Sign Ups End Tomorrow!

   ***Just a reminder that tomorrow is the LAST DAY to sign up for the Kid's Summer Swap!!   So far 6 people are signed up, but the more the merrier!:-)  It's going to be a long (and wonderful!) summer, so just think how fun it will be for your kids to get a package JUST FOR THEM in the mail!:-)***

The Glass Castle

   This book came highly recommended and I have to say that after reading two pages I was completely and utterly intrigued.  It's hard to explain.  I am not sure if I should be laughing or absolutely horrified.  It's so hard to believe that the author lived a life like this and survived to tell about it.  Amazing.  She must be an incredible lady to still feel love toward her parents, who must have some sort of mental illness.  I have only read a few chapters, but I know that I will be compelled to finish this in no time at all.  If I could just find a place to snuggle in for a few hours.  Remember those forts you used to make as a kid with chairs and blankets?  Perfect.

"I'm Leavin' on a Jet Plane"

   That's right, my friends, I am headed off to my desert island getaway!  Julie, from Joy's Hope, sent me the most wonderful package today full of goodies!  Wrapped in pink and green(my favorite colors!!), they were almost too pretty to open.  I did say, almost....  She sent me the cutest pink and white tote bag- and one for each of my girls!  Don't you LOVE the cute "M" and "K" she used to personalize them??!  Inside the pockets were yummy treats, nail polish and Burt's Bees lip balm!  She even made headbands for my girls.:-)    She also sent me the most darling journal EVER!  It is quilted with Julie's favorite fabrics and accented with sweet buttons- love it!  I can't wait to start the book she sent me for whiling away my time on the island.  The Pact by Jodi Picoult is certain to be wonderful as she is an excellent author.  And check out the darling bookmark Julie made!  On to the yummiest popcorn I have ever eaten!  The girls and I watched "The Secret Garden" this afternoon, so, of course, we had to try some.:-) Orville Redenbacher salt and cracked pepper flavor- gourmet!  I had never even heard of it before, but now I am addicted!  To top it all off she sent me the newest issue of Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion magazine.  How did she know that I love this magazine??  Julie, you are amazing!  Thanks so much for all the treats!  

And the Winner is...

   Thanks to all of you who entered my button necklace giveaway!  It was so FUN!  Today was the day of the big drawing and the LOVELY, LUCKY WINNER IS:

   Here is a peek at an all white button and bead necklace that I am making for my Mom.  You, of course, get to pick whatever color(s) you like!  The Motherboard also asked me if I make bracelets and the answer is YES!  So, of you would prefer a bracelet, just let me know.

   I would be more than happy to create a one of a kind necklace or bracelet for YOU, too!  You pick the colors and the length and you will be on your way!  For only $16, you can jazz up any outfit!  I feel so festive and fun when I wear mine!

   This is just a sample of some of the colors you can choose from- FUN, HUH?:-)

Seashells, seashells and more seashells!

   Looky at what I got this weekend!  Katie and I were frequenting yard sales and she found these huge buckets of seashells!!  Of course, we snatched them right up for a mere $3!  I have big plans for these fellows!  Every year at the beach I search and search but only come up with the sweet and colorful coquinas.  They are precious, but I would like more of a variety.  Now I have it.:-)

   Right now the girls are identifying and drawing the seashells in their nature notebooks.  Later we will we will decorate with the shells and possibly do some crafting.  Fun!

The Disney Store is closing...

   Sad to say, Disney stores are closing.  But, if you look on the bright side, now is the time to buy some cute stocking stuffers!  Put them in your "magic closet" for birthdays or Christmas.  We have only one Disney store in the whole state, so while I was there this evening I bumped into two friends!  Anyway, you can fill a bag with jewels (what little girl doesn't LOVE treasure?) for only $1.50 or get an infrared race car for only $2.50.  The cars have tiny controllers that also store your car when not in use.  My girls and husband (tee hee) picked out their own race cars and had a ball when they got home.  Although, Princess Jasmine's car insisted on driving in circles- hmm...?  There were cars from the movie, Cars, and assorted princesses- something for everyone.  Stop by and see what goodies you can find.  The whole store is 30-70% off.

Busy Bees

   On Friday we joined some friends for a field trip to a local bee keeper.  He and his wife make preserves, syrup and honey and also grow produce (peaches, blackberries, squash, tomatoes, okra, and more) and trees for local Wal Marts and Farmer's Markets.  They also make burritos and delicious fried pies!  I had never heard of fried pies...  They let us sample fried peach and apricot pies and they were yummy!  Last but not least, they have written over 300 children's books.  We were completely and utterly impressed.  Makes me feel like I do nothing all day!