Housekeeping with a Thankful Heart

You know how sometimes your heart feels too full for words? That's how I felt this Thanksgiving season. Like my cup over floweth, and I can't describe with words all that I am thankful for.

I think it's only fair that since I'm keeping my inner most thankful thoughts to myself, I should finally thank all of you for all the bloggy goodness you've been throwing my way over the past few months in the form of awards and bloggy comments. I'm sure it's no surprise that I'm guilty of hoarding awards once again. Sigh.

Here's my stash along with the wonderful bloggers that gave them to me.......thank you!

All three of the above from Susie at Susie's Homemade.

Octamom

Kasey at Chronicles of a Mommy

Bouf mom at Who Says 8 is Enough?

Kimber at Kimbers Space.

AVT Coach
Sam at Yes, I know Sam is a Boys Name
Tammy at Pink Stinx
Ramblings of a 34B Cup

Marla at Stolen Bon Bons
Susie at Susie's Homemade

Nicole at Sanity Check, One Two...

Naturally Caffeinated

Susie at Mommy, Just One More Minute

Mamarazzi at Dandelion Wishes

Sonya at A Spoon Full of Sugar

Jamie at Heiner Clan

This sweet thang was bestowed upon me by Migraine Mom.

And

Becky at Smile! It's Becky.

Amy at Escape Into My Thoughts
Simply AnonyMom

Lele at Phillips 101
Esme's mom at MoziEsme

Erin at Mrs. Cox's Slice O'Heaven

Three under Two over at Lit and Laundry gave me this one.

Jyl at Mommy Gossip gave me this one way back in August.

And,

Elaine and Mis-Elaine-ous Life

Now, I've been agonizing over who to give each award to, and then I came upon this brilliant award giving idea at Jiggety Jigg's Blog.

So, without further ado, the winners (feel free to take any/all that you are in need of) are those of you who fit any of the following criteria:

1. Your first name has more than 3 letters, but less than 10.
2. It has at least 2 vowels.
3. One of the consonants is an N, S, or T. Or, B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, P, Q, R, V, W, X, Z.
4. When you write your first name backwards, it does NOT spell out any evil messages of any kind.
(All rules negotiable and subject to change without notice. Void where prohibited.)

THANKS for being such good cyber friends to me. I am so thankful for all of you!

Wordful Wednesday-The Twins

One of the greatest parts of blogging is meeting wonderful people. One of my older blogging pals (as in she is one of my first blogging acquaintances) is Tammie. She has TRIPLETS (and NO lines on her face-can you see my the envy on MY face?) and is a photographer here in Southern CA. When we decided to move back, I KNEW that I HAD to have her do our family pictures. Luckily for me, she agreed, and the rest is history.

Since the twins turned 3 on Sunday, I decided that they would be the focus of my Wordful Wednesday this week. Plus, I think this shot is just plain adorable.


With each click of Tammies' shutter I attained more Wordful Wednesday shots...... So, now you know what to expect, and I can't wait to show you. Little by little. Each week.

And, to all of my bloggy friends: cross your fingers. My little pumpkins have an audition next week for a commercial and print work for a VERY big company. If they got the job, it would be BIG. Big, big.

MISSION: Monday

You found me!! I have been featured on "MISSION: Monday" by Deb and Jay at Dirty Socks and Pizza and HalftimeLessons! The idea behind their weekly promotion and giveaway is to bring focus to FABULOUS blogs like mine...so now that you found me, here is my question you will need to know the answer to if you win the weekly drawing:

How old did my twins just turn?

Find the answer to my question in my blog somewhere on this current page (and leave me a comment, but don't post the answer to my question in the comments! Just keep it to yourself...), and make sure you visit the other two blogs to find their answers! If Deb and Jay pull your name as the winner of the weekly contest, you will need to know all three blog answers!

This week's MISSION: Monday Giveaway: A "Mom" Charm Necklace valued at $37, from Ann Westby's Rudimentary Metal + Fire shop!!! (Also, make sure you check out her Beadiful Things shop!) In addition, the winner will have her/his blog used as a feature blog in the next week's Mission!! Not to mention, ALL entrants are entered into the year end GRAND PRIZE DRAWING!

Good luck to you all, and while you are at it, make sure you add me to your blogroll, and come back to visit me often!

Tea Party Giveaway Winners

CONGRATULATIONS to the Tea Party Giveaway Winners!

Monday: Mighty Leaf

Rhonda at A Day in Rhonda's Life

Tuesday: Jane Austen compiliation

Mark and Kiss

Wednesday: Twisted Silver

Joanna on the Lake

Thursday: Toiletries

Miss Anne at Indefinitely Definite (see, maximizing the number of chances to win paid off!)

Friday: Felicitea

Darla at a Tortoise in the Fast Lane

Saturday: Jonathan's Spoons

Lucky Number 2 is Mrs. S!

Send me your addresses and these bundles of goodness will soon be yours!

Many, many, many giveaway entrants did not provide me with an email address for contact. So, if I don't hear from you within 3 days, I reserve the right to chose a winner for the forfeited prize based on comment content.

PSF-Celebrating 3

My brother and his wife were in town and my sister and her family are going out of town so I decided to have a little celebration for the twins a bit early.

It was good preparation for the real day. You know, the one where I expect to cry all day (unless they frustrate me into forgetting I'm mourning) because my little 33 weekers are 3. And healthy. And smart. And sassy. And trouble. And I can't bear to see them grow up.

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Writer's Workshop-Laughter

I can't remember the last time I laughed really, really hard. Well, I can, but it was so long ago.

I can't remember the last time I had a really, really good cry.

I can't figure out if this is a sign of maturity, or of insensitivity.

I laugh daily. I do. But it's usually not a laugh-until-you-can't-breathe-laugh.

I get teary eyed a lot. Things touch me, but I don't cry.

The last time that I can remember laughing really, really hard? 7 years ago. 7 years.

I was hugely pregnant with Emma when I attended a lecture. I was front and center. The speaker kept making eye contact with me. It was obvious I was her focal point. I have to admit, it made me slightly uncomfortable because I felt pressure to be on my best behavior and pay close attention to her prepared talk.

And then I looked down and noticed that the woman sitting next to me was wearing mis matched shoes. They were the same style, but one was navy blue and the other one was black. I found this hugely entertaining. But every time I tried to suppress my glee I'd notice out of the corner of my eye my stomach just shaking. Shaking. This huge mass was quivering. And I lost it. I tried to control it. But I couldn't. The lecturer noticed and gave me the evil eye. Which made it worse. I finally had to leave the room, which was a spectacle in itself. And I continued to laugh for about a half an hour. I remember feeling like my body ached afterwards. But it was good for me.

I'm pretty sure that I was much more immature then. But was it immaturity that made me laugh so hard? Or have I boxed myself up so that I don't find the humor in situations that are funny?

I'm not sure. But I'm going to find out. Mission laughter is my goal. Laugh-until-it-feels-like-my-gut-is-going-to-burst laughter. I'll let you know how I fare.


To see what others are saying, visit Ms. Kathy today!

Wordful Wednesday-home

I was "raised" in a city known for it's Orange Groves. My house growing up had a huge lemon tree. I loved that lemon tree.

Then we moved to Massachusetts and then Oregon where Citrus trees of any kind are in short supply.

I went without (except in dire need) lemons for years because I couldn't bring myself to pay the exorbitant prices in grocery stores when I had gone my whole life getting them for free.

So, you can imagine how happy I was to move into a house with a huge, glorious lemon tree in the back yard. The lemons are HUGE.....most the size of a mini football.

That's one of the perks of living in Southern CA. And there are so many more. I'm really loving it. Things are all falling into place and the kids are finally starting to get settled.

Have I mentioned yet that we're lucky? We are safe from the wild fires, we have a great home to live in. Our needs are met, we live by family, we have plenty of food to eat, and clothing to wear. Yep, I feel blessed.

And now you know how I feel about our move. A bit sad to give up all that we loved in Oregon, but infinitely blessed to have moved to a place that "feels" like home.



*Bear with me once again...if Mr. Linky is acting up, it's totally not my fault! :) He appears and then disappears. The code is here, it's just not working off and on.

Back to my regularly scheduled posts....

Or should I say as regular as they've become? Which is to say, irregular. I know, I've become somewhat of a slacker lately. I blame the weather. There are just so many things that I CAN do now that the weather is always....perfect. I'm enjoying being outside for the better part of the day....it's doing us all real good, and I love coming in at the end of the day and seeing that you've stopped by to see me. So thank you.

And in other news..

Whew. That tea party was something else. So much fun, but I'm tired. Thank you so much to all that participated. I'll announce the winners on Monday the 24th. Which just happens to be, by the way, a day that's different than any other Monday for me, because my babies will no longer be 2. Boo hoo. I can't wrap my mind around it.

And before I forget, head on over to Mommy Gossip GNO on Tuesday the 18th for a Virtual Food Drive and live auction....a perfect way to "give back" and celebrate all that we have to be thankful for.

Jonathan's Spoons

*This giveaway has ended*


Jonathan's collection of handcrafted cherry wood utensils has evolved from 30 years of experimentation in the woodshop and in the kitchen. His spoons are designed and crafted by hand with balance and utility in mind.

The care with which each piece is made is evident, as they are beautifully handcrafted. They really are lovely pieces.

I can't decide if I like the regular cherry finish or the blackened finish. Both are beautiful....and useful. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this company to my friends, and the prices are excellent.

For a chance to win BOTH the honey stick and the marmalade spoon, visit Jonathan's Wild Cherry Spoons and tell me which spoon or cutting board you like the best.

Felicitea

*This giveaway is now CLOSED*
I'm really excited to be able to offer you this package, compliments of Felicitea.

This looks to me like a great little endulgence; it has "perfect gift" written all over it. The mug sports a hand written haiku, and tucked inside the cup are two sample tins of Felicitea's hand-blended teas and one bar of tea inspired soap.

And for those who don't win, but are interested, similar items will be up on Etsy this week.

For your chance to win, simply visit Felicitea and come back here to tell me what item you don't want to live without. They have a wide assortment of handcrafted, all-natural designer teas, herbal pillows and bath products. This is a one stop shop for relaxation products! Head on over now.....

Sadly, this is the "official" final day of the Tea Party. BUT, I have one last giveaway for Saturday! We lucked out, girls! I really LOVE what is being offered tomorrow. Thanks for joining me. It's been so much fun. The winners of all of the giveaways will be posted a week from Monday so that all giveaways can run a full week.

Don't forget to check in with my fellow Tea Party Hostesses for the last giveaways of the week.

Mannequin at Fractured Toy

Kathleen with Katydid and Kid

CanCan with Mom Most Traveled

Naomi with Superdumb Supervillain

*

Toiletries

*This giveaway is now closed*

I am SO excited about this basket of goodness. I think the winner just might have to duke it out with me for this one.

Let me tell you what's included: Enamel Toiletries bowl with 2 guest towels, Archipelago Botanicals Brown Sugar & Vanilla Body Scrub, Lotion, Body Wash, Soap & Lip Gloss with Brown Sugar Votive candles.

Since this is a heavy one (and expensive to ship), this one is only open to US residents.

To enter for a chance to win, you MUST hop over to Scary Mommy's blog and compliment Jill. The more, the better. Jill deserves lots of attention because she made up this gorgeous basket for me, and I appreciate the time and energy she took out of her day for YOU.

Now, once you've told Jill she's the best thing since sliced cheese, leave me a quick comment to let me know you've followed the rules.

If you compliment my fellow tea party hostesses as well, you'll get an extra entry per hostess. How's that for fun?

Mannequin at Fractured Toy

Kathleen with Katydid and Kid

CanCan with Mom Most Traveled

Naomi with Superdumb Supervillain

*

Wordful Wednesday-Twisted Silver

*This giveaway is now closed*

A few months ago, I was introduced to Twisted Silver, a jewelry company with versatile, funky, and yes, fabulous jewelry. They were generous enough to give me a bracelet that is unlike anything I've ever seen. I have never owned a piece of jewelry that is so unique and garners so many comments. When I wear the bracelet, I get TONS of positive feedback, and you all know that makes me VERY happy. I like in person compliments as much as I like on-line ones.

So, this weeks Wordful Wednesday is the bracelet that was just publicly introduced into Twisted Silver's line.

Yes, you read that right, I got the bracelet BEFORE it was available to the public. Have I mentioned I also like exclusive? :)

If you'd like to own one too, head on over to Twisted Silver and then come back here and tell me which piece in their collection that you like the best.

My tip for the day is all about the importance of accessorizing.

It definitely makes any outfit and if you are anything like me, then it will make you feel so much better about your ensemble as a whole. Just do it. Buy a few fun pieces that "speak to you" and see what a difference they make.

Mr. Linky is below.....I can't wait to see what you are feeling wordy about today!

*Thank you for sticking with me everyone. I'm a computer moron and don't know how to fix the Mr. Linky issue on Explorer. It appears fine of Firefox, but Explorer-who knows? If you do, let me know.

AND,

Don't forget to check in with my fellow Tea Party Hostesses for other great giveaways all week long.

Mannequin at Fractured Toy

Kathleen with Katydid and Kid

CanCan with Mom Most Traveled

Naomi with Superdumb Supervillain

*

Jane Austen, I love you....

*This giveaway is now closed*
I really do. You've stuck with me for years and have never failed me. I'm embarrassed to admit how many times I've read Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice. So I won't. But it's a lot.

For my tip of the day, I'm going to rate the works of my favorite ESSENTIAL romantic novelist, urge you to go re-read your favorite and then go pick up where I left off yesterday.

Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion are tied for my favorite. Sense and Sensibility, Northanger Abbey and Emma are tied for second, and when I need a little Austen in a short amount of time, Lady Susan works well.

If you'd like a copy of the Jane Austen Complete and Unabridged Collection, too, tell me if you love Jane Austen like I do.

Don't forget to check in with my fellow Tea Party Hostesses for other great giveaways all week long.

Mannequin at Fractured Toy

Kathleen with Katydid and Kid

CanCan with Mom Most Traveled

Naomi with Superdumb Supervillain

*And for my Wordful Wednesday friends, we are still on for Wordful Wednesday tomorrow! It's a date. Dont' forget. :)