I'm SoooooOOOOOoo excited! I'm the Featured Seller on LolliShops.com.

This has been my newest business venture and this Frou Frou Friendly Marketplace has been such a delight to be a part of.

Be sure to stop into my little shop to see some of the ♫♪New Things♪♫ I've added.

Sadie Lou is the proprietor of the web site and she's done a wonderful job making everything so user friendly. The site it so sweet and cute and I'm blessed to be amongst such amazing artist. Thank You Sadie!!!

Laid Back Date Night

I think that I'm going to continue posting about ♥♥Date Night♥♥ so that I continue to get wonderful ideas from all of you out there. I don't know if others struggle as much as we do to find fun and different things to do but this really tends to be a challenge. Often we find ourselves hitting the same restaurants and then going to a movie. Or we regularly "Close Target" as we like to say. The evening is over as we hear the intercom say, "The store will be closing in 10 minutes."

This weekend we opted for a more laid back Date Night. We went out to dinner but decided to grab a movie and go home and indulge in something that we both

L♥VE!

♥ ♥

♥ ♥

♥ ♥

♥ ♥

ICE CREAM

Look at how wonderful that is...

Never get a camera between your man and his ice cream....

Please H♥ney, it's for my Blog

Isn't he just the cutest??

4 Stitches Later...

A sequence of events has played out lately that I could easily have been happy not to have gone through in the first place. However, I've seen how God uses these moments to lead us to what really needs to be taken care of.

It all started about 5 months ago when I found a lump in my armpit. The fears of breast cancer had suddenly come into my home and into me and there were a series of panic...pray...panic...pray moments. I kept this new information between me, My Father, my husband and my doctor because I felt it was too big to cause panic over and it possibly not be anything. The thought was that it could be an infected follicle, but two months had gone by, I had well finished the antibiotics that my doctor had given me and the lump was still there. I was stubborn, and I refused to go back to the doctor; mostly out of a fear of the process, not so much the problem. Those closest to me will understand that the most.

I've witnessed miracles first hand and I know the power of prayer and, finally, I had "Had it". I was in the shower, and as I had every day, I checked the lump to see if it was smaller, but like every other day before, it wasn't and I quickly became overwhelmed and consumed with fear. A dear friend of mine says, "What is deep inside you will come out under pressure." Suddenly, out of complete frustration and determination, I started speaking to this lump as if it had ears to hear me and I began to take the authority that Christ had given me and commanded it to go in Jesus name. The next morning....let me say it again because of its awesomeness...the next morning it was completely gone. Praise God!

A few more days went by, and I continued to check...call me a doubting Thomas if you will, but I really was in amazement that it was gone. I stood in front of the bathroom mirror and gave it all a good hard look. Gone completely!! What I did notice, however, in all my contorting and looking this way and that, was a red mole on the back of my arm that was about 3mm. "Hmmm, interesting," I thought. Made a mental note to myself that it was red and that it probably wasn't a good thing, and decided to go on with things as usual. Frankly, I had my fill of worry for the year, and I didn't intend moving on to anything new.

I've had a very difficult time lately losing weight, and I thought that with the family history of diabetes and other things, that I probably should get things checked out. My doctor visit went well, and he set up some blood work and then asked if there was anything else he could help me with. Totally a side thought, I said, "Oh, well, I've got this mole that you could look at." He checked it out and didn't like that it was so red. He suggested a couple weeks of hydrocortisone and then we would see if it got smaller.

Wellll, it didn't. Two weeks later, he ended up removing the mole and routinely sent it away to have it examined. Two more weeks later, he gave me a call to tell me that it had been sent to a specialist. I said, "Well, you know, I am special." He laughed a bit and agreed that I was, then proceeded to tell me the results came back and that it was a precancerous melanoma. This wasn't the news I wanted to hear. This was supposed to be simple and easy. If it was bad, it was supposed to be gone with the biopsy anyway. He had consulted two dermatologists and the suggestion was to take a bigger sample to make sure that he had got it all.

"How much bigger?" was my question. About a 1" x 3/4" area. Now, I am sure there are some of you out there that have had worse, and I don't want to pretend that this was bigger than it was. I, however, have a horrible ability to picture everything and play it out over and over before it ever happens. SOOooo to me, it could easily have been half my arm or a finger!

My procedure was this past Tuesday, but I sure didn't sleep a wink on Monday night. My wonderful husband took the day off to take me to the doctor to have it done. I think he took me mostly out of support, but also because he knew that I was terrified and that my "fight or flight" instinct might kick in. Again, those who know me know that I'm more afraid of the process than the problem. I was called back from the waiting room and I made sure that they knew there was a baby out there that needed their attention and I would be happy to let him go first. When I got in the examination room the doctor's assistant asked if I was the baby. Urgg.

I have the greatest doctor and he has the best staff. He has an amazing ability to make you feel comfortable and to keep things light, especially when he knows you're scared. His assistant cracks me up too. She is the sweetest and funniest woman ever and I was so glad that she came in for moral support while he took the biopsy. (She's the one that called me a baby!!) She held my hand and Daryn held my feet. Again, he knows me...I'll run! I told them it wasn't a big deal-- I had already been through it all 100 times the night before. Really, I was sweating like a pig and couldn't wait for it to be over.

The doctor did a great job, and it was like a pow wow talking about families and parenting. At times I laughed so hard I had to tell them to stop because I knew I was wiggling. The doctor jokingly admitted that humidity had gone up in the room and used the door as a fan to cool me off. He's so sweet.

4 stitches later, a lot of aching in my arm and telling my kids to keep a two foot radius from my left side (like that's happened), I waited for my results. My doctor gave me a call yesterday and with great enthusiasm said that he had got it all. WOOOHOOO!!! I have finally taken some good deep breaths and I'm thankful it's all over. (There I go again....BIG deep breaths!)

To sum all this up, I'm praising God and thanking Him for that lump in my arm pit. See, I know that I would never have looked at the back of my arm if it hadn't been there. To be more exact, if it hadn't gone away and I didn't go looking for it in the mirror.

Now, I haven't quite begun to figure out God and how He works... but this I know..He says, all things come together for the good of those who love Him and nothing can separate us from that love. Romans 8:28-39 Boy, I really Love HIM... He knew there was something bigger that needed taking care of. He knew that I totally had to lean on Him to even get through the doctor's door on Tuesday. When I couldn't sleep on Monday, I would start to think about the cutting and stitching and the only thing that would get my mind off it would be just to say, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus again and again.

Be encouraged today! I know there is someone out there going through way worse things than this and sometimes we've walked in that faith and that healing hasn't come yet. Be confident in this...God is good...He is Good! The things that come against us will not consume us, in Jesus name.

God Bless

Date Night with...Julie and Julia

My husband and I do our best to get away once a week and have ♥♥Date Night♥♥. Last night was our opportunity to leave the nest and have some "One on One" time with good food and entertainment. I had been wanting to see the new Julie & Julia movie and when I mentioned it, Daryn was all for it...what a guy♥.

Our evenings always starts out with food and our new favorite place to go is Texas Roadhouse . (We use to be hardcore Loganites but Texas Roadhouse has cinnamon butter for their rolls...need I say more?) Usually when we go I opt for the pulled pork because I haven't found any other place in town that serves it. But the last time we were there I tasted Daryn's sirloin tips and OHHH MY were they good. So, this time I got them cooked medium with mashed potatos and gravy....mmmm they were fabulous. Daryn orderd the portobello mushroom chicken, I might have to try that next time because it looked wonderful too.

We were just in time to make the 6:30 showing of Julie & Julia. Stuffed beyond belief we rolled ourselves into the movie theatre and sat in our favorite seats. We've decided that the best seats in the house are the ones that are right above the entry walkway. It's like your own little balcony seating without anyone in front of you. We have to admit that we have raced for these seats before...I believe the movie was one of the Lord of the Rings series and it was a full house, but we got them WOOO HOOO High Fives!

This was a really great movie. If Meryl Streep doesn't win something special for this performance, well, I just don't know what people are thinking at all. You really started to believe that she was Julia Child!! Amy Adams was wonderful too. I just don't know how she gets that teary eyed look so easily. Sometimes she does it and you just find yourself welling up with emotion with her.

It was full of humor, romance, food, relatability and Blogging. Don't go if you haven't eaten anything because you will surely sit there disrupting the movie with your stomach growling because of all the wonderful things they cook. Do go with your sweetie because it's a movie that makes you hold hands tighter and cuddle up closer and most importantly, laugh together.

There were a couple of lines in there that make you blush and think, "what did she say?!" But all in all I would give it ♥♥♥♥♥ for a great date flick!

I'd love to hear what you and your sweetie go out to do on your date night?

Just Getting Started

We've been blessed in so many ways over the years, but I think one of those unspoken blessings between couples is how well you learn each other. For example, the other day Daryn and I were running an errand, and I suddenly had a craving! I looked at him and said, "You know what sounds really good?" and he responded, "A chocolate shake from McDonald's?" I almost fell on the mini van floor! We hadn't had a shake in over a year, and no where near a McDonald's and yet he knew exactly what I was thinking! Clearly my jaw dropping and the laughter that followed was his confirmation that he was right. He promptly detoured and there we went with our shakes and this strange new confidence in each other.

We have just celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary, and like everyone else, we've had our ups and downs. I can honestly say that I love him more today than I did when he stood waiting for me in his dress blues.

This year for our anniversary, we decided to take a trip down to Brown County, Indiana. If you are from Indiana and you hear the words "Brown County", it goes without saying why you would want to visit the area. It's really the closest thing we have to mountains of Tennessee, and the town of Nashville has the most adorable shopping village you could imagine.

We headed down on the weekend taking our time and stopping in little towns we've never seen before. We both enjoy garage sales, and we made the most amazing discovery as we detoured to several on the way. Somewhere in the middle of Indiana, they stopped referring to them as "Garage Sales'" and started calling them "Rummage Sales". We had thought we hit the church rummage sale jackpot only to find out that these were tables set up in someone's yard. But none the less, we had a great time and we continued on our way.

Nashville turned out to be a true gem, and it took us two days to wander through the village of shops. Primitive, shabby, glass, and jewelry are just some of the treasures you'll find. Food and goodies every way you turn, and every shop has its own unique scent from candles and potpourri.

This is just one of the many many shops in the village. It's covered in rusty country finds, and I just love it. Our plan is to take the kids back this fall when all of the colors are at their peak.

The shopping and scenery were great, but what I enjoyed the most was all of our conversation. Dreaming about what the future will hold and all of the things we want to do. Things certainly change through the years, but sometimes those changes are what bring you closer together. I suspect that this year we will be going through more changes, and I look forward to them with great expectation. I know that no matter what, God is with us and we're just getting started.

Morgan's Birthday!

We just celebrated my baby girl's 12th birthday. I do realize she's not a baby anymore and it was made clear when I first read her birthday wish list. No more are the days of Littlest Petshop and Polly Pockets. Now, it's Jonas Brothers, Hannah Montana and "Paula Deen cookware". Yes, she asked for cookware! Morgan jumps at the chance to make things in the kitchen and it seems she likes baking the most. I'll have to make sure I dedicate a post to one of her wonderful dishes.

For now, I'll get back to her party....

Morgan designed the menu and we all feasted on chicken enchiladas, mashed potatoes and creamed corn. Her sister, Maddie, sang the"carb"song as she filled her plate. My brother, who has always has held mashed potatoes in high esteem, saw absolutely nothing wrong with the selections and gave kudos to the birthday girl for her creativity.

I have to give a big shout out to my sister-in-law!! Amy always takes on the job of the cake and they are always delicious and made to order as well. I really can't measure how much I appreciate her taking on this task for every birthday party we have. Homemade icing, pudding or preserve fillings, the WORKS! Thank you AMY!!!

We had a lot of fun and good family time. The evening ended with us attempting to play 80's Trivial Pursuit (Amy dominated). I think that game was more fun for the adults than the kids but they were good sports about it especially when Mommy and Aunt Amy started to sing,

"Come with me,

my love,

to the sea,

the sea of L♥ve.

I wanna tell ya,

just how much

I L♥ve you".

I suspect that this weeks minivan music will consist of Morgan's new Hannah Montana or the Jonas Brothers. I'll admit that I don't mind either but I do like Hannah the best and I plan on learning the words to the Hoe Down Throw Down and singing along.

I L♥ve you bunches Morgie and I hope you had a great birthday!!!

Blueberry Pickin'

Most every weekend in the summer, I pile my crew in our minivan, and we go driving around for hours looking for garage sales. It always is great family time, and we have a blast finding nostalgic pieces that inspire story telling back in the van. "I remember Nanny had one just like it.."or "I can't believe we found a Free To Be You And Me record....we use to listen to this over and over again on 8 track!" Needless to say, these are good times and sadly my dh often misses out on the fun because of work. I love taking my mom along on these adventures because she can be quite entertaining and easily works up a good story to keep the kids engaged. The kids are always good for a laugh at my expense too, especially when we pull up to a farm house and their dog comes out barking. The kids will give a little holler to the dog,"Watch out, mom has killed country dogs before, she'll do it again!" Ok...the dog died but I didn't touch it--REALLY! True story, short version...barn sale, barking dog, get out of car, dog falls over dead.(...this is a funny story but I'll have to fill you all in later).

So, by now I'm sure you're thinking...the title of this Blog said Blueberry Pickin' and she won't stop talking about garage saling. Well then, on our tour of St. Joseph County, we came across a Blueberry Ranch called, what else, The Blueberry Ranch! We began making plans for Saturday to go picking. Daddy could come and Mama could use her scooter to get around. It would be a blast picking to our hearts content and making memories!

Saturday comes along and the weather man said that there might be a little sprinkling in the morning and it would all pass over quickly. This was great because according to him it was all going to be over when we were ready to go. We headed out to get my mom and, wouldn't you know it....rain, rain, rain, rain! We were determined that this wasn't going to stop us. The weather man said it would pass, and we just needed to wait it out! Well, about two hours later we said, "Let's just go!" Still with a little sprinkling here and there, we all piled in the minivan again and off we went.

I hadn't been blueberry picking since I was a kid, and we had never been as a family. It exceeded my expectation, and it turned out to be a lot of fun family time. I would suggest it to anyone looking for something to do together on a Saturday. We picked, we grazed, we laughed, we just had a blast. We learned that it can take a long time for one person to fill a five pound bucket of blueberries, and 4 of those buckets takes even longer. Half way through picking, the sun came out and of course...I burned (red head...need I say more). Pick a little, eat a little, pick a little, eat a little. We now have a bunch of beautiful blueberries in the freezer just waiting to be turned into scones, muffins, or fabulous blueberry pancakes!