Tomorrow starts Advent in our home. We've really never marked Advent but I was challenged by a speaker at our November Moms In Action meeting to use Advent as a way to keep our family focused on the real meaning of Christmas.
She explained how for over two decades she has chosen a theme for the month and then had daily object lessons with the kids. Some of her past themes have been 24 Names of Jesus, 24 Miracle Births in the Bible, 24 Friends of Jesus and 24 Things Jesus left when he came to earth from heaven. To get a much better explanation of how this all works, please visit The Campbell Corner. Nicole did a great job of summarizing everything.
So, just one day before "day 1", I'm still struggling to pick a topic and get my act together. Melissa K sent me a great document she found on the Web that already has planned activities and scriptures for the 24 Names of Christ. And, I thought Nicole had a great idea with 24 Things God Created. That's a good one for early elementary and preschool kids. I've also tossed around the idea of 24 Women in the Bible but that may be a little aggressive since I'm suppose to start tomorrow.
If you are participating in Advent and have a theme you're using and would like to share, please leave a comment. And, as the month goes on, I'd love to hear how your families are responding.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Thanks Bon-Ton
I bought a pair of casual shoes at The Bon-Ton back in September. I love them and have basically lived in them this fall. But I recently noticed that a part of the shoe was starting to come apart at the seam.
I was really bummed because I don't think I could live without these loafers but also because the shoes are basically brand new and weren't cheap. So a few weeks ago I stopped over at The Bon-Ton and explained my problem (and showed them my shoe) and asked if there was anything they or the manufacturer could do. The guy said to bring them back with my sales receipt and they'd take care of it. Great!
However, when I went to find the sales receipt last night it was nowhere to be found. So I went back in today and explained my shoe problem again and said right up front that I don't have the receipt. The saleslady said, "Do you want the same pair?" "Yeah, if you still have my size," I responded.
She disappeared for a few minutes and came back with a new pair. I slipped off the torn pair and slipped into the new pair and walked out the door.
Now that's what I call customer service!! Thanks Bon-Ton for giving me no hassles and for taking care of your customers. I will definitely be buying more shoes from you in the future.
I was really bummed because I don't think I could live without these loafers but also because the shoes are basically brand new and weren't cheap. So a few weeks ago I stopped over at The Bon-Ton and explained my problem (and showed them my shoe) and asked if there was anything they or the manufacturer could do. The guy said to bring them back with my sales receipt and they'd take care of it. Great!
However, when I went to find the sales receipt last night it was nowhere to be found. So I went back in today and explained my shoe problem again and said right up front that I don't have the receipt. The saleslady said, "Do you want the same pair?" "Yeah, if you still have my size," I responded.
She disappeared for a few minutes and came back with a new pair. I slipped off the torn pair and slipped into the new pair and walked out the door.
Now that's what I call customer service!! Thanks Bon-Ton for giving me no hassles and for taking care of your customers. I will definitely be buying more shoes from you in the future.
Need a Good Cry?
I know my postings have been a little sparse over the last week so I'm making up for it today with three new postings done in the last 12 hours. So don't miss scrolling down and making sure you get up to date.
I've been following for several months two blogs written by a worship pastor and his wife in California. They are a young couple with two girls who just adopted a boy from Korea. They've done a great job of chronicaling their adoption journey.
Just last week they were in Korea picking up their son, Losiah. They posted a video from each day they were in Korea, but the last day's videois worth seeing by anyone who is planning to adopt, thinking about adopting or who just wants a good cry. It's not often you get to see the actual handoff between the foster parent and the adoptive parent...especially in a different country. Make sure you watch both videos.
You can see all the videos from the entire week and learn more about their adoption journey on Heather's blog.
I've been following for several months two blogs written by a worship pastor and his wife in California. They are a young couple with two girls who just adopted a boy from Korea. They've done a great job of chronicaling their adoption journey.
Just last week they were in Korea picking up their son, Losiah. They posted a video from each day they were in Korea, but the last day's videois worth seeing by anyone who is planning to adopt, thinking about adopting or who just wants a good cry. It's not often you get to see the actual handoff between the foster parent and the adoptive parent...especially in a different country. Make sure you watch both videos.
You can see all the videos from the entire week and learn more about their adoption journey on Heather's blog.
Works-for-me-Wednesday: Gift Spreadsheet
For Christmas, I created an Excel spreadsheet that I use to keep track of what gifts I'm buying for whom, how much I spent on each item, if I have bought it yet and what store I bought it at.
This spreadsheet has been great for keeping me within my holiday budget. As I plug in actual costs, it automatically adds up what I've spent on each person and in total.
I also use it to keep track of all my gift ideas so they are all in one place and not spread all over the place on post-it notes.
And that works for me! If you have more great tips and ideas, head over to Rocks in My Dryer.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Charlie's
Last winter, I read about a store in Philadelphia called Charlie's. This store's claim to fame is that the owner, Sebastian, could just take one look at you, pick out a pair of jeans, and they would fit like a glove.
My sister-in-law, Marnie, lives in Philly so I asked her if she had ever heard of the store and, if so, were the claims true. Well, not only did she know of the store, she buys her jeans from there. And, yes, she said, Sebastian really can pick out a perfect fitting pair of jeans by just looking at you.
Now you all know about my search for new jeans in this post. Hey, they weren't from Charlie's but they were a vast improvement.
Well, the day after I published that post I got an e-mail from Marnie. She had read my blog and said that she and my brother had just been discussing what to give me for my birthday (Nov 10) and Christmas. She explained to him how I had asked about Charlie's last winter and loved the idea of getting fitted for jeans. She then made her offer: Would I let them buy me a pair of jeans from Charlie's for my birthday/Christmas gift?
After a long e-mail where I rambled on about how I wasn't sure I could say yes because of kids wielding markers, strangers running down the road with open bottles of bleach and about the wisdom of wearing the equivalence of what could feed a small African nation on my butt, I said Yes!
So, this past Friday, I met Marnie in Philly and we headed to Charlie's. I tried to keep my expectations low in case my baby beaten body proved to be too much for the experts. And, there was a momentary disappointment when we walked in and Sebastian was nowhere to be found. Instead, a young salesgirl asked if she could help us. We said that I wanted to be fitted for a pair of jeans.
"Do you want light or dark jeans?" she asked.
That was it. That's all the information she needed to go to a stack of jeans, pick out a pair and have me try them on.
The first pair seemed tight in my thighs, but according to salesgirl, no, that's how they're suppose to fit because (here's free tip #1 for buying a great fitting pair of jeans) they will stretch a half size. So you want them to be tight, but not uncomfortable. Marnie and salesgirl agreed that the first pair was a good fit. I was still skeptical.
So I tried on a second pair. This pair didn't want to button over my jelly belly, so I stepped out of the dressing room and declared the obvious. "Oh, that's how there suppose to fit," says salesgirl. "Did you put them on right?"
Now, if I had been a comedian, there were 100 great responses to that question. But apparently (and here's tip #2 for buying a great fitting pair of jeans), you have to squat and grab and tug and pull to put them on properly. My lack of skill in putting jeans on was probably the demise of pair # 1 an
d #2.
So I moved on to a third pair. A great fit according to Marnie and salesgirl.
Fourth pair. Another great fit.
So I narrowed it down to two pairs and let the length decide it. I took the pair that didn't need to be shortened (a service that Charlie's can provide). So, here are my Joe's Jeans, dark wash, honey style.
And that was it. Salesgirl was brilliant in picking out a properly fitting jean for me. I'm still in awe of her skills. Obviously, Sebastian has taught her a thing or two.
I have not worn my new jeans yet. Well, I take that back. I put them on yesterday to show a friend, but I have vowed that these are special jeans that should only be seen on special occasions. Plus, in the 45 minutes I had them on, Jr. broke them in with his drool. Need I say more?
If you'd like some more tips for buying a great fitting pair of jeans, check here for some tips from Sebastian himself.
And one more piece of business. Back in this post, I mentioned how Say Anything thought I needed to try a smaller size jean in order to get a better fit. I said that she was crazy and would clean her house if that ever turned out to be true.
The problem? Joe's Jeans use an European sizing system and I don't know its American equivalent. So can anyone tell me what a European size 29 converts into?
And, finally, a huge THANK YOU to Jeff and Marnie for my wonderful present. I appreciate you giving me such a special and completely indulgent gift.
My sister-in-law, Marnie, lives in Philly so I asked her if she had ever heard of the store and, if so, were the claims true. Well, not only did she know of the store, she buys her jeans from there. And, yes, she said, Sebastian really can pick out a perfect fitting pair of jeans by just looking at you.
Now you all know about my search for new jeans in this post. Hey, they weren't from Charlie's but they were a vast improvement.
Well, the day after I published that post I got an e-mail from Marnie. She had read my blog and said that she and my brother had just been discussing what to give me for my birthday (Nov 10) and Christmas. She explained to him how I had asked about Charlie's last winter and loved the idea of getting fitted for jeans. She then made her offer: Would I let them buy me a pair of jeans from Charlie's for my birthday/Christmas gift?
After a long e-mail where I rambled on about how I wasn't sure I could say yes because of kids wielding markers, strangers running down the road with open bottles of bleach and about the wisdom of wearing the equivalence of what could feed a small African nation on my butt, I said Yes!
So, this past Friday, I met Marnie in Philly and we headed to Charlie's. I tried to keep my expectations low in case my baby beaten body proved to be too much for the experts. And, there was a momentary disappointment when we walked in and Sebastian was nowhere to be found. Instead, a young salesgirl asked if she could help us. We said that I wanted to be fitted for a pair of jeans.
"Do you want light or dark jeans?" she asked.
That was it. That's all the information she needed to go to a stack of jeans, pick out a pair and have me try them on.
The first pair seemed tight in my thighs, but according to salesgirl, no, that's how they're suppose to fit because (here's free tip #1 for buying a great fitting pair of jeans) they will stretch a half size. So you want them to be tight, but not uncomfortable. Marnie and salesgirl agreed that the first pair was a good fit. I was still skeptical.
So I tried on a second pair. This pair didn't want to button over my jelly belly, so I stepped out of the dressing room and declared the obvious. "Oh, that's how there suppose to fit," says salesgirl. "Did you put them on right?"
Now, if I had been a comedian, there were 100 great responses to that question. But apparently (and here's tip #2 for buying a great fitting pair of jeans), you have to squat and grab and tug and pull to put them on properly. My lack of skill in putting jeans on was probably the demise of pair # 1 an
d #2.So I moved on to a third pair. A great fit according to Marnie and salesgirl.
Fourth pair. Another great fit.
So I narrowed it down to two pairs and let the length decide it. I took the pair that didn't need to be shortened (a service that Charlie's can provide). So, here are my Joe's Jeans, dark wash, honey style.
And that was it. Salesgirl was brilliant in picking out a properly fitting jean for me. I'm still in awe of her skills. Obviously, Sebastian has taught her a thing or two.
I have not worn my new jeans yet. Well, I take that back. I put them on yesterday to show a friend, but I have vowed that these are special jeans that should only be seen on special occasions. Plus, in the 45 minutes I had them on, Jr. broke them in with his drool. Need I say more?
If you'd like some more tips for buying a great fitting pair of jeans, check here for some tips from Sebastian himself.
And one more piece of business. Back in this post, I mentioned how Say Anything thought I needed to try a smaller size jean in order to get a better fit. I said that she was crazy and would clean her house if that ever turned out to be true.
The problem? Joe's Jeans use an European sizing system and I don't know its American equivalent. So can anyone tell me what a European size 29 converts into?
And, finally, a huge THANK YOU to Jeff and Marnie for my wonderful present. I appreciate you giving me such a special and completely indulgent gift.
I'm living in a freaking Think Tank
For those of you who aren't football fans, please humor me with this post. But my husband is a huge college football fan and so our entire fall has been filled with games he's watching live, games he's taping, games he's watching live and taping so he can watch all the magic again, games he's taping that turn out to be flops so he never watches. You get the gist.
On Saturday night, I was watching the end of the USC and Notre Dame game with him. At the very end they kept showing shots of the two quarterbacks. The one from USC, John David Booty (no, I'm not making that up), is very good looking. And, for that matter, Brady Quinn from ND is also good loo
king.
Anywho, Jim says, "Isn't he a pretty boy?", referring to John David Booty. To which I replied, "Absolutely. He looks like he could be a model."
So, immediately my mind starts thinking of all the quarterbacks I'm familiar with (college and pro) and I say, "Why is it that the quarterback is always a pretty boy? I mean they always are good looking. You don't ever see an ugly quarterback."
"Yeah, you're right," said my husband, now also distracted by this very deep revelation.
I actually could've left the conversation end right there. But Jim then pipes up with a very profound observation.
"It's probably because (they're cute) they've always had a lot of confidence (i.e. cockiness) and been thrust in leadership positions (i.e. leader of the popular group), all stuff that you need to make it as a quarterback."
Interesting? What do you gals (and guys) think?
Is the reason that most quarterbacks are good looking because their looks helped prepare them for the position or is it just a coincidence? Or, maybe you disagree with the original premise that all quarterbacks are good looking.
I know, I know...life altering discussion here.
On Saturday night, I was watching the end of the USC and Notre Dame game with him. At the very end they kept showing shots of the two quarterbacks. The one from USC, John David Booty (no, I'm not making that up), is very good looking. And, for that matter, Brady Quinn from ND is also good loo
king.Anywho, Jim says, "Isn't he a pretty boy?", referring to John David Booty. To which I replied, "Absolutely. He looks like he could be a model."
So, immediately my mind starts thinking of all the quarterbacks I'm familiar with (college and pro) and I say, "Why is it that the quarterback is always a pretty boy? I mean they always are good looking. You don't ever see an ugly quarterback."
"Yeah, you're right," said my husband, now also distracted by this very deep revelation.
I actually could've left the conversation end right there. But Jim then pipes up with a very profound observation.
"It's probably because (they're cute) they've always had a lot of confidence (i.e. cockiness) and been thrust in leadership positions (i.e. leader of the popular group), all stuff that you need to make it as a quarterback."
Interesting? What do you gals (and guys) think?
Is the reason that most quarterbacks are good looking because their looks helped prepare them for the position or is it just a coincidence? Or, maybe you disagree with the original premise that all quarterbacks are good looking.
I know, I know...life altering discussion here.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
So many topics, so little time
I've got several topics brewing in my head for future posts, but not enough time to write them right now. But here's a preview of what's to come this week.
1. I received an early Christmas present last Friday. I'm not going to give any clues except this.
2. At the end of the USC vs. Notre Dame football game this weekend, my husband and I debated why all quarterbacks seem to be "pretty boys". I'll see if you agree with his theory.
3. I've been saving a whole bunch of tips, new products, and interesting facts on my Bloglines. Can't wait to share them with you in an upcoming post.
4. And, finally, a great idea for making Christmas more Christ-centered for your kids. Actually, it will make Christmas more meaningful for all of us.
Meet ya back here tomorrow...
1. I received an early Christmas present last Friday. I'm not going to give any clues except this.
2. At the end of the USC vs. Notre Dame football game this weekend, my husband and I debated why all quarterbacks seem to be "pretty boys". I'll see if you agree with his theory.
3. I've been saving a whole bunch of tips, new products, and interesting facts on my Bloglines. Can't wait to share them with you in an upcoming post.
4. And, finally, a great idea for making Christmas more Christ-centered for your kids. Actually, it will make Christmas more meaningful for all of us.
Meet ya back here tomorrow...
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Babykeeper
Here's another baby gadget that just may well be worth its $39.99 price tag. The Babykeeper is to help moms keep their precious baby off the germ ridden floor when they're using the a public bathroom.Not a bad idea if you've got a wee one who won't stay seated on your lap (a mom's ultimate multi-tasking) or one who likes to crawl away and visit (ahem) other people next door.
My question? What happens when the lock is broken on the door and someone accidentally walks in? I guess Junior gets a free ride. And then the person has to say, "I'm sorry to walk in on you" and "I'm sorry that I just slammed your son up against the wall."
I love it.
Monday, November 20, 2006
TV ALERT - TV ALERT
Well, the much anticpated television debut of my brother and his wife is happening tomorrow night on HGTV's Save My Bath show.If you are in the dark about this exciting adventure, you can read all the details about how HGTV has saved my brother's bad, bad bath here and here.
Don't miss seeing their "urban outhouse" transformed into a tranquil and modern bathroom that is perfect for two urban professionals.
Set your DVR's and VCR's now! Get going, do it now or you'll forget.
Black Friday
If you want to hit the ground running this Friday when you start shopping, stop by this site first. It has posted the sales ads from many national stores so you can begin planning your day now. The site also has a forum so you can talk with other Black Friday shoppers.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Friday Funny
There were three sisters—ages 92, 94, 96 who lived together. One night, the 96-year-old drew a bath. She put one foot in, then paused. “Was I getting in the tub or out?” she yelled.
The 94-year-old hollered back, “I don’t know, I’ll come and see.” She started up the stairs, but stopped on the first one. She shouted, “Was I going up or coming down?”
The 92-year-old was sitting at the kitchen having tea, listening to her sisters with a smirk on her face. She shook her head and said, “I sure hope I never get that forgetful,” and knocked on wood for good measure. Then she yelled, “I’ll come up and help both of you as soon as I see who’s at the door.”
(From PreachingToday.com via girltalk.com)
The 94-year-old hollered back, “I don’t know, I’ll come and see.” She started up the stairs, but stopped on the first one. She shouted, “Was I going up or coming down?”
The 92-year-old was sitting at the kitchen having tea, listening to her sisters with a smirk on her face. She shook her head and said, “I sure hope I never get that forgetful,” and knocked on wood for good measure. Then she yelled, “I’ll come up and help both of you as soon as I see who’s at the door.”
(From PreachingToday.com via girltalk.com)
Five on Friday
Five Completely Useless Facts
1. Estimated number of minutes of cocoa picking required to make a treat-sized Hershey chocolate bar: 1
2. Percentage of tea drunk in the U.S. that is served iced: 85
3. Number of seconds shoppers will allow a web site to load before giving up: 4
4. Amount of money Bill Gates earns per second: $55
5. Percentage of women who dyed their hair in 1950: 7. Percentage today: 75.
new york times, harper's, askmen.com, ap, via The Daily Nooz
1. Estimated number of minutes of cocoa picking required to make a treat-sized Hershey chocolate bar: 1
2. Percentage of tea drunk in the U.S. that is served iced: 85
3. Number of seconds shoppers will allow a web site to load before giving up: 4
4. Amount of money Bill Gates earns per second: $55
5. Percentage of women who dyed their hair in 1950: 7. Percentage today: 75.
new york times, harper's, askmen.com, ap, via The Daily Nooz
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Works-for-Me-Wednesday: Legacy Tree
This week's Works-for-Me-Wednesday is themed. We are all suppose to share a Christmas idea or tip to help us get ready for the upcoming holiday season.I love Christmas trees--especially trees decorated in a theme. Each year we usually put up and decorate three large trees and then numerous smaller ones.
My favorite tree is our Legacy Tree. We live away from all of our extended family, most of which we don't see more than once a year, if that. So to help our kids know who their aunts and uncles, great-grandparents and cousins are I came up with the idea of a Legacy Tree.
First, I bought some really great ornaments that you can slip pictures into. When I started this they were hard to find and expensive, now they are everywhere and cheap.
Then I color copied pictures of our relatives and stuck them in the frames. I also put in the ornament frames some special family mementos like a page out of my great, great aunt's handwritten cookbook or a playing card because my family loves to play euchre at the holidays. I then decorate the entire tree with all the picture frame ornaments.
The kids love to look at all the pictures and to have us tell stories about their extended family. Then, when we do get to see our family, the kids already feel like they know them a little. It's also been a great way to remember family members who have died over the years and to instill our family legacy in them.
And that works for me. For more great Christmas ideas and tips, visit Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Rejected Christmas Pictures
So, I'm reading this post from Rocks in My Dryer laughing, laughing and laughing. Because I feel her pain.
For the last month I have also been trying to take the perfect picture of my cherubs that can be sent to family and friends in just a few weeks. I think having a root canal with a jungle doctor and no novacaine would be easier and less painful.
The girls are a piece of cake. Their 18-month-old brother is a disaster. He will NOT stay in one spot for more than two seconds.
For the last month I have also been trying to take the perfect picture of my cherubs that can be sent to family and friends in just a few weeks. I think having a root canal with a jungle doctor and no novacaine would be easier and less painful.
The girls are a piece of cake. Their 18-month-old brother is a disaster. He will NOT stay in one spot for more than two seconds.
Or look at the camera.
Or stay sitting up.
So, what's a mom to do? Well, this mom called her friend who works in advertising and is a photoshop genius. He cropped, snipped, refined, and sharpened one of our worst pictures into a Christmas picture masterpiece.
That is all code for he used a body from one picture and a head from another picture, erased stray hairs, added hair where needed, removed scabs and weaved it all together to make this years authentic Christmas picture. I did tell him that I didn't want him putting the Olsen twin bodies on the girls--I have to draw the line somewhere!
I'll post the picture after my cards go out in a few weeks and show you the before and after results.
So, the moral of my story? Don't waste your time taking hundreds of pictures or dragging your kids through goose poop. Get a friend who is a photoshop genius!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Five on Friday
Five Things I'm Doing to Celebrate My Birthday Today1. Sleeping In
2. Eating breakfast at The Hershey Pantry
3. Doing some Christmas shopping at the Hershey Outlets
4. Spending the entire day with my best friend
5. Not cooking dinner
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Works-For-Me-Wednesday: Books for Cheap
Although you can get some really great deals on books from Amazon.com and Christianbooks.com, try www.half.com the next time to save some serious money.What's the catch? The books are usually being sold by private owners. Sometimes they are a little worn or have underlining in them, but the descriptions point that out clearly. However, most of the time the books are brand new. I have always been very pleased with the books I've bought.
For example, I talked about the book "How to Be a God Chaser & a Kid Chaser" by Tommy & Thetus Tenney here. This book lists for $10.19 on Amazon. On www.Half.com, I can get it for $.75. That's a 93% discount.
You can also buy music, videos, movies and game systems through www.half.com. So, with the holidays upon us, www.half.com is a great place to save a little money while getting the hottest gifts.
For more great tips, visit Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
What Are You Waiting For?
I'm not seeing many people reporting here that you voted today!! I hope that just means you are waiting until this evening to go to the polls. Don't make me come and drive you myself. C'mon, go vote. I'll wait right here for you. Then, come back here and let me know you excercised one of our greatest freedoms we have as Americans.
Now, while all those people go to the polls and vote, I'll tell you about my experience. Well, actually there's not much to write. There was absolutely no one there, so we walked right in and voted. The kids were perfectly behaved. What more can I ask for?
However, in all my years of voting I have never had the opportunity to use an electronic voting system. I've only ever pulled levers and colored in circles. So I was very pleasantly surprised to see an entire bank of electronic voting booths set up in my precinct this year. There was even this great guy who gave each voter a quick lesson on how to use this new fangled voting machine. It was quick, painless and I was done in probably one minute--tops.
But what made me chuckle was that all the poll workers were in their 60s, 70s, and maybe even 80s. The guy explaining the voting machine looked to be in his mid-20s. Maybe late 20s on a good day.
Well, I'm going to run over here and see if any of those people are back from the polls yet. I know this isn't a scientific exit poll, but when MSNBC or CNN or CBS report some type voting irregularity this evening, I want to be able to e-mail them and let them know that all of my friends, family and neighbors were indeed at the polls today!
**For those of you who keep telling me you can't leave a comment because you aren't a blogger, simply sign in as Anonymous.
Now, while all those people go to the polls and vote, I'll tell you about my experience. Well, actually there's not much to write. There was absolutely no one there, so we walked right in and voted. The kids were perfectly behaved. What more can I ask for?
However, in all my years of voting I have never had the opportunity to use an electronic voting system. I've only ever pulled levers and colored in circles. So I was very pleasantly surprised to see an entire bank of electronic voting booths set up in my precinct this year. There was even this great guy who gave each voter a quick lesson on how to use this new fangled voting machine. It was quick, painless and I was done in probably one minute--tops.
But what made me chuckle was that all the poll workers were in their 60s, 70s, and maybe even 80s. The guy explaining the voting machine looked to be in his mid-20s. Maybe late 20s on a good day.
Well, I'm going to run over here and see if any of those people are back from the polls yet. I know this isn't a scientific exit poll, but when MSNBC or CNN or CBS report some type voting irregularity this evening, I want to be able to e-mail them and let them know that all of my friends, family and neighbors were indeed at the polls today!
**For those of you who keep telling me you can't leave a comment because you aren't a blogger, simply sign in as Anonymous.
Get Out the Vote
There was a story on the news this morning about the the incentives that are being given to help turn out the vote. Some of the wackiest ideas included taking people via limo to their polling place and giving away free flu shots to people at the polls.However, the reporter said that the best technique for getting out the vote was still simple word of mouth. The "old-fashioned" method of going door to door, banging on doors and engaging people face to face is still a very effective (albeit most time consuming) way to get people to vote.
But, the story concluded that the BEST and MOST effective voting incentive is when someone is personally asked to do so by a friend, neighbor or family member.
So, since an overwhelming majority of you are either a friend, neighbor or family member of mine, I'm personally encouraging each and every one of you to please go out and vote today. I don't care who you vote for (well, maybe I care just a little bit), but just vote.
And, after you do pull the lever, punch the chad, touch the screen or fill in the dot, come back here and leave me a comment letting me know you participated in one of the greatest privileges we have living in a democracy.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Book Fair
I love to read but often don't have the time. I'm really good at starting books but have a hard time finishing them. And I'm even more disappointed when I spend my time reading a book that's mediocre or just plain bad.
Since I'm always in the search for a good book, I thought I'd share some of my favorites. I'd love to hear your favorites also.
1. Creative Correction by Lisa Whelchel: A lot of parenting books talk about the theories behind their particular parenting style. They are "big picture" but don't give a lot of nuts and bolts. Well, Lisa's book is one huge bucket of nuts and bolts. She gives hundreds of great ideas for everything from whining to lying to getting kids motivated to do chores. It is one of those books you can read over and over and discover something new each time.
2. The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman & Ross Campbell: I actually wrote about this book here. A great, great book for learning how to show love in a way that is meaningful to your child.
3. Homemade Hospitality by Barbara Sims: Dozens of practical pointers, recipes and unique, low-cost ideas that will help you welcome guests into your home with the lost art of hospitality.
4. things pondered by Beth Moore. I'm not a fan of poetry. Never understood it. But this book is a
collection of poetry and vignettes that celebrates treasured moments in the life of every woman, wife and mother. Told from a fresh, personal perspective, these stories and poems celebrate children, Christmas, marriage, trials, friendship, seasons, grace, and above all, God's love for us. Excellent read. Would make a great Christmas gift.
5. How to Be a God Chaser and a Kid Chaser by Tommy Tenney. Prioritizing my passions while parenting is one of the things I struggle with most. It always boils down to how can I balance being a God chaser with being a kid chaser? Well, this book shows how passion and parenting can mix. Beth Alves, Dutch & Ceci Sheets, Cindy Jacobs and Thetus Tenney (Tommy's mother), among others, give a glimpse into their lives and how they raised children while still pursuing God. Excellent (and quick) read!!
6. What I Saw at the Revolution by Peggy Noonan. Peggy Noonan was a special assistant to President Reagan and worked on some of his most memorable speeches. This book shows us the world behind the words. With her keen sense of humor, this book provides a spirited account of a speechwriter's lonely life among bureaucrats and a woman's life in the pinnacle of politics.
Since I'm always in the search for a good book, I thought I'd share some of my favorites. I'd love to hear your favorites also.
1. Creative Correction by Lisa Whelchel: A lot of parenting books talk about the theories behind their particular parenting style. They are "big picture" but don't give a lot of nuts and bolts. Well, Lisa's book is one huge bucket of nuts and bolts. She gives hundreds of great ideas for everything from whining to lying to getting kids motivated to do chores. It is one of those books you can read over and over and discover something new each time.
2. The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman & Ross Campbell: I actually wrote about this book here. A great, great book for learning how to show love in a way that is meaningful to your child.
3. Homemade Hospitality by Barbara Sims: Dozens of practical pointers, recipes and unique, low-cost ideas that will help you welcome guests into your home with the lost art of hospitality.
4. things pondered by Beth Moore. I'm not a fan of poetry. Never understood it. But this book is a
collection of poetry and vignettes that celebrates treasured moments in the life of every woman, wife and mother. Told from a fresh, personal perspective, these stories and poems celebrate children, Christmas, marriage, trials, friendship, seasons, grace, and above all, God's love for us. Excellent read. Would make a great Christmas gift.5. How to Be a God Chaser and a Kid Chaser by Tommy Tenney. Prioritizing my passions while parenting is one of the things I struggle with most. It always boils down to how can I balance being a God chaser with being a kid chaser? Well, this book shows how passion and parenting can mix. Beth Alves, Dutch & Ceci Sheets, Cindy Jacobs and Thetus Tenney (Tommy's mother), among others, give a glimpse into their lives and how they raised children while still pursuing God. Excellent (and quick) read!!
6. What I Saw at the Revolution by Peggy Noonan. Peggy Noonan was a special assistant to President Reagan and worked on some of his most memorable speeches. This book shows us the world behind the words. With her keen sense of humor, this book provides a spirited account of a speechwriter's lonely life among bureaucrats and a woman's life in the pinnacle of politics.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Five on Friday
Five Things I Observed at the Harrisburg Mall Today
1. When I'm old, I'll spend my days sitting in the food court drinking coffee with my posse.
2. If you build it, kids will climb it.
3. The first place you should look for a lost child is in the Disney Store.
4. You can make a pretty cool sand castle when you dump 500 tons of sand in the atrium of a mall.
5. A glass elevator is cheap entertainment for a tired baby.
And, I think I'll throw in a bonus one for good measure...
6. Never tell another mom that her kid is spitting on other kids. She just may tell you that he's not her kid--and yet, she may put his shoes on him and yell at him for spitting on other kids.
1. When I'm old, I'll spend my days sitting in the food court drinking coffee with my posse.
2. If you build it, kids will climb it.
3. The first place you should look for a lost child is in the Disney Store.
4. You can make a pretty cool sand castle when you dump 500 tons of sand in the atrium of a mall.
5. A glass elevator is cheap entertainment for a tired baby.
And, I think I'll throw in a bonus one for good measure...
6. Never tell another mom that her kid is spitting on other kids. She just may tell you that he's not her kid--and yet, she may put his shoes on him and yell at him for spitting on other kids.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
VCR Alert - Updated
***Updated***
Pastor Dave Hess, our beloved pastor at Christ Community Church, is going to be on Good Morning America tomorrow morning sometime between 7-9:00 AM. He was interviewed regarding a scientific study that was done on what happens to the brain when people are speaking in tongues. Don't miss it! The results of the study are really interesting.
Update: GMA has rescheduled the broadcast date from this Friday to possibly next Thursday. I'll keep you posted.
Fall & Christmas Jewelry Open House
It's time to start thinking about Christmas! And if you have any women on your list who appreciates beautiful, handmade jewelry then you'll want to mark your calendar for this special event.
Our MIA friends, Jen Paup and Jeanne Harris, are having a Jewelry Open House next Saturday, November 4, from 1-4:00 in Jenn's Mechanicsburg home. You'll find one of a kind necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Some fancy and some simple, but all of them unique creations handmade by Jen & Jeanne.
I don't want to list Jenn's address online (for obvious safety reasons), but if you are interested in attending the open house you can call her at 795-9201 for directions. Or, you can email me.
Our MIA friends, Jen Paup and Jeanne Harris, are having a Jewelry Open House next Saturday, November 4, from 1-4:00 in Jenn's Mechanicsburg home. You'll find one of a kind necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Some fancy and some simple, but all of them unique creations handmade by Jen & Jeanne.
I don't want to list Jenn's address online (for obvious safety reasons), but if you are interested in attending the open house you can call her at 795-9201 for directions. Or, you can email me.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Best Costume
Captain Jack gets my vote for best Halloween costume. If I didn't know better, I would've thought I was standing eye to eye with a real pirate. I saw close to 100 kids in costumes and this pirate stole my heart. Anybody want to take a guess who this is? Hint: Not one of my kids.
Works for Me Wednesday: Coupon Tip
I'm notorius for cutting out coupons for restaurants or stores and then leaving them at home. So, I took two envelopes and labeled one "Food" and one "Stores" and now all of the coupons go in those envelopes that are kept in the glove compartment. Now, even if we stop somewhere unexpectantly we are prepared.
And that works for me! To read more great tips, visit Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer.
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