♥♥Best Friends Forever♥♥

Disclaimer: This may be a post that is full of bragging! BEWARE!

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I just had to make a post about the little joys in my life that

ARE THE BEST FRIENDS ANYONE COULD HAVE!

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I am writing this post as a reminder of how blessed I am & to inspire us all to think about others before we think of ourselves!

On a daily basis I have friends who I talk to, see and share life with! Sometimes, quite often for me, my friends knock my socks off for no reason at all! Here are some examples:

• A friend dropped off high end cleaning supplies and fancy rubber gloves just because!
• This Valentine's Day I got a package in the mail. Totally surprised!
• I got myself into a little public email pickle. For 3 days straight I had texts, phone calls and emails checking to see how I was doing.
• A friend knew I was nervous about not having a blow dryer at camp so she made me hand-made headbands (with really cute fabric) and wrapped them pretty.
• A friend heard I had a sick child and she brought me a book bag filled with chick-lit!
• I hurt my back and my phone rang off the hook with well wishers!
• A friend brought me a birthday present in June when my birthday is in October. She saw it and thought of me and couldn't wait.
• A friend knew it was my first year ever going to camp. She just dropped off a stack of note cards for me to open each day while I am at camp.
• Little pop-ups on my FB just telling me how much I mean to them!
• There are so many more I could go on and on and on...

I feel so LOVED!

It doesn't matter what you do, just telling someone you are thinking of them is all that matters!

Thank you to all of my friends who take care of me!

*Camp * Here I come!

Not too long ago I was asked to be camp counselor at Young Women Camp for our church. In just one short week I will be up in the mountains, away from the world...and I can't wait!!!!

I will be completely unplugged (without cell phone, ipod and BLOWDRYER!) for 6 days! I CAN DO IT!

Actually, I have served in many different areas and loved them all. But ever since I have been asked to attend camp I have been on cloud 9! I am a young woman at ♥ so I feel just as excited as they are! Also, because I converted to my faith when I was 21 I did not have the opportunity to attend when I was a young woman.

There will be girls from 12 -18 there and I will serve with the 12 & 13 year olds. Do I have worries? You bet! I am scared I will talk and walk in my sleep (common for me). I am worried I will be uncomfortable ( I would NEVER go on Survivor). I am nervous about hiking.

But I know that those 6 days I will be closer to the Holy Ghost. I know I will grow spiritually from the example of these young women. I know I will have a great time! Next year my own daughter will be going and I can't wait to experience it with her!

Summer Chore Schedule Idea

I was inspired by a blog (and forgive me that I cannot find it again!) to start this system for summer. I envisioned E on the computer from morn until nigh and D whining I'm bored! So I implemented this system...And so far, it works like a charm!

Each of my children have a ribbon tied set of "chore cards".

Each 4x6 card has a chore on it ~5 cards, one chore per day~

An "extra" card has a list that they could do after they do their one chore. Why? See below.

11 year old girl chores

• fold and put away all families clothes
• sweep/vacuum and dust downstairs
• clean bathroom
• clean room and closet
• unload and load dishwasher

7 year old boy chores

• clean bathroom
• do 3o min. yardwork
• vacuum and dust upstairs
• fold and put away all families clothes
• clean room and closets

Extras

• clean out car
• dust buster and spray mop stairs
• 30 more min of yardwork
• make all 3 beds after washing
• clean mom and dad's bathroom
• organize kitchen cabinets
• cook dinner

THE RULES

• the set chores are non-negotiable
• you can choose whichever chore you'd like to do on what day
• chore MUST be done before play, tv or computer
• all 5 chores MUST be done by Friday morning
• you can do as many "extras" as you'd like to do
• you get credit if it is done as you were trained
• I put a tally on the back of the card when I check it. Different color tally for each week.

THE REWARD

I firmly believe that children should have responsibilites that they do not get paid for! I firmly believe that each person in the family should have responsibilities simply because we are a united family. BUT what I have found is...what I firmly believe leads to a lot of arguing, complaining and nagging!

So...they get $5 a week for doing their "chore cards" and $1 for every extra.

Notes to Self

• D LOVES responsibilites! He does 1-2 "extras" a day. ($ motivated)
• E is not arguing
• Because this system is only for summer, they know there is a light at the end of the tunnel
• They are appreciating what I usually do without them
• They talk about paying tithing daily and saving for bigger items
• Less begging at the store
• I LOVE THE HELP!
• Honestly, I see my children happier because they are feeling productive!
• They have suggested more "extras" that they'd like to do (i.e. cleaning out car)
• I am more flexible with their free time because they have done something to help me first.

Hope this helps inspire you like someone else's blog inspired me!

Summer Lovin'

It is officially SUMMER now at our house! too bad my back is out...

I was wondering how summer is defined by you?

Is it...

relaxing at the beach?

catching up on your reading?

diving into projects?

lots of dining al fresco?

or camping out?

Because our school is transitioning from year round to traditional schedule, my kids have never known what it is like to be off for summer! To me, we will be doing a little bit of everything, but would love to know what it means to you!

? Bored this Weekend ?

I can't imagine anyone could be bored this weekend since it is Father's Day & a beautiful summer weekend...BUT if you find yourself needing some heart warming, here are two picks I have for you!

~The Proposal~

This movie was really, really cute and funny!

Now I understand you may question my taste since many of you did not like the last movie I LOVED, but there is something about romatic comedies when my hubby and children are gone that make them seem really good! Oh, how I've missed Sandra Bullock's comedy! My all-time favorite is the RV scene in "Two Weeks Notice". This movie has lines and scenes that are laugh-out-loud funny!

Of course, I love the pretty scenery and you must catch a quick glimpse of the kitchen in Alaska AND the chandelier above Andrew's shoulder in the barn. Speaking of the guy, Ryan Reynolds is dreamy! He has puppy dog eyes and one smokin' bod! Okay, check it out and let me know what ya think!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

This book is one of the best books I've read in a very long time. Do not be put off that the entire book is a series of letters written between characters. The characters are funny, sweet and the entire book makes you feel happy! The story behind the authors is interesting. The story is of the Guernsey islands just after the German occupation. It is not a "war story" and not a "history lesson". Just a book about kindred spirits who find friendships through fate and some even find love.

What are some great finds you've discovered lately? Do you agree or disagree with my picks?

☼ Summer Reading ☼

Are you all ready for SUMMER?

Some people think getting ready for summer means SLIMMING DOWN for a bikini (not!) or clean off the TENT for camping (not me either) or even getting weekly pedicures for flip-flop feet (maybe once a summer)!

My idea of getting ready for SUMMER is to get a nice stack of books! Here is my stack so far, but I've got three more in the mail to me.

Have you read any of these? What did you think?

I am way behind the times when it comes to Harry Potter, this is the summer that I will read them!

Below are two sites that I cannot live without! If you are a reader, you should really check them out!

Swaptree is the best! You put an "I have" list of all the books, cd's, dvd's and even video games that are collecting dust. Then you make an "I want" list. They match you up, and you mail off things you have for things you want. It is all free, except postage. But get this! You don't even have to go to the post office! You print the mailing label from your printer and it charges your CC (2.45-3.15). I recycle the envelopes so it is a great way to get books for free! You can either keep it or retrade it over again! So awesome! Who doesn't love to get packages in the mail?

Once you get your books from Swaptree , you head over to goodreads to chat about them! Swaptree has a spot to rate books, but I prefer the format of goodreads better. You can hook up with your friends and find out what they've read, are currently reading and planning on reading. Then you can comment all about their reviews. It is such a great way to find new books to read or find friends who enjoy the same writing style you do.

If you have a favorite summer read, let me know! I'd love to hear what YOU are reading!

Treasure Hunting

This weekend I experienced My Perfect Day! Here are the results of it!

The pink lacy wonder is actually four curtain panels. The frilliness just made me gasp!

The little china chairs are handpainted.

The tiny plate is perfect for butter or these.

I picked up the toile pillow because I can never resist aqua and pink together. It just may go here.

I am not a bracelet person but j'adore this Paris one. Just may use it for something else.

Like the Eifel Tower pin, it will glitz up a pillow in my bathroom.

Finally, this necklace stole my ♥! My mom and I spotted it and snatched it right up. It is antique sterling silver, but the patina is beautiful. I bought it as a gift- but just may keep it for myself.

Obviously these were not from a garage sale. Check out Catstudio here! You will not be disappointed!

I picked up these two dishtowels (Napa because I was born there & Paris...well...you know me!) I found these in hand emroidered pillows but they were just too pricey, so I am gonna make my own pillows out of these babies! Perfect for my bonus room sofa!

These towels were packaged in the coolest gauze bag (see above).

Are you a treasure hunter?

Or do you prefer brand new from stores and boutiques?

"Treasure is in the eye of the beholder!"