Ten On Tuesday

1) Perhaps I should call it Ten On Tuesday... date night edition cause trust me... I have lots to say about Date Night.  Monogirl thought she was going to be restricted to a stay at home Date Night because it was NOT a good week Monogirl wise.... However.... Since she was a very good girl on Friday and was feeling a little better and she convinced her husband that um really... how much more strenuous is it to sit in the car and ride to the restaurant in Bloomington or sit in the chair at home....Monogirl got to go OUT... what a concept... and try a new restaurant.  Have you heard of HuHot?  If you haven't... you need to hear me now and run to your nearest location.  I mean first of all... they had Diet Cherry Vanilla DR Pepper in their fountain.  Seriously?  Who even knew that was possible.  Apparently they have some fancy shmancy Coke machine thingy that makes like 100 kinds of pop.  Yes.  For real.  There were flavors of Coke, Sprite, Water.. you name it.  Good stuff. 

2) HuHot is a Mongolian Grill, Make your own Asian Stir Fry kind of place.  Here you see the "Mongolian Grill" itself and the "Grillmasters."  Once you make the hard decision of which of 100 kinds of pop you want, and which salad you want... you get to head to the food bar which is sort of like a salad bar, but with raw meat and noodles added.  And yes, its frozen meat and cold....until they cook it of course.  So you load up your bowl with your choice of meats, noodles, and then all the veggies you can think of.  Next stop?  The sauces bar where you can pick from 12 different sauces.  We liked teriyaki.  You can also combine sauces.  IF you don't trust your skills as a stir fry food picker outer... there are also little recipe cards so you can make sure your creation will be yummy.  After your bowl is heaping, you hand off to the Grillmaster and approximately 2 minutes later.. .Viola!  Hot, fresh, made to order stir fry.  They will also bring you steamed rice to add to your dish if you like. And um if that's not enough?  They have desserts like this little Asian grill thingy that comes to your table complete with all the fixin's for S'mores.  I am not a Smore lover yet considered trying it just because it was so stinkin' cool! 

3) Monogril tried to be a good girl and go straight home after dinner.... but then we passed this used bookstore that just happened to still be open.  Now how could she pass that up?  I mean a bookstore is one of her favorite places on earth... what's not to love?  Especially when one finds 3 Wanda Brunstetter books for a nice low used book price.  Yes... those found their way into the car for the ride home.  Fits right in with Monogirl's love for Amish Fiction these days. 

4) After the used bookstore then we of course headed straight home to Barnes & Noble... you know.. because there just weren't enough books at the Used Bookstore to keep Monogirl busy.  While we were there we found a great bookmark and card for our niece for her birthday.  We also of course found another stack of books to peruse and a nice comfy table and chair to peruse from.  That works out so nicely doesn't it? 

5) Your thinking OK, surely Monogirl headed home after that... she was probably really worn out from all that book looking at and book store walking... cause yes...that is more strenuous than sitting in the chair at home.  Well... we did head for home... but then we thought ice cream would be such a nice ending to date night ... is there some activity that isn't better when it ends with ice cream?  I didn't think so.  We had never been to "The Chocolate Moose" but decided to stop and give it a try...and guess what?  Closed.  Although... they still had people in line and they served us and some people after us too.  I had some "homemade" ice cream called what else... "Chocolate Moose"  It was GOOD.  Really good, creamy chocolate with chocolate chips in it.  Darrel had a hot fudge Sundae.  I later discovered they will dip your cone for you... which I love... so that is definitely on the agenda for next time and YES there will be a next time.  Even if it is over an hour away.  When is good ice cream not worth the trip?  Ha!

6) And just when you thought birthday week was over.... yet another gift appears.  And there was pink stuff... how good is that.  I mean do you see the little box of Pretty Pink Crayons!  LOVE it.  Then there was pink candy, some very cool blush that comes on a paper thingy that you can keep in your purse and rub on... your face.. not your purse...ha! .... COOL... and a book.... are you ready for this??  Called Listography.  Or the official title... Listography Journal, Your Life in Lists.  Now who would think I'd like that book?  I mean it's a book.... it's also a journal and um... it's about Lists.  Me?  The  "I can't do a task unless it's on my list and if I do do a task not on my list I must write it on my list and cross it off " kind of girl?  Love it.  All of this was from my BFF and I must say... she did good.  I was also thinking wouldn't the list ideas in the book be great for scrapbook layouts?  Perhaps I should become a scrapbooker?  Oh yeah.. I already am.  The scrapping hiatus must have made that fact slip Monogirl's mind. 

7) On Sunday we went to an 18th birthday cookout for our niece Lauryn.  18.  How on earth did that happen?  Isn't this the little girl I used to rock and sing the Cinderella song to?  "A dream is a wish your heart makes.... "  Loved those days.  Have you ever heard the Michael Bolton version of that song?  SO good.  Where were we?  Oh yes, niece, sweet baby girl... now 18 years old and look at her.  Isn't she beautiful.  She is a great girl and a great person and we are so proud of her.  She loves her family, she loves Jesus, she is a hard worker, she is kind... and did I mention beautiful?  Bears repeating.  Her Uncle Darrel got this great picture of her and also this one...

How pretty is that one?  She got the boots for her birthday.  She was trying to decide if she could "pull them off" or if she wasn't country girl enough. I am thinking she was succeeding in pulling them off. 

8) Another book completed yesterday which puts me up to 35 read for the year.  Go Monogirl... you will make that 50 this year plus more I am thinking!  The book I finished was The Tempted Soul.  It was book 3 in the Amish Quilt Series that I mentioned in my last post.  Just as great as the first 2.  Really enjoyed the series, although, this book 3 was a bit difficult for me in places because the main character Carrie and her husband had infertility and that was a main part of the story.  Currently I am reading Living In Harmony by Mary Ellis.  Also a book 1 of a series.  Apparently I am not only into Amish Fiction, but also series these days and Mary Ellis is one of my favs. 

9) At the moment Miss Sophie has discovered that I am sitting forward in my chair to type, which leaves a gap in the chair behind me which means she must jump up here and then knead my chair.... for an unending amount of time, before she makes herself comfy and purrs to her hearts content for the next hour or so... Makes for a happy Miss Sophie but um not so much for Monogirls back.  Besides... the only reason she is finding my chair comfy is because her sister Darrel is out working on a wood working project for his Mom's birthday.  Monogirl is definitely 2nd choice when it comes to who Miss Sophie likes to sit by.  I can't blame her... I'd pick Darrel too. 

10) And now... Monogirl needs to go comfort and help her husband.  The woodworking project I mentioned?  It just had one of those moments where everything is going perfect, you are almost done... and then... something goes wrong to possibly screw up everything.  I hate when that happens.  However... sometimes those moments can turn into happy accidents depending on what you come up with to fix the problem... so now my mind is kicking into gear with how can I help.  Plus... I have to admit... It feels pretty good that when he is upset, when he has a problem, when he needs comfort... he comes looking for me.  So glad God picked me for that job.  :) 

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday

Is it possible not to be thankful for cute new shoes... especially if they were a bargain?  I didn't think so.  My Zulilly, what a steal, Orthaheel's arrived today.  Hey that almost rhymes.  I mean would you prefer original price of $75... or Zulilly $35? Don't even have to think about that one do ya? Very cute and comfy shoes right there!  Happy about that. 

Was also pretty thankful to get in a bit of an extended beach day today.  The weather was PERFECT!  Not too hot.  Not humid.  Lots of sun.  The water felt great.  Perfect.  AND... not too many others at the beach so it was nice and quiet and no one splashed Monogirl.  Two very good things right there.  I got to read my latest book, which is The Tempted Soul (book 3 following The Wounded Heart and The Hidden Life - both were great!).  I finished Summer of Joy and thoroughly enjoyed that series!  (mentioned in my last post) I even found some time to study my Sunday School lesson at the beach.  Is there a better place to study?  I mean last year I wrote my vows for our vow renewal while sitting at the beach.  Apparently the beach is quite conducive to good Monogirl thinking. 

Speaking of the Sunday School lesson, have you read One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp?  Good stuff!  The writing style is quite different and it took me a bit of time to get in the groove of reading at my normal rhythm, but once I did, the reading is going well and I am enjoying it.  One Thousand Gifts is about gratitude. The author wrote down a list literally giving thanks to God for 1000 things.  From the big things to the everyday moments.... quite similar to what we do here on Thankful Thursday.  Very cool! This week's lesson is about slowing down because life shouldn't be lived as an emergency. She wrote, "When we slow, stop, notice, reflect, and give thanks - it's right there: the goodness and grace of God all around us."  So true.  I also read today, "Prayer to be prayer, to have any power to change anything, must first speak thanks:"in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."" Good book and perfect preparation for Thankful Thursday! 

And with that in mind.... Moments of thankfulness and blessings from this week would have to include:

• birthday roses that are still pretty nearly a week later
• a birthday card from Darrel's parents that had me all teary eyed.  All the sweet little notes from his Mom and the "we love you - Dad" in his Dad's handwriting... awwwwwwwww
• birthday week and a birthday week date night
• fabulous yellow cake
• my husband's shoulder..... which fits my head perfectly
• friends who understand me and speak my language
• comfy clothes
• HOPE
• sweet words form my husband
• rest
• completed office work
• fresh garden sweet corn
• the library
• Goodreads
• support and understanding for Monogirl/CFS issues
• finding birthday presents on my desk
• my birthday song from the youth choir.  Very fun!
• marriage
• Saturday pancakes
• summer shoes
• driving with the sun roof open
• vacation time approaching
• a fresh hair trim
• no near fist fights at the beach today
• Miss Sophie
• new makeup to play with
• hair scarves
• a good report from the DR for my Dad
• a/c on all of these HOT humid days
• La Caretta and how well they know us
• scrapbooking
• crocheting
• a cleaned up yard and family that helped get it that way

And now.... its time for Big Brother and Project Runway... so of course I must depart!  Have a great Friday!  Blessings!

Ten On Tuesday

1) Do I hear a 2nd on birthday week.... week 2?  No?  Well how about at least an extension because look.... more birthday goodies!  My friend Kay gave me this FABULOUS shoe figurine that says "Walk by Faith".... now did that have my name right on the shelf cause I'm thinking that has Deanna written all over it.  Kay has also been a fan of my new love for scarves in my hair so she got me 2 very cool headbands.  Can't wait to try those out.  Although I do have a big head.... lets hope they don't pop right off.  Bwa ha ha ha... My amazing friend Lori gave me a beautiful box stationary set.  Love it!  I was just thinking last week that I used to have a drawer full of stationary stuff and now?  Nada!  So good of Lori to get me stocked up! 

2) Did I show you a picture of my birthday cake from the inside?  Do you see the frosting on this cake?  Oh. My. Goodness.  So yummy.  You could totally go into a frosting coma with this one.  And for post birthday week?  I am thinking that would not be a bad thing. 

3) Had another Monogirl day yesterday.  Monogirl tries to fight it as much as she can and she is TRYING to learn new normal and figure out how to cope but when Gall Bladder Attacks... Allergies.... CFS... and um... that time of the month all gang up on Monogirl all at once?  She just has to go down for the count.  Did she survive today and make it to work?  Yes.  Did she think refilling her Prozac prescription and a bag full of chocolate would also be a good idea?  Of course not.  Well... .maybe...

4) Were you aware it was National Ice Cream Day on Sunday?  In honor of the occasion we felt obligated to stop at the DQ on our way home from lunch because you know I'm all about celebrating important days.  Besides who even needs a reason to visit DQ?

5) Have you ever seen this type of book marker?  I LOVE these.  Well, at least the two that say "Crown Books" on them.  I bought those at... where else.... Crown Books... like 15+ years ago.  I love love love how it holds my spot, and then straps around the book to hold it closed... thus keeping your marker in the book and not falling out on the floor someplace.  The problem?  Crown Books went out of business and apparently so did the StretchMarker people cause I've never seen another one and that includes checking on Google.  We ordered the purple one from Levenger.  It's the same thing pretty much but I do NOT like that tall tab that sticks out of the top of the book... it is just soooo in Monogirl's way and things like that make Monogirl impatient and no one wants that.  So now I have my precious 2 remaining favorite book markers left and am wondering if perhaps I need a safety deposit box for them or something...

6) Been doing lots of exploring on Goodreads the past few days and have found all kinds of cool stuff.  Stuff like groups.  WHY have I never checked out the groups before?!  So glad I have now because I found a Christian Fiction Devourers group.  Sooo right up my alley.  I also found a Fans of Amish Fiction Group too!  Then within those groups there are all kinds of threads with book recommendations and web site links and updates on books coming out, etc. etc... One thing leads you to the next and I could find myself lost deep in the middle of the group exploring for days I am thinking.  Can't wait to find out! 

7) Also from Goodreads and those groups... I came across info. on Netgalley.com which is a site for "Professional Readers"  (LOVE that term) to request early access to digital copies of new books in all genres.  You sign up and fill out a profile and if the publishers approve you, you get to read a copy of the book and all they ask you to do is write a review and share on your Blog and the various book sites like Goodreads, Amazon, etc.  Hoping they will approve me!  There are a few I'd love to have and have already requested and I was able to download one book already last night.  yay!  It just happened to be one I looked at and wanted at Barnes and Noble on Date Night.  Very cool. 

8) And since we are speaking of books... OK lots of speaking about books.... You need to check out Ann H. Gabhart's Hollyhill series.  I think they may be out of print, but I read the first one as an e-book from the library and the other 2 have been traditional books from the library.  (looks like they are all available for Kindle) Book one is The Scent of Lilacs.  Book two is Orchard of Hope and Book 3, which I am 1/2 way through is Summer of Joy.  When I read book 1 I didn't realize there were sequels and when the book ended it sooooo left me wanting more of the Brooke Family so yes, color me happy when I discovered (via Goodreads) that there was more!!  Good story. GREAT element of faith.  Book 2 had me sobbing....yes... in the last 10 pages because of some faith things that happened.... Love this series.  Check them out!! 

9) Demo is currently underway again in the dinning room.  The dangerous thing about Demo?  Although you might think you are safe.. .in the next room... when the husband is yanking 90 year old plaster off the wall.... things could still drop on your head unexpectedly because at times there seems to be this chain reaction when old plaster and ceiling tiles are involved.  Beginning to wonder if I need a helmet? 

10) It's July 23rd... and today at CVS I saw the beginnings of a school supply aisle!  How can it be that time already? WHY does school start on August 13th here?  That is early people and Monogirl is just NOT done going to the beach yet.  And yes... one thing does effect the other because when the lifeguards go back to school, the beach closes during the week and is only open on weekends till Labor Day.   Monogirl is not happy about this... she is thinking she needs to move to Hilton Head... or perhaps... Hawaii....

Thanks for stopping by.  I promise to be back on Thursday... or perhaps sooner .... you never know what might happen that is blog worthy now do you...

 

Blessings!

Tales of Birthday Week

Yes.... OK, so officially Birthday Week is over.  I know. Sad isn't it? But... it was amazing while it lasted and I was hoping you'd still be hanging around to hear how it all turned out?  Are you up for it?  Good.  I tried to not only BE thankful on Thursday since it was birthday eve... but actually show up and write about it but alas.... the Internet people had other ideas.  Apparently I should have been thankful for working Internet and maybe it would have hung around. 

So where were we?  Thursday.  Birthday week Day 7.  It was great.  LATE that day, in preparation for THE day, I posted this picture on facebook as a birthday gift to all my FB friends. I mean am I wrong or who wouldn't want a swim suit photo of me... .Even if it is from 1968... and I was 2.. .and yes.. this was taken on my 2nd birthday.  It seemed fitting for birthday week don't ya think?  Hard to believe that is my little 2 year old self isn't it?  Or am I still just that cute? Um... I am thinking not so much, but its OK to humor oneself during birthday week.  A fact that was proven when I received this card from a friend. 

The picture didn't come out the greatest but the shoes are glitter shoes.. and the skirt has a glitter edge and it says "I get to because it's my birthday."  On the inside it says "Make this your Motto."  Now trust me when I tell you  I could not have said that better myself... Did someone make that card just for me?  Cause it is perfect and totally sums up my philosophy on birthdays.  A very wise person must have written that card... and I know a wise person gave it to me cause they were totally speaking my language. 

In Honor of Birthday Week and Thankful Thursday I gave myself permission to be completely irresponsible and head to the beach for the day.  Good decision.  Although when a fight almost broke out at the beach midway thru the day...yes seriously... I was finding myself thankful that it didn't end up including the police! A group of people apparently made a comment about another man and his wife... and um they picked a fight with the wrong guy.  I don't think most of us knew anything happened until the shouting started, from the guy who had evidently been insulted.  He was shouting things that were um most un-blog-worthy words... Turns out the group that started the problems should have been having a Thankful Thursday of their own that yelling guy's wife and Mother got him off the beach... at least twice because he came back... because later in the story we discover that yelling guy was a professional fighter and you can trust un-conflict loving Monogirl when she tells you that this guy was M A D... not to mention football player big.  Not a pleasant scene to pretty much be sitting in the middle of.  The life guards were involved. Yelling guys Mom was involved.  His kids were there.  The head of the park guy was involved... and a good time was not had by all.  Not a pleasant addition to Birthday Week and are we remembering how too much stress affects CFS Monogirl?  Not helpful. 

My day 7 gift turned out to be two more beautiful little antique bowls.  The one in back is PINK and they both are such pretty cut glass!  Can't wait to get our remodeling done and find the perfect spot for these!  I am thinking the husband quite outdid himself this year.  Agreed?  Because if that wasn't enough to be thankful for, my husband arrived home after work with this beautiful birthday cake for Monogirl. 

It is a 2 layer... tons of frosting, 12" yellow cake, same as some of the cakes we had for our Vow Renewal last year.  The lady that made them is SO sweet and even remembered how I liked pink and came up with this beautiful design with the roses and my name.  All together now... Awwwwww.  Somehow I manged to restrain myself and we did not cut into the cake until actual birthday day... um night... since it was closer to midnight than anything by the time we got to it.  ha!  

After work we headed to dinner in the Big City.  Of course it was birthday girl's choice, so she decided that Longhorn would be the perfect spot.  There was a spicy shrimp appetizer... there was a perfect Filet Mignon... yum... there was grilled shrimp with an amazing glaze.... not to mention great bread and salad AND...

A complimentary birthday Sundae for two.  YUM.  They were very nice to us.  The waitress asked if it was my birthday because my husband had a pink package sitting on the table.  I said that it was and said "why?  Didn't you think the pink present was for him?"  Bwa ha ha ha....

And this... is what was inside the pink package.  A beautiful little antique tea cup with a pink flower on it.... so cool... and a pretty new ankle bracelet.. which was something I had requested.  With all my pretty dishes packed away during the remodel I had forgotten how much I enjoy my pretty tea cups.  Not to mention a nice relaxing cup of hot tea.  Perhaps I need to put this one to good use... and soon.

Other birthday highlights would have to be the pink roses that my husband had delivered to work, the Youth Choir boys invading my office to sing Happy Birthday including harmony and the all important big finish, and cards from my parents and in-laws.  I also received some very fun gifts from friends today... but I need to take a picture so you will just have to consider yourself teased until Tuesday on that one. 

It was an awesome day.  It was an awesome week.. and yes my husband completely spoiled me and um YES we both enjoyed every minute of it.  Every minute. 

Blessings!

Birthday Week Day 6

Are we seeing a theme to birthday week?  Chocolate... Kit Kats... and um antique dishes?  I am thinking I couldn't have picked a better theme myself.  Found this beautiful bowl sitting on the bathroom sink this morning pretty much exactly as you see it.  It's hard to tell from the photo but it's PINK!  Because pink is the one thing that you can add to anything to make it better.  Am I right?  How pretty would this be with a pretty fruit salad in it.  Too bad I don't make fruit salad.  ha!  Kidding.  Darrel's mom used to make the best fruit salad on Sunday morning... I need to find out if Darrel's sisters know how she did that.  I am thinking there wasn't an exact recipe.  Anyway.... loving birthday week and pretty dishes and a very thoughtful husband.  He just might be too good to be true. 

This was today's hairstyle of choice with this lovely animal print scarf (a gift from my sister some years back).  I liked the look... it is an oblong scarf, tied a bit differently, but it gave a fuller look on the drape of the scarf that I liked!  However... wearing animal print on my head.. .in this style... caused me to wonder if I looked like Wilma Flintsone today.  Or does Wilma wear a bone in her hair... even if she does, I am thinking an animal print scarf would be a good option for her as an alternate to the bone....  Looking like Wilma wouldn't be such a bad thing I guess...I mean have you seen her waistline?  Sign me up for that. 

Was just trying to text my husband about dinner and apparently I rely on my swiftkey app way too much because I'm trying to type about chicken and potatoes ... from KFC... and the word I ended up with was looking something like supercalifragilisticexpealadocious.... Also a fine word... but not helpful when one is trying to communicate about chicken and potatoes... Unless of course the chicken and potatoes were just that fabulous.  ha! 

And there you have it... Day 6... which of course means THE day is fast approaching.  There will be cake.... and dinner out... and it falls on date night!  How fun does that sound?  Meanwhile.... I just got home from work... and am in dire need of my comfy at home clothes... I told my husband my head was really in need of his shoulder too but I guess that will have to wait till he gets home.  Definitely worth the wait. 

Until tomorrow... Blessings!

Ten On Tuesday Birthday Week Edition

1) So we should begin with birthday week am I right?  Well first thing this morning I discovered more Kit Kat bars waiting for me on the bathroom sink.  I'm not a morning person... but um if people are going to leave me chocolate?  I might consider embracing the whole morning thing a bit more.  Maybe.  Well I thought that was it for today... until Darrel got home and handed me a white bag that contained this cute little pink antique cream pitcher.  How cute is that?  I mean it looks like it needs a little face painted on it like in Beauty and the Beast.  Way too cute and still happy happy happy that my husband went to the antique store for birthday week shopping. 

2) As I was leaving the house for work I noticed that my husband had left me the LAST 2 pieces of Zucchini bread. YUM.  I thought that was very sweet.  UNTIL a few hours later when it was snack time and I discovered that not only did he leave me the last 2 pieces.... he took the heel and left me two regular pieces.  I don't care for the heel.  I was sooooo impressed that he actually thought of that and left me the non-heel pieces.  I sent him an email that said..... YOU. ARE. AWESOME. He is.  Do you need more proof?

3) Last week I told you how my car locked me out at the beach right?  I think I neglected to mention that although I was unhappy about having my key fob... phone... etc. in the trunk.... Darrel found it quite entertaining that Monogirl was more upset that her book was locked in the trunk.  See the other things wouldn't have bothered her nearly as much had she been able to sit down and read her book while waiting for her knight to come and rescue her. 

4) OK who doesn't want to live in Southern IN when its fresh peach time... or fresh strawberry time... or fresh sweet corn time.... or apples... YUM..  Very cool to live in a place where you are pretty much in the middle of the farms and orchards.  Oh... I forgot to mention Watermelon time!  Anyway... right now... Peach time is starting and because Monogirl loves her husband and her husband loves peaches... she stopped at the Orchard on her way home Friday and brought these home for him.  A few of them are close to baseball size.  And the smell?  YUM.  We probably need a second batch cause Monogirl just happens to have some pie crust in the freezer.

5) My husband is currently ripping old plaster off the walls in the dinning room.  This means the dinning room is shrouded in plastic at the moment.  Normally one walks thru the dinning room to get to the bathroom... so now when Monogirl needs to find the bathroom?  Which means going thru the bedroom.... she is finding it quiet confusing... it's like someone moved the pieces in the maze and she no longer knows how to find the cheese.  Monobrain at work right there. 

6) Happy Birthday to me from Vera Bradley!  They sent me a 40% off card in the mail.  Well we can't let that go to waste... so what Monogirl does is head to verabradley.com and check out the clearance area and see how close to free can you get your gift... Is $6 close enough?  Works for Monogirl.  Although.. there was shipping.  But Monogirl chose to ignore that fact because its birthday week.  Works for me.  What is it? It's a "Tune In in Rosy Posies."  What is that?  It's an ipod case.  Holds my ipod, my nike+ and has a little spool card thingy to wrap my ear buds around.  Very cute and very functional.  Have a look!

7) Date Night Report!  Friday...Well... let''s see it started out with the beautiful pink roses.  All date nights should start with pink roses don't ya think?  We had decided to spend the evening at home because Monogirl has been struggling lately.  So we had pizza, pretzels from Bdubbs and we watched some episodes of Chopped Champions from a few years back as well as a movie on Pay Per View called "The Colony."  It sort of had a Zombie thing going on, except the bad guys weren't Zombies but people that had turned into cannibals following a new ice age which was causing people to go crazy due to lack of food... something like that.  Not a bad movie... but they went a bit overboard on the gory stuff.  They could have backed off that a notch or two.


8) Have you heard?  Twinkies are back.  Are they back or soon to be back?  I am thinking they are back because Holiday World announced the other day that starting that week.... Deep Fried Twinkies were back on the menu!  Ok first....YUM and second?  I didn't know Holiday World had Deep Fried Twinkies before... will need to be checking that out on the next visit.  Meanwhile I am thinking they will also be making an appearance at the State Fair in a few weeks.  It's funny... just to have a twinkie for a snack?  I like them, but not my first choice... Throw it in a deep fryer and add a little powdered sugar?  Sign. Me. Up.

9) This past Saturday we had a big blessing and answer to prayer when my Dad pulled into our driveway with his back hoe.  I know you probably remember me mentioning that we live in a house that used to belong to my Mamaw and Papaw.  Mamaw had 3+ flower beds that always looked so pretty when she was tending them.  With us?  Not so much.  We had like 3 jungle areas. Well Dad brought reinforcements and my Brother and 2 of my Nephews and a Niece all showed up to work on the yard.  The jungle spots are gone.  The fence line has been trimmed and um this giant tree?  Gone.  That tree has stood there since my Dad was a little boy and my Dad is going to have his 70th birthday later this year.  The tree was in bad shape and we were worried big pieces were going to land on the house or garage in a storm.  Well worry no longer because it went from standing.... to this...

Very Happy and it feels like a huge yard work weight has been lifted from our shoulders.  Now we can focus on the inside even more and get that done.  Good plan. 

10) Not only was it Happy Birthday to me from Vera B. but also Sephora!  I love love their yearly birthday gift.  By the time Darrel handed me their card in the mail which I could redeem for this.... I pointed to a box across the room and said um... it's already over there. 

And there you have it.  Ten On Tuesday... Birthday Week Edition.  You. Are Welcome. 

Blessings!

Birthday Week Day 4

So this morning I was greeted with the unusual sight of my birthday week gift in an actual gift bag with tissue.  See usually... they aren't wrapped, just placed in some strategic location.  Today?  There was a gift bag on the counter.  Well I couldn't resist that could I? 

Well look what I found?  More treasures from the antique store.  I mean can you not see these pretty little glass bowls filled with strawberries or something equally as yummy?

I love love love that he even thought to visit the antique store.  I mean I know he knows I love pretty antique dishes... .but we haven't been in a store searching for them in ages and ages.. I doubt I would have thought of it for myself!  Good thing I am married to someone who probably knows me better than I know myself.  All in all?  Another very fun birthday week day.

As far as Monday's go... and my lack of love for them, it wasn't too shabby of a day.  Got to work.  Got some work done.  My husband grilled me chicken and potatoes for dinner.... pretty awesome right?  When we sat down to dinner I took a bite of my chicken, looked at the chef and told him he got a nice char and caramelization on the chicken..... He thinks perhaps I have been watching too many Chopped episodes.  Bwa ha ha ha...

And now?  Monogirl needs to sit back in her chair and rest for a bit.  Got a cough going on.. the back ache... the fatigue... and this is after a 4 hour nap yesterday and a good nights sleep.  Is there ever enough sleep?  Monogirl thinks not.....

Until tomorrow.  Blessings!  

Birthday Week Day 1-3

OK... but first.. Miss Sophie just leapt in the air to catch her toy and landed.... directly on the dog.  Tanner was NOT a fan of this game and is presently still grumbling about it.  And OK I may be partially responsible because a) I swung the wand toy and um b) I might still be laughing about it. 

But yes!  It is Birthday week.  As I mentioned on facebook.... everyone sing.... "It's the most wonderful time of the year." I love birthday week.  I mean what's not to love right? 

Well Friday, the first day of birthday week my husband texted me before I even was out of bed to tell me that for that day's birthday week, he wanted to give me the gift himself so it wouldn't be till later.  Well I am thinking that was a good decision because what it meant was that he walked in to start date night with a dozen pink roses in his hand.  Smart husband.  Loved that and they are currently sitting directly in my line of sight making me smile at every glance. 

Saturday was day 2 and when I got up that morning I was greeted with 2 Kit Kat bars on my vanity.  YUM.  We have both been having a taste for Kit Kats lately since enjoying them at the drive in movie a few weeks ago.  Well... we sort of enjoyed them.  Darrel had grabbed a bag of the minis and we thought they were regular ol' Kit Kat's.  WRONG.  They were a bag of mixed regular, white chocolate and dark chocolate.  I didn't even know the other 2 kinds existed and um we found out we had different ones when biting into them in the dark at the drive in.... kind of a surprise isn't it when you are expecting one taste and get another. 

Day 3.   Sunday.  After a loooonnng nap when Monogirl got home from church and lunch, she received this cute little ceramic crock.  Croc?  Crock.  We will go with that.  I think the other spelling is only for the things you wear on your feet?  bwa ha ha ha.  Anyway.  The smart husband apparently went shopping at an antique store no less and found this cute little dark pink vessel.  When I first saw it I thought it was Fiesta Ware.  Looks a lot like it, but it has different markings on the bottom.  This will be very nice for either my scrap table or desk to hold some cute little desk type necessity.  I asked him when he went to an antique shop... without me... and he said I couldn't ask questions on birthday week.  Funny.  That was the same answer he gave me on Saturday morning when he was texting with some anonymous person......

And there you have it... you are current on birthday week.  Wondering what fun pink things tomorrow could hold?  Me too.  Tune in tomorrow same bat time.... same bat station... to find out.  OK who remembers them saying that when you'd watch batman on UHF after school... and OK... who even remembers UHF?  Just us old birthday type people perhaps.

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday

So I've been sitting here trying to blog... wanting to blog... and have been literally too tired to want to pick up my arms and type.  Did an almost 2 mile walk today.  Went to the beach.  Had a crisis or two which involved some stress.  Put in some laundry.  Got my hair washed.  Doesn't sound like all that much right? Um apparently a big day for Monogirl.  She's been kinda weak and tired ever since the walk today.  BUT she is so glad she went!  Dr's orders and it does feel good and does help.  Both the DR and Monogirl are thinking.... hoping.... the tired... weak... no energy thing will improve. 

I am sooooo thankful for kind church friends that bring their extra garden produce and put it on the "free share your produce" table for Monogirl to pick up because LOOK.  Zucchini Bread was actually made!  Wonders may never cease. And be assured when I tell you that it turned out GOOD.  We may have already gone thru loaf #1... but they are small loaves.  Honest. 

What else is there to be thankful for?  Well let's see.....

• the kind lifeguard who let me use her phone to make 1.2 million calls... well OK.. .maybe it was just 4-5 .... to my husband after my CAR decided to lock me out! I was at the beach.  I put my chair and bags in the trunk... EXACTLY like I had done at home.... went to get in the car and this time? LOCKED.  Phone in the trunk.  Key fob in the trunk.  Everything in the trunk.  Oh. What.  JOY.  not. 
• I am also thankful that it was about 5:30 when this happened and not like 3:30 because that meant the husband was almost home, or home, and not still at work for another 2 hours. 
• Zulilly.  They had these fabulous Orthaheel's for $35! Not $75... but $35 and in the beautiful cobalt that I wanted.  Thank you Zullily people.
• I am also thankful that today at the beach there was no snake hanging out in the chain link fence like there was last week. Cause last week?  Big stinkin' snake... woven thru the chain link getting himself a tan or something.  The lifeguard went after him once or twice... he left.... he came back.  I mean I think it was the same snake. I didn't check his ID.  Either that, or the chain link at the beach is some kind of snake rest stop or something.  Anyway... today?  Glad there was no sign of the a snake. 
• The library!  2 more books that were on hold are awaiting me as soon as I swoop by there tomorrow. 
• Finding yet another Amish Christian Fiction author.  Jerry S Eicher.  How have I missed him.  Is it a him?  Cause look... there are tons of books with great ratings AND many of them are available thru the library's e-book lending! 
• I should also mention I am thankful my husband finally did receive my 1.2 million calls and came to rescue me cause it's probably about a 1.5-2 mile walk home from there and I am thinking it would not have been fun in my swimsuit and flip flops. Now wouldn't that be cute.
• being a part of our friend's wedding
• "have you read these books" types of lists.  I am drawn to those like Monogirl is drawn to Jessica Simpson platform shoes. 
• getting to wear pretty scarves and bandannas in my hair.... except I realized that not only do I possibly look like Rosie The Riveter, but um also... my Mamaw used to wear a scarf like that when she had her hair set in curlers for church the next day.  Does this mean I'm like really old?
• Zucchini Bread.  Did I already say that?  Cause its good.
• that my husband told me he ordered the birthday cake I requested.  I am SO excited about that. 
• Tomorrow..... birthday week begins!
• beautiful weather today
• Miss Sophie the hunter.  She has brought us 2-3 snakes... and a mole.  I hope she is catching mice too. 
• crocheting!

And OK... Monogirl's arms can't type anymore.  But its been a good day.  Like I mentioned there was a crisis or two.  But you know what?  I am still very blessed and thankful. 

Until next time... Blessings!

Ten On Tuesday

1) Yes.... so I'd rather be reading, but what else is new and besides... visiting with you is fun too... and I actually think I have a whole 10 things to share... so here we go. 

2) This was my hair style of choice today.  I was getting all set to curl it and decided you know what?  It's hot out... I don't feel like curling... lets just go for the messy bun look.  Once that came out 1/2 decent well then I decided I needed my pretty pink bandanna to tie around my head.  Of course I couldn't find that in the drawer.... which turned out to be a good thing because I came across this pretty pink Vera scarf, a gift from a friend.  So I rolled... I tied.... I tucked the ends... and Viola! My Rosie The Riverter look.  I got several compliments today so apparently this was a good thing... which will probably be revisited several times over the rest of the summer.  Cause guess what... Monogirl has lots of scarves and bandannas.... and yes... a few are pink. 

3) Apparently all I needed was a little challenge from out there in blogdom and LOOK!  Some crocheting actually happened at Monogirl's house. You might also notice she did more than the 2 row challenge.  WHY?  Well because once I got going... using the variegated yarn... I'd complete a row and see the next color starting and think well I want to see what it looks like with the green row... or the orange row.. or the pink row... I swear it was just like the oh, I'll just read one more chapter thing.... which always turns out to be unending.  Is that like a Monogirl thing?  Or just a girl thing?  Or maybe it's an everyone thing cause I remember standing on my porch... my 19 year old self... and playing just one more goodnight kiss with Darrel... and um that also included lots of "just one more."  Trust me that was not just a Monogirl thing.  ha! 

4) Zucchini... I am now in possession of some.  Every year... the garden's start coming in.  I see the zucchini and I think oh... zucchini bread sounds good.  I should make some... .and so I take some zucchini home and it sits on the porch.... it sits on the counter... it finally moves to the fridge when I start to worry its getting too old... and then it gets old and shriveled and ends up in the garbage.  No Zucchini bread made.  Do you think this year I could actually produce a loaf.. or 2 or 3?  I am considering giving it a go tomorrow night.  We shall see what the Monogirl side has to say about that though. 

 5) These are all my cool keepsakes from the wedding this past weekend.  The peacock feather was part of our napkins at our place setting.  They also had these pretty napkin rings with the pearls that the bride and her Dad soldered!  Then there is my "wand of wishes" which we waved rather than throwing rice or birdseed.  Then on the right is my pretty corsage I got to wear since I was a singer.  Bottom center is their cool napkins and in the back is a picture and their pretty programs.  Lots of lovely stuff in such lovely colors.  It was almost as good as pink!

6) I wanted a salad from the salad bar at the grocery store for lunch today.  I drive all the way down there.  I go in and head for the salad bar only to be stopped in my tracks as I discover that um the salad bar?  It is GONE.  Where did it go and who made that decision because I'd like to lodge a complaint.  Please bring the salad bar back!  Monogirl likes the salad bar and from the looks of it?  She wasn't the only one using it either. 

7) Last night on PM Style on QVC they showed this cute short sleeved cardi.  I of course decided I needed a black one.  And if its fabulous.. I might need a brown one... or perhaps a pink one... or red.... On the other hand are you remembering Monogirl and her husband having the "why does anyone need 3 black cardigans" discussion?  Cause I am thinking that could come into play again here at some point.  To be fair.. I only have 1 short sleeve one and it is nothing like this one...

8) This... would be Darrel's gift for being a part of the wedding.  Do you see what it is?  It is a talking.... Star Wars music playing.. Yoda... bottle opener.  Too cute... and apparently our friends Lori and Alicen are aware they are speaking my husbands language... which of course... is Star Wars.

9) Today I got a text message from our little small town out in the country library telling me the book I had placed on hold was read for pick up.  I decided that I am pretty impressed with how high tech our little small town library has become.  They are now tied into the whole state of Indiana on the Evergreen system.  They have a web site.  If they don't have a book I want but another library in the system does, I can request it and they send it here and then they send me a text and an email and tell me its waiting for me.  I can also put holds on and borrow E-books. I can see their catalog all online.... I can check my account and holds online.  VERY cool and library loving Monogirl is having SO much fun... that she almost is needing a library spreadsheet to keep track of the books requested... coming... currently reading... and whats up next.  It's all very complex dontcha know. 

10) Finally got some more demo happening in the dinning room this evening and we have the old plaster dust cloud to prove it.  So glad to be moving forward again.  Soon as the plaster is down... we got 2 partial walls coming down and then?  We will pretty much be kicked out of the living room.  Life will be interesting ...... but soooo worth it.  Can't wait to get to the next step! 

And there we have it!  Thanks for checking in again.  Tune in on Thursday! 

Blessings!

Going to the Chapel....

Just had to stop in and share this favorite picture of the BEAUTIFUL wedding we attended and had the honor of being a part of on Saturday.  My dear friend Lori's daughter Alicen got married.  Isn't she beautiful?  The wedding was awesome, the reception was gorgeous, it was a perfect day and evening for a special couple with very special parents. 

It has been another difficult Monogirl Monday.  I did make it to work, but only worked a part day.  I think this past Month of busy busy busy is fixin' to catch up with Monogirl.  She hoped if she got some extra rest today, she'd be a much kinder, friendlier functioning Monogirl for the rest of the week. 

So while I've been resting I've thought of.....

 

blogging... obviously cause yep, surprise!  Here I am on a Monday. 

Reading... which is why I spent time making a new category on my Kindle called "Amish" for all of the Amish Christian Fiction I plan to enjoy in the near future.

More reading when I actually did some reading in this book.  So far I am liking it!  Good thing book 2 is sitting here ready to go. Also feeling glad that I already requested this one from the library.

 

Crocheting....although I've yet to actually get it out.  Perhaps I should make a pledge to crochet a minimum of 2 rows of something before we meet again.  Do I hear a 2nd on that idea? 

Birthday week.... cause it starts on FRIDAY!  Yay.  Monogirl is in love with birthday week. 

Ankle bracelets... cause I'd love to have an actual 14K gold one that will not turn colors from being sweated on or dipped in the lake.  I found this one and this one on QVC but apparently it's not an easy find other than that.

Fevers... cause I am running a low one....

My aching legs... cause I got the sore joints thing going on today. 

My husband..... cause he got home from work and made us a pizza.  YUM. 

Ice cream... cause they keep showing a Culvers commercial about their concrete mixer thingys... Now I could totally go for an Oreo one. 

The weather... cause I really want a good beach day... or two... this week.

Our remodeling project... and what on earth we need to do to accomplish moving forward on that. 

Gratitude... and possibly starting a gratitude journal to go along with the new study in Sunday School which is the One Thousand Gifts study.  The author talks about writing down 1000 things she is thankful for.  I am liking the idea since it goes along with our Thankful Thursday adventures. 

My birthday... and wondering if Darrel ordered the cake or cupcakes I requested from the sweet lady who made our vow renewal cake and cupcakes last year.  I LOVE when Darrel bakes for me.  I just have such good... warm... fuzzy memories of that cake from last year and our enjoying the left overs together in Hilton Head that I've been craving it again ever since. 

And OK.... now lets hope I still have 10 things to share for 10 on Tuesday?  You'll tune in again then won't you? 

Blessings.



Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for this crew.  Aren't they cute?  Darrel's cousin Cathy, Uncle Robert and Darrel's sweet little Mom.  Is she not the cutest?  This is another favorite pic from the all consuming birthday weekend.  I am very blessed to have a great Mom-in-law.  She has always been kind, she has always treated me like a daughter, she has not been interfering, she has just loved and supported us.  She is pretty great and I love her.... and yes, I am thankful for a great Mother-in-law.... not to mention the pretty amazing son that she raised so well.  I am certainly benefiting from that! 

So who has been thankful for the holiday today?  Did you have a fun 4th?  We were very celebratory... um not.   We had a good day though.  Most importantly... Holidays mean we get the day off together.  yay!  Got to sleep in... .always a good thing.  My husband made breakfast.  Can't go wrong there.  Then we got to spend the day at the beach.  Perfect 4th for me.  We even got to have Mexican food for dinner.... another great Koontz American tradition.  I know... you were expecting like grilled burgers...hot dogs... apple pie... and Chevrolet right?  Well there was at least a Chevrolet involved.  We drove it to the beach.  ha! 

What else is on the gratitude radar this week? 

• library E- books and OK.... just the library.  I got to stop there yesterday and I was happier about that than anything else I got to do. 
• beach time
• singing... been getting ready for the wedding
• good friends who love, accept, and understand me.  For me... being understood is awesome. 
• the countdown to birthday week
• my pastor who turned my ancient accompaniment cassette... yes.... remember those from the olden days?.... into a CD.... so then worries that the ancient cassette will choose the middle of the wedding to die.... can go away
• my new Kindle and its pretty pink case. LOVE love love.... It's like happy happy happy.
• hearing someone say this week that I was a "beautiful woman."  And no... it wasn't my husband.  If only this person knew how much trouble I have EVER thinking that about myself. 
• making birthday cake plans with my husband.  Did you know I love birthdays?  Just checking.
• a husband that grocery shops
• and cooks
• scripture
• the new books shelf at the library.  I mentioned on facebook yesterday that I am as physically incapable of passing that up as I am the shoe sale rack at the mall.
• a day with my husband
• summer shoes and ankle bracelets and pink pedicured toes
• my vow renewal ring from last year
• fossil watches
• shelter from all the rain
• not losing control of the car when I hit an unseen flooded spot in the road on Monday
• Mexican food... especially tortillas.  They should have their own food group
• shots and new flea meds for the dog... makes for a much calmer dog and a much less "I'm gonna kill the dog Monogirl." 
• Miss Sophie and her love for being near my husband
• talking with my husband. 
• goodreads
• getting four more books completed for the summer reading program

And I am thankful it's not Saturday like I keep thinking.  It is Thursday.... tomorrow is Friday.  NOT Sunday.  Monogirl gets so confused sometimes. 

Blessings!

Ten On Tuesday

1) So I believe I've mentioned I'm singing in a wedding on Saturday. I am happy about that and was very honored to be asked.  Now.... am I happy with my singing?  Not so much.  I am doing 2 songs.  I know one of them well.  Doing OK with that one.  I "know" the other song, but have not sung... sang???.... sung??? it as a solo before.  It is in one of those keys that is like right in the middle where low is to low and if I go high.... um its like opera.  Not the sound we are going for.  Was feeling a little concerned about how this was going to work out.... until God steps in and shows me to go back and try that 2nd track again and see if you can't sing up on that one... Well of course he knows what he is doing cause that worked out pretty well and Monogirl here is feeling much better about being prepared for Saturday.  If you know Monogirl at all... well you know she is allllll about being prepared. 

2) Yes... here is a picture of the infamous twin 50th birthday cakes for the birthday twins!  My first idea was that we should totally put 50 candles on both and see if we could set off the smoke alarm.  No one else... um my husband... was not a fan of this idea.  Then I thought wouldn't it be fun to do the number 50 on one cake and then "x2" for times two.... in case you didn't catch that... of course you did... on the other.  However when you live in tiny town USA just try to find a letter candle.  So not happening.  So... when I spotted the little "happy birthday" candle letters and the number 50?  Sold.  We put that on both cakes and trust me.... by the time we got all that lit, and the letter candles were quickly disappearing... we were happy I had not won the lets use a 100 candles idea. 

3) And here as you can see.... my husband won the who blew the candles out first contest.  Does that mean he has more wind?  Or perhaps it means his wish will come true first.  Oh wait.. he has me... he already has his wish.  Bwa ha ha ha.  Maybe Dee was slower since she is um OLDER... by a whole 6 minutes.  Here is the before picture.

4) And on a birthday note.... Does it mean my husbad is REALLY old if he just got his SECOND aarp card in the mail?  He is really enjoying receiving those..... not so much.

5) And on yet another birthday note.... the all important, must anticipated, PINK birthday week begins ONE... yes 1 week from this Friday.  Yay!  I am not the least bit excited.  You believe that right? 

 

6) Got my chocolate cake made for the all church luncheon on Sunday.  Apparently that was a good choice.... as confirmed by the little person that looked up at me and said "your cake was delicious."  Well I will take that as high praise and yes.... my day was complete. 

7) Finished The Silent Order today.  Pretty good book!  Yes... more Amish fiction... sort of.. cause this story also had mobsters and shooting and lions and tigers and bears oh my.  I am thinking my next book will be The Scent of Lilacs.... and this one will be read on the new and exciting Kindle.  yay.

8) This book progress means... I have read 27 out of my goal of 50 books for 2013 and according to Goodreads I am 2 books ahead as far as my pace goes to reach that goal.  Monogirl is happy about that since last year I read 34 for the year and the prior year?  Um 12.  Apparently Monogirl has re-discovered her LOVE of reading.... AND if she were giving a thank you speech she would like to thank the Library people for their help and endless supply of books.  The library.  What a good idea. 

9) The pioneer woman posted a link to these shoes on facebook a few days ago.  HOW stinkin' cute are those?  They come in several colors and patterns and they have a wedge... and platform.  Right up Monogirl's alley am I right?  Pioneer Woman says the straps are stretchy and the shoes are way comfy... I have got to try these out!

10) Anyone having a bad year with their pets and fleas this year?  Or are we just getting to have all the fun?  Our dog, despite applications of frontline continues to show up with fleas.. and now because of his allergies has yet another skin infection which meant back to the vet today.  The vet also gave us this Comfortis stuff for the fleas today and says it works better than Frontline.  Anyone used it?  I do not want to be dealing with any more fleas so Monogirl is praying this stuff works and quickly! 

And with that.... we have our first official Ten on Tuesday in a few weeks.  Perhaps we can make it all the way thru July...

Blessings!