Dan needs a watch. For years he wore the same watch, purchased from a store most of us shop at. When it wore out, he would go back and purchase the same exact watch all over again. He did this four of five times. It was a fishing watch that told you the best times of day to go fishing, moon phases, and a whole bunch of other stuff that I found pretty amusing. He loved that watch. Then we one day could not find that style again. It made Dan very sad.
Now that he has an office job, I feel like he needs a more professional looking watch. Have you seen these ESQ watches? These are really something! I think they just scream "Sharp Dressed Man". You definitely look high class with something like that on your wrist. I would love to get Dan a watch like this someday. Those watches would make great gifts, not only for the hubby, but the graduate in your life, honoring the folks, a retirement gift, and more. Who wouldn't be thrilled to receive one of them for pretty much any occasion? A time piece like that is sure to be treasured through the years. Wouldn't you love to have one for yourself or to give a loved one?
That's what I'm covered in lately. It is also the reason I am wide awake at midnight. It doesn't seem to matter if I'm outside or in, helicopter sized mosquitoes are feasting on me. Them and pretty much any other blood sucking bug have invaded our neighborhood and are out to destroy us all! I cannot sleep because of the itching! Strangely enough, when with a group of friends, I am often the only one really hounded by the insect vampires. I guess I am too sweet for my own good!
It's not just me though. The poor pets are having to battle fleas. We seem to have the worst flea problem we've had in years. I have treated the animals, but am having a horrible time getting the little devils killed in the yard and house. I seriously feel like I've been in a war. It's no fun and goodness knows how much pesticide I've inhaled. If anyone knows a magic solution to get the fleas D-E-A-D, please let me know.
As for the skeeters, I guess I'll just have to suffer. I refuse to coat myself with Off before going to sleep. oh the joys summer in Texas brings!
If you are "in the family way" you might want to check out these completely adorable maternity clothes. They are definitely not your mama's maternity fashions. You can look cute, trendy, even flirty while carrying a baby these days. Maternity wear has really came a long way over the years. I am so glad women can find good looking clothes to wear during pregnancy. One thing I really like about this site is that they offer plus size fashions for expecting mamas. Wish I'd known about it when I was living in men's drawstring sweat pants. I could not find plus size maternity clothes, so I looked awful during both pregnancies. I arrived to give birth to Tristen in a pair of guy's sweats and a huge grey tshirt. I was such a sexy mama! The other thing that is great about this site is the prices. They have a ton of cute things for $10 and under! You can't beat a deal like that. Most of their fashions are much lower than you'd pay at those trendy maternity boutiques; sometimes up to 75% less. That alone is worth checking out. Better yet, when you go enter the coupon code "blogfriends" during checkout and receive 20% off. That makes it a great place to stock up on your maternity fashion needs!
As I wrote yesterday, Sunday I burnt my hand pretty good grabbing a hot skillet handle. After muttering nonsense and hopping around the kitchen, I dashed outside and grabbed an aloe vera leaf, smearing my whole hand with it's soothing goodness. My wonderful neighbor Marge had huge aloe vera plants that she replanted. When she did this, they removed 48 baby plants. She gave me one of these plants and I am so glad she did so! I am completely convinced that the aloe vera, both the plant I used and the bottled gel I later slathered on it, is what kept my hand from blistering very badly. It helped more than I can say!
When we first moved here, Dan burned himself quite badly and I drove all over town trying to find aloe vera gel or something to put on his arm. I totally missed the huge aloe vera plants just across the street! I ended up spending quite a bit of money on an ointment that didn't work nearly as well as aloe vera would have. I sure learned my lesson!
Aloe vera grows well in the house, but will grow faster outdoors. Keep it away from direct sunlight or the leaves will dry up and turn brown. Kept out of direct sun and watered once a week they grow quite nicely. Be sure there is a good drainage hole if it is planted in a pot. Cut leaves only when needed. You can store a cut leaf in a plastic baggie in the refrigerator and it will stay good for days. chilled aloe vera is quite soothing on hot skin.My grandmother kept an aloe vera plant in her kitchen windowsill for many years. This is a great spot for one as they get sun light, you can remember to water them if you see them all the time, and the kitchen is where a lot of accidents happen so it's handy when you need it. I really like aloe vera because I do not have a green thumb but have managed to keep mine alive.
Aloe vera has many uses. It is good for burns, sun burns, skin irritations, cuts, psoriasis, scrapes, insect bites, and so on. I've even been told it will help soothe the searing pain of the shingles. It is a great plant to have around for first aid usage. It is much less expensive than buying countless ointments and creams. Plus, it just keeps on growing and you never run out. How frugal is that?!
I think every home needs one of these wonderful plants. You get a houseplant, decoration, and ointment all in one. I like to give good size plants to newlyweds or those just setting up housekeeping. Just find a good sized plant, place it in a pretty pot, wrap with a decorative bow or ribbon, and there you go! Everyone I've gifted one to has been really pleased with it.
We had a good weekend. It was a good time spent with family and well, more than friends, just family. I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did.
Friday, Dan grilled supper and we enjoyed a great meal. The four of us just sort of hung out and enjoyed each others company. It was a nice evening.
Late that night, Lynette called us to tell us her CG got robbed at work! Boy, that was a story! You really need to click over and read about it. So, Friday ended in some very much unneeded excitement.
Saturday, we all did a lot of work. Well, Ashley hid with a book every chance she got. I got to enjoy coffee with two of my bestestfriends, Marge & Kathy at the cafe. Dan and Tristen mowed and did yard work. I did stuff in the house. Then Dan went over and helped the neighbors out by mowing their lawn. Crazy man did two yards in 105 degree heat! I have a good guy. We ended up hanging out with the bunch across the street all night which was great. They took us out for Mexican food and we just had a great time!
Sunday, Dan had a store meeting at 6am. When he came home, he brought his baby - his 1971 Chevrolet pick up he drove when we were in high school. His parents gave it to him awhile back, but we had been unable to get it home. He washed it, showed it off, and smiled like a kid on Christmas morning all day long. Lynette & company came over to join us for dinner. I ended up burning my hand on a skillet, so she and Dan finished cooking our meal. She's such a doll! She did my dishes and took great care of me! I am so lucky to have her!
It was a great weekend, spending time with the ones you love. Does it get much better than that? Hope you had a great one as well!
I was recently given the opportunity to review a Satineesnugs Bear Blanket from My Embroidered Gifts. These are adorable lovies or security blankets with a fun animal friend. We were sent one for Ashley to review. She is a regular lovie connoisseur, so I let her give her opinion as the resident expert.
Ashley has a birth defect called hemifacial microsomia. This basically means the left side of her skull is smaller than the right. It is a mostly cosmetic, but has also caused some other problems, as the whole left side of her body tends to be a bit problematic. She also had lazy eye at birth, plus just generally problematic vision. All these things have led to countless surgeries, tests, and yucky procedures. During every medical ordeal, a lovie has been her constant companion. Some might think she is a bit old for them now, but they make her feel safe in secure. My opinion is, why mess with a good thing? I will not separate her from her lovies, they help her cope.
Anyway, she welcomed "Bear Bear" with open arms. I was very impressed by this because not all snuggly animals are worthy of sharing her bed. Ashley really likes that this bear is a blankie too. She says it makes her feel snuggled and safe. Plus, it has her name beautifully embroidered on it, which she absolutely loves! This Satineesnug has slept with her every night since it arrived. The little miss gives it two thumbs up! This little guy will be her lovie of choice for quite a while I think.
As a mother, I think this product is great! This adorable lovie would make the perfect baby gift. I know that I would have been thrilled to receive one of these, wonderfully personalized for my new bundle of joy. It is incredibly soft and cuddle, perfect for the little ones in your life. You can choose the font you would like it personalized in, as well as choosing which Satineesnugs you prefer. They do not only come in bears, but in other cute animals, such as frogs, puppies, kitties & more, and in different colors. They are all adorable! Plus, they are reasonably priced, which is a real plus in my book. I really think these will be gifts for any babies that I might need to buy for. I feel they would be a lovie that you can keep and treasure always.
We were really impressed with My Embroidered Gifts and the Satineesnugs Bear Blanket. I urge you to check them out, as well as all the other cute products the website offers. I bet you will find something you love!
Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including in Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.
But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listening to a sermon and taking notes, chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.” When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.
Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.
In the small Puritan community of Stoneybrooke, Massachusetts, Susannah Phillips stands out both for her character and beauty. She wants only a simple life but soon finds herself pursued by the town's wealthiest bachelor and by a roguish military captain sent to protect them. One is not what he seems and one is more than he seems.
In trying to discover true love's path, Susannah is helped by the most unlikely of allies, a wounded woman who lives invisible and ignored in their town. As the depth, passion, and sacrifice of love is revealed to Susannah, she begins to question the rules and regulations of her childhood faith. In a community where grace is unknown, what price will she pay for embracing love?
The King’s Legacy: A Story of the Wisdom of the Ages Best-selling author Jim Stovall’s classic parable returns in an updated gift edition
From the best-selling author of the The Ultimate Gift, now a major motion picture, comes an ageless tale with a profound message: Sometimes wisdom is where you least expect it. This summer, Jim Stovall’s classic parable, The King’s Legacy: A Story of the Wisdom of the Ages (David C Cook, June 2009), will return in an updated, revised gift edition. Featuring an enhanced look and new illustrations, this simple, insightful story is perfect for readers of all ages.
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there was an enchanted kingdom ruled by a benevolent and much-loved king who, through his uncommon wisdom and insight, led his people through many difficult times to a period of peace, prosperity, and happiness such as the kingdom had never known.
Now, nearing the end of his reign, the king longs to leave a lasting legacy for his people. What would be a fitting memorial to his time on the throne? A monument to rival the pyramids of Egypt? A gold coin bearing his likeness? A colossal statue carved in his image? No, such an enlightened ruler would choose a very different kind of memorial.
But then the king has a remarkable idea: To discover the most profound words of wisdom in the world. So the king invites citizens from all walks of life and all corners of the realm to share with him the best of their life lessons. Farmers and physicians, hunters and historians, jesters and judges—all come before the monarch. From the wisdom that they share, the king will select the one bit that surpasses all the others, wisdom that will be passed around the world, wisdom that will benefit all people from all lands, forever: the Wisdom of the Ages.
But as the king hears from more and more of his subjects, he becomes worried and restless. From so much profound and wonderful wisdom, how will he discern the Wisdom of the Ages? How will he know when he has found it? The answer comes in a form that no one, from the king to the lowliest peasant, could expect. For the greatest wisdom comes from the most unexpected of places….
Author Bio Jim Stovall is a national Olympic champion weightlifter, former president of the Emmy Award-winning Narrative Television Network, and a highly sought after author and platform speaker. For his work in making television accessible to our nation’s 13 million blind and visually impaired people, The President’s Committee on Equal Opportunity selected Jim Stovall as the Entrepreneur of the Year. Jim was also honored as the International Humanitarian of the Year, joining previous recipients Mother Teresa and Nancy Reagan. He is the author of the best-selling book The Ultimate Gift, now a major motion picture.
Caught in the Crossfire of Black and White The exciting sequel to Richard Doster’s Safe at Home offers a front row seat at the explosive events of the Civil Rights Movement
Eager audiences need wait no longer for the much anticipated sequel to Richard Doster’s well-received Safe at Home. In Doster’s new historical fiction, Crossing the Lines (David C Cook, June 2009), giants of the dawning American Civil Rights Movement come alive as an idealistic white news reporter in the racially charged South of the late 1950s dedicates himself to the renewal of the region he loves.
Family man Jack Hall wants nothing more than to be a respectable newspaper reporter, see a good baseball game now and again, love his wife, and watch his son grow up in their middle-class, white community. A sportswriter for the Atlanta Constitution, Jack is a contented Southerner—until, across the pages of the nation’s newspapers, the photos begin to appear of bombed out “Negro” churches, black schoolchildren swarmed by angry white mobs, and Thurmond, Talmadge, and Russell standing before gold-domed buildings, vowing that “our way of life” will never change.
With each image, Jack’s discomfort grows until, in September 1957, the pain becomes unbearable. That’s when one image, in one small newspaper—of a white girl screaming insults at her black classmate—ignites a new mission. Jack, so thoroughly grieved by the now famous photo of Elizabeth Eckford and Hazel Bryan, is determined to show the world the South he loves—with its beauty, its literature and music, and its achievements in sports and business.
He’s thrilled when he’s introduced to legendary editor Ralph McGill, an outspoken opponent of segregation who promptly sends Jack to Montgomery to investigate reports of a bus boycott. There Jack meets another man on the fault line of black and white: Martin Luther King, Jr. Profoundly moved by King’s commitment to Christian philosophy, Jack’s writing begins to reflect a need for racial equality and tolerance that isn’t always well received—even by his own wife.
As the years pass, Jack covers stories about Southerners from Orval Faubus to Jim Johnson, John Lewis, and Diane Nash and from music pioneer Sam Phillips to literary giants Flannery O’Connor and Harper Lee—always using his writing as a conscience for the South he loves so much. But once again, historic events sweep Jack—and his idealistic son, Chris—into harm’s way. Will this be the collision that destroys his family forever?
Author Bio Richard Doster is the editor of byFaith magazine. Prior to his work with byFaith, Doster spent 25 years in the advertising business. He’s been published by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and is a regular contributor to byFaith, winner of the 2006 and 2008 Evangelical Press Association’s Award of Excellence. A native of Mississippi and a graduate of the University of Florida, Doster is now concentrating on Southern fiction, exploring the history, religion, family relationships, sense of community and place, and social tensions that characterize his home region. He resides in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, Sally.
My kiddos have loved to blow bubbles since they were very little. I love bubbles because they are a a fun activity for all ages and cost so very little. The kids and I can spend a whole afternoon playing with this soapy mixture in the back yard. We blow bubbles of all shapes and sizes, chase bubbles, pop them, and just have a really great time! If you are looking for a fun and frugal outdoor activity, give this a try.
This is my favorite bubble recipe. It makes a lot, so prepare to have some fun!
6 cups water 2 cups Joy dish soap 3/4 cup corn syrup
If you decide to blow bubbles at each other, you will get sticky because of the corn syrup, but it sure helps make fantastic bubbles. Getting all sticky while playing with your kids is a smile price to pay for making wonderful memories!
Click on over to HomemakerBarbi to find more fantastic Family Friday posts!
Talking to the Dead In her first novel, author Bonnie Grove offers readers a tender, quirky story about grief—and second chances
"Kevin was dead and the people in my house wouldn’t go home. They mingled after the funeral, eating sandwiches, drinking tea, and speaking in muffled tones. I didn’t feel grateful for their presence. I felt exactly nothing,” writes Bonnie Grove in Talking to the Dead: A Novel (David C Cook, June 2009). “Funerals exist so we can close doors we’d rather leave open. But where did we get the idea that the best approach to facing death is to eat Bundt cake?”
In her first novel, beloved author Bonnie Grove pens a poignantly realistic and uplifting story of hope, grace, and recovery from grief. Grove’s main character, twenty-something Kate Davis, can’t seem to get the grieving widow thing right. She’s supposed to put on a brave face and get on with her life, right? Instead, she’s camped out on her living room floor, unwashed, unkempt, and unable to sleep—because her husband Kevin keeps talking to her.
Is she losing her mind? Kate’s attempts to find the source of the voice she hears are both humorous and humiliating, as she turns first to an “eclectically spiritual” counselor, then a shrink with a bad toupee, an exorcist, and finally group therapy. There she meets Jack, the warmhearted, unconventional pastor of a ramshackle church, and at last the voice subsides. But when she stumbles upon a secret Kevin was keeping, Kate’s fragile hold on the present threatens to implode under the weight of the past…and Kevin begins to shout. Will the voice ever stop?
In this tender, quirky novel about embracing life, Grove patiently walks readers through the depths and mysteries of extreme sorrow after the death of a loved one. As she takes an unflinching look at the mental health industry, Grove’s training in counseling and psychology brings realism and empathy to grief and mental breakdown. While Kate must confront her own loss to find the grace to go on, readers will be led to the God who is always willing and able to comfort hearts in pain.
Author Bio Bonnie Grove started writing when her parents bought a typewriter, and she hasn’t stopped since. Trained in Christian counseling (Emmanuel Bible College, Kitchener, ON) and secular psychology (University of Alberta), she developed and wrote social programs for families at risk while landing articles and stories in anthologies. She is the author of Working Your Best You: Discovering and Developing the Strengths God Gave You and Talking to the Dead, her first novel. Grove and her pastor husband, Steve, have two children; they live in Saskatchewan.
That's right! Remember yesterday when I told you all about the circus coming to Dallas? Well, I have four tickets to the opening night performance on July 29th at 7:30 at the American Airlines Center. Fill out the form below to enter.
Deadline to enter is July 3 at 8:00 CST. Winner will be announced and contacted on July 4th. If I do not get a response to my email notifying the winner within 24 hours, then another winner will be chosen. Good luck!
And don't forget, even if you don't win, you can get a fantastic deal on tickets! Simply go to http://www.ticketmaster.com/ and enter coupon code MOM. You will get four tickets for $44!
Relaxing in the pool on a hot Texas day. Doesn't she look happy and carefree? This is one of my favorite pictures of Ashley.
UPrinting is having a summer photo contest and the above pic is my entry. I think it represents the, fun filled, carefree, happy days of summer. What do you think?
UPrinting.com is a leading online provider of business cards, color brochures and mailing postcards. You should check them out for all your printing needs.
In the comments for my Goodie Box Giveaway, several people have expressed interest in hearing about the area I live in. Podunk is located in the middle of a bunch of dairies. Today the area dairy producers had an appreciation breakfast for Podunk County, thanking the people for supporting the local dairy industry. I am pretty sure the whole town showed up for this yummy free meal! They served biscuits, butter, cheesy scrambled eggs, sausage, jelly, fruit & whipped cream, milk, and even ice cream! It was so good and we all had a really great time. There were even two adorable calves out front for the kiddos to pet.
This was a really fun event! I think it is so neat that these dairy farmers thank our community every year. It almost makes up for the way the dairies make Podunk smell...almost. ;-)
You Make Me Feel Like Dancing is all about the ups and downs of everyday life. Susan is on the verge of so many changes, her husband's retirement, exciting business opportunities, and more. She is a character you grow to love quite quickly and you just want to go hang out at her Disco Diva salon to sing and dance with her and her clients. This is a fantastic story of growing, changing, and seeing what the Lord has in store for you. The characters seem like friends in no time and the story moves along at a great pace. I highly recommend this great read!
I absolutely love Butter Pecan ice cream and think this would make a lovely topping. I can only wish I had her family's sourdough pancake recipe to try it on!
:)
racheliznewman(at)gmail(dot)com"
Thanks so much to all who entered! A new giveaway gets posted tomorrow, so stop back by!
Wanda Dyson lives with her severely autistic teenager on a busy farm with horses, chickens, dogs, cats, rabbits, and the occasional fox, deer, groundhog, and snake. She could seriously live without the snakes, but that's life in the country.
After writing three critically acclaimed suspense novels, she was asked to write the true story of Tina Zahn (Why I Jumped), which was featured on Oprah. Readers characterize her books as "riviting" and "Packed with twists and turns."
Wanda serves on the board of several writers conferences across the country including the Colorado Christian Writers Conference, and the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference.
Wanda has finished the second in this series called Shepherd's Run,that will come out in 2010. And she's hard at work on the third and final installment of the Prodigal Recovery Series - Marti's story -- tentatively called Shepherd's Quest.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Bounty hunter Nick Shepherd is fearless when it comes to chasing down criminals. It's his difficult ex-wife, rebellious teenage daughter, and dysfunctional siblings that keep him awake at night. In charge of the family business, the Prodigal Recovery Agency, he thinks of himself as a shepherd of sorts. When his "flock" is out of his control, Nick's well-ordered universe falls into chaos.
Prodigal Recovery's search for Zeena, a prostitute on the run, leads to a faulty arrest, complicating Nick's business. He is thrown together with Zeena's twin, the beautiful Annie, and the two find themselves on a desperate search. The stakes significantly increase when Nick's daughter is kidnapped. Now, to save someone he loves, Nick must risk everything.but will it be enough
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(David C Cook, June 2009), giants of the dawning American Civil Rights Movement come alive as an idealistic white news reporter in the racially charged South of the late 1950s dedicates himself to the renewal of the region he loves.
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(David C Cook, June 2009). “Funerals exist so we can close doors we’d rather leave open. But where did we get the idea that the best approach to facing death is to eat Bundt cake?”
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