I have FINALLY been bitten...

Yes Ladies, I have finally succumbed to the desire that I have had to read Twilight. When I started blogging over a year ago, I saw this book pop up EVERYWHERE. I wondered if it was really worth the read. I even filled my checkout cart at Amazon a few times, only to exit out before finalizing the purchase. You see, I have this problem...when I start a good book...I have a hard time putting it down.

Then last week at BUNKO the girls started talking about it. I mentioned how I wanted to read them, but never actually got around to it. Lo and behold...Julie had brought Jen's copy to return to her, and Jen let me borrow it! (Thanks Jen)

I was actually able to refrain from reading until Sunday afternoon, but from there it was all over. I read deep into the night/morning, went to bed, only to wake and continue reading until Monday afternoon. My motherly duties took the backburner (I found out that I wasn't the only one!), but man was that a good read!

I now understand what has been facinating people by the truckload. Stephenie Meyer is a brilliant writer, and I can't wait to read New Moon! (I actually hit the purchase button at Amazon this time - YAY!)

52 Blessings Project - Week 28

The 52 Blessings Project
Once a week post a photo of something you are most grateful for. This gives us a chance to reflect on the good things we have learned from or that have made us better in our everyday lives or things we just enjoy! I think everyone needs to be more grateful for what they have now instead of always thinking about what we want! This is one of the things we can do to be more gracious people. It will be like a photo gratitude journal.

Week 28

One thing that I will always be forever grateful is good friends. When I was in 9th grade I went through a time where I really struggled with what direction I wanted my life. I was torn between two different worlds...the one that my parents taught me in the gospel, and the 'worldy' part. The idea of not having to be confined by the rules of my church seemed kinda nice, yet at the same time I think deep down I knew that the church was where I belonged. I started wearing revealing clothing, and just wanted to get noticed by boys. The thing that a 14 year old girl doesn't understand...is that it attracts the wrong boys. I could have gotten into alot of trouble, but I really feel that Heavenly Father was looking out for me.

Then I started High School. It was in my A-hour AA English class that I met Stephen. He was this tall guy that was super funny, and made fun of my "huge lips". For whatever reason he started asking me to come and hang out with his friends. That is where I met up with all the "Brimhall crew" - James, Robbie (who was also in my A-hour), Rick, Lisa, Bethany, Tait, Larry, and many others. They were always nice to me, and never said anything about my short shorts, or tight tops. They just liked me for who I was. They helped me (without really knowing they did) solidify the testimony that I already had in my heart. I knew that I needed to make changes in my life, and it was then that I gained a true love for the gospel.

By the time our Senior year came, our 'group' had seen many changes, but overall...I made and kept some really great friendships. Heck, if it weren't for James, Julie and I wouldn't have been as good friends as we are now. It has been hard to keep up with everyone, but I love it when we actually get together. A few weeks ago we got together for James' 30th birthday. It was great to catch up. I wish more of them could have made it. All of us will be turning 30 within the next year so we hope to have alot more parties.

I will always be forever grateful for the influence they each had on my life. I really believe that good friends are vital. I have seen children who had wonderful parents that do the best to teach their kids good principles only to have bad friends, and make really bad choices. I hope and pray that my kids are blessed with as good of friends that I was able to have.

If you would like to visit other peoples 'blessings' just go to Gardenview Cottage for a list of participants!

And the Winner is.....

Amy of "A Little of This & A Little of That"!!

All I need is your mailing info, and the labeler will be in the mail!

I used Random.org list randomizer to pick the winner, but I can't seem to get the image to load here on blogger... I just wanted you to know that the name was picked fairly. :)

I just wanted to thank all of you for entering. This was fun, and I hope to do it again soon!

"Roughing It"

The closest that we seem to get to 'camping' is going to Shawn's uncles cabin. I can't really complain. It is great that Jim lets us use it, and we always have a great time. More details & pictures to follow, but I got laundry to do! :)
Anyway...that is where I have been. Sorry to those who have been wanting to see all about James' 30th Birthday party. I promise the pictures are coming soon. Here is a sneak peek. Remember you still have until midnight tonight to leave a comment for the DYMO Labelmaker!

Need Some Help Organizing!? **GIVEAWAY**

I will be the first one to tell you that I am not the most organized person around. I long to be that person that has everything cataloged perfectly, where everything has its own 'home', but sadly I am far from it. I was so excited when Laura contacted me about sending me the DYMO Personal Labelmaker LT-100T for a product review!

The ways that this handy tool can be used is endless! There are regular plastic labels available in 4 different colors, but is also capable to make MAGNETIC & Iron transfer labels! Isn't that so cool!?

"The DYMO LetraTag Plus LT-100T is the compact label maker that is ideal for the home or small office. The computer keyboard design is easy-to-use with navigation buttons that allow for quick access to advanced features like multiple font styles, text sizing, date stamping and more. Its unique graphical display allows you to see bold, italic, underlined and other text effects on screen before you print."

I found all of this to be true. This product is sooo easy to use, and I have had so much fun 'labeling' my house away. I still have a long ways to go, but I am so happy to have such a nifty tool to help me with my organizing. Everyone could use this product in their home. It is inexpensive and can be found at your local Wal*Mart.
Now YOU have a chance to win a DYMO Labelmaker of your own for FREE! It is the handheld version of mine! For one entry, all you need to do is leave a comment here (Come on lurkers...you know you want to win this!). For a second entry, link back to this post on your own blog (it is super easy - just click on the "create a link" or "links to this post"). I will keep the contest open until Tuesday, July 22! Good Luck!