New York Sparkle

This weekend I'm going to New York with all the ladies in my mom's family (except for Noe, tough decision!). I wanted to make a little surprise for my mom, aunties, sisters, and cousins so I whipped up some sparkly bracelets. Instead of just passing them out to everyone, I'm thinking it will be fun for us to play the White Elephant Game. I hope all the gals like what they end up with!


Scarlet Passion


Orange Crush

Sunshine Yellow

Serene Green

Turquoise Seas

China Blue

Purple Rocks


Pretty Pink


Basic Beige


Shiny Bling

Sophisticated Black

Unbirthday Party

This week I threw an "Unbirthday Party" for our Laurel class activity, and decided it was time to break in my little flower cupcakes. Aren't they cute?


Games, cupcakes & ice cream, and gifts- who wouldn't want to come? Well, my 2 superstar Laurels were the only ones that came and we delivered a special gift to one of our gals whose actually birthday it was. We missed the rest of them, but what can you do?

Which would you choose?

A tempting slice of St. Etienne cake?


or a juicy bowl of fruit and berries?


Yep, I chose the St. Etienne cake. Actually, I had a bowl of fruit too. Don't get me wrong, I love fruit, but it doesn't satisfy my sweet tooth the same way french pastry, thick custard, luscious whip cream, and mini chocolate eclairs do. And this is why I'm chubby- ugh!
I should just remember the scripture from Isaiah 55:2, "Eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness." Is that how you interpret this scripture?

Another Anniversary

Last week marked Leonard's and my wedding anniversary, and this week marks a year of owning our first home, although we still have a few months to mark one year of us living in it- tee hee. Anyway, here's an open house tour of the projects we've been working on. The list is neverending though!


Everything looks so clean after it rains.

The main floor consists of the living room, dining room, kitchen, dinette, family room, and powder room (laundry room not pictured).







The upstairs consists of the master bedroom & ensuite, the 3 kids' rooms, and the kids' bathroom.







The basement is our PLAY room (and has 2 storage rooms as well). I love it, except for the fact it's in the basement- tee hee. I NEED sunlight, so this would serve me better if it was a second floor lounge, oh well we can't have everything we want, right?

Our backyard is in dire need of some playground equipment, but we are so glad to have a backyard again!

Seriously, there's still a ZILLION projects to finish, but we love our little home sweet home!

More Books

This was last month's book club selection. It's a modern-day Ruth & Naomi story. It made me wish I knew my mother-in-law better (she's in heaven), but also confirmed that I do not want to be a widow ever!


This is this month's book club selection, but I can't read it until I finish...


This is interesting about 3 women- Muslim, Christian, and Jewish exploring the similarities and differences of their religions. It's made me explore my own faith and religion. Can't wait to finish it!

I haven't read his other book yet (Len did), but I want to someday, and I want to read this one too.

I'm caught up on the Fablehaven series and now anxiously waiting to read the conclusion in book 5!