Monday, September 29, 2008

Weekend Recap

The weather is finally cooling off a little bit here in Florida. The past couple of days have been about 85/86% with just a little bit of humidity. We are going to Disney this coming weekend so I am crossing my fingers that the humidity stays down and the temperature doesn't shoot back up into the 90's!!



Since it was such a beautiful weekend we spend so much time outside. Saturday I took the the kids to the park. Gavin and Katelyn had a great time of course. That is until Gavin would go do something other that what Katelyn was doing. Then Katelyn would scream at the top of her lungs " GAVIN COME BACK!" She wanted him right by her every single second we where there!






Sunday's are national football day here in our house this time of year. So in between watching the games we went outside to play. Katelyn is obsessed with birds and lizards. She thinks she can catch the lizards too. So she spent quite a bit of time chasing them around our front yard and talking to the birds in the trees. We also had the bubble machine going and lots of sidewalk chalk to go around.

Not too much else happened! Have wonderful week everyone!

Sunday, September 28, 2008

CVS Recap

I just got back from CVS so here is my recap!


Transaction #1 ( above )

2 Sunsilk shampoos 2 / $7.00 (saved $1.58)

2 Colgate toothpaste 2/ $5 (saved $1.58)

1 Febreeze Noticable $6.99 ( saved $1.40)

Total $18.99

Used : $5.00 Coupon for Febreeze

.75 for the Colgate

$3.00 of $15 or more

$4.00 ECB

NEW Total Out of Pocket $6.24 and received $4.00 ECB for next week




Transaction #2 (above)

1 Gillette Fusion Razor $9.99 ( saved $2.00 )

1 Dawn dish soap $.99 ( saved $1.00 )

1 Cover Girl Foundation $5.49

1 Cover Girl Powder $5.49

Total $21.95

Used $3 off $15

$.50 Coupon for Dawn

$1.00 Coupon for CoverGirl

$5.49 Coupon for CoverGirl

$4.00 Coupon for razor

$3.00 ECB

NEW Total out of Pocket $4.97 with $10.79 ECB for next week!

Happy CVSing everyone!!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

SkyWatch Friday ~2~

I took this picture last year at Sea World. I love the pink of the summer sky. For more great skies head on over to SkyWatch .

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Happy Birthday Vinnie! ! !

Happy Birthday to My Little Brother!!!












Have a wonderful birthday! Love you, Sissy

CFBA Book Review ~ When The Soul Mends


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

When The Soul Mends

WaterBrook Press (September 16, 2008)

by

Cindy Woodsmall



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cindy Woodsmall is a veteran homeschool mom. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible.

Her first novel, When The Heart Cries, released in 2006 to much acclaim and became a Christian Book Association best seller. Cindy was a 2007 ECPA Christian Book Award finalist, along with Karen Kingsbury, Angela Hunt, and Charles Martin.

Her last book, When the Morning Comes, hit the New York Times best-sellers extended list and the Christian Book Association best-sellers list.

Cindy’s real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity.

Cindy, her husband, their three sons and daughter-in-law reside in Georgia. Her husband is a registered land surveyor and a vice president at an engineering firm. Their oldest son has a bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine and works at a local hospital. Their second son and his wife are both students at the University of Georgia. Their teen-aged son keeps the household energized with his love of music, books, and writing.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Returning to the home she fled in disgrace, will Hannah find healing for the wounds of the past?

After receiving a desperate and confusing call from her sister, Hannah Lapp reluctantly returns to the Old Order Amish community of her Pennsylvania childhood.

Having fled in disgrace more than two years earlier, she finally has settled into a satisfying role in the Englischer world. She also has found love and a new family with the wealthy Martin Palmer and the children she is helping him raise. But almost immediately after her arrival in Owl’s Perch, the disapproval of those who ostracized her, including her headstrong father, reopens old wounds.

As Hannah is thrown together with former fiancĂ© Paul Waddell to work for her sister Sarah’s mental health, hidden truths surface about events during Hannah’s absence, and she faces an agonizing decision. Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she heed the call to return to the Plain Life–and perhaps to her first love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of When The Soul Mends, go HERE

“A skillfully written story of forgiveness and redemption. Woodsmall’s authentic characters illustrate beautifully how wounded souls can indeed be mended.”
Susan Meissner, author of The Shape of Mercy

“Like the stitches on a well-loved quilt, love and faith hold together Cindy Woodsmall's When the Soul Mends, the brilliantly written third story in the Sisters of the Quilt series. With deft plotting and characters that seem to jump off the page, this novel offers the timeless truth that forgiveness is the balm which heals all wounds and a blanket for the soul.”
Kathleen Y’Barbo, author of Beloved Castaway

“What a vibrant, strong, emotional story! When the Heart Cries will grip you and not let go, I promise. Highly recommended!”
Gayle Roper, author of Allah’s Fire and the Seaside Seasons series

“Reaching deep into the heart of the reader, Cindy Woodsmall pens a beautifully lyrical story in her debut novel When the Heart Cries.”
Tamera Alexander, bestselling author of Rekindled

Monday, September 22, 2008

Fall Lineup

Last week Katie posted about some of her favorite sitcoms to watch. It was fun to read and made me so anxious for the return of my favorite shows.

Tonight is the return of one of my favorite shows Heroes. I am so excited to watch this show again. I am recording it on the DVR and plan to watch it after everyone is in bed so I wont be disturbed!

Also tonight is the beginning of a new sitcom Worst Week. I saw a couple of previews for it and I think it looks good.

Tomorrow ( Tuesday ) is the return of Law & Order SVU. I am a huge fan of all 3 Law & Orders so I am glad they are back.

My newest guilty pleasure on Tuesdays has to be the new 90210. I watched the original series throughout high school and I am really lovin the remake!

Wednesday brings the return of Lipstick Jungle which I loved last season.

This Thursday is a big night too! Greys Anatomy , The Office , and My Name is Earl .

Next week I will be watching Desperate Housewives , Private Practice , Dirty Sexy Money , and the premiere of Kath & Kim.


Looking back on what I just wrote I realized- That's alot of TV watching, huh??? What's funny is that I don't watch any of these shows when they are actually on. I DVR all of them and then watch them usually after the kids are in bed or the next day while Katelyn is napping.

Do any of you watch these shows too? Let me know!!

Oh, and Katie- Looks like I did find a couple of sitcoms I watch. Just not the ones you do!!

Friday, September 19, 2008

SkyWatch Friday ~ 1 ~

Of course I have found another blog that I love to check in on. Skywatch is a site dedicated to just pictures of the sky. Below are some pictures I took from our driveway around 3pm on Tuesday. The clouds were just beautiful.




If you want to see more neat pictures of the sky head on over to Skywatch Friday!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Funk

I've been in a blog funk. I just haven't been in the mood to write. Maybe its because the lazy days of summer are over. Gavin is back in school and this year Katelyn is in pre-school. We are also back in the routine of choir practice and karate for Gavin.

I haven't even been a good commenter on the blogs I read. I know, I'm sorry. BUT, I am reading them all in my bloglines still!

I have updates I want to write about. Like how Katelyn is adjusting to preschool and some stuff about Gavin and first grade.

Hopefully my funk passes and I start fresh next week. See you then.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Bucs Game ~



Gavin got to attend his very first Bucs game this past Sunday. He had a wonderful time with Ken. They were fortunate to receive a pair of box seats from a friend of ours. I just hope that Gavin doesn't expect a nice air conditioned room and a free buffet every time we go now!!
Happy WW everyone!

Monday, September 15, 2008

CFBA ~ Book Review ~ Isolation


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Isolation

FaithWords (September 12, 2008)

by

Travis Thrasher



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

It was during third grade after a teacher encouraged him in his writing and as he read through The Narnia Chronicles by C.S. Lewis that Travis decided he wanted to be a writer. The dream never left him, and allowed him to fulfill that dream of writing fulltime in 2007.

Travis Thrasher is the author of numerous works of fiction, including his most personal and perhaps his deepest work, Sky Blue, that was published in summer of 2007. This year he has to novels published, Out of the Devil’s Mouth, and a supernatural thriller, Isolation.

Travis is married to Sharon and they are the proud parents of Kylie, born in November, 2006, and Hailey, a Shih-Tzu that looks like an Ewok. They live in suburban Chicago.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Trapped

Exhausted

Terrified

. . . Alone

When a missionary family moves into a secluded mansion in the mountains of North Carolina, they think they are escaping their nightmares. But when a snowstorm hits and they are trapped inside their new home, their worst fears become reality. As they fight to stay alive, they will be tested in ways they never imagined. Can their love for one another and their faith in God save them from the dangers lurking here?

A masterfully written story that will grip you from its mysterious beginning to its chilling end.

From Publishers Weekly:

"In this dark chiller, Thrasher (Sky Blue; The Promise Remains) demonstrates a considerable talent for the horror genre. Like Stephen King, Thrasher pits flawed but likable characters against evil forces that at first seem escapable but gradually take on a terrifying ubiquity.

The Miller family has recently returned to suburban Chicago after a harrowing experience on the mission field. Hoping to get away from the busyness of suburban living, they travel to the mountains of North Carolina for an extended stay in an enormous, remote lodge where husband and father Jim plans to write a book while trying to reconnect with his family.

When a snowstorm isolates them further and spiritual attacks make them feel they are losing their minds, both Jim and his wife, Stephanie, begin to wonder if God can rescue them and their two young children. Aside from sharing too many plot points with The Shining, this novel hits very few false notes and should appeal to fans of Christian fiction, the horror genre and all who enjoy well-crafted and suspenseful stories."

If you would like to read the first chapter of Isolation, go HERE

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Follow Me!!!

Look who's following me! Right over there on my sidebar are my followers. Pretty neat! Click to add yourself and your picture will go up too! Let me know and I will follow you too!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Thanks To MomDot

This is my better late than never Thank You to MomDot. I have won 2 contests over on their site and I am so so so happy with the stuff I received.

First off, I won a 3 pack of BabyLegs in these awesome colors. I use them for when Katelyn's eczema gets really bad to stop her from scratching.


Aren't they cute?

The second contest I won was actually something I have been wanting to try. MabelsLabels! I won the back to school combo pack. I chose the color blue with a football helmet and Gavin's name. I have already put them on Gavin's lunchbox, backpack, and folders. I love them!

So, once again, Thanks to MomDot for having such great giveaways. Everyone should head on over to see what else they have going on!

Um, First Grade Is Hard !

Gavin has homework every night of the week this year. No big deal, right? He had homework most nights last year when he was in kindergarten too, so we are used to the routine.

I've always heard adults joke around that they cant help their kids with homework because they don't remember how to do it. And I thought it was funny. Its not so funny anymore, because, Hello... (raising hand) I am now one of those people. The worst part is ... this is FIRST GRADE homework people!! How hard can it be?

Its not so much as hard, but its things I used to know, and now obviously I don't. I'll give you examples: This weeks math homework was the greater than or less than. You know- these guys: < >. For the life of me I couldn't remember which one meant which. Seriously. And the more I thought about it the more confused I got. How embarrassing. I had to look it up on Google.

Last night's homework didn't go well either. Gavin had a worksheet with about 12 different pictures on it. He had to circle the pictures that made the "short a" sound. I asked Gavin what the short a sounded like and he said "aah". Like in the word bat. Ok, he knows what to do. But then I kept asking him if he was sure about it. I asked him so many times that I confused him and he said he didn't know. He already had half of the homework done. Why did I do that do him? I don't know, maybe because I didn't know what the heck a short a was and I didn't believe him. Isn't that sad? So once again I was off to Google the answer. And Gavin was right all along. I think I should write a note to the teacher that she needs to send home cheat sheets for the parents ( or maybe just me ).

But, Gavin is learning this stuff in school. So when the homework comes home I guess I just have to trust that he learned it right. Right? Because obviously I wont be able to tell him if he is!!! Lets just hope they don't make a show called Are You Smarter Than A First Grader. I wouldn't win.

Thank goodness tonight is just reviewing his spelling words. I can do that.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Wordless Wednesday ~ Where is Katelyn???

Oh, There She Is!

Monday, September 8, 2008

CVS Recap

Ok, so I started playing the CVS game. After reading other people's blogs about how much money they were saving, I decided to try it. This is my 5th week doing it and I am addicted. I look forward to the Sunday paper like never before- ha ha. Here's what I got today:






Right Guard $2.99 ( on sale from $4.49 )

Aussie Hair Spray $2.49 ( on sale from $4.49 )

Aussie Mousse $2.49 ( on sale from $4.49 )

2 Chex Mix $1.00 ( on sale from $1.99 )

Renuzit TriScent $7.99 ( on sale from $9.99 )

Used 2 $1.00 of coupons for the Chex Mix

$2.00 off 2 coupon for the Aussie

$5.00 ECB

$3.00 ECB

$3.00 ECB

$1.49 ECB

So, after coupons and ECB's my grand total out of pocket was $1.72 for all that great stuff.

Plus I got $7.00 in ECB's for next time and a $3 off $15 for my next visit. Very Nice!!

Head on over to Money Saving Mom to see more deals for this week!

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Its Been One Year !!!

September 4th 2007 was the day I started my blogging adventure. I wrote a real quick post about Gavin and his kindergarten homework. Like most bloggers, I started blogging as a way to document memories about Gavin and Katelyn. Something I hope they enjoy reading when they are older. I love reading my old posts and laughing at those memories. I also love looking at all of the pictures I posted to see how much the kids have changed.

I also love the great big blogging community. Reading other blogs lets me know that other mommies are going thru the same things I am with our kids. First days of school, sickness, tantrums, bedtime routines, birthdays, and holidays are all the things we share with each other. Thanks so much to everyone who leaves me comments. They mean so much to me and brighten my day!!

So, Happy Blogiversary to me! Have a drink on me tonight!!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Wordless Wednesday ~ USF Bulls Game ~




Saturday night we took Gavin to his first ever football game. We went to the season opener of the USF Bulls vs Tennessee Martin. We won 56-7. NICE first game for Gavin to go to! He had tons of fun and cant wait to go the next game in a couple of weeks!