When Chocolate & Ice Cream Fall From the Sky

Sometimes, good things happen.

Like one day, you open up your email and there is a message from someone offering you free chocolaty ice cream goodness.

A company called Edwards sent me a few coupons for their Singles A La Modes just to try, just for the heck of it, probably because the word "chocolate" appears in this blog approximately 9,763 times, so it was a safe bet I might say "yes" to the offer.

But far be it for me to hoard the chocolate.

OK, it's not that outlandish to think I might hoard some chocolate, but I'm not going to. I have 7 coupons left for one package of any Edwards Singles A La Modes in any variety, which includes:

Molten Lava Chocolate Cake
Chocolate Chip Cookie
Apple Crumb Cake
Turtle Brownie
Apple Crisp
Fudge Brownie

If you'd like to receive a coupon, leave a comment, and I'll let you know if you are randomly selected. Also, you can request a coupon for a free sample from their website.

I chose the Turtle Brown, and Mmmmmmm.

OK, I'm ready to share the love. Who wants some ice cream and chocolate??

Last Random of February

Can you believe February is almost gone?

CAN I GETTA YEAHHH!!

Sorry for the outburst--but those of us who have been snow blind for weeks are happy to see time pass because we're that much closer to Spring.

Spring, you beautiful thing, you. Except when you're slushy with dirty, melty snow. Oh well, none of us is perfect. We will love you unconditionally!

I want to share some pics with you of Deven and her two children, who won the February apron giveaway. Aren't they adorable?!

And a quote from Deven: **No heat from the stove was used in the making of these pictures. I believe no children were harmed either.**

OK--here again the PREVIEW. This means you read today, write, post tomorrow, and come back here to link up that witty, interesting post!

1. Have you ever fired a gun or shot a bow and arrow?
2. Do you know where your childhood best friends are?
3. Do you usually arrive early, late, or on time?
4. Are you more of a New York or California type?
5. Do you have a special ring tone?
6. What is your favorite type of chip?
7. Best comedy you've ever seen is ....
8. Have you ever cut your own hair? To quote Dr. Phil, "How'd that work for ya?"
9. If you were going to have an extreme makeover, would you rather it be about your house or your personal self?
10. Are you allergic to anything?
11. Why is it so hard to change?
12. One last question dedicated to February love: CS Lewis said, "To love is to be vulnerable." Please share one example of that assertion or share any thought you'd like to about this topic.

Have fun, Dozers!

Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner and Random Dozen Preview

**EDIT: It has been graciously pointed out to me that I have repeated question #6 at #11. I will have you know that this passed my laser-like editing skills THREE times before I posted. Again I ask the rhetorical: "What is wrong with my brain?" I plead cold medicine brain. OK, so you know what? PLEASE MAKE YOUR OWN QUESTION FOR SPOT #11 AND ANSWER. THAT WILL PROBABLY BE WAY BETTER THAN WHAT I WOULD HAVE COME UP WITH, ANYWAY!!









The winners were chosen by a random integer selector, which is easier than it sounds, since I kept Googling phrases like, "Random Dozen Selector. Random Dozen Integer. Random Dozen Numbers." What is wrong with my brain? That was a rhetorical question.

Anyway, the winners are:
Aprons: Deven of The Daily Swan
T-shirts: SouthLakesMom at I Didn't Know That!
And my Co-Lid, Linda, at Mocha With Linda

Ladies, the gifts were shipped off Saturday, so be on the look-out. Deven, no pressure, but we'd love to see a pic of you and your little girl in the aprons.

Do you guys like these apron giveaways? Because I have a source which seems never to dry up: Sherry, my volunteer friend at the bookstore just outside the office where I work. Not that some of my friends are volunteer and some are paid; I mean she volunteers at the bookstore.


Although this begins with a salute to the Olympics, you'll notice about half-way through these questions that I turn the corner and go off on another path as fast as a luge rounding a bend. Hence the name: Random.

1. If you could compete in one Olympic event (not necessarily winter sports) what would it be?
2. Do remember a specific Olympic moment from the past?
3. Have you ever known anyone who competed in the Olympics?
4. If everyday activities were Olympic-worthy, which activity would you have a gold medal in?
5. Do you know anything about your ethnic heritage?
6. Do you enjoy sleeping late?
7. Have you ever performed CPR on anyone? Do you know how? (Yes, that's two, I know. Whatevs.)
8. Name one country you'd like to visit and explain why.
9. Have you ever fixed up a couple romantically?
10. What is the last book you read?
11. Do you enjoy sleeping late? NO, YOU write the question! How's that for random??
12. What is your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant?

OK: Read, ruminate, write and return tomorrow for the link up! Have a great Tuesday, everyone! You can't hear me, doggone it, but I'm singing the Olympic theme song at the top of my lungs: Daaah-Daah- Da-da, dah dah-duh ...."

Link Up and Sign Up for the Giveaway

1. Are you pleasant when you're ill, or are you a grumpy, fussy patient?
2. When you find out that school is canceled (due to inclement weather) what is your gut reaction?
3. What is one domestic skill you wish you could improve?
4. Do you decorate your home for Valentine's Day?
5. What song is on your mind today?
6. Do you prefer contemporary movies or classic?
7. How well do you "compartmentalize" your feelings? For example, how well can you put aside a really trying moment to deal with the immediate situation which is not related to the trying moment, e.g., putting aside a tiff with your spouse in order to finish wallpapering a room.
8. What is the first thing that attracted you to your spouse? (Or if you're single, to your best friend.)
9. When was the last time your heart raced?
10. What are your memories of Valentine's Day at school?
11. If you were going to receive candy for Valentine's Day, which would you prefer?
12. Red or pink?




And now here's the scoop on the giveaway. A darling friend of mine makes these sweet aprons and sells them at our bookstore. All of the proceeds to go our connection with Kazakhstan, a country George and I have each visited separately for short projects, such as teaching English at a children's camp.

So Sherry made these--just for you. She came walking into my office carrying these sweet aprons, one for Mom or Grandma, one for girl. If you would like to be eligible for the drawing and you live within the continental US, please participate in this week's Random Dozen and leave a comment letting me know you'd like the aprons.

So, just so that we're clear, I'm drawing from the comments, but you have to participate in the meme to leave a comment this week only. OK? I'll announce the winner at a later date, but the drawing closes Friday, Feb. 12 at 11:59 pm. I will do my best to mail them Saturday, but we're buried in snow, so you may not receive them before the 14th.

Oh, one more thing--I have an adult large T-shirt to give away, as well, which says, "What is love?" on it with a reference to 1 John 3:16. It could be cute for either you or your hubby on Valentine's Day, although he may not be into wearing hearts in public. (Perhaps he will wear it just for you, though!)

Back in the Saddle--Today's Preview and The Giveaway

I have showered, found the remote and found the dog.

I'm on my way back, Baby.

So let's get right to the Random Dozen Preview and then the Giveaway:



1. Are you pleasant when you're ill, or are you a grumpy, fussy patient?
2. When you find out that school is canceled (due to inclement weather) what is your gut reaction?
3. What is one domestic skill you wish you could improve?
4. Do you decorate your home for Valentine's Day?
5. What song is on your mind today?
6. Do you prefer contemporary movies or classic?
7. How well do you "compartmentalize" your feelings? For example, how well can you put aside a really trying moment to deal with the immediate situation which is not related to the trying moment, e.g., putting aside a tiff with your spouse in order to finish wallpapering a room.
8. What is the first thing that attracted you to your spouse? (Or if you're single, to your best friend.)
9. When was the last time your heart raced?
10. What are your memories of Valentine's Day at school?
11. If you were going to receive candy for Valentine's Day, which would you prefer?
12. Red or pink?

And now here's the scoop on the giveaway. A darling friend of mine makes these sweet aprons and sells them at our bookstore. All of the proceeds to go our connection with Kazakhstan, a country George and I have each visited separately for short projects, such as teaching English at a children's camp.

So Sherry made these--just for you. She came walking into my office carrying these sweet aprons, one for Mom or Grandma, one for girl. If you would like to be eligible for the drawing and you live within the continental US, please participate in this week's Random Dozen and leave a comment letting me know you'd like the aprons.

So, just so that we're clear, I'm drawing from the comments, but you have to participate in the meme to leave a comment this week only. OK? I'll announce the winner at a later date, but the drawing closes Friday, Feb. 12 at 11:59 pm. I will do my best to mail them Saturday, but we're buried in snow, so you may not receive them before the 14th.

Oh, one more thing--I have an adult large T-shirt to give away, as well, which says, "What is love?" on it with a reference to 1 John 3:16. It could be cute for either you or your hubby on Valentine's Day, although he may not be into wearing hearts in public. (Perhaps he will wear it just for you, though!)

The Gift of Comfort: When You Lose Someone You Love by Richard Exley

I've been talking a lot recently about losing several friends in the span of one week or so. That was rough.

One had ALS, two had cancer.

In the middle of the deepest grieving for my high school classmate, I was offered a chance to read/review When You Lose Someone You Love: Comfort for Those Who Grieve by Richard Exley.

I'd say that was a gift of comfort, wouldn't you?

There is nothing more devastating than the death of a loved one. And whether it comes suddenly and unexpectedly, or at the end of a long and painful illness, every death is experienced anew, a shocking loss that takes your breath away and leaves you disoriented and lost.

The book's format is a series of letters between a pastor and parishioner. Exley says, "I have chosen the letter style because it affords me the opportunity to speak to you directly and in a very personal manner. This is not a book about grief; rather, it is comfort extended to those who are even now walking through the valley of the shadow of death."

Wow-as soon as I read that last line, it jumped off the page at me, and I saw for the first time that the Psalm 23 valley is not just applicable to one who is physically near death but also for those who are left to walk out the rest of their lives without the one who means so much to them. Sometimes grief feels like a living death.

One of the aspects I appreciated most about the book is that it is only 122 pages and is written very simply and straightforwardly. In my experience with depression and grief over the years, there were times I wanted to read but simply couldn't maintain focus or retain what I had read. I believe this book is perfect for anyone who struggles the same way.

When You Lose Someone You Love might be a nice gift for someone when you want to touch base with him/her a few weeks down the road after their loved one passes. Nothing beats a listening ear, but in the middle of the night, a little gift of comfort like this might help them through.

The Random #8, Winner of the Apron & Zoe Goes to the Groomer

Today is the day you link up! Have fun! I'll answer the questions myself tomorrow.

1. Candy corn: Your thoughts?
2. Briefly, what was the first conversation you ever had with your spouse? (or best friend, if you're not married.) (Or someone significant, like your librarian.)
3. Could you ever become a vegetarian?
4. Have you ever dressed up your pet in a costume?
5. Name something about childhood that you miss (like Clark Bars, Teaberry Gum, Malibu Barbie, cracking fake eggs on people's heads with your fist and "It's the Great Pumpkin" airing only once a year).
6. Have you ever won a trophy? If not, what do you deserve a trophy for?
7. When do you think is the appropriate time to begin playing Christmas music each year?
8. What's your favorite board game?
9. How do you feel about surprises (receiving, not giving)?
10. Is it easy for you to say, "I'm sorry?"
11. What is your favorite candle scent?
12. October is traditionally "open house" time in public schools. If you had a literal open house in your home (like a reception) what light snacks would you serve visitors and what would you show them (as in art projects, graded papers) that would uniquely represent you?




What delicioso recipes you all offered for the kick-off! You would make Paula Deen proud. And you would make me quite chubby, if I put all of these recipes on the immediate "must try" list.

So the winner of the apron, should she choose to accept it, is Amy at All Things A Ro: Life of a happy go lucky music teacher with lots of hopes and dreams. Congrats, Amy!

After work, I took Zoe to the groomer for "the works." When she came home, she had a bow in her hair, which I can never manage, so I tried to get a pic of her, but she was so wiggly-excited that this was the best we could do.

When I dropped her off, I made sure they could have her done by 6:00, since I had a school concert to attend. They said, "No prob."

So I went home, and much later, I got a phone call from PetSmart asking, "Where is Zoe? Aren't you going to keep your appointment?"

How many of you know what thought crossed my mind?

SHE'S MISSING.

"What? She's not there?

"No."

"But I dropped her off a while ago; you didn't give her to someone else, did you???" (When I dropped her off, another customer was making a big deal over her, and I thought for a second maybe that Yorkie stalker came back pretending to be me and stole her!)

Did I mention I have a big imagination?

"OH, wait a minute. Here she is. I was on lunch break when you brought her in, and no one told me. I'll get on her right away."

Whew. (PetSmart or PetDumb?)

And as I was taking her out, there were all kinds of dogs and cats being paraded into the store in Halloween costumes for some kind of soiree, I guess. We just got out of there!












And here is the baby at her Fall choral concert. Jorge is in Vegas for a few days, so he had to miss her performance. I just included these pics because he will check my blog and see her and wilt on the inside because he's not home. Not that I'm trying to make him want to hurry home or anything. No. I would never do that.

Let me just say that Vegas may never be the same after Jorge, the "Great Rebuker" has been there!

Weekend Brew and Apron Giveaway

Action shot! Yeah, I thought you'd see the resemblance.

Only she spelled her name with a funky "y": Lynda. Can you imagine how ridiculous it would be to be called, "Lyd?" Well, unless you're Lydia, I guess. Never mind. (If you're reading this via FB, you need to click on the title to see the blog to see the pic.)

I'm giving this action shot apron away. You just have to participate in the grand kick off of this comeback meme:



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Last year I began this monumental, historic (one year) tradition of posting our favorite Fall dishes once a week. (Aka meme.) You'll have to have your recipes ready by each Monday morning to do this crazy thing. We'll do this for 5 weeks. I'm giving something away at the beginning and a little something at the end.


Here's the print up close. Upon even closer inspection, you will infer that there is a "coffee theme" attached to this apron, which corresponds to this iconic image:



Two words: Masterful marketing.

The point of the meme is to use favorite, homespun, not necessarily healthy Fall comfort food recipes. Ones that Paula Deen would be proud of.

Are you up for this?

OK, here's the other thing. Since you didn't know I'd be asking for recipes today, I'm beginning this tomorrow, Tuesday, even though NEXT MONDAY will be the second installment. Remember, after tomorrow, it's Monday from here on out.

So choose your weapon recipe and return tomorrow to sign up for "Fall Into Flavor" and a chance to win the apron. It's what all the cool kids are doing.
*********************

Well, how was your weekend?

Mine was fun, despite an infection which nauseated me and caused me to puff up like a Pufferfish just in time for fun pics.

I went with some people from my small group to Brown County, Indiana, known for its colorful autumn foliage (that's leaves, for you sauna dwellers in TX and FL) and kitschy gift shops. Please note the strange sign Jorge and I are standing under: "Cripple Crow and Me. And Ed."

Also, the son came home from college this weekend, which is always fun. Part of that fun means five vehicles in our drive and garage. I'm sure the neighbors expect us to throw a washing machine out on the front lawn any day now.

Anyway, Moms of little ones, fortify your hearts: They will look as sweet taking a nap at 20 as they did at 2. Sleeping with his hood up makes my heart bunch up; I can't help it.

Sunday: Church, a walk on a greenway to commemorate a female friend who passed recently and then worked at Oneighty, where it was "Glo" night complete with a gymnasium lit only by black lights. Yes, that's me. Yay for Crest White Strips.




















What did you brew this weekend?

What Every Mom Needs for Mother's Day: Spilt Milk

I'm so excited! Spilt Milk is a brand-spanking-new devotional for moms written by my very own blogging buddy, Linda Vujnov!

Linda's blog, titled the same as her book--What? I haven't mentioned the title yet? Oh, excuse me; it's

spilt milk.

As I was saying, Linda's blog, titled the same as her book, is one of my very favorite bloggers. Her posts are succinct, funny, wry and observant. Her topics are wide-ranging, which I appreciate because my blog is all over the place, too. We are kindred spirits AND kindred Lids.

Linda is a very genuine person who should not be living 2,000 miles away from me in a place where the temp only drops to a balmy 55 degrees at night because that is just wrong.

Anyway, she sent me her book,

spilt milk.

and the best news of all is that she sent me one to share with you!!!

As I said, Spilt Milk is a devotional, so you're not supposed to consume it in one sitting, but I got about half-way through and had to pop up and write this post because of my Spilt Milk fervor.

On second thought, I don't think "fervor" and "milk" should be used in the same sentence because that conjures up images of curdling. But I do love this book, and I want to share it with you. If you'd like to receive a copy before Mother's Day for yourself or your own mother, please leave a comment after this post, and I'll choose a winner on May 2 and send it right off to you so that you get it in time. The reason I cannot draw before that is that I'm getting ready to leave for a conference and cannot work my Random Integer Magik from afar. But I'll do my best to get it to you before Mother's Day.

From the cover:

Spilt Milk is an inspirational devotional filled with hilarious stories that will encourage any mom. This book is an outstanding source of real life wisdom that will lead even the busiest of moms into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. — Rick Warren, Senior Pastor, Saddleback Church

Rick Warren? Who's that?

I guess he wrote a book or something. But he's no Clinton Kelly, of course.

Description:
Laughter lightens the heart and helps you discover grace in the moment In a mother’s land of milk and honey, the milk is often spilt and the honey is usually smeared all over the face of the baby in his high chair. Linda Vujnov has been there and knows exactly what it feels like. Between packing lunches, drying the dishes in the sink, returning emails, and making sure mascara is applied without smudges, Spilt Milk offers a delightful alternative for busy moms that will lighten your day and remind you that God’s grace is found in the most unlikely places. You’ll discover the ways God uses the everyday adventures of an imperfect woman to emphasize his grace.

Also: Linda Vujnov has been in the field of education for nearly twenty years. She served as the interim junior high pastor at Saddleback Church and as a volunteer in high school ministry. Linda currently serves on staff at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California where she coordinates launching new Saddleback campuses in and around Orange County and is a MOPS speaker. Linda is married and has four children.

They left out the detail that her rapper name is "L-Vuj." She can thank me for that.

Also, I would like to mention that she has posted great "I See What You're Saying" videos and has personally met John Stamos.

I don't know why she knows so many celebrities; probably because they heard she's a friend of mine and that I know Clinton Kelly. Yeah, that makes sense.

Please pop on over to congratulate L-Vuj because that's what we do in this blogging community, we " ... encourage one another and build each other up" as in 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

Linda, I am so proud to know you and share in your publishing success. May many moms be blessed as they receive encouragement from your insights as many times as I have! I rejoice and give God glory with you!

Breaking News You Can't Live Without: 30 x 5 is Now Over 60 Strong and What I Had in My Purse

Here we are in our first weekend of the 30 x 5 Challenge!

I don't know about you, but for me, weekends have always been challenging regarding remaining faithful to any eating/moving schedule. It's like suddenly I'm on a cruise and lose all rationality about what I'm eating and doing or not doing. It's "Vacation Mindset" syndrome, and it can really set me back in motivation. And it's only two days!

So today and tomorrow, I'm anticipating some sluggishness of spirit and some distraction from goals. I'm also anticipating the urge to take weekend afternoon naps and dream of chocolate and peanut butter, but I WILL be strong. I'll resist those urges. Do you know why I'll be strong?

Because of you, and that's not just a Kelly Clarkson ballad.

I so badly want to be able to look you in the cyber eye and tell you that I continued to move this weekend and did not lose my forward momentum. As Amrosia said so eloquently in 1978, "That's how much I feel, feel for you, Baby."

Keep sending me your reports as you feel like it because I am really enjoying reading them. Some of you are experiencing very inclement weather and uncooperative muscles, yet you are pushing through the obstacles. And to that I say: Did you ever know that you're my hero? You're everything I would like to be. I can fly higher than an eagle; You are the wind beneath my "wings," which is just my cute nickname for my upper arms.

To help keep us energized and focused, how about committing a random act of kindness this weekend by choosing four people from the list at the right and dropping them a note of encouragement? You could do two today and two tomorrow.

Let's build some community along with building muscles.

Wow. I just made that up, and it ranks right up there with Tony Robbins' stuff.

Tony has a new book out called The Power to Shape Your Destiny. After that great tag line I just made up, I think I'm going to write a book about the 30 x 5 Challenge: The Power to Re-Shape the Junk in Your Trunk.

So keep at it, and always remember, when you're in Target and your purse feels entirely too heavy, it may be because you forgot that you put a grapefruit in it before work yesterday.






The winner of the book in which I'm a contributor, A Cup of Comfort Devotional for Mothers and Daughters, goes to new blogger
Kathy at KLS'S Korner. Congrats, Kathy! It's always fun to see a new blogger win something. I would autograph it, but my signature would be bigger than my actual contribution, so let's just leave it at that. Thanks again to Five Minutes for Moms for hosting this annual extravaganza.

Congrats to #81: Cindy at Still His Girl

Yes, "We were crazy; we were fun; we were the class of '81!" Well, "we" as in "me." But still, 81 is a good number, especially for Cindy of Still His Girl.

As you can see, she was chosen randomly, but check out this comment:

Um, HELLO. It is only fitting that I should win... I LOVE chocolate. I LOVE Kool and the Gang. And I am named Cindy. Let's make it fitting... Cindy's Gourmet Chocolate should be CINDY'S Gourmet Chocolate, you know?

She's kind of sassy, that Cindy-licious Girl, but that's the way we like her, because then we can give her the raspberries ... get it? Raspberry chocolate!

Congrats, Cindy!

We Have a Winner of the Ugly Mug Contest!

Finally, I can shed the mantle of shame (Owner of the Ugliest Coffee Mug on the Planet) and place it upon you, my worthy successor: Becky at Adult Deprived, who is apparently also mug deprived. Or depraved. Becky's mug was aptly described by Joy at Sing 4 Joy as "ropetastic."

Coming in a close 2nd, however, was Beverlydru at Dancing with the Daffodils and her witch with a wart mug. Awesome. Beverly, since you lost by only two votes, email me your address, too, and I'll send you a little sumpin' sumpin'.

Everyone who participated is a great sport and I think you brightened a lot of people's day with your "tragically hysterical" stories, as Kim from the South put it.

Here is Becky's new & improved, updated prize package valued at approximately $30:



A $15 Starbucks card! Woo to the Hoo!

One "Gold Pack" of my friend Cindy's Gourmet Divine Chocolate Bark--RASPBERRY! Oh, you are in for a treat. Remember that Cindy's chocolate bark is not just sprinkled with raspberry candy; it's infused with raspberry throughout. Get ready for a veritable taste bud lollapalooza. With your first bite, Kool & the Gang start singing "Celebration" inside your mouth: "There's a party goin' on right here, a celebration, to last throughout the years."

Two coffee-themed towels for Valentine's Day that say, "I Love You A Latte," because I gotta whole latte love for anyone who can win an "ugly" contest.

Last but not least, this ca-yute mug with the phrase, "Espresso Yourself," and "Be a Coffee Drinking Fan," which is kind of like me turning your pumpkin into a carriage. Let the mug commemorate your new title, "Owner of Very Clever Mug Which is Perfect for Coffee-drinking Bloggers Who Love to Espresso Themselves." Use it daily; use it well. Make me proud.

Thanks to all who entered and voted. And just so you know ... I finally got rid of my ugly mug--the drinking one, and bought myself a new one at TJ Maxx!