Mother's Day gift

Hey kids! Hint hint... but don't expect me to feed you, this is strictly for reading!

Rules

I was inspired by Sara this week. She did a wonderful painting with The 10 Commandments on it. It really got me to thinking. I grew up with the Pledge of Allegiance and a silent prayer time in school. I live in the Bible Belt, someone said this week that Kentucky is where the belt buckles! I have to agree. This painting will be a reminder to me and my children that there are rules! Thanks Sara for the insight and art! I think I'll do another painting with rules like...Whining not allowed , No yelling unless there's a fire, Cheetos are NOT a dessert ........

My Favorite things

I am truly a blessed woman.
Things that make me oh so happy...
The way Ellie(2) says "You funny Mommy!"
Rachel's(9) love of her sister, she is THE BEST big sister!
Calvin's(19) strength and love of his family.
Tom's(hubbie) quiet and kind spirit, he's a beautiful person.
My mother's strength and perseverance, and her discount on Coach purses!
The memory of my grandfather's laugh.
My father and mother in law, in their 80's and always on the go!
God's sometimes hard lessons, he always knows better than I do what is best for me.

I also really like ...
Bread Pudding with Makers Mark sauce at Keeneland.
Prickly Pear Margaritas served poolside in Phoenix.
1964 Corvettes... my first car.
The way my dogs are always so happy to see me come home.
My Blackberry!
The smell of honeysuckles.
Peonies
The way Tom names all the creatures (spiders, squirrels, birds) that visit our yard.
Naps outside on a cool day (I had one a few years ago).
Chimp Eden
Lost
Top Chef
Project Runway
Sushi
Coffee in the morning, afternoon and night!
Painting anything and everything.
AND Comments on my blog!

Etsy Artist I love, Fisch Tales!

Sweetest eye candy EVER! I love Melissa from Fisch Tales work. She is an extremely talented artist and busy mommy! Check out her blog with links to her etsy items and website, you won't be disappointed! Tell all your friends and support this talented working mom!

Thanks!

Thanks so much for your comments on the last post. I really do see the positives. Doubling sales in a year is a GOOD THING! I am blessed with so many non monetary things in my life! It was just a SHOCK to hear the number roll off her tongue! LOL!!!
I had a thought this morning about how I treat others. I think I tend to treat guests/ strangers better than those closest to me.
It's the little things that count. For example, Johnna (sis) is staying with us until her big move to L.A., and she made the comment yesterday that the MAID hadn't cleaned her room since she CHECKED IN. I realized this morning if she were not my sister, I would be waiting on her and trying to cater to all her needs. So why would I not do the same for her? So, I think I'll surprise her tonight with a turn down service, candy on her pillow and a little gift.
I have discovered a new toy , Google Reader. Love It! All of my favorite blogs in one place. The service sends new posts on my favorite blogs TO ME! I don't have to check and see if all my favorites have posted something new, I just log in and all new posts are right there! Check it out and don't forget to subscribe to my blog!

I am the "Bread Loser" of the family

Pendant from Galsfly2
Buttons by Krysten

Uncle Sam and I had a big fight yesterday in the tax office. He won. He's always been a pretty good friend to me, sending me little gifts of money every April 15th (the anniversary of our friendship). Well evidently, I'm only his friend when I lose money. Doubling my sales this year, he has not only decided NOT to give me a gift but to demand a large gift from me! How rude!
Little note... tearing up in front of your tax preparer gets you a discount on their fees!

Ikea And Derby Fever!

Yes! I finally made it to Ikea! It was so much fun and did not disappoint at all! Johnna (sis) and Ellie are now official fans too! It is just so much more than a store, more along the lines of an amusement park. They have a play area at the entrance where moms and dads can leave potty trained little ones for 30 minutes while they shop. Ellie is almost ready for this...she goes to the potty most of the time! There are little play stations set up in numerous areas of the store including the restaurant , and they encourage little ones to play with and on the merchandise! What other store DOES THAT?!
The prices are unbelievable and you really do need to grab the pencil, paper, and map (all provided) when you enter the store. I made a few small purchases but will HAVE to return soon for more stuff! If you haven't been to one, then find the one nearest to you and GO GO GO!!!! So Much Fun!!!
I also have Derby Fever! The first Saturday in May is a close second to Christmas in this house! We love love love it! Though I have never been to the Derby in Louisville, there are always great parties here in Lexington. Tom and I really like going to Keeneland. They televise all the races, open betting windows, supply food and entertainment, pony rides for kids etc. It has become a hot spot here with more than 20,000 people attending! Spectators arrive at the crack of dawn to set up tents and tables. It is very casual and family friendly! Of course Derby hats are always present!
I always do some keychains for the local stores with a Jockey/ horse theme. You can check out my new items on Etsy. Of course custom orders are always welcome!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

The storms are over, bring on the flowers

I hope everyone made it thru the storms okay.
The girls and I made it to Libby Lu and the mall for some STORMY WEATHER therapy. Rachel looked so cute with her makeup and hair done, while Ellie would have nothing to do with it.
I'm going nuts not having the time to go to IKEA! Maybe today?
I have a few more ideas for Mother's Day gifts, click on the links below for info. Let me know what you think!
PHOTO PENDANT
BOOKMARK
FELT FLOWERS

polka dot mom and new color charts

Good Morning! I want to thank Sally at Polka Dot Mom for featuring me on her blog this week! It has been very exciting!
You can check it out here.
I also would like to thank Summer at Blog Designs by Summer for the blog redesign. Don't you love it! Check out her very reasonable prices!
I have had quite a few questions about ordering my kid keychains on Etsy. I've come up with a color chart and added some new hairstyles. Basically all you need to do is PURCHASE the keychain listed with the correct number of kids on it. You can order with up to 6 kids! Then choose background and dot color from the color charts. Provide the following info for each child:
NAME/AGE(for my reference only)/HAIRSTYLE#/HAIRCOLOR(choose from chart or give general description)/ANY ADDITIONAL INFO(no bangs, hairbow, shorter, curly etc.)/ RETYPE NAME
That's it! If you still have questions just email me and I'll get back with you asap.
Spring Break has been so so. We really haven't done much of anything yet. Hopefully we can squeeze in something fun today.
I'm still trying to make time to list clearance items on Etsy, maybe next week.
One funny thing to tell you about my almost 3 year old. My sister sent both the girls some Tinkerbell "wings" on Sunday. Ellie was quick to have me put hers on and went running out the back door. She quickly returned with a very sad look on her usually happy face, saying "I tan't fly, I tant fly Mommy!" Then on Monday she asked her aunt... "You teach me to fly?" If only she could...