Friday, October 30, 2009

Giveaways For This Week

Momtrend is giving away J Winterbower glass art piece to one lucky reader. This artisan sells on Etsy. Ends November 9.

Barefoot Mommies has a gift guide for the season and has some really amazing giveaways. You have until Dec 5th to enter.

Britax Advocate CS car seat

Strand Of Freshwater Pearls

Tike Tech Double Stroller is being given away by the lovely ladies at Barefoot Mommies. This is an awesome state of the art, baby friendly stroller.

They're also giving away a pair of shoes from Kuru. These looks super comfortable, just what I need right now.

A Memories Place woven photo throw is being offered at Barefoot Mommies gift guide site.

Enter to win a pair of gold and pearl hoop earrings at Life Starring The Kids And Me. Ends 11/16
3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires is having an awesome contest for a shred sled. If you don't know what that is, go check it out! Soo cool.

The Mom Reviews is having a giveaway for a Madison Browne cardigan and dress. Gorgeous and worth up to $200.

Two Of A Kind Working On A Full House is giving away and Oreck halo vacuum. This thing is really sweet!

The Shopping Mama is giving away a Medela Freestyle breastpump. Ends Nov 18

Freaky Friday-Sugar Daddy Ken Doll



Yes it's real and made by Mattel. I'm gonna give this an ummm...YEAH! Ha Ha. Sometimes you just gotta laugh.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Uprinting.com Vinyl Banner Winner!


My random.org winner for the Vinyl Banner Giveaway is...


Tammy Pereira said...
I would love to win this contest! I would use this banner as a replacement for my girls under13 soccer team banner that was ruined in last weeks storm. Thank you!


laydeebuglove at aol

Congrats to you! Thanks to all who entered my contest.

m.powerment Wants You To Have A Heart




Lauren Conrad has teamed up with mark(TM)to create a beautiful gold or silver tone necklace entitled Have A Heart. The necklace was created in a philanthropic effort to bring awareness to dating abuse and partner violence. 100% of the net proceeds go to this cause. Please take a look at these lovely necklaces and what they benefit. In addition m.powerment also offers a Glow Baby Glow lip gloss that resonates the emotion of this great cause.
**I'm an Independent Sales Representative For Avon, ask me how I can help you**

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Because I Needed Some Lightening Up

I was looking for some funny stuff. I've been grumpy for oh, about a month or so now. I need some laughter in my life...

This is clean for all those that don't want to hear swearing or have their kids around.



Tuesday, October 27, 2009

In Bloom-New Fragrance From Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon has put a stamp of approval on a new fragrance called In Bloom. The fragrance evokes a woman's changing seasons, and each experience she collects in her memory.

"Sensual and elegant, it entices the senses with gardenia blossoms and lush florals, enveloped in amber wood and peach tea leaves. 1.7 fl. oz." taken from site

This lovely, feminine scent is being captured in an eau de parfum spray and a Limited Edition 1 oz. parfum. If you would like to get it for the holiday's, there is a wonderful Gift Collection that includes the eau de parfum spray, body lotion, and shower gel, and a gift bag. Perfect for that lady or girl in your life that loves luxurious fragrances! You can also check out the other name brand fragrances on my site here. Happy Shopping.

Melanie

Wordless Wednesday-Pumpkin Time




Yellow Finch Designs GIVEAWAY!!!!

Yellow Finch Designs GIVEAWAY!!!!

Shabby Apple Dare to Design Limoncello Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Shabby Apple Dare to Design Limoncello Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Noah and Lilah GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Noah and Lilah GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Making Tuesday Tasty-Chicken And Dumplings


I grew up eating chicken and dumplings. My mom made it every once in awhile and it was delicious! My mom, like myself, never really used recipes. She would add things to taste and now that she is gone, I don't really have her recipe. Once the air started to get crisp, our home would fill with the smells of chicken and herbs. Beans and hamhocks or bacon, potato soup, vegetable beef and even hamburger soup(ground meat beef veg soup) Here is a modified, quick version that Rachel Ray has adapted. It doesn't include any dark meat, so those of you that like your dark meat flavor will need to adapt this to your liking.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds chicken breast tenders

1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 turn of the pan

2 tablespoons butter

1 russet potato, peeled and diced

2 medium carrots, peeled and diced or thinly sliced

1 medium onion, chopped

1 rib celery, diced

1 bay leaf, fresh or dried

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon poultry seasoning, 1/3 palm full

2 tablespoons flour, a handful

1 quart chicken broth or stock, canned or paper container, preferred brand Kitchen Basics

1 small box biscuit mix(preferred brand Jiffy Mix)

1/2 cup warm water

Handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped

1 cup frozen green peas

Directions

Dice tenders into bite size pieces and set aside. Wash hands.

Place a large pot on stove over medium high heat. Add oil, butter, vegetables and bay leaf and cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Season mixture with salt, pepper and poultry seasoning. Add flour to the pan and cook 2 minutes. Stir broth or stock to the pot and bring to a boil. Add chicken to the broth and stir.

Place biscuit mix in a bowl. Combine with 1/2 cup warm water and parsley. Drop tablespoonfuls of prepared mix into the pot, spacing dumplings evenly. Cover pot tightly and reduce heat to medium low. Steam dumplings 8 to 10 minutes. Remove cover and stir chicken and dumplings to thicken sauce a bit. Stir peas into the pan, remove chicken and dumplings from heat and serve in shallow bowls.

*photo courtesy of myrecipes.com*

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Giveaways For This Week

growingyourbaby.com is having a giveaway for a Baby Alive woopsie doo doll. My almost 3 year old would love this!

Monsters In My House is having a giveaway for a strand of Black Akoya pearls from Pearl Paradise. Hurry and get your entry in!

A Mom's Balancing Act is giving away a Kolcraft Tandem Double Stroller from the Kolcraft company. Ends November 19.

Sing To Jesus-Fernando Ortega

When we are down, when we are happy, when he is merciful, everyday...

Saturday, October 24, 2009

New Avon Specials

Christmas Earrings-Adorable snowmen, sparkly snowflakes, jingle bells, and more! Any 2 pair for $5

New! Belted High Heel Boot-Intro special so you save 11%-$39.99

Anew Reversalist Power Duo-A $74 value is now selling for $59.(includes both the renewal serum and night renewal cream)

In Bloom Reese Witherspoon-Gift collection includes Eau De Parfum spray, body lotion, shower gel, and a gift bag to present your gift. This sensual and alluring fragrance is going to make the perfect holiday gift for a woman in your life. $64 value-$39

Anew Beauty make up sale-BOGO for $5 on select items.

Glimmersticks And Mascara make up sale-2 for 7.99 on select items.

Ideal Shade, MagiX, and BEYOND COLOR-BOGO half price on select items

Lip And Nail Makeup Sale-2 for $5.99 on select items

Shine Like A Star Makeup Sale-2 for $5.99 on select items


*Free shipping online with a direct delivery order purchase of $30 or more*

***I'm an independent sales representative for Avon***

Friday, October 23, 2009

Naturally Knotty-Local News Coverage


Naturally Knotty has been featured on a local Portland, Oregon news channel kgw.com. In celebration of this, she is offering a giveaway on her Facebook account. Click here to become of a fan of Naturally Knotty on Facebook.

And don't forget to check out their line of beautiful bags and wraps. Become a Knotty girl like me! ;)

**not a paid advertisement**

Freaky Friday-Naked Man Arrested In Own Home

I'm reminded of "ugly naked guy" on Friends lately, when I look outside my bedroom window to see my neighbor two doors down. He stands, smoking a cigarette on his back porch. He is a portly, middle aged, fellow. He is in his own backyard, and he is completely nude.

Obviously this is something I don't want to see and never tried to see. Thankfully he is far enough away from me that I didn't have to see any details, if you know what I mean! Even with that, I would talk to him if there was a problem. I would ask him to change his ahem, attire if young children were affected, etc. before I involved authorities.

That's partly why I was surprised when I saw in the news that a man had been arrested in Virginia for being naked in his own kitchen! Honestly, I don't even know how you can be arrested for being in your own kitchen naked. How is this freaky? Hmm. It is MY RIGHT to be naked in my house if I so choose. The circumstances around this are equally ridiculous. The man was making coffee in his kitchen early in the morning. He was alone in his own home and a woman and her young son were cutting through his yard from a nearby path. A little later he was arrested. The police claim that he intentionally wanted people to see him. Are you kidding? Really? Even if he did, a woman cutting through his yard shouldn't have been the one to notice him really early in the morning. The whole street should have seen him. This is disturbing to me. And, it should be disturbing to everyone that your right of privacy can be interpreted in any way if you have an indiscretion like having your curtain slightly open. UGH.

Source: mydailynews.com

A Little Friday Music

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Hey All-Avon Calling!!

So, I'm officially a representative of a company that has been empowering women for generations! Between being in the beauty industry, fund raising, independent businesses, and women's causes, Avon's been there.

I'm actually really excited and it's not something I really planned. I wanted to be part of something I would be willing and grateful to be a part of. Avon has been around since 1886 and has grown into a financial powerhouse by the independent sales people that help make it what it is.

I haven't bought Avon in a few years but, am grateful now to be able to have part of the business online. You can order directly online, have it shipped to your home, and not deal with a middle woman if you so choose.

Take a look at all the wonderful things Avon has in store for the holiday season 2009. You'll be glad you did!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Healthy Moms Request

Cascia at Healthy Moms needs bloggers to rally around her and send prayers and blog clicks over to her. Her husband is about to be out of work again and her only source of income is healthy moms.

Please go over there and offer her prayer or support during this tough time!

Melanie

Davey And Goliath

Davey and Goliath
I remember as a young child watching some reruns of Davey And Goliath. I was raised in a christian home so, it was one of the few things I was able to watch on television.

Stop motion animation still intrigues me to this day and I am amazed knowing how much work is put into it. Pairing that with values based teaching, and it's been a favorite for many years.

Something I wasn't aware of is that the show was produced by Art Clokely, who also produced Gumby series. If you want your children to see what the fuss was about when you were a kid, go check out their DVD's available. It just might bring back some serious memories for you.

Support My Sponsor Code Of Ethics

Wordless Wednesday-Caricature Of The Kids

Got this done at Legoland when we went in January 2008. Had a great day with the kids. I want to go on another trip BADLY!

Making Tuesday Tasty-Pumpkin Bread


It's that time of year again! Fall and pumpkins go hand in hand. Good thing I love pumpkin, at
least in dessert form.

Here's a yummy recipe to try out for those Fall days, while they last.

Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients

cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups sugar

3/4 cup vegetable oil

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups shredded fresh pumpkin

1 cup toasted pumpkin seeds

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Sift the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together.

In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Combine both mixtures and

fold in the shredded pumpkin and pumpkin seeds. Once the ingredients are all incorporated pour

into a non- stick 9 by 5 by 3-inch loaf pan. If your pan is not non- stick coat it with butter and

flour.

Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. At this point a knife inserted into the middle of the loaf should

come out clean. Cool for 15 minutes and turn out onto a cooling rack. Cool completely. For

muffins temperature should also be 325 degrees F., but bake for 30 minutes.


Recipe courtesy of Alton Brown, Photo courtesy of Proof Of The Pudding Blog

Monday, October 19, 2009

Baby Shower Extravaganza!

This has been going on for awhile and for some reason, I just realized what was involved so I decided to get my tail in gear and enter! Here are some of their amazing giveaways! I will definitely be adding to this.

Breastfeeding mom and hungry baby prize pack-Blessings Abound, The Kids And Me

On The Go Baby Prize Pack-Blessings Abound, Life Starring The Kids And Me, Cool Baby Kid

Friday, October 16, 2009

More Awesome Contests!

3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires is running some great giveaways. I will be coming back to list more so make sure you come back!

Enter to win a Cooking With All Things Trader Joes's cookbook. Also go check out cooking with Trader Joe's website. Eek!

My Sentiment ExactLee is having a giveaway for a Valco Ion stroller! This one ends November 3rd so be quick!

Mommy Goggles is giving away a Vtech Bugsby reading system. Go check it out, ends 10/25.

Simple Reviews is giving away a $75 gift card toward Zutano's Itzy Bitzy collection.

Mommy Mandy is giving away a Leap Frog Zippity to one lucky winner.

Freaky Friday-Interracial Marriage License Denied

I read an article yesterday about an interracial couple from Louisiana being denied and was honestly surprised. Perhaps it's because it's 2009 and the U.S. at this point is such a melting pot? Perhaps it's because an elected official is the one discriminating? Either way, it was an eye opener once more that the racial tensions still exist. This is not to debate but, more to recognize that even though it's 2009, there are still people in all areas of this country that discriminate against race, even though it's unlawful to do.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Greeting Card Winner!


My random.org winner for the Greeting Card Giveaway is.....



jedoggett @ embarqmail com

Congratulations Annette, an email has been sent!

**thanks to Uprinting.com for providing this giveaway**

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Wordless Wednesday-Water Baby


My daughter has been asking me to wear her swim suit in the bath and is wanting to stay in there until she is a prune! I love that she has such a fun imagination and loves to entertain herself.

Enter To Win $100 Gift Certificate To Oompa Toys

I Never Grew Up is hosting a great giveaway for Oompa toys. They are giving a lucky winner $100 to spend how they want! Awesome. Go check it out and enter, ends this Saturday.

Melanie

Monday, October 12, 2009

Making Tuesday Tasty-Easy Peasy Apple Pie


Apple season is in full swing! I just got a 30lb box of Honey crisp apples and wanted to make some apple pie filling to put up in the freezer. I may end up making some baked apples or apples and cinnamon as well. YUM!



This is from my Grandma's apple pie which is easy in and of itself but, if you're like me and haven't perfected making crust, you can make it this way and it turns out wonderfully.



Peel and slice enough apples to fill a 9 in pie pan. About 4 large apples. Adjust to the size and type of your apple. I measure using the pan itself.



Put apple slices in a large bowl and add



1 Tbsp of flour or cornstarch to thicken the juices while cooking



Depending on how tart your apples are, 1/2 to 1 C of white sugar(honestly, I do this to taste. The honey crisp have a lovely tartness so I put about 3/4 C of sugar)



Cinnamon to taste. I LOVE it to have a lot of cinnamon so I probably put a couple of tsp. of cinnamon in mine. If you like it less, add a little at a time and taste it.



Pillsbury ready made pie crusts(you can find these in the fridge section. comes with two crusts)



Follow the directions for the crust and unroll a bottom layer of crust into the pan.



Put filling into the pie shell.



Place the second crust over the top. Seal the edges with a fork.

If you're able to pinch the edges together, that works well too!



Cut some diagonal openings into the top crust to allow air and bubbles room for cooking.



Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 Min's, then turn the temp down to 350 degrees and bake for the rest of the time to total and hour. 40 to 45 Min's.



Cool and serve.



Friday, October 9, 2009

Freaky Friday-New World Record Set For Pumpkin

Christy Harp and her husband grow large pumpkins every year, and they are very competetive with each other. This year she won, setting a new world record! Congrats.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Handmade Christmas


I'm trying to make more things this year than ever before for Christmas. I love the special touches that go into making your own items. I also love receiving something that someone lovingly gave to me. I have a shop of my own on Etsy and Artfire, though they are empty right now(need to fill them up!). The picture above is something I made previously and had in my shop, called Cherry Blossom Spring.

This season, I wanted to spotlight some of my faves from both places. This is just a sample of the awesome shops there are. This year, consider purchasing something handmade for your loved ones. There's something for everyone's tastes and needs. The quality is better and often you're getting original works of art. I'm sure I'll be adding more to this post. There's just too many wonderful things out there!

Wudl's woodshop has very whimsical wood pieces and some very lovely, affordable ornaments that are unique.

Boojiboo has been featured on a few blogs and really has some of the cutest aprons EVER!

Lukely's makes personalized, unique, recycled silver jewelry. I love the personal touch these have and haven't seen anything quite like it.

Love Fuzz makes some really cute, whimsical crocheted items for the upcoming chilly weather.

Lillifee Boutique specializes in applique and personalized children's clothing. The materials are fun and childlike. Super cute.
Designs By Jessie makes some really neat camera strap covers as well as cell phone covers and quilts.

S.S. Woodcraft-The owner is a wood craftsman and is very adept at making wonderful wooden toys. My fave is the sewing machine!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Stars Join Pediped For Make-A-Wish Foundation


Stars Step Out to Join pediped® footwear in Raising Funds
for the Make-A-Wish Foundation®

HENDERSON, Nev. (October 7, 2009) — More than 50 well-known entertainers and athletes will participate in Stars for a Wish, an online auction of autographed pediped® baby shoes to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The auction will run Oct. 25-Nov. 1 on Charity Buzz.
Celebrities who signed pediped® baby shoes for the auction include:
MOVIES Jessica Alba, Halle Berry, Pierce Brosnan, Andy Garcia, Molly Ringwald, Rachel Weisz
TELEVISION Tim Allen, Courtney Cox Arquette, Marcia Cross, Jennie Garth, Whoopi Goldberg, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Heidi Klum, Charlie Sheen, Jon Stewart
MUSIC Clay Aiken, Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill, Sugarland
SPORTS Jerome Bettis, Anna Kournikova, Shaquille O’Neal, Mark Teixeira, J.D. Drew, David Ortiz
Bidding will start at $250 for the signed shoes. Recipients will receive the shoes attractively displayed in a cherry-finished shadow box or clear acrylic box complete with an engraved plaque.
The Stars for a Wish fundraiser has a minimum goal of $25,000, which will help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. One-hundred percent of the funds raised through the auction will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“We were overwhelmed by the willingness of so many celebrities, many of them already familiar with our brand, to generously help us support this cause,” said Angela Edgeworth, President and Co-Founder of pediped® footwear. “Now it’s all up to the public to bid high for these shoes so they not only receive a beautifully presented keepsake from their favorite celebrity, but more importantly, so they will be helping children facing life-threatening medical conditions.”
To learn more about the Stars for a Wish fundraiser and to view a complete list of participating celebrities, visit www.pediped.com/stars.
About pediped®

Pediped® footwear was launched in 2004 by Angela and Brian Edgeworth in their quest for the perfect soft-soled shoe for their first daughter. Exceptional quality, unsurpassed comfort and distinctive styling have made the award winning company one of the fastest-growing children's footwear brands in the United States. Pediped® footwear is sold in over 2500 stores in the United States and 40 countries worldwide with an offering of more than 120 designs for boys and girls between their two lines, Originals and Flex. Originals (soft-soled shoes for newborns to age 2+) and Flex (rubber-soled shoes for children 1-6 years) are available in EU sizes from 20 to 29. For more information, visit http://www.pediped.com/ or call 1-702-567-0311.

About the Make-A-Wish Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Founded in 1980 when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is now the largest wish-granting charity in the world, with 65 chapters in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and nearly 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 40 minutes and has granted more than 180,000 wishes in the United States since its inception. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit wish.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish®.
**not a paid advertisement

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Wordless Wednesday-Wedding In Vegas


June 2007 at my Brother in laws wedding, Las Vegas. Hot and very long day. Kaia was about six months old in this pic, it makes me laugh because she was wearing a 0 to 3 month dress. She was such a tiny thing.

Making Tuesday Tasty-Sour Cream Enchiladas


I've made these a couple of times. They feed plenty of people and are really yummy.


2 dozen corn tortillas

3 cans cream of chicken

1 bunch green onions

1 pint sour cream

1 can green chilies(the mild, if you want spicy, add whatever pepper you like)

2 lbs shredded cheese(cheddar, or mexican blend)


Mix together the cream of chicken, sour cream, green onion, and green chili together and put half on the bottom of the pan. Warm your corn tortillas or dip them in hot oil and then fill with the cheese. Roll up and nestle into the sauce mixture. Continue until the pan is full. Top with the remaining sour cream mixture and cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes.


I change this slightly by putting cooked chicken in with the sauce mixture. I would say at least a pound of cooked chicken. I sometimes will add taco seasoning to the meat to add some more flavor. You could also add chili powder, cumin, garlic, onion, oregano to the meat as you're cooking it to add flavor. I'm not a big measurer so, I usually season to my liking.


Enjoy!

Monday, October 5, 2009

Some Amazing Giveaways!

Two Of A Kind Working On A Full House blog is giving away an Akoya pearl necklace valued at $2400. The pearls are coming from Pearl Paradise.com. Go check it out. Ends soon.

Life In A House Of Blue is offering her own pearl giveaway by giving away a pair of Tahitian pearl earrings from Pearl Paradise.com as well. So pretty!

Lipstick to Crayons is running a giveaway for a pearl bracelet from Pearl Distributors. Go check it out.

Rockin' Mama is giving away a pair of shoes and a recycleable bag from Timberland. This one ends Oct. 23rd.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

More Awesome Stroller Giveaways

The Not So Blog, blog, is offering a giveaway for a Bumbleride Indie stroller. These are amazing strollers, perfect for excercising, and baby's comfort! Go check her giveaway out, it ends October 30.

Busy-mommy is hosting a giveaway for a Tike Tech stroller. Ends October 4. This is an awesome all terrain, three wheeled stroller. Go check it out quickly.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

ABC Kids Expo Swag Bag

Hey all, just wanted to let you know that The Shopping Mama and Child Style magazine is pairing together to give away a swag bag full of goodies that's worth nearly $500!

This is an amazing giveaway that ends October 16, 2009. Better hurry up and enter


The shopping mama also has an awesome giveaway for an Bumbleride Indie Twin Stroller!! Woo hoo. Bumbleride makes FABULOUS strollers, go check this out. Ends October 14, 2009.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Longing For Autumn Days

If you live in the desert, or somewhere where the seasons don't really change, then you may know my sadness. I grew up in a place where the seasons changed. You got to see trees in their cycles. The fires of the leaves, then the shedding. The growth of buds, then flowers, and ultimately the lush green that becomes the tree.

It's always bittersweet to me this time of year. It's my time of year, if I can call it mine. I loved feeling the air turn cooler and smelling the difference in it. For some reason, I'm on this nostalgic kick every year. I know when winter comes, that feeling is gone and the dark, long days ahead aren't very fun. Where I grew up, it was rainy, not really snowy. Sometimes it would though and I would sit in the window many times a day and just look at the glistening white. That's another post though.

The Fall reminds me of Summer days ending, school beginning, holidays beginning, warm clothes wearing, and fire starting. I remember chilly, rainy Halloweens, and pumpkins rotting on front porches. It reminds me of my life in Oregon, with my Mom. With my family. I have a new one now and more often than not, I don't think about those days. They were difficult, beautiful, hopeful, and heartbreaking.

I mourn my Mother, and my childhood today. Promises I made to myself and some that I've broken. When we grieve, it's so very different from person to person. I often wondered what I would do when my parent's died, especially mom. I wondered if I would be in shock or would I just weep uncontrollably for awhile, and then watch it fade?

This has been a process and it's only been a few months. I'm finding myself doing the normal things, then gripped with tears. Now that it's my favorite time of year, I'm thinking about her and all the things that made her special. I can see, it's going to be a long road for me. A process. I can't expect anything of myself. There will be days of tears and mourning, days of prayer, days of joy, and days of anger. There is no right or wrong when it comes to mourning, there is just you and your thoughts.