Happy New Years!

Happy new years from dakota and I!!!!!!!!!!!

omg!!!!

How old am I? I have been ready for bed for over an hour and its not even midnight. If Dakota wasnt so excited to watch the ball drop we would already be in bed! haha! Happy new years to all my bloggin readers! Lots of blogs to come in 2012 so stay tuned.
ilyrj!

My election issue this year is.....

As a single mother in my mid thirties, I have voted in a few elections, but this one I want to be completely informed on all the issues that are so important. In years past I have voted with the majority of my friends and family, but I will make my decision this year based on my knowledge and own feelings on the issues at hand. While there are many important issues this year, I believe it all boils down to the economy. It is a domino effect and without a stable economy none of the other issues really mean anything. For instance, immigration; who will want to come to a country that cannot even provide jobs or stability for its own people? I do, however, believe immigration should be a hot topic and if people chose to come into our country to pursue a better life then they should be held accountable like those of us born in the USA. Another major topic is the health care reform. I do look at this as a major player in my book because of my health and the fact that I have been several months without my medicine due to lack of insurance. I believe that all Americans should have access to affordable health care, and while I do not totally agree with Obama's current plan, I do think he has the right idea. Americans need health care. I need health care. My kids need health care. The declining economy has led people to depend on the government for assistance in the form of unemployment. This only adds to the nations already growing debt. So, with all of this, what will be the major deciding factor in the 2012 election for me will be the economy and how the candidates will change it for the better; for with a stable and booming economy, this great USA will only get better. I am proud to be an American and I hope that people take the time to listen and learn about the candidates and choose wisely the one who is the right fit for our ever changing times.
This is an official blog entry for the YourLocalSecurity.com <a href="http://yourlocalsecurity.com/scholarship">Blogging Scholarship</a>. If selected, I'll receive $1000 towards my college expenses in 2012. This scholarship is sponsored by <a href="http://yourlocalsecurity.com">YourLocalSecurity.com</a>

Ready for 2012!

As I chill at home on New Years Eve with one of my 2 loves, Dakota, I think about what this year has goven and taken from me. I will be very glad to see it gone, and I will alwasy remember the lessons I learned. With that being said, 2012 will be a positive year, cause I am so tired of crap. So, I have deceided that I will not set resolutions, but I will set goals, and hopes. I will share them with you, I will try to acheive them at all costs, and when I do acheive them, I will make new goals.
So, that being said... my 2012 hopes are:
1. I hope that this year with be a positive year, full of happiness and less tears.
2. I hope that my boys continue to grow into outstanding young men.
3. I hope that I will believe in my self one day.
4. I hope to build friendships that are healthy and longlasting.
5. I hope to find that special someone that will spend the rest of my days will.
My 2012 goals are...
1. I will strive to achieve the best grades possible in school.
2. I will continue to get healthy and lose weight. I have a number in mind.
3. I will continue on my quest to become the Godly woman I should be.
4. I will continue to work in cutting down drinking.
5. I will continue to grow and learn from my mistakes and past.
6. I will stive to be happy, and to provide happiness for those around me.

So, those are what I hope 2012 brings. I know it will be full of changes for me and the boys, and I know that those who love me will be supportive and offer me all the prayer I need. I hope you have a fabulous new years. As, for me and Dakota, we will be watching Dick Clark on the tube=)

Friday night

So, I am home on a Friday night. I know... shocker!!!!!!!! And as Im sitting here flipping through channels and surfing the web, I can see now why I choose to go out on Friday nights. There is absolutly nothing on tv. I have done about as much cleaning as I can take today, and I dont have the energy to get on the treadmill. So now what? lalalalalalalala. This could drive a socialite like myself insane. I think I will email the tv stations and beg them to play quality movies for those of us fighting the urge to go out! haha!

My 30 November Thankfuls..

(I posted this on my FB but thought I would also add it to my blog page.)

So once I get started I know I will not be able to do just one a day, so I will post them all at one time here.. Also this way I can look back at them when I feel the pressures building. Hope you enjoy.
1. First and foremost, I am thankful for a loving, accepting, forgiving and amazing God that I have in my life. He guides me and even guides me back to the right path when I venture off his. Without him I am nothing. If you would like to have him too... ask me and Ill share.
2. I am thankful for my first born son Riley Clay Jewell. He was the first person in my life that I loved and recieved unconditional love from. He makes me a better person. I love his smile, his charm, his humor, his attitude(cause its mine..lol), and his huge heart. Not a moment passes with out a thought of him and how much I love him.
3. I am thankful for my second born son Dakota James Jewell. He showed me that love can happen twice! This child has a heart bigger than the world. He loves the Lord as I do, and cares so much about those around him. Its wierd that he can feel my emotions the way he does. I love him so much and cherish our times together.
4. I am thankful for my mother, Diane Dee Thomas. Even though she has moved into her home in the Promise Land, I know she is with me everyday. I am thankful that she instilled the values in me that I have, that she took me to church, and that she loved me with all of her being. I am such a better person having been her daughter.
5. I am thankful a billion times over for my Gran, Verna Riley. There is not enough time or words to say how much she has done for me. I love her and thank God everyday she is still with us.
6. I am thankful for my sister Summer Valdez. Even when we have had our moments, which really who doesnt?, I love her. I am thankful for the support she gives and the help she offers with the boys rides when I am at work or school.
7. I am thankful for my brother, Luke Jewell. What a hardworking father who helps me so much. I know he dreads my calls cause either my car is broke down or I need a plumber. lol! I love you Lukey pukey!
8. I am thankful to be alive. I know this sounds a bit outta place, but given all I have been through health wise and life wise, this is a privlage. I have lost so many to the life style, and I am thankful that I am still here to breath another day.
9. I am thankful for my past. And let me clarify this. Without my past I would not be who I am today. I would not wish my past on anyone, or would I wish to relieve it, but I am thankful for the struggles and pain I have worked through to make me the strong woman I am today.
10. I am thankful for old friends. Ones that remind you of where you came from and know your heart in and out. I am thankful for the brief moments in our busy lives that we can stop and say Hows life?.
11. I am thankful for new friends. Friends that see the product of what you have become without knowing what you went through to get there. Sometimes its nice leave it behind and enjoy the moment.
12. I am thankful for a job. I know so many that dont have one, and while I need a better paying one, I have one! I work for a great man and am doing what I love.
13. I am thankful for the opportunity to finish my education. While this semester has been a struggle and financal burden, I know this is where I am supposed to be and what I am supposed to be doing. This is my familys future.
14. I am thankful for weightloss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What WHat!!!! 100+ pounds in a year! I love the freedom and confidence it is giving me and the continued sense to better myself.
15. I am thankful for the Kelly's. Lessons they have tought me over the years and thier continued support in my endevors means the world to me.
16. I am thankful for Rileys dad and his wife. Taking in a teenager to ensure he gets every opportunity he should. I know he is safe and will benefit from it, and for that I am grateful, even if it breaks my heart.
17. I am thankful for my princess, Saidee! She puts a smile on my face=) I hope she always knows and remembers how much I love her!
18. I am thankful for my sisters husband Jesus Valdez. He is such a hard worker and takes such good care of Summer and the kids. And he is always willing to help me when I need it, even midnight moving! lol!
19. I am thankful for the love given to me by my special man. He showed me that I deserve love and good in life and that I can be happy. Miss him when hes gone...but proud to call him mine!
20. I am thankful for rain. Cleansing, cooling, peaceful rain. It reminds me that everything can be washed away. It calms my soul and mind and renews my spirit.
21. I am thankful for my step mother, Pam Jewell. She has excepted me and the boys as her own and I dont say it quite enough, but it means the world to me.
22. I am thankful for my sunday school class, LIghthouse. I know I dont make it much anymore because of our move, but I know they continue to pray for the boys and I. I am a better christian because of this class.
23. I am thankful for music!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why this is so far down the list I am not sure! I love to sing, I love to sing and cry and feel emotion all over the place. I love to have you feel what I feel through music. I love music and think it sooths the inner me.
24. I am thankful for football! I love the game and love watching Riley play. I am thankful that the Texans are killin it this season!
25. I am thankful for a place to live. While its not much and we will be moving hopefully soon, I am glad I have a place to lay my head at night.
26. I am thankful for opportunities to mess up. I am forgiven and fully admit im not perfect. I am glad that I am allowed to make mistakes and to live life.
27. I am thankful for the ability to walk and run and move my arms at will. I know we take advantage of these simple things sometimes, but I am thankful I have the ability to use them.
28. I am thankful for trazadone! Yea another off the wall thankful.. but if you had my insomnia you would be thankful of the few hours of sleep it provides me.
29. I am thankful to have people who pray for me daily. and when I need it they are willing to stop and pray for me at any givin time. Prayer sustains me and I feel there prayers carrying me through tough times.
30. Last but not least, I am thankful for YOU!!! If you are reading this you know me and my heart and have chosen to still be my friend! I love each and everyone of you and hope that life offers you as many things to be thankful for as mine has.
Thanks for checkin out my thankfulness list. Peace out my friends!

New Year coming up

Why is it that every year people make resolutions, and make big deals about them? Dont they know that they will break them? So why put on this big sherade? I guess I just dont get it. So, this year i will be sharing with you my hopes, goals, and dreams for the next year. I will not be upset if I dont obtain them, but I will strive to acheive them. This next year has to be better than the current one ending. This year has been full of change, heartache, debt, and sadness. But it has also contained life lessons. I have seen my boys grow into young men, I have seen myself go back to and do good at school. I have seen myself cutting out the bad in my life. And I know this year coming will bring even more changes. So as this year is coming to an end I will look back at it and say.. THANK THE LORD THAT YEAR IS OVER!!! My next blog will contain my hopes, goals, and dreams for 2012! HAve a great Friday night folks! Keep it safe.

really?

Love when I cook for people and they dont like what I cook. oh well, mcdonalds is down the road..lol

Good day

So, I took today off, even though I truely needed to work. And it was a great day. Slept till 10 then showered and headed out to pick up Dakota and Gran. We toodled around to a couple places.. got my licsence plates and registration(!), went to the post office and mailed out Dakota's dads christmas gift, better late than never. Then I took Gran grocery shopping at Walmart. She is so cute pushing the cart that is bigger than she is. I love my Gran and am glad God blessed me with her. I know she is getting old and soon will be called home where she has well earned her place. I cant begin to imagine that day. A horribly sad day that will be for those she leaves behind, but can you imagine what it will be like for her, seeing the Lord which see has so faithfully served over the years, seeing her husband, mother, father, friends, and only daughter again? What a glorious day that will be for her. She is truely amazing and I am thankful for the small things I can do for her, even if it is only driving her around and taking her to Walmart. Her reward is great, and she knows it!
Now to do some cleaning and hangin with my Dakota.
Peace out to all my posse!


keep my friend Katrina Bennett in your prayers, She had her treatment today and I know needs every prayer that can be given.=)

PPD BLOWS!!!

So, as many of you remember, I recently spend a few days in Pearlands finest hotel, and I still owe them a few hundred bucks. So today was the day I had to make my first payment. So I have the money in hand, get stuck in traffic, even call them to let them know I was on the way. I got there at 525, they supposedly close at 530! They where closed!!! How the hell is a city office gonna close early? And of course I know whats coming and they are gonna try to say I was late with my payment, which is a trumpt up charge anyways, but I couldnt afford a lawyer so I had to just take it. Needless to say, I will be up there 1st thing in the morning and I pray for the person who has to deal with me cause im tired of the "kill them with kindness" attitude when people keep screwing me. UUGH!!! And furthurmore, if Pearland would spend some money on synchronizing the lights around the town center and 288 instead of having their pigs walking through traffic just looking for reasons to give tickets, then I would have been there 15 minutes earlier!!!!!!!! Greedy people. Cant just let people be! uugh!
On a brighter note, my boss gave me a chilis gift card so Dakota and I had chilis at home for dinner=) Thanks Matt!
Well, I need to do some never ending laundry cause I will be working all day tommorrow. Actually waiting tables this week to makesome quick flow ya know...haha!
Anyone who belives in the power of prayer, add my longtime friend Katrina to that list on Thursday morning as she does a chemo treatment. And hat a liver will become available asap!!!!!
Peace in your pants peeps!

Dakota James=)

The 2nd greatest gift God gave me was Dakota James. He came into this world as kind of a suprise to many. But I can say no one will ever forget him. He is amazing. And he has the largest heart of anyone I know. I know that he loves the Lord. He is caring and giving. In fact at thanksgiving he cleaned out my panty so some kids at school whose familys couldnt afford thanksgivin dinner could have some. so sweet, even if it meant I was going back to the store=).  He can make you laugh for hours on end. He is not the biggest athelete, he can call or read any play.. but not the one to be out there playing. Guess his brother got all the athletic skills..hehe. He was not a big taker, in fact he didnt really speak till he was almost 3, come to find out it was because Ry didnt like to hear him cry so all Dakota had to do was point and Ry would give it to him... haha! Brotherly love! And although the do fight like teeneage boys, I know that they would give their lives for each other. Of course I guess Dakota is now making up for all the non talking early on cause he wont shut up!

Dakota and I have a weird connection. He can feel my emotions. It really is odd. He can sense when I am sad, happy, lonely..whatever. If I cry he is right there shedding tears with me. If I am happy he is right there laughing with me. I dont know what I would do with out my Dakota, at this point he is the glue in our family. I love him so much and I Know the Lord has great and awesome things planned for this young man.

Riley Clay=)

Riley Clay Jewell was the first of 2 amazing gifts God gave me. He was born in March of 1997 and while it scared the bejesus out of me to be a single mother, never did a thought cross my mind that would have taken him out of my life. He was my saving force, the  moment I held him I knew I had purpose. He made me want to be better, made me strive for it. Over the years he has grown in to a supper handome young man full of  life, humor, charisma, and charm. He is so popular it amazes me. He is an excellent athlete and makes me smile and beam with pride each time he takes the field or court. He will go so far in life if he can stay focused and off the girls..lol.

Some of you know, but for those who are in the dark on the situation... Last month Riley went to live with his father, stepmother, and 2 sisters. This has been devestating to me, but it is for his future so I have to keep reminding myself of that. He will be sucessful and if this is what it takes, then I will suck it up and take the back seat for now. At the end of the school year Dakota and I will move out to where he is so the boys can go to the same hs and I can see him daily. I think thats what hurts the worst, not seeing him everyday and knowing what he is doing. He will always be my baby and I will always be proud of him.

All About Me

So, I guess to understand my blog you should first know about me. What makes me tick. First of all, I am a christian. I have to love of the Lord in my heart and soul, and while Im not the strongest or best christian, I do love the Lord and hope one day to become a strong christian woman people look up to like my mom. I am the queen of horrible decisions. That is an understatment I believe. I havebeen in horrible relationships that everyone knew was wrong, but I was to blind to see, I have played with fire and gotten burnt, I have went swimming without a life jacket and drown. I know, how could someone make so many bad decisions, not possible, oh but it it. I graduated hs with so much potiential, only to find out I was pregnant and come home to become a single parent at 19. Big mistake number 1. Now as I say that let me clarify something, my child was not the mistake, he saved me, although being a single parent at 19 without an education or a career, lets just say that was the bad part. Then enter bad decision number 2, another child, still single, still without a career. At this point you would think I would wise up, not so. I got into a relationship that truely everyone knew was wrong but me. However much I loved this man, he did not love me, and the bruises and all the tears proved it. Finally 10 long years later that life ended for me, to the praise of many. And even though now, 3 yrs later, I can see the faults in all of it, I still sometimes look back and think about the few good times and smile. Lessons learned I guess. Of course now my relationships are few and far between and the ones I seem to get into are odd. But the Lord will send the right one some day. I know he will.
Along with bad decisions, hurt and loss make up the wall I have built around me. My mother passed ten years ago, she was the single greatest woman I ave ever know. I hope to be like her one day. After mom, my two best girlfriends, who I would consider my sisters, passed away 6 months to the day of each other. I can remember those phone calls as if I just recieved them. The life being sucked out of me at that very moment. Choices we all made over the years lead to their untimely deaths, and I fight hard each day to not let the past put me in the grave with them. I miss them and my mom more than anything in the world. Leaves you lonely when  the 3 most important people in your adolecent life are gone for good.
As for this time in my life, I have chosen that life is important. And through all the negative, I am trying to. I have moved my family out of the city I grew up in cause trouble was to accessible, I have gone back to school full time, and although I am not doing so well at it, am trying to stop drinking (this may take some time).
So, thats a little about me. My next blog will be more positive cause it will be about my pride and joys, Riley and Dakota.
Have a great night.

King of the Hill

single greatest comedy EVER!! haha! love it. Joeph was just smelling his feet! lol! funny stuffy!

Today is Monday!

So, its obvious that today is Monday! Work was insane, so much they pulled me from togos to run food. Hope I made some paper, but we shall see. Now Im home with my Dakota, wish I was staying in, but I have dinner plans with some of my very good friends! So I guess I must get in the shower, got lots to blog, but it will have to wait.
see ya!

Christmas= Blah

Ao I am usually the one with the tree and lights up by the night of thanksgiving. This year I brought out no decorations. It was not a joyous celebration like usual. With the changes in our household, mainly Ry moving to his dads (which Ill talk about later), it just didnt seem like christmas. I cooked a big dinner on saturday and we ate and I gave the boys 2 presents each. Hate I couldnt give them more, but money is to tight. Gran stayed the night with us. After we ate we had to make the 150 mile trip to take Ry to his dads. What a horrible drive in the rain. Today, actual christmas day, Dakota and I dd nothing. I cooked some cinamon rolls and tonight I cooked some tamales. But other than that, nothing. I feel bad about not beingin the spirit, but how can you force yourself? Hopefully things will be looking up and next year we can do it the right way, but for this year, I think a little more tv and then bed to end this crazy day. Hope you all had a great day with family.

All about me

So if your gonna read my blog, I guess you should know about me. Well, here goes. My name is Andrea and Im a 33, almost 34 yr old single mother of two boys. Riley,14 and Dakota,13 are my pride and joy. Always have been and always will be. Im not a perfect mother, but without mistakes how can you grow and learn? I have gone back to school after a long break, and I love it. I go to Texas Southern University and am a junior. I am a history major and will probably go to law school. I work as a waitress and togo girl at Gringos. It is a great company to work for. Life for me has changed so much here lately, some good things, some bad, and as you read along you will come to know my pains, fears, and happiness all in one. Im not gonna protray myself as something Im not, ie.. what you see is what you get. I hope you will enjoy my blog. It might help you, it might not, but one thing is for sure, it will help me. Peace out peeps!

Welcome to my blog!

So, I decided to begin my blogging again. This is not a sugar coated blog, it will be good, it willbe bad, but it s my daily life and the rants the come with it. Look for posts soon!