This blog is more of a resource for other busy moms than it is an outlet for me. It takes a lot for me to air anything personal in public – I have to be really angry to say something ugly, really hurt to cry in front of anyone, etc. It will be a rare moment when I break down in front of anyone. However, I feel that I must share the following information with you. So that I will get it out. So that I can lean on y’all. So that you can understand my coming absence.

My grandmother is dying. We don’t know how long we have left; but it isn’t long, I know that. My grandma has always been like a second mother to me. She was where I ran when I ran away from home as child. She is the one who instilled a love of sewing and shopping in me. She is the one who taught me it was ok to drive a little faster and laugh a little louder. Needless to say, this is probably the saddest moment in my life. I don’t think I have ever cried so much as I have over the last week.

I am going to take whatever time I have left and spend it with her. I want to soak up every last memory, moment, smile, laugh, cry, and hug that I can with this wonderful woman.

I have a number of reviews to finish up and get out to y’all – some good stuff you’ll want to hear about. I want to get the info out to all you wonderful readers, and I will as time allows. My blog is (and all of you are) very important to me, but you know family must come first. My family has and always will be my number 1 priority. Now more than ever, though, I have to be with my family. So, I have lined up some wonderful guest posts for all things “Hurried Homemaker”. I know that you all will love what I have in store for you and you’ll get to discover some great new blogs in the process.

Stick with me, enjoy what’s coming, and I will be back.

Rhiana

… tulips!

(I wish my yard looked like this!)

We took a fantastic trip to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens the other day. I LOVE taking pictures there! And I got some fantastic shots of the kids, too. I love taking days to do nothing but spend time in nature and photograph my beautiful girls! What makes you feel like sunshine and roses tulips?

The lovely Lee at Creative2xMom honored me with this award the other day. It has taken me almost a week to post, but here it is …

The award comes with duties, as most do, here they are in black & white:

1. Answer the survey below in one word answers.
2. Pass this along to 6 of your favorite bloggers.
3. Alert them that you have given them this award.
4. Have fun!

Survey says:

*Where is your cell phone? table

*Your Hair? messy

*Your Mother? sweet

*Your Father? kind

*Favorite Food? varies
Healthy? salad
Take out? chinese
Junk? chocolate

*Your Dream Last Night? none

*Your Favorite Drink? coffee

*Your Dream/Goal? happiness

*What Room are you in? outside

*Your Hobby? crafting

*Your Fear? heartbreak

*Where do you want to be in 6 years? Nashville

*Where were you last night? bed

*Something that you aren’t? photogenic

*Muffins? yum!

*Wish List Item? bed

*Where did you grow up? Georgia

*Last thing you did? breakfast

*What are you wearing? sweats

*Your TV? off

*Your pets? dogs

*Friends? lovely

*Your Life? crazy

*Your Mood? exhausted

*Missing someone? Grandma

*Vehicle? SUV

*Something you’re not wearing? shoes

*Your favorite store? fabric

*Your favoite color? turquoise (today)

*When was the last time you laughed? yesterday

*Last time you cried? yesterday

*Your best friend? husband

*One place that I go to over and over? school

*One person who emails you regularly? horchow

*Favorite place to eat? home

Refer a friend:
1 – Cathy
2 – Sara
3 – Mary
4 – Courtney
5 – Victoria
6 – Chrystal

Every day, to the 19th of February, Electrolux will donate $1 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund for every vote cast in  the Cake Off.

Not only will money go to an excellent cause, but for each vote and/or virtual cake, Electrolux will donate $1 for the cause AND you will be entered to win an induction range! Buy a range and Electrolux donates $100!

How can you enter and help the cause? It’s as easy as 1-2-3!

1 – Visit Kelly-Confidential.com

2 – Vote for your favorite cake

3 – Send a virtual cake

That’s it!

Whoa!  Kim Crawford Wines says you could win a trip to New Zealand! So cool!

I am not sure if you know this about me, but I am pretty passionate about art. My husband is a musician and we strive to surround our kids (and selves) with art of every form! So, when I was asked to tell you lovelies about this contest, it was easy to say “of course!”

To show support of the arts, Kim Crawford Wines launched The Artists’ Lounge online community as a place for emerging artists and those who appreciate the arts to share inspirations and artwork with each other for the chance to inspire. The Artists’ Lounge is featuring five emerging artists who are gaining inspiration from the community to create their own artwork.

What does this have to do with you? You get to join the community and be part of the inspiration. Even better – you could win an original piece of artwork and a trip for two to New Zealand! All you have to do is join and offer your own ideas, thoughts, and inspirations.

What are you waiting for? Go! Reach in and grab your inner artiste! You could be the winner … but you better hurry – contest ends January 18th!

The Hurried Homemaker was in no way compensated for this post.

There has been so much going on here. First the kids and I were sick. Then Christmas. Then my birthday. The hubs got sick – really sick. The baby turned 1.My sister asked me to help plan her wedding.

Amidst all this craziness, I have been taking every free moment I can find (which have been few & far between) to update the blog. Behind the scenes I am laying out a whole new format and designing a new header (with the help of my handsome hubby).

I was hoping to launch the new site January 1, but that just didn’t happen. As of right now, it looks like the new HurriedHomemaker.com will launch this week! (insert applause here)

I have some great things coming to you besides the new layout:  I have some great giveaways, useful tips, and some deliciously healthy recipes.

Bear with me a few more days, pretty please?