So Stinkin' Cute

2014-07-01T22:04:00.004-05:00

I have moved over to sostinkincuteblog.org

Here is the link, be sure to sign up for my feed over there, it's new.

I also have a Facebook page now as well!

Thanks, see you over at the new blog, I won't be posting her any longer!

Mucus, Boots, & TCMB

2013-11-01T12:33:00.000-05:00

I'm eating my kids Halloween candy as I

type. They are off to school

and it's my house, so I claim it.

My little ones headed out the door after

a minor meltdown from Tatum.

She wanted to add wings,a wand, and a crown.

I guess she was a disco/fairy girl.

I'm finding lots of amusement in the

drawings my daughter does daily in my

home office as we have special time before

we head to the bus stop.

It's funny, cuz I don't think I really

clean that much...but I do like to wear stripes!

I had to travel for work this week.

Every time my husband and I go to leave, our kids

ask if we will bring them back a

present...usually we buy them each a pack of

gum. It's easy and relatively cheap.

I don't know why I got creative and picked this up,

but I would NEVER recommend buying this

sort of toy. Unless you want to find bowls of "mucus"

in random places in your home.

Fail.

Woola, my search for brown riding boots is

complete...if you are on a search, I would highly

recommend these. Very comfy, great color and

I was okay with the money as I hope to

wear these for years!

{Wide calf makes for a very tough search.}

Certainly not least,

I recently became co-founder of the

Twin Cities Moms Blog community.

What is it? What does that mean?

It's a website that becomes a community of sorts.

We are developing a team of contributors that

will write from all different sorts of Mom's

perspectives. You name the subject and

we hope to cover it. Also, we will

post about cool new products or

activities locally for the family.

We will even have Moms Night Out too,

with wine....

So, if you live in MN, go

to our Facebook Page and "like" us.

We plan on introducing our team soon!

It started with the Office Chair

2013-10-25T08:56:00.001-05:00

It all started with an office chair.

I work at home and my butt wasn't comfortable and I was finding myself at the chiropractor weekly.

When I realized it was because I needed a comfortable office chair, I just decided to keep going with decorating the whole room.

It was time to make the front room- my office, in a really official way.

So, here we go....

I had Branmuffin and my Dad pop that light fixture
in that I scored from Overstock.com.

I found some prints online and framed them in IKEA frames.

The inspiration board was made last winter

and went well with the look.

The tulle curtains were at IKEA and I added
the pom pom edge to tie them back.

The mint desk accessories are from Staples
....the Martha Stewart office line...
what doesn't that woman touch??

This stripe fabric was found online and replaced

what was in there originally.

I just thought it added a french bistro look.
I don't do very glamorous work,
so I just surround myself with
glamorous things...it works.

Bought this little futon couch from Target.com

with some throw pillows thrown in from

Marshalls. The little polka dot one was sewn by me
along with the pad on my little white chair.

The little poof was on clearance at Target this summer....

$13 I think!

I made this flower arrangement with

some FAKE flowers.

So wish I was cool enough to have fresh flowers delivered weekly,

but ...I guess feeding the kiddos ranks higher.

Lastly, I found these curtains at IKEA and sewed on this

pom pom trim to tie the room together.

These curtains hang where I have french doors

and add some privacy when I

take an important call...true, but it's just work,

I don't have an assistant or PR person at this point in the game.

I can't believe it started out looking like this....

see this post when it was my parlor.

Sorry I have been a distant blogger,
I will work on my communication and

connecting with Y'all....

I have a business venture to announce.

Give me a day or two.

Any questions on the office details? Hit me up in the comments section!

Kids Baffroom

2013-04-20T16:35:00.000-05:00

It's where they do all the above

among a few other unmentionables.

I wanted to keep it easy and

fresh and hopefully, they will keep

it clean.

The kids' bathroom.....

Shower curtain is a Kate Spade at

Bed Bath & Beyond.

Rug is from Ikea.

I hired out the painting.

And if you are curious, the

stripes are 14 inches wide.

And if I would have known I would like

it so much, I would have done

it in our powder room downstairs.

It gets much more use!

Stool is Ikea.

I had an idea to do a collage of some Instagram pics

of my kids on our vacation.

Once it was up, it didn't

do it for me.

I found this at Marshall's.

Maybe it will teach them to be gentle with each other.

Soaps from Home Goods....

Taking pictures of a bathroom is

pretty tough.

It's small and you have to have

good lighting, so I had to wait for a

sunny day.

We haven't had a lot of those around here.

I'm still on the hunt for some more quirky stuff to hang in here.

But, I figure the more I add, the more

they will mess with it...it is their bathroom after all.

{The first picture is from Pinterest, if anyone can find

the graphic artist that makes those, I would buy them in a heartbeat.}

Not much else to say,

except I am in love with stripes right now...

let's hope the obsession lasts a few years.

Toodles...

My protest

2013-04-12T09:56:00.003-05:00

This is my firm protest.

To the winter that is still

outside in our world.

I love white, but

not white in the form of snow

in APRIL!

Take a twirl with me

and imagine the day we

can all wear this sort

of fashion instead of

the drab colors and BOOTS.

My calendar says Spring.

I won't wait for you to catch

up to my mindset.

I choose color.

I choose sandals.

I choose open windows

and fresh air.

I choose grilling and

outdoor furniture.

{Pics from my Mom's Pinterest boards.}

Take that-snow!

Toodles...in flip flops and a tank top!

Cowl Giveaway Winner

2013-04-05T20:42:00.000-05:00

Jennifer Lawrence...

I love her....as in, girl crush, love her.

And the way she accepted her award

and interviewed afterwards made me love

her even more.

Isn't that the best, when someone is fun and cute

and then when you see them in a different light...

you find that they are real and normal and you just think

I like them even more now that I know

them.

I'm hoping that happens when you watch

this video of me picking a winner on the cowl scarf giveaway.

It was done in one take.

With my two kids and so you never know.

I did it from my "throne", my

favorite thing ever...my white leather chair

I recently got at Home Goods.

Lucky gal...

....I bet you a dollar, I'll

do another giveaway from LaLaRed soon!

Have a great weekend!

Toodles...

Paparazzi scores again!

2013-04-04T13:21:00.001-05:00

My hard working, Dad retired in January.

He's that kind of guy who gets it done.

We are alike in this way.

He's a bit more selfless than

almost all folks and

I love him.

Here's us on my wedding day.

Sweet man.

This sweet man just got sweeter.

I had some painting done in our room and

he recognized that I had piled

a lot of jewelry on a few hooks.

I'm a jewelry freak and can

admit it.

I asked if he could do something about

my beauties all in a mess.

He has built everything under

the sun...one thing I have always

admired was the cases he made for

my Mom's mini perfume collection.

He showed me a mirror he had

in his basement and

thought it would be best if he built

it around that.

And...I will admit, Branmuffin had

said if there were a mirror incorporated

in the back it would make the whole jewelry stand

much more "sick". "Sick" is B's

west coast terminology for

"Glam-fab-awesomeness".

My dad....sigh.

He has a way of making me feel

like Daddy's little girl again.

And knowing I was chomping on my

cuticles to get this piece of glam fabulousness

in my house and hung...he did it last night while

I spent some time with my Momma.

Talk about all work and no play.

I love jewelry,

it's a part of my personality,

really.

The view from where I lay my head.

It's okay if you want one.

I've searched for a cure

for my jewelry problem for

years, really.

I wish I could tell you how to,

but I can't. Maybe I will have Paparazzi, tell you how.

{That's what my babies call him.}

I think he should go into business.

He would make a.lot.of.women.happy.

But then, he's been doing that

for years.....

Pin it....my Dad's gotta get famous for something!

Toodles....

Momma Love

2013-04-03T10:41:00.001-05:00

I guess I had to put that picture up to

add some humor to the crap I'm dealing with.

I haven't addressed it on here before.

Guess I have to, it's my life.

My Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer

almost 4 and half years ago. She survived.

She did chemo and radiation and I was there

to shave her head, cheer her on, and watch her

kick it.

Cancer does a number on people.

Changes them, yes it does.

Well dang it, it came back.

End of January, I got the call from my Dad,

the pain she had been having for over a year

was due to it metastasizing in her bones.

Her upper back to be specific.

I hate cancer.

I know we aren't supposed to use that word.

But I do.

I hate what cancer does to my Mom.

It makes her weak and tired and not

able to be with me and my family.

I hate how it wreaks havoc on her body.

I know she is in good hands, but
I break down when I hear news that

she is in pain....pain so bad you" get admitted

into the hospital", kind of pain.

Cuz, I dealt with pain for 5 short weeks and

it was a living hell. I don't know how this

woman has put up with it like she has, for so long.

So, here is her Caring Bridge site.

I built one cuz so many people love her

and I cannot keep up with the calls/emails/texts.

I know she is loved, but you see-- it gets hard

for me to tell the details over and over.

Mainly cuz it makes it so I don't let them

sink in....I guess I should let the details marinate.

She also has a blog and has written about it

much more eloquently than I ever could.

So there you go.

Enough of that shizz.....

How about my giveaway of cowl cuteness?

You guys have been sharing and commenting and

I thought no one even read this lil blog anymore!

Yay! If you haven't yet, go to that post and

enter to win. I plan on picking a winner on Friday.

And I bet you a dollar, I'll give something more

from her shop soon too!

Thanks for being my support network and caring about my

life like you do......

Toodles,

Turn your winter scowl into a Colorful Cowl!

2013-04-01T11:33:00.000-05:00

There comes a point in the calendar when

I refuse black/brown/gray clothing.

I just don't go there anymore.

Some of you are still wearing your boots

and coats and fingerless gloves.

I'm not. Okay, today I wore

fingerless gloves with my morning coffee to

help with the morning chill.

But otherwise, I am officially

wearing sandals, sparkly ones, and I'm

sure the guys {my engineers at work}

are in a confused state.

That's a whole nother post.

Who cares? It's officially Spring

and even if there is snow on the ground...

I'm doing Spring fashion.

And, I'm doing it well.

I will only wear outfits with

color, pops of it maybe or

full blown color.

But the only neutral I will wear is white

from now on!

And that brings me to a give-away.

Leah at LaLaRed and I had a playdate

this past week and she's gonna give away a

cowl scarf here!

And, if you follow me on instagram, you know

I have this one...that's become an obsession.

Thanks Leah.

I wore it two days in a row...

{Easter with my bros}

Like I need another obsession.

Oh, okay.

LaLaRed has belts and headbands and scarves,

and they all are dripping in color and cuteness and

prints you cannot find anywhere else.

So don't even try.

Wanna win a cowl?

Do this:

Go to LaLaRed.com

Shop around like girls like to do.

Then pick your absolute fave and comment on

this blogpost as to which name is your

favorite, so I can send it to you if you win.

If you like her page on FB, you get a second entry.

And if you share my blog and comment about it on

FB to me, I'll give you another entry.

And if you don't tell me which stuff you did this, I won't know.

So communicate that, that's another thing

us girls like to do...communicate.

That's it, that should do it.

I hope you win a cowl as cute as they

are, you will improve every outfit you own for Spring.

Booya.

Some help...

2013-03-24T11:33:00.002-05:00

Is your life hard right now?

Do you need a good friend?

Do you ever feel like YOU are not okay?

If you feel like you don't like where life is going

or that no one understands you.

Watch this video.

It's from Chick Night at my church.

Any one of the stories could

give you hope for where YOU are in life

right now.

{The second story is of my friend, Stephanie. She was a fashion model.

And she lives in my neighborhood. I love her's in particular. ;-)}

And afterwards, if you want,

connect with me...I would like to be there

for you.

XOXO

Mexico-in a nutshell

2013-03-22T14:09:00.003-05:00

If you follow me on Instagram {scartmill}

you know we vacationed in Cancun last week.

I found Instagram to be the best way to take

pics and if you are sick of me on there, I'm sorry.

I didn't want to be on my phone or technology too

much, I was on vaca. But carrying a camera too,

became cumbersome. Let me know if you are on it,

I would love to follow you...it gives such a good peak

into someone's life and what

they find beautiful.

Overall, it was a great trip.

Kids were well behaved and

basically became fish for 7 days.

Branmuffin and I did the teamwork

thing well-his part included an

afternoon nap with the kids

while I sunned my buns and

read a book.

Nights were early as we were exhausted

from the sun and activity...we knew the

mornings would be early, cuz we had the kidlets.

The highlight for Tatum was meeting Oceanis, the

dolphin. And her baby-girl, Nami.

I didn't bring one souvenir home this trip.

Just these pics-they so kindly charged me $69 for.

Nice of them, huh?

Mexico has marketing down pat and

it was good research for this salesgirl.

They certainly aren't afraid to ask for the

business there....if I pulled some of

their sales tactics, I would be the grossest

saleswoman in los Estados Unidos.

Turner was a bit young for the experience.

He sat on the side and asked me 37 times

when it was time to go to the water park.

Clearly, a live dolphin that let you touch them

and kiss and shake hands was more of a miracle

to me and his sister.

I cried at first touch, and just cuz it makes me

so emotional still, I will include a pic of me,

without a lick of make up on, for your

viewing pleasure..wink, wink.

Gosh, it was cool and it was on my list.

However, Tatum won't be satisfied.

She knows if she gets bigger,

next time she will get to ride them

or be a dolphin trainer for a day.

And that's what life is to me,

making your kids happy within reason.

Not giving them everything they want,

but enjoying the pleasure of

their happiness, watching them light up at

what the world has to offer, and

always being kind to others wherever you may travel.

I'm a blessed girl.

I'm thankful.

I love dolphins too.

Adios.

Baffrooms

2013-03-11T12:49:00.000-05:00

It's finally time.

Time to tend to the other two baffrooms in my

house that are begging for a paint job.

Though they will have two totally

different looks...

Branmuffin still scratches his

head and his face says

"Wha??!?!?*%#@?!?!"

"Really?!"

So, I threw him a bone and

added some elements that will make it

a little more manly.

He likes it when I go that route,

it's as if he got the green light to go

fishing for two weeks.

I can't wait.

And the best part is,

I will be gone when they do the work.

Here are some hints to the kids bathroom....

Come on now, you didn't think

I was gonna do a ducky or

frog theme did you?

Totes luv stripes---"totes" comes from

Pitch Perfect and if you haven't seen

it....you just won't get me for the next 6

months, cuz that's part of my new lingo.

Next?

My bathroom.

And when I say mine, I mean it.

I have kicked my kids toys off of the edge

of my soaking tub and their

gummed up toothbrushes and kiddy toothpaste too!

It's been 5 years and I want to get ready in

peace without stepping on a barbie doll or

knocking over a remote control car.

Get out!

And let this in....

Pale pink, glamour, and

Branmuffin gets his way----black cabinetry.

Of course, I will update you.

Anyone ready for Spring?

I waited till March till I complained.

Also, keep my Mom in your prayers.

and if you wanna know why you

can visit her blog...

it's another thing on my list of things I

find to be So Stinkin' Cute.

Radiant with Joy

2013-02-18T10:44:00.002-06:00

Psalm 34:5,6

5 Those who look to Him are radiant with joy,

their faces will never be ashamed

6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him

and saved him from all his troubles.

Confession time

2013-02-15T13:29:00.002-06:00

I take some of this....

Or even this, depends on my mood.....

And I scoop it up with this....

And I eat it. A.lot.of.it.

And it's not gonna be fun when I go to put on a swimsuit.

I don't care. Well, I don't care today.

Confession time. Don't be bashful. I wasn't.

Love em' up

2013-02-14T08:48:00.001-06:00

You may consider it a "Hallmark Holiday".

Something you don't have time for or nothing

to make a big deal about.

Not me....

Today, I savor my coffee, my warm house, my

sweet babies - and their delight at the tiny gifts

I laid out for them.

Today, I kiss them more than normal and ask

them over and over "Will you be my Valentine?"....

......"Do you know how much your Momma loves you?".

I want to teach them how to love others.

To be kind. To be a light.

To care for even the smallest

of details in others.

To learn how to make others feel special.

I choose to make it a day to teach them how to

Love.

"Love is not an affectionate feeling, but a steady

wish for the loved person's ultimate good as far as

it can be obtained."

C.S.Lewis

"Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions." 1 John 3:18

{All images via WeHeartIt}

Does your man do it??? Do tell.

2013-02-10T10:29:00.001-06:00

I do things.

I do things all over, but I do

a lot around the house.

All women do, so this isn't me asking

for any credit...I learned long ago,

we women do.not.get.credit.

I have to ask, cuz I am uber curious.

Who grocery shops in your house?

If there is a man in your house?

Does he do it solely?

Or do you send him out when you need

a few things?

I do it.

I send him out when I am desperate.

That's the only time.

Hear this: The reason is

if the man in my house did the grocery

shopping, we would have random items

in our pantry

and the bill would be 3 times what I usually

spend in a week.

One time, I sent said man out for a pineapple.

I gave him a list, of course.

On it, there was a pineapple.

How can you mess that up?

He came home with jarred pineapple.

Really? Really?

I didn't even know that jarred

pineapple existed. Then, when I made the tiniest fuss....

I got the male response "I can't do anything right for you, sheesh

can't you just be happy I went?!".

Why do I bring this up?

Cuz, it's time.

Time for me to make my weekly trip that

is 3 days overdue.

I don't want to, at all.

I would if I could wear my pajamas and slippers

and go with no makeup, but that look doesn't fly

when you get to my age.

It screams, "She let herself go....tsk, tsk."

So, wanna know what I am gonna do?

Go by myself.

Get really glamorous, go to my local Super Target.

Get either a Starbucks or a fountain Diet Coke and make

a day of it. I'm gonna go up and down every aisle.

I'm gonna go places I shouldn't, and

my bill will be $359.67.

I am the woman of the house.

I do the grocery shopping.

{Who has a man that does it?}

C is for Craft

2013-02-03T15:45:00.000-06:00

The inspiration from our latest craft came from this image on

good ole', gotta love it, time-waster Pinterest!

I find our version to be easier and cheaper.

My Mom hosted and everyone brought

girl-food {salads & desserts} and

we crafted.

We used some beads my Mom had on hand.

Some of us brought our own for a theme.

These two finished first....so speedy!

Kip did buttons instead of beads.

Cute and simple.

Here's all of them together at the end!

And the crafty women that made them,

minus Kristine.

This is the easiest craft on the planet.

1. Buy a letter at JoAnn or Hobby Lobby

2. Glue beads or buttons to it with a glue gun.

3. Hang it in your house.

Here's mine via Instagram, {in progress}.

I hung mine at home in my entryway.

I wanna fill up the whole wall....

....something like this.

When I have lots of time,

which is not now.

{Oh look, I got my signature to work.}

Are you Lebanese?

2013-01-27T08:11:00.002-06:00

According to Google, this woman looks

to be the poster child for Lebanon.

I'm using it to introduce to you my love

for Lebanese food.

I have loved it since my parents introduced me to it when I was in junior

high school. It's chock full of garlic and fresh

tomatoes, onions and parsley.

Think Mediterranean and Greek food but better.

All the Lebanese people reading this are

rolling their eyes, because Lebanese food

is much more than that and

shouldn't be compared, but I have to give you all an

idea of the flavors, so that you will go check out

my new fave place!

It's located in Burnsville, MN off of Cty Rd 42.

Here's a pic of his gyro sandwich with fries...

Branmuffin usually orders that.

Here's one of my favorites,

The Tabouli salad....luv.luv.luv.

You should check it out.

The prices are uber reasonable too!

We even ordered some of the food to eat on Christmas.

His super creamy hummus and pita bread are off the charts.

Recently, Byblos was reviewed in a local paper

If you don't believe me, that article gives good info.

And lastly, I love Byblos so much,

I made a video.

That's right, I vlogged.

It's so amateur, but I did it in one take.

And please, only focus on Mike and the food!

Toodles....with garlic breath.

Miracles and laughs

2013-01-22T12:32:00.002-06:00

No, I'm not having another baby.

Remember, I have no home for a baby.

Okay, I have a home, but no uterus.

I just wuv dat face up there and wanna

smooch on it.

You know how you can stare at babies

and they are so perfect and have the softest,

clearest, best skin evah!?

Well, I do that.

Anyhoo...my friend turned me onto this product.

Nerium AD

I had heard about it before from some

of my friends on the west coast and I thought

it seemed like a trend.

My friend that recommended it is pretty fabulous

and I took one look at her and said,

"I'm a sucker for products and if you say I can say

no after trying it for two weeks, I'm in!"

Tons of people are selling this product.

I have no time to sell more things, I sell at my day job.

I will recommend it though.

One reason I like it, is less products and steps.

I am a minimalist and this eliminates

many procedures and steps in my regimen.

You wash your face at night and while it is

still damp you put 3 pumps on your face.

Done-zo!

It dries, it feel a bit tight and

the next day, you wash it off and go about your

day. Love. Love one step. Love.

Also love that my skins is clearer and any

red spots have disappeared. I have pretty good skin,

but this clears up every issue...redness, blotching,

wrinkles, sun spots, the whole nine yards.

Okay, I'm gonna stop or you will think it's a commercial.

But, if you wanna try it yourself, let me know and I

will point you towards my glamorous

friend and you can give it a whirl.

Two more things:

Rent this movie, you will laugh your tushy off!

See this movie, again, lots of laughing.

And laughing is good when its -10 degrees,

it's how I cope!

Still have no signature,
Suzanne

Yes. A Yogi.

2013-01-16T11:59:00.001-06:00

Yes, I love the beach.

No, that's not me.

But, it will be.

Cuz, now I love yoga.

You can't call me a Yogi yet.

But, I will let you know when you can....

promise.

Life is stressful. I am past the baby stage as a Momma.

I work full-time, and I needed something for Moi.

I found Clear Light Yoga in Rosemount, MN.

If you are local, you should check it out.

You can point and laugh at me.

Hopefully, you will just admire my willingness to

try something new, while working the kinks

out of my body.

Christy (Owner) opened it recently.

Her daughter goes to school with my kids.

And it's fabulous. So fabulous there, that

she let me bring my kids and hubby for yoga too!

The cutest thing ever was watching my three year

old give it a whirl!

Check out her site

Could this be me and Branmuffin?

Tell me if you do yoga, I love to hear everything you

know about it and how it has been good for you.

I'm loving downward dog.

Namaste....

2013-40-2

2013-01-03T13:24:00.002-06:00

Sorry I left you hanging with that last post.

I'll continue.

I don't know about you, but most girls, if given the

opportunity, will take up an offer to act like a model for a photo shoot.

I did just that.

I scooped up about 5 outfits and bought some fake eyelashes.

I took the time to actually do my hair!

What?! I know! And makeup...f I had it my way,

I would never wear makeup.

But-I'm nearing 40 and so I can't go without,

nearly as much as I used to.

Happy to say, my husband likes me best with

a clean face, and that's 0% pressure.

As far as my kids? When I wear makeup, they notice...

"why do you have that right there" and

poke me in the eye in the same breath.

And after that, it was pretty simple.

A lot of..."oh yeah, that's cute, do that,

pull your shoulder back, suck in your tummy".

And let me tell you---it was a blast, and

very exhausting at the same time.

Fun huh?

I love them! Thanks Annie.

I did hers too! Not cuz I am a photographer, cuz

the photo and the appropriate settings were set up

and she has a phat camera that

does the good stuff.

I gotta say.

That modeling stuff is hard work.

Maybe it wouldn't be as hard if I didn't have to

suck in my tummy and angle the perfect way.

Or if someone did my hair, makeup and clothing choices.

I have mad respect for models.

Do your craft, it's not easy and after two hours...I was beat.

So I went and ate a burger and fries.

Betcha' real models don't do that.

You too could do this with a friend!

We took a Sunday afternoon away from the

fam and started snapping.

Your girlfriends will be honest about

what works for YOU. They tell you when you look like a dork

or you're too pouchey somewhere.

I'll be happy I have these...especially

right before I turn 50 years old...cuz you never

appreciate how you look when you look like what you

look like....tell me you understand that last sentence?!?!

And honestly...I know I am a blessed woman,

I'm discovering it more with every year and that's

what I thought of to get the real smiles in these

pictures.

Toodles...

2013-40

2013-01-01T11:18:00.000-06:00

Remember these girls?

The super models of the 90's?

I was obsessed with them.

Ever since I went to my first fashion show with my friend, Leah, I wanted their life.

To be gorgeous and wear fabulous clothes and travel and live an extravagent life!

The music at the show and their "walks" gave me chills!

I remember hearing one of them say how it isn't easy and how it takes talent to do what they do.

Have you ever seen a model in real life?

They are pretty easy to spot-- bodyshape-wise.

Looks-wise, they never seem to wear all that

makeup and hair when they aren't "working".

Here's what they look like now on the runways...

Ish. No thank you.

And here is what is considered a Plus Sized Model today.

What? Okay.

This model is in her 50's and I think that's pretty fab.

Look at her rockin' a white bikini.

Luv it.

Soooooooo....

I'm gonna turn 40 this year.

And I couldn't care less.

I mean I do care.

But, not about getting old or the number.

I actually like myself more today than 10 years ago.

A lot more.

But, I'm thinking about it.

Thinking of a celebration and

starting up yoga.

When my friend Annie said she would take

some pics of me in her studio, I jumped at the chance.

It was my chance

to be a model of what 40 looks like....not on

someone in Hollywood, but a real girl,

living a real life with kids and a hubby and a job

and a house that needs cleaning.all.the.time.

.....sorry, but this is gonna have to be a

to be continued...

Don't yell at me.

Office girls deliver!

2012-12-23T19:21:00.000-06:00

Have you noticed anything different

on here?!

My blog has a pretty new look...

This little cutie-pie, is a graphic designer where I work...

....and she hooked me up with a new header.

A header that sparkles....thanks Chelsea!

She's young and talented, and I am

encouraging her to set up a side business or an

Etsy site.

I'll keep you posted if she does!

I'm trying to use the new signature she made me,

but I'm having problems with the placement.

So, if anyone knows how to do that on Blogger

let.me.know.cuz.it's.frustrating.

I thought I would share a couple of additions

in our house.

I found these little mirrors strung on fishing line

at a local store, Patina.

Aren't they fun?
...and very hard to photograph...

I thought they would bring in a fun element to the room.
And some sparkle. Cuz, I'm all over sparkle.

I think they were using them as Christmas decor
I decided they are cute enough for all year round.

A month or so ago I found a blog post that
shocked me. Do you know stores like Staples or Office Depot
will print out a huge image in black and white for a tiny cost?

This one is close to 2' x 3'.

....I think they charged me under $3.
You just have to bring it in on a USB drive.

The image got pretty pixelated {is that a word?}.
But, I didn't want it perfect.

I knew I was going to mod podge it onto an
old canvas I had painted over.
I wanted it to look rough and aged.

So it's hanging in my hallway.
The hallway I can't wait to paint.
Someday.

And this addition is the jackpot!

Another co-worker told me she was selling a couch.
She said it was old but is in excellent condition as
it was always covered.

It belonged to her in-laws and they have pics of her
husband when he was a boy on it!

So, it's officially vintage.
And it officially works in this room.
And they delivered it and charged me $50.

Can you take it?

I've done a dance over this beauty and love that it's
now mine.

Of course, I've got a million ideas for new pillows...

Toodles,

Suzanne--see? this signature needs help!

Our only Hope

2012-12-14T18:40:00.000-06:00

I've had enough of the crap of this world.

And maybe me getting to this point can help those

who feel very lost and alone in the news of what happened in Connecticut today.

The individual who killed the innocent children and adults today

had to have some mental problems. We will never understand

how anyone could do what he did.

He was a broken man.

We are all broken.

And to God, there are no levels of "brokenness".

We are all sinners.

But, rather than focus on him, the criminal.

Focus on Him, our Savior who is in complete control.

Even when your life is a mess, He will clean it up if you ask.

He's comforting those babies right now.
He can comfort you.

Go rent this movie.

We watched it this week...my 3.5 year old and 5 year old, had lots of questions.

And I was happy to answer them.

Because this movie is truth. It's not the fibs I have to make up about Santa.

It's our Hope. It's our Foundation. It's why there is good news.

Jesus was born to save all of the world. Me, you and that killer today.

I'm glad we are all hugging our loved ones closer today.

It's better than getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

I plan to keep on building my life around these truths.

And if you need any help from me directing you to these

truths...I.am.here. And I.am.happy.to.help.

If words on paper don't move you, watch this

video...it's His words to us.

Prayers abound today...

Happy to announce...

2012-12-06T08:55:00.000-06:00

I'm a little scared to say it.

At the same time, I want to stand in my

driveway and scream it at the top of my lungs.

Yes, I said stand.

" I FEEL BETTER!"

"I DON'T HAVE UNBEARABLE PAIN!"

Thank the Lord,

all the prayers and treatments are

working...and I feel more and more

like myself.

I have this chiropractor...I'm gonna

get a picture with him to share later.

He does good work.

So does his massage gal, Sonia.

I have stretched, and iced and

positioned myself properly and all the hard work

is paying off!!

I just have to say..thanks for listening

to my saga of back pain from surgery.

I have such empathy and sympathy for people in pain now.

I want to go 'be there' in any way for someone in pain.

I want to hug them and say "I know".

{Not kidding, tell me of someone you know in pain,

I want to do something for them.}

Woo hoo!

I want to dance, but I don't want to mess something up.

So, I'm doing a dance like this...

{Remember the scene in Love Actually?!}

I am here to encourage you of two things.

1. Prayer--it works

2. Let people help you

Prayer- I have had my friends and family pray for

healing to happen in my body. I have had my doctor

pray for my pain. I have had strangers place their hands on me

and ask for healing.

Most sciatic pain takes 6-8 weeks

to subside, I am at week 4...don't want to go backwards and

time will tell, but I think that says something.

Let people help you--I have had to learn a

tough lesson. I can't do it all. I do need help.

It's okay to take help. Cuz when I do, I help the person

giving the help as well...it makes them feel

needed and that they made an impact.

And friends, you have made an impact!

And for that, you have my deepest gratitude.

Gosh...I think I just made myself cry.

Gonna do some celebrating tonight...