Back at Saturday again folks and this Saturday, the 4th of July has come and gone. Yet, it seems like I blinked on Monday and somehow here we are! Another great week behind us, but now it is time for another weekend.
Once again, I am adding my ten thankful things from the week here to the Ten Things of Thankful.
- A hot, Saturday and the girls getting to go in Kevin’s parents’ pool.
Summer Pool Fun!!
- Open box/clearance deals at Best Buy, that allowed us to buy two Dyson Fans for the price of one!
- Staying cool with Dyson fan on the humid, summer nights.
- More work then I know what to do with on both my blog and J9 Designs.
- That even though Lily had a fever on Monday and we went to the doctor that afternoon (I know more illness in our home) that believe it or not she woke up the next morning fever free and happy as can be. Thanks to Children’s Motrin for helping with this!!
- A shortened work week with the 4th of July falling on Thursday.
- Getting to meet my very, best bloggy friend Kera, her husband and beautiful, daughter Sophia on the 4th for ice cream and some park time with the kids.
- Having Kevin home from Thursday through Monday for the long holiday weekend.
- Going to see Monster’s University today with Kevin and the girls for the second ever movie theatre movie.
- Monday being our 7th wedding anniversary and being married to my best friend!!
Now I need to take care of a few bits of house keeping on here. This past week I was awarded two awards and would like to thank both bloggers who passed these awards onto me and not forget them. Most know I am terrible at passing on awards and sometimes forget for a few weeks, so I am trying to not do that this time out.
First up, is the Very Inspiring Blogger Award, which was so graciously bestowed upon me by April over at 100lb Countdown. April is so very inspiring herself and cannot deny that this award fits her to a tee. Even during Slim by the Summer challenge, she was always one of first I would love forward to seeing how her week went. She is pregnant and still keeping in shape. And this girl just never stops. I am in awe of her dedication and her willpower.
The second award, that was so lovingly given to me was the Semper Fidelis Award from Karen over at Dino Hero Mommy. I absolutely adore Karen and this award truly put a smile on my face, because the concept of this one is that you are a part of the blogger’s wolf pack that indeed passed this award onto you. Seriously, I am so very happy and honored to be thought of like that by Karen, because she is such a wonderful, warm hearted lady. And was even more touched that she thinks of me as a friend and confidant, too.
Now awards always come with rules and I am also so very terrible at following these, because I always worry that I will forget someone or mess something up. I already displayed both awards and thank the two lovely, wonderful ladies who passed these awesome awards onto me, so think I have that part covered.
Both also came with an option to pass on to other bloggers and also the inspiring award asked me to share more about me (like you haven’t heard enough about little, old me). So I will spare the folks at home from having to hear more on the subject of (you guessed it) me!!
But I really just want to pass on these to a few of my bloggy friends. So, without further ado, I am choosing a few of my favorites, of course.
Starting with the Semper Fidelis and My Wolf Pack:
1. Kera from Nugget on a Budget. Seriously, as I said earlier just got to finally meet her and her wonderful family this past week and was so happy to finally have this honor. It was a long time coming, but was totally well worth the wait and again I will tell her, we to do this again soon!!
2. Lanaya from Raising Reagan. I can’t say enough how much I love Lanaya and always feel like we are on the same page with things. All I have to say is us Geminis have to stick together and can’t believe how so one else can just totally get me!!
3. Dani from Cloudy with a Chance of Wine. The fact that we bonded over our kids illness (cold, flus and so much more) really is just the tip of the iceberg. I must admit that I just so feel she is a kindred spirit when I read her daily posts and am constantly amazed at how clever and witty she really is. I humbled to have this lady in my corner!!
4. Kelly for The Real Housewife. I have know Kelly from my writing days over at Hubpages and we have truly remained great friends though blogging, too. Kelly is the parent, I hope to be as my girls grow up and and seriously can’t thank her enough for her support and friendship, too!!
Now onto the Very Inspiring Blogger Award:
1. Bill from Artistry With Words. Seriously, Bill is one of the very first people that befriended me in the writing world and has always had my back. I cannot say enough how much respect and admiration I have for him. I also feel truly blessed and humbled that he is my friend. Reading his words makes me a better writer and person daily. For that and so much more I needed to pass this award onto him.
2. Cyndi from Pictimilitude. Cyndi, also has been a friend from early on and actually got to know her on Hubpages, too first. But have gotten the pleasure to call her a true friend through blogging. Her blog makes me so happy whenever she posts up her beautiful artwork, photography, graffiti art and so much more. So, of course, she also came to mind when thinking of inspiring, because epitomizes this word.
3. Alexa from No Holding Back. Alexa, is also friend and true inspiration to me. She is the mom to (in her own words) 4 children, three living and one in heaven. This wonderful lady is such a strong force to be reckoned with. Even after all she has been through with losing one of her Twins to TTS, she has gone on and used her experience to help others. For that and so much more, I am truly in awe of her and just thank her for being real and a friend, too!
4. Heather from The Destiny Manifest. Heather also is a mom to two beautiful girls and also to Clara, a beautiful baby girl, who last year just happened to be born stillborn. Through Heather’s loss, I have gotten to know her better, too and also gotten to see see the depths of her loss and still just tenacious she is in overcoming and trying to come to terms with this loss and her feelings as well. Yet again I am left humbled by this incredible woman, mother, wife and friend she has truly become to me in the last year.
And now since it is Saturday onto this week’s recap for those who are catching up or missed a moment of it and some exciting offers, as well!!
On Monday, Vonage Mobile graciously offered a wonderful deal and a $50 gift-card raffle giveaway, for an iTunes or Google Play Gift Card or to enter the rafflecopter contest, click here.
On Tuesday, I shared in the new weekly series Five Among Friends by answering the five questions given to me by Dawn of Dawn’s Disaster. Click here to find out all about this.
On Wednesday, I served up a wonderful array of photos of Emma from her first 4th of July from a photo shot that was aided by the help of wooden spoons. To see this post, go here.
On Thursday, I took a blogging break, but still posted a money saving affiliate offer from Layla Grayce, here.
On Friday, I continued my blogging break and didn’t run a new post on my blog.
And now that another weekend is indeed upon us, I hope you too have a wonderful, fun weekend.
Also for the upcoming week, with more Flashback Wednesday action and Finish the Sentence Friday is back in actions, we are taking the week off and for this week’s sentence, click here!!
And don’t forget the amazing deal from Layla Grace’s Project. Click on the image below to redeem this offer, if you haven’t already.
For more fabulous Affiliate offers look below:
- iTunes/Books: Great Free Apps.
- LeapFrog: LeapReader is here! Order the all NEW learn-to-read-and-write system now and get FREE shipping! Offer valid now through July 31st!.
- Build A Bear: Monsters University Online Exclusive at buildabear.com!
- Hanna Anderson: Save Up to 60% Off Kids & Baby Clothes at The Big Hanna Sale! Ends 7/7
- Blurb: Blurb 15% off during July with code: SUMMERFUN.
- Tiny Prints: Tiny Prints July 4th Weeklong Sitewide Sale: 20% off Any Order!
- Mabel’s Labels: Mabel’s Labels offers $3 off the Ultimate Back to School Combo and $5 off a Laptop Lunches Bento Box | $3 off Expires: 7/31/13 | $5 off a Laptop Lunches Bento Box Expires: 9/30/13 or While Supplies Last!
Now, it is time for some of the great giveaways, I have been apart of this week. Enter by clicking on this link, here.
Last, but certainly not least, please don’t forget to check out my web design company for specials running at J9 Designs for all your web design needs, as well as my blogging advice, too.
Please Visit my Sponsor of The Month:
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massholemommy says
How cool that you got to meet up with Kera! Here in Boston, we have several blogger networks, so we all know each other in real life and I think it's awesome. We all run into each other at events and know each other's kids – I love it.
My recent post Even Siri Knows That My Mom is Crazy
Janine Huldie says
Robin, it was really cool and fun to meet Kera finally and think though it would be awesome to have a blogger network for those here in the tristate area. Glad you get to meet up though and totally sounds like fun!! π
Karen says
what a great 4th babe, they look like they are having a blast in that pool. Looks like you and Kera had a blast. *blushes* I am so glad you love and appreciate the award…YOU ROCK babe. MWHAH
going to check out these lovely bloggers you listed.
My recent post RIDING MY BIKE
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Karen and the last two have been really just so much fun. Between the 4th of July with meeting Kera, pool time and even a short lived fireworks show (the girls got a bit scared) to last night where Kevin and I went out to an early anniversary dinner to celebrate while grandma had the girls. And now Kevin will be home through Monday, so kind of excited for what the next few days will bring and getting out a bit more and just taking a general break from the daily grind. And thank you again for the award and truly made my day!! π
GirlieOnTheEdge says
Janine! It's me GirlieOnTheEdge! Finally, I have devised a way to load your web site without having breakfast, lunch and dinner served to me while I wait. LOL My new browser is much faster will let me visit now:)
P.S. Happy, happy anniversary!!
Janine Huldie says
Oh so glad you did and so happy to have you be able to view my page again, Denise. And thank you for the anniversary wishes. I really am so excited that we are celebrating and trying to enjoy ourselves more this weekend. We even went out to dinner by ourselves last night, while Kevin's mom watched the girls!! π
Considerer says
Awwwww wow you saved the best til last with your Tenth Thing π That's awesome (don't forget to link into the inLinkz thingummy)
Janine Huldie says
Thank you Lizzi and I know I love #10 truly. And I just linked up and seriously cannot thank you enough for hosting, because I really do look forward to this now every week!! π
Sara says
So jealous you got to meet Kera! I’m dying to take Collin to see Monsters University but he has never been to the movie theater so not sure how he will do. How old were the girls when you brought them to the movies for the first time?
Janine Huldie says
Sara, we definitely have to meet up. Seriously, I know you and I don't live that far apart and maybe we can convince Kera and a few others to meet up with us all, too. Because it would be truly nice to get to see all in person and face to face. As for the movies, their first movie was The Croods back around Easter time this year and surprisingly both my girls did pretty well. Emma was so good. Lily chair hopped between Kevin and I falling asleep at the last 20 minutes or so, but still she really was pretty good for not even being 3 years old.
Rich Rumple says
Janine – You've got hubby and the girls home … enjoy the long weekend and stop blogging!!!! lol Congrats on your awards … you deserve them! Keep smiling!
Janine Huldie says
Thank you so much Richard and so far it has been a great one. Today is movies and then the pool. so, looks to be shaping up to be just perfect in my book!! π
findingninee says
I think it's wonderful you got to meet your bloggie BFF in person! Great photo. And I can't believe how quickly the Fourth of July passed us either. Sigh. Time really flies. Congratulations on your awards and thank you so much for joining us in the 10 things thankful party! And Happy Anniversary to you and Kevin!
Janine Huldie says
Thank you Kristi and I know it is crazy how fast this year is really flying on by us now. Hoping it slows a bit, because I love the summertime and don't want it to be winter and cold again when I blink. And as always my pleasure to join in with you all. It really does force me to find the good in my own life and there really is so much of it, but some days do go by so quickly that I can forget unfortunately. This way I really don't and it does so put a smile on my face at the end of a long, crazy week!! π
Billybuc says
How very sweet of you, Janine, but that comes as no surprise.
Just so you know…..I don't support everyone the way I do you. You deserve to be supported and you give just as much if not more than you receive. I like helping good people and Janine, you are good people.
Enjoy your weekend; you deserve it.
bill
Janine Huldie says
Bill, I really and truly feel the same way about you and couldn't imagine not supporting you and having your back. You really are such a wonderful and special person that I just feel blessed that we are friends. Truly put a smile on my face this morning, but then again you always just have a way fo doing that. Thank you seriously for being you and my friend, too!! π
realhousewife says
Janine! Oh my gosh! I adore you!! I'm so bowled over because you're such a hero to me! I wish I'd have given my job the boot much sooner than I did to stay home with my girls – when they are your girls ages right now. Those kids can suck the life out of you and then give it all back with just one little kiss right? Lol.
You're my hub/blog hero and I really look up to you and love all the help you have to offer. Now you've just made my day … See why I start with your blog in the morning? Always puts me in a good mood!! XOXO
Janine Huldie says
Kelly, seriously reading your comment put a huge smile on my face and please seriously know I feel the same way and truly adore you, too. And I am happy that I was able to make your day. You really are always so kind to me and just cherish our friendship!! I want you to also know I look forward to your blog posts, because you are real and this is reflected in each and every article you write!! π
pictimilitude says
Oh I absolutely love your list and those photos are awesome! I hope you have a GREAT weekend. π As for the blogger award – you are TOO SWEET! That's 3 I've gotten…I'd better get crackin' on writing that post to pass them on. Oh, I've enjoyed getting to know you, Janine. Have a wonderful day!
My recent post Ten Things of Thankful
Janine Huldie says
Cyndi, this one was a no brainer for me and seriously you just inspire me always. By the way, I know you are going to be so busy, so please do not feel like you have to post this up. Just put the award on your sidebar or such in the future, because in my eyes you are truly deserving and wanted to pass this onto to you, but very much wanted you to know that you do not need to make yourself crazy posting this up. Seriously, just do what you need for you and get ready for your next adventure. I will be here when you get back and can't wait to hear all about it!! π
cgacad says
Janine, congratulations, you totally deserve every award that you get! So glad you got to enjoy the 4th. If my in-laws had a pool, I'd be there all the time!
My recent post 1 Night and 1 Day in Point Reyes
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Catherine and truly funny, because my mother-in-law told us she loves that she sees the kids and is happy the pool is getting so much use. So, I am know that I am so very lucky in having married into my husband's family!! π
Dyanne@IWantBacksies says
A great week! And happy anniversary! My husband and I met over 4th of July weekend, so it's always a special time for us, too. Enjoy your new fans, enjoy that pool, and enjoy those darling girls!
My recent post 10 Things of Thankful, According to Pete
Janine Huldie says
Oh Dyanne, so nice to hear that this too is a special time for you and your husband, too. And "Happy Anniversary" to you, too!! π
christyb says
Congrats on the awards and so nice to see all that you are thankful for in your post! I love when we are grateful to the thing we have rather than searching for that which we do not have… Happy weekend!
My recent post When You Become Full-Frame: A Poem
Janine Huldie says
Thank you as always Christy and seriously I am just so grateful for your wonderful friendship and thank you for being so giving with that here!! π
heathero626 says
Happy Anniversary to you and Kevin! π What a busy week you've had… you make me tired, woman! I'm so glad you've had a happy holiday — enjoy the long weekend with Kevin and the girls! π Thank you for the blogger award! You inspire me too, and I am grateful to be able to call you my friend!
My recent post Clara’s First Birthday Celebration {and a Thank You}
Janine Huldie says
Thanks you so much Heather and I really do feel blessed that we became friends!! My pleasure in passing this on and sharing with you!! π π
clark says
very cool Post (both as a weekend wrap-up and a 10 Things post). Getting together with friends from the blogsphere in 'real life' is an interesting experience sounds like you are having fun with everyone.
Your photos with the Post are always a very excellent addition…this week is no exception.
(the first photo: is this a case of 'acorn not far from the tree'? lol the question is, who went for the hands behind the head? excellent!
My recent post 5th List of 10 Things of Thankful on the 2nd Day after the 4th of July the Wakefield Doctrine (just be grateful it wasn’t the 10th List from next October!)
Janine Huldie says
Clark, thank you so much for saying that and love including my pictures here. Truly my pleasure and thank you again for co-hosting!! π
Rosey says
I didn't know Dyson made a fan (so wanting one of those)!!
It's very awesome that you met up with Kera. π
Congrats on your awards. Well deserved. π
My recent post Summer Brain Games (with family 4pk ticket giveaway)
Janine Huldie says
Thank you Rosey. It really was so much fun meeting up with Kera. We love these Dyson fans and I would so recommend if you a Best Buy to take a look at Open Box, because they really offer great deals on different products if they are open box.
NuggetOnABudget says
It was so very wonderful getting to meet up with you finally and meet Kevin and the girls, too! We all had a fabulous time and it was my favorite part of our trip to Long Island. Like I told you, it was like hanging out with an old friend…just like I knew it would be. RJ and I agree we must do it again! Thanks for including that photo of us and the girls, too! π
And thank you for the blog award! I'm definitely going to get to writing up this one, hopefully this week. I also received the award from April so I have hers to do as well. And again, congrats on all the work you're getting for J9 Designs!! So glad you all had a fun holiday weekend and I love that photo of Kevin and the girls in the pool. Love you!!
My recent post super sunday sync blog hop #43.
Janine Huldie says
Just reading your comment has truly put a smile on my face tonight and I agree I truly felt like we had been friends forever. And Kevin and I also said we have to do this again very soon. I hope you guys also enjoyed the wedding, but seriously was just so happy that got to see you all while you were indeed down here. And take you time, when you get to the award you get to it. I am sure you are tired and just getting settled back at home. I just had to nominate you, because seriously, I love you, too!!! π xoxo!!
notinjersey says
love this post! it sounds like you had a great weekend!
My recent post What I’ve Been Reading #25
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks Dara and it really has been a pretty good weekend so far overall and hoping you too have had a fun weekend!! π
One TIPsy Chick says
Congrats on the awards!
And have a Happy Anniversary!!!
My recent post Cook Once, Serve 3 Meals
Janine Huldie says
Oh thank you so much on both fronts and hoping you have had a wonderful weekend!! π
Lanaya says
I am SUPER jealous you and Kera got to meet up. You both looks so cute with the girls! Lots of princesses for us huh?? LOL .. what a busy week for you guys.
And THANK YOU for the blog award … you bestow upon me some of the coolest ones. I had to thank April as well for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award — I have a post on it next week.
Glad your 4th was good and I hope that we get to meet sooner or later.
Thank you for linking to Raising Imperfection.
Please come back Friday to see if you were featured. π
¤´¨)
¸.•*´
(¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
Raising-Reagan.com
Janine Huldie says
Oh you were totally missed Lanaya. Seriously, I really do hope someday we can meet up, too. And love that we all have lots of princesses to go around and then some!! My pleasure awarding you and you know you are definitely one of my besties!! My pleasure as always for linking up and seriously thanks for hosting!! π
Joy@icansaymama says
I love your pool pic! They all look so happy! π
Yay for the blogging friend meeting! I would love to experience that, too, but I guess it will never happen due to the distance π
Oh, and happy anniversary to your and your husband! <3
My recent post Recipe: Summer punch
Janine Huldie says
Thank you Joy and can tell you it was so very fun and wish I could some many of the blogger sI have gotten to know here (you included). And maybe someday distance won't be as much of an issue!! π
@VioletImperfect says
I'm so jealous you were able to meet up with Kera!! Too bad traveling is so expensive or we could all meet up somewhere fun.
Happy early anniversary!
Thank you for linking up to Raising Imperfection!
Make sure to check back on Friday to see if you were featured.
Leslie http://www.violetimperfection.com
Janine Huldie says
Oh Leslie, I know trust me I wish a small group of us (you, Lanaya, Dara, Sara and Kera) could meet up. Maybe someday and I think it would be truly awesome and so much fun!! And thank you as always for hosting and always being so kind to me, too!! π
katbiggie says
You are so sweet Janine! I was just reading along, enjoying your pics, thinking about how I needed to remember to wish you Happy Anniversary, and then I saw your awards and nominations. Thank you so much! You are totally deserving of the Wolf Pack, and I am so thankful for the Inspiring award! I need to remember to post these this week! LOL I am terrible with them and the rules too!! π
So, now that I'm done gushing about that… so cool that you got to meet Kera. It's so fun to meet up IRL with bloggy friends! And I'm glad someone is getting some hot sunny weather because if the rains don't stop here, I'm gonna have to start building an arc. It's been a weird summer!
Thanks again sweet friend!
My recent post Portobello Mushrooms and Beef Tips
Janine Huldie says
Oh Alexa, seriously my pleasure to nominate you and truly so happy that we are friends. You really are a wonderful person and always inspiring me to be better at all I do. Thank you seriously for that and so much more!! π
LisaAndAshley says
Happy Anniversary! π Loved the pictures and the recap…having access to a pool when it is hot is KEY to surviving the summer with kids!-Ashley
My recent post Dosepocalypse: It’s Worse Than Living In A Sorority House
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Ashley and I totally agree about the pool. Truly is the best place to be on hot summer days!! π
Tina says
Happy Anniversary. I enjoyed reading your list of thankfulness. It's always inspiring to be more thankful in my own life!
Thanks for linking up to Raising Imperfection this week while I'm a co-hostess! Please come back to Mommynificent on Friday to see if you were featured.
Have a magnificent day!
Tina
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks so much Tina and will totally check back on Friday!! π