Tuesday book review

Book #1 done for the summer...

Rain Song by Alice J. Wisler

I gave this 4 out of 5 stars

 Nicole Michelin avoids airplanes, motorcycles, and most of all, Japan, where her parents once were missionaries. Something happened in Japan...something that sent Nicole and her father back to America alone...something of which Nicole knows only bits and pieces. But she is content with life in little Mount Olive, North Carolina, with her quirky relatives, tank of lively fish, and plenty of homemade pineapple chutney. Through her online column for the Pretty Fishy Web site, she meets Harrison Michaels, who, much to her dismay, lives in Japan. She attempts to avoid him, but his e-mails tug at her heart. Then Harrison reveals that he knew her as a child in Japan. In fact, he knows more about her childhood than she does...

My review: I downloaded this free to my Kindle quite a while ago. I wasn't expecting this to be real good. I was pleasantly surprised. The storyline was interesting, the characters (especially Nicole) were endearing. I would recommend this book.  As a SMALL disclaimer: it is Christian fiction.

Happy reading!

Monday gratitudes

- my husband
- my kids
- a roof over our heads
- food on our table
- finishing a book
- blooming flowers
- the Blackhawks going to the Stanley Cup finals
- cheesy 80s movies
- meeting my husband 18 years ago (at our friends' wedding)
- my blog readers and commenters

I hope you have many things to be grateful for!

Wow!

What a weekend! It sure went quick.

DD had her dance recital on Friday and Saturday nights. It went well and of course I stressed about getting her hair done. (Those of you who know me, know I am NOT good with hair!)

We went to Six Flags for a bit on Sunday. Sadly, due to my heart surgery...there are no roller coasters for me this summer. It KILLED me to sit and watch. (Yes, I will admit there are short pity party at one point)

Both kids needed some summer clothes, so we went to the outlet mall. We found some good deals and hopefully they are set for summer.

Amongst the activity, I managed to get a couple of naps in, and have a couple of conversations with DD on unexpected topics. (Insert slight cringe here)

How was your weekend?

Summer break is almost here

Wow! I can't believe it's June already! I hope your summer is starting off well.  DD is almost out of school....

Make sure you check with your local library for their summer reading program.  If they don't have one (shame on them...), check with your local book seller.

**My goal is to read at least 8 books before August 31.**
(I will attempt to review them here, also.)

My other summer goals:
**Blog twice a week
**Keep my flowers alive and the weeds pulled
**Exercise at least 4 times a week
**Scrapbook 15 layouts
**Finish the two projects on my knitting needles (scarf; doll skirt)

What are your summer goals?

Friday Fun -Front Door edition

I think these would be hilarious at the front door!

Thank you Pinterest!

It's OK

It's time for another

"IT'S OK THURSDAY!"

(Amber and Neely have stopped this link up but I will throw one in now and then.

It's OK...

...to hate my body for rebelling against me.

...to not go to work if I don't feel well.

...to read a book in a day.

...to admit a weakness.

What's OK with you?

Never forget....

WHY we have Memorial Day!

Friday Fun

Have a great weekend!

Wordless Wednesday-Scrappings

I linked up at Purple Mailbox (check it out!)

Tuesday books

I must be feeling better because I'm wanting to blog again! So, here goes...

Instead of a book review, I am going to encourage you to participate in

Chick Lit Blog Hop

Visit each of the blogs, make your list of secret words an enter to win some great prizes!

Hurry, it ends May 27!

On the Mend...

Slow but sure, I'm getting there!

I had a lot of pain on Friday. I napped a lot Saturday and Sunday. Unfortunately, I missed DS's graduation. I was afraid of being jostled in a crowd and sitting on bleachers for three hours would have done me no good.

Today is probably the best I have felt.  My mom, sister and brother have been great nurses/babysitters. Thank you all!  Of course, the hubby and kidshave been wonderful too!

What did you do this weekend?

It's Friday!

Just an update...
My surgery was successful. The hole is closed and I am resting and recovering. My mom was a wonderful nurse yesterday. My sister will be here today, yea.

DS graduates from our community college tomorrow! We are very proud of him.

My flowers I got for Mother's Day seem to be doing well. I think they could use just A LITTLE bit of rain.

I've done a little window shopping while sitting on the couch. There are such cute summer dresses out there, now if my wallet would just agree I can afford them.

I hope you all have a great weekend! What are you up to?

Book reviews

Today is surgery day but wanted to post a couple quick reviews:

NIGHT ROAD

by Kristin Hannah

4 out of 5 stars

Publisher's synopsis:

For eighteen years, Jude Farraday has put her children’s needs above her own, and it shows--her twins, Mia and Zach, are bright and happy teenagers. When Lexi Baill moves into their small, close knit community, no one is more welcoming than Jude. Lexi, a former foster child with a dark past, quickly becomes Mia’s best friend. Then Zach falls in love with Lexi and the three become inseparable.

Jude does everything to keep her kids safe and on track for college. It has always been easy--until senior year of high school. Suddenly she is at a loss. Nothing feels safe anymore; every time her kids leave the house, she worries about them.

On a hot summer’s night her worst fears come true. One decision will change the course of their lives. In the blink of an eye, the Farraday family will be torn apart and Lexi will lose everything. In the years that follow, each must face the consequences of that single night and find a way to forget…or the courage to forgive.

NIGHT ROAD is vivid, emotionally complex novel that raises profound questions about motherhood, identity, love, and forgiveness. It is a luminous, heartbreaking novel that captures both the exquisite pain of loss and the stunning power of hope. This is Kristin Hannah at her very best, telling an unforgettable story about the longing for family, the resilience of the human heart, and the courage it takes to forgive the people we love.

My review:

Another page turner - I had a really hard time putting this book down.  The characters and story are completely believable. I cried and laughed through this book.

SIZE 12 AND READY TO ROCK

by Meg Cabot

3 out of 5 stars

Publisher's synopsis:

Summer break . . . and the livin' ain't easy!

Just because the students at New York College have flown the coop doesn't mean assistant residence hall director Heather Wells can relax. Fischer Hall is busier than ever, filled with squealing thirteen- and fourteen-year-old girls attending the first ever Tania Trace Teen Rock Camp, hosted by pop sensation Tania Trace herself--who just happens to be newly married to Heather's ex-boyfriend, heartthrob Jordan Cartwright. But the real headache begins when the producer of a reality TV show starring Tania winds up dead . . . and it's clear that the star was the intended victim.

Grant Cartwright, head of Cartwright Records, wants to keep his daughter-in-law (and his highest-earning performer) alive. So he hires his oldest son, black sheep of the family and private investigator Cooper Cartwright--who just happens to be Heather's new fiance. Heather should leave the detecting to Cooper. But with a dorm full of hysterical mini-divas-in-training, she can't help but get involved. And after Tania shares a really shocking secret with her, this reality suddenly becomes more dangerously real than anyone ever anticipated

My review:

The fourth in this series about Heather Wells, a former teen pop star turned college dorm director. This is a very entertaining series and quick reads. The storyline is a little far fetched but still slightly believable.

Happy reading!

Monday gratitudes

I hope you all had a nice weekend!  This week I have been grateful for:
*a nice Mother's Day
*new plants for the front of our house (thanks, honey!)
*spring weather
*eating outside at lunch
*my family
*kindness and understanding
*moments of silliness
*library storytime
*my blog readers and commenters

Have a great week!

Happy Mother's Day!

Wishing all you moms, grandmas, aunts, fur baby moms, moms-to-be, those who are " like moms", a very happy, restful day!

Hugs!

Friday Fun - storytime

Friday Fun today is a story about our DD.

We went to Six Flags last weekend - the weather was PERFECT, by the way!!!!!!!!  She & I were waiting to get on the carousel, at the end of the line. A group of obnoxious middle school boys got in line behind us. They started to slowly move past us in line and I nudged DD forward more.  As they let us on the ride, they elbowed past her and knocked her a little off balance. I almost said something but figured I would let it go, since she wasn't hurt. I'm following her to the horse she wanted, she passes two of the boys, and throws a shoulder and knocking them off balance but keeps walking like nothing happened.
I had to try SO hard to not laugh! The look on their faces was priceless. When we got done riding, I assured DH that he had no reason to worry about her holding her own. He just smiled when I told him what went down.

Lesson to you boys - - - don't mess with a little blonde girl!  She'll knock you down.


Have a great weekend!

Monday gratitudes

*a beautiful weekend
*a fun weekend
*my family
*flowers
*scrap time
*80s movies

What are you grateful for?

Today

Happy Derby Day!  May you have a fancy hat to wear and your horse win!

To all the Star Wars fans.... May the 4th be with you!

To the scrappy readers.... Happy NATIONAL SCRAPBOOK DAY!  I hope you have time to do something scrappy.  I hope to "play" along at Scrapbook Generation. I know there are several area events and on line events happening today. Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy May!

WOW! How did it get to be May already?!  I hope it's getting "springy" around you. The trees are finally getting green and flowers are popping out. I wake up to the birds singing (or squawking) each morning.  Spring has sprung!

To catch you up on me: I had a TEE (basically an internal ultrasound) on my heart on Tuesday. They confirmed that the hole in my heart wall is there. I have what is called atrial septum defect (ASD).  I meet again with the surgeon next week to go over the procedure and timeframe for recovery.  Basically, what he told my husband is that they will go in and test the oxygen levels in each of the chambers of my heart and if they feel they are too low, then they will repair the hole while they are in there.  I am ready for this to be done, as I'm tired of being stuck, poked, prodded and driving to appointments.

We spent last weekend in St. Louis. DH & DS went to the Hawks/Blues game. We had intended to spend a few hours at Six Flags on Saturday morning, but the rain deterred that plan. We went to the mall and had lunch. Checked into our hotel - where there were 3 weddings and I don't know how many proms.  Little Miss was in heaven gawking at all the dresses.  We made it to Six Flags for a few hours Sunday until the cold got to be too much.  It was nicer in northern IL than there...figures!

This weekend, the Six Flags here opens and lo and behold - it's supposed to rain ALL weekend...AGAIN! Sigh.  Sooooo - we'll see. Iron Man opens this weekend, so maybe we'll see that instead.

I am testing a crochet pattern. It will be a lovely baby blanket when I'm done. I'll post pictures then.

I hope you're all well. I will try to post when I can.

It's OK!

Linking up with Amber again this week.

It's OK...

...to be sick and tired of snow!

...to read a "trashy" romance and love it.

...to be afraid.

...to look foward to some R&R this weekend.

What's OK with you this week?

Tuesday books

A few books I have read this year - I'll try to be better about this!

The Bullpen Gospels

by Dirk Hayhurst

5 out of 5 stars

I LOVED this book-I laughed so much reading this! An honest look at a season in the minors and baseball in general. The writing and storytelling is fantastic!  But prepare yourself for one moment of immaturity after another...
Pick this book up!

Out of my League

by Dirk Hayhurst

4 out of 5 stars

Another fantastic baseball book by Mr. Hayhurst! He's made it to the bigs - catch the antics and stories here.

The Lightning Thief

by Rick Riordan

5 out of 5 stars

Publisher's summary:  Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school... again. And that's the least of his troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy's Greek mythology textbook and into his life. And worse, he's angered a few of them. Zeus' master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect.

Now Percy and his friends have just ten days to find and return Zeus' stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves.

My review:  A juvenile book I was not expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. My 9 year old recommended it to me. It was great! The storyline was fantastic, lots of action and fun. I can't wait to read more in this series.
I highly recommend this book!

In Need of a Good Wife

by Kelly O'Conner McNees

4 out of 5 stars

Publisher's summary:  Richly detailed, vivid, and unforgettable, this is an extraordinary novel about three women challenging the American West—and unpredictable fate—for a future only the most daring can secure…

For Clara Bixby, brokering mail-order brides is a golden business opportunity—and a desperately needed chance to start again. If she can help New York women find husbands in a far-off Nebraska town, she can build an independent new life away from her own loss and grief.

Clara’s ambitions are shared by two other women, who are also willing to take any risk. Quiet immigrant Elsa hopes to escape her life of servitude and at last shape her own destiny. And Rowena, the willful, impoverished heiress, jumps at the chance to marry a humble stranger and repay a heartbreaking debt. All three struggle to find their true place in the world, leaving behind who they were in order to lay claim to the person they want to be. Along the way, each must face unexpected obstacles and dangerous choices, but they also help to forge a nation unlike any that came before.

My review:  This was a very enjoyable read about post-war "mail order" brides/matchmaking. Fascinating story and characters. I couldn't believe how quickly I read through this book.

Gratitudes & More

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a nice weekend.
This week I have been grateful for:
*My husband and his strength & support
*My kids for their sense of humor
*My parents and siblings for their humor & support
*A "trashy" book
*Modern medicine
*My blog readers, your comments cheer me

****************************************
Weekend recap:
Friday night was relatively quiet.
Saturday, DD & I went to Chicago to attend a couple of plays - THE FROG PRINCE CONTINUED and THE CAT IN THE HAT. They were put on by Emerald City Theatre Group. Both were lots of fun and fantastic productions.  Saturday evening, we went to some friends' for a couple of hours to visit and play with the "baby" (she's almost 2...).
Yesterday, we headed to the zoo. We were there for a few hours. It was a little chilly but not very crowded. We enjoyed ourselves.  We came home, napped then met some friends for dinner. It was great to catch up with them!

****************************************
Apparently, I live with the 9 year old version of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.... She & I stopped for a snack on our way home on Saturday and I explained to her that would have to have surgery and would have to rest for a few days afterward.  I was SO afraid she was going to freak out when we told her but all she did was give me a hug and say "I thought you had looked pale." I just smiled and shook my head.  I think the Lord can work in strange ways sometimes - she was a reminder that when I think the worst, that things will be ok and I have support in places I don't expect it.

Have a great day & week!

Friday Fun, music video

One of my favorite Brad Paisley songs and videos!

Wordless Wednesday

Taken April 14, 2013

Happy National Library Week!

The one with....

The boots!

(I don't normally get attached to shoes, but I think that has changed)

I have wanted a pair of boots for a few years. There have been lots of pairs I have liked, but most of them have been out of my price range or the ones I could afford I couldn't find in my size...   Anyway, I literally stumbled upon this pair:

while surfing the web one night.

I happened to have a Penneys gift card; they had my size and the color I wanted. My hesitation? The heel!  I don't usually wear more than a couple of inches for a heel (but usually flats). Alas, a coupon for an additional $15 came to my email...deal sealer!

I ordered and waited (impatiently) for them to come.  When I opened the box, I think I fell a little in love.  I really like the detail on the shaft:

I put on my jeans and wore them to the hockey game (and traipsed through Menards and Home Depot) the other night.  My feet didn't hurt, the ankles got broke in (I'll have to work on the toes a little more).  I think I might be having an emotional affair with a pair of boots....

Do you have a favorite pair of shoes?

A little about me

I haven't posted an update in a couple of weeks.

I don't know much for sure right now. I have seen the cardiologist who has ordered an echocardiogram (done) and a stress test (coming up this week).then I meet with him again in a couple of weeks.

The echo tech had me in tears when I left the office with what she thought she saw. But I am going to assume at this point that, since the doctor hasn't called me, it must not be too serious. Safe assumption, right?

Other than that, I have been trying to get out for walks, pick what flowers I want in the yard, reading, crocheting and working. I haven't posted book reviews in a while. I need to gt on that...sorry!

Wishing you all a great weekend!

Venting...

In the past two weeks, we have gotten home paperwork from school, that our daughter has three (that's 3!) big projects due within a week of each other.  A poetry project (memorize and recite the poem, rewrite it neatly with illustrations); a research project & paper (her's is on Venus - oy!) and build a model of the major Earth landmasses.

Sigh... I feel stressed about this.  She's in 3rd grade!  What the heck?

Rant over (for now...)

Have a good day and weekend!

Tuesday...

I can't believe it's only Tuesday...it's been a long week already!

On a more pleasant note, the boots I ordered came in yesterday. I LOVE THEM!  I've never had a pair of cowboy boots before.

How's your week going?

Sweet!

DD and I hit Goodwill and out local resale shop.  We did pretty good!

$10 got me a Gap tank, Merona sweater and Jones New York shirt

 $15 got me a green tank (Target brand), DD Hello Kitty capris, Justice tank, Children's Place dress, Target brand striped shirt and a homemade Hello Kitty shirt.

I would say we did good....

It's OK!

Linking up with Amber today.

It's ok....

...that I have gotten no scrapping done

...that my house is a disaster

...to piss people off now and then

...that I ordered myself something on my birthday

...to panic a little when I have several palpitations in a cluster

...that I haven't known what I'm in the mood to read for a couple of weeks

...to rock out to New Kids and NSync on Pandora

...to look forward to stopping at the secondhand store

...that Friday can't come soon enough.

What's ok with you?   Have a great day!

Wordless Wednesday

Butterfinger Bars

Thumbs up from those who ate these.

Prebaked:

 Chocolate, PB and vanilla (premelted)

 Done and cooling

1 c. Brown sugar
1/2 c. White sugar
1 c. Margarine, softened
4 c. Quick oatmeal

6 oz. chocolate chips
3/4 c. Creamy peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix together first 4 ingredients and press into 9x13 pan.
Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.
Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter and vanilla.
Spread over the bars when done and let cool.  (I put mine in the fridge once the pan had cooled to set up)

Grateful for so much!

Here cometh April again, and as far as I can see the world hath more fools in it than ever.
Charles Lamb


Happy April!  I am so amazed that March is over.  I hope you all had a nice Passover, Easter, whatever you celebrate.

As I begin my 39th year, I reflect on how many things I have to be grateful for. Here are a few of them.

I was raised by fantastic parents! I am thankful for all they gave us growing up. We may not have had a lot materially, but they taught us love, patience, hard work, genorosity, respect and thankfulness, things that have been important in my life. Thanks mom and dad.
I have four great siblings. They taught me how to be tolerant and how to get along. They have taught me in my adult years that there are four people I can lean on and they will love me no matter what is going on.  Thanks P, A, J & E!
I have been blessed with an amazing husband! He irritates me sometimes but no one can make me laugh like him. I don't think anyone picks up on my personality ticks like him. he surprises me with the "little things" a lot.  Love you babe!
We have two fabulous kids! I will always be thankful for all the dandelions, homemade cards, scribbled pictures and knock knock jokes.  I hope they have/are learning all the values I grew up with and will be decent adults and have fulfilling lives!  Love you R & S!
I have a job that I have been at for almost 6 years that I LOVE! I don't think I have ever been able to say that until I started there. I feel "at home" in the environmnent and with the clients. Our company is amazing to all of us.  I like to think that in a very, very small way...I help America eat.  ;-)
We have a roof over our heads. We have food on our table. We have clean clothes on our backs. We are all healthy.
I have wonderful blog readers. Your comments keep me blogging. Thanks for stopping by, I love that you do!

I hope you all have many things to be grateful for.
May you have a great week!

PS: MLB starts today - come Cubbies!

Friday Fun - Just 'Cuz

This post came from Jessica at Wifesticated please go check out her blog!

The Rules 

1. Each blogger should answer the questions the tagger has set for you.
2. Choose eleven new bloggers to pass the award on to and link them in your post.
3. Create eleven new questions for the chosen bloggers.
4. Go back to their page and tell them about the award.
5. Each blogger should post eleven random facts about themselves.
6. No Tag Backs!!

Questions from Jessica

What kind of car do you drive? Chrysler Town and Country minivan in a light blue that my DH hates (cuz it's girly...)

If you could have 3 wishes, what would your first wish be? For more wishes

What is your favorite country song? I can only pick 1?!  Ummmm....hmmmm... How about if I just say in general - anything by Kenny Chesney

If you could see anyone in concert dead or alive, who would it be? Elvis

If you had your own show on E!- what would it be called?  Are you serious?

What is your dream job?  A writer and photographer

Where is the one place in the world you want to travel to?  Italy

If you could be any age for the rest of your life, what age would it be?  39 (I'm pretty happy with where I am in life right now)

What kind of exotic animal would you want as a pet? A giraffe

What is your favorite dessert?  Cookies (preferably chocolate chip)

One piece of blogging advice for others.  Don't feel obligated to blog everyday!

11 Random Facts 

*Wizard of Oz if my favorite movie ever

*I've been reading Gone with the Wind for a year

*My secret dream is to take a leave of absence from work and scrapbook for a year

*I hold onto hope every year that the Cubs will win it all

*I love my full-time job

*I put on a helluva a concert driving to and from work

*I stay up too late reading many nights

*I love cooking in my crockpot

*I cry at movies

*I may have an addiction to Pinterest

*My head is full of little decorating ideas

Anyone can do this! Jump in, have fun with it - leave me a comment so I can come check out your post.

Questions for You:

1. What is your favorite color?

2. What is your favorite place you've ever traveled?

3. Can you speak a language that isn't English? What is it?

4. What is your favorite movie?

5. Do you have a lucky number?

6. What is your favorite place to eat out?

7. List your hobbies

8. What website do you visit daily?

9. What household task do you dread most?

10. What was the last good book you read?

11. Do you prefer to vacation or staycation?

Attention blog readers!

PLEASE go read some of these blogs

<-----------------------------

They are AMAZING and fun!

Thank you!

Just a quick update.

FIL's surgery went well. He goes back today for a check before they come home.

Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts.
Hugs!

Monday gratitudes

I would like to start my gratitude post today with a request for prayers/good thoughts. My FIL is having a lens in his eye replaced today and he seemed a little nervous yesterday. Thank you!

This week I am grateful for:
*My husband and our kids
*Our kids getting excited about our summer trip
*My husband that spoils and surprises me
*A little scrapbooking time
*Seeing a robin (come on spring!)
*Picking up a book that I can't put down
*My scrapbook group meeting this week
*Getting an e-mail from a friend I haven't heard from in a long time
*My blog readers and commenters (thank you!)

I hope you have much to be grateful for this week.
HUGS!

Sunday randomness

Happy Sunday all!
So there are snowflakes in the air this morning....Puxatony Phil must die!!!  This is making me mad now.

I did a little scrapping yesterday

We went to the Chicago Rush game last night. The Rush lost (the die hards in my house were bummed). A great story though, the national anthem was sung by a Special Olympian. Was it a great rendition? Not really, BUT I guarantee you...NO ONE ever sang it with more heart! The players from both teams high fived him and hugged him when he was done.  There were a few tears wiped away by the time he was done too. To me, it was beautiful!

Baseball season starts in 8 days!  8 days!  I'm not expecting great (or even good) things from my Cubbies, but....I look forward to the season anyway.

Hoping the snow goes away and I can get another scrapbook layout or two done today.  Have a great Sunday!

It's OK Thursday, vol. 3

...that I sat in my car at lunchtime and even though it was snowing.

...that my family will "embrace our inner redneck" for part of our vacation this summer.

...I joined the NCAA bracket pool at work this year (for the first time ever).

...I get frustrated at work sometimes (both jobs).

...that I pin a lot of stuff on Pinterest that deep down I KNOW I'll never make.

...to stand in front of my closet every morning trying to decide what to wear because I'm sick of everything in my closet.

...that I may be becoming a groupie of my favorite country music singer (see yesterday's Wordless Wed post)

...that I got my co-workers sucked into playing Candy Crush.

...to worry about my dr. appointment next week.

...that I'm dragging my feet on getting new tires, since I don't know much about them.  Oh, honey...

What's OK with you this week?

Wordless Wednesday

'Nuff said

Weekend scrappings

Yes, I did get a little scrapbooking done this weekend.

 Please note, my DH did the title placement on the following layout.  Great job honey, I love it!

How was your weekend?  

I hope you're having a great week.

To my Irish (and not so Irish) readers

Wishing you all a blessed and happy St. patrick's Day!

Friday Fun - Humor

Happy Friday!

I hope you have a great weekend!

Thanks, Debra....I "borrowed" this from her blog here
You should check it out, she has LOTS of funny stuff!

It's OK Thursday, vol. 2

Happy Thursday!  I'm linking up with Amber and Neely.

It's OK.....

...that the time change is kicking my butt!

...that I haven't spent much time crafting this week.

...to hate school projects that involve shoe boxes.

...not to wear full makeup everyday.

...that I didn't exercise like I should have this week.

...to be tired of snow.

...to be super excited about a gardening catalog that came in the mail.

...to look forward to the weekend, even though I'm working most of it.

...to tell people I'm Irish (even if it's just because I have an Irish name by marriage).

...that I get frustrated with people.

...to want cookies for breakfast.

What's OK with you this week?

A funny story

I told my DH that I needed to go to the store to pick up a few "personal items".  He didn't say anything, just nodded. When we got to the store I asked if he was coming in or waiting in the car.  He came in - we ran into some friend we hadn't seen in a while and visited with them.
So I got what I needed, went to the register and put them on the belt. Then I grabbed a couple of candy bars, threw them on and said "Just to complete the ensemble..."  He looked at it, and started laughing.  "Chocolate, I get it."
The girl at the register rang everything up and when she asked if I wanted the candy, I said "I'll take one of them. Thanks"  And did something I've never done, started eating it while I was still in the store.  Ahhhhh - it was good!

DH handled our stop well and even got a laugh!

Hurry and play!

Go check out Nicole's blog and Name that Cow!   HURRY!!!!  She & Patrick have a great giveaway!

It's Monday again

Hello friends!  I hope you had a good weekend. Why do they go so fast?

This week I am grateful for:

*some child-free time with my husband

*sending off our son on his first "no family" trip

*seeing the happiness on ourdaughter's face when she showed me the headbands she made

*a little scrapping time

*my husband taking me to see Oz the Great and Powerful (loved it!)

*the snow is melting, even if it's been raining for two days

*getting a preliminary diagnosis [premature ventricular contractions (PVC)] and getting an appointment with the cardiologist this month

I got this scrapbook layout finished:

A second one is on my desk almost completed. Hopefully you will see it here soon!

What did you do this weekend?

Friday Fun - Humor

The following are from: Funology

Q: If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?
A: Pilgrims!
Q: What do you get when you cross a caterpillar and a parrot?
A: A walkie talkie!
Q: What do you call a fish without an eye?
A: Fsh!
Q: What has four legs and goes “Oom, Oom”?
A: A cow walking backwards!

It's OK Thursday!

This is my first link up with Amber 

It's OK....

...to worry about DS's upcoming trip with his friends.

...to wish to travel places I can't afford to go.

...to take some time for myself.

...to enjoy reading a juvenile aged book.

...to listen to the same song five times in a row (love you Miranda Lambert!)

...to hope that health concerns can be fixed with medicine.

...to browse Pinterest for a couple of hours at a time.

What's OK with you? Feel free to link up with Amber.

Thanks a lot...

for the 9" of snow you dropped on us in 24 hours. I swear all we did was shovel. The kids didn't have school; work closed at noon.

DH & DS went to the Blackhawks game last night (another win!). They said it wasn't too bad going in but coming out (in the dark) - it was drifting pretty bad on the interstate.  But they arrived home safely and had a great time at the game.

I hope you're all having a good week. I'm hoping to hear SOMETHING from the doctor today.

Take a memo!

Date: March 5, 2013
To: Mother Nature
From: Concerned citizens of the Midwest
Re: Weather

Apparently you have forgotten to check your calendar!  8 inches of snow is NOT supposed to be happening now.  This is more of a January storm. I would like to ask you to please review the calendar and weather occurences.

Thank you for your consideration!

Monday gratitudes

Happy Monday!

I hope you have something to be grateful for.  I am grateful for
*a book recommendation from our daughter (9 year olds have good reading taste too!)
*homemade bread
*a clean house
*everyone feeling better
*it's March
*a Sunday afternoon nap
*my blog readers

Wishing you all a good week and something to be grateful for.

Treasures

You may remember my late library co-worker, Marge (post here Until We meet again)

Her daughters brought in tubs of yarn, patterns and needlecraft kits for those of at the library who wanted any of it, to loom through.  I got these beautiful yarns, some knitting needles and a few afghan patterns.

I started a scarf today for myself with the navy yarn. I will think of Marge every time I wear it.

I appreciate that her daughters did this for all of us.

Miss you, Marge!

Friday Letters, part 2

Happy March!

Dear Friday - Hello again, my friend!

Dear Insurance Company - yes, I know you have seen a lot coming through for us this week. Please be kind!

Dear Grandpa - Happy 90th birthday!

Dear Scrap Stuff - I will brush the dust off this weekend and see what I can create.

Dear Snow - you can stop anytime now! (It IS March, in case you missed the memo...)

Dear Blog Readers - thank you for stopping by. I love your comments!

Dear Blog Roll Writers (see the list to the left) - I enjoy reading your blogs, please keep writing. I encourage my "visitors" to stop by some of these blogs.

Dear Weekend - Go nice and slow, PLEASE!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

HUGS!

Thank you!

I am touched by the outpouring of support I have received from so many of my readers this week.  Things are going ok. I'm feeling ok, I survived my bloodwork.  Today I get my monitor to wear for 24 hours and we'll see what they find out from that.  I try to remind myself, that anything that may be wrong, is out of my hands at this point.

Thank you all so much for your support and love - it has meant a lot to me!

A small request

I probably won't blog much this week.  Busy, busy!

I would like to ask for your good thoughts/prayers/whatever you do this week.  I have a couple of tests scheduled that I am hoping will turn about to be nothing or something fixable.  Thank you in advance!

Friday Fun - Friday Letters edition

Dear Friday ~ Thank goodness you are finally here! For a short week, it sure has been long!

Dear Flu Bug ~ Move along, nothing to see here!

Dear Husband ~ Thank you for taking such good care of me this week.

Dear Daughter ~ I can't believe you're 9!!!!!!!

Dear Son ~ Hang in there, I know being sick stinks.

Dear Van ~ Could you PLEASE not need any more work for a while?

Dear Baseball Season ~ only 37 more days!

Dear Squirrels ~ I have now been taught how to use the BB gun...stop chewing up our garbage can lids!!!!  You are already fat!

I hope you all have a great weekend!

It's Thursday!

Sorry I haven't blogged this week - I've spent most of it in bed with a nasty bug. I'm feeling more myself today.  I promise I will blog the concert!!!!!

Today I'm a guest blogger over at, Gavina Family.  Stop by her blog and check it out.

I hope you're all having a good week!

Friday Fun - Music video

Dierks kicked off his set with this song last night - it was GREAT! (I'll babble about the concert in another post in a few days)

The video is pretty entertaining too!

Happy Friday - have a great weekend!

I'm so glad...

that 17 years ago today, I said "Yes!" to marrying my Valentine!

It's been a wild ride, but I wouldn't change it. I don't think we would be the couple we are today without the good AND the bad!

I love you babe!

Happy Valentine's Day

Yes, I'm a little early but want to wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day!  I hope you are blessed with someone to love in your life.

I will be spending Valentine's evening with DH and these two...

We've seen Miranda live before and loved it. We're looking forward to seeing both of them.

Monday gratitudes

I hope you all had a good weekend! I hope all of you in stormy areas, are safe and sound!

In the past week, I have been grateful for many things, a few of them are:
*My husband and kids
*DD is feeling better
*Homemade coffee cake
*A fun trip to Disney on Ice with DD and her friend
*A little scrapping time
*Having co-workers that DH enjoys visiting with and spending time with

Wishing you all a good week!
HUGS!

Friday Fun, Movie edition

In one month (March 8), Oz the Great and Powerful opens in theaters! I am pretty excited to see it.  I love The Wizard of Oz and enjoyed Wicked. I am interested to see the Wizard's story.  Anyone else looking forward to this?

We rented  Here Comes the Boom. Kevin James cracks me up and this was a fun movie to watch.  By the way, I would give this movie 3 1/2 stars (on my rating system).

(click on the links to watch the trailers)
Have you seen anything good lately?

Have a great weekend!

Keep calm....

posted from Pinterest

Pitchers and catchers report to camp on Sunday!

PS: I'm sorry I've been bad about blog visiting - I will try to catch up with ya over the next week. I appreciate all of you who stop by and leave your comments!!!

"Hit" it!

I know it was a popular Super Bowl ad in our office and I LOVED it! I had heard "God Made a Farmer" before and love it!

Ram Trucks God Made a Farmer

Watch it, share a badge to your Facebook page - Dodge will make a donation to the National FFA organization.

Friday fun - winter edition

Some winter groaners...

Q: What do you get from sitting on the ice too long?
A: Polaroids!

Q: Why does it take longer to build a blonde snowman than a regular one?
A: You have to hollow out the head.

Q: What do you call a reindeer with no eyes?
A: I have no eye deer.

Ear Muffs
Winters are fierce in Minnesota where he lives, so the owner of a construction project felt he was doing a good deed when he bought earmuffs for his foreman.
Noticing, however, that the foreman wasn't wearing the earmuffs even on the bitterest day, the project manager asked, "Didn't you like the muffs?"
The Foreman said, "They're a thing of beauty."
"Why don't you wear them?" The Project Manager said.
The Foreman explained, "I was wearing them the first day, and somebody offered to buy me lunch, but I didn't hear him! Never again, never again!"

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND - STAY WARM!