Reading, reading, reading

Just finished Water for Elephants, it was my pick for our very first book club read. At first, it was hard to get into, then it kind of became a "I need to read this", lastly...I was hooked. My gal-pal dived right in and loved it, she kept telling me...keep reading, you won't be able to put it down. She was right, it hit me, and couldn't stop reading. I definitely recommend reading it before you see the movie (even though, I believe Robert Pattinson & Reese Witherspoon are going to burn up the big screen together!) Books are always better, in my opinion.

I also finished reading The Dead Path, written by Stephen M. Irwin. It was spooky and kept me at the edge of my seat (or bed, I should say). I believe it's his first novel, well written, but a little hard to follow. Sort of a "hard" read is what I like to call it. Even though I found myself having to re-read certain sections, I was completely scared out of my mind reading it! If you like ghost stories, this would be a great one!

Now I'm on to The Blood Oath, written by Christopher Farnsworth. As I started out reading, I kind of rolled my eyes a little over the story concept. A vampire that is bound to the President of the United States for all the days he walks the earth??? Hmmm...yeah, not sure. However, as I continue to read, it's a fascinating story unfolding and I can't help but be intrigued. So, for now, I'm still reading...I'll keep you up to date...until then, keep reading!!!

I HEART Crochet

Been busy...with lots of crochet!!! Here is the beanie that I'm working on, just learned the puff-stitch, and I'm going to town on it. Everything puff-stitch...scarves, flowers, hats, possibly a blanket? The possibilities are endless...

Space Cadet

That is what I am...for the last 2 weeks, I've forgotten to post my Sunday Love's...how lame can I get? Stick around, you'll find out sooner or later how bad it really is. I guess that means I have to double up on the list, huh? That's o.k...I think I can manage. I'm feel'n really lovey, you would know that if you've read my last post :)

1. Papa Bear has been preaching at church, and he really is loving every moment of it, so am I!

2. The crocheted projects that I've been completing...it makes me smile.

3. The new Weight Watcher Points Plus program is working for me, and I've lost 13.8 pounds so far!

4. I'm in Love with the stack of books next to my bed...I checked out 12 Lovely library books.

5. These boots are on my wish list...I'm definitely Loving them....

6. I really Love Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches :)

7. My really sweet friends chose our gang to hang out with on Super Bowl Sunday!

8. I Love that I've stayed caught up on the laundry for a few days now (it's kind of like a miracle!)

9. The 4 "J"s brought home lots and lots of A's...so very proud of them!

10. My mom...she just amazes me, and I hope one day, I'll grow up to be just like her.

11. The mantel all full of Valentiney stuff.

12. I Love the smell of Papa Bear early in the morning, (all squeaky clean) when I'm still cozy in bed and he leans over me with a big goodbye kiss.

13. I Love the comment I got from a long-time ago friend on FaceBook...it really put a hop in my step.

14. This one I'm not so sure I should share, but...I'm really Love'n the fact that competition cheer is over and I can finally rest a little...

There they are, my 14 Love's...what are yours?

Be mine, Valentine

OK...so I really got into Valentines Day this year. I know....some of you gals out there are rolling your eyes right about now. You just don't see why we should celebrate this day, it's the spawn of commercialism, right? Another frivolous holiday? Silly to even recognize it?

Let's just calmly discuss this topic, shall we? To begin with, I will give a you a list of why I like to celebrate and recognize Valentines Day...

1. First, and foremost...it's all about Love...and we all know what "Charity" means, right? (so why wouldn't a girl with a name that means Love not celebrate the holiday that surrounds Love?)

2. It's the one day out of the whole year, that I can be as lovey-dovey, stary-eyed as I want to be with Papa Bear...and none of the 4 "J"s get grossed out.

3. Papa Bear is kind of a romantic, and on Valentines Day he al

ways sweetly surprises me in special little ways or sometimes big, exciting ways!

3. It's all about the red & pink, what's not to like about those amazing, girly colors?

4. Never (in my book) can there ever be too many holidays that involve chocolate, these days I need a special occasion to eat it since I've embarked on WW.

5. Making fun memories, no matter what it involves, for my kiddos is one of the MOST important things I do as a Mom.

6. It never has to be about gifts, it's the memories that count. Like the first year Papa Bear & I were married, he brought home 2 new decks of playing card because he knew how much I LOVE playing Nerts!

7. Who doesn't like to have another "Date Night"? They're too far and in between as it is...can I get an Amen?

8. Great reason to buy new nighties ;)

9. There's so many people in our lives that we forget to tell them how much we care, how much we appreciate them, how much we LOVE them...it's the perfect day to express all those feelings and more. (I'm not saying we shouldn't do that each and every day, but honestly...do you?)

10. Lastly, it's really all about what's in your heart, not stuff, not candy, not romantic notions...but it is all about this: 1Corinthians 13:4-8, go read it...it will do your heart some good

Just a peek at my Lovely mantel...and some sweet craftyness