Monday, April 9, 2012

Easter 2012


 We colored eggs using Kool-Aid this year!  It smelled so good and colored the eggs really well.  Thank you Pinterest for all your wonderful ideas. 





 Easter Basket goodies from Mom and Dad!


 Our little family of four!


 Kiddos with Grandma!


 Papa and Jane


 My cousins!


All the "kids"!

It was a wonderful day, the weather was perfect and we enjoyed our time with our family.  But the most important thing about Easter is the Risen Lord and all the blessings we received because of HIM! 

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

The BEST birthday!

 Yes, it's my birthday!

The last one that I will celebrate in my thirties, as my Aunt Pat so kindly pointed out!  (Love ya!)

The day started with a sweet birthday kiss goodbye from my hubby at six something this morning!

Then, as I was getting out the shower, the kids where rustling around, trying to be secretive...I knew something was up!  Together they came up with this!




(Four "coupons" that don't expire and that can be "reused".....This is a precious piece of paper!  MUST KEEP FOREVER!)

After a morning visit from one of my dearest friends (who brought me all kinds of goodies!   Did I mention she is leaving for two entire weeks on spring break, ugh!  They are going to have a wonderful trip, but I'm *so* going to miss my friend!) I took off for Peoria with the sun shinning bright and a wonderful breeze in the air.  One of my favorite songs came on the radio as I drove and it seemed like all the traffic lights were smiling at me too.  (I'm sure it was just timing, but it still made me smile!)

I hit Target where I got a great deal on some new bedding for Miss Magpie.  She's getting a new bedroom set and along with a bigger bed comes the need for new bedding.  It's super cute and she will love it! 

Next, I headed to see my most favorite friend in Peoria.  The friend I visit at LEAST once a week if not twice, shhh we won't tell Andy that.  TJMaxx!  or just TJ's if you have the close personal relationship like I have!  Anyway,  you would have thought they had known I was coming, cause right there in the front row, was the birthday girl's parking spot.  Went in and found just a few things....and left smiling, as I always do.  Thanks friend, for always being there for me!  I LOVE you TJ's!

Okay, I know....total dork!

On my way home, I stopped by Kohl's.  My mom had given me her Kohls' Cash and another $10 coupon, so I decided to run in to see if I could find a cute top to wear with my white capri's for Easter.  Ended up leaving with a super cute top and only spent.  $1.72.  I'd call that a deal for sure!

See why this has been the best birthday!

Then I stopped to get my toes all pretty!  Walked in and they got me right in!  Just another reason to smile.

When I finally pulled into the driveway (with only an hour before it was time to get the kiddos from school) there was a cutie little gift bag hanging on my front door and also another card.  These friends of mine, they're just the BEST!  Another reason to smile and remember how truly blessed I am.

I also found some goodies in my mailbox from my prayer partner at church!  Thank you, whoever you are!

Also in the mail, (besides some really nice birthday cards,  thanks to those of you who sent one!) I received the spring sale catalog from Container Store!  Seeing that alone would have made my day, but getting it on my birthday!  BONUS! 

Then as I picked up the kids from school, Max hopped in and gave me a big ol' "BIRTHDAY" smooch!  Priceless!

Then I looked out to see this beautiful masterpiece in my driveway!  LOVE it and ALL the beautiful colors!




Then, I enjoyed a yummy dinner with my little family and my parents at Granite City.   I also received a late night flower delivery, more cards and gifts, over 100 Facebook messages from friends,  phone calls, and texts.  My friends are so awesome and made me so special!

My hubby graciously saved his credit card points and gave me two VERY nice gift cards to where else?, TJMaxx!  He totally gets me!  He also got me some shoe inserts that I've been wanting for my gym shoes (isn't it sad that I was totally excited for shoe inserts.....I'm getting so old!) oh, along with the new iPad that came out a few weeks ago!

It was the most wonderful day!  Just like every other day around here!

It was the BEST birthday!  Thank you so much!  I am SO BLESSED!



Sunday, April 1, 2012

Just another Sunday.....

at the Sullivans!

 Tepee building....

(the view from the inside!)
 
 and clay pot making!  

Just a regular Sunday afternoon for us!