Happy Monday

I know there are some people out that who really dislike Mondays, but I try to look at them as a kick off to the week.  A way to start my week off with a positive attitude and a fresh outlook.

Today was the only day I had this week to run the numerous errands that needed to be ran.  So, I got started right away this morning. I started laundry and did a few other things before I left home. Then 5 1/2 hours, I was able to shop at Hallmark, Old Navy, Michaels, Half-Price Books, take a 1/2 hour lunch with my Kindle at Noodles and Company, pick out some flowers at Earl May and Hy-Vee Drug Store, and get a few groceries at Hy-Vee.  After stopping for gas, I made it home 10 minutes before the kids got home from school!  Phew, that was a lot of running!  I'm super excited to show you  the items I got at Michaels sometime soon.  I purchased items for 2 projects that I want to accomplish in the next week or two.  Since I am not really crafty, this is a bit out of my comfort zone, but I am hoping I can turn it into something neat.  If they turn out, I will be sure to share them here!

This weekend we pulled out our 8-year old Korean Lilac bush.  It had gotten too big for the area near our front entrance.  It didn't bloom this year and we decided it was time to do something different there.  I am looking forward to making a new area of it including our bird bath and some new flowers.  Photos to come.....

Shortly after I arrived home the phone rang and the caller id said "United States Government".  I thought, hmmmm, I should probably answer that one.  I am so glad I did.  Just over a week ago, I emailed our Senator, Charles Grassley for his help with something and his office called me back today.  I was so emotional and grateful for their assistance.  I can't wait to share with you what his office will be helping me with!

Finally, I made tacos for supper which is the family's favorite, so it was a great way to close out the day.

We are on the countdown until school is done for the year.  Only 13 school days left.  I realized last night that only 2 of those 13 days are ones that I have completely open and today was one of them.  PANIC!!!  All those things I wanted to accomplish during this school year ran through my head.  How am I going to get them done in those 2 days???  Well, I'm just not.  Maybe they will get done this summer, and maybe not.  I'm going to do my best to leave that last day that I have free open and hopefully enjoy one last quiet day at home before I am with the kids every day.  I need to start planning out our summer as well.  Could it really be here already???

How did you start out your week?  Were you cranky or were you ready to hit the ground running this morning?

Scenes From Our Week : Week 31

I spent two days in LaCrosse with my mom and finally got some answers to part of her health problems and the answers are easily manageable.  Now, we just have to get through her biopsy of the lung this week.  Your prayers are working! 

I took this photo for my husband because I go by the LaCrosse brewery every time I go to the hospital there.  Several years ago, Pat and I visited it on a trip home from the Dells.  LaCrosse Lager is brewed here, and is a great Wisconsin beer, according to Pat.  I'm not a beer fan.

So with two of my days out of town and another day subbing, I didn't get very many photos taken this week.  Friday night was a gorgeous evening and we spent it on our porch with friends.  This was our view for most of the evening.  Absolutely beautiful!

My dear friend, Mary and I enjoyed catching up on the porch Friday evening.  I am looking forward to many, many more nights (and days) on the porch this summer.

Dandelions Are Useful?

After another long day in LaCrosse with my mom at the hospital, my husband sent me a text with the following story and it made my day.  I hope it brings a smile to your face too.

This afternoon the boys went to mow the church lawn.  While Bennett was mowing the following conversation took place between Pat and Reagan.

Reagan asked her dad, "Why is Bennett mowing the dandelions?"
Pat said, "Why wouldn't you?"
Reagan said, "They're useful."
Pat said, "For what?"
Reagan said, "For wishes."

Everything that God created has a purpose, even dandelions, and according to Reagan they are for making wishes.  So, the next time you see a dandelion, I hope you remember the beauty that Reagan sees in each and every one.

Reagan, I hope all your dandelion wishes come true!

Book Review: Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake By Anna Quindlen

LOTS OF CANDLES, 
PLENTY OF CAKE

By Anna Quindlen

Published April 24, 2012

****

In this irresistible memoir, the New York Times bestselling author and winner of the Pulitzer Prize Anna Quindlen writes about looking back and ahead—and celebrating it all—as she considers marriage, girlfriends, our mothers, faith, loss, all the stuff in our closets, and more.

Anna Quindlen is an American journalist and opinion columnist whose New York Times column, Public and Private, won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1992.

She began her journalism career in 1974 as a reporter with The New York Post. Between 1977 and 1994 she held several posts at The New York Times. She left journalism in 1995 to become a full-time novelist. She currently writes a bi-weekly column for Newsweek and is known as a critic of what she perceives to be the fast-paced and increasingly materialistic nature of modern American life.

This is a delightful memoir that had me crying, laughing, reflecting on my own life, and nodding my head along with Quindlen's experiences.  I sadly have to admit, this is my first book I've read by Quindlen, but you can bet I will be reading more of her novels.  If she can write so eloquently about her own life, I can't imagine how well she can create lives for others.

I had so many pages marked up from this book; things I want to remember with my children, quotes I want to write down, perspectives I want to rethink.  I usually pass on my books to the local library after I am done reading them, but this one I will be keeping.

I think my favorite part of the book was the very beginning where Quindlen talks about the things she would tell her 22-year old self about life.  I thought for a bit about that myself.  What would I tell my 20 year old self as I am turning 40?  What do I wish I had known then?  That may be a post for later, but it would definitely include taking risks, savoring relationships, and having hope.

My second favorite part of the book includes Quindlen's take on conquering a headstand.  How she physically didn't think it was possible, but was determined to build up her strength and finally, flipping her body into a complete headstand.  It made me wonder, what is my "headstand"?  What am I afraid to accomplish, do, conquer?

If you haven't figured out, I truly enjoyed this memoir, even not being familiar with the author.  The book will encourage you to reflect on your own life, whether you are 22, 42, 62, 82, or somewhere in between.  I guarantee you will leave with life lessons, wisdom and full-blown honesty.

If you are looking for a quick, enjoyable read, check out this book.  If you are also new to Anna Quindlen's work, check out her website, HERE or like her FACEBOOK page, HERE.


I received an ARC of this book from Random House.  I was not compensated in any other way for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.  I only review products that will benefit me or my family.  

Scenes From Our Week - Week 30

This has been a stressful week to say the least.  My mom is still battling some health issues and there have been lots of phone calls and stressful moments trying to decide the best course of action.  This next month is going to be full of dr appointments but, also, hopefully some answers.  Please continue to keep my mom in your prayers.

On Wednesday, I was able to attend a field trip with Reagan's class.  We went to  Wikiup Hill Nature Center where they learned about salamanders, turtles, and snakes as well as lots of other things about nature.

Reagan is ready to pet the salamander

Posing in front of the pond

Swinging at the park

Reagan trying on ALL her new hairpieces at once!  She got these on her  "date night" with Aunt Julie.

Reagan had her elementary spring program Friday night.  She had her own little speaking part and did such a great job.  

Even Aunt Elaine came down for her program!

Saturday night wasour niece, Ali's Senior prom.  She looked absolutely beautiful.  Reagan couldn't wait to see her!

You know where she got her beautiful looks, her mom, Julie!  Proud mom moment for my Sister-in-law, Julie! Ali, I hope you had a night to remember!

Finally today is our niece, Jena's birthday. So, I am taking this opportunity to wish her a very happy day today.  She is studying super hard to be a Physician's Assistant.  Her drive and attitude are such that success is most definitely in her future.  I'm so proud of you, Jena!  Isn't she gorgeous?!?!

Scenes from Our Week - Week 29

Patrick turned 12 on Wednesday as you may have read in an earlier post.  One of the things he is most excited about with being 12, is being able to finally sit in the front seat of the van!  It will be different to have someone riding next to me now....where will I set all my stuff now with the front seat being taken up with a person?????

 Patrick is a huge Miami Heat fan and I found a LeBron James rookie card for his birthday!  Yep, I am the cool mom!

Of course, he also wanted NBA 2K12.  He LOVES basketball!

But, the gift that stole the show was this LeBron James jersey! Happy Birthday, Patrick!

Reagan had her dance recital on Saturday.  She did a beautiful job and looked so pretty in her costume!  I was so glad my parents were able to come to the recital.  My mom had gotten ill on Friday and needed to go to the emergency room.  After running some tests and having an x-ray, they found a large mass on her lung as well as smaller ones.  This was totally unrelated to her illness and kind of a fluke that they were even found.  So, having mom come to the recital the very next day when she wasn't feeling well, meant a lot to Reagan and me.  

After spending all day yesterday with doctors and specialists, I am going to take this opportunity to ask for prayers for my mom.  The doctors believe her masses are cysts and her type of cysts are actually rare.  These are usually not cancerous, but more tests need to be done to be sure.  Also, because of the size and location of her 7 cm mass, there is some concern and the hope that it can be drained.  So, a biopsy will be done in a few weeks to test the fluid in the cyst as well as hopefully drain it to reduce the size.  I pray that the procedure goes smoothly and without complication and we get the proper care needed to take care of these.  I also pray that her other medical condition that brought her to the ER in the first place is remedied and she is feeling back to normal again.

I think we all take our health for granted, and then it is times like this that we are reminded that every day we are pain free, healthy, and energetic are blessings.  Tell those you love how important they are to you and be thankful for your health.

Ebook Winner

Sorry to be so delayed in posting the winner.  I had to leave town unexpectedly yesterday and have just returned.  And the winner is...........................................................

 

 

True Random Number Generator

Min:

Max:

Result:5

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

 

The winner of the ebook EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS by Lisa April Smith is entry #5, Angie. 

 

Thanks to all for entering and if you would like to purchase the book for $2.99 on Amazon, click HERE.