From the desk of ….Becky Repess

Hiccups in Life

2008-07-07T10:15:21Z

Lately, my family has had several "hiccups" in our day to day life. Hiccups sounds so much better than bad things. As many of you know, my Mother broke her leg and had surgery, we lost 3 dear friends to death and my precious cousin passed too. One more hiccup occurred just before the 4th of July holiday. My Mom was rushed to ER on Wednesday evening because she was very near death. She was moved to ICU after she was stablized. Her condition was listed as critical. She was given 4 more units of blood. She was given two at the time of surger five weeks earlier then she was rushed to ER 2 weeks ago where she received 2 more units. This lady has had 8 units of blood in the past 5 weeks. She is very strong and as she told my daughter on Friday she is just not ready to leave. I am happy to report she was moved to a regular room on Saturday night. She seems to be doing much better except for confusion. Good things came from this episode with my Mom. My sisters came into town and we spent some good quality time together. Luckily, we are a very close family but times like these always bring you a little closer.

I have been slack with AR and I do apologize. The friendships that I have built through Active Rain are very special to me. You are all so thoughtful and understanding. We will get past these hiccups in life. I know there is always someone who has more to deal with than we do. Ours are minor compared to some.

A Message From George Carlin

2008-06-30T11:58:49Z

This was so good that I wanted to share it with my friends at Active Rain. Forgive me if it has already been shared.

A Message by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

If you don't send this to at least 8 people....Who cares?

George Carlin

Opportunity Time

2008-06-23T20:26:04Z

I have to boast a little. We have all talked about doing front desk duty, opportunity time. phone time or whatever you want to call it. I have said in previous posts that I do enjoy the time at the front desk. It just helps keep me up on the market, properties currently listed and basically keeps me informed all the way around. Today, I had "opportunity time" and I got a new client. Yes, client, because they signed a Buyer Representative Agreement. We looked at two houses and wrote an offer. They had done their homework on the internet. They were prepared because they also had met with a loan officer and were pre-approved for their loan. We wrote an offer today and hopefully it will be accepted. Sometimes it's just fun to be a Realtor! What can I say!!

A Tribute to Kourtney Lynn Brackett Cargal

2008-06-23T20:17:26Z

Our family lost a beautiful, vibrant, young lady last week. Kourtney was 22 years old when she lost her courage battle with cancer. She married the love of her life, Brent Cargal in February of 2007. In November, 2007 she began having severe headaches. The doctors treated her for migrains but after a couple of weeks her mother took her to the doctor demanding the doctor get to the bottom of the problem. They found a stage 3 malignant tumor in her brain. The doctors prepared to do surgery but before they could the tumor began to hemmorage then she had a stroke. Kourtney was in a coma for seven months. She had several bleeds during this time and a few more strokes. She fought very hard.

During her time in the hospital at OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Kourtney touched many lives. Her family never left her side. At her services last week, her nurse spoke as well as the hospital chaplain and numerous other friends. Her nurse said she had never seen a family so united and caring in her nursing career. Kourtney's Mother, Father, Step Father and her husband never left her side. They also helped other families deal with their grief while at the hospital. The Chaplain said he saw her Mother and sister delivering food to the children at Children's Medical while they were there. Evidently, so many friends were bringing them food that they had plenty to share with others.

Kourtney was my cousin's child. I will tell you now, I have never seen so much love and cooperation in a family. Her entire family changed their lives to be with her for seven months. The minister called the 14 year old brother a hero because he gave up everything for the seven months while he stayed with family friends so his Mother and Dad could be with his sister. I personally believe there were many heroes in that family including Kourtney.

A Bit of History of Lancaster, Texas

2008-06-13T20:33:27Z

A History of Lancaster

Among the early settlers of Lancaster were Roderick Rawlins, Abram "Honest A" Bledsoe, and Thomas McKee Ellis. They were accompanied by sons-in-law Middleton Perry and Jones Greene, who in 1844 brought with them the legendary quarter-mile running horse Steel Dust, who would become one of the premier foundation stallions when the Quarter Horse registry was begun nearly a century later. Jack Batchler brought another horse of legend to Lancaster in 1849 - Shiloh (also sometimes known as Old Shiloh) helped establish many of the great bloodlines of the Texas strain of the Quarter Horse breed.

This grand American Victorian home was built in 1870 by F. M. White. Although grand now, the home began as a two-room cottage, and not until 1890 was it expanded from two rooms to two stories. This home was continuously owned by White's descendants until 1965, and for this Tour of Homes, all docents are descendants of F. M. White.

The White family of Tennessee move to Lancaster in late 1851 and became prominent citizens, merchants, bankers, and philanthropists.

True Friendship and Strength

2008-06-13T16:57:01Z

I am going to continue with another story about Sue, my 39 year old widow. My last blog I told you about Sue's wonderful friends Harvey and his wife Peanut (nickname). They were there for Sue from the time her husband died 8 months ago. Harvey went with us to look at houses several times so he could be there for Sue. It's like he is her guardian since her husband died. How wonderful is that???

Sue called me this past Sunday night hysterical because they thought Harvey's 22 year old son had drowned in a reservoir in Wyoming but they couldn't find his body. I talked with her a while and even asked if she needed me to come and stay with her for the night so she wouldn't be alone. She said no but she had needed to talk for a while. This search went on until Wednesday afternoon at 4 p.m. when they found his body. Now remember, in the last blog post I told you Harvey came with her on Wednesday then he and his wife were with Sue on Thursday for her other closing. I spoke with Harvey about his son on Wednesday at 1 p.m. when we closed. He said "Becky, I haven't given up but I have accepted what I can't change". They were both there with Sue for the closing yesterday. I cannot imagine going through what they are and still be able to think about your best friend and her problems. I just simply cannot believe the strength in this couple. They are on their way to Wyoming as I am posting this blog to have the memorial service for their child. Please keep them in your prayers.

Closing on a Harley

2008-06-13T16:45:04Z

I have told all of you about my 39 year old grieving widow. Now I must tell you about the closings on both houses. Sue was married to a man in his late 50's who was very wealthy and rode Harley's. Don't get me wrong there is absolutely nothing wrong with riding Harleys or having tatoos. Everyone has a right to live the way they want and I say more power to them.

Needless to say, Sue can afford anything or house she wants. I was waiting for her to arrive at the first closing for the house in Lancaster. She was about 10 minutes late so I am getting nervous so I start trying to call. I am getting no answer so I'm thinking she has gone to pieces again. Well, I hear the sound of very loud mortorcycles so I walk outside to see if it might be her. Sure enough at the light there are two large Harley's with saddlebags and all spiffed up. There she is, my biker babe and a friend ribbing their engines. She comes to closing in a skimpy top, jeans, bandana on her head and the works. Her deceased husband's best friend, Harvey is with her in basically the same gear (sleeveless T-shirt not skimpy top). He has come along to make sure she makes it through the closing. He took pictures of her signing the documents. I wish I had them so I could post them with this blog. What a true friend!

Harvey and his wife came with her to the title company the next day for the closing of the house she was selling. I have never seen the closer so speechless. She looked at them and automatically assumed they were "rough" people. My point is she judged the book by the cover. She didn't realize what wonderful people they all were. I am truly amazed with all of Sue's friends who have been there for her through her time of grief. Now they were there for her for this next phase of her life. What can I say!

Welcome to Active Rain Catherine Young

2008-06-13T16:28:48Z

Would all of my Active Rain family members help me welcome Ms Catherine Young to the Rain? Catherine is a Realtor with North Texas GMAC. Catherine specializes in every aspect of real estate like the rest of us. She has a lot of energy and works long hours. We feel very fortunate to have Catherine as a member of our North Texas GMAC office. WELCOME CATHERINE YOUNG!!! I hope you enjoy the Rain Family as much as I do.

Follow up to Handling Grief

2008-06-13T16:05:48Z

Exciting announcement! I want all of you to know we found a house for my young 39 year old grieving widow, Sue. We found a cute little house in Lancaster that was absolutely perfect for my client. The house was built in 1938 and was totally remodeled inside and out. She loves it! We closed both sides of the house she was selling plus sold her this new one. All parties involved love their new homes.

I have to tell you how we found the house because it wasn't even listed. She wanted to be in Lancaster because that was where she was raised. I called a good friend, Ellen Clark, who is a realtor in Lancaster who knows everthing about everyone. You know the realtor (in fact that's what they say about me in DeSoto & Cedar Hill) who always knows which house might be coming on the market. Well, I told Ellen what my problem was and ask if she knew of any property that might be coming on the market. She made a couple of calls then called me back. She gave me the address Sue drove by, called me to say if it looked as good inside as out that she would be buying the property. Ellen and I showed her the property and Sue signed the contract on the kitchen island. YEAH!

Don't get me wrong...there were several melt downs where Sue called me in hysteria or depressed. Believe me, she is so happy now. She told me it was meant for her to find this house because it is so perfect for her, the two puppies, and her 12 motorcycles. She is moving this weekend.

Thank you all for your words of encouragement and your sympathy. She is a wonderful client and she has been through so much.

I've missed Active Rain

2008-06-06T19:54:37Z

I need to get back in the routine of doing my Active Rain. I have really missed all of you. I need your help to get me motivated again.

My Mother had emergency surgery last Friday in San Angelo, Texas. Mother had her left leg amputated 2 years ago due to a staff infection in her foot. She was transfering from her wheelchair to her bed and broke her right leg just above the knee. Not a good thing according to the orthopedic surgeon. He said it would be a very slow healing process due to her age. Two of my sisters were with her thru surgery then my sister who lives in McKinney and I went out on Tuesday. We were able to get her into a rehab/nursing center in McKinney right away so I drove her back with us yesterday. Not an easy journey for an elderly lady with her limitations. The doctor feels like she will not be able to live alone again. Mother has a roomnmate who is 84 years old. She is so cute. There was this a pirate skeleton hangin on her closet door. I asked her to tell me about the skeleton. She said "Honey, that's my husband who has been dead for 33 years. He just likes hanging around." She laughed and said hasn't he aged well. She also said her nephew took her car away so the broom in the corner was now her means of transportation. Now this lady was recovering from a broken hip. But I would say she found a way to make the best of her situation. I want to be like her when I'm 84. I want to still enjoy my life and make other people smile.

During this process, I did think about this aging process. It is definitely not a fun thing but I guess it does beat the alternative. I also know age is a frame of mind. I have a very dear friend who is 69 years young. When I told him about my Mom he said "Oh gosh, she's only 9 years older than I am". Now this friend really is active. He is probably one of the best dancers I have ever met. I reminded my friend that he never slows down so this is probably why he is so young. He doesn't think about his age because he is having fun. I know some of my friends want to sit in a rocker when they retire. Not me I want to be like Eddie. I want to enjoy every minute of every day.

Another friend lost his 19 year old son to a tragic accident. I saw him at the local hang out at breakfast today. He told me because of the death of his son he had a different outlook on life. He says he is living his life to the fullest now. He has always loved music and playing the guitar but he never took the time to play. Jerry plays now with great enthusiasm. Jerry also has set up a scholarship in honor of his son. He raised $10,000 this past weekend doing a golf tournament. Jerry has found his passion in music and helping other children.

I guess what I am saying in this blog is that I have been touched by three people in the last few days who are truly finding happiness and making the most of their lives. Are you doing what you have always dreamed of doing or are you sitting in a rocking chair?

Music in the Park

2008-05-26T11:55:03Z

Music in the Park - Friday, June 6, 13, 20, 27

MUSIC IN THE PARK

Friday evenings

8:00 pm

Valley Ridge Park Amphitheater

2850 Park Ridge Drive

Bring your lawn chair or blanket, a picnic dinner and enjoy free concerts throughout the month by various artists while relaxing under the stars. This is a great way to the weekend!

June 6 Crawfish (Variety)

June 13 Drop Top Rocket (Rockabilly-50's)

June 20 Fingerprint (Jazz/Urban)

June 27 Island Boogie (Steel drum/Latin)

What's happening in Cedar Hill, Texas

2008-05-26T11:44:46Z

What's Up Downtown?

Two Great Events

Saturday, June 21, 2008

3 - 9 pm in Historic Downtown

Neighbors Fire up Your Grill and join us for the First Annual Citywide BBQ Cook Off

3 - 6 pm

The City of Cedar Hill will sponsor the First Annual Citywide Neighborhood BBQ Cook Off in historic downtown, presented by Cedar Hill Neighbor 2 Neighbor. Enjoy food, fun, entertainment and LIVE music performances in Pioneer Park by the Kirk Thurmond Band followed by Southbound Texas 35. The festivities begin at 3 pm with the announcement of the cook off winners at 6 pm. Then stick around for Small Town Saturday Night and enjoy the country blues sounds of the Jimmy Kaiser Band until 9 pm.

Admission to both events is FREE. Presented by the City of Cedar Hill and Main Street Development and Preservation Board.

DeSoto High School Graduate Remembered

2008-05-26T10:51:27Z

Jason L. Brown

Saturday, April 19 2008 @ 11:27 AM EDT
Contributed by: River97
Views: 1,178

KSWO -- FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (AP) - An Army Special Forces soldier with Oklahoma ties was killed by a burst of small-arms fire while trying to capture an al-Qaeda leader in an Iraq town.

Staff Sgt. Jason L. Brown, 29, an engineer assigned to Company B, 3rd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group at Fort Campbell, died during combat operations in Sama Village, Iraq, when he was hit by small arms fire, according to a release from U.S. Army Special Forces Command.

Brown, who had enlisted in the Army as a special forces candidate on March 25, 2003, had already received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, the release stated. He earned the Army's coveted "Green Beret" in 2004.

Brown was on his second combat tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Brown, a native of Magnolia, Texas, is survived by his daughter, Alyssa Gomez, of Cypress, Texas; and his parents James and Rosemary Brown, of Cartwright, Okla.

Brown's decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Army Good Conduct Medal, among others.

Buyers: Why do you do this?

2008-05-26T10:04:07Z

I know this happens to all of us almost every week if not more often. The buyer calls. They are desparate to find a house. You work your buns off trying to find one that will suit them. We use our time, fuel, and work ourselves to death to find out they are working with someone else in the office. Yes, there was a buyer rep agreement. The other agent asked me if I wanted them back. I said no but keep in mind they are probably working with other realtors at the same time. I don't want a person who won't be loyal to me. I would rather loose the sale. Now that is a pet peeve!

Please give me feedback on your GPS

2008-05-15T16:58:19Z

The time has come to purchase a portable GPS for my team (daughters). I have one built into my Acura and I bought one years ago for my husband (who always got lost). I really would like a portable one for now to be shared by my two daughters. Then I will probably purchase another one in the very near future. There are so many on the market now and they are not very expensive. I would like to know which one you have, would you recommend it to another person, and which one to stay away from. You are all very opinionated Active Rain member so I know I can count on you for your honest opinion. So please take time to cast your vote. I need help.

A very special day

2008-05-11T17:25:47Z

Today has been a very special day for me! I spent it with my husband, two daughters, one son-in-law and my four beautiful grandchildren. I called my Mom (who lives a 6 hour drive from me)early this morning then called back to let everyone visit with her. I received a text message from a sweet client at 6:30 a.m. with Mother's Day wishes. Then I received text messages from several very dear friends. I cooked breakfast for two of my grandbabies then cooked dinner for all of us later. My husband told us the history Mother's Day and how it was meant to be a day of rest for Mothers. Do you know not one person got the message evidently because I sure am tired. Seriously, I couldn't have asked for a more special Mother's Day. I hope you all had a wonderful day too.

Mother's Day Humor

2008-05-10T21:07:50Z

When I'm an old lady, I'll live with each kid,
And bring so much happiness...just as they did.
I want to pay back all the joy they've provided.
Returning each deed! Oh, they'll be so excited!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)

I'll write on the wall with reds, whites and blues,
And I'll bounce on the furniture...wearing my shoes.
I'll drink from the carton and then leave it out.
I'll stuff all the toilets and oh, how they'll shout!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)

When they're on the phone and just out of reach,
I'll get into things like sugar and bleach.
Oh, they'll snap their fingers and then shake their head,
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)

When they cook dinner and call me to eat,
I'll not eat my green beans or salad or meat,
I'll gag on my OATMEAL, spill milk on the table,
And when they get angry...I'll run...if I'm able!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)

I'll sit close to the TV, through the channels I'll click,
I'll cross both eyes just to see if they stick.
I'll take off my socks and throw one away,
And play in the mud 'til the end of the day!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)

And later in bed, I'll lay back and sigh,
I'll thank God in prayer and then close my eyes.
My kids will look down with a smile slowly creeping,
And say with a groan, 'She's so sweet when she's sleeping!'
God Bless All Moms and Grandmas everywhere!

Second Graders Answers to God and Mothers

2008-05-10T20:56:53Z

I want to share this with you because it was so cute:

Answers given by 2nd Grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?
    1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
    2. Mostly to clean the house.
    3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
    1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
    2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
    3. God made my Mom just the same like He made me. He just used biggerparts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?
    1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
    2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother & not some other mom?
    1. We're related.
    2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?
    1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
    2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
    3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about your dad before she married him?
    1. His last name.
    2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he make at least $800 a year and does he do chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?
    1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot.
    2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
    3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?
    1. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
    2. I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms & dads?
    1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
    2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
    3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power because that's who you got to ask if  you want to sleep over at your friends.
    4. Moms have magic - they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?
    1. Moms don't do spare time.
    2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?
    1. On the inside, she's already perfect. Outside, I think some type of plastic surgery.
    2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd dye it maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
    1. She has this weird thing about keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
    2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
    3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

Moms and Mothers

2008-05-07T14:23:21Z

I couldn't resist another Mother's Day Post. This is so beautiful!

MOTHERS and MOMS

If you send this to just one person, it should make
it all the way around the world by Mother's Day.

This is for the mothers who have sat up
all night with sick toddlers in their arms,
wiping up barf laced with Oscar Mayer
wieners and cherry Kool-Aid saying,
'It's okay honey, Mommy's here.'

Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies who can't be comforted.

This is for all the mothers who show up at
work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains
on their blouses and diapers in their purse.

For all the mothers who run carpools and
make cookies and sew Halloween costumes.
And all the mothers who DON'T.

This is for the mothers who gave birth to
babies they'll never see. And the mothers
who took those babies and gave them homes.

This is for the mothers whose priceless art
collections are hanging on their refrigerator doors.

And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their cars.
And that when their kids asked, 'Did you see me, Mom?' they could say, 'Of course, I wouldn't
have missed it for the world,' and mean it.

This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner. And for all the mothers who count to ten instead, but realize how child abuse happens.

This is for all the mothers who sat down with
their children and explained all about making
babies. And for all the (grand)mothers who
wanted to, but just couldn't find the words.

This is for all the mothers who go
hungry, so their children can eat.

For all the mothers who read 'Goodnight,
Moon' twice a night for a year. And then
read it again, 'Just one more time.'

This is for all the mothers who taught
their children to tie their shoelaces before
they started school. And for all the mothers
who opted for Velcro instead.

This is for all the mothers who teach their sons
to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot.

This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little voice calls 'Mom?'
in a crowd, even though they know their
own offspring are at home -- or even away
at college -- or have their own families.

This is for all the mothers who sent their kids
to school with stomach aches, assuring them
they'd be just FINE once they got there, only
to get calls from the school nurse an hour later
asking them to please pick them up. Right away.

This is for mothers whose children have gone
astray, who can't find the words to reach them.
For all the mothers who bite their lips until they
bleed when their 14 year olds dye their hair green.

For all the mothers of the victims of
recent school shootings and the mothers
of those who did the shooting.

For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely.

This is for all the mothers who taught their
children to be peaceful, and now pray
they come home safely from a war.

What makes a good mother anyway?
Is it patience? Compassion? Broad hips?
The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and
sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time?

Or is it in her heart?
Is it the ache she feels when she
watches her son or daughter disappear
down the street, walking to school alone
for the very first time?

The jolt that takes her from sleep to
dread, from bed to crib at 2 A.M. to put
her hand on the back of a sleeping baby?

The panic, years later, that comes again
at 2 A.M. when she just wants to hear
their key in the door and know they
are safe again in her home?

Or the need to flee from wherever she is
and hug her child when she hears news
of a fire, a car accident, a child dying?

The emotions of motherhood are
universal and so our thoughts are for
young mothers stumbling through diaper
changes and sleep deprivation...
And for mature mothers learning to let go.

For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.

Single mothers and married mothers.

Mothers with money, mothers without.

This is for you all. For all of us...

Hang in there. In the end we can
only do the best we can. Tell them
every day that we love them. And pray
and never stop being a mother...

Please pass along to all the mothers in your life.

'Home is what catches you when
you fall - and we all fall.'

Please pass this to a
wonderful mother you know.

Flipping Isn't Easy

2008-05-06T17:55:51Z

Yesterday we were called about a possible listing appointment. My daughter, Cathleen, took the call. The first thing we always do is ask where they got our name. The man said he got our information off of our billboard. (YEA! Another proof that it works.) Cathleen got all of the details about the listing then told him she would run a CMA and call him back. Well, today he called to have us come look at the property and list it. Guess what???? He bought it as a foreclosure in January 2008. He got a good price but he practically rebuilt the house with updates, foundation repairs, new HVAC, the works. The comps were not good at all. There are just too many foreclosures in the area. I suggested today when we met with him that he call an appraiser for a good solid appraisal. The appraiser said that our area is listed as a declining area. This means that they not only are using some of the foreclosures for comps but it also means that the lenders are requiring more down. I think this means too that if you are going to buy a foreclosure to flip you better speak with an appraiser or a good realtor about the market in the area, don't you think??? This poor man may not recover what he has in the property. Not only that the market is so slow that it may take a while to move the property. I sure hope the appraiser gives him good news on what he can get for the property.

Lesson learned......

Prettiest Mom

2008-05-05T18:13:31Z

This email is going around so I wanted to share it with all of you Mom's

Before I was a Mom

I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.

I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.

I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom -

I had never been puked on.

Pooped on.

Chewed on.

Peed on.

I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.

I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom

I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.

Or give shots.

I never looked into teary eyes and cried.

I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.

I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom

I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down.

I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.

I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much

I never knew that I could love someone so much.

I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom -

I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.

I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.

I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.

I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom -

I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.

I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,

the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

New Blog Group for North Texas DFW Area

2008-05-05T17:19:06Z

Our good friend Melody Botting started a blog today about Cinco de Mayo. This progressed to talking about happy hours and networking. Gynell Stalford was organizing a networking event for North Texas specifically the DFW area. I blogged Melody about it then Darrell Moore decided to setup a blog group for monthly networking events. Now how great is this. Word of mouth has started something better than a BNI group because like Darrell said this will be free except for the food and drinks. I love our Active Rain because I have already met so many wonderful people through their blogs.

Please go to http://activerain.com/groups/NTNG for the monthly group gathering and go to http://activerain.com/blogsview/493314/Happy-Hour-Dallas-Area for information on the first networking even. Please make time to attend the first networking event. Gynell has gone to a lot of trouble to make it a success. What a wonderful opportunity for all of us! Gynell says to bring friends with you.

Floor Time, Opportunity Time, Phone Time

2008-05-03T14:58:10Z

No matter what you call it the time spent is the same! Why are there so many complaints about this time spent at the office? Why is it so difficult to get realtors to participate and share the time. Maybe I am old fashioned but I cut my teeth in real estate doing exactly that.....taking my share of "phone time". I really like the term "opportunity time" because that is exactly what it is an opportunity for more new business. I was with a differnt company for a few years where the time wasn't available. I don't depend on this opportunity time to support my business...it's just "gravy". I have always used this time to catch up on paperwork, run stats, etc. It's quiet time for me to sit for a while and do something different. The other day it was my turn to take opportunity time when I got a phone call from a very nice young lady requesting information on one of the listings in the company. I chatted with her while giving her the information. At the end of the conversation she told me she wanted to work with me because I had been the most professional realtor she had spoken with all morning. I am showing her homes at 3:30 today. She is from out of town and will definitely buy a home. I took all the phone time I could when I first started real estate and I would say quite a few of my sales the first year came from that source. I realize with everyone having their own private numbers these days that not much comes through the company phone lines. In our office, we still have walk-ins and phone calls because guess what guys....they remember the company name even if they don't remember the realtor name on the sign!!! You know going back to basics still works in this business. Take an "opportunity" sometimes.

Dogwood Canyon

2008-05-02T18:00:31Z

Dogwood Canyon is located in Cedar Hill, Texas and covers over 250 acres of land. The canyon lies along the Cedar Hill Escarpement and can be accessed off FM 1382. The Audoban Texas and the National Audoban Society is building a new sanctuary and education center. Dogwood Canyon sustains the metroplex's greatest variety of rare and endangered species. Dogwood Canyon also provides outstanding habitat for migrating and nesting birds. Orioles, tanagers, warblers, hummingbirds and others feed on the rich nourishment provided by its lush vegetation. White-eyed, Red-eyed and Warbling Vireos, Red-bellied and Downy Woodpeckers, Chuck-will's Widows and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, sing their songs seemingly from every tree.

It is amazing that we have something so wonderful right here in the metroplex. I have driven part of this canyon with a client who was interested in selling the acreage they own that backs up to this sanctuary. You feel like you are a long way from civilization. For more information check out the link below:

http://www.tx.audubon.org/Dogwood.html

Check it out! I think you will be intrigued.

Listen Up

2008-05-02T17:32:34Z

Have you read the book "Listen Up" by Larry Barker and Kittie Watson? It might be the thing to do. It talks about the fact that over half of our waking hours are spent in some sort of communication and half of that time is spent listening. How much training have you had in listening? I know I haven't had very much. This book gives practical solutions. It teaches you the how what and why of listening. This book is highly recommended by Stephen Covey too. One thing that I found very interesting was the part of the book that dealt with "Ten Irritating Listening Habits". Do you have bad listening habits?

Do you interrupt the speaker?

Do you not look at who is speaking to you?

Do you rush the speaker?

Do you waste the speaker's time or make him feel that you are?

Is your attention on the conversation?

Do you finish the speaker's thoughts?

Do you respond to the speaker's requests?

How often do your say "yes, but..."

Are you a one upper?

Do you forget what was talked about?

Do you ask too many detail questions?

I think we are all guilty of some of these, don't you? You need to read the book or if you know someone that should read it BUY IT FOR THEM. Being a good listener is part of good marketing too.