Thursday, January 31, 2008

Scamp's Angry ABCs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSyIC0fu0MI

Scamp loves to sing, and sometimes she does her own special versions of the songs. Here's the heavy metal versions of Jesus Loves Me and ABCs. Bear through the food.:)

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Time Travel Tuesday


For this week’s time travel we will be traveling back really really far! Travel back to the oldEN days… how did your parents meet? Link up at My Life As Annie and share your parent’s love story.

I may not have all the details straight, but here goes. My mom was still in high school, but my dad had graduated a couple of years before. She was actually dating someone else when my dad caught her attention. She broke up with that guy for my dad, and six months later they were married at her parent's home. My dad was 20 and my mom was 17. They moved into a trailer on the same piece of land their house still stands today.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Scary Horsey

We had our weekly Thursday night get-together last night, and my friends Greyson and Jonathan came with their three kids in tow. Their middle son, J, is a little bit younger than Scamp, so she is always trying to "help" him. They both wanted to go upstairs to Scamp's room, so I went along to help them find some toys.

Scamp has a horse that's made specifically for toddler-sized riders. She started climbing on it, and J looked really excited about having a turn, too. I didn't want them to get hurt, so I picked it up and told them we would take it downstairs. Well, as soon as I did, J started crying. I thought he must have wanted a ride immediately, so I encouraged him down the steps.

He started the descent, wailing all the way with me tailgating right behind with horsey. His mom came to the rescue, and I told her, "He must think I'm not going to let him ride the horse." She grabbed him and as we reached the bottom, I placed the horse a few feet away from him. He went hysterical. He saw the cat a few feet in the other direction and cried even harder. Well, duh!! He was terrified of the "monster" horse, and there I was stalking him with it.

I took the once harmless animal back upstairs, but poor J was inconsolable for 15 minutes. Will I forever be known as the "Scary Horse Lady?" I hope I didn't traumatize him too bad. He did eventually settle down. I'll have to make sure the horse is well hidden next week and maybe win his trust back with some candy!

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Hubbie's New Hobby


Beef has picked up a new hobby over the holidays. His brother gave him an RC (as in radio-controlled) airplane, and he's been out flying several days a week since then. The one he's holding is actually his brother's newest plane, but Beef has already bought himself a new one as well.

Beef toys with the planes most evenings and his newest endeavor is attaching a camera to the inside of the plane so we can watch the actual flight from the pilot position. Scamp and I went out today with him to monitor the video equipment as he took the plane out for a test flight. The temperature outside was in the 30s, so Beef set the mini-monitor up on the dashboard of the car. Scamp and I were able to view the flight in warmth. Even with the windy conditions, Beef kept the plane soaring, but the video camera wouldn't send a clear signal to the monitor. He thinks with a few alterations, we'll be able to witness the on board flight before long. Hopefully, the weather will warm up, so we can watch without freezing our tukoses off!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

A Heart of Thankfulness

Sometimes, I take for granted the fact the I am a SAHM. Not every mother has that opportunity, but thanks to God and my hubby as our provider, I am able to be at home with Scamp everyday. This also allows me to pursue more in-depth time with God as well as more time with Beef and Scamp and much needed time alone. I just want to say thank you to my hardworking husband, who gets up everyday and goes to work, albeit just to the recliner in our movie room, but still. He works hard, many times overtime to provide for us. Then, he also watches Scamp after work so that I can go to my Girl's Night or workout or just on an errand even though he's mentally exhausted and needs a break himself. Thank you, Baby. I don't say that often enough.

Monday, January 21, 2008

More Book Reviews


"Freefall" by Kristen Heitzmann is yet another Christian book I've recently finished. I've been busy with Teen Lit Review, so I haven't been able to write reviews for the other books I've been reading.

Synopsis: "When a young woman stumbles out of the Hanalei Mountains on the island of Kauai with no memory of who she is or how she got there, Cameron Pierce reluctantly agrees to investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding her arrival. Now known as Jade, the woman begins to recall fragments of what led her to this place, and she realizes the danger isn't over."

The book was full of adventure as well as romance. I loved the culture of Hawaii where the book takes place. Sometimes, you come across books where you immediately fall in love with the characters then miss them once the book is over. This is so true for "Freefall." I loved it so much, I went out and bought another book by Kristen Heitzmann, "A Rush of Wings." Hopefully, it will be as good as "Freefall."



This next book I would have not have picked out myself. I'm not a huge chic lit fan. I like more adventure, but a friend loaned "Heavens to Betsy" and the sequel "Earth to Betsy" by Beth Pattillo to me.

Synopsis: "Life would be perfect for Reverend Betsy Blessing if it weren't for parishioners who keel over during her sermons, steal money from the collection box, and set her up with ex-cons. Not to mention the very inconvenient feelings she is suddenly having for her long-time friend, fellow seminarian, and verbal sparring partner, David Swenson. It isn’t until Betsy is thrust into the position of senior minister for her church, however, that she discovers the real cause of her discontent: her fear of failing has become stronger than her faith in herself."

The author is s female pastor from Nashville who sets these books in the same place. It's so neat to read about places you've been to. The book was hilarious. Betsy is so real and down-to-earth, but yet she's so sassy and witty. I loved her. The romance even reminded me of mine and Beef's beginnings. Let's reminisce for those of you who read Our Love Story and remember me being the third wheel on a date with the man I loved and his girlfriend. If my labels where working correctly I'd leave a link to Our Love Story, but oh well. I would highly recommend both books in the series even though I haven't finished the sequel yet.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Who Looks Alike Now?

Midnight.

Me: Honey, I think my haircut makes me look kind of manly.

Beef: A smirk slowly spreads across his face.

Me: I look like Jim Morrison from The Doors.

Beef: Yes, you do!! But, honey, I didn't even think of that until just now. (He knows how to get back into my good graces).


Thursday, January 17, 2008

'65 Mustang Giveaway

5 Minutes for Mom is giving away a mustang...for your preschooler. It's a pedal car that looks exactly like the '65 Mustang. They sell the cars at their Pedal Cars and Retro Collectibles online store. Click here to go over and sign up.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

The Actual Haircut

Check out the new do. Just a wee bit shorter and with highlights although she cut the blond (fake might I add) out of my hair. It's a shade darker. Maybe I'll get used to it.

Snobby model pose!

Rocker pose!


And other news: Scamp ended up having a fever most the day. I gave her some Motrin, and she started feeling better. Well enough to find the jar of Vasoline and smear most her body with it (after I gave her a bath mind you). It was so funny I laughed instead of scolded then sat her in the sink for yet another bath. She loved it. Plus, Daddy brought her in a Scamp-sized snowman. Yes, I said snowman because it's snowing! Mind-boggling I know since a few days ago it was spring weather.

The Hair Cut

Poor baby Scamp. She's got a cold, and it looks like maybe even a fever this morning. I hope she gets well soon. She's had the stomach virus twice now this. Ick!

I'm getting a haircut and highlight today. I might be brave enough to try a new style. Well...not that brave to get it cut short or anything but maybe just something a little different. I love my stylist. I finally found a person who says "This is what you need to do," instead of letting me try to make my own hair decisions.

Before my stylist cut my hair for the first time she said, "You've got to have bangs. Your forehead is not shaped right to not have them." Now, some of you might have been offended, and usually I do get my feelings hurt fairly easily. But, I said "Oh, thank you!" I've been a bang girl since birth whether they're in style or not, and I knew there was a reason. I've attempted the no bang look a couple of times, and it just doesn't work for me. I have to have some hair hanging down in my face. So, maybe I'll post an after picture.

What kind of hair dresser do you like? One that says "This is what you need?" and cuts and crops without hesitation (within reason, of course) or one that has to follow your instructions to a tee?

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Lifehouse's Everything Skit

Lifehouse's Everything Skit

A friend sent this to me. It's a very powerful message. I had it on the blog, but it was taking a while to load.

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Flying Scamp

Before...

After!

Scamp loves jumping from the coffee table to the beanbag. She counts 1 to 10 (always leaving out #4) before she takes to the air. But, a few days ago, to my shock, she started counting past 10 to 11, 12, 13, 16. Then she flew through the air. I couldn't believe it. Where'd she pick that up? The girl does love her Sesame Street.

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Young Adult Challenge 2008

Joy at Thoughts of Joy is hosting a Young Adult Challenge where you pick 12 Young Adult books to read in 2008. What an appropriate challenge for the gals at Teen Lit Review! Check out our combined list here. And here's my own list, which will probably change:

I'm Not Joey Pigza - Jack Gantos
Dizzy - Cathy Cassidy
Hollywood Nobody - Lisa Samson
Finding Hollywood Nobody - Lisa Samson (out Feb. 15)
Songbird - Lisa Samson
The Name of This Book is Secret - Pseudonymous Bosch
Over Sea, Under Stone - Susan Cooper
Twilight - Stephenie Meyer
New Moon - Stephenie Meyer
Eclispe - Stephenie Meyer
Brides of Eden: A True Story Imagined - Linda Crew
Becoming Me (Diary of a Teenage Girl Book 1)- Melody Carlson

Alternates:
ttyl (Internet Girls series Book 1)
ttfn (Internet Girls series Book 2)
l8r, g8r (Internet Girls series Book 3)
Eleven
Twelve
Thirteen
All by Lauren Myracle

All the books will be reviewed at Teen Lit Review.

Monday, January 07, 2008

Thirty Days of Housecleaning Challenge

I by no means consider myself a good housekeeper. I loathe it actually and had rather do other things. I'm also a piler. I leave piles of paper and books and clothes everywhere. Many times our dining room table is so full of piles of junk that you can't see the surface at all!

This is one reason I get so frustrated with cleaning because I have to pick up everything before I even start to clean, which sometimes can take over an hour - time I don't have to spare since my daughter still requires a lot of my attention. But when New Year's came around, I couldn't bare the thought that our house was chaotic. Therefore, I cleaned, picked up my piles from the kitchen and living room (we won't talk about the bedroom...yet), and with hubby's help put up all the Christmas decorations that day to get ready for our party.

Since then I've kept things picked up, which makes it easy to wipe down surfaces and vacuum since I won't have to mess with the pre-cleaning stage. I've decided to challenge myself to keep my things put away for 30 days, starting from New Year's Day. It's been work but not as much work as before. Hopefully, if I accomplish this, I can add more to the list next month, like organizing our closets.

Anyone else up for this challenge? All you have to do is set an obtainable housecleaning goal for yourself, write about your progress, and link back to this post. Then you're off to clean.

Friday, January 04, 2008

Introducing Teen Lit Review

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When it comes to what is acceptable entertainment for our children, there are many places to turn for information. With movies, you have a rating to guide you and reviews you can read with detailed information about the movie and their content. With video games, there are also ratings and places online to get reviews and content details. There are even Christian websites that give these reviews and details from a family-friendly perspective.

However, with books, it is difficult to find a review from a Christian perspective. There are no “ratings” on a book. Book jackets don’t go into much detail. Reading is something all parents encourage, and many of us have children who read A LOT! But, just what are they reading?

We are pleased to announce a new blog - Teen Lit Review, a place where you can find detailed Christian-centered book reviews for all genres of 'tween and teen books. Our goal is to be a helpmate to parents in finding suitable books for their teens. All recommendations are solely the opinions of our reviewers. When in doubt of a book's appropriateness, we encourage you to read the book yourself.

We welcome your comments, feedback on our reviews, and suggestions of books for review.

Please visit Teen Lit Review and let us know what you think! We have a drawing you can enter for a great read for your teenager!

Please feel free to pass this info along through blog posts and/or taking the above button for your sidebars. Please let me know if you need the code for the button. Thanks!!

Thursday, January 03, 2008

New Year's Eve



How was your New Year's? We spent the night rockin' out with our Thursday night group playing the new game Rock Band. You can have up to four players, two on guitar, one vocal, and a drummer. Here's me with my rock band, Schweet.

We had two different gaming rooms plus a movie going for the little ones in our bedroom. I'm sure the neighbors could here us pelting out songs. We plan to rock some more tonight. :)

My New Picture


Many of you were wandering who did my Christmas card. It was my sisters-in-love at Studio Six Limited. They also made this beautiful collage for me. It now hangs over my dining room table.