Bits and Bobbles

   Oh, how I am loving this cool, rainy day.  I am such a nester and treasure the days I can be cozy at home.  The girls and I did venture out a bit, though, to K Mart- of all places!  I was happily surprised at what we found... 

   I am in Heidi and Holly's Green and White Swap and this mug caught my eye!  They even had darling plates and a precious teapot!  All 25% off...  Oh my!  And the towels are for a friend in Florida that loves polka dots...

   Look at all these gorgeous buttons!  I nearly fell over when I got them from my sweet partner, Kim, in Holly's Happy Swap!   Katie got the goose egg on her forehead this morning...  There was a dog and a stick involved.  A sort of hit and run. The bump's name is Clara.:)  Yep.

   Look at what else Kim sent to me!  Oh my goodness, she spoiled me... Bunnies, lavender, buttons, birdies, polka dots, sparkle- everything I love!  Thanks so much, Kim!  

   Katie has been busy getting her babies cozy, too.  Some of them are mine from when I was little.  It's so fun to see them getting loved again.:)

   I am finishing up some swaps...

   Working on special orders...

   More swaps...

   I wanted to show you some new books that we just purchased, too.  We are all fighting over who gets to read them!  The one in the pic below is about the periodic table and there is another one about biology.  They have the CUTEST little pictures and are completely user friendly!  Nothing intimidating here!  Mandy even brought hers when we went to Mimi's Cafe for lunch with my Mom!  If you want the author's name just let me know...

   I have gotten some sweet awards that I want to mention!  It makes me all tingly and smily when you girlies give me some bloggy love.:)  This award is from cutie patootie, Jamie.  Talk about a sweetie pie!  She is sooooo creative and talented, plus she takes great pictures!  Love ya, Sweets!
   This award is from Kim!  Oh my goodness, she is one amazing cook and has helped inspire me to cook more at home.  You MUST stop by and see her recipes.  I wish we were neighbors!!  I am so happy that we are friend, though.  Love ya, Sweetie!

Whirlwind Trip

My Mom left today.  It was so hard to say goodbye!  Thank goodness we have the pictures and the memories of our time together.  It felt like she was only here for a day or two...

On Sunday we took a road trip to Eureka Springs.  We were treated to beautiful flowers outside the Crescent Hotel...  And yes, Lindsay, there is supposed to be a ghost that resides there!

   I love the flowers in Eureka Springs!  They were everywhere and the colors were luscious.  The sticks in the planter were spray painted purple to accent the pansies.  I may have to try that!

   There was a grotto that the girls were able to explore, too.  I stayed above to take pictures, but I heard it was really "cool"!

   Delicate bleeding hearts...

   Cool and soothing.  Away from the shops and noise (there was a biker's event that weekend) the girls could have stayed here all day...

   There were darling cottages all through town.  I wonder what it would be like to live in Eureka Springs?  It's such a quaint little artist's community.  I thought this yellow house was so darling, but it appears that someone else feels the same.:)

   On to the shopping!  Life is Good shops are such fun.  We lucked into a 50% off sale at the kid's Life is Good shop!  

   The bags are full of Life is Good T-shirts, pajamas and mugs!

  You know I had to shop at Wilson and Wilson Folk Art!  Blakely Wilson was there and we were able to visit with her!  Talk about a sweetheart...  I have a lot of pictures in my home and they make me feel so good.:)  Blakely is warm, lovely and welcoming- just like her art.  I thought you might like to take a peek...

   Her shop just makes you... Joyful!  I wish you all could have been there with us!  Charming...

   Here's Blakely Wilson at work.  She told me that coming to work IS a joy for her.  She is blessed and in turn she blesses others.  The sign to the left of her desk states, "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice."  

  Katie is modeling the new hat the my Mom bought her.  Pink, of course.:)

   We took another road trip to see the bluebirds of happiness!  (Heather- we are SO going there together someday!)  We packed a picnic lunch and off we went...

   Then, we took a nature hike to see a waterfall.  The water was just TOO tempting!

   Look at this tiny cutie pie!  The red against the green was beautiful.  I got some pitiful pictures of a cardinal, too.  Not blog worthy- lol!

   

   Can you even see the bluebird?  It's on top of the bird house/  It was so pretty!  My pictures are nothing like Robin's, girls, but I did try!:(  (Click on picture for a closer look.)

   We had a lovely dinner at Carrabba's on my Mom's first night here.  (the pictures are in the wrong order)  Have you ever had the Ensalada Johnny Rocco?  Fresh scallops and shrimp, served warm on a salad with roasted red peppers and the most amazing vinaigrette dressing. Is your mouth watering yet?

   The girls and I (and Jeff) treasured each and every minute with my Mom.  She is the most amazing lady, Mom and friend. Thanks so much for coming, Mom!

Nancy Drew Swap!

I may have lost my mind, but I am ready to host another SWAP!  Yes, you read that correctly!  It is time for my first annual Morning Glories and Moonflowers Nancy Drew SWAP!  Sign up here!  Plan on spending around $20 (not including postage) to purchase/create a fabulous package of Nancy Drew goodies for your partner!  I have some wonderful ideas stirring around in my brain...  

      When you sign up, I will assign you a partner AND a Nancy Drew mystery to plan your package around! (If you have a special request, let me know when you sign up.)  For example, if you get The Clue in the Diary, you can buy/make your partner a fabulous diary/journal!  Color copy some Nancy drew images and get creative!  Then, add some fun mystery goodies that any sleuth would love.  A Nancy Drew book, perhaps?  Maybe a tiny detective kit?  Wouldn't it be fun to send a message in secret code?  **As always, please do not sign up if you do not plan on following through.  You must be willing to take the time to create a fabulous package for your partner (need not be expensive) that you would like to receive yourself.** 

   I will take sign-ups until May 9th (or until 19 people sign up) and assign partners by May 11th...

   Packages must be mailed by June 1st...

   Now let's have some fun!

1. The Secret of the Old Clock- Kathy(partner Janet) 2. The Hidden Staircase- Cara (partner Vicky) 3. The Bungalow Mystery 4. The Mystery at Lilac Inn- Fran(partner Kim) 5. The Secret of Shadow Ranch 6. The Secret of Red Gate Farm- Kim (partner Fran) 7. The Clue in the Diary- Ruth Ann (partner Heather) 8. Nancy's Mysterious Letter- Mary (partner Olenka) 9. Sign of the Twisted Candles- Amanda (partner Val) 10. Password to Larkspur Lane- Shawnee (partner Lori) 11. The Clue of the Broken Locket- Amy (partner Olenka) 12. The Message in the Hollow Oak 13. The Mystery of the Ivory Charm- Vicky (partner Cara) 14. The Whispering Statue 15. The Haunted Bridge 16. The Clue of the Tapping Heels- Janet (partners Kathy and Lea) 17. The Mystery of the Brass Bound Trunk- Wanda ( partner Tara) 18. The Mystery of the Moss-Covered Mansion- Heather (partner Ruth Ann) 19. The Quest of the Missing Map- Trish (partner Molly) 20. The Clue in the Jewel Box 21. The Secret in the Old Attic 22. The Clue in the Crumbling Wall- Val (partner Amanda) 23. Mystery of the Tolling Bell- Lori (partner Shawnee) 24. The Clue in the Old Album- Olenka (partner Amy) 25. The Ghost of Blackwood Hall- Tara (partner Wanda) 26. The Sky Phantom 27. The Clue of the Leaning Chimney 28. The Secret of the Wooden Lady- Molly (partner Trish) 33. The Witch Tree Symbol- Lea (partner Janet)

Silliness

   I have been so touched by all your sweet letters and comments, dear friends!  We are having such a great time with my Mom!  I thought I would take a minute and show you a few pictures... We are having FUN!  So many pictures to share, but this shows a bit of how silly we can be!:)

She's Almost Here!

   We are off the the airport!  To say I am excited is an understatement.  I just adore my Mom...

Ireland

   My sister is back from her trip to Ireland and she is ready to go back.  After looking at the beautiful pictures she has taken I am ready to go with her!  Amy, you are such a gifted photographer.  Thank you for letting me share your pictures with my bloggy friends!:)

   













   This is my sister, Amy!  She's a cutie...