doctor this afternoon. Apparently they are just fine, nothing major to worry about. I do get concerned during flu season. THANK YOU GOD for keeping my kids healthy. I pray that others may be blessed with good health too.

Victorian Harvest Apron

Last night I stayed up to sew the pockets and hem on a Victorian Harvest Apron. I am using a cute beige lace and added a green rick-rack. The apron is reversible with a deep red lining. I truly enjoy sewing because I can calm down, be creative, and feel proud of myself.

Ya'll have a wonderful day ~ YOLI :)

Congratulations Kevin Skinner

Congratulations to Kevin Skinner, the winner of America's Got Talent.

I loved how he sang Garth Brooks' song "If Tomorrow Never Comes" at his first audition. He seems geniune, respectful, and sings from the heart. I am glad that he kept his performances family friendly. I do wish him and his family the best because fame has a way of changing people.

You go Girl

I'm supposed to be the wise older sister, but my sister Jessica is running circles around me. I think she's the computer guru in the family. Jessica setup a video display on her blog for one of her jewelry designs. It looks so cute. http://joymariesboutique.blogspot.com/

I see so many beautiful blogs out there and I wish I could be more computer savvy. I have to hand it to you ladies, your blogs look amazing. Also, I love the photos you take. I wonder if I ask Santa for fancy new digital camera/recorder, if I will get it for Christmas. Hey, it doesn't hurt to ask....lol :)

Ya'll have a spectacular day!
Yoli

WOW ~ Look at what Jessica designed.

Purple Passion with a Twist of Lime

The lovely cross pendant features layers of bright colors in shades of limes & purples. The natural stones & genuine crystals create a dramatic look. The necklace features a lime green stacked stone, deep purple oval shaped stones & purple crystals. Includes full necklace set. Necklace 20in, Bracelet 7.5 in, & earrings.

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Jessica is my youngest sister. I am blessed to be partners with her in JOY Marie's Boutique. She is a truly gifted artisan jewelry designer. You have to see her exquisit designs at www.joymaries.com. I love you sis, and I admire your dedication to God, family, and community.

Yoli :)

Country Music Concert

The kids and I went to a country music concert at Dodge Arena this past week. Billy Currington played awesome, and looked so handsome!!! Sugarland was the headline, and they were beyond excellent. It was one of the best concerts I have ever been to. The best part was that I got to attend with my kids. Great Music ~ Great Memories!!

Kitchen Bar Stools

I need to buy 4 bar stools for my kitchen. We are 3 of us at home, Vinny, Gigi, and I. We are down to 2 bar stools because a couple of bar stools broke in the past few weeks. It must be the cushiony seat and swivel spin that makes them playful. I bought a temporary stool yesterday, but ended up returning it this morning because it was too high. We have a large island in the kitchen that my dad built years ago, which we call a "continent". I'm not sure what style of stools to buy, but they have to match with our shabby chic country kitchen. I'm a Texas gal, so something rustic and leather will fit in well. I found the painted stools online (in the pic) and I could paint standard stools but I don't know if I want people sitting on my work....LOL.

Wish me luck in my search!
Yoli :)

Typical Sunday

Typical Sunday for the Kalkofen family is Church, going out to eat, watching our Dallas Cowboys play football, the kids doing their homework, and finishing up on laundry. I know it is a day of rest, but a day at home at times ends up being more more....but I wouldn't trade my life for a million bucks. Hope you're having a blessed weekend! ~~ Yoli :)

Day at the SPA

Today 2 southern chicks are going to the SPA. My daughter Gigi and I are headed to the SPA to get manicures, pedicures, and massages. We are invited to a 40th wedding anniversary party tonight. Gigi is 14 yrs and freshman in highschool. I am making sure that I enjoy all the time I have left with her before she leaves to college. I'm known as a mother-hen, which is fine with me. God blessed me with Gigi, and I am so appreciative and proud to be her mommy. Today we're splurging at the SPA, but many times we do our own spa treatments at home. Take some time today with someone you love to build lasting memories.

Enjoy your weekend!
Yoli

HAPPY HARVEST KIDS

What a wonderful blessing to get to be the mom of these two kidos. Though this picture is a few years old, my teen kids will always be my babies.

September 11, 2001 ~ Memorial