Back to School Sale and Giveaway!

I know people who get really excited about back to school shopping...so excited that they can't wait to get their new supplies even in the mid of summer. But then, I've got other friends who start breaking out in cold sweats just hearing the phrase "back to school". Well, either way, I've got something fun for you both.

We have a small retail line of gifts, bags, and jewelry that you can personalize. And right now, we have a great back to school sale going on. These bags are so great, and so durable. My kids have them, and we absolutely love them!

Now if you're the "freaked-out-even-by-thinking-the-phrase-back-to-school-person" this is good news for you. You can shop online, decide on a bag, luncbox, or what have you, and have it shipped right to your door, without any worries of going into a store that is overwhelming with options and prices and sizes. The stress is taken out of the equation, and all you have to do is unwrap your package and surprise your kid with fun a fun new school bag.

And if you're the "i-love-school-supplies-so much-i-get-the-can't-help-its-in-july" person I've got great news for you. Super fun choices, with cute monograms, different from all the ones at the same old stores where everyone else shops, and perfect for a back to school present for your favorite guys and gals. Not to mention, you luck out with getting your very own present of school supplies on your doorstep. So exciting!

Sale Prices:

Backpacks $14.95 (reg. $18.95)

Lunch Boxes $9.95 (reg. $12.95)

Carry All Totes $10.95 (reg. $14.95)

Tall Tote Bags $10.95 (reg. $14.95)

(monogramming not included in prices shown)

Check out the shop here!

If you haven't ever shopped with us before, you can browse as a guest. When you want to start shopping, click here to open a no obligation account, enter ML5 under the "registration code" and you'll be on your way to getting lots of cute stuff!

Because we haven't done a give away in a long time, I thought it would be fun to celebrate our Back to School sale with a giveaway. To enter:

1. Check out the fun sale, and then leave a

comment saying what new back to school item you liked.

2. Get another entry if you follow this blog.

3. Get an additional entry if you facebook about the giveaway.

4. Get even ANOTHER entry if you tweet or post on your blog about it.

Now that all those chances are in for you, you should have a pretty good shot at winning! The prize, you're asking?

Multidot Carry All Case!

This is one of my favorite bags because, well...you can carry anything in it! It can be a supply case, or an art case, or a dance bag, or whatever you want it to be. It's the perfect size and not too clunky to take with you wherever. So, come on and join us!

Because of Her

Because of her, I wake her up with, "Good morning, my beautiful first grader!"

Because of her, I bought flowers and wrote a sweet card.

Because of her, I walk slowly by the classroom, just one more time.

Because of her, I make chocolate chip cookies to welcome home my sweet first grader.

Because of her, I lick the spatula clean.

Because of her, I wrap some up for her grandsons, whose mom can't stay home and make cookies, but who wishes she could still have some for them.

Because of her, I celebrate the little accomplishments in life just a little bit more.

I wish she were here to see her only granddaughter in first grade, or to call and say, "Happy first day of school!!", but in so many ways, she's still here.

Linking up with Tuesdays Unwrapped, because these moments are too dear to not celebrate with others.

Also linking up with Simple Pleasures.

Along the Way

Today is my daughter's end of the year party. You might remember last year when she first stepped into her new class and began this journey. 10 months ago, Kindergarten was staring us in the face, and we tried not to panic, and yet felt very aware of the step that she would be taking.

It's not like that first day was difficult, and then all the rest have been a piece of cake. There are days that I strain my neck to watch as she climbs those big steps, and struggles (a little less than in August) to open the huge metal door that enters into her school. I pray as I watch her for God to strengthen her. For God to remind her of how much He loves her. That even while I'm away from her, He would be round about her. That she would hold tight to trusting Him, even when she feels alone or afraid. It has been as much of a journey for me, as it has for her. Entrusting one of my most precious gifts I've ever been given into His hands daily, has been a challenge, and I have learned to trust in Him more than before.

This year has been absolutely fabulous. I could not have asked for a more loving teacher to care for my and teach my precious girl. I have watched her blossom into a more confident and responsible girl, able to love those around her, no matter their differences. I have marveled at how she can now understand and speak Spanish at an advance level. I have loved seeing her grow in her friendships. At the beginning of the year she knew no one, but now, these 23 other children have become like family to her. There will never be another Kindergarten class for her. This was it. And I truly cherish the moments that we have had. God has been faithful to her and to me. We will complete this year of trusting Him and look to Him to lead us onward toward our next step along the Way.

What are you cherishing today? Come and celebrate with all of us over at Emily as we all join in Chatting at the Sky.