Dear Mother Nature

As I'm sure you can imagine,

this weather is about to issue me a one-way-ticket to the whack shack (aka, the crazy house).

However, in an attempt to not totally lose it on dear ole' Mother Nature, I'm going to attempt to focus on the positive aspects of it being so cold outside that I can hardly function:

First, have I ever mentioned that Libby wants to be meteorologist when she grows up?

And that she's OBSESSED with the weather channel?

She's so obsessed in fact that earlier this week, we had this conversation:

Me: "Lib, come eat your breakfast please."

Lib: "Just a minute, Mom."

Me: "Libby, TV is not more important than breakfast. Let's go."

Lib: "But Mom, it's almost time for Local on the 8's."

Seriously?

Here's a picture she drew at school last week of what's appropriate to wear this time of year and what is certainly not ok for winter weather attire:

This coming from the girl who just recently tried to dress her little sister in a bikini.

She did, however, warn me the other day to wear a hat because, and I quote,

"The winds are gonna be light and variable today."

Oh, how I love my smart little girl.

Know what else I love?

Having an excuse to make Hollyn wear a snowsuit.

Can you say 'A Christmas Story'?

Because that's what I think about every time I see this:

Uh oh, baby down.

And I don't think she was too happy about it, but sometimes a Mom just has to do what a Mom has to do...and dressing her kids in something silly just because she knows said kid will look so stinkin' cute happens to be one of these things.

So, I have to ask, how are YOU maintaining your sanity in this weather?????

And a few friendly reminders:

* If you're planning on entering my linky party, which I hope you are, this wintry weekend sounds like a great time to do that.

* The Milkfly giveaway ends Feb. 8th.

*The GracieMaeKids $50 credit giveaway ends tomorrow night at midnight.

Oh, and have you ordered your Peace, Love, Africa shirt yet?

Here's hoping you are somewhere warm and sunny.

But wherever you, happy Friday to you and you and you.

How Sweet It Is

See these three precious faces?

Well, thanks to our recent t-shirt sales and loving support from not only their friends and families but from total strangers as well, they are well on their way to being able to go to Africa this summer.

Every day this week, I've talked to Kristen.

And every day this week, we've talked about how in awe we are of the way God is providing for her and her effort to do and be better by serving orphans in Africa this summer.

We have literally been blown away by the amount of support she has received so far. I say 'we' because although I don't feel like I'm meant to go with her this summer (it's coming though-- just not until Libby is old enough to go with me), I certainly feel called to help get her there.

And while it has warmed my heart to see her friends and family support her, it has literally brought tears to my eyes  to have my friends, especially those who haven't met Kristen, go out of their way to help her too.

If you are one of them, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

There's just something extra sweet about helping a stranger, about going out of our way to help someone for no reason other than because we believe in what they are doing.

To me, if life is a cupcake,

random acts of kindness are the cherry on top.

And, just one week into our t-shirt sales, we're already realizing there are an awful lot of you out there liking cupcakes, so to speak.

So far, our shirts will be finding homes in seven states.

Think we can reach more?

We certainly hope so.

Have we reached your state yet?

 If you're sitting home tonight with plans to donate or buy a shirt, what are you waiting for?

Tonight seems like a cupcake kinda night to me.

Milkfly Giveaway: Feb. 4-8 and a winner

First, congrats to comment # 14, JANELLE KEITH, on winning the Hopelovescards giveaway. :)

And now that one giveaway has ended we should start another, lest the world should stop spinning on its axis, agreed?

So, in an attempt to save the world, bloggers, I'd like you to meet Milkfly.

This adorable Etsy shoppers features some of the cutest felt food I've ever seen.

Feast your eyes on this deliciousness:

Can I just say that not only do this shots make my mouth water, but I am in awe of her attention to detail! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them!

I seriously believe each piece is its own little piece of art.

And, the owner of this shop would like to give one of THESE to one of YOU:

Did I mention that it's called "Pretty Please with a Cherry on Top"?

I mean, seriously?

Could this shop possibly be any more adorable?

I vote 'no way, Jose'.

Want to know how you can win this for your little Valentine?

It's simple.

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Visit Milkfly on Etsy, drool a little, then come back here and leave a comment telling me what made you drool the most.

OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:

*Heart Milkfly via your Etsy account.

*Buy something from her shop and tell me what you ordered.

*Tweet, blog, or facebook about my Africa t-shirts and leave a link or comment telling me you did -- no pressure, but you know I'd greatly appreciate it. :)

*Become a follower of my blog or remind me that you already are one.

*Join my linky party or remind me that you already have.

*Tell me about something nice someone has done for you lately. Hearing this will hopefully put a smile on my face, which I need, seeing as how I'm totally exhausted since teething, still stuffy Hollyn refuses to night night.

Be sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do.

Happy commenting and good luck to you.

Love Is In the Air

I can't believe it's almost Valentine's Day,

 and what's Valentine's Day without a super cute card from your honey

and some for the ones you love as well?

Here are some from Etsy that I'm just LOVING this year:

from here

from here

from here

from here

from here

from here

from here

from here

from here

And I'd fill whatever cards I send with these:

from here

What are YOU loving this Valentine's Day????

Wordish Wednesday: My Two Babies

Yesterday I was on  a mission to get a good picture of Hollyn and Doc.

Easier said than done.

I was able to get Hollyn:

And I was somewhat able to get Doc, thanks to Hollyn bumping into me at just the moment the camera flashed:

But here's what I got when I tried to get them together:

Poor Doc.

Thankfully Hollyn's not tall enough for his feet to have left the ground so there was no real danger, but he certainly doesn't look like he's enjoying our picture time.

But when I asked Hollyn what she thought might have been wrong with Doc in that last pic.,

she had no idea.

Here's hoping you have a fabulous Wednesday.

Here are a few friendly reminders:

*Hopelovescards giveaway ends tonight at midnight

*GracieMaeKids giveaway ends the 5th

*My linky party ends next Saturday, the 12th

*Been wanting to follow my blog but not sure how to do that? Check here.

*Want to know more about the AFRICA shirts I'm selling now through March 1? You can read about them here.

Another Way to Help

Props to all of you on the t-shirts sales.

As of this morning, I'd sold 18, and seeing as how we still have a month to go, I have high hopes that we can easily help Kristen reach her goal for her Africa trip this summer and be able to donate to the orphanage as well, which is something she'd really like to be able to do.

Speaking of Kristen, did I mention that she got seven, that's right s.e.v.e.n., shots this past weekend to prepare for her trip?

And if you know Kristen, you know this must mean she REALLY wants to go to Africa, because she's not exactly a fan.

And if you're even as close to as proud of her as I am, and you'd like to help her get to Africa, there's something else you can do other than buy a t-shirt, make a donation, and send prayers her way;

you can become a sponsor on my blog.

From February through June, I'll be running a sponsor special:

$10 a month (you can do one month or all five)

and ALL THE MONEY GOES TO KRISTEN.

In case you didn't know, I average over 6000 views a month, so sponsoring would be a great way to promote your blog, website, or business. You'll be featured in an in-depth post, have your button posted on my sidebar, and have the joy of knowing you did something to make a difference.

Don't have a button? Not a problem; I'll make one for you.

If this is something you might be interested, let me know?

mccallald@yahoo.com

Can't wait to hear from you. :)

GracieMaeKids Giveaway: Feb.1-5 and a WINNER

First, congrats to HEATHER, BRENT, and the BABIES on winning the Relaxed Beauty Giveaway. And today happens to be Heather's birthday, so H-- I hope it's wonderful. :)

Also, thank you to everyone who ordered t-shirts yesterday! WOW! But in case you weren't on the ordering boat yesterday, it's not too late to jump aboard now; the shirts will be available for pre-order now through March 1st.

And now, bloggers, I'd like to introduce you to GracieMaeKids.

You can also find them at their website, but regardless of where you find them, your find is bound to be spectacular.

This fantastic Etsy shop focuses on the somethin' specials for your little someone special.

Check out this beauty:

And I think Hollyn would be ADORABLE in this:

And I think this little skirt just can't be beat:

And this might be my favorite thing in their shop:

I just love how their pieces are so bold-- it's so different from what I normally see when I shop for something special for Libby..and I dig it.

Wouldn't this next piece make a statement on Easter or Valentine's Day or the petite Miss's birthday???

And here's the Libster's dress that she's DYING to wear to school picture day Thursday, even though it's supposed to be like 30 degrees. Guess I'll be fighting that battle tonight, won't I?

Well, are you in love yet?

I thought you might be.

In that case, get excited,

because the store owner would like to offer a

$50 store credit to one of you!

 Did your day just get a little better?

I think mine got better just by typing that.

Want to know how you can win?????

TO ENTER (MANDATORY):

Visit GracieMaeKids on Etsy, browse through all the goodness, and then come back here and leave a comment telling me the name of your favorite item.

Optional additional ways to enter:

Please leave a separate comment for each of the things you do.

* Like GracieMaeKids on facebook.

*Visit the GracieMaeKids blog.

*Purchase something from their shop and tell me what you bought.

*Heart their shop via your Etsy account.

*Become a follower of my blog or remind me that you already are one.

*Buy a t-shirt or donate to the Africa fund or remind me that you already have, but only if you want to-- this entry option is meant as a thank you , not a means of peer pressure. :)

*Enter my linky party and tell me about someone who inspires you in your post.

*Post about the AFRICA shirts on your facebook, twitter, or blog.

The winner will be chosen via random.org on the morning of Feb. 6.

Remember to leave a separate comment for everything you do to enter, and good luck to you.

Oh, and don't forget--- today's the last day to enter the hopelovescards giveaway.

One more thing, if you're a faithful reader of my blog, which I greatly appreciate, would you mind following it? I know you're out there because my stats tell no lies, and I would love to know who takes time to read. It's super easy to follow. See that button on my sidebar that says 'Follow' above the pics. of some people who already have jumped on the following bandwagon? Well, you click it. The end.

And please, never mind my sarcasm-- you can blame Hollyn and the fact that she's staging an all out sleep protest. And maybe, just maybe, you can love me in spite of it. :)