Magnolia Down Under Challenge #43 {Charms} - Winner and Top 5

What a FABULOUS group of entries we had this week - it was wonderful to see how you all used your charms - and how many beautiful charms there are around! I know I was inspired !!!   As always you guys have made it hard for us to pick out a winner - but we've checked all the entries and feel THIS card deserves to wear our Winner's Badge with pride!

Congratulations Dena {21}

Please email kelliewinnell@yahoo.com.au for your Winner's Badge and Prize.

And these AMAZING entries are our Top 5 this week - and are listed in no particular order.

Bridget Louw {9}

Janne {19}

Karita {43}

Tracy Payne {49}

Linda W {72}

Congratulations girls. Grab your top 5 badge from our side bar and place on your blog to display how talented you all are!

Thanks so much to all that joined and be sure to stop back tomorrow for our next amazing challenge and to check out the DTs fabulous inspirational cards...

xXx

Debbie

Gift Lists and Gift Cards

Back in the day (in other words, pre-Reagan) I was NOT a huge fan of gift lists or gift cards. But lately, I have changed my tune.

First, I think everyone needs to make a gift list. For yourselves...and for your children if you have them.

And I think you need to post the gift list somewhere where your significant other and children can see them.

AND I think you need to make the list available to others when they ask. No more "Oh, you don't need to get me anything." Simply say "That's very sweet. While you don't have to give me anything, I really appreciate the thought. I do have a few things on my list I would really love to have such as....."

Why such a breech of etiquette?

Because as a mom, I have to tell you, my brain cells are fried. Listen. I KNOW I don't have to get you a gift..but I WANT to..otherwise I wouldn't have asked and I would have simply sent you a card. And since I'm asking, I really do want some ideas of what you'd like. And frankly, if my birthday is the one coming up, I really don't need another whatever-it-is that I have too many of lying around the house. There are things I genuinely need and want. So I'm going to tell you.

I love that my mother in law embraced this idea. Her birthday is on Mother's Day and this year she put up a list of several things that she wanted. Love it. I'm going to select two and then give her the receipts so that if someone else gets the same thing, she can always exchange it for something else on the list.

Brilliant!

So what's on my list? Well, I'm glad you asked!

An offset spatula for frosting cakes
The entire Golden Girls DVD set (LOVE THAT SHOW!)
A gift certificate for more printer ink and/or a better printer (LOTS OF HOMESCHOOLING PRINTING GOING ON HERE!)
Some really great foot cream and pumice stones
Vacuum sealer
Wheat Grinder
Pressure Cooker

What's on your list?

Egads!

Ok, I let an entire week go by without posting..not to mention I haven't yet sent out the giveaway package to the winner! (I promise I have NOT forgotten that!) See, the beginning of spring and summer are the busiest times in northern Indiana. Why? Because we're finally able to get outside and do all those things that need to get done and enjoy some fresh air..FINALLY.

Today I actually turned the AC on. I can't believe it. I turned the AC on. In April. But after months and months of sub-zero and slowly inching up weather, well, 70 degrees is pretty hot. (Yes, I know I'm a shame to all my southern family members and friends now and I do promise I'm really still a southerner...it's just, well I now have thick northern blood running through my veins!)

That is about all the time I have to post since I desperately need to do dishes and get going on some other projects. Have a great weekend everyone!

#75) Chocolate Swirl Banana Bread

I went out to a "girls' night" last weekend and thought it would be nice to add a sweet treat to the finger food menu... I had loads of bananas in the kitchen, and a couple handfulls of different kinds of chocolate chips kicking around... Well, what goes better together than banana and chocolate?

The banana bread was good, but I like a nice dense banana bread so to improve I would add another banana next time around. Also, the recipe I tweaked said to use all the batter in one loaf pan, but it was a lot of batter so I divided it into two loaf pans and got two nice loaves.

(PS - please forgive the poor photo, but souRIRE photography wasn't visiting last weekend)

I've got a few more bananas to use up this weekend... any suggestions for a banana sweet treat you'd like to see here?

Ingredients:

2 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
pinch of salt
1 cup chocolate chips + extra for the top(I used a mixture of white and mini semi-sweet)
2 cups ripe banana (about 4 bananas)
1/2 cup melted butter
1/4 cup (soy) milk
2 eggs

Steps:

-Preheat oven to 350ºF. Prepare 2 loaf pans with spray oil.

-In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips. Set aside.

-In another bowl, mix together bananas, butter, milk, and eggs. Pour over flour mixture and stir just until combined.

-Divide between two loaf pans.

-Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top (up to you how much!)

-Put loaves in the oven for 3 minutes. Remove and run a butter knife through each loaf lengthwise and widthwise to swirl the chocolate. (I used a "sawing" motion so I didn't drag the batter all over the place)

-Return loaves to oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

-Let cool completely before slicing.

It's Book Blog Hop Day!

It's Friday and It's Book Blog Hop Day!

Welcome to my blog, come in and check it out!

Hope you like what you see - if you do, please follow me!

Here is the info on the Book Blog Hop -Jennifer at Crazy For Books (http://www.crazy-for-books.com) is the host, and you can find her information and the McLinky to join in at her blog!

About the Hop:(From Jennifer)

This is a weekly event, hosted here, where book bloggers and readers can connect to find new blogs to read. It's a great way to network with other bloggers and make new friends! Every day I seem to find another book blog that I start following. In the spirit of the Friday Follow, I thought it would be cool to do a Book Blogger Hop to give us all bookies a chance to connect and find new blogs that we may be missing out on! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed!

HAPPY READING EVERYONE!!!

today, i'm not a looser

I lift up my hands to You
Asking for help
I was trying to do this alone
Then i was a looser

Help me
Help me
Help me, God!
I need Your hands!

I don't want to be a looser anymore
I hate it, and You know that
It's a fate for me to be a winner
You had decided it from the beginning

With You, i am more than a winner
and today, i'm not a looser

HAVE a GR8 DAY, guys :D

Far Out the BOX!

WC/CV Toilet Paper Roll

Want to find a job, but don't know where to start? Confused? Overwhelmed? Too much information? The solution is simple: Capture people's attention! On the average, people go to the bathroom 6 times a day. Public restrooms are used very often. Why not place your CV in front of thousands of people who use restrooms every day! WC/CV is a great chance to show an employer that you have the skills and experience required, and that you’re the right person for the job.

What can i say when seeing things like this...it's a LOL mixed with wondering. How far (or creative) people can find ideas. My line into this is "creativity beyond borders (plus LOL)" If designer often say "think out the box", this one is "think far out the box!" amazing, LOL (again).

ps: see the other cool inventions in here

Heart-Sport (Sport Jantung)

Yeah, that's what i felt this early morning when watched Barcelona vs Inter Milan. The game was so thrilling for both sides especially for Inter fan (I'm not an Inter Fan but i support them as Italian Football fan) Inter Milan had to play with 10 men because one of them was red-carded by the referee. That's why, the match was so thrilling coz Barcelona had never stop to attack Inter Milan until very last minutes. The last 1o minutes was the worse coz Barcelona finally scored and they only need one more goal to bury Inter Milan's dream. I pray to God so hard (over and over) so that Inter will go to the final..."Please...please God...give them (Inter players) strength and give the coach a wisdom to win this stage." Then the final whistle was there and Barcelona couldn't add one more goal. Inter Milan go to the final. An Italian club to the final of European Champion's League!!!! Yeyy!!! So excitedddd and happyyyy!!! Hehehee...Hope they can beat Bayen Munchen in final stage (Amen!)

the sweetest thing

After watched Inter's winning, i didn't sleep and i had plenty of time for my devotion. This week, i'm learning from Nehemia's life and i'm blessed. When i prayed, Holy Spirit spoke to me, "if God hear your prayer for Inter Milan's winning (small thing), how can He don't hear your prayers for the greater thing? He is listening your prayers everyday." Then, it was confirmed by the article i read. It's John Mason's quote,"When God is planning to do the sweetest thing, He starts it with impossibility." I smiled and relieved =) Right now, i face the impossibility but i know Jesus is with me and He will transform that impossible thing into the most sweetest things in my life, Amiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnn =)

A trip to the dentist...

We took the girls in for dental visit this morning. Lillian's first and Alexa's second. They both slept in their own beds all night last night. Well, Alexa slept with Lillian in her bed all night, anyways. So, they had a great night sleep and were awake and alert this morning. Perfect moods for going to a place that isn't anyone's cup of tea. I mean, who can really say they like going to the dentist?

I came in to work this morning and then met Adam and the girls at the dentist at around 10:30 in time for our appointments. We ALL had check up's today. I went in with the attitude that all would go fine. I wasn't going to stress about being there myself, Alexa's traumatic first dental experience and it being Lillian's first time. Deep breath!

We filled out the normal paperwork required for our first visit at our new dental office in Farmington. I alerted the secretary that Alexa was a little bit scared from a previous bad experience, just so they could prepare the hygienist.

They took Alexa and I back right away. I think Alexa and I were under the impression that I would be going first and she would be going second. So, we were a little surprised when the hygienist told Alexa to hop up on the chair. It was no big deal, it just made Alexa a little more nervous. She got up on the chair and the hygienist (Angie) asked her a few questions. Alexa didn't want to even talk to her. All she said was that she brushed her teeth before she left the house. She showed her the tooth she lost and her new wiggly one and that was it. Angie had her lay back on the chair, which lasted maybe 5 seconds before Alexa's lip started to quiver and tears rolled down her cheeks. She turned to me and said she was scared and just started bawling. As much as I could see the absolute terror in her eyes, I had to be sympathetic but firm at the same time. Because of the nightmare we went through the first time, Alexa was not in any sort of mood for getting her teeth checked. I asked her if she wanted me to go first and she nodded yes through her tears. She stood by the wall as I laid on the chair, with tears just rolling down her face. My heart ached for her. It wasn't Alexa just being a baby, she was clearly terrified. She held my hand for a little while, but then I had Angie take her out to the waiting room with Adam and Lillian.

Angie continued with my cleaning and exam. She did a fantastic job. I was however, not in the mood to get my teeth cleaned at that given moment anymore. I was worried about Alexa. I felt so bad for her, but I needed so badly for her to get a proper cleaning and most importantly x-rays taken. I was hoping she'd have some time to relax in the waiting room and try again when I was finished.

I felt sick pretty much during my whole appointment, though. I felt like the chair was tilted so far back that I was laying literally upside down. I have terrible gag reflexes, which made the x-ray's very difficult being I have all my wisdom teeth and they need to shove the thing to the very far back of my mouth. I hate having someone that I don't know that close to my face and I can't stand the fact that I can't talk. Angie asked if I was a pop drinker and I said, No. She asked if I was a coffee drinker and I said, No. She said what other kind of sugars are you eating? I laughed to myself thinking, doesn't she see all those 'sweet teeth' inside my mouth. I love candy, I told her and by the way, I don't floss either. I wanted to be honest. Finally, the doctor came in, who looked like he was maybe 18 years old and told me I had 6 cavities. I've never had a cavity in my life and he said if I would have been flossing, I still wouldn't have any because all my cavities are between my teeth. Urgh, darn floss! On a brighter note, they told me I have very healthy gums. :)

While I was in my visit, Lillian was called back with Adam. Since this was her first visit, they do the bare minimum with her, just to get her familiar with everything. I wasn't there, but Adam said she sat on his lap and didn't want to open her mouth. Great! Both my kids are scared of the dentist. I had a concern with Lillian's front teeth that are chipped and (I have to double check with Adam) but, the dentist said that they were of no concern to him. They are baby teeth! She got a new toothbrush and she was happy.

I scheduled my 2 visits to get my fillings and then grabbed Alexa for another go at her exam. She was a tiny little ity bity bit more relaxed, but not much. Angie convinced her to lay on the chair and she'd count her teeth with her fingers only and not the sharp pokey thing. Alexa has 19 teeth! She should have 20, but she lost one. :) Then Angie said the doctor was going to come in and count her teeth. Alexa went into panic mode again and didn't want that. But, I sat on the chair and held her and told her it would be fine. He was going to do exactly what Angie did, just count her teeth. The dentist came in and was so great with Alexa. He was enthusiastic and really good at explaining things to her. However, she still didn't let him do anything but look in her mouth and count her teeth with his fingers. We all agreed that Alexa would clean her teeth and take pictures of her teeth at her next appointment in 6 months. But, I'm still afraid that Alexa is always going to think there is a 'next time' and keep pushing it off. I asked Angie if there was a concern for Alexa being 5 and not had a proper cleaning and exam yet and she said that the cleaning was ok, but she really needed to get those x-rays done. Ugh, next time!

Alexa was able to pick a sticker and we went and found Lillian, who was so patiently waiting while Adam was getting his teeth cleaned. Since we both drove, I took the girls home for lunch and then brought them to school. Adam called when he was finished and he has 3 cavities. Wow, we are bad!! At least we finally found a good place that we both like to continue with our 6 month appointments.

Until 'next time'....

The Girl She Used To Be by David Cristofano

The Girl She Used To Be
By David Cristofano
Grand Central Publishing; $13.99

On the old 60s television show, they used to say before the start of each show “The names have been changed to protect the innocent.”

So what if you were in the Federal Witness Protection Program and you’ve had your name changed so many times that you begin to forget what your real name is?

Melody Grace McCartney likes her name, but she hasn’t been able to use it since she was six years old. That’s when she and her parents witnessed a brutal Mafia boss murder a man before their eyes, and they were whisked into the Witness Protection Program to keep them safe. Twenty years and several names later, Melody’s parents have been murdered by the same Mafioso’s henchmen, and she is tired of moving, running every time the phone rings. She has just had enough.

So she creates a false threat, hoping the marshals in charge of protecting her identity will move her someone more interesting, and they begin the process of relocating her once again. But one night in a motel room, with the Marshall supposedly next door, a man slips into her room and calls her by her real name and offers her a deal she just can’t refuse. Jonathan Bovara, son of man who started all this trouble years ago, offers Melody the one thing she longs for - her freedom and her real identity back – all she has to do is come with him to meet his father.

What could she lose? Her freedom? It was already gone. Her life? The boring, bland existence she had endured for years she could cheerfully do without in exchange for being able to live a little.

So she does the unthinkable, and takes off with Jonathan on an adventure that will have Melody in and out of Federal custody, and in and out of the arms of the one man she could easily love, but shouldn’t.

In his debut novel, “The Girl She Used To Be,” author David Cristofano has created a fascinating novel that will have readers on their edge of their seats, not knowing exactly who to cheer on – the good guys or the bad guys. But one thing is for certain, the fast-paced tale will hold your interest to the very last sentence.

Optioned for movie rights, and nominated for the prestigious Edgar Allen Poe Award, watch for “The Girl She Used To Be” to become a blockbuster success for Cristofano.

C'Monn INTER!!!

Tonight tonight TONIGHT!!!! 1.45 AM...can't wait for that time. Inter Milan, the only Italian club, who left in semifinal and have the greatest opportunity to reach final coz in the first match, they had beaten Barcelona 3-1 in San Siro, Milan. Tonight, they will face the second match in the home of Barcelona at Nou Camp. C'monn Inter!!!! you can do it, guys!! Forza ITALIA!!

ps: One of my friend in the office (Inter supporter) is wearing Inter Milan T-shirt lol...

more than all the stars

I feel the warmth of this lovely project every time i see it. This illustration is well done by Shanna Murray

joy, pray and thanks

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Sometimes our prayers are answered quickly, obviously. Other times we wait, and God answers our prayers in a much different way than we expected, sometimes much later than expected.

And other times, what we thought was the worst thing that could happen turned out to be a blessing.

We arrive at life’s greatest blessings by choosing to trust God in faith.
from: InspiredFaith

"This article saved my faith last April 22nd"

India Tour-Shila Mata Navratra Festival-Amber Fort-Jaipur.

Every Year in the month of October or November as per the Indian Calander Navrata Festival comes."Navratra" is a festival that continues for 9 Days.During these 9 days 9 different Goddesses are worshiped.This festival has a great impact in India and all over the India this festival is celebrated.In Jaipur this festival is organised at "Shila Mata" temple located in Amber Fort.People from all across Rajasthan come to visit the temple.

Amber Fort Outside View

Bhairu Baba Temple

Men Selling Traditional Sweets

Traditional Sweet "Gunji" Made up of Mawa.

Lady Saint Blessing

Colorful Clothes for Goddess

Boy in get up of Lord Shiva

Cow with six legs

Sapera-Indian Tribe Catches Snales

Snake

This Festival has got its own unique charm.

Dear Friends,

Today is a very special day.Today my Blog has completed 50 Posts and has also completed 1 successful year.In this 1 year i have find many great friends around the globe and it is all because of your blessings and care that Today Unseen Rajasthan Blog is considered as one of the Finest Blog in the Blogger.This all was possible only because of your Appreciation and ever timely support.

Unseen Rajasthan is a Brand Name today and our website is getting more than 20,000 hits daily.This is an other milestone for all of us.I would like to personally thank everyone for being there with me and making my Blog and Site Touch the heights.

Today Unseen Rajasthan is operating 6 Blogs and all are appreciated greatly.

Website:

www.unseenrajasthan.com

Blogs:

http://unseenrajasthan.blogspot.com

http://unseenrajasthanexclusive.blogspot.com

http://unseenrajasthanparanormal.blogspot.com

http://jaipurcitydailyphoto.blogspot.com

http://unseenrajasthan.com/unseenjourney/

http://unseenrajasthan.wordpress.com

Thanks once again for your support.

Helllllooooooooo!

ETA:  I know that I am late, but I have picked the winner of the goodies..............and the winner is Selma!  Congratulations Selma, be watching your mailbox.



Hi there!  I am sorry about being MIA for the last few weeks, but I have been one busy gal.  I ended up with a little inflammation in my right eye (after the cataract surgery) and really didn't feel like working on anything that needed to be looked at up close.  I am happy to say the eye is all better now.  I have been busy helping Sharon prepare for The Great Yosemite Stamp Escape that is coming up this weekend.  If you live nearby or can be in Central CA this weekend we have 5 spaces left and would love to have you join us.  Hmmm, Tosh that would be you!



So you might have noticed, I had my pal Sara make a few changes to my blog and I love them.  Soon, I will have a separate place for you to find tutorials and items for sale.  Stay tuned.



Well, if you're still here I some fun cards to share with you.  These cards were for a recent class that I taught.   In this class I wanted to show people how to use just a few colors/cardstocks to create some different looks.  On one of the cards I used a Prismacolor pencil blending technique that I have not seen anywhere else and I am working on a  tutorial to share with you before long.



For each of the cards I used a combination of the following cardstocks:  White (Neenah), Dark Pink (WWP),  Green Gingham  (Amuse) and Green and Heart print (Basic Grey).  The stamps and extras will be listed below each card.  The images were either stamped with Tuxedo Black or Rich Cocoa Memento ink.

Stamps:  cupcake and sentiment from Lockhart Stamp Company

Extras:  button, nesties, ribbon, copics, glitter, glossy accents, red spica pen, EK scalloped scallop punch

Stamp: Thanks from Hero Arts

Extras:  crochet ribbon, butterfly punchies, glitter glue, cuttlebug

The background on the white panel was created with my Scor-It board.

 Stamp:  Hedgie from Penny Black

Extras:  cuttlebug, copics, rhinestones, ribbon, MS corner and edger punches, nesties, prismacolor pencils, versamark pen, clear embossing powder.

Well, if you've stayed long enough to get to the end this post and you leave me a comment, I will put your name in a drawing for some goodies. You will have until 8:00pm PST on Thursday April 29 to leave your comment.  I will pick a winner by 8:00 am Friday April 30.

Hugs, 

Mint Juleps, Mayhem, and Murder by Sara Rosett

Being a military wife can be challenging at times, and Ellie Avery has handled the many moves and upheavals that come with her husband Mitch’s career with grace. Now stationed at Taylor Air Force Base in the pretty little town of North Dawkins, Georgia, Ellie and her family have settled in to a comfortable routine in a nice community.

It’s a happy time when Mitch’s family gathers for their annual reunion, but that joy is shattered when one of Mitch’s cousins, Alec, is shot at while out jogging. And upon arriving at the hospital with Alec, Ellie and Mitch are further shocked to find out that Mitch’s squadron commander has been strangled to death, and his wife Denise is the prime suspect.

As the clues begin to come together in both situations, Ellie can’t help but think they are related in some way. And when it appears that Mitch is the next victim on someone’s radar, Ellie kicks her nosing around into high gear. Could the culprit be the man tapped to be the next in charge of the squadron, or does someone else have an evil agenda in mind?

“Mint Juleps, Mayhem, and Murder” is Sara Rosett’s latest novel in her “Ellie Avery Mystery” series, and it is full of excitement, intrigue and Southern charm as were the previous four books. An Air Force wife herself, Rosett captures the unique lifestyle down to the tiniest detail. Her character of Ellie is also a professional organizer, and Rosett includes dozens of nifty tips throughout the book for busy moms.

Check out Sara’s website at www.sararosett.com for more information on her delightful mysteries!

Where Oh Where DId My Weekend Go?

Last Thursday Alexa had a play date with her friend Mackenzie from her old school, Parents Choice for Kids. Before she arrived, one of Alexa's other friends showed up at the door asking to play. Just like Mackenzie, Alexa hadn't seen Paige for a long time, all winter actually. So I thought, sure, the more the merrier. Then, just as Mackenzie and her Mom arrived, Mike pulled into the driveway with the second load of our bunk beds. With the kids running all over the place, screaming and jumping because they were so excited to see each other, plus Chip barking and being crazy, seeing all the new faces - it was chaos!! It was a beautiful night, too nice to be inside, but where did the kids want to play? INSIDE!! So, Nicole and I sat inside and visited while the kids all played downstairs.
Adam had a draft party with his kids at one of the parks, so he didn't get home til quite late, which turned out to be an ok thing, as the girls were pretty wound up. I took them on a bike ride just to calm them down a bit before taking them inside for bed. I was too exhausted to give them a bath. I fell asleep on the couch watching HGTV. I heard Adam come in and could tell he was upset about something to do with the Vikings and their pick or their lack of pick or trade or whatever it is they did or didn't do.
I picked up a pizza Friday before coming home for dinner. Adam was out in the garage working on painting the bunk beds. We was in a crabby mood to say the least. I think he underestimated his talent and didn't think the painting was going to go that smooth. He continued to work on it after we ate and the girls and I were saved of his crabbiness by going over to jump on the trampoline with James, Tori, her friend Erika and Inna. Alexa played Sandman with the older girls and Lilli jumped and played on the swings. It was absolutely freezing and starting to rain, so we went back to see how Adam was doing. Things were going better and he was in a much better mood, thank goodness. I took the girls in for a bath and let them watch TV naked for a little while. I had a list of things I wanted to get done over the weekend and cleaning the fridge was one of them, so I started that while the girls were content in front of the TV. Then I heard a "HI DAWN" come from the garage door. I peaked down and there was Jamie from across the street. Her and Dave had just gotten back from their softball games and saw Adam out in the garage. I quickly dressed the kids, put the food back in the fridge and went out to the garage. We all hung out while Adam painted. It was an absolute blast. I love our neighbors. The night was filled with hilarious comments and laughter and a little drama. Let's just say Adam and Jamie scared the pants off a potty mouthed teenager and hopefully taught him a few things..mainly NOT TO MESS WITH THE FAMILIES ON 186TH STREET!!
Jamie and I called it a night early, but Adam and Dave hung out in the man cave until wee hours of the morning, painting and talking about guy stuff.
Adam and I were both so exhausted Saturday morning. Lillian woke up early. She was hungry! She must be going through a growth spurt right now. She is constantly hungry and has been restless through the night. So, I got up and made French toast. We worked on cleaning up the house, and taking Alexa's bed apart. We had sold Lillian's toddler bed on Craig's List Friday night, but needed to take Alexa's down so we could move in the bunk beds. Alexa's bed has been sold and will be picked up this upcoming weekend. Adam ran to the hardware store to pick up a few nuts and bolts that were missing from the bunk bed and the girls and I got dressed and ready for the day. We met Benny and Amanda at McDonald's for lunch in Apple Valley, picked the girls up a movie and back home to move in the beds. Adam and I worked all afternoon on it. Tori saved us by taking Chip and the girls to the park. It was nice to be able to work and get things set up without the girls in the way. We had the beds and the dresser set up in about 3 or 4 different ways before getting it in just the right position for the room to be fully functional. We had the room all set up and clean before they got home so we could surprise them. They were both so surprised and absolutely loved their new beds. They both went straight for the ladder and climbed up on Alexa's top bunk. Lillian learned quickly that she can't jump on the top bunk or she'll hit her head on the ceiling and jumping on her bed isn't so fun either, as she'll hit her head on Alexa's bed. Silly girl! They were both very happy and that's all that mattered to me. All the hard work for Adam to paint it, haul it in and set it up paid off seeing how happy they were. I cuddled with Lillian on her big bottom bunk and she just giggled and wiggled with excitement.

New Beds

Jamie, Dave and the kids stopped over to see it and stayed long enough for Adam to con Dave into wiring cable out to our TV in the garage. Jamie and I watched LA INK and made popcorn and turtle bars. When they left I was able to put the girls to bed in their new bunks. We all cuddled in Lillian's bed and read stories until they were drowsy enough to agree it was time to sleep. Alexa crawled up her ladder and snuggled herself in. I kissed her and rubbed her back and then did the same with Lilli. It took less than 2 minutes and they were both sound asleep. I joined Adam and Dave who were out in the garage watching the Twins and started painting a mirror that I wanted to put in the girls' room.
Alexa had a play date with Maddie Sunday morning and Adam and I took Lil to get groceries. We worked on getting stuff ready for our garage sale and did some more cleaning and organizing and reorganizing. It felt like non stop work work work all weekend. It went by so quickly.
We invited Mike, Inna, Tori and James over for dinner to thank Mike for picking up the bunk beds for us in Stillwater. Adam made delicious enchilada's, rice, beans, guacamole and pico de gayo. We had a great time. The kids played, Alexa and Tori made up a dance, James played with Chip, Lillian read books. It was great.
Adam always gives Inna a hard time about her Russian accent, so when she saw that he misspelled "Shrek" on the kids' DVD, she took the opportunity to give him some crap, which started a spell-a-thon between Tori (12 years old), Inna (a Russian) and Adam (a Mexican). I gave them each a sentence to spell and then counted their mistakes. Inna and Tori both had 4 mistakes and Adam had EIGHT! It was hilarious! Inna said that Adam can no longer give her crap on her accent because he can't spell.
Again, so exhausted when they left. It was such another whirl wind busy weekend that flew by way too fast. Adam and I didn't even have the energy to put the girls to bed. We got them in their jammies and all laid together on the couch. When we discovered that was too uncomfortable, we got up and put the girls in their beds. Lillian wanted me to sing to her, and I agreed to only if she sang with me. It was the most precious thing hearing her sing and watching her fall asleep at the same time. I love my girls.
Even though it seemed to be a hectic weekend without any relaxation time, we accomplished A LOT. The girls have brand new beds, my laundry is completely done, the toy shelves in the basement are cleaned and organized (who knows how long they'll stay that way..but..), we have a huge head start on our garage sale stuff, I finished cleaning the fridge and we have groceries for the week. Whew!
Adam made the comment to me that he was sad he didn't hang out with the girls much this weekend because we were so busy with other things. So, I told him to relax with them and have a great time this morning...and he did. He is by far the best Daddy in the whole world. His little girls absolutely adore him. They have him so wrapped around their little tiny fingers, he has no idea.

Alexa reading to Lillian while she finishes her breakfast.

Lillian slept in until 9am this morning.

Daddy gave the girls tubbies this morning.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

Boy, Monday came around quickly this time! I did get a lot of reading done, but I was also lured outdoors to play in my garden. Well, I say play, it was working getting the flower beds ready for spring, but I loved every minute of it.

What I Read:

Sprinkle With Murder: A Cupcake Bakery Mystery by Jenn McKinlay

Farm Fresh Murder: A Farmer's Market Mystery by Paige Shelton

Hope's Child by Helen R. Myers

The Last Time I Saw You by Elizabeth Berg

Murder of A Wedding Belle by Denise Swanson

Necessary Heartbreak by Michael J. Sullivan

Horns by Joe Hill


What I'm Currently Reading:

The Goddess of Fried Okra by Jean Brashear

What I'm Going To Read:

The Icing On The Cupcake by Jennifer Ross

How High The Moon by Sandra King

Murder She Wrote: Nashville Noir by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain

The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker

Crimes By Moonlight by Mystery Writers of America (multi-authors)


Well, that ought to keep me busy for a while! What are you reading this week?

This is a part of a wonderful meme sponsored by my sweet book buddy, Sheila at One Person's Journey Through The World of Books. Check out her blog at:
http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/2010/04/26/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-33/

Winners of the Spring Cozy Mystery Giveaway!

Congratulations to the winners of my Spring Cozy Mystery Giveaway!






Winners were chosen using Random.org.

Lori and Heather, please contact me with your mailing addresses and I will get your cozy mystery packages ready to mail! (email me at sharonc76308@yahoo.com)

There were 92 entries in this giveaway! Thank you to everyone who came by, who became followers, and who left such sweet messages! I love sharing my love of reading with others who like the same type of books I do!

which one do u choose?

without God, our week is:
Mournday, Tearsday, Wasteday, Thirstday, Fightday, Shatterday & Sinday.

have a GR8 WEEK, guys =)

Browsing From Weekend III

See this photo a little longer then u will laugh a little longer lol
that twins must be so afraid to their "smiling" big bro :D

Oh yeah!!! A great campaign for the sleepers :D
anyway, where's the place to buy that alarm?

One (or two?) of my blogger friends must be hysterical
when see this stuffs

The most wanted pills on earth!

This is how it works...Sooooooooooooooooooooo beautiful =)