A Poem From Hannah

This Mother's Day, Hannah wrote me a poem per my request. Here it is for my readers to enjoy. I especially like the "skinny" part as I have been on a diet this year, first time ever, and lost 15 pounds. Enjoy.

The Lovely...

Her long black hair, shines in the light

She's so skinny, that her skirts are not tight.

She makes things so beautiful with a small little touch

It's such a delight to see her new creations so much.

It's Mother's Day today

And I have been asked to do this

Although it's a request,

It's not written with regrets.

The beautiful, talented, woman I do mention,

Brings memories of laughter to my attention.

I couldn't thank her enough for all that she does,

But all I can say is that I love her so much.

Who is this lovely women you may wonder?

Well she's more lovely than your thoughts can ponder.

I'm so lucky to be the one,

Whom has the pleasure to call her mom.

Happy Mothers Day 2011!!

Love you so very much,

Hannah

And, I am a very blessed Mother to have two wonderful children, a soon to be daughter-in-law, step grandson and a new baby granddaughter. Thank you Aaron, and Hannah for your gifts, cards and love you gave me on this Mother's day. Love you both so much.

This pic was taken in our master bath around Christmas 2010.

Have a Wonderful 2011 Easter!

Easter is a wonderful time to be with those you love. I am looking forward to being in church this Sunday with my entire family. Next Easter, we will have a new addition to our family as my son Aaron and his "to be" wife are blessed with a baby girl in May.

This year following our service at Life, we will have Sunday dinner with our family here in Deer Park. We all bring a covered dish. This year I will bring my salad with varieties of lettuce, fruits, feta cheese, candied almonds and a home made citrus vinaigrette.

Aaron & Samantha's Baby Shower

The Menu:

Terragon Chicken Salad

Gabby's Confetti Pasta

Grape Salad

Strawberry Spring Mix Salad

Cheese, Crackers and Deli

Sparkling Fruit Punch, Tea, Coffee

Cake Made By:

Linda Crowder, my sister

Games:

Jennifer Lemke

We had a wonderful turn out and Sam and Aaron were showered with many gifts needed for the soon to arrive, baby Abbey. Thanks to all who attended and contributed. Special thanks to Laurie, Shelley, Dianne & Valerie for helping prepare the food. Mom, for your beautiful pink china, Linda, for the gorgeous rose arrangements, and Shelley for your special silverware.

I think using beautiful dishes, fresh flowers and good food makes a party a special one to remember. I think everyone had a great time.

Bassett Upholstered Recliner

I have this exact chair sold directly through Bassett Furniture's site for over $1,800. This is a recliner I have that is like new. It had a chunk torn out on the arm. I will be selling this chair as a custom piece and can be done in your choice of fabric for only $999. Leather a little extra. Being an interior designer, I have a team of professional upholsterers in business for 35 years plus to do this work.

We are also able to customize the piece for a person's weight size if necessary. Extra supports and a high density foam cushion for extra support can be added.

For more information, contact me: donnna_r_madden@yahoo.com or 281-222-3423.

This offer is available until March 21, then will be covered in my choice of fabric and price reduced at that point. Make offers for then if you choose.

Save the Date....It's A Girl!

April 9, 2011

For: Aaron Madden & Samantha Jackson

Time: 11:00 a.m.

10023 Rustic Gate, LaPorte, Tx. 77571

Home of Gary & Donna Madden

281-222-3423 or RSVP @ donna_r_madden@yahoo.com

Registered at Babies R Us & Target

It's A Girl!

Extreme Budget Mini Makeover

Recently, my son and his my future daughter in law moved into thier first apartment. Saving for thier wedding and soon to arrive, baby Abbey, the budget left no room for decorating. I offered to do a mini makeover stretching the dollar to the limit. If you think you are too strapped financially to decorate, think again. We hope you will be inspired with some ideas we used to make an apartment a home. Enjoy....

The old lamp got a fresh coat of paint and the lamp shade was covered with fabric to go with our decor scheme. We used the Van Googh print as our color inspiration .

The old chairs were sanded, painted and cushions recovered with fresh fabric.

We went through Aaron's books, stored in our garage, and found some that matched our color scheme, taking off the dust covers.

The two pedestal vases, garage sale finds, became candle holders, first filled with dried black beans and votives resting on the beans.

The Van Gogh print was one I had from my school classroom decor and we purchased a poster print frame and glass at Michael's.

We replaced the dining room table that was not a good scale for the space with an Ikea table still at home that was Aaron's already.

Scented candles, the fireplace lit, chocolate covered strawberries, Samantha's favorite, crackers and jelly, and drinks made a warm welcome when Aaron and Sam arrived home last night for thier mini room makeover.

When in temporary spaces, don't put your life on hold just because you can not afford to do what you want at the time. Make the best of what you have. This apartment went from just a place to live to now, a place called "home".

Hannah Gets Her Permit

This was Hannah's exciting day to get to go after school and take her test for her permit. She passed with a B score. This is a pic of her first "legal" drive once getting her permit. We stopped on our way home to let her get her first time behind the wheel driving with her permit.

I must say, Hannah is a very good driver and is learning more and more with experience.

Love this girl!