Have Faith - Miracles Can Just Happen....

What Faith Can Do Lyrics

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you're stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise

I have faith that a miracle will happen in a young girl's life - You can be a part of that miracle. Come say "hi" to Haley - and if you can donate bone marrow - Please say "I want to donate!"
Thank you!

Social Hop - For A Cause..

She Could Be Your Daughter

This week I have posted a couple of blogs about my friend's daughter, Haley. Haley is 16 years old and she is suffering from a very rare bone marrow disease called Myelodysplasia. This disease affects less than 100 children a year... Haley's doctor has advised the family that she needs a bone marrow transplant and his goal is start the process in June. Unfortunately, the family is not a match! This is where I need you to get the word out...

Testing is as simple as a swabbing your mouth! Really it's that easy.....

Here is the FB page for Haley - Please like it and if you want to be tested - Please say "I want to be tested!" and I will forward you the information you need to help...

If you cannot donate bone marrow - You can donate money to help the family with the testing. Every dollar counts... The Paypal link is in the sidebar.

Above all else - Please lift Haley, her parents - Joe and Cathie and sister Ashley in your prayers.. We serve an amazing Father and He is in control - which I for one is very happy about....

Here are the blog posts telling Haley's story. Post 1 and Post 2 and Post 3

I would love it if you followed my Facebook page too - but if you only follow one please let it be Haley's....

Bone Marrow Drive In The Works!

I am truly humbled by our blogging community - Many of you have reached out to your viewers and spread the word on Haley's bone marrow need... Thank you and God bless you.. And - Please keep it going....

Last night the family met with Be The Match to see what they can do to get a few drives set up. There will be a drive in our Southern California area soon AND there will be an on-line drive set up by the end of this weekend... I will post all the information as soon as is it is known.

Taking the test to find a match for Haley is very simple... It's an easy swab of your mouth - that's it. The true commitment comes is if you are a match... The doctor will decide on what type of bone marrow Haley will need... I have received many emails from people in our blogging community that said that stem cells is what is used today... and that is very true but in some instances the doctor believes that a true extraction of the bone marrow from the hip is what is truly needed.. Thankfully, Haley is working with a doctor from UCLA that specializes in her particular disorder which is very rare - statistics show less than 100 children a year are inflicted with Myelodysplasia..... At this point - we truly do not know beyond a doubt what type of marrow is needed - If you can make a commitment - please be prepared for whatever procedure may be needed.

If you are interested in being tested please go to Haley's Facebook page and say "I want to be tested"... I will contact you with all the information when it becomes available.

If you can donate money to help the family with the Drive - Please donate here:

Here is Haley's Story - Haley's Story #1 and Haley's Story #2
It amazes me how a stranger can save the life of another... It truly amazes me how our bodies are linked in so many ways... This fact truly strengthens my belief that God is the one and only Creator - there are no mistakes... In all things His purpose... His plans are Perfect...



** image from Be the Donor

In My Daughters' Eyes

So thankful to God above for blessing me with my two beautiful, healthy and precious daughters....

Be A Donor - Save A Life - An Urgent Request

Many of us don't think much about being a donor... unless something happens to us or a loved one.... then the thinking.. the doing begins, doesn't it?

In 1995 - I became severely anemic due to acute kidney failure... I was in the hospital and needed several blood transfusions... This was a time when not much was known about HIV or AIDS and many were fearful of blood that came from the blood banks... Word got out to family and friends that I needed blood... I was unaware that there were people standing in line - many people - I had never met - standing in line to give their blood... for me.... I received a phone call up to my room asking me if the hospital could use any of the excess blood given to me - there were others that needed blood as well.... Later I found that over thirty people cared enough about my life to try to save it.... I was deeply humbled by this and will never forget that there is so much kindness in this world... That there are people willing to go the extra mile to save a stranger... a stranger like me....

The other day - I wrote a post asking for people to donate blood to help a young girl obtain a bone marrow transplant... Please read Haley's Story Here...

Today I was contacted by Erika Toto from DKMS Americas - the worlds largest bone marrow donor center - She gave me a lot of information that can help Haley's family move in the right direction to obtain a donor.... The family will be meeting with Be The Match this week - Be The Match is the National Registry for Bone Marrow. DKMS adds all of their donors to the Be The Match Registry and DKMS does NOT require any of the donors or volunteers to cover the costs of registration. Donors can request kits from around the country on their website www.getswabbed.org/register.. They will receive their free kit within 3 business days. I'm thinking this makes testing a bunch easier don't you... Before you leave this blog - Please request your kit today!

Today - I am asking a for a few things... 1 - Please link or post this and Haley's Story on Your Blog... 2 - Please Tweet this post and Haley's Story... 3 Please pray for Haley and her family's journey... 4 - Please like Haley's Facebook page - and post on your Facebook and finally - 5 -please post this post and Haley's story on your Facebook... We need to get the word out - not just for Haley but for the many others who are in desperate need of bone marrow....

You are eligible to be a donor if you meet the following:

• Be between the ages of 18 and 55
• Be in good general health
• Weigh more than 110lbs but not exceed BMI 40
• Not be HIV positive or have AIDS
• Not have had heart surgery or heart disease
• Not have an autoimmune disorders such lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis
• Not have sleep apnea, breathing problems or sever asthma (daily inhalers are acceptable)
• Not have diabetes requiring insulin
• Not have hepatitis B or C
• Not have a stroke (including TIA)
• Not have chronic or severe neck or back problems
• Not have epilepsy or have a had a seizure within one year
• Not have a blood clot or a bleeding disorder
• Not have a personal history of cancer (melanoma, breast, bladder, and cervical cancer)

Please get the word out to save a life... Save many lives.... Make a difference!

Help Save A Child - URGENT REQUEST

Bone Marrow Donor and/or Financial Assistance Requested

Have you heard of a disease called MDS or Myelodysplasia? I know I had not... Not until my friend's daughter was diagnosed with it recently... MDS is a very rare bone marrow failure disease - if left untreated - it can and most likely will turn into Leukemia.. A bone marrow transplant will give Haley an 80% chance of a full recovery!

Getting a matching bone marrow has become a challenge... Unfortunately - HLA typing has determined that there are no matches within Haley's family... The preliminary bone marrow data base search has been very discouraging.. There may only be one (1) potential match and at this point there is no word if the potential donor is still interested... still available or if he/she is an appropriate match after the high resolution tests that still need to be performed (a family expense).... Because time is critical - Haley's parents, family, and friends need to be proactive... We need to get word out that Haley needs a bone marrow match.... The doctors have advised that June is when the procedure should take place...

The testing that needs to be done to determine if a match is found is a costly expense to the family.. The cost is approximately $100 per person. The $100 will cover the many tests that need to be done and it will get the potential donor on the bone marrow donor registry... We are asking for help in paying this expense... If the person is not a match for Haley - they may be able to save the life of another child... or adult... You can help Haley financially by clicking on the PayPal donate in the side bar... You can help by being tested to see if you are a match by contacting me via email at KMLDRL@aol.com... You can join Haley's Facebook page to keep posted on what's new and her progress... You can also help by lifting Haley and her family in prayer.. We serve an amazing God and His Will - will be done!

Haley's Story

Haley was an active, strong, and athletic 16 year old who played Varsity Volleyball for her high school team.. She had dreams of earning a volleyball college scholarship... She enjoyed hanging out with her friends - shopping - and all the other things that a healthy teenage girl enjoys... Her carefree life changed in October 2010...

In early October, Haley started running a fever and complained of pain when she breathed. She was taken to her primary doctor who assumed it was the flu or a cold and he prescribed an antibiotic and pain meds... By the next day - she was worse and was taken to the emergency room... She was admitted into the hospital due to her blood work being very unusual and her platelets were very low.. She was in the hospital for a couple of days and sent home... Within hours of being home - she became sicker and was admitted into the hospital again.. This time a long list of different specialists saw her - infectious disease, rhumatology, pulmonary, cardiology, and hem/oncologist.. She also went through a battery of often painful tests.. EKG, chest x-ray, CT scan of head and chest, pulmonary function tests, lumbar puncture, bronchoscopy, bone marrow biopsy, and lung biopsy.. During her four (4) week hospital stay - she was diagnosed with pleurisy, pneumonia, viral meningitis, and interstitial lung disease... She was sent home in November with instructions for regular follow up visits.... In early February - Haley's health once again declined - she was once again admitted into the hospital... This time she suffered from an extremely high fever (105 degrees) and her blood counts and platelets continued to fall... She received blood transfusions... She endured another painful bone marrow biopsy - this time the results came back with a positive diagnosis of Myelodysplasia - which is extremely rare..fewer than 100 cases of children each year....

There were signs of this disease - but they were easily overlooked...
Frequent bronchitis
Haley's finger tips and toes showed signs of clubbing (caused by not enough oxygen to the tips - which resulted in a more rounded shape)
Excessive bruising - the bruising was thought to be caused by her volleyball playing - this was also assumed by her pediatrician.

Your Help Would Be Very Much Appreciated.. If you have any questions - please email me at kmldrl@aol.com.. Thank you!

A Letter To My Teenage Daughter

Dear Daughter of Mine,

The day you were born was the happiest day of my life... and every day since I have loved you more and more.... I really get a kick out of your laughter.. your quick wit... your loving heart to the less fortunate... Sometimes - I free that you may care "too" much at times... You want to save the world.. You want to take care of every needy person you encounter... You see others pain and you want to make it better... I admire that about you... But you become so very sad when you as a child don't have the resources to make a change today... Be patient sweetheart - Your time will come... I have no doubt that you will make a difference in this world.... The world is already a better place with you in it...

We are now in the middle of your "teenage" years.. I do have to say that you are a good kid with a big heart .. I know you have a difficult time understanding why I won't allow you more freedom. The freedom to date... The freedom to stay up real real late... The freedom to do what you want to do when you want to do it... The freedom to not ask permission... I also know that you believe me to be outdated.. Not aware of the world... How do I know this? I know this because I was once You..... You are so much like I was as a teen - it is pretty scary... Grandma - once told me that she wished I would have child just like me... and Grandma's wish was answered... You might be surprised by this... But I do "get" you.... I do understand you... And you may not believe this right now but I only want the Best Possible Life You Can Possibly Live. I want you to have it all!

I know you are in a hurry to grow up and as your mom - I have to help you stay on a steady pace.... There is so much for you to learn... to love.. to experience... When you rush to the finish line there are so many things that you can miss.. and I want you to experience all the joys your age can give you... So my sweet baby girl - breathe in.... Breathe out... Please trust that I do know what is best for you... I have no intention of holding you back when you are truly ready to fly....

Kelly's Ideas: Warm Thai Chicken Salad

Kelly's Ideas: Warm Thai Chicken Salad

Amazing Salvation: Is The Rapture This Saturday - May 21, 2011?

Amazing Salvation: Is The Rapture This Saturday - May 21, 2011?

The Ten Commandments Of A Healthy Relationship

1. I will do my best to be the happiest person I can be.

2. I will be honest in my dealings with my partner.

3. I will keep my agreements.

4. I will have integrity about my actions.

5. I will honor all others I am in a relationship with.

6. I will practice forgiveness for myself and others.

7. I will nurture my spiritual soul and that of others.

8. I will accept others for who they are without judging them or insisting they change to suit me.

9. I will be open to suggestions and change when it's in the best interest of both of us.

10. I will trust in the powers that be that what happens is for the best....

This list was obtained from The Complete Idiot's Guide to A Healthy Relationship - liked so I thought I'd share....

**photo from yahoo

A Year Long Blog Hop - Come On Join The Fun!

I was lucky enough to run across this awesome opportunity last week - A Year Long Blog Hop... It's a Hop and it's a Community... I'm just starting out and I am really excited about this.... Come and join the fun!

The Invisible Mom...

Sunday morning I was sitting in my office feeling a lot little sorry for myself... I was having a "Mommy Pity Party"... You know the party... where the mom feels unappreciated... overwhelmed.. invisible to her husband and kids... In the middle of my party - I decided to check my emails... I received an email from an old friend of mine - titled Invisible Mom... Coincidence? I think not... Thank you Janice....

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way
one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be
taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?'

Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping
the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see
me at all. I'm invisible.. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of
hands, nothing more! Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this??

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock
to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is
the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'

Some days I'm a crystal ball; 'Where's my other sock?, Where's my phone?,
What's for dinner?'

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes
that studied history, music and literature -but now, they had disappeared
into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going,
she's gone!?

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a
friend from England . She had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she
was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there,
looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to
compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when she
turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you
this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe .

I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription:
'With admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one
sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devoured - the book. And I would
discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I
could pattern my work: 1) No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we
have no record of their names. 2) These builders gave their whole lives for
a work they would never see finished. 3) They made great sacrifices and
expected no credit. 4) The passion of their building was fueled by their
faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A story of legend in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the
cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird
on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you
spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by
the roof, No one will ever see it And the workman replied, 'Because God
sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost
as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you. I see the sacrifices you
make every day, even when no one around you does.

No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've
baked, no Cub Scout meeting, no last minute errand is too small for me to
notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see
right now what it will become.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of
the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work
on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went
so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime
because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's
bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4 in the
morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a
turkey for 3 hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would
mean I'd built a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home.
And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, he'd say, 'You're
gonna love it there...'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're
doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel,
not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the
world by the sacrifices of invisible mothers.



The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect
you.
To all the wonderful mothers out there!!
May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

Social Network Link Up Hop

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Do Your Kids Believe In God?... Do You?

Looking back on my life - I don't remember not believing in God.. I have always believed in Him.. I pictured this really old guy up in the clouds who watched over us and sent people who were really bad to Hell.. That's what I thought for most of my life.. Although I believed in Him - I never really cared about Him.. or thought about Him... He was just there somewhere off in the distance... Today it my wizened old age - I know He is there... I do worship Him.. But to be honest here - I don't constantly think about Him... I don't constantly think "What Would Jesus Do?" I don't turn to Him like I should - to take away my doubt.. my fears... Not all the time... And when I do ask for help.. peace.. calm... - I don't always trust that He will provide it... I am a control freak and I have to really get over myself...

Both of my girls believe in Him... They always have... I don't believe they question His existence... That is not to say that they lead sterling "Christian" lives (I know I don't).. nor does it mean that they are "Walking The Walk".. It means that they believe in Him - they probably think he's this old guy up in the clouds that wants to have a relationship with them but because they are teenage girls and have many more "important" things to do - they put Him off for later..... Thinking He is somewhere off in the distance... And unfortunately as a parent I am not that great in giving my daughters a different picture of Him.. I am not leading by example as I should... I truly suck at it... I need to step up to the plate and let them see Him through me...

I recently was tagged in a questionnaire on Facebook from one of my "younger" friends... It asked questions like - What's your favorite candy? Have you ever been kissed? Do you believe in God? I'm sure we have all seen these silly things go around... What I found surprising was that this "younger" friend marked down that she did NOT believe in God.. and I was really surprised... Mostly because I know both her parents and they regularly attend church.. I know her and she is very active in her church youth group... So I had a major "huh" moment... I'm sitting here wondering why does she not believe? I know her parents do.. I thought I knew she did... I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around this.. Is it possible that I am wrong about my own girls believing?

I think as a child it could be difficult to understand God's love or His strong desire to have a relationship with us.. I did not understand true all consuming love until I became a parent myself.. Only then did I get a glimpse of His love... As parents we need to set that example for our kids so they can get a small glimpse of agape love.. We need to talk about Him.. We need to pray as a family... We need to trust in Him... How else can our kids see Him as anything other than that old guy up in the clouds?

My Daughters and I - Are Going Historical Part III

I have shared that I am going on a dream historical vacation with my two (2) favorite people in the world... my teen daughters... I told you about flying into DC and visiting Williamsburg and all the top "must sees" in DC... You can read about it here... Part I. I also shared that we will be jumping on a train to go to New York City and the exciting things we have planned... You might say - I am completely Insane in the details but I believe to have a great vacation - You MUST be greatly prepared... You can read about the 2nd leg of our journey her... Part 2...

The last leg of our journey will be in Boston! I am really looking forward to riding the train from NYC to Boston - I'm guessing the scenery will be much different than riding along the Southern California coast... I have my Ipad loaded with books to read and games to play... My girls have their Ipods loaded up as well...

My sister lives outside of Boston and she and her daughter will join us on our adventure here... This is the plan... We arrive in Boston in the late afternoon - this will be a great time to relax by the pool or see a movie..... or sleep... As you can imagine - we most likely will be exhausted from our non-stop activities in The Big Apple... The first full day - we will walk the Freedom Trail... My husband and I did this walk about 15 years ago and we really enjoyed it... I'm hoping the girls will too.. On the Freedom Trail - we will walk by the Old North Church... you know the church where Paul Revere saw two lamps in the high tower warning him that the British were coming.. Also along this walk - we will see Paul's home, Mother Goose's grave, The Famous Swan boats, different historical markers from The Revolutionary War, and The USS Constitution also known as Old Iron Sides.... There are many other things too - such as Faneuil Hall Marketplace.. Can anyone say Lobster Roll????

Our last full day in Boston - we will venture to Salem... My oldest is fired up about this one... I have booked three (3) tours... One tour we will go into the 2nd oldest cemetery in the US.. Tour two - we will go on a walk about and learn about what led to the hysteria of the Salem Witch trials - the key players and the innocent victims and our last tour will be a night.. It's called Haunted Footsteps - it's a tour of known areas with paranormal activity.... boooooo..

After Boston we will head over to my sister's home.. I have not seen her new home yet and look forward to relaxing... eating... sight-seeing....... Now the big question is this....

Do I take the train back to DC (my free airline tickets require this) Or do I fly out of Boston...

Train - 8 hours - Cost $140 for 3 tickets - Hotel room $175. Total: $315
Boston Flight - 3 one way tickets $526....

What Would You Do????

Ways To Save Money and Make A Little Extra

I am a big believer in budgeting my money and my resources....Last year my frugal mindedness paid off... I can happily say that when my husband was out of work last year for six months - We did NOT go into debt... nor did we lose our savings.... this is why....

Menu Plans - I set up weekly plans - I did this a couple of ways... I took a complete inventory of what I had on hand... I created the plan on Sunday after viewing the Sunday paper coupons.. Many times there would be deals that would save us a lot of money... By planning weekly menus - you can buy by bulk... You can plan for leftover lunches... You can utilize what you have and not buy unneeded items.. This will save you a lot of money - Right away....

Check out your supermarket mailers - Each week I get the local market mailers highlighting their specials of the week... One week - Albertson's was having an 8 hour sale -there were many buy 1 get one frees - whole chicken savings of .75 per pound or more - buy one lb of beef get a 2nd lb free - diet coke for .79 a 2-liter bottle.. Stater Bros was also having a sale on many of the items I use... If I had thrown away the paper (like I used to) I would never have had the opportunity to save so much...

Shop Target - I buy many of my everyday items at Target - their prices are lower on many items that I purchase regularly AND if you use your Target card (be sure to pay off each month) you will get an automatic 5% off and after you have spent $1000 - you get an additional 5% for a total of 10% off on your day of choice.... Target also accepts coupons!!!!

Just because you have a coupon does NOT mean you need it... - Don't buy things that you don't need especially during the times that you need to save money...

Search for additional coupons on the net - there are many bloggers that offer links to savings. You will amazed on what you can find.. Check out Print Free Coupons This is an excellent way to obtain coupons on your favorite brands.

Save your recyclables! We drink diet coke... A lot of diet coke and we save all our cans and bottles - my husband brings them in every month and gets about $15.00 cash... It's a good thing.

Buy Used... Ebay is a good tool to buy pre-owned designer clothes... books... shoes... movies... work ties... My husband is a Tommy Bahama fan - He will buy a $125 shirt and pay around $10 for it... Work shoes - he'll pay as low as $15 on a pair of $300 shoes... The deals are out there you just have to look... In addition to Ebay - Thrift stores are also great places to check out....

Sell Your Used Stuff.. I have a yard sale about two times a year to clear out my kids inventory of unused clothes and doodads.. I sell my used books through Amazon.com and no longer wanted clothes on Ebay... It works and the extra money is a good thing too...

Save Save Save - Take advantage of any 401K plans or savings plans that your employer may offer - Self employed? Establish a retirement savings plan... Set aside a certain amount (pretend it's a bill) each month and save... This is so important... AND Just because you got a refund from your income taxes does not mean you have to go out and blow it... Save it - let it work for you.. That rainy day may come and you need to be ready!

Use Your Credit Card Wisely - We have a rule in our home - Only charge what you can pay off when the bill comes in - this rule has been in effect since the day I was married (22 years ago) and it has saved us thousands of dollars. Our credit card like most cards nowadays have reward programs.. This summer I am lucky enough to use our rewards... We received three (3) round-trip tickets to DC from California for Free AND several days of Hertz rental car FREE... When I say free - I mean free - no hidden costs.. no extra interest paid.. or finance fees... FREE money and this is good..

Get A Job... any job - If you are short on funds and have some free time - GET A JOB!!! Who cares what it is.. Who cares if you have a college degree and you are working at Best Buy? A job is a job is a job... You won't make money watching Maury Povich from your couch... Get out and Do.. It's just as easy to find a great job while you are working then it is if you are not.... If you don't have any money coming in - do something about it.. You may not get your "job" of choice at first but you will - just give it time and patience......

So There was my two cents worth of advise that has worked for me... What to you do to save money?

Featured Guest Hostess - Blog Hop

I'm so excited to be the Featured Guest Hostess for This Great Friday blog hop. I have been a participant on this hop for a couple of months now and I have met some very awesome bloggers... Looking forward to meeting you too.

Now On To The Hop!

Thank you for joining the Friday Blog Hop hosted by myself (Nicole) at Mama to 4 Blessings and Melissa at Home Grown Families! We invite you to join us every Friday to make more blog friends!

It's very easy to join in on the fun!

Add your main blog (PLEASE DO NOT LINK UP GIVEAWAYS) link (we ask that you please follow the hostesses in the first 2 spots (Mama to 4 Blessings & Home Grown Families.) Then leave us a quick comment letting us know you are following.,

Then start blog hopping!

This is a great opportunity for you to visit other blogs on the link up and comment on their blogs! When people comment on your blog please let them know that you are part of Friday Blog Hop then return the favor and follow them back! Please feel free to grab our Friday Blog Hop button and add it to your blog and spread the word!

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This week's featured guest hostess is: I've Become My Mother

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My Daughters and I - Are Going Historical! Part II

This is post 2 to our "Historical Adventure" if you missed post 1 - you can read it here. I have to tell you - I am having such a blast setting this trip up... So far I've told you about our plans to visit Williamsburg/Jamestown (a side note - a very dear friend was asked to be a "character actor" in the Williamsburg Colonial area -that is how this side trip came about) and a little about the DC Smithsonian museums... In my research I discovered that there are several ways of getting around DC.. I personally will use Old Town Trolleys for two of our days (I purchased tickets on line and received a buy one day get the 2nd day free) - this is a service that has several on/off stops throughout the DC area.. I also know that the hotel we will be staying at is very close to the subway - I have been told that navigating the DC subways is very easy... That's a good thing...

To squeeze in as much sight seeing in DC as possible - I have mapped out a route to all the places "I Must See" and I have allotted "x" amount of time at each... This may sound very tight and or regimented.. But I truly believe that if you want to soak in the most you can in a trip and still enjoy it - you gotta do this... I think too many people will go on a vacation not really knowing what to expect or what to see and then when they get home from that trip - learn that they missed out on some really cool stuff... I don't want that to happen to me... again..

After our week in the DC area - we will jump on the Amtrak train - (you can get discount tickets if purchased 14 days in advance) to Manhattan... I was lucky enough to find a hotel near Times Square - I originally had booked a hotel near the Metropolitan Art Museum but soon realized that the hotel really wasn't close to any of the attractions we wanted to enjoy... Because cost is a concern (we are far from wealthy) I did a lot of comparison shopping.. As I am sure you are aware hotels are very expensive in the Big Apple.. So we will only spend 3 days/2 nights.. But you will be amazed what we are fitting into this time frame!

The first day in New York City - we will meet another "tour on/off" double decker bus... (buy 2 days get the 3rd free! the tour includes several choice tours - we can choose to take advantage of all of them or a few - it's up to us and all of it is included in the $88 price tag). We will be exploring the Downtown Area AND we will go to the Top of The Rock - 70 stories up to view the city - we thought about doing the Empire State Building but we changed our mind based on 2 reasons - the ride up to the top is a glass elevator and we will have a spectacular view of the Empire State Building AND everything else.... On our 2nd day - we will take the subway to Battery Park and jump on the Ferry to The Statute of Liberty and Ellis Island - next we are taking a "riding tour" of Brooklyn - once we are done with this we will go back to our hotel - spruce up and go see Phantom of the Opera.... On the last day in New York - we are going into indulge in some window shopping.. We will catch our train bound for Boston at noon..

Part 3 of this incredible adventure will be on my next/last post....