Goodbye Week. Hello Weekend. Lessons Learned: Take 37.

Goodbye lost tooth - first molar to leave the nest.
Goodbye special bubble bath fizzers that make my sinuses behave. I'll have to get more at Kim's blog - it really works and is a.MAZE.ing!
Goodbye stealing some me-time and enjoying special tea blends that soothe the soul with each sip.
Goodbye weeknight movie night (highly unusual) and celebrating Red Box's 2 billion rentals by taking advantage of a free rental!
Goodbye to the start of a great giveaway from McDonald's on my blog. It's not too late to enter so click here now! There are so many ways to win! Winner announced on Tuesday.

Hello to being inspired by this post at The Great Read by Michele and perusing design books, just for the beauty of it.
Hello helping to set-up at the school for a huge, major, big fund raiser night (to which I will not be attending - boo-hoo).
Hello to doing my part towards the fund raiser by donating a specially designed LOVD jewelry set dripping with school spirit. Tune in on W.I.M. Wednesday to check it out!
Hello cruising the blogosphere to find some inspiring new dishes to try out on the fam. Do you know of any good recipe sites?
Hello Top Mommy Blog and asking for your vote, pretty please? All you have to do is click the button and that's it, nothing else - I get a vote. Clicking will take you to their website, but you don't have to do anything once you are there, just close the window. I'd ask you to click to vote everyday, but that might be asking too much? Thank you!

 The lesson I learned this week is simple in concept, but hard to do. Carving time out for yourself, just you, is critical for feeding your soul, spirit, and tired body. I didn't have to take my son to school on Thursday, my husband had an early meeting and took over the job that day. Because I wasn't going to be at school, I didn't end up volunteering that day, either. WOW! Here I was with an extra 5 hours on a Thursday that I normally would not have had and do you know what I didn't do? I didn't clean the house, I didn't put in a load of laundry, I didn't pay bills, I didn't run errands. I, instead, rented a movie, took a fizzy bubble bath, meandered through the library gathering pretty design books to pore over when I got home after grabbing a Caramel Latte from McDonald's. I was in heaven, the day moved slower, I was more relaxed. And, when I had to break the paradise to drive to pick up my son from school, I was glad to do it. My day didn't feel interrupted because I had been rejuvenated.

Taking time to recharge should become a habit, but sadly, it gets put on the backburner for many of us. I think it's time we start making appointments with ourselves to take a day each month and do anything we want to do, big or small, exciting or boring. That one day will carry you through and help you be the wife, the mother, the daughter, the friend that you owe yourself to show to the world.

Have a beautiful, relaxing weekend friends.

McDonald's Takes the Lead and {A Giveaway}

McDonald's once again earns the title of industry leader in providing even better, healthier choices for our littlest eaters. The Happy Meal has been revamped and parents are likely to be pleasantly surprised. Remember when you had to argue with your kids to choose the apples over the french fries when ordering their Happy Meal? Do you also remember the disappointment you felt when your girlfriend's kids ordered the apples and your kid walked up to the counter and adamantly answered "Fries!" so loud the people in the drive-thru could hear him? Embarrassment no more, my friends! Now, when your child orders a Happy Meal, expect the apples to be standard fare. Whew, right? Well, there's more!

McDonald's genuinely cares about our kids and their health and anything McDonald's does causes a huge ripple effect in the industry. The societal impact made by McDonald's and its actions are monumental. So much so that others in the fast food industry soon follow their lead. When redesigning the Happy Meal, McDonald's also looked at portion control and how children perceive a single serving size. The fact is, even the small fries are too much of a good thing for our kids. McDonald's reduced the size of the fries to "kid size", appropriately proportioned to tiny tummies. Learning about portion control starts young so as McDonald's spearheads this campaign, I say BRAVO! Other changes include the fat-free chocolate milk.

McDonald's is all about options. Over the years they have adjusted their menu to accommodate the public's desire for healthier choices. McDonald's should be commended for their menu updates. Is it their fault I still order the Big Mac value meal when I could be ordering the delicious chicken salad don't you have Big Mac days with balsamic vinaigrette? The same philosophy is behind the new Happy Meal. If your child prefers, and you approve, you can still get your Happy Meal with the original, small fries option. But say nothing and you'll get the kid size fries and apples on the side automatically. Not a bad way to manipulate the situation, huh? Heck, you could even make McDonald's the scape-goat as your kids open their Happy Meal to find the changes a bit unnerving. I can hear you saying it now, "Can you believe it? McDonald's changed their Happy Meal. Well, it's there, you might as well eat those apples," as you grin ear to ear on the inside.

Isn't this McDonald's absolutely stunning? It was a great event! Rockside Rd., Independence, Ohio

Last week I attended a mom blogger event hosted by McDonald's and they gave me some extra grab bag items that I wanted to share with a lucky LOVD reader. Here's what's included in the bag:

exclusive 1-GB McDonald's flash stick (so cool, and useful)

McDonald's Frisbee (fun, and your friends will be jealous, promise)

McDonald's band-aides (yeah, they do exist)
Recycled Journal (even the pen is recycled)

8 - coupons for FREE Happy Meals (did someone say FREE FOOD)

Giveaway winner will be chosen Tuesday, March 13, so check back then!

HOW TO ENTER?

1. Enter to win by leaving a comment telling us your favorite McDonald's menu item.

MORE ENTRIES, more chances to win...

2. "Like" feelLOVDeveryday on Facebook

3. Become a Linky Follower of feelLOVDeveryday

4. "Like" McDonald's on Facebook

Leave a comment for each activity you did. US Residents only (sorry).
Winner will be selected via random.org.

The flash drive is worth your time to comment!

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There is one more contest I want you to know about. McDonald's is giving away a trip to the London Olympics to 10 lucky, creative kids and their one parent/guardian. All you have to do is make a video having your child talk about how your family makes mealtime fun while making healthy eating choices. Click here for more information. Deadline April 18.

Full Disclosure: I was invited to the Mom Blogger Press Release Event sponsored by NEO McDonald's and was provided grab bags with indicated contents and a meal (which was delicious, by the way: did you know there are over 14 different lettuce varieties in their salads? Ooo, I'm lovin' it!)

Begin your entries and Good Luck!

What I Made Wednesday {St. Patty's Day Decor}

Calling young lassies and lads! Until I started blogging and visiting with other bloggers, I never, ever would have taken the effort or time to put up decorations for St. Patrick's Day. I skipped it entirely going from Valentine's Day right into Easter decor in a blink of a weekend. But, thanks to the creativity of so many awesome bloggers coupled with my Pinterest addiction, well, I just couldn't resist. Their projects are so stinkin' cute, I was inspired to come up with one of my own.

Because I'm not a fanatic about St. Patty's Day, I really didn't want to spend a dime on decorating for it. I used left over alphabet stickers and scrapbook paper from this project, and left over glitter paper from this project. I was all set to create cuteness on a budget. And, I did it all while watching Sunday Morning if you watched it this past week, wouldn't you say Cindy Crawford is aging well, a bit too well.

What You'll Need
Alphabet stickers 
Scrapbook papers
Needle
Thread
6 Pom-poms
Glue
2 Clothespins
Puffy foam mounting stickers
Scissors
Pencil and Green marker
Paper cutter (optional)
Tiny hole punch (optional)

What You'll Do

Cut one scrapbook paper a little taller than your tallest letter sticker.

Mark a line across the middle of the cut paper on the backside. Mark the center of the paper and draw a diagonal line from the paper's center mark to the center line. Cut along the lines.

Stick letter in center of cut pennant to spell out your word or phrase. I chose "Lucky Me".

Cut the coordinating scrapbook paper and cut slightly taller than the pennant piece.

 

Take the foam sticker place holder and sandwich it between both scrapbook papers to add dimension.

Hole punch pennant and double thread your needle. Start by threading a pompom onto the thread, then alternate between each pennant letter and a pompom for the word "LUCKY".

Color the clothespins with green marker.

Apply glue to one side of the clothespin and attach to the backside of the "ME" pennant letters.

What You'll Need to Know to Finish
Hang the "LUCKY" pennant. After drying, attach the "M" and "E" pennant to the bottom of the "C" pennant.

I hung my pennant against a mirror and was bothered that I could see the wording of the paper behind one of the pennants. To remedy this compulsive side of my character, I glued a cut-to-size scrapbook piece to the backside of the culprit. Problem solved!

So go ahead and take a little time to work on this wee project. You'll feel lucky!

To make the shamrock above, click here. To get the free printable, click here.

So, do you decorate for St. Patrick's Day?

I Surrender All

Sometimes I'm slow on the uptake. At times it takes me a few tries to finally get it. But, I think I'm finally seeing the bigger picture. I'm realizing and, more importantly, accepting that I am not in control. Have you arrived to this conclusion, or are you still thinking your path is directed by you, and you alone?

I used to think I had a handle on every aspect of my life. I wrote down my life's plan at the age of 20; really quite laughable now if I were to look back at my grand plans from long ago. But that was the young girl who didn't know any better. The naive little go-getter that mistakenly thought if she pushed hard enough, long enough, she could force doors to be open to her. Ha! I've come a long way from those frustrating, exhausting days, but before I could gain that understanding, I had to give up my controlling ways. I had to really and truly surrender all I had, all that I was, to a Higher Power.

Purchase this painting here.

It's amazing how freeing such a drastic change feels, so exhilarating. At first it's a little scary. When things aren't going your way, you start to settle back into your old ways like you would curling up in an old, beat-up comfy chair that beckons an escape in times of crisis. Just like putting on a familiar pair of worn jeans, you begin to manipulate situations or take matters into your own hands, just like before. But then you STOP because you remind yourself of your surrender to Him.

 Some Guidance When Surrendering All
1. It all begins with a simple declaration that you finally realize your life is not under your control and you give Spirit full reign over it. You can't just think it, you have to say it.

2. You stop worrying about the situation, about circumstances, about the future, because you know it's out of your control.

3. You start praying for guidance and that your path be made clear to you, but you know, if you miss it, you'll get another chance.

4. You wait, and you wait, and you wait. When you surrender all, you cross over to another time zone, God's, not your own. You may have to wait a long time for your dreams to be realized or your problems to be resolved, but God is never late in His timing for when it is supposed to happen.

5. You have to trust that it will work out the way it was intended to be. It goes beyond believing. You have to know. All doubt is erased.

6. You have to listen and follow your heart when there is action to be taken, then you have to take action. Surrendering all does not mean to lock yourself up in a closet and sit there waiting for something to happen. It means doing what you feel needs to be done at that particular time. Do what you can do, and He will do what you cannot do.

How do you know if the action you do take is right? 
You don't, but you take action anyway. If it's not going your way and you feel you're pushing a concrete boulder up a hill, then it's probably either not the right timing for that action, or the right action itself. Try. If it's meant to be, trust me, you will be amazed as to the people that will give you favor, or the opportunities that present themselves so effortlessly, and the incredible life that awaits your true, authentic-self.

Want a copy? Just e-mail me!

I have gained wisdom in this area only by testing the limits of this premise. I have personal testimonials that you just wouldn't believe. Some say my "proof" is coincidence, but I don't believe in coincidence. Many say my success is founded on my hard work and perseverance. I say my actions were God-led. If you think me wrong, that is your opinion. But, I know that I know that I know that life has never been more sweeter, more richer, more simpler since I surrendered all.

Have anything else to add to my list?

Gratitude Journal Monday

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Thank you. It's just two little words. They are two little words that when put together, are powerful and life-changing. When I first began my Gratitude Journal, click here for the start, it was something that I did, an action. But an interesting metamorphosis begins to take shape as you practice the art of gratitude. Gratitude begins as something you do, but over time, it becomes who you are, a grateful person. And, believe me, the Universe, the Higher Power, it takes notice and sits up, and watches as your heart fills with thanksgiving. Then, it gets to work and devises its own plan to pour blessings into your life because you've finally got its attention. It's your reward to finally "getting it", even if you've only scratched the surface. You begin to realize, you are not here for yourself, you are here for others. I hope you begin your own metamorphosis today. Get ready, your cup may runneth over.

171. I am grateful for the tireless snowplow trucks rumbling through the night to keep our streets safe and clean for the morning rush.

172. I am grateful my son is so easy-going and gracefully accepts situations (like when we told him last night we won't be going to Florida for spring break, a trip he was looking forward to).


173. I am grateful Super Hubby works so hard at his own business to bring in the funds to run this household; even if it means an entire weekend devoted to invoicing the previous month.


174. I am grateful our area has not seen Mother Nature's wrath as so many states have experienced so much destruction over the past week - the news images are unimaginable.


175. I am grateful for a family friend's unending positive attitude towards life, even in the midst of huge disappointment - he's an inspiration and fine example.

Still not convinced, huh? Then, ponder this...

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Goodbye Week. Hello Weekend. Lessons Learned: Take 36.

Goodbye Leap Day; see you in 4 years.
Goodbye March coming in like a lamb; let's keep the lion in its cage.
Goodbye playing teacher at school and absolutely loving everything about it.
Goodbye enjoying the unseasonably warm weather and sunshine.
Goodbye paying tribute to a town introduced to America for all the wrong reasons; grace endured.

Hello birthday wishes to Dr. Seuss - we've enjoyed your creativity immensely in our home.
Hello McDonald's Happy Meal Press Conference I'll be attending because I'm an invited blogger - cool!
Hello Super Hubby invoicing for the month of February - the weekend after a month ends isn't so much fun around here.
Hello researching the facts and making a voting decision for Super Tuesday - too much pressure.
Hello just chillin' out and enjoying time with the family.


This week's Lessons Learned is rooted in the Chardon High School tragedy that occurred this past Monday. I learned that bad things happen without any explanation. No understanding can come from such an act of destruction. And, I have to be OK with that. Not everything needs an explanation, no matter how bad or unexplainable it is. Sometimes, we're not supposed to know the reason why; sometimes, we just have to accept reality and go on from there. We are not the All-Knowing, and accepting that is true faith.

Defining a Town

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A recent local tragedy has caused me to pause and reflect on America's perception of a small town, only 30 minutes away, that my family knows well and often enjoys.

The unthinkable has happened. Many of you may or may not know our local, neighboring town of Chardon, Ohio fell victim to school violence. When the tragic event occurred this past Monday, there was hope the student gunman's 5 victims would be OK after being treated for gunshot wounds. Tragically, 3 out of the 5 high school students passed away from their injuries.

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I felt compelled to write this story since my husband's family called Chardon, Ohio their hometown. My husband grew up there. My sister-in-law went to the very same high school where this unnerving tragedy occurred.

As the details of that day lead national nightly news stories, it heavies my heart to think the rest of America sees Chardon in this light. My post today is not to focus on Chardon's losses, but rather to remind people of Chardon's blessings. When you think of Chardon, Ohio, I don't want you to instantly think of this school shooting that stole away Chardon's small-town innocence. I want you, instead, to know Chardon the way I know Chardon, and, I think, the way Chardon wants to be recognized. The core being of Chardon has never been brought to the surface more than in lieu of this tragedy.

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Chardon, Ohio is as small-town USA as you can get. Quintessential Main Street is home to mom-n-pop shops, antique treasure troves, and home-cooking restaurants. The center-of-town's streets outline the grassy commons creating a Square, complete with gazebo and paved-brick walking paths. The town would be a feast of wholesome inspiration to Norman Rockwell's paint brush and palette.

Chardon is best known for its abundance of maple trees and, of course, its divine production of maple syrup, the finest liquid gold on the planet, in my opinion. Located in the Town Square, the Sugar Shack will soon bellow smoke and steam from it's sturdy, stone chimney. The smokey sweetness of maple syrup production wafts through the air and lingers in the nostrils on even the coldest of days in this, Ohio's heart of the snowbelt.

Soon, Chardon will welcome visitors to it's yearly Maple Festival. Although celebrations will be rather subdued this year, it is the effort to go on that helps us realize life continues to move forward. If you go this year, be sure to grab yourself a maple stir at the Sugar Shack. Never had one? Don't deny yourself any longer. You'll get a small pouring of boiling hot maple syrup in a bowl with a spoon. Start stirring. Keep stirring. As you cool the syrup while you stir, the liquid begins to turn into a maple butter, then fudge, then finally hard candy, if you resist long enough. Sweet and delicious! Yes, laughter and good times will come to Chardon, once again.

Another aspect not captured well in newsreels is Chardon's tight-knit community. The people in this town possess strong spirits and their spiritual faith runs deep. This week's awful blight of a teenager's misguidance has caused the people of Chardon to come together and support one another as their healing begins. Chardon is good. Chardon is strong. Chardon is one heart.

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The events from Monday wounded Chardon deeply. What time will make better, time can never make right. I wanted to introduce you to Chardon, a wonderful, strong community filled with good people and gracious, forgiving hearts. I didn't want this tragedy to define Chardon, Ohio to the rest of America and the world. I hope you have enjoyed getting to know the true essence of this fine town. It deserved the recognition for it's true gifts instead of recent notoriety. God bless the Chardon community and may God make your healing whole.

Please send this post along so others may know the "true" Chardon. Thank you.