It's a Win Win for Everyone!

My friend, Julie, gave me the heads up about this event in Oakwood and I wanted to pass along the details to my readers. 

You see, I have A LOT of friends who are in the adoption world, which is AWESOME!  I sincerely believe that God uses Adoption to change lives in all kinds of ways.  Of course, there is the obvious, but He uses it also to grow people's hearts, to challenge their faith in new ways, and to show us a picture of the kind of love He has for us.  I have seen lots of families become whole through the process of adoption, and it has been truly amazing!

So when Julie told me about this fundraiser, called Molly's Shower of Hope, to benefit the adoption of a nine-year-old little girl named Molly from China, I was glad to help in any way I could. 

Maureen and Bill Wagner felt called to adopt Molly last fall, and while there is definitely a cost involved in adopting, there are additional expenses for Molly due to the medical needs she will face.  Molly is in a wheelchair due to muscle atrophy in her arms and legs, and will require medical attention and therapy once she is here.  All proceeds from this event will help cover medical expenses.

So tomorrow, Sunday May 1st, the fundraiser will be held at 118 E. Dixon Ave. in Oakwood, OH at the home of Linda Woods from 1-4pm.  This will be a time to socialize with friends while shopping and taking part in various raffles.  And the raffles sound GREAT!  Just take a look at these:

Raffle #2:  Homestyle Meal and Irish Jokes – what could be more fun?

·         Papa Bob’s Crockpot dinner for four (priceless)

·         12 pack of Smithwick's

Raffle #3:  Take Me Out to the Ballpark

·         Six tickets to Dayton Dragons game, upper deck directly behind home plate, Sunday June 5^th at 2:00, donated by Jennifer and Bill Almoney

·         Various Dragons fan gear, and a Dewey’s pizza gift certificate ($30)

Raffle #4:  Cincinnati Reds Fanatic

·         Four Club Section tickets for Wednesday May 18^th 7:10pm game with parking pass ($225+)

·         Two Reds players autographed prints (Ryan Hanigan and George Foster, priceless for the avid fan)

·         Reds straw hat, water bottle, slinky, and ladies t-shirt

·         And, to make it a truly Cincinnati experience, a Skyline basket ($30)

Raffle #5:  Nuts about the Nutcracker

·         Four tickets to the Dayton Ballet’s 2011 Nutcracker, you pick the date ($200+ value)

·         Gift certificate for lunch or dinner at The Dayton Racquet Club donated by Maria and Vince Russell

·         And, for your own ballerina, a handmade tutu and wand from The Mystic Moor ($40 value)

Raffle #6:  Ladies, Pamper Yourselves

·         Annette White Holistic Health Counseling, three hour package including an in-depth health assessment, a one-hour food consultation and a one-hour lifestyle consultation (priceless)

·         Holistic health gift basket

·         Makeover, anti aging cleanser, unwrinkled pads, canvas bag, and candle donated by Preen

·         One hour massage, Tudor Day Spa ($70)

·         Yoga card from Practice Yoga donated by Dr. Kristy Zechiel

Raffle #7:  Too much coffee?  Red wine?

·         Oral B supersonic toothbrush ($125) and Whitening System (impressions, trays, & whitening compound to do at home, $350)  donated by Dr. Zak Hallock

Raffle #8:  Mom’s Treat

·         Eden Salon – woman’s cut and style and assortment of Aveda products ($60+)

·         Jewelry by D’sign, handcrafted sterling silver beaded bracelet ($50)

·         Stephanie Dawn Bags (tote, wallet and cosmetic case, $80)

·         Organize-it-All 3 hours of personal organizing services, ($120)

Raffle #9:  Date Night

·         Siam Pad Thai gift certificate ($25)

·         Two bottles Sterling Vintner’s Collection 2009 Chardonnay

Raffle #10:  Revive Your New Year’s Resolution

·         Nutrition consultations as needed, Lori Kelch (priceless)

·         Fusion Fitness Bootcamp or Personal Training ($50 gift certificate)

·         EAT Food for Life Farm – 10 lbs local, organic, grass-fed meat ($100+)

·         Chiropractic Health and Wellness Center Complete Evaluation ($150)

Raffle #11:  Beauty Begins Here

·         An amazing Arbonne basket donated by Erica Kovach ( $250)

Raffle #12:  Pink Power

·         Mary Kay gift basket donated by Tina Frantz

·         Vintage jewelry bracelet/necklace (can wear as either, $60)

Raffle #13:  Girls Night Out

·         Meadowlark gift certificate ($50)

·         Wine gift box donated by Michele Schoen

Raffle #14:  Experiencing God’s Grace

·         Gift basket from Common Ground Coffee Shop at Fairhaven Church, including a pound of coffee, the books Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby, Seasons of Grace by Beverly Lewis, and Total Abandon by Gary Witherall and more ($50+)

·         Wild Olive Tees (see co-hosts wearing one of the many designs), $25

·         An Angel for You by PJ Armocida

Raffle #15:  Spread the Word

·         Ahni art canvas, God’s word for God’s world, ($45-60) donated by Amy Kirk

·         Wild Olive Tees (see co-hosts wearing one of the many designs), $25

Raffle #16:  Dress Them Up While You Can

·         Kid’s haircut, Vanity hair salon

·         Detangling spray, Vanity hair salon

·         Handmade hair bows by Karen Wonders from the Maple Tree Cancer Alliance

·         Girls Mom and Me smocked summer dress, size 2T ($42)

·         Boys Mom and Me smocked summer romper, size 3T ($42)

Raffle #17:  Celebrate the Ones You Love

·         Family Portrait Package, Red Leaf Photography including sitting fee, one 8x10, one 5x7 and two 4x5s ($245)

Raffle #18:  Kid’s Birthday?  It’s Done!

·         Milano’s gift certificate ($25)

·         One hour of face painting for birthday party from JOY Entertainment, ($80)

Raffle #19:  Math Rescue

·         Five hours of math tutoring by Heidi Acuna ($125+)

Raffle #20:  House Need a Spruce Up?

·         Peach Orchard Design, two hours interior design service with Cindy McHugh ($100)

·         Planter from Oakwood Florist

Raffle #21:  Dream it Up

·         Lula Bell “Dreams do Come True” original art ($50)

·         SPARK Art Studio, one five-week session children’s art class ($50)

·         Kitty cat craft kit donated by Blue Turtle Toys ($15)

Raffle Ticket Prices:

$50 for 10

$25 for 4

$10 for 1

For every $50 spent on raffle tickets, get one blue ticket to enter door prize drawings:

1.       2:30 pm:  Two bottles of Hazlitt wine from the Finger Lakes Region

2.      3:00 pm:  Dorothy Lane Market gift card ($25) & bottle of 2007 Epicurean Bistro Grenache

3.       3:30 pm:  Starbucks gift box including French press coffee maker, 1 lb coffee, 2 mugs and coffee scoop ($65)

It only takes 1 Ticket to Win, and participants don't need to be present to win!  Plus, there are Silent Auction Items!  These include:

1.       Hilton Head Vacation – Minimum bid $500

Up to 10 days in a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo 2 blocks from the beach and right on the bike path.  This is a private condo rented only to family and friends, so many 2011 dates are still available! ($1200+ value)

2.      Mickelson and Woods Golf Outing – Minimum bid $150

Need a Father’s Day Gift?  Golf hat autographed by four time major winner Phil Mickelson ($100 value) and a round of golf for three at NCR Country Club plus lunch with the other golfer named Woods…Kevin that is, of 118 E. Dixon Ave ($210 value)

3.       I70 Poles – Minimum bid $250

Original oil painting by local artist Annica Damico ($500 value)

4.      Sangria and Small Plates – Minimum bid $400

Dinner for eight hosted at the Hick residence by Kelly & Eric Hick, Stephanie and Sean Geehan and Margot and John Hadley (priceless) AND five hours babysitting from each of four babysitters: Sarah Geehan, Grace Geehan, Sarah Moulton and Allie Beach ($200)

As you can see, this event is definitely a WIN, WIN!  The Wagoner's get to bring their beautiful daughter Molly back to her Forever Family and you get some Fantastic Prizes!  I hope you can stop by, but if you can't but would like to purchase raffle tickets, please contact Linda Woods at lwoods@woh.rr.com

If you would like to donate, but cannot attend, you can make a donation to Molly's Hope Fund and mail to The Wagner's at 103 Spirea Dr. Dayton, OH 45419.

Papa Johns Giveaway!

One of my family's favorite things is Family Pizza Movie Night.  Usually, this takes place on a Friday, but we have also done Saturday's and the occasional Sunday evening, (we're Crazy like that...).

Most of the time we get our movie from the Library, (which is FREE...and you KNOW how I love FREE!).  But Redbox is also a great deal, and since they are just about everywhere, it's also very convenient.  Other options we have taken advantage of are On Demand (Pay-Per-View), a movie we own but haven't seen in a while, OR a movie I recorded on the DVR for just such an occasion.

Now, the other important element in our Movie Night is the PIZZA!  It just doesn't sound as cool when you say 'Casserole Movie Night' or 'Baked Chicken Movie Night', and since we are definitely the coolest family in town (you've figured that out by now haven't you?), we have to get Pizza!

We are a little picky about our pizza choices here, and since we all have different tastes, it sometimes makes our decision a little difficult. 

My husband won't eat any pizza with veggies, which happens to be my favorite.  And Addy always insists on Pineapple, and Faith only wants cheese.  We also have varying opinions on crust.  I like thin crust (think Marions or La Rosa's).  Jeremy likes a good tossed crust, and Addy likes Pan pizza.  Faith only eats the toppings off of her pizza, so if there were a pizza with no crust, that would be her choice.

So what we do most of the time is mix it up.  One week we do Jet's Pizza, which has a really good pan (they call it deep dish), and we do half pepperoni and half cheese.  Then another week we do La Rosa's and use a buy 1 get 1 free coupon (always available on their website!).  And if you are ordering La Rosa's then you MUST order the Boneless Barbecue Wings!  They use Montgomery Inn Sauce and they are AMAZING! 

But the pizza we come back to most often is Papa Johns!

Everyone in the family is happy with Papa Johns.  We either get 2, (when we have a coupon of course), or we get 1 Extra Large, half Pineapple and half Pepperoni.  And if we're really feeling like livin' on the edge, we add bread sticks which the girls LOVE (there is just something about dipping sauce...)!

And I must admit, we have never had a bad experience with Papa Johns.  They get it right every time, and consistency is something this momma really appreciates. 

So, to get you started with your own Family Pizza Movie Night, I am giving away a $20 Gift Card to Papa John's Pizza!  There are a few way's to enter, but make sure to leave a comment for each one!  And don't forget that you can enter MORE THAN ONCE!

1. Sign up to Follow My blog (you will need to create a blogger account if you don't already have one)

2. Link this Giveaway on your Facebook

3. Link this Giveaway on your Twitter

4. Visit the Papa Johns Facebook Page and 'Like' it (make sure to leave a comment on my blog to let me know you did it)

5. Leave a comment about this Giveaway on the Papa Johns Facebook Page (again, leave a comment here too!).

6. Comment on how much you want to win this Giveaway OR about your favorite Papa Johns Pizza.

7. Comment on your own Family Movie Night traditions.

But Hurry, because you only have through Thursday to enter.  Winner will be announced on the blog next Friday  Good Luck!.

Garage Sale Diva

Today is the first day of the Annual Centerville City Wide Garage Sales.  They run today thru Saturday and I am beyond EXCITED!

I LOOOOOVE going to garage sales.  You can find the best deals, and who doesn't love a bargain...especially when you get to hunt it down and then haggle over the price?

I mean, really, who can resist a 400 piece Snoopy collection?  OR, a Never-Been-Out-Of-The-Box Menudo doll set? 

Addy is in school today, and Faith is with her Granny, so I am spending the ENTIRE day out with a friend hitting up as many Garage Sales as two mommas can find.  And oh there will be many!!

But I actually like taking the girls with me to garage sales, and it happens to be one of their favorite Spring/Summer activities too.

We load up the van with snacks, juice and some toys and I give them each a little money to spend (usually between $2-$5), and we head out.  It's a lot of fun for all of us, and it helps to teach them about how to spend your money wisely, (For example, don't spend all your money on Barbie's and Movies when we're still on the lookout for daddy's Father's Day gift!  Yes people, he is a LUCKY man!). 

So if you aren't a Garage Sale Diva yet, give it a try, and even get the kids in on the action.  Because a family who Garage Sales together...wears used clothes together :)

.31 cent scoops of Ice Cream at Baskin Robbins today!

Today at Baskin Robbins, you can get a .31 cent scoop of ice cream to help firefighters!  Their website says 5-10pm, but you may want to call and check your local store to make sure they are participating and the exact hours.  A special thanks to my friend Stephanie for letting me know about this great deal so that I could pass it on to you!

Also, don't forget to check out the Baskin Robbins site here and sign up for free ice cream on your birthday!

So go ahead, and get your scoop on!

An Indoor Idea

Last week we wanted to get together with some friends for a play date.  Usually we would go to the park for that.  But if you live in Ohio, then you know that it has been raining.

And raining.

And raining.

It has seemed, at times, like we would need to start building an ark.  But I am holding off on that for now, and trusting that dryer days will come. 

(But I may start pricing wood just in case...)

(BTW, what kind of wood do you need to build an ark?)

ANYHOW, since a park date was not an option, I was thinking that we would need to meet at a fast food play area again.

(Is it bad when the Chick-fil-a people start to know you by name?)

But my friend told me about this church that has an indoor play area that is open to the public from 11-4 Monday thru Friday.  What?  How have I never known about this until now?  This is a GENIUS idea!

So on Thursday we met at Stillwater United Methodist Church on Fredrick Pike.  We brought lunches, (they have tables available to eat at from those who want to use them), and then the kids took off into the play area while the mommies found a place to sit and chat. We stayed for about 2 hours and Faith had a great time, and so did momma!  They had a huge tunnel/slide thing (think McDonalds), and then they also had play houses, play kitchens, and benches for younger kids or for when the older ones want to be a little more creative.

I seriously am always saying that a REAL restaurant, (not just fast food) should have play areas.  That way, parents can go and enjoy a nice meal, that doesn't include chicken nuggets and fries, and kids can have a fun time too.  But doing it at a church is even better!  We can bring our own lunch, if we want, and it's FREE!!! 

The only down side is that it's not very close to where I live.  It took me about 20 minutes to get there, which isn't horrible, but not ideal either. 

If you are out that way, or are up for a short drive, I highly suggest checking it out.  Here is the link to the church if you want more info.

Memory Monday...The Day Trip From You Know Where

So I thought today would be a great day for us all to share our worst vacation/trip stories.  I'll go first.

I was about 9 and my dad took me, my younger sister, and my cousin to Kings Island for the day.  Sounds like a good idea, right? 

The day started off nice, but on our way there, the rain started pouring out of the sky, and showed no signs of stopping.  After we paid to park, we had to wait in the car for about 30 minutes until there was a break in the rain so that we could make a run for it.  We didn't get far because half way up to the gate, it started raining again and we had to wait under a bus shelter. 

He probably should have gotten back in his car and gone home at this point.  I know I would have.

But the rain let up and we headed inside to get some food.  My dad decided that he wanted to eat at the restaurant at the very back of the park.  So we trekked all the way back and then I announced that I didn't feel good and wanted to go home. 

Now, for those who don't know, when I was a little girl, I threw up ALL THE TIME.  So when I said I didn't feel good, people generally took it seriously and didn't waste time getting me to the facilities.  So my dad decided we should probably just head home and started walking back to the front of the park.  But just as we reached the entrance area, I told him I felt better and wanted to stay.  Again, he *should* have had the better sense to just call it a day.  But he didn't.

We made our way to the back of the park again and had lunch.  After that, we wanted to go on some rides, and as we made our way towards them, my dad turned around to see me and my cousin, but not my sister.  She was no where to be found.

We looked all over, and even had to get security involved.  My dad was starting to get really nervous, and then we got word that a little girl matching her description was at the Lost child area.  When we arrived, there she was, playing checkers with the worker.  My dad didn't know whether to hug her or choke her.  It turns out that she had stopped to tie her shoe, but failed to tell anyone, and when she looked up, we were all gone.

After that, we decided to have a strict buddy system.

We rode some rides, and then I noticed that they were having an Air Supply concert at TimberWolf.  I begged my dad to let us go, and he eventually said yes, and bought us all tickets.

We took our seats, which were near the back, and the show started.  And since this was my first concert experience, I was having the time of my life.  And oh yes, I was the 9-year-old girl in the back, standing on the bench style seat, waving her hands in the air.  The ONLY one in our section standing up.  Waving her hands.  My sister was Totally embarrassed.  But I was in "We're All Out Of Love" heaven, and it was AWSEOME!  And then the storms came.

The show was cancelled, and the park was closing, so we again waited under a shelter until it was safe enough to make a run for the car.  By the time we made it, we were completely soaked, and ready to be home.

But you didn't think it would be that easy did you?

So on the way home, my dad starts experiencing car trouble, and the car totally dies on the side of the rode.  Here he is with three young, wet kids, on a Sunday night, before cell phones.  Fun times.

He waited until a police officer rolled up and called a tow truck for him.  When the truck came, we all piled in and he took us back to the garage, (which was closed).  Fortunately, there was a convenience store across the street that was open, and my dad handed us cash and told us to go get some snacks while he figured out a plan.  Eventually, he got in touch with his girl friend and she came and got us, and we *finally* made it home. 

So this was definitely one of my "Worst Trips" stories.  What are yours?  Everyone has one...so come on and share!  We all could use a good laugh :)

Photos from Easter

The girls had a great Easter weekend!  Unfortunately, I was sick for most of Saturday and all of Sunday :(

But the fun went on, and it didn't impact the weekend for the girls.  Here are a few pictures from an Egg Hunt on Saturday and Sunday morning stuff.

 Faith Gathering Eggs

 Faith with the goods

 It was a muddy morning, and Addy had the clothes to prove it

    Fun in the Bounce House

 Faith getting her face painted

                                                              Addy with the Easter Bunny

Addy and Faith at The Egg Hunt

 The Girls' Easter Baskets

 Easter Morning Treats

Their Easter Church dresses

Thoughts on Grace

For many years, I wondered why they called the Friday before Easter, "Good" Friday. 

I grew up in church, so I knew it was the day we celebrated, (if that's what you want to call it), the day that Jesus died on the cross.  But what I didn't understand was why it was suppose to be "Good".

After all, he was beaten beyond what we could imagine.  He was mocked.  He was made to carry a huge cross on his back, and they actually drove nails into his hands and feet as they nailed him to that cross.  What is so "Good" about that?

But let me take a step back.

As I said before, I grew up in church.  And it was a Southern Baptist church, so that means we were pretty much there whenever the doors were unlocked, (and that was A Lot!).  All of my Sundays were spent going to Sunday school and then to Worship Service.  We sang hymns and choruses and I memorized plenty of Bible verses.

And on one Sunday, when I was twelve, I walked down the aisle and prayed a prayer and asked Jesus into my heart.  Soon after, I was baptized.

Now this all sounds well and good, and it was for the most part.  I believed that Jesus was God's only Son.  I believed that I was a sinner.  I believed that he died for my sins so that I could have a personal relationship with him and I wanted to accept that gift of undeserved grace.  Yes, I believed all of that.  The only problem is that while I believed all of that, I had no idea what it actually meant for my life.

Cut to a few years later when I was in complete rebellion of my parents and to an outsider, it would probably have appeared that I was doing pretty much everything I could to ruin my own life.  I won't go into all the details, but it wasn't good, and I was far from God.

But here's the "Good" part.  Even though I was doing everything I could to make a mess out of my life, I had already given my life to God, so it wasn't my own anymore, and He chased me.  As fast as I ran away, He ran after me.  Every bad thing I did, He was right there convicting me.  Every time I told Him, "I don't care what happens", His spirit whispered, "I do".  And guess who won?

Eventually, I realized that His love was so much bigger than anything I had done.  It was big enough to cover all of me, and every bad choice I had made.  It was real, and pure, and it was the truth.  Finally, I understood what the gift of His grace meant it my life.  It meant that I was saved.  I was saved from myself, and all the damage I could do.  I was saved from having a life apart from Him and His love.

And the only way that I am able to experience any of this is because over 2000 years ago, Jesus was willing to take on all of my sin upon himself.  Every bad thing I ever did, (or will do), He was punished for.  And not only my sin, but that of the whole world.  He was blameless, yet He suffered and died for me, for you, for all of us. And while this may seem harsh and cruel and horrible, it is actually Very, Very GOOD.  Because if He had not done this, there would be no gift of grace to accept, and that grace is beyond Good...it is everything!

Momma Friends

For stay-at home mommies, having good momma friends is a MUST!  It's like our lifeline to normal. 

They understand when they call at 1pm and you say you haven't showered yet.

They don't judge you when your kid throws themselves on the ground and begins to scream, "You don't care about me!".

They totally agree with you when you explain how it makes sense to eat chocolate when dieting.

They lie to you and tell you how cute you look in your tattered old shirt that you know you need to throw out, but can't because it is so comfy and makes you feel good, (stains and all!).

They don't ever make you feel like you are less than, even though you are totally envious of their wonderfully fabulous life.

Some name a room after you in their basement because you know you are always welcome.

They will pick up your kids from school when you are too lazy to do it yourself.

They don't look at you like your crazy when you suggest that all of you should vacation together, kids and all, (even when it's an RV trip across the country!)

They are always up for play dates because they know that a play date for the kids really means time for us to chat and drink coffee, (and feel like we have a life).

Some have special pet names for you so that when you answer the phone and hear it, you know exactly who it is, and you smile.

They will call and check on you when you are going through a rough time, and even send a meal.

They get your crazy obsession with Twilight and don't make you feel like a weirdo for being in love with a vampire, (because they are in love with him too).

They offer to help bake goodies for your kids school so you don't have to stay up all night and do it all by yourself.

They aren't afraid to admit that they too have fed their kids Taco Bell for dinner...more than once.

They don't even blink twice when you tell them that you locked your kids outside in the backyard so you could watch a show you DVR'd.

Lady Gaga on the radio?  Perfectly acceptable!

And when your husband goes out of town, they call up and offer to take your kids for the day so you can have a day to yourself.

These are the kind of momma friends I have.  Some I have known for a really long time.  Some I have met through our house church.  Some I have met though other momma friends, and some are the kind of new friends that instantly feel like you've known them forever.  But I treasure each of them and I know without a doubt that they help me to be a better momma and a better person. 

So to all my lovely momma friends, Thank You!  I hope you know that I am blessed by our friendship, and that I truly appreciate each and every one of you!

Drum Roll Please...

The winner for the Thirty-One Picnic Tote and Key Fob is:  Beth Pierce!  Congratulations Beth, and thanks for entering! 

If you didn't win, be sure to check out Mary's page for all the great Thirty-One items.  And if you host a party in May,  you'll earn DOUBLE the free products! Because, we all Love free stuff! 

And don't forget to stay tuned to the blog for the next Giveaway coming soon!

Easter Happenings

Since this is Easter Weekend, there are a TON of Easter themed Events around town!  I have a few listed on my Upcoming Events page (to the right), but you can also check out the Active Dayton site here for more events around town, (too many egg hunts for me to list ALL of them!). 

Also, if you haven't visited the Easter Bunny yet, there is still time!  He is at The Greene Shopping Center in Beavercreek from 12pm-8pm now through Saturday on Magnolia Ave. next to Von Maur.

He is also at the Dayton Mall in the Center Court from 11am-8pm through Saturday.

And, he will be at What's Poppin' at Town and Country Shopping Center in Kettering from 12-2 on Saturday, April 23rd. 

Now, if you are still looking for things to fill the Easter Baskets, check out Toys R Us this week!  Prefilled Baskets and Easter candy are 30% off! They also have items that are buy 1, get 1 for 50% off including All Lego Construction Sets and Games, Baseball Equipment and Trading Cards, and All Video Game accessories and storage.  Plus, buy 1 Get 1 Free on all V-Tech Infant and Preschool Toys.  Other great deals include Disney Princess Sparkle and Bath Beauty dolls for $7.99 each, and a Huge selection of board games for $4.99 and $8.99, (and you KNOW how much I like board games!) Click here to check out the Weekly Ad for all the deals.

So what are you waiting for?  Hop to it and get ready for some Easter fun!

Memory Monday

So I decided to start doing Memory Mondays on my blog.  Basically, it's a time for me to share some of my favorite memories with my girls. 

Sometimes, it will be something cute they said.

Sometimes, it will be a fun trip we took.

Sometimes, it will be a picture. 


Today, I was looking at the forecast for this week, and unfortunately, lots of rain is in the near future.  But it made me think about a time that Addy was a little over a year and a half.  It was pouring down rain outside, so I opened our front door so that she could stand at the screen and watch it.

She was fascinated at all that water coming down and said, "momma, look!". 
I said, "yes, that's the rain coming down outside."
Then she said, "Wow!  Now turn it off!" :)

I just loved that perspective.  She thought I could just turn off the rain like a faucet.  If only that were true...

Now, don't forget to enter the contest for the Thirty-One Giveaway! There are a number of ways to win this fabulous giveaway, but make sure to leave a comment for each one! (And, you can enter more than once!)

1. Sign up to Follow My blog (you will need to create a blogger account if you don't already have one)

2. Link this Giveaway on your Facebook

3. Link this Giveaway on your Twitter

4. Schedule a Thirty-One Party with Mary

5. Order from Mary's Thirty-One page here

6. Comment on how much you want to win this Giveaway OR about other Thirty One products you like

7. Comment on some of your favorite Picnic spots around town.

But Hurry, because you only have through Tuesday to enter.  Winner will be announced on the blog Wednesday morning.

Also, be sure to check out Mary's Thirty-One page for all the great products from Thirty One.  Click here to see the current catalog.

Good Luck!

Thirty-One Giveaway!

One of my family's favorite things to do when the weather is nice is to go on a picnic.  Usually we pack up sandwiches, fruit, chips, carrots and drinks and head out to one of the many fabulous parks we have around us.

There is something about eating out in the open air that we just love.  And the fact that the girls can eat a little, go and play, come back and eat some more, and dash off again...well they just think that's the best thing since sliced bread!

We have used coolers in the past, but honestly, I get tired of lugging that big, bulky thing around.  This year, I decided to purchase the Market Thermal Tote from Thirty-One Gifts, AND IT IS AWESOME!  I got it in the Circle Spirals Pattern and it is so huge, and it's insulated, so it keeps all of my stuff cold, (or warm depending on what I'm toting around). 

The reason I got the large Market Tote is because I like to be able to carry lots of stuff inside, because not only will I be using this for family picnics, but also for carrying food to my house church, carry-ins at the pool this summer, and family get togethers.  And it seriously holds A LOT OF STUFF!

But if you are looking for something a little smaller, the Picnic Thermal Tote would be perfect. 

And lucky for you, I AM GIVING ONE AWAY!  Thanks so much to my friend Mary, who is a Thirty-One Consultant, for this fabulous Giveaway!  It's the Picnic Thermal Tote in the Impressionist Dot pattern, (with Lunch embroidered on the front), and a cute little Wristlet Key Fob in the Chains Ahoy pattern.  A $39 Value!

   

I am half tempted to keep them for myself, but since I LOVE my readers, (mmmwha), I am setting aside my selfish own desires.  There are a number of ways to win this fabulous giveaway, but make sure to leave a comment for each one! (And, you can enter more than once!)

1. Sign up to Follow My blog (you will need to create a blogger account if you don't already have one)

2. Link this Giveaway on your Facebook

3. Link this Giveaway on your Twitter

4. Schedule a Thirty-One Party with Mary

5. Order from Mary's Thirty-One page here

6. Comment on how much you want to win this Giveaway OR about other Thirty One products you like

7. Comment on some of your favorite Picnic spots around town.

But Hurry, because you only have through Tuesday to enter.  Winner will be announced on the blog Wednesday morning.

Also, be sure to check out Mary's Thirty-One page for all the great products from Thirty One.  Click here to see the current catalog.

Good Luck!