Finally

My new furniture came about three weeks, but I have been waiting to post the pictures because I got my New Orleans Street scene picture re-matted and framed. Notice how nicely it looks with the black bench from Marshalls! (Earlier post). For those of you who were waiting to see if I went with the red couch - I got a little nervous, so I settled for two red chairs. It works for us!

Did anyone see my coffee table centerpiece? My knitting projects! Book club met at my home the other night and we read, "The Friday Night Knitting Club" so I thought the knitting needles and yarn would be appropriate.

Commercial Break

Just wanted to post a picture of a great find of PJ's - found at the local Target Store. Notice I did not say Victoria Secret! I probably spent 1/3 the price on these comfy (and cute) capris and cami, compared to something similar at Vicki's. Got to love Target!

Garage Sale?

I think I live in the garage sale capital of the world! This is not always a good thing, especially if you are driving through a neighborhood and you are following a vehicle that suddenly stops to check out the goods for sale. Thankfully I haven't needed to report any accidents, but garage sales can be dangerous.

Anyway, I'm just not sure if garage sales are worth it. Yes, I must admit that I have had my share of garage sales in the past, but I haven't been very successful at finding the good deals. It seems like most people who get the great finds go regularly and they check all the sales out. Currently, I don't have the time to do that. Plus I would be taking two little girls who happen to want every toy that is for sale. The limited time and the girls make a bad combination.

Recently I have been driving through my share of neighborhood garage sales, looking for a specific item - a black bench for our living room. Of course I couldn't find one. However, I did happen to get a great deal on a bench at Marshall's. I will be sure to post a picture soon. So, what is your thought on garage sales? Any advice would be great, since it seems like they are here to stay in our area.

Flowers

Yesterday was special. Yes, it had a lot to do with the fact that it was Mother's Day and my girls and husband treated me like a queen, but it was more than that....it was just knowing that I am so blessed and loved.

I know for many people that Mother's Day can be bitter-sweet, especially if they have lost a Mother, or have struggled with infertility, singleness, loss of a child, etc. For me it was a reminder to hug my girls a little tighter and appreciate the blessing that my husband is to me. My sweet husband stood outside in the pouring down rain and grilled chicken for our Mother's Day meal.

The pictures show the flowers that were given to me. The red roses are beautiful, picked out from my girls (because they know red is my favorite color). But, I'm just as excited about the card of flowers that my oldest daughter made me. Nothing melts a Mom's heart more than the sweetness of a child's homemade card.

I hope yesterday was special for you! I hope you felt loved and blessed by others!

The "P" Word

In our family the "P" word is patience! This is so important especially in a family with young children. We like to affectionately just call it the "P" word. Our girls know it and they like to use it.

Recently I was complaining that our new furniture wasn't going to arrive for a few more days. My daughter said to me, "Mommy you just need to have some of the "P" Word!" Then, I was driving to a bridal shower, we were running late and I wasn't sure what the driver was doing in front of me. Again, I was reminded, "Mom, just have the "P" word!"

Ouch! God seems to use our little ones to refine us and teach us HIS lessons for our life. I think my girls have been learning the "P Lesson"!

Part Three

I have sparked some interest with the "Singapore Bound" comment. So, I hope you enjoy today's blog. First of all, I am not traveling to Singapore, at least anytime soon. However, I do want to share with you, someone who is in Singapore. You see my very, dearest friend packed up her home and moved with her three young children and husband to Singapore. What an opportunity for them - thanks to her husband's job! I can't quite imagine what it must be like to move more than halfway around the world, I know some people who struggle to "move across town".

Anyway, I have been after my friend to start a blog. I have been telling her it would be so much easier for her to communicate with all of her family & friends. So, she has tried it and I must say she is a great writer! I would like all of you to check our her blog here http://www.mysingaporethemesong.blogspot.com

I did look into flying for a little visit and this is what I found. I could purchase and economy / discount round trip flight from our local airport to Singapore for a cost of $866 to $1250. The amazing thing is the time it takes to fly, if I left here at 1:28 PM - Friday afternoon, I would arrive in Singapore on Sunday at 1:45 AM. I will keep you posted in case I happen to book a flight across the sea!

Part Two

Panera Bread › Menu & Nutrition › Bagels & Spreads

Here is the second part of my series! Panera Bread!! I just love their bagels, especially the Asiago go cheese - They are great especially for a sandwich.

The other thing that I love about Panera is the cost. I can pick up my girls for lunch and head to Panera - all three of us get a bagel, split a small cream cheese (my Dutch blood that I married into is coming out)and we have a great lunch!

Also, when purchasing large quantities of bagels, be sure to ask for the freezer bags - makes it so much easier to keep those yummy treats fresh.