Saturday, July 31, 2010

Ready Freddie?

So I've said this a couple of times this week to Hayes, and I've been wondering where in the world did this come from. I googled it and this is what I found...

It's a line from a Queen song, referring to Freddie Mercury.

Crazy Little Thing Called Love.

I gotta be cool, relax, get hip
And get on my track's
Take a back seat (ah hum), hitch-hike (ah hum)
And take a long ride on my motorbike
Until I'm ready (ready Freddie)
Crazy little thing called love

Who knew?

Friday, July 30, 2010

Happy Birthday Mama!

Hope you have a great day! See you soon!

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Pillow Pet?

Hayes: Mommy, I want a pillow pet.
Me: What is a pillow pet?
Hayes: It's a cuddly animal.
Me: You have a pillow pet. See your pillow with the whale on it.
Hayes: Yea! I DO have a pillow pet

VBS-Wednesday

One of the unique things that Hayes has been able to experience this week is the Egytian Marketplace. The marketplace was a huge part of life in biblical times. It is there they bought their food, bartered for goods, and met with people in the community. This week they have been able to construct bricks, go to the barbershop/salon, write their name in hieroglyphics, and many more things.



Bible Point: God gives us wisdom.
Bible Verse: If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. James 1:5

While Hayes enjoyed VBS I was asked to volunteer in the baby room at the nursery. Met some cute babies!

Organic Bumbo? Auto Baby Feeder?

In case you are wondering...no, this is not Eli.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Vacation Bible School


Here's Hayes after the 2nd night of Vacation Bible School at Third Baptist Church. The theme this year is "Egypt - Joseph's Journey From Prison to Palace," and he is loving it. Apparently he ate bread and cheese last night, and he got to go in a room where Jesus was with a candle. He said their were two Jesus's there.


Day 2 Bible Point: God gives us special abilities

Day 2 Bible Verse: In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. Romans 12:6

Egyptian collars were highly ornamental. Ancient collars were used to dress up simple robes, and were made from stamped or tooled leather, embroidered fabric, metals or beaded materials.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

My Pink Box Arrived!

At 2:03pm today I heard the doorbell ring...and I knew what it was since I knew it was out for UPS delivery! My Thirty-One Gifts starter kit!!! WOOHOO!

Happy new consultant! (Maybe I can find a Thirty-One item to help organize that mess of a desk behind me). This is the Picnic Thermal Tote in the At.Andrews Tartan pattern. It keeps cold items cold, and hot items hot. It can keep 17 boxes of Thin Mint Cookies from melting, and hold up to three 2-liter bottles. An added front pocket allows for extra storage- use it for napkins, utensils, etc.

My $99 kit!!!!! I can't wait to figure out how I'm going to display everything at my upcoming parties!


I think these are my three favorite patterns from the new Fall/Winter 2010 catalog!Left to right: St. Andrews Garden, Peacock Paisley and Floral Fanfare
Looking forward to my August parties! I have five booked so far!!! Four in South Carolina and one in IL!


Check out stylish, functional gifts for any age!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

We couldn't resist...

Super Daddy!

I LOVE me some Wonder Woman, but this is Super Girl!
"Super Steno Fighting Hayes to the Rescue" (this is something he says on a daily basis)


Super Eli (I cannot look at this without laughing)





"Faster than a speeding bullet...

more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound"


Today (with a heat index of 115) we head about 45 minutes south to the home of Superman, Metropolis Illinois. http://www.supermuseum.com/index.html

We took advantage of the main photo opp in the town square.




I got a little trigger happy with the camera as we were leaving, and almost missed the water tower. It has a flying Superman and says "Metropolis Home of Superman."

Gameday at the Marion Library

On Friday we went to my first official "Southern Illinois Parents & Kids Meetup Group." The library hosted a gameday event with the Marion Southern Illinois Miners professional baseball team. Several of the players came with the 6 ft canary mascot. We haven't been to a Miners game yet, but we did get a free ticket for a future game at this event! The library had tables set up with different games: chess, checkers, blocks, Legos, tic-tac-toe, etc. They served popcorn and lemonade.


Met some great ladies. From left to right: (sitting) Jennifer, (standing) me, Ellen, Joanna and Tracy. Turns out Joanna's aunt is the lady from Third Baptist Church that invited Hayes to Vacation Bible School. Small world already here!




Hayes finally warmed up to Canary. At first Hayes was hiding behind the stroller.

Later dude!




Thirty-One Gifts FAQs

1. Where does the name “Thirty-One” come from?

The name “Thirty-One” comes from Proverbs 31 which talks about a virtuous woman. ~ 10 It is hard to find a good wife, because she is worth more than rubies. 11 Her husband trusts her completely. With her, he has everything he needs. 12 She does him good and not harm for as long as she lives. 13 She looks for wool and flax and likes to work with her hands. 14 She is like a trader’s ship, bringing food from far away. 15 She gets up while it is still dark and prepares food for her family and feeds her servant girls. 16 She inspects a field and buys it, With money she earned, she plants a vineyard. 17 She does her work with energy, and her arms are strong. 18 She knows that what she makes is good. Her lamp burns late into the night. 19 She makes thread with her hands and weaves her own cloth. 20 She welcomes the poor and helps the needy…25 She is strong and respected by the people. She looks forward to the future with joy. 26 She speaks wise words and teaches others to be kind. 27 She watches over her family and never wastes her time 28 Her children speak well of her. Her husband also praises her, 29 saying , “There are many fine women, but you are better than all of them.”

2. How did Thirty-One come to be?
No one can explain this better than our Founder and President, Cindy Monroe
“Seven years ago I was working full time in corporate America, trying to live life with my husband and our two children, managing work, home, church, kids’ activities and still trying to find time for myself. On top of all that, I am a girl, and girls must shop, right? My busy lifestyle made it so difficult to find time to visit all of those cute little gift boutiques where the really great products are. I decided it was time for working mom’s, single women, and even grandmothers to get a chance to shop on their terms. I had a great experience with direct selling and knew of the potential behind owning your own business and prayed diligently about offering something that would help women contribute to their lives financially and the lives of countless others. It is from this passionate resolve that Thirty-One was born.”

3. What is the $99 Consultant Kit?
This kit is an assortment of 12 actual products you can showcase for your business. You can personalize four of the products offered in the kit. You also get stationery samples, fabric swatches, catalogs and all the other items you need to get started.

4. What are the benefits of being a Thirty-One Consultant?
The most obvious benefit of being a consultant is that you receive 25% commission on your product sales. As you progress through the career path, you have the opportunity to earn even more commission, bonuses, and trips. You also have the benefit of purchasing all Thirty-One products at 25% off. In a broader sense, Thirty-One gives you the ability to make your own hours, realize the dream of owning your own business, help others realize their dreams, and experience financial freedom! Please contact me at lbporter13@yahoo.com for more detailed information and career path information.

5. What is a “Skirt Purse”?
The skirt purse is a much more modern and classy version of the wooden handled purses with interchangeable skirts that buttoned on (made in the 70's). The top of the purse is leather and folds over to hide the top of the skirt that is attached to the purse body by multiple metal fasteners. The skirts are very easy to replace making it a snap to change the look of your purse as often as you need to without having to transport all your “stuff” from one bag to another. The skirt purse comes in black or brown and is made with a high quality material that allows you to carry the bag without a skirt as well. The skirt purse is $42 and comes with a free skirt of your choice. You can then purchase additional skirts for only $15 – it’s like getting a new purse for only $15!

Thirty-One also offers a new City Skirt Purse that is larger than the original "Skirt Purse." It is offered at $59 and also comes with a free skirt of your choice. You can purchase additional skirts for $20.

6. How do I place a Thirty-One order?
Simply go to my website http://www.mythirtyone.com/Porter31/ . If you are local, email me your order and I will deliver it to you! All major credit cards are accepted!

7. What are the benefits of being a hostess for Thirty-One?
The benefits of being a hostess include free products, half-price items, and additional discounts. In addition, there is a hostess special each month that offers you even greater incentives to hosting your own party! Being a Thirty-One hostess is fun! You get to have all your friends over and shop for purses – what could be better? If you would like more specifics, email me at lbporter13@yahoo.com and I will be happy to send you the hostess flyer with all of the details!

8. Can Thirty-One help me with my fundraiser?
Absolutely! I would be happy to talk to you about putting together a fundraiser for your non-profit group! I know how important fundraising is and I will be glad to help in any way that I can!

9. What is required of me if I sign up to be a Consultant?
You must be at least 18 years old and a US citizen (or permanent resident) with a valid social security card or green card. You are required to uphold the reputation of Thirty-One and to present the products in an honest manner. You are not required to purchase any other products or business supplies (although these are essential to your success!)

10. What is the “fine print”, you know, the “hidden details” they don’t tell you until you sign up?
There are none. Truly. Thirty-One is a faith-based company and there are no surprises, no schemes, no new requirements you discover only after signing up.

11. I want to be a consultant, how do I get started?
The first thing I advise you to do is book parties! The first party you should book is for yourself! Host an Open House to introduce Thirty-One and all we have to offer to your family and friends. Not only does this give you an opportunity to have people book more parties, but you can use the hostess benefits to get more products to add to your display! It is highly encouraged for you to book parties even before your kit arrives because there are great incentives and freebies if you meet certain goals during your first few months. If you join my team, you will receive party tips from both myself and our team director. Thirty-One also has tons of training and resource materials on its consultant-only website. In addition, there is a yahoo forum for consultants that has an overwhelming amount of files, advice, photos, peer support and more!

12. Is there a minimum I have to sell to stay a consultant?
In order to remain an active consultant, you must submit a qualifying show or cummulative sales of $200 within a 3 month consecutive period.

13. Do I have to recruit new consultants?
You have no obligation to recruit new consultants. However, once you reach the Senior Consultant level, you start to earn commission on the sales of your recruits. I hope you will find that as a consultant, you are so excited about the company and the products that you will be thrilled to share the opportunity with others – but that is completely your choice!

14. What kind of support do consultants get from the Home Office?
Consultants receive an unbelievable amount of support from the Home Office. The consultants-only web site is packed with party, business, and recruiting tools. There are regular trainings, tips for success and more! The Home Office also offers incentives and rewards for consultants throughout the year.

15. How much time does it take to be a consultant?
The amount of time you put into being a consultant is completely up to you. You can put in as little or as much as you have time for. Some people have a full-time jobs, kids, husband, church responsibilities and still manage to make time to put into Thirty-One.

16. Where can I find out about specials?
You can view the monthly customer and hostess specials at my website http://www.mythirtyone.com/Porter31/Click on Specials or Hostess Rewards.

17. Is there an extra charge for personalization?
Embroidery is $6.00. Except for the month of August in 2010. It is just $1!

18. Do consultants get commission on personalization?
Yes! Consultants make commission on personalization, retail orders, hostess retail orders, and hostess credit overage. Consultants do not make commission on hostess half-price items.

19. What is the Thirty-One Outlet?
The Thirty-One Outlet at http://www.thirtyoneoutlet.com/ is open twice a year and offers HUGE discounts on discontinued Thirty-One products. All of my customers are added to my email list (unless they request otherwise) and will receive a notification from me when the outlet is open. Once open, items go quickly so you have to act fast!

20. Do party orders get shipped to the hostess or the customer?
Party orders can be shipped to the hostess or to the customer. Most orders are shipped to the hostess, and the hostess will deliver or arrange customer pickup. A customer can have it shipped directly for an additional shipping charge.

21. How do friends/relatives from out of town order from a party?
You have the option to set up your party online. Friends and relatives of your hostess can go online and select the party they wish to shop from. These orders are not truly placed until the party order is submitted. NOTE: If they do NOT select the party before placing their order, the order will be submitted immediately to the home office and will not count towards the party total.

22. How are the orders paid for? Are they paid when the order is placed or when it is received?
Orders are paid for at the time of purchase. Customers ordering online must use a debit or credit card. Orders placed directly to you can be paid by cash, check (made out to theh consultant), or credit card. Consultants must use their personal debit or credit card to pay for any orders that were paid to you by cash or check. I highly recommend getting a checking account just for Thirty-One. You can have your commissions direct deposited into this account and it will make doing your taxes a million times easier than if you use your household checking account.

23. Are my expenses as a consultant tax-deductible?
Certain expenses are tax-deductible but you should speak to a tax advisor or accountant for help in determining your deductions

24. What is a “qualified” party?
A “qualified” party is a party with $200 in retail sales (not including tax or shipping).

25. What happens if a party order does not get up to $200?
If a party order does not reach the $200 mark, I will work with you to see what we can do to increase your orders. It is also possible that I may have an individual order from someone else that I can add to your party total. If all of our efforts fail, there will be a $4 direct-ship charge added to each customer and their order will be shipped directly to the location of their choosing

26. Does it matter which consultant I go through to sign up for Thirty-One?
You should sign up with the consultant most likely to help you through the process and answers any questions you have prior to your enrollment. Once you sign up with a consultant, she is your sponsor and will be one of your primary contacts for questions and assistance. If you live near southern Illinois or are in upstate SC our team will help you with your first party! To join my team, log on to http://www.mythirtyone.com/Porter31/ click on “Join my Team.”

27. What is a “Catalog Party”?
A catalog party is a party where the hostess passes out catalogs to friends, family, and co-workers and takes the orders and payment. The hostess decides when to end the catalog party and then passes on the orders to me and I enter them online just like a home party. I will also set the party up online so that people can order directly online and pay by credit or debit card. I will provide you with emails that you can send out to your potential customers announcing your party and detailing how they can order.

28. Are consultants allowed to show Thirty-One products at trade shows, craft fairs, etc.?
Absolutely! In fact, you can receive a gift certificate towards the purchase of catalogs by participating in trade shows or fairs.

29. What resources exist for Thirty-One consultants?
Thirty-One’s website for consultants has a tremendous amount of resources which include trainings, files, party tips, ordering guides, and so much more. As I mentioned earlier, there is a yahoo group of Thirty-One consultants that is a wonderful resources for ideas, support, encouragement, advice, and files that will help you to succeed in your new business! Your sponsor (hopefully me!) and your director are also great resources for you!

30. I’m ready to make my dreams come true! How do I sign up to be a consultant?
If you are ready to sign up, please email me at lbporter13@yahoo.com so that I can send you information on business supplies, career path, etc. Once you are ready to sign up, you just go to http://www.mythirtyone.com/Porter31and select “Join my Team”!

31. I’m ready to host a party and earn FREE PRODUCTS!! What do I need to do?
I LOVE to help hostesses get free products! Please email me at lbporter13@yahoo.com If you live within 2 hours of southern Illinois I can schedule a home party. If you would like to host a catalog or online party, I will mail you all of the information and catalogs you need. If you live farther away and would like to host a home party, I will find a consultant in your area that will be happy to help you!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Gotta Get That BOOM, BOOM, POW

Here's a white boy dance to the Black Eyed Peas, Boom -Boom-Pow!
http://sharing.theflip.com/session/9a9bbe7abf306e27ca1a67772e223660/video/16551641

Meeting more people!

So I went to a bible study group on James yesterday morning at Third Baptist Church. I learned about it from going to the SWI luncheon last week. I met some great ladies and caught up with some from the luncheon the week before!

Favorite verse that we reviewed from James that summed up the bible study lesson for me - "But someone will say, 'you have faith: I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do." James 2:18

As a Christian we have to show it through our works/actions!

Also, Hayes got invited to attend their VBS (vacation bible school) that starts on Monday night at 6pm. I'd been trying to find one for Hayes, but you have to be four to attend. This group said it would be okay if came!! So I am very excited for him!

Alright - I hope to have some pics of their VBS after July 30th!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Thirty-One Gifts

So the thing I've been so excited about is becoming an Independent Consultant for Thirty-One Gifts! Last Friday I signed up and have been overwhelmed for the past five days learning all things Thirty-One.

"Thirty-One" is based on Proverbs 31, and is a home-based business to "Celebrate, Encourage and Reward" women. They offer wonderful purses, totes, infant bibs, toddler backpacks, and much, much, more - almost everything can be personalized.

I am super excited to get my starter kit (hopefully by the end of this week). Here's what I'm getting:



Here are the August hostess specials! If you'd like to schedule an in home party in upstate SC I'll be there August 9th - August 15th. Or if you'd like to be the host of a catalog party (you get the same great free and discounted products as in home hosts!) I can send you catalogs as well as set your event up on my website http://www.mythirtyone.com/Porter31/ .


And everyone is excited about the Customer Special - MONGRAMMING FOR ONLY $1! That's right....any and as many pieces as you want! This is a great customer special and Thirty-One only does this once a year! So take advantage of it on your August order!

So if you are interested in getting free and discounted items I'd love to book an in home or catalog show for you!


In the meantime, preview the new Fall/Winter 2010 catalog! It will be up on my website August 1st!

Happy Shopping!
Lindsay
P.S. Find me on Facebook - Lindsay Porter's Thirty One Gifts! Sadly I only have one member, me, so please join the group if you would like to see Thirty-One updates! Or to simply pump up my fan base would be great support!

Friday, July 16, 2010

Something Exciting is Coming!

I am SUPER excited about something new that is about to happen! Once I have everything in order in the next couple of days I'll share it with you!

Getting Out There!

This week I've been getting out here in southern Illinois to try and meet some new people.

Tuesday morning I went to a Mission:Motherhood group at The Vine Community Church, and met a great group of Christian women. (We just visited there on Sunday and really liked it.) We discussed the JOY in motherhood. I'll miss next month since I'll be back in SC, but will catch up with them in September.

Thursday I attended a Children's Fashion Show luncheon at Andy's Country Club. I met another great group of women that I hope to get to know better. Looking forward to the next event on Sept 9. Check out these adorable custom outfits...by Angie Congiardo http://www.loisjeanslinens.blogspot.com/

This may be my favorite...


Or this...

And yes she makes boys clothing too!

The Joy and Stench of Motherhood

So this morning I made myself some toast, finished applying the peanut butter and tossed my knife in the sink. I was picking up my plate to bring it out of the kitchen and I hear, "mommy I have a stinky." Thankfully I didn't lose my appetite.

Cousins

Sheldon holding Eli and Christie with Annabella

Miller and Hayes

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Fireworks on the 4th!

A little sparklers before bedtime. Sheldon and Alan shot some smaller fireworks too.

First time with a sparkler. I was a little worried but he did good with it.

It may be a good idea to hold it down and out a little? I'm just sayin.



Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Garrett's Toe

Poor Garrett injured his big toe the second night in the mountains for the 4th. His gun fell on his toe and sliced it open right where you bend it, which led to another trip to the ER.

The next morning.
This toy gun is as heavy as it looks!


He's all better now and having fun at camp for two weeks.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Spank the Baby

Why do we enjoy watching people do this? This is my brother-in-law Alan. By the way, this was the second time he did it (for video purposes only).

Monday, July 12, 2010

Movin' on up!


Yeah right! Sheldon wishes he just rolled up in this Mercedes.

Eli at 20 weeks old

Eli is growing so quickly. He is babbling all the time, always looking at Hayes' every move, and really liking to be held. Sheldon and I call him our social baby since he always likes to be held and in the mix.

He's gaining strength as you can see below, and coming up with his own baby pilates moves.
He also likes to sit in the bumbo and knock off all the toys onto the floor. He's really trying to grab and get things that are within a foot or so from him.
Love this little stinker!

Dedicated to all the women that read my blog...

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."

~Marilyn Monroe

I saw this today on Facebook, and thought it was right on for a lot of us females.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Slacker

Okay I have been a slacker about the blog in the past week or so. We've finally calmed down from all of our trips and I have been lazy. I'll try to post more often this week. Especially since my little boo boo is 5 months old tomorrow ~ I cannot even believe it!

We did go and visit a church in Carbondale, IL this morning called The Vine Community Church. The only reason we've hesitated visiting is because it is a good 30 minutes away, and I would prefer to be closer so I can be more involved.

This church is A LOT like Marathon Community Church that we belong to back in Powdersville, SC. However The Vine reaches out to college students, which makes up 40% of their congregation.

We went to the 11am service and checked the boys into the nursery, and headed for the free coffee stand. I jokingly (but really a little serious) said that church could be our one hour date once a week, and sat down in the cafe area. About a minute later Staff Pastor, Greg Darling, singled us out as first-timers and came over and talked to us for about 15 minutes before the service began. I was actually very surprised that a pastor of a church of 1500+ members noticed us. It was great to be welcomed! We enjoyed talking to him and learning more about the church.

We enjoyed the first week of a six week series on the Book of Titus, and the music was really good too. We'll definitely be going back!

Check it out...
http://www.vinecommunitychurch.com/