The verdict is in

It was a crazy kids running around trying to shop at Hobby Lobby with James kind of day. But, overall it was a Happy Monday! Mostly because my Christmas present came in the mail. (pictures later) and because my friend Danielle came over and had a little jewelry making party with me. I didn't actually get anything made, but I did make something over the weekend.

So....here is a little story (very short I promise) about my very first one of a kind recycled vintage necklace.

I bought this three chain necklace on Saturday.

Took it, 3 bead necklaces, and 1 pair of clip on earrings apart.

Layed things out on the table so I could see what it would look like.

And eventually put a bunch of stuff together to get this.

Ta Da!!

Happy Monday?

?

Or...

Happy Monday!

I'm still deciding.

Fun and memories

Oh my goodness where to start!

Christmas of course was wonderful. What is not to love about eating, spending time with family, eating some more, and watching your kids just about explode with excitement. I won't bore you with all the long details of Christmas morning, but I did get some incredibly thoughtful gifts from my incredibly great husband including a six pack of pliers that I needed for making jewelry and a small hand held drill so I can hang up pictures and such without him. I didn't even ask for them, he just took the time to think about me and what I could really use. I also bought myself a present but it hasn't come yet so I can't show any pictures.

We also got a CD from my Dad that was so incredibly sweet. I actually got a little bit choked up. At first Josh and I weren't sure what it was for, but then I read his card and oh the memories of a fantastic childhood came flooding back. Now my children will also be able to gallop around the house to the "Horsey song" aka the William Tell overture. Love it!

And what else do I love you might ask? Or not. Obviously I'm going to tell you anyway. Finding a new antique store! OK, so I didn't actually find it so much as my Mother-in-law took me and my Sister-in-law there, but still it was new and I got some really great stuff.

For a total of five dollars and seventy cents I picked up this very cool milk glass goblet and awesome beads. Seriously, why do people get rid of some of this stuff. The necklace was .80 cents and I already have about a bazillion ideas about what I am going to turn it into.

I also found these gorgeous silver earrings. (The button covers above the earrings I just got from my Mother-in-law Betty and I am dreaming of some really cool necklaces.)

They were all gorgeous to begin with, but after a little love and care they were amazing.

As soon as I saw the earring I immediately starting scheming about how I could take them apart and use them on a necklace, but then I put them on and "Hello, what was I thinking?"

These babies are going straight to my jewelry box. After I finally decide to take them off that is. Did I mention they are pure silver and I got them for $6.40!

Oh ya, I also found a vintage navy blue bead necklace the other day at my most favorite shop ever. It's called Southern living and the lady that owns it is an absolute angel. I picked up three necklaces that should have been $7 and with a lovely smile she said "that will be $1 for all three. Merry Christmas!" If you live in the area you have to go see her. She's on Main street. Anyway, yesterday I got out some stretchy cord and made a a pair of bracelets. I know they look black, but I promise they really are navy blue.

Now, for the find of the day. I think Betty and Kory thought I was a little bit crazy. Josh even kind of looked at me a little funny too for being so ecstatic about this.

My Mom always made lemon meringue pie on thanksgiving because it is my grandpa's favorite. Naturally having grown up eating it I also love it. Not just because I love the taste, but because it reminds me of home and my family. Thanksgiving for me really is defined by lemon meringue pie. So can you image my excitement over finding this darling pie plate and cover?

I probably would have paid a lot more for it, but as it stands. I only paid $3.99 which caused even more excitement. My husband actually hates lemon meringue pie so originally I bought it as a gift for either my Mom or my sister, but once again I made the mistake of putting it in my cupboard just to get it out of the way, and I'm afraid it's going to have to stay. Josh may not want any pie, but the kids and I can sure enjoy it.

I also found a set of The Indian in the cupboard books. One of my all time favorite books as a kid, and they are waiting patiently on my shelf for Samm to love. And, I picked up The jungle book (a family favorite) on VHS for $2 because we still own a VCR and my kids are snuggled up in blankets watching it right now. How fun is that?!

Running on overdrive

10 hair cuts, 2 eyebrow waxes, 1 foil, 2 hyper kids, 1 whiny baby, 1 sick husband, and 1 trip to the grocery store later... I'm surprisingly not tired. (don't feel too sorry for me, I'll be spending half of my day tomorrow at a spa.) Actually I think I passed tired after haircut number 7 and now I'm at that adrenalin rush jittery stage where when your 16 you start laughing uncontrollably at anything and everything. Since I am no where near 16 anymore my mind is actually just racing really fast with all kinds of thoughts about several different things. I am going to try and focus all my energy on one topic right now though.

I was going to try and post some pictures of my kids and do some Mommy blogging, but since I'm in hair mode that is what you get tonight.

I was talking to my sister-in-law yesterday about hair color and she was telling me that she saw a really pretty deep red color on someone that she loved but wasn't sure if it would look good on her. So, here are some things to consider when choosing a hair color.

If you want your hair to look the most natural and flattering, you should stay within two shades lighter or darker of your natural color. Now, I've heard some people say that you can consider your natural color to be what you were as a kid, but others have said you should not stray too far from what you are right now. My personal opinion is that if you were blond as a kid, your skin tone should still be able to pull it off.

Now, even if you are a brunette and you had brown hair as a kid, that doesn't mean you can't add some blond highlights. In fact, the right kind of highlights are pretty much flattering on everyone, since they add depth. Just don't ask for platinum highlights if you have black hair unless you are going for the salt and pepper look.

The next important thing to consider is your skin tone. What looks good on someone with a warm skin tone will not look great on someone with a cool skin tone.

Here is a little break down for you. If you have a cool skin tone you should avoid gold, yellow, and red. The best shades for your are going to be ash blonds and browns. Cool tones can also get away with the funky colors like teal although I wouldn't really recommend that unless you are either in high school or in beauty school. Burgundy also falls into the unnatural funky color category. (Is burgandy what you were thinking Kory?)

Warm skin tones should avoid blue, violet, and ash based tones. Warm golden browns, reds, and golden blonds will look best on you.

So, how do you know if you are cool or warm. Well, since I'm a Little hyped up right now, I did some looking on line and I found a little guide to help you figure it out.

Cool category: (If you are two or more of these than you are cool)

If your Eyes are:
Deep brown or black-brown
Gray blue or dark blue
Hazel with white, gray or blue flecks

Skin Tone:
Very dark brown
True olive (most Asians and Latinos)
Medium with no color in cheeks
Medium with faint pink cheeks
Medium with golden undertones
Pale with no color in cheeks
Pale with pink undertones
Brown or bronze when I tan

Hair:
Blue black
Deepest coffee brown
Medium ash brown
Medium golden brown
Dishwater blond
Salt and pepper

Warm Category: (If you are two or more of these than you are warm)

If your Eyes are:
Golden brown
Green, green blue or turquoise
Hazel with gold or brown flecks

Skin Tone:
Brown with pink undertone
Brown with golden undertone
Pale with peach or gold undertones
Freckled
Ruddy

Hair:
Deep brown with gold or red highlights
Red
Strawberry blond
Gray with a yellow cast
Natural golden blond

Now, just because you are warm that doesn't mean that every golden color is going to look great on you. Your hair color should compliment your skin, not match it. Meaning, if you have a ruddy complexion don't put red streaks in your hair.

And don't forget personal style and taste. If you love it, own it!

Where have you been all my life?

I am a little bit stubborn! Don't tell my husband that I just admitted that. For the past couple of years I have told countless clients that if they want a really good flat iron they should get a Chi.

Did I own one myself?...

Absolutely not! Why?

A) I could never justify spending the money

B) I was out to prove that you didn't have to have one to be a good hair stylist.

Well, I finally cracked. State Beauty Supply was having a really good sale and my beauty school kit flat iron just has not been cutting it for some time now.

Let me tell you...I am in Love! I used it on a friend for the first time today and it seriously cut the time almost in half. So, don't be prideful like I was. This is one bandwagon you should definitely jump on.

Don't pay a ridiculous price for it though. Shop around on the Internet and you can get a really good deal. If you just can't bring yourself to buy one because everyone else is doing it. I would also suggest the Paul Mitchell flat iron. I used a friends one time and it was also great.

I know a lot of you are yawning right now, because you have had a Chi for years, but what can I say...I really am stubborn!

Proud sister

Most of you will have no interest in this I'm sure, but my brother David recently played the piano and sang Walking in Memphis for a school concert. This is the link to it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J--7rm3absU

I sure wish I was the golden child and could have had such good piano lessons!

What can I say...

It was the kind of day where I went to the post office to finally mail off all my Christmas packages and I didn't have my purse.

So, this was the best I could do to throw together some pictures. Sorry I don't have a great camera.

Here are the earrings and hair pins that I made from the necklace. They are by far my favorite.

Another set of hair pins that I made from some earrings that belonged to my Grandma. I'm not sure how old thy really are, but they have a vintage look I think.

I fell in love with these earrings the second I saw them. All I did to them was take off the clip and glue on a post.

And finally, I made this festive headband and clip for the girls to wear with their Christmas dresses.

I still have a lot to learn about jewelry making, but it is so much fun. Now I can't wait to go antiquing again.

IT'S BACK

Whatever it is that we lose sometimes and then some how find again has just returned after a very long absence. After weeks of feeling overwhelmed by just a pile of laundry and not having much of the Christmas spirit in me at all, I am finally ready to embrace the season and my house. I only wish it could have found its way back a little sooner. With Christmas right around the corner it seems silly to waste time and money on decorating the house. I did however get to decorate some gifts last night and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Thanks to an idea from the very creative Danielle, I wrapped up this little beauty. I'm kind of wishing my name started with a J.

I also started on a new little venture of mine tonight. Am I the only one who is constantly thinking "what else can I do?" or is that pretty common to the female species? Anyway, after a few really great finds at an antique store several weeks ago I decided to try my hand at recycling vintage jewelry. Josh helped me take apart a beautiful 1950's necklace that I got at a ridiculously low price and I'm turning it into earrings and hair pins. I've got some earrings made already, but I'm not finished with the hair pins yet, but hopefully I'll have pictures tomorrow. Samm hasn't had school all week due to icy roads and I just got the dreaded message informing me that they will be out tomorrow as well. So, it has taken me a little longer than usual to get things done. I guess we are just starting Christmas break early this year.

Hop on over to Modern Myrtle to enter her darling December give away.

Back to Mommy blogging

I guess it's been a while since I've posted pictures of my three little angels. Insert sarcasm here! My brother was kind enough to send me an email reminding me to do so. I guess he wasn't too excited about my hair tips. So just for you Keith, we had a little photo shoot today. I let Samm and James do most of the picture taking. Samm even shot a great video for you all.

And now for your viewing pleasure...a very exciting two and a half minute glimpse into our lives. I think Samm has a great future in film making ahead of her.

PS. If you can't tell, I think James still wants to be the baby.

Winner

Congratulations Lisa Lewis! You are now the proud owner of "product."

A reminder and something very fun

While I have enjoyed putting together this auction and watching so many people come together to help Becky I really need to move on to the next project on my enormous list, so please make your donation and email me your confirmation number. That way, I can get you whatever great thing it is that you won and cross your name off the list in my butterfly notebook. I know, how quaint right, I'm using paper and a pencil to organize all this.

Now on to the fun stuff...

I have had this idea running around in my head for a while, but have been a little bit unsure if I should really put it into play or not.

You see, I was looking at a blog a while back that was showing off something crafty and giving instructions on how to make it, and even though I enjoyed the how to and the really cool craft, I have to admit I was a teensy bit jealous of this person's amazing talent. However, after a little self pity party about how un-crafty I am (I do try but it's not always that great) I finally remembered what I am always telling the young women at church. "Everyone has their own talents." Just because I can't whip up a before dinner skirt, doesn't mean I don't have anything to offer.

So, along with boring most of you with picture after picture of my kids, I thought I would throw in some stuff I've learned along the way about hair and probably hair removal, and whatever else I'm in the mood to talk about. I think it will be fun, and I hope you do too. And please feel free to give me your own tips. I love to learn new things!

I thought I would start out with the one product I am always telling people about. Smoothing serum! It's actually called a few different things, but basically it's that oily anti-frizz stuff. Don't freak out because I used the word oily. You don't lather it on your scalp. In fact, that's the last place you should put it. Use a pea size amount and start with the ends of your hair and then work your way up. If you have have dry to normal hair you can run your hands along the top once most of it is off your hands, but if you have oily hair just stay away from your scalp.

Now, even though I like this product because it does help smooth out the frizz, more importantly it is a thermal protector. Even if you don't color your hair it is probably more damaged than you think just from your daily styling. So, that means anyone who uses a flat iron, curling iron, or even just a blow dryer should be using some sort of smoothing serum. I use a little bit before I flat iron to protect my hair and a little bit when I'm done to make my hair smooth and shiny.

My two favorites are Matrix's sealing serum

and Pureology's shine max. Pretty much I love anything from pureology

The Matrix usually retails for $12-$15 and the pureology is usually $15-18 depending on where you can find a good sale. If you can't afford that much and you don't have a really cool hair stylist friend who can get you a good deal, you can also get similar products at (I hope I don't get struck down for saying this) Wal-Mart or any store that sells hair products. They aren't quite as good of course, but they will be cheaper and still do a decent job.

Did you think that was the "something very fun?" well, if you did you were wrong. The really cool thing is that because I do get my hair products cheaper and because I love to give presents to people I am going to give someone a bottle of the Matrix sealing serum. (I also love it when people do give aways on their blogs and I sometimes do want to be a little bit like everyone else. Not very often though.) So, just leave me a comment telling me what your favorite styling product is, or why you don't use them at all, and on Thursday probably sometime after my kids are in bed and I can actually sit down at the computer I will randomly select a winner. Fun huh?

Thank you everyone who participated in this auction. It really went above and beyond my expectations. As just a reminder, if you are the winner of an item, simply click on the Team Becky button located on my sidebar to make a donation in the amount of your items. Then, email me your conformation number (sally.rollins@gmail.com) and verify what it is that you won and I will get your items to you or put you in contact with the person offering your service. If I need to send your item in the mail please also include your address.

The list of winners are:
Custom tutu - Jenn for $15
Tree onesie- Anna-Kare $20
Pacifier clip- Jody $5
Family 4 pack of haircuts- Angela $45
Candle holders- Stephanie $10
Scripture paper mache box- Shireen $7
Reindeer paper mache box- Amy $10
Snowman plate-Amy $20
Merry Christmas plate- Shireen $7
Bottle cap necklace- Stephanie $15
Webkins- Kari $50
Raincoat, umbrella, & hanger- Patsy $20
Computer- Shireen $80
Blog start-up Terina $20
Embroidery- Darla $15
Fleece baby blanket- Keith $35
Nail art- Rachel $15
Wreath- meggykate@hotmail.com $5
Will pack #1- dwarcey@sbcglobal.net $100
Will pack #2- Lisa Denham $100
Golf clubs- Searcdj $26
Modern Myrtle item- Keith $130
Hair cut and color- Lisa $50
Baby hat- Keith $50
Cake by Lisa- Jody $40
Farmhouse painting- kphipps@amcmtg.com $50
Moon flower painting- Barbara $25
Winter scene painting- sharicasper@camcasper.com $25
Chocolate house- Eddington girls $25
Floral centerpiece- Julie $35
Basketball tickets- Darla $ 30
Alan's photography package #1- Angie $55
Alan's photography package #2- Tracy $50
Felt flower "A"- Tricia $15
Felt flower "E"- Joni $5
Felt flower "L"- Joni $5
Felt flower "S"- Joni $5
Felt birds- Brooke $12
Assorted cards pack #1- Kerstin $25
Assorted cards pack #2- Brooke $23
Vinyl lettering- Anna-Kare $15
Baby afghan #1- Keith $25
Baby afghan #2- Kerstin $30
Portrait drawing- TJ $45
I spy quilt- Natalie $75
Babysitting by Amanda- Shireen $30
Novelty cake by Jen #1- Jody $30
Novelty cake by Jen #2- Pepple family $25
Bedroom painting- Lisa $70
Dog grooming- Kristin $22
Desk- meggykate@hotmail.com $20
Massage- Jeanette $50
Carpet cleaning- Lisa $35
Photography session by Amber-Valgae $55
Nordic track- Barbara $30

Total: $1,832

From jennshideler.blogspot.com:
Pacifier clip #1- Sally $10
Pacifier clip#2- Natalie $10

From allthingslogsdon.blogspot.com:
Hot cocoa cones pair #1- Cindy $3
Hot cocoa cones pair#2- Cindy $3
Hot cocoa cones pair #3- Ada $3
Hot cocoa cones pair #4- Brooke $5
Hot cocoa cones pair #5- Shandolynne $5
Hot cocoa cones pair #6- Julie $5
Cookies in a jar set #1- Cindy $5
Cookies in a jar set #2- Cindy $5
Cookies in a jar set #3- Ron $12
Cookies in a jar set #4- Ron $10
Recipe for cookies in a jar- Ada $5

From ourbrokenrecord.blogspot.com:
Scrapbook- meggykate@hotmail.com $23
Thankyou cards- Betty $15

From darceyfamily.blogspot.com
Six pack of hats- dazzledia@sbcglobal.net $12
Family fun basket- Julie $40
Closet organizer- Ohleen $40

Total: $211

Making a grand total of $2,043 raised for the Summers! Thank you all a million times over for helping to make this happen!

Shouting for joy in my head

I woke up this morning with no voice so I really am just shouting in my head. I am so excited that I finally get to announce that my sister is pregnant!

Big deal you might be thinking?

Huge deal actually!

It took three years of heartache, lots of fertility treatments, and finally in-vitro fertilization to get the spunky little girl they have now. This one was a complete surprise. No trying, no crying, and no invasive procedures...

Huge Deal!

Reminder

The silent auction to benefit the Summers family is one week from today. If you are planning on participating could you let me know as soon as possible. I will have several items from myself and other people up for auction here on my blog and then links to everyone else who will be auctioning off items from their own blogs.

I would like for everything to be posted by Saturday so people can start browsing and getting an idea of what they want to bid on, so if you can get your info to me by Thursday that would be great.

If there are any questions as to how this is all going to work or confusion about anything please don't hesitate to email me at sally.rollins@gmail.com

HILARIOUS

Is your husband a manly man? You know, the kind that refuses to do anything that might be considered even the slightest bit feminine? Well, mine sure it. And so is my Brother-in-law Chris which is what makes this so stinkin hilarious.

Sorry Chris! I do love you, but this is too funny to not share.

Holy cow, look who's 4 now!

It's him!

Grandma and Papa took him to breakfast Saturday morning and then to the store to pick out a toy. He already knew exactly what he wanted and he is loving it. There's also a certain other much bigger boy who is having some fun with it too!

I don't do a party with friends until they turn five, but we did have a little party with the cousins after church.

This is me showing off my Batman cake. To see more completely unnecessary pictures of this cake go here.

And this is our big boy blowing out the candles just as hard as he could.

Our little Bubba is so grown up now that we're not even allowed to call him Bubba anymore. It is strictly James now.

Double Trouble

This is James and his friend Sarah. Little miss Hulk and Mr. storm trooper were up to no good today while I was coloring the hulk's Mom's hair.


I had just finished telling Lindsay about how when Sarah was over last week the two of them had found some baby powder and sprinkled it around the living room when I walked down the hall and discovered a cloud of dust in James' room.


Yep. The entire brand new container of baby powder had been emptied onto the toys and floor.
Oh, and a little bit on them as well.

We did have to dust off everything in the room and vacuum, but it really could have been worse.

Just my opinion

Can you say Low budget film. So, I don't want to discourage anyone that plans on seeing the movie, but my advice is don't go in with too high of expectations.

I'm glad that is the approach I took, otherwise I would have been mad that I wasted $10 and half a night of sleep.

However, I still suggest to anyone that you do read the book. I can loan it to you!

Am I crazy?

"I stood in line at midnight to get the book, I might as well go see the movie at midnight."

I thought my sister was a little bit nuts when she told me that she was going to the midnight showing of Twilight, but she does have a point. So, I am trying my hardest to nap today so I can stay awake for the movie tonight. Can you tell it's not working so well. Maybe I'm just too excited. Or, it could just be this little problem I have called insomnia.

Probably a little bit of both.

Not so crafty crafts

My sister just started a new blog for all of us wanna-be crafty people. You can check it out here. It's an open blog to anyone who wants to show off their crafts. Just email her and she will add you on. Or just leave her a comment and suggest an easy craft for all of us to try.

Happy Days

My sister-in-law Kory posed a question on her blog last Thursday. What is your idea of a perfect day? My answer involved a day of no fighting between Samm and James, of course shopping, and watching my husband wrestle around with the kids. I don't know what it is, but something about watching him toss the kids around and hearing them squeal in delight makes my heart want to burst in happiness. I Love it! And if it's possible I think I love him even more for it.

Most of the time I just sit on the couch and watch, but tonight I actually got down on the floor too, which means that Josh was pulling double duty. Throw the kids around and protect Me from getting trampled on. James still forgets that Mom is much more fragile than Dad.

Poor Samm had to sit and watch from the kitchen table for quite a while because she wouldn't eat her dinner. It was chicken and stuffing for crying out loud, but she was throwing the biggest fit I have ever seen. And she usually throws a fit every time we sit down to eat. At one point she was wailing on and on about how if she sat at the table all night she wouldn't get to go to sleep and then she wouldn't be healthy. That was followed by "If I'm not healthy I might die. Please Mommy please, I don't want to die!" I think it made her even more mad that Josh and I were laughing hysterically at her.

Eventually though she just couldn't stand watching us have fun without her any longer. I think she had it all down in less than a minute.

I know I look a little bit drugged, but Josh and I don't take pictures together very often, so I wanted to post it anyway.

OK, and what is it about torturing our children that is so amusing?

I mostly played with Macy so I wouldn't get hurt, but even that didn't work out so good for me.

And this is what teething looks like at our house. Rosy red cheeks and a very runny nose. Don't you just love her big pirate tooth coming in up top.

Happy days indeed!

At a loss for words

It was 35 degrees outside this morning with a wind chill of 15 degrees. Do you think that stopped people from bringing items to donate? Do you think it stopped all of the fabulous people who worked the sale? Some for 10 hours. Do you think that stopped people from coming to the sale so they could donate to a very worthy cause.

Oh No!

I was once again amazed and inspired by the generosity in people. Most, complete strangers who had just heard from someone else about why we were raising money.

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

And most importantly, Thank You to Heidi for pulling it all together. Enjoy your day tomorrow without the phone ringing constantly. You earned it.

PS. We raised a little over $2,700! Amazing isn't it!?

A Royal Announcement

Her Majesty the Queen and His Majesty the King

~it goes in that order because Samm is always the boss~

And her Royal Chubbiness

~She was actually peeing on the floor while I took this picture~

Would like to announce...

Sparkly Square's 100th post!

~insert cheers from the crowd here~

I need to throw a shout out to my friend Kate who encouraged me to start a blog, my kids who give me something to blog about, all of you who for some reason actually care what I blog about, and of course to my husband who never gets jealous of the time I spend with the computer instead of him!

In all seriousness, some people consider blogging to be an idle waste of time, or just a reason to parade around our best selves. Which sometimes I will admit it is both of those things, but I have found it to be so much more than that as well.

It has been a way for me to stay in touch with family and friends, reconnect with old friends I haven't seen or spoken to in years, express my love for the four people I care most about in this world, and in so many ways it has inspired me to be a better mother. Sure, most of the time we blog about the good and not the bad, but is there really anything wrong with that. As long as were not pretending to be something were not than I say let's continue to inspire and gently remind each other of what a treasure it really is to have the hardest and most rewarding job there is. I know I need it.

And since this is a commemoration of sorts click here to read my very first post and find out why my blog is called Sparkly Squares.

Oops. Sorry. The day kind of got away from me. Check out my side bar. Thanks Natalie.

So I know there is an easier way to do this, but since technology is not my thing we will have to do it the hard way until one of you enlighten me. If you would like to add the donation button to your blog just email me and I will send you the code. I tried to post it here but I was hit with a big fat "you can't do that."

I seriously have a love/hate relationship with computers. And don't be laughing at me if you think this is the easiest thing in the world to figure out. We all have our own strengths. Now you know what mine isn't!

Some matters of business

Well, there was bound to be some mistakes made. Sometimes, no matter how many times you, or in this case, three other people proof read something, you just don't see the error.

Thank you to Danielle for pointing out that my email address posted on the silent auction info is incorrect. There are only two l's in my last name, not three. So, here is the correct email address. sally.rollins@gmail.com If you have posted that flier on your blog, please make the necessary correction.

Also, it has been brought to my attention that there may be some confusion about the part that Goodwill will play in the garage sale. It will be all unsold items that will go to them after the sale. Not all of the items that you donate.

And thank you so much to all of you that have contacted me about being part of these two fundraising events. You rock!

So, what delectable items of eatery are you planning to wow us with this weekend? Here is a little sampling of what I am working on.

I've spent the better part of today playing with a truffle recipe I just received. They may not look like much, but they are melt in your mouth good if I may say... And I will!

I also whipped up these cute little containers last night to package them in. Very easy to make, just save your formula cans.

I'm very excited for our sale on Saturday. Not just for the money that we will raise for the Summers family but also because some of the best baked goods in the city of Tulsa will be available to you.

And finally, don't forget about the upcoming silent auction. Start tapping into your creative side and have some fun with this. I had to dig really really deep into my genetics for this one, but I'm pretty excited about what I have come up with.

Sorry to disappoint you but it will not be my awesome photography skills that I will be auctioning off. Just these cute little felt hair bands for your little princesses. Here is my question for you though. Would it be better as a clip than on a rubber band? Clips never stay in Samm's hair so I went with the band. They are a little trickier to put in, but not impossible

Check back tomorrow for another great way to show your support for Becky.

Becky's beloved Duane passed away this morning peacefuly in their home. Please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

The official info

SUMMERS’ BENEFIT
GARAGE SALE/BAKE SALE
All proceeds will go to the Summers Family.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
7:00AM- 3:00 PM
1701 Hickory Ave, Broken Arrow
Please donate baked goods and gently used items to sell.
All unsold items will be donated to Goodwill after the sale.
Drop off items Saturday morning or contact
Heidi Roberts for further info: toddandheidiroberts@hotmail.com
H: 286-7075 C: 978-6003


Summers’ Benefit
Silent Online Auction
All proceeds will go to the Summers family.
December 1-3, 2008
Monday-Wednesday
Please donate new items
or a service to be auctioned.
(example items: handmade items; event tickets; gift baskets; craft items; services i.e.: baked/cooked goods, babysitting, yard work, home maintenance, floral arrangements; Professional Services i.e.: painting, haircuts, carpet cleaning, haircuts; 72 hour kits; cookbooks; etc.)
To bid on items go to: www.sallyrollins.blogspot.com
To donate & participate, please contact:
Sally Rollins at sally.rollins@gmail.comDanielle Olaveson at daosunshine@hotmail.com

Please pass this along to anyone and everyone!

Prayers can stregthen

Over the past few months I have been following the story of Stephanie Nielson and her family. It has been so reassuring to see the outpouring of love and support from people around the world. Complete strangers who are willing to donate money to their recovery and even more importantly all those who are praying for them. In a world where we are so bombarded with evil it has given me a renewed sense of hope that their are good people left.

There are other Stephanie Nielsons out there. They don't all wear red lipstick and have perfectly styled homes, but they are just as devoted to their families and are struggling through their own tragedies.

I would like to introduce you to my friend Becky. She is a self proclaimed chocoholic, and in her own words she is "just and ordinary mom trying her best to raise seven extraordinary kids."

Those of us that know her can testify that she is anything but ordinary. She is an exceptional mother, friend, and wife. She would do anything for her family or any one of her friends, but right now she needs us.

Her best friend, love, and her life is fighting hard in the final stages of cancer. We will be doing a silent auction right here on my blog very soon, and a large benefit garage sale possibly next weekend to help raise money for their beautiful family. Any one that lives is the Tulsa area and would like to help participate can contact me at sally.rollins@gmail.com

However, right now, right this minute, what she needs most our your prayers. Please pray for our beautiful Becky!

You can read all about Becky here.

You can read all about her superman here.

I finally found it.

For eight years I have been searching for the one item that will make my Christmas traditions complete. I make the apple cider on Christmas morning, I take a picture of the tree and all the presents underneath before I let the kids come out, and I even make them draw thank you pictures the day after. The one thing that I haven't been able to do though is light a candle every Sunday after Thanksgiving until the Sunday before Christmas.

Do you know how hard it is to find a candle holder for four candles? Nearly impossible! For eight years I have been scanning almost every store I go into. I think I do it out of habit now more than in actual hopes of finding one. Then finally, yesterday, at a little antique store on Main street I finally spotted the candle holder of my dreams.

The absolute best part....it was only $5.

Since I'm assuming most of you are not familiar with this Swedish tradition, let me explain. The Sunday after Thanksgiving you light the first candle. The next Sunday you light the first and second candles. And so on and so on. Get it? Unfortunately I can't remember the whole point of the tradition. (feel free to enlighten me if you do know) All I remember is that the candles end up looking like steps leading up to Christmas. Basically I think it is just another fun way to count down to Christmas.

I also spotted this little jar that I thought would be perfect to hold fresh flowers. Sorry for the bad pictures.

Turns out I was right. I've been smiling all day.