You know you wanna!

**Updated 3/13 to include prize wish list**
(nothing else is new, so all my regular readers can delete this post without guilt!!)



I love celebrations! I love planning for them, executing them, and seeing the enjoyment others get from them. Of course, most days, it has been birthday celebrations for my kids over the last 6 years!

Things have been a little crazy around here and I totally, totally let my own celebration pass by without any hoopla!

Can you believe it has been one year since I started this whole crazy thing?!!

I am sure my husband is rolling his eyes and seconding the "crazy" part right now!

It has been an incredible experience and I am so glad I did it! I am still finding my way through all the technical stuff, figuring out how to voice my thoughts, investigating the income possibilities for a little play money, and discovering the vast blog world that is out there! My written expressions have ranged from silly to insightful. You have always indulged me as I share pictures of my kids and my experiences!

Without a doubt, the best blessing to come of all this is YOU.

You have welcomed me, encouraged me, laughed with me, and prayed for me. It still strikes me as odd some days that I feel like quite a few of you are my friends. And while I do have a great circle of live and in-person friends, my new virtual friends are very very special to me! Without a doubt! So much so, that I am even pondering a bloggy meet-in-greet in my area at some point. Anybody interested?!!

Now my husband is really rolling his eyes!

Like back in his head because he has choked and passed out!

For fun, here is my post I did for The Ultimate Blog Party 2007!

Thanks for stopping by!

Enjoy your stay!

**Due to technical difficulties at the party site (which are now corrected!), I wanted to edit my post so I can send you straight to the source when you get ready to party! Go here to join the fun!!

Stacey

p.s. I donated a door prize to the party so you will have to go there to try and win it!

My personal favorites? Glad you asked!

#137 Go BPA Free Sippy Cup Sampler
#84 Mod Mum Baby Sling
#37 Moby Wrap
#18 Wrap-n-Mat (2) and Chico Shopping Bag
#7 Bead Photo Tile Dangle Necklace
#78 50 Custom Photo Cards

I would also be completely thrilled if I won

#48 Story Package
#87 Orange and Blue Beaded Necklace
#22 Nursing Cover
#19 Klean Kanteen Sippy Cup
#96 Good Pail
#14 12x12 Custom Wall Canvas

Prize Patrol

This is way late in coming!

I wanted to share my goodies I won over the last two carnivals I did. It was fun to win and fun to meet some new gals!

Cindy sent me a super good book! I had no idea what to expect and my husband made a snide remark I won't repeat when he saw the title! Just so you know, the book is so not what you think! I encourage you to read it and be a slacker mom!!



Tiffany sent me a great book to compliment my crock pot I got for Christmas! The recipes are so easy and I love the easy-to-read style of the book!




Daphne sent me some great scrapbook idea books along with an adorable photo album/keepsake box! The picture does not do it justice!



Kelley sent me the cutest charm that I can use on my purse or as a necklace!



Thanks girls!!

Stacey

All Bloggy Love-50% OFF!

I really had fun with everyone that stopped by for a visit and to see my "new" place!

I kinda like the calmer carnival crowd from The Big Bloggy Move! The pace was nice and we could all stay longer and enjoy our time together!

The winner of my "house"-warming gift is Melissa!

You HAVE to go visit her! She has a super cute site with the most precious headers! I have already seen 2 since knowing her just one week!

Plus, she is a Texas gal and not-so-far-away neighbor!

CONGRATULATIONS!

I hope you all have a great weekend!
Stacey

p.s. Yep, all Valentine stuff is 50% off in the stores. I picked up $3 worth today, but just couldn't buy anything else. I am pretty much the one who holds out until at least 75% off since I don't NEED it! Seriously, I still have 4 boxes of cards for the kids to use that I picked up last year for less than $1 each!

Sorta like popping up out of a big cake!

The day has arrived for this....



I am excited to share my new place with each of you! Have a seat and I will get you some coffee. Cream? Sugar? I add a dose of chocolate to mine!

I really didn't go anywhere, but I hope you still like the new look! I changed my place up a bit~ painted, moved some furniture around, changed the wall decor. Just a few little things to make it feel more like me!

Of course, as a woman, I am bound to change my mind again! Don't be surprised if I rearrange some more by the time you come back!

My favorite new thing? It would be so hard to pick just one! The new colors make me feel warm and cozy. I love the added space! But most of all? I adore my new front door! A work of art, don't you think?!

While you are here, I would love to hear what you think. I am open to suggestions to make your visits more enjoyable. Is it easy on the eye? Can you find what you are looking for? Does the "furniture" work where it is at? Am I missing something?

In exchange for your lovely opinion, I am giving away one Arbonne goody bag full of fun surprises! It will be catered to my winner, so don't be shy!

When you have time, be sure to pop in over at Loud Mouth Logos and say "hi" to my personal decorators! They do such great work! You might even want to hire them yourself!

OH! And don't forget to go here to join the fun!

I really enjoyed our time together! I do hope you will come back often!

Stacey

p.s. I promise to stop by your place in the next few days! I will be away most of the day and evening the next 2 days! Can't wait to see you again!

DING! Time's up!

I have some closing thoughts about the carnival that I will share later this week.

Along with many others (thoughts, that is!) swirling around in my head right now!

Without fanfare, but no less excitement, I give you the winner of my prize.....

Momala

She is getting herself a new blog header and blog redesign!

And because I warned you that I can't bring myself to disappoint anyone, I give you the two runners-up.....

Tyna

and

Jhianna

These gals will receive their very own Arbonne Swag Bag of Samples to enjoy!

And since I can't even keep my eyelids open with toothpicks, I leave you until I recover from the weekend!

See you Tuesday!

Stacey

p.s. Random.org was my assistant in determining winners!

Circus Act!

Since my life feels like a circus right now, you have the privilege of receiving my thoughts in merry-go-round fashion!

I hope you are not prone to motion sickness!

* Friday Fuzzies will be periodic until I can my act together and organize a few posts with new people to visit!

* L recovered from his fever last week. It took about two days of come and go fever, but otherwise, no other symptoms. PTL! Seriously! Thanks for all your good thoughts!

* At work, several therapists were out sick for a few days last week. Many children have either been gone due to illness or they have graciously come to therapy and shared! We finally re-emphasized to all the parents our guidelines for children being sick and therapy.

* And yes, I felt mine own version coming on Wednesday night in nasal form. I am always fearful of the dreaded sinus infection, so I got to work Thursday morning to stop it in its tracks! I did the always-glamourous neti pot and added a little colloidal silver just for safe measure! So far, after 2 days, I still feel some pressure but I think I am on the right track to not getting full-blown sick!

* I really can't afford to be sick because I have serious business to take care of this weekend. My girls and I are headed out of town to join many other ladies from church for our Winter Ladies Retreat!! It is always planned around Canton weekend (huge indoor/outdoor flea market!) and free time is specifically planned so those that want to can head over to do a little shopping! The best part...my girls and I are headed out a bit early today to catch some shopping on Friday afternoon before the retreat starts. Most of them are doing the cattle drive on Saturday which limits our shopping time tomorrow.

* But just so you know, we really do go to retreat and spend time wrapping ourselves in God's grace as we remember why we are here. This is always the best retreat of the year and our coordinator will start planning the day after this one is over. She always does! I will give you a post-retreat review upon my return!

* Just one more thing about shopping :) If you live in the DFW area, than you probably know of the wonderfulness of Canton! I love it and used to go much more frequently than I do now since having two kids. I am the outdoor "junk" gal. I love to look indoors at all the vendors, but my favorite part is finding great treasures outside that I can make beautiful for cheap! We are expecting decent weather which thrills me! Rain and Canton stink!

* Shopping aside :), I am totally sacrificing for God this weekend since finding out he will be performing in town Saturday night! Ok, just kidding about the sacrifice thing, but I would so love to have gone to the concert! And on another note, I am about to make this my theme song to my family!

* Ok, now about the Bloggy Giveaway-Winter 2008! I think after 5 days, I have done all I can do in hopes of winning something. There are 900+ giveaways and it wouldn't surprise me if I managed to enter at least 700+ of them!! If you look at all the giveaways/carnivals I have done since last March, I am probably 50/50 on winning something. After the dust has settled on this one, I am going to take inventory and let everyone know the results for me!

* If you were one of the 300+ people who entered my giveaway of this, wow, you have made my job of picking ONE winner very, very difficult! It always pains me to pick whether it is one winner or multiple winners. Which is exactly why I usually add more surprise prizes when I announce! I guess we will see for this time! Since I will be out of town until Sunday afternoon, feel free to enter until I get back! I will work on the winner announcement Sunday evening and it will probably be posted after 10 pm. Sorry to be vague, but I am sure being gone all weekend will find me with lots of love to give when I get back. To the family and the house!

* Now for something a little more interesting, and spicey, go here! (the post is not up yet, but it will be soon and you won't want to miss it!)

Have a wonderful weekend!
Stacey

Bloggy all the time, bloggy all the time, bloggy allllllll the tiiiiime!

I love carnival time and I love that you have stopped by to have some fun with me!

I know your stay is brief today and that you may have trouble finding your way back again, but I wanted to welcome you warmly and make sure you have fun while you are here!

So here I am, sending you bloggy love from my part of the world to yours!



Want some more bloggy love?

I am sooooooooooo excited to reveal my giveaway!

Here are a few hints:

* Anyone anywhere can win!
* When you receive your prize is up to you!
* It's like getting a face lift without the pain!

Ready?

One lucky person is going to receive a....

NEW blog header AND blog layout design!

Yey!!! I am already excited for my winner and I don't even know you yet!

I wish I could show you the great work David and Alli have done for me, but it is top secret and still under construction! You will have to come back on February 11 for the big reveal! Just know they are talented and patient! Amen on the patience! And their prices are so low (including free installation!), you might not even wait until you win one!! Go visit Loudmouth Logos to learn more about their family, their passions, and their work! Tell them I said hi!

I will be gone over the weekend, but look for the winner to be announced on Sunday evening, February 3!

Don't forget to pop over here to find all the other great people and giveaways!

Thank you again for stopping by! Leave some breadcrumbs on your way out and don't be a stranger!

Stacey

It's Cooooooming!

Start making your plans to join the fun all next week!

See you there!

Stacey

Tackled Pink!

I am getting comfy and tackling for fun this week! With the Fall Y'all Bloggy Giveaway going on all week, I have my hands full!


As of Monday night, I had this many visitors who I am eager to go see!


And I had this many emails in my box to work through. I LOVE subscribing to my blog comments. It has made life so much easier!


I had this many emails in just 4 hours!

Knowing (hoping!) this might happen, I worked through the house at warp speed today while the kids were at school. It always amazes me what I can accomplish in a few hours that would take me ALL DAY with them here. And still not be done! I love and adore my kids, but TODAY, I needed them to go to school! They were fighting after being up for only 5 minutes this morning!

So, for the other big kid that lives here, just know that yesterday I:

Cleaned the bedrooms
Cleaned the bathrooms
Cleaned the kitchen
Cooked dinner
Vacuumed house
Put things away
Finished laundry
Folded almost all the laundry
Taxied kids to dance and library
Got some groceries (with your wired son in tow!)
Fed, bathed, entertained, and put kids to bed
Prepared backpacks, lunches, and costumes/books for school Tuesday
Did some work
Prepared hand-out treats for Wednesday night

Just for the record, I am feeling no guilt! :)

Happy Tackling!
Stacey

Fall Y'all

The time has arrived! I really hope you will play along! I have done these carnivals only twice, but with great reward! I only won once, but the reward of which I speak was even better! I met so many fabulous people that I get to enjoy all the time!

All the details are over here.

Here are the yummies that I am giving away!!


A mini set of Arbonne's Ginger Citrus, including body wash, sugar scrub, and body butter! One of my personal favorites that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!

AND.....


A bottle of Arbonne's Skin Conditioning Oil! OK girls, let me tell you about the power & longevity in this small bottle! First, it is the BEST thing I have tried for my daughter's eczema which is once again in it's flare-up stage as the weather changes. Second, I use it on my heels and toes before I put my socks on. Perfect! And I am not kidding, you will think the magic fairies fill it back up at night by how long it lasts!

Everyone has until Friday night, 11/2, at 8 pm CST to leave a comment here. I will draw for and announce my winner on Saturday morning.

Now go have a great time this week!

I can't wait to meet you!

Stacey

Summer blogging, had me a blast!

Just a few weeks ago, I was giving away a prize in my own little blog world! Little did I know what was in the works across blogland. What is so funny, is that both ideas were really along the same lines of thinking. I post, you visit and comment, I give away a prize. Mine was to the person farthest away that left a comment. (Kimmy, I did not forgot you! The kids are at their grandparents for a few days which means I will actually catch up on a few things. Getting to the post office being a priority! Hang in there friend!)

This "contest" is really just like mine was meant to be. Get out there and meet new people! You will get the same in return! Plus, think of all the goodies to be given away!

If you are a new visitor, WELCOME! You are actually in luck! Over the past week, I did 3 posts with LOTS of pictures. Tell the truth, you love pictures! I do try to create pictures with words as well, so come back when you have more time to catch up!

If you are a loyal lurker, WELCOME BACK! Thank you for knowing me and still loving me!

And before you go, be sure to start dreaming about....

Luxurious Almond Body Buff and Body Velvet!

The first is a yummy exfoliate for the bath or shower, while the second is an ultra-creamy (not ultra-greasy!) body cream!

And if you don't like almond, well, I am the kinda gal that is willing to negotiate!

Be sure to visit Shannon to join the fun!

Thanks for stopping by!
Stacey

**UPDATE- First, I am blown away by all the visitors! I have a lot of people to meet! Second, PLEASE, PLEASE make sure I can get back to you (either by correct blog address or an email) in case you win my prize! I have found several already that I can't reach. AND BEST OF ALL... I have decided to add 2 more prizes for a total of 3 giveaways! The other 2 prizes will be Arbonne Sample Bags with a variety of samples in each bag!

A Blog Carnival!

disclaimer- I have TRIED and TRIED to get the links to insert and KEEP FAILING! Sorry and HELP!!

Chilihead over at donttryit.com is hosting a "get to know your fellow bloggers" kinda thing! It sounded fun and maybe less overwhelming than the Blog Party, so let's join in! I am sure all 5 people that read my blog will enjoy more insight into my life!! Right!

How did you start blogging?
Deep breath aaaand GO....Ok, some time back, I started reading a friend's blog. I had heard about them, but was totally in the dark and frankly knew I had no time for one myself! And besides, we did even own a digital camera which made me feel really out of the loop. Also, I finally started checking out a celebrity blog type site my friend raved about (and we were always amazed at how tight she was with all the celebs!). Somehow, admist all my clicking, I ended up on a site of a local photographer at sugarphotography.blogspot.com I LOVE to see other people's pictures and then try things myself! The funniest part really is that I work with (and adore!) her assistant's SIL-way small world! Well, clicked onto Big Mama over at bigmama1.blogspot.com and I was so hooked from there! Even at that point, I had no intention of actually doing my own but the lure of prizes and visitors from the Ultimate Blog Party had me hastily put one together. I had just written an article for our ladies' church newsletter and received good reviews, so I copied and pasted as my first blog post!

Did you intend to be a blog w/a following? If so, how did you go about it?
Well......I would not in any way consider myself a blog with a following. But thank you to those who do stop by faithfully!! I am trying to write not only to share with family and friends, but also to engage others like me. I tried to visit a lot of sites from the Party and will leave comments occasionally on other sites I read.

What do you hope to achieve or accomplish with your blog?
World fame! No, not really, but apparently it is possible by the looks of others' sites! I hope to share, learn, laugh!

Have you been successful?
I am successfully trying to improve at all this! I need to spend some time over at Blogging Basics 101 cuz I so need help! But even then, some of the words seem way over my low-tech brain and I feel silly asking for help! I am constantly looking to other bloggers' sites for inspiration and guidance. And boy, can you learn a lot about so many different people!

Has the focus of your blog changed since you started blogging? How?
Not sure I have one focus and feel too much of a blog baby to really feel anything has changed so far.

What do you know now that you wish you'd known when you started?
Everything!

Do you make money with your blog?
Not yet and maybe never. I have looked into it, but with no serious attempts yet. Again, it seems a little overwhelming and I am good to stay current with my posts!

Does your immediate or extended family know about your blog? If so, do they read it?
As far as family, only my brother and sister know about it so far. I really don't think they read it. Initially, I wasn't sure what I was going to do with the blog and wanted to be cautious since parents and in-laws can have a different perspective of my life. Which probably isn't fair at this point because I do post a lot about the kids and include pictures. Guess I need to let the secret out! A lot of my friends know about it. And of course, a few strangers!

What two pieces of advice would you give to a new blogger?
Um, well, on the chance that I will sound like a broken record-or scratched CD-again, I feel a little underqualified to be dishing out advice!

1. Read, read, and read some more other people's blog sites. It is just a great learning tool and darn good medicine most of the time!

2. Don't be too hard on yourself in the beginning. And by "beginning", well, that could mean for a long time! You will have second thoughts, wish you could have a do-over, really wish you could be as insightful and/or funny as your blog idols. Be yourself, as much as you can while hiding behind the keyboard, and it will work itself out.

So if you blog, go on over to Chilihead, sign Mr. Linky, and start sharing!

Enjoy!
Stacey

Quick Jesus, can you turn some more water into wine so we will have enough for all the guests!

So Friday I thought I was so smart and doing so good. I was so excited about the blog party but wanted to make sure I didn't totally avoid my family with all my "partying". I decided to "meet" 10 new people every time I sat down at the computer-good plan, right? I started with #1 and was working my way down. By the end of the evening, I had "hung out" with 70 people; didn't linger long-just enough to take a peek, leave a message, and to make a note to come back and visit later.

I had to be away from my computer for 2 days while doing business at a vendor market, coming home each night exhausted and needing to hang out with the kids. So, I checked in on my "party attendees" then scooted over to the party headquarters to casually get started on meeting some more people.

WHAT! Who invited all these people? Just kidding! I am just wondering how I will ever properly greet everyone- all over 600 of you (and the list is climbing by the minute!). Oh well, I better get busy!

I have got some thoughts brewing for tomorrow, so until then....Party On!

Stacey

p.s. Can you tell what lesson I taught the 4-year old Sunday school class last week?!

Tonight I want to party like it's 1999!

Sorry, but I just couldn't resist!! I am so excited about this party! Aren't you? What!!!??? You haven't heard???!!! Well the gals over at www.5minutesformom.com are hosting The Ultimate Blog Party and everyone is invited! Click on the link below, read about it, check out all the fabulous prizes, sign in, post a comment about it on your own blog, visit some new friends, comment on their blogs, and well....just party and have a great time! Don't have blog? Neither did I until recently, but I just couldn't stay away from all the fun everyone else was having. You know like in the movies where the forlorn-looking child peers longingly down from the window of his/her 2-story house as all the other children play chase down below in the yard. Yes, usually the child has on a long white nightgown, but hey! Anyway, there are so many great blogs waiting for you to visit. Good thing the party is all week!

Anyway, more later. I have to go get a "george dandaid" (band-aid) for one of Lukes' many non-existant booboo's. Actually, this time he insists it is for the one on his foot just like "on your foot mommy".

Happy Partying!!!
Stacey

p.s. It's March Madness and everything is 50% off!! If you want some great botanically-based products, check out my website using the link www.staceywillmon.myarbonne.com.

Party Time

Check out The Ultimate Blog Party (see banner link below) that runs March 2-9th! I am excited for several reasons-

• It means learning about some great people and getting to know them better. Note- I have learned that there is this incredible network of women out there offering support, humor, advice, prayers. What I love is that so many are Christian women!
• It means PRIZES- anyone that posts about the party during that week and signs up using the Mr. Linky on 5minutesformom website is eligible to win. Disclaimer- I am very green about all this blogging stuff, so please be sure to read the details on their website in regards to signing up, posting, winning, etc.
• It means lots of potential new visitors to both my blog (that is if I ever let any of my friends know about it!) and my website (selfish maybe, but a girl has to advertise!)

More later! Enjoy your day!

Stacey