Sara K. Braden- Handmade Cards and Gifts

For my birthday this year, my hubby got me a big fat Pac-Man frog. It was so much fun to tell one of my dearest pals on the phone because she said, "A what? Huh? Oh, like a little porcelain figurine?" It seemed everyone I spoke to just did not understand exactly what a "frog" was. (0:

After much debate, he was named Trevor (after the toad on Harry Potter) and in the week I have had him, he has already doubled in size! It seems pac-man frogs are only made of 2 parts- a mouth and stomach. I swear if you stare at him long enough you can see him get fatter. In fact, they get their name from the arcade game because all they do is chomp-chomp-chomp...

I will keep you up on all his many antics! The first one is, again, courtesy of my dear hubby... I was telling him I needed to change out the "fake dirt" every week and he said, "I thought you only had to change reptile soil once every 2 or 3 weeks." I said that may be true, but, frogs were amphibians, not reptiles. Scott then looked at me, completely straight faced and said, "Well, whatever you have to do to keep him healthy... we wouldn't want him to have A-REPTILE DYSFUNCTION". Ha ha ha!!!! Go ahead, say it out loud again... it really is pretty cute!

Any other frog lovers out there? Any advice?

Sara K. Braden, Beautiful McKinney Homes and Art for All Occasions

Towards the end of the Roman Empire, a 16 year old boy was kidnapped and forced into slavery just outside the border of what was considered the "civilized world".

The young man had never been particularly religious; however, he was kept and worked under the worst of conditions. So, in desperation, he began to pray to God every day that he might survive the ordeal and one day escape to freedom. After more than 5 years as a slave, he managed to escape. After walking 200 miles, he made it to a coast where he found a ship that carried him away.

Upon returning home, to what is now England, his parents were delighted to see him and begged him to never leave them again. However, young Patricius began to hear voices that told him he must bring Christ to the land of savages where he was enslaved. So, he set off to do just that.

That is how a young British boy grew up to be the patron Saint of Ireland... Saint Patrick. Not by driving the snakes out of Ireland, but, by converting the idol-worshiping druids and nearly the entire population of Ireland, to Christianity.

Sara K. Braden, Beautiful McKinney Homes and Art for All Occasions

Okay guys... FUN riddle. Let's see how creative "ya'll" are (had to throw my Texas twang in there). Anyone else like riddles? If so, here is a fun one for you. Please do not spoil it if you already know the answer!!

Here is the only rule...

You can ask me any questions you want, however, I can only answer yes, no, or irrelevent.

The riddle is this...

A man is on a walk. His suit rips, he dies... why?

Sara K. Braden, Beautiful McKinney Homes and Art for All Occasions

Everyone knows that Plano has been recognized for years as a wonderful place to raise your family, but, did you know McKinney is also?

In fact, McKinney, TX with its beautiful rolling hills, shade trees, trickling streams and ever growing culture has finally made the list! In fact, McKinney is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States and now you know why!

When looking to raise a family, you want your kids to be safe, the schools not too crowded, the test scores above average, and a respectable budget for each pupil. You look for museums and parks... a decent commute... shopping and sports... a low crime rate... and what do you find?

Welcome to McKinney, Texas!!

Congrats McKinney. I am so proud to call you home!

Fairways West at Westridge is a gorgeous golf course community located on the 5^th ranked "Overall Golf Club" by Avid Golfer's Magazine. We currently have inventory on the ground and are paying a wonderful 3%, 4%, 5% commission structure AND $1,000 Realtor Bonus! We know that is not why you visit, but, it is nice to know you will be cared for as well as your client! We always welcome Realtors and are hopeful this community will be 100% Realtor driven! Wouldn't that be wonderful?

Our beautiful community is in the exemplary Frisco ISD and our schools are close by. We enjoy a low 2.4% tax rate and amenities that are out of this world. We have a pristine community pool and playground as well as a 25 acre park and pond right here in the neighborhood! We are just minutes from Central 75, Dallas North Tollway, and Highway 380 making navigation a breeze and traffic lighter than elsewhere in Frisco. Perfect for families or singles on-the-go!

Did I mention? ALL of our lots are on the golf course. Only a handful have premiums, never more than $7500, and the views are spectacular! Who says your clients can't afford golf course living?

Our homes are extremely well equipped with included features that don't "nickel and dime" your buyer. Gourmet island kitchens, hard surface countertops, rounded corners, tile and hard wood flooring, 42" custom cabinets, full sod and sprinkler, plus many more!

What about for that energy conscious buyer? We are the builder for you! We test ALL of our homes for Energy Star verification and guarantee we will beat code requirements by a minimum of 15%! Don't you worry, we are happy to provide you the 3^rd party report to prove it! We include radiant barrier decking in the attic, 2" blinds throughout, double pane low-E vinyl windows, wind turbines on the roof, PEX manifold plumbing, and many other fabulous cost saving items like Sentricon Termite Elimination System. Why? We care about you and your buyer!

Who says you can't have it all? Come out to Fairways West and let me prove to you that you CAN have it all... and you can have it at a price you can afford!

We are located just west of the intersection of Virginia and Custer in McKinney, TX. Head West on Virginia and take the 2^nd right on Hague. You will see Choice Homes on your left as you enter the community!

Don't take my word for it. Here is what a fellow Realtor had to say:

"Thank you Sara!

The pleasure was all mine! You were just wonderful to work with, and I truly feel that you were the one that sealed the deal!! I too, look forward to working with you on many more deals in the near future!!

You're the best!!"

Sincerely,

G.C.

Realtor, Relocation Specialist, CNS, CMS, QSC North Texas GMAC Real Estate

Come see me! I look forward to serving you and all of your client's needs!