Look who's 12!!

My middle girly turned 12 today... she is cute as a button, temperamental, sweet, kind, funny, stylish, caring, impatient, snarky and smart. She is a go getter, her confidence is stronger now than ever..she isn't afraid to try anything. I love this child..my sweet middle girl..you make your Daddy and I smile..you never sit still, you are always twirling, flipping and on the go..people love being your friend and you are a good friend to others.

I must say this girl has it going on..must be from a family member twice removed!! LOL!

*she's the one with the Tiara..we had her party at a local restaurant.notice the neon bar signs in the background..nice

Lent..

I love Lent...more than I love the New Year. You are probably wondering why aren't you. well, I love the fresh start of a NEW YEAR, but let's face it..after rolling off the HIGH of Christmas it is hard to get in the swing of things. with LENT..the weather, here in SC anyway, is starting to warm a bit(most days), Spring is right around the corner..and I am ready to give up and take up.

This year our whole family has given up sweet treats, and if you knew anything about us(not really me, I like savory) it will be a challenge..the baby loves her some skittles!! We also are not snacking or buying anything..with hopes of making a better donation to our church causes.

I am "borrowing" Kim. from 3 Peanuts idea of purging 40 bags of unwanted items for donation or just plain trash in 40 days..this should add a little more beauty to our bedrooms..living room, clutter free!

I hope GOD'S abundant love blesses us all, keeps us safe and helps us stick to our challenges.

"I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me"
Philippians 4:13

Valentines Day...

I have Strep Throat..UGH!! and how pathetic am I..the hubby asked me to name three things that I wanted, and how pathetic am I..Dearfoam Slippers and a new Colander..couldn't even think of a third! have a great Valentine's Day..love on your families!

Friday Faves

enough said.. I love my husband..

baby girl is gearing up for another season of drama, I mean soccer...
One word.. DELISH!

another word... DIG..their newest brew..YUM!


love it..duh!

We're having a PARTY...

kind of.. we are having people over for the Super Bowl this evening..I don't why, our Club is having a BYOB and a BYOA(appetizer..to share), but NO, I like to put the pressure on me and the Hubby to prepare delish food for neighbors and friends on a School Night!! so here is our menu, neighbors are bringing appetizers and one is bringing Wings, duh, guys can't watch football without Wings right, quite frankly, I am over Wings..so tell me what you think

Boneless/Skinless Grilled Thai Chicken Thighs in a soy pineapple demi glaze

Homemade spicy Pineapple salsa

California Cole Slaw

Jalapeno Popper Dip

Ooey Gooey Bars

I have had 3 extra girls here all weekend..I am already pooped..I need to drink a pot of coffee and get my GAME ON!

I really don't care who wins tonight..I love me some Manning Brothers and Tommy is so easy on the eyes..it is hard. Both Coaches look like they could use a trip to DisneyWorld after the game they always look so damn miserable!!

I will let you know what the crowds response was..Have a great Sunday!

they are listening..

As my middle daughter and I were watching TV together, or she was, and I was meticulously trying to paint her toes in her new Essie color she said something quietly under her breath. I can't even remember what show it was but she said "you give something from your heart, because you want too, not because you want praise"! I looked up from painting her cute little toes and said "what did you say"? she repeated herself, and I smiled, put the brush in the bottle and grabbed her face and kissed it! "you are so right Mally, give from your heart, no matter what it is..don't give to impress". I said, "gosh, you are so wise, where did you learn that"? and she said "from you Mommy, you always let people go in front of us in carpool, the grocery store and that time you took that old ladies shopping cart so she didn't have to walk it in". WOW! I am not telling you this for a WOW, but, it opened my eyes to the fact that these children watch our every move and how much they might emulate our behavior..I also realize, they have also seen the not so good..the one who says cuss words, gossips, and has had one too many glasses of vino..but I like to balance it out..don't want her thinking I am all good!

WEAK...

So... I reactivated my Facebook account ALREADY!! Really for 2 reasons. I had a dear friend recently get diagnosed for the 2nd time Breast Cancer and want to keep up with her..and she posts about it and secondly, my daughters former teacher who had to move to NC for a job for the Hubby, was recently diagnosed with MS. It is so sad that these ladies have to endure this at such young ages but I know through, faith and prayer it will make this journey easier to bear.
I have to admit I really didn't miss Facebook after a day or two, but it is truly amazing what happens in those few short days to all of us. We all need prayer.

The youngest is home for the 2nd day Strep throat.. is it just my children, but my girls don't sleep when they are sick.. My late mother used to say " if your not sleeping, you musn't be sick"!
I am working from home today and it is hard to do when you see all of the dust, laundry and dirty dishes..so I work a little, clean a LOT.. and before I know it..Carpool will be calling.
I think I am going to start posting Friday Foods, recipes that I love that are easy and inexpensive..ya know, sans the Truffle Oil! Have a Happy Hump Day!