Pennsylvania or BUST!

At some point in 2012, Matt's paternal grandmother, Mom-Mom, mentioned to one of her daughters that she really wanted updated pictures of her whole family. The last pictures were taken 10+ years ago and since then several more grandchildren were added, great-grandchildren were added and a couple of spouses, including myself.

 In the fall of last year, dates were discussed and the weekend of July 12-14 was chosen. Matt and I decided we would make the drive rather than flying. It was the best decision we could have made because flights were expensive from here and we just had a good time in the car together. 

Like I said, the main purpose of the trip was family pictures. The family hired an amateur photographer, who is just starting his business, to take the pictures. He took a TON of pictures and did an excellent job. Matt's dad has the pictures on a flash drive and we are still awaiting our copy. I'll post those when we get them. 

Meanwhile, we spent some time on Sunday playing outside and took lots of pictures of that. Here are some of those. By the way, we didn't realize it then but apparently, we took lots of pictures of our nephew, Kieran. He was mainly the one outside with us so I guess that's why. Enjoy!

Matt found a frog as soon as we walked outside and Kieran (and Matt) loved it. BOYS! :)

We started a game of invisible baseball! Matt, Shannon, Luke and Kieran all joined in! 

Then it was time for cars and trucks. :)

Kieran raced the truck down the driveway! 

The Morgan siblings had a little pow-wow :)

Sweetest pic. Riley Girl. 

Somehow, I ended up holding Dolphin for like 2 hours. This is the face I made when I realized it was basically glued to my arm. 

These next three pictures are funny. Kieran was having fun with the balloon until...

Sack Race time!! 

I didn't catch the photo finish but I am pretty certain that Ben won! 

Water Balloon time! 

Matt got his dad good! 

Brotherly/Sisterly love :)

Kieran got Pop Pop too! 

Mom-Mom and Patti (and Buddy--think that's its name anyway)

A boy and his balloon...

Having a little chat with PopPop! 

When Matt and I were uploading these pictures, we were surprised that there weren't more pictures and then we realized that Matt had his camera taking pictures and I had another camera taking pictures and obviously, we didn't come home with those pictures. Glad we figured that out, because we were confused! :)

Influenster's Mary Kay Vox Box

I recently received the Mary Kay VoxBox from Influenster and I wanted to share it with you!

A catalog came along with the awesome products you see pictured! I pinned each item here on this Pinterest board with direct links to the items on MaryKay.com

I have worn most of the items several times and I can honestly say I am pleased with all of them. I believe my favorite is the Mary Kay Cream Eye Shadow in Violet Storm. It goes on great and lasts forever! :)

I tried to take some pictures of myself putting on the products but let's be honest, it's just not my forte! :)

Instead, I'll share a not so great picture of me with everything on! 

If you have any questions about any of the products listed, let me know! :)

What Every Christian Needs To Know About The Qur'an {A Book Review}

Hi everyone! This is Matt. I recently received a free copy of What Every Christian Needs To Know About The Qur'an by Dr. James R. White from Bethany House

Dr. James R. White wrote the book so that Christians can be better informed about what Muslims believe about Qur'an, so Christians can be prepared to discuss Islam with Muslims and others. In the book Dr. White examines what the Qur'an and other sacred texts teach about several topics, such as Jesus, salvation, and the Trinity. 

I've enjoyed reading the book. It is very academically written, and straight forward. I like the way Dr. White took portions of the Qur'an and hadith teachings, and then broke them down to explain what they say and how they compare to Christian teachings. I feel that Dr. White treats the Muslim texts fairly and objectively. I have really enjoyed reading this book, and feel that the information presented was conveyed clearly and is important to know in today's world.

If you are interested in this book, let me know and I'll mail you my copy ASAP!

The Soderstroms Stop by!

This summer has been a summer of seeing all of our favorites and we love that.

My best friend, Jill, and her husband, Garrett, were headed from Louisiana to Myrtle Beach to spend the week with Garrett's family. They stopped in Spartanburg for a quick lunch. It was soooo good to see them!

When we saw them in May, we didn't get a preggo picture so I made sure we did this time. Still can't believe that we are having babies 3 weeks apart!!!

P.S. Happy 3rd trimester, Jill!

Love this girl so much! 

Pregnancy Update {24 Weeks}

Just under 4 months until baby is due to arrive!

**I am starting to think about freezer meals to have prepared before baby...do you have any favorite freezer meals? Or just favorite meals that would easily freeze? 

**Also, I am trying to plan for a fun treat to have at the hospital for those who come to visit as well as for nurses, etc. I wanted to order special cookies but with babies arrival time not certain. I don't know if that plan would work out. I keep picturing myself in labor trying to make cookies to take to the hospital. Hahaha! Any other ideas of treats to have Besides the usual chocolate bars and cigars? 

**I've been having some CRAZY dreams! I know people say this happens but I never thought it would be this much! I have had dreams about bloggers I have never met being my best friends. Dreams about drive-by shootings. Dreams about crazy foods. Every night, I'm having at least one or two crazy dreams. I stopped telling Matt because he looked at me like I was crazy and hey, I probably am! :)

**We just booked a weekend getaway for August 16th-18th. My 29th birthday is at the end of August and it's my golden birthday and we are going to celebrate this trip as our "babymoon" too. We will stay in Atlanta at a the Melia. No big plans as of now except to eat at Fogo de Chao, Sublime Donuts and to see Rick, Rachel and Charlie! I know, clearly I have my priorities straight! 

**On the night of July 15th, I promise you the baby grew overnight. I woke up and could just feel like the baby was bigger! It was crazy!! 

**I have been so hot during the day with the humidity. I called mom to say "God Bless you for carrying a full term baby in the month of August. You are a Saint!"

**This week, Mom asked me what I wanted for my birthday and I requested: nursing bras, sports bras and nursing tanks! My how things change!!

**While in the grocery store for necessities, I found it imperative to purchase chocolate covered and powdered sugar mini donuts! 

**I am mostly finished reading "On Becoming Baby Wise" and I decided that I would go back through and outline each chapter to glean the most important information. I feel like a nerd. :)

**We got to see the Soderstrom family for a little bit this past Saturday. My best friend, Jill, is due just 20 days before me. :)

Here are some pictures from 23 1/2 weeks!!

Splitting Harriet {A Book Review}

I recently received the book Splitting Harriet by Tamara Leigh. She is also the author of another book I recently reviewed, Perfecting Kate.

I was excited to receive this book because I really enjoyed Perfecting Kate. The book started out a bit slow for me but I was able to get into by the 4th or 5th chapter and I really enjoyed it. The book has a great deal of humor in it and kept me smiling while reading. 

The basic premise of the book is that it is the story of a woman who grew up a preacher's kid and became the prodigal and then returned to following Christ. The book gives insight into that but mostly focused on her newly re-focused life and how she still has difficulty believing that she is changed and new. It presents humor along with the serious reminder that as Christians we must allow ourselves to be forgiven by Christ. 

I want to give more and more details but I also want you to be surprised while reading the book! 

More info here. 

I would also like to send this book to anyone who would like to read it. Let me know if you want it and I'll send it your way! 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multonomah Publishing Group for this review.

Wreath Sale

First off, thanks for all of you who commented on my recent post about my wreaths. I am ready to make some new ones but because of budget and time, I haven't yet. I hope to do so soon and when I do, I'll update you! 

Meanwhile, the wreaths I have currently made are going on sale! The follow wreaths are usually listed at $20-$25 but are being reduced to $12-$15 + $8- $10 shipping! Please see each picture for pricing details. 

I have taken them out of the shop for now so if you want to purchase, e-mail me at slpleslieanne@yahoo.com letting me know which one you want and your paypal address and I'll invoice you for it and get it in the mail ASAP. If there is one you like but can't pay the price listed, e-mail me because we may be able to work something out! Also, if you live local, we can meet up and I won't charge shipping. :)

For additional pictures, e-mail me as well.

I will also be posting some additional fabrics soon that I have in stock and will plan to make some more fabric wreaths and this same reduced price to move inventory! Be on the look out for that post! 

 $15 + $10 shipping: $25 shipped

$15 + $10 shipping: $25 total

 $15 + $8 shipping: $23 total

 $15 +$8 shipping: $23 total

$15 + $8 shipping: $23 total

 $12 +$8 shipping: $20 total

 $13 + $8 shipping: $21 total

$15 + $8 shipping: $23 total 

5 on Friday!

I enjoyed linking up with Darci from "The Good Life Blog" last time so I thought I would do that again today!

1. I am so thankful for this season. Growing a baby is hard work but so fun at the same time. I mean, when else in your life can you ask for ice cream every day and it not be an issue!! :) My favorite choices right now are:

Yogurt Mountain: not necessarily this mix but it's awesome because you can get anything you want!!!

Turkey Hill Cookies and Cream: 

2. Over the last few weeks, I gotten lots of calls for PRN work which was so nice for the little extra cash to help us meet some financial goals right now! 

3. Today, we are headed to Pennsylvania for a little family reunion for Matt's Dad's side of the family. It will be a quick trip but should be fun nonetheless. 

4. Today is also Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-a! Just FYI. More info here. 

5. Matt and I love to watch TV series together. We don't have cable though so during the season, we will usually watch online the next night. All of our show are in the off season so I was on the hunt for a summer show. I heard about Chicago Fire and we both love it! Check it out. The whole first season is on NBC.com right now. New season will start in September!