Quote of the Day

"It isn't what they say about you, its what they whisper." ~ Errol Flynn

Song of the Day

Usher : OMG

Baby let me love you down. Theres so many ways to love you. Baby I can break you down. There's so many ways to love you. Got me like Oh my God, I'm so in love. I found you finally <3

Blueberries Mmm Mmm good

Today we picked a ton of blueberries!  Probably about 25 lbs worth. They are so sweet this year as were the strawberries which our family enjoyed very much. Its been a great year for berries. We are going to freeze most of them and make jam out of the rest. I am also making zuchini bread with my girls. Id like enough to freeze for the winter because there is nothing like the taste of home made zuchini bread in the winter. Last year we made and froze about 25 loaves. Hoping to double that. Did I mention I am in love with my new stove!? Gosh I never get sick of cooking or baking with this beauty :p So blessed that my guy bought it for me.

I purchased Rylee's homeschooling curriculum early this year because I want DH and I to both go over everything before we start in September. This will be her 4th year and she is thriving so well <3 I am so, so glad we are able to do this for her! Even more so I am glad we didn't listen to all the people who told us it wouldn't be possible or a good idea! I am so glad that negativity has been cut out of our life completely!

DH and I were talking about where we want to move in a few years. We are both happy about the decision and look forward to that new life after our oldest daughter graduates from high school.

A lot of things have changed for us in the past 18 months and they are all for the better. Everyone is happy, drama free and closer than before. Our small family is living the dream really without any malicious interruptions and hateful lies. (Though the rumors never cease to exist..they just don't bother us anymore!) I'm so proud of my girls for standing up for what they know is right <3 They make us both so proud everyday :) 

~ L

Song of the Day

Chicago : You're the Inspiration

You know our love was meant to be. The kind of love that lasts forever. And I want you here with me. From tonight until the end of time. You should know everywhere I go..You're always on my mind, in my heart, in my soul baby..You're the meaning in my life..You're the inspiration..You bring feeling to my life..You're the inspiration..Wanna have you near me..Wanna have you hear me sayin'..No one needs you more than I need you <3

Compost and more :)

We had an amazing weekend here and I was thrilled to find out that DH and both girls loved the turnip greens from our garden! They were so tender and flavorful. Today I sprinkled my compost around a few more plants. I've had this compost pile going on 4 years and its been working out so well. I was stoked to see actual tomatoes growing on my accidental tomato plant. It must have been from a dormant seed lingering from last years planting. Either way its great!

The weather was gorgeous today. Nice and cool and my broccoli plants are just loving it. They are over 2 feet tall. I did some more weeding, stopped at the library and ran a few errands around Town and just took time to enjoy time with my girls <3 I can't believe how fast the Summer is flying by! They will be back to school before I know it..can't wait to go clothes shopping next week with my girls! A much needed trip to the mall is in place :)

This week is a really busy one but it will be so worth it in the end. As for now I am off to read a great book. Have a great week! I know we will :)

~ L

Song of the Day

Eddie Vedder : Guaranteed

Don't come closer or I'll have to go. Holding me like gravity are places that pull. If ever there was someone to keep me at home it would be you. Leave it to me as I find a way to be..consider me a satellite forever orbiting..I know all the rules but the rules did not know me..Guaranteed.

Quote of the Day

"The world is open to all of our dreams."

Quote of the Day

"Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead." ~ Oscar Wilde

Garden abundance

I was excited today when I saw that my organic turnip greens were ready. I love them, the kids have never had them before so it should be a new experience! It will be a great side to the turkey DH is smoking which smells delish BTW :)

My oregano, cilantro, chives all look fabulous and we have tried all of them. I love the fresh and lively flavors that the dried herbs do not have. I am in love with gardening that's for sure.

I planted a few more things in boxes so if need be we can bring them inside during the fall and after eating homegrown organic lettuce we wont be buying any at the store again! Everythings so green this year and it makes me happy :)

Quote of the Day

"I'm happy. Sorry that you cant be happy for me. Then again, you never were. Your loss not mine."

Happy 38th Anniversary

To the best parents in the world! We love you guys <3

Quote of the Day

"One of the greatest problems of our time is that many are schooled but few are educated." ~ Thomas More

Prayers to the Gorny family

My prayers and thoughts go out to the Gorny family this week. I am so sorry to hear about Ausma and we are praying for strength for your entire family <3

Song of the Day

Best song ever : One Direction

And we danced all night to the best song ever. We knew every line now I can't remember how it goes but I know that I wont forget her.Cause we danced all night to the best song ever!  (I did NOT choose this one ;))

Quote of the Day

"If I'm sincere today, what does it matter if I regret it tomorrow?" ~ Jose Saramago

Happy Birthday <3

Happy Birthday to my sister! I love and miss you so much <3 35 years young today! :p

Quote of the Day

"The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated." ~ William James

This n that

This week has definitely started out on a funny note. Seems to me as people are eating their words this week. Hilarious too! I don't think we are supposed to know this info but its funny none the less! ;)

So Prince William and his darling wife had an absolutely gorgeous baby boy! So so so cute!

DH and I ran up to Hobby Lobby. I love that place. So much better than Michael's or Joanns. Its like a craft Heaven :p Found some really great stuff.

Our bedroom is spotless. We have another 30 gallon bag of clothes, purses etc to donate. Honestly I didn't realize we had so much laying around. Its nice to be so accomplished this week. The marigolds we planted from seed look so pretty :) Getting ready to enjoy a fun weekend with the family! Enjoy!
Can't wait to try the turkey in the smoker cause the ribs were phenomenal.

~ L

Song of the Day

Kelly Clarkson : Breakaway

Grew up in a small Town and when the rain would fall down..I'd just stare out my window..
Dreaming of what could be and if I'd end up happy..I would pray. I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly..I'll do what it takes til I touch the sky..And I'll make a wish..take a chance..make a change and breakaway <3

Quote of the Day

"My life has been an open book, for better or for worse." ~ Blake Shelton

Surprises

This has been hot and mildy sticky week. Thankfully I made a batch of home made gatorade which went over very well. The garden is still thriving and growing like crazy, thankfully with very litte sun damage.

Tomorrow we will try out the new smoker! DH has been wanting one for a long time! He's so excited about it.

Its been a week full of surprises and we are so greatful for the OT this week :) Enjoy your weekend and be blessed <3

Our Anniversary is in 3 weeks! Exciting things to come in August and September :) 15 years = Crystal.
~ L

Quote of the Day

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." ~ Wayne Gretsky

Song of the day

Jason Derulo : Take Me To the Other Side

In the beginning I never thought it would be you. When we were chilling, smiling in the photo booth. But we got closer..soon you were eating off my spoon. You're coming over and we would take all afternoon. Tonight, take me to the other side. Sparks fly like the fourth of July. Just take me to the other side. I see that sexy look in your eyes. Take me to the other side <3

Quote of the Day

"The best revenge is massive success." ~ Frank Sinatra

Quote of the Day

"You're time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life." ~ Steve Jobs

Deals of the week

Register at Burlington Coat Factory to receive a 20% off coupon by email which is good til July 28, 2013.

Kids eat free after 2pm on weekdays @ Bob Evans. July only.

AMC Theatres are offering $3.00 movies on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights at 10pm through August 14th, 2013. Check local AMC Theatres for listings.

Song of the Day

Taylor Swift : Love Story

We were young when I first saw you. I close my eyes and the flashback starts. I'm standing there on the balcony in summer air..Romeo take me somewhere we can be alone..Ill be waiting all that's left to do is run. You'll be the Prince and I'll be the Princess..Its a love story baby just say yes <3 Cause we were both young when I first saw you <3

Keep on keeping on <3

7 weeks and he's still cigarette free! Everyday must be a struggle but I am so proud of you babe <3 SO SO SO SO PROUD! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

Song of the Day

Snow Patrol ~ Chasing Cars

If I lay here..If I just lay here..Would you lie with me and just forget the world..I need your grace..to remind me to find my own..Forget what were told...before we get too old..show me a garden that's bursting into life. Lets waste time..chasing cars..around our heads..All that I am..all that I ever was..is here in your perfect eyes...they're all I can see. I don't know where..confused about how as well..just know that these things will never change for us as well <3

Awesome-sauce!

This week has been incredibly busy. I am so proud of my daughter for seizing and keeping such a great opportunity! We are all proud of you.

My roses (as pictured below) look incredible despite the heat and everything is thriving. Lettuce especially, since we haven't had to buy any since April and it keeps on growing back ;)

We have so much going on here, there's not much downtime at all! So for now peace <3

~ L

Quote of the Day

"The foundation stones for a balanced success are honesty, character, integrity, faith, love and loyalty." ~ Zig Ziglar

Quote of the Day

"Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring and integrity, they think of you." ~ H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Quote of the Day

"We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we will always be free." ~ Ronald Reagan

Quote of the Day

"Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." ~ Theodore Roosevelt

Quote of the Day

For my daughters :

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." ~ E.E. Cummings

Quote of the Day

"To create something exceptional, your mindset must be relentlessly focused on the smallest detail." ~ Giorgio Armani

Officially 13

I am soooo glad our daughter had such a great day! She received everything she wanted and then some and will be spending the weekend with her grandparents. She's so excited :) She had the perfect birthday this year! 13 JUST WOW!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY <3

"A daughter is a gift of love."

Not possible

For our daughter who is turning 13 tomorrow <3 We love you so much!

The first time I saw you there was an instant bond. You didn't cry, just stared at me for hours. You wouldn't let anyone else hold you for more than a minute before looking for mom again. We were shocked when you skipped the crawling and stood up to walk at 10 months old. I still see that in my mind...
You don't take no for an answer, you stand up for what you believe in, you are so smart, you make us proud everyday and you are such a kind and gentle person with an old soul <3
Its so amazing yet unbelievable that you will be 13 tomorrow! You ARE the baby...the one who completed our little family..We are so lucky and proud to be your parents. We are all so blessed to have you in our lives, everyday! Love you baby girl<3

~ Mom, Dad and D

Quote of the Day

"It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody elses life with perfection." ~

Quote of the Day

"Courage: The most of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently." ~ Maya Angelou

Quote of the Day

"It has been my observation that most people get ahead during the time that others waste." ~ James Arthur Baldwin

Busy

Busy busy day! Spent most of the day cleaning out the closets and getting rid of clothing that just sits around! I love donating all of this stuff (4 - 30 gallon bags) because now we have more room in our closet for stuff I love! Like SHOES :D

Tonight I think I may rearrange the bedroom and see what we can purge in there...collectors collectors :p Can't wait for my new phone either!

We have already started school shopping and I'm glad we did because High School isn't cheap. Can't believe we will have 2 teenagers next week. Crazy!

Going to get some more weeding done in the garden today. The rain is making me work but for organic veggies I don't mind it. Everything is thriving and I'm excited about that. Awesome week and heading into an awesome weekend :) Have a great day!

~ L

Independence Day

We had a great family day with my parents! We are so so blessed to have them in our lives <3

Quote of the Day

"Let every nation know, whether it wish us well or ill, we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty." ~ JKF

Quote of the Day

"Sometimes glass glitters more than diamonds because it has more to prove." ~ Terry Pratchett

Busy Bee

This week is incredibly busy as we are getting ready for our daughters 13th birthday, which is next week already! Can't believe how fast it is sneaking up on us.

Weeding the garden has become a full time chore as well but everything looks good and we have our first tomato already!

Quote of the Day

"I will hurt you for this. I don't know how yet but give me time. A day will come when you think yourself safe and happy and suddenly your joy will turn to ashes in your mouth and you'll know the debt is paid." ~ George R.R. Martin

Quote of the Day

"We keep moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things because were curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." ~ Walt Disney