Thirty Five by 35 ~ 7/7/12

My quest to complete 35 tasks

by the time I turn 35 on March 24, 2013.

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I'm finally getting in the summer groove and hope that I can cross of a few items this next week :)  But here (in the red) is what is new for this week.

1.  Lose 65 lbs.  Total Lost:  -1

I lost 2 pounds this week!  I was so excited and still am.

I walked 3 days this week and swam 4 days.  Adding to that was not drinking pop, eating Special K Cinnamon Pecan Cereal for lunch with skim milk (so yummy).  I go Vanilla Almond to try this week too.  I've also been trying to eat healthy snacks when I need something to hold me over.

This week I would like to walk 5 days and add swimming in the afternoons also.  I might also add in some bike riding.  My Mom got a bike so I'd really like for us to do that together :)

2.  Go to Disney World. 6/7/2012-6/15/12
I'll post a pic when I get them loaded.

3.  Establish a once a month date night with the hubby.

Dinner date last night.  Then we watched the new Sherlock Holmes movie.  We also were able to get in the pool without little ones hanging on our backs.  It was fun to splash around and laugh together.

4.  Only trim my hair when necessary.
So far so good!

5.  Get the house organized.
I've still only managed the regular cleaning.  I think I need to schedule 1 room a week on my calendar.  First up will be my bedroom.  I'm hoping to get to it this afternoon/evening.

6.  Plan and go on a Romantic Getaway for our Anniversary 9/17.
So far we're tossing around some ideas.  Maybe Berkely Springs.  I really need to get this decided so I can make reservations.

7.  Plan and go on a Girls' Getaway with long-time friend(s) from school.

8.  Read 10 non-fiction books.
          1.  A Walk with Jane Austen by Lori Smith
          2.  Off Balance by Dominique Moceanu

9.  Get Laken to sleep in her own bed.
She's been doing pretty well.  She wasn't in our bed at all this past week.  I did wake up one morning and she was in with Kaylee.  It was so sweet :)  That is what I would like to see.  Doug is back on 3rd shift this week so we'll see how it goes when she knows it is just me in my room.

10.  Plan and hold a Girls' Night In.

11.  Reach 1000 Sales in my Etsy shop.  Starting at 559/1000.
+6 this week.  Now at 584!

12.  Paint our Kitchen and Dining Room.
I picked out some paint samples at Lowe's this week.  I'm still thinking about a color scheme though.

13.  Find and purchase a comfortable bike.
Now that Mom got a bike, I really wan to get my new bike.  I have to see what the money situation looks like after I do the bills this week.  Lovely, lovely bills :(

14.  Teach Kaylee to ride her bike.
Maybe if the rest of us are riding she'll get the desire to learn.  Hopefully.

15.  Get into a "Early to Bed/Early to Rise" routine.
Still having a hard time with this one.  I'll try to work on it more this week.

16.  Walk a 5K.

17.  Go to the ocean.
Daytona Beach, FL!  6/6/12

18.  Survive Laken's first day of Kindergarten.

19.  Re-arrange Craft Room/Office.

20.  Take Kaylee to play Tennis.

21.  Take the hounds for walks.

22.  Read through the New Testament.
I plan to start with Matthew this week.

23.  Plant flower bulbs around the house.

24.  Refresh my Spanish with some kind of Spanish for Beginners.

25.  Find a long-term Pen Pal.
I'm thinking about seeing if my aunt and cousin in FL want to do some kind of mini-challenges through letters.

26.  Re-make my Dining Room centerpiece.

27.  Make Apple Dumplings.

28.  Go berry picking.

29.  Bake a turkey.

30.  Make my own candle.

31.  Eat oatmeal at least once a week.
Check!

32.  Get routine bloodwork done.

33.  Make a dentist appointment and keep it.

34.  Find a facial moisterizer that doesn't make me oily.

35.  Set my Thirty Six by 36 list.

Holding at 34,

I'll be linking up to Homemaking Linkup and

High Five Friday Fragments and Favorites ~ 7/6/12

  

5 Highlights from the past week:

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1.  Swimming!!!  The pool has been so warm the past few days due to the heatwave here in PA.  I actually just got out and it was wonderful!

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2.  Bike Riding!   I hadn't ridden a bike in a few years until my Mom bought one at a yard sale a few days ago.  I took it for a spin around the block.  It made me want a new bike even more!!
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3.  Picnic!  On the 4th of July we had steak, pork chops and chicken on the grill.  We also had homemade mac-n-cheese, watermelon, corn on the cob and party cake!

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4.  Fireworks!  On Sunday night, some good friends invited us to their house to watch the fireworks that a nearby Church puts off.  There were a bunch of us hanging out and chatting while the kids swam.  When it got dark, we oohed and ahhed at the pretty lights ;)

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5.  Review Books!  This week I started accepting requects to review books.  I contacted a few different companies and tour organizers and have some review books on their way to me now.  I'm excited to add this aspect to my blog :)
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6.  I lost 2 pounds!  That in itself is enough to make me happy!

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I look forward to reading everyone's highlights from the week!

Have a great weekend!

TGIF ~ FF ~ BBH ~ 7/6/12

This post is where I combine 3 different Friday bookish blog hops and the questions posed by each.  I just couldn't leave any out!

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Q: Jumping Genres: Ever pick up a book from a genre you usually don’t like and LOVE it? Tell us about it and why you picked it up in the first place.

Yes, I have.  It was "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins.  I don't read YA very often but I knew that I wanted to see the movie.  I recently had started a "read-the-book-before-seeing-the-movie" rule.  So, while I was out shopping I picked up a copy.  I devoured it in one sitting, finishing it in the wee hours of the morning.  I can honestly say that if I hadn't seen the movie preview, I probably wouldn't have read it and would have missed out on a great book.

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Q. If you could be a character from any book, who would you be?

This is a really hard question!  I've read so many books and loved so many characters.  So, I guess just for something fun, I'd be Amanda Burns from LFYI Treasure Island, FL.  She owns a bike rental shop by the beach.  I'd love to live by the water some day....sigh....

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Q. Comfort Reads: Which books do you go to for comfort & familiarity?
I've never really tought about this before but now that I take time to think about it I would say I turn to Historical Romances.  They've always been my favorite because they are what started my love of reading. 

So for me, curled up reading a good Regency or Western Romance with a hot cup of tea is my comfort zone :)

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Is there a type of book you seek out when you're needing that extra bit of comfort in your life?

Happy Friday!

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Summer Reads Giveaway Hop ~ Ends 7/11

This blog hop is hosted by

 I'm a Read, Not a Writer & Rex Robot Reviews. 

To celebrate the upcoming 2012 Olympic Games in London, I will be giving away 1 copy of:

 

I read this book and gave it a 5/5 rating.  You can see my review HERE.

To enter the giveaway:

*Mandatory-  Leave a comment telling me if you'll be watching the Olympics and what your favorite event is.

*Extra-  Follow my blog and leave a comment telling that you do :)

The giveaway will run until 11:59am EST, July 11th.  The winner will be announced on July 12th.

For more chances to win great bookishness,

check out these other giveaway hoppers :

Its OK ~ 7/5/12

Its OK

...that we haven't mown our grass in about three weeks

...to read a book instead of watching fireworks

...to have a sink full of dishes after a family picnic

...to be glad that the rest of the summer we can just chill out and relax

...to look forward to the "Once Upon a Read-a-Thon" next week

...to want to sleep in every once in a while

...that I don't watch the news

...that I really, really want a new, old-style bicycle

...to be excited about "date night" tomorrow night!

...to be excited that the girls are staying with my parents tomorrow night!

...to contemplate making my husband take me to see "Magic Mike"  lol

...to hope the hubby might learn some mooooves from "Magic Mike"  lol

...that I can't think of anything else ;)

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Have a great Thursday!

Throwback and the Review Pile ~ 7/5/12

The read and the unread.

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We hope to be able to bring attention to some older titles (released 5 or more years ago) that may not be at the top of the current bestseller list, but still deserve a spot in your To-Be-Read pile.

"Echoes"
Series:  The Glenbrooke Series Book 3

Author:  Robin Jones Gunn

Publication Date: 1999

In this dramatic contemporary romance by bestselling author Robin Jones Gunn, Lauren Phillips enters the wild, uncharted territory of the Internet on her home computer and "connects" with a man known only as "K.C." As she struggles to recover from a broken engagement, Lauren keeps busy by working full time and striving to finish her college degree. But her correspondence with K.C. quickly becomes the thing she loves most...and the source of dreams she cannot bear to relinquish. When the opportunity comes for them to meet after a year of corresponding, Lauren faces a tough choice: Is she willing to risk everything...including a broken heart?  

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From the Review Pile is hosted by Stepping Out of the Page every Thursday.

The aim is to showcase books that you've received but haven't yet got around to reading.

"Maggie Rose"
Series:  Daughters of Jacob Kane Book 2

Author:  Sharlene MacLaren

Publication Date:  6/8/2009

The year is 1904, and Maggie Rose, the spunky, friendly, twenty-year-old middle daughter of Michigan resident Jacob Kane, feels compelled to leave her beloved hometown of Sandy Shores to pursue what she feels in her heart are God's plans for her life - in New York City. Maggie Rose adjusts to her new life at Sheltering Arms Refuge, an orphanage that also transports homeless children to towns across the United States to match them with compatible families.

Most of the children have painful pasts that make Maggie aghast, but she marvels at their resiliency. As she gets to know each child, her heart blossoms with new depths of love and compassion. When a newspaper reporter comes to stay at the orphanage in order to gather research for an article, Maggie is struck by his handsome face-and concerned by his lack of faith. She can't deny their mutual affections, though. Will she win the struggle to maintain her focus on God and remain attuned to His guidance?

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I look forward to getting lots of great book ideas for my TBR from everyone's Throwbacks and Review Pile.

Happy Reading!

Desperately Wanting, Wishing and Waiting ~ 7/4/12

These are two books, one released, one un-released that I can't wait to get my book-loving hands on!

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 Desperately Wanting Wednesday hosted by Parajunkee and Wishlist Wednesday hosted by Pen to Paper both spotlight a book that has already been released and I can't wait to get my hands on.

"Under A Desert Sky"

Author:  DiAnn Mills

Position on PBS:  #2

When Eva Fortier’s grandfather is murdered, her attorney urges her to leave New York and take refuge in the high desert area of New Mexico. — Leaving her life of wealth behind, Eva attempts to make sense of the tragedies in her life. Navajo David Benally has his hands full taking care of his people’s medical needs. But when his father asks him to help fulfill a vow made to Eva’s father, he has no choice but to oblige. He views Eva as a spoiled rich girl...until he sees her strength in the midst of lifethreatening danger.

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WOW hosted by Breaking the Spine spotlights

an up-coming release that I'm eagerly anticipating.

"Lethal Legacy" (Guardians of Justice)

Author:  Irene Hannon

Release Date:  8/1/12

The police say her father's death was suicide. But Kelly Warren says it was murder--and she has new evidence that she believes proves it. Detective Cole Taylor doesn't put much credence in her claim, and nothing in his case review suggests foul play. But when Kelly ends up in the emergency room with a suspicious life-threatening medical condition, the incident strikes him as more than just coincidence. Digging deeper, he discovers she's linked to a long-ago crime. Is history repeating itself? And who wants Kelly silenced?
With her trademark high-intensity action and taut suspense, Irene Hannon closes out her Guardians of Justice series with a story of old grudges and budding romance that is sure to increase her substantial fan base.

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Wanting, Wishing and Waiting until next Wednesday,

 

 

WWW Wednesday ~ 7/4/12

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading?

• What do you think you’ll read next?

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• What are you currently reading?

 

I was going to start this book last night but was just so stinking tired that I ended up going to bed at 9:30pm!  I originally bought this book for my daughter but she hasn't read it yet, so I grabbed it off her shelf to check it out.
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• What did you recently finish reading?

I read 2 books.  I blame catching up on DVR'd shows after the last RAT!

RATING:  5/5

REVIEW

RATING:  3/5

REVIEW

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• What do you think you’ll read next?

After "Mistwood", I'll probably read "Tomorrow's Garden"  Book 3 of Texas Dreams to finish out the series for "All Series, All Summer 2012."  I hope it is a little lighter than book 2!

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Have a great Wednesday!

Book Review: "Scattered Petals" by Amanda Cabot

 

Title:  "Scattered Petals"
Series:  Texas Dreams Book 2
Author:  Amanda Cabot
Publisher:  Revell
Publication Date:  3/1/2010
Pages:  382

Book Description (PBS):

Longing for adventure, Priscilla Morton leaves Boston and heads for Texas, never dreaming that the adventure she seeks will leave her badly injured and her parents dead. Priscilla is determined to rebuild her life and make a home for herself in the beautiful Hill Country. But the bandits who took her parents' lives also destroyed her hope for the future.
Ranch foreman Zachary Webster knows what the future holds for him, and it's not a woman like Priscilla. She deserves a cultured East Coast gentleman, not a cowboy who's haunted by memories of his mistakes. The best thing he can do is leave her alone. When necessity draws them together, Priscilla and Zach begin to forge a life that, like the scattered petals of her childhood, is filled with promise. But then the past intrudes, threatening their very existence.

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

This was the second book of the Texas Dreams series.  I pulled it off my TBR pile to read as part of the "All Series, All Summer 2012". 

I had picked this book up to read a while back and right from the beginning it was just a bit tragic for me at the time.  I also have book 3 on my pile so I wanted to get it read so that I can finish up this series.

I really had to push my way through this book.  The writing was spectacular but the subject matter was so deep, tragic, and depressing and that isn't usually what I like to read.

We're talking everything from murder to comtemplating suicide.  I don't want to give it ALL away but a person definitely has to be in a good place to read about all the heartache in this book.

My Favorite Character:

My favorite character was Zach Webster, the hero.  He swoops in on his trusty steed and saves the day :)  What a man!

My Favorite Scene:

When Zack and Priscilla have a picnic in the middle of a field of bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush.

My Favorite Sentence/Paragraph:

Everything that had happened had been part of God's plan.  The losses she had endured had made her stronger.  Her suffering had given her the ability to help others.  And through it all, God had been guiding her.  This was where she was meant to be.

Priscilla Webster page 380 

It Woud Have Been Better If:

If there could have been just a little bit more light-heartedness.  There were so few scenes of joy and happiness.  For me to really like a book the joy had to at least equal the grief.

I Would Recommend This Book To:

Someone that doesn't have problems reading books that contain very deep issues.

Rating

3/5

On to the next book,

Teaser Tuesday ~ 7/3/12

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title &; author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here's my teaser for this week:

 

~She knew every inch of the forest, every narrow path that twisted and wound its way beneath the silver branches.  They never should have found her.  She should have been up and away long before the horses' scent came to her, and very long before the sound of men's whispering drifted to her ears.~

"Mistwood"
Author:  Leah Cypress
Page 1

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Happy Teaser Tuesday!

Tune in Tuesday ~ "All Summer Long" by Kid Rock

This is a feel good summer song that I can't help but sing along to, crank down the windows and cruise along.  Just try not to bob your head!  I dare you!



Enjoy!

Book Review: "Off Balance" by Dominique Moceanu

Title:  "Off Balance, A Memoir"
Author:  Dominique Moceanu with Paul and Terri Williams
Publisher:  Touchstone
Publication Date: 6/12/2012
Pages:  240

Book Description (Amazon):

AT FOURTEEN YEARS OLD, Dominique Moceanu was the youngest member of the 1996 U.S. Women’s Olympic Gymnastics team, the first and only American women’s team to take gold at the Olympics. Her pixyish appearance and ferocious competitive drive quickly earned her the status of media darling. But behind the fame, the flawless floor routines, and the million-dollar smile, her life was a series of challenges and hardships.


Off Balance vividly delineates each of the dominating characters who contributed to Moceanu’s rise to the top, from her stubborn father and long-suffering mother to her mercurial coach, Bela Karolyi. Here, Moceanu finally shares the haunting stories of competition, her years of hiding injuries and pain out of fear of retribution from her coaches, and how she hit rock bottom after a public battle with her parents.

But medals, murder plots, drugs, and daring escapes aside (all of which figure into Moceanu’s incredible journey), the most unique aspect of her life is the family secret that Moceanu discovers, opening a new and unexpected chapter in her adult life. A mysterious letter from a stranger reveals that she has a second sister—born with a physical disability and given away at birth—who has nonetheless followed in Moceanu’s footsteps in an astonishing way.
A multilayered memoir that transcends the world of sports, Off Balance will touch anyone who has ever dared to dream of a better life.

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

I was so intrigued when I saw that Dominique was publishing a book that I pre-ordered it and had it waiting for me at the post office when I came back from vacation.

I remember watching the 1996 Olympics and seeing the Gold Medal beings won.  I was mesmerized by the story told of Dominique's life and training.

This was my first time to read an auto-biography and I was amazed!  I can't wait to dig into more auto/biographies.  I also get to use this book as one of my 10 non-fiction reads for my "35 X 35" goals.  (See the tab above for more info.)

My Favorite Character:

Of course, Dominique was my favorite character.  I can't believe what all went on behind the scenes that we didn't see on the Olympic coverages and interviews.  Her strength, physically, mentally and her character were all put to the test.

My Favorite Scene:

I think my favorite scene is when Dominique opens the package from Jennifer, the sister she didn't know about.  I can just imagine the surprize and amazement that the letter and proof must have caused.

My Favorite Sentence/Paragraph:

Gymnastics will always be a part of my life (past, present and future), and I am grateful for the life lessons and confidence it has given me.  Whether joined by thousands or standing alone, I will continue to be an advocate for my sport and push for fairness in women's gymnastics across the board.  I am eternall grateful and proud to have found my passion in what I believe is the greatest sport in the world.  As the next generation of young gymnasts reach new heights and stick their landings, I'll be supporting them and promoting our sport...every step of the way.
Dominique Moceanu, Page 240

It Woud Have Been Better If:

There really wasn't anything that I would change about the book itself.  I thought it was amazing.

I do think the amount of politics in gymnastics is horrible though.  I never would have imagined that a few people had so much power over one sport.

I Would Recommend This Book To:

Athletes, athlete wanna-bes, gymnasts, those who grew up watching gymnastics on TV, anyone who plans on watching the 2012 London Olympics, autobiography lovers.


Rating

5/5

On to the next book,

A Musing ~ Book Selection ~ 7/2/12

Each week Miz B at Should Be Reading asks a bookish question to muse over.

This week's musing :

"When you’re stuck for a book to read next, what do you do?"

Stuck for a book to read next?  That rarely happens.  I usually have an idea in mind for my next read.

I have so many books on my TBR pile that I just stand in front of them and decide what genre I want to read next.  I will then pull them randomly off the shelf and read the decriptions until I know it is the ONE.   And that is it!

Every once in a while, I'll start a book and find that I'm just not in the mood for it.  I just go back to the TBR pile and pick again.

Musing along,

Randomness ~ Listicles ~ 7/2/12

"10 Random Questions"

1. Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 23, and find line 4. What is it?

"As I was growing up with parents plucked straight out of communist Romania and plopped down in the fast-paced American culture of the 1980's, it didn't take much to see that my home life was "different".

"Off Balance" by Doninique Moceanu

2. How many times a day do you say Hi?

I have no idea.  Probably at least 10 times.

3. Have you ever worn a uniform?

The only time I wore a uniform was when I volunteered at a Christian Academy.  The uniform was a polo shirt with jeans.  Not too bad :)

4. What do you think about the most?

Wow!  Hard question!  Probably a combination of child-rearing and chores :)

5. How many keys are on your keyring?

4 keys.

6. What was the last thing you bought?

Toilet paper and paper towels!  lol

7. Are you growing anything these days?

My husband planted a garden.  Other than that just a few flowers and some children.  Oh and I'm trying to grow my hair out.  Does that count?

8. What is under your bed?

A bin with winter clothes, some misc. shoes and some dust bunnies.

9. What is most important in life?

My family and God.

10. What is the strangest word you used this week?

Hmmmm......  "Portal".  Hehe.  I told the girls they weren't allowed through the "portal" to my bedroom without permission.  They seem to think our bedroom is their's too.

Whew!  That took more thinking than I thought (pun intended) for this early on a Monday morning.

What are your answers to these 10 random questions?

Have fun!

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 7/1/12

Scripture Memory Verse ~

7/1/12-7/7/12

"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Matthew 11:29

 Hide these Words in your heart and they will be with you always.

     

Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 7/1/12

Would you like to linger on the simple things...then join me and many others in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those who are focusing on simplicity...beauty of the everyday moments.  Click the button above to go the hosting blog.

FOR TODAY:

Outside my window...  It is 86 F but it feels much hotter with the sun beating down.

I am thinking...  "How can it be July already?!?"

I am thankful...  for all my family but today I am celebrating my Dad who will turn 65 on Tuesday.

In the kitchen...  Doug made spaghetti for Sunday dinner.  That's my man!

I am wearing... Pink shorts and a white tee with blue graphics.

I am creating...  a Cat-in-the-Hat hat.

I am going...  to Sunday Evening Church in a bit.
I am wondering...  If summer will slow down soon.  We have another busy week a head.

I am reading...  "Scattered Petals" by Amanda Cabot.

I am hoping...  I can get back into a walking routine this week.

I am looking forward to...  Doug being on 1st shift so I can get my bedroom cleaned!

I am learning...  to give the girls jobs around the house that they can help me with.
Around the house...  The pool is up and ready for swimming!

I am pondering...  What it will be like when both girls are in school.

A favorite quote for today...  "Mom, look at me!" -- Laken (5) in the pool

One of my favorite things... 

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Monday and Thursday Noah and Eden will be coming for the day.  Wednesday we'll be having a cook-out and fireworks.  Friday the girls will be staying at Mom and Dad's so Doug and I can have a date night!!

Good Sunday Afternoon!