Wordless Wednesday - they're only spoiled a bit.

My dad bought this go kart for his grandsons....all 5 of them. Their names are painted on the hood of it - it's fabulous and our big boys L.O.V.E. it.

Saying goodbye to a friend.

My best friend from college is having her first "baby" put to sleep today. He is old and sick and his quality of life is not good. He's been OK at best for a while, but he's taken a huge turn for the worse today.

His name is Comet - he's a very sweet Cocker Spaniel. He was a crazy young pup - he ran all over Shannon's house like a crazy man. I used to take him outside on a leash because they don't have a fenced in yard and he was always SO full of energy. He was a great companion when I sat on their couch to watch TV.

My friend is heartbroken and I can't be there to hold her hand or give her a hug. When she told me of her plans today, my thoughts immediately went to the Rainbow Bridge.

This is such a comforting poem for me - I'm certain some of my old pups are waiting for me and I'm sure Comet will be waiting there for her!



Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Welcome to my little corner of the Ultimate Blog Party 2009! Come on in and look around :)

Let me start by introducing myself - I'm Tina (nice to meet you!) I'm 34 years old and happily married to my wonderful husband Brian. We were blessed with 3 little munchkin men - Will is 6, Jake is 5 and Henry will be 1 on April Fool's Day! Our little crew lives in the frozen tundra of Michigan - my husband's job brought us here. We're originally east coasters. I'm lucky enough to be a SAHM. In my spare time (ha!), I like to scrapbook, cook and go to Detroit Tigers baseball games.

So, have a drink, grab some food, listen to some tunes and enjoy yourself. The couch is uber comfy and I hope you enjoy your time here :)I've included 2 recipes - one is for my favorite drink and the other is for one of my favorite party foods. I'm also giving a prize away over at 5 Minutes for Mom, so check it out!

Enjoy!



Artichoke-Parmesan Crostini
(makes 8 *prep time - 15 minutes *total time - 15 minutes)

8 slices (1/4 inch thick) baguette
2 Tbsp. olive oil
coarse sald and ground pepper
1 jar (6.5 oz) marinated artichoke hearts, drained, rinsed and patted dry.
1/4 c. shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish (optional)
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Make crostini: Brush baguette slices on both sides with a total of 1 Tbsp. oil; season with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet, and bake, turning over once, until golden 10-12 minutes. Cool.

Meanwhile, make topping: Finely chop artichokes, and combine in a bowl with Parmesan, parsley and remaining tablespoon oil.

Dividing evenly, spoon topping onto crostini, and garnish with additional Parmesan, if desired.



Chocolate Hazelnut Martini

1/2 c. chocolate flavored liqueur
1/4 c. hazelnut flavored liqueur
1/4 c. orange flavored liqueur
1/2 c. half n' half

Fill shaker 1/2 way with ice. Add liqueurs and half n' half. Shake for 10 to 15 seconds. Strain the shaker into a chilled martini glass - serve immediately.

There are SO. MANY. amazing prizes being given away this week. My top 3 are:

1. # 89 $100.00 gift card to Home Goods from HG Openhouse

2. # INTL 23 Complete Blog Makeover from Busy Mama Blog Design

3. # 3 $50.00 gift card to Target from Beginner Baby Blog

Others, in no particular order:

12, 26, 44, 58, 68, 86, 91, 98, 118, 123 and INTL 29, 33, 35 and 36

Wordless Wednesday

Our wedding day. I love that man more now than I ever have - he's a rare find :)
(please ignore the fact that this picture is a bit too big - I've tried to resize it 5 times. It's not working and I'm about to throw my laptop through the sliding glass door.)

My contribution to the celebrating of St. Patrick's Day....

I sent the big boy to school, dressed up in green. He even had "pot of gold at the end of the rainbow socks" on from the dollar section at Tarjey. I'll even dress J and H up for the day - groovy SPD shirts and socks. But, me....eh. I'm not big on green. It's a beautiful color.....outside. So, my contribution will be the toes. That's all :)

Moving on....

to the next round in the drawing for the basket of books is......

JODI!

Thanks to those of you who entered. I'll be doing a book giveaway of my own in a few weeks - keep your eyes open for it!

Wordless Wednesday

See this adorable, stubborn little man? He's FINALLY POTTY TRAINED! I've panicked about this - he starts Kindergarten in 6 months. Last Monday, the doc told him he needed to be potty trained for Kindergarten - he started the next day and hasn't looked back. He hasn't worn a diaper since.

Can you say KA-CHING?!?! I can hear the money jingling in the bank account now!

Wordless Wednesday

The stud muffin - his shirt says, "Dude, your girlfriend keeps checking me out" - a gift from my sister for Christmas :)

For more WW posts, check out 5 Minutes for Mom