"Womanly Feelings"

Okay...here is the deal...I'll give you a little break down of how this went...yesterday was one sort of mess because all of sudden Monday night my legs were weak and a fever set in...which by the way broke during the middle of the night Tuesday, and I was left with kind of my normal headaches which I learn to deal...and I can say for it was kind of a long day with the kiddos...hair pulling...toy stealing....and toy hiding between the girls....

and by noon I was at my limit when I saw a pretty decent size amount of hair on the floor as the girls were eating lunch {the hair pulling aftermath}....so I tell you...I did in fact get mad at my kiddos in a big way...and {ahem} yelled for them to please quit...because face it...I'm normal at least I’d like to think, right?...maybe I'm just telling myself that to feel better...

In a dream world a "no yelling" rule at my home would be nice...but that is "dream world" to me…quite frankly we all reach our breaking point...and I hit mine as I was literally not just letting them run around like crazies all day...but really trying to keep them entertained with fun things to do...but it just wasn’t happening…

{BUT what I love about my hubby is that he said..."Martha I would think you wouldn't be normal if you never lost your cool in front of your kids...it's 'gonna' happen" sometimes even though we regret doing it...Okay really? Because I really got mad at them…because he heard me and knows I did…”Yes Martha!”…. Whew honey...needed that today {some bonus points for you}

Okay now...as I was trying to make Hayley smile {getting 4 canines right now...that's what we call them...I know they have numbers and such...my mom used to work for a dentist...so I know but that is what I like to call them}...anyhoo just trying to redeem myself and have some fun with her to help her smile...and I said....

"Hayley whatcha doin'?"

"Nuuuffin'" she replies...

we almost peed our pants in laughter because we didn't expect her to really answer us and with that...so we were chasing her around with the camera trying to capture it in which she would not say it as soon as I opened that sucker up because she is a little "stinker"... but obviously I finally got it:)

Back to my point again right?

because you are probably wondering what in the world that title has anything to do with this post...

So with Hayley being cranky…Bobby thought he would help with dinner since I have been under the weather and fighting fevers {which it came back this morning, and I thought I was feeling better...which is a stink because every year for the past 5 years either Bobby or I have been sick and under the weather…this year it seems like it is going to be me…so we have a tradition of toasting the New Year in the morning with mimosas because the one who is sick never makes it to midnight usually…and actually besides the being sick part…we have grown to love that tradition we have before the kiddos wake up on New Years Day to toast in the morning rather than midnight}....

Anyhoo...Hayley is my "love" girl...she loves to be loved on and physical touch is definitely her number one right now....Bobby told Hayley to play with Sis in the living room while we are cooking dinner...she was of course wanting some love {which by the way Bobby always gives her but she wants love 24/7 and frankly we just cannot do that everytime you know}...Hayley runs out of the kitchen...and Bobby says....{under his breath mind you... but to where it was obviously loud enough to still hear kind of thing}...and he says...

"womanly feelings..."

“Say again!?” as I'm now glaring at Bobby for saying such a comment to my baby {you know the one I got mad at myself earlier in the day for pulling hair}...

I said "what did ya say honey? and What does that mean?"... {this was me kidding with him…because I knew he said that to light my fire}

He replies… “Well...she didn't get what she wanted and went to cry about it....”

“Hmmm….? I’m confused because...isn’t that men who do that?” was my response back…

So you know what I did...took it to the next level… I called in my reinforcements...my girls...and this is what happened... {Madison counting for Daddy to be in timeout}...when she really did it she really emphasized the numbers like she was serious like when we do it...although she kept counting...and gave him to twelve not three but twelve...I loved it!

And then later I came downstairs to

Madison writing "mom" and Daddy working with her letters on the rest of "I love you"...made the hair pulling, toy stealing and toy hiding, and all that fuss forgotten about...seeing those words and having her tell me what they said...

He just felt bad for saying womanly feelings, don't you think?:)

"I knew it was for you when she showed you the key!"

That was a quote by hubby...when we came across the gorgeous trunk...He said..."all she had to do was bring out the key Martha, and I knew you were sold!"

In my quest to bring home a desk I had my eye on for a bit...and since hubby had the day off yesterday I asked if we could take a trip to a new store I came across a couple of months ago to pick up that lovely desk...it was perfect...not to big...not to small....some drawers that I really loved because they were pretty and functional for my business...

But we came to realize "you should never WAIT when you find something you love!"....because it was gone...S.O.L.D! I took a deep breathe and moved on to then find a nightstand for Bobby's side of the bed...nope...nada...zilch...but we stopped by a new store we hadn't noticed before....and we fell in love with something else....


"We" was the key word in that last sentence...because it was "WE"...I haven't seen Bobby get so excited about a purchase to-date yet...it was beautiful... gorgeous...and perfect just the way it was...

When you have the history with items...I think all the better...Bobby loves that part too...the trunk was made 75 years ago by a Dad to his Daughter...and she was selling it because well her and her husband are selling everything since they are retired to travel the country and purchase a vehicle to do so...

And you honestly don't want to even know what we paid for this trunk...it was such a GREAT price which made all the decision easier...even though I was sold on it the moment I saw there was a key lock!

We both are swoony-eyed...and it is sitting at the foot of our bed right now...we are in love with our new lovely...

Forty minutes...

Time for fun...and endless possibilities....

I love snow through the eyes of my girls...the giggles...the hysterical laughs...and them falling as they mimick one another...

And I love even more that Daddy dressed the girls....Hayley dressed like a marshmallow {seriously Bobby put 3-4 layers on that girl...we are talking Christmas Story bundled here...} and Madison wearing my gloves...

It has been snowing all day...maybe not enough to amount to make snowmen quite yet...but they sure had a ball...and we had quite a few laughs...especially when I almost got Bobby with a snowball in the face:)

Our forty minutes in the snow before the girls froze their hiney off...

Christmas decor is coming down today...the soonest we have done it to-date over the years...but it feels great, and I love it!

The last thing to come down is the tree by Bobby...lets just hope this year he doesn't have to tie it to the door to take it apart like last year...and when that wouldn't work take a wrench to it...and when that didn't work... just walking right up to it and pulling the top of the tree off {like what is supposed to happen}...would have worked? I am laughing so hard just thinking about it:)

...I'm awaiting to see how it goes right now ;) ...wish him luck this time...

So as the decor is coming down right now...my mind is spinning with ideas for our home... 

of which I ran into a girlfriend yesterday who is doing the same thing...and Bobby's eyes did a big fat roll to both of us...but I tell you what it is nice to let hubby see "hey it's not just me with my wheels spinning with ideas"...and I love when that happens!...because right now they are just ideas...because now it is a matter of finding what is in my head....

Happy Day everyone!

Believe...

It's a season to believe...a season to love...wishing you much happiness over these next few weeks during the holiday season and Christmas to everyone!

From one of my very favorite Christmas classics: Miracle on 34th Street...

"Someday you are going to find that your way of facing this realistic world just doesn't work, and when you do, don't overlook those lovely intangibles. You'll discover those are the only things that are worthwhile."

"Faith is believing when common sense sometimes tells you not to."

I love the movie Miracle on 34th Street...and I titled today's post "believe" since that my favorite word from the movie

...may everyone enjoy the blessings and company of all your family and friends and celebrate the joy, goodness, and love!

I'd be a better mother if....

Sometimes I think...

I'd be a better mother if....

Well maybe I should note this first: I honestly was going to talk about if I lived in the moment more...but I just had a friend do that in her post...and so not to do the same thing and because I don't like being the same you know...I thought I would do a little spin on things...on my thoughts...on our day yesterday...

So here we go...




Like I said....I was thinking I would be a better mother if...


I really I enjoyed the moments more and not seeing my completed checklist or 1/2 done checklist you know....

As we left the house yesterday morning...I needed to be somewhere at a certain time...and the girls walked outside to get into the car...actually Hayley ran out there with her new little purse she has all bundled up and right out into the little bit of snow we had...saying, "Ice, Ice,Ice"...Mama!! {It was snow but close enough I thought...I couldn't correct her because it was so darn sweet!!!}

as much as I wanted to stop and let them enjoy the moment...we had to go...so I grabbed my camera and when we got home...I promised them I would let them enjoy the little bit of snow we had in the yard for a bit...


And I did...I l.o.v.e.d every single minute of it!

And then I got to thinking...my girls are telling me they are thirsty...and I forgot to pack a drink...even if it was a shorter time we were gone...I still forgot...




I thought...I'd be a better mother if I would just remember to always pack a drink for them...so they wouldn't have to eat snow and ice when they got home...thank goodness that cat wasn't in our yard or the that the lady just stopped by in her black car in my yard...takes her itty bitty dog pee "in.my.yard!"....should I repeat?

Perhaps so...

"let her itty bitty dog pee in O.U.R. yard!!!" Yep...thought I was going to have a cow that day...and by the way no offense to itty bitty pups...we own one ourselves:)...

Back to my point...


I'd be a better mother if my list of "to-do's" wasn't always so long...and neverending because my late nights take a toll on me...

And then in the blink of an eye yesterday with the girls...I realized I was doing just what I wanted ...in that moment of time...I was enjoying the moment with my lovelies...I stopped and literally could have cried...{I'm a big sap...a great big sap...and a romantic sap on top of that...}....I looked at my girls outside playing in the little amount of snow we had...I laughed with them...heard my youngest point out airplane and say it because her sis loves them so much...and finally I bribed them with chocolate to come inside...

and the rest of the day we baked the day away...and I even had time for making a lunch and dinner...one of the most productive days I've had with the girls...enjoying the moments as they helped roll peanut butter balls, sprinkle and dip the twizzlers, pretzels, and enjoy a treat or two every once in awhile...they probably wondered what in the world has come over their mom with all this candy...but it is alright...because showing them to indulge and enjoy the moments is what I want to do more often with them and actually for myself too...

I saw their faces in delight...and I forgot about everything else {just about}...

The candy and cookies are done except the new recipe I plan to make tomorrow...they are packaged and sent with hubby to work and packaged for our neighbors...and delivered in surprise to their home...surprising them is always what is the best part for me...I love it!

And as Daddy walked in the door last night...I listened to Madison tell him all that she helped make...with a happiness and delight that came across her face to share her treasures with her Daddy...

 It dawned on me that I really did it...I spent an entire day living in the moment...and I loved every bit of it...on top of reaffirming that I am in fact the queen of Wii bowling in our household...{ahem...I'm not bragging or anything...just saying...not to mention "someone" {ahem I wonder who...?} told me they were not taking my advice I was very well willing to share about Wii bowling...:)  okay then...I guess I'll just keep kickin' hiney!)

And today we were off to visit Daddy for lunch...Madison has been dying to see Daddy's office...non-stop asking for about a month or so...so we made her request a reality today...and we drove to have lunch as she wanted it...sandwiches in his office and cookies she made for dessert!

And so I was happy to finally and truly dedicate a day with as hard as it was to no plans and fun...and a tradition of baking carried out to it's fullest!

And so it goes...

I've got nothin' I feel like...nothin' at all! Except that I can kick my hubby's hiney at wii bowling...don't let him know I told you so but for some odd reason I completely kick his hiney...and he hates it...can't stand it...

Hubbies think it is all in the wrist {on the Wii, that is...don't take me "real" bowling because I'm not great}...but what aggitates him even more is I tell him it is all about concentration...mental toughness...seeing it through...he really loves that:)


Me personally...I just say that he can't take it I'm so competitive and ROCK THE HOUSE with it...If you can't already tell...we were gifted over the weekend from my in-laws a rockin' wii player...and of which I found out my sister-in-law kicks her hubby's hiney too...in which I responded we are going to double team our hubby's in a playoff because it is so worth it to see them wallow in their defeat of their women:)...


Yes...I'm one of those that rubs it in {I promise only to hubby though...I'm typically a good sport}...what makes it even better is the quick reminders of it throughout the day or when I bring up USC's record this year... like when USC {hubby's favorite college team} has lost 4 games...and I randomly ask him the scores of the games they lost...because yes...I'm that kind of wife that likes to riel my husband up for no reason at all...I say it's good for him every once in awhile...and if you'd like to ask him the game scores...I'll give you a heads up...just in case you'd like to send him a message you know...

USC v Washington {16-13}
USC v Oregon {47-20}...one of his favorite games
USC v Stanford {55-21}...definitely his favorite...especially homecoming game
USC v Arizona {21-17}...YEP all conference games....

It really makes his days if you ask him about any of those games:)...Anyhoo...as a side note...we take losing as no laughing matter in this household...and in no way am I making fun of it...what-so-ever...we are one of those families that is competitive against one another to the core...and it's fun...laughable fun...and we love it!

Boy this post turned out to be something different from original plan...but hey...it's good enough for me just to show hubby that it's game on with "THE QUEEN" at Wii Bowling!...that is if he happens to read the post:)

Now off to do some work and baking...

I wish I may...

I wish I might...


 "wish" upon the stars tonight...I'm really going to stick with "wish upon the stars tonight"...because sometimes you just want to make a wish you know...


I'm easily sidetracked right now if you couldn't already tell but I guess I should start over to get the effect that I was wanting,   right?

Okay So here we go...


I wish I may...


I wish I might...


wish upon a star tonight...

{picture from Country Living}

that the piece to the hot water tank in our home stinkin' finally arrives...because frankly I am tired of "luke cold" showers...I'm saving the hot water for the kiddos...but I got to tell you I have been waiting 2 1/2 months for a stinkin' piece to arrive...and hubby says it still is not in...and I'm getting slightly annoyed...{actually I promised honesty...so I'll say it again...I'm getting ticked...}

because I like my showers hot...burn the skin...turn the skin red...{not pink}, HOT...red HOT...HOT showers...and for 2 1/2 months I've endured...yep...I'm tired of the freezing cold... {I realize everyone it could be very worse so please no judging}...

and I'm getting annoyed of shaving and it not even making a difference when I step out of the shower....

In all honesty...I really never meant that to make it to the blog...but it just came out and I feel like not turning back now...today is one of those days where I'm just typing as I think...shall we start over again?

one more time...


I wish I may...



I wish I might...




...wish upon a star tonight...


that the 10 days left before Christmas...I'm surrounded by my girls...enjoying the spirit of the holidays...laughing...doing things that make all of us happy...surrounding myself with others that have the holiday spirit...the true spirit...without expectations...doing things out of love...

One tradition I have that I want to pass on to our girls is one day dedicated only to Christmas baking...we had this day growing up and it was always my favorite...but I loved it...and this year


I'm going to find that day even if it is December 23rd...and I want the girls to enjoy it...although I foresee sugar and flour everywhere...but that may just be the best part...{at least that is what I will have to tell myself...} as I realize the mess our fun has created...

We had the tradition of doing fantastic sweet treats...but my goal is to add a new one to the mix this year...spice it up a little...my little spin on things...and I'm thinking these pecan delights shown below...yummy yummy...so....if it calls to you....

{picture from Country Living}

I wish I may....


I wish I might...


wish upon a star tonight...



that these last 10 days before Christmas are just wonderful, delightful, miracle-happening, flour pouring, cookie baking, laughable, believable, and well spent for all of you too!...

And just to add to the mix...my friend Kasey who I just adore is doing a superb give-a-way on her blog with items in her shop...visit her blog...leave a comment, blog about it, and seriously "make a wish upon a star tonight" that you win it because I'm telling you packages from her...will make you literally jump for joy...it ends midnight December 17th...hurry quick because she is one inspiring woman!

Blessings to you all!

An Inspiring Weekend...

Well...it's time everyone...I've been waiting all week to tell you about my inspiring weekend...to show pictures {although I must say I just got caught up with everything at Kasey's event that I don't have any pictures during the event...but I'll link some blogs that have some...taken by fabulous and beautiful Kim herself}

...And I've been excited to announce the winners...not so fast yet...because I'm back to my inspiring weekend...

When I sit down and think about my trip, my drive, the wonderful women I met, Kasey's inspiring evening {which I re-named a couple posts back to Inspiring weekend...because it truly was an inspiring weekend} I almost feel at a loss of words...it was that spectacular...

I spent most of my time with 3 beautiful women I just adore {Kasey, Kim and Jill}...2 I just met over the weekend {Kim and Jill} since I had already met Kasey before when I traveled to her sale...I had so much fun with them...getting to know them...hearing their passions...and just talking about life...what we love...why we love it...Jill you just have a sweet heart and so welcoming with your words...so inspiring and wonderful {Miss Kasey and Kim...I didn't forget you...but since I've written below since you hosted my dear and Kim you spoke}

I cannot even tell you how wonderful they were and how thankful I was able to spend quite a bit of time with them...amazing women with a love for vintage...every single person I met had such a welcoming heart...it floored me...I really shouldn't be shocked by that but I was and I still really am...I took away so much from every single person I talked to...and when I think about the weekend...I drove home a very inspired girl!

I'm inspired to do more with my vintage love...I'm inspired to continue my work towards my dream with my business...I'm inspired to continue to make relationships with these women I now treasure...and I'm inspired to share with you that I have friendships developing that make me feel good...that make me smile...laugh...and appreciate me for me.

To be honest...I am still working on showing more of myself outwardly to people...I love to listen to others and find what makes people tick but when it comes to me...I still close off sometimes...because in reality...it is who I am to be on the quieter side sometimes...but I'm also really not either...I tell you all very often...I am a continual work in progress to share me...fully me...and I just know it will happen...and I have many many wonderful women over this past weekend who helped me do that even more...I promise I will get there...but for now...I appreciate every moment I shared with each inspiring woman...

When I think about women inspiring women...my heart goes pitter patter with joy...it makes me smile...laugh...and appreciate friendships so much. When Kasey mentioned in a post that she had the idea pop in her head {I don't remember or recall when} that she wanted to host such an event...an inspiring one...mind you...that is truly what she meant...and she did!

I enjoyed a fabulous dinner the night before...went for a run Saturday...and met the girls at Christina's shop ~ Sage Creek ~ whom I also met the night before...a wonderful, wonderful woman and shop mind you...and then off to lunch with my friend Melanie in Geneva where we also walked around some local shops...

This was a weekend where I became recharged...refreshed...inspired...thankful...and grateful to so many people. Personally I have layers of stuff to shed...but these women made it okay for me now...I hadn't been away from my kiddos and hubby at the same time well since before kiddos...so I knew this would be a trip for me to do...something that would be great just for me...I loved that! I love girl time!

I know...I know...I haven't even gotten to the evening yet...but all of these pictures are from Kasey's beautiful home...now realize please I am not a photographer...so if you would like to see some great photos please visit this link to Kasey's inspired post and to Kim from Mimi Charmante...she's the wonderful photographer that talked to us...about basics girls...because basics is what most of us needed...and now I'm sorry to say...I would like a new camera...I miss my old camera the way it takes photos...but it just isn't digital...I love the one I have...but now I want to do more...learn more...and take better photos with a great camera...Kim inspired me personally in so many ways....but she also inspired me to really look behind the lens and how to do those fantastic pictures...she is amazing to say the least...and her photos are just that great!...so I'm saving my pennies girls!

Kasey pampered us with appetizers...wine...gift boxes...stacked up high below...and so many gifts donated from so many sponsors we all walked away with a treasure chest...we drew numbers for a gift...received a beautifully wrapped gift box...

but more importantly to me anyway than the gifts was just her precious hosting {Kasey} ~ she has a true love for people...and kindness that is inspiring...I just enjoyed my time with her...she inspired me to open up more...to blog about everything my heart desires~no holding back...and to keep doing my style little by little...I have a love for vintage...for me...it's a vintage with some beachy accents...whites...creams...but I also have to have some color too...and I love how we all can personalize our vintage style to reflect who we are...our homes are a reflection of who we are...so why not stock it with things you really only truly LOVE...I've always had a love for this style...but you know I waited...waited...and waited to do anything about it...and finally about a year and a half ago...I said no more...I'm just going to do it...add piece by piece as I go along...and I'm doing just that now...

{I couldn't resist taking a shot of this #13 since it is my FAV}

I'm inspired by lovely Christina from Sage Creek who has her own shop...she's got to be one of the sweetest persons and a love for vintage since she was a little girl...I loved hearing about when she knew her style...from a very young age ~ she was born to do what she does!!!...Me I'm still learning. As a young girl...I would wear dresses and my mom would buy me the cutest shoes to go with them...but I refused of course being the stubborn girl that I am and had to wear cowboy boots with every outfit...I think my mom was mortified in the beginning just because she would always plan our outfits as moms do of young girls...and NOPE I just wouldn't do it...but she finally accepted it and laughs at it now...now I don't think cowboy boots are necessarily my style...but I realized when Christina was talking that I made a style choice even at that age...I wanted to be me...and only me...I'm honestly still finding my style {I know what I love...it's not that with clothes...it's finding what I love} because I have spent so much time growing up hiding my girlie side. It was always there...but I never reflected it...never...but when I did this dress post awhile back...I realized I am going to embrace my girlie side because it is one of my favorite sides to be honest...life is about more than how we look so that is not what she was saying. But how we dress is an expression...a very important expression of us! ...you should present yourself with what reflects you as a person...and no one else...that people are watching and can learn about you in just how you present yourself...that you can be comfortable and stylish {like my shoes on the drive down}...and times where frankly it may be out of your comfort zone but go for it if it's you! Find what makes you...you and wear it with confidence.

So me...this girl who now wears more dresses...who has always loved to have a few ruffles here and there...who loves her black, grey...browns...and pops of colors too...her boots and flats...isn't changing who I am but will start reflecting my heart, soul, and me more...so don't think I'm changing me...I'm just going to show you more of me!

{and shells I love...}

Now you all know...maybe I'm becoming known for super long-winded posts...but sharing my thoughts in written form has always come easy. I know I'm not the best writer...but just stay with me a bit longer...I'm almost done...it is just those 20 page essays I had to whip out in college almost every week to blame that I write so much...

The evening wasn't over before each and everyone of us got to sit down with eliwill and her twin sister ~ Brooke to make and design our own key necklaces...now that was so fun and interesting but I do have to admit that I had A LOT of help...but that was okay because it was the process I enjoyed so much.

Sunday morning came to say goodbyes and to be thankful my entire drive home...it was a peaceful drive where in the box we were gifted with a lovely CD from Kasey...and I got asked from hubby how many times I listened to it...well my response was since I forgot my CD's maybe 3 times with some interruption for Christmas songs too and a couple of 80's songs...yes you heard me...I have a thing for 80's music...remember I said music...not 80's fashion...

so thank you Kasey and every woman that was a part of this inspiring weekend. I met so many lovely women that I was inspired by all!

Now are you all ready to jump for joy for the winners...because I am...now I didn't do the automated generator...just didn't...I did the old fashioned way...because I think it is funner {I know not a word}...and trust us...we were honest with it...

and the winners...


for Kasey's package she will put together for you...





Shannon from the Carbajals Family ~ you can visit Kasey with your contact information when you visit her blog and e-mail her from there...




For a $30 certificate to Tara's Vintage Kitchen....




Christina from Sage Creek....please contact Tara through her shop and by clicking on the link above...




For a $30 certificate for Tracey's shop at French Larkspur...



Chris...we've got your e-mail so I'll e-mail that to Tracey and expect a wonderful e-mail back from her on how to redeem your certificate...




Thank you everyone for entering...and yep...she has dreams of one in the spring...and I have hopes of going again as long as you can repeat attendance you know...oh wow...it was wonderful...and if you ever need music during the day...hop on over to Kasey's blog and turn the volume up!

Blessings to you!

One More Day...{by hottie husband}

A few weeks back Martha said that she would like for me to do the 100th post on her blog. And I automatically thought "Oh Sh*#. I have no idea what I am going to do this on, and I am going to screw this entire blog up. But 3 give-a-ways may help in celebration of 100 posts.

{picture from French Larkspur}

Well anyway she said that I could write about anything that I wanted...

So honey...now it's MY turn. I'll give you some good stuff too.

Martha in a 4 minute nut shell. There is a reason that I picked this Brad Paisley song...She's Everything to Me. It makes me think of her everytime I hear it.

The simple things in life are what I love so much about her - from the way that she looks at me sometimes when she is trying to be silly or when she sings a certain song to me because she knows that it will make me smile. Or her gentle touch on my arm or back of my head or that soft kiss from her beautiful lips.

{Picture from Tara's Vintage Kitchen}

There are times that I just catch myself getting lost in watching her walk across the room or cooking dinner or taking care of our daughters that I think to myself that I am so happy and glad that I get to have this beautiful woman as my wife. I love to open my eyes and see that beautiful face right beside me.

...she's caring and giving

She also has to have her coffee in the mornings...if anyone wants to be safe that is.

She has the Martha look...as we all like to call it...a glare where her eyes just say it all.

She's moody now and again just as the song says. She doesn't like it when I say that though.

{picture from French Larkspur}

Sometimes she lets things bother her way too much. But I do have to say that she has been working on it and doing a better job. (Which is not always an easy thing to do, and I am proud of her for doing so.)

...the best lover and one hell of a fighter...seriously. I put these two together because she loves with the same passion that she fights with. When I say fighter I am talking about times that she had to fight through - from sports injuries (which those of you that don't know...they were her life at one time) to also giving us a family.

{picture from French Larkspur}

And other times that you see the passion of the fighting like when we have ourselves a little tiff and it does not help that we are both very stubborn and never wrong...makes for a great argument.

...that smile of hers, when she lets it go, is one of the most beautiful sights in the world

...loves to have that nice calming glass of wine at night

...loves to watch those silly pointless shows late at night to help her pass time when I am gone. I'm sorry but they are ridiculously stupid shows.

The passion that my wife has is one of the reasons that I fell in love with her. She is so very passionate about what she does and what she believes in. Whether it is running, her work, her family, or spiritual life. She has brought so many good things into our lives through her work. Not only keeping me pretty healthy but making sure that our daughters are too.

{picture from Tara's Vintage Kitchen}

My spirituality is a whole another story from where I was to where I am now. She helped me take the next step forward in my spiritual journey...thank you honey.

While I am on the theme of thanking her for things she has done for me there were a few incidents in my life that I had a really tough and trying time (one in high school, one a couple years back, and one in the last year) and she was there with me and for me when I needed her. That is the kind of woman that you want to have by your side.

I myself am somewhat of a procrastinator...so Martha's want it done RIGHT NOW does not agree with me at all. It is some of these anal and perfectionist tendencies that our girls are both picking up from her...some real trouble ahead I see.

...the one who gets so excited to see the flowers coming up in the Spring but also the one who can't wait to get the Christmas decorations out, put the tree up, and hang the lights on the house.

{picture from Tara's Vintage Kitchen}

...she loves to be covered with a ton of blankets...even when it is like 75 degrees in the house...not to mention a thousand pillows.

Martha is the best mother to our two beautiful daughters. It is so incredible to see the beauty of your wife come through your kids. And it is not just the beauty but some of what they do and say that makes me think of her. I am a proud husband and father when I see the way that my wife and daughters look at each other with so much love.

I will tell you one thing my wife is the best gift that God has and will ever give to me. To me being with my wife is a dream daily coming true and that is how it will be forever. When I am old and wrinkly she will be the one that I will be walking hand and hand with...most likely on a beach somewhere. At the end of each and every day the one thing that I ask for over and over again is that I am able to spend one more day with my wife and daughters.

 {it's me Martha now...the one who has tears in my eyes...and that is why he makes me swoon {he loves the good and the bad about me} and recently told me tonight that I am a pain in the you know what...but his pain in the you know what}...I wanted to ask him to do my 100 post because I am very happy and thankful that he allows me to write about...well...really anything I want and some things that are personal to just us too...I am so glad I can do that...100 posts...I cannot believe it because I have done quite the turn around with the blog from when I started.

I'd prefer he not talk about me...but we all write what is familiar, right?

Now details...details about the give-a-ways...

So you saw in the pictures right...thank you ladies for allowing me to show your beautiful pictures...I have linked their blog and shops below too...these are a few of my favorite shops and people...

One lovely person will win a beautiful package from Kasey herself from Lola B's Boutique...

are you jumping up and down? You should!

Another lovely person will win a $30 gift certificate to Tara at Tara's Vintage Kitchen ...YAH!

And yes one more...

A $30 gift certificate to Tracey at French Larkspur...YAH!

...Happy Shopping Ladies...and just in time for Christmas!

Requirements for the Give-A-Way...ends at midnight Thursday!

one. You must leave a comment...saying whatever you like! And if you commented on a post awhile ago where I mentioned I would enter you 3 extra times...I got you covered already.

two. If you so choose to include this give-a-way in your blog, fb, whatever...let me know...you will be entered in again.

three. If you choose to become a follower...why yes I will enter you again...but you know...no pressure...because I know that means you are signing your life away...just kidding...if you want to follow then go right ahead...if you are already a follower then you will be entered in again:)

four. For those of you who read blogs but don't have one...please still enter if you would like...just make sure you put your e-mail so I know who you are and have a way to contact you!

five. And Mr. Hottie Himself has requested you pay attention to the first 3 songs on my playlist...he changed my playlist...and wanted to make sure I pointed that out...you know how they like their credit...

On the road again...

On the road again:)....for some reason that song is being sung in my head...hmmm...interesting just because I'm not a fan of that song...but you know...those are always the ones that stick:)

...to the point now.

I'm home...

I'm tired...

I'm happy...

I'm inspired...

I'm so very thankful!

AND my rear hurts from sitting so long...I'd use {a*#} but then you may find out by chance that I occassionaly have a foul mouth....so occassionally is a funny word...those that know are probably smiling now.

BACK to the point now...

I was on the road again...today coming home from an inspired evening which just right now I will tell you...I'm renaming it to an inspiring weekend;)

BUT...since I was on the road 6 hours there and 5 hours back...I'd thought I would share some fun things I learned on my road trip...

ten.  Caffeine is a must...even before you ENTER the car...whether it is coffee...soda...green tea...whatever your choice make it a good one...this time I mainly resorted to COFFEE...since it was so stinking cold!

nine. STILL cannot get used to cruise control...I'm a control freak and every road trip I have ever done I try to use it for the convenience...but I don't even last 2 minutes...it freaks me out!

eight. ...my shoes of choice for the road trip down were these really comfy shorter heals...not dressy heals...but you know it was a girls weekend...and you feel better and less tired if you are in clothes that make you feel good...{hubby doesn't quite agree or understand that he told me}....BUT I will share one thing...it's okay to make the choice to look good and feel good while doing things like driving...

seven. GREAT music helps a TON...actually it IS the most important thing to have on a road trip in my opinion...and whatever volume you choose it just doesn't matter when you are the ONLY one in the car...for all you know I could have been rocking to 80's music!

six. carepackages are nice to receive when you start out on a roadtrip...like some green tea when the coffee is done {or soda on the way home} and good road food are nice because if you are like me...when I am by myself traveling...I don't stop for food because I DON'T like to do drive-thru's...it's not that I don't eat that food because I do...I just don't like to order...pretty ridiculous I know!

five. I think I would like to have a bigger bladder because my holds NOTHIN'...or maybe it is just because I drink too much liquid...hmm...

four. There are some FABULOUS barns along on way...and homes...and land...I actually loved that better than miles of STUFF {I mean crud} you know.

three. GPS sometimes STINKS! So it seemed I got looped around the long way there and stuck in some traffic so hence the 6 hours there and 5 hours home...and being where I went on Friday night and where I left Sunday morning was two different places on the same road...the route to leave was nothing like when I arrived...and soooo much better...

two.  U-turns are pretty fun...I was doing some directions from memory since I had to rotate charging my phone and the GPS since I left the chargers in the car the night before:0)...good thing it was a good spot to do it...I didn't quite share that one with anyone yet...because I get lectured since I am one that waits to get gas until my light is on...I guess that is a not so good thing to do...but you know...it's been okay for me so far:)

YEP...that's me as I stopped to do the U-turn:)

one. I liked doing the driving...hubby never lets me because he likes to be "the man" driving and you know that if I the woman was driving it wouldn't make him THE MAN you know!...but I felt completely less tired driving than riding passenger side...

So I realize this isn't exactly what you wanted to hear about for the inspiring weekend...but I need some more time to explain my weekend...and if you notice...next post is a big one {number wise}...I'm so thrilled so stay tuned...and I promise some pictures are coming of the inspiring evening...

If you want a sneak peak...head on over to Kasey's blog for a picture taken before we left this morning I wish I would have thought to have done that last night when we were all not tired and dark circles you know:)...sigh...