Welcome to Married Life

Count Your Kids!

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:29:00 +0000

So, have you heard about the census coming up this month? Did you know it's only taken once every 10 years?

You should be receiving a census form by the end of March and guess what? It's super important that you fill it out! Not only for you, but for your kids sake.

Want to know why?

The US Government uses the number of kids counted on the census to determine where federal dollars go for many of your local programs. If your kids aren't counted then your state and city/county won't get money for your kid for things like Education Grants and Children's Health Insurance - among many other programs.

As a (stay-home) teacher with a husband who's a teacher I know that money comes in to our schools depending on the number of kids who live in the school district boundary. Direct funding for your school might not depend on census numbers, but many of the special programs and grants do use these numbers!

Children can't fill out their own forms and in the last census it was estimated that 1 million children under 10 went uncounted. Don't let your kid be one of these!

Fill out your census form and return it as soon as you can... so it doesn't get lost in the shuffle and neither do your kids!

This information was provided by the network Global Influence as a public service.

Weekend Exhaustion

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:12:00 +0000

My (very fabulous) in-laws came up last weekend to see our new house. I swear they brought the crazy rain that we had on Friday with them. It poured for 24 hours straight and has been nice and sunny every other day. Weird!

Anyway, Saturday was a baby shower that some friends put on for me so my mother-in-law got to come to this one! Very fun!

Not that I need a lot of stuff for this guy since he's the same season as Cory and we kept pretty much everything. But it will be nice to have a few new outfits just for him and of course we got diapers so they will come in handy for the first month or two until I'm ready to use my cloth ones!

My grandma, Mom, Annika, Patsy, Becca and Rayna, and Mee Sook -
only about half the guests.

You can see the diaper cake in the background of the above picture and this is a close-up.

My friend Leana did the shower and she had her mother-in-law Suzy help with the food since Suzy is seriously the hostess with the mostest when it comes to parties! I only know her through Leana, but she is so sweet! She created the diaper cake, did the lunch, and brought a little gift for Cory so he wouldn't feel left out!

Saturday night we went back to church for a Ken Davis show. I had never heard of him, but was signed up to work at the Compassion table. Awesomely funny! Afterwards we went out for a late dinner at Applebee's.

Cory then woke us up at 5am because he had peed in his bed... unfortunately the baby sitter hadn't managed to get him to go to the bathroom before he went to bed and this is usually what happens, the diaper doesn't hold it all. Also unfortunately the waterproof pad on his bed had slid down so the mattress got soaked. Lovely. Poor kid got to sleep on the floor the rest of the night!

Sunday was back to church for the 3rd time in 24 hours... and afterwards it was a quiet afternoon for the girls while Brian and his dad worked on cutting all our doors off with his Grandpa's tools they brought up.

They were all rubbing on the carpet. Cory was quite concerned when told his door was being cut off! Now I just have to get re-used to the fact that the doors open and close without major resistance against the carpet!

Sunday night we again went out to a yummy dinner for Annika's birthday. You can't really tell, but the place was packed and for 8 people the only thing they had was a high table with bar style chairs. Cory looked so cute just sitting there like a grown up, but barely over the table!

Of course, I might be a little bit biased...

They brought out this huge piece of chocolate mousse cake for Annika with tons of ice cream. We passed it around and then Brian ordered another piece of the cake for us it was so good!

The in-laws left Monday morning and Cory was quite sad to see them go until we told him they would be coming back in just a few weeks when Baby Brother is born!

He definitely wanted all my attention all day though. Here he's putting some coins into "his" new piggy bank. This was one of the shower games, but since I'd just been looking at these at Target last week I decided that he could have it and he loves it! He doesn't really get the concept of money yet, it's more of a toy.

The puppy book behind him was another adorable gift from the shower!

Now do you see why I said I was exhausted in my 35 weeks post? :) Four weeks to go and a million things left to do...

Book: Hearts Awakening

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:56:00 +0000

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Hearts Awakening
Bethany House (March 1, 2010)
by
Delia Parr

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Delia Parr, pen name for Mary Lechleidner, is the author of 10 historical novels and the winner of several awards, including the Laurel Wreath Award for Historical Romance and the Aspen Gold Award for Best Inspirational Book. She is a full-time high school teacher who spends her summer vacations writing and kayaking. The mother of three grown children, she lives in Collingswood, New Jersey.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Two people in desperate circumstances. Life has left few choices for Elvira Kilmer. Her hopes for marriage and a family of her own have long since passed her by, and her arrival on Dillon's Island, nestled in the Susquehanna River, is not of her choosing, either.

She needs work. And Jackson Smith needs a housekeeper. Yet Ellie never imagined the widower would be so young...so handsome. Jackson, on the other hand, has never met anyone quite so...plain. But he quickly comes to realize that Ellie's presence may solve his own problems--both the rearing of his young boys and the scandal that surrounds his first marriage.

When Jackson offers her something quite out of the ordinary, will Ellie look beyond mere necessity and risk opening her heart?

Yet what options does she have? To marry would mean a home and stability. So despite the rumors circling Jackson and his first wife, Ellie accepts this unlikely proposal...

***

It's awfully hard to read a book you haven't received... so I have no review for this one. Bummer. I'll be reading the first chapter posted below just like you...

If you would like to read the first chapter of Hearts Awakening, go HERE.

Wordless Wednesday: Signs of Spring

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:09:00 +0000

I love that our new house has all kinds of flowers popping up around it! Can't wait to see what some of them are!

Review: Veggie Tales - Pistachio

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:22:00 +0000

Story Synopsis:
Once upon a time in the small town of Bologna-Salami, there lived a lonely toymaker named Gelato and his assistant Cricket. Gelato had no children of his own, so one day he decided to carve a little boy out of wood. Imagine Gelato’s surprise when he learned this little boy could walk…and talk…and definitely had a mind of his own! When Pistachio tries to do things his way, he lands in a “whale” of a situation! Will he decide to listen to the wisdom of a loving father in time to save his whole family from becoming fish food? Find out in this all-new adventure with a lesson about the importance of family and learning to listen.

My Review:
I have enjoyed Veggie Tales as long as they've been out. I watched this with my little guy last week and he loved it. He was a bit scared at one part, but he's not quite three and it wasn't bad.

Probably at his age the message of listening to your parents went over his head a bit, but the timing couldn't have been better because that's exactly what we've been struggling with. The movie doesn't leave out that the reason you should listen to your parents is because they LOVE you!

And of course there is the traditional Veggie Tales humor that keeps parents entertained while they watch along with their kids!

About the Movie:
This March, Big Idea, Inc. presents an all-new family adventure featuring a helpful lesson in listening to your parents with VeggieTales®: Pistachio – The Little Boy That Woodn’t. In this creative parody of the beloved story of Pinocchio, VeggieTales follows its unique tradition of retelling classic adventures like Lord of the Beans, Wizard of Ha’s and Minnesota Cuke! The DVD, priced at $14.99 SRP, includes the brand new Silly Song, “Where Have All The Staplers Gone,” and lots of family friendly bonus features. Pistachio comes to DVD in stores February 27 and March 2, 2010 in Christian and general market stores respectively.

“The storyline of Pistachio created the perfect opportunity to teach children the importance of family and listening to their parents,” said Greg Fritz, SVP of Sales and Marketing at Big Idea. “Everyone knows the story of Pinocchio and how he became a ‘real boy’, but Pistachio has a clever VeggieTales twist that incorporates elements of truth from the classic tale, while emphasizing the father-son relationship and the strength of family. Parents will resonate with the desire of ‘Gelato,’ who only wants to do what’s best for his child, while kids will see that there’s ultimately great reward in listening to them.”

Bonus Features:
• Obscure Broadway Showtunes with Larry (Silly Song) “Where Have All The Staplers Gone?”
• Art Gallery
• Audio Commentary
• Discussion Guide
• Larry Visits a Marionette Theater
• Staplers Sing-Along
• Studio Store

VeggieTales: Pistachio—The Little Boy That Woodn’t
Not Rated-50 minutes-Color-5.1 Surround Sound-English and Spanish Subtitles
Close-Captioned
$14.99 SRP

About Big Idea, Inc.
Big Idea, Inc. is the leading faith-based studio and producer of children’s and family programming, characters and brands. Since 1993, Big Idea’s best-selling animated series VeggieTales has sold 53+ million videos, 13 million books and more than 7 million CDs. VeggieTales and Big Idea’s property, 3-2-1 Penguins!, enjoyed four seasons as top-rated series on NBC Saturday mornings, Telemundo and ION TV via the qubo children’s programming block. The studio's two theatrical releases, Jonah-A VeggieTales Movie (2002), and Universal Pictures' and Big Idea's The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything-A VeggieTales Movie (2008), are distinguished among the top ten most successful faith-based films of all time. Big Idea also maintains an extensive presence in publishing, licensing and live entertainment arenas. For more information on Big Idea, visit: www.bigidea.com.

I received a promotional DVD for the purposes of this review.

35 Weeks

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 06:46:00 +0000

It seems unreal that I basically have a month left. I'm not sure I'm ready for this! I have been so focused on moving and unpacking and cleaning that other than being slower than normal and more uncomfortable I'm not really thinking about being pregnant. Uh oh!

This picture was taken on Saturday before an insanely packed weekend. Probably a good thing it wasn't taken today as I'm all puffy with water weight. My midwife appointment said I'd gained 8 pounds in 2 weeks, but I'm pretty sure according to my home scale that 6 of that was this week alone. It better be water or I'm in trouble! My ankles are all swelled up too.

I don't have any pictures to compare when I was pregnant with Cory, but I might be bigger now than I was with him. At least I don't remember it being this hard to shave my legs even at the end! And it feels like my stomach is always stretching if I'm not in just a couple of positions.

I'm glad it's spring so I can have the windows open. My thermostat has gone up about 10 degrees I think, to the point that I can be hot when Brian is cold. That's a switch!

I'll hopefully post one more picture at 39 weeks... if we make it that far!

Book: Double Trouble

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:29:00 +0000

Back in May I reviewed Nothing But Trouble and now the second book in the series about PJ Sugar is out: Double Trouble. It's a great addition to the series, but I really wouldn't recommend reading it alone. Even having read the first one some months back I was having a hard time following the story sometimes. I highly recommend this book, it's funny and keeps you guessing til the end, but I'd definitely suggest reading the first one just before reading this one!

Book description: PJ Sugar has finally found something she's good at. Now she's trying not to mess it up. Her first official case as a private investigator - well, technically a PI's assistant - is house-sitting for a witness in protective custody. No danger involved, assures her boss Jeremy Kane, much to PJ's disappointment.

At least PJ can take the next ten days to figure out the rest of her life... especially whether or not she should accept Detective Boone Buckam's marriage proposal. But one break-in by a late-night prowler is enough to put Boone's request on hold and send PJ's sleuthing skills into overdrive. Clearly this witness is hiding something... and it may cost PJ her life.

***

I really like the PJ's character. She's real and seems to never be able to do things right. This is a Christian book, but it never seems over done to me. Just a girl making mistakes and trying to figure out how to do life right.

I always think Susan May Warren's books look interesting and these are no exception!

Book: The Big 5-Oh!

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:02:00 +0000

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Big 5-Oh!Abingdon Press (February 2010)
by
Sandra D. Bricker
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For more than a decade, author Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While writing in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television's hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.

It was her 8th novel that opened the door to finding her way as a writer.

In Sandie's words: "I guess most people would see my career as a publicist as a sort of dream job. But giving it up turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to me!" she declares. "Not only was I given the gift of getting to know my mother as an adult woman before she passed away, but I was also afforded the blessing of being able to focus completely on my dream of a writing career. I'm a Christian woman, first and foremost, so it was a bit of a dream-come-true when Summerside Press chose me as one of two authors to launch their new Love Finds You line."

ABOUT THE BOOK

Olivia Wallace has a birthday curse . . . or so she thinks. It was a broken heart on her 16th, a car accident on her 21st, pneumonia on her 30th, and a fall down a flight of stairs on her 35th. There were Ohio blizzards on her 38th, 39th, and 40th; and six days before her 45th, she lost the love of her life to a heart attack. Numbing grief stole that birthday and a couple more to follow and, on the morning of her 48th birthday, she received the call she’d dreaded ever since losing her mom so many years ago…she was diagnosed with stage-3 ovarian cancer. The doctors didn’t hold out a lot of hope, but Liv survived and maintained her faith. Months of surgeries and chemotherapy and radiation treatments followed.

But now, as her 50th birthday creeps up the icy Ohio path toward her, her hair has grown back, her energy level is up, and she is officially cancer free. It makes her nervous. After everything she’s gone through, Liv hates the idea of driving on icy roads and returning to work as an O.R. nurse in a local Cincinnati hospital.

Her best friend Hallie knows just the thing to break Liv out of the winter doldrums, while providing a safe haven of warmth, sunshine, and a time to regroup: a holiday in the Florida sunshine!

***

This is the second book by Sandra Bricker I've read recently, the first being Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida. While they are both fun reads unfortunately they are very similar stories. I do think I liked this one a bit more just because the characters were more real to me.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of The Big 5-Oh!, go HERE

Wordless Wednesday: Cleaning... and more Cleaning

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:50:00 +0000

You can't really see the belly... but this is my 7 1/2 months pregnant self sitting in the hall closet washing everything with vinegar water. Still got the musty smell though... hoping that all the friends who say it will eventually go away are right!

Book: Cowgirl at Heart

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:00:00 +0000

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Cowgirl at Heart
Barbour Books (February 1, 2010)
by
Christine Lynxwiler

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Best-selling author Christine Lynxwiler lives with her husband and two precious daughters in the foothills of the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Christine has been writing toward publication since 1997. She sold her first story in 2001 to Barbour Publishing. Since then she's written and sold fourteen Christian romance novels and novellas including the four novels that were included in the best-selling book Arkansas, which has sold over 150,000 copies worldwide. Her novel, Forever Christmas, ranked number 12 on the Christian Bookseller's Association Bestseller List in January, 2009.

A four-time winner of the prestigious American Christian Romance Writers/American Christian Fiction Writers' Book of the Year Award, Christine recently signed a new six-book contract with Barbour Publishing bringing her total of contracted books to twenty. Besides, Along Came a Cowboy, her latest novels include Promise Me Always and Forever Christmas. She also writes mysteries with two of her sisters, Sandy Gaskin and Jan Reynolds. Their book, Alibis in Arkansas, is currently available nationwide, as well as in many bookstores. The first book in Christine's new McCord Sisters series, The Reluctant Cowgirl released in April, 2009 and was a TOP PICK in Romantic Times Magazine.

When Christine isn't at her computer, you'll often find her, with her husband, co-coaching their daughters' softball team, kayaking down beautiful Spring River with her family, or getting together with friends from church.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Elyse McCord always plays it safe─a fact she blames on being the biological daughter of a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde. Even in the security of her adoptive family the McCords, the timid dog whisperer keeps her guard up with strangers. But when she discovers a dog being horribly mistreated, shy Elyse transforms into a mighty warrior and charges into a perilous situation, not only risking her life but also her heart.

Reporter Andrew Stone has been fearless since the day his wife was shot and killed three years ago. He has one mission─use his Texas Ranger upbringing to find her murderer and clear his own name of any involvement. When he sees a beautiful brunette in the hands of a pistol-welding maniac, he’s forced to abandon his covert surveillance and go to the rescue. The danger surrounding Andrew doesn’t scare him at all, but the awakening of his dormant heart terrifies him.

When painful pasts collide, the explosion is deafening. Can Andrew and Elyse pick up the pieces and go forward together? Or will they forever live with haunting memories, unable to forgive, unable to love?

***

This is the second in the McChord Sisters series and I think it really wouldn't work as well as a stand alone since the first sister is a prominent story thread in this book as well. That said, I enjoyed going back to this family to read about another sibling.

There is definitely an element of suspense in this book and quite a twist at the end. The romance part of the story is fairly predictable though.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Cowgirl at Heart , go HERE.

Wordless Wednesday: A New Friend

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 23:09:00 +0000

This is the 5 month old Springer puppy that lives next door named Max. They run up and down together on their respective sides of the fence... Good times ahead!

Book: Love Finds You in Bridal Veil, Oregon

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:19:00 +0000

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Love Finds You in Bridal Veil, Oregon
Summerside Press (January 1, 2010)by
Miralee Ferrell
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

In October 2007 Kregel Publications published The Other Daughter with excellent reviews. The Romantic Times Review magazine gave it Four out of Four and a half stars, with a very strong review. Two different major motion picture studios are currently considering the book as a possible family movie, and my second book in the series (Past Shadows) is on my publishers desk being reviewed for a possible contract offer now.

In February of 2009, Love Finds You in Last Chance, California was published by Summerside Press.

Finding Jeena will release in April 2010 from Kregel Publications.

Miralee Ferrell lives in Washington with Allen, her husband of more than 37 years, ans has two grown children. She serves on staff at her local church and is actively involved in ministry to women.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Against a backdrop of thievery and murder in Bridal Veil Falls, Oregon, a historic logging community, a schoolteacher is torn between the memories of a distant love and the man who could be her future.

Sixteen-year-old Margaret Garvey had given her heart to Nathaniel Cooper the night he disappeared from town. Four years later, just as she's giving love a second chance with Andrew, a handsome logger, Nathaniel suddenly returns. He steams back into Bridal Veil on a riverboat to work at the nearby sawmill to town with a devastating secret.

While grappling with the betrayal of those she trusted most, Margaret risks her reputation and position by harboring two troubled runaways who might be involved in the murder of a local man.

When disaster strikes the town and threatens the welfare of its citizens, Margaret will be faced with the most important choice of her life.

***

I really enjoyed this book. With no internet to distract me I read the whole thing in one day. At first it's hard to see how all the different characters will relate, but they weave into a whole eventually. Also, living near this part of the country makes it easier for me to picture the story happening. I love that the author included an introduction and a post script explaining some history surrounding the setting and that she used some real historical figures in her story.

The story itself has enough mystery and intrigue to keep you guessing til the end. And while I originally thought I knew how it would end, I changed my mind half way through. I like forming opinions about characters and watching them change!

This is a great title in the Love Finds You series!

If you would like to read the first chapter of Love Finds You in Bridal Veil, Oregon, goHERE.

Settling In

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:47:00 +0000

You would think that with two weeks of no internet I'd have accomplished all sorts of things in my new house... You'd be wrong!

I think I have cleaned more in the last two weeks than I did in the last year! Partly thanks to no sill leading under the door out to the new laundry room and contractors tracking stuff. Partly due to the nasty musty smell that's still hanging around (we've tried the vinegar and now are to replacing the baseboard heaters).

It seems like every time I do one thing 10 more pop up that need attention! I realize this comes with owning a house, but it's one of those things that you probably don't fully understand until you do it...

Not to mention that I'm over 7 months pregnant and about my son's naptime I'm just completely out of energy.

All that to say... the kitchen is organized, we can sit nicely in the living room, Cory can play in his room, and our bedroom only has a few small things that need attention. And I do still have at least a month (hopefully!) until baby arrives to get the spare room in order so he has room for the port-a-crib!

But, my sewing machine is still in it's box.

Double Trouble contest

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 07:50:00 +0000

At the end of the month I'll be reviewing Susan May Warren's book Double Trouble. However, there is a great big contest going on right now that ends on the 20th so here's the scoop:

Be sure to enter the Double Trouble Prize Package Giveaway by clicking on the ‘Double the Sass” button! Susan’s giving away an iPod prize package that is anything but troubling! Check it out!

Double Trouble, the brand new PJ Sugar novel by Susan May Warren, is in stores now! To celebrate the release, we’re running a HUMDINGER of a contest!!

One Grand Prize winner will receive a $150 SUPER SLEUTH prize package that includes:
* A brand new iPod Shuffle (perfect for those all-night stakeouts)
* A $10 iTunes gift card (we recommend the ALIAS soundtrack)
* A $10 Amazon gift card (why yes, they do sell spy pens)
* A $10 Starbucks gift card (for fuel, obviously)
* A pair of designer sunglasses (be stealthy AND super chic)
* A gorgeous scarf from World Market (can also be used as a blindfold, and/or for tying up bad guys)
* AND signed copies of both Nothing But Trouble and Double Trouble. (romance! danger! intrigue! sooo much better than Surveillance for Dummies!)

We’ll announce our super sleuth winner on March 1st.

Global Food Crisis Day

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:40:00 +0000

Instead of a Wordless Wednesday post today I'd like to bring you a short PSA (public service announcement).

Today is Global Food Crisis Day.

What does that mean? It's a day to stop and think about those in the world who are in crisis because they don't have enough food to eat. It's a time to stop and think about what we can do to alleviate their suffering.

Because of the global economy more people than ever are suffering with not enough to eat. Compassion International is committed to helping as many of these people, especially children, as they can. Right now their Global Food Crisis Fund is being directed to help those in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti.

You can be assured that Compassion will use your donation to serve as many people as possible. Over 80% (and this is high for charity organizations) of all donated money goes directly to help children and families and they have received the highest awards for charity standards. Also, because Compassion already had a presence in Haiti before the earthquake they have people there who know the area and the people of Haiti know they can be trusted.

I have been a partner with Compassion for the past 14 years and have always been impressed with the work they do. Thanks for considering those in the world who are less fortunate than we are.

Smoke... Yuck!

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:34:00 +0000

We discovered something about our house this week... the former owner was a smoker. It explains a lot. The fact that the carpet was replaced and the walls were all painted (that was the tip off actually that a Lowe's worker clued me in to) while the linoleum was not. The fact that the closets all smell particularly musty.

The house hadn't been lived in in a year so it had some time to "air out", but ever since moving in we've all been waking up with sore throats. At first I thought it was just stress and lack of sleep what with packing and moving. But I've been getting decent sleep this week (hello, no internet!) and still feeling just awful in the mornings.

The kicker was that on Friday afternoon I turned on the humidifier in our bedroom to see if it would help. Within a couple hours I walked into our room and it smelled just like the closets. Musty and yucky.

We don't exactly know where it's coming from so we're at a loss as to what will solve it. We will be cleaning the baseboard heaters as best we can and probably renting an air filter with ozone maker next weekend to see if that will help neutralize any leftover odors.

But for now we're just hoping that by airing out the house frequently and NOT smoking in it that it will go away over time.

Note to all potential homebuyers: Just because you don't smell it, doesn't mean the house wasn't smoked in. Ask!

A Brief Update

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:21:00 +0000

Here I am, stealing my best friend's internet... We just found out that we won't get our fiber internet installed for "a month or two" because they are waiting on the ground to thaw. Which is ironic because the same PUD is installing new power poles just half a mile from our house and I know they're digging deeper for that than they would have to for the fiber line!
Anyway, we'll be getting dial-up internet in the mean time so I can at least be partially connected to the world! Just don't expect too many pictures for awhile!

We got our new stove installed on Friday/Saturday and in the process discovered that 2 layers down on the linoleum was this fabulous 70's green layer that had a ton of texturing. Why anyone thought that would be a good idea in the kitchen... I'm just glad I didn't have to keep it clean!

And, after moving all day Saturday we were unpacking and decided to stop at midnight. Then couldn't find the sheets for our bed! After opening literally every single box in the house we found them in the bedroom behind some large pictures stacked against the wall. Of course, right where they should have been!

So far the trains aren't bothering me too bad at night although they do whistle quite loudly. However, they wake Cory up quite a bit and then he calls out, "Mama, train!" which always wakes me up! Between that and the neighbor's heating unit that makes an ungodly squawk every time it kicks on I will be so thankful when we get our new windows this spring/summer!

Let the adventures continue!

Book: Never Say Never

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:57:00 +0000

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Never Say Never
Bethany House (February 1, 2010)
by
Lisa Wingate
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lisa lives in central Texas were she is a popular inspirational speaker, magazine columnist, and national bestselling author of several books. Her novel, Tending Roses, received dozens of five-star reviews, sold out thirteen printings for New York publisher, Penguin Putnam, and went on to become a national bestselling book. Tending Roses was a selection of the Readers Club of America, and is currently in its fourteenth printing.

The Tending Roses series continued with Good Hope Road, the Language of Sycamores, Drenched in Light, and A Thousand Voices. In 2003, Lisa's Texas Hill Country series began with Texas Cooking, and continued with Lone Star Cafe', which was awarded a gold metal by RT Bookclub magazine and was hailed by Publisher's Weekly as "A charmingly nostalgic treat." The series concluded with Over the Moon at the Big Lizard Diner.

Lisa is now working on a new set of small-town Texas novels for Bethany House Publishers. The series debuted with Talk of the Town and continued with Word Gets Around and Never Say Never. A new series is also underway for Penguin Group NAL, beginning with A Month of Summer (July 2008), and continuing with The Summer Kitchen (July 2009) and Beyond Summer (July 2010). Lisa's works have been featured by the National Reader's Club of America, AOL Book Pics, Doubleday Book Club, the Literary Guild, American Profiles and have been chosen for the LORIES best Published Fiction Award. In 2009, A Month of Summer was nominated for the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kai Miller floats through life like driftwood tossed by waves. She's never put down roots in any one place--and she doesn't plan to. But when a chaotic hurricane evacuation lands her in Daily, Texas, she begins to think twice about her wayfaring existence.

And when she meets hometown-boy Kemp Eldridge, she can almost picture settling down in Daily--until she discovers he may be promised to someone else. Daily has always been a place of refuge for those the winds blows in, but for Kai, it looks like it will be just another place to leave behind. Then again, Daily always has a few surprises in store--especially when Aunt Donetta has cooked up a scheme.

***

Well, considering we've just moved I've only gotten a few chapters into this one. I did read the book that came before it and it was a fun, but mostly light read. I would say this is probably a stand alone book as Kai is an entirely new character, but it uses the same supporting cast as previous books about Daily, Texas.

The story is told in alternating chapters by Kai and Donetta. She figures more prominently than the book description shows.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Never Say Never, go HERE

Wordless Wednesday: Before

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:34:00 +0000

These pictures were taken 2 weeks ago, right in the middle of getting the new vinyl on the floor (which wasn't actually necessary as all the repairs were under the sink, but hey, we didn't have to pay for it and I got to pick it out, score!).

No, the curtains are not mine and yes, they are going away ASAP!

At the far ends of each counter top are going the fridge (left) and on the right is where the washer/dryer hookups were. We are building a laundry room out the door in the garage. Hooray! Then eventually we will get a dishwasher next to the sink and a whole bunch more counter space!!!

Oh, and did you notice the old old stove? That's going away too, especially with knobs on the front at kid height. And one burner that doesn't ever turn off except by the breaker... fun times!

Living room is to the left where you see my black and white purse. 3 bedrooms and a bathroom are "behind" me.

31 Weeks

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:38:00 +0000

Please excuse the fact that this picture was taken 2 days before 31 weeks... horror, I know! But considering I'll be living without internet for who knows how long I wanted to get this up!

Definitely sticking out a lot more this month although it doesn't seem to be slowing me down too much. The only problem now is that it seems every time I go to bend over I get a Braxton Hicks contraction and my stomach gets so hard I literally can't bend at all. Kind of annoying!
I'm still sleeping decently and with only one extra pillow. This time last round I think I was up to about 4 pillows and poor Brian was sleeping on the couch a LOT. I suppose that could still happen...

The little guy is still kicking up a storm although I think he's a bit more confined now. The midwife said he was head down at the last appointment so let's hope he stays that way!

2 months to go and I'll be plenty busy getting our new house in order!

Goodbye (online) World

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:26:00 +0000

We are moving. Tomorrow. But unfortunately our internet gets shut off today... and we have no idea when we will get it at the house! It could be in a couple weeks, it could be in a couple months!

It's dependent on the weather and when the PUD can get around to running a line to our house...

So, for now, I have a few posts scheduled, and I will be checking in once in a while from random computers, but what this also means is that there won't be any new pictures until I have access to the internet in my house with my computer. Sad! Here's hoping we at least get it before the baby comes!

I'll probably go through withdrawals (who are we kidding, it's going to be serious!), but I have plenty of projects to keep me entertained in the meantime!

Did I mention I got a new sewing machine for Christmas? Well, this house has no curtains or blinds so that's my number one project. I don't plan for my family to be the peep show for all the neighbors!

Number two project will be all the little sewing projects I've been putting off since my old sewing machine didn't work so well. A new purse! My father in law's Christmas vest! Some new pajama pants for my long legged husband (and maybe a matching pair for Cory)! Maybe I'll even get some cross-stitching done, which I haven't touched in over a year.

Oh, and believe me, I have plenty of books, yeah!

So, when I get back you all better leave me a list of your best posts so I can catch up! Adios!

Book: Becca by the Book

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:48:00 +0000

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Becca By The Book

Zondervan (January 1, 2010)

by

Laura Jensen Walker

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Laura Jensen Walker is an award-winning writer, popular speaker, and breast-cancer survivor who loves to touch readers and audiences with the healing power of laughter.

Born in Racine, Wisconsin (home of Western Printing and Johnson’s Wax—maker of your favorite floor care products) Laura moved to Phoenix, Arizona when she was in high school. But not being a fan of blazing heat and knowing that Uncle Sam was looking for a few good women, she enlisted in the United States Air Force shortly after graduation and spent the next five years flying a typewriter through Europe.

Her lifelong dream of writing fiction came true in Spring 2005 with the release of her first chick lit novel, Dreaming in Black & White which won the Contemporary Fiction Book of the Year from American Christian Fiction Writers. Her sophomore novel, Dreaming in Technicolor was published in Fall 2005.

Laura’s third novel, Reconstructing Natalie, chosen as the Women of Faith Novel of the Year for 2006, is the funny and poignant story of a young, single woman who gets breast cancer and how her life is reconstructed as a result. This book was born out of Laura’s cancer speaking engagements where she started meeting younger and younger women stricken with this disease—some whose husbands had left them, and others who wondered what breast cancer would do to their dating life. She wanted to write a novel that would give voice to those women. Something real. And honest. And funny.

Because although cancer isn’t funny, humor is healing.

To learn more about Laura’s latest novels, please check out her Books page.

A popular speaker and teacher at writing conferences, Laura has also been a guest on hundreds of radio and TV shows around the country including the ABC Weekend News, The 700 Club, and The Jay Thomas Morning Show.

She lives in Northern California with her Renaissance-man husband Michael, and Gracie, their piano playing dog.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sales clerk, barista, telemarketer, sign waver...

At twenty-five, free-spirited Becca Daniels is still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. What Becca doesn’t want to be is bored. She craves the rush of a new experience, whether it’s an extreme sport, a shocking hair color, or a new guy. That’s why she quit her bookstore job, used her last bit of credit to go skydiving, and broke her leg.

And that’s why, grounded and grumpy, Becca bristles when teased by friends for being commitment-phobic. In response, Becca issues an outrageous wager—that she can sustain a three-month or twenty-five date relationship with the next guy who asks her out. When the guy turns out to be “churchy” Ben—definitely not Becca’s type—she gamely embarks on a hilarious series of dates that plunge her purple-haired, free-speaking, commitment-phobic self into the alien world of church potlucks and prayer meetings.

This irrepressible Getaway Girl will have you cheering her on as she “suffers” through her dates, gains perspective on her life’s purpose, and ultimately begins her greatest adventure of all.

***

The book description for this one is a slight bit misleading in my opinion. I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. And was pretty surprised at the ending!

One thing to note, while this is a stand alone book, it is part of a collection of stories so there is some history with some of the characters that might have been nice to know.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Becca By The Book, go HERE

Wordless Wednesday: Ice Cream

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:02:00 +0000

Can't let even one little drop go to waste...

It's Ours

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 06:51:00 +0000

We got the key Friday night. We move our stuff on Saturday. We own a house. WOW.

(now, can anyone find me some motivation to pack?)

And if you are so inclined, please hop on over to An Island Life and vote for my house picture with Cory standing in front in the January photo contest. I promise you don't have to sign up for anything to vote! I get $20 to Starbucks or Amazon if I win... something for my hubby for all the work he will now have to do being a homeowner...

Listen Up!

teacherkrista@gmail.com (Krista) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:49:00 +0000

I'm a big fan of hearing. Aren't we all? We need our hearing for a million different things. For me, music is important as I'm a musician. But I like hearing nature as well and sometimes that requires super fine hearing.

In our world today we are constantly bombarded by more and more gadgets that make noise. Some of those we can control the volume on, some we can't. Here's some info on protecting our, and especially our kid's, hearing.

***

Did you know that when MP3 players are purchased as gifts, the majority of purchasers are moms? That finding emerged at the Mommy Tech summit at the recently concluded Consumer Electronics Show.

But do you know about the potential risks? Kids often don't know how to use audio technology safely and they can harm their hearing as a result. In fact, hearing loss among young people is reported to be on the rise and there are strong concerns that a generation of young people could end up with prevalent hearing loss.

"For some time, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has warned that hearing loss in the United States could rise significantly due to the misuse of personal audio technology," ASHA President Tommie L. Robinson, Jr. explains. "Unfortunately, a report released today by the Kaiser Family Foundation cites some alarming trends about excessive entertainment media consumption among our nation's children, indirectly supporting ASHA's concerns. This should be a warning to parents that they must regulate children's exposure and fully understand the potential health threats associated with misuse and over exposure to such technologies."

"ASHA will continue to bring these issues to the forefront and appreciates the Kaiser Family Foundation's contributions to the national dialogue," Robinson adds.

According to a 2004 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, children were reported as being exposed to 6 hours and 21 minutes of media (TV, music, internet, etc) per day. By 2009, this statistic had increased dramatically to 7 hours and 38 minutes per day. When media multitasking is taken into account, this leaps to 10 hours and 45 minutes per day. This massive consumption of media has led to decreased grades in school and ASHA contends it puts kids at an increased risk of hearing loss.

One thing that is clear from the study is that parents can be very positive influencers on how their children use entertainment media.

How You Can Help

Whether your child received an MP3 player, gaming device, cell phone, laptop, or any other device with headphones, don't overlook the important health threat of hearing loss. Now is the time to reach out to other parents about the importance of hearing loss prevention, the damaging effects of excessive media consumption, and the resources available to them through ASHA.

Here are two simple ways to protect your children's - and your own - hearing.

· Keep the volume down. A good guide is half volume.

· Limit listening time. Give your hearing 'quiet breaks'.

Find more information and statistics at ASHA's website. You can also follow their Twitter feed or fan them on Facebook to get real time updates on their work.

Content of this post is provided by the Global Influence Network.