Trying to Get Ready For Christmas

Trying to get everything done for Christmas. It's a very busy time of year! Still have reviews piling up too.

New Reviews Posted:
Adventures of Riley: Dolphins in Danger
Calorie Queens

I'm currently reading I'm No Saint by Elizabeth Hayt. I'm listening to The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis with the kids, and The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler.

Again I need to get busy with my RT books starting next week, but fortunately, the kids are out of school and LeeRoy is off for 10 days. That will probably make it more difficult, come to think of it!

Tomorrow is the kids' last day of school until after the New Year, I am glad for that. I relish a few days of sleeping in.

For He alone is Worthy!

I think I'll probably be doing weekly updates until after Christmas. It's just way too busy around here, and then stupidly, I accepted a recall job.

New Review posted: Where Fat Girls Haven't Gone

I just started reading Comfort & Joy by Kristin Hannah. Hopefully it will be a quick read since it's not for review. I have been so busy lately I've had very little reading time.

I'm headed off to work some more on my Bible study for tomorrow. Last one before a vacation, I'm glad. I have to take the dog to the groomer, go to LeeRoy's Lion's Club lunch, then work on the recalls until it's time to pick up the kids. Then to hip hop, back to get the dog, then Logan has gymnastics tonight.

Kimber comes home Friday. Thankfully all of my Christmas shopping is done (I think!) I just have more decorating and other things to get, along with various teacher and other gifts.

Finally!

I can finally sign in! I don't know what giltch has been going on, I kept getting error messages.

I have a bunch of new reviews posted:
The Nutcracker

Turning Thirty

No More Christian Nice Guy

The Friendship Test

Remember Me

What She Left for Me

I'm still behind on writing them up. But at least I got my Romantic Times books done, written up, and turned in.

I'm currently reading Confessions of a Boyfriend Stealer by Robynn Clairday. It's a cute YA book. Supposedly written in a blog format, but that's a bit gimmicky...I am not seeing that it's all that accurate. Way too much detail in conversation for a blog, especially one written way after the fact of an incident. But I'm enjoying it.

Christmas shopping is well underway. I have many stocking stuffers still to get, but the big stuff is done. I think we're going to hit Wal-Mart, our least favorite store, tonight while the kids are at church.

This weekend we have a ton of things going on. Even today! Had my Bible study brunch. This weekend is the Journey to Bethlehem, I think we'll have to go on Friday if we want to go at all. Saturday is our church tour of homes, and we have to get our Christmas tree sometime. Oh yeah, Friday morning is our Mom's group Christmas brunch and gift exchange. Saturday night is LeeRoy's company Christmas party. Sunday we're going to see Narnia.

Ok, on to working on my Christmas letter.

It's December

I got a whole bunch of reviews written up last night so I should have a bunch posted this week. I only have two left and they are kids books. I should be able to complete them this afternoon.

I'm working on my RT books, I only have one LI Suspense book this time, that's the one I'm reading right now. Then I have the four LI ones...ugh. They are getting a little old. But as it's my only real paid reviewing gig I am going to stick with it.

Kids have a birthday party to go to tonight at the Hoppin House. I was wishing to just stay home, bummer.

Not much else going on, the thrill for the kids is that it snowed today. It seems to have stopped but there's still quite a bit on the ground. Hopefully it will stay until Logan gets out of school so he can enjoy it.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful. Ours was great.
Other than that icky hide-a-bed! It was so fun to see my sister and her family, and the kids adored playing with their cousins. Kimber was so happy to be home, although I am not sure she was quite prepared for the clingy-ness of the kids. Oh well. Christmas should be interesting.

I am way, way behind on writing up my reviews. I have five books sitting here to be reviewed, and I had to start on my RT books today because Monday is my deadline. Not too big of a deal though, because I have fewer books this month than normal. The single title book is a re-release (according to Harlequin...but I don't consider a book that has been completely re-worked from a secular romance novel to be a Christian novel a re-release, but I can't argue with them) And I have one less suspense title for some reason.

I'm currently reading Queen Esther and the Second Graders of Doom by Allie Pleiter. It's cute so far. Still listening to Trace.

New reviews posted:
Eloise Wilkin Stories

Texas Christmas Grooms

I got the coolest new toy yesterday. It's actually my Christmas present that I got early. It's an XM SkyFi2 satellite radio. So great, I got the one that goes in the car and at home. I am totally loving it! I can even listen online which is great also.

How great is Lost? I am SO SO excited for this week's episode. I have been waiting for so long to find out what's up with Kate. It should be good. I hope they don't wimp out with the story, but so far no one's has been as I had predicted.

I also adore Gray's Anatomy. The storylines are excellent. Not really liking Amazing Race, give me back the two-person teams thank you very much.

Ok, gotta get busy!

Long Awaited Update

Things have been craaazzy around here. Getting ready for Kimber to come home today. And that whole van thing threw my week into a tizzy last week.

So...didn't get the van out until Sunday. We put four people along the door and lifted it up. It wasnt' that it was all that heavy, it was just awkward and got off balance easily if it wasn't being lifted evenly. So we lifted it up and got the van out so I could use it yesterday. And yesterday afternoon the guy came and $145 later, I have a working door again. I guess it's cheaper than a new door, but springs and labor are expensive!

We went to our church couples retreat this past weekend in Seaside. It's one of the highlights of my year. What a fun time! It's great to spend time together and with other couples just hanging out and having fun. We played lots of board games in the evenings and the speakers were absolutely phenomenal. They were Jeff and Stacy Kemp, who run Families Northwest Jeff is a former pro football player and he had a great way of speaking to the men so they could relate and understand. They talked a lot about the roles of husbands and wives and what we need to do to show love and respect for each other. It was just fantastic.

I am on my way to get in the car to pick up Kimber. Everyone's excited for her to come home, but I think Grace and Logan are the most excited.

I'm currently reading Remember Me by Deborah Bedford, still listening to Trace, but I should get farther with my drive to the airport.

Ok...the kids are ready to drag me to the car.
I guess we can wait in the airport as easily as we can wait here!

Van held hostage...

My van is being held hostage by my garage...
Last night after we got home from church we heard this strange noise that sounded like it came from outside. Looked around and couldn't figure it out. This morning, LeeRoy went to open the garage door...no luck. We have a broken spring. So later today we'll gather the neighbors and try to lift the door with brute strength, they can't fix it until Monday afternoon. And although I don't need it now, nor will I need it all weekend because we're going to the couple's retreat and my parents have their own van--I do need it on Monday. So if we can get it out I'll be much happier.

Kids are over playing with the neighbor, I am going to sit and read my book, Turning Thirty by Mike Gayle. It's cute so far.

I'm reading the message boards for Lost (when I can get through) and it's so interesting to read other people's take on it. I avoid spoilers, but I love to read the discussion.
This is most definitely the best show on TV right now.

Busy, Busy!

I have been so busy lately I haven't had much opportunity to update. Went to my parents' for the holiday weekend because LeeRoy was at the Christian Musician Summit. We had a fun time, it was nice to get out of town for a couple of days. Yesterday we had a combined church service and then our annual business meeting. After we went to see Zathura, which was pretty good. The kids had a birthday party at the Hoppin' House last night. Hopefully tonight will be an early night, they are really tired.

I ran like crazy to get things done today, but I've accomplished quite a bit. Worked in Logan's class all morning and really did a lot. Went to gymnastics, then home for a little while. Went to the post office and then to pick up Logan. The kids got to play outside for a bit while I made dinner, we finally had a non-rainy day!

I am currently reading What She Left for Me by Tracie Peterson. I'm almost finished. I started listening to Trace by Patricia Cornwell. Not sure if I'll stick with it, but I am behind on that series so I really should. I also have A Wedding in December by Anita Shreve which I'm looking forward to.

New Reviews Posted:
Cassandra's Angel

Revenge of the Paste Eaters

Body Intelligence

The Light Speed Bible

Boo Hiss

I have a whole stack here just waiting to be written up, and I'm sure I'll add the book I'm reading to that pile. Tomorrow I have Bible study (which I'm not sure I'll be going to), Lunch for 4, and sometime I HAVE to work on my own Bible study presentation for Wed. That's most likely why I would skip the morning Bible study. We were supposed to have the video tomorrow, but she's thinking of postponing it. Since we're not meeting next week, that will mean on the 29th now. We'll see how I feel in the morning. I have to make the time for my own teaching prep though. I will really be happy to have a week off of preparation.

Like always, I'm way behind in my reading. This weekend is our couples retreat, I am so looking forward to it. It's always a ton of fun. My parents (bless them) are coming up to watch the kids.

It's conference week for the kids, so tomorrow is Grace's last day of school for the week. Logan gets out at 12:30 every day. Should be interesting trying to keep them entertained.

I'm off to finish my book.

I've been a flake!

With this, not with my real life! I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off (not a pretty picture) and not getting much done. Fortunately, today I have Grace in day care for another two hours (has been all day) and I'm slowly but surely working my way through my piles of "to do" stuff. That computer crash threw me so far behind I'm not seeing much light. But my goal is to get all of my reviews written in the next two hours, so I have a lot more work ahead!

I'm currently reading Boo Hiss by Rene Gutteridge. I'm listening to At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks. After a draggy beginning, At First Sight seems to be picking up and I'm intrigued enough to really want to stick with it.

I've bought a ton of books in the past few days at the library sale. Today Grace has her first hip hop class, so Logan and I will go to the buck a bag day for the ending of the sale.

Ok, down to business. I worked on my Bible study, went to the new Winco store, listed some things on ebay, listed some things on paperback swap, now I have to write some reviews before I get fired (LOL) from my review positions.

Back online!

Had to get a new computer, then had to figure out how to use it! In the meantime, I had my second RT deadline of the month, so I had massive amounts of reading to do. And work on my Bible study. You never quite realize how much you use a computer until you don't have one to use!

I am currently reading Boo Who by Rene Gutteridge. Currently listening to Night Fall by Nelson Demille. But I did have four books on CD come in all at once at the library, and I decided to buy a copy of Night Fall, so I'll be moving on to something else tomorrow.

New Reviews Posted:
The Wedding Day

Everyone Else's Girl

She's All That

I've got quite a few books sitting here waiting to be written up, being without a computer really put me behind with that too.

Back to reading and cleaning!

Computer Crash

Had a major computer crash this week. Power supply failed. So we got a new computer yesterday. Will update more when I get a chance later today.

Sunday Afternoon

It's a rainy day here today. I am trying to finish up my book Boo by Rene Gutteridge so I can start my RT books. Two deadlines this month. I also need to finish three other books this week on top of my 8 for RT. Impossible? Probably. Grrr. Why do I do this to myself?

I am starting on Shades of Gray by Jacquelin Thomas first. Hopefully I can make a lot of headway today. LeeRoy is watching the Seahawks, so he's occupied.

I am starting a bookbox for the bookbox yahoo group I belong to. I am trying to clear out some more books before the library sale starts a week from Friday. Some of these books have just been hanging around way too long.

This should be another busy week. Hopefully I can get done all I need to.
I am off to do some serious reading.

Movin' Right Along...

In the week (but doesn't that title just make you hum, or is it just me? Maybe I'm the only Muppet fan out there)

Got to go out to lunch today with my friend Misty, that was totally fun. It will be even more fun next year when the kids are in school all day and I don't have to feel guilty leaving Grace in day care. But she loves it and has been begging to go for the past couple of weeks. Besides, there is this boy that also asks every day if she's going to go...tee hee too funny.

Currently reading Revenge of the Paste Eaters by Cheryl Peck. So far not as funny as her first, but I am enjoying it anyway.

TV thoughts:
Amazing Race--Boring. That's pretty much all I can say. It's not challenging when everyone speaks your language and all you have to do to find something is look in a phone book at a gas station. If they aren't leaving the US they could make it more difficult! I can't wait for the next real one, which is sad since the family one had so much potential.

Lost--Oh, can I say addiction? I absolutely love this show. Can't say enough good things about it. My only complaint--last night they drop a bombshell about someone dying in the next episode and now it's not going to be on for three weeks! Grrrr. That darn baseball.

Ok, off to clean some more before I need to pick the kids up from school.

Yay Grace!

At gymnastics today the teacher kept pulling Grace aside. I was wondering what was up, but after class she told me that Grace is too good for the class she's in, she needs to be in a higher level! I knew she had been really improving, but didn't realize how much. So next week she'll be in a higher class!

Still reading the same book, I hope to finish today. Still listening to Vanishing Acts. It's ok but unless something exciting happens I am not going to rate this much higher than a C. It's just average, especially compared to My Sister's Keeper.

New review posted:

Don't Get Too Comfortable

Monday, Monday...

What a busy weekend! We took yesterday just to relax and regroup.

Friday I worked in Grace's classroom and it was pet day. So I had the dog with me. First thing in the morning Logan showed him for his sharing, and then Grace showed him at 11. After we quickly took the dog home, went by the bank, then to Taco Bell, then to church for the mom's group. Picked up Logan from school and hurried home. I made the rest of my Tastefully Simple items and did another clean-up of the house. Had my party, which was fun but really busy. Watched The Longest Yard after, it was pretty funny.

Saturday we went to a Safeway grand opening ($1.38 Diet Coke 12 packs!) then to the fire station open house, then out to lunch with my parents and aunt for Logan's birthday. My mom, aunt, and I went to pick up Logan's Star Wars birthday cake, then we came home to open presents. Before we knew it, it was time for Logan's birthday party at the Hoppin' House. That was really fun, when we got home we watched Speak, which was really moving.

Sunday was a day of vegging after church. I read my book, LeeRoy napped, and Logan had Jacob over. Grace went to Katie's. It was just a long, lazy day.

Not really sure I'm enjoying Desperate Housewives this season. Nothing is really happening. On the other hand, I am loving Grey's Anatomy even more. The story lines are great and I was just bawling when Burke held Cristina while she cried.

Currently reading Everyone Else's Girl by Megan Crane. The cool thing...when I opened up the book there were a couple of pages with quotes from reviews about her last book and my review was quoted! Not using my name, but using Bookloons. Here's a link to that review if you're interested:
English as a Second Language

I have a new review posted:
Hannah's Hope

I hope I'll have a little time to write up some reviews today. I am going to force myself, I'm three books behind.

Logan's Birthday

Today my little boy is seven! I can't believe time has gone by so quickly. People always say it does, and when he was colicky and crying all the time I never believed it. But it has. It is so amazing to see him growing and changing every day, becoming more of his own person.

I'm currently reading She's All That by Kristen Billerbeck. I have four books I have to get through before Monday because I've got to start on my next round of RT books. Two deadlines in one month are not fun. She's All That is a Christian chick lit book, first in the spa girls series. It's decent so far, but nothing spectacular. I'm only on page 30 though.

My wonderful husband took the kids to church last night so I could stay home and get some things done. It was so nice of him. I got cupcakes made and frosted, Logan's presents sorted and wrapped.

I'm going to get on the treadmill, I've got 2 hours until I am going to pick up Grace from school.

Yipes!

After a walk around the block with Grace, I have handed her off to her "adopted" grandma who is going to walk another round with her.

Life is crazy, I think that should be my catch phrase.

Logan's birthday is Thursday, so I am busily preparing for his party on Saturday. I have Bible study tomorrow, so I spent this morning preparing my notes for that. I'm having a Tastefully Simple party on Friday, so much cleaning is necessary. Today I've been cleaning and getting things ready, it just never seems like there are enough hours in the day.

Currently reading Goodnight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner. It's a decent book so far, although I'm not sure it will measure up to her previous book (Little Earthquakes) in my mind. I guess I'd classify it as a chick lit mystery. I've only got about a week until I have to start on my RT books again. Two deadlines in a month will about send me over the edge. And my family too, LeeRoy especially dislikes the deadline weekends.

Started a new study at church --Know Fear. We're attending a new small group which isn't too bad. Different than I'm used to, we're one of the youngest people there. I don't feel very connected to the people, but maybe it's just too early for that. I've been feeling very disillusioned with our church lately, I'm not connecting with God like I used to, and I'm not sure what the cause is. We've been contemplating trying other churches, but we can't find something that would work for both of us. I like contemporary music, but I like some structure. I don't care for three hour long church services that may or may not include a sermon, depending on what's happening. But I also don't like these time crunched, non-Spirit led services I've been experiencing lately. I really need to pray about what to do.

I'm a little overwhelmed with life in general...I need to figure out what to cut out because I can't keep up with the pace I'm trying to right now.

Clutter

I've been thinking a lot lately about the clutter in my life. I've been doing the Beth Moore study "Living Beyond Yourself" and God has been speaking to me. The video this week talked about clearing things out through confession and bringing concerns to God before you can be filled with the Holy Spirit. She also talked about actions and how every action has its root in something internal. For example, I have a big problem with just totally losing it with my kids--yelling and getting so angry. Even bringing it to Jesus and trying my hardest to turn from it isn't working.

So I got to thinking, what is the real root cause of this? What is setting me off? And I came back to the thing that has been plaguing me my whole life--perfectionism. I expect too much from myself, my family, and even my home. I have these perfection expectations that just can't be met, no matter how hard anyone tries. And most of the time, when I lose it with the kids, it's because I'm failing at something I think I should be getting perfect--like my house clean, or being on time for things, etc.

Just something I am definitely working on with God. But now that I have really acknowledged the root of the problem I can get to work on it.

On another note, I am now reading The Wedding Day by Catherine Alliott.

I am so wishing for a date night with my husband but we really haven't found a babysitter. All of the teenagers we know are going to football games, it's frustrating. And Alicia is in Hawaii (lucky her!)

Have been diligently working on the physical clutter in my home today. I've cleaned out Grace's room and have a big garbage bag ready for Goodwill (I can't freecycle this stuff because she doesn't really know what's in there and I dont' want to keep it around any longer than necessary) and another big bag of Logan's stuff. I actually need to get rid of more of his stuff because his birthday is this week, which means more will be arriving. I'm trying to get him to part with some Rescue Hero items because he has thousands and he doesn't really play with them anymore. His is mostly really into Legos and Star Wars right now.

This is long enough, back to cleaning!

New Reviews Posted

The Judge Who Stole Christmas

Saturday Morning

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Tough

Another breakneck week

I can't believe it's Thursday already. Kids have two days off school for the ASCI conference, so we're back to summer mode again. Logan has an eye appointment this morning, so I need to get in the shower very soon.

I'm reading Don't Get Too Comfortable by David Rakoff. It's a very funny set of essays about over-indulgent Americans. I'm enjoying it. Still listening to Vanishing Acts, it's definitely good, I hope I'm not disappointed.

Kimber is driving to Ashland and back today to see a play. Pray if you think of it, that's a scary drive at night through the mountains.

I'll probably post some more later when I have more time. I think I'll have some reviews posted today.
Oh, here's one:
The Railway Children

I Hate Thinking of Titles

Same thing with subjects of e-mail. My titles are all boring because I just can't think of anything to write. I should just date them and leave it at that.

Weekend was a little busy but not too bad. Logan's spend the night friend went well. We took my father-in-law out for dinner on Saturday night to celebrate his birthday (well, my m-i-l came too) then we all watched The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I remember reading the book in the 6th or 7th grade, it's probably where I developed my off-the-wall sense of humor when it comes to entertainment. HGTTG was better than I was expecting.

Sunday we went and bought Logan's birthday party invites and other stuff and Grace's Halloween costume. I spent most of the weekend reading like a fiend trying to get through the RT books.

Currently reading Saturday Morning by Lauraine Snelling (finally finishing it up) and listening to Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult.

Lots to do around here and only an hour to do them in!

The Last Day of September

It was Johnny Appleseed Day at kindergarten today. We made applesauce and did lots of other great apple things. The kids had a blast, and I couldn't believe it but Grace actually ate her applesauce and asked for seconds! She normally hates it.

Logan is having a friend spend the night tonight. We'll see how it goes...this is the first non-relative we've had to spend the night. We're also going to an adoption party for our friends whose adoption was final today. It's so wonderful, they only thought they were going to have her for a month of receiving foster care, and now almost two years later she's their child!

Really rainy here today. First real rain we've had in a couple of months. It's kind of nice, the kids won't be begging to go outside and ride bikes every second. When I have a ton of things to do inside, it's frustrating for me to have to go out and supervise.

I was so productive today, I vacuumed the whole upstairs and swept and mopped all of the hardwood floors. With the hundreds of grapes from my in-laws' garden my kids have been eating (and dropping, and squishing all over the floor and garage floor) it was one huge sticky mess. I was grossed out walking in my bare feet across it. It is SO much better now!

I've got to go read. I have an hour until I need to leave to pick up Logan and friend, I need to sit and make some headway in my book. Four more after this one before Sunday night, ugh!

Only Thursday!

I can't believe it's only Thursday. Actually, I'm pretty glad, since I'm not very far through my RT books. So that's one good thing. Otherwise, the week seems to be dragging.

I cannot believe how into the show Lost I am! I haven't been this obsessed with a TV show in years. Part of the excitement is that it's such an intriguing mystery to try to figure out what's going on and I can't peek ahead to the end and see how it's going to turn out.

I've been filling out my invitations for a Tastefully Simple party that I'm having Oct. 14. I'm excited, this is the first home party I've had in a couple of years, for a company that hasn't been overplayed in my circle of friends and relatives. I dont' think I could have a Pampered Chef party again, there's just not enough people who havent' been to hundreds of them. At least with TS most of the products are inexpensive and people can buy things at the party rather than having to wait for them.

Gotta go get the kids out of the shower so we can read some books and get into bed before Survivor starts. I've got to get my book out to read on the commercials.

Just a couple of minutes...

I have just a couple of minutes before I have to go pick up Logan. I have had another day of feeling like I was walking through sticky mud. My internet wasn't even working this morning, so I can't even blame it on that wasting my time. Just taking forever to get places and then even longer to get things done.

Still reading my RT books. I finished the long one today, now I'm onto the shorter series ones. I am going to really try to plow through a couple each day so I can get all of my reviews done before the weekend (yeah, right)

New review posted:
Marley & Me If you have any interest in stories involving dogs, this is the true story of "the world's worst dog" It is wonderful and I rank it as one of my favorite reads this year so far.

Ok, off to get Logan!

Weekends Fly By!

It seems like all I do is blink and the weekend is over.

Friday night went out with Jenny and Angie to see Just Like Heaven--great movie, total chick flick, but I do think some guys will like it. Saturday we went out to lunch at Beaches in Vancouver...yum! We all really enjoyed it, but were in a bit of a rush since we had to get to The Lion King. Incredible performance, but a little too long for the kids.
Sunday went to church, grocery store, baby shower, then out to dinner to celebrate the in-laws' anniversary and birthdays. Got to watch all of my Sunday shows last night, that was great! I had really missed them.

Today I worked in Logan's class. It's always nice when the wild kid isn't there, which he hasn't been for a couple of days. I'm taking Grace to a dr. appt this afternoon. Tomorrow I have a free morning, thank goodness. I worked some on my Bible study on Friday, but I need to do more tomorrow.

I'm currently working on my December RT books--right now I'm reading Lilac Spring by Ruth Axtell Morren. I had to set aside Saturday Morning by Lauraine Snelling because I have a deadline of next Monday. Still listening to Vanish, but I'm almost finished.

I'd better go do some cleaning before Grace's appointment, then I can read...also have three reviews to write up.

My Brain is Fried!

I can't believe it, but I forgot to take Logan to his eye appointment yesterday afternoon. I am so lame! I guess I can only blame my fried brain. Too many appointments and things to keep straight and even though I reminded my husband at lunch I still forgot. Rescheduled it, now hopefully I won't forget again.

Tonight we're having a girls night, going out for dinner and then to see Just Like Heaven. I cant' wait, I really hope the movie lives up to my expectations. I totally adored the book it is based on (If Only It Were True by Marc Levy) and have been excited to see it for so long.

New review posted:
Confessions of a Nervous Shiksa

I'm now reading The Judge Who Stole Christmas by Randy Singer, should be a quick read. I'm off to clean and then go to the grocery store.

Sigh, Gotta love Starbucks!

I finally had a nice, relaxing morning in Starbucks today. It was definitely needed. I know I had a ton of things to do around the house, but "me" time was crucial. I got a lot of my latest book read--The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Tough I'm finally to the review book! It's an interesting series, a lot deeper than I had originally thought when I read the first one.

Grandparents day today at school, wow that was crazy. Grace had nana and papa in the morning and Logan had them in the afternoon.

Lost was definitely awesome last night. Wow, lots of "meat" for the first show of the season, I am glad they didn't just give us fluffy filler. The new show Invasion wasn't too bad. I'm reserving judgment for awhile until I figure out what's going on. But it seems good and creepy though.

Gotta go work on the laundry, my leisure time is over.

Made it over the hump (day)

Well, not quite, but I'm working on it.

Kids are grounded, which should make for interesting afternoons the next couple of weeks. It's gorgeous outside, so it will truly be punishment that they can't ride bikes after school. Maybe at least it's a reprieve from Grace's whining to have a friend over or go over to a friend's house.

Tonight I'm staying home to read. I am not going near the computer, I will just curl up and finish my book. In fact, after I figure out what we're having for dinner, I'm going to read this afternoon too if I can get Grace busy doing something. Lost starts tonight, yippee!! I am so excited!

The Big Brother finale was so anti-climactic. I didn't much care who won, because I really wanted Janelle to win. I loved Howie's comment about having to vote between America's two least favorites (or something like that)

I'm off to figure out dinner and finish my book. I've got to get moving on my pile. More books arrive each day, and I would have to read 2-3 books a day just to catch up, much less keep up.

Frustrating Day

I feel like I am just constantly spinning my wheels. Today has just been a long series of frustrations, but I am not sure why.

Went to the beach this past weekend. It was a nice time, especially on Saturday. Took a boat trip in the bay/ocean and got to see a grey whale fairly close. Great experience. Didn't much care for the beach house clean up day, but that's life I guess.

I am so behind on my reading. I try to read as much as I can but I dont' know why I'm so slow. Part is because I have so many other things on my plate. I need to get into a routine, I know. Today, for example, I wasted a half hour because the kids weren't where they said they were going to be, and I had to search all over the neighborhood for them. Needless to say they are now both grounded.

LeeRoy had a meeting tonight, so I had to take Logan to gymnastics. Not horrible, but one more thing to have to go to and do. Hopefully when I am finished with all of these appointments (I had an eye appt this morning, Logan has one on Thurs, Grace has a Dr appt on Monday, and then nothing until I have a Dr. appt late next month) things will start to get a little more routine. I even had Grace go to day care yesterday so I could work on my Bible study, but I still felt like I was walking through mud trying to get anything done.

I'm reading The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Real by Neta Jackson. The last one before the review copy. I have got to get moving. It's time for the RT books again, sigh. At least I can wait until Sunday to start those.

We're going to see The Lion King in Portland on Saturday. It should be fun, I hope the kids are old enough for it. Oh well if they're not!

Gotta go get the kids out of the shower so I can watch the Big Brother finale in a bit!

Finally a breather!

I have a little free time this morning (what's that?) LOL! Took the dog to the vet after I dropped the kids at school, I have to leave in a minute to go to the post office and the library, so I don't have a lot of time, but it's something.

Bible study went well yesterday. I covered everything I had planned to. Now to work some more on next week! I may take advantage of day care for Grace on Monday so I can get a little quiet time to work on it. We're going to the beach this weekend, so I won't be doing anything there.

First AWANA last night, LeeRoy stayed home to paint and I went grocery shopping, It only took 10 minutes, and if I would have taken the kids it would have taken at least 30, so I got a lot accomplished.

These are the weeks of appointments. Yesterday Logan had his last dentist appt. Today Grace goes to the eye dr. Tomorrow she goes to the dentist. Whew! Once we make it through all of the appointments things will get a little calmer too.

Ok, gotta go get my paperback swap packages ready so I can drop them by the post office.

I'm still reading the same books, I haven't had much reading time but I need to step it up a little.

Tuesday happenings

I think I'm finally getting with the swing of things, but I'm realizing that, even with both kids in school all morning, I have less free time than I had last year. If I have to listen to Grace complain any more about being bored and not having anything to do I think I'll go crazy. Tomorrow she's got a friend coming over, that should be nice.

I'm pretty much ready for my Bible study tomorrow. I have the class outline typed up and my notes typed up for at least tomorrow's lesson. Probably more than that since we have a lot of housekeeping things that will most likely be going on.

Currently reading The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down by Neta Jackson. I have the fourth book in the series to review and I've only read the first one, so I'm doing a quick catch-up. Because, wouldn't you know, I have the middle two on my tbr piles!

I need to get busy cleaning the kitchen and making more appointments. Like always, it never ends!

Quick weekend!

It seems like this weekend has just flown by!

Spent the rainy day yesterday sitting around watching episodes of Lost. We haven't made it all the way through, maybe about halfway. I think we'll watch Crash tonight though (in recognition of it being September 11) Maybe we'll watch another episode or two tomorrow night. We have until the 21st to make it through all of them!

Today we had our church picnic/service outside at the fairgrounds. It was quite chilly but it didn't rain. It started clearing off and now it's really sunny. Worked for a long time this afternoon typing up the outline for my Hebrews Bible study. Got the student lesson plans done and my teaching plans typed up through this week at least.

A couple new reviews posted:
Hot Fudge Sundae Blues
The Stranger House

I'm currently reading (gasp!) a library book: The Bitch Posse by Martha O'Connor. My first non-review book in a long, long time! It's kind of depressing, about three friends and it moves back and forth between the present day and their senior year in high school where they were pretty messed up, and a lot of that continues to the present. I'm not sure whether or not I'm actually enjoying it, but it is interesting.

Gotta go get the kids inside for a shower. Can't believe it's time for school again already!

Friday

Well, made it through the week! Had my mom's group presentation on hospitality today, I think it went all right. I have been starting to feel more and more left out of groups like that, and I am not sure why. Maybe it's time for me to move on and find something else...not sure. Something definitely to pray about. Going to bunco tonight, we'll see how that goes.

Watched the new Fox show Reunion last night. It was pretty good, I was pleasantly surprised. Kimber called about 5 minutes before the end, so I missed that part. It's on again tonight so I'm going to record it. I am very excited for the new fall season of shows to start. Survivor starts this week! I got my Season One of Lost on DVD today. We're planning to do a big marathon watching it this weekend :) It doesn't start for another week, so we'll be able to spread it out if we need to.

Kids have candy bar sales for school, ugh. Fortunately Logan's friend Eric's older sister is taking the three younger kids out selling right now. I just hate doing that.

Well, gotta go get ready for the evening.

Forgot to mention

What I was reading! I'm reading Confessions of a Nervous Shiksa by Tracy McArdle and listening to Vanish by Tess Gerritsen. I am way, way overloaded!

Have a little more time now

I am sorry, but I had to add word verification for my comments. I was getting so tired of the spammers I had to do it. Please continue to comment!

I am so excited about Kimber's school. It seems like such a great place. I hope she's happy there. It's so hard to go away from everything you know and hold dear...but it's all a part of life and growing up. College for me was a weird experience. In some ways good and in other ways not so good...but it did help me to mature and develop more of a sense of myself rather than just a robot.

I have some new reviews posted:
Necklace of Kisses
Upgrading

I am now ready for my Mom's group presentation on hospitality tomorrow. Then I am going to play bunco tomorrow night. This weekend I've got to work some more typing up my Bible study. I'm all prepared, just need to type up the student notes.

It's great being back into the swing of regular activities, but it seems like they all hit at one time. I am not going to start volunteering at the school until Monday because I've still got a ton of prep to do. Kids started gymnastics this week and it went really well. They are both SO tired, and it's only Thursday (and there was no school on Monday!) Grace is just fit to be tied, she's so tired and worn out from school. Plus today she went home with a friend and played. She fell asleep in the car on the way home from school. Hopefully this weekend she'll get caught up on her sleep a little bit and she'll be back to normal (or closer anyway!)

Well, gotta go get the kids inside, they are out riding bikes and they've got to get ready for bed.

Very quick update

I have a lot to update, but this week is crazy. I am teaching a class for our moms' group on hospitality tomorrow and I'm not really ready. So I have to do that before anything else. Fortunately Grace is going home with a friend so I have the ENTIRE day!

Got Kimber off to school, kids are doing well in their school. Will update more in a day or two.

A quick update

I've got kids clamoring for breakfast, so I'll make this quick.

Family camp was fun this past weekend. Lots of work to get ready to go and lots of work to clean up afterward. Last night we went to a bbq for the worship team at church. Tonight we have a bbq for the kids' school. Tomorrow we're having a going-away bbq for Kimber with my in-laws. Lots of bbq going on here! And the weather yesterday was cool and rainy. Go figure, after almost 50 days with no rain!

Tomorrow the kids start school. Thursday we leave to take Kimber to school in CA. So I'll probably update after we return this weekend. It's just so crazy busy that I haven't had much time on the computer.

I'm reading my RT books, still have six left, so I need to get moving.

New review posted:
The Mile-High Hair Club

Hopefully I can get a few more written before we leave, but I'm not counting on it. After I get caught up writing my reviews and meet my RT deadline I will be working on my Bible study notes and my Mom's group presentation on hospitality. Why do I do this to myself?

Not much time

I need to start dinner. It's been a very busy day. Started the day on the phone making hair appointments, dog grooming, etc. Went to the library and post office and Target. Came home and had lunch, then went out again to get Logan's hair cut and then to the grocery store to buy stuff for camping. The kids were awful and absolutely would not listen to me. It was really frustrating.

The one good note, I started SAHM I Am by Meredith Efken and it is totally my life! It's about stay-at-home moms who are on an e-mail loop, trying to make sense of their lives and relationships with each other, their husbands, and God. Great book so far, I am hating to put it down but I really need to get some reviews written up before the weekend. Fortunately I did get two done this afternoon. Just three more to go!

I am so looking forward to school starting, I know I'm sounding like a broken record. Not that I will have a whole lot more time to myself, but I will have a little. I am so happy to start my Starbucks Mondays back up again!

Gotta go make the spaghetti. It's too hot but that's what LeeRoy wants to eat.

Reviews posted

Forgot to post the links for my new reviews:

Pocketful of Pearls

Unforgotten

Feelin' down

I'm a bit depressed. I know why, but that doesn't help make it better. I'm really tired of my life and how little control I feel about everything. The more I try to give it up to God the worse off I feel. That's unusual. Usually, I feel so freed by giving up my worries to Him. Maybe it's a sign I'm not completely giving it all up...I don't know. My mind just terribilizes everything that's going on and I project in the future what might possibly happen--and what might happen I can't come up with an adequate reaction on my part. I know, this makes no sense, but it makes total sense to me! As I am sure it does to God, although most of my talking to Him the past few weeks has been totally unfocused.

I wish Kimber was more excited about starting school. I know she's upset about having to leave her boyfriend, but there's so much more to life than a boyfriend at 19. I know, you couldnt' have convinced me of that when I was 19, but it's totally true! I just want her to get her college degree before deciding to settle for staying around here. And I want her to date more people before deciding this is the love of her life.

We're looking at some property here in town to build a house in about five years. Have been on the phone a ton trying to connect with realtors and sellers and lenders and etc. Lots of work. And lots of decisions. Maybe tonight we'll go up there with hiking boots and long pants so we can really look closely at all three pieces we're considering in order to make a more informed decision.

Currently reading Upgrading by Simon Brooke, but as soon as I finish I'll start on my RT books. Maybe I can actually finish them before we leave for CA, that would make Labor Day weekend be so much less stressful!

So...if you think about it, send up a prayer for me and my down feelings. I am hoping so much that things will improve over the next couple of weeks.

Feeling Better!

Antibiotics are wonderful! My eye is much better!

Busy weekend. We had a going away party for Kimber on Saturday. It was nice to see all of the family and have them come to say goodbye.

Started some new books. Got a note from DHL that my RT books are on their way tomorrow morning, so I need to finish Chopstick by Sandra Byrd (I will, it's YA and a quick read) so I can start on those books when they arrive. Also started a new book on CD, finally finished Innocent by Coben (very good, as are all of his books) Now I'm listening to The Girl Next Door by Patricia MacDonald. I'm waiting for Vanish by Tess Gerritsen to be released, so this will hold me until that time.

All right, back to reading! We watched The Upside of Anger last night. It wasn't too bad. Drug in places, but overall ok.

Pink Eye!

Now I have pink eye. Ick. Had to go to the Dr. and get a prescription today because it is just getting worse, not better. The allergy eye drops I have didn't do a thing.

Cleaning the house for Kimber's party tomorrow. It doesn't stay clean long due to the tornado children.

I have got to finish up the Coben book on CD that I'm listening to. I'm almost done but it's wayyyyy overdue. I am going to have to pay bigtime, but I'm so close to the end. It's really good.

Currently reading The Stranger House by Reginald Hill. It's my First Look book this month. I am not sure what I think of it. It's an interesting British book, maybe a mystery, but I am not even sure about that yet. I'm almost 200 pages in, so I wish I could figure out what's up and where it's going. I really want to finish it today, but that's not going to happen unless I really take some time to read this afternoon. I still have to go to the pharmacy and to Target.

I'm off...I also have a bunch of reviews to write up, I really need to do that too before I sit down to read.

Things are looking up

I am definitely feeling better today. Grace on the other hand is about to drive me insane. She's screaming about everything. I think she's tired, but who knows. She's just cranky. Her shoes aren't tied right, it's too sunny, etc.

Went shopping all day in Vancouver for clothes for the kids. They are not fun to shop with, let me tell you. Logan was actually really easy, but Grace was picky and whiny until she got food, then she was ok for awhile, then whiny again.

I have two new reviews posted:
A Little Change of Face
Romantic Fiction

I finished Necklace of Kisses--it was very unusual, but I really liked it. I am not sure what's up next on the pile, probably my First Look book. Then I got a book from Ballantine to review yesterday also. Hopefully I will have my RT books before we head to California so I can read in the car. Yes, hopefully! The reviews are due on the 5th and we're leaving on the 1st!

Found out that Logan doesn't have the teacher I had wanted for him. I am a little bummed. I have no doubts he'll be find anywhere, but it's still disappointing. And then they asked if Grace could be in PM kindergarten which I said NO. That would throw me totally off, plus she's already signed up for gymnastics in the afternoon. She melts down in the afternoon (I should have them come observe her today, then they'd get a clue)

Gotta go think of something for dinner!

Still sick

I have almost completely lost my voice. It's very irritating, especially since I can't even call for the kids. They aren't being very understanding either. I feel awful, and tonight we have to get our picture taken for the church directory. My right eye is very swollen and red. I just took an antihistimine so hopefully it will clear up a little. I'm going to dose with Visine right before we leave also. If things don't seem to be improving in a half hour, I'm going to take benadryl and have Kimber drive us there. It doesn't make me that tired, and it's not that far away, but I won't take the chance.

Finished the hair book finally, haven't felt much like reading. Started on Necklace of Kisses by Francesca Lia Block. It's a little strange, but fairly good. I feel like I've missed out on a lot though, because it's like the 5th book in a series that's been going for years, and I haven't read any of the others. But it's good nonetheless.

Gotta go put my stuffed shells in the oven so they'll be done in time for us to go to the picture. Grace has already bathed (had to get the popsicle and ravioli out of her hair) but now she's outside again. Hopefully she won't get too dirty!

Grrr--what's the deal?

If it isn't enough that I have to deal with spam in my e-mail box, now I have to deal with spam comments on my blog. Come on, how stupid is that?

Still reading the same book. I feel awful, I've almost completely lost my voice now. The kids are probably happy, I can't really yell at them.

I have a new addiction. It's www.paperbackswap.com
It's a book trading site where you exchange books with others. I've traded quite a few so far, it's really fun. If you decide to sign up, make sure you put down my e-mail (parcelhome@adelphia.net) as a referral so I can get some extra credits :) I've been listing books this evening. It is in conjunction with selling my books--I am really trying to declutter my book room. I also listed a bunch more rubber stamps on ebay to try to get that room cleared out some more. I just have way too much stuff in general.

We're Back!

It wasn't too bad weather-wise, although LeeRoy would claim differently. I had a nice time with my sister and the kids loved visiting with their cousins. Spent a lot of time in the pool. It's hot here too, I am very anxious for summer to end, let me tell you!

Went school clothes shopping for Kimber today. I got a couple of outfits for myself, but I cant' wear them until the weather cools down.

Have had a few reviews posted:
Always Green
Miranda Blue Calling
The Girl She Left Behind
The Victory Club
Seven Minutes to Noon

I finished a couple of books while I was in Vegas, now I'm reading
The Mile High Hair Club by Naomi Neale. I was totally thrilled when I opened it up and saw my review of Neale's first book, Calendar Girl, quoted inside the front cover. Even though my name wasn't with it, it made me so excited to see my words!

I'm feeling rotten, allergies, a cold, or something. I'm going to go lie down for awhile before I write up the reviews I need to work on. Or maybe I'll wait until tomorrow.

Verrrrry slow and hot...

It is so hot today. Ugh. I was so productive this morning. I got up early, balanced the checkbook, paid bills, figured out all of our bookkeeping stuff, etc. Started on my RT reviews.

Went to the library and then stopped by school to pay Logan's tuition and Grace's first month. Gasp, that was a lot of money! Thank goodness for our tax return!

Have spent most of the last two hours trying to get Kimber's Netgear set back up. I finally figured it out and I'm so proud of myself. (big pats on the back for me)

Now both kids have friends over, and although Logan and his friend are really hot and bored (they've done everything and are still bored) I am going to spend the next hour working on my RT reviews. Jenny and I are going to dinner and to see Must Love Dogs tonight, so I don't need to cook dinner for myself. I need to figure out what to make for the rest of them though.

Off to concentrate on these reviews. They are not going to write themselves and I have to pack tomorrow so not much time then.

Went to the fair...

It was free to get in between 10 and 4 today, so we went at 10. Stayed until about 2:30. Very, very, very hot when we left. Kids had a lot of fun and enjoyed looking at the animals and all of the other exhibits. We didn't ride any rides, the lines were forever long and we just went to Disneyland for goodness sake! LeeRoy is working there at 5, Kimber is going to the demolition derby after she gets off work...but I don't think we're going to go back unless it cools off significantly.

I am going to start working on my RT reviews. I have put it off long enough and am going to run out of time before we leave with the wedding and everything on Friday and Saturday.

Please tell me school starts tomorrow!

I am so bummed that it doesn't. All my kids do is fight. And all I do is yell. I am so tired of this, give me the structure of school!

Went college-stuff shopping with Kimber last night. She got a comforter, towels, and all of the hundreds of dollars of stuff one needs to go 470 miles away to school for a year. She did say that she wouldn't mind having a going away party...so maybe on the 20th or 21st, our only free weekend before she leaves. Could do it the 14th I guess, but that seems a little early. It's nice to see her getting excited about going. I know she's probably really nervous since she doesn't know anyone, but I remember how much I grew up and learned about myself and how I fit into life when I went away to school.

Now if I can only make it 12 more years until the little ones are off to college, I'll have it made.

New Reviews Posted

Still reading Always Green, but I should finish it today.
Here are the new reviews I have posted:

Nice Girls Finish First

Dixieland Sushi

Everybody Into the Pool:True Tales

Back to writing up reviews!

Depressing day...

I am having a down day today. I have done a lot, gotten a lot accomplished, but it doesn't feel like it. I feel really blah and down.

Went to Cannon Beach yesterday which was so fun. The weather was gorgeous, it was awesome.

Finished my RT books, now I just have a major task ahead writing them up. I have this huge pile of books that I've read but not reviewed yet. I did 1 1/2 reviews today, so I guess that's progress. But I have to get them done before we leave for Vegas.

Right now I'm reading Always Green by Patti Hill. It's fairly good, but a little depressing. Maybe that's contributing to my mood. I don't know. Life just gets that way sometimes.

Off to work on dinner.

Ah, summer!

I am mostly going to spend the day lying around reading. Oh yes, much laundry and dishes and other cleaning, but not so much running around in the summertime, which is nice. Still reading Over the Waters.

I'm getting another First Look book, I can't believe it! I think it's because I'm turning my reviews in early, it seems to be working for getting a book every month.

Another review posted:
Darkness on the Edge of Town

I have five books I need to write up. I will make it a goal to write up at least two of them today.

Off to put on my makeup and do my hair and transfer the laundry so I can sit down with a book!

Tuesday and I think I'm getting a cold...

Or the flu...I feel really run down today and my throat kind of hurts. I just want to lie down and take a nap, which is probably what I will do in a minute. Finished 26A, it wasn't all that good. Well written, but strange story.

Got my RT books today. The gestapo delivery person from DHL brought it to the door and almost made Kimber show ID before handing over the box. She asked her what her relationship to me is, and if we have the same last name. They left it with my neighbor the last time, so what's up with the third degree of my own daughter? I'm going to get started on Over the Waters by Deborah Raney in a little bit.

We're supposed to go to the library bbq tonight, and I was going to make something for LeeRoy since he has to go to a meeting afterward and all they're serving is hot dogs, but I just don't feel like it. I'll call him and see what he thinks.

I'm off to rest my eyes, which are killing me.

Monday!

Have a new review posted:
Potter Springs

Am almost finished with Romantic Fiction. What a funny and good story. The back cover kept comparing it to the show Friends, which I despise, so I wasn't sure I was going to like it. But it's a great book with a collection of unique characters. Next I'll be starting on 26a by Diana Evans. It's my First Look book this month. I cant' believe that I've gotten books two months in a row, I had gone almost six months without one!

We're having pasta with tomato and fresh basil tonight. It's Kimber's favorite so maybe we'll be graced with her company at dinner.

Watched Man of the House this weekend (blah, boring and not very funny) and The Pacifier (quite cute)

Lazy Sunday

Getting ready to kick back with a book (after I watch last night's Big Brother) It's been kind of a lazy weekend, which is nice for a change.

Friday night Logan spent the night with a friend, so we took Grace to Gresham to the Original Roadhouse Grill. Yummy.

Yesterday basically lazed around all day. I read Eleven on Top (totally hilarious, I love Stephanie Plum! I also love Morelli, drool! ) and then an awful book, A Little Change of Face. Spent a couple of hours making a new Amazon wish list just for my library book reminders, I feel much more organized now!

I'm currently listening to The Innocent by Harlan Coben and reading Romantic Fiction by Melanie La'Brooy. I am anxiously awaiting my Romantic Times books, I am going to have to read very fast to make it through all seven books by my deadline the way things are going.

I still have three reviews to write up, but hopefully I can get them done tomorrow. I am just continually behind.

Thursday...

I have been off a day all week. It should be Friday I tell you!
I forgot that I had started another book before getting Harry Potter, so I finished that one--Seven Minutes To Noon by Kate Pepper before starting on Miranda Blue Calling. Seven Minutes started out well, and was a really interesting mystery...but the ending just crashed and burned for me. Maybe I need to go back and re-read it, but I don't think so. It was weird. I am going to resist reading the Amazon reviews until I write mine up.

Tonight we're going to another concert at the lake. It's reggae music, should be great for the heat, the two really go together! We're going to pick up pizza schmizza on the way (and beans from Taco Bell for the kids, they don't want pizza)

On to the shower I go, I want to go help Grace on her bike before it gets too hot. Logan took her training wheels off and she is bound and determined to learn how to ride without them!

Finished Harry...

Well, finished up with Harry this morning. Very sad ending, I don't want to wait to see what happens!

Starting on Miranda Blue Calling which has been on my pile forever. I'm not sure I should even try to go back so far, but I am. I have three books to write up and I am going to to try to get even more done before I get my RT books for October.

Kimber gets home today, just a little over a month until she leaves for school.

Well, I'm working away at clearing out the clutter, it's a slow process. I'm going to pack some things in the car to take to the church for the garage sale, then I need to go to the grocery store. Fortunately it's not quite so hot today!

New Reviews Posted

Simple Hospitality
A Perilous Proposal

Hopefully will have more posted in the upcoming weeks. I've turned in a bunch to Curled Up, and have three more waiting to be typed up.

Its Hot!

It's been pretty hot the past couple of days! Fortunately it's also a bit windy so that keeps the temperature down a little.

Let's see, weekend recap...

Friday night we watched Hide and Seek. It was an ok movie, pretty manipulative--it showed scenes that actually didn't happen, tried to trick you into thinking something happened that didn't. It's hard to explain if you haven't seen the movie. It was quite scary, so that made up for a little of it.

Saturday we went to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Really sweet movie. Some darker overtones, but a story about what family means. Johnny Depp is really amazing. Went over to the in-laws' afterward and sat around and talked. Heade out to dinner at a new Mexican restaurant, but it was only open to those over 21, so we ended up going to Applebees. Went over to the neighbors, sat outside and got eaten by mosquitos until 10. Started on my Harry Potter book :) and watched a Norah Jones DVD.

Sunday went to church and then read for a little while. LeeRoy, Jenny, and I went to see Footloose, the play that Ashley has the lead in. She is saying that this is her last play, that she doesn't want to do any during her senior year, but we'll see. It was pretty good for a youth play. Brought back so many memories of high school for me with the music! Went over to the Oskeys for a bbq, went home fairly early. I watched the Big Brother that I had taped on Saturday.

Today has been a lazy day. Kimber gets home tomorrow so I've been working a little more in her room. Need to take some stuff over to the church tomorrow for their garage sale. Went to the library and the post office, rented a few PS2 games for Logan to try from Hollywood Video. We've decided to try them before buying now, they are so expensive to buy!

I'm grilling chicken tonight, too hot to stay in the house. Still reading Harry, should finish tomorrow I think. I'm over halfway through, but I just haven't made very much time to read it.

Finally Friday

I'm so glad it's finally the end of the week! I have a quiet few minutes because the kids are (gasp!) over at someone else's house for once. It's been fun but horribly chaotic to have all of the neighborhood kids over here every single day until we forcibly have to remove them to send them home. I've gotten a few reviews written, yay me. I still have two more to do, but I have four done, which is progress!

I'm reading The Victory Club by Robin Lee Hatcher. I am cruising through, hopefully will finish by the time Harry arrives tomorrow :))

Off to make my pizza on the grill and mojitos, hubby deserves a treat after his breakneck week!

Slow week

I don't know why, this week is passing by so slowly! Tonight we're going to grab dinner and go to a concert at the lake.

Moved onto The Girl She Left Behind by Karen Brichoux. It's really introspective, not as light as I thought at first. After that will be a quick read, Simple Hospitality by Jane Jarrell. Not sure what's up after that. Tomorrow I definitely need to spend a couple of hours writing up the reviews. It's great to be doing all of the reading, but I need to write the reviews!

I'm trying to read/review as many as I can before my Harry Potter book gets here on Saturday. Because I will be reading that one once it arrives!

Another one bites the dust!

And I'm done with Dixieland Sushi and have started the hilarious Everybody Into the Pool by Beth Lisick. I listened to part of a CD of Velocity while making dinner. Too bad I can't read and listen to an audio book at the same time! That would be heaven! LOL
Pssst...I've actually tried. Even though I'm an awesome multi-tasker, it was just beyond me.

And it's Wednesday

Went to the liquidator outlet this morning. Some things are way overpriced, but found those GoLean bars--20 for $1!!! And they are the kind Kimber likes, the chocolate peanut butter ones. (Found some 3 for a dollar once at the Grocery Outlet, but they were nasty honey flavored) I bought 40--some for her to eat this summer and some to send in care packages next year. There were tons, I may go back and get some more tomorrow. She doesn't eat breakfast, but will eat one of those. Also found closeout Dr. Phil shakes for 27 cents each. Bought 8 of them but now I think I should have bought all they had...Kimber drinks those for a meal replacement too. I couldn't believe my great luck at what I found.

Finished the book I was reading, I'm glad for that, it wasn't all that good. Lots of telling instead of showing, but with some good characters. I'm now over halfway through Dixieland Sushi by Cara Lockwood. It's much better than her last book, Pink Slip Party. It's funny and entertaining chick lit. I am trying very hard to read a lot in the next two weeks before I need to start on my RT books for October. But also I need to find some time to write them up. It seems like no matter how early I get up the kids get up early too. They were up at 7 this morning. I need to take them out to ride bikes so I can wear them out!

Summer days

Although it doesn't look much like summer around here. Still cloudy and a little rainy, but that's supposed to change.

Finished my book this morning and started A Perilous Proposal by Michael Phillips. It's a little heavier than I want to read in the summer, I am not a huge historical fiction fan and the civil war period isn't one of my favorites either. But I'm reading it, hopefully I can get through it within a day or so and move onto something lighter and more interesting.

Trying to plow through some more laundry...it is never ending around here. Still working on Kimber's room, although I am not sure how much more I'm going to do in there. I completely cleaned/scrubbed/scoured out her bathroom yesterday. The floor and counters were absolutely filthy. Ick.

So, we're going to Las Vegas in August. Should be fun but HOOOOTTTT. We have family camp the last weekend of the month, and then we take Kimber to school. The summer is flying by, but that's ok with me. I'm ready for "normal" life to begin again in the fall with my regular activities.

Back to reading! Yes, my life is boring.

Review Posted

I forgot, another review posted at BookLoons:

A Bride Most Begrudging

Hopefully I should have a few more posted this week at both sites. I need to make a serious dent in my review piles.

The weekend is over

It was a fun, but busy weekend. Friday night we got to go out, yippee! The babysitter just kinda fell in our laps, so I thought it was probably a God thing and we got to go out. Went out for dinner and to see War of the Worlds, which was fairly good. Quite intense! I just couldn't see how they were going to get out of the situation.

Saturday I got up and went to the store after doing a bunch of cleaning. LeeRoy took Logan to the Airplane show at the airport (WWII planes) and I had a birthday party for Grace. We did a princess party--makeup, nail polish, glitter, etc. The girls loved it. It was very low key! There were six girls, only one mom stayed. I don't think she was overly impressed by my party-planning skills. Oh well!

After the party, we impromptu decided to go see Herbie Fully Loaded. Very cute movie. The kids loved it, it was a fun way to spend the afternoon. Went out for dinner afterward.

Yesterday we went to church, then I spent the afternoon finishing up my RT books and writing reviews. I always seem to squeak in right at the deadline. No matter how hard I try to start them early, I never seem to get the timing right.

Now I'm reading Nice Girls Finish First by Alesia Holliday. Still listening to Velocity, I think I'll bring it in the house to listen to later today.

Lots of errands to run today, and I told the kids we'd work on reading and writing. We've had enough vacation, I don't want Logan to forget everything he learned!

Another day, better mood

I'm doing better today, maybe my problem yesterday was that I didn't leave the house for the entire day. I did get a lot done, it just didn't feel like it. Today we actually left the house--went to the Dollar Tree and got some more things for Grace's party, to the library where the kids completed their first goal for the summer reading program, and to the post office to mail some books. They've been playing better this afternoon with only minimal fighting.

I'm reading Die Before Nightfall, a Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense book. It's actually really good, the first one that I've had difficulty putting down. The Dean Koontz book I'm listening to is great as well, it reminds me a lot of Harlan Coben.

Oh, need to go set the recorder for Big Brother! I am going to a Tastefully Simple party tonight and won't be home, so I really need to do that.

Anyway, today has been a much, much better day.

Kids are driving me NUTS!

I am trying so hard to get things done around here. But everywhere I turn, kids are fighting, making messes, and getting in my way. I have to get some reviews written. I am SO behind. But Grace stands right next to me and wants to play a game on the computer. Tanner is over and he always causes such chaos, they are constantly running around and fighting even more. They went over to his house for maybe 10 minutes, and then they are back here again.

I almost can't take it anymore. It's now time for me to make dinner and I have barely gotten anything done today. ARRRRRRRRRRRRGHHH!

Can't seem to catch my breath!

I have had no time on the computer lately. I'm so behind with my reviews, at least I'm reading, that's something.

Finished VBS...it was a great program, a great week. Just a lot to do right after coming home from vacation. Still don't have everything picked up and put away yet. My de-cluttering and cleaning that I started a few weeks ago is stalled mid-process until I can get some time to Freecycle or take stuff to Goodwill (will probably do both)

The 4th of July was fun but again, tiring. Went to the lake for a couple of days. Listened to music. So excited on Sunday, got to see Shaun Groves. That was a huge treat, he was wonderful and funny. We got to pre-order his new CD that comes out on the 12th for only $5.

Today the kids and I took Kimber to the airport so she can visit Las Vegas for two weeks. It will be a nice break for her and more cleaning for me! Heh, heh, I get to get rid of some things!

I'm currently reading my RT books for the month, right now I'm reading In Sheep's Clothing by Susan May Warren. Pretty good so far, international intrigue and all that. Different for the Steeple Hill books, a refreshing change. Finally finished Oh My Stars on audio, now I'm listening to Velocity by Dean Koontz.

Big Brother starts on Thursday! Yay, finally something interesting to watch on TV. We've been watching a lot of movies though, and Season 5 of the Sopranos. Although I warn you that watching the Sopranos right before bed can give some mighty weird dreams.

Ok, back to cleaning!

Back and running again!

We got back Saturday night, did a whole bunch of laundry and cleaned for two days...then started VBS on Monday (which was also Grace's birthday) So things have literally been crazy.

Our trip was wonderful. Disneyland was hot and crowded (as always) but much more fun this time. The main reason was that the kids were pretty much tall enough to go on everything, and they didn't get tired so early or need naps. They could go until fairly late. Grace's favorite was Splash Mountain. Logan's was the new Buzz Astro Blasters. We ate a lot of good meals, spent time with family, and all in all had a great time.

I read two books: Marley and Me by John Grogan, a hilarious memoir about a dog. Also read a Bookcrossing bookring, Save Karyn by Karyn Bosnak, a true story of a woman who got herself in serious debt and then started a website where people could give her money. It was funny and made me wish I'd thought of it first!

Currently reading A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist. It's a historical Christian novel based in the Colonies in the 1600s. I am not usually a huge historical fan, but this one is interesting and very fast paced. The heroine is quite spunky and I admire her!

Still listening to Oh My Stars, I think I am getting through it! I need to bring it inside and listen while on the computer, it's due back at the library soon.

Ok, gotta go read some more e-mail, clean the kitchen, do some more laundry, and write some reviews.

Vacation

Finally the day is here. We're spending the night at the airport tonight and then flying out in the morning. I'm really looking forward to getting out of town for awhile.

Really excited because Kimber found out yesterday that she got into Simpson. So she's on her way at the beginning of September. I am excited for her most of all, because I remember how much I grew and changed and became my own person while I was at college. Wish I would have done some things differently (like broke up with my boyfriend and realized that I was OK on my own!) but as a whole it was a great experience.

Gotta get back to packing. Probably won't get much reading done, I'm really looking forward to seeing my sister and her family.
See you when we return!

Errands galore!

It seems like the errands to get ready for vacation are never ending! I ran around like crazy on Monday. Tuesday we had kindergarten graduation and then we went to the zoo. It was a fun day but I basically got nothing else done! Yesterday was the skating party. Grace and I went to Target afterward, Logan went home with a friend.

Today I need to go to the post office, I'm baking a cake for my neighbor's surprise birthday party, listening to my kids fight, need to go to the store and get some last minute food items and a birthday present for a spur of the moment party Grace was invited to tomorrow.

Have been working on the laundry and finally finished cleaning out Logan's room. Wow, what a huge job. Wish I would have done it before the garage sale, but that's the way life goes sometimes.

Somewhere in all that I read a whole book--Dialogues by Stephen Spignesi. It was really engrossing, a story about an animal shelter worker who killed six of her co-workers, and now they are trying to decide whether or not she's insane. I saw the end coming from a mile away, I would have liked a better ending, but it was still a good read.

Now I'm going to start Marley and Me by John Grogan. It's not about Bob Marley, it's the story of a dog. It's a First Look book and my review is due on July 1.

I can't believe we're leaving tomorrow! I still have so much to do, so I'm going to go do my hair so I can leave right after lunch.

More Reviews Posted

Book Doctor
6 Day Body Makeover

Busy weekend

It's been a busy weekend and now an even busier week. Everything is coming to conclusion and I'm trying to remember everything I need to do.

Went to Portland this weekend to see Movin' Out. It was really good. An interesting concept. The band was suspended on a platform above the stage in the back (kinda like in Blast) There was a piano player who did all of the singing. I was amazed at the concept...I couldn't believe that they took 30 years of Billy Joel's songs and made a story of it. There were dancers on the stage who were absolutely incredible. They were all top performers, mostly in ballet. It took us a little while to get into it, but it was wonderful. We went to dinner beforehand at the Macaroni Grill and did some shopping. Spent way too much money at J. Jill.

Got my Romantic Times books completely finished. Now I'm reading Potter Springs by Britta Coleman. It's really good...an interesting concept about a minister whose fiancee is pregnant, and what that means for his career. I'm going to try to get three books read before we leave, but I'm not sure I'll be able to. We'll see!

Some new reviews posted:
Club Sandwich
Cover the Butter
Skinny Dipping

Today I ran a ton of errands. Helped in Logan's class for a half hour, today was their last day of school. Then we went to the post office, bank to deposit some checks, the dentist to pay the bill, Dollar Tree to buy cards and Zebra Cakes (for VBS). Then went to Starbucks to buy a gift card for Logan's teacher, and to Michael's to check out their prices for birthday parties (really expensive) Ran home to get the library movies, then picked up Logan. Returned the movies and dropped the Zebra cakes off at the church. Right after I ate lunch the girl whose wedding I'm doing in August called to set up a meeting, and we both agreed that right then was probably the best for both, so I went back to the church and met with her. Whew! Now I have a few minutes for e-mail and I need to work some more cleaning Logan's room.

Tomorrow is kindergarten graduation and we're going to the zoo afterward. Wed. is their skating party. Then I have two days to get clothes all washed and packed so we can leave on Friday. I'll keep plugging away I guess!

I am so looking forward to being on vacation! Life is just way too stressful right now. And maybe Kimber will hear about school next week? I will be praying!

Nine more days!

Until we leave for vacation. I am so excited. If I can just get through the next few days life will be sweet.

Yesterday we had our final Bible study until fall. It was nice and a couple of the small groups went out to the Red Rooster bakery afterward. I cheated on my eating and had a marionberry scone. I just couldn't help but cave! I have been doing really, really well though. Haven't lost much weight, I guess that I can say one positive thing for that meat diet, I did lose weight.

Tonight is Grace's gymnastics "show" I think she's ready for a break from it for the summer. Some of the others are gung ho to take lessons all summer, but we're just too busy and I don't want to have to worry about it.

I'm reading my fourth series Love Inspired book. I'm almost done with the one on the computer. Then I will just have the two LI Suspense titles and I'll be done. If Grace would go play for a little while I could finish it. Right now she is so thrilled with the fact she can blow a bubble with her gum that she's making me look every time she does it. It was fine the first 100 times, but now it's getting old. Finished True Believer on CD, now I'm back to O My Stars again.

We're having Italian Market Meatloaf for dinner, it's from the Pampered Chef healthy cookbook. I've been very dedicated and have cooked every night this week (wow, four in a row) I think I'll make pizza tomorrow night, because I'm heading over to my women's ministry annual board meeting right after dinner. Last night I had a long VBS meeting but now I'm feeling a LOT better about things.

Just got a phone call from Simpson. The only missing paperwork is the academic reference form, and (crossing my fingers) Misty supposedly mailed it yesterday. Then we just have to wait for the SAT scores to get there and then she can be admitted. I don't know who is more excited, her or us.

Looking forward to the weekend, looking forward to getting through kindergarten graduation and skating party. Need to get a gift for the teacher.Any ideas?

I got the first After School Special DVD from Netflix today. I think I'm going to go watch an episode, LeeRoy has no interest I'm sure. It definitely brings back memories for me!

Craaaaazzzzyyy Days!

I feel like I have the phone permanently implanted in my ear. I've been making hundreds of phone calls about VBS...it stinks that I am going to be gone the whole week before---hey, no it doesn't! LOL, I am not that upset. But I feel like I am doing a whole lot of scrambling at the last minute. I hope this goes off ok. I really need to pray, I'm feeling very scattered.

Went to Chuck E Cheese today for three hours. Took both kids and met Maddie and her mom there. They had so much fun and for much of the time we were the only people there. It was nice to be able to talk to another mom too.

I have two new reviews posted:
Exes and Ohs
Summer in the City

I'm currently reading my Romantic Times books for August. I have one on the computer which really stinks, I hate reading in the midst of everyone running around. My deadline is next Monday. Hopefully I can get them all finished and then another couple of others before we leave for Disneyland.

I'm making parmesan chicken for dinner. Gotta go do the dishes and finish it up before LeeRoy gets home.

Quitting the diet...

We have decided to quit. I know, it's only 6 days, but four days was too many! We're back on Dr. Phil...so much more realistic and allows a much better variety of foods. Tonight we're going out...yay! We havent' been out in awhile. We must, must find a babysitter. It is crucial that we can start going out again. Kimber is (fingers crossed) going to be away at school next year and we need a replacement. We're going out to a leisurely dinner. We were going to go see Cinderella Man or The Longest Yard, but we couldn't make it to the 7 pm show and there's no way I'm watching a three hour movie starting at 10.

I'm still reading Cover the Butter. I have got to finish it because I really need to read a couple more before the RT books.

Helped out in Logan's class today, had to take Grace since her school is over. It worked out fairly well, she was able to do most of the work and things with them.

Diets, GRRRRR!

I am not liking this 6-day diet at all. Thank goodness it's only for 6 days! Although we're going out for dinner tomorrow night, so that will be a little cheat, but otherwise, we're trying to follow it carefully. It's very difficult and you'd better believe that will go in my review.

Still reading Cover the Butter. It's a little slow going, but interesting. Not sure why it's going so slowly. I'm listening to True Believerby Nicholas Sparks. I have three audio books out from the library, so I'm listening to it now while I'm reading e-mail and working on the computer. it's ok, but not as good as some of his other books. I'll admit, I was spoiled by The Wedding and Three Weeks With My Brother.

I am so behind on my reading. I need to get off the computer and get reading!

Wednesday afternoon

Well, today's not much better emotion-wise. I'm still down in the dumps. Finally starting to work on VBS...there's a LOT to do and not much time to do it. I have a bunch of phone calls to make, typing to do. But I'm procrastinating, like usual.

Started Cover the Butter by Carrie Kabak today. I'm not sure what I think of it so far. After this one I definitely must start on my RT books. REviews arent' due until the 13th, but one I have to read on the computer--bleah. And then, less than a week later, we're headed to Disneyland. With all of the VBS stuff I would feel better if I could just get my required reading out of the way and then squeeze in whatever else I can before we leave.

I need to go get the turkey roaster out. Day 2 of the 6-day diet is going fairly well. Just boring!

Blah

I am feeling very depressed. Lots of reasons, most of which I can't go into in such a public place. Life sucks sometimes.

Still reading Club Sandwich, but I think I'll finish today. It feels weird to start the day on Tuesday. I dropped off a load of leftover garage sale stuff at church and went grocery shopping this morning. Wrote my only outstanding review. Made a yummy lunch, I guess that's been the highlight of my day. I've really been trying to watch what I'm eating so that hopefully I can fit into my shorts by the time we go to Disneyland. I made a grilled chicken breast and then chopped up half of it. Mixed with a tablespoon of sliced almonds, tablespoon of ff mayo, chopped celery, and chopped grapes. Rolled the whole thing up in a low carb tortilla. ( I am addicted to the La Tortilla Factory ones)

I need to go do my workout and have my snack (the rest of my chicken breast) We're having chicken with roasted veggies for dinner. I've already made it, just need to pop in the oven in an hour. The tomatoes are really fresh and yummy smelling, I used vidalia sweet onion, and rosemary off of my bush. MMMMM.

I think I have Bible study tonight, but I am not sure. Haven't heard from anyone. I guess I'll see if the babysitter shows up! Off to work out.

Oh Sunday!

It's been a nice day so far. Quiet. Not so hot anymore...I guess that was for the benefit of our garage sale. Now that I'm not moving things up and down the street it decided to cool off.

Some reviews posted:
Cold Feet
The Dwelling Place
Self Incrimination
Island Girl

I had a good review writing week. Finished Book Doctor today. What a strange book. Interesting premise, but it kind of de-constructed and became a weird relationship book--I think. I'm not entirely sure what it was about. Maybe I'm not a literary enough reader.

Started Club Sandwich by Lisa Samson. This one is much more up my alley! It's about a woman caught in the generation of raising children and dealing with aging parents.

We're having a bbq in a little while. I need to get downstairs and make a potato salad if I want any hope of it being cold. LeeRoy has decided to completely clean out and rearrange the garage, some people just stopped by and wondered if we were having a garage sale! Too funny. I told him, "you should have sold them whatever they were looking at!" Not like we would have missed it. But he said they were looking at our turkey roaster, which we do use.

Ok, off to make the potato salad and season the salmon.

It's too hot!!!

After the second 90+ day in a row, I am done with the hot weather here. This is the Northwest, it's not supposed to be in the 90's in May!

It's been very busy around here, it's garage sale day. I've been working like crazy getting things priced and moved over to the neighbor's house. I've sold quite a bit, I'm so glad to be freeing myself from some of these things. It's wonderful!

No big plans for the weekend, other than taking Kimber to look at cars. I'm hoping it's not quite so HOT! Garage sale continues tomorrow. I'd also like to take the kids to see Madagascar.

Currently reading The Book Doctor by Esther Cohen

Ok, gotta get back to the sale. The kids are farmed out to various neighbors and I need to check on them too.