Jessie Tyler

1) My universe revolves around me. To some this may sound self-centered but it's the truth and I'm not going to apologize for it .  2) Blood does not mean family and family does not mean blood. Some of my closest friends I consider family.  Also, just because we share DNA does not mean we are family.  3) Some people are meant to be in your life and some are not. No matter how much you try or how much you want someone to be in and apart of your life it may not work out. It can be difficult to understand but meant to be.  4) God has a plan for you. 5) LEGGINGS ARE PANTS. 6) Success can be measured by many things. Success can be measured by money, job, family, house, or many other things in life. To be successful, you need to find what success means to you. 7) Wealth is not measured by how much money you have. This goes along with success. Wealth can be defined by different things. You need to find which definition works for you. ...

Have you ever wondered where your family came from or how you are related to someone? With my family, I can go back a few generations but I know very little about them. Not knowing much about my family history or my family tree makes me wish I would have paid more attention to the stories when I was younger. So I have set out to try and find more out about my family. I can't wait to learn more about my heritage and my family. I also look forward to keeping everyone up to date during this journey. 

This morning started out great. Woke up to a "Happy Valentine's Day" text, my hair was cooperating and my mascara was looking great. For once, I wasn't running late. I finished getting ready and hopped my car to drive to work. That's when my day changed.  I've always found it amazing how there is a song for every mood you could possible be. I find it amazing that when you're in a bad mood, you can find a song to brighten your day. I never thought that a song could ruin my happy mood, but it did today. When this song came on the radio, I couldn't change the station fast enough. Even though it took less then 5 seconds to change the station, I could tell my mascara was ruined.  So I guess what I'm trying to say is... Thank You "stupid song" for ruining my day. Its been almost two and half years and I still wish to never hear you again.  

The temperature doesn't seem to be getting any warmer and snow seems to be in the forecast every other day makes me wish I was back here.   Waking up to this in the mornings.  Hanging out on the beach with the family.  As the count down to Spring continues, I'll just keep dreaming of palm trees. 

Today I am thankful for cloudy days.  Since today was a very cloudy day, it was perfect to cuddle with my dog and watch Christmas movies.  I came home after work, ate lunch and curled up in bed with Daisy and watched a couple Christmas movies that I had recorded previously in the week.  It was nice to have a relaxing day after a few weeks of nonstop work and getting ready for thanksgiving.  (Oh... and I'm also thankful for wine.)

Today I am thankful that I was able to start Thanksgiving dinner prep.  We were able to make pumpkin pie, crust-less pumpkin pie, cheesecake and the cheesecake topping.   We were also able to put together the relish tray and chop the vegetables that we need for tomorrow.  Having the time today to get some stuff done for tomorrows dinner comes in handy because it is less we have to run around and do tomorrow.  It's also helpful because we were able to make sure we didn't forget anything for Thanksgiving dinner.

Today I am thankful for music.  No matter what kind of mood I am in or what is going on in my life, there is always music to help things along.  No matter what a person is going through in life, they can always find a song to go along with it.  No matter what the situation is, somewhere, someone has recorded a song about it.   Music can be used to calm down, wake up, or fall asleep.  It also makes very long road trips so much better.

Today I am thankful for my past.  Everything from my past has lead me to where I am today.  Every decision I have ever made.  Every choice I have made. Each has played a part in where I have made it so far in life.  A person can not go back and change their past and I personally wouldn't want to because at some point in my life that choice was something that I wanted. 

Today I am thankful for the beach.  With the weather getting colder here, it makes me appreciate the time we have spent at the beach during the summer more.  Last night, the strong winds from the storm sounded like waves coming in off the ocean. That sound and the memories from trips to the beach make the reality that winter and snow are coming easier to handle because each day of winter that passes means we are one day closer to spring and summer.  I love the winter, snow, and cold but I rather be sitting on the beach. 

Today I am thankful for the men and women who have fought and are fighting for this country.  If wasn't for those who were and are brave to defend what this country stands for.  I am also thankful to their families who have also sacrificed so much. 

Today I am thankful for my education.  Without my education I wouldn't be: Where I am today.  Able to write this blog.  Read the books that I love. Cook and bake my favorite recipes. And so much more.  Going to school and getting an education was always something that I took for granted until I got older. I always thought that everyone, everywhere received the same education as me. I was wrong. Once I realized that, I learned to cherish every lesson, easy or difficult, that was taught. I also learned that your education isn't limited to just the classroom. A persons education consists of everything they learn in life.  "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."- Nelson Mandela 

Today, just like every other day, I am thankful for my family.  They have always been there for me when I have needed them and have encouraged me to be the best that I can.   They have taught me to help others and to do so with out being asked.  My family has taught me that not everyone will behind you and your choices but those who care will be.   I have been taught to treat others how I would want to be treated.   They have taught me be thankful for what I have.   I've been taught to love myself and others for who we are.   My family has taught me to love and cherish every moment we have together. You never know which will be the last.  Without my family, I would completely lost and not the person I am today. 

Back in August of 2014 I had the idea to start this blog as a way to share recipes, memories, and much more with family near and far and with others who may enjoy some of the same things I do.  The point of these posts is to share with you what I know and love. I want to share with you recipes and ideas that you and your family may love. These posts will also be here for years to come (hopefully). They will be here for my younger cousins to read and have stories of our family. If I ever have kids of my own, these posts will be here for them to read. Not only is this blog for me to share with you, but it is also a place for me to keep memories.  I also want you to know that I think cooking, makeup, crafts, etc are all put together through trail and error; just like life. What works for me may not work for you and that is completely fine. Everything you do in life should represent you.  I guess what I'm trying to say is take what you learn from the tutorials and ...