Tuesday's Treats ~ Peppermint Patties

Do you remember, back in the day, that commercial for York Peppermint Patties? The actors would say something like "When I eat a York Peppermint Patty...I feel the wind blowing through my hair..." ??

Or something like that.

Awhile ago I came across a blog that featured these delightful treats, and for the life of me I can't recall where I saw it. I would love to give credit where credit is due, but in this case I can't.



You'll Need:
1 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon of peppermint extract
6 cups of powdered sugar, plus extra for kneading
1 1/2 lbs of meltable chocolate

Step One:
Mix condensed milk and peppermint extract. Add in 6 cups of powdered sugar. Beat on low until blended.

Step Two:
Turn mixture onto a surface sprinkled with powdered sugar. Knead lightly to form a smooth ball. Shape into 1 inch balls. Flatten.

Step Three:
Let dry for 1 hour. Flip, and dry for another hour. Dip in melted chocolate. Refrigerate to set.

Easy peasy!

**Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a 17.5 lb bag of Iams ProHealth Dog Food!

Product Review & Giveaway ~ Iams ProActive Health

Designed for dogs ages 1-24 months and up to 90 lbs at maturity, Iams concentrated nutrition proactively nourishes your large-breed puppy to help keep him at his best. Natural fish oils with DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), a nutrient vital for optimal brain development, promote smarter, more trainable puppies. Protein sourced from chicken and egg helps build strong, firm muscles. Seven essential nutrients nourish the heart while essential minerals promote strong teeth and bones, and antioxidants help maintain a strong immune system. A high-quality protein with no fillers or artificial preservatives, Iams is gentle on the digestive system. Fuel your puppy's healthy development with 100% complete and balanced nutrition that's vet recommended and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed..

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Recently I was given the opportunity to review Iams ProActive Health dog food.

Well, not me personally, but rather my Golden Retriever, Willow.

I chose the Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy for large breeds, as Willow is only seven months old and still has a while to go on puppy food.

We weren't sure how he would like it as he was beginning to reject his regular puppy food, but we needn't have worried. He took to it immediately.

His energy level is even better since switching to this brand and he seems so much happier, and his coat is gorgeous, shiny & soft.

I like that this particular product takes a large breed dog right up to 24 months, ensuring that he gets all the nutrients required for healthy bones and teeth.

I am VERY excited to offer you a chance to win a 17.5 lb bag of Iams ProActive Health dog food!

All you have to do is leave me a comment letting me know what breed of dog you have.

Easy!

No blog? No problem! Just leave me a comment under anonymous with your name and an email address where I can contact you if you win.

This giveaway will run until midnight on Thursday May 13th and I will announce the winner on Friday May 14th.

**This giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Good luck!!

I wrote this review while participating in the Iams Blog Tour by Mom Central on behalf of Iams. I received a voucher for a bag of Iams ProActive Health to facilitate this review and a $20 gift card as a thank you for my participation.

Mother's Day Weekend

Here we are... Sunday night already.

Boo...!

Yesterday we went to my Mom's house to celebrate with her and my sister. Mom made her delicious potato salad and shrimp salad, Ian barbecued steaks, and I brought dessert.



We laughed and talked over one another as we were gathered at Mom's table. It was wonderful. I love how we can't seem to get a word in edgewise when we're all together like that.

Mom gave me a lovely card with two lottery tickets inside. I should have checked my numbers this morning, because I could have very well been blogging this update from the Bahamas!

After dinner I wasn't feeling very well so we headed home. I had a headache come on suddenly along with nausea, so we left earlier than I wanted to.

This morning, Ian and the children brought me breakfast in bed: Raisin Bran, fresh baked cinnamon rolls, orange juice and tea. Lovely. I loved how everyone piled onto our bed to give me their cards and gifts.

Sam gave me a lovely vase filled with coloured sand with a candle on top. Julie had made a card at school with a poem inside along with her own beautiful note to me. Ian gave me a digital photo frame that he had loaded with 150 pictures of our family. I love these guys.

I still had my headache and nausea this morning so I stayed in bed all day, napping, reading and watching season one of Glee. While I was hard at work doing that, Ian and the children cleaned the main level of the house for me.

Now that's the best gift of all!!

Sam barbecued hamburgers for dinner, his first time ever doing it and they rocked! I was so proud of him. Ian baked me a 2-layer chocolate chip cookie cake. See?



Yummy.

It was a wonderful Mother's Day for sure.

Thanks you guys... I love you so much!

Why I Love American Express

I have been an American Express cardholder for some time now.

*Don't get excited...this is not my actual card

I like it because I can earn airmiles just for using it. Not that I plan to fly anywhere of course. But the miles can be converted into free movie passes or grocery certificates. I'm alllll about freebies, baby.

I've been a little frustrated with their motto "American Express...don't leave home without it..." because a lot of places don't actually accept it. (Hello Pizza Hut..I'm talking about you here)But for the most part, American Express and I have been BFFs.

Yesterday they kicked it up a notch. I got a call from their fraud department inquiring about two gas purchases on my card the day before that raised some flags with them.

I told them I had only purchased gas once that day.

Me: I purchased $30 worth of gas, then went inside and bought the children some snacks.

Him: Did use your card any time after that?

Me: No.

Him: Are you sure?

Me: Positive!

Him: So you didn't go to Michaels Craftstore?

Me: Oh yes! I had a 50% coupon and so I bought one of those spinny things you put your cake on so you can decorate it. Do you know what I'm talking about?

Him: Right. And how about Walmart? $7.00 at Walmart?

Me: Yes! Guinea Pig food!

Him: Did you then go anywhere else?

Me: I definitely went home after that.

Him: You didn't then go to purchase gas again?

Me: No sir.

He then told me that my card had been compromised and that someone else had tried to use it to buy gas. I couldn't believe it. He said the charge had been denied because two gas purchases in one day raised a flag with them and so they declined the purchase.

This had happened to us a couple of years ago. Ian is a magician, and during his busiest time of the year he will often have to go back and forth across the city to get to his various bookings. The first time he purchased gas twice in the same day they froze my card until they could reach me. Since then it hadn't happened.

So, he cancelled my card and said a new one would be reissued in 7-10 business days. I asked him if he could tell me which gas station this occurred at and he said no, he could just give me a store number. I called Ian to tell him what happened, then decided I wanted to know that store number so I could call their head office, get the location and go in and give them a piece of my mind.

I called American Express back and after going through their question screening, I asked my question. While he was looking up the location we talked about how this could have happened. I told him my card is never out of my sight. Our conversation went like this:

Him2: Do you ever shop online?

Me: No.

Him2: Never? How about itunes?

Me: Oh yes, itunes...

Him2: What about Feedjit? What's a feedjit?

Me: Yep, Feedjit. It's what bloggers use to track traffic to their blog.

Him2: Oh you blog?

Me: Yep. I don't want to brag, but I'm a pretty famous blogger. (Oh please, let me dream a little)

I think he was kind of excited to be talking to a famous blogger.

Ahem.

Him2: Impressive! (insert guilt here) Looks like your card has either been copied or cloned. Where do you live?

I told him my city and province, and he said my card was used in Quebec.

Me: Quebec!?

!!!

Him2: It's probably part of a ring and the trend we're seeing is the stolen card numbers are being tested in Quebec.

Me: A ring? Like in the news?

Him2: Just like in the news.

Me: Well. I was all ready to go in there and take them down, you know?

Him2: Oh no ma'am, just let us here at the Fraud Department handle it. You don't want to get involved with something like this.

Me: I'm not gonna lie... this is a little exciting.

Him2: (laughing) How so?

Me: I'm a stay-at-home mom, so a little drama is always nice to break the routine, you know?

We then talked about how I could get my new card faster and he said it would likely arrive in about 3 business days.

Me: Whew. I rely pretty heavily on that card you know.

Him2: Yes, I see that. Walmart...? (laughing)

Me: Oh hush!

So there you go. My exciting credit card fraud attempt in colour. I am so impressed that they have things in place to catch things like this!

We buy a few things online, but from (what I thought were) reputable sites. The only thing I can think of that sticks out is my recent Feedjit subscription, so I cancelled it.

Now I won't know who does (or doesn't) stalk my blog. Just as well, I suppose. There were a couple of IP addresses that visit my blog several times a day and it was a little spooky.

Happy Friday peeps!

360 Life - Giveaway Winner!

Many thanks to all of you that participated in this giveaway.

The winner was chosen using Random.org....


.... and that person is...

Alison at The Levy Family!

Congratulations!!

Shoot me an email at Katieb38@hotmail.com letting me know your mailing address and I'll get this book sent out to you in the next week.

Have a great day everyone!

I NEVER Thought I Would Say This

I'm getting excited to turn 40.

Why?

Because of this post that I read recently over at Mix Mingle Glow. Robyn recently turned 38 (Happy Birthday Robyn!)and you'll never guess how she chose to celebrate her birthday.

She decided to do 38 random acts of kindness.

You really ought to click the link above and read about this incredible woman's beautiful heart. Just a heads up...make sure you have some tissues.

The more I think about this idea, the more I like it.

And so, I've decided that instead of a birthday party, I want to celebrate my 40th birthday by doing 40 random acts of kindness. I will encourage my family and friends to forgo gifts, and instead, do a random act of kindness of their own.

My life is full and my cup overflows - I want to share some of that.

What better way to spend a milestone birthday than loving on others?

Do you have any ideas of what I could do? I have some already in mind, but would love to hear your thoughts as well.

Don't forget to enter to win a copy of 360 Life. This giveaway will close at midnight tonight and I'll post the winner tomorrow morning. Good luck!

Tuesday's Treats ~ Fat Archies

One of Ian's all-time favourite cookies are Fat Archies. (aka Molasses Cookies) I usually make a batch for him to take with him when he goes away on retreat. I really ought to make them more often just because.



You'll need:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/3 cup molasses
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
sugar for rolling

Step One:
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
Combine butter, oil, molasses, brown sugar, egg and vanilla in a small bowl. Blend until smooth

Step Two:
Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl. Add molasses mixture.

Step Three:
Roll into small balls and roll in sugar to coat

Bake for 12-14 minutes until set just around the edges

Makes approximately 30 cookies.

Pour yourself a cup of tea, put your feet up and enjoy one of these yummy cookies. You deserve it ;-)

Book Review And Giveaway: 360 Life

WHAT IF YOU HAD A SECOND CHANCE TO CHART YOUR LIFE?

What if you only had a few days to live?
Would you love?
Would you laugh?
Would you give?
Would you live differently than you do right now?

--Billy Joe Daugherty

If possible, would you do a makeover on parts of your life? Most of us would gladly say “Yes!” to a fresh start, and that’s exactly what God offers.

So many people live empty and frustrating lives, which is tragic because God desires a full, productive, and satisfying life for His children. 360° Life explores how ordinary people, regardless of their challenges, can experience life-altering change through simple faith. Billy Joe Daugherty weaves material from the Bible, his own experiences, and riveting interviews with contemporary Christians to reveal how not just to survive struggles, but to rise above them.

That’s the fulfilling result of a 360-degree life.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started to read this book. I've read my share of Christian "self help" books and didn't think this book would teach me anything new.

I was so wrong.

Filled with encouraging words, stories and Scripture verses, this book opened my heart and mind to new ways of thinking and caused the word of God to fall fresh right into my heart.

Whether you are a life long Christian, new in the faith or simply looking for answers, Pastor Daugherty speaks to us all.

There was something in every single chapter that touched me, spoke to me, or brought me to tears with the realization of Truth in a new way.

Pastor Daugherty talks about overcoming fear and anxiety, the power of our words, hearing God's voice and rising above our circumstances. And he does it without speaking over the reader's head. He just reveals the Truth in a way that is so easy to understand, accept and believe.

I am so excited to be able to give away a copy of this incredible book. All you have to do is leave me a comment about anything at all and you'll be entered to win.

Easy, yes?

Want a second chance to win?

Tweet about this giveaway, then come on back and leave a separate comment letting me know you did it.

That's it?

Yep! That's it!

This giveaway will run until midnight on Wednesday May 5th. I'll choose a winner using Random.org to be announced on Thursday.

I have been so blessed by reading this book, and I just know that you will be too.

Read chapter one here!

Good luck!

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Tuesday's Treats ~ Root Beer Float Cake

I've been wanting to show you some of the yummy treats I've been creating lately and I've decided to post a little somthin' somthin' each week for you to see and maybe even try yourself.

I recently came across this recipe and really wanted to make it for Ian, as he loves a good root beer float.

It's a really nice cake and not too sweet, with just the right hint of root beer.



You'll need:

1 package (18 1/4 ounces) white cake mix
1 & 3/4 cups cold root beer, divided
1/4 cup canola oil
2 eggs
1 envelope whipped topping mix (Dream Whip)

How To:

Step One: Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl, combine the dry cake mix, 1 & 1/4 cups root beer, oil and eggs. Beat on low for 2 minutes.

Step Two: Pour into a greased 13 inch x 9 inch baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Step Three: In a small bowl, combine the whipped topping mix and remaining root beer. Beat until soft peaks form. Frost cake. Refrigerate.

Enjoy!

Book Review: In Harm's Way

FBI special agent Nick Bradley has seen his share of kooks during his fifteen years with the Bureau. But Rachel Sutton is an enigma. She seems normal when she shows up at the FBI office in St. Louis--until she produces a tattered Raggedy Ann doll she found and tells him she thinks something is wrong because of a strange feeling of terror it gives her when she touches it. Nick dismisses her, only to stumble across a link between the doll and an abducted child, setting in motion a chain of events that uncovers startling connections--and puts Rachel's life on the line.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

This novel is the third book in the Heroes of Quantico series but holds its own as a stand alone book.

I was immediately caught up in the story from the very first page, and my attention held right to the end. With lots of suspense and a couple of surprising twists, this book moves quickly and was hard for me to put down.

I felt that author Irene Hannon created realistic and likeable characters, whether they were the main characters or merely bit players. The dialogue was natural, entertaining and very smooth. While predictable in places, it is never boring.

If you're looking for a great read, this is it. But be warned, it's hard to put down!

This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: How Do You Tuck In A Superhero?

With hilarious true stories and observations, this laugh-out-loud celebration joyfully explores the sweet and wild side of boyhood.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Are you a mom of boys?

If so, you'll get a chuckle out of this book and the experiences that author Rachel Balducci - mother of five little boys - documents in her book. Funny, sweet and always entertaining, this book reads very much like a fun mommy blog.

I'll be honest with you - after reading this book, I feel very (very!) thankful that I only have one little boy ;-)

If you are the mother of little boys, I think you should look into adding this book to your library. Just so you know you aren't alone!

This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Willow The Purple Pawed Puppy

It's been awhile since my system had a good shocking, and I figured I was due for something somewhat dramatic in the near future.

But not this.

Oh heavens...not this.

I was coming out of the bathroom when Willow trotted past me and I caught sight of his purple paws.

Yep...I said purple paws.

See?



I wasn't kidding, was I.

I froze and he froze. We both stared at his feet as my mind worked in slow motion. Why are his paws purple? What made them go that way? Did he get into grape jello mix? Grape Kool-aid mix? Do I even own Kool-aid mix??

What would he have eaten that was purple??

Then I remembered that I signed a field trip permission form for Sam this morning and signed it with my purple sharpie.

I jumped up and walked through the kitchen praying that if there was any ink to be found, it would be on the kitchen floor. Not the carpet...please not the carpet...



...sure enough, it was on the living room carpet.

I think I stared at it for a full five minutes. I thought I was going to be sick. How on earth would I explain this to Ian?? I called him at the office and as soon as he answered the phone I felt the tears start. I told him what had happened and he told me where to find the bottle of carpet stain remover.

I squirted and blotted and prayed...squirted and blotted and prayed...

Between that miracle stain remover and our steam cleaner, it all came out.



Hallelujah!

Now if only I had something to help wash it off of Willow!

~ Forget Me Not - Book Giveaway Winner ~

Thank you to those who participated in my Forget Me Not book giveaway!

I used Random.org to select a winner and as usual I don't know how to copy the image over here as proof of the winning number.

Just love me anyway...

Without further ado...

The winner is....

Mama23Bears!!

Congratulations!!

Shoot me an email at Katieb38@hotmail.com letting me know where I can send you the book :-)

I will have another book giveaway coming soon and you are NOT going to want to miss it.

Have a great Thursday :-)

Willow's Graduation

This past Saturday was very exciting around these parts because Willow graduated from Obedience Classes!

We've seen a huge difference in him over the last eight weeks, which is a great thing because I was ready to ship him off to live elsewhere!

Willow with the trainer during his final testing...



He hated wearing the grad cap. I was in Heaven, snapping pics left right and centre...



My Mom and sister came too :-) Mom brought Willow a little grad gift...



Hmm...what could it be??



Dog treats!

Thanks Mom!

The proof...



Believe it or not...I baked him a bone-shaped cake...



Ian only let him have an itty bitty piece because he was afraid the sugar would make him sick. Party pooper.

Thank you PetSmart!



Congratulations Willow!!

5QF & Getting To Know You

A Bit Of This...A Bit Of That

It's been a full week and I am tired.

Ian is doing well after his surgery, and while he still has some discomfort, he is definitely on the mend. Julie caught some kind of stomach bug on Sunday night and was home from school all week but made it back today.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Two things I have been enjoying this week:

1) The Dog Park ~ Willow has quite the circle of friends at our local dog park. He's gone from being a shy dude to being very outgoing. I love watching him run full out. Fresh air and new friends (for me too!) make for a lovely time.

2) Skype ~ Love it. The other night I was up late talking on Skype with Amanda. We got laughing so hard that we had tears and sore faces by the time we said goodnight. I love belly laughs and good friends. Thank you Skype!

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

I have a tremor that started in my left index finger and then moved into my second finger and thumb and it's making me crazy. So I visited my friends at WebMD.com and apparently I have Parkinson's. Why do I visit that site? WHY!?

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

The other night I suddenly started missing my mother like crazy so I called her at 11:20 pm and started crying as soon as she answered the phone. I was feeling overwhelmed and closed in, and just needed to hear her voice. We talked for over an hour and I felt so much better when we said goodnight. I love her so much.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

I have been experiencing extreme hair satisfaction this week. I don't know what's going on and I don't care. I just wake up each morning hoping to experience it again.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

I'm too tired to talk about anything else and I need to get to bed. Tomorrow is a big day - Willow is graduating from his obedience classes! No one is more excited than I am. He gets to wear a grad cap and you know I'll be posting pictures of that.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Night all!

Book Review: If I Could Ask God Anything

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review this book. It's a fantastic resource for children, parents and Bible teachers.

Separated into sections labelled God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, The Bible, Christianity, Prayer, The Church, Christian Seasons and Holidays, Being a Christian Here and Now, Being a Christian Forever and Ever, and Big Questions, this book is full of answers to all types of questions that children have about the Christian faith.

As a Christian mother, I truly appreciate a book like this. There are days when questions about our faith flow from my children's lips and I long for the words to answer them in a way that they will comprehend and store inside their hearts for life. This book does it. It's written in a tone that is perfect for children to understand and reiterates Jesus' love for us.

Some of my favourite questions were:

How Do I know The Bible Is True?
Is It Ok To Write In My Bible?
What's A Good Bedtime Prayer?
Why Do I Still Sin, Even When I Don't Want To?
Is It Ok To Pray For Help On A Test?
What Should I Do When I Can't Think Of What To Pray?
Do People Who Never Heard Of Jesus Go To Heaven Too?
If God Loves People Why Do Bad Things Happen?
Can I Have Friends Who Aren't Christians?
Help! What Should I Do When A Church Service Is Boring?
How Do I Tell A Friend About Jesus?

I am so thankful to be able to add this resource to my bookshelf, and strongly recommend that you do as well. Our children are counting on us :-)

Book Review And Giveaway ~ Forget Me Not

Crossroads Crisis Center owner Benjamin Brandt was a content man—in his faith, his work, and his family. Then in a flash, everything he loved was snatched away. His wife and son were murdered, and grief-stricken Ben lost faith. Determination to find their killers keeps him going, but after three years of dead ends and torment, his hope is dying too. Why had he survived? He’d failed to protect his family.

Now, a mysterious woman appears at Crossroads seeking answers and help — a victim who eerily resembles Ben’s deceased wife, Susan. A woman robbed of her identity, her life, of everything except her faith—and Susan’s necklace.

The connections between the two women mount, exceeding coincidence, and to keep the truth hidden, someone is willing to kill. Finding out who and why turns Ben and the mystery woman’s situation from dangerous to deadly. Their only hope for survival is to work together, trust each other, and face whatever they discover head on, no matter how painful. But will that be enough to save their lives and heal their tattered hearts?

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and full of suspense and drama with a little bit of romance on the side. The guessing game begins right from Chapter One and continues right to the very last chapter.

I did figure out what was going on pretty early on in the book, however the writer kept my interest throughout with her likeable and realistic characters.

I loved the teachable moments and loving reminders that our God is the one true Healer of our hearts and His mercies are fresh each day. The main character's unwavering faith in the Lord is portrayed in a very gentle and natural way, and not "in your face".

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Guess what?

I have an extra copy that I get to give away! Would you like to win it? If so, all you have to do is leave me a comment telling me what type of books you generally like to read.

Easy peasy!

I'll pick a winner using Random.org on Wednesday April 21st.

Good luck!

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Addiction

Hello. My name is Kate, and I have an addiction.

It comes before my family.

It comes before my friends.

It consumes my thoughts when I'm not doing it.

I almost shake when I think about how long it's been since I've last done it, and when I can get back to it.

It takes me away from my responsibilities.

It makes me cranky.

My addiction?

The internet.

The extent of my addiction hit me full force on Friday night and it wasn't pretty. Ian had been in the hospital all day on Friday following a scheduled surgery. My mother and sister graciously agreed to watch Jordan during the day, and to receive the children after school until after dinner so that I could be at the hospital and sit with Ian in recovery.

I got Ian home and settled in bed, then left to fill his prescriptions and pick up the children. When we got home things got a little crazy. Jordan turned into this uncontrollable wild thing and Sam and Julie started bickering constantly. Between making sure Ian was comfortable, breaking up arguments, controlling the wild beast and dealing with everyone's bedtimes...I was tense. I rushed the children to bed, I rushed over their prayers and talk of events of the day. I just wanted to sit down, go online and relax.

It wasn't until I lost my cool and Julie started crying that things suddenly started to click as to why everyone was acting so crazy.

They were scared about their dad.

They both spent the day worried that something bad would happen to him during his operation. I had intended to prepare them for what they would see when they saw Ian, but all I succeeded in doing was scaring them.

My heart hurt.

I soothed and reassured, and lovingly tucked them in and re-did prayers. And when I was finally alone, I didn't enjoy the quiet I'd longed for all evening.

I felt ashamed of myself.

I have been blessed more than many, and certainly more than I deserve. And I didn't treat them like the blessings they are. All because *I* wanted to "relax" and "chill out" and read blogs and get caught up on Facebook and Twitter....

Shameful.

I don't want to be that way anymore. So I've decided I won't be. I was hardly online at all over the weekend and you want to hear something funny?

No one noticed!

The internet went on without me.

I know... let's all gasp together.... GASP!

It felt good to take a break and to focus on what is truly important. I'm going to keep trying to limit my time going forward because I want to treasure what God has blessed me with, rather than take it for granted. I don't want to waste my life by being wrapped up with things that don't matter.

So there you have it - my confession. I'm embarrassed to admit this to you, but I strive to be authentic and this is what I have for today.

Whew.

I feel better just getting it out there and hopefully by being open about it I will hold to it.

Wish me luck.

I love the warmer weather because I get to see this...



Adorable baby legs!