Sheesh-a-Moley!: September 2007

I love when the weather is mild…and by mild, I mean in the mid-seventies! I think it’s just wonderful to eat out on our back deck when it’s not so stinkin’ hot.

We don’t do a lot of cooking outside since out grill is not really working well. It needs to be replaced….and since we’re at that place I think it would be neat just to replace it with a neat outdoor kitchen!

That would be the life, wouldn’t it?!

Tender Moment

photo source: CSI

So...did you all see CSI this past Thursday?? Didn't you think the ending so completely tender? Awwww....made me want to cry...ok, so I did...but just a little bit. It was Pete that was the big cry baby! lol!! Really, it was tender...watch it!

I would love to talk about House but being the big brainless gal I am, I forgot to watch it. I mean really, it was just the season premiere I had been waiting on for like a gazillion years..sheesh...

Two Heads But No Tail....

photo source: Fox News

I was reading some news over at Fox News and I came across this little bit of info about a two-headed turtle. It's a Red-Eared Slider and was sold to the pet store where it is now living for an undisclosed amount of money.

Two heads, two front legs...but not tail. Hmmm...how does it get rid of waste? These are the things they don't tell you and these are the things we need to know! lol! Sheesh!

Gus and His Pulse Ox

Gus was always fascinated with his little pulse oximeter that the nurses tried to keep on his little toe or finger. I think it was the little red glowing light that caught his attention….and made it so fun to play with and put in his mouth! About a month before Gus was released from the NICU, the docs decided it would be best to discontinue using the pulse oximeter on Gus, since it was not really getting an accurate reading from his mouth! Lol!!

I’m thankful for pulse oximeters, really I am, but it was a good day when we could stop having to battle keeping the little thing on a bored five month old! Lol!!

Robots for Sassy

I originally checked out this video feed because I thought it might be showcasing robots...and I thought I would be able to pass this info onto Sassy who needs some robots. What I discovered was much more!

This is actually a feed from the Digital Life gadget show and there were a lot of neat things..not just robots. The air hockey game and interactive advertising is completely cool! And the Cyclops thingy...got to have one of those!

I just thought you all would find this neat...

Fill in the Blanks Contest

As I was out and about visiting blogs the other day, I came across a neat contest. Blogging with Cents is hosting a Fill in the Blanks contest which ends on September 30th....so you have to hurry to enter!

The winner gets $50!!! How neat is that??!

Used Car Love!

I (Pete) have always loved cars, from my first hot wheel, matchbox cars through all the cars I’ve owned. I am the guy who watches the late night used car lot “shows” were they are all goofy and drive the cars by, one at a time, just to look at the used cars. This love affair with cars has caused me to buy a lot of cars over time...new cars and used cars.

There is nothing like a new car smell, but for a car lover, Used Cars are the way to go. I spend hours looking at the online auctions looking for that gem of a used car. It’s the odd and rare ones that most appeal to me, but I also appreciate the engineering and mechanics of a great sports car or luxury sedan.

The search for the perfect used car is where I think the fun begins. I always look for ways to search for my objects of obsession. I came across autoguide.com. Autoguide has made the search easy. You can search by zip code, model, make, price etc… they also offer Kelly blue book prices and auto check ( reveals a cars history) so you won’t get burned.

Check it out and keep on rolling!

Friday, September 28, 2007

Remembered

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

REMEMBERED
(Fountain Creek Chronicles, Book 3)

(Bethany House, 2007)

by

Tamera Alexander

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tamera Alexander is a bestselling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Alexander’s books have won multiple awards, including Romance Writers of America’s 2007 RITA® for Best Inspirational Romance, the 2007 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, 2007 Bookseller’s Best, and Library Journal’s Top Christian Fiction of 2006.

Her books have received acclaim from Library Journal, True West Magazine and Historical Novels Review, and Rekindled debuted on the CBA fiction bestseller list. She has a professional background in business management and conference coordination. A leader of women's ministries for over twelve years, she is currently active in music ministry, facilitating small groups, and mentoring other women. A graduate of Harding University, Tamera lives with her husband and their two teenagers in Greeley, Colorado.

Her other two books in the Fountain Creek Chronicles are Rekindled (Book 1)

and Revealed (Book 2)

To celebrate the release of Remembered, as well as the 3-volume boxed set of Fountain Creek Chronicles (Rekindled, Revealed, and Remembered), Tamera is currently giving away boxed sets in a contest on her website. Check out the contest at http://www.tameraalexander.com/

.

From a Distance, the first book in Tamera’s next historical series (Timber Ridge Reflections) releases in spring 2008.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Though loss is often marked
in a single moment,
letting go of someone you love
can take a lifetime...

The threat of war--and a final request--send Véronique Girard from France to a distant and uninviting country. In the Colorado Territory, she searches for the man who has held her heart since childhood--her father. Pierre Girard left Paris for the Americas to seek his fortune in fur trading, vowing to send for his wife and daughter. But twenty-five years have passed and his vow remains unfulfilled. Sifting through shards of broken promises, Véronique embarks on a dangerous search for a man she scarcely remembers.

His grief finally healed, Jack Brennan is moving on with life. After years of guiding families west, he is now working as a freighter to the mining towns surrounding Willow Springs. What he doesn't count on is an unexpected traveling companion on his trips up into the mountains, and how one woman's search will cause havoc with his plans... and his life.

"Alexander again delivers a most amazing story. The characters are more than words on the page; they become real people. Though there are French words sprinkled throughout the story, they enhance the emotions rather than distract the reader." --Romantic Times

"...a rich historical romance by possibly the best new writer in this subgenre." --Library Journal

"Alexander has done it again with Remembered, third in the FOUNTAIN CREEK CHRONICLES. She's fashioned characters that are as rich and deep as the mountains and valleys they explore throughout the pages, coloring the story as adeptly as the heroine does her canvas. I was drawn immediately into the ages-old heartaches of both of the main characters, understanding at once Veronique's reticence to make a place for herself in the unknown wilds of America and Jack's uncompromising love for this land that he’s cut a swath through time and again. They both have a series of mountains to overcome in the search for Veronique’s father, but I enjoyed watching their faith and appreciation grow with each turn of the page. And woven adeptly through it all is the encompassing truth of the Lord's sovereignty—that sometimes He takes away, and sometimes He gives us what we need, not what we're looking for.
Anyone's who's read the other Fountain Creek books won't want to miss this one, but it easily stands alone. The characters will take you by the hand and lead you heart-first into their stories, and by the time they release you at the end, you'll feel as though you've taken up residence just across the Creek from them, as surely as they have in your heart." --Roseanna White, christianreviewofbooks.com

"Remembered, the third book in the FOUNTAIN CREEK CHRONICLES, takes us back to Willow Creek and revisits beloved characters from the previous two books in the series, Rekindled and Revealed. Tamera Alexander has the remarkable ability to create places, and characters who endear themselves to us, even those just briefly mentioned. If I had lived in the late 1800s, I would love to have met these people and would surely have been inspired by the way they lived out their faith.
Remembered is a delightful read, well-researched and well-written. I expect to see great things from this author in the future." --Lindsey Freitas, bookloons.com

"Remembered is an absolutely wonderful continuation of the FOUNTAIN CREEK CHRONICLES." --Amanda Schafer, armchairinterviews.com

My Review:
Oh, folks....this was just a really good read. Tamera Alexander's writing is so descriptive and just lovely, that I felt as if I were right there with the characters. I love books that do this. I will certainly be reading her other pieces...hopefully, I will win one of those boxed sets!!

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Talk, Talk, Talk...

Gee Whiz...obviously my gerbils only like me because I place them where they can see Gossip Girl. Man oh man....that hurts...

William Tell Overture...Mommy Edition

My cousin, Allison, sent this video to me this morning. I think we homeschoolers need to create our version too...or has someone already done that? I would offer to do it but we are so eclectic that I'm afraid we would call attention to ourselves...and not the good kind! lol!!

We Need These Loos in Walmart!

Now, really folks...wouldn't this make shopping at Walmart much more inviting?? Our local Walmart has made a step in this direction with the trough style sinks and the touchless water faucet and paper towels spitter-outer. We have no marble though...and definelty no choclate!

When I showed this video to Nik he said "They need to name those chocolates 'In and Out Chocolates'".....bwahahhahahh!! Sometimes my children slay me....and in the good way!

Alpaca Yarn

I've been buying my yarn for my projects down out our local Walmart and then sometimes our Michael's store. All these yarns are fine but I have really been wanting to use some of the better quality yarns. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find any of these yarns locally.

Well, earlier today, I came across Alpaca Direct, an online store where I can purchase alpaca yarn starting at $4.99!! And it gets better, folks...shipping is FREE on orders of $50 or more! This site also sells knitting patterns and accessories. You can also use their yarn estimator to figure out how much yarn to order for a project...that's always handy and can save you some money. I always just guesstimate when I buy yarn...sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn't. It's probably better to just use something like this yarn estimator...right? lol!

Anyway...looks like a neat store so be sure to give them a visit!

Be Quiet!

Apparently, at a childcare center in Jefferson City, TN...real close to where we live...kiddos are not allowed to make any noise. If you are a baby, you will get your pacifier put in your mouth and then tape will go over it to keep it in your mouth! What a lucky baby you will be...I'm sure you will enjoy sitting in a dark room with the inability to verbalize that you are tired or hungry...or just plain lonely. And if you are really fortunate, maybe you can ingest the tape and choke on it...leading you straight to your untimely death. Some of your friends may not be as lucky as you though....they may only get some nasty skin breakdown from the adhesive in the non medical tape. What a bummer...choking to death would much cooler...right??

This happened at a childcare center that had received the top rating possible....how does this happen, folks?? Really, how does this happen....I think this is completely shameful...

I hope that those of you who have children in care centers find time to do some unannounced "drop ins" to make sure things like this are not happening to your child. Unbelievable...

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Drug Forums

I’ve found that it is really nice to be able to converse with people who have been through similar situations like the ones I’ve been through. It’s nice to be able to share struggles and hardships, triumphs and victories with people who completely understand.

That’s why I think it’s great that there are drug forums where people who have struggled with addictions can go and get the support they need and deserve. I’m sure that people who have struggled with drug addiction have a lot to share with each other…I imagine the support is wonderful. This is a great idea!

You Know It's a Bad Day When.....

So, did you all see where two guys pulled up to a restaurant's drive through window and sprayed "fart spray"?? Apparently, the odor was so terrible that three of the employees had to be taken to the hospital. Can you imagine how smelly that was...to have to be taken to the hospital? Sheesh...at first I was thinking that maybe that was a little dramatic but then I remembered how bad it gets here when all three of my boys are "pumping out the gas" at the same time.

Yes...there are times that I probably should have taken myself to the ED! Next time I will...

Are You A Sports Trivia Buff?

OK….calling all you sports junkies out there! There is a website I found out about today that is just for YOU!! No longer do you have to wade through all the questions about science/nature, literature, etc just to get to a sports question…you now have a site dedicated solely to you, the sports trivia buff!

TriviaFix is a site where people who are really into sports trivia can go and answer trivia questions and even submit their own questions. You can submit text questions or even audio and video questions. Even neater, you can gather other members and form your own sports trivia teams that can compete with each other. Football, Baseball, Basketball and Hockey are the sports areas in which you can compete and submit questions.

So what do you get for doing all of this?? Well, if the sheer joy of knowing the answers to a bunch of sports trivia is not enough , you also are gathering points which can help you win the monthly prizes!! You get points not only for answering trivia questions correctly, but also for submitting the questions.

Have fun with this…and sorry if I have increased your addiction to sports trivia by posting about this site….I just thought you needed to know! Lol!

***sponsored***

Deaf Pilot...Neat!

I usually strive not to post the same thing on all my different blogs, but I'm going to have to do just that today. Not because I have nothing to write, but because I came across a video this morning that I just can't stop thinking about. So I have to share....

I'm going to send you over to Gus' Gang so you can see the video of this incredible man who has met a lot of obstacles but has conquered them...he's really an inspiration.

So...go there now and watch the video! It's completely neat!

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Girlawhirl

Right now at E.L.F., you can get a Girlawhirl 2 Go Travel Set for FREE when you make a purchase of $25 or more!! Now's the time to stock up for Christmas presents or for stocking stuffers. All the make-up at this place is $1 and I've heard it's far better than Wet n' Wild! lol!! E.L.F. also sells make up bags and other gifts...I really would like to get a utility bag for my pocketbook...neat!

Use the coupon code WHIRL at checkout....and hurry, this deal ends on September 30th!

Touring the Castles

Pete’s at work this evening and it seems like that’s when I blog about traveling…so, not to disappoint all of you, I think we’ll do some Arm Chair Traveling!

I’m thinking about castles this evening. I would love to visit some of the magnificent castles around the world. We don’t really have many castles here in our area…well, I take that back. There is Biltmore just over the mountain and it is lovely….but I want to visit the big honkin’ castles!

First stop will be in Prague where I’ll visit several castles. The Konopiste and Karlstejn castles are said to be two of the most wonderful castles in the area so I certainly wouldn’t want to miss those. Of course, I’d want to secure maybe several nights accommodations at one of the Prague hotels in the area. Pete and I would find a wonderful little restaurant for dinner and then the next day we’d head to tour the castles. Apparently, Konopiste was used during hunting season…I can’t imagine having several castles for several different activities! Amazing!

After we spend time in Prague, Pete and I will head on to London where I will finally get to tour Hampton Court where King Henry VIII and Cardinal Woolsey lived. And then there is the Leeds Castle which is said to be the most beautiful castle ever. I need to see first hand though…don’t you think? We would need several days in London too because there’s more than just those two castles. In fact, I’ve heard there’s great shopping and then what about the London Eye?? I’m sure there are a gazillion London hotels to pick but I think I would like one near one of the castles…or maybe the shopping area…hmmm….decisions, decisions…

Ok, so I’ve spent quite a bit of Pete’s hard earned money, but there is one other castle I’d like to see and it’s in Dublin. Pete will be all about picking one of the Dublin hotels near a brewery and that’s perfectly fine…I’m sure it won’t be hard to find one! Lol!! After, checking out the local pub scene, we’ll get ready for a day of sight seeing at the Dublin Castle…let me explain that better…after a good night’s rest we’ll head off to tour the castle. I kind of made that sound like we’d be pubbing in the bright and early morn! Lol!

And that’s just a few castles, folks! Really, I can’t even imagine living in the Medieval period and living in one of those castles…well, it would be nice to have someone fix your hair, dress you, fix your food, etc. My luck though, I’d be the one doing all the “fixin’”! lol!!

I’d love to hear about any of the castles that you have toured!

If you are planning your own castle touring trip, be sure to check out the accommodations available through easytobook! And don’t forget to invite me….

Can't. Catch.My.Breath....

And this is why we need two cars people.....I've just found out that Dollar Tree stores have bento boxes and I have no stinkin' car! Ack!! I am so there tomorrow morning...forget about school...forget about feeding my children...forget about washing my hair...well, maybe not that...but forget about everything else...I'm off to get my $1 Bento Boxes!! They do have Hello Kitty on them but who cares??? I can replace that easy enough...just a bit of scratching and the purchase of a neat sticker from our local scrapbooking store and I'm set...oh but wait, here's a guide on how to customize these boxes....

WoooHoooo!! Neat! Neat! Neat!!

Crazy Tanya the Matchmaker....

So, ya’ll remember Crazy Tanya? Did I ever tell you that she and her husband are big bikers now…and I’m not talking about the kind of bike you hang from your garage on one of those neat little hooks! They are real bikers!

So, when I saw this biker personals site, I just had to post about it. Now, Crazy Tanya and her husband are happily married so really, they don’t need these services, but I’m sure they know some people who do! Lol!! In fact, one night Crazy Tanya stopped by here before heading off to meet up with some of her biker friends who were going out to meet the dudes. She was the designated driver for this fun event. Just think how much easier it would be for Crazy Tanya to help her friends find dates if she set profiles at this site for bikers looking for love!

Really, Crazy Tanya…you might want to consider biker dating! Lol!!

Inmates Eat Better?

I'm taking a deep breath here...breathe in--breathe out--breathe in--breathe out. Not sure if I'm ok yet but I'm going on...this video I found over at Slate V just about makes me want to squish a head. Inmates eat well...should they eat well?? I think they should have food...not the best of the best but not slop either....but to hear that they eat better than our school children?? Is this true?? How completely nuts is that??

If it's true, that's another reason to add to my pro-homeschooling list! Sheesh!!

Nope...I've Never Seen This on the Telly Either...

Ok...freak me out...and all this time I thought giraffes were such gentle creatures! Well...maybe I've not been thinking this the whole time but really, have you ever seen giraffes fighting?? the thuds are horrible, really horrible. Nik said "they must be brothers..." and I said "Yep...I think you're right!" lol!!

Can I just say that there are days when my boys fight like giraffes? Really....they are complete animals! lol!

Drug Rehab

OK..folks, I don’t have an immediate need for drug rehabs, but if I did, I think I’d head here first! I think this place looks so peaceful and lovely. Heck…would they take mommas who need a little “mini-vacation”?? That would be nice…we could take advantage of the counselors, spa-like bathrooms, gym, and all the gourmet foods! Really, I could do some big-time relaxing at this place!

Seriously, I would think that these wonderful accommodations would be just perfect for someone struggling to get over an addiction….I know I feel much better when my surroundings are pretty and peaceful…

***sponsored***

The Sassy Southerner Has Cracked Me Up...Completely!

I haven't been out and about visiting lately...and this is bad because I miss out on posts like this one from my friend Sassy. This gal completely cracks me up....and I'm sure she will crack you up too! Zip on over to her blog and read this post and you'll see exactly what I mean! Too funny!!

Personalized Christmas Books

I have a yearly goal of purchasing a Christmas book to add to our ever-growing collection of books that come out on Thanksgiving Day. We have a nice little collection going and, in all honesty, I feel somewhat bad packing them away after the Christmas season...but that makes it sooo much better when they make their appearance the next year!

The books at Identity Direct would be great books to add to a Christmas collection. Belle would love that these are Personalized Christmas Story Books! Who doesn't like to see their name in print?! There is also a princess book available that would be a great Christmas or birthday gift! Neat!

The Kite Runner Movie

So, who's going to go see The Kite Runner movie coming out in November? I haven't really decided yet...I read the book and thought it was ok so I'm not really sure the movie is calling my name. I do know that a lot of people thought the book was wonderful...one of the best they've ever read so, really, you all might like it just fine! Don't let my review dissuade you!

Anywho...so Pete was reading our local newspaper and he came across an article about the movie and the Afghani actors. Have you heard about this?? I have several questions here....and, really I don't even know where to start. Apparently, the family of the boy playing Hassan did not realize that his character would be raped. They are terribly upset and they want the scene cut because it puts the family's dignity on the line. First, the scene is absolutely necessary or you really don't have the story at all so it can't be cut...second, how did this scene get past the parents?? I read that the boy was not given a script...is that true? Does that happen?? Can someone fill me in here??

Monday, September 24, 2007

Arthur's Chicken Pox

Arthur endures chicken pox with the help of his family...well, with the help of most of this family! That good ol' monster, sibling rivalry, rears it's head several times. This book opened up discussion about jealousy and how we should act when someone is sick. I give this book a thumbs up...anytime a discussion is brought about by a book, that's a great thing!

Belle's Review:
Arthur's Chicken Pox by Marc Brown

Funny part: when DW picks the pink marker instead of the red marker...everyone knows that chicken pox are red not pink!

Gross part: Arthur should not be in the tub with everyone in there with him...they may see his privates. (What?? This is coming from my child who sits on the edge of the tub when I'm trying to have my "Calgon Moment"??!)

What was learned: Don't scratch chicken pox. DW lied because she wanted to be treated the same way as Arthur...she should not lie...

Fun book!

Sheesh-a-Moley!

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Do Follow BlogRoll

Outdoor Kitchens

Tender Moment

Two Heads But No Tail....

Gus and His Pulse Ox

Robots for Sassy

Fill in the Blanks Contest

Used Car Love!

Friday, September 28, 2007

Remembered

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Talk, Talk, Talk...

William Tell Overture...Mommy Edition

We Need These Loos in Walmart!

Alpaca Yarn

Be Quiet!

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Drug Forums

You Know It's a Bad Day When.....

Are You A Sports Trivia Buff?

Deaf Pilot...Neat!

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Girlawhirl

Touring the Castles

Can't. Catch.My.Breath....

Crazy Tanya the Matchmaker....

Inmates Eat Better?

Nope...I've Never Seen This on the Telly Either...

Drug Rehab

The Sassy Southerner Has Cracked Me Up...Completely!

Personalized Christmas Books

The Kite Runner Movie

Monday, September 24, 2007

Arthur's Chicken Pox

Blogs I Love

Recent Readers

Up The Hill Gang