Tina Allen

It seems as though the time just flies by. Where have all the years gone? And most importantly, how is it possible that my children keep getting older and I don't? Hahahaha, just kidding, I wish.

My son, Jeffrey, just graduated from 8th grade. That means he will be in high school next year.....what???

I made Jeffrey a special graduation card. My little note to him was a remembrance of the days I rocked him in my arms and sang "You are my Sunshine." I am sure he does not remember those days, but, I know I will never forget.

It is a proud moment when Jeffrey holds his Certificate and grins from ear to ear. I am excited and also a little sad. Sad to know that I just can't make these special moments freeze in time. I try to take lots of pictures these days, knowing, that is what we will have to look back on. I sometimes wish, I would have enjoyed a little more as my children were younger. Maybe not working so much, maybe not worrying about the dishes and the dust. Maybe rocking and singing a little more.

If you have little ones, cherish the time with them. The dishes and the dust will still be there tomorrow. Before you know it, they will be busier than little bees making a life for themselves. Then the days of rocking and singing will be over. I have tried to convince Jeffrey to sit in my lap just once more and let me sing to him...the look I get for that is priceless too and I will be happy to just hold on to that.

I just came across this quote and it is very fitting at this time. We have been having terrible rain storms and flooding in certain areas of Florida. When you are used to sunny and cheerful most of the time, this kind of rainy weather can be quite depressing. And, not to mention, make my hair crazy!

Don't knock the weather; nine-tenths of the people couldn't start a conversation if it didn't change once in a while.

Kin Hubbard

Come on over and join Quotes of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow and share some of your favorites!

The last couple of weeks have been a total blur. My husband went out of town and I don't know how it happened, but, it seems I need him around to sleep. It used to not be that way....I, at one time, loved having my big king size bed all to myself. We have been together 8 years and whether it's one night or 2 weeks, I have a hard time relaxing and sleeping in our bed when he's gone. Anyway, we have a friend who was doing the Gumball Rally 3000. It started in California and ended a week later in Miami with many stops along the way. My husband went along for the ride. Throughout the journey he met a lot of participants in the rally. Mind you, it cost quite a bit to enter and there was no big prize at the end for being the first to arrive at any of the destinations. There were many extravagant cars in the rally and our friend had one of many Lamborghini's.

My husband called me along the way to tell me he was talking to a Prince of Saudi Arabia, the hip-hop artist "Mario", David Hasslehoff and The Jack-A** Guys to name a few. Of course I had to tell my kids who thought that was really cool. Terry decided to end his trip in Orlando where I would pick him up. It was only about 45 minutes away so no biggie. He then called back to say he had set up a meeting with "Mario" for us to meet when we came down.

They arrived in Orlando late Thursday night so I decided to drive down Friday morning....well, what better excuse to skip school than you are going to meet one of your favorite music artists. The kids were so excited and I must say.....I was too! My son didn't think he was going to know what to say and my daughter said she had butterflies in her stomach the whole ride down. What a great experience for them.

We got there about 7:30-8:00am....most of the participants had not gone to bed until 3 or 4 am, so no one was in a hurry that morning. No one seemed to start at the same time....they just did their own thing. "Mario" must have been tired but when Terry called to say we were there, he got up and came down to meet us and take some pictures. He was such a nice guy and when we were finished he went back up to bed. I thought, how great it was that even though he would have rather been sleeping, he came down to meet some fans.

Jeffrey then got to meet one of the Real Housewives of Orange County, Gretchen Rossi. She was amazing and very friendly. I don't think Jeffrey will ever wash his left hand or the shirt he was wearing. I have not seen her show before, but, because she was exceptionally nice, I think I might start.

One of Terry's favorite meetings was with the Prince of Saudi Arabia. Terry had to give me a history lesson regarding Saudi Arabia, etc., I am so glad he's around at times to explain all that I must have missed in school. The Prince also took pictures with all of us and couldn't have been nicer. He actually went to school in the States and was very highly educated. The kids had a blast and couldn't wait to come home and show all of their friends the pictures.

After coming home Friday...I had to get ready for a fundraiser on Saturday. We then headed down to Miami (during the trip, Terry also met up with a huge hotel/real estate business man who offered a free room to us and if you're offering, my husband will take you up on it.) We stayed in a hotel right on the beach and met up with the Prince for breakfast in his hotel a few minutes from us. He had some amazing stories about his travels and this happened to be his 6th Gumball Rally. I guess if I had billions of dollars I would be traveling around and enjoying every part of the world too. He then gave my husband and I gifts...(I have it written down somewhere the names...the long dress and head wrap) and Terry tried to get him to explain to me the "listening" that women do over there...hahaha right! The prince told him, "man, I don't think so....do you think they listen over there?"

After our breakfast and talks about the world we headed back to Mt. Dora. From Miami it was a 4 hour drive, so after the busy weekend, I was ready to be home and relax in my bed.....with my husband by my side.

I couldn't have had a more memorable birthday/mother's day weekend.

I just read an article in the newspaper about Laminate and Linoleum. Just when you thought these two products were put out to pasture....it looks like they are making a comeback.

The story is becoming a familiar one. The kitchen seems to be the top spot for remodeling. But how can you upgrade and remodel the kitchen with granite and other expesive materials and just leave the rest of the home the same. It will be out of place. It doesn't seem feasible to put an amount close to $10,000 into remodeling a kitchen in a 1950's home unless you are planning on spending another $20,000-$40,000 on updating the rest of the house.

It seems the manufacturers have been working hard at revamping the styles for their products. They aren't going to just throw in the towel. The colors, patterns and textures are being updated to match the hot new trendy styles. Some patterns replicate stone more closely than ever before. Laminate is also longer lasting and wears better than it used to. The material can now come in 12-foot length and with some planning will eliminate the need for most seams.

It is now possible to also have the undermounted sink that's typical of granite countertops. At 1/3 the cost, what a money saving idea.

The wearability and look of vinyl and linoleum are better than ever too. The popularity of linoleum has risen due to the linseed oil it is made with. There is even the "Marmoleum," (pictured above)

So, if you have sellers that need to update and remodel without breaking the bank, it might be easier than you think. Back to the basics....not extravagant but maybe, just the little spruce up to attract prospective buyers.

The Central Florida Lawdogs, a motorcycle group made up of mostly law enforcement, fire fighters and ems, will be holding a benefit at Jessie Black Saloon, Hwy 441, Leesburg, on Saturday, May 9th, 2009. Hours 1pm-5pm

Come and enjoy:

* Dunk a Hottie * Black Jack

* DJ & Music * Tatto Contest

* 50/50 Drawing * And More!

Cost: $15 per rider $10 per passenger (includes complimentary gift bag, meal ticket, 50/50 ticket, raffle ticket and game ticket.

***Contact "My Daddy" for more information (352) 308-6751

Come and support a great cause. I will be there!

Looking for that first, second or just vacation home in beautiful, sunny Florida? Visit tinaallenproperties.com and find yours today!