We're Off to the Cities

TGIF!

I took today off from work today and will heading to MN to visit my son and do some shopping in the cities. My two daughters are going with me and we're excited to spend some time together. I consider myself very lucky, I love my kids and they've grown up too fast. Life is good, my hubby loves me and I love him...and I love my job. Can't ask for more. I am very blessed.

So when I couldn't sleep after much tossing and turning, I decided to get out of bed and looked at the clock - 4 am! I watched a little TV(QVC & watched Lock and Lock.) Then I was really awake, thinking of all of areas still waiting to be organized. I changed the channel and headed to the computer and started reading all of my favorite blogs.



I came across a blog that I'd really like you all to take some time to read. Not only does Lily have a great Valentine giveaway, her hubby has stage 4 cancer and this is her journal of her DH's treatment and progress. Please remember them in your thoughts and prayers. Roy's Progress!

Mom's Book of Answers

Did you know there's a book called, "Mom's Book of Answers?" This is such a cute book and it's full of motherly wisdom that you've probably said or heard your mom say to you as a child or maybe as an adult?!?

I find myself saying this at work...



This one is really important right now....



How many times have we said this?



Oh, I'm so excited to say that I received by Valentine Swap gift from AnnOnandOn. Dark chocolate sauce...I'm thinking hot fudge sundaes coming my way very soon! Ann - Thank you so much, it makes me hungry just thinking about it - great gift! And my DH thanks you too! :)




Happy Wednesday!

Terry

Giveways Galore

There's two giveaways that I need to make sure to mention.

How many of you love jewelry? How about a Valentine Bracelet? I have many bracelets and try to wear at least one daily. Check out Jennifer's blog at Rundpinne & the Romance bracelet and also check out Twisted Sister and check out all of the jewelry they offer.

Now how many of you take a drink to work everyday or grab a travel mug when you're running errands? Over at monogram chick, they have the cutest travel mug with polka dots. Stop by & check out their items. Leave a comment and say you heard about this from me - and if you win, I also win!

On to my most exciting life...today, DH said - "what do you want to do today?" Since it's so cold out, I said we could stay home and organize the closet that's supppose to be the linen closet. (We don't have anything that you would typically find in a linen closet.) He was up for the job and said it would only take 20 minutes and why did I need his help? And my response was that I know I can't throw anything away, I needed him to help me declutter. (20 minutes, seriously? - I told him he might want to try it on his own and see if he thought this would be that easy - he declined.)

I was curious how long it would take to clear out the linen closet so I took a picture of the clock just as we started.


Here's the before - sad but true...




I know, I know - it's bad...



We got everything out and turned my back and Charlie jumped on one of the shelves!!



We filled our kitchen garbage & one large Rubbermaid, I found a Christmas magnet I looked for last month not to mention - I think I have enough Bath & Body Works hand soap and plug ins, probably can stay out of that store for awhile...



Easier on the eyes now..although I do see I need to switch the basket on the bottom shelf to the top since their different..details...and yes, these pictures are blurry - I think it's because I removed so many things - felt good but what if we need some of this stuff later on?





And the best news is..it took 45 minutes!! WOOO HOOOO



As we were sorting through everything, DH said - this probably isn't something to blog about..WHATEVER.

What does this mean? I love to read your blogs about organizing and seeing your beautiful and messy homes and theres a connection?? I leave it at that, wishing everyone a safe week!

Terry

Teri Polo - What's the Story?

Don't ya just love chick flick movies? We subscribe to Netflix and I watched "Straight From the Heart" that Netflix had defined under the tab "movies that you'll love" and I have to say they were right on the money. Somewhat predictable but I'm always a sucker for a happy ending.


The movie is about Jordan (Teri Polo)being tricked into answering a personals ad by a well-intentioned friend. She finds herself face to face with a blind date (Andrew McCarthy) she has absolutely nothing in common with.




So I'm wondering, is Teri Polo alive? I was thinking that she died from complications from pneumonia. So I did a google search and I couldn't really find out for sure. Does anybody know the true story?

If you haven't seen this movie, give it a try - great movie for Valentines Day!

Hope everybody is having a nice weekend.

Terry

Don't Eat My Tulips

Oh, I struggle as I try to figure out this blogging thing. I know that I am electronically challenged, I can't seem to figure out the settings and then I change something and and I don't like it but I can't remember how to get it back to the way it was. Poor me...

I bought some pink tulips at Michaels on Sunday and decided tonight was the night to put it together. Sooo, I pulled everything (Michaels bag) out on the kitchen counter(we have three cats) and they all decided they needed to see what was going on and see which one could help me the most! I realized I needed the wire cutter (reminder - I need a better one) and I walked away for less than 20 seconds to get them. When I came back, the cats were CHEWING ON MY FLOWERS! I grabbed the camera to get some pictures of them in action and they took off so fast. So next time, I'll maybe want to be a little quieter sneaking up on them. But I'll get some pictures of them real soon to share.

This crafting is exhausting!





I leave you with another cute cat picture (not my cats). Did I tell you I love cats? Now that we are practically empty nesters, they do feel some of the void - JUST LEAVE MY FLOWERS ALONE! :)

Everyone have a nice evening!

Terry

Happy Anniversary Steve!

January 20, 2001
Happy Anniversary Steve! Tomorrow will be 8 wonderful years together!
When Steve and I started dating, the song, He Didn't Have To Be by Brad Paisely played all the time. I was a single mom with three kids and trying to figure out what I wanted out of life and Steve walked into our life.

Here's the words to the song, "He Didn't Have to Be."

When a single mom goes out on a date with somebody new
It always winds up feeling more like a job interview
My momma used to wonder if she'd ever meet someone
Who wouldn't find out about me and then turn around and run

I met the man I call my dad when I was five years old
He took my mom out to a movie and for once I got to go
A few months later I remember lying there in bed
I overheard him pop the question and I prayed that she'd say yes

And then all of a sudden
Oh, it seemed so strange to me
How we went from something's missing
To a family
Lookin' back all I can say
About all the things he did for me
Is I hope I'm at least half the dad
That he didn't have to be

I met the girl that's now my wife about three years ago
We had the perfect marriage but we wanted somethin' more
Now here I stand surrounded by our family and friends
Crowded 'round the nursery window as they bring the baby in

And now all of a sudden
It seemed so strange to me
How we've gone from something's missing
To a family
Lookin' through the glass I think about the man
That's standin' next to me
And I hope I'm at least half the dad
That he didn't have to be

Lookin' back all I can say
About all the things he did for me
Is I hope I'm at least half the dad
That he didn't have to be

Yeah, I hope I'm at least half the dad
That he didn't have to be
Because he didn't have to be
You know he didn't have to be



Taken about 2 years ago


Our daughters wedding in October


Steve - I love you and look forward to many more years together.

Terry

Four Stars for Mamma Mia and The Women

Put your speakers on if you don't already - you'll understand once you read my blog.)



Don't you just love chick flicks? My DH watches with me but I'm sure he'd rather be watching something else.Last week I watched these two movies and loved them.

I loved Momma Mia because the movie was based around Abba music and I LOVE ABBA. (I used to have all my ring tones Abba songs) If you haven't seen it, you'll be smiling at the end and wanting to go download some Abba music. At the end, when the credits start, keep watching - it's pretty funny.





The other movie that's I'm giving four stars is The Women. I love Meg Ryan, I think she's the cutest thing. The movie centers around Meg and her NY girlfriends and there's plenty of stars...Annette Benning, Jada Pinkett Smith, Debra Messing, Bette Midler, Candice Bergen and Eva Mendez.

Not often do I see a movie that I'd like to watch again, but I would watch these again anytime. Let me know if you've seen these movies and what you thought.
Have you seen any movies recently that you thought were worth watching more than one time? Let me know, I'm always on the lookout for a great movie.




Terry

Valentine Swap Party Times Two

Happy Saturday afternoon!


I'm signed up for two Valentines Day exchanges and one swap buddy is Diane from momtomonkeys. I've been following her blog for some time and I'm excited to be exchanging with her!

(Diane - I checked out your blog and your blog mentioned that you're doing two blogs - so I hopped on over and got signed up for that one too. Congrats your anniversary!)

Here's the questions to get to know me better along with my answers:

Coffee, Tea, Both or Neither? Both

Regarding chocolate...Milk, Dark, White, All, None - All

What are your hobbies? - Mostly shopping, reading, watching TV (is this a hobby?)

Do you collect anything? Right now I'm hunting for simple cat statues for the outside.

What are your favorite colors? red, white, pink

What magazines do you subscribe to or routinely purchase
(we don't want to buy you something you already have!) Oprah, TV Guide, Country Home, Midwest Living, Romantic Country.

Do you like to cook? On weekends, maybe

Do you like to read? What is your favorite book? Yes, love to read - romance novels. I don't think I have a favorite book.

Favorite music? Country

Do you like to work in the yard? Yes

Do you like to entertain? yes

Favorite stores? Pier One, Kohl's, Target




The other Valentine Swap that I just signed up for is still open for more people to sign up Click on AnIslandLife and get signed up and makes sure to answer the questionnaire either in the comments section or on your blog.

Here's the questions along with my answers:

What is your idea of a romantic Valentine’s Day? Going someplace warm and soaking up the sun!

In reality, what is your Valentine’s Day really like? Something take out and watching TV.

If you could have a lifetime supply of your favorite sweet indulgence, what would it be? Hot Fudge Sundaes

Is there any sweet treat you absolutely do not like? Cookies with nuts in them

If you fell into a pool of chocolate, how would you get out? Yell for DH to jump in, I think he might love chocolate more than me!




Later!
Terry

Ashley's on the Dean's List!

Congratulations Ashley!

Just got the mail and opened up this letter - GREAT NEWS! Steve and I know that you worked so hard to get the grades you do and we couldn't be more proud of you!

(Click on the letter to read it)




(Ashley was born on Valentine's Day almost 19 years ago)


We love you very much!

Baby It's Cold Outside

Wow, it's so cold out today, we woke up to -22 degrees and we're expecting a heat wave tomorrow when it hits 20 degrees! I did not go to Tuesday Morning today on my lunch, I stayed inside where it's warm. But tomorrow will be another story....

In order to survive this weather, I thought I'd share some warm weather pictures. After all, it's got to get warm soon, right?





Be sure to check out ourcreativelife, they're giving away a custom rug with your choice inital. The rug retails for $195 and they're really cute! Let them what your best blogging advice is, and you're entered in the drawing.

Stay warm...
Terry

Valentine's Day Swap

Happy Wednesday! It sure is cold here, high temperature was -3 and tomorrow the high should be right around -1. On the way home from work, my car thermostat showed the temp to be at -11. This is downright frigid!

Last week when Ashley and I were out bargain shopping, we stopped at Tuesday Morning. But they were closed with the sign saying, "Closed for restocking, open on Thursday." I've never seen this sign before, do they take everything out and everything is new? Is it priced for selling? I was planning on going there tomorrow to check it out on my lunch hour but now it's so COLD! I can't decide if the cold weather is going to keep me away, what to do? I know what my DH would say..."you don't need anything, the house is full, we're trying to cut back...blah blah blah...

I love ya Steve, but WHATEVER!

On to something else, I came across this blog, lifeofasouthernbelle, she's having a Valentine Day Swap! Anybody who wants to participate should let her know by commenting by January 16. Buy a $25 gift, not to include shipping, and mail it no later than January 27. The theme is LOVE and FRIENDSHIP and you must go to her blog if your interested. I'm definitely going to get my name in there!

Ok, I promised myself that I would put the Christmas dishes away, so off I go...

Happy Birthday Michael

Today's Michael's 23rd Birthday!

We're so proud of Michael, he graduated with a Masters in Professional Accountancy last month and started his first job on Monday.

Happy Birthday Bud!

Love ya,

Mom & Steve

Organizing the Messy Cupboard

Yesterday Ashley and I attended a seminar titled "Organize with Confidence." Some of the myths are:

1. It has to be perfect.


2. You must be born organized.


3. Organizing is all about the bins.

If you're like me - you go to put something away and then that you decided to orgainze that area and don't get back to what you originally were working on. Then you come back to it and you've had enough and put everything back and figure you can work on it another day. The speaker said to get a hoola hoop and lay it on the floor. You need to stay in that area until finished so that you don't become distracted. (I wonder what DH would say if I came home with a hoola hoop?

The area that I want to organize and get rid of clutter is the kitchen and I have a hard time getting rid of things. I need to remind myself that this is just stuff and not get caught up in the thought that I might need it some day(very scary!).

And because I want to work on the kitchen, I need to break it down even further to not become overwhelmed and not take action. Take a look at the chart where I've broke down each parts of the kitchen that I want to go through and do bits of it until it's completed.

I'm proud to say that I worked on the cupboard that spices are kept in and taken some before and after. I didn't realize that spices have expiration dates(DH says that's ridculous) and filled up a trash can. This cupboard took me exactly an hour and I'm glad that I didn't tear apart any other areas in the kitchen - pretty hard on a pack rat.

Before:

I couldn't find anything, wow this is bad!

And here's my after pictures:

Much nicer - would you agree?

I actually put items from another cupboard in this one.

I'm so proud of myself but not ready to take on another cupboard just yet, maybe tomorrow?? We're under a winter weather advisory with a blizzard warning for tomorrow. I told DH that if we can be luck enough to have a blizzard (my employer will probably also be closed - and I'll get a paid day off - crossing my fingers) - I'll be working on the dreaded pantry. I don't think my pantry is anything like this cupboard but I'll post before and after pictures as soon as I tackle it.

Here's wishing everyone a safe weekend!

Terry

Blogging & Give Aways!

Happy Friday!


Today I want to draw your attention to this blog:
http://joytotheblog.blogspot.com/

She's having a most generous giveaway; a pink robe, Sweet Potato Queens Book of Love, a set of cupcake bookmarks, boxed set containing body souffle, bath salts & shower gel in the Sugar Cookie scent, $5 gift card to Blockbuster and the Jan/Feb issue of Victoria! I hope I have everything here because it's unreal! Be sure to check out her blog.


Another I found very inspiring is this one - http://diane1876.blogspot.com/ She's got a trash to treasure section and she loves to go to yard sales!

And there's another dog lover out there you must check out her cute blog: http://gypsycorner.blogspot.com/

These people are so creative!

Poo poo de dooooo

Terry

Calling All Dog Lovers!?!

Good morning! I'm happy to announce that I have time off from work today and tomorrow to spend time with Ashley before she heads back to college! She's still sleeping and I wanted to update my blog since it's been a couple of days.

I can never resist looking at pictures of dogs, and puppies are so sweet - I want them all! Here's a couple of blogs that I thought were either funny or so sweet - let me know what you think!

http://www.modernemama.com/
http://www.cuteoverload.com/


Oh, and freezing rain is expected again tonight. Why can't we have a blizzard and have everything shut down? Winter has worn out it's welcome!

Poo poo pee doo :)

Terry

What is Blogging?

I had a nice conversation with my good friend, Jen, last night. And like me, Jen had no idea what blogging, blogs are....so if you're like both of us - you're in the dark about what I have found to be probably the most interesting thing to do online. So, check out the show Martha Stewart - she devotes an entire show to blogging. http://www.marthastewart.com/show/the-martha-stewart-show/the-blogging-show

I want to attach a couple of blogs that I have found to be very interesting and see what you think. Please leave comments and also let me know if you're looking for something in peculiar and we can learn together.

Check these out:

http://comfylittleplace.blogspot.com/

http://deardaisycottage.typepad.com/daisy_cottage/

http://nikkicrumpet.blogspot.com/

http://acorn-cottage.blogspot.com/

Well, best get going - it's Monday and that mean's back to work. I'm planning on taking off Thursday & Friday and spend time with Ashley before she heads back to college.

Ta ta for now,

Terry

Dreary Saturday

Large Wedding Mosiac
Originally uploaded by brandonvalley

I can't help but to add more pictures of Crystal & Stuart's wedding, trying to forget what the weather is doing outside. We've got some freezing rain, suppose to get 1-2" of snow and be windy! I can handle the snow and the wind but the freezing rain is enough to make me stay home today. I did want to go the the flea market and do a little bargain shopping but homebound I'll be.

Everyone, have a safe weekend!

Ta ta,

Terry

Crystal & Stuart's Wedding

As most of you know, Crystal & Stuart were married October 18, 2008 in Sioux Falls.
Crystal was the most beautiful bride I have ever seen. Okay, I know, I'm her Mom - but she was breathtaking. The question is, how did Crystal become old enough to get married and how can I possibly be old enough to be the dreaded Mother-In-Law? Although I do hope that Stuart knows that I love him and never want to be the MIL you hear about.

When I starting reading blogs and they are amazing, so I checked into doing my own. It says it takes about 15-30 minutes to set it up. Let me tell you, this has taken me so much more time.
But I am not going to give up - so stay tuned and I'll dazzle your socks off (scary and stupid).

I encourage everyone to start a blog - it's the newest greatest thing...

Lots of love,

Terry

Wedding 2008

Happy New Year!



Hard to believe that it's been a month-and-a-half now since Crystal and Stuart got married. Crystal is my oldest daughter and I can't figure out where the time went that she could be old enough to get married, let alone that I can have a daughter old enough to get married.



Crystal was the most beautiful bride I have ever seen! Okay, so I'm her mom but it's true - she glowed like nothing I have ever seen.



I'm attempting to learn how to set up pictures like this and boy, it was complicated. That is until I looked up help and got it straightened around. The blog directions say it can take 15-30 minutes to set up but this has taken me much longer. Guess it's because I'm OLD and not tech savvy like my kids.



But check back daily, I promise to send updates and get this blog looking fancy smanzy sometime this year!



Poo poo dee doooo



Terry

Happy New Year

Having trouble getting my blog page set up and had to start over. Need one of the kids to help me but they don't have time. Promise to write much more once I (Steve will do most of the work) once I get this set up.

Terry