Check out the NLT Mosaic Bible being released today!
You could win your own copy AND a GC to Amazon!
For all the details, go here:
http://nltblog.com/2009/09/join-our-partygiveaway-mosaic-releases.html
http://www.amazon.com/Holy-Bible-Mosaic-Credo-Communications/dp/1414322038/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253597327&sr=1-1
http://www.holybiblemosaic.com/
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Having a sister is a very good thing...
I haven't seen my sister since Christmas Day. We have spoken many times since then - via cell phone, email, what have you - but we have not spent any time together since December.
Today, we had a "Sister" day. On a whim, I suggested we try out the card making class being held today at Right at Home Scrapbooking. Amazingly, both of us had the day free. This doesn't happen often. More often than not, we try plan our days out together weeks in advance, but not this time! We heard about the class about a week or so ago, and somehow we were able to make it happen (thanks God!)
We met at the store at 10 a.m. and got to work. We made five adorable cards - not sure if I can post them since they are copies of the instructor's work. We both learned some cool new techniques. Can I just say that heat embossing is the bomb? What fun that was!
After class, we headed to Quan's Kitchen for some yummy Chinese food and even better conversation. I really enjoy hanging with my sis.
To top it all off, we headed to JoAnn Fabric after lunch. The JoAnn Fabric store in N. Attleborough is huge! It puts the Swansea store to shame. There was so much to see and most everything was on sale. And yes, I bought some stuff. But I needed it. Really. And my sister needed all the stuff she bought too. Really.
After dropping my sis off at home, it was time to head back to my crew who was eagerly awaiting my arrival. A trip to the mall was in order, so back out we went.
It's been a long day, but a very good one.
Thanks for hangin' with me today, sis! Love ya.
Today, we had a "Sister" day. On a whim, I suggested we try out the card making class being held today at Right at Home Scrapbooking. Amazingly, both of us had the day free. This doesn't happen often. More often than not, we try plan our days out together weeks in advance, but not this time! We heard about the class about a week or so ago, and somehow we were able to make it happen (thanks God!)
We met at the store at 10 a.m. and got to work. We made five adorable cards - not sure if I can post them since they are copies of the instructor's work. We both learned some cool new techniques. Can I just say that heat embossing is the bomb? What fun that was!
After class, we headed to Quan's Kitchen for some yummy Chinese food and even better conversation. I really enjoy hanging with my sis.
To top it all off, we headed to JoAnn Fabric after lunch. The JoAnn Fabric store in N. Attleborough is huge! It puts the Swansea store to shame. There was so much to see and most everything was on sale. And yes, I bought some stuff. But I needed it. Really. And my sister needed all the stuff she bought too. Really.
After dropping my sis off at home, it was time to head back to my crew who was eagerly awaiting my arrival. A trip to the mall was in order, so back out we went.
It's been a long day, but a very good one.
Thanks for hangin' with me today, sis! Love ya.
Monday, February 16, 2009
As promised
As promised back on February 4, here are some pics of the pages I have done. So far this year, I have done 16 layouts. Not great, but not bad either.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
A Day Off
I have today off from work. I don't know what to do with myself. I think I will use the time to indulge in my hobby. Several hours of uninterrupted quiet - it's like a dream come true.
Hopefully, I will not squander the day away surfing the net or gasp! doing something responsible like housework. Heaven knows the housework will still be there ready and waiting regardless. I hope to post some of my creations later today - putting this in writing will "force" me to follow through.
Wish me luck.
Hopefully, I will not squander the day away surfing the net or gasp! doing something responsible like housework. Heaven knows the housework will still be there ready and waiting regardless. I hope to post some of my creations later today - putting this in writing will "force" me to follow through.
Wish me luck.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Procrastination...... oh, oh, oh, oh
It's a well-known word in my house. It seems everyone in my house is afflicted with hit, and I hate it. It is incredibly frustrating. Particularly when it involves a certain man-child who shall remain nameless who absolutely positively will wait to the last possible instant to do anything. Eat. Get Dressed. Brush his hair. Get in the car (because we ARE leaving with or without you). Do his homework. Go to bed.
As I write this, it has taken a certain man-child nearly two hours to get about five lines written on the project that is due on Tuesday. That's an average of what... 2.5 lines per hour? Lord have mercy, it's going to be a long day at this rate.
I am also a procrastinator, but that is because I actually prefer to work under pressure. I work best with a deadline. I like the adrenaline rush of having to get something done RIGHT NOW. Or does that make me compulsive?
Anyway, I am trying so very hard to be patient with my son. I have to be because I am much like he is. I have learned, though, that it is often best to just get the dreaded chore over with so you can move on to the things you really want to do. In his case, he wants to shoot "Nazi zombies" on X-Box live. Me, I want to go read a book or play with paper. Alas, neither of us is going to do what we really want to do if he doesn't focus. And, no, it isn't ADD. He just doesn't want to. He needs to write his paper; I need to hover and prod him along. Seriously, it won't get done otherwise.
Pray I keep my patience!
As I write this, it has taken a certain man-child nearly two hours to get about five lines written on the project that is due on Tuesday. That's an average of what... 2.5 lines per hour? Lord have mercy, it's going to be a long day at this rate.
I am also a procrastinator, but that is because I actually prefer to work under pressure. I work best with a deadline. I like the adrenaline rush of having to get something done RIGHT NOW. Or does that make me compulsive?
Anyway, I am trying so very hard to be patient with my son. I have to be because I am much like he is. I have learned, though, that it is often best to just get the dreaded chore over with so you can move on to the things you really want to do. In his case, he wants to shoot "Nazi zombies" on X-Box live. Me, I want to go read a book or play with paper. Alas, neither of us is going to do what we really want to do if he doesn't focus. And, no, it isn't ADD. He just doesn't want to. He needs to write his paper; I need to hover and prod him along. Seriously, it won't get done otherwise.
Pray I keep my patience!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friends Old and New
I have recently joined Facebook and am totally loving getting in touch with people from my past. Some of them I literally have not seen or spoken to in over a decade - and I'm not that old so that's saying something.
The beauty of Facebook is that you can pick and choose those people from your past that you want to rekindle a friendship with. It's very cool.
I like being able to shout out a quick "hi" to my friends. It's so easy to stay in touch - not as personal as a phone call, but who has time for that?
I've "found" people I went to youth group with and my best friend from high school (Hi Becky). My girlfriends from church are on there and it's really nice to keep up with what's going on with them throughout the day via quick blurbs on facebook. Girlfriends, you know who you are. And Lou, it's way cool to be able to chat with you on Facebook instead of the once or twice yearly "hey how you doing - my car needs an oil change."
So, who have you caught up with recently that you haven't seen, talked to, or even thought about in years?
The beauty of Facebook is that you can pick and choose those people from your past that you want to rekindle a friendship with. It's very cool.
I like being able to shout out a quick "hi" to my friends. It's so easy to stay in touch - not as personal as a phone call, but who has time for that?
I've "found" people I went to youth group with and my best friend from high school (Hi Becky). My girlfriends from church are on there and it's really nice to keep up with what's going on with them throughout the day via quick blurbs on facebook. Girlfriends, you know who you are. And Lou, it's way cool to be able to chat with you on Facebook instead of the once or twice yearly "hey how you doing - my car needs an oil change."
So, who have you caught up with recently that you haven't seen, talked to, or even thought about in years?
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Cookie, Cookie, Cookie, starts with "C"
I was "tagged" by my friend Kay to name 10 things that start with whatever letter she assigns me. I got "C". Are there even 10 things that start with c?
Ok, here goes, in no particular order, mind you:
1. Cookies. I'm a big fan of homemade cookies, particularly chocolate chip, but I only indulge every so often, like at Christmas time.
ooh, look, lots of great c words in that first sentence!
2. Chocolate. Chocolate chips, chocolate bars, chocolate ice cream, chocolate as a drink. Yep, I like chocolate. Dark please. None of that milk chocolate stuff. It's just not right.
3. Christmas. It's my all-time favorite holiday.
4. Cricut. It's my die-cutting machine for scrapbooking. I use it a lot. The kids use it a lot.
5. Clementines. I'm not a big fan of fruit in general, but I do like clementines.
6. Cheese. why does my list include almost all food items?
7. Children. Of the older variety, like teens.
8. Church. I love my church and I love serving there. It's awesome!
9. Creating scrapbook pages and cards.
10. Cookie Monster. Love the cookie monster. They never should have replaced him with the Veggie Monster. That's just wrong. w.r.o.n.g.
If you want to play, leave a comment and I'll assign you a letter. No fair picking your own.
Ok, here goes, in no particular order, mind you:
1. Cookies. I'm a big fan of homemade cookies, particularly chocolate chip, but I only indulge every so often, like at Christmas time.
ooh, look, lots of great c words in that first sentence!
2. Chocolate. Chocolate chips, chocolate bars, chocolate ice cream, chocolate as a drink. Yep, I like chocolate. Dark please. None of that milk chocolate stuff. It's just not right.
3. Christmas. It's my all-time favorite holiday.
4. Cricut. It's my die-cutting machine for scrapbooking. I use it a lot. The kids use it a lot.
5. Clementines. I'm not a big fan of fruit in general, but I do like clementines.
6. Cheese. why does my list include almost all food items?
7. Children. Of the older variety, like teens.
8. Church. I love my church and I love serving there. It's awesome!
9. Creating scrapbook pages and cards.
10. Cookie Monster. Love the cookie monster. They never should have replaced him with the Veggie Monster. That's just wrong. w.r.o.n.g.
If you want to play, leave a comment and I'll assign you a letter. No fair picking your own.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Renewing One's Mind
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he... Proverbs 23:7 (KJV)
The battle begins and ends in the mind. In order to change anything in your life, you have to WANT to change it. The first step to success is to change your way of thinking.
Easier said than done, but it can be done.
The battle begins and ends in the mind. In order to change anything in your life, you have to WANT to change it. The first step to success is to change your way of thinking.
Easier said than done, but it can be done.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
It's Girl Scout Cookie Time
It's that time of year again when the world is overrun with boxes and boxes of limited time treats courtesy of the Girl Scouts.
I'm the "Cookie Mom" this year and am due to pick up 125 CASES of cookies in just a few hours. Hopefully, my troop moms will be here this afternoon to take some (hopefully lots) of cookies off my hands.
Our troop's goal is for each girl to sell 100 boxes of cookies. We have a booth sale coming up in a few weeks, so that should help get the cookies out of my garage.
So, anyone want to buy some yummy deliciousness in the form of GS cookies???
I'm the "Cookie Mom" this year and am due to pick up 125 CASES of cookies in just a few hours. Hopefully, my troop moms will be here this afternoon to take some (hopefully lots) of cookies off my hands.
Our troop's goal is for each girl to sell 100 boxes of cookies. We have a booth sale coming up in a few weeks, so that should help get the cookies out of my garage.
So, anyone want to buy some yummy deliciousness in the form of GS cookies???
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Scripture Challenge and Girl Scouts
I fell really behind in my participation in the Scripture Challenge last year, but I did manage to jump back in at the end of the year and got another card done. Patter is running the Challenge again this year and I think I may join back in so I can get the project done. Besides my ATC Holder looks so lonely with just a few cards on it! Not to mention that I can never be in the Word enough!
The word I did was "birth"; here's my ATC card (front and back): I used Stickles to write the word "birth" and my Cat's Eye chalk inks to distress the background. I also used Stickles on the background. To get the effect of starlight, I wiped off the Stickles before it dried, leaving just the glittery goodness behind.
The next thing I worked on was a layout about Jaymie's "Bridge to Brownies" ceremony LAST June. She really enjoys being a Girl Scout - I hope she sees it through to the end. What an accomplishment that would be!
The word I did was "birth"; here's my ATC card (front and back): I used Stickles to write the word "birth" and my Cat's Eye chalk inks to distress the background. I also used Stickles on the background. To get the effect of starlight, I wiped off the Stickles before it dried, leaving just the glittery goodness behind.
The next thing I worked on was a layout about Jaymie's "Bridge to Brownies" ceremony LAST June. She really enjoys being a Girl Scout - I hope she sees it through to the end. What an accomplishment that would be!
Right Now
I read this on another blog, and thought it would be a great thing to do myself. So, RIGHT NOW:
Right Now:
Out of my window: Barren trees; streets filled with parked cars, presumably that transported people to the courthouse next door; and sunlight pouring in through the south windows in my office. It will be sunset soon.
I am wearing: Khaki slacks, a green T-shirt, and black duster-type sweater, and blush on my cheeks.
I am hearing: The hum of my computer and the clickety-clack of the keys as I type. For once, it's quiet in here!
I am thinking: About all the things I need to get done tonight at home - laundry, dinner dishes, and hopefully some scrapbooking!
I am thankful for: A warm home, a wonderful family, a great job, friends who are always there for me, and my faith.
I am creating: Scrapbook pages for Christmas 2008 and working on my eldest's baby book (he is almost 16 LOL).
I am going: to answer the phone that just rang, and hopefully make it to Jo-Ann Fabric or Michael's tonight - I need some new adhesive.
I am hoping: that Bible study goes well tomorrow night!
I am reading: The Earthly Life of Jesus by Armando Chaves (it's in Portuguese, so it's an extra challenging read!)
Around the house: No idea since I'm at work. I imagine that right about now it is starting to bubble with activity since the kids are starting to trickle in from school.
One of my favorite things: Having the house entirety to myself for a day so that I can do whatever I want to do, even if that means doing absolutely nothing but sitting and thinking. I can't remember the last time I actually got to experience this, though. It's been years. On a more reasonable, attainable note, one of my favorite things is hanging out with my hub and my kids.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Get through Bible study on Wednesday, Brownie Girl Scout meeting and grocery shopping on Thursday, teens on Friday night, pick up a huge shipment of Girl Scout cookies and then hang around the house for the other moms to pick up on Saturday, church on Sunday. Somewhere in there I have to get some cleaning done, too. Oh yeah, and sleep!
How about you? What's happening right now?
Right Now:
Out of my window: Barren trees; streets filled with parked cars, presumably that transported people to the courthouse next door; and sunlight pouring in through the south windows in my office. It will be sunset soon.
I am wearing: Khaki slacks, a green T-shirt, and black duster-type sweater, and blush on my cheeks.
I am hearing: The hum of my computer and the clickety-clack of the keys as I type. For once, it's quiet in here!
I am thinking: About all the things I need to get done tonight at home - laundry, dinner dishes, and hopefully some scrapbooking!
I am thankful for: A warm home, a wonderful family, a great job, friends who are always there for me, and my faith.
I am creating: Scrapbook pages for Christmas 2008 and working on my eldest's baby book (he is almost 16 LOL).
I am going: to answer the phone that just rang, and hopefully make it to Jo-Ann Fabric or Michael's tonight - I need some new adhesive.
I am hoping: that Bible study goes well tomorrow night!
I am reading: The Earthly Life of Jesus by Armando Chaves (it's in Portuguese, so it's an extra challenging read!)
Around the house: No idea since I'm at work. I imagine that right about now it is starting to bubble with activity since the kids are starting to trickle in from school.
One of my favorite things: Having the house entirety to myself for a day so that I can do whatever I want to do, even if that means doing absolutely nothing but sitting and thinking. I can't remember the last time I actually got to experience this, though. It's been years. On a more reasonable, attainable note, one of my favorite things is hanging out with my hub and my kids.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Get through Bible study on Wednesday, Brownie Girl Scout meeting and grocery shopping on Thursday, teens on Friday night, pick up a huge shipment of Girl Scout cookies and then hang around the house for the other moms to pick up on Saturday, church on Sunday. Somewhere in there I have to get some cleaning done, too. Oh yeah, and sleep!
How about you? What's happening right now?
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Back To Normal
After fantastic Christmas and New Year celebrations, life is finally (I think) settling back down at my house. I have gotten the Christmas decorations down, the tree is at the curb for pick-up on trash day, and I have cleaned, swept, and vacuumed. I was hoping to get some play time (aka scrapbooking) today, but it was more important to me to clean my house up. It's not exactly where I want it to be (it never is), but it will have to be good enough.
My brother flew in for the holidays (he is currently pursuing his doctorate at CalTech (Pasadena) and it was such a great visit! I can honestly say that this past Christmas and New Year's celebrations were the best ever. We laughed, talked, and just enjoyed one another's company. New Year's Eve was quiet - we spent it with my brother as we were pounded with a major snow storm. New Year's Day was spent with friends from church. We had an open house here and it was awesome to just hang out with everyone. We played Catch Phrase - that was a blast! The young people (aka teenagers and a few of the young at heart) played Rock Band on the Wii ALL AFTERNOON and well into the night! The little ones were so good, too - they managed to play together without any great incidents requiring adult supervision.
We were truly blessed this past holiday season - God is so good! He has blessed us with a loving family and great friends who are just like family. Here's some highlights from our New Year's Day event:
My brother flew in for the holidays (he is currently pursuing his doctorate at CalTech (Pasadena) and it was such a great visit! I can honestly say that this past Christmas and New Year's celebrations were the best ever. We laughed, talked, and just enjoyed one another's company. New Year's Eve was quiet - we spent it with my brother as we were pounded with a major snow storm. New Year's Day was spent with friends from church. We had an open house here and it was awesome to just hang out with everyone. We played Catch Phrase - that was a blast! The young people (aka teenagers and a few of the young at heart) played Rock Band on the Wii ALL AFTERNOON and well into the night! The little ones were so good, too - they managed to play together without any great incidents requiring adult supervision.
We were truly blessed this past holiday season - God is so good! He has blessed us with a loving family and great friends who are just like family. Here's some highlights from our New Year's Day event:
Sunday, December 28, 2008
What I've Been Working On
I have FINALLY gotten my mojo back and am enjoying scrapbooking again. For a while, I was not doing any scrapbook pages, but rather working on quick projects for instant gratification. I determined today that I was going to go downstairs to my "area" and get some pages done. The process is quite different when I'm not working on a gift or themed project - I actually enjoyed creating pages again. I even did a Scripture card! I'm so behind on the 2008 Scripture Challenge that it's not even funny, but I did manage to pick up at week 51 LOL. I'll post pics of that once it's dry.
Following are the pages I completed today. The first two are actually one unit - a two page spread. The next 3 pages are layouts that I did at a class at my local LSS - Right At Home. I took the class with my sis (and scrapping buddy) about six weeks ago and am just now getting them done.
The last page is one I made up all by myself LOL
Following are the pages I completed today. The first two are actually one unit - a two page spread. The next 3 pages are layouts that I did at a class at my local LSS - Right At Home. I took the class with my sis (and scrapping buddy) about six weeks ago and am just now getting them done.
The last page is one I made up all by myself LOL
Saturday, October 25, 2008
This is totally true...
Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...
You Are a Doris!
You are a Doris -- "I must help others."
Dorises are warm, concerned, nurturing, and sensitive to other people's needs.
How to Get Along with Me
- * Tell me that you appreciate me. Be specific.
- * Share fun times with me.
- * Take an interest in my problems, though I will probably try to focus on yours.
- * Let me know that I am important and special to you.
- * Be gentle if you decide to criticize me.
In Intimate Relationships
- * Reassure me that I am interesting to you.
- * Reassure me often that you love me.
- * Tell me I'm attractive and that you're glad to be seen with me.
What I Like About Being a Doris
- * being able to relate easily to people and to make friends
- * knowing what people need and being able to make their lives better
- * being generous, caring, and warm
- * being sensitive to and perceptive about others' feelings
- * being enthusiastic and fun-loving, and having a good sense of humor
What's Hard About Being a Doris
- * not being able to say no
- * having low self-esteem
- * feeling drained from overdoing for others
- * not doing things I really like to do for myself for fear of being selfish
- * criticizing myself for not feeling as loving as I think I should
- * being upset that others don't tune in to me as much as I tume in to them
- * working so hard to be tactful and considerate that I suppress my real feelings
Dorises as Children Often
- * are very sensitive to disapproval and criticism
- * try hard to please their parents by being helpful and understanding
- * are outwardly compliant
- * are popular or try to be popular with other children
- * act coy, precocious, or dramatic in order to get attention
- * are clowns and jokers (the more extroverted Dorises), or quiet and shy (the more introverted Dorises)
Dorises as Parents
- * are good listeners, love their children unconditionally, and are warm and encouraging (or suffer guilt if they aren't)
- * are often playful with their children
- * wonder: "Am I doing it right?" "Am I giving enough?" "Have I caused irreparable damage?"
- * can become fiercely protective
Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy
Friday, October 3, 2008
It's All About Four
I've got a meme for today - thanks Kay!
Four, Four, Four, Four...
A) Four places that I go to over and over:
Hillside, my office, Morning Star, Daniel & Co (where I get beautified)
B) Four people who e-mail me (regularly):
my clients, Dawn, Rach, ok that's more than four.
C) Four of my favorite places to eat:
Umi Steakhouse, Panera Bread, Wendy's, The Sole Proprietor
D) Four places I would rather be right now:
North Conway, Italy, Victorville, anywhere really that I've never been before
E) Four people I am tagging:
Sharon, Sue, Nancy, Jen
F) Four TV shows I watch:
30 Minute Meals, Barefoot Contessa, Little House, What Not To Wear
Four, Four, Four, Four...
A) Four places that I go to over and over:
Hillside, my office, Morning Star, Daniel & Co (where I get beautified)
B) Four people who e-mail me (regularly):
my clients, Dawn, Rach, ok that's more than four.
C) Four of my favorite places to eat:
Umi Steakhouse, Panera Bread, Wendy's, The Sole Proprietor
D) Four places I would rather be right now:
North Conway, Italy, Victorville, anywhere really that I've never been before
E) Four people I am tagging:
Sharon, Sue, Nancy, Jen
F) Four TV shows I watch:
30 Minute Meals, Barefoot Contessa, Little House, What Not To Wear
Friday, September 26, 2008
Ok, Seriously....
I have to say that walking is not my preferred form of exercise. Something about it just doesn't appeal to me. Mind you, I like walking in general. I am very grateful for the ability to walk in an of itself. But, to walk for exercise...like just randomly walk without a purpose or destination in mind just isn't my idea of a good time.
Until yesterday.
I was NOT in a good mood. I blame it on PMS, though there are other, real issues behind it all, I'm sure. After all, hormones all on their own cannot make a person a raging lunatic can they? I digress.
Anyway, after a long day, most of which I spent being COLD, AND after co-leading a Girl Scout meeting with 15 six and seven year olds, I was ready for some quiet time. Not gonna happen in my house. There are five of us (six if you count my mom who drops in often) in 1500 sq. ft. of single-story space.
I needed peace and quiet desperately. So, I grabbed my trusty ipod, generously passed down to me from my 15-yo who now has the bigger, better ipod thingy that I can't remember the name of, and off I went for a walk. It was walk or bust. So walk I did.
I had, thankfully, figured out how to download music from my current CD collection. IN said colelction was the newest As I Lay Dying CD, chock full of punk/alternative/screamo-type music. Perfect.
So, off I went, screamo music blaring in my head (only in one ear, of course, so I could still hear the sounds of traffic as I walked). Can I just say that screamo music is the perfect tempo for brisk walking? Seriously. You ought to try it. There was actually a very pretty ballad near the end of the CD, just as I finished my walk. Perfect timing. And almost no screaming (in the ballad or from me).
Get thee some screamo music forthwith. It may change your mind about walking (for exercise!).
Query
What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?
I've always gotten a chuckle from this deep, philosophical question.
You?
I've always gotten a chuckle from this deep, philosophical question.
You?
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Fall Is In The Air
My absolute favorite time of year is upon us. I love the crisp clean air of autumn. I love the changing colors on the trees. I love the cool nights and pleasantly warm days. The kids are back in school and life has gone back to its routine. It's all very good.
I have already gotten my autumn scented Yankee Candles out - my faves are Autumn Leaves and McIntosh. YUMMY! I also like anything that smells like baking - cinnamon and pumpkin spice come to mind.
Autumn also means Christmas shopping season. I am NOT only of those people that waits until the very last minute to do her Christmas shopping. And no, I don't holiday shop - I CHRISTMAS shop. But, that's another story altogether.
I have already bought a few small gifts, and have already started on some handmade gifts. The planner in me just thrives this time of year.
Why can't it always be autumn?
I have already gotten my autumn scented Yankee Candles out - my faves are Autumn Leaves and McIntosh. YUMMY! I also like anything that smells like baking - cinnamon and pumpkin spice come to mind.
Autumn also means Christmas shopping season. I am NOT only of those people that waits until the very last minute to do her Christmas shopping. And no, I don't holiday shop - I CHRISTMAS shop. But, that's another story altogether.
I have already bought a few small gifts, and have already started on some handmade gifts. The planner in me just thrives this time of year.
Why can't it always be autumn?
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Full Circle?
You know, I wonder sometimes why that is. When I was just a little older than my oldest child is now, I was really into LOUD music. Dare I say I even enjoyed the melodic strains of HEAVY METAL screamo music?
I know what you're thinking. Not you, Bet. Surely you're more of a light rock, ballad sort of girl. Uh, no. I still prefer my music LOUD and very upbeat. The adult part of me and the pastor's wife part of me don't mind worship music, light rock, and pop music. Really, I can appreciate and enjoy these genres. I like to think of myself as a well-rounded individual, musically speaking. Really, I do. But, if I had my way, I would be listening to music that is just not acceptable to most of my peers. After all, I AM a grown-up. And respectable, pastor's wives listen to "worship" music, right?
Now mind you, I don't care for the lyrics and messages of secular heavy metal or rock bands. I try to avoid things that are not edifying or just plain vulgar and unnecessary. I do have my limits, you know. But, I am all for listening to the equivalent genre in the Christian music realm, and yes, it is available.
Now the full circle part. My eldest child LOVES music. Guess what kind? Yep. LOUD. ROCK. METAL. SCREAMO. Goodness, I love that child. A child after my own heart.
The challenge is getting him to actually enjoy listening to artists in that genre with a Christian (or at least clean) message. Enter in two of his favorite mainstream, yet Christian, bands -- Underoath and his absolute favorite, As I Lay Dying.
Imagine my glee when I was browsing in our (very) local Christian bookstore. (Can I just say how awesome it is to have a Christian book store right in my town???? I know. I'm easily amused.) Anyway, as I was broswing their now much larger and diverse music section, what do I lay my eyes upon? Yep. An entire section devoted to "Modern Rock" a/k/a metal-but-let's-not-tell-the-adults-that's-really-what-it-is. Not only did they have Underoath and As I Lay Dying, but various other artists that were just clamoring for my son's ears.
To surprise him, I bought him two CDs, which he can now download to his trusty-don't-ever-leave-home-without-it Ipod. I'm so excited to give these to him. I hope he enjoys them as much as I enjoyed buying them for him.
For your listening pleasure, check it out:
Underoath and
As I Lay Dying
I know what you're thinking. Not you, Bet. Surely you're more of a light rock, ballad sort of girl. Uh, no. I still prefer my music LOUD and very upbeat. The adult part of me and the pastor's wife part of me don't mind worship music, light rock, and pop music. Really, I can appreciate and enjoy these genres. I like to think of myself as a well-rounded individual, musically speaking. Really, I do. But, if I had my way, I would be listening to music that is just not acceptable to most of my peers. After all, I AM a grown-up. And respectable, pastor's wives listen to "worship" music, right?
Now mind you, I don't care for the lyrics and messages of secular heavy metal or rock bands. I try to avoid things that are not edifying or just plain vulgar and unnecessary. I do have my limits, you know. But, I am all for listening to the equivalent genre in the Christian music realm, and yes, it is available.
Now the full circle part. My eldest child LOVES music. Guess what kind? Yep. LOUD. ROCK. METAL. SCREAMO. Goodness, I love that child. A child after my own heart.
The challenge is getting him to actually enjoy listening to artists in that genre with a Christian (or at least clean) message. Enter in two of his favorite mainstream, yet Christian, bands -- Underoath and his absolute favorite, As I Lay Dying.
Imagine my glee when I was browsing in our (very) local Christian bookstore. (Can I just say how awesome it is to have a Christian book store right in my town???? I know. I'm easily amused.) Anyway, as I was broswing their now much larger and diverse music section, what do I lay my eyes upon? Yep. An entire section devoted to "Modern Rock" a/k/a metal-but-let's-not-tell-the-adults-that's-really-what-it-is. Not only did they have Underoath and As I Lay Dying, but various other artists that were just clamoring for my son's ears.
To surprise him, I bought him two CDs, which he can now download to his trusty-don't-ever-leave-home-without-it Ipod. I'm so excited to give these to him. I hope he enjoys them as much as I enjoyed buying them for him.
For your listening pleasure, check it out:
Underoath and
As I Lay Dying
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Riding Out The Storm
We are being hit with tropical storm Hanna today. The rain started in the wee hours of the morning; I as up at 4 a.m. and it was already coming down hard. We've had to close our windows and it's really warm in the house. But, that's ok. Rain is nothing compared to what lots of others are dealing with right now. I read that the Carolinas got the landfall, together with all wind AND rain.
We've got milk and bread and lots of candles in case we lose power later today. We are under a tropical storm warning, but I'm not quite sure what all that entails. There is absolutely no wind to speak of outside; just rain.
It's been a long time since we've had a hurricane in MA. The last one I remember was back in 2000 maybe? I don't even remember it's name because it wasn't really a big storm. The last BIG storm I remember is Gloria, sometime in the mid 80s, I believe.
My kids have never been through a REAL hurricane. I wonder if this year may change that? The tropics are really active, and it's been a LONG time since a storm has come up the eastern seaboard all the way to us.
Not that I'm wishing for a hurricane....a tropical storm will do just fine.
We've got milk and bread and lots of candles in case we lose power later today. We are under a tropical storm warning, but I'm not quite sure what all that entails. There is absolutely no wind to speak of outside; just rain.
It's been a long time since we've had a hurricane in MA. The last one I remember was back in 2000 maybe? I don't even remember it's name because it wasn't really a big storm. The last BIG storm I remember is Gloria, sometime in the mid 80s, I believe.
My kids have never been through a REAL hurricane. I wonder if this year may change that? The tropics are really active, and it's been a LONG time since a storm has come up the eastern seaboard all the way to us.
Not that I'm wishing for a hurricane....a tropical storm will do just fine.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
