The Tourists - BBQ!

Welcome to a new "segment" on my blog I am going to call - Traveling Tuesday. I'll post about our adventures and places we've been.

Last year while we were on vacation, we stopped in to The Shed (in Gulfport, MS) for dinner one night. We'd see it on Travel Channel and Food Network - it had to be good, right?!

Ummmmm - YES!  It was INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!  The food was super, the restaurant has more character than I can even begin to explain.  (It's picnic tables in the middle of a junk yard, next to a lake)


After we ate, we walked around to take everything in (and so the kids could find all the plates to "win" the license plate game). It's fun, the people and staff are fantastic and you truly know you're in the south, when you're here.



We highly recommend you stop in and take in some 'Q!
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Coming VERY soon (hopefully this week still...) - our vacation recap from this year.

Weekend scrapping & stuff

 I completed one layout and ALMOST got done with another.

This is from our trip to Hawaii, our first hotel.

Circle detail:

We went to the Chicago Rush arena football game on Saturday night. They won! One of the cheerleaders had the CUTEST haircut...I'm seriously considering trying to give her 'do a go for myself.

Yesterday afternoon we went to see Grown Ups 2, it was pretty funny. A lot of obvious humor but entertaining.

Other than that, it was laundry, working with DD on learning to ride her bike (I think she's getting hang of it!), watching the finale of The Great American Bake Off (not who I wanted to win, BUT....) and just relaxing.

How was your weekend?

A trip to the ER

Yesterday morning was interesting....

DH calls me at work and says DS needs to go to the ER, he cut his thumb. Now my DH is all about band aid and duct tape fixes, soooo I know it must be pretty bad. So I head to the hospital to wIt for DS and my MIL to arrive. (DH had to stay at the job site because the front door was being replaced and he couldn't leave). Anyway, DS was cutting open a tube of caulk with a utility knife and it slipped.  He ended up taking off the tip of his thumb above the nail. It's a good cut and bled a lot!  No stitches, but he gets to wear this...

For at least a few days.

He's in good spirits and should make a full recovery.

And they wonder why I worry about them while they're working...

Friday Fun-Friday letters

Dear Friday,  Hello!

Dear Weekend, Please go slow! I don't have to work at all, and I want to enjoy it!!!

Dear Self, your weekend work retreat is next weekend. Rest up now! You know you can't seem to get much rest and tend to have a couple too many grown up drinks ever year....but remember to enjoy!

Dear Chicago Rush, let's have a win this weekend!

Dear Weather, this week has been beautiful. Let 's keep it up for a few more days, eh?

Dear Pinterest, I know we have been spending A LOT of time together this week. Let's make or organize something!

Dear Hammock and Tree, I hope we can get together Sunday.

Dear Cubbies, please beat the Cards this series!

Dear Blog Writers, I have found some new to me blogs the past week and it's been fun. Keep posting my fellow bloggers!

Dear Blog Readers, thank you all for stopping by. I appreciate your comments and love.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Thankful Thursday

I have a lot to be thankful for this week.
*My jobs (even when they're crazy)
*My family (random silliness while walking through the house usually gets a giggle or laugh from someone)
*Books (I've been reading a lot of smut and fluff the past couple of weeks, but hey - it's summer!)
*Flowers (mine are blooming away - now if the rabbits & squirrels would stop eating my lilies)
*A nap in a hammock (have I mentioned that was a little slice of heaven?)
*Scrap time (I'm working on samples for my scrap group)
*Friends (they bring me smiles when I need them)
*Neighbors (who else shares their excess garden veggies with you?)
*Blog readers (I love your visits and comments)

Wishing you all much to be thankful and grateful for!

Check!

I had three things on my to do list last night and I got them done!!!!
*Laundry
*Download vacation photos from camera (watch Tuesday for the 1st installment post of our vacation)
*Cut out circles for scrap group (my Cricut was working hard!)

I even got to watch a little of Dance Moms and relax with hubby for a bit before crashing out for the night.

Happy Hump Day!

Book review Sand Castle Bay

Sand Castle Bay
By Sheryl Woods
4 of 5 stars

Genre: Romance/Cick Lit

Publisher's synopsis:  In a trade-off she's lived to regret, Emily Castle left home years ago to become an interior designer. The youngest of three sisters, Emily desperately wanted to prove herself. Success, though, came at the cost of leaving behind the man she loved.For Boone Dorsett, losing Emily left his heart shattered, but another woman was waiting in the wings. Now a widower with a young son, Boone has a second chance with Emily when a storm brings her home. But with his former in-laws threatening a custody suit, the stakes of loving her are higher than ever.

Will fate once again separate them—or is the time finally right for these two star-crossed lovers?

My thoughts: This is the first book in the series.  I fell in love with these characters. I had a hard time putting this down, it's a great summer, fluffy read.

Happy reading!

As my wise 9 year old told me, she enjoys reading because she can get lost in another place without actually having to go anywhere.  YES!  I agree with her.

It's all about me!

I was a little selfish yesterday, and I enjoyed it!
I got the hammock out (yes, it was warm & humid out) and set it up in the shade under our big oak tree. I had a fantastic nap laying there. I woke up to the leaves rustling in the breeze and feeling it on my face. The birds were singing (maybe it was squawking). It felt good to nap and nap while enjoying the peace of our backyard.
It was a wonderful way to wrap up a weekend.

Thank you!

I don't think I posted here.
I want to thank all of you who sent well wishes after my surgery in May. All your emails, cards, thoughts and help were/are greatly appreciated!
I am feeling worlds better, especially the past couple of weeks. My energy levels are returning and I'm starting to exercise regularly again!
And of course, thanks to my cardiologist and surgeon who were supportive, understanding and "fixed" me.

I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday!

Cheers!

A great Friday night!

We had a fire last night. It was wonderful to sit by the fire, have s'mores and play with sparklers. I hope we can do it again soon, and hopefully with a grown up beverage.

I hope you're having a wonderful weekend!

Friday Fun-Music Video

I think Brad Paisley is very entertaining and this video is really cute!

Happy 4th of July

I hope you all enjoy your holiday!

Wordless Wednesday

Oh no....

First, happy July!

Guess what I have discovered?  Instagram....  I'm not following but a couple of people and only have a few photos up.  I'm cubsfan3410, if you want to request following.  Leave me a comment with your instagram id if you want another follower. I think between Pinterest and Instagram, I may start ignoring Facebook more... 

I hope you're having a good week!
Hugs!

Monday gratitudes

This week I have been grateful for:
*my family
*reconnecting with an old friend
*enjoying a book
*a new yarn project
*my blog readers
*watching karma at work
*my husband & son having a great time on Friday
*a clean house

I hope last week was a grateful one and wishing you another blessed week.
Thanks for stopping by!

Older scrapbook layouts

I finally posted the whole album I made for our DS's graduation two years ago on 2 Peas. I picked just a few of the layouts for my blog.

The Tourists 2013-Commanders in Chief, Civil Rights & 'Cue

(I had to struggle to come up with a clever title for this year's trip...)  Thoughts?

We are back from out 10 day road trip to Kansas City and through Arkansas. We saw, drove and learned a lot and came home with two new van windows (story to come). We all got along well (seriously, I think this is the first trip in a long time where there wasn't a blowup or meltdown)! And I lost count of how many National Lampoon's Vacation references were made...

The weather was pretty good - we have a couple of rainy days and one (ok, two) really scary storms.

Details and photos to come...

We are the champions!

Monday gratitudes

Happy Monday!
This week I have been grateful for:

*quality time with my husband and kids
*a nice getaway
*seeing some interesting sites
*that I'm feeling better and stronger
*a little reading time
*no injuries or illnesses
*Blackhawks wins (1 more for the Cup...)
*my blog readers-I love your comments

I hope you all find much to be grateful for this week!
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Hugs!

We're back!

Vacation is over for another year. I wish I could say it was to some exotic place (although it sort of was...), but nothing that would excite too many people.  We spent a few days in Kansas City and a few in Arkansas. It was a nice getaway.

I will post our adventures and some pictures soon!

TGIF!!!

Another week almost gone. I hope it's been a good one for you!

DD got me a new bracelet this week. I love it!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and the weather is good, wherever you are!

Thanks for stopping by.

Wednesday Wisdom

Have a great day!

Friday Fun - Traveling

In the spirit of summer, here is a recap of one of our vacations:
June, 2009
TENNESSEE VACATION

Have a great Friday!

WOW!

7 years ago today, I posted my first blog post.
1st BLOG POST

Thank you to all of you who have read this blog, now & then or regularly. I love your comments!

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

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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!