Hippity Hop!

One of my definite favorite blogs is "Kristin's Creations". She has the most exquisite taste and is so talented. I've purchased several items from her and they are always as fabulous in person as they look online. If she lived in Texas, I would beg her to come decorate my home! Lucky for us, she is sharing her great eye with us and hosting a Spring Giveaway. And, of course, in true Kristin style - the items she has personally chosen to give away are precious! For a chance to win these items, go check out Kristin's blog - but I won't wish you too much luck, because I want to win them! ;o)

Happy Birthday, Baby!

My not-so-little girl turned 10 years old last week and it was a week full of celebrations!

Happy Bday To Me~

Is that rude? Oh well! Today is my 41st birthday. Kinda wanted to keep this one low key, but I'm receiving so many sweet calls and funny emails and invitations for lunch and dinner - I'm starting to feel kinda festive now! Not that turning 41 bothers me. I'm not one of those gals that freaked out when I turned 40. It's nothing but a number to me. But, after everyone made such a huge deal out of my birthday last year, I just kinda feel awkward doing it all over again! I don't like to be the center of attention (any more - I did when I was a young whipper snapper!). But, you know what? If my friends and family want to shower me with love and attention today - oh heck! Why not let 'em?!?

Creating New Memories

My Dad passed away November 18th, 2006 - the weekend before Thanksgiving and one month before Christmas. Those were difficult times. In 2007, the sadness from his loss was still there and I have to admit, completely overshadowed our Christmas celebration. This year, I made a real effort to create new memories so we weren't just always talking about memories from previous Christmases when Dad was still with us. Don't get me wrong, I still want to remember and even talk about it - but we need some new, happy memories in my family at this point. For all of us, especially my daughter who was devastated by the loss of her Pawpaw.

One of the things I did was to order t-shirts for all of us to sleep in so that on Christmas morning it would give the illusion that we were wearing matching p.j.'s. I've always thought that was such a cute notion, but when I checked into Christmas pajamas - yikes! It was going to be pretty pricey to deck us all out - all being myself, the hubby, my daughter, my Mom and my youngest sister. They spend the night with us every Christmas Eve so that they can experience Christmas morning with my daughter. Isn't that sweet? I think so!

So, time to get thrifty. I love me a good "find things on the cheap" challenge! I discovered Zazzle on the internet. Have any of you discovered Zazzle? It's so much fun! You can create your own personalized stuff! T-shirts, bags, hoodies, mugs, stamps, cards, even skateboards! Crazy, huh? With a little sprinkle of this and a splattering of that, I created personalized Christmas t-shirt p.j.'s for the whole family for waaaaaaaaaay cheaper than p.j. sets would have been. Complete with nicknames and all!

We have a brand spankin' new memory filled with silliness, joy and laughter!

(Photo #1 & 2 from left to right: My Mom "Mimi", my daughter "Peanut Brittle", my youngest sister "Sash")

BonBon Boutique / Lauren Nicole Gifts GIVEAWAY

One of my favorite blogs, BonBon Boutique, is hosting a GIVEWAY from LAUREN NICOLE GIFTS. One lucky reader will receive an adorable monogrammed belt (this blue python fabric is my personal favorite!).

Just stroll on over and visit Lauren Nicole Gifts and take a looksy at her belts, then visit BonBon and leave her a comment telling her what your favorite fabric design is. The giveaway ends Tuesday, January 27th and Random.org will be choosing the winner. Ooh, one more thing: if you post a link on your blog, you get an extra entry into the giveway! Can't be that! Good luck - well, kind of - I really want to win this one!

Inauguration Day

Wow, it's finally here. It felt like the campaign would never end. Seems as if it went on for years; well, I guess it did! Finally, it's Inauguration Day. And, although I did not vote for the man who will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States I am hopeful that he can make the changes our country so desperately needs to heal and move forward. With so much of the country feeling such enthusiasm for the changes he is promising, I can't help but think if we all catch that feeling REAL change CAN be made. I am completely aware and humbled at the fact that Barack Obama will be our nation's first black President and find myself feeling weepy watching the news coverage. God bless you and give you the wisdom and patience that is needed to rule this diverse country, President Obama.

Happy 2009!

Can you believe it's 2009?!?!?! Another year has come and gone and I'm left thinking: What did I accomplish? I'm thinking a big, fat NOTHING! So, this year I am determined to be more motivated. I usually don't make New Year's resolutions, but I'm thinking it's a must this year. So, here goes! My initial list (which is liable to change a million times!):

• Move more (i.e. spend less time on the computer and more time being active!)
• Be a better Mom (i.e. make lots more memories and create more special moments with my beautiful daughter who deserves nothing less - I've always tried to do this, but this year I'm going to make even more!)
• Be a better Wife (i.e. do a better job of making Hubby feel special and tell him more how much he is appreciated)
• Complete unfinished projects (which I have a million of around my home)
• Be more forgiving (this is a hard one for me - I can hold a grudge, that's for sure)

Well, that's my starter list. Pardon me while I pray: "God, give me strength to become the person you want me to be in 2009 and beyond. Draw me closer to you. You have blessed me in so many ways; I have a beautiful daughter, a wonderful hardworking husband, a comfortable home - this year I want to show you how thankful I am for these gifts you've given me. I pray for more patience, and pray for your patience with me. Amen."

LET THE BAKING BEGIN!

I've always wanted to have a girlfriend over and bake together. I just always thought that sounded like so much fun. Especially during the holidays. What a wonderful way to get into the spirit. Well, I'm 40 years old and my "dream" is finally coming true! Now, keep in mind: I don't like sweets (apparently that means I'm weird because EVERYone tells me so!) so therefore I don't do much baking. But, I have a secret weapon! THERESA!! Theresa & I have known each other since elementary school, been friends since high school (what took so long? I'll save that story for another post!), and it just so happens she is a fabulous cook and baker. She travels a lot for business, so it's never worked out before that she could fit it into her schedule to come over and bake with me.

We don't have tons of time, so we've kept out menu pretty simple (well, simple to HER): reindeer chow, banana crumb bread, and sugar cookies. I'm so excited that, for once, I'll be able to present beautifully wrapped (that's MY specialty!) baked goods to my neighbors. Every year my sweet neighbors bring plates of goodies to our home and I always think about doing it myself... and then never do, of course. I'm a horrible procrastinator. I'm the person who is locked in the guest room late on Christmas Eve wrapping Christmas gifts. I know, I should seek help, seriously.

Well, wish us luck and let the baking begin!

I have noone to blame but myself

My first teeny little bloggy post! Yea for me! But, at least I'm moving in the right direction. Right? Anyhoo... A few days ago I was freaking out about the economy and thinking I should be more practical about my gift giving this year. Because, just let me say, I LOVE Christmas. I love giving gifts that I have thought long and hard over and fretted and worried and lost sleep over worrying if the person will love it or not - or imagining the look of happiness on their face when the wrapping is ripped off and the gift is exposed... oh, the joy of that moment! But, this year I was willing to attempt to be practical and not spend a small fortune on the people in my life that I love so very much and wish I could afford to give EVERYTHING their hearts ever desired. So, I emailed my Mom and my 2 sisters and proposed that we place a dollar limit on gifts this year. I proposed "maybe $20? $25?", feeling oh so proud of myself and how practical and thrifty I was being. Well, as it turns out, they bullied me into NO GIFTS AT ALL!!!! What?!?!?!? None? Nada? Zero? Oh my gosh! What am I gonna do? Of course, there's the children. We'll still buy for them. But, I have one daughter, the middle sister has one son, and my little sister has a cat. Christmas morning is going to be over in like 2 minutes!!! No "oh my gosh's!" or "I LOVE its" or "I can't wait to use/wear it's"... Now I guess I'll just have to find happiness in the "we're so happy to have each other" moment and all that crap. Note to self: Don't even MENTION gifts next year!

Get ready... Get set... JUMP!

I have been reading other blogs for so long - always wishing I had the guts to start my own. I've started to several times, only to hit "cancel" at the last minute. Well, today's the day! I finally took the plunge! I LOVE reading other women's blogs and, hey, I might have something to say every now and then, too! So, here I go. Hopefully I don't crash and burn and hopefully it doesn't put everyone to sleep - although a learning curve definitely has to be taken into consideration! So, if anyone bothers to even read this - please be patient and feel free to share any helpful hints you might have. And, most of all.... PRAY!