Buy Now and Save Later...Pear Tree Greetings!!

This week only, save 10% on any $15 order using the code BUYNOW, then we'll send you an email with a 30% off coupon to use for your Christmas card purchase later this Fall!

Don't have a specific occasion to purchase now? How about stocking up on address labels or a set of personalized note cards?Just spend $15 using code BUYNOW to earn your 30% coupon.

 

Buy Now and Save Later

Save 10% when you buy now and then receive a coupon for 30% off personalized holiday cards.

how to redeem:

• Step 1: Add a minimum of $15 in product to your shopping cart.
• Step 2: Enter your code BUYNOW and 10% will be removed from your subtotal.
• Step 3: Continue to review your order details and checkout.
• Step 4: You will receive an email with your 30% off coupon within 48 hours of your purchase, sent to the email you provide during checkout. The coupon is good through November 1st and can be used on any holiday card purchase over $49. Happy Holidays! 

This offer expires on Saturday, September 4, so shop today at Pear Tree Greetings!

What a deal!  I can't wait to go shopping so I can receive a coupon for some great Christmas cards to send out this year.

**As an affiliate, I receive a small commission on each sale from this website.  Thanks for shopping!** 

 

Tropical Traditions Powdered Laundry Detergent Review and Giveaway!!

I recently was given the chance to review Tropical Traditions Powdered Laundry Detergent.  I have a son who uses cloth diapers with a diaper cover.  I have a diaper service that washes the diapers, but sometimes the diaper covers get messed up!!  I also do a lot of laundry as I have a very hardworking husband (gardening, painting, construction, etc) and a very active son who loves to run and play as well as drip food all over his shirts.  Yes, I need a a powerful laundry detergent to take care of my family!

Well, I tested this product and was very pleased that it had more than enough power to clean the clothes of my busy family.  Not only does it make my clothes bright and fresh, it is environmentally safe and non-toxic.  This is an important point for me as I need products in my home that will protect my family from the harsh environment.  I am very impressed how easily stains were removed from my clothes and I didn't even have to spray anything extra on my clothes.  "Powdered Laundry Detergent dissolves as completely as liquid detergents and rinses away completely leaving no residue in your clothes."

Buy it: A 5 lb. jar of Powdered Laundry Detergent is regularly $25.99, but is on sale right now for $21.99.

When you place your order please use my ID # to get your FREE book: 6015262 in the "Referred by a Friend".  (Thank you!) You can also obtain your own complimentary copy of Virgin Coconut Oil book through the Referral program if you are ordering for the first time.  Please click: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/referral_program.htm for more info. The book will be automatically be added to your order.  I encourage you to look through the website for some great products.  I have already tried the Lavender Natural Deodorant (aluminum free), the Organic Shredded Coconut and the Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil.  Be sure to sign up for their newsletter to get updated information on products and sales.

If you need any help in placing your order please click here: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/customerservice.cfm.

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.

Win it:

One reader will receive this 5 lb. jar of Powdered Laundry Detergent.  Open to US.  Giveaway ends Friday, September 10.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.  Thanks!

1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)

2. Visit Tropical Traditions and tell me another product you would like to try. (required)

3. Put my button on your blog and provide the link. 

4. Subscribe to my blog by email (top right corner)

5."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 

6. Follow on Networked Blogs (link on my blog) 

7. Follow me on Twitter (@shondaet)

8. "Like" Tropical Traditions on Facebook

9. Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter

10. Sign up for the Tropical Traditions Newsletter.

11. Make a purchase at Tropical Traditions using my referral code: 6015262

12. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site) 

Entry for Tropical Traditions Powdered Laundry Detergent

Monday Non-Mayhem: Plans

I am a first born perfectionist, but I can't seem to get it together somehow after having a child.  I make plans, but don't carry them out.  I get frustrated and give up doing anything at all.  But I know I need to give myself some grace, so I'll start small and see what I can accomplish, but also make some goals.

Start small:
*Weekly Home Blessing Hour on Mondays (I usually can get the bathrooms, garbage and downstairs vacuumed)
*Make at least one new dinner each week
*Spend one hour cleaning in the attic each week (could be 15 min time slots)

BIG goals: (on top of the ones listed above)
*Focus on one room each week for cleaning
*Make a week worth of freezer meals (so many inspiring blogs out there for that) during the month
*Post my menu for the week

Eventually...
I want to get back into knitting and sewing, but I need a clean house!!




I think I will work on the start small section for a month before adding anything from the BIG list. 


I also want to work on some fun teaching ideas for my son, but that's for my other blog (Milk N' Honey Learn and Grow).  :)


So, what do you do to get organized?  I'd like to know.

Song Sunday: Above All Else

Lyrics to Above All Else :
Jesus, my passion in life is to know You
May all other goals bow down toThis journey of loving You more
Jesus, You’ve showered Your goodness on me
Given Your gifts so freely
But there’s one thing I’m longing for
Hear my heart’s cry
And my prayer for this life

Above all else
Above all else
Above all else
Give me Yourself

Savior, the more that I see Your beauty
The more that I glimpse Your glory
My heart is captured by You
Jesus, You are my greatest treasure
Nothing this world can offer
Could ever compare to You
So, hear my heart’s cry
And my prayer for this life

I first heard this song at a women's retreat and I quickly found the chords for it on the internet and I love to sing and play this song on the piano when I really need to get closer to Jesus.

Shrade is 21 months old today!!

Shrade is 21 months old today!  I've been trying to update every 3 months since he turned 1.  So in 3 more months he'll be 2 years old!!  Can't believe how fast my baby is growing.  He is the joy of our lives.

Shrade has a very established routine.  He eats 3 meals a day with a few snacks inbetween.  He knows that we pray before each meal and gives a hearty "AMEN" after prayer.  He takes a great 2.5 hour nap and sleeps through the night especially if he has his "kitty" (his favorite stuffed animal).

Shrade loves to play with his stuffed animals and puts them in a basket or box and drags them around the house.  He also has started sitting at the piano and playing and even singing.  We love this because music is a passion in our home.  Shrade also bounces to music and has a reputation at church for his "dancing."

This summer Shrade and I took part in a Summer Reading Challenge where we filled out a form of all the books we read that week.  I calculated that we read over 200 books this summer!  Wow!!

This summer Shrade discovered our blueberry and raspberry bushes and picks them clean.  He also went strawberry picking with us and couldn't get enough strawberries in his mouth.

Shrade took a few trips this summer.  We went up to Oak Harbor, WA to visit Grandma Nettie and Grandpa Jeff.  Shrade called Grandma Nettie "Grandma Nut, Nut."  We thought that was funny!  Shrade also spent some time at Great Grandma Elayne's house.  We also went to Canada one weekend to Grandma Linda and Grandpa Del.  Grandma Linda also comes down to babysit Shrade so mama and daddy can go out on dates.  Then we made our annual trip to Minnesota for our Knowlton Family Reunion.  It was fun to hang out with cousins, especially Levi and Cortney.  We also got to see Great Grandma Aletha.

Shrade had an explosion of words this summer.  He can identify transportation objects like cars, trucks, buses, airplanes, motorbikes and trains.  He knows many animal names and loves to imitate their sounds.  He is starting to repeat the Alphabet with me and can count 1,2,3.  He also loves to say colors, especially yeyo (yellow), boo (blue) and pink!

Shrade wants to be very independent and insists on walking down the stairs just holding our fingers.  He can almost do it by himself by just holding on to the railing.

Shrade is very emotional which I guess is pretty typical at this age level.  He can be extremely happy and get very sad and upset.  He always likes to cuddle with mama after being reprimanded or after getting hurt.

Shrade is very generous with his smiles and hugs.  He also says "I You" (I love you) all the time.

We are looking forward to  starting Tot School this fall with mama as teacher.  You can see updates on Milk N' Honey Learn and Grow.

See you in 3 months at my second birthday!!

LOW comment giveaways still open!!

Hi Friends-  I have some great LOW comment giveaways going on.  If anything looks interesting, I urge you to enter.  Also, I am going to have some great product reviews and giveaways coming up for Usana Health Sciences.  If you have not read The Essentials, please do.  I am so excited to share this with you!

*The Struggle ends 8/27
*The Essentials ends 9/1
*When Love Ends ends 9/1
*Close to His Heart ends 9/3

Recipe of the Week: Thai Peanut Noodles

Several months ago I found this recipe for Thai Peanut Noodles on my friend Alison's Hospitality Haven site.  My husband absolutely loves Thai food and since he is a much better cook than I am, I decided to try this and now it's one his favorite meals that I make!  Thanks, Alison!

Thai Noodles:
1/2 cup. chicken broth
3 tbsp. peanut butter
1 tsp. chili powder
1 1/2 tbsp. honey
3 tbsp. soy sauce
1 1/2 tbsp. ginger
2-3 cloves of garlic minced
noodles
chopped green onions
cilantro
peanuts

Cook noodles in salted water.  Combine chicken broth, peanut butter, chili sauce, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, ginger and garlic in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.  Stir until it’s smooth, and then remove from heat.  Toss the noodles with the sauce, top with sauteed veggies (I used carrots and broccoli etc.) and then sprinkle with green onions, cilantro and peanuts.  Serve!

This also tastes good with Becca's Ginger Peanut Chicken.

Close to His Heart Book Review and Giveaway!!

Close to His Heart by Leonora Pruner is a sweet romance with an unexpected twist in the mid 1700's in England.  Grace Carstares is whisked off her feet by Lord Henry Buryhill.  After a memorable and blissful betrothal, Henry misinterprets Grace's actions of leaving early in the morning to meet her secret "lover."  All that he has prayed for was lost to him.  Despite his misgivings, the couple weds but Henry remains aloof.  Grace slips into loneliness and depression.  An unfortunate accident occurs and Grace has lost her memory.  Henry must regain her love and trust.  Will Grace be able to forgive and love the man of her dreams?

I was very enamored with this love story and I liked how Henry really tried to court his wife during her memory loss.  The characters showed real growth and maturity and learned to rely on God for their relationship to blossom.  The only parts that I had trouble reading was the repetition of events that had already occurred as they were being told again and again to different people.  I felt this was a very special love story filled with hope and renewal.

*This book was provided to me free of charge by Pump Up Your Book for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this book and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*
 

Win it:  I am having a giveaway for this book.  Open to US only and giveaway ends Friday, Sep 3.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.

1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)

2. Put my button on your blog and provide the link. 

3. Subscribe to my blog by email (top right corner)

4."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 

5. Follow on Networked Blogs (link on my blog) 

6. Follow me on twitter (@shondaet)

7. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site) 

Entry for Close to His Heart

Pear Tree Greetings Pen to Paper Challenge #2

I am loving the chance to write cards again!  Ever since I started this Pen to Paper Challenge I've been thinking more and more about writing notes to my friends and family like I used to.  This week I chose to write to a friend that lives close to me, but that I haven't seen all summer.  We keep up by email and phone, but I know I need to make a point to reach out to her in other ways too.  It was fun to sit down and write this short note just telling her how much I miss her and want to get together.  I know she will smile when she opens the card in the mail.  Thank you, Pear Tree Greetings, for bringing alive the desire I have to write personal, intimate notes to my friends!

If you would like inspiration to write, check out the stationary products available at Pear Tree Greetings.

Wordless Wednesday: Cucumber crunch

Live to Tell Book Review

Live to Tell by Lisa Gardner is a suspenseful novel that brings three unlikely women together.  Danielle's family was murdered when she was a young girl and Danielle's therapy is her employment in a pediatric psych ward.  Detective D.D. Warren is a tough detective investigating some recent murders involving whole families.  Victoria is a mother of a son who needs professional help as he is intent on hurting himself and others.  All three women become linked together which starts a spiral of events leading to the ultimate showdown of revenge.

This novel was very captivating and had me on the edge of my seat.  I was always wondering who would be the next victim and how each of these women were connected.  The story is told from the perspectives of Danielle, D.D. and Victoria.  Each one adds certain elements to create a very dramatic and unsettling story line.  Who is behind the murders and why?  It's a question that you must read to find the answer.  Once you pick up this book, you will not be able to put it down.

*This book was provided to me free of charge by Pump Up Your Book for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this book and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*
 

Gratituesday: Locks of Love Donation

Have you ever thought of giving away a part of yourself that can help someone else?  Well, I recently decided to donate my hair to Locks of Love.  I've actually never done this before, but since I started growing my hair out (it's been almost 2 years) I saw an announcement in our church bulletin to donate to Locks of Love.  You see, I met a friend a few years ago who had 4 daughters and one weekend 3 of her daughters were killed in a fatal car accident.  This story touched my heart to the core.  One of the daughters had just recently cut her hair to donate and it was lost in the accident.  My friend shares her story and asks that we help support this organization.  I think of how this little girl gave up her life and how this mom gave up her daughter, but I can give up a little hair to help someone.

The missions of Locks of Love: 

Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. We meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics.

Our mission is to return a sense of self, confidence and normalcy to children suffering from hair loss by utilizing donated ponytails to provide the highest quality hair prosthetics to financially disadvantaged children. The children receive hair prostheses free of charge or on a sliding scale, based on financial need. 

 Before pictures:

After pictures: 

My donation: 10+ inches

I love it!!

What are you thankful for this Gratituesday?  Write about it on your blog, then come link up with us here.  If you don’t have a blog, be sure to leave a comment letting us know what you’re grateful for!

If you are linking up a blog post for Gratituesday,
please copy and paste the following sentence into your post!  Thanks!

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

Marriage Monday: Homemaker Honey Book Club- The Husband Project

My friend, Deborah, over at Homemaker Honey is hosting a book club for The Husband Project: 21 Days of Loving Your Man--on Purpose and with a Plan.  Starting September 1, we will be having book discussions and accountability.  Does that sound like fun to you?

I just purchased the book and I'm so excited to get started.

If you are interested, purchase the book (The Husband Project: 21 Days of Loving Your Man--on Purpose and with a Plan) and then go over to Homemaker Honey and sign up to be in the book club.  Do it now because Deborah is having a fun giveaway for those who sign up.

Song Sunday: You Alone Can Rescue

Who, oh Lord, could save themselves,
Their own soul could heal?
Our shame was deeper than the sea
Your grace is deeper still

Who, oh Lord, could save themselves,
Their own soul could heal?
Our shame was deeper than the sea
Your grace is deeper still

You alone can rescue, You alone can save
You alone can lift us from the grave
You came down to find us, led us out of death
To You alone belongs the highest praise

You, oh Lord, have made a way
The great divide You heal
For when our hearts were far away
Your love went further still
Yes, your love goes further still

You alone can rescue, You alone can save
You alone can lift us from the grave
You came down to find us, led us out of death
To You alone belongs the highest praise
To You alone belongs the highest praise
To You alone belongs the highest praise

You alone

We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes
You’re the Giver of Life
We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes
You’re the Giver of Life
We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes
You’re the Giver of Life
We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes
You’re the Giver of Life
We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes
You’re the Giver of Life
We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes
You’re the Giver of Life
We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes
You’re the Giver of Life
We lift up our eyes, lift up our eyes
You’re the Giver of Life

You alone can rescue, You alone can save
You alone can lift us from the grave
You came down to find us, led us out of death
To You alone belongs the highest praise
To You alone belongs the highest praise
To You alone belongs the highest praise

To You alone
Ringtones

Recipes page

Hey, I just updated my Recipes page with all of my favorite recipe websites/blogs.  I'll be adding more, but if you need help finding good recipes, check these out.  Have a great day planning yummy meals for your family.

Blessings, Shonda

God's Nuggets: Pray for your Children

This last month I've been posting a daily character quality for you to pray for your children over on my Milk N' Honey blog.  It's also a great time for self-evaluation too.  So skip on over and even if you don't have children, these would be great to pray for yourself.

Next month, I'm going to post a daily prayer that you can pray for your husband right here on Knowlton Nest.

Blessings, Shonda

When Love Ends Book Review/Giveaway!!

 

When Love Ends (and the Ice Cream Carton is Empty) by Jackie Johnson is an honest look at the progression of what to do after a devastating breakup.  Jackie uses a time analogy beginning with Sunset and ending with Brighter Days Ahead.  Each chapter focuses on a healing process to help a Christian woman reflect on this difficult relationship with wisdom from God's word to move on in wholeness of spirit.  At the end of each chapter Jackie shares a sample prayer, pertinent Bible verses and questions for reflection.  Jackie also uses many of her own experiences as well as those of others to show how each step of the process can be worked through after love ends.

I really liked how thorough Jackie walks through each step.  The chapter on grieving losses seemed important to read before moving to discovering the power of forgiveness.  I know that any Christian woman who has gone through heartbreak whether single or divorced would find encouragement and strength through Jackie's words.

*This book was provided to me free of charge by Pump Up Your Book for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this book and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*


Win it:  I am having a giveaway for this book.  Open to US only and giveaway ends Wednesday, September 1.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.

1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)

2. Put my button on your blog and provide the link. 

3. Subscribe to my blog by email (top right corner)

4."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 

5. Follow on Networked Blogs (link on my blog) 

6. Follow me on twitter (@shondaet)

7. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site) 

Entry for When Love Ends

Pear Tree Greetings Pen to Paper Challenge #1

Before email I used to write long, informative letters to my family and friends.  Over time, I've evolved to quick email messages and even simpler Facebook comments.

I recently was offered the chance to participate in a Pen to Paper Challenge for the next four weeks as part of the Pearista program through Pear Tree Greetings. As a Pearista, I value the power of connecting through stationary.   I was given some cute cards to send to my friends and also an extra card for them to continue the pen to paper challenge.

To me, writing a handwritten note seems so much more intimate than a typed message.  At first, much to my chagrin, I didn't know what I could write.  But I just put my pen to the paper and let my heartfelt words flow.

When was the last time you sent a personal note to a family member or a friend?  Could someone use your cheer today?  I would like to encourage you to think about who you could bless today with a handwritten note.

If you need inspiration with some cute cards, check out the selection at Pear Tree Greetings!  You are sure to find cards that will brighten someone's day.

Blessings, Shonda

PS. Pear Tree Greetings is picking one Pearista each week to get $50 credit toward Christmas cards!

Recipe of the Week: Chocolate Swirl Banana Bread

A few months ago, I found this recipe on my friend Holly's blog.  It looked so good and easy that I thought I would try it.  I substituted some of the sugar for applesauce and brown sugar.

This original recipe came from Our Best Bites.

Chocolate Swirled Banana Bread

2 c. flour
¾ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
1 c. sugar
¼ c. butter, softened
1 ½ c. mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 medium bananas)
2 eggs
1/3 c. plain lowfat yogurt or sour cream
½ c. chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cups and level. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Cream sugar and butter. Add bananas, eggs, and yogurt, beating until just blended. Add flour mixture. Beat on low until just moistened. Microwave chocolate chips in a medium bowl for 1 minute. Stir until smooth. Cool slightly. Add 1 c. batter to chocolate, stirring until well-combined. Spoon chocolate batter alternately with plain batter (so you have stripes of plain and chocolate batter) in an 8 ½” x 4 ½” loaf pan coated with cooking spray. Swirl batters with a knife.

Bake at 350 for 1 hour and 15 minutes (give or take a little; I'd probably set your timer for 1 hour and 10 minutes to be safe) or until a knife comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan and then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.

(I hope to be posting more of my recipes on here weekly.  I made a lot of yummy stuff this summer!)

Works for Me Wednesday: The Essentials (& Giveaway)

What is "essential" to your life?  One of the essentials for me is good health.  When I take care of myself I can do all the things I want to.  I can go on fun adventures with my husband and play hard with my kid.  I don't have to worry about missing fun parties or trips because I am sick.  I don't have to suffer through miserable nights of sore throats, coughing and runny noses (yes, I'm talking about myself, not my son).

About 4 years ago, I was in a downward spiral of life debilitating allergies and constantly giving up on activities where I had no energy.  I hated being sick ALL the time.  It was time for a change!

That's when I was introduced to Usana Health Sciences and the Essentials.  I actually never took supplements before, but I was so exhausted from being sick that I decided to try them.  At the time I was suffering from an ongoing cold/allergy problem I had been having for a few weeks.  Within one week of taking the Essentials I had clear sinuses with no hint of my cold.  I was FREE!  It's been 4 years and I can count on one hand the times I've had cold symptoms.  Not only that I didn't have my allergy problems anymore.  I have never felt better in all my life and I can now do all those things I want to do.

What makes The Essentials a vital part of my good health?  Well, they fight off free radicals in our toxic environment and help to maintain "nutritional support for cardiovascular function, optimal vision, a sound immune system and efficient energy for metabolism."  You can read more about the Usana difference.

Whether you are "sick" or not, it's time to take a look at how you are giving yourself the gift of health.  I encourage you to take this brief Health Assessment and discover what you can do to have better health.

Health Assessment

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.**

Buy it: You can purchase The Essentials on www.knowltons.usana.com by retail or sign up as a Preferred Customer for wholesale pricing.

Win it:  I am having a giveaway for a set of The Essentials (1 month worth of supplements: Mega Antioxidant and Chelated Mineral).  Giveaway open to US and ends Wednesday, September 1.

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.

1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)

2. Put my button on your blog and provide the link. 

3. Subscribe to my blog by email (top right corner)

4."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog). 

5. Follow on Networked Blogs (link on my blog) 

6. Follow me on twitter (@shondaet)

7. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site) 

8. Take the Usana Health Assessment and tell one thing that was recommended to you.

9. Visit www.knowltons.usana.com and tell another product you would like to try.

10. "Like" www.knowltons.usana.com on Facebook (link on blog)

Entry for The Essentials

"Pamper Me, Please" Review/Giveaway Week coming in September!!

I am busy gathering sponsors for my awesome review/giveaway week in September: "Pamper Me, Please!" Check out my super sponsors:

*Handmade Creations by Greta and Elle
*Yummybathtreats
*Skin2Spirit
*BrandiButtonBags
*knitonabike

I am still looking for more sponsors, so if you have a product you would like to contribute, please email me at shondaet@gmail.com. Thanks!

Have you entered these LOW comment giveaways?

Several LOW comment giveaways:

*Flight to Heaven ends 8/18 (The best book I read this year!!)
*Time Out to Rock CD ends 8/25
*Rock N' Learn DVD ends 8/25
*The Struggle ends 8/27

Gratituesday: Jeremy's Birthday Surprise in June (Red Caboose Getaway)

Oh, it's been so long since I've wanted to post about this surprise birthday getaway that I planned for my husband.  For those who don't know, my husband and I actually had our first date on his birthday in 2003.  So, it's a double celebration.  I've tried to do special things for him and this took some tricky planning since now we had to find an overnight babysitter for Shrade (thanks, Grandma Linda!).  Jeremy had no idea where we were going.  We drove up to the Olympic Peninsula and as we passed a restaurant that was train cars, Jeremy said, "Oh, cool!  I want to live in a train!"  Little did he know that is exactly what I planned. It was a somewhat cloudy and rainy day, but we drove up to Hurricane Ridge and God cleared enough clouds away so we could enjoy the view.  Then we drove back to the town of Sequim to stay in this unique B&B called the Red Caboose Getaway.  Each "room" is restored caboose by the owner Olaf and Charlotte.  From looking at all the pictures, I think ours was the most romantic.  Also, the dining car served as the breakfast room from the 1930's. So here are the pictures from our trip:

Hurricane Ridge

Red Caboose Getaway June 19, 2010

The Grape Escape

The other cabooses (all different themes)

Olaf is also the waiter

Coconut/Banana bread with pineapple cream cheese spread

Happy Birthday, honey!

Lavender fields in Sequim

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!