Winter Reading Challenge

Well, it's that time again! The Winter Reading Challenge has begun! Yay! It's were I read 15 books whose titles meet certain criteria..(like A title with a "D" word for December...) It's a lot of fun. I mostly (ok, pretty much only read romance!) so all my titles are romance titles. I'm trying some new authors, recommended by the gals on shelfari, so we'll see how that goes. I'm trying for all fifteen, and trying to finish 6 by the end of December so I can have met a goal to read 100 books in 2008! I was way ahead of schedule, but now that I'm working...I'm falling behind. Hmm! Go figure! :)

If you are interested in my book list for the Winter Challenge or are interested in reading romance feel free to check out my other blog http://justyouraveragecarpoolqueen.blogspot.com/

That blog is almost entirely devoted to book reviews and some of my reading challenges.

So, Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, it's off to read I go! (skips off with an armload of books whistling)

I'm a little bit country....

It's the fall! I love the fall. I even named one of my kids Autumn! I love football, and changing leaves, and for some reason....country music. Something about the fall makes me want to focus my melodic attention on country music. Don't get me wrong, I like country music year round, but other seasons often find me listening to many genres esp. 80's music. But the fall, makes me want to scoot my boots. I feel that nip in the air, and I want to roll down the window, crank the radio and sing at the top of my lungs. I wanna bob my head and tap the steering wheel and just let loose. I'm all about Keith Urban, and Rascall Flatts, and waxing nostalgic for Garth Brooks. (sigh!) I really dig Carrie Underwood, and Sugarland. I love the song "Our Song" I think it's Taylor Swift. " Our song is the slammin' screen door..." Love it. Oooh oooh! Patsy Cline! "I go a walkin'....After midnight....Out in the moonlight...Just hopin' you may be...Somewhere a walkin'....after midnight...searchin' for me!" Ahhh!

So in the spirit of fall and country music. Grap a loved one, crank the radio, and head to the front porch swing! Watch the lightning bugs, and sip your iced tea. Simple pleasures.

Murder!!!

That title got your attention didn't it?

We came home from school today, and starting watching Iron Chef America. (It's taking up room on the DVR) It's the battle between Chef Symon (the new Iron Chef) and Chef Costentino, who competed to be the Next Iron Chef. This battle is "Battle Organs" where the Chefs must use animal organs as the Main ingredient of each dish and are supposed to cook 4-5 dishes.

So these Chefs are going to town. They are cooking with among other things: liver, kidneys, hearts, cock-combs, trotters, tripe, chitterlings, and any number of other things that I don't recognize. Savannah, is doing homework at the coffee table and hearing the "cooking" going on in the background. She finally looks up as Chef Symon shows the container of blood, he's going to use in a dish, and then slices calf livers for something. "What?!" she says. "Calf liver, they murdered baby cows?!" "Why would they dooooooo that?" "Is it worse to kill a baby cow, that to eat an adult cow?" I ask reasonably. Thinking....thinking...thinking...."No, it's wrong to eat any MURDERED animal!". Zoinks! I think, I just made a vegetarian!

As, I grew up here in the heart Beef Country, I'm kinda amused. I can't imagine giving up my good ole greasy burgers. My fried chicken, pork chops and apple sauce (as I channel Peter Brady!) and every other dish I cook. Hmm, I wonder if this is a cause Du Jour, or if she has the staying power. I think, I'll support her and let her bypass the meat.

This brings me back to her Preschool Graduation, when she was asked what she wanted to be when she grows up. She replied with all the conviction of a 5 year old, " A Vegetarian, I want to be an animal doctor! ". She's given up an being an animal doctor for now, so we'll see about the other.

So, Veggie-Gate has begun.

Celebrate!

Autumn has had a semi-lose tooth for a little while, but she decided to really work it and get that tooth wiggling. Then, last week, she comes home and says, the tooth is ready, and she's going to just pull it. So, she heads to the bathroom, looks into the mirror grabs that tooth with the grip of death and pulls it right on out. She was so proud of herself. We had to take a picture of her holie (not holy, oh well you know!) mouth. So, she wants to celebrate, of course! Ice cream! We don't have an ice cream place here in Little Elm, in the strictest sense of the word. So, it's off to Sonic we go! Woo Hoo! Everday, after school now, it's "Mom, I got a green day, can we get ice cream from Sonic?" or "Mom, I finished my work in class can we go to Sonic?" Or "Mom, I wasn't tardy to school can we celebrate at Sonic?"

So, sometimes it gets me to thinking, if you look hard enough, you can always find something to celebrate! I can celebrate that my kids always get their homework done, even if it takes a little prodding. I can celebrate that we woke up to go to work another day. Some folks are out of work and struggling! I can celebrate that even though my kids are weird, (and they just didn't have a choice cuz look at their Momma! Zoinks!) they are smart and funny!

So tomorrow, when I get up and find that Athena has chewed up, yet another book that I won't be able to post on Paperbackswap, I can celebrate that it's another book I get to keep as a reread! WooHoo! Or when I see the mountain of laundry, I can celebrate that I get to wash/dry/fold in the comfort of my own home. I don't have to go to the laundrymat, or have a washer that's flooding my laundry room. (had to slip that one in for a friend who had that happen this week, Yikes!)

If you read this...post a comment below about what you can celebrate today! And maybe, just maybe you can get a cone from Sonic!

I Love when that Happens!!!

Ok, so today, I was hungry for lunch and nothing sounds good! So, I pull the baby carrots out of the fridge. One looked gunky, so I toss it toward the trash can. I'm right handed, and I thru it with my left hand, across the kitchen, around the dish drainer, and hit the small countertop container (think Rachel Ray!)! Nothing but net!!

I love when that stuff happens. Cuz you know, I couldn't put a basketball thru a hoop to save my life!! But Baby Carrot...across kitchen...around drainer...nothing but net!! I feel like Michael Jordan!!

I wonder what those things are for all of you? Like when you kick a shoe out of your way, and it ends up in the closet, almost right where it goes! (and you were just getting it out of your way!!)

I know, this is real compelling reading, but hey random thoughts about random stuff!!

Puppies!

We are expecting! Puppies! Oooh, I can't wait! I'm really excited about this litter cuz this one will be ready to go to new homes just in time for Christmas. Yay!! I mean it is always fun when a family comes to pick out their puppy. Little kids finding their new best friend. Love it!! Watching Mommy fall in love with one, and Daddy fall for another! Just love it!

But this time, I can't wait to see Mommies and Daddies come pick out new best friends to be given as a surprise under the tree! Love it!! Ooh, how exciting. I remember as a kid, when my parents brought home, Sandy my yellow lab and there she was Christmas Morning! She was a constant comanion for years. I think I was in 3rd or 4th grade and she was with me until college.

So, to be a part of that for some other kid is super! I'm going to require pics from the families this time. So I can see little Joey or Jenny with their buddy on Christmas. Yay!

Catching up with old friends

So, I've gotten onto Facebook. Dave and I originally started up because someone wanted to connect with him regarding video from the International Singles Conference. So, he did the thing, and I ,of course, had to cuz I couldn't let him have all the fun. So I did the thing. Even posted a picture. Come to find out, it is the only picture of me in the entire camera. (and we still have pictures in there from 2 years ago.) So, it's not a great picture, but hey when you're 100 lb overweight no picture is a great picture.

Then guess what happens?! Guess! Yep, you guessed it, people from high school found me. Yep, those same people who look the same from high school. Yep! I see their pictures and want to swallow a tape worm. (except I was watching an episode of House and they said that having a tapeworm is really painful. so....no tapeworm for me!)

Then, I was "catching up" with an old friend, and I'll use the term loosely cuz, I might have to put him in the "doghouse". He had the nerve to tell me, that he's about to be ........a .....Grandpa! I am soooo mad. You see, he was not older than me in school. So, if he is old enough to be a Gramps, Pops, Pah Pah, then you know what that makes me?! Yep! Old enough to be a Grandmother! Then, do you know what he has the nerve to tell me?! He tells me! That when he was deployed (1 of the 3 times so far!) they sent him to Greece! YUP! Greece! Greese of the incredible landscapes. Greece of the good food. Greece of the friendly people (who fed him!). Greece of the you know, white building, and beautiful waterfronts. Greece of the Parthanon and Acropolis. Yep! That Greece. The Greece that I always wanted to go to! Could the Military have sent him to the Greece of the endless sheep? The Greece of hot sticky weather? The Greece, of ...of....Food poisoning or something? Nooooooo!

Yep! Definately doghouse material! And...and...He didn't even have the good grace to get fat or bald or anything! ***rolls eyes heaven ward*** I know there is a lesson here, but for the life of fish, I can't figure out what!

I think, I'll go photoshop my head on Angelina Jolie's body! That'll show them!

Tragedy!! Again!!

I'm in shock! I worked for the church office for 4 years or so! Mark Beaman was my boss, and Margaret was a life saver during that time. Dave and I were in their family group for a short time and stayed with their kids, when Mark and Margaret had to travel for church business.

Last night around 10p, we get a call that Margaret Beaman and Lisa Smith, who were away together, had some sort of accident. They passed away! I'm just stunned.

Lisa, was a quiet sort of steady woman of God. She was not the type to be in the spot light. She was content to be useful to God in the quiet ways. Many who read this, may not have even known her, but be sure the angels are rejoiceing that Lisa is with them. She, will be missed here.

This whole thing SUCKS!!!!!

Follow Up!

So, after my Melancholy Day, I did not have a good hair day! But really, that's an awful lot to ask. I'm having a bad hair decade, so I really had some unrealistic expectations. Talk about setting myself up for failure! :) Anyway, it was a better day the next day, and I think I might be outta my funk. I read a book, and didn't even give it a lousy review! Hmm!

Dancing with the Stars: ok, so Kim Kardashian left, which didn't make me cry, but really? Cloris Leachman is still in? Cripes! She's starting to really "dance" on my last nerve! Pun intended. Ugh!

Looking for a Job: So I filled out an online application for Little Elm ISD. They only do stuff online now. I put it out there for several of the job opening they have. Receptionist at one of the Intermediate schools, a clerk position, Lunch Lady, even Custodian. And you know, You Know what's going to happen. If I get a job at all, it will be the custodial job. And with my...shall we say... sympathetic "gag reflex", I'll be upchucking all over the place. I mean, I can handle blood, fecal matter, urine, just about anything except...vomitus! Don't ask me why! Even with my own kids. Ack! So, I'll end up with the one job, that requires contact with my bodily nemesis, my kryptonite! I'll keep you posted. Otherwise, I'll be cleaning housess, so look out!

Update, I think our little Mama is gonna have puppies! If everything goes according to plan, they'll be ready to go to new homes just in time for Christmas! "I'm hearing Jingle Bells!"
That'd be great cuz, it'll help with paying property taxes. Woo Hoo! (not for property taxes, but for helping pay them! ) Either she's in a family way, or gettin' chunky! I'm opting for Family Way!

Autumn's Birthday is coming up, and she wants a Dress Up Tea Party! Except no tea, or those little frou frou sandwiches. So, we'll have Tea (apple juice, grape juice) with dainty sandwiches, (PBJ, Grilled Cheese, or Lunchmeat). Yep! We're really doing it up right! Doncha wish you could come! Don't feel bad! Maybe next year! :)

Ta Ta For Now!

Looking for a Job

So, with Dave working for Fannie Mae, and us wanting to get more serious about getting out of debt, we've decided I need to look for a job. Hopefully something part time, but beggers can't be choosers. (did I spell that right? It doesn't look right either way to me.) The kids are getting more self-sufficient so it would be a good time. They are excited about my going to work. (the little stinkers!)

I however, am conflicted. I've been home for about 8 years now, except the 1 year I took out to work at the Autism Center when Autumn went there. I couldn't remember the places I worked before the church office, or rather how to reach them. I worked for the church for 4 years before I left to stay home. So, it's been a while. I love being home. I love taking and picking up the kids daily. I like, being able to volunteer at school parties, and hearing about their day. (that is if I can get more out of them, than "Fine!") Even though the girls are more self-sufficient Savannah is entering that preteen phase. Intermediate school is filled with drama, and the transition is tricky. I don't want some one else to be the one she comes home to.

I know, I know! Other families do it all the time, and have for years. They are good strong families with well adjusted kids. I also know, that God will take care of my kids, but I want him to do it through me!

Besides, I don't have a lot of marketable skills anymore. Its been over 8yrs since I was a receptionist. Yea, I did wedding planning. Yea, I did some Doula stuff. Yea, I taught at the autism center, but none of those things are what employers are looking for. Besides, I don't exactly have a professional wardrobe anymore. I'm a big jeans/capri/t-shirt gal.

I just gotta keep praying for the perfect job. I'd love to work 9a-2p. Monday- Friday! I'd like to make decent money, enough to help pay off some bills. I'd like to wear jeans or casual slacks to work. I'd like alot. We'll see what God gives me!

Friendship Promise!

None of that 'Sis'-sy Stuff

Are you tired of those sissy 'friendship' poems that always sound good, but never actually come close to reality?

Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of True Friendship. You WON'T see cutesy little smiley faces on this card-Just the stone cold truth of our great friendship.

1. When you are sad, I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spidermonkey jacked up on Mountain Dew!!!

2. When you are blue, I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.

3. When you smile, I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.

4. When you're scared, we will high tail it out of here.

5. When you are worried, I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining, ya big baby!!!!

6. When you are confused, I will use little words.

7. When you are sick, Stay away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.

8. When you fall, I'll pick you up and dust you off--After I laugh my butt off!!

9. This is my oath...Ipledge it to the end. 'Why?' you may ask;--because you are my FRIEND!***********************
Friendship is like peeing your pants, everyone can see it, but only YOU can feel the true warmth.

Dancing with the Stars

I love Dancing with the Stars! Looooove it! I love this season! I love the dancing, the costumes, the music, the back stories, I love it all!

However, It seems to me that the judges are being really hard on people really early! Cripes! Give 'em a break. They weren't this tough last year! (or is it just me!) For some reason, I love Rocco DiSpirito! He's cute, and gawky! (and he can cook!!) (my new celebrity crush!) I think he must be a nice guy too, cuz Karina Smirnoff, is usually pretty iritated by a dance partner who can't dance. She seems to be all grins and happiness! Maybe, that's cuz she's finally over Mario, (ptooey ptooey!) or because she sees a nice guy doing his best.

I also loved when Derik Hough kept telling Brooke to keep her "boobies" off him. (during the quickstep) She laughed and said, that's was the first time she'd heard that! Ha ha ha ! Btw, I think I decided to not like her a lot. I mean really, it's wrong to have 4 children, (one very new!) and look that good. **nods head** yep, and she's likely to lose weight...and get a harder body! **sighs with disgust**

Let me say, Cloris Leachman may be a comic genius! She is definately a legend in show business. However, I'm over her in this show. I can't tell if she's trying to be silly, or she's got a little dementia kicking in? I don't know, maybe she needs some ritalin, but it's getting old. I'm feeling kinda sorry for good ole Corky Ballas, cuz he can't seem to reign her in. I definately appreciate the kind of shape she must be in to do what she's doing. I can certainly appreciate her wanting to boost her career, and all that, but it really is time she gets voted off. (In my humble opinion) (and since this is my blog, it's my opinion that counts! Heeeeey!)

Toni Braxton, is doing really well. I'm a little nervous about her heart condition and the strain is might cause. She's killing me! Everytime she gets really out of breath, I start breathing for the both of us. (sympathy breathing?) and start to feel lightheaded. On a side note, I think Alex Mazo and Edyta Sl*^&%$#%A (I couldn't possibly spell that name!) are either married or a couple. Finally, someone who karaoke's worse than me!

Kim Kardashian! Why is she a Star? Poor Mark is dancing his little shoes off trying to make her look good! Where's Sabrina when you need her! (are they still together?)

Love Lance Bass! His dance partner (whose name has suddenly escaped me!) was a finalist on So You Think You Can Dance! Wha!? Love that!

I'm loving Misty May-Trainor, Warren Sapp, Cody Lindley. I'm not so into Susan Lucci. I want to be, but just am not. I know I'm missing some, and will surely revisit this topic later.

Stay tuned for more details

Fall reading schedule

As an avid reader, I had a great summer. I participated in several reading challenges. Woo Hoo! I was able to read a lot of the books in my "To Be Read" pile. Then, I started getting ready for a Fall Reading Challenge on Shelfari, and saved some books to be part of that challenge. Now, it's fall and I have a whole new TBR pile just waiting! ***rubs hands together greedily***

But wouldn't you know it! Now after dinner, I'm ready to curl up on the couch with my book, but then...the TV is on, and finally there is something interesting on Tv. Dancing with the Stars!! Survivor! Grey's Anatomy! The Office! Heroes! (not really my show, but it's Daves!) America's Next Top Model! (Ok, that one is mine! I know, I'm shallow!) So, I catch myself sitting on the couch all curled up and ready, then an hour later I haven't turned a single page. I do read during comercials, when I'm not making a run for the ....well, you know!

So, I find myself reading later, or recording the shows and watching them in the morning. Hmm... Seems like it's been a year since there was anything decent to watch. I may not get a lot of reading done this fall! Woo Hoo!

Melancholy Days

Sometimes for no particular reason you have a melancholy day. Today was one of those for me. It was a church day even, so who know what was up? I'm not a cryer by nature. Don't typically cry at movies, sad stuff, just don't usually. Today though, I cried 3 times. That's more than a months alottment.

My daughters sang today in the kid's choir at church. Savannah even had a solo. she was so good. Obviously a recessive trait, cuz I can only carry a tune, with two hands and a bucket. She was pretty nervous and was short with her sister. It wasn't until later that we talked and that's why she was being short. However, I was pretty frustrated at the argueing and bickering. (I mean they hadn't been awake for more than 1 1/2 hours and already going strong!)
Then after church I was blamed for ruining my childs life. (by my child! ) And realized that whatever plan was in place to get together after church to celebrate my birthday, was going to be us and the Fuentes. The way it had been communicated to me was that many others were invited, but only the Fuentes came. I love them! They are always there, for us. I feel sooo supported and cared for.

Then we get home, and I ask the kiddos to get their laundry together for me, and I get a heaping serving of Attitude. It just got to me. I mean Come On!

I know! I Know!! After writing it down it doesn't seem like that big a deal. But for some reason today felt like a beat down. On top of it all. I'm disgusted with myself for letting it all get to me. For wasting time and energy crying! Geez!

I guess it was just one of those days! Maybe tomorrow will be one of those days, that start off great! I'm planning a good hair day too. I'll keep you posted.

Na nana nana Nah Nah! They say it's my Birthday

It's my birthday! .......then I draw a blank. why? Cuz I'm not sure how I feel about this birthday. Today...I turn...40! For some reason that's supposed to be a big deal! It doesn't really feel like a big deal! (I mean don't get me wrong, I'm currently looking down my nose at the computer screen so I can see it better through my reading glasses.) I'm going to move sorta slowly when getting up from the desk, cuz this chair makes my back ache. (Zoinks! I'm starting to sound old already!) I refuse to expound on the benefits of prune juice. So have no fear about reading on!

Many (ok most!) of my friends have started asking me how it feels to turn 40. Today it feels cool and breezy and mostly sunny! Do I like the idea of being 40? 40 sounds older than I feel. (outside of the aches etc.) There is a part of me, that feels 25. That part would be the same part that is avoiding the laundry and the vacuuming! That's also the part of me that still wonders what I'll be when I grow up. Or maybe that's the part of me, who's embracing my eccentric old lady-ness! Where I say whatever I feel like saying, regardless of the fact that noone asked or really wants to know. Where, when asked "How are you today?" I tell you about my ingrown toenail, and arthritis pain. OOOOH! Where I get to dye my hair unnatural colors and wear waaaay too much make-up and everyone smiles and tells me how great I look. (Miss Clairol here I come! )

Or maybe turning 40 means that I just get to me be, without making apologies or excuses. Where I don't have to explain why, I like what I like. Where I get to pull the weeds of others negative energy from my life, cuz there is already enough negative energy in the world. Where I surround myself with people to are going to dig me for me, and not for what I can do for them. Maybe this is the time in my life where I don't care who sees me in my overweight glory. Where I don't have anything to prove to anyone! If the size of my thighs turns you off, then turn around and mosey on down the road. (Can I Get an AMEN!) Maybe turning 40 for me, means being entitled to seek out what makes me happy! And being content with those things that don't but that I can't change. (yes, I'm referring to my thighs again!) I may never look like a movie star, but hey, If I go to the grocery store without my makeup or with a stain on my high tops it doesn't end up on the cover of a magazine either!

Turning 40, sounds pretty darn good to me. If 40 is over the hill, then I'll remeber that rolling down hill is more fun than climbing it anyway! So there! Uh!

Dallas Cowboys

I Love the Cowboys! I just gotta say it! They rock, and I rock when I watch them. I don't care if Tony Romo is dating Jessica Simpson or her dad! I don't care! I love'em! I especially love me some Tony Romo! I love his enthusiasm! I love that grin he gets, and the way he jumps sometimes. (Kinda like he's 7 and it's pee wee instead of the pros!) LOOOOOOVE It!

I love yelling at the tv. I know they don't actually run, until I chant "run, run, run, Run, Run, RUN, RUN, RUN,!" They don't tackle the other team, until I start yelling "Get 'Im! Get 'Im! Get 'Im!" If I didn't yell that, they wouldn't actually "Get Im!" I'm just doing my part!

I love it when We win by a large margin. I love it when we win in the last second, and by 1 point. I just love it!

I love that feeling I get in my stomach, when things start to get exciting! You know what I'm talking about! My stomach feels tight, and clenchy (that's a new word btw) and I have to move. I get up, or sit down, or pace or something. Just gotta move. It's been a long tradition in my family to scare small children or house pets because of our enthusiasm. I keep waking the dogs when I cheer!

I also love that it's something that Dave and I like together. It get's late and he falls asleep, but I'm up and there to make sure The Boys, run, run, run, and get'em, get'em, get'em! Tonight, they listened to me! tonight we won! WOO HOO! Dallas 41 Philadelphia 37! Philadelphia...ptooey! What's good that ever came out of Philadelphia...besides all that historicallly significant stuff, and the Liberty Bell, and Cheesesteak! Besides that!

Move over Michael Phelps, my athlete crush on you is over! What have you done for me lately!? Enter Tony Romo! *pumps fist in the air!* Right On!

Deep Thoughts by Beth (not Jack Handy)

So, Yesterday, I went to the funeral for Larry Mason. It was incredible to see soooo many people there. People came from all over, to honor Larry and show support and love for his family. The auditorium was very nearly full. It was amazing to see people come who vowed they'd never cross the threshold again. It really shows what an impact Larry made.

Which makes me wonder. If it were me..(not in an "it's all about me" sort of way,) would the room be full? I ponder what sort of impact I've made in the lives of others. Would there be dozens of people who'd want to speak? What would they have to say? Would people be saying "I didn't know her very well but..."? What would they have to say about me? What am I known for? Better yet, who knows me? Who's life have I touched? Have I touched it, in a way that made it better? Who's better for having known me?

I say, we make sure we let people know what they mean to us. If someone has meant something to you, past-present-future, then let them know. ACTS 13:15 says " After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue rulers sent word to them saying, "Brothers if you have a messge of encouragement for the people, please speak."" So, speak. Don't assume they know how you feel. Don't assume, they know how much you care. Speak!

Me and Mr. Darcy by Alexandra Potter

After a string of disastrous dates, Emily Albright decides she's had it with modern-day love and would much rather curl up with Pride and Prejudice and spend her time with Mr. Darcy, the dashing, honorable, and passionate hero of Jane Austen's classic. So when her best friend suggests a wild week of margaritas and men in Mexico with the girls, Emily abruptly flees to England on a guided tour of Jane Austen country instead. Far from inspiring romance, the company aboard the bus consists of a gaggle of little old ladies and one single man, Spike Hargreaves, a foul-tempered journalist writing an article on why the fictional Mr. Darcy has earned the title of Man Most Women Would Love to Date.

The last thing Emily expects to find on her excursion is a broodingly handsome man striding across a field, his damp shirt clinging to his chest. But that's exactly what happens when she comes face-to-face with none other than Mr. Darcy himself. Suddenly, every woman's fantasy becomes one woman's reality....

Well, noone will be surprised when I say..."I think I've read this book before!" It was called_____________(fill in the blank with your choice: Pride and Prejudice, Bridget Jones' Diary, any other adaption you like.) This one has a New York bookstore manager taking a trip with goofy grannies on a tour of Jane Austen's haunts. She meets Spike, who is a London reporter doing a story on Why is Mr. Darcy "All that and a bag of chips" (I paraphrase). She dislikes him, and he doesn't help himself by referring to her as sorta dull, and plain. (You know the scene where Mr. D and Mr. B are at the Ball and Lizzy overhears them talking about her? Yea, I knew you did.) AAAnyway, we've seen it done more times than we can count. Ms. Potter does it ok. She's not the best, and I'm sure there are worse. There is a paranormal visitation by the "real" Mr. Darcy, and he is kinda annoying. The secondary characters are charming, and Mr. Wikham turns out to be an elderly bus driver. I'm not mad that I spent time reading this, but I'm also not in a hurry to go out and get Ms. Potters other titles. I read many scathing reviews about this book, before reading it myself, so my expectations were low. Fortunately, I liked it a little better than they did, but that is probably because I expected to loathe it. I was pleasantly suprised. The language is reminiscent of Bridget Jones' Diary, but there was no "love scene". So, of curse words really bug you, this may not be the best book for you. However, the cursing was mostly meant to be funny, if that helps.

ALERT THE MEDIA

Sunday afternoon, I was able to get my whole family to clean our upstairs Loft. I'm feeling verklemped. ***waives hand in front of eyes to dry tears*** Ok, I'm back!! We sorted, and purged, and organized. My kids kept disappearing to take things "downstairs" and it seems to take them like 10 minutes to climb those stairs again. Hmmm! Now, today I have a pile of stuff to go to the local resale shop. Woo Hoo!

So now, that the toy/computer/craft/tv room is more organized....It's time to paint! Yay! I love to paint. It's the one thing I do around the house that stays done. I'm feelinging very bright and colorful right now. Don't be surprised if this area turns bright blue, oo-oo or green. I'm feeling kinda green. Yea!! *nods head*

Are their any other closet/wanna be decorators out there? Or maybe even not soooo closet/wanna be! I'm equal opportunity!

Ooh! "Whirlwind" by Cathy Marie Hake

As a Nanny, Millicent Fairweather poured her energy and talents into the two young charges under her care---only to have them suddenly and without explanation sent to a boarding school. Bereft and unsure of where life will lead her, she agrees to accompany her sister and brother-in-law to America. They board the Opportunity, confident a better life awaits.

Widower Daniel Clark determines to begin life anew in Gooding, Texas, operating a mercantile. But when his nanny leaves him stranded aboard the ship with his young son, he finds himself in dire need of assistence. Obtaining temporary help from steerage, Daniel is initially taken aback by the pretty bundle of energy who takes over his suite. Yet Miss Fairweather's unique child-rearing techniques and tireless devotion to his son soon win him over.

When tragedy ensues and a whirlwind decision is made, Daniel and Millicent's lives irrevocably intertwine. Will love soon follow?

I'm so looking forward to reading this book. I have a couple I'm in the middle of for a couple of reading challenges that I'm doing. This one is part of a challenge too! Woo Hoo!!

The Food Network

Ok, let the record show that I love the Food Network! I'm a huge fan of Iron Chef America, Throwdown with Bobby Flay, Paula Dean, Ace of Cakes, Dinner Impossible, all of it really!

I recently watched a Throwdown with Bobby Flay, and it was a Paella challenge. So now, I'm addicted to what I call an Inland Paella. Paella, for those of you who may not know, is a rice dish from Spain containing lots of great seafood, esp. shellfish of varying sorts. Yum!!

I'm not comfortable with cooking shellfish, and can't find it at my local grocer, so I subsitute chicken, shrimp, sausage, Chorizo when I can. It's all Yummy, and cooked in one skillet.
Love that!

Aaaanyway, my family will be happy for me to find a new, culinary obsession!
Hmmm...I do have a birthday cake on the horizon.....

Tan Lines!!

I loved this!

Welcome

Hello, Friends!
I decided to start this blog as a way to voice random thoughts about stuff. Feel free to comment, I love that! If you would like to be able to comment on random stuff here too, then let me know! This is a place where, I'll talk about recipes I like, books I've read, stuff that's happening in my life, the kiddos, the dogs, all kinds of stuff.
So, kick back, take your shoes off, and make yourself at home.