Cole on his first day of Kindergarten.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Classic Novels in 5 Minutes a Day
I ran across this neat site today. You can pick out a novel you'd like to read and this site will email you a small portion of the novel each day that you should be able to read in 5 minutes. Neat! I think I'll start with The Age of Innocence.
I ran across this neat site today. You can pick out a novel you'd like to read and this site will email you a small portion of the novel each day that you should be able to read in 5 minutes. Neat! I think I'll start with The Age of Innocence.
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Laughing Out Loud!
I was never an Ellen DeGeneres fan when her sitcom was on. However, have you seen her talk show? It is absolutely hilarious!!! Every time I watch it, I start laughing until tears are coming out of my eyes. The monologue is funny, the dancing is funny and I love it when she calls people on the phone. Tomorrow's episode is a must-watch. Kitty is going to be on the show! If you need a good laugh, tune in. (Yes, I've been using my new Cox DVR to record it everyday. I love technology!)
I was never an Ellen DeGeneres fan when her sitcom was on. However, have you seen her talk show? It is absolutely hilarious!!! Every time I watch it, I start laughing until tears are coming out of my eyes. The monologue is funny, the dancing is funny and I love it when she calls people on the phone. Tomorrow's episode is a must-watch. Kitty is going to be on the show! If you need a good laugh, tune in. (Yes, I've been using my new Cox DVR to record it everyday. I love technology!)
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Sequoyah Book Awards
Even though I don't teach anymore, I still enjoy reading children's literature. While I was at the library the other day, I noticed the new Sequoyah list and all the books. I checked out three and can't wait to read them. The Sequoyah Award is given to the book on the list that receives the most votes as voted on by the children. Some of the previous winners which I really enjoyed include: Holes by Louis Sachar, Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh and Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls. Some books that didn't win the award were better than the winners (in my humble opinion) . Two of my favorites are Belle Prater's Boy by Ruth White and Frindle by Andrew Clements.
Even though I don't teach anymore, I still enjoy reading children's literature. While I was at the library the other day, I noticed the new Sequoyah list and all the books. I checked out three and can't wait to read them. The Sequoyah Award is given to the book on the list that receives the most votes as voted on by the children. Some of the previous winners which I really enjoyed include: Holes by Louis Sachar, Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh and Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls. Some books that didn't win the award were better than the winners (in my humble opinion) . Two of my favorites are Belle Prater's Boy by Ruth White and Frindle by Andrew Clements.
Monday, September 27, 2004
Banned Books Week
Just visited my local library and found out it is Banned Books Week. Now, for those of you who know me personally, you know that I'm quite conservative. However, when it comes to banning books, I get on my soapbox. Some of the best books I've ever read have been challenged or banned at one time or another. My philosphy is if you don't like it, don't read it. Parents need to be aware of what their children are reading instead of leaving that job to the government, school and libraries. If you can ban one book, you can ban any book including the Bible. Click here to see a list of books that have been banned or challenged at one time or another. You will see classics like To Kill a Mockingbird, Of Mice and Men, and Huckleberry Finn just to name a few. There are some books on this list that I would personally find offensive, but I won't be checking them out and neither will my kids. Anyway, this year's Banned Books Week Slogan is "Elect to Read a Banned Book." I think I'll get out my well worn copies of To Kill a Mockingbird and The Chocolate War and start reading. ;)
Just visited my local library and found out it is Banned Books Week. Now, for those of you who know me personally, you know that I'm quite conservative. However, when it comes to banning books, I get on my soapbox. Some of the best books I've ever read have been challenged or banned at one time or another. My philosphy is if you don't like it, don't read it. Parents need to be aware of what their children are reading instead of leaving that job to the government, school and libraries. If you can ban one book, you can ban any book including the Bible. Click here to see a list of books that have been banned or challenged at one time or another. You will see classics like To Kill a Mockingbird, Of Mice and Men, and Huckleberry Finn just to name a few. There are some books on this list that I would personally find offensive, but I won't be checking them out and neither will my kids. Anyway, this year's Banned Books Week Slogan is "Elect to Read a Banned Book." I think I'll get out my well worn copies of To Kill a Mockingbird and The Chocolate War and start reading. ;)
Weekend Fun
I spent a fun weekend at Lake Tenkiller with my mom, grandma and friend, Linda. We went to the annual craft show at Fin and Feather. I didn't buy a whole lot, but my mom got a lot of Christmas shopping done. Lucky her! I enjoyed a nice, relaxing weekend. I've got to do that more often!
I spent a fun weekend at Lake Tenkiller with my mom, grandma and friend, Linda. We went to the annual craft show at Fin and Feather. I didn't buy a whole lot, but my mom got a lot of Christmas shopping done. Lucky her! I enjoyed a nice, relaxing weekend. I've got to do that more often!
Thursday, September 23, 2004
Bunko
I attended my first bunko party the other night. What a blast! Some girls in my neighborhood decided to start a bunko group and invited me to play. Of course I said yes. I get to have a girl's night out at least once a month now!! I tied for losing the most games which is OK in bunko because you might win some money just for losing. I tied with two others so we had a roll off at which point I lost the $20. Darn! I know lots of other people who are in bunko groups and enjoy it and now I know why. If someone asks you to play bunko...sign on immediately.
I attended my first bunko party the other night. What a blast! Some girls in my neighborhood decided to start a bunko group and invited me to play. Of course I said yes. I get to have a girl's night out at least once a month now!! I tied for losing the most games which is OK in bunko because you might win some money just for losing. I tied with two others so we had a roll off at which point I lost the $20. Darn! I know lots of other people who are in bunko groups and enjoy it and now I know why. If someone asks you to play bunko...sign on immediately.
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Makin' Your Bed
I have this weird obsession with making my bed. I'm not kidding. I make it every morning before I leave the house. I've also heard other women mention that they have to make their bed everyday, but I've also heard of others who never make their beds. I think I became a "bedmaker" when I was in college. It was really weird. If my roommate and I made our beds that day, our dorm room remained in pretty good shape for the day. If we didn't make our beds...it started looking like a pit. Same thing happens at my house. I've even started making the boys' beds, too. Same theory applies there also. Cool!
I have this weird obsession with making my bed. I'm not kidding. I make it every morning before I leave the house. I've also heard other women mention that they have to make their bed everyday, but I've also heard of others who never make their beds. I think I became a "bedmaker" when I was in college. It was really weird. If my roommate and I made our beds that day, our dorm room remained in pretty good shape for the day. If we didn't make our beds...it started looking like a pit. Same thing happens at my house. I've even started making the boys' beds, too. Same theory applies there also. Cool!
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Browser Update
I know I've mentioned this before, but if you are sick of all the security holes in Internet Explorer, there are alternatives. Mozilla Firefox just released its 1.0 Preview Release. Opera is another good alternative. Both of these browsers feature tabbed windows and are much faster than IE when loading web pages. Try them out for yourself.
I know I've mentioned this before, but if you are sick of all the security holes in Internet Explorer, there are alternatives. Mozilla Firefox just released its 1.0 Preview Release. Opera is another good alternative. Both of these browsers feature tabbed windows and are much faster than IE when loading web pages. Try them out for yourself.
It has been a tough past few weeks around here. Chris' great-uncle passed away suddenly about 3 weeks ago. Last week his Aunt Shirley died and his other aunt (Sonja) isn't expected to make it much longer. Then on Monday his uncle is having heart surgery. It has just been crazy around here. On Sunday, Chris and I went to visit his Aunt Sonja who has been battling cancer. Boy, it was hard to make myself go over there. But, I'm sure glad I went. Sonja was actually awake and we got to visit with her. She also asked me to pray for her which I did. I was so honored and blessed by sharing that time with her. If I hadn't have gone...I would've missed out. I guess what I'm trying to say in this post is that many times we have to set aside our own selfish desires and needs and reach out to someone else. God always gives us the strength to do those things, even when we don't think we can do it. Now, I'm not saying it has been easy. There have been lots of tears around here, but there have also been a lot of prayers going up and a lot of blessings even through the tears. When we are weak, God is strong!!
Friday, September 17, 2004
You Can't Outgive Him
Sorry for the light blogging. It has been busy around here. Plus, I just haven't had any good ideas or stories to blog this week. Finally, today I've got a cool story for you! Chris and I have been trying to tithe faithfully to our new church home. What I can never get over is how you can't outgive God. (time, money, talents, gifts, etc.) Everytime I think I'm going to run out of money or something, God gives it back to me. I wanted to take the boys to the ice capades this year, but the price of the tickets really turned me off. Then Cole told me he didn't want to go and Chase told me he wanted to go. When I saw how much the tickets cost, my decision was made. Today, I was out in my neighbor's yard waiting for the bus to get home and she asked me if I'd like a couple of ice capade tickets for tomorrow afternoon. Can you believe it? I got two free tickets to the show. Chase and I are going tomorrow afternoon while Cole goes to a birthday party at Laser Quest for his friend whose Mom gave me the tickets. Anyway, as soon as I got the tickets in my hand I thought, WOW! Thank you God. I'm so thankful to have a God who is interested in the smallest details of our lives.
Sorry for the light blogging. It has been busy around here. Plus, I just haven't had any good ideas or stories to blog this week. Finally, today I've got a cool story for you! Chris and I have been trying to tithe faithfully to our new church home. What I can never get over is how you can't outgive God. (time, money, talents, gifts, etc.) Everytime I think I'm going to run out of money or something, God gives it back to me. I wanted to take the boys to the ice capades this year, but the price of the tickets really turned me off. Then Cole told me he didn't want to go and Chase told me he wanted to go. When I saw how much the tickets cost, my decision was made. Today, I was out in my neighbor's yard waiting for the bus to get home and she asked me if I'd like a couple of ice capade tickets for tomorrow afternoon. Can you believe it? I got two free tickets to the show. Chase and I are going tomorrow afternoon while Cole goes to a birthday party at Laser Quest for his friend whose Mom gave me the tickets. Anyway, as soon as I got the tickets in my hand I thought, WOW! Thank you God. I'm so thankful to have a God who is interested in the smallest details of our lives.
Monday, September 13, 2004
New Toy at My House
I got digital cable and one of those handy DVRs (digital video recorder) today. Totally cool!!! All you have to do is bring up the listing of programs, find the one you want to record and click on it. The DVR does the rest. No remembering to put a tape in, no running out of tape. Yes! You can even tape stuff for an entire season if you want. Need to go to the bathroom during an important scene...just click record and take a break. Then just start where you left off and watch the rest. Yes, I am excited! I love technology!
I got digital cable and one of those handy DVRs (digital video recorder) today. Totally cool!!! All you have to do is bring up the listing of programs, find the one you want to record and click on it. The DVR does the rest. No remembering to put a tape in, no running out of tape. Yes! You can even tape stuff for an entire season if you want. Need to go to the bathroom during an important scene...just click record and take a break. Then just start where you left off and watch the rest. Yes, I am excited! I love technology!
Bible Study Fellowship
Yes, it is that time of year again. Time for BSF to begin. If you know me personally, you know that I'm always raving about this Bible Study. It is truly one of the best studies I've ever been in. I will be beginning my 5th year tomorrow and we will be studying Acts. If anyone reading this wants more information, please email me or call me. I'd be more than happy to help you find a class in your area. BSF has classes worldwide! They have classes during the day and at night. Again, this is truly one of the best things I've ever done.
Yes, it is that time of year again. Time for BSF to begin. If you know me personally, you know that I'm always raving about this Bible Study. It is truly one of the best studies I've ever been in. I will be beginning my 5th year tomorrow and we will be studying Acts. If anyone reading this wants more information, please email me or call me. I'd be more than happy to help you find a class in your area. BSF has classes worldwide! They have classes during the day and at night. Again, this is truly one of the best things I've ever done.
Security Check
Since I have a cable modem, I run a firewall trying to keep my system secure. In the latest newsletter from Tourbus, they suggested Sygate Online Services as a good place to see how well your computer is protected. They have several free scans that you can run. Mine passed the test. Cool!
Since I have a cable modem, I run a firewall trying to keep my system secure. In the latest newsletter from Tourbus, they suggested Sygate Online Services as a good place to see how well your computer is protected. They have several free scans that you can run. Mine passed the test. Cool!
Saturday, September 11, 2004
The 80's
All this karaoke posting has gotten me looking for cool 80's websites. Enjoy!
All this karaoke posting has gotten me looking for cool 80's websites. Enjoy!
- In the 80's
- Growing Up in the 80's
- 80's Child
- Ultimate 80's Songs - This site has tons of songs listed and their lyrics
- The Ultimate 80's Quiz - Try this one! It is a blast.
Top Ten Songs to Karaoke
Since Jan has been posting her Friday night karaoke selection, I started thinking about the best songs to karaoke. Here is my list:
1. I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor
2. It's Raining Men - The Weather Girls
3. Summer Lovin' - John Travolta/Olivia Newton John (Grease)
4. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go - Wham!
5. Love Shack - B52s
6. I Think I Love You - Partridge Family
7. Piano Man - Billy Joel
8. It's a Sunshine Day - Brady Bunch
9. Danke Schoen - Wayne Newton
10. Hooked on a Feeling - B.J. Thomas
Now send me your favorites. I know I've missed some good ones!
Since Jan has been posting her Friday night karaoke selection, I started thinking about the best songs to karaoke. Here is my list:
1. I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor
2. It's Raining Men - The Weather Girls
3. Summer Lovin' - John Travolta/Olivia Newton John (Grease)
4. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go - Wham!
5. Love Shack - B52s
6. I Think I Love You - Partridge Family
7. Piano Man - Billy Joel
8. It's a Sunshine Day - Brady Bunch
9. Danke Schoen - Wayne Newton
10. Hooked on a Feeling - B.J. Thomas
Now send me your favorites. I know I've missed some good ones!
Another Classic: My grandma ran across these pictures today. We were cracking up. This was taken around 1981 when I was 14 years old. My sister Kristen is 2, my cousin Linda is about 6 and my sister Sissy is 12. I am wearing my favorite pink Izod shirt. Isn't it funny the way just seeing your favorite shirt can take you back in time?
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
The Joys of Motherhood
I have just finished cleaning up puke from all over the hallway, the hall runner and the bathroom. This was after cleaning up 3 or 4 "wetting" accidents today. Is there a full moon or something? My boys never have accidents and today there were 4! And then to top it all off...Puke! Ugh...I must say, though, I am thankful for modern conveniences like toilets that flush, lysol spray, washing machines and Woolite Carpet Cleaner. ;)
I have just finished cleaning up puke from all over the hallway, the hall runner and the bathroom. This was after cleaning up 3 or 4 "wetting" accidents today. Is there a full moon or something? My boys never have accidents and today there were 4! And then to top it all off...Puke! Ugh...I must say, though, I am thankful for modern conveniences like toilets that flush, lysol spray, washing machines and Woolite Carpet Cleaner. ;)
Friday, September 03, 2004
Movies Part 2
Angi just sent me this cool movie website. Thanks, Angi! I just checked it out and Rotten Tomatoes looks like it is going to be one of my new favorite movie websites.
Angi just sent me this cool movie website. Thanks, Angi! I just checked it out and Rotten Tomatoes looks like it is going to be one of my new favorite movie websites.
Finding Neverland
I was watching The Today Show this morning and they were reviewing all the new movies coming out this fall. This one in particular is one I really want to see. It stars Johnny Depp as J.M. Barrie, the author of Peter Pan. Kate Winslet (one of my favorites!) also stars in it. I can hardly wait! You can watch the trailer here.
I was watching The Today Show this morning and they were reviewing all the new movies coming out this fall. This one in particular is one I really want to see. It stars Johnny Depp as J.M. Barrie, the author of Peter Pan. Kate Winslet (one of my favorites!) also stars in it. I can hardly wait! You can watch the trailer here.
Football
My cousin's husband is starting his first season as the head football coach for a local middle school. Last night, I loaded up the boys and took them to their first football game. The weather was perfect and we all had a blast! I hadn't been to that stadium since I was in Junior High, so that part was fun for me, too. One of the best parts is I only spent $3 for a whole evening of entertainment. ;)
My cousin's husband is starting his first season as the head football coach for a local middle school. Last night, I loaded up the boys and took them to their first football game. The weather was perfect and we all had a blast! I hadn't been to that stadium since I was in Junior High, so that part was fun for me, too. One of the best parts is I only spent $3 for a whole evening of entertainment. ;)
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
On My Nightstand
- the curious incident of the dog in the night-time by Mark Haddon - This book got good reviews and was one of the Today show's book club picks. It looks different and interesting since it is written from an autistic boy's point of view.
- The Quality of Life Report by Meghan Daum - My book club's current selection. Story of a NY television reporter who moves to small town, USA. Also received good reviews.
- The Confessions of Max Tivoli by Andrew Sean Greer - This one is back on my nightstand since I didn't have time to read it the first time I checked it out. Everyone in my book club loved this book. It is the story of a guy who ages backwards. I know it sounds weird, but it is supposed to be good. I'll keep you posted.
- Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours by Dr. Kevin Leman - Yes, I needed this one this summer. LOL It is much better around here since everyone started school. I'll let you know if I get any helpful tips.
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