Chevron Tee Giveaway and Coupon Code

A few months ago, I purchased a chevron tee from an online boutique.  I wore it the day Cooper and I went on his class field trip to the zoo.  I had several people that day ask me where I got it and when I posted this picture on FB and here on the blog, lots of you wanted to know where I got it.  The online store no longer sells this shirt and since that time, the Chevron Tee has become a HUGE hit.  In fact now, most of the pockets have a custom monogram on them.

I'm excited to announce that The Stylish Stitch is giving away one custom chevron tee to one of my readers.

You get to pick your shirt color:

You get to pick your fun pocket color:

Then you choose the color thread for your monogram.

 And it turns out something like this:

Are these precious or what??

So here is how you enter:

1.  Go to The Stylish Stitch Facebook page and "like" it

2.  Check out her Etsy store and then leave a comment here telling me what your custom shirt would look like.  She has lots of cute items .....I think the razorback tank is also calling my name!!

** Make sure you leave your email address or check back periodically in case you are the winner. You have one day to claim your prize.

** Also, if you comment under "anonymous" ......please leave your full name so that I know who the comment is from

You have until Saturday, August 3 to enter.  Winner will be announced on Sunday, August 4.

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Also, if you are wanting a trash can or car caddy that was featured last week........she is giving all my readers 10% off.  Use code MOMMA at checkout.  Go here and start shopping!

Get a head start on Christmas.  Hint, hint :)

Missing Him

I realized the other day that it's been a while since I've posted a "deep" post about how I'm doing.  I'm not sure if it's because we have been super busy this summer or if it's because I feel like I'm doing way better than I was in the spring.  I don't know but one thing I do know is that grief is a sneaky little thing.  Just when you are floating along......feeling confident and moving forward.....BAM.  Upside the head.  Without warning.

I had a few moments on vacation when I really had such a strong yearning to see him.  I assume it's because things were more relaxed while we were there.  I'm also pretty confident that those mountains had something to do with it.  Not those mountains.....meaning that there was anything special about those in particular....but being out in nature and up high in the mountains I really feel close to God.  I find myself wrapped up in the beauty and soaking in all the wonders that God has given us.  I remember at one point we had hiked to a lake area and we stopped to rest.  I could feel my eyes beginning to fill with tears and I tried my best to push them back.  I didn't want to alarm the boys or take away from this family vacation in any way.  But I knew that Jason would have loved that spot.  He would have loved the entire trip and it made me so incredibly sad that he wasn't there to experience it with us.  I kept thinking "gosh, some days I still can't believe he isn't here anymore."  I wanted him there.

These types of views were our favorite. Yes, we loved the beach and we loved a fun city trip but at the end of the day.....we would choose this above them all.  

Hiking in the national park reminded me a lot of our fun trip to the Tetons in 1999.  It also reminded me of my trip last summer......when I spread his ashes.  The amazing part is that I felt that same peace and closeness that I felt last year.  God continues to carry me.

But even with continued peace there is still a lingering sadness that exists.  I'm quite confident that it will never go away.

Winner and Life Around Here

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:17Powered by RANDOM.ORG

The winner of the trash bag/car caddy is The Van Ordens!!  Please email me so we can get everything coordinated.

*check back for another giveaway this week*

For a couple of months now I have been collecting boxes and paper towel/toilet paper rolls, etc..... because I knew there would come a day this summer that I needed to stay home and get stuff done but the boys would need something to keep their attention. That day came last week........so I tossed everything out on a sheet in the living room and gave them tape and string and foil and pipe cleaners, etc...and told them to create whatever they wanted.  This kept them busy for about 3 hours.  They loved it!

(Hudson in the background covering up his creation) Cooper built a dog feeder.  He put it next to Rudy's food bowl in the laundry room and tried it out.  It worked and he was so proud.

Hudson made a treat dispenser.....and his worked too. It was really cool to see their imaginations come out.

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On day last week I had a hair appt so my sitter came to hang with the boys.  She decided to take them rollerskating.  They have never been and she said they liked it pretty well.

This little monkey still loves all things arts and crafts.  Nothing like a little finger painting to start our morning!

I spent most of Friday getting the boys packed for camp.  My OCD/anal tendencies came out as I began to pack their clothes.  I just couldn't resist!

This camp is a little unique.  It's a grief camp- designed for kids that have lost a parent or a sibling or someone special in their lives.  We dropped them off yesterday (sunday) and pick them back up on Saturday morning.  I miss them already!

Can you please say a prayer that they have a good week?  And that they make some friends and don't get too homesick at night?  And that they open up during their "therapy" sessions and continue to heal their precious hearts?

Confessional Friday: Q&A

(linking up with Leslie)

1. My worst fashion offense of all time has to be white overall shorts with neon paint splattered over the front (intentionally) with a small paint brush sticking out of the little front pocket.

2. The most embarrassing song on my iPod is probably Elvira.

3. The last white lie I told was to my chiropractor.  Yes I DID ride a roller coaster at Six Flags last week. :/

4. The celebrity I most wish would disappear is Lindsey Lohan.

5. Sometimes I wish we could go back in time.

6. My childhood crush was Jordan from NKOTB and Kenny Rogers.  (don't judge)

7. I've never turned down a back rub.

8. Flying makes me a nervous wreck.

9. I'd rather watch paint dry than speak in front of an audience.

10. Much like a train wreck, I can't turn away from watching The Real Housewives of New Jersey.

Day 5: Favorite Recipes

Today is the final day of Jenna's challenge.  Today is all about our favorite recipes.

I have lots of favorite recipes but the one I think I've shared the most is my crockpot lasagna recipe.  I'm not a huge fan of the crockpot (I'm pretty picky about what I'll make and eat from one) but this one tastes great and is easy to make!

My favorite soup recipes are probably this baked potato soup, this tomato basil soup, and this chicken tortilla soup.  Oh goodness.....just thinking about these makes me dream of cooler days!

My family really likes this mac and cheese and this crockpot cashew chicken,

What are some of your favorite recipes?

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If you have not entered the Trash Can/Car Caddy giveaway then click here to do so.  Winner will be announced on Monday!

Happy Friday!

New Giveaway- Car Caddy

I'm excited about this next giveaway because this is something practical and useful and cute.....all at the same time!  I've had one for a while now and it's awesome.

Brenna at My Crafty Wednesday is giving away a bag to one reader!  You may choose from the trash bag or the seat caddy.  

The car trash bag (which is what I have) is a great way to keep your car clean and organized.  It's the perfect place to toss wrappers, old receipts, straws, or any trash that you collect while you are out and about.  You can slide a brown paper bag inside or use the small disposable pet/diaper bags (what I use) so that removing trash is a piece of cake.  This trash bag will keep your car clutter-free!

It comes in some cute fabrics........which one would you choose?

Brenna's newest product is the car seat caddy.  It attaches to your child's booster seat and allows them to store small toys or snacks or trash from the back seat.  It's wipeable and washable too!

It comes in these fun fabrics:

Don't forget to check out her entire store by clicking here.  She has some super cute things!!

How to enter:

1.  Go to her Facebook page and "like" it

2.  Leave a comment here and tell me which product you would pick (the trash bag or seat caddy) and in which fabric.

Giveaway ends Sunday, July 28.  Winner will be announced on Monday.  Good luck!

Day 4: Christmas

Day 4 of Jenna's challenge is about Christmas gifts.  I don't want to share things that I plan to give this year.....because the fam often reads my blog....but I can share some neat things I've been given over the years.

1.  I LOVE to take baths.  This bath caddy is perfect for those nights when I want to soak, read a magazine and sip a glass of wine.

2.  Last Christmas, my stepsister gave me a personalized name board similar to this one.  This was special because obviously my last name recently changed and I have very few things with my new last name.

3.  These chalkboard wine glasses are super fun.

4.  This yoga mat and sack are the best!

What are your favorites?

Day 3: Pinterest

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:7Powered by RANDOM.ORG

The winner of the RosiePosie notepad is Laura Drury!

** check back soon because another giveaway is coming**

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Day 3 of Jenna's challenge is all about Pinterest.

I'm guilty of pinning things and then never getting around to making them.  I'm pretty good about recipes but the DIY crafts are what is lacking for me.  In fact, I have a half finished wreath sitting in my study as I type.  I tend to go in spurts with my creativity.  For some reason this summer has zapped any and all energy for things like this.

One of my favorite recipe pins that I've actually made has been this pasta.  Yum-O

I made these paperclip bookmarks for my coteachers at the end of the year. 

Last year for Halloween, I actually painted an Angry Bird pumpkin like this one.

My boys and I made this bird feeder. Super easy!

We also made a Summer Bucket List.

Now that I think about it, we have made or done lots of things that I've found on Pinterest.  What are your favorites?

Day 2: Favorite TV Shows

Today is your last day to enter a chance to win the precious RosiePosie notepads.  Go here and leave a comment.  Winner will be announced on Wednesday morning!

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Day 2 of Jenna's Challenge is about our favorite TV shows.  Here are some of my favorites:

1.  I mentioned Dexter last week on my Friday Favorites.  Kinda sad this is the last season.....

2.  Revenge

If you are not watching Revenge yet, please do.  Season 3 is starting in the fall but you can easily catch up by watching previous seasons on Netflix.  You won't be sorry!

3.  Downton Abbey

We didn't jump on the Downton Abbey train until early this summer but we are hooked!  Just starting Season 3.  Do I really have to wait until January to see what happens?

4.  Project Runway

LOVE this show and so excited about the new season.  It's amazing to see all the creativity that some people are blessed with.

5.  HGTV Star (formerly called Design Star)

Another example of some super creative people!  

6.  Real Housewives of......

I am also a fan of the the OC, Beverly Hills, New York, and New Jersey Housewives.  Sometimes I wonder why I watch?  Makes me feel kind of normal sometimes.... :)

Those are some of my favorites.  What about you??

About Me

Don't forget to enter the RosiePosie notepad giveaway.  Go here and leave your comment.  Winner will be announced on Wednesday.

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This week I am participating in Jenna's commenting challenge.  Thought it might be fun to meet some other bloggers :)

Today's topic is "All About Me."  I do have an All About Me link that you can read here.  And to hear about Jason's story, you can go here.  I decided to just include links so that I am not repetitive in my information.  Most people are curious about our journey and want to start at the beginning.  Sometimes I even go back and read posts from those first few months.  It's great to see how far I've come, how much stronger I've become and how much I relied on the Lord to get me through it.  I still do.

Thanks for stopping by and learning about our little family!!

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Last week the boys took a trip to the dentist.  Hudson has his first ortho appt in a few weeks and I'm so curious if braces are in his near future.

I swear the ice cream truck comes by our house every. single. day.  This is quite annoying because every single day they ask and every single day I say no.  I've admitted to being a sugar natzi.....but don't feel too bad for my boys.  They get enough goodies at birthday parties, trips to see grandma, etc.......  However, I did cave one day last week and they were thrilled.  And I promise they enjoyed and savoured that ice cream since it's not something they get every day!

We finally got around to watching Despicable Me 2 in the theaters yesterday.  Super cute!

Have a good day!!

Rosie Posie Notepad Giveaway

I'm a sucker for anything personalized.  I love fun designs and cute fonts and bright colors.  So that's why I absolutely LOVE these notepads from RosiePosie Designs.

The best part is that they are 100% custom designed by YOU.

You can choose your pattern choice......

....and colors......

 And font choice.

The possibilities are endless!

I love to give personalized things away to teachers and friends.  I'm thinking this would be a precious beginning of the year teacher gift, or birthday present for a girlfriend, or even a stocking stuffer.  It's not too early to start thinking about Christmas ya know.

Ashley at RosiePosie Designs is giving away TWO personalized notepads to one reader.

Here is how you can enter:

* Go to her etsy store and look around.  Come back and tell me what your notepad would look like.

*  Blog about this giveaway (include a link to this post) for a second chance to win.

And if you are also a sucker for anything personalized then you better check out her entire store!  She has the cutest plates and trays and ipad covers, etc........

I'm even thinking I might need a fun little pillow........

You have until Tuesday, July 23 to enter.  Winner will be announced Wednesday morning.  Good luck!

Amour Boutique Giveaway!! **Closed**

**This Giveaway is Closed**

It is no secret that I love me a good boutique.  I love them because they offer cute, trendy, unique pieces of clothing that you can't find just anywhere.  I tend to lean towards boutique clothing (at least for tops and dresses) so that I'm not dressed just like everyone else in my area.  More times than not, the boutique clothing pieces are the ones that I get the most compliments on.

I have some local boutiques that I love but I also have some online stores that I shop at often.  Amour Boutique is one of them!  They have super cute clothes at amazing prices.  The sweet girls at Amour have offered to give one reader a $20 gift card to use towards their next shopping trip.  How awesome is that?

I personally love this dress......and this maxi......and this shirt (Everly is one of my favorite brands!)  Which ones are your favorite?

You have 2 ways you can enter this giveaway:

1.  Go to Amour Boutique and look around.  Then come back and leave a comment telling me which clothing item is your favorite.  It's kind of hard to choose, right?

2.  You must have a blog for this one.  Write a simple blog post about this giveaway (you must link back to my blog so that your readers can enter too) and tell your friends/readers about the giveaway.  Then come back and leave a comment to let me know you did it.  It's that easy!

You have until midnight on Thursday, July 18 to enter.  Winner will be announced on this blog early on Friday morning.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim the prize or it will go to the next person. Good luck!!

(comments on this blog are my personal opinion and I have not been compensated for them.  Amour boutique is providing the gift card for this giveaway)

This fun little aqua chevron shirt is a favorite from Amour!

Friday Favorites and Winner Announced

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:8

The winner of the Amour gift card is.............Jenni Raygosa!!!  Please email me your contact information so that I can pass this on to the girls at Amour.
Thanks to everyone that entered.  Check back tomorrow because there is a fun/cute new giveaway that starts!

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Friday Favorites:


1.  Dexter

A friend introduced me to Dexter years ago while I was in town visiting her.  We watched a couple of episodes.......I liked it.....but we didn't have the Showtime channel at the time so I never had a chance to get into it.  Well, sweet boy is a huge Dexter fan and had me watch a few episodes from the beginning, all of season 7, and now season 8 just started.  I'm not usually one to start a show this late in the game but I do have to admit, it's pretty darn good.  In a sick kind of way.

2.  Mudslide

Is it possible to mess anything up that contains Kahlua?  I think not.

3.  Butterfinger Ice Cream

Did you know that July is National Ice Cream month?  It's hard to beat homemade ice cream! One of my favorites is Butterfinger.  Yummy!!

Butterfinger Ice Cream
4 full sized Butterfinger candy bars
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar

Unwrap candy bars and put them in a ziplock baggie.  Grab a hammer or mallet or the end of a knife and start pounding away (think about an ex boyfriend or the dude that cut you off on the highway today!) and chop until you have the size of chunks you desire. (I like mine fairly fine)

Whisk the eggs in a bowl about 1-2 minutes.  Add sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, and continue to whisk until completely blended.  Pour in the cream and milk and vanilla.  Blend together completely.

Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and follow the directions.  I usually allow mine to mix about 30 minutes.  Spoon ice cream into a glass bowl.  Fold in butterfinger chunks.  Put in the freezer to harden for a bit.  Then enjoy the best ice cream you've ever had!

4.  Kiss My Face Sunscreen

We are obviously in the thick of summer and sunscreen is almost a daily need around here.  I'm pretty picky about what type of sunblock I use.  Kiss My Face is one of my favorite brands.  They have lotions and sprays and even a face stick.  The best part is that it isn't full of all the yucky chemicals.  It's a little more expensive but it's completely worth it in my opinion.

Happy Friday!