Once again, here are my top Entrecard droppers for the past 30 days. I think its great my list changes from month to month!!
Thanks to all my droppers!!
Computer Aid
Parental Instincts
The Junk Drawer
Your Parenting Info
My Crazy Life With A Toddler
Mumsy
Make Money on the Internet
Daily Coloring Pages
Camping and Outdoors Blog
FeeFiFoto
***Make sure to check out their great blogs too **
Saturday, January 31, 2009
~January Top Entrecard Droppers ~
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Plant A Seed
As many of you know, Gavin plays Tball. He loves getting out on the field and running the bases and running into the outfield to catch the other teams fly balls. We are very fortunate enough to be able to play on a well-maintained baseball field.
But, as some towns face dramatic budget cuts, many fields go months - even years - without maintenance, let alone renovation or rebuilding. And when fields fall into disrepair, we lose them as central gathering places in our communities - places where our children engage in team sports or meet up after school for a pick-up game, where we walk our dogs and chat with our neighbors, where adults gather for recreation leagues and families spend leisurely weekends.
We need to help rebuild America's playing fields.
Embracing this spirit of making a difference, Kellogg's Frosted Flakes Earn Your Stripes program has initiated a call-to-action for a national field renovation program that kicks off this coming Super Bowl Sunday with a commercial entitled "Plant a Seed."
The ad focuses on the role we all play in building stronger communities and making a difference in kids' lives. Because the Earn Your StripesTM program is about inspiring kids to be their very best, "Plant a Seed" shows that before anyone can earn a single stripe, someone has to plant a seed and help give kids places to realize their promise and potential.
The field renovation initiative will make over approximately 50 fields across the United States to help provide better places for families to stay active. Through this program, fields will once again become central and vibrant places of activity and community in cities and towns across the country.
What a great way to make a difference!! Tune in to the Super Bowl to see how you can participate too!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Princess Bed
Everyone who thinks Katelyn needs this raise your hand:
But doesn't she already have a crib that converts to a toddler bed you ask????
Why yes she does- but isn't this soooooo much cuter????
What little girl doesn't deserve this Princess bed? I made the mistake of browsing Toysrus.com last week and found this bed. Now I cannot stop thinking about it. And how much I want Katelyn to have it. Yes, even though she already has toddler bed for when I take her out of the crib. I'm not even ready to take her out of her crib yet but this would be my incentive to do so!
Aaaah, pretty princess bed, I love you.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
CFBA ~ Book Review ~ The Red Siren ~
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
M. L. (MARYLU) TYNDALL grew up on the beaches of South Florida loving the sea and the warm tropics. But despite the beauty around her, she always felt an ache in her soul--a longing for something more.After college, she married and moved to California where she had two children and settled into a job at a local computer company. Although she had done everything the world expected, she was still miserable. She hated her job and her marriage was falling apart.
Still searching for purpose, adventure and true love, she spent her late twenties and early thirties doing all the things the world told her would make her happy, and after years, her children suffered, her second marriage suffered, and she was still miserable.
One day, she picked up her old Bible, dusted it off, and began to read. Somewhere in the middle, God opened her hardened heart to see that He was real, that He still loved her, and that He had a purpose for her life, if she'd only give her heart to Him completely.
Her current releases in the Legacy of The Kings Pirates series include:The Restitution, The Reliance, and The Redemption and The Falcon And The Sparrow
ABOUT THE BOOK
Lady Faith Westcott has turned her back on God and on man. Having witnessed the hypocrisy in the Church of England, her older sister's abuse at the hand of her husband, and her own mother's untimelydeath in childbirth, Faith has determined never to marry and to gain enough wealth so she and her two sisters will never have to depend on man or God again.
To that end, though a lady by day, she becomes a pirate by night and begins her sordid career off Portsmouth when she attacks and plunders a merchant ship commanded by the young Dajon Waite. Humiliated at being defeated by a pirate and a woman no less, Dajon returns home without cargo and ship, and his father expels him from the family merchant business.
After a brief sojourn into debased society, Dajon rejoins the Royal Navy, where he finds comfort in the strict rules and redemption through his service to others. Three years later, he is sent to the frontier outpost of Charles Town, South Carolina to deal with the pirate problem. There, he connects with his mentor and old friend, Admiral Westcott, who has just arrived with his three daughters.
Much to Dajon's utter dismay, Admiral Westcott, who is being called away to Spain, asks Dajon to be temporary guardian of his three lovely daughters. One of the ladies seems familiar to him, a striking redhead who immediately sends his heart thumping.
Faith recognizes Captain Waite as the buffoon whose ship she plundered off Portsmouth. Yet, he appears no longer the fool, but instead a tall, handsome and commanding naval officer. Despite her immediate attraction to him, she labels him the enemy, but sparks are guaranteed to fly during the next few months when independent, headstrong and rebellious Faith falls in love with God-fearing honorable, rule-following Dajon-especially when Faith continues her pirating off the Carolina coast while her father is away.
Will Dajon catch her? And what will this man of honor and duty do when he does?
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Red Siren, go HERE
Friday, January 23, 2009
Melissa Needs....
I saw Lisa do this over at JujuBoo and thought I would give it a try to find out what came up for my name. Simply go to Google and google your name with needs: ex- "your name needs".
This is what came up for me:
Melissa needs to take a break ( you bet I do )
Melissa needs to board the blob ship that is hovering overhead ( um, what the heck? )
Melissa needs hydration after the walk ( Yeah right, the most I walk is to the mailbox! )
Melissa needs a new roof ( that comes with a new house )
Melissa needs to find a new agent ( I must since I'm not famous yet )
Melissa needs help ( in more ways than one )
Melissa needs her meds ( You have no idea! )
Leave me a comment if you do this too! Its fun!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Right Now
Its cold here. Tomorrow morning the temps should be in the 20's. I know, you all are thinking "welcome to my world". It hasn't been cold here since before Christmas. For the last 6 weeks we have been walking around in shorts and t-shirts. With the air on.
The thing I hate about cold fronts ( other than the cold ) is our lack of cold weather clothes. I have one long sleeved shirt and a couple pairs of long pants. That's it. The kids have probably 3 pairs of jeans and 3 long sleeved shirts. So when a cold front comes I am constantly doing laundry.
Right now Gavin cannot understand why I wont let him outside to play before dinner. He may not think its cold but I sure do. No way am I sitting outside to watch him ride his bike.
This weekend is Ken's birthday :) I rented a hotel to stay at on the beach for the weekend. My weather girl Katie assures me that the weather should be in the 70's by then. Let's hope so. I would hate not to be able to take the kids down to the beach!
Thanks for stopping by!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Friday Stuff
Gavin was off of school on Friday for an in-service day for teachers. Since Katelyn is not in the public school system yet, her pre-school was still open. Bummer for me because I was looking forward to sleeping in!!
It was the highlight of Katelyn's day to have Gavin in the car when I dropped her off at school. Usually I drop him off first and the take her. As we were waiting in the car line Gavin kept asking Katelyn questions about school. He wanted to know about her friends, play time, her teachers, and the playground. She was able to show him her playground out the window as we were waiting. She was also excited to show her teacher that her big brother was in the back seat with her.
After we dropped Katelyn off, Gavin and I went out to breakfast with my mom. He of course ordered Mickey Mouse pancakes and ate the whole thing.
After we were done eating breakfast Gavin and I ran a couple of errands together before we had to go back at pick up Katelyn at noon. Looking back on the day I am so happy that I got to spend a couple hours of alone time with my baby boy. It was just us with no interruptions. We talked about his upcoming game on Saturday morning, Martin Luther King Day on Monday, his friends at school, and when we get our new house he wanted to know what his room would look like.
Special one on one conversations and I was focused only on him. I think he enjoyed it too!!
Friday night Katie and Patrick came over. The guys hung out and played the Wii while Katie and I spent some time with my new love. Her name is Cricut and Ken got her for me for Christmas. So Katie and I got all set up to make Valentine's Day cards to send out. We got a little sidetracked and made some Thank you, Birthday, and Anniversary cards instead. I'm still a little new at working the Cricut and it took us ALOT of tries to get fonts and stuff right. But, I definitely see a wonderful future ahead of me with this machine!! Let me give a big great shout-out to my awesome hubby for getting me such a wonderful present!! Thanks hon!
Maybe when I get a little better I'll post some pictures of my creations, but not yet! haha.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Sharpen The Mind, Shape The Body
GameStop has easily turned into one of my family's favorite stores. They have hundreds of selections of games for all of our gaming systems that we have.
And nowadays many Americans are finding a new way to get in shape that makes a fun alternative to the treadmill or bike and enables them to burn calories, alleviate stress and enjoy quality family time.
Playing popular videogames like Wii Fit, My Fitness Coach or Dance, and Dance Revolution make exercise fun, while games like Brain Age or Crosswords DS give your brain a workout. GameStop stores offer these titles and more and have associates on hand to help you and your family find the titles that are right for you.
And this January, they are offering a "Shape The Mind, Shape The Body" initiative for the whole month that includes a special incentive to discover active gaming.
So you can stop by a local GameStop store and demo a range of titles that match your interests and skill level. Sounds exciting. What a better way to start the new year than by getting in shape!!
Visit http://www.gamestop.com/ to check out all of their game titles.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
My Little Chef
Santa brought Katelyn the Dora Kitchen for Christmas and she is loooovin it. She already had more than enough plastic food so she has been keeping busy cooking away.
She even brings out all her dolls and cooks for them. Its so cute to watch her talk to her babies and then put them to bed. But here's a warning for ya---- You better be quite while her babies are sleeping or she will Shhh you and scream " My baby is seeping!!!"
Also, Grandpa bought her a cute little chef's hat, apron, and oven mit for Christmas to go along with her kitchen. Of course I think she is so adorable when she wears it!!
And now I am completely obsessed with looking on Etsy for felt foods to buy her to play with instead of all the plastic stuff.
Seriously, who could resist this:
Fruit anyone?
Or maybe something to satisfy your sweet tooth?
Aren't those the cutest ever? Yes, I think the Dora kitchen defiantly needs them.
***Was this post ok Nora?***
Triple Award
Isn't that a cute award? I received it from Nisha over at Nisha's World and Baby Alisha. I met her through Entrecard and she is a great dropper!! So, thanks Nisha!!
The Rules for this award are:
1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.
So, keeping with the Entrecard theme- I am passing this award on to all of my Entrecard droppers who drop on me today! Thanks so much everyone!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Bloggers Give Back
Are you a blogger who does reviews and/or giveaways? Well, there are some wonderful things going on over at Bloggers Give. This new site is in partnership with one of my favorite blogs: MomDot.
The idea is very simple. For every review or giveaway you do on your own blog, ask the sponsor for one extra item to donate to charity. All these items can be forwarded to Bloggers Give. Once a quarter they will deliver all of the donated items to a pre selected charity. This quarter the charity that was selected is The Center For Courageous Children.
Please take some time to visit Bloggers Give to see if you can make a difference!
CFBA ~ Book Review ~ Kiss ~
and
Erin Healy
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ted is the son of missionaries John and Helen Dekker, whose incredible story of life among headhunters in Indonesia has been told in several books. Surrounded by the vivid colors of the jungle and a myriad of cultures, each steeped in their own interpretation of life and faith, Dekker received a first-class education on human nature and behavior. This, he believes, is the foundation of his writing.After graduating from a multi-cultural high school, he took up permanent residence in the United States to study Religion and Philosophy. After earning his Bachelor's Degree, Dekker entered the corporate world in management for a large healthcare company in California. Dekker was quickly recognized as a talent in the field of marketing and was soon promoted to Director of Marketing. This experience gave him a background which enabled him to eventually form his own company and steadily climb the corporate ladder.
Since 1997, Dekker has written full-time. He states that each time he writes, he finds his understanding of life and love just a little clearer and his expression of that understanding a little more vivid. Dekker's body of work encompassing seven mysteries, three thrillers and ten fantasies includes Heaven's Wager, When Heaven Weeps, Thunder of Heaven, Blessed Child, A Man Called Blessed, Blink, Thr3e, The Circle Trilogy (Black, Red, White), Obsessed, Renegade, and Chaos.
Erin Healy is an award-winning fiction editor who has worked with talented novelists such as James Scott Bell, Melody Carlson, Colleen Coble, Brandilyn Collins, L. B. Graham, Rene Gutteridge, Michelle McKinney Hammond, Robin Lee Hatcher, Denise Hildreth, Denise Hunter, Randy Ingermanson, Jane Kirkpatrick, Gilbert Morris, Frank Peretti, Lisa Samson, Randy Singer, Robert Whitlow, and many others.She began working with Ted Dekker in 2002 and edited twelve of his heart-pounding storiesbefore their collaboration on Kiss, the first novel to seat her on "the other side of the desk."
Erin is the owner of WordWright Editorial Services, a Colorado-based consulting firm specializing in fiction book development. She and her husband, Tim, are the proud parents of two children
ABOUT THE BOOK
Let me tell you all I know for sure. My name. Shauna.I woke up in a hospital bed missing six months of my memory. In the room was my loving boyfriend-how could I have forgotten him?-my uncle and my abusive stepmother. Everyone blames me for the tragic car accident that left me near death and my dear brother brain damaged. But what they say can't be true-can it?
I believe the medicine is doing strange things to my memory. I'm unsure who I can trust and who I should run from. And I'm starting to remember things I've never known. Things not about me. I think I'm going crazy.
And even worse, I think they want to kill me.
But who? And for what? Is dying for the truth really better than living with a lie?
Sometimes dying with the truth is better than living with a lie.
After a car accident puts Shauna McAllister in a coma and wipes out six months of her memory, she returns to her childhood home to recover, but her arrival is fraught with confusion.
Her estranged father, a senator bidding on the White House, and her abusive stepmother blame Shauna for the tragedy, which has left her beloved brother severely brain damaged. Leaning on Wayne Spade, a forgotten but hopeful lover who stays by her side, Shauna tries to sort out what happened that night by jarring her memory to life. Instead, she acquires a mysterious mental ability that will either lead her to truth or get her killed by the people trying to hide it.
In this blind game of cat and mouse that stares even the darkest memories in the face, Shauna is sure of only one thing: if she remembers, she dies.
If you would like to read the first chapter of KISS, go HERE
What people are saying about KISS:
“The human brain could actually be the real final frontier—we know so little about it and yet it drives the world as we know it. So when authors like Erin and Ted bravely explore these mysterious regions, going into complex places like memory and soul and relationships, I become hooked. The creativity of this suspenseful story is sure to hook other readers as well. Very memorable!”
~Melody Carlson, author of Finding Alice and The Other Side of Darkness
“Dekker and Healy prove a winning team in this intriguing, imaginative thriller.”
~James Scott Bell, bestselling author of Try Darkness
“Kiss by Erin Healy and Ted Dekker is a superb thriller that hooked me from the first sentence. The original plot kept me guessing, and I may never look at a kiss the same way again. I’ll be watching for the next book!”
~Colleen Coble, author of Cry in the Night
“The writing team of Erin Healy and Ted Dekker has taken me through a page-turner with Kiss. It’s one of those books that you think about when you’re not reading it. I highly recommend it, especially if you don’t mind staying up late because you can’t put the book down!”
~Rene Gutteridge, author of Skid and My Life As a Doormat
Thursday, January 8, 2009
CFBA Book Review ~ The Perfect Match
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. Her favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota is where she met her husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living.The north woods easily became the foundation for her first series, The Deep Haven series, based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. Her first full-length book, Happily Ever After, became a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.
As an award winning author, Susan returned home in 2004, to her native Minnesota after serving for eight years with her husband and four children as missionaries with SEND International in Far East Russia. She now writes full time from Minnesota's north woods and the beautiful town that she always dreamed of living in.
You can sample a chapter of each and every one of Susan's novels, on her website, HERE.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Ellie Karlson is new to Deep Haven. As the town’s interim fire chief, she is determined to lead the local macho fire crew in spite of their misconceptions about her. But when someone begins setting deadly fires, Ellie faces the biggest challenge of her life. Especially when sparks fly with one of the volunteers on her crew: Pastor Dan Matthews. As Ellie battles to do her job and win the respect of her crew, she finds that there is one fire she can’t fight—the one Dan has set in her heart.(This book is the repackaged edition published in 2004)
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Perfect Match, go HERE.
Awards:
2004 American Christian Fiction Writer's Book of the Year
A Romantic Times Magazine TOP PICK – 4½ stars
Review:
Romantic Times Magazine:
Vibrant characters and vivid language zoom this action-packed romance to the top of the charts. This is a one-sitting read –once you pick it up, you won't want to put it down.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Wordless Wednesday
How come as soon as I take the picture does Katelyn turn away??? And the one time she does look at the camera long enough I chop off her head??
Its Back On Tonight
I am about to reveal my darkest guilty pleasure. You see, I have no one in real life to talk to about it. I've tried. Its about a TV show. I am the only one that I know that watches it.
I am hoping that once I reveal to you that I watch this cheesy, sometimes disgusting show you will still be my friend. And I am hoping even more that some of you watch it too so we can talk about it. Or maybe just feel better about myself because I am not the only one who watches it.
Here it goes.
Are you ready?
Yep, Nip/Tuck . I started watching it way back in its first season and got totally hooked. The season with the Carver was the absolute best to me. Last season Sean and Christian moved their plastic surgery practice to California. Matt turned in a drug addict, Kimber went back to adult moves, and Julia turned into a lesbian. Good stuff right? I know, I'm embarrassed to admit that I watch it.
Actually, last season was not that good. I was very disappointed in the story lines. I am hoping that this season is better. And oh yeah, the new season starts back tonight on FX.
So listen here Sean and Christian- You better step it up tonight. I may be the only one out there brave enough to admit watching this show. See you tonight!
Monday, January 5, 2009
CFBA Book Review ~ Wanted ~
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hidden is Shelley’s first foray into inspirational fiction. Previously, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelors and masters degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio where she writes full time. Shelley is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and is part of the Telecare ministry, which calls homebound members on a regular basis. Shelley looks forward to the opportunity to write novels that showcase her Christian ideals.This is the second book in the Sisters Of Heart series. The first was Hidden.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Twenty-year-old Katie Brenneman has always quietly fancied Jonathan Lundy. So when the brokenhearted widower asks her to help him take care of his two young girls, Katie knows it will be a trying time-yet she cannot pass up a golden opportunity to get to know this man better.Just as she's settling into her new life, a message arrives from Katie's past, threatening to expose her darkest secrets. During her Rumspringa, her running-around years, she experimented with activities forbidden in the Amish way of life. Frightened by how far she'd strayed from her values, Katie ran back home, vowing to cut all ties with the outside world. Now her transgressions are coming back to haunt her, just as Jonathan seems willing to welcome her into his heart.
Will the past destroy Katie's chances for love? Or will Katie finally allow herself to accept God's love, forgive her past...and receive everything she's ever wanted?
If you would like to read an excerpt of Chapter 1 of Wanted, go HERE
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Back To Normal
Monday is back to normal day.
With the holidays and Gavin being home for the past 2 weeks I feel like life has been in limbo. We have been staying up late every night and sleeping in every morning. Meal times have been wacky too because of this.
Even my blogging has suffered. Dh would roll his eyes at that last sentence but its true!! ha ha
So Monday is THE DAY. The day to get back on our schedule of school, karate, choir, and Tball. Wowza.
Back to knowing what time we are going to get up in the morning and back to bedtimes at night. And back to the schedule that I try to keep for myself during the week.
The best part of this time of year for me is I get to break out the new calendars. Mmmmm. Can you smell their newness? I love love love brand new calendars. I enjoy writing in everyones birthdays for the year and writing in upcoming events. I have a regular calendar that I keep here on the computer desk and also a fridge calendar so I don't have to keep running back into the computer room to keep up with things. And don't even get me started on what a thrill it is to flip to the next month. ha ha.
Ok, enough of that! The past couple of days I have been a cleaning machine around the house. I deep cleaned the kids bedrooms and got rid of 2 big boxes of toys. I also cleaned out their closets and re arranged their furniture. That made it so much easier to bring in the stuff they got for Christmas.
Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! I am off to make Gavin's lunches for the week. Bye!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Mmmmm, Coffee Contest
MomDot is having another awesome giveaway. Up for grabs is a Keurig Platinum Brewing System.
Head on over to MomDot to enter to win!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Top Droppers
Here is the list of my top Entrecard droppers for the last 30 days.
Thanks so much everyone!!
Custom Blog Designs
Diana Rambles
New Orleans Food & Fun
Daily Coloring Pages
The Life of a Mom
Austin Counsel Lawyer Blog
Mumsy
Dad to Two
Hip to be Mom
Make Money on the Internet
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