Happy Birthday Bro-in-law!

As the oldest of three girls, I always wished I had a brother...more specifically, a BIG brother. I thought it would be so cool to have someone to look out for me at school, have my back on the playground, and (most importantly) take the brunt of the punishment from Mom and Dad!

I was fortunate to marry someone who had one of those. My brother-in-law is an incredibly talented and fun-loving individual. He goes by many names (Andy, Drew, Daremo, Omerad, Slim, etc.) and wears many hats (computer tech, deck builder, campsite coordinator, gifted photographer, Texas Hold 'Em champ, web designer, and all-around handyman). He's the one we count on to capture the great moments at family gatherings with his trusty camera, and you may have noticed he's become the "official photographer" of Chocolate Ink. I hope he doesn't mind, but I've kind of mentally adopted him as the big brother I always wanted...

Happy Birthday (Uncle) Andy! We love you!

Fun at Grandma's and Grandpa's!

Well, it's been a crazy week as we recover from a quick trip to Grandma's and Grandpa's last weekend. We got to see the cousins, which was a rare treat. They live all the way up in Chicago, so we don't get together as often as we'd like.

The weather was beautiful and we took full advantage of it by flying kites, going on a hayride, taking a walk around the "old farmhouse", and a lot of hanging out on the back deck enjoying the view and the wonderful company.

Here are some highlights from the weekend.

Hubby and Little Man on the bridge at the old farmhouse.

Taking turns on the tractor.

Lovin' Cousins

Little Miss and Little Man with Aunt Julie

The girls with Uncle Andy

My very-talented bro-in-law has posted more pics here.

Entertainment Book Giveaway

If you're a Dr. Phil watcher, you probably saw Frugal Coupon Mom on his show this week. I did, and I was impressed and inspired. Now she is giving away a free Entertainment Coupon Book. I used to get these all the time...unfortunately, that was back in my single-youth-sponsor days when I didn't know to take full advantage of the deals! (I usually purchased it out of obligation from one of the students I worked with. Gotta love those school fundraisers!) If I had known then what I know now, I could have saved a fortune!

To enter the giveaway, visit here by March 9! Hurry, and good luck!

March

March
by Emily Dickinson

Dear March, come in!
How glad I am!
I looked for you before,
ut down your hat--
You must have walked--
How out of breath you are!
Dear March, how are you?
And the rest?
Did you leave Nature well?
Oh, March,
come right upstairs with me,
I have so much to tell!

Image from Shareware Connection.