Why Memorial Day?

Today in honor of Memorial Day I have some factoids from Dictionary.com. In the meantime my family and I will be at our local Memorial Day celebration. Following will be a fish fry at the local D.A.V. We are helping gather the veterans from the nursing home to go with us and honor their family and friends. I do wish to thank my Dear Hubby, a Navy veteran and commander of our AmVets, my in-laws who are both Navy veterans and my College Girl who did a stint in the Navy too!

In honor of Memorial Day, Dictionary.com (www.dictionary.com), the leading online and mobile dictionary, continues its Word on Words series with a collection of words and factoids that we hope will help everyone look past the beer and hot dogs and add meaning to this year’s celebration.

Origins

Decoration Day? Memorial Day used to be known as Decoration Day and was meant to honor Union soldiers who died in the Civil War. The name slowly changed to Memorial Day, and was expanded to encompass all U.S. wars.

Why Monday? Why May? Ironically, the holiday was first celebrated on May 30 because it was NOT the anniversary of a battle. With the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968, Congress changed the date to the 31^st, a Monday, in order to create a new beloved institution – the 3-day weekend. Many states resisted the change for a few years.

Veteran’s vs. Memorial Day – which is which?

Have you ever been confused by the two seemingly identical holidays? Don’t be – the distinction is simple. While Memorial Day honors war dead, Veteran’s Day honors those who fought for our country and survived.

How to properly observe

The U.S. observes a national moment of remembrance at 3:00 pm local time, and flags fly at half-mast from dawn until noon.

Interesting Factoid:

Papaver rhoeas, the red poppy: Poppies are the flower typically placed on soldier’s graves on Memorial Day because of the poem “In Flanders Field” by John McCrae. The poem, about a soldier seeing his friend die in battle, refers to a field of poppies that serves as the cemetery for many war dead.

Other facts that you can use to impress your veteran friends:

What’s a “platoon?” In the Army a platoon is composed of 42 soldiers, while the Marine Corps limits the count to 13. The Air Force has a similar unit called a “flight” which is also made of up of 13 soldiers. Platoons can be divided into sections or “fireteams.”

Units larger than a platoon include the:

· company

· battalion

· regiment or brigade

· division

· corps

· field army

P.S. If you enjoyed this free exchange of information that we call the “Word on Words,” be sure to thank a veteran – fascist dictators get to create their own historical “facts” and word definitions.

Young Adult?

Young Adult is a category of books. I am sure you knew that already. But have you ever thought you may still be a Y.A.? Well, I have found that I am. Yes, in my mid 40's I am still a young adult. Why? Well because I find that my mind still loves that journey and adventure into the unknown. And I am still chasing rabbits down rabbit holes.

Dawn Miller wrote "The Prophecy" for young adults, aka teens. And like many adults who have been caught up in the Twilight series you can do the same right here. The Prophecy is part of The Watchers Chronicles. Here I have teetered on the line of good and evils age old battle. Along with the 5 characters that Dawn has created, we traveled into their history with terrifying memories that started this battle. I followed along as we raced against the evil at our heels looking for a way out. I was caught up like a memory or dream that hung on long after I awoke. Not only will your Y.A. enjoy this one, you may very well too.

From here I ventured past the life of evil spirits into the realm of dragons. Yes you heard me right. "Starlighter" was my second venture into my stage as a Y.A. Also part of the Starlighter series (first in the series as you guessed). Now I was engaged in fighting dragons who were enslaving the humans. Of course I had fun with this one. Not as heart pounding but enjoyed that flight of fancy to a different world. Here I joined in on the fight and worked on my escape from the dragons. But I will say, life as a second class citizen was not enjoyable. I am so glad that this world does not exist but in a story.

My last venture into the Y.A. life was learning the lessons of real life. Here I was again a kid. Remember the struggles of learning the rules of life. Yes, we tend to forget that it was hard to always fit in, know the way and be accepted. "Never Blame the Umpire" was junior high again. And not in the bad way! But where we stretched our bodies to the limits in sports while reaching with our minds for new ways to communicate. So much like Kate I tried to learn how to fit into the rules of life. But too be an original. Kate (our young adult) is a great athlete, accepted into that role. When she journeys into creative writing and letting her poetry come out life shifts. It is here in her life as a tween she discovers her strength. Helping her through one of the hardest lessons life has to give to anyone of any age.

Yes, I am a Young Adult. Still. And I am loving that knowledge. Along with the flights of fancy that come up with it. Wanna join me in the ride?

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of these books to facilitate this review. No other compensation was provided.

DADT Debate

Well where do you stand on the DADT debate? Don't know what I mean? Okay, the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy with our military. The 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy of the U.S. military dictates that no homosexual or bisexual military officer can reveal details of their sexuality while serving. This policy was overturned this last week. Now it should be that all can serve and not be worried about being released due to their sexual orientation.

With memorial day just behind us I was curious as to how this new change in policy will free so many to serve and be themselves. How many of our military had to hide their true selves in order to be there to protect our country and its interest? Did they feel shamed in doing just that, hiding within a great tradition and service? Will we now feel pride in allowing people to be just who they are?

College Girl recently was visiting with family here at our home this weekend. A wonderful couple that are raising their interracial granddaughter. Here on our front porch we share their lives for a lil while. The struggles of these two men who have served in quiet retrospect while giving their all to provide for the communities they have lived in. Many times having an uphill battle to just be allowed to have the right to be part of that community. Some our greatest citizens of the world have had that same battle. "Queers in History" (an encyclopedia style book) shares that many people have lived the DADT policy. In this book we saw so many people in history that gave to our world experience while also having a different sexuality than those around them. College Girl was thrilled to share this book with her "cousins". Here we learned that many politicians and military along with artist, writers, musicians and entrepreneurs shared the same history.

For example:
An heroic soldier, Deborah Sampson, in the US Revolution was actually a woman in disguise, who "married" another woman after her service in the Continental Army? When Deborah's true identity was discovered she was denied here veterans pension.

James Buchanan, U.S. President, had a male roommate that was so close that they were called the "Siamese Twins". In 1994 Bucahanan's grave was vandalized with words about his sexuality.

So with this how do you feel about the DADT? Is it good that the policy is to be dropped? Was it there to protect the people that had to be quiet about their lives? Or should we be able to stand up for who we are in what ever perspective we have? If a man or woman is only as good as their word, then how does that reflect if they have to hide who they are?

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book to facilitate this review. No other compensation was provided.

Back on the Farm

I have been talking about my in-laws quite a bit here lately. I guess they are just weighing heavy on my mind. But I do like the things I have learned from them. One of them is the love they have for animals. Especially chickens!

Yes, my mom in law loves her chickens. And I love the eggs! She has helped me have a few before in a previous home we had. But alas the darn chicken hawk got the all. The chicken hawk, who by the way is a protected bird and can not be shot, tore my coop all up to get to my lovely lil chickens. But the rooster got away. Have you read about the rooster? Oh if not then go here to hear that tale!

Well I would like to have a chicken coop full of chicks and eggs again. But this time I am going to do a lil study first. Minnie Rose Lovegreen wrote a lil book that is just right for me. Recipe for Raising Chickens says "The main thing is to keep them happy." I loved learning from Minnie Rose. Simple easy country folk sharing how to go from egg well to egg. All I need to do is learn how to build a coop next. This was honestly a fun read. Why? Well it sounded like Minnie was right beside me. Sitting with her apron on and bonnet on her head. Sharing what she has observed for years. And I loved hearing her tell me when my chicken would be ready to lay eggs, how she cared for her babies, what got her tail feathers up and what calmed them down. She also shares how to do this in the most economical way. Now that I do like with the way my budget is going these days. I really do wish to have some more chickens. They are a great pest control too. Will not allow bugs around...eat them instead. So? Maybe I will start with some guinea fowl. Minnie Rose, thank you for sharing your knowledge and your book with me!

Ok so you know that in my heart I am trying to be a country gal. It is not that as much as I want to have fresh food. See I am a foodie big time. And I love to taste fresh food in its most natural state. So fresh raw veggies and fruits are my favorites. We have tried to do a lil garden here with some decent results. But it would be easier if I had tons more energy or someone to help me with it. Of course a lil farm equipment would not hurt either! Yeah me up on a John Deere tractor is just the image you wanted.

But women make the home and now we are also going back to the basics. Women are growing their own food weather it be in lil side gardens or taking over the whole farm. We are tired of paying high prices for organic food when we can do it ourselves. So do not be surprised when you realize your a Farmer Jane! You can read for yourself how to accomplish that lil feat. Not only do I want to raise my own food but I want to be able to have enough to share too. Okay I am really getting into this whole thought.

Do you have a hard time making enough to pay all the bills and have that really good meal on the table. Well I am having that issue. I am heavy and working on losing weight. But fresh food is expensive. If I can grow my own fresh veggies and fruits then I will have them here to eat. Much better than that bag of chips that are easy and cheap. I want to learn how to look at a way to do a small scale home farm. Yeah add in those chickens and how about a lil cow? My in laws have the livestock of chickens, cows, ducks, goats and sheep. If we pull together I could grow the garden and they could raise the animals. Share the cost and share the crops. Not a bad lil idea. I am going to read more about Farmer Jane and the movement for women to make home gardens and farms thrive.

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• Minnie Rose Lovgreen's Recipe for Raising Chickens: The Main Thing is to Keep Them Happy (cookingwithanne.blogspot.com)

Thanks and Pre Planning

My mother in law had her first knee surgery yesterday. She came through it like the trooper she is. But we worry. She has a second one scheduled in a month. And we wish to keep her on her feet the best way possible. Why? Well she is with my father in law. You know the one. My One Legged father in law. Yeah....we are short a few body parts there so we need all that is left to work. These are some amazing and determined people. I am always in awe of all that they accomplish and in their 70's at that.

You may remember I gave my mom in law a Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living Catholic Faith for her mom's day gift. Well I have a book for my dad in law too. Shush! Don't tell him! I plan on sharing Letters to my Father: The Gifts with him. He is an avid reader and history buff. This is a personal memoir from fellow Texan Dr. O. Raye Adkins on how she found her life's work. Her father lost his life during the Port Chicago Naval Munitions explosion in 1944. My father in law is a retired Naval officer. From the depression she experienced her counselor helped her see she needed comfort. Comfort as her father would have given her. So she gave herself an overstuffed teddy bear. From that gift she went on to heal and create the Help the Bear program. This was a legacy that her father would have been proud of. My own father in law is an avid volunteer for many charities. He has shown me how to give and serve without looking for a reward. That the reward is in being there for someone else. That is how this story also unfolds. Raye you shared an amazing story and a way to make a difference in someone life. Thank you for that!


Now I do not wish to get morbid but my in laws have taught me something else. That life is precious. Life is worth living. But one day we will cease to be. And how we leave this world is our choice. We can go kicking and screaming or we can go in peace. I choose peace. One of the ways I have found that peace is by pre-planning. College Girl knows of my wishes when I get older. And to help her I have My Way Cards. No, not a game (as much as I love games). But a way for me to communicate what I choose when I can not communicate to others. My mom in law has had to deal with the start of dementia. It has her fearful that she can not tell what she chooses in life.

With the My Way Cards those fears can be alleviated. Each card has a simple worded request with an easy illustration. They show symptoms, loss of functions, unwanted behavior and conflict with life-long values. You can go through and pick and choose what you would like to happen when you can no longer tell someone. And then this card system can convey to your family how you want to be treated. Simple and easy. Just what I need. I have sat with my College Girl and Dear Hubby and explained my cards. My choices. My decisions. Now they do not have to worry, nor do I. For one day I may not be able to tell them what is in my heart. Dr. Stanley Terman, thank you for letting me know how I can make these decisions known. It is greatly appreciated.

Love! Love My 2 Dogs

We are doing a giveaway of "Once Upon a Baby Brother". Tell us your favorite story of your brother or sister. Are you older, younger or an only?

LoveMy2Dogs said...

My kiddos would love this book, of course they love all books.

I am not an only child even though sometimes I wish I were. My brother is 4 years older than me and is the baby! He always has and always will be the "Baby" and get whatever he wants. My mother does not treat us anywhere near equal. I am not the only one who notices this but you know what, I have broad shoulders and can handle it.

Great giveaway!!

We wished to have Om Baby visit. I asked what is it you wish to see with your one eye. Would it be world peace, love for all or a great big chuck of chocolate cake? We all see beauty in different things.

LoveMy2Dogs said...

First off my kiddos as well as myself love Sid the Science Guy, so much information he has to share.

Now as for my one eye, I would love to see peace on earth. I know that will never happen but it is a good thought. Now for a reality check I would like to see a big ole meal from Red Lobster. How about the Ultimate Sampler but substitute the Walts shrimp for an extra scampi. :)

Congrats to Tammy for winning both of these books. Her kiddos will Love Her for them!

Beauty from Horror

What is some of the ugliest words you know of? Name three right now. What were they? My college girl automatically went to curse words as did our friend Nessa. But as much as I do not like some of those horrid words I know of some that are worse. The ugliest words I know of are:

Cancer, Infertile and Alone.

Those are words that put fear in my heart. Words that can reduce me to tears in an instant. Words that tear at our hearts while making us feel like we can not fix anything. But there is always hope. Always.

With hope we can overcome illness, fear and obstacles. With hope we grow, understand and live again. Talk4Hope is a family book series. One of the books they feature is You Are Not Alone-Families Touched by Cancer. I have a friend who has battled breast cancer this last year. My family is walking for the American Cancer Society this next month. And I lost my birth father due to cancer. Of course I have been touched by cancer in many other areas. But having it hit your family makes it personal. Eva Grayzel has created a wonderful book that shows how cancer touches children all around the world. And how they have gained strength to overcome the effects. I love the way they share ways to help support your family. It is inspiring. Eva you have really managed to help inspire with this book, thank you.

My other word was infertile. One of my local friends has gone through life wish for a child but was unable to ever conceive. My best friend had to go through so many doctors, labs and clinics before she was blessed with her daughter. Paul and Shannon Morell also had to go though In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). But their story became a struggle from there. In Misconception: One Couple's Journey from Embryo Mix-Up to Miracle Baby tells it all. Their child as an embryo was implanted in the wrong woman's womb. Instantly she became a surrogate when that was not the journey she had planned. Oh the story of how these two families had to come together to create the family that was intended is amazing. I was crying and jumping for joy in many parts of this true story. I will have to extend a great thank you to Miguel for sharing this journey with me. Wow what a story!

My last word was alone. How I often feel that I am all alone here. Sitting in my house while Dear Hubby is at work and my mom is out with friends. Stewing that I do not wish to be here and yet feel trapped to stay. But when I read such stories I am reminded I am not alone. God is with me. And so is my family even when they have other obligations. My friends are as close as across the street or a text message away. Alone is not something I have to feel or embrace.

Mending our Hearts

You may remember that I have been married before. Yes I have gone through divorce court and came out on the other side. Why do I bring this up? Well I feel that sometimes life does give us lemons. And yes we can make lemonade but sometimes we just have to get rid of the lemon. I have a very dear friend who has been going through the horrors of divorce for over a year and a half. And my heart goes out to her and her children every day. I feel so blessed that my divorce was painless. That my ex and I were able to focus on our daughter and what was really best for her. And that we really did pray for the best for each other. Yes there is Divinity in Divorce as Dr. Dena G. Churchill is able to help us find our way.

When my ex and I separated and divorced, we wanted what was best for our daughter. In every step we asked what would help her. And in doing so we did not fight. Each of us made concessions. He allowed us to move over 100 miles away so we could live near my family for a support system. And he drove to visit with her all the time. (Eventually moving to the same town even.) I lowered the amount of child support the court asked for. This way he would not have to struggle so to make his budget and appreciated the help with my budget at the same time. We attended her school events and both cheered her own. We showed her she was the love of our life even if we could not live with each other. And Dena guides others to do the same. She shares a practical way to go through the change of married to life on your own. Dena also reminds us to take Christ along with us. Just because we are changing our lives does not mean he is not still there to support us! Dena you hit the mark sending me this book.

I am so glad that my heart was mended and then led on to my very own Dear Hubby. It is a gift from God for both of us. We were given a second chance at love and it is something we both cherish so very much. I am so lucky that he is part of my life. With a daily I love you and kiss out the door to a simple text letting me know he is thinking of me to that deep kiss and embrace each evening. I try to convey to him how much I appreciate him by caring for his needs weather it be simple as making the bed and filling his medication box or making a favorite meal to hanging on the front porch listening to his day.

Thankfully we are both avid readers and share many stories too. Recently we both read The Heart Mender. It is placed in Alabama during 1942. War is raging Europe and the world is full of anger and confusion. But in all of this two people were able to overcome the craziness and fear to forgive and come together. What a wonderful love story that shows that we all can make peace. I found again we all can find ways to make our lives work. Weather it be by changing where we live to who we live with or to how we live our life. Andy Andrews thanks so much for sending me Andy Andrews book.

Wow Weekend

Image via Wikipedia

We had so much fun this weekend with our McDonald’s^® McNuggets^® and Shrek Forever After™ House Party™. What fun to have a dozen kids running around playing. From touch football in the backyard to horse shoes in the side yard and on to swinging on the horse swing and swing set in the front yard. Top that off with a marathon of all three Shrek DVD's running non stop in the house. I can not wait to Shrek Forever After movie. And the soundtrack has to be fantastic (all of them are). The kids enjoyed having the great toys from McDonalds to role play their own show in the fenced in yard.

We had several games that gave us winners for several goodies. The poster of Shrek, a DVD of Shrek 3 and the ultra cool Shrek glasses that are at McDonalds were the prizes. Ms. Emma loved winning the sack race with the help of her Poppa. Charity's two kiddos did great at scoring for two of the prizes. And Eye-Spy was a new game for a few of the kids too! I am so glad to have won this house party and to have the help from my nieces to pull it off. We all enjoyed the great food. We all know that Chicken Nuggets are yummy but they are even better with fresh grapes, strawberries and bananas too!

One of the best things for me is that my very best friend was able to make it to my party with her lovely daughter. I have not seen her in over a year and was thrilled to have them at my home. Now we have friends but to spend time with my Bestest Friend of over 35 years made my heart sing. It is so interesting how our friendship has grown as we became grown-ups. Seeing us through the birth of our children (even though there is a 19 year difference in their ages), marriages and divorces, moves all over Texas and the world...friendship has held as a very tight bond.

Do you have that kind of true friend? Is there a friendship that makes being a woman (or man) that much easier? What is the best part of a close friendship no matter how far apart you may physically be? Lisa Welchel (from The Facts of Life) has written a book, Friendship for Grown-Ups. It is part of the Women of Faith book selections. I loved reading this book and it made me think so much of my great friendships. It was great to read how our friendships are gifts from God. That as gifts we are to treat them special. And of course the best part of a gift is un-wrapping them and seeing the beauty unfold. Lisa takes us step by step into why we need friends and how to appreciate the beauty of the gift friendship is. I do wish to thank Book Sneeze for sharing this great gift with me too!

Dot Com or Not?

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Nexx Online. All opinions are 100% mine.

Again you know I do not know how all this works. Thank goodness I have Nessa to help me with the ins and outs of 'Puter World. But I do know that I go crazy when my system does not work. And even more so if I can not get to my blog. Nessa recently went with her own .com address. Another friend of mind did this week too. I have wondered if it is something to do? Will it add to my experience? How much more control will I gain? Is there something better out there?

I am not really sure. Think I will talk to Nessa about it. But I do know that if I go .com that this is who I will be using to take me there. Nexx Web Hosting says they have an easy to use control panel. And they allow users to install apps like Wordpress, Joomla, Drupal and Zen Cart at the click of a button. All Nexx hosting services utilizes clustered server technology. So websites will never go down or slow down.


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Somedays!

I am not a Windows gal. Nope not at all. I am a Mac gal stuck with a Windows unit. And for me it sucks! Really.....it is like trying to tell a down home Texas gal how to fix a French dinner while speaking Russian.

I can not find how to add, delete, change, make new or return to old on this thing. Some days I wonder if they hide the turn on button even. Okay, it's not that bad but still......I do not like it.

But I have found one feature I would like added to my system. (You know all the hoopla about the new Windows 7.) So if I can have them make it my system then this is the button I want.

Fit Mommies

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of CryoCell International. All opinions are 100% mine.

This weekend my niece and her family will be here for a party I am having. I am so happy to have my home filled with family, friends and especially kiddos. (We are expecting over a dozen kids!) But seeing my niece will be a great part of it. Why? Well she is expecting her 3rd child. She already has two lovely girls (which I prefer) but was praying for a boy. Of course they are having another girl. She already has a name picked out of Caylan Jane. Isn't that pretty and straight forward too. I really like the Jane part.

Well I have been saving up parenting books for her along with all the info I can grab to make this one a lil easier. Her youngest daughter is a Hoopla of fun and energy! And we are look at all the ways to exercise too. She is in her 30's and is having to keep that in mind. One of the things we have looked into is the jogger strollers. Have you seen them? Well they are a great way to take a run and give your babe some fun in the sun too. What better way to get fit?

One of the things we have looked into is a new program that Cryo-Cell is sponsoring. Cryo-Cell does understand the importance of safeguarding the future health and well-being for both newborns and for the parents too. Enroll in Cryo-Cell’s signature U-Cord service and for a limited-time receive a free Baby Jogger City Mini and save $120!

Different Side Dish

Image by Martin LaBar via Flickr

Thought I would share tonight's side dish from dinner. Fresh picked from my own yard. And this is the second season I have had this. It is different and yummy too!

Fried Yucca Petals

Ingredients

• 2 Fresh Tomatoes, Chopped
• 2 Medium Onions, Chopped
• 1 Tablespoon Butter
• Flower Stalk From Yucca Plant
• 1/2 Cup Water
• Salt And Pepper, To Taste

Directions

Pull flower petals from stalk and wash well. Do not use anything other than the petal itself! I had a large mixing bowl full of petals that when picked and washed came to about 4 cups.
Melt butter in skillet and add flower petals, onion and tomatoes.
Stir gently until onions are soft.
Add water and simmer until most liquid is gone.
Salt and pepper to taste.

Special for My Friends

Image via Wikipedia

This is for Tammy and Maureen and all my other bloggy friends who are cooped up at the house all the time. You understand that it is hard to put down the twinkies when the kiddos love 'em so. Or that Diet Dr. Pepper is not a food group on to it's own. We even understand that bath time does not always come with chocolate. But that does not mean we are the best at following rules.

So what do we do. Well I am a lucky one and run away daily to work out at Curves. But many of us can not do just that. So how about our own lil workout systems at home. Ladies with the kids remember the most important thing. Kids do not judge our size at all! They just want to have fun with us. Now that we all know that let's move on.

Lynette's Crazy Workout Plans

1. We all need to stretch. So put all the breakfast food down on the lowest cabinets. That way each morning we have to reach down to get out those Wheaties and Oatmeal Crunch. Reach for the cereal and come back up. Do it 10 times before we actually grab that cereal to fix for the kiddos.
2. Did you move all those cereal bowls and glasses to the top shelf? Well do so. Now 10 arm reaches and up on those tippy toes to get those. Of course 10 times each.
3. That gallon of milk is a great weight control. Yes it is good for you and to man handle to. Do 10 (yeah that is my magic number) arm curls with it on each arm to pour milk for that cereal we stretched for.
4. Pull out the chair to have a seat. But first how about some deep bend of the knees. Use the back of the chair to balance and do those deep bends. See what is under the table while your doing them. How many? 10!
5. Have that well deserved seat. And stretch out those legs. Now let's all touch those toes while we are stretched out so well. You can pretend your tying your shoes if you must.
6. Enjoy that wonderful and healthy breakfast. Some milk, a lil whole grain cereal, got a piece of fruit too? Great this is what you need to keep going.
7. Okay now time to wash up. You can twist and shout while you do that. Twist to the right and grab a bowl, twist to you left and wash it out. Twist to the right and to the left. Do it a few more times....til you get to 10.

Well that is a lil stretch for the start. I will do a few more hints tomorrow. Whatcha think?

Bowling One Legged

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of NMEDA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Last night we did not get to do our regular bowling night with the in-laws. Instead Dear Hubby had to work a full shift (after working his regular full shift at job #1). So I had to spend some time home alone. But that just gave me time to look into a few things.

You see we bowl with my in-laws who are both in their 70's. My dad-in-law has only one leg now. And he still bowls a really good game. But he had to change up his game. He had to learn how to throw the ball all different then he had the majority of his life. It helps that he uses his motorized chair with the arm taken off so he can swing his arm.

It was great to have help NMEDA dealer when we was getting his truck altered so he could still drive. Just as we had to get him a motorized chair and wheelchair. I was thankful to have the education and help when we were having to find out what the needs were for my father in law. It was also so helpful to find out what would be needed to help him continue driving. You would be surprised at all the aids that can help keep people mobile. We also used the Quality Assurance Program (QAP) to find the right items too. Because all people are different we can not assume that the same wheelchair or motorized chair will fit everyone the same. Nor the aids to help one keep driving.

I love that my father in law is still the busy active man that he has been in the past. He did not stop with all of his activities. 70 years old and one legged and still helping with the veterans program, Santa's helpers, youth group at church and hospice care groups. I wish I was as active as he is. Do you have elderly or disabled family members? What special needs did you have to find? Was there someone or something that helped the most?

Texans have thier Boots ON!

This last weekend College Girl could not make it to the Grandbabes birthday parties. Why? Well her best friend was walking across the stage to get two degrees from his college career. We are all so proud of him. College Girl will be making that walk soon enough herself. But in the mean time she was able to head over and congratulate several of her friends instead.

She took a book (of course from the amount of books we always go through) as a present to her friend. It was Bootstrap Leadership by Steve Arneson. We felt this was a great gift to help with the new changes that will be facing this young man as he moves into the workforce. He has a desire to help create a community theater in his town and that will take quite a bit of leadership there. Steve Arneson gives us 50 ways to take charge and move up in Bootstrap Leadership. What I liked was that each chapter was fully contained. So you can flip from one to another in any order you would like to read. The other great thing was that the ideas cost next to nothing to get started. Just right for a broke college student to be able to go from. Personally I feel we all can learn from the line of leadership books. There are always ways we can grow stronger in our own lives. And also implement the ideas with our families, church lives and community organizations. I do wish to thank Katie and Zoe for sending me this one. It was great to read and even a better gift.

Win with your Mini Moment

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Dove Ice Cream. All opinions are 100% mine.
I love taking bubble baths. Yeah that is my indulgence. I take great pride in getting wonderful scents to put in the water. I will have scented candles too! Time to soak the day away while I rest in the warm water as I read. Often I have soft music playing too. Of course I am chocolate lover. So I will have a lil dark chocolate to indulge in too. Yes this is my Mini Moment.

Dove Ice Cream Miniatures has launched the “My Mini Moment” contest. This is where you can share your favorite mini moment of escape. One lucky winner will win one of three wonderful mini-grand prizes. There is a mini-getaway to Napa Valley. Or you might get spa services for a year. How about a mini-home makeover? You would need to submit a photo and short essay at DoveIceCream.com/myminimoment by June 7, 2010.

You also can enjoy DOVE Ice Cream Miniatures at only 70 calories each. They feature ice cream wrapped in real Dove chocolate making them a perfect treat. And they have a new decadent Café Collection which features Java Chip and Cappuccino Flavors. Oh Oh Oh! Chocolate and Coffee! You know that I love that combo.

Kids and Science and Giveaway

I loved seeing the Grandbabes this last weekend. Yesterday I had a visit with Miss Emma too. She will be 4 this summer! WOW! They all keep growing so fast. I love having them all around me and sometimes wonder if that is part of my purpose in life.

Ok yeah I am a mom to my College Girl. And I have helped raise many many more. I think most moms do in one way or another. I have had other families under my roof for years at a time. In doing so the one thing I have always done was try to foster a love for reading. It is one of my great passions. College Girl picked it up and we pray will be a writer in her own time too.

But in the mean time I am still reading to kids and passing on books from one to another. This next weekend my oldest and dearest friend is coming to visit. (We met when we were 10 years old.) She has a lil lady of her own now and I am going to give them the book Om Baby-Child of the Universe. Now this is not your typical sweet baby child book. No this is a bright colorful book looking at the metaphysical world through a child's eye. We see how we can all share this world loving each other and caring for that which is around us. And isn't that what we all really wish for. So with child like faith and belief Om Baby sees life around him is filled with love, truth and unity. What a positive message to give. By the way, thanks so much to Schamet Horsfield (the author) for sending me Om Baby. That was very kind of you to do.

He is also willing to share with you too. How...well of course the adorable Giveaway that we all know so well. So if you would wish to have Om Baby visit your home to then leave a comment. Tell me what is it you wish to see with your one eye. Would it be world peace, love for all or a great big chuck of chocolate cake? We all see beauty in different things. And I will pick a winner in a week!


I am also going to be able to share with Miss Emma and the Grandbabes one of College Girls all time favorites. Jim Henson (yeah from the Muppets) has Sid the Science Kid books and DVDs. It is so much fun to learn with Sid who questions how to do things while looking for the reason why too. We watched the Weather Kid Sid DVD this last weekend with the Grandbabes. My older granddaughter (she is 6 now) made sure I understood the seasons and how rain is created. It was so interesting to see her furrow her brow and explain that the wind can blow things around even when we can not see it. Thanks Sid for helping my darling granddaughter understand so much. After wards we read Sid the Science Kid: Everybody, Move Your Feet. You know that got them up and marching around. Like Sid the kids told me not to just sit and watch TV but we need to get up and play too. Why shucks I knew that. But again I love seeing the lessons sink in. Michelle you score big points sending this set to us.

Well enough of child's play. It is time for me to get up and moving. Off to Curves for my 30 minute workout. Then heading out to the in-laws to help clean up the house while they are at the doctors today. This evening is time to relax with Dear Hubby (yeah, can you believe he will be home?) while watching NCIS. Think it is going to be a good day today.

Kiddies Weekend & Giveaway

This weekend was wonderful having spent time with the Grandbabes. I loved seeing them again. And that they are both so grown up now. Remember this was their birthday weekend. So it was fun. We took my in-laws with us and made a road trip out of it. Thankfully I had our Xlear with us. (You pronounce that Clear by the way.) It has been up and down with the weather around here. My sinuses having been having a bit of a time. Of course the dust in the air with the road trip messes me up too. Xlear is a saline nasal spray with Xylitol and is wonderful for cleaning the nasal passages. Having the allergies that I contend with I love having something to moisturize my sinus passages. I also use this on my grandbabes. It is all natural and is not a prescription either. You may have heard of the using xylitol in candies, as a sweetner and in dental products. It seems to be the next new thing out there. Thanks to Karen for sending this new product on to me.

I also had time to share a few goodies with my grandbabes. One of them was Sukey's Circle!. Katie sent me this goodie. This was a great way to get all the kiddos up and moving around. And also burn off some of that pent up energy. Gosh you know how it gets with tons of kiddos and a birthday cake in the same room! But we enjoyed These are my Eyes and Tick Tock. Isn't it fun to watch a group of kids get all excited and laugh and giggle. I loved it. And the running around "extra-sizing" was fun. Yeah that is how Miss Emma says it. This was great to get the blood pumping for the kiddos. I wish I had the energy they have. Aunt Rene and Tammy....this is a good one for your groups of daycare kiddos!

Next we shared a great story time. "Once Upon a Baby Brother" by Sarah Sullivan was just perfect. It was Grandbabe boy's actually birthday as Grandbabe girl's birthday was the day before. It was so fun to hear the fantastic stories that Lizzie makes up. But with a new baby brother in the house it is harder to get anyone to notice her. But never fail Lizzie can come up with a great new story. If you would like to find out for yourself then pop on a comment here. We are doing a giveaway of "Once Upon a Baby Brother". Tell us your favorite story of your brother or sister. Are you older, younger or an only?

Here is a lil Q & A we had with Sarah Sullivan on her writing. College Girl listen up.....this is how it is done.
1. How did you get the idea for Once Upon a Baby Brother?
As often happens, the first few lines came into my head. I heard the voice of a young girl telling her stories. It soon became clear that she had certain issues with her younger brother Marvin. Sadly, the entire story did not come so easily. Once I had the beginning, it took a lot of plain, old-fashioned work to find my way to the end.
2. Once the idea came to you, what happened next? Did you jot it down right away? Let it simmer?
I took down those first few lines right away. Then I jotted down various lines that might fit somewhere, not necessarily in the order in which I was writing them down. I knew that Lizzie would make Marvin the villain in her stories. And I always knew it would be a funny story But, I had trouble with the dramatic structure, (a common problem for me), until Melanie Kroupa expressed interest in the manuscript. With her expert and inspired guidance, the story started to develop the dramatic arc it needed.
3. What did you find the most challenging about writing this book? The most rewarding?
The most challenging part of writing this story . . . hmm. There were two major challenges. The first challenge was figuring out how to integrate the home story with the school story in the space of a 32-page picture book. The second challenge was figuring out how to succinctly tell the story of turning Marvin into a comic book hero. My editor and Tricia Tusa had A LOT to do with making that work! Creating a picture book is truly a collaborative enterprise!
4. How did the illustrations come about?
People are often surprised to learn that writers do not select their own illustrators – ( at least, not usually). Once Melanie and I finalized the text, she began looking for an illustrator. As you might imagine, I was THRILLED when she mentioned Tricia Tusa's name and was DOING BACK FLIPS when Tricia agreed to illustrate the book. As time passed and I had the opportunity to see sketches and then, proofs with color art, the joy and excitement continued to grow. 5. How did you know you wanted to become a writer? (Or: When did you begin to think of yourself as a writer?)
I guess I have a little bit in common with my main character in that, like Lizzie, I have always loved to tell stories. The writing fever really took hold once I learned to read in first grade. I started reading everything! Books, magazines, comics in newspapers, cereal boxes, the courtesy light sign on the dashboard of my grandfather's Oldsmobile – everything! And I started writing stories too. My first story was about a dead bird I found lying in the grass in our yard. I know that sounds a bit morbid, but the bird was so lovely. It was a cardinal and it made me sad to see it lying there so still. I had to write about it. I suppose, then, like now, a lot of my motivation for writing came from a need to try and understand why things happen the way they do.
Later on, my best friend, Nelle, and I had a secret club in a room in the basement of her house in Colorado. We collected Sugar and Spike comic books and wrote comic books with our own characters. Wait a minute -- This is starting to sound familiar . . .
I still have trouble calling myself a writer, even though I write every day. But, I have come to understand that, no matter what I call myself, I will always write. I will always tell stories. It's a need. I'm unhappy if I don't write.
6. What advice do you have for young writers—especially those with little brothers ;-)?
There is no better training for a writer than to read. Read all the time. Read all different kinds of things. And then follow your passion and, as one of my writing teachers, Jane Resh Thomas, advises her students, write what moves you. Write about things that you care passionately about.

Love My 2 Dogs is the Winner!

My Gym Activators winner is:

LoveMy2Dogs said... 1

Well, if you have ever had a chance to view my picture, you would know that I do not have a favorite exercise for myself. However, I do have a DVD that the daycare kiddos love, but it is for the older kiddos. Now for the wee baby, I work with movements for the arms and legs and I try to get them up and crawling (what am I thinking, right). I just visited the My Gym TV and the kiddos had to watch and enjoy.

A Shout Out!

I want to take a moment to thank UPrinting and Digital Room for the sponsorship they have given so many of us bloggers. So many giveaways have been given to so many of us. And I am enjoying all that I have been able to share with everyone. Now here is a lil show of the goodies I have also enjoyed. I wonder what all y'all have enjoyed? Or would like to do sometime?

This was the photo I took one Easter Sunday. I have this as a poster print hanging in my bedroom now. I love this. Bluebonnets poking through the snow. Showing the hope and rebirth of Spring.

These will be the labels that are coming in next. I am going to use them on my bloggy giveaways as my return labels. So fun and then has that lil hint of ME!

Recipe Cards are what I did on the post cards. Once side is so we can pass along our favorite family recipes at the family reunion. The other side of the post card is the invite to the reunion. What a great double duty item.

Remember I had the pink flamingos in my yard supporting the Korman Breast Cancer walk? Well I took a photo and popped up the color a lil more neon. Now these are my blank greeting cards. I can send cheerful notes all over with them.

So what do you think? Isn't it great to have a supporter like UPrinting/Digital Room to help make all these neat items? I think they Rock!

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