It's a full post, folks!

Last Monday was my 400th post ... but no giveaway.

Last Thursday was my 33rd birthday ... but no giveaway.Well, here it is folks - here is what you have been waiting for (Oh gosh, I hope I just didn't set myself up there).

This past Saturday, I did some early Christmas shopping (at Hallmark's Ornament Premiere), so, this is my 400th post / Birthday / Christmas in July Giveaway Spectacular! LOL!!

But first, here is my top 10 list of *my favorite things* - in no particular order. These are all things I've fallen in love with and tell almost everyone about (even within the first 5 minutes of talking....in the first 10 minutes if I've just met them)! And, I'm listing this for my fun and yours...I am not getting anything for listing/linking these sites here.

Yes, I do realize there are more worthwhile things in life than to list the "stuff" I like...but amuse please, I mean it was my birthday afterall!!!!

1 - FitFlops - WalkStar style - I know they market them as a shoe to give you a 'workout' but come on! I bought them because they are really comfortable. My feet ache after standing for long periods of time (and the first person who makes a wise crack about my age is gonna get a pie flung at ya) and these have made standing while cooking, doing dishes, ironing so much more comfortable. The white/red pair is one of my favorites - but I don't have that color yet...HINT HINT - for those still wanting to get me something for my birthday!!

2 - iPod Shuffle - iHave blogged about this before (here), but it is totally worth mentioning again! iAm in love with this little gadget. It makes walking a pleasure (as if the weightloss weren't enough). iEnjoy wearing it while iAm on my own in the kitchen or while sewing! A fun little gadget to have! (Its even better if you get it for free from your credit card points)!

3 - Macaroni Grill - if there is one of these nearby, please go eat there in honor of me. And you must order the Pasta Milano with a strawberry lemonade! YUM!!!!

Pasta Milano: Imported bowtie pasta with tender, grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh mushrooms in a roasted garlic cream sauce.

4 - Amazon - This place has gotta know me by name or credit card number by now! Their free shipping with a $25 order is just a great way to save as well. And you can find this book there: The Shack by William P. Young. I am not quite finished with it yet, but it has just been an amazing read. It came highly recommended through Diana, Ginger and Susan. They were right - its excellent. I cannot wait to finish reading it - I have many on a request list waiting for it! If you get a chance to pick up a book yet this summer, please pick up this one!

5 - Lands' End - This is one of my favorite places to shop (especially the 'overstocks' department where you can find some really good deals)! My favorite thing about Lands' End are their modest swimsuits - I was growing tired of the skirts and found these shorts. It feels more like athletic wear and it makes playing with the kids much nicer. They also have a lot of cute things for children.

6 - Zappos - Zappos sells lots of things, but I started going there because of ... ahem ... shoes. They also offer free shipping (to and from, meaning free return shipping) and you get it the NEXT day. Perfect when you need something last minute but can't make that trip to the mall. I haven't bought many shoes from them, but I do love to browse. I actually got to visit the store when T and I were in Kentucky this past March.

7 - Paper Back Swap - This site has been a huge help to me! Not only am I able to clear out some of the books in my house, but by doing so, it gives me credits to get new (to me) books for FREE! Yes FREE! You pay to ship your books (at a reduced cost through media mail) to those who request them and you earn credits. Use your credits to order books that are then shipped with the sender paying the costs. We've added some really nice books to our children's collection and I've found some for personal reading as well as for homeschooling!

8 - Joann's - This has become a favorite place to shop for new fabrics and gadgets for sewing as well as yarn for my knitting projects. They have a wonderful selection of children's crafts too. I believe most of the baskets in my house have come from this store as well!! If you sign up for the flier, you get a 40% off 1 item coupon in each one and several times a year they do a 10% or 20% off total purchase coupon! Its perfect when buying lots of fabric for curtains!!!

9 - Ann Taylor Loft - I love the back of this store. YES! I said the back. Why? Because that is where the clearance section is and you can find some really good deals. I've just started wearing more clothing from this store and I am finding it not only comfortable, but a great value!

10 - I cannot leave out my MOST favorite thing - Jesus Christ - I may not always talk about Him as much as I talk about shoes - but I want you to know that He is the #1 in my life! He has walked beside me through many tough times and He has rejoiced with me in many great times. He will do the same for you if you welcome Him into your heart. If you are looking to get to know Jesus on a closer level, I recommend Christian Book Distrubtor's website. You can purchase Bibles here as well as many wonderful devotionals.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention my love for Vera Bradley...but sadly, I cannot figure out where on the site to buy a gift card! :-(


******

So, if you've made it through all that, here comes the fun part. I'm going to pick 2 winners and give them each a gift card(s) of their choice of $30. The winners get to choose the stores, chosing from my favorites above! And they can choose to get 1 for the whole shabang, or break up the amount into 2 or 3 different gift cards. It it totally up to the winners.

What you need to do is leave me a comment letting me know (and I'm not holding you to this as your 'final answer') what your choices would be if you won.
BHere's the breakdown:

1 - A gift card to Sole Provisions for a pair of FitFlops - this store has free (and fast) shipping!!

2 - An apple gift card to put towards the purchase of an iPod, or an iTunes gift card to purchase music.

3 - A gift card to Macaroni Grill (only available in $10 or $25 increments)

NOTE: This would not be emailed, it would be sent through the mail

4 - A gift card to amazon - you don't have to purchase The Shack, but it would make me really happy if you did!

5 - A gift card to Lands' End.

6 - A gift card to Zappos.

7 - Credits at PaperBackSwap (you can see how the credits break down, here)

8 - A gift card to Joann's.

9 - A gift card to Ann Taylor Loft.

10 - A gift card to Christian Book Distrubtors, to purchase materials to help you grow and learn about who Jesus wants you to be.


Leave me a comment on THIS post - AND ONLY ONE! (You know who you are!)

This giveaway will remain open until Thursday evening - My 33rd and 1 week birthday! HA! I will post the winners on Friday morning.

All gift cards will be sent via email, with the exception noted above. If you do not have your email attached to your blog profile (meaning I cannot email you from your comments in my inbox) please leave your email in your comment. Also, I will contact the winners and get their final gift card selections - you will not be held to your choices picked in the comment section of this post. For the selection sent through snail mail, I will need your address once you have been notified.

Thanks for stopping by to help me celebrate my birthday - and remember, I like the white/red FitFlops in the WalkStar style...size 7! ;-)Blessings,

I'm 29...again!

I know! I know! I know what you are all thinking (well, not all of you, but, some of you!) And you know what? I don't want to hear it! If you came by looking for birthday giveaways, then just leave now! ;-D

It is difficult for the type of person I am to do the same thing two years in a row. I cannot repeat the giveaways from last year's birthday, because, that would just be too ... well, predictable.

Oh, and let's get this question out of the way. What number is it? I like to say that this year, I'm celebrating THE 4TH ANNIVERSARY OF MY 29TH BIRTHDAY, or, my 29th birthday, for short!!

So, how does one top a 10 day span of giveaways?

Um, she doesn't.  Actually, I'm gonna spend the day away from the 'puter :-O and spend it with those cuties from the pictures on Monday!

I'll be back tomorrow (or Monday if the partying is too much for me) with some birthday fun!

Wordless Wednesday

Daddy's little helpers...

Notice the toy chainsaw? :-D

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Its the Tiny Talkers turn:

This summer, Elle has really taken an interest in the nail polish on my toes. She's been eagerly anticipating when it is her turn, asking, "Mommy, will you please paint my pony tails?"



"You mean your toe nails?"



"Yes," she answers with smiles of glee!



*******

At the dentist yesterday, Quintin was finished and came to where I was sitting with Elle in her exam room. As he rushed into the room, he told me "P and O are loose!" It took me a few seconds to realize he meant his two bottom teeth! WOW! He's soon going to lose his first teeth!!



******

Quintin and I were talking about a toy he's had since he was a baby.  Elle asked how old she was when he got it.  I tried explaining to her that she wasn't born yet and she thought she understood when she said, "Oh, I was in your belly then."  I told her no, she wasn't in my belly yet, she was still with God.  Just like that, she quipped, "Yeah, and I don't remember what He looks like!"





Oh, I love these kids!!!



To hear what other Tiny Talkers are saying, visit Mary.

Where did the time go??

WOW! This is my 400th post.



So, now I'm gonna list 400 things about me.



Are you ready??



Just teasing.



But, you know I could do it though, don't you?!?!?! ;-)



We had a great holiday weekend - even if it did rain most of the time. Since we were in need of the rain, we weren't complaining!



Saturday night, we didn't have anything. I had been wanting to get some pictures taken of the kids so we headed to the mall.



I wanted an 18 month picture for Colin (even though he is 19 months today - he was 18 months when it was taken). I also wanted a 6 year picture for Quintin, my yearly picture with the kids and a family one.



I left without ordering the picture of me and the kiddos but will head in today sometime. It is for T's desk at work. The picture of just me and the kids didn't turn out as great as I had hoped, but I think the rest turned out great - especially our family picture!



We weren't planning on doing any of Elle, but she jumped right in after the boys were done, ready for her turn, so we let her go ahead!!

Click to see our pictures from last summer.

Happy Monday!!

I even surprised myself

Remember this?

Its now this, this and this.

I added a decorative border around the bottom of the top to pull out more of the burgundy.

Our plans for the weekend included going up to T's family's cabin. But we've decided to stay home. We were hoping to get the kids up so we could do some of the "camping" things we didn't get to do since we missed our church's family camping weekend last weekend. But, there will be other weekends.

We'll be swimming at T's sister's house tomorrow night and sneaking home before the fireworks begin to put our children's nerves ears at ease.

And Sunday night, we'll be spending time with my family at my parent's house. We are even going to try to do THIS on some t-shirts.

Also, I must acknowledge Sew Sensible for her Faith Double Layer Dress Top and Boutique Bottom patterns I used for Elle. And Nanoo's Designs for the Betsey/Joey shorts I made for the boys!

Happy 4th of July everyone!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

I just can't help myself...

8 Weeks and Gum Etiquette!

Last evening marked 8 weeks since I've had any pepsi/soda. I did take a sip of T's root beer float last weekend just to see if I missed soda. The verdict? Nope!

I've picked up another habit to replace the soda...but I don't think it is as bad or unhealthy. I've started chewing gum more often - helps to keep me out of the snacks.

I've learned a few things that I feel are blog worthy and I hope they help someone. 'Cause I worry about you all, and I want you to take good care of yourselves. (So you can be around in 10 years....to still be reading my blog! HAHA)


One problem with chewing gum is that your mouth may be open more. I have found this not to be good when:

--mowing the lawn on a windy day with a mower that blows the grass out the back. At about face level. And you continually turn around into the spray of grass. Not fun.

--Feeding an 18 month old. Who likes to throw food. And has good aim.

--Changing diaper of 18 month old. 'Nuff said!

--Driving with the car window down.

--Working in the kitchen. Making meals, cleaning dishes. Etc.

--Playing with 18 month old who has a fascination of putting fingers into other people's mouths.



OH! And there this is the whole other side of gum chewing.

Why you shouldn't chew gum when you are working out...

And don't get me started on why you shouldn't swallow gum!

"A cheerful heart is good medicine" Proverbs 17:22

Happy Monday everyone!

OOOhhhhh!!!! If you haven't been by Just Mom's yet, stop over to see one of my newest fun projects!! Click here: Just Mom's Musings

A Tale of Two Days

At one point last month, I was working hard to get the rest of the upstairs housecleaned (or, what I consider housecleaned...please don't come with a white glove!)

I wanted to clean our bedroom, bathroom, closet and a hall closet. My goal was to get it done by a specific Friday.

Was someone famous coming? Was I hosting a family get together?

No, the plumber was coming Friday morning to work on our shower. (If you came looking for excitement, you won't find it at this house, folks!)

There is an access panel to our shower in the hall closet. I knew he'd probably need in there and the closet was pretty much untouched since move in day 2 1/2 years ago. I can sum it up in one word: PILES!

I spent most of Thursday morning that week cleaning. Thursday afternoon, I got a call. The part had not arrived, they needed to reschedule...UGH!! All that cleaning...All for naught...

It was now scheduled for Tuesday morning.

Back up to Friday, I found out I won a cookbook at Soulemama's blog. It was a random contest - BUT, there were over 1100 comments on the giveaway post! And I won!! I was psyched...so psyched I forgot about the bathroom frustration.

Tuesday morning arrives and the earliest of the plumber's time estimate was still 30 minutes away. The kids were still sleeping and I was in the bedroom closet, putting away Monday's laundry. We can access storage space from our bedroom closet and I needed to step out to put something above the garage.

That's when I heard the noise.

I could hear a truck running...

My first thought, 'Its the plumber.' My second thought, 'Oh no, I'm still in my pajamas.' I quickly ran to the window that overlooks the driveway and saw it was a Fed Ex truck....Phew! Close one!! I figured I could tend to that later.

I finished up in the bedroom and heard Colin stirring. I walked into his room and heard the doors from the other bedrooms. Okay, everyone was awake...then their doors went shut again...they weren't ready to get up. Not a big deal...UNTIL, I saw the plumber's truck driving towards the house. AAAHHHH - at least I had changed!

I told the kids to hurry up and get dressed as I quickly dressed Colin. Colin and I booked it down the steps to get to the door. At this point, he had already pushed the doorbell and the dog was going crazy!

I let him into the house and showed him his work area. I managed to get the other two quickly downstairs for some breakfast....

While they were eating, I remembered about the delivery truck!! YAY!! It was my cookbook! I set it on the counter looking forward to when I could sit and enjoy it...later...much, much later.

The plumber was finished before lunch and the day was all well and good.

It came time to put the kids up for their rest time. So, what is a Momma to do with a new shower head that creates an amazingly crazy spray of lovely water and a new cookbook? Well, she goes and takes a nice, long, relaxing shower and then curls up to dig into her new book!

This book, The Splendid Table's How to Eat Supper is more than a cookbook. Yes, it has delicious sounding recipes and incredible photos, but it has stories and much more. I haven't gotten to read it all yet, but I've enjoyed the few minutes I got to read it that afternoon.

5 things I'm lovin' right now...

1 - waking up to the sound of rain (even though it didn't last long)

2 - a shower after working out

3 - looking forward to spending some time in the woods this weekend (even though we won't be able to stay and camp with the rest of the church families)

4 - Dreams of the chocolate chip cookie dough blizzards I had on the boardwalk last week

5 - Three wild and crazy kiddos asking me if I'm getting off the computer soon!

6 - My new header!!! (I like to break the rules sometimes too, Just Mom!!!)

What are you lovin' right now?

Wordless Wednesday

A few birthday pictures...

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Last week, we spent the week at the Jersey shore with another family and their three girls. Quintin enjoys playing with their girls, but there was some confusion in the "girl-lingo" and we'd hear him say things like, "Mom, I want to wear my two piece today."

Elle was eating a Fruit Roll Up with these tongue tattoos. You put the roll up against your tongue and it leaves a print. Here's Elle asking me, "How does my tongue look Mom?"



And here is Colin. His bib says, "Color Me Happy" and his face says, "Color Me Oreo!"

For more Tiny Talk, visit Mary at Not Before 7.

My baby is 6!!! :-O

Where has the time gone? And who can I speak with about slowing it down?

This young man is 6! Say it ain't so!!

I asked Quintin last night what he'd like me to make for his birthday supper. I should have known the answer. My lil' pirate wants Pirate Stew!

Separating work and vacation....not!

You can take the man out of the quarry,

but you can't take the quarry out of the man.

He's informed me that his is to scale. ;-)

Wordless Wednesday

Siblings....Friends!!!

{PS - While I do not enjoy including words on my WW posts, I've found I must so as to appease the bloglines monster people!)

The ocean and "baby pool"

The ocean for the bigger kids....and a baby pool for the little ones!!