Hodgepodge and Chats ~ 8/1/12

This week's questions:

1. I'm joining my daughter1 in the 101 in 1001 challenge. Essentially you create a list of 101 things you hope to do or accomplish in the next 1001 days. What's one thing you'd put on your list?

Get through my baby's first day of Kindergarten without having a meltdown!

2. How many remote controls do you have in your house? What's one item in your home you wish could be operated by remote control?

We have at least 7 remotes in the house.  I wish I had a remote control to stop the bickering, fight and whining between the girls.  MUTE!

3. What does having it all mean to you? Is it attainable?

Being content with where you are and with what you have in life.  I think it is possible to attain in moments and on occasions but I think we'll always want more and have new challenges to conquer.

4. What's your favorite movie soundtrack?

I don't have very many movie soundtracks but I vividly remember listenin to the "Dirty Dancing" soundtrack over and over when I was about 10.  Other than that I like the "Soul Surfer" soundtrack and I also played the soundtrack to "The Runaway Bride" over and over :)

5. Describe the best view you've seen from a rooftop.

The view from the top of the Ponce DeLeon Lighthouse in Daytona, FL.  Ocean, beach, piers, palm trees...


6. What's your least favorite thing about summer?

When it gets too hot to even be outside comfortably.


7. Our weekly Hodgepodge falls on the first day of August. In ten words or less sum up your July.

Refereeing kids.


8. Insert your own random thought here.

Today is August 1st and our household is offically in training for the start of the new school year.  That means back to a bedtime routine, lights out time and setting alarms in the morning.  This year I'll have 2 kids to get out the door in the morning and then all day on my own.  The new routinge should be interesting.

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This week's questions:

1.  Do you have any special plans for this fall?

Our Anniversary is September 17th so we usually do something special for that.  Other than that, just getting the kids back into the school routine.

 

2.  Do you collect anything?

It seems like the only thing I collect are dust bunnies...

3.  Have you done any canning or freezing this season?

I haven't done any yet, but when the apples are ready we'll probably go to an orchard and get a bunch to made apple butter and applesauce.  Not to mention pies and dumplings :)

4.  Do you have a friend who lives far away? Where do they live?

I guess I can count my Aunt Mary as my friend ;)  She lives in Port Orange, FL where I just found out yesterday, Ryan Lochte-Olympic Swimmer is from!

5.  When in a store, restaurant, or other business, do you ever complain or praise to the management?

Not very often.  I'll usually tell the servers, etc., if we've enjoyed ourselves but I don't really call on the management.  As for complaining, I don't know if I ever have.  I've often thought of it but have controlled myself.  lol

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Have a great day!

Desperatly Wanting, Wishing and Waiting ~ 8/1/12

These are two books, one released, one un-released that I can't wait to get my book-loving hands on!

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 Desperately Wanting Wednesday hosted by Parajunkee and Wishlist Wednesday hosted by Pen to Paper both spotlight a book that has already been released and I can't wait to get my hands on.

"Wildflower Hill"

Series:  N/A
Author:  Kimberley Freeman

Published:  8/23/2011
Position on PBS:  #23

Emma, a prima ballerina in London, is at a crossroads after an injured knee ruins her career. Forced to rest and take stock of her life, she finds that she’s mistaken fame and achievement for love and fulfillment. Returning home to Australia, she learns of her grandmother Beattie’s death and a strange inheritance: a sheep station in isolated rural Australia. Certain she has been saddled with an irritating burden, Emma prepares to leave for Wildflower Hill to sell the estate.

Beattie also found herself at a crossroads as a young woman, but she was pregnant and unwed. She eventually found success—but only after following an unconventional path that was often dangerous and heartbreaking. Beattie knew the lessons she learned in life would be important to Emma one day, and she wanted to make sure Emma’s heart remained open to love, no matter what life brought. She knew the magic of the Australian wilderness would show Emma the way.

Wildflower Hill is a compelling, atmospheric, and romantic novel about taking risks, starting again, and believing in yourself. It’s about finding out what you really want and discovering that the answer might be not at all what you’d expect.

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WOW hosted by Breaking the Spine spotlights

an up-coming release that I'm eagerly anticipating.

"Trinity, Military War Dog"

Series:  A Breed Apart Book 1

Author:  Ronie Kendig

Release Date:  9/1/2012

A year ago in Afghanistan, Green Beret Heath Daniel's career was destroyed. Along with his faith. — Now he and his military war dog, Trinity, train other dogs and their handlers. Though his passion is to be back in action, the medical discharge has forced Heath—and Trinity—to the sidelines. — Military intelligence officer Darci Kintz is captured while secretly tracking the Taliban. Only one dog can handle the extreme conditions to save her. Trinity. Only one man can handle Trinity.

Time is running out on the greatest—and most dangerous—mission of their lives.
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Wanting, Wishing and Waiting until next Wednesday,

 

 

Summer Giveaway Hop ~ Ends 8/7

This blog hop is hosted by

 I'm a Reader, Not a Writer & Bookhounds. 

Awww....Summer...  Sitting on the beach or by the pool or under the shade of a tree, reading.  Perfect...

 

Summer is also a time that we tend to take on household projects.  Like maybe re-decorating or painting.

This is the perfect read to get your creative juices flowing.  You can win :

 

"Design on a Crime" by Ginny Aiken

To enter the giveaway:

*Mandatory-  Leave a comment telling me what room in your home you would most like to re-decorate.

 

*Extra-  Follow my blog and leave a comment telling that you do :)

The giveaway will run until 11:59pm EST, August 7, 2012.  The winner will be announced on August 8th.

For more chances to win great bookishness,

check out these other giveaway hoppers :

Tune in Tuesday ~ "Footloose" by Blake Shelton ~ 7/31/12

I noticed a few days ago that the remake of "Footloose" is at Redbox.  I hope to watch it soon, but I'm a bit afraid that it won't measure up to the original. 

Has anyone seen it yet?  How was it?

BTW, just try to sit still while listening to this song.  I bet you can't do it!  lol




Enjoy!

Teaser Tuesday ~ 7/31/12

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title &; author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here's my teaser for this week:

~Her heart leaped like the turbo in her Jaguar.  Surely not.

Blood trickled through the mans' Band-Aid and onto his shirt collar.  He might be dressed in a sports coat and jeans now, but she recognized his face.  He'd been the one who'd cut her off on the highway.~

"The Chase"
Series:  Crime Scene Houston Book 1
Author:  DiAnn Mills
Page 27

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Happy Teaser Tuesday!

A Musing ~ A Question ~ 7/30/12

Each week Miz B at Should Be Reading asks a bookish question to muse over.

This week's musing :

"What question(s) would you like to see asked in future Musing Mondays posts?"

Hmm....now to come up with an amazing question that hasn't been asked yet....  Ok, maybe not so amazing and I don't know if it has been asked before but here goes....

"Do you snack while you read?  If so, what is your favorite reading snack?"

Don't answer!  We must now wait and see if Miz B picks this semi-amazing question to feature some Monday :)

Musing along,

Listicle~ So Annoying! ~ 7/30/12

"My Top 10 Most Annoying Sounds"

1.  The alarm clock!  Hands down....

2.  Whining kids!

3.  Someone chewing gum or eating like a cow!

4.  The dryer buzzing every 5 minutes!

5.  A styrofoam cup squeeking across a table!

6.  A ball being bounced endlessly!

7.  My husband practicing his turkey calls in the house!

8.  Fighting kids!

9.  The kitchen faucet drip, drip, dripping (like it is right now)!

10.  And because this is where my mind went as soon as I heard the topic:




Have fun!

Simple Woman's Daybook ~ 7/29/12

Would you like to linger on the simple things...then join me and many others in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those who are focusing on simplicity...beauty of the everyday moments.  Click the button above to go the hosting blog.

FOR TODAY:

Outside my window...  It is 76 F with a nice breeze.  It is a very nice break from the extreme heat we've been having.
I am thankful...  for a great Bible School program this evening!

In the kitchen...  nothing is going on.  I've been in a cooking/baking slump :(

I am wearing... Jean shorts, teal shirt and flip flops.

I am creating...  a new item for my shop!  Minnie & Mickey sets!
I am going...  for a walk first thing in the morning.  I need to get back in the routine after taking a break for a few days.

I am wondering...  if Kaylee is going to need braces.

 

I am reading...  I'm getting ready to start "The Chase" by DiAnn Mills

I am hoping...  to get a good night's sleep.  I haven't slept very well the past few nights.

I am looking forward to...  going to Laurel Hills State Park on Saturday.

I am learning...  if I want it done, I'll have to do it myself or give very detailed instructions and deadlines to others.

Around the house...  I finally got our bedroom cleaned!
I am pondering...  where to start tackling my "Clean and Purge" of the house.
A favorite quote for today...  "God is big, so I can believe."

One of my favorite things...  Staying up to date on the Olympic medal count and reading the Olympic headlines.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Walking, riding bike, swimming, cleaning, crocheting, blogging, reading more of Matthew and doing my Ladies' Bible Study, taking Kaylee to the orthodontist, watching Noah and Eden Monday and Thursday.

Have a great week!

Memory Verse ~ 7/29/12

Scripture Memory Verse ~

7/29/12-8/4/12

(ABC's of a Godly Heart by Cassandra Martin)

C


GOD is The "Creator"

"Lift your eyes and look to the heavens.  Who created these?  He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name.  Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing...  Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The Lord is everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth."

Isaiah 40: 26, 28a

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I am the "Clay"

"Yet, O Lord, you are our Father.  We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand."

Isaiah 64:8

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A:  God is Able - Ephesians 3:20
      I can Abide - Psalm 91: 1-2

B:  God is Big - I Kings 8:27
      I can Believe - John 6:29

C:  God is the Creator - Isaiah 40: 26-28a
      I am the Clay - Isaiah 64:8

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 Hide these Words in your heart and they will be with you always.

     

TGIF ~ FF ~ BBH ~ 7/28/12

....A day late....

This post is where I combine 3 different Friday bookish blog hops and the questions posed by each.  I just couldn't leave any out!

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Q:  Summer Reading. What was your favorite book that you were REQUIRED to read when you were in school?

"Anne Frank:  The Diary of a Young Girl"

I can still remember the feelings this book evoked even in 7th grade.

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Jennifer's town was hit by a tornado yesterday!  Please keep her and the community in your prayers.

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Q. Christmas in July: If Santa were to come down your chimney in the middle of summer, which books would you want him to leave for you under the tree?

Well, I don't have a chimney but I'll leave the door open for him.  I have a list of about 300 or more books I would like but for the sake of time and space here are two off the list:

"Scarlett" by A.C. Gaughen

"Austenland" by Shannon Hale
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Happy Friday!

Western Roundup Giveaway Winner!

And the

of the

who will recieve:

IS:

Teresa Thomspon!!!

Her favorite thing about reading a Western book  is:

"I love cowboys. The jeans. The boots. The hat. Oh my!"

I have emailed the winner.  If I don't hear from her within 7 days, a new winner will be drawn.

Many thanks to all who pariticipated! 

High 5 Friday Fragments and Favorites ~ 7/27/12

  

5 Highlights from the past week:

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1.  The Olympics are coming!  I love watching Beach Volleyball, Gymnastics and Swimming!  Go USA!
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2.  I sat down with a new notebook and made a "Organize and Purge the House" plan.  I actually can't wait to get started.  I can't stand the clutter anymore.  And I get to pick new paint colors!

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3.  I had a dentist appointment on Wednesday!  I know that doesn't sound like fun but I was overdue and.....  not a single cavity!!!  I got an A+ ;)

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4.  We put the Redbox to use again this week and watched "We  Bought a Zoo" (really sweet movie) and "War Horse"  (AMAZING movie).  It has been really nice to get back into having a family movie night.
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5. Saturday night, we (some of my extended family) all met at Aunt Donna's house to do a Family Dinner.  We had Chili Dogs and Homemade French Fries!  We played with Baby Dex and caught up on all the family gossip happenings.  Then we watched "One for the Money".  It was great to spend quality time with the ones I love.

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I look forward to reading everyone's highlights from the week!

Have a great weekend!

Lazy Days of Summer Giveaway Hop ~ Ends 8/1

This blog hop is hosted by

 I'm a Reader, Not a Writer & Colorimitry. 

I remember those lazy days of summer.  No responsibilities no obligations.  Then I had kids!  lol

Here is what you can win, a perfect summer read:

 

"The Accidental Bride" by Denise Hunter

Click HERE for my review of the book.  I gave it a 5/5!

To enter the giveaway:

*Mandatory-  Leave a comment telling me what the perfect lazy day means to you.

*Extra-  Follow my blog and leave a comment telling that you do :)

The giveaway will run until 11:59pm EST, August 1, 2012.  The winner will be announced on August 2nd.

For more chances to win great bookishness,

check out these other giveaway hoppers :

Vacation Reads Giveaway Winner!

The

of the

who won 

is:

BookAttict!!!!

(I have emailed the winner.  If I don't hear back within 7 days, a new winner will be drawn.)

Throwback and the Review Pile ~ 7/26/12

The read and the unread.

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We hope to be able to bring attention to some older titles (released 5 or more years ago) that may not be at the top of the current bestseller list, but still deserve a spot in your To-Be-Read pile.

"The Outsiders"

Author:  S.E. Hinton

Publication Date: 10/15/1968

Yes, I read the book before I saw the movie :)

Ponyboy is fourteen, tough and confused, yet sensitive behind his bold front. Since his parents' death, his loyalties have been to his brothers and his gang, the rough, swinging, long-haired boys from the wrong side of the tracks. When his best friend, Johnny, kills a member of a rival gang, a nightmare of violence begins and swiftly envelops Ponyboy in a turbulent chain of events.  

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From the Review Pile is hosted by Stepping Out of the Page every Thursday.

The aim is to showcase books that you've received but haven't yet got around to reading.

"The Chase"
Series:  Crime Scene Houston Book 1
Author:  DiAnn Mills

Publication Date:  3/27/2012

To the FBI it's a cold case. To Kariss Walker it's a hot idea that could either reshape or ruin her writing career. And it's a burning mission to revisit an event she can never forget. Five years ago, an unidentified little girl was found starved to death in the woods behind a Houston apartment complex. A TV news anchor at the time, Kariss reported on the terrifying case. Today, as a New York Times bestselling author, Kariss intends to turn the unsolved mystery into a suspense novel. Enlisting the help of FBI Special Agent Tigo Harris, Kariss succeeds in getting the case reopened. But the search for the dead girl's missing mother yields a discovery that plunges the partners into a witch's brew of danger. The old crime lives on in more ways than either of them could ever imagine. Will Kariss's pursuit of her dream as a writer carry a deadly price tag? Drawing from a real-life cold case, bestselling novelist DiAnn Mills presents a taut collage of suspense, faith, and romance in The Chase.

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I look forward to getting lots of great book ideas for my TBR from everyone's Throwbacks and Review Pile.

Happy Reading!