My family and I have a goal to visitevery Lake in Texas.
We have marked off anotherTexas lake, Bob Sandlin Lake in Pittsburg, Texas.
Once we arrived to our vacation rental, we were stunned at the amazing scenery and beautifully decorated, cozy cabin.
After unloading and unpacking, we decided to pick up a grocery order I placed at the closest Walmart, 21 minutes away. But, we got to see more of the area and even some deer crossing the road.
It was so nice getting away from the hustle and bustle of Waco traffic and construction. We enjoyed scenic views and notrafficjams!
Our first night, we just lazed around the cabin and the boys did some fishing.
On our first day on the lake, we took advantage of the canoes and Lily pad the owners graciously let us use during our stay.
The Lily pad was great! I’m not a big fan of squishy mud going between my toes, so lounging on the Lily pad was my favorite pass time of the vacation.
After a long day on the water, we enjoyed the many decks of the cabin. We sat and played games, enjoyed burgers and smores, with the lake sparkling in the background.
As soon as the sun went down, we headed to the boat dock for some night time fishing.
Leland caught the biggest fish, but I caught the most fish. Ciara even tried to kiss her fish she caught.
After a long first day of fun, we settled into the most comfortable bed. Seriously, I didn’t want to come back home to my not socomfortable bed.
I slept like I haven’t slept in a year, I got somuch needed rest and didn’t have to set any alarms!
Our next day started with a nice breakfast, while gazing at the amazing view from the living room window.
We enjoyed the lake for a while, until the sun was a little too much to handle. Then we headed inside to the wonderful air conditioner and played games, listened to music, and baked cookies.
After the sun went down a bit, we headed back outside to enjoyice cream floats and watchingTV on the deck.
I loved this cabin so much, I felt sadness leaving. But our dogs, friends and family were waiting for us back in Waco.
So, we had to pack up and take inas much as we could of this fantastic location.
I would definitely recommend this vacationproperty. My only disclosure is that the hill to the water was a little steeper than I expected, making it a bit of a struggle getting Ciara down to the water and back up to the cabin. And there was quite a bit more steps than expected but that was mybad, for not paying more attention to the listing.
Other than that, this property had everything we were looking for. Seclusion, amazing scenery, clean and inviting cabin.
I would love to visit back in the Fall, I bet it’s even moregorgeous.
Thanks for checking out our vacation at Bob Sandlin Lake. Below is the link for Pinehill Cabin.
This post is very hard to write. This post will expose my weaknesses and allow you all to see my life, beyond social media.
I suffer from anxiety and depression. I take medication, but sometimes “life” takes control and my depression and anxietytake over.
Recently, I have fallen into a hole of “selfpity” and questionedMY worth.
I fell deeper and deeper into a pit of sorrow and I could not find my way out.
Feelings of aloneness, resentment, and feelings of being “unloved” surrounded me.
I finally got to my breaking point, aftermonths of the constant “rush” of life and people letting me down.
After, one very long day of scorching Texas heat, appointmentsafterappointments, coming home to a dirty house and having to cook dinner, I broke.
I lost control of my emotions. I could not stop the flood of feelings. Anger, sadness, loneliness and exhaustionencompassed me.
In pureweakness, I tried to take my ownlife. It was like everything I work so hard for everyday, didn’t even matter. In an instant, I regretted my actions.
My husband stopped me from making the biggest mistake of my life, and I’m grateful for him, but I immediately knew I just made a huge mistake and I couldn’t take it back.
The damage was already done. I had scared my children and my husband. I made them questionwhy their wife and mother would leave them. I instantlyfelt ashamed of myself and broken hearted for what I just did to my family.
How could I be so strong, for so long, then in a moment of weakness, take everything away from my family.
I knew, the only hope for me would be from a higher power, God. I was so consumed with shame, I couldn’t ask God for help.
I ran across a daily devotional that stoppedme in my tracks. It said “quiet your mind and listen for God.” “Pray for God to quiet your thoughts, so you can hear God’s words. ”
Those words hit me like a ton of bricks. My thoughtsencompass me, so I feelalone from God, becauseI can’t hear his Words to guide me.
I immediately prayed for my mind to bestill and let me hear the Words of my Creator.
In an instant, my mind went calm, and I could hear my Lord and Saviorcomforting my soul.
He said to me ” Do I get all the love and appreciation for all I do?” ” Does everyone I love, love me back?” “Do people I love not disappoint me?” “But I continue to love them And I will never give up on them. ”
I came to a realization, we don’t haveto belove or appreciated in this World. We do these things and love one another becauseourGodleads us to do so.
Not formoney, popularity, fame or recognition. We do it for ourLordJesusChrist, becauseHeappreciates us and loves us. That’s all that matters.
Jesussufferedimmensely, for each and every one of us. Hewas notpopular or recognized for all of Hisgenerosity and love. ButHenever gave up andstill does not give up, even when the people of this world let Him down.
Goddidn’t promise everything would be easy. Life gets hard, peoplelet us down, but we push through for God.
This world is notour home, there is a grander place waiting for us. A place withouthate, a place withoutworry.
I can’t wait to go there and be with MyLord, butonly when it’s God’s time, notmine.
I will continue to walk the path of righteousness. I will love others, even if they don’t love me back. I will help others without expecting anything in return.
I don’t claim to be a “good” Christian. I have a lot of work to do to transform me into the Christian women I am meant to be. But I prayGod will mold me into the ” childof God“, I am meant to be.
Always know, God is with you and he loves you. You just have to quiet your thoughts and listen to His Words.
Psalm 37:7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!
Amazon Prime is having Prime Days July 12th and 13th. The website is full of deals, but it can get a little overwhelming, looking through all the deals.
I have decided to pick my topprime day deals, under $25.00, in hopes that you can get some of these amazing deals.
This post contains affiliate links and every purchase helps me to provide for my family.
Echo Dot (4th Gen) | Charcoal with Sengled Bluetooth Color bulb | Alexa smart home starter kit
I am a sucker for good cups for my daughter, and this cup looks perfect for “no spills“. The list price is $13.00 but for Prime Days the price is $9.10.
Yankee Candle Iced Berry Lemonade Scented, Signature 20oz Large Tumbler 2-Wick Candle, Over 60 Hours of Burn Time
I love me some Victoria Secrets body products. This Honey Scrub looks so nourishing and I bet it smells delicious. It lists at $17.95 but grab it on Prime Days for $9.11.
Bentgo® Salad – Stackable Lunch Container with Large 54-oz Salad Bowl, 4-Compartment Bento-Style Tray for Toppings, 3-oz Sauce Container for Dressings, Built-In Reusable Fork & BPA-Free (Purple)
My family and I will be getting ready this week for a much needed Lake Vacation.
Every year we try to visit a different Lake in Texas. We have visited so many wonderful places and really enjoy the relaxation and unwinding by the Lake.
If you are planning a Lake Vacation soon, I have some Must Haves that I have found useful for our Vacations.
This post contains Affiliate Links and every purchase, through the link I provide, helps me provide for my family.
If you order through Amazon’s Prime Days July12-13, you may get a better deal than I did when I ordered these Lake Vacation Must Haves.
Marshmallow or Hot Dog Roasting Sticks
Marshmallow Roasting Sticks kit-Telescoping Stainless Steel Cookware Set Forks for Smores & Best Camping Accessories for Kids Over Campfire & Hot Dog Fire Pit Cooking
These come in handy when you are roastingmarshmallows’ or hot dogs over the fire.
Soda Can Covers
Clear Soda Can Lids (6 Pack) | Superior Can Covers For Soda, Beer, Energy Drinks, Juice, Seltzer | Must-Have Picnic Accessories & Beach Gadgets | BPA-Free Reusable Fizz Lids | By Smart House Inc
These are great for keeping bugs out of your drinks.
Shower Bag
Shower Bag, ULG Mesh Shower Caddy with Waterproof Bag and Slippers Pocket, Large Hanging Portable Shower Tote Beach Bag with S Hook for College, Dorm, Gym, Camp, Beach, Pool
Water shoes are a major Must Have for swimming in Lakes, they protect your feet from rocks, glass or any other sharp objects waiting to stab your feet.
Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker
JBL Clip 4 – Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker, Big Audio and Punchy bass, Integrated Carabiner, IP67 Waterproof and dustproof, 10 Hours of Playtime, Speaker for Home, Outdoor and Travel – (Pink)
Towels are definitely a must have. Vacation rentals usually only supply towels for showering or baths, not for outdoor use. We bring a lot of towels with us on every vacation.
Floats
Intex 58837EP River Run II Sport Lounge, Inflatable Water Float, 951/2″ x 62″
Over the last 22 years of being a specialneeds mom, I have met so manywonderful people with disabilities. I have learned from them and they hold a special place in my heart.
Many people don’t get the opportunity to meet these “special people“, or get to know them. I wonder, if I would have ever gottenthe chance to know them, if I didn’t have a special needs child.
The other day, while shopping, I noticed an elderly man just standing in the middle of the isle. I looked over and saw Ciara next to me in her wheelchair. He had plenty of room to pass her but instead he stood there, baffled at what to do. I ushered Ciara to move, and she preceded to move as close as she could to the other side of the aisle, he then proceeded to say “thank you” and walked pass her.
I got a little irritated, that first of all, he didn’t just say “excuse me” or just simply walk pass her. Instead, he chose to just stand there until she moved.
I’ve thought about it, and maybe he just didn’t know how to handle that situation because he had never encountered someone with a disability.
Back in the older days, people with disabilities were hidden away or institutionalize, as if they didn’t exist.
Today, we know so much more about disabilities and we know their lives are worth so much more, but we still have to teach the world how to love and accept them.
I take Ciara everywhere, and have always taught her to never let her disability stop her from living a full life, but I have to admit, there are days when “people” get on my last nerve.
There are certain people that have no patience, and can be very rude at grocery stores or shopping centers. They tend to act like we are burdening them by having a wheelchair in their way. I usually apologize and move Ciara out of their way. But why must we cater to them? Ciara has the right to shop and exist without their permission.
We, as caregivers, have to stand up and show this world our loved ones have just as many rights as anyone and have so much to give to this world.
The staring use to bother me but I have come to a realization. People stare at everything, whether it’s a person with a disability or someone with a big butt. People will be people and not all staring is a bad thing.
If a beautiful lady was being stared at, she would chalk it up to her beauty being admired. Not all staring is about being different, sometimes people are just curious or are in admiration.
We need the world to see our “special” human beings and let themsee all the amazing things they can do, instead of hiding them away from the world out of fear of not being accepted.
Let’s normalize people with disabilities, encourage others to know your loved one, teach them, and be patient.
Get them out into the world, take them places you normally wouldn’t go, and let’s show the world how they deserve to be treated.
If you don’t know anybody with a disability, I encourage you to get to know them, you won’t regret it!
Children and adults with disabilities should not be hidden from the world, let’s show everybody what they can do!
Independence Day is approaching and, if you are like me, you want the perfectstars and stripes outfit to wear for the festivities.
Texas is hotter than H-E- double hockey sticks right now, so I will be spending my 4th in the pool. I was looking for a patriotic swim suit, when I decided to put together a 4th of July outfit guide for my curvy girls.
Upon, browsing the Patriotic outfits on Amazon, I found so many cute clothing pieces, until I read the reviews. There was so many I had to turn down, due to bad reviews.
Every item on this list has at least a 4 star review, great fabric and good quality for us big girls.
So, here is my Amazon Plus Size 4th of July Outfit Ideas.
Perfect Back yard BBQ Outfit
Whether you are enjoying a nice backyard 4th BBQ, or heading out for a picnic at the park, these outfits are comfortable and festive for your Holiday.
ROSRISS Women’s Plus Size Raglan Short Sleeve Striped T Shirts Leopard Print Casual Tee Tops
This T-Shirt has pockets! How cute would you look wearing this top with some white shorts, and a pair of flip flops?? This would be perfect for a 4th of Julyfamily picnic.
This top runs true to size and goes up to a size 28.
ROSRISS Women’s Plus Size Raglan Short Sleeve Striped T Shirts Leopard Print Casual Tee Tops
This is the last T-Shirt, I promise, but look how cute this top is! It has a subtlepatriotic look and would go with shorts or a skirt. I could see myself in my favorite lounge chair, enjoying BBQ and Fireworks in this beautiful top.
The size runs true to size and goes up to a size 28.
4th of July Swim Suits and Cover Ups
If you are like me, and enjoying the swimming pool for your 4th of July, these swimsuits and cover ups would be perfect for relaxing in the water this Independence Day.
Sovoyontee Women’s 2 Piece Plus Size High Waisted Swimsuit Bathing Suit
This swim suit would not be good for me, since I have a bigger belly,but I know some of you beautiful, curvy girls that will rock this!
I will have a swim suit option for my big belly girls, later in this post.
So, usually I do not even consider “one size” clothing, but this cover up has the option for “one size regular“, and “one size plus“.
It also has good reviews from other “plus size” women, and it isabsolutely perfect for those of us who are not completelycomfortable with our swimsuit body.
Going Out 4th of July Outfits
If you have plans on hitting the town for a night out on 4th of July, these outfits would beperfect. Whether you are going out for drinks or attending a 4th of July soiree, these pieces are sure to make a statement.
RITERA Plus Size Basic Versatile Stretchy Elastic Waist Flared Casual Mini Skater Skirt/Pleated Plaid Skirt for Women XL-5XL
Perfectly Imperfect Plus Life 