Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Ladies and Gentlemen, Tickle Mama

Watch the video at You Tube.

Scamp and I played dress-up today. Her imagination has really started to flow these last few months, and I'm just amazed with the sayings she picks up. I have no idea where she learned to say, "Ladies and Gentlemen!" Probably a TV show or maybe one of her cousins. I actually got a few great videos today so I'll have to post some others later.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Murder Mystery 2008

Click here for the Murder Mystery Slideshow.

Would you have thought all these characters came from the Bible? Of course, not exactly. They are more updated than their Bible-time counterparts ( and maybe a wee bit exaggerated on a few parts), but the strong-willed, selfish and manipulative personalities are all there. The most interesting part was actually identifying with the "bad girls of the bible." Yes, I did share a few characteristics. I would have to say some of the most memorable moments of the evening were seeing the hippies in protest out on my lawn and watching my friend Robin sashay in wearing her showgirl costume. I nearly fainted (with laughter)! I so enjoyed seeing how inventive my friends were in making these characters come to life. What fun (and a blessing)!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

More Book Reviews

The Witness (Shield of Hope Series Book #1) is the first book I've read by Dee Henderson. Although it is the first, no other books have come out in this series. That is one of the main reasons I chose it. Most of her books are in series, and I didn't want to get too tied down with a long series.

Synopsis: from book cover "Police Chief Luke Granger's witness to a murder, Amy Griffin, has been on the run for years. Her family thinks she was murdered eight years ago, but Amy chose to accept a life in the shadows in order to protect her sisters' lives. Now unveiled secrets about their father have thrust the sisters into the public spotlight. The man who wants Amy dead now sees her sisters as the way to locate her. Luke and two of his homicide detectives are determined to stand in the way. They are each falling in love with a different sister, and it's become a personal mission to keep them safe. But chances are that at least one of them will fail, and facing the future will take a faith deeper than any of them currently knows."

At first, I couldn't get into the book because I had a hard time with her writing style. But, after about the third or fourth chapter, I began to enjoy it. It had a nice storyline with three cops and three sisters pairing off. The book did have a few graphic scenes relating to the murders, but I was able to handle them ok. And I don't want to give too much away, but it was a bit sad. If you enjoy detective type books, this one won't disappoint, and it doesn't leave too much of a cliffhanger since no other books have followed.

A Rush of Wings by Kristen Heitzman was my second book by the author. I reviewed her other book, Freefall, here.

Synopsis: from book jacket "Running from terrors both recent and remembered, Noelle flees her New York mansion for the Rocky Mountains, seeking a place to hide from the men who betrayed her. Her sanctuary is a horse ranch, where she discovers solace in the breathtaking scenery she paints. But as the attentions of two brothers slowly soften the wall she hides behind, the past she yearns to escape becomes a menacing threat she cannot deny. Will Noelle find courage to give her broken heart to the One whose perfect love casts out all fear? Kristen Heitzmann skillfully creates a story resonating with emotion and a poignant spiritual journey."

She is one of my new favorite authors. I loved A Rush of Wings as much as I did Freefall. I think I'm really able to identify with her characters. She interlaces her stories nicely with God's word. Again, I love her balance of romance and adventure. And I just found out there is a second book following A Rush of Wings. The Still of the Night will immediately be added to my wishlist!

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Happy Mother's Day to Me...a few weeks early

Hubby ran outside yesterday and brought a fairly large box into the house that had been delivered. I figured it was something for his work, but a few minutes later he came into the living room and said he wanted to give me my mother's day present early. He thought I would enjoy using it now. What a nice surprise! I had been wanting a laptop to keep up with my two blogs. It came at the perfect time because our upstairs computer plus the Teen Lit Review site have been acting up.

I love it!! Beef even copied all my files from the main computer so that I won't have to run back and forth between two computers. Now, if only we can get TLR up and running. If anyone knows what to do with the error on the site, please help! Everytime I go to the main page using our computer upstairs, the site locks up and says Stack Overflow! Argh!! But, I'm still really excited about my laptop!! Thank you, Baby!

Monday, April 21, 2008

Chillin'


Scamp and her Daddy had a "picnic" on the back porch this last week with all the nice weather. Her favorite thing to do outside is visit all of our neighbor's dogs, which she does often. She generally has to visit each one twice in an outing. We don't have a dog since we already have a cat in the house and no fence in the backyard. But, I think she may think those dogs are really hers. Although this week, her best time was probably when Beef put up the tent in the backyard, so she could have a clubhouse.

Speaking of clubhouses, Scamp loves the cartoon Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. She has two little outfits that make her look a lot like Minnie Mouse although she still calls herself Mickey. Those are her "Mickey shoes" and her Mickey (Minnie) Mouse ears, which she got from Stacy last year when they went to Disney World. It even has her name on the back. She wanted to wear her ears to Sunday School, but we were afraid they might not come back in one piece. You ought to see her in the other little dress that looks like Minnie. It's black with a pink bow and white polka dots. So precious!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

The Saga Continues

I got back from the doctor's office today. My hormone levels are slowly going down, but they told me last week I will have to have blood work every week until my pregnancy levels are at zero. Thank goodness the needle stick isn't as bad as it was at the hospital.

But, on to brighter news. Scamp went with me today. It's a 40 minute drive to my doctor, but we pass a great park on the way. I packed us a lunch, and we spent an hour and a half playing. The weather was (and still is) wonderful. It's sunny with a slight breeze. It's spring again. At least for this week. How's the weather on your end?

I won't be able to post any pictures today. I got some really cute ones yesterday with Scamp lounging outside in her sunglasses. Oh, she's getting so big. For some reason, our computer is running some sort of Windows updates, and it's taking hours and hours. So, hubby switched me over to a Mac (just until the updates are finished). I have to admit there are some neat qualities, but there's a few things that are just backwards and therefore frustrating to me with this computer. It looks nice though.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Time Travel Tuesday


This week travel back to your junior or senior high prom…

Did you go all out? What did your dress look like?

Who did you go with? Any special memories from prom night?

Venture on over to Annie's to share your memories.

I went to prom as a sophomore and as a senior. My first prom was with my first serious boyfriend, who was a grade ahead of me. My prom dress was above the knee, sleeveless and fitted. It was completely covered with a vertical stripe sequined pattern. The colors were dark -- red, purple, black, and maybe green. It really didn't look as bad as it sounds!! I wore my spiral permed hair up. My date arrived for some pictures, then he took me to his parents' house for more pictures. I believe we went straight to the prom. It was held at a meeting hall overlooking the lake. We entered on the second level, which overlooked the dance floor and an erected two-story high twinkling Eiffel Tower on the dance floor. The theme was Paris. My most unforgettable moment was when my shoe toppled down the stairs, and my date had to fetch it for me. We danced, had our pictures taken, ate, then went home. I had an early curfew.

I missed my junior prom because no one asked me (no boyfriend), so when senior prom rolled around I asked my friend Jeff. He was actually my first date's best friend. He accepted, plus we started dating soon after. I thought I looked much better in these pictures. My dress was solid black velvet and almost floor length. The dress was very simple except for a lightly sequined upper back. My hair was pulled up again, and of course, it was big, curly, and totally 80s (although it was the 90s!) He took me out to dinner first, then we went to the hideously decorated high school cafeteria for a few dances. Afterward, we went to my friend Jill's house to watch a movie (one of the sequels to Tremors). He took me home before the movie ended because, yet again (and rightly so), I had an early curfew.

Both proms were fun -- not really the proms themselves, but buying the dress, having my hair done, and of course the expectation of a magical night.

Monday, April 14, 2008

One Year Ago Today


Last April when Scamp had just gotten her new toy box.

Today, when she found the plastic bags and decided to use them as a backpack.

Look at her hair! So long.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Isn't God Amazing?

Yet again another follow-up post. For the whole story read parts 1 and 2.

So, many of you may be wondering how I am doing emotionally. Well...I've pretty much been at peace since the beginning, minus the whole scared for my own life thing. Don't take it the wrong way that I didn't have concern and longing for the baby. God eased my concerns. It's quite an amazing thing. I thought I would feel guilt and tend to on a lot more menial things, but I felt like I handed my baby into the arms of Jesus. Of course, it helped that we only knew I was pregnant for less than 24 hours. Everything was in God's control.

I haven't really been through what I would consider a typical mourning process. I have not broken down. I may yet. But, I do believe that God used His word to prepare me for what Matt and I were about to go through. I do have some sadness over what could have been, but God has given me a quaint joy knowing that when I do reach heaven, I will see the child He had intended to live with Him in heaven. I know God also used those who interceded through prayer for Matt and I during this time.

I am full of awe for God for His mercy and power, and I am able to walk away from this knowing two things:

Prayer changes things.

And God's peace surpasses everything.

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

ER Scare: Part 2

If you haven't read part 1, click here.

The nurse finally got me set up with an IV and some pain medication. We were still waiting on the surgeon, so my parents decided to go ahead and take Scamp home with them. In the meantime, Beef's mom arrived, and he went home to pack a few things. Being standard procedure, the doctor requested a urine sample, so my MIL (Suzanne) helped me to the restroom and waited outside. I finished up and started feeling lightheaded, so she came in while I positioned myself on the bathroom floor. I knew I was about to blackout, otherwise I would not have laid myself down on the germ-infested floor in only a remnant of a gown. The nurse came in and tried to help me up. I informed her I was going to pass out, and even before she had me in the wheelchair I was out. I dreamed the ten or so paces back to my room and awoke to three nurses lifting me back onto my bed. My first thought was I wish I could go back to dreaming. I was so proud of my MIL though. She didn't freak out at all.

Beef came back, stunned to hear I had passed out. About that time, the surgeon came in and said he felt fairly confident that I did have an ectopic pregnancy. The only choice we had was surgery. The doctor informed us that you cannot replant the fertilized egg elsewhere, and it could be fatal if the tube ruptured. He was going to perform a laproscopic procedure. Basically this means I would only have three tiny incisions, one in my belly button and two a bit lower on either side.

I was in surgery within the next hour or so. I felt fairly peaceful until the actual time came of being wheeled into the operating room. But, the anesthesia took over quickly. The procedure lasted about an hour and a half. The doctor checked both tubes and found the pregnancy was on my right side. The intense pain I had was from blood seeping out the end of my tube with each heartbeat. Luckily, I didn't have very much blood in my abdomen.

I was released from the hospital later on that evening. Healing was fairly quick, about a week and a half. I followed up with my doctor the following week. Two days later, they called saying my pregnancy hormones were a little high, and I needed to head to the doctor's office immediately for another ultrasound. Again, I was terrified. But, when we arrived there, we had to wait over an hour. They didn't seem to be as panicked as the nurse had been on the phone with me. Again, the ultrasound revealed nothing, and I was sent over to the hospital for a couple of shots. These were supposed to break up any residual pregnancy tissue, plus cause some more pain. Other than a little nausea, the pain from the shots was minor though. I go back to my doctor tomorrow for follow-up bloodwork.

I am almost 100% back to normal and am able to lift Scamp as much as I'd like. The incisions have almost healed, and hopefully all will be well at the doctor's office tomorrow.

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

ER Scare: Part 1

Many of you already know about my recent scare over Easter weekend, but I wanted to go ahead and write out the details as a way of remembering.

I started having some anxiety attacks with the severest one on Thursday, March 20, the day before Good Friday. I'm used to having bouts of anxiety and thought the attacks would pass soon. By Friday, I was having more anxiety accompanied by abdominal pain that increased to cramping by that night. It was strange because it wasn't my normal "time" and the pain did not decrease with medication. I went to sleep and woke up in the middle of the night with intense back pain but was able to fall back asleep. I decided on Saturday morning to have Beef take me to the emergency room.

The doctor was concerned that I either had an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in a fallopian tube) or my appendix had ruptured, but the pain was too low to be my appendix. She ran tests and determined I was pregnant. It was a shock to us because I was still on schedule with my time of the month although the last one was abnormally long. We thought I must have been about 4 weeks pregnant. The doctor ordered an ultrasound that revealed nothing. It was just too early to tell. I was sent home with instructions to follow up with my doctor in a few days to see if I was still pregnant. The doctor was concerned that I may have already miscarried with my last menses. The nurse also informed me on what to expect if I was to miscarry. Beef and I were a little too apprehensive to be excited about the pregnancy due to all the pain I was having, but of course we wanted to have the baby.

I awoke on Easter Sunday at 5 am to intense cramping on my right side. I thought I was about to have a miscarriage but there was no bleeding. The pain was so severe I was scared for my own life. The doctor had told us that if an ectopic pregnancy ruptured, I could die. Beef got on the phone to my mother, who is a nurse. She and my dad would come up to get Scamp, but I told Beef just to go ahead and call an ambulance. Within 5 minutes two fireman were at our door followed shortly by two paramedics. One of the paramedics was our friend Chris who comes to our Thursday night get-togethers. He rode in the back of the ambulance with me while Beef stayed behind to get Scamp ready. It was nice to have a friend beside me.

I arrived at the hospital and was shortly met by my parents followed by Beef and Scamp. Beef said he had to lure Scamp out of bed with the promise of Easter candy. She came in with her Halloween bucket stuffed with Easter candy. They got me stabilized with pain medication, then we waited for the surgeon to arrive...

I will finish up the rest of the story tomorrow.

Monday, April 07, 2008

Contests Going Around

I wanted to let you know that Coach Jenny is giving away a copy of Steven Curtis Chapman's new CD. If you like Contemporary Christian, you'll like this album. Stop on by her place to enter.

Also, Sonya is giving away a book a week for the next few weeks at her blog. Her contests start every Tuesday so go on over a see what her newest giveaway is.

Newest Murder Mystery

I am so excited to be finishing up the final details on our newest Girls' Night Out Murder Mystery. I think I may have mentioned that my friend Greyson and I are writing this one. It will take place the last weekend in April, the first run through anyway. Then, Greyson and I hope to promote it to her church and have a huge mystery night for the women's ministry. We have almost 30 characters now but will add more for the church party.

We have used female Bible characters and written a present-day plot that includes the sub-plots of many of those characters from the Bible. We hope to maybe teach a lesson at the end. Please pray that everything goes well and that God blesses out efforts.

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

7 Tips to Wrangle and Tame a Kitkat

Scamp here again. You know Mama's been kind of wimpy the last week and a half, so I thought I would take over today's post to add a little more excitement back into Scamp's Place. I love my fluffy kitkat, and I've been improving on my kitkat catching skills. See here. Kitkat is just lovin' the attention.



Here's my best suggestions for kitkat wrangling from least to most effective:


7. Run screaming after him. Leap towards him as he's fleeing in terror. This only seems to add to his excitability and quickness, so this one is not really recommended.


6. Follow him into his lair: under the bed, into the closet or under the coffee table. This method usually results in me being wedged in a confined space while he scampers victoriously away though.


5. Setting up a stake out at his kitty bowl full of crunchies sometimes lures him into gaining your trust, but trying to feed a crunchy to him with a baby spoon has yet to yield a cuddle session.

4. Lure him into thinking your going to let him outside. It's a fail proof method to gain easy access to his soft, cuddly fur but less effective in gaining a long petting session. A quick pat here, a slight tug on the tail there, then he's gone.

3. Have Mama or Daddy catch him for you. Although Mama lets him go after only a few seconds. I think she has some allegiance to him.

2. Pounce when the opportunity presents itself. Sleeping kitties aren't as quick. Although whispering sweet nothings like "Nappy, nappy kitty" as you're laying on top of him only seems to escalate his need for freedom.

1. Once you've contained him, hold on tight. Gripping at his back fur allows a better hold over pulling his tail. I know it's hard to believe those tails are slick, but they are! The choke-hold is effective, too, but Mama always intervenes in those situations.

Hope you enjoyed your lesson. Now, don't tell Kitkat! He's hard enough to catch as he is.



Name That Movie: Updated

I stole this from Stacy. Here are the rules:

1. Pick 10 of your favorite movies.
2. Go to IMDb and find a quote from each movie.
3. Post them here for everyone to guess (if you know them all, please don’t guess every one).
4. Strike it out when someone guesses correctly, and put who guessed it and the movie.
5. No Googling or IMDb-ing. That’s cheating, and that’s no fun!

Here's the quotes:

1. "And those are the words of a gentleman? From the moment I met you your aroggance and conceit and your selfish disdain for the feelings of other made me realize that you are the last man in the world I could ever be prevailed upon to marry." Pride and Prejudice: Lauren and Sonya

2. "Whenever I'm in a room with a guy, no matter who it is - a date my dentist, anybody - I think, "If we were the last two people on Earth, would I puke if he kissed me?" Girls Just Want to Have Fun (80s movie)

3. "Eminem's on the phone; he wants an answer now."
"Umm... plain. Umm... peanut." 13 Going on 30

4. "It came to me, my own, my love... my... preciousssss." Lord the the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring: Gail and Donetta

5. "Ask any racer. Any real racer. It don't matter if you win by an inch or a mile. Winning's winning." The Fast and the Furious

6. " I don't know if I oughta go sailin' down no hill with nothin' between the ground and my brains but a piece of government plastic." Christmas Vacation (Chevy Chase)

7. "No! I'm going to limit myself to doing everything girls do wrong in relationships. Basically, everything we know guys hate. I'll be clingy, needy..." How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Lauren and Sonya

8. "Elves aren't that short you know. That's just a stupid myth created by that "Elves and the Shoemaker" story. Do I look small enough to fit in a shoe? Stinkin' Grimm Brothers!" Ella Enchanted

9. "There's a diffrence between a failure and a fiasco. A failure is merely the absence of success. Any fool can achieve failure. But a fiasco, a fiasco is a disaster of epic propotions. A fiasco is a folk tale told to other's to make other people feel more alive because it didn't happen to them." Elizabethtown

10. "All you need is for one person to think you're cool, and you're in. Everyone else will be scared to question it. " Never Been Kissed