What's in YOUR Easter Basket???

If you are looking for that PERFECT gift to go in your Easter basket this year...

LOOK NO FURTHER!!!

My mom's little Cookie laid the cutest little eggs and they will ALL be ready for a home by Easter. Check out these precious Imperial Shih Tzus!!!













The babies are just a little over two weeks old now and starting to open their eyes. They are growing like weeds and will soon look a lot like their momma, Cookie.





If you are interested in adding one of these sweet babies to your Easter Basket, please visit my mom's website, JillyBean's Shih Tzu Shoppe. And please tell her that I sent you :)

Chillin' Like a Villain...

I know...that title is so old-school!! But I just couldn't help it because that is my plan for the day...to just chill and do as I please :)

The DH is headed out of town to New Smyrna to play golf and for a bachelor party. Sooo...that means I have the WHOLE day to myself!

I really shouldn't be this excited, should I?

So what are my plans for today you might ask????

1. Play around on www.scrapblog.com and create an Easter header for my blog.
2. Take a nap...since I woke up at 5 a.m. this morning...and on a Saturday no less!
3. Create some Easter cards for my Etsy Store. I bought the cutest Easter ribbon and paper and I'm dying to put them to use.
4. Clean Kodi's beds...he is shedding like crazy and since we just had our carpets cleaned, I don't want to lay them on the carpet until they are hair-free.
5. Grab some take out.
6. Get caught up with all the shows on my DVR...Grey's, Private Practice, Survivor, American Idol, etc.
7. Take a run...that 5K is getting closer and I need to run every single day!
8. Go and visit my nephew...he's getting so big and I am so READY for him to start talking.
9. Run to the grocery store to pick up a few items for my Mary Kay Debut Party tomorrow.
10. Get caught up on my Esther Bible Study.

Is that enough? I have a full agenda...so I better get busy :)

Hi/Lo Thursday

This post is part of "Hi/Lo Thursday" on the Riggs Family Blog. Check out their blog to read everyone else's "Hi/Lo" posts and get your link on their site.

My Hi this week???

Loving every single bit of Beth Moore's Esther Bible Study: It's Tough Being a Woman. Although I LOVE to go to bed early, it's worth spending a few extra hours at church on Monday night to hear Beth Moore. What a way to start off my week!!

My Lo this week???

Hearing about a friend that accidentally ran over his cat. Can you imagine? My heart really goes out to him and his family. It just broke my heart when I heard this news.

Jump on over to The Riggs Family Blog and let us know about your Hi/Lo Thursday!

Word-Art Giveaway...

All of you that follow my blog already know how crazy I am about word-art. I am addicted to Uppercase Living!! But lucky for me, I found someone that does an even BETTER job and is SO much cheaper!! My friend Melanie from If Walls Could Talk, can create anything you can imagine and turn it into word-art. Here are just a few items I've purchased from Melanie...

This is my switchboard where I change the top board for every holiday or event.

I just love that I can give her a saying and she can create these signs and add a little logo to make them even cuter! I especially like the Bunco Babes one...I can't wait to put it up when we have Bunco at my house.

This is my favorite verse! I had her create this one and gave her the dimensions for my board so it would fit perfectly!

I told you I was addicted (and these are only a FEW pictures)!!! So, this brings me to my latest Chip-in/Giveaway...WORD-ART!!! Melanie has donated this awesome prize...

This would be a great piece to hang above pictures of your family. It would also be neat to put it over your child's door. This word-art measures 36" x 7" and comes in black.

Here is how you can enter to win:

1. Visit If Walls Could Talk and leave me a comment telling me which word-art you like best on her site...ONE entry.

2. Donate $1-$5 to our Chip-in...FIVE entries.

3. Donate $6-$10 to our Chip-in...TEN entries.

4. Donate $11 or more to our Chip-in...TWENTY entries.

This giveaway will end on March 1, 2009.

Good luck!!!

Fun with the Family...

This past Sunday our aunt and uncle were in town from South Carolina. So we planned a family get-together at the San Sebastian Winery and then dinner at Daruma's. San Sebastian is the local Jacksonville Winery and has an awesome one-man band playing on the rooftop. The weather was JUST perfect and we enjoyed the music and white sangria (please make sure you check out my mother-in-love's blog, she will be posting the recipes for the sangria soon).

Here is a pic of David and his mom, overlooking St. Augustine...the water was very low, but we love looking at all the boats.

After the winery, we headed to Daruma's....a Japanese Hibachi Restaurant.

Here we are getting ready for the YUMMY food!!

This was Mikey's first Hibachi experience...isn't he getting so big??? And of course, I think he's cuter than EVER!

Of course...the traditional volcano onion!!

Then David and I, all fat and happy, after an AWESOME meal!

Overall, we had a pretty fun-filled Sunday...I wish all my weeks started out this way.

And the Winner is...

...my favorite little dimple faced girl....

ZOE!!!

Can you believe it!!! I must admit that on each giveaway, I always wanted a certain person to win my giveaway. But it never came true.

This is the first time the winner has been someone that I knew and adored!!! I think I might be more excited than she is :)

So congratulations to my cute little winner...

Miss Zoe!!!

Don't Miss Out...

Don't miss out on entering my latest Chip-in/Giveaway!

Click on this link and get entered now.

Today is your last chance to win one of these adorable signs from Ashley Nicole.

Good Luck!!!

What I Know about My DH...

I found this little quiz on my friend Heather's blog and I wanted to play along and see how well I knew my DH.


This is called the "How much do you know about your husband" test!!

1.He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen? Intervention, How It's Made, Joe Dirt or sports


2.You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad?Italian or Ceasar


3.What's one food he doesn't like?Blue cheese


4.You go out to eat and have a drink. What does he order?Rum and DIET coke

5.Where did he go to high school?Terry Parker

6.What size shoe does he wear? Ummm...not sure about this one, I'll go with 11 or 12

7.If he was to collect anything, what would it be?BOATS...ha :)

8.What kind of sandwich does he like?BLT

9.What would he eat every day if he could? Taco Bell

10.What is his favorite cereal?I don't think he has one...but he likes oatmeal

11.What would he never wear? Anything with the Florida Gators emblem on it

12.What is his favorite sports team? Florida State Seminoles

13.Who did he vote for? McCain

14.Who is his best friend?He has many!!!! But I would say his top three are Blaise, Al, and ME of course :)

15.What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do?This answer could take FOREVER!!! :) But I'll pick just one...He hates that I can't stand for anything to be out of its place. If he sets his shoes, keys, empty glass, etc. down for one second...I'll put it away! (I can't help it...OCD)


16.What is his favorite color?Blue


17.You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake? I don't think he really has a favorite...


18.Did he play sports in high school? Although he is a HUGE sports fan, I don't think so. He was in the band.


19.What could he spend hours doing? watch sports


20.What is one unique talent he has?He can build a massive fire....he's a pyromaniac people!!




Okay honey, how well did I do????


If you bloggers out there are up to it...play along and find out how well you know your hubbies!

Hi/Lo Thursday

This post is part of "Hi/Lo Thursday" on the Riggs Family Blog. Check out their blog to read everyone else's "Hi/Lo" posts and for a chance to win $100.

I am having so much fun participating in Hi/Lo Thursday.

Here is my Hi for today...

I am doing so good on my Mary Kay challenge. I only have one more day to meet my goal, so if you would like to know more about how you can purchase Mary Kay products, please check out this post. If you order today, I will have your products to you by next Friday!

My Lo for today...

I had a breakdown today. I think I am just TIRED, but it seems as if everything came crashing down on my today. I think I need a long, stress-free vacation.

What is your Hi/Lo for today?

Mary Kay Challenge...

I recently became a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant and I am so excited to be working for a company that puts God first, family second, and career third. Last night I went to my first MK meeting and was official pinned!! Here are a few pics of me and my recruiter, Amy.

Last night I was given my first CHALLENGE! And as most of you know, I LOVE a challenge. My challenge is to sell $200 worth of products in TWO days! You heard me right...TWO days!!!

So, if you are interested, please take a look at my site and let me know if there is anything special you would like to order.

www.marykay.com/liannaknight

If you are new to Mary Kay, I have a few products that I would recommend:

1. Of course the Miracle Set is always good!! It is the premium collection of age-fighting products that work together to give you younger-looking skin. And WHO doesn't want that??? It includes a cleanser, moisturizer, day solution sunscreen, night solution and a choice of foundation. This puppy is $104...but you can buy each item separately...for example if you just want the cleanser it is $18 and if you just want the mosturizer it is $22.

2. The Targeted-Action Line Reducer is a miracle worker. We learned about this last night and girls SWEAR that it reduces wrinkles, and firms and tightens lines within TWO weeks. This item is $40.

3. One of my favorites is the Microderm Abrasion Set. I love putting this on my face...I always get my DH to feel my skin after I use it because it is so soft :) This set is $55 or you can purchase just the step 1 (the best part) for $30.

Of course, these are just suggestions because there are TONS of items to choose from! I am hoping to place my order on Friday, February 20, so please email me or leave a comment with your email address and I will contact you to get your order.

I am having so much fun and you KNOW that I will not only meet this CHALLENGE, but I plan to EXCEED this challenge :) And of course, please pass this along to anyone you think might want to order something in the next few days!!

Adorable Custom-Made Sign Up for Grabs...

My new bloggy friend Ashley Nicole donated the next prize for our Chip-in/Giveaway!! Check out these adorable signs she makes...

The lucky winner will be able to pick the colors of his/her choice. This custom-made sign can be for your baby, a teenager, or for yourself! Just use your imagination...the sign would be ideal for a baby shower gift, a gift for a newlywed couple, or a holiday greeting for your front porch. You can get more ideas by visiting Ashley's Etsy Store here. The wood sign measures 14 x 7. The signs are designed with acrylic paint, and Ashley will choose the ribbon that best compliments the colors you choose.

How can you win one of these signs??? I thought you would NEVER ask!!

For this Chip-In/Giveaway you will receive one entry for EACH dollar that you donate to our IVF Fund.

For example, if you donate $1, you will receive one entry.

If you donate $5, you will receive five entries.

if you donate $20, you will receive twenty entries.

The deadline to enter will be February 22, that is ONLY ONE week.

All you have to do is click on the Chip-in button below to enter. Please leave me a comment and let me know that you've entered. There is no need to list your dollar amount, I will be able to check the Chip-in status for that information.

Good luck and thanks in advance for helping us reach our goal of becoming parents!

Hi/Lo Thursday

This post is part of "Hi/Lo Thursday" on the Riggs Family Blog. Check out their blog to read everyone else's "Hi/Lo" posts and for a chance to win $100.

I am so excited to participate in the Riggs Family Hi/Lo Thursday! So this is how it works...I post about my Hi for the week and my Lo for the week.

My Hi this week really hasn't happened yet...but it will on Valentine's Day!! I am looking forward to sharing a romantic evening with my DH at Thai Basil...a new Thai restuarant in Historic Downtown Jacksonville. YUMMY!

My Lo this week was feeling under the weather and knowing that I had a busy week at work. I could feel the flu-like symptoms creeping up on me and I had two important events happening at work this week. So I've had to tough it out this week and try to fight the flu-like symptoms. But I must admit, I'm typing this post today on my day off to recuperate and catch up on some much needed rest :)

Please go visit the Riggs Family Blog and read other Hi/Lo's!!

Drum Roll Please....

The winner of the Vera Bradley Purse and Wallet is.......

Betty King!!!

Congratulations Betty...I'll be contacting you through email to claim your prize!

Thank you so very much to all of you that participated in our Chip-in/Giveaway.

We are getting so very close to our goal!

Stay tuned for the next Chip-in/Giveaway...it is ADORABLE!!

I'm Working on a Winner...

I will HOPEFULLY post the winner of the Vera Bradley Purse and Wallet this afternoon. Unfortunately, I have been under the weather all week and tried to push myself at work...I didn't get home until after 10:00 p.m. on Monday and I didn't leave until 6:30 p.m. yesterday---that makes for a long day when you arrive at 7:30 a.m. Anyway, I took the day off today to STAY IN BED, eat some soup, and pray that some cold medicine does the trick.

Please be patient with me...I'll try and decipher through those 200+ comments you guys made and draw the winner!!

Good luck!

Don't Miss Out...

Don't miss out on entering my latest Chip-in/Giveaway. Please visit this post and enter to win this cute Vera Bradley Purse and Wallet.

You can simply leave a comment to enter or donate to our IVF fund for more entries!!! My Chip-in button is located to the right on my sidebar.

The last day to enter is Wednesday, February 11th.

Good Luck!

All about Friends...

We had a great weekend spending time with ALL our friends. On Saturday evening we had our school's annual Chili Cook-Off. There were a variety of chili's...vegetarian, spicey, Indian, and my good ole traditional chili. So much chili and so little time...

We then headed over to a couple shower for our friends Johnny and Tanya. They are getting married in March and we are so glad to be a part of their wedding festivities. Here are a few pics from the shower...

Johnny and Tanya showing off their aprons...aren't they cute?

Blaise, Julie, David and I...two of our favorite friends.


Tom and Lydia...this couple is getting married on March 7th...Love is in the air in Jacksonville.

We had such a great time hanging out with friends this weekend. And speaking of friends...I received an award yesterday from Kelley...





Thank you Kelley!!!

As you can see, this weekend was ALL ABOUT FRIENDS!!!

CSI Addiction...

CSI is my absolute favorite television show. I love all three of them, but the Las Vegas location is by far my most favorite of the three. Isn't it funny how after watching shows like CSI, we get so attached to the characters?? I was SO devastated when I found out that Warrick was leaving the show this season...

I cried like a baby on Warrick's last episode. But in all fairness, I heard that he had a drug addiction problem in real-life, so it was probably for the best that he left the show and got his life together. BUT, when I found out Grissom was leaving, I just couldn't believe it!!!

I wondered how this show was going to survive without these two main characters??? But, so far so good.

Now on CSI: Miami, I am wrapped up in the love story between Calleigh and Delko...

Well, I WISH there was a love story...Calleigh needs to open her eyes...he is so romantic, loving, and obviously GORGEOUS!

Okay, I need a life...but I warned you, I have a CSI addiction :)

What television show(s) are you addicted to?

The Shack

I started reading this book a few days ago..

And I just can't put it down!!! Have you heard of this book yet? Let me give you a little preview...

This is a story of a man who actually meets God. Through his suffering...many sufferings---his life with an abusive father and the brutal murder of his daughter---God presents himself to Mack and answers the questions...."If God is all powerful and full of love, why doesn’t He do something about the pain and evil in our world? "

I must say that that I am ONLY on the third chapter and I am so overwhelmed already!

Here are two endorsements for the book that might help you understand just how powerful this book really is...

An exceptional piece of writing that ushers you directly into the heart and nature of God in the midst of agonizing human suffering. This amazing story will challenge you to consider the person and the plan of God in more expansive terms than you may have ever dreamed.~David Gregory, author of Dinner with a Perfect Stranger

The path to God is paved with questions—sometimes frightening and deeply painful ones. While reading The Shack I realized the questions unfolding in this captivating novel were questions I was carrying deep within me. True freedom is born from facing those things we feel we don’t have the courage or strength to face. The beauty of this book is not that it supplies the reader with easy answers to grueling questions, but that it invites you to come in close to a God of mercy and love, in whom we find hope and healing.~Jim Palmer, author of Divine Nobodies

Even though I haven't finished the book myself, I have heard NOTHING but GREAT things about how it will end, how it will make you feel, and how you will gain an understanding of our God. So, if you haven't read it yet...I would pick your copy up today! For those of you that aren't readers...I'll get back with you after I've finished the book and give you an update. Happy Reading!

Armor...

Now that I am a Knight, I thought it only fitting to learn more about the importance and the use of armor. But not just any armor, God's armor for us.

I first asked myself...what is armor?

The American Heritage Dictionary defines armor as a safeguard or protection: faith.

What makes up a coat of armor?

A belt, shoes, shield, helmet and sword.

How can each of these items protect me?

A belt is God's truth, it wraps around me and defeats Satan's lies.

Shoes are the readiness to spread the Good News. They give me the ability to walk the walk.

The shield is my faith. It protects me against the fiery arrows that try to defeat me.

The helmet is my salvation. It protects my mind from doubting God's promises.

The sword is the Word of God. The weapon I use to take down the enemy.

Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. ~ Ephesians 6:11

We must depend on God's strength and use of every piece of his armor...and as a true Knight, I wear my armor proudly.

Why Does He Wear That???

Okay...so this post is probably going to get me into a little bit of trouble...but I couldn't resist :)

I remember thinking how well-dressed my husband was when I met him almost 6 years ago. I had always wanted to date a "business man" and loved suits, ties, and basically just a man that dressed well. The DH was definitely that man!! Of course he had some sporty/casual clothes too, but I could never resist him in a suit and tie.

So that brings me to this...

Item #1:

Of course to the normal eye, this looks like a regular FSU hoodie sweatshirt. But when the DH is wearing it...it is an EXTRA SMALL FSU hoodie sweatshirt. If I could have gotten him to model this for me, I would have taken pictures like the papparazzi, but that would NEVER happen. Now don't get me wrong, he doesn't ever wear this in public, but it's one of those items that we should have donated to Goodwill a long time ago...like 10 years ago.

I know most of you are probably thinking...what is she complaining about? Well, it gets worse...

Item #2:

Again, this looks like your typical fraternity t-shirt.

Until you turn it around...

Just so you can get the full effect, let me get a little closer...

And in case you are wondering what exactly it is your looking at...I have a little demonstration for you...



Yes friends, those are HOLES all in the back of this t-shirt!!!


So my question is this...


Why would a sexy well-dressed man wear this???


I think it's a guy-thing!!!