A Sad Farewell

My Mom called me yesterday to tell me that my Uncle Roy had passed away. It wasn't sudden or unexpected, but I was still very sad at the news.

Uncle Roy was married to my Mom's sister Florann for over 45 years, true soul mates until the end. He was an old time preacher, spending his entire adulthood sharing the gospel and serving others. We didn't see them much when I was growing up because they lived in Germany for many years, working as missionaries there.

It struck me that Uncle Roy spent his whole life teaching about heaven...and now he's in it. Truly, he's the lucky one.

Please say a prayer for my Aunt Florann, she is heart broken...and alone for the first time since she was 18.

The Clock is Ticking

But not fast enough for our daughter...aka Little Sis.

When she goes back to school in Arizona next month, she and 3 other girls will be sharing an apartment. To say that these 4 girls are EXCITED would be a hugh understatement. They're literally counting down the days.

Not counting down the days for school to start, or of leaving family at home, but counting down the days until apartment time. And really, can you blame them!?!

I hope the apartment will turn out to be a good idea. Each girl has her own bedroom and bath with a shared living room, dining room, and kitchen. They have a washer and dryer in the apartment also. Each girl signed her own contract with the apartment complex and is responsible to them for getting their rent in on time. Just this fact alone made it ok with hubby and I. Now they just have to worry about splitting up the utilities which hopefully won't be any big deal.

Did I mention they're EXCITED!

We've been doing a little shopping the last few days. We've purchased everything from silverware to sheets to salt & pepper shakers. Here's a sampling of what we've been storing in our guest room and what we have to haul back to AZ next month...


Speaking of our guest room, I wanted to leave you with this. I bought a picture holder and I use it to hold all of my "good mail" I receive from by blogging friends. If you've ever sent me a note or a card, it's here, in our guest room for all to see. I display them proudly!

Rattled Nerves

Even though there was a sizable (5.4) earthquake today in Southern California, causing alot of buildings and nerves to rattle, I didn't feel a thing. Thankfully, from what I've heard, no one was hurt.

I'm born and raised in California and have lived through only a few earthquakes, but they can be very scary. I'm sure there are quite a few rattled nerves tonight.

Where's the Party At?

Evidently it's at the University of Florida!

I read today that the University of Florida is ranked the #1 party school in the country. The university has made the top 20 party school list for the past 15 years, but has never been No. 1, until now. Florida also came in 1st this year in the categories of students who study the least and students who pack the stadium the most.

The school has had 3 national championships in the last few years (football and basketball) and so school officials basically say that the kids accomplish big things in the sports world...so they're entitled to play hard too.

As the mom of 2 college students, all I can say is that if I was the mom of a University of Florida student, that information would make me sooo proud right about now...NOT!!

A Day of Surprises!

Today has been such a good day...let me just tell you a little bit about it...

I worked today. I wasn't scheduled to work but volunteered because they were going to be short staffed. It was a pleasant surprise because we ended up not being short staffed at all. It turned out to be an all around low-key, cooperative patients, no having to page a doctor kinda day. The best part was that I got to work side by side with one of my best friends for 12 hours today. She and I partner in being charge nurses of a unit so we normally never get to work together. When she's at work, I'm not. When I'm at work, she's not. Today was awesome!

On my way home from work I called home and Little Sis answered. She told me about surprise #2. Apparently Little Sis and BFF came up with the idea to cook hubby and I dinner tonight. Let me just say that this has never happened before. It was a first in this household...but I hope not the last. Dinner was awesome!


The girls fixed a casserole that was out of this world. It was almost like a chicken pot pie...minus the vegetables. They also made a Caesar salad, my favorite!

Ok, surprise #3. I've saved the best for last!

Remember my recent 100th post cupcake goodie giveaway? And remember Jennifer H. being one of the 2 giveaway winners? Well, Jennifer truly out did herself. You have got to go read her post from today. It's creative, fun, exciting, inspiring, adorable, funny, and just plain awesome. It will be one of the best posts you'll ever read! Jennifer's post personifies why I love blogging. I love the friendships and the connections that we make, I love how our actions branch out and touch others, and I love how friends posts can so totally brighten my day! Go check it out here.

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: What is your favorite day of the week...and why?

For years and years, Mondays were my favorite day of the week. My husband would head out of town early Monday morning for work, I'd drop the kids off at school, and then I'd have the day to myself. I'd do laundry, clean the house, and always would do one other thing...I'd go to Target!

I miss those Mondays!

Tagged ~ Twice!

Yesterday I was tagged by two special friends, Bren and Jennifer.

I'm supposed to list 6 qualities that describe me...so here 6 random qualities I chose to describe myself:

1. Dependable

2. Independent

3. Energetic

4. Loyal

5. Friendly

6. Giving

I'm supposed to tag 5 others at this point but for anyone who is reading, please feel free to give us your 6 qualities, we'd love to read about them.

Suggestions Please

If any of you have read my 100 things about me list or if you've been visiting this blog for very long, you've read that my husband and I are looking to make a move out of California, to start another chapter in our lives. We just don't know where or when it will take place...but we've decided it will be within the next year or two. Hubby retired in February, our kids are grown, and we have no more ties here. If ever there was a perfect time to make a change, this is it.

So I routinely scour the internet, looking for the perfect place. If I find a city that looks desirable, I look up the detailed profile of that city, especially looking at the weather conditions. Not too much snow...not too much rain.

My top priority is that it be on or near a lake or river. I'd love an Oregon or Washington lake or river view, like in the picture above. Oh to have a view of the Columbia River Gorge, to be on the Rogue River, or to live on Lake Stevens in WA...heaven to me! Hubby would love this too but would be just as happy with a Colorado Rockies view.

So dear blogging friends...what are your suggestions. Many of you currently live or have lived in fabulous places in Oregon, Washington, or Colorado in the past. We will be traveling to Washington in September. I can't wait for my husband to see Washington for himself. I love the Pacific Northwest and I'm hoping that he will too.

So please spill the beans. Give us the good, the bad, and the ugly. But I'm hoping it's all good!

(And if you read my post yesterday, my upper lip is still red and a bit tender...but it's smooth as a baby's butt!)

Monday Miscellany

I survived Magic Mountain yesterday...and actually had a super time. It was hot as can be but every now and then you'd feel this wonderful little breeze and all would be well. Yes, it was crowded but not overwhelming in any way. I think we waited 1 hour for one particular ride but others we walked right up to. Not bad at all for a summer day.

We're tired today and moving pretty slow. The girls want to go get pedicures and asked me to go...count me in! I'd love someone to pamper my poor tired feet about now.

I got a message from a friend this morning saying that she had something for me...


Thank you Patti! I appreciate it so much! The rules say I am supposed to take this award and then pass it on. I will definately pass it on, but for now, I'm off to get pampered.

*** I just got home from getting my pedicure. Our feet look great. Little Sis got a brow wax and I got a lip wax, a first for me. All I can say is...ouch!

We've Got Company

From...



My daughter has a college friend visiting from Arizona. She flew in yesterday and will be here with us until Tuesday. We think it's hot here in our city but she thinks the weather is tolerable...if you're comparing it to Arizona this time of year that is.

Speaking of heat, guess where we're taking our visitor tomorrow? We're going to Six Flags Magic Mountain...and we're gonna bake like lobsters! Why in the world did I agree to this? Not only agree, but volunteer to go...willingly! I can't take the roller coasters anymore, I get motion sickness, and I don't even want to think about the crowds of people that we will encounter.

MAGIC MOUNTAIN + SUMMER VACATION = HOT, SWEATY MOBS OF PEOPLE! MOBS AND MOBS!

I'm trying to be positive and think of all the fun we're gonna have...but I'm not succeeding.

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: What is your favorite drink of choice? Are you a water only drinker? Pepsi, coke, or Dr. Pepper drinker, diet or regular, crushed ice or cubed? Lover of coffee or tea perhaps, decaf or regular? What's your pleasure?

Although I'm trying to drink more water, I'm a regular pepsi lover all the way and with cubed ice please. I have recently discovered Sonic's pebble ice...now it's my favorite! Can you buy pebble ice anywhere?

Yesterday's Recap

As I mentioned, I had my yearly visit to the gynecologist yesterday. I was anxious to go because I know I'm going through menopause and I had tons of questions to ask the Dr.

First off, I was pleasantly surprised when I asked how much I weighed last year at my visit and I was told I hadn't gained anything since then...not one pound. This was a total shocker because my clothes sure don't fit me like they used to so I thought I had gained some weight. I know I've put on inches and I blame alot of it on blogging. I spend much more time in front of the computer nowadays and I'm not as active as I used to be. This is a reality that has hit me hard lately and I'm trying to get back to the old me...the active me.

Secondly, I was happy to hear that according to the Dr. everything looked fine and that everything is still where it's supposed to be! That was a relief. Nothing's out of place at this stage in the game...hey, you never know!

We talked about Estrogen replacement but that's not something that I want to do at this point...truthfully I don't think I need it. I must still be producing some Estrogen because the good news is...I haven't grown a moustache or beard yet! She did recommend St. John's Wort and Black Cohosh, herbal supplements that act like Estrogen. She suggested these to help with mood swings, among other things. I feel like I do occasionally have mood swings, but not often, and I don't know if it can be attributed to menopause. This year has been a tough one, one with alot of changes for me and I'm now with a retired hubby remember. This can cause mood swings in and of itself. Anyways, I'm off to the vitamin store today to purchase both of these herbs.

On a lighter note, we went to dinner last night and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We went to a place called Famous Dave's B-B-Q. It's new here in town although not new to California. The food was great and the company even better. The adorable blond sitting next to me in the picture below is Kim. Kim and I are the best of friends and have been for over 10 years. Tom, Kim, and their 3 kids are like family to us...we've traveled together many times and shared every aspect of our lives together. I cried on her shoulder when my son was 17 and disrespectful, and she's cried on mine now that her sons are reaching that age. I love them dearly...and now I miss them dearly. They moved in December, only a few miles away, but it's not the same. I look at their house across the street and still expect to see them there. Sometimes I think about walking across the street to go tell Kim something and then I remember...they don't live there anymore.

It was so wonderful to see and spend time with Kim...and the rest of the group too. These people are caring, genuine, and we're so lucky to have them as friends, very very lucky.

Here's to good friends!














One more thing, see the lady with the glasses, that's Monica. Monica is a grandmother yet guess what she's doing this weekend...she's participating in a triathlon! Way to go Monica...and good luck!

Mission Accomplished

Well I'm off to the Dr's office for my yearly "woman's" visit...joy!

But...not before I stop by the post office to drop off these














Our blogging buddies list is finished and getting mailed out today as promised...so be watching your mailboxes...and have fun with it.

I also want to show you some good mail that I received from my sweet friend Jennifer. Jennifer is such a talent. She juggles a very busy life with 4 beautiful children and a hubby, she posts regularly and keeps me laughing with her great personality and funny stories, she is athletic and runs triathlons...yes, I said triathlons, and now I learn she is a soap maker as well! Jennifer sent me 7 incredible smelling homemade soaps (blueberry muffin, melon sorbet, very cherry, lemon berry, apple orchard, bubble gum, and lemon verbena). How nice is that!?! I'd be hard pressed to pick out a favorite because they're all yummy smelling. Jennifer also sent a homemade card and a butterfly magnet...thank you again Jennifer for your thoughtfulness! It is so appreciated! Here is a picture of my good mail goodness...














Tonight we're going out to dinner with 3 other couples...I can't wait. I love these people. We are all neighbors, except for one couple that just moved away recently. We've all been friends for over 10 years now. Don't worry...I'm taking my camera!

I'm Not a Flake...

Honestly, I swear I'm not!

Our little bloggers address list is typed up in my little computer and ready to go...honestly!

I received a nice response from people who wanted to put their names and addresses on a list so that we could send out birthday cards, christmas cards, good mail, etc. to our blogging friends.

Well I typed up the list but wanted to print it out on some pretty or neat designed paper, something other than just plain white computer paper...but I haven't found any yet.

BUT TODAYS THE DAY! IT WILL BE IN THE MAIL BY TOMORROW...YOU HAVE MY WORD!

Thank you again friends for your warm, welcoming response!

(If anyone is reading this and wants to add their name to the list, email me your information. I'll add it to our list before I print out the copies this afternoon.)

What's In A Name?

I saw this fun little blogthing over at a friend's site and thought I'd give it a try also. Much to my surprise, it's pretty right on.

Relaxed, chill, go with the flow...yes sir, that's me!

Uh oh...tightly wound!?! At times, I'm sure my family would agree with this wholeheartedly (although the older I get, the more I unwind!)

Balanced, orderly, and organized...I think my family calls it OCD!

Stubborn and headstrong...no, not moi!

Like I said, it's pretty right on, except for one thing. What do they mean I don't stick with things for very long...I've stuck with hubby for 28 years now haven't I!!

Ok, so go ahead and give it a try for yourself. Lets see if we have anymore Type A's out there.

What Linda Means

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row. You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace. People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

52 Blessings

I ended up not going away this weekend for our camping club trip...hubby went without me.

I have worked more than my fair share these last few weeks due to a nursing shortage at work, I'm losing the battle against my house and its upkeep, and to put it bluntly, I just needed a break from my husband...so I stayed home.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not fighting with my husband or anything, but this is the scenario. I've been married for over 25 years and my husband has always worked an ungodly amount of hours. The last 14 years he worked out of town, only to be home on weekends...so needless to say, I'm quite independent because I've had to be. Now fast forward to February '08. Hubby decides to retire even though he's only just over 50 years old, is now home 24/7, and is happy as a clam.

Now do you see why I stayed home!?! I'm thankful today for the alone time I had this weekend, for the chores I accomplished (we're having out of town company next weekend), and I'm extremely thankful that I have a husband that understands and doesn't give me grief about it.

So instead of feeling tired or resentful, I feel refreshed and rejuvenated...and ready to take on another week!

It's Friday

And I'm nosy...

So here's the question: Hot or cold? In regards to weather, which can you tolerate better, the heat of the summer or the cold of the winter?

For me, I can tolerate being hot better than being cold. Even during the summer, I always take a sweater with me to the mall, to restaurants, or to the movie theatre. I think it's their goal to freeze you out of these places!

Happy Weekend!

Could It Get Any Hotter!?!

Yesterday it was 111 degrees and I'm now in hibernation!

I worked Mon, Tues, and Wed so at least I missed most of this heat wave we've been having...but I'm facing it today and it's not a pretty picture. I need to go out and get some stuff done but have decided I'll brave it later on. I'm thinking that if I go out after 5:00pm, maybe it'll only be 100 degrees!

I'm supposed to be heading to the coast tomorrow, where it's 72 degrees. There's only one thing that worries me...I MAY NOT WANT TO COME HOME!!

How's the heat in your little corner of the world?

We Have A Winner...

Little Sis cut the strips of paper for me, wrote down each person's name, placed them in the bowl, and then sweetly said, "I'm nervous!" Isn't that cute!

(Notice we chose a bowl with red, white, and blue...in honor of this being 4th of July weekend and my 100th post being posted on July 4th.)

Congratulations...














Lorie you are the winner of my first ever giveaway...and I couldn't be happier. Just email me your address and I'll get your cupcake goodies out in the mail. Maybe you'll make cupcakes with your adorable grandchildren!?! If so, please take pictures!

Little Sis was a little disappointed when it was all done. She felt bad for all of the pieces of paper still left in our 4th of July bowl...so what's a girl to do...DRAW ANOTHER NAME THAT'S WHAT!

Yes sir, that's what we did! Little Sis is a girl after my own heart! Needless to say, I was thrilled when this name was pulled out next...














Jennifer this cupcake giveaway will be duplicated and sent off to you too! I can't wait to get these goodies to you. Have fun!

Friends, thank you, thank you, thank you for all of the wonderful, encouraging, and sweet comments you have not only left for this giveaway, but for all of the comments you leave me daily. 100 posts has truly been effortless...it's such a joy sharing my little life with you! Here's to 100 more!

52 Blessings

Yes, today is Sunday and I'M WORN OUT!
It was a very tiring week for me. I work 2 days a week...but this last week I worked 4! That's 4 12-hour shifts I'm talking about. Yep, like I said, I'm worn out.

Yet thankful!

I'm thankful for my job. I LOVE my co-workers and more often than not, I love our patients.

I choose to work. I'm lucky in that I am not forced to work out of necessity. I'm thankful for having that choice.

I'm thankful that I work in a profession that will always offer opportunity. Heaven forbid something should happen to my hubby, I would be able to survive financially and would never be unemployed.

I'm thankful that it only takes me 5-10 minutes to get to work.

I'm thankful that not only does my family allow me to be away from home a few days a week but they are proud of me for doing it. I feel I have the best of both worlds.

Lord, I thank you today for my family, for my job, and especially for giving me choices. I pray that I am making wise ones.

100 Things About Me

1. I am the oldest of 3 girls
2. I have very blue eyes
3. We moved alot when I was growing up and I hated it
4. Because of having moved around so much as a child, I made sure my kids didn't
5. I didn't date until after high school. I was too shy
6. I'm not so shy anymore
7. I've been married for over half my life...to the same man
8. I was married for 5 years before I had kids
9. I had 2...a boy and a girl, in that order
10. I've seen Steel Magnolias, Terms of Endearment, and Step-Mom numerous times and still cry every time I see them
11. I was born and raised in California
12. I'm ready to move and live in another state
13. I would love to live on a lake or river
14. I can get along with just about anyone
15. I graduated from high school 6 months early
16. I am still best friends with D. We met in art class when we were in the 9th grade
17. I always wanted to be a teacher...but became a nurse
18. Fall is my favorite time of year
19. I chew gum alot
20. I don't like being late to anything, and rarely am
21. I love the color pink
22. But I have alot of blue in my house
23. I love home decorating...and making my surroundings b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l
24. I love Halloween
25. I enjoy going to the library
26. I never go barefoot, ever
27. I used to care about what people think of me. Of course I still want people to like me but now it doesn't bother or upset me if they don't
28. I'm generally in a good mood and optimistic
29. I rarely eat meat
30. I would like to tour Europe with my family someday
31. I'm a rule follower...with a little bit of OCD mixed in too
32. I'm a decent photographer
33. I grew up with lots of cousins and have great memories of growing up with them
34. I have loving, supportive parents who live in Colorado
35. My mom does make-up beautifully but never taught me anything about it
36. Consequently, I don't wear much make-up nor do I know how to apply it correctly
37. I have naturally curly hair...I've always hated it
38. I had a wonderful relationship with my mother-in-law while she was alive. We never had so much as one argument in the 20 years that I knew her
39. I know being involved with church at an early age kept me on the straight and narrow as a teen and beyond
40. I can balance my checkbook to the penny
41. I'm pretty much a "go with the flow" kinda gal
42. I love 80's music
43. I get car sick easily
44. I am a christian and believe in the power of prayer
45. I enjoy taking my dog for walks and exploring my neighborhood
46. I don't watch TV and don't even follow a soap opera
47. I love watermelon
48. I like order, along with peace and quiet
49. I got my first pedicure a few years back, now I get them regularly
50. I do not like to fly...but want to go and see and do...so I tolerate it
51. I love Girl Scout cookies. Thin Mints and Samoas are my favorites
52. Chaos makes me nervous
53. I went to Hawaii for the first time when I was 19 years old, with D. (see #16)
54. I've gone back at least 15 or more times since then
55. I LOVE a good salad and pretty much survive on them
56. I like wearing skirts
57. I loved Italy and plan on going back someday
58. I've been lucky and never had to watch my weight, until now
59. I used to be a die-hard sunbather
60. I now have the freckles and sunspots to prove it
61. My Mom pierced my ears when I was about 13 and it hurt like heck
62. I'm not a very good cook and don't even particularly enjoy it. I wish I did
63. I love to bake. I grew up making chocolate chip cookies and brownies
64. I love the dough more than the finished product
65. I took 2 years of Spanish in high school and didn't learn a thing, but got A's
66. I love Target and go at least once a week
67. I like sweets and drink way to much Pepsi.
68. I'm 5'2"
69. I love giving gifts
70. I enjoy gardening and working in the yard
71. I want to be a runner...and would love to run a half marathon someday. I say half because I know my limitations
72. I love shopping
73. I'm a firm believer in sending handwritten thank you notes when someone has done something nice for you
74. I had the biggest crush on Elvis when I was a little girl
75. I love to decorate my home for all of the holidays
76. I have the best intentions but don't always follow through with them
77. My sister D. and I have always been best friends
78. I get compliments on my gift wrapping abilities
79. I love Mexican and Chinese food
80. I don't consider myself very creative or crafty although others do
81. I love paper products and office supplies of all kinds
82. I don't mind ironing or doing the dishes. I find them relaxing
83. I've always had a desk and kept it completely organized
84. I loved the play/musical Evita. Ava Peron intrigues me
85. I opened my IRA over 20 years ago...thanks to my father-in-law's urging
86. I go to the Dentist regularly
87. I never really cared for animals much until I got my little Jake. Now I'm a passionate dog owner
88. I don't like to camp but I love to go RVing
89. I hate paying the bills
90. The older I get, the more family and friends mean to me
91. I'm a saver($) and think about the future
92. I'm an excellent speller
93. I've always been a night-owl
94. I love people but I don't like talking on the phone...home phone or cell
95. I view myself as mathematically challenged
96. I like to read and never miss a book sale at my local library
97. I can't read a thing now without my glasses
98. I love to sing along to music but know I can't sing worth a darn
99. I'm a praying parent and have been praying for my kids future spouses since they were in grade school
100.I intend on taking piano lessons someday

Happy 4th of July

Have a safe, fun-filled day!

100th Post and A Giveaway

Tomorrow's the day I've been waiting for...the day I will reach my 100th post. It's a major milestone and I'm really really excited. I'm excited to share my "100 Things About Me" post with you too. Writing that post was much harder than I thought it would be...but it's me. The good, the bad, and the ugly!

I remember the night I started my blog. I was very nervous about putting myself "out there" for the whole world to see yet excited about the prospect at the same time. I've come along way since that first night in February. I'm more confident about blogging, I enjoy writing more, and I look forward to sharing my life with you on a regular basis.

And...I've made incredible friends. Even though I haven't met any of you in person, I feel like I know some of you so well and I truly look forward to the day, God willing, when we will meet face to face.

In celebration of this milestone, I'd like to host a GIVEAWAY...a 100th Post Giveaway! The only requirement in order to be considered for this giveaway is to leave a comment on this post...that's all. If you don't have a blog, leave me your e-mail address where you can be reached in case you're the winner. For those of you in Canada, please feel free to join in as well.

My daughter (little sis) reads my blog daily, yet NEVER LEAVES A COMMENT! But since she does read it, I figure I'll let her draw the winning name on Monday. You can leave a comment up until midnight Sunday night and then little sis will draw a name Monday morning.

Cupcakes, Cupcakes, Cupcakes...that's the theme of this giveaway. My family loves them and I love making them for my family. After all those years of being "room mom" at my kids schools, I'm an expert cupcake maker by now. Here's a sneak peak at some cupcake goodies I thought you might enjoy receiving...














Good luck!

Wordless Wednesday

(Post #3 for the day...can you tell I'm trying to reach that 100th post. Only 2 more to go!)


















(do you think they look like their momma?)

I'm Honored...and Grateful

(Post #2 for the day)


Two of my sweet friends gifted me with this award yesterday. Isn't it unique and pretty!?! I first received an e-mail from Sidney telling me to stop by her site...saying that she had a little something for me. Later that night I was catching up on new posts and was shocked to see that my friend Kathi had done the same. Girls, thank you so much! As the title of this post states, I'm both honored and grateful to receive it...and honored and grateful to be able to call both of you friends!

These are the rules for accepting this award:

1. Pick 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contribute to the blogging community, no matter what language.

2. Each award has to have the name of the author and a link to his/her blog to be visited by everyone.

3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that presented her/him with the award.

4. The award winner and one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y Pico" blog so everyone will know the origin of this award.

5. Show these rules.

And since I'm a rule follower, here goes:

Bren: I just love Bren to death! She is funny, down to earth, and genuine. She is ALWAYS one of the first ones to leave a comment and ALWAYS comments...and you all know how much we bloggers love our comments. So Bren, thank you and please know that I appreciate every single comment that you leave. I look forward to them! Bren has also mentioned that she would love to help out in anyway if our college daughter needs it while at college in AZ...and she means it. Bren would be there in a minute if little sis needed anything...and that is comforting to this mom in CA.

Donna Lyn: First of all, Donna Lyn loves dogs and ALWAYS asks me to give my Jake a kiss for her...Donna Lyn, I give him a kiss every time! One reason I enjoy visiting Donna Lyn is for the beauty she creates. She makes her home, both inside and out, comfortable and beautiful looking. She also has 3 sons that she adores. There's just something about a mother/son relationship...and we're both blessed to be experiencing it.

Michelle: I met Michelle early on and felt an instant connection with her because her kids are older like mine (3 of hers have graduated high school and the youngest is just starting high school). She loves being a wife and mom and it shows. When I think of Michelle I think of an outgoing, happy person. I think we'd become fast friends if we were neighbors.

Jill: I've never seen Jill talk about awards and such on her blog so I'm not sure how she feels about them...but I certainly think of her when it comes to creativity, displaying interesting material, and giving generously to the blogging community. Jill's blog was also one of the first ones I came across many months ago and now it's a blog I check daily. Jill is extremely humerus, down to earth, and the originator of the term "good mail." She loves to give and receive mail as much as I do, if that's possible.

Natasha: This sweet friend is full of energy and I love it! She is a hard-working young mother who is providing beautifully for her children. She is accomplished, she is driven, yet her family comes first. Natasha goes to great lengths to inspire, teach, and build up her children's self-esteem...and I'm touched by that. She is thoughtful and giving...and I'm so glad that we've become friends. (Natasha's blog is private so I won't be posting a link to her blog...but I still wanted to pass this little beauty on to her too)

There you have it. Please go check out these amazing women...you won't regret it for a minute!

Get Well Soon!

My step-dad had extensive shoulder surgery today (Tuesday). The doctor told him that recovery would be painful and that there is no guarantee that the surgery will have done him any good. Only time will tell.

Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.