The Scent of Rain

Daphne was set to marry her dream man, after leaving a job in Paris she couldn't wait to start her life with him. When she was standing at the alter, she realized he and his family were not coming to the wedding. What was supposed to be the most happiest day of her life, turned into the biggest disaster and disappointment. Immediately she wanted to return to Paris, go back to the perfumery and not even wanting to go to Ohio where her new job and house are.

 

Upon moving to Ohio, Daphne works at Gilbralater products trying to work on household fragrances, but she just wants to return to Paris. She finds herself losing her scent and questioning what kind of job she would be able to do if she was unable to smell anymore. She recieved a letter from Mark apologizing for leaving her, but Daphane was more upset. She learned that he was in Paris. This book has some interesting twists and turns. I have read other books by Kristin Billerbeck and this isn't my favorite. It's an enjoyable read, not my favorite, but good. I give this a 4/5 stars!

Thank you Booksneeze for allowing me to review this book. I was not compensated for a positive review.

Celebrating 50 Years

Drew's Grandparents a.k.a. Granny & Grandpa celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary by going on a cruise in March. 

Can you imagine being married for 50 years?? I think that is so incredible and I feel so blessed to be able to see them celebrate such a wonderful occasion.

 Granny and Grandpa wanted to have a huge celebration at their home in Cadillac, Michigan with their family from California, Tennessee and Michigan. The day I returned home, I had less than 12 hours before I was leaving home, heading up north and celebrate this big occasion.

We took a ton of group family photo's which I am sure you will see soon. We had a huge pig roast and ate a ton of food! We spent the night camping on their property and woke up to a great breakfast! It was a fun weekend.

 Granny showing the grandchildren their picture in front of the wishing well from 10 years ago.. The last time they were all together..

Their new picture by the wishing well for Granny!!

In my new dress with my cute husband! I love a good dress..

 

 Getting ready for a big roast... Getting ready to eat some pig.

 

 Enjoying family conversation and getting ready to make smores..

The weather was perfect, everyone enjoyed themselves and the smores were delicious!

Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary Grandpa and Granny!!! We are so blessed by your marriage, the legacy you leave and for setting the bar so high!!!



If YOU'RE married, how long have you been married?? If not, do you know anyone who is married longer and what are their secrets for a life long marriage???

Catching up from Peaches

I am back in the mitten, but I wanted to catch up on a final post from the peach state. I had a great stay and I wanted to share a few re-caps on some memories on made, I don't want to forget these milestones.


 Paris- started crawling, 
- she said "Da Da"for daddy
- she got one tooth in and another on the way.
- we had to lower her crib because she started standing and pulling herself up.
- Paris had her first swim time in the pool

Kennedy- started potty training again.
- She began to use a pull up and even throw her "potty" in the real one.
-She used the big girl potty in public.
-She had less "fits"
-She became much better at sharing with Ridge.
- She is working on staying in the lines when coloring.
-She was much sweeter to Ridge.


Ridge
Started potty training for the first time
Allowed me to do thing for him.
Gave me hugs and kisses ( he is very clingy to mom)
Becoming more independent
Loved on Paris and made her laugh so much.


We went through three diaper pails.
I stuck my finger in a place I will never do again.
I changed major dirty diapers.
We went through major thunder storms.
Survived long car rides...
Ran in 100% humidity
Found dead cockroaches on my floor




The kids would not pose and look at the camera in one shot, so here are several, which I think are funny! 

 

 

 

 

 

How can you not fall in love with these kids? I had the best time and had such a challenging time during various moments, but  I wouldn't trade it for anything. Being a mother is such a blessing and a gift. I am so thankful to have spent a month getting to know them and love on them.. I truly miss them!  They are such a bunch of peaches!!! 

Who doesn't like Disney or want to save a little $$$??

As I’ve mentioned before,  I love Disney World, that goes without saying much and I am training to run the Walt Disney World 2013 Marathon!! I can’t believe I am actually doing it! Crazy… Anyways, I want to see you guys out there at Disney World too! I know it can be crazy expensive to do a race, but I found a great article on ways to save $$ at Disney World!!!

 Take a look at these 10 awesome tips, which you can find here!!!

I think it has some great pointers to look at and will help you save $$ if you are thinking about going to Disney World or thinking about running the Disney Marathon and looking to save some $$

Often I am asked what is your dream job???

I would love to work for Disney World in some capacity. I would blog for them, work as a park sweeper or virtually do pretty much anything to experience the magic Disney offers on a daily basis!

Happy Wednesday! 

3 days till I return to the Mitten

It's hard to believe that in 3 days I will be returning to the mitten, summer will almost be over and fall will begin. I am starting a new job, yah! I am starting a new training season! I will get to be with my husband again and my life will get back into a more normal routine.


However, I am sad to leave the south. Aside from the nasty bugs and they are much bigger here, I have enjoyed the humidity, the running, the long hills, the intense sweat and the cute southern accents...


Most of all, I will miss spending time with my two year old cousins and baby sister! 

Although I am sad, I am excited to see what the Mitten has in store for me and I can't wait to see my husband. I apologize if my blog does not stay updated over the rest of the week. Friday is shot traveling, Saturday we are going out of town and Sunday I will be getting the pieces of my life back together, paying bills, ect..


Keep reading and have a great week! 

Who does Emily choose?

You may have read in previous post, I had the opportunity to meet Ms. Emily Maynard in Walt Disney World last July!!!

One year later, she is going to be engaged and hopefully on her way to marrying the man of her dreams. Last year this time, her and Brad Womacks engagement had been broken off and this year, she is engaged to someone else!!

Who do you think she picks? Jef or Arie?


I am all team Jef with one F! Do you want Bachelorette??


Who do you think she is going to choose?


Remember the finale is tonight, not Monday!!! Watch on ABC to find out!

First Swim, ever!

Being with Paris, I have gotten to experience a lot of baby "firsts." It is really hot here in Georgia, the kids love to swim and usually baby Paris does not get to swim. She is usually is taking a nap, but today she woke up while we were swimming.

Perfect opportunity to get her in the cute little swim suit and go for a swim! She is such a doll! 

Isn't she sweet?? She is the best baby I have ever met! So content! Rarely does she cry or fuss. Only a little lately because she is teething, which is normal! I love here!

Look at Ridge and Kennedy. They love to splash and jump in the pool!! They are growing up right before my eyes.. Both twins are potty training and earning jelly beans for going to the bathroom.. Love it!!

 Ridge is the biggest sweetheart you ever did meet.. He is going to be such a southern gentleman someday. He is going to make a great husband. He is so affectionate, sweet, caring and funny.. I love this silly boy!  

Kennedy, oh,  my goodness! She is a fierce little one and isn't going to let the boys push her around some day. She is very assertive, intelligent, fast learner and energetic. Wow, I can't believe how she is so different from the other two! 

It's amazing to see how fast kids can grow. This experience has taught me children are a blessing from God, but I am not quite ready to be a parent myself. Although I have enjoyed my time and feel like I was obedient to God's calling, I am not ready to be full time parent. I am enjoying being married and traveling the world with my husband.

I am not ready to trade a car in for a mini-van and figure out how diaper pales work or push kids in strollers.. 

Great experience, just not quite ready! I give my aunt major props for doing this while her husband is deployed! 

If you remember, say a little prayer for Jill and Dana... She misses him greatly! 

Have a fantastic Saturday!

Colorado Tragedy

When I woke up this morning, I was very sadden to hear the news of a shooting at a midnight movie premiere event. 


James Holms a 24 year old man entered Century 16 movie theater where he gunned down 12 people and wounded 38 others. 


My prayers and heart goes out to the victims of this tragic incident. May we remember them in our prayers and remember to thank God for everyday, because life is a BLESSING!


Remembering Aurora, Colorado today!

Disney Marathoning Biggest Loser Style

Last night my husband messaged me and told me that Alison Sweeny, host of the Biggest Loser would be running the Walt Disney World Half Marathon this year! She ran her first marathon this past spring. I read an article about her training, soap opera demands, taping of the biggest loser and her home life. She is a very busy woman, but makes time to run! I was very inspired when I read about her in this article, not only is she drop dead beautiful, but a complete super woman!!!


I am even more excited to run the Disney Marathon!!!! When my husband and I were at Disney World last year, we met Emily Maynard, current bachelorette... It would be so awesome to bump into Alison Sweeney!!! How cool!

Currently the Walt Disney Marathon is 72% full, half marathon 63% and the Goofy challenge at 86%.  This race weekend is full of surprises, excitement and celebrating the 20th Anniversary! I am so excited and feel incredibly blessed to be able to do this!! I am trying to find a cool shirt or costume, if you have ideas, let me know!!! 


My husband and I are well on our training schedules. At the end of this month, I need to be at 5.5 miles and I currently have been running 5.25 miles. With the heat and hills I am running here, when I get home to Michigan, this should be a piece of cake. The weather here is Georgia is crazy ridiculousness humid! I am running crazy hills with traffic that doesn't always care about runner and I have been chased by a Great Dane! I am excited with my progress. It has been nice to take running at a slower pace and I know my body needed a break after RiverBank!




I wanted to tell you about this great book I bought from Amazon about running. This book contains several different recipes on different types of smoothies that our best to fit runners needs. He has done a lot of scientific research and knows the best things our bodies need for recovery, injury, stomach issues, ect. I am super excited to try several of these smoothies. I think that this will make a difference in my marathon training and I wanted to pass this along to you for some advice. I am impressed with this little book and will pass on recipes as I try them!

Hope you have a wonderful Thursday!  Next week Friday, I will be in Michigan! I cannot believe how quickly the time has passed here in Georgia! 






What are you best running tips? Have you met a celebrity??? 

Gaining a little weight

If you're like me, you hate the idea of stepping on the scale and knowing that you have put on a few pounds. It would be incredibly naive of me to think that I haven't gained a few pounds in Georgia. I am not sure exactly how much, you would think with all the crazy running, I would be fine, but I don't think so.


I've aquired an addiction for Chick fil A. They have the best chicken ever!! It is so yummy. I have also become addicted to the Mc. Donalds Carmel Fraps, which are incredibly high in calories and fat! sigh.




My clothes still fit, but they are a little tighter in certain spots. I guess that is what happens when you go on vacation. I am ready to get back into my "new" normal routine. I am ready to start working out in the evenings and running in the mornings. I am also ready to stop eating sugary sweetness and begin to eat healthier foods again! 








Gaining weight is frustrating and can bring you down. Although I am little discouraged, I happy with the fact that I have been working out and I have been running.. Chasing after 3 kids all day is very busy.... I should be burning up calories, not loading them in... I am hoping to go back on my smoothies and shakes in the morning... 








Vacations can do a number on your waist line! What are some of your tips to ward off excess pounds???

Dreaming out of the Mitten

I love the Mitten, but often I dream of living somewhere else. We are incredibly blessed with four different seasons in the year. My two favorites are winter and summer, for complete opposite reasons. I don't know think I could spend Christmas without snow or at least leading into the Holiday season, I don't know that I could do it without snow. On the other hand, I hate how out of control the snow can become! 

Summer is the other season in Michigan that is truly wonderful! I love the beautiful sunsets and the lakes we have. We are truly blessed to be surrounded by beautiful bodies of water and I can drive 2o minutes to a lake. That is something very special about Michigan. 

I also love going up to Traverse City and spending time at Great Wolf lodge, Sleeping Bear Dunes or visiting the place that has the best fudge in the world, Mackinaw Island! All of these places make the mitten truly a wonderful place to live...

                                                               Sleeping Bear Dunes

                                                        
                                                             Mackinaw Island






   




Yet, I wonder if I could move somewhere else. I must say, the people in the south are so much sweeter! They are truly so nice! Everyone says "hello" and asks " how are you?" I find this all the time whether I am running outside or at church with a bunch of strangers. I even got kissed the other day by a woman at church, on the cheek of course. It is such a different world here in Georgia, I don't know if the rest of the South is like this, but I have had a wonderful experience here. 




I love Florida for the obvious reason, Disney World!! I mean, honestly who wouldn't want to live there?? Aside from hurricanes, crocidiles and humidity, I wouldn't mind living near the Happiest Place on Earth.. 

Spending time in Georgia, has made me think about the idea of living somewhere else. I am not sure yet, we will see what God has in store over the next couple of years. For now, I am focused on getting my School Social Work license in Michigan and then we will see what happens!




If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live???

Paris is Crawling!!

Paris turned 8 months old yesterday and she started crawling. Her legs have been moving towards the idea of crawling, but hasn't been able to do it up until this point.. My Uncle Dana is in Afgainstain, so we thought we would send him a video! You can see Paris, Ridge, Kennedy and myself in this video! It so sweet!! 

             She is moving all over the place! What a mile stone! Glad I was able to be a part of it! On another note, the twins are moving forward in their potty training! Milestones are happening all over the place. It is amazing how quick kids grow up!! Hope you had a great weekend and are looking to a great week ahead!!




Happy Monday!! 

Looking for an affordable way to pay for Disney?

Are you looking for an affordable way to pay for a vacation to Disney World? 

My husband and I are always looking for new ideas and ways to save money on future trips. I had the opportunity to review a new book on how to save money at Disney Land or Disney World and how to save before evening heading to Disney. This book will save you money and  gives many creative ideas on how to save for a Disney Vacation.

Natalie Henley offers great tips and advice on dining, resorts, transportation souvenirs and all of the theme parks. This book offers great advice to the first timer or the person who has been to Disney several times. You will not be disappointed with all of her advice. Natalie has done her homework and has written a fantastic one of a kind vacation guide that will help your family truly create one of a kind memories. The best part of this book is all the money saving, budget tips in creating an affordable vacation.

I loved how she did a great job in detailing the information about Disney. This book will save you hours of time and hassle trying to guide your way into the parks. If you are going on a Disney Vacation or dreaming of one in the future, you need to get this budget savvy Disney Guide to help create a stress free, memorable vacation. 

Here is some of the tips you can expect to find in this book..

Couponing your way to Disney?

Is it cheaper to drive a car to the park or should you take the Disney bus System?

What are the perks at staying on Disney Property?

Have you heard of Hidden Mickey?

What are some of the cheaper dining locations?

When is the best time to go to Disney?

Is a Disney Credit Card beneficial in earning dollars if you can pay it off every month?

This book contains a lot more.. Just thought I would mention a few!

I highly recommend this book and hope you check it out for your future vacations!  To find out more information go here!!

You can purchase the book through Amazon here..

Thank you to Natalie Henley for providing me a review copy free. The oponions expressed here are strictly my own and I was not compensated for a positive review.

Going to CNN

I have not mentioned a ton about my husbands job, but he is a graphic artist for our local T.V. station. He loves his job! He loves the news! He is one of those kinds of nerds who loves a good story. I love that about him. He is an excellent writer too. One of his dreams has always been to go to CNN in Atlanta.  


Well, I was not able to bring him there, but I was able to go myself. I new that if were downtown, that I had to stop there, which is exactly what I did. 

First, this place is armed with major security everywhere. You can't do anything without security. Second, this place has several shops, dining, coffee and of course, the news! 

This building has several floors. You can see all the flags from around the world, which I thought was so great! You cannot get up to other floors, unless you are a worker or are going on a paid tour.

In this picture you can see several office buildings which is where many of the anchors, reporters, editors and other newsy people work. I even wonder if some of these people spend the night. The offices looked huge!  CNN is like it's own mini city! Pretty cool, I think and I don't care much about the news!

You can see the CNN news room, it is so cool!! I would love to go on a tour, but I couldn't do that without Drew. When I was leaving the CNN building, I saw an anchor walk out with security guards and they had his car already pulled up in front of the building! Now I call that service! I didn't recognize the anchor as someone famous, but by his appearance and the major security guards around him, it was pretty clear that he had an important role.






Have you ever met someone famous or been on the news?? What is your claim to fame?

101 in 1001 Update

How are you doing? If you have started, why not?? It's a great way to have a bucket list that you see daily!!

101 in 1001

101 in 1001

101 Goals in 1001 Days

I have goals for my life and I will mark the progress of these goals over the next two years. I challenge you to join me in the journey.

Start Date: March 27, 2011

End Date: December 25, 2013 

1. Finish my Social Work Limited License (4000 hours) Close to completing 2000

2. Pass my Licensure Exam
3. Get a school Social Work Job (June 2012)

4. Develop and Design a workbook on Anger for Kids

5. Learn photo shop
6. Blog every day for a month  January 2012
7. Host a giveaway on my blog (January 9, 2012)

8. Inspire someone else to do 101 in 1001 day  Check out Brittany's blog

9. Purchase a new Desktop Mac Computer

10. Organize bathroom and find a new, efficient way to store towels.  May 8, 2011

11.  Hang 5 pictures on the wall (5/5) September 29,2011

12. Keep the kitchen floor clean for 1 week

13.  Learn how to use the grill

14. Try to cook 30 new recipes (3/30) Greek Yogurt Recipe, Taco Salad, Avocada Dip

15. Cook homemade meals for every weekend for a month.

16. Organize my computer files (August, 2011, did this while Drew was one a long conversation with comcast)

17. Get rid of unnecessary items filling clutter September 20,2011

18. Go to bed at 9pm for a week straight  (November 1-7 2011)

19. Fit comfortably in a size 6  (Currently, between an 8-10)

20. Lose 30lbs (15 down)

21. Run a Marathon

22. Drink only water for 2 weeks.  (January 1-14, 2011)

23.  Inspire someone else to lose weight.

24. Get a flatter stomach

25. Eat breakfast for a week straight. (Entire Month of December 2011, this is weird)

26. Be confident in a bikini.

27. Count Weight Watchers Points faithfully for 1month
28. Finish writing my children’s book.
29. Learn how to use my Digital SLR Camera
29. Make our wedding Scrapbook

30. Buy a sewing machine.
 31. Learn how to use a sewing machine.

32. Make up my own social skill activities for 8 lessons (8/8) Completed  June 1, 2011

33.  Send 30 cards to people expectantly (16/30)

34.Rent/ Watch 50 new movies (29/50
Despecable Me
The Back up Plan
Christmas in Wonderland
How do you know?
Christmas Cottage
Grown Ups
Denis the Menace Christmas
Christmas Dogs
It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown 
Mall Cop 
Old Dogs 
Life As We Know it 
Call Me Mrs. Miracle
Spooky Buddies
On Strike for Christmas
The Gift of the Magi
Just Go with It
Just Wright
Little Fockers
Morning Glory
New Years Eve 
Purple Violets
The Christmas Lodge
Trading Christmas
Surviving Christmas
Capital C for Christmas 
Tango 
Leap Year 
Sleepless in Seattle

35.Go to the Library 1x a month for 6months (5/6 March 26, 2011, April 22, 2010, May 6, 2010, June 6, 2011, July 18, 2011, August 5, 2011)

36. Try 5 new restauran 5/5 

1) Long Horn Steak House (January 2012)

2) Penn Station Subshop (May 2012)

3) Chik Fil A (July 2012)

4) Margarita Mexican (July 2012)
5) Freeze (July 2012)

37. Go to a Hockey Game

38. Go on a date with Drew each weekend for a month (0/4) (December 2011)

39. Stay home for entire weekend without leaving (January 2012)

40. Read 100 new books (30/100)
1. Life without Limits
2. Love at Last Sight
3. Chocolate Diaries
4. Max on Life
5. Unleashed
6. Sister Chicks Sombreros
7. Departures, Sierra Jensen and Christy Miller
8) A Cowboys Touch
9. Leaving- Karen Kingsbury
10. Learning- Karen Kingsbury
11.  The Christmas List
12. The Accidental Bride
13. Longing- Karen Kingsbury 
14. 1000 Gifts 
15. Miracles for Jen 
16. A love that Multiplies 
17. Finally & Forever
18. Hunger Games
19. A billion reasons 
20. Cottage by the Sea 
21. Stress Points
22. Insecurity-- Beth Moore
23 Wish you were here
24. Winning Balance
25. The Perfect Christmas
26. The Beautiful Wife
27. Simple Secrets to a Happy Life
28. A wedding on Mackinaw Island
29) The Harbinger
30) Love Finds you in Alaska

41. Read my Bible every day for a month January 2012

42. Read “1000 Gifts” February 2012
43. Pray together with my husband at least 2 nights a week for a month.

44. Go on a girl’s vacation with Rachel & Mom (Great Wolf Lodge July 2011)

45. Have professional pictures taken of Drew and I 1x every year (0/3)

46. Meet 5 new people (April 2012)

47.Play a board game Candy Land- Connor & Sidney September 2011

 48. Go on a family vacation with my parents

49.Go to a museum

50. Go snorkeling with fish

51. Go to 5 different states 1/5
(Flordia 2011)
 (Georgia 2012)

52. Go out of the country

53. Take a Cruise

54. Send Children’s Book to Publishers

55. Cook out of a cook book for a week

56. Pay off three more student loans (Would like to become completely debt free at somepoint)

57. Stick to a monthly budget for 6months (2012)

58. Buy Curtains for our living room Bought them and returned them. Decided it looked better with out curtains. May 18, 2011

59.Build a Snowman

60. Call in Sick to work (not to be sick, but just to take the day off)  January 18,2011 (Took the day off b/c was unsure how I would do on 6 steroid pills)

61. Go to a Bingo hall and play Bingo

62. Buy and re-read a book from my childhood (The three Kitten who lost their mittens)

63. Visit a Zoo Detroit Zoo- April 2012)

64. Organize my book shelf  (April 2011)

65. Buy a new car( new to me, can be used) Bought our 2009 Vibe

66.  Buy a lottery ticket for fun (December 2011)

67. Read 4 self helps books  (April 2012)
1) God Loves Broken People
2 Insecurity
3) Successful Women think Differently
4)When a Woman Let's go of her fears

68. Sleep a week straight without getting up in the middle of night (July 6-13, 2011)

69. Cut and Color my hair (August, 2011)

70. Organize my scrapbooking supplies  (April 18, 2011)

71. Stop biting my nails  February 2012

72. Paint my fingernails 1x a month for 6months (March 18, 2011, April 22, 2011, May 8, 2011, June 6, 2011, July 5, 2011, August 1, 2011))

73. Buy new lipstick  January 2012

74. Wear makeup for a week straight  (Oct 5-12,2011)

75. Clean up my language  (Thank you rez life)

76. Go Christmas Caroling

77. Stop being critical of myself

78. Get Life Insurance (Bought Drew Life Insurance,  I cannot buy life insurance due to my medical history.

79.  Give my blog a transformation ( April 9, 2011)

80. Get a diagnosis for my passing out episodes (June 2011, Seizures)

81. Go Ice skating

82. Keep my email inbox to 0 emails

83.  Complete my “Wreck this Journal”

84. Complete a coloring book

85.  Do a random act of kindness for 10 people (2/10, March 26, 2011- Huge Tip for Waitress at Fridays, Tip for Waitress at Applebees December 2011 )

86. Finish a 1000 jigsaw puzzle

87.  Fly a Kite

89.  Get my picture taken with Santa

90.  Get a new cell phone (June 2011)

91. Make Monkey Bread

92.  Paint on a Canvas (May 4, 2011)

93. Visit Disney World (July 2011)

94.  Make a family Tree

95. Go to a Casino

96.  Learn to French Braid

97. Donate $1 to Charity for each item I do not complete on this list

98.  Buy an expensive camera lens

99. Change my name

100.  Have a pampered chef party ( May 6, 2011)

101. Give up candy for a month ( as I am eating a bowl full of jelly beans at the moment)

Good luck if you haven't started, go for it!