To talk about Blayke, we have to start from the beginning. I first met Mr. Evan McCormick when Crystal was going into the 6th Grade. He was the band director that tried to talk her into playing Clarinet instead of Oboe. After going home to think about it, she had me drive her right back up to the school and tell him she was playing Oboe. Since that day, Evan has been another Brother to me. I have watched him grow into the man he is today and experience the blessings in his life. Each and every student that goes through the band program is one of his kids. With my 2nd child being a senior now, I have spent 12 years with the Band Program. Christian is pictured below with “MC” and Ms. Catherine Conrad (Middle School Band Director}.

In 2016, Jennifer was added to our Band Family. She is the calm to Evan’s storm. They truly complete each other like no other couple I have seen. He made a lot of us extremely happy when he officially added her to the Band Family.

If you guessed this post would have a lot of photos, you are right! This Vitamin E Lip Stick is truly special to me!

Not long after, they welcomed the addition to the family with CAP. Cap, named after Captain America, has been a great great band sponsor and took to all the kids quite nicely. For the next addition, we all had a HUGE party!

You Guessed it,,, BHS Band Family was having a baby girl! Cap was going to be a big brother. Band Parents, Students from all ages and that had graduated were there to celebrate. I was Team Girl all along…

Cap took his Big Brother duties seriously and has been right by Blake’s side from day 1!

Welcome Blayke

Blayke came into the world in 2019 to a band full of excited people. We are all grateful that Jennifer likes to document everything. There are many Band Parents (and students both present and past) that Blayke has wrapped around her finger. Shell Shell (Michelle Thomas) and Barbara (Me) are 2 of them. Watching Blayke develop her personality has truly been a blessing. She is a DOLL and will always be a gift in my life.

As the time went on, so did Marching Season – and Pep Bands for Basketball. Blayke, being the child of a High School Band Director, has started to see there was something out there that looked exciting. From day 1, she has been right by her Daddy’s side for all things Band related.

From the moment she could walk, she watched him climb those steps to the Big Stage to direct. Just as Crystal would not alter her dream of paying Oboe, Blayke didn’t give up on her dream to be right there with her Dad. Thus, Mr. McCormick adapted and began directing with one hand.

Mission Accomplished! Blayke has made her way right up that ladder with her Dad to conduct on the Big Stage. She is NOW the Band Kid of all Band Kids. Not only is she by her Dad’s side conducting the band, she is also in the stands and on the field. Her Kami is her Best Bud!!

Exciting News:

As this marching season for 2022 comes to a close, Blayke and CAP have an announcement for us. December will bring us the best Christmas gift ever. A new baby sister! We are all thrilled!

Blayke Loves “LIPS”, meaning Lip Stick. This Vitamin E is names after this sweet child that has brought so much joy to my life over the past 3 years. She may not be mine by blood, as are most of the kids I claim, but she is the best part of me. To my dear sweet Blayke, Your hugs fill me with joy and your laughter fills my heart. Enjoy your “LIPS” my love.

To order the Vitamin E Lip Stick, Click HERE!

The Mary Lip Plumper is 100% named after my Mother. YES!! Her super large personality and welcoming smile is definitely what is behind this Gloss.

To know my Mom means you’re part of the family. Her giving nature is is known all over town. She may be 74, but her favorite spot is her table at Big Country. If you want to learn how to country dance, she is the one to look for. The big Country family of friends call themselves Miss Mary’s Kids. It is wonderful to know I have so many “siblings” that love my Mom so much.

If there is music, Mom is on the dance floor. I am thankful for the staff and group of friends at Big Country for making sure she stays active and gets to her car safely at night. We can all hope and pray we are as active as she is at her age. We may move slower as we age, but may you all dance when you hear the music.

Mary – Honorary Mentions

I can not name this Mary without honoring 2 other Mary’s in my life. My Grandmother was the sweetest woman I ever knew. Both my grandparents were full blooded Sicilian. This alone is the reason I can’t order Pasta at Olive Garden. No one’s is better than my Grandma’s! In my early adult years, I lived next door to her. Because of that, I was always there and took advantage of anything she happened to be cooking. She was always cooking something. Now, I am the one who makes the Sicilian cookies and teach my children.

Pictured below is her and my Grandfather. I am truly blessed to have spent many hours in their home. They taught me SO much. To this day, I still crochet baby blankets for others. A skill they taught me, which I plan to pass down to my grandchildren.

Aunt Mary was my Grandma’s Sister-in-law. My Aunt Mary was the last of this generation to pass. She always had her hair fixed and her makeup on. Her pleasant demeanor always welcomed you with a smile. The positivity and pure happiness that flowed from her has always been a steady reminder that things will always work out. It may not be the way you want it, but we can and will overcome the challenges in life. Aunt Mary was the perfect Sicilian Southern Lady.

Who are the Mary’s in your life? My Mary’s have been true blessings and I am honored to name this Lip Plumper after them.

Check out the Lip Plumper HERE.

Kendra is a special friend and former co-worker. In my job with LA National Guard, we have offices across the state in Armories. We don’t get to see each other often, but we have always managed to build a family atmosphere within Family Programs. Kendra was hired for the northeast portion of the state. Back then, I was working my area and hers. She soon became my BFF!

Kendra’s husband is an Army Reserve Recruiter. After a few years he got orders to transfer. Of all places, they landed in Hawaii! I went for a week to visit after she had been there a while. If you know anyone there, GO! Hawaii is so much better seeing it with someone who has spent time on the island. She knew all the best local places to go. The best food I had there was from a group of parents cooking for school fund raiser.

Kendra now has a total of 3 children. She is not on Facebook and it is hard to keep track of her, but I do call periodically. Her passion for her work and family pushes me to be better. Also, her friendly smile and outgoing personality fills others with joy. Kendra is always positive and willing to help if she can.

I miss working with Kendra. For a long time I kept a hula girl with me and took pictures of it at all work events. We always had Kendra with us. Moreover, she has got to be the queen of packing by now. She has been to 2 other duty stations with her husband and I believe they are now back in Hawaii. One day I will get back to see her. I hope it is sooner rather than later.

If Kendra’s color speaks to you, you can find it HERE!

Sammi will soon be my Daughter-in-Love! She came into my oldest son’s life and completely enchanted him. I really was beginning to wonder if it could be done. Not only is she loving and smart, she can cook! This beautiful young lady has been a blessing to my family. Her and Chris are just alike. Both are into computer programming and seem to talk in their own language at times. I have no idea about coding.

We all love to go camping. Chris is an Eagle Scout, so I am glad she likes things like that. Her family is also amazing. I am pleased to have them all as my extended family.

Sammi is not one to take pictures, so I have to get her while I can. Her quiet confidence is empowering because it shows that you don’t have to be loud or boastful to be heard. Her work ethic and production of excellent products speak for her. I am honored I get to know her and will have her in my family. I truly believe Sammi was made for my Chris.

After the wedding in 2023, I will be waiting on my grandbabies. I think I may even start to crochet a baby blanket.

For the color I chose for Sammi, CLICK HERE!

I have 2 Megan’s that have impacted my life. They both mean the world to me in different ways. First is Megan D. I met Megan a few years back at my job with Louisiana National Guard. Little did I know she would make such a difference in our soldier’s lives.

Megan became a volunteer and was then married to Jeff just before he deployed. She did an amazing job and won several state awards. However, she learned there were other areas she could serve on a state and national level. All her hard work paid off when she was awarded the title of Louisiana’s Military Spouse of the Year for the Army National Guard. I was and AM SO proud of her.

Megan is not your typical Army National Guard Wife. She completely embraces the lifestyle. While her husband was deployed she successfully ran her household and managed her 6 children from their blended marriage, worked a job and went to school. I also said she was a volunteer – The main volunteer in the state, as her Volunteer of the Year award states.

Megan R.

This Megan is Emily’s sister. She is absolutely beautiful. Her personality speaks for her in ways she has no idea. She is quiet most of the time, but she can and will talk your ear off when she wants to.

Megan and Emily could be twins if they weren’t 10 years apart. Just as my boys are 9 years apart and like twins. These girls hold a place in my heart that no others can fill. Since the birth of Baby Aven, Megan is now an Aunt. My May,, May she ever be that sweet girl I met 5 years ago. Splitting her time between Louisiana and Florida, she may just end up as a model.

If Megan is a color you would like, CLICK HERE!

Oh My Karla (With a K)!!! I could go on and on about this one. We met in 7th grade and have been stuck like glue ever since. Karla is my other SISTER. I think I spent more time at her house during high school than I did my own. Her parents we fondly Ma & Pa to me. Their house was always a safe place for me to go and I was treated like one of their own.

The stories I could tell… I am sure she could say the same. We have implemented a yearly girls trip. This year was our 2nd year following Duran Duran. This time, we did it all in a week and ended in Vegas. It was EPIC and I had never been. For me it was a bonus. Pictured below was in 2016. We ended up on stage with Nile Rogers in Houston. We had seen the show so many times, we knew exactly when the confetti would drip. Rio is always their last song, and we were able to catch a beach ball in Durant, OK.

This year there was no confetti, nor were there beach balls. However, we got front row seats in Forth Worth and great seats on John Taylor’s side in Vegas. These pictured below are from last week (Sept 2022). Needless to say, We turn into giddy school girls at a DD concert!

There is no way I can talk about Karla and not mention her fantastic husband, Jeremy. No way our adventures would be so great if he wasn’t behind the scenes taking care of things. Jeremy is truly one of a kind and we both appreciate him more than he knows.

We all like to cruise. Karla and I have been on several together. Our time together is just that. We don’t spend a lot of time together, but when we do, we try to get away. She also just lives about 4 blocks from me. We do things for each other when we can. I watch her cats while they are gone and Jeremy has helped me with my dogs, as well as other projects at my house.

This is just scratching the surface of Karla. She is a beautiful dancer (belly dancer) and has taught me all I know about it. My Karla is my other sister and I will always stand by her side.

For Karla’s Lip Gloss color, CLICK HERE!

Michelle and I go WAY back! Back before we were born. You see, our parents went to high school together. Both sets got married and got pregnant. When it was time to deliver, they met each other again at the hospital. So, My mom went into labor first. Apparently she yelled so much that Michelle’s Mom changed her mind. I arrived about 10 mins before Michelle did.

When we were 2, Michelle moved in down the street and we grew up together. She moved to the next town north of us for high school where she was a cheerleader. Our school never played her school in football, except for Jamboree. We saw each other often and spent summers together.

Through the years we have tried to live close to each other. When she was having babies, I was there to help her. When I started having babies, I had all the sitters I needed. She was there to help raise my kids as I did hers. To this day, I am Aunt Barbara and she is Aunt Shell. She is my SISTER and always will be.

Michelle & Scott

She came to her senses and reconnected with the love of her life, Scott. She loved him in high school, he is her youngest son’s father, and now they are as happy as can be. 3rd time is the charm with those two. Her 3 children are all special in their own right and have now all become parents themselves.

I now live where Michelle moved to which is north of town, and she lives as far south of the city as you can get. We are about an hour apart, and while our paths may not cross on a daily basis. However, when we talk on the phone, it’s going to be a while. We pick right up where we left off and next thing you know, it’s been an hour or more.

Although we have not always been right next to each other, Michelle and I have the special bond of sisters. For the color I chose to represent My Shell, CLICK HERE.

As with most names. Gabrielle is also fairly common, and I have 2 in my life. The first, I have known since she was 2. Gabby is one and only niece from my brother. This beautiful child came into our lives and changed our worlds for ever. Gabby is now 28 and married. I can not talk about Gabby and not mention Collin. This man has been the best partner Gabby could have. They have traveled the world and have their own YouTube channel. They offer tips and tricks to save you time and energy while traveling.

Gabby and Collin may be young, but they both are an inspiration. Their bond together is something we all strive for. They support each other in ALL things and are dedicated to make their marriage work through a strong foundation. Gabby has not lived her life challenge free. She drives me to be a better person and to have a more positive attitude.

They are SO fun!! I just had to add in this photo. Go check out Collin and Gabby’s YouTube Channel for all your travel tips.

Gabrielle C

Gabrielle is the most amazing person that I have recently met. She is fired up about her business and 150% encouraging to others. Her passion for business astounds me. Although she possesses the amazing ability to geek out over all things tech, she has the patients to explain it to me in a way I can understand.

This lovely individual is the owner and operator of Femfluencers. Find out more about her business HERE. If you saw out ABOUT page, you saw where she named me the cover girl on her first digital magazine. While I was SUPER excited, I never in a million years thought it would lead to Lip Gloss! My encouragement and inspiration to do this comes from her.

However, I do have another person in my life that has taught me more about myself than I knew. I have learned that I can do anything I put my mind to – but I am stubborn enough to know that. With strategy, focus, productive tasks and passion, I can burst through any terror barrier and succeed. Her name is Alpa, and you will have to stay tuned to meet her later on.

For your Pink that is Gabrielle, CLICK HERE!

Daphne and I go WAY back! Years ago we used to scrapbook together. Many years ago,, like 20. As most friends do, we lost touch with each other through the years. After my divorce, we ran into each other at a local restaurant and have been together ever since. With our focus on our kids first, we do get to sneak away at times. Our adventures have been completely amazing.

Daphne has one daughter that is her entire world. I watch them and am inspired by how they take care of each other. They are truly each others best friend. Sarah is an amazing person and very outgoing. Her future husband will have to go through many Momma’s to get approval for this one.

Being a very part time Cruise Travel Agent, I get deals from time to time. Daphne is always ready to hop on a ship with me at short notice. We have had some grand adventures on several trips. No time for scrapbooking now though. Between the food, dessert and drinks, we always have a great time.

Daphne is a nurse by trade and she takes her job very seriously. She is responsible for hundreds of employees at the company she works for. However, she finds the time to also do home health on the weekends. Her passion is caring for others and it shows in her profession. Daphne is an encouragement to all that she encounters. In addition, she is a great friend. We are all blessed to know her.

For Daphne’s color, CLICK HERE!

I thank God every day for my children. He knew I only needed one girl in my life. Crystal is my one and only biological daughter. I say that because I claim several from other families. You will meet them soon enough. Crystal does SO much! At 3, she was a beauty queen. While doing pageants, she got into dance. She was torn because she wanted to be a cheerleader. I told her that cheerleaders also danced, and that was it. Crystal soon became a competitive cheerleader. While cheering in middle school as well as high school, band became her passion. She is in her 4th year at LA Tech. She plays Oboe for Concert season and Also Sax for marching band.

Of the other girls in my life I claim, there is only one Anna. Crystal and Anna have been inseparable since they met. After graduation, Crystal went to Ruston to become my 2nd Tech Bulldog. Her and Anna have been roommates ever since. Crystal has the ability to set a goal, and then to everything in her power to achieve it. Her determination to do things her way, God’s way, is the drive behind her actions. She loves with her entire being. She is truly my inspiration.

Crystal is very much called into ministry. Working 2 summers at Pine Cove has only solidified that. Crystal’s time at the Bluffs family camp has been challenging as well as rewarding. She has made great friends that have truly been a blessing in her life. I truly believe that working at Pine Cove has been the highlight of her life thus far. She not only brings her love for God and outgoing personality, she also brings her skill as a cheerleader and her musical talent.

Her major at LA Tech is Communications. She is a videographer at Pine Cove and last year she also worked in the Tech Videography Dept. She has been doing weddings on the side as well. My sweet girl is truly living her best life. She has had the opportunity to blend her passion for evangelism with her love of editing through working at Pine Cove. I can’t wait to see what her future will bring.

My children are the reason I breath. Each one of them has a piece of my heart. Words can not express the love I have for them all. I am so proud of the woman Crystal has become. While I gave my life to the military as a spouse volunteer, and now an employee for Family Programs, she has given her life to serve our Lord in any way she can. She is a blessing for the families she is assigned and she tries her best to keep in touch with each of them.

For the color I chose to represent my one and only daughter, CLICK HERE!