Tire Swing

In February, we got a new Swurfer through a fundraiser at my girls' school. A Swurfer, in case you are wondering, is a cross between swing and a surfboard. We were finally able to hang it from a tree limb in our front yard over the weekend and the girls have had so much fun on it! They have spent every spare minute they had swinging and "surfing," smiling and laughing. As I watched them, it reminded me of a post I wrote a couple years ago about watching my girls on a tire swing in our woods. That post was originally written as a guest post on an other blog, but since we are on spring break this week and I won't be spending much time with my computer, I thought it would be a good time to re-run it here on my blog. 

**************************************

This post originally ran on Dancing In The Rain on March 27, 2014 as part of Jennifer's "The View From Here Series."

*************************************

We have lots of wooded areas around our house. In one spot , down in the woods, my father in law made a tire swing for my three girls. With what can only be described as grandpa heroics (and a little bit of luck), he threw a rope around a very high, sturdy branch and tied an old tire to the end of the loop. My girls love it.

"What if they fall?" I think to myself. "What if they don't?" I hear myself answer back. What if they miss the fun, the exhilaration, the time outdoors, the laughter because I was afraid of the "What ifs?"

Me? Every time I watch them on it I hold my breath. You see, the branch is very high which means the rope is very long. When they first get on the swing, in that spot directly under the branch, they are not too high of the ground. But, just a few steps beyond the “landing” area, the ground drops off abruptly by a few feet, so, when the girls swing way out over this drop-off, they suddenly seem much higher from the ground and, therefore, much more precariously perched atop the swing.

Thus is the conundrum of parenting, isn't it?  Just like the push and pull of that swing, we are constantly letting go, pushing forward, and hoping they return safely.

We have a fierce desire to protect our children. We want to spare them from harm and hurt - external and internal. We want to dry their tears and mend their broken hearts. Yet, we are simultaneously preparing them to leave our protection and, eventually, be on their own.

Tonight, I watched my daughter on the soccer field. Her team lost, but she chased that ball and kicked it with all her might. She had a blast and has come to really love playing soccer.

A couple years ago, however, I was not so sure. You see, she is not exactly the most coordinated child and was, in fact, rather accident prone when she was younger. The idea of her playing a semi-contact sport like soccer was very scary to me. I was certain she would get hurt or, even worse, be laughed at or ridiculed. She continued to ask and, eventually I gave in and signed her up.

Now, I watch her on that field and think, "Why did I wait so long? What was I really scared of?" I just wanted to protect her, but the truth is that I was holding her back. I was keeping her away from something that has turned out to be one of the best things she has ever done! It has boosted her confidence and she is proud of herself. It has improved her physical coordination. It has taught her sportsmanship and teamwork. She has made friends. She has had so much fun.  

And, I have learned something too.

Sometimes, as parents, we have be more like our children - unafraid to swing way out over the cliff. We have to let go and maybe even give them a push. We have to trust that the branch is strong and that the rope will hold. We have to have faith that the risk is worth the outcome. Sometimes, we may even have to be a soft place for them to fall. But, we can't let the "what ifs" paralyze us.

I've seen this quote attributed to several different people, but it has always been one of my favorites and I remember it every time I see my kids on the tire swing or my daughter on the soccer field.  

  

Currently - March 2016

I decided to try creating a "currently" post once a month in 2016. I think of it as a bit of a journal entry - an online diary, if you will. However, I'm beginning to think that every month is not such good idea because a lot of my "currently-s" this month are the same as last month's. However, I'm still trying to break this writing rut I'm in, so I'm going with it anyway and attempting to make it different. If you want to join me, you are welcome. I haven't made it a linkup or anything, but you can just copy the words I have used and fill in your own thoughts. You don't have to use all same the words I have used and/or you can substitute any others you choose! (Here is a great list.) 

Currently . . . .  (Started on Friday afternoon, March 25;

 finished on Sunday afternoon, March 27))

• Enjoying - Spring Break!!!! My kids are out of school today (Friday) and all next week. Woohoo!!!!
• Feeling - Very glad for the break from the regular, busy routine. I need a break. I think we all need a break.
• Reading - I just finished Before I Go To Sleep by S.J Watson. I just picked up Brooklyn by Colm Toibin and look forward to reading it during Spring break! 
• Listening - You know those songs that just get stuck in your head and you find yourself humming the tune long after you heard the song? This is one of those songs.
• Wearing - Ugh! It has been unusually warm unusually early this spring. A couple weeks ago, we had an 86 degree day!!! However, I am really, really unhappy with my weight right now and I'm NOT ready to put on shorts. It's only March, so we should still be in jeans and sweaters, but the weather is calling for tank tops and I keep getting swimsuit catalogs in the mail! Most people would love it, but I'm not a fan.
• Thinking - Still thinking about my blog - where it's going; what purpose it serves. I was thinking about this last month and it's still on my mind. With my kids getting older, it seems there is less to write about - at least less that I am willing to put on the internet. Also, after six years of blogging, it feel like I have already done, in one way or another, many of the more generic parenting topics. I don't want to let it go, but I'm wondering if, maybe, it has run it's course.
• Wishing- for a vacation! I'm so glad we have spring break this week. I think we ALL need a reprieve from the routine. The girls and I will be spend a few days with my parents and I'm looking forward to a change of scenery. 
• Questioning - Honestly? Politics. there have been a lot of "hot topics" in my state lately including, of course, the presidential race. I despise politics - just feels like a bunch of childish grown ups arguing about who will get their way. I know, however, that I should be educated, so I'm trying.
• Clebrating - That the part time job I've been doing at our church as an interim for the past two years, has finally been made permanent! 
• Playing - a new board game called "Ticket To Ride." We wanted something new for our family game nights and some friends had suggested this game. It's not cheap ($50.00 at Target!), but it is so much fun! 
• Wanting - So many things!!
• Loving - Watching our girls play on their new Swurfer! We got is from a fundraiser at my girls' school and they re having a blast on it. I love looking out our front door to see them swing and smile. 

What is currently happening in your life?

Superwoman and Superman: Conquering this Crazy Life Together

My minivan and I went through half a tank of gas in two days this week and never even left the county. I don't even want to think about how many actual miles it was, but it was miles and hours of school carpool drop off lines, school carpool pick up lines, work, errands, piano lessons, soccer practice and games, and - oh yeah - we need to eat something. Not to mention all the things that had to be done at home - the laundry, the dishes, the homework, the papers to sign, the conversations to have, the appointments to make. 

You see, my husband was on his third week of basically being gone Monday through Friday for work. I fully acknowledge that it is not easy for him either. While spending nights alone in a quiet hotel room after a nice dinner with other grownups does sometimes sound just heavenly to me and I feel the jealousy creeping in, I have to remember that it also means that he misses all the things  - the soccer practices and games, the conversations, the hugs, the time. It's completely different, but just as hard as what I do. Plus he bears the burden of being the primary financial provider for all of us - a responsibility that, I'm sure, is very weighty and burdensome. 

We make it work and always muddle through because we have this mutual understanding. What I do is just as difficult and important as what he does. What he does is just as difficult and important as what I do. They are very, very different, but also equal. 

Some days, I feel like I need to be Superwoman to make it all work. In the morning, I have an extra cup of coffee, steel myself up for the day, and pray that the children will get along and go along without too much bickering and complaining. I'm doing the best I can. I'm not really Superwoman, but I try to get as close as I can. When I feel like I have failed or done an only mediocre job, he is there with a text or a call reminding me that I am his superwoman. 

While I wear my super cape at home doing what I do, my hubby is off in a different city (or two or three) each week, wearing his cape - closing deals, moving mountains, and bringing home the bacon. I think - I hope - he knows that he is my Superman.

Both of our capes - his and mine - are probably wrinkled and faded from lots of wear and too much time in the driver's seat or the suitcase, but we wear them just the same even though they are usually invisible when we see our own reflections in the mirror. Deep down, we know they are there.

We make a pretty good pair, I think. Together, we conquer this crazy, wonderful, blessed life we lead one nutty day at a time. 

This post was written as part of the Finish the Sentence Friday linkup hosted by:

  Kristi from Finding Ninee

 Vidya from Collecting Smiles

This week's sentence was, "I felt like Superwoman when . . . . "

A Tween Girl's Easter Basket

By now, you are probably aware that Easter Sunday is on March 27th, less than two weeks away. The date on which Easter occurs from year to year changes and this makes it seem unpredictable. However, there is rhyme and reason behind the date.

You see, Easter is the Christian celebration of Jesus' resurrection after his crucifixion. According to the Bible, these events occurred around the time of the Jewish Passover which was typically celebrated on the first full moon following the vernal (Spring) equinox.

Still with me?

In 325CE, the Council of Nicaea determined that, from that time forward, Easter would be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the vernal equinox. (Thanks for making that so incredibly super simple, Nicaean guys!)

Easter is on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox. Huh?? #Easter @TheGoldenSpoons

The earliest date that can possibly be Easter is March 22nd, although this is very rare. The most recent occurrence of a March 22nd Easter was in 1818 and it won't happen again until 2285.

The latest date on which Easter can possibly occur is April 25th. The last time this happened was in 1943. It will be on this date again in 2038. 

So, there you go. The reason behind the predictable unpredictableness of Easter dates.

You know what else is unpredictable? Daughters. Particularly, tween/teen daughters. I have always enjoyed making Easter baskets for my three girls each year. It's not the big time stuff of Christmas gifts. Rather, just a little basket of fun to celebrate a special day. 

Since the death of the Tooth Fairy and all magical creatures in our house, this will be the first year that none of my girls believes in a fantastical bunny that hops into our home on Saturday night and leaves a basket full of goodies for them to find on Easter Sunday morning. (As I found out this weekend while we were shopping, they have also lost the excitement that used to come with picking out special Easter dresses, but that's another blog post.) So, I've been thinking about whether to still do Easter baskets this year (Okay. I really just now thought about this) and, if so, what do I put in them??

Big shocker - I came up with a list and thought I would share it with all of you in case you have any tween/teen non-EasterBunny-believing girls in your life. 

12 Things to Put in a Tween Girl's Easter Basket @TheGoldenSpoons #Easter #tweens

12 Things to Put in a Tween Girl's Easter Basket

Books

The Easter Bunny has always brought them books and even big girls need to read! 

Bath Gel/Lotion

They also need to be clean and moisturized.

Jewelry

Earrings, a bracelet, or a pretty little necklace is always a hit.

Hair Accessories

With three daughters, there are never enough pony tail ties!

Socks

Seriously - where do all the socks go????

Flip Flops

Because, summer is coming and girls need shoes!

Nail Polish

If you're going to wear flip flops, pretty toes are a must! 

Make-up

Mild make-up - just some lip gloss and light, glittery eye shadow maybe.

Toothbrush/Toothpaste

Dental hygiene is important!

Perfume/Body Spray

I know tween boys are stinky, but tween girls can be, too!

Gift Cards

Small amounts for Starbucks, Claire's, iTunes, or the local froyo spot.

Candy

What's Easter without some chocolate and jelly beans, right??

Got any other Ideas? I'd love to hear them!! 

Crockpot Beef and Broccoli {#SundaySupper}

My husband is a big fan of Asian food. I enjoy it, too, when it's good, but I can't take the taste (or aftertaste) of cheap takeout Chinese. I'm always on the lookout for some good recipes to try at home that will make everyone at my table happy, so when I saw this one for Crockpot Beef and Broccoli, I wanted to give it a try. The original version was good, but a little on the sweet side, so I've tweaked it just a bit. Hope you'll give it a try and that you like it as much as we did! 

Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

- 2 lbs. stew beef or stir fry strips

- 1 cup beef broth

- 1/2 cup soy sauce

-1/4 cup brown sugar

- 2 TBSP sesame oil

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

-1 tsp ground ginger

- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

- 4 TBSP corn starch

- 4 TBSP water

-1 bag (12 oz) frozen broccoli florets

In the crockpot, whisk together the broth, soy sauce, sugar, oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Add in the beef.  Cover and cook on low for about 5 hours. Stir together the corn starch and water to make a slurry and add it to the crockpot. Toss in the frozen broccoli. Re-cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes. Serve over rice or noodles.

Crockpot Beef and Broccoli #SundaySupper @TheGoldenSpoons

My Kryptonite Is . . . . . .

I look in the mirror and see the dark circles under my eyes, the wrinkles that are forming, the extra pounds I can't seem to shed. The last two pairs of jeans I bought came from the "plus size" store. I hate what I see. "I wish I was pretty," I think to myself. "I wish I was as skinny as this person or as stylish as that person."

*********************************************************************************
As the sun's rays shine through, I see the fingerprints on the window and the crumbs on the floor. There are dishes piled in the sink and laundry in the dryer than needed to be folded yesterday. I don't have a designer's eye and my house doesn't look like anything in the Better Homes and Gardens magazine that is collecting dust on the coffee table. If I can't make it beautiful, I should at least keep it cleaner! There's plenty of time if I never sit down.

*********************************************************************************
I was only an okay mom today. I lost my cool when they were bickering incessantly in the car and yelled at them. I got frustrated with homework and laundry requests and whining about taking showers. Dinner came from a box and there were no fruits, or veggies, or anything organic on the paper plates I used to serve it. I didn't want to read bedtime stories or braid their hair. I was relieved when they finally went to bed. We should have soaked up the sunshine outside and shared more hugs, but we didn't. I didn't.

*********************************************************************************
I was a second rate wife today, too. My husband was literally across the country on a business trip and a three hour time difference is far more brutal than it might seem. By the time he was getting up, we were already out the door and getting on with our day. By the time he was free to talk on the phone, I was exhausted and ready for bed. I didn't text him any sweet little love notes and, truth be told, I was jealous and resentful. . He was having a nice dinner with actual adults and heading back to a quiet hotel room that somebody else cleans while I was knee deep in carpool lines, piano lessons, soccer practice, and homework, eating dinner from a box in this messy, in-need-of-renovations house. Tomorrow, he'll be on a plane heading somewhere else, but I'll still be here doing it all over again. I know he works hard to provide for our family and I truly am grateful, but somedays I forget to remember that. 

***********************************************************************************
Exhausted and disheartened, my head hits the pillow. I close my eyes and replay the day in my mind. "You look nice today!" I hear a co-worker repeat.  "Thanks, mom! You're the best!" I hear my children say and I remember that there are blessings amidst the mess. "I miss you and appreciate all that you do," I read in the text from my hubby. 

It is clear. My kryptonite is . . . . ME! I am my own worst enemy and biggest critic. Maybe it was just another day - nothing out of the ordinary - but there were hugs, and smiles, and laughter. It wasn't gourmet, but my children were fed. Our house doesn't look like anything from a  magazine, but it is sturdy and it keeps us sheltered together.  

Why is being "just enough" never enough? Why do we hold ourselves to some ridiculous, unattainable standard? Why do we expect ourselves to be super heroes when we would never expect that from anyone else?


I have often said that I feel like a gerbil on a wheel - running and running, but never getting anywhere. I lose sight of the fact that just keeping the wheel spinning is a major accomplishment that takes stamina and fortitude. I forget to be grateful for all the blessings I have and I get bogged down in the day to day minutiae of it all. 

Do I cherish every single second with my children? No.
Do I get jealous and communicate poorly with my husband? Yes. 
Do I sometimes close my eyes and wish I was anywhere but here? Sure. 

Is all that perfectly normal? YES!!!! YES!!! YES!!!!

On the days when I'm drowning in motherhood and overwhelmed by the mundane day-to-day, feeling unimportant and insignificant, I have to be stronger than the kryptonite. I have to remember my blessings and embrace the beautiful, ordinary chaos of it all. I have to try to see myself through the eyes of the ones who love me. I am a Superwoman and I have to remember to wear my cape with gratefulness and pride. 

On the days when I'm drowning in motherhood, I have to be stronger than the kryptonite. #FTSF @TheGoldenSpoons

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This post was written as part of the Finish The Sentence Friday Linkup hosted by Kristi of Finding Ninee, and this week, by me! This week's sentence was "My kryptonite is . . . . . "

An InLinkz Link-up

8 Things Your Teen is Thinking . . .But Won't Say Out Loud

A few months ago, my husband and I headed out of town to attend my high school reunion. We took our two youngest daughters with us, but we left our thirteen year old behind with my in-laws because he had a big soccer game that Saturday. I sent her a text Friday night to see if she had a good day at school and I ended with “I love you!” In her text reply, she said “I love you too! Have fun at your reunion!” Not a big deal, right? Except it is.

Upon reading that text, I realized that it had been a good while since I had heard her say “I love you.” Having just begun her journey into the teen years, she is awash with emotions, but she keeps most of them inside and is, like most normal teens, far too mature and “cool” for that kind of affection. It was nice to “hear” it once again.

The truth is, there are probably a lot of things on her mind that she is not saying out loud for a variety of reasons. Admittedly, my daughter has always been fairly stoic and aloof. However, she has become more that way in recent months. (Thanks a lot teenage hormones and bad attitudes!).

I thought back to when I was a teenager and did a little research about what it’s like to be a teen today, because, let’s face it, it’s been a while since I was there and a lot has changed. Based on what I remember, what I read, and what I have witnessed, I came up with a list of some pretty significant things a lot of teens are probably thinking, but, most likely, won’t say out loud.

1. I want to spend time with you. I think, deep down, teens still enjoy spending time with their parents and siblings. After all, they have known us all their lives, right? However, in these awkward, confusing years hanging out with the family simply isn’t a popular thing to do. It also has something to do with the next thing on the list . . . . .
2. I want to talk to you, but I don’t know how. There’s a lot going on in the lives of today’s teenagers. School, friends, dating, and the list goes on. They want our guidance and advice, but often they don’t come to us because they are embarrassed, afraid they will disappoint us, or scared of being judged.
3.  I want you to be proud of me. Remember when they were toddlers constantly saying, “Look, Mommy!” and we would clap with adoration at the smallest little things they did? Like when you did some ridiculous song and dance just because she went pee-pee in the potty? At almost 40, I still worry what my parents think of me and hope every day that they are proud of the woman I have become. Why would teens be any different from those toddlers seeking praise or the adult trying to live up to expectations? Teens may try to appear too callous and cool to need our accolades and approval, but deep down they want our praise and approval.
4.  I know more about sex, drugs, and rock and roll than you think I do. As a parent, this one is hard for me to swallow, but I also don’t want to be naïve. When I had “The Talk” with my oldest daughter, I asked her “Do you know what sex is?” She replied, “Yeah. My friends talk about it all the time.” She was in the FIFTH GRADE!!!!! Let that sink in for just a minute folks – fifth grade. When I asked what exactly her friends were saying about it, she got embarrassed and clammed up, but if they were talking about it then at age 11, I can only imagine what they are talking about age 13, 16, and beyond. They are surrounded by images of sex and party-going celebrities on the news and in social media, but who wants to have a serious conversation with their parents about sex and drugs? Awkward!
Nobody wants to talk to their parents about sex, right?? ~8 Things Your Teen Is Thinking But Won't Say Out Loud~ @TheGoldenSpoons
5. I don’t know/I need help. They won’t say this out loud, because A) They think they DO know or B) They don’t want you to know that there is something they don’t know. As teens, they are learning to assert their independence and figuring out just exactly what that means. They don’t want adults to view them as unintelligent or incapable, so they don’t’ always ask for help even when they need it.
6. I can’t control it! Once in a while (ok – once a month), I get crazy hormonal myself. I cry for no reason or I am unexplainably irritable, getting angry about the most insignificant things. I have even said to my husband, “I’m so grumpy I’m getting on my own nerves!” It lasts for a day or two and then I’m back to normal. Teens, especially young teens, are experiencing physical sensations they have never had before. Their hormones are raging and and their physiques are changing. They are often not in control of their own bodies and emotions. The way I feel a couple days a month is the way they feel ALL. THE. TIME. It has to be exhausting and frustrating, but it’s so confusing and overwhelming, they don’t even know how to voice it.
7. Hug me! There is nothing more heinously embarrassing to a teen than being hugged and/or kissed by their parents, right? That doesn’t, however, mean they don’t’ need affection from time to time. Most mornings, as my sleepy, grumpy teen stumbles into the kitchen, I step into her path and wrap my arms around her. She usually does not return my embrace, but she also does not resist and, more often than not, I can feel her rest her head on my shoulder just the way she did when she was small. I, myself, am not a “touchy-feely” kind of gal, but I still need a hug once in a while. Teens are not any different – whether they admit it or not!
8. I love you! – Similar to the hugs, they probably won’t say it out loud very often, but they still feel it. If you’re lucky, maybe they’ll text it to you on occasion.

Since my oldest is only 13, we are very new to this teenage gig and I am certainly no expert. Honestly, I’m not sure if anyone really knows what is gong through the mind of a teenager – maybe not even the teenager herself! I think it is important for us to remember, though, that there is a lot going on under the surface. It’s not easy to parent a teen and it certainly is not easy to be one!

*****************************************************************************

This post is part of the One Word Linkup hosted by Janine of Confessions of a Mommyaholic and me.  Participants chose one of the three word prompt choices, write a post inspired by that word, and link up. This month, the choices were NORMAL, EVENTUALLY, or SURPRISE.

 

An InLinkz Link-up

   

39 Things I've Learned in 39 Years

Today is my birthday - my 39th birthday. (Yes, really 39. I'm not just saying that to disguise my real age.) I'm not big on birthday celebrations, mainly because I'm not good at being the center of attention. Fortunately, I'm also not one to become bewildered by numbers (unless they have to do with math homework- then, I'm totally bewildered!) One more year in my 30s? Almost 40? Eh, so what? 

However, birthdays do make me feel rather retrospective, so, despite the cliche nature of it, I thought I would list 39 things I've learned in my 39 years on earth. In no particular order . . .

1. Be yourself. There's nobody else quite like you.
2. In most things, including clothes, food, and "stuff", QUALITY is far more important than QUANTITY.
3. Effective communication is key in most everything in life. With it, things run smoothly. Without it, things turn to crap.
4. History matters. Yours, your country's, your world's. Don't ignore it.
5. Grammar matters. Make an effort to learn it properly.
6. Saying "no" is a skill that many people only acquire after saying "yes" too often.
7. Experiences are far more valuable than things.
8. Surround yourself with people who build you up - not people who tear you down.
9. When all else fails, go ask your mom. You are NEVER too old to need her. 
   
10. Laughter is good for your soul. 
11. Rarely is anything ever perfect. That's okay. Look for the good. 
12. Say "please" and "thank you" constantly.
13. Being HEALTHY is much more important than being SKINNY. (I know this one in my head, but I'm still learning to embrace it.)
14. Spend time with children. They will make you smile even on your worst days and bring you back to reality and innocence.
15. Every now and then, you just have to go with the flow!
16. Rules were NOT meant to be broken. They have a purpose and if you don't follow them, you need to "man up" and accept the consequences.
17. Don't whine. Nobody likes a whiner.
18. Men will never completely understand women and women will never completely understand men. Therefore, see #3.
19. Remember to Breathe!
    
20. Marriage is hard, but completely worth it.
21. Parenting is hard, but completely worth it. 
22. It's okay to cry sometimes.
23. Everyone is struggling with something. Be kind.
24. You will never be able to please everyone, so stand up for what you believe and don't worry (too much) about who gets ticked off.
25. This too shall pass - whatever it is. Hold on to the joy and power through the tough times. Sooner or later, both will be just a memory.
26. The older you get, the faster time passes.
The older you get, the faster time passes. 39 Things I've Learned in 39 Years. @TheGoldenSpoons #TuesdayTen
27. Books are almost always better than the movie.
28. Be careful with your finances. Splurge on occasion, but remember NOTHING is ever really free.
29. You seriously can "google" anything. (However, that doesn't mean you should!)
30. When in doubt, go with the chocolate dessert.
    
31. Silence is golden and heavenly and sorely missing in life sometimes.
32. When you have the chance to travel, GO! Without hesitation or fear - GO! The world is full of amazing places.
    
33. A good song has the power to provide comfort, lift you up, make you cry, or all of the above. Crank it up! 
34. You are never too old to be Daddy's little girl.
    
35.  Dont' procrastinate. Waiting won't make it go away. 
36. A  long chat with a good friend can rejuvenate your soul - even if you are an introvert like me. 
37. Getting a tan isn't worth getting sunburned. Wear sunscreen.
38. My house will never be spotless because we live here, but there are blessings in the midst of the mess.
39. Age is just a number. It means you've lived, so there's no need to fret about adding another year.

Age is just a number. It simply means you've lived! @TheGoldenSpoons #TuesdayTen

*************************************************

This post is part of the Tuesday Ten linkup hosted Rabia of The Liebers and me on the first Tuesday of the month. Want to join the fun? Link up you own list of 10 (or more!) below and join our Facebook group for future reminders and ideas!

An InLinkz Link-up