What could be a more perfect gift for that coffee lover in your life than famous quotes coffee mugs. Start their day with something such as “Given enough coffee I could rule the world” and send them off to, well, rule the world. Five other quotes are available including “Chocolate…coffee…men, some things are better rich” for your lady coffee drinking friends or “Coffee and love taste best when hot” for the gentlemen coffee drinkers.

But wait, there’s more. On the side opposite the quote, you can have a single-initial monogram added to make that mug even more special. If used at the office, no one will mistake this mug for theirs when they see the monogram on the back. These mugs are made of heavy-duty white ceramic to stand up to the hottest brews and will hold 15 ounces to get the day going right. See them at EyeCandyGift.com and order several for holiday gifts for all the coffee drinkers in your life. Even if they don’t drink coffee, these unique mugs can hold pencils or hot chocolate with marshmallows or even a posey! Perfect.

So after “we” decided she should join the band, we had to decide which instrument to play. After much debate, she settled on the flute. (I played the tuba in the band, so was very pleased she chose a small, portable instrument.) The research began as to where to purchase this instrument, and to determine a reasonable price for it. This was easier said than done, but today, I was able to find a good quality flute for a reasonable price – at least I hope it is. To go along with the new flute, I had to purchase a repair warranty, a maintenance kit, two lesson books, a music stand, and private flute lessons. All-in-all, this is a pretty expensive (mother’s) dream!

I hope she loves the new flute. And if she doesn’t, I hope she treats it delicately so her sister can use it when I sweetly suggest (i.e. force) her to join the band!

We all look forward to summer vacation. The idea of endless hours to play, read, watch TV, swim, or just do nothing sounds so enticing after nine months of following schedules and watching the clock. Thankfully, we have had just such a summer.

But after three months of play time, I can honestly say, we are all craving some of that structured time. The toys that sat untouched for most of the school year are now all over the living room floor. I am ready for them to be put away. We have watched every episode of every kid’s show at least three times. (Yes, we started out limiting TV time. But like everything else in summer, the structured rules seem to fly out the window with the structured schedule!) I am ready for the TV to have a break. Our bottle of sun screen is almost empty and the chlorine damage to our hair is significant. Our skin and hair are ready for some recovery time and that lovely indoor air.

So, we are now counting the days (some of us are counting the hours) until school begins. And along with it, the lovely rat race of live. Complete with the endless hours of chauffeuring, practice, homework, and schedules. I can’t wait!

As it turns out, the day was full of fun, laughter, and memories. It was the fastest Saturday I have spent in years. I even faced my high school boyfriend, whom I have not seen for 20 years. (To my dismay, he looks exactly the same as he did the last time I saw him!) I grew up in a small town with a graduating class of less than 100 students. Most of us went to school together from the time we were in preschool. I realize most people can’t say that, and in some ways, it is a gift! It was wonderful to see how we were able to pick up where we left off but without our immature high school ways.

In the end, I was not the big surprise of the class. I was still me, just 20 years older with a few extra pounds and a little grey hair. And as I think about it, that is truly a gift!

My mother has continued this tradition by delivering may baskets to the elderly in her community and to her grandchildren. This year, I decided to ressurect this tradition with my children. We are new to our community, and are working on forging relationships with our neighbors and friends, and what better way do that than with treats. So, last weekend, my kids sat at the kitchen table with paper cups, colorful napkins, markers, scissors, and glue and created some may baskets. Sunday was a beautiful day, and many of our neighbors were outside, so we delivered our baskets a couple of days early. I’m still not sure if these neighbors are aware of the tradition, but they were pleased to get the treats! But in the end, I think my kids had more fun than anyone.

At the end of the day, there were dishes in the sink, paperwork untouched, a room that still needs painted, and yardwork to be done. But that’s OK. I’m thankful for the rejuvinating gift of a free day.

At her first game and first time up at bat, she hit the ball the typical two feet. But the second time at bat, her determination showed through. She hit it into the outfield, and got a home run. She then pestered the coach into letting her play “pitcher”. (She knows this is where the action is!) After letting one runner get past her, she then got two runners out at home plate.

The evening was cold, and it was pretty late for a 6 year old, but she was on a real “high” from the game and her performance. It was great fun to watch her do well at something she worked hard at and has a passion for. I hope she has many such successes in all areas of her life!

The room is a cute little space with a small alcove at one end. But it was a bit dark, as there is only one small window. And the ceiling and walls were the color of mustard yellow – very nice for a living room or an adult bedroom, but not a good color for a young girl.

So, I pained my first ceiling (aching neck and all) a bright white. Three walls were painted a light yellow, and the remaining walls a violet color. (Can you tell she is a pre-teen girl?) Now the room is bright (it’s amazing what a difference the white ceiling makes) and fun. My daughter is thrilled, and feels as if she has a new room!