How Do You Choose Who To Marry?

I get forwards all of the time. Most of my family and friends don't seem to get that I don't like forwards. I don't forward them on and if I'm being honest, most of the time I don't even read them.

I have a few dear family members that just get forward happy. I swear they forward ANY email they get and I am convinced that most of them are like me and don't even read the forwarded "jokes."

As I say this, I am going to go against that, so please disregard the above comments for ONLY A MOMENT. I got this forward and I laughed out loud at a few of them, especially the last one.

In an effort to get your weekends off to a great start, I decided to share these with you. Enjoy.

How do you choose who to marry?? (all answered by children)

1. HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?

You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming. -- Alan, age 10

No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with. -- Kristen, age 10

2. WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?

Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then. -Camille, age 10

3. HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?

You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids. -Derrick, age 8

4. WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?

Both don't want any more kids. -- Lori, age 8

5. WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
When they're rich. -- Pam, age 7

The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that. - - Curt, age 7

6. IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?
It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them. -- Anita, age 9

7. HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?

Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump truck. -- Ricky, age 10

Have a great weekend.

Snow Leopard is on the prowl

It is a well known fact that I love the Olympics, I mean love, love, love them.

Part of me is already sad that they are almost over. I love the excitement, the crashes, the funny commentaries (even when they aren't supposed to be funny), and the stories. You know I love a good story.

I love watching the athletes live out their dreams and there is always an underdog. The Olympics are so fabulous for the fact that they truly bring the world together for 16 days. People get along, cheer for each other, learn a few things about others, and show true human compassion. I am not ashamed to tell you that I have shed more tears than most shed in a year over these past Olympic filled days.

I first read this story in the Magazine Bible, aka, People Magazine and then read an article in the Washington Post about it as well.

Meet an underdog and someone who has worked hard and has big dreams that are coming true this week.

This is the Snow Leopard also known by his real name of Kwame Nkrumah-Acheampong. Some of you may have read about him as well or seen pieces on him.

This 35 year old is an Alpine Skier from Ghana.

That's right. You read that right. Ghana. As in the African country known as having a tropical climate and one with an average annual temperature of 79 degrees. (Thanks to Google for helping me out with the average temperature information.)

He will be taking to the slopes tomorrow to ski as the country's first and only Winter Olympic athlete. He hadn't even seen snow until 2002 and only been skiing for 6 years.

The Snow Leopard says "My goal is to try and beat some other countries who have snow. We might not have big budgets, like the Austrian ski team. Most of these guys have skied since they were young. So if I can take down a few, I'm happy."

Apparently the outpouring of love and support has been phenomenal while he has been in Vancouver and he is quite the celebrity. It is quite impressive that he has only been skiing for 6 years and was able to qualify for the Olympics.

His spirit and the support of fans is exactly what the Olympics are all about! I will definitely be cheering on Team Ghana tomorrow.

Have a great weekend.

PS-This story reminds me of Cool Runnings, you know about the Jamaican bobsled team from the Calgary games 30 years ago??? I love that movie. Did you know that this was the first year since that original qualifying that the Jamaican bobsled team hasn't qualified? Just a little trivia for you to pass on. :)

(Thanks washingtonpost.com for the quote from the "snow leopard.")

Hearts in Numbers

Last month we had a post on Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and now as February is winding down (can you believe it???) I'm here to do a little ditty about our hearts. Call it a soapbox, but I much prefer Public Service Announcement.

As a woman and person with a beating heart, we should all help spread the word about heart health and disease awareness.

I'm sure there are ways that we all can improve our lifestyles to better our hearts. I know that I have many things to work on and unfortunately, I bet we all know someone who has a loved one that has battled heart disease. Pass along and take a stand against heart disease, especially in the lives of women that we know and love.

February is a month of love and puffy hearts everywhere, but since 1963 Congress has recognized it as American Heart Month.

*Worldwide, 8.6 million women die from heart disease each year, accounting for a third of all deaths in women.

*8 million women in the US are currently living with heart disease

*Under age 50, women’s heart attacks are twice as likely as men’s to be fatal.
267,000 women die each year from heart attacks, which kill six times as many women as breast cancer.

*71% of women experience early warning signs of heart attack with sudden onset of extreme weakness that feels like the flu - often with no chest pain at all. Medical professionals are challenged to respond to women's milder symptoms, acting with insufficient guidelines.

*Women who smoke risk having a heart attack 19 years earlier than non-smoking women.

*Women's hearts respond better than men's to healthy lifestyle changes

Here's a quick guide to a healthy heart and prevention:

~Exercise regularly (try to do atleast 30 min. a day)

Eat Sensibly (limit fats and saturated fats, drink water, follow the food pyramid)

~Manage Stress (get a good night's sleep, use relaxation techniques)

~Control Blood Pressure (high blood pressure is often called "The Silent Killer")

~Avoid Potential Problems (Don't smoke; control diabetic blood sugars, avoid drugs, work with doctor or mixing medications, etc)

~Have Healthy Relationships

Thanks to Women's Heart Foundation for the facts. Have a great day.

Just a wave

Some of you konw that a few weeks ago Mini #2 and I started delivering a biweekly Meals on Wheels route.

I didn't write about it after our first time because I did not have a good attitude about it. I was mad and really not feeling it. Our first jaunt did not start off as I had expected or hoped.

Organization is not the best asset for the folks running it. If you know ME, then you know this is not a recipe for eternal love.

I was so mad the day that I started and was in tears before I had even started. My route consists of 23 people and the town that I deliver to is a very rural and poor town about 25 min. from where I live.

Had it not been for a sweet woman that I delivered to my first day, honestly I don't know that I would have continued.

The woman's name is Sarah. Mini #2 and I took her meal to her door that morning and she commented on how sweet and cute Mini was. She seemed like a kind woman and reminded me of my grandmother. (My sweet grandmother volunteered for Meals on Wheels for over 10 years and in the summers when I was a girl and would come to visit her, I used to ride with her) Sarah told me briefly about her grandchildren and mentioned that she missed them. As I left, she stood at her door waving.

She waved as I walked to my car and strapped mini in to her carset, waved as I closed my trunk and got in my car, waved as I backed out of her driveway and waited for a few cars to pass. She waved until I turned the corner.

I bet her arms were tired after that. It was a small, but sweet gesture.

I thought of her while delivering the rest of my route and several times since. The route I deliver to is a humbling experience and some of the situations and homes were just unimaginable to me before I started this.

I fixed my attitude and reminded myself over and over and over why I was doing this. Sometimes you just need to give yourself a little pep talk and say a prayer or two throughout the way.

Yesterday morning, I made Ms. Sarah my first stop and she came to the door smiling. She said that she was happy to see us and she wished we would come every week so she could see us. She wasn't feeling well today and I wished her well and told her I would see her in two weeks. Per my request, Mini #2 waved bye-bye and we turned to leave.

Ms. Sarah stood at her door and waved. She waved that whole time until she couldn't see my anymore and it made me smile.

Something so simple, but something so lovely and needed...it's just a wave.

Have a great day.

.

It is my time of the month.

UGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

And I can't have chocolate or coffee because of my brilliant plan for Lent.

Please pray for my minis that their hormonal and difficult mother will make it through this time.

Hope you'll have a swell day.

PS-I know there will be a few ways to take this post:

A-Way too much information and not necessary this morning.
If that's you, I truly do apologize and hope I haven't scarred you.

B-Amen! I totally understand what you are going through and I have already said a prayer for those sweet minis. I am trying to throw some great feel betterness through the screen.
If that's you, I am in love and this is one of the many reasons that I love blogging. You're the best.

C-Combo of A & B
If that's you, I get it and am a combo of sorry and in love (as per A & B)

Dearest Neighbors,

Hi! I hope you're doing well and counting down those days until spring. Less than a month is the official kick off to spring. I drive by your charming house several times a day with my minis and I live just a few blocks away and don't think we have had the pleasure of meeting before.

Soon, the weather will be warming up, flowers and trees will be blooming, the birds will be singing sweet songs each morning, and everthing will "wake up." It's such a great time of year and I can't wait to enjoy the weather and the great outdoors.

Speaking of spring, did you know that your Christmas decorations are still up? I know that it was a chilly winter and those few times of flurries and ice might have made you want to curl up and think of it as a whie Christmas, but I do believe that it is best to put up those decorations so you can enjoy them so much more in about 8 months when it is that festive time of year again.

I would be happy to help you take the wreath, holly garland, and one wooden reindeer down and stashed away for safe keeping. After we get your house all squared away, I was thinking we could pop over to that house around the corner. Those poor things still have the icicle lights hanging that weren't even working this holiday season. It really is our neighborly duty, don't you think?

I look forward to spreading the cheer, cleaning, and organizational fun with you.

Kind Regards,

Mrs. Molly Lou

___________________________________________
Ad if you couldn't tell, DRIVING ME INSANE! :) Hope you had a wonderful weekend. Have a great day.

Snapshot Saturday~NEW Spring fun

Happy Saturday.

How adorable are these NEW shirt designs for the little ones in your life. There are a few other new ones too...just in time for spring. We have so many shirt styles and colors and enough designs to dress the minis (or monsters) you know in a different one each day.

These would be great to get them excited for spring or surprise at Easter.

We have some other really fun new items at the shop. Check out our All Things New page on our site.

Have a great weekend!

You NEED this Magical Creation...

I swear that since moving to this home, we are magnets for door-to-door sales people (we get both men and women) and once we got three people from the same company in the same day.

It amazes me how many we get and unfortunatey my children are too loud and most of the time the people can see in through my living room windows and know I am home. If only I had quiet minis that would just crawl as to not be seen running around.

We receive a hodge podge of every product under the SUN that we must have and need to try.

Everything works so much better, is new and improved, and downright magical if it is being sold door-to-door. I wish I could be one of the writers and trainers before these folks go in to the field. I have heard some doozy lines (and yes, I did just use the word doozy) and whopper tales of how perfect their product is.

I have answered the door to gutter cleaners, pool chemicals, vaccuum cleaners, home security systems, encyclopedias, window screens, children's books, magazine offers, and various cleaning products.

I now have one that should win an award for the BEST door-to-door pitch. It's my personal favorite "the best all-purpose cleaner in the world. So good that you could clean your baby with it."

You all know me and how I am. I was definitely intrigued by the "clean your baby cleaner" being sold by the less than cologne smelling man right at my door. I wouldn't even need to travel to the store to scour the cleaning aisle for this miracle product or see the commercials for this new cleaning phenomenon and dream about its abilities.

This guy was really gun-ho about this product and explained that he was out trying to make an honest living. He got a cut from each bottle of cleaner he could sell and he was just "trying to sell soap, not dope."

Yes, you did in fact read that right.

This best in the world cleaner could clean anything-countertops, glass, wood floors, metal, ceramic tile, bathrooms, ovens, plastics, concrete, tires, and don't forget-your baby.

He even sprayed a bit on my glass storm door and wowed me by how streak-free pretty half of it now looked.

Truth be told, you know I am OCD and I am always looking for a new cleaner. This is one that I probably would have purchased if the one concentrated bottle (obviously, he doesn't know about my love for clorox wipes-no way that would last months in my home) didn't cost $50.

$50?!?!?!?! Would love to explain that one to Mr. on why it was an absolute necessity for that cleaner. I can imagine me giving my own sales pitch and throwing in that we could clean the minis with it to a less than enthusiastic Mr.

I'll just have to dream about that cleaner and think of it everytime I see my half streak-free and super duper clean front door.

*SIGH*


Have a great weekend.

Haphazard Thursday

It's a conundrum of funundrum?!

What is a show that is full of overstimulating activities and sights including motorcycles, clowns, colors, canons, elephants, acrobats, and a train full of Barnum's Funundrum???

If you guessed, Ringling Brothers & Barnum Bailey Circus then you have successfully and so very smartly solved this conundrum.
Last night the minis and I along with Mini #1's best friend, Abby and her mom hit up the circus! Big time was had by all. Aren't they just so darn cute and that lovely smile that my son is sporting is just perfect?

____________________________________________

I am still passing all of my Lenten give ups with flying colors. Over 24 hours in to Lent and I haven't cheated once and only thought about it 135 times. Come on, no coffee, chocolate, pizza, or pasta, I am downright proud of myself. Only 39 loooooooooooooong days to go.

____________________________________________

Dr. office phone receptionist + Me=ANNOYED.

I have had a few gals who are normal, kind and very helpful, but lately, I swear I keep getting the "I hate my job, so therefore, I hate you" people on the other end.

Yesterday, I was trying to spell our last name AFTER the person asked me for it again and as I am rattling off the letters, she says "I got it the first time."

Really, oh I'm sorry I thought you asked me for it again? Then, after being asked what my child needed to be seen for, I am explaining and she says "well, it is just a regular sick visit, so it doesn't matter."

____________________________________________

One of the best blog friends there could possibly be in the whole wide entire Blogland world bestowed upon me the very awesome Blogger BFF award. Name twin of Living in the Moment is fabulous. I am so lucky and blessed to call her my friend. (Side note, but I am pretty sure that BFF is skyrocketing to the top of any list of the most used "words" or phrases of the 21st century.)

Now, I'm to pass this on to five of my Blogger BFFs and explain why I gave it to them. I could pass this on to many wonderful and lovely blogs. Here goes...

1. Erin at ink OBSESSION designs-she is such a wonderful, creative, talented and steadfast friend. I have known her for years and am thankful to call her my friend.

2. Joan at Bitsy Creations-Joan is another uber talented and creative woman. I love that she is a fellow mom and often says "been there, done that" or "I know just how you feel" when I am ranting about motherhood or need some advice on the minis.

3. Whitney from That Girl and Her Pug-She is honest, smart, funny, and oh so fun. She is fun to read and I always look forward to her Trivia days and "It Might Be a Bad Thing if..."

4. Kim at Experiments from a Galley Kitchen. She is amazing and beautiful and easy to talk to. She is also an amazing cook and one of my life goals is to be invited for one of her yum-o meals.

5. Katie from The Perks-How I love this fellow SC gal. When I read her blog and some of the fun things she gets to do around the low country, I sometimes pretend I am tagging along. She is also an amazing cook and I hate that her baked creations seem to get lost in the mail. :)

I guess that is enough randomness for one day. I hope you all are having a fantastic Thursday.

Have a great day.

It was just FAT

Yesterday was FAT Tuesday.

Heck, every Tuesday is FAT Tuesday for me, but yesterday was the extra special one.

It was extra special, because it is the day that officially decide what I am giving up for Lent and then FAT it up all day on those things. It is the day when balancing food groups, calories, fat grams don't count and overall gluttony takes over.

I am not Catholic (Mr. was until he married me), but I have always given something up. No one else in my family did, but to me it just made sense. Jesus gave his life for me, so therefore I should be able to give up something that I really, really, REALLY love for a measley 40 days.

LONGEST 40 DAYS OF MY LIFE! Each year, I think it will be easier, but each year I feel like a 3 year old in the middle of a 40 day temper tantrum.

Back to yesterday, I savored those items that I won't be having for the next 6 weeks.

This year I have decided to give up chocolate; all of it's beautiful forms-hot, cold, frozen, melted, solid, dark, white, peanut buttery, crunchy, gourmet, mochaness, and the list could go on and on. I get a little choked up just thinking about it all.

I am also just saying NO to pizza, pasta, and the biggest of ALL...COFFEE. I am really nervous how this will go. It was so easy to give up coffee the second I found out I was cooking the minis (currently, I am not), but this is like insane and completely VOLUNTARY!

These are things I shouldn't eat near as much I have or would prefer, so this is also a healthy step too with just a really good excuse.

These choices pretty much mean that Mini #1 and I will not be friends or even really share a meal together for the next 40 days as pasta, chocolate chip muffins, and pizza are things he should really have in an IV form...it would save me a lot of time in preparing them too. It would also save me some sanity if I would just succumb and give it to him intravenously instead of battling with him to eat anything else.

So friends, I will need your encouragement, thoughts, and prayers for myself (and the minis with a mama that has no coffee in her system) over this Lenten season.

I hope you lived it up yesterday on Fat Tuesday.

Have a great day!

Are you exhotted?

Exhotted???

Scene from Mini #1 at bedtime last night:

(Mini #1 playing trains and working on a new track on his floor and sees us at his door.)

Mini #1: "Hey guys. Want to help me with this new track? Watch this..."

Mr: "Wow, that's awesome, but dude it's bedtime."

Me: "Great job, sweetheart, but it is storytime. Come on."

Mini #1: "But I'm not exhotted."

Mr.: "Exhotted? Is that anything like exhausted?"

Mini #1: "No, I said I'm not exhotted. I want to play with my trains."

Me: "Sweet boy, I think you mean exhausted. It's bedtime and Mommy and Daddy are exhausted."

Mini #1: "Um, Mom, it's not exhausted. That's not right. It's exhotted and I'm not exhotted. I don't want to go to bed."

(This continues on for a bit. Mr. makes some joke about him being an exotic exhotted boy. Mini gives him his usual look and eye roll. After a few more persuasive techniques, we read from Pirates Past Noon and All Aboard Trains and he passes out quickly-he may not have been exhausted, but definitely exhotted.)

I hope you all had a great weekend, but between family being in town for a visit, sickness, a holiday to throw off the schedule, I am EXHOTTED.

Have a great day.

Salute to the Presidents

Happy President's Day!

Just coming off the high of Valentine's Day, now it is time to plan your planning your big tribute bash to George Washington and Abraham Lincoln today. Perhaps you are baking a birthday cake in honor of these lads.

I know a few of you are enjoying the day off and sleeping in. That would be Mr. Molly Lou, but unfortunately we have two minis and they don't believe in sleeping late and Mr. does not seem to hear them on these days off. Coincidence???

I thought I would give you a few fun and interesting facts about the 1st and 16th presidents of the United States as well as a few "President's Day" facts. These are great to just drop in conversation. People will either think you are really cool with your vast knowledge skills or a total dork. (I know you all are so thrilled you keep me around...the cool factor always goes way up when I am in the crowd.)

*Often depicted wearing a tall black stovepipe hat, Abraham Lincoln carried letters, bills, and notes in his hat.

*Washington liked icecream and in fact had an icecream cooler or two installed in his house when this certainly wasn't the norm (wikipedia claims it was the first ice cream cooler in the colonies...)
*Washington was the first president to be featured on a postage stamp.

*Abraham Lincoln was the tallest president, measuring 6'4".

*Abraham Lincoln had a dream predicting his own death. In that dream, he heard crying in the White House. When he asked the person who had died, he was told it was the president.

*George Washington's second inaugural address was the shortest ever delivered, just 135 words.

*The term "President's Day came around in the 1980's, the term isn't all-inclusive.

*In Massachusetts, they honor all of the presidents that have come from MA: John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Calvin Coolidge, and John F. Kennedy.

*Alabama uniquely observes the day as "Washington and Jefferson Day", even though Jefferson's birthday was in April.

*In New Jersey, Illinois, Connecticut, and Missouri, while Washington's Birthday is a federal holiday, Abraham Lincoln's birthday is still a state holiday, falling on February 12 regardless of the day of the week.

*In Washington's home state of VA the holiday is legally known as "George Washington Day."

Now that your head is bursting with more useless knowledge, enjoy your holiday! Happy Monday.

Have a great day!

It's Heart Day!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

I heart you all and am so thankful for you.

Enjoy this day with all those you love!

Valentine Funnies

"I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon. "~Author Unknown

What did the boy lightbulb say to the girl lightbulb on Valentine's Day?


I love you watts and watts


What did the boy snake say to the girl snake?


Give me a hug and a hiss, honey.


What did the boy pickle say to the girl pickle on Heart Day?


You mean a great dill to me.

HAHAHA! I know you all are just dying of laughter over on your side of the screen. You had to smile at a few of these at least. :)

Happy Valentine's Day! Have a great weekend and enjoy some Olympics!!!

PS-Want to win some FREE Molly Lou Gifts products? Give yourself a little Valentine gift and hop over to The Missionary Mama's blog for a chance to win a $20 gift certificate to our shop? Winner will be announced February 17th. While you're over there, make sure to wish her little man a happy birthday.

Haphazard Thursday

This week is just flying by in some ways, but others oh my word it is long.

*I was slack and forgot to mention this yesterday. CONGRATULATIONS to Sara Lang on winning cards from the newest member of the Molly Lou Gifts family, The Kiwi Tree. YAY Sarah! Thanks to all who entered. Email me by Sunday and we will get you all squared away. Click here to take a peek at these hilarious, fun, creative, and unique greeting cards.

Use code FREESHIP to receive free shipping on your order.

*If you can't talk, don't answer your cell phone. This has been happening more and more to me lately. I would rather leave a message than have you answer with an attitude and tell me you can't talk. Case in point, yesterday I called someone about something for church last night.
_________: "Hello."
Me: "Hi _____________. I just wanted to let you know..."
_________: "I can't talk right now. I'm in the middle of a class."
Me: "Oh ok. sorry about that."
_________: "Did you get my message yesterday? I left one when I was at the mall about hte hearts for the craft tonight. I'll just have to call you back this afternoon when I am finished at 4."
Me: starting to answer, but then I hear dial tone.

Hangs up phone. WTF? Don't anser the phone if you can't talk.

*Today is Mini #1's Valentine party at school. There will be mailbox decorating, candy necklace making, pizza and cupcake making, and a Valentine exchange. Mini is giving his friends a Valentine book and card that he made for each one of his friends. He did a great job and wrote his name on all of them.

*I am so excited about the Olympics. The Molly Lou family will be having a grand time at our Olympic party (very elite guest list). We will make Olympic ring cookies and have a rockin' good time watching the opening ceremonies. I heart the Olympics so much and can't wait to watch all of the skiing, skating, bobsledding, oh my.

*I have a problem with (...) I use them way too often. I know this annoy's some and am working on it. Those three little dots . . . are just so useful and can totally help stretch out a point, change points rapidly, and leave thoughts running. (I know that was extra random.)

Happy Thursday!!

You are my Sunshine...

my only sunshine

You make me happy when skies are gray
You'll never know dear
How much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away.


I live in a constant crazy hormonal state and I realize this probably isn't normal. I tear up everytime I even think about that song. I have been singing this song to the minis since they were born. I often whisper it in their ears when I am trying to calm them and now that they are getting a bit older, in those brief moments of cuddles, I will whisper it in their ear.


My newest BFF blog friend, Bevy from It's a Golden Day has passed The Sunshine Award down to me. The Sunshine Award is given to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspire others in the blog world.

Thanks Bevy!

Clearly, she is drunk and/or delirious since she passed it to me, but I am going to run with it. (Obviously I am kidding...she is just that nice of a person.)


The rules, once this award is received, are as follows:
1. Post the logo on blog.
2. Pass the award on to fellow bloggers.
3. Link the nominees' blogs so others can get to know them.
4. Let nominees know they have won this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to the person you received this award from.

There are so many wonderful and fun blog out there that I am so happy and thankful to know and read daily. These girls that I have included are always offering a ray of sunshine and sending it my way. They are such great friends.

Living in the Moment

That Girl & Her Pug

Perfectly Pleasant

Experiments in a Galley Kitchen

Bitsy Creations

The Perks

Namaste By Day

Stuttering Shell

French Charming

Happy Wednesday!! Thanks again Bevy...you rock!

Impressively Pathethic or Pathetically Impressive?

I think I have reached a new low or high depending on how you look at it.

Yesterday, we had that whole heating debacle. We stayed up late Sunday night (I did more watching than working, but I was still needed occassionally and clearly couldn't go to sleep while Mr. was working away) and then woke up really EARLY (like 5 am) to try again at getting some warmth to the downstairs. Well, about 8 hours of work/frustration/anger, two thermostats, and a $75 HVAC housecall later, it was a blown fuse, but is now working. The downstairs is as cozy as we can afford and we no longer have to worry about the minis having icicles attached to their faces.

I digress. That whole story really has nothing to do with my point, except that I was late in taking a shower and getting ready. Mr. left for his long drive to work as soon as we were finished with the heating problem and I took a shower. The minis and I were going to the zoo and I needed to get moving.

For you mothers and/or wives, you know how hard it is to get any time alone and there are always little people/husbands hanging out with you when you are in the bathroom, etc.

This is where I get to the point of reaching the NEW high and/or low.

I managed to read Mini #1 a story (he held it and turned pages while I read) and give Mini #2 a snack (pulling crackers from the tube) WHILE SHOWERING.

That's right girls, the normal 3 minute, 14 second shower that I take daily to semi-rid myself of dirt and grime has now also become a time for multitasking as well. I caved to the whining and crying and rocked my skills. AHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Seriously, can I not get that 3 minute, 14 second time to myself? This is exactly why I try to shower before they get up, but from now on, I am locking the door.

Surely they can't do too much damage during that time. I just won't think of the 457982 things that could happen during those 3 minutes, 14 seconds and I will just lather while singing to "I Will Survive."

Have a great day!

____________________________________________

Today is the LAST day to enter The Kiwi Tree card giveaway. Sadly, not many have entered...great for you all that have, but share the love~enter and tell a friend, please?!?!?!

It was an accident

Accidents happen, right?

Accidents happen all of the time. Sometimes they truly ARE accidents and others they are just the result of bad choices.

I am really big on teaching my children about good choices and bad choices. If you choose to do this, then this will happen, etc. Our minister on Sunday talked about this and how most accidents are not really accidents, but the results of bad choices.

You know getting in to a car "accident" while texting or talking on the phone is not really an accident, but the result of the bad choice of choosing to talk/text instead of paying proper attention the road. The list of examples could go on and on.

However, I disagree. We are an accident prone family. Let's examine a few pieces of evidence that clearly demonstrate a few of our ACCIDENTS.

A. It was an ACCIDENT that I ate 4 of those damn Little Debbie Valentine cakes in one day. I mean they are only about 2 bites wide and they ACCIDENTALLY found their way in to my mouth.

B. It was an ACCIDENT that I left the room to get a much needed cup of coffee and convinced myself that my daughter would make the right choice.

C. I'm sure Mini #2 would say it was an ACCIDENT that she found herself playing with the toilet water, pulling her bow out of her hair and it ACCIDENTALLY fell in said toilet. There just isn't any other explanation about that.

D. It was pure ACCIDENT that I slammed my hand in the cupboard door after yelling at my husband about not closing the cabinets. I was only in a rush to get the cabinets closed and had nothing to do with my yelling at him and trying to prove a point.

E. It was an ACCIDENT that I drank about 10 cups of coffee yesterday to combat my exhaustion. I really thought I was drinking water until I became all jittery and BLAH feeling later.

F. It was clearly an ACCIDENT that my husband left a full glass of tea on the edge of the counter and anotherACCIDENT that Mini #1 was being a train and chugging violently by, knocking the glass over with its contents spewing everywhere (and I do mean everywhere.)

G. It was by no bad choice, but all ACCIDENT that my husband decided to try to install a new thermostat to our downstairs heating unit during the 4th quarter of the Super Bowl. New thermostat doesn't work and something is now wrong with the old thermostat. That = NO heat downstairs.

You see, accident prone. Trust me, I have many more bits of evidence that I could pull out to show that my family and I are an ACCIDENT waiting to happen.

What kind of ACCIDENTS have you had?

Happy Monday. Have a great day.
_______________________________________________

The Molly Lou Gifts Valentine Gift Sets are only $12, but this deal ends tonight. They will go back to their original price of $20. They are ready to ship and will give you plenty of time to put your creative and unique touch for ALL of your Valentines. This set includes folded notes, post cards, gift tags, and stickers. If you want to send them as a gift, we are happy to include a personalized gift message and send directly to your recipient.

Move over Annie Leibovitz...

there's a new photographer in town.

Mini #1 loves him some digital camera (we love it because we can delete away and not waste film). He received an old one of Mr.'s from a project he had done.

He is enjoying the freedom of having his own camera to bang around freely snap approximately 246 pictures a day.

Some days he is actually really good and others notsomuch. Some are just "abstract" art.

At 4, I smell photography prodigy, don't you agree????? :)

Happy Sunday!

(Don't you just love the "Flock of Seagulls" hairstyle and completely dazed look of the picture he snapped of Mini #2 shortly after she woke up?)

Sweet Savings, Yes Please!

Happy Saturday! Can you believe Valentine's Day is just over a week away?

Time sure does fly when you're having fun.

To help get us all in the mood to celebrate the Day of LOVE, we are offering our Valentine Cupcake Gift Set for only $11.00 until Monday.

Yes, you read that right...$11. Yippee!

This is the perfect set for all of your Valentines and sweet treats! It was already a deal at $18, but a must-have now.

These are ready to go, so there is still plenty of time for you to use the notes, postcards, stickers, and gift tags to wish all of the lovelies in your life a Happy Heart Day!

This set includes:
A set 8 Note Cards "Cupcake, Be my valentine "

a set of Postcards, "Cupcake, Be my Valentine"

a set of 8 Valentine Gift tags

a set of 10 Cupcake Stickers inscribed with "Valentine"

Click here to make your way over to the shop. This special will end on Monday! Also, check out our other 2010 Valentine Love Finds.

Happy weekend!

Now Presenting (Part II)...

Wednesday, we introduced our new line of fabulously unique greeting cards from The Kiwi Tree.

Today is part II along with a giveaway to get us weekend ready...here are just a few more of our new items.

Oh Snap.

(Back: that's the way the cookie crumbles.)

How Ya Ben?

Good Luck (don't blow it)

Again, the cards are blank for your own friendly inspiration for your loved ones. We also have a variety pack!

These cards ship for free. Use code FREESHIP at checkout to get the free shipping. We also have a variety pack, buy 5 cards and get one free. (The free shipping code can be used towards your entire order, however, at least one The Kiwi Tree card needs to be in your order.)

It's GIVEAWAY time!!!!
We love this new company and are excited to work with them. Enter to win 3 free cards of your choice.

1-Be a follower or become one.

2-Blog and/or tweet about this giveaway. Link it back to our blog and/or to our twitter account (@mollylougifts)

3-Comment on your 3 favorite designs and who you would send them to.

4-Give an additional comment with any witty or interesting saying you would print on a greeting card if you had the chance.

Enter by February 9, 2010 and the winner will be announced on February 10, 2010. Random.org will choose our winner.

Have a great day!

Brain Block=No Fun Title

I got nothin' for a title.

All creativity and wittiness has left me and I am pretty sure they aren't coming back anytime soon.

I used to be a semi-creative person and could definitely do Martha proud at time, but lately NOTHING. I just stare at things and the craft store is enough to send me in to the rocking fetal position in the corner. And don't even get me started on my funnies.

I digress.

Thank you for all the well wishes, thoughts, and prayers for Mini #1. Your comments, texts, emails, and messages meant a lot...I felt like I had a whole room of friends with us.

His surgery went fine and he could not have been any more PERFECT. We were so proud of him...he acted like such a big boy and received many compliments on his behavior and nice manners. He talked to all the doctors and nurses and there were no tears. The Children's Hospital is a wonderful place. He even got to go back about 1.5 hours earlier than expected and so far so good.

He is uncomfortable at times, but all in all almost back to normal. The hardest part is wrestling him for some medicinemany times a day and the fact that he can't ride his bicycle for two weeks.

After a trip to Moe's for a taco, chips, and cookie after the hospital visit and the necessary trip to the toy store for a remote control train set and the game of checkers, he was a fairly happy camper.

A giveaway is coming tomorrow. Stay tuned. Have a great day.

PS-I am trying to catch up on blogs. I'll eventually catch up, but if anything I should know, please let me know asap.

Now Presenting (Part I)...

We are so excited and thrilled to announce and welcome the newest member of the Molly Lou Gifts family, The Kiwi Tree.

The Kiwi Tree is a stylishly chic greeting card company that is definitely "paper with personality."

You can now make your friend or family's day with these unique cards. Your friends are sure to love these and remember them always. It makes card writing fun and we are sure you won't want to write on anything else.

Here are just a few of our new items. Part II and a giveway might be coming tomorrow.

___________ you.

You're great (and dim sum)

Don't judge me.

(and on the back it says "It's not like I married a Scientologist, shaved my head, or dropped out of rehab and became a lesbian...")

All the cards are blank on the inside for you to write your personalized anecdote or random thought.

Use code FREESHIP to receive free shipping on your The Kiwi Tree cards. This discount code can be applied towards your entire order, however, at least one TKT greeting card must be included.)

Be sure to pop over and check out the new items.

Have a great day.

Pray...

Please pray that he doesn't hate us for life and that his surgery goes smoothly.

Today is the day for poor Mini #1. My mom is kind enough to watch Mini #2 for us and hopefully we will be running around by the end of the afternoon.

We discussed it a lot yesterday and I think he is understanding what will happen and ok with it. He asked questions and showed some reservation, but "the talk" was good.

He has been promised a big, fat trip to the toy store after we are released. I also have a few little surprises to take to him in recovery.

Teddy, Max, and Sam the bear have accompanied us as well, so you know those peeps can make anything better.

Thanks for all of your thoughts today. Have a great day.

Box of Memories

Happy Monday. Hope you all had a great weekend. I can't believe it is FEBRUARY already!!

I love Family Fun magazine. It is always full of interesting and fun ideas. This month's issue had an article called "OurBox of Memories" and it told of one family's tradition.

The have box and each night at dinner they write a few sentences about what they did that day on an index card. They store each day's card in an old greeting card box filing them by day. This is their way to capture the little moments-new fish, friend's visit, zoo trip, no cavity trip to dentist, etc.

I thought this was a great idea and something that our family could and should do. This would be especially great since Mr. is gone during the week...there might be little things that I forget to tell him that are big in the Minis minds. I also thought that for now, we could write our sentences and then Mini #1 could draw a picture on the bottom.

As much as I want to write a full out diary/journal, it just ain't happening so far. This way we can do this as a family and it is becoming part of our dinner routine.

For our box, I painted a plain wood box, then used my handy dandy Cricut to cut out these lovelies to embellish it. I also made monthly dividers and this box is big enough to hold two years worth of carded memories.

We started this weekend and so far off to a great start. You could make this box and give it as a gift to a friend or family member, do with your school class, start one for yourself-quicker than journaling (you could put a few days on one card), etc.

And who doesn't love a good craft project?!?!? :)

Have a great day!