VERY RANDOM

As in very very random…..
First my nephew,  Sweet William won the contest! Is he not the cutest?
thanks to all of my blog friends that voted. 
Next I finally (though I have been trying for six weeks to find one) have an IPAD 2

So please send me every tip you have….I have had it a week and have not even opened the box. I am hoping Parker will have time to help me get it set up tomorrow.  Do any of you write posts using it?


Jack went for a check up and everything was perfect and the doctor does not even want to see him until late OCT….that’s almost 6 months from now and will be a year from the stroke.


I am pulling for Scotty on American Idol (as voting on every device I can) and starting to have withdrawals since I know the season is ending.  
This has been a good one…and never dreamed I would like Steven Tyler and J Lo so much.  If you have not seen this video, I loved it….Josh Turner surprising Scotty on his home town visit.
And on DWTS, I am pulling for Kym and Hines.


I think Arnold is a …well I won't say what I think he is…he is a member of the John Edwards “make me sick” club. 


I saw this Flame On on Kelly’s blog.
When you have 30 minutes it is WELL WORTH your time to WATCH.
You have to register and then just hit WATCH.  Once I started I couldn’t stop. 
I had heard the story but watching this was powerful. This has been my greatest fear in life.
One phone call can change everything.

This is a subject that I have wrestled with a lot recently.
I have a dear and young friend, as in very young just diagnosed with breast cancer, a week later a double mastectomy and now decisions. 

Then a friend of almost 40 years whose husband is having cancer surgery this Thursday, and on and on.  I am sure you have your own list. 

Then if you are a news junky like me and listen or read all the do’s and don’ts (that change by the day) to help you stay well….well it is overwhelming and makes you want to just eat whatever.  And if you took every supplement that Dr. Oz recommends (and I like him) you would spend your day taking pills.
Maybe it’s just me.  Does anyone else feel this way? 

NEWS BREAK….Terri and I are back walking.  We have made two days in a row doing almost 4 miles each day.  I so wish I loved exercise…I DON’T!!!

Not sure if I mentioned it but I loved Tyler Perrys new movie Jump the Broom, but then I love anything he does. 


Hopefully starting Thursday I am going to link up and sell the famous card box, except its going to be in a special mailer to cut the cost and it will be listed on Kristen's Creations..It’s the best gift to have on hand and one that everyone can use.  I am working to make it very affordable. 

We won’t be discussing Trump for PRESIDENT…I have to say his speech announcing it, made me laugh..enough said.


Just for a laugh….this is Jack checking out Easter eggs, deciding if they have the kind of candy he wanted…as in he rejected eggs. I have never heard of a three year old that did not want every egg he found. 

Also a special prayer request…Not sure of the date yet, but Austin is having heart surgery in Little Rock in early summer.  It is something they have known about since birth, but still very scary to have your boy having heart surgery.


If you are still with me you are worn out. So to thank you for hanging in there….I am giving away 2 books….another copy of Pioneer Woman…this is a GOOD READ!

     
  and also a copy of this fun book

        

How’s that for a thank you for reading a LOT of RANDOM!
Regardless of how you feel about Oprah, I have to admit I will miss her. (a tad more random)

FOR the last piece of Random, I am feeling like the Mouse is missing me…and want to start planning a trip. 


As always, all you have to do is leave a comment and you are eligible for both books.  I will get Parker to draw Sunday night. 

A FUN PARTY AND A LOT OF RANDOM

To start out this is one of those days…I can write a post but cannot post it…For some reason my internet is down tonight…I have tried every trick I know, anyone in my family that might could help has gone to bed, and customer service is not open.  To compound that you have to get in a position that could only be connected to yoga to get to the plugs that go into the router.  Let me make it a little funnier…I was doing it in the dark with a flashlight because Jack aka Woody was asleep in that room….Comedy at its best!
I loved the blog party again this year.  Loved making new friends, finding new blogs and seeing some OUTSTANDING BLOG DESIGNS.  It makes me know how “not computer smart” I am to see all the fancy blogs.  I am committed to visiting every blog that left a comment…it may take me a few weeks but I will stop by. 
The “card box” winner from my blog will be announced later this week when I know who won the one through the party.  They have not contacted me yet to let me know who won.
I am just back from market so I have some other giveaways and pictures coming in the next few weeks….
I have JUST found a new blog that has a cause that you must read.  If you do not know Ashley STOP by and visit and learn about the SHINE project. It is one of the neatest things I have seen in blogland in a long time.  I have ordered my shine necklace and look forward to getting it. 
Also on Tuesday or Wednesday my good friend Kristen from Kristen's Creations is going to guest post and show you some of her fantastic work…so be watching for that. 
Be sure and make your way to the theater to see Soul Surfer.  It’s a fantastic movie and one we need more like. 
Here are a few pictures Greg snapped of Grayson today…Is he cute or what and looks EXACTLY like his Dad at this age…



Two boys getting their GAME ON and spending the night with us.  Amanda has a Big test tomorrow night so we feel honored to have them hang with us.  I looked at Parker when he walked in tonight…This is the Baby that Changed Everything and he Shaves now.  And I have to sneak a HUG and find new ways into his heart…Right now its cheesecake, so I had him a piece from Outback ready when he walked in. 
Last week we celebrated the six month anniversary from Jack’s stroke.  In my next post I am going to share a note I received last week from the ER nurse that took care of him that horrible night at Baylor. 
I still have not recovered from Pia being voted off American Idol.  She was one of my favorites. 
Enough random….if you have stayed with me to the end, you deserve a prize…Hopefully I will post again tomorrow.

KEEPING IT REAL

Some days you have NOTHING but random.  At least nothing that would not be a downer to share and seem so small  compared to what so many are going through. There are hurting people everywhere, many in the blog community.  I can get overwhelmed with those stories in a heartbeat. 
This has been a week with some bumps in the road, some hurts that really  hurt, I am down in my back and have an aching shoulder from tripping over a thousand covers the little's had on the floor watching movies which I automatically tried to catch myself and caused a giant
flare-up with my chronic bad shoulder…I went the entire tree season and had almost no problems and then to take a fall in my own family room…Irritating plus keeps me from getting back to walking regularly.    Plus I have some major decisions just about life in general that I need to make soon. 
Jack has had some medicine problems that we are trying to get straight which has caused him to have a very low pulse and be lethargic.  (that’s a word that no one would use to describe him).  So that has meant doctors appointments and more this week.  I think it’s a minor problem, but still one we need to stay on top of. 
Add to all that I am not sleeping….I mean not even sleeping with a sleeping pill….just some form of a menopause problem and is so frustrating to me….so all this sounds like whining. 
I do need some help.  I had said I was not going to do this, but I have been approached about advertising on my blog….GIVE  ME SOME FEEDBACK, pros and cons.
If you would prefer to email me, (annah99@aol.com) or even if you don’t advertise and know some one that does, send me to the blogs that you think might be able to help me. 
Thanks for all the sweet words about my blog anniversary….
ANOTER  REQUEST
If you are going to Beth Moore's living proof in April, would you let me know?
I am trying to decide what to do on my holiday blog during this time of the year…I hate just leaving it empty. 
 ANY SUGGESTIONS?
For those of you that won Pioneer Woman's LOVE STORY…..you should be getting it any day….Set aside some reading time…
So this may have been my worst post ever…just trying to keep it real….Some days, weeks and even months are just a season of “STUFF”! I promise to try and come back with sunshine soon. 
a couple of cute pictures of Grayson tonight.
 
Looks like the food WON
BATH  TIME
The winner of the cards is…….and remember this is my BEST giveaway……is

Nama Halacy's Comfy Cottage....This is a new blog to me so stop by and check it out….

Have a good week……

MISCELLANY MONDAY

I love randoms! TOTALLY love them....That is how I THINK. Stop by Carissa's at lowercase letters by carissa graham. She has tons of sites that are part of the "miscellany monday" ! Go check it out and link up too! It's always fun to be a part of a little blog party. Be SURE and comment on this post and you are automatically entered in the DISNEY GIVEAWAY from the last post. That's all you have to do. No hoops to jump through... Who knows, maybe there will be TWOor THREE! SO for a little random.....IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A GREAT FATHERS DAY GIFT, VERY INEXPENSIVE BUT A TREASURE, I will be posting about one in the next few days, so you will have plenty of time to order. Parker is having his birthday party a week early since we are traveling, and it is going to be the MOST FUN SLEEP OVER. Amanda and Micah have put so much work into it and may need to go into PARTY PLANNING. Plus he got an early present, an IPOD TOUCH and he is on CLOUD NINE. He will be on CLOUD TEN if I get him an ITUNES gift card and I will. That's what Grammy's do.Tomorrow one of my dearest friends is going to MEET her first grandchild. Sweet Elizabeth should arrive sometime tomorrow....induction in the morning and I am going to spend the day at the hospital with her. It has been a hard nine months in a million ways, but because I walked a somewhat similar/though very different road, 11 years ago, I have been able to take her hand and walk with her on this JOURNEY. It has been my PRIVILEGE!I am still walking...just wish I was seeing a few pounds drop off. I SO WISH that someone would INVENT a BATHING SUIT that MADE everyone look at least OK. Also, wish I did not have to search it out, that it just arrived in the MAIL!Yesterday I TOTALLY redid the boys room. I believe in the littles having their OWN room at our house. Jack had began to climb out of his crib, so we bought them TRUNDLE BEDS...Will make some pictures and show as soon as I get a new RUG down. And I will warn you, it is MICKEY PARADISE.I really want CRYSTAL to win AMERICAN IDOL, in case you cared. Remember this is random.I added this to my other blog, but want to add it here...Please check out this blog and BE INSPIRED. I don't know about you, but I LOVE TO FIND a NEW BLOG. ONE that I want to go back and read their entire story.My BOY and his family are going to spend a week at the beach next week. They may not be able to do much "beaching" but I am hoping they get some good R & R. This has been a TOUGH year to run a Toyota dealership.I so want to be able to SKYPE while we are on the cruise...ANY tips or instructions? Have I ever told you I HATE to READ INSTRUCTIONS? HOW MUCH RANDOM CAN a PERSON TAKE? If you were a winner recently, I got everything shipped today with the exception of one thing and I hope to ship it tomorrow. Be sure and check out my newest fanily member in this post. He is the CUTEST!

COUSINS CAMP and A LITTLE RANDOMNESS

******

THIS REALLY IS MY MISSION TO BRING SNAIL MAIL BACK, so SUNDAY NIGHT WE WILL GIVE AWAY 2 CARD PACKAGES and I WANT IT TO BE YOU!!! Get your comments in!

Thanks NEZZY for the sweet compliments and displaying your GOODS. Another winner will be drawn Sunday night, and all you have to do is leave a comment....

Now for some RANDOMNESS!

Today Austin and Parker are spending the day. I love COUSINS CAMP....They are no trouble and have played their DS, Wii, some kind of Nerf gun game outside and laughed a lot. They have NOT said two or three words to me all day...but I am been listening to them. They are having a blast. And that's what SPRING BREAK is about.

AUSTIN AND PARKER....BEST BUDS
.
I saw this on another blog and liked it....I think I am too late to do the Linky thing, so will just do it as VERY RANDOM post. I love knowing more about my blog FRIENDS.

I should...pray more

I dream....of another entire family trip to Disney....maybe next year!

I want....to get all my summer capri pants out and wear ONLY flip flops for the next 6 months, problem is I have several weddings to go to...so wedding flip flops!

I know...I am BLESSED

I don't like....having to get up early...EVER

I smell...coffee that I just made

I hear....little boys laughing

I fear....anyone in my family having any health scares or problems

I usually...get dressed for the day around noon

I search...too many blogs

I miss.... a good friend from the past

I always...love hugs and kisses from the grandsons

I regret....never REALLY knowing my DAD

I wonder....when Parker will be too old for trips with THE GRANDPARENTS

I crave....ice cream and sorry to say diet coke (but I am working on that one)

I remember...when there was no TIVO and you HAD to be at home at the exact time a show came on

I need.... to clean out my closet

I forget....my cell phone and have to go back for it more times that I would like

I feel....sleepy tonight and that never happens to me at 11PM

I can....read blogs for hours.

I can't.... wait for Dancing With The Stars to start back Monday night.

I am happy....when I am anywhere on vacation with my family, preferably Disney

I lose....my happy attitude when telemarketers continue to call

I sing...in church

I listen...to talk radio in the car or the NFL station on Sirius radio

I shop.....less than I did in my younger years.

I eat....too often when I am not really HUNGRY.

I love.....My FAMILY

I still have Spring Wreath orders coming in EVERYDAY, so here are a couple of shots of ones I made tonight for a house with double doors. I was too lazy to take mine off my front door and hang them, so these are poor pictures with the wreaths just hanging on a chair!

I NEED DISCIPLINE...I AM SO THANKFUL EVERYDAY IS A NEW BEGINNING

Let me clarify the discipline part....I was determined that this was going to be the week that I got back into a good exercise schedule and eating healthier. Good intentions...It's now Tuesday night and that has not happened. And I am bummed...Please tell me that some of you have this same problem. I need to know I have company. I am almost to the point of DEPRESSION. I can't believe I said that. I have legitimate reasons for why I haven't, as in a ton of work, as in 30 people need new Spring Wreaths ASAP, a sinus headache that is hanging on, a conflict in my extended family, and on and on. Stuff that we ALL HAVE. BUT, I know we all have 24 hours in the day and we all choose how we will spend it...I so want to get on a healthy eating plan, not only to lose some pounds, but to have more energy, which leads me to the rest of the title...

I AM SO THANKFUL THAT EVERYDAY IS A NEW BEGINNING.

I need ANY and EVERY suggestion and tip to help me get started......

Yesterday I read Melissa's blog! She is not only an inspiration but a great decorator.. She and I have very similar taste. Then my friend Melinda is on a new program...and she has inspired me.. But the fact remains I have not been DETERMINED ENOUGH to do it and tonight I am just mad at myself. Then there is the wonderful story of my blogging friend Nancy! I am so proud of her. So tomorrow is another day and I am hoping IT WILL BE THE DAY!

I am still planning to post some pictures of my house and the new look from Terri, as soon as there are not wreaths all over the place waiting to be delivered. A hazard of having a HOME BUSINESS is that stuff is EVERYWHERE. Pretty stuff but my living room looks more like a store than a home right now.

My goal tonight is to make all my stacks of catalogs and paper work into very neat stacks. I am the QUEEN of NEAT STACKS.

We are still working on my new blog design..My problem is I like too many looks, too many fonts, that would be a designers nightmare. (I think)

A little eye candy...These are the main colors I am using in Spring wreaths...I love all these colors combined. These are from a grouping of some containers I picked up last week on my market trip.

PLEASE DON'T FORGET.... EVERY COMMENT GOES IN THE DRAWING FOR THE 3 more CARD GIFTS THAT I WILL DRAW FOR FRIDAY. FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT WON LAST WEEK, YOURS ARE IN THE MAIL. There are going to be some new card senders and some smiles on people's faces.

A smile will be on my face as two of my favorite little guys are spending the night tomorrow night. In case I have not said it lately, I do not take it for granted that they live five minutes away from me.

Ok,email me or leave in the comments any MOTIVATIONAL TIPS or at least let me know if my struggle is yours too. I need to know I am NOT ALONE. AND I HOPE YOU WIN ON FRIDAY...I would love to send everyone of you a GIFT as you all have been gifts in my life.

Random Things That Make Me Happy

I have seen this on several blogs and loved reading what makes others happy, so thought I would give it a shot today....if for no other reason than to count my blessings. I would love for you to share with me 3 random things that make you happy!
I will give you a few more than 3 .....

a grandsons hug (am about to get one)

great sheets

fine hotels

good football

errands FINISHED

an hour of free time in a book store

the mail ...I love a good letter or a new catalog

cold weather

planning a trip (that's the best part of it)

several hours of uninterrupted blogging time

a new set of nails

people watching in airports

a roaring fire (have one right now)

candles burning in every room of the house (happening now)

freshly vacuumed house

great coffee

a massage

an entire day in pajamas (today is one of those)

a clean car (high priority)

an all day card day with the girls

great baked potato soup

new pajamas (that's a post in its self)

a great movie with my husband in the middle of the afternoon

knowing I have a GOOD nine or ten hours that I can sleep!

a great book and time to read

Ok..its your turn....tell me the first three things that come to mind..

RANDOM, RANDOM and MORE RANDOM

First off, the football contest BELOW has been extended through Friday night. The gals that got their picks in the first day, get extra chances, if their team wins, BUT with the way the games went this past weekend
ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN.
Just to set the record straight, because some of you might not know, I am a BRETT FARVE fan. Always have been, so I have been a Packer, a Jet and now a Viking.

So my pick is the VIKINGS! That would be a HAPPY DAY for me....just in case you cared.

Enough about football as I know some of you are NOT football fans. I finally have all my Christmas down, in record time. I am ready for one of my elves, TERRI , to rearrange all my stuff while I am on vacation. I don't know which I am more excited about. I love a new look and I love someone else to do it. She is great at rearranging and we have very similar taste so as I leave town next week, headed to a Vail for a family vacation, I am leaving her the key! Until then, I have a NAKED HOUSE.

I have several giveaways that I want you to check out. Both of these blogs are daily reads of mine. Channa has a great Vintage Pearl Giveaway. She is a coaches wife so I love reading her blog. My friend Misty has a FABULOUS PAJAMA GIVEAWAY at Wind Beneath My Wings. I have loved her posts from the day I began blogging. Hope you will stop by both of those blogs and maybe you will win a fun goodie.

I am so ready for a vacation and a week where I am with JUST family. If any of you live or vacation in the Vail/Frisco area and have a favorite place to eat...be sure and leave me a comment.

As we look forward to a vacation, I sit here so moved and so horrified at the scenes from Haiti. I have to turn away at times, as the pictures are so horrible. God help us not to take our blessings for granted. We live in such a different world. I am praying right now that I will know the best way I can help. Some weeks life seems harder than others. This week I lost a dear friend to ovarian cancer, I have a friend that is walking through a very tough family problem, my youngest little man, Grayson, has been very sick for a week (he is much better), another friend needs a clear answer in dealing with a child, a close friend for 35 years fell and broke her ankle along with other things on top of her lupus. I do not have to read many blogs to know this resembles the same kind of week many of you have had. My heart is heavy for so many people tonight. I am so thankful that I know the power of prayer and can not only offer it but can ask for it.

I am so thankful tonight for all my new blog friends. This post sure turned into a downer...and that's not my normal post. Come back soon and I will share my sweet grandchildren with you. They will make you smile.

You still have time to enter the SUPER BOWL CONTEST, so go to this post and leave your pick....There will be a winner of a $100.00 PRIZE.