Thursday, October 30
Wednesday, October 29
Tuesday, October 28
What's on my Nightstand - October
It's that time again! 5 Minutes for Books is hosting the monthly What's on Your Nightstand Carnival. Click on over and see what everyone else is reading or better yet, link up yourself and share with us what you are reading. This month on my "nightstand" - which I don't have - you will see some returning from last month. My "self-help" selections tend to stick around for a while as I go through them a bit more thoroughly while taking notes. Hmmm... maybe I won't include them anymore.
As a review for The Gods of Newport (John Jakes) from last month... I could only get through Chapter 7. I think I read each chapter twice... The flow of the book and character development was very difficult to follow. I found myself more frustrated than immersed in a novel set in the late 1800s. I will try this one again later - maybe.
Soon I was happy to find Inkheart (Cornelia Funke). I'm about a quarter of the way through this one and I love it! I can't wait to finish to actually read the first one, The Thief Lord. If I had to rate this book right now, I'd give it 4 stars.
Also, at the same time, The Geography of Bliss (Eric Weiner) was telling me I couldn't leave the library without it. The self-help seeker in me wanted to know where "One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World" led him. I'm just over half way through this one and so far, it's a toss up between my love for Switzerland and Iceland. I'm finding that this book has less to do with self-help in the traditional sense (in my experience) and more to do with what makes me happy - no matter where I am.
Conquest of Mind (Eknath Easwaran), Women & Money (Suze Orman) and The Power of Now (Eckhart Tolle) are still close to my "nightstand", but admittedly, are not getting the attention I deserve. A lot of times, I find myself caught up in the "I'm not good enough, so I should figure out how to be" mindset, so I turn to books. There is a book for everything and books are the best way to seek advice without critisism - as long as you don't count yourself. My goal this month is to finish these three, so I don't have to bore you with another post next month. :)
The Promise of a New Day (Karen Casey and Martha Vanceburg) This book has proven to be one that I'll devote each day. The pages are dated, but I do skip around - I like it to be a bit more spontaneous rather than knowing today what is going to be revealed tomorrow.
Don't forget to click on over to 5 Minutes for Books to check out what others are reading.
Good Morning!
It's getting cool enough here in Southern Georgia that mom brought her plants in from outside last night. She has a couple Cactus Gardens and other miscellaneous plants. Sorry, I didn't inherit the green thumb that she has to be able to tell you what plants they are.
But! This morning as I walked by the coffee pot - which I don't use anymore - yeah! I didn't notice our newest house guest.
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I went on to get breakfast started and only after the second or third pass of the coffee pot did I loose my breath.
This little guy was sitting prime and proper right on top of the almighty throne. Luckily, I don't worship it anymore, otherwise, I may have been in for a more rude awakening.
Don't see him?
There he is!
And now here he is after climbing the kitchen window. I'm surprised that this photo came out as clear as it did cause I was practically upside down, PRAYING, it didn't jump on me while I was getting the shot.
Mind you, these photos were taken well after I got the courage to get close enough to take them.
I did a little research online and found these little bugger to be Carnivorous! Fortunately, they like smaller variety in meals and don't have to worry about it coming after us - unless it is provoked. Note to my little man! "No touch!"
Apparently, we have other house guests too that I haven't seen yet. We'll see...
Monday, October 27
Need to Recycle a Thermostat?
Click on over to Domestic Accident - she'll let you in on how to recycle that old thermostsat and make 5 bucks. Browse around for a bit and I bet she'll make you laugh so you can give me that 5 bucks you just made. Ha!
Read more...Friday, October 24
Wordle
Ok, sorry! Something I just realized that when I posted about Wordle a couple of weeks ago. I didn't give you the link to get there, just to my ummm artwork. Like you really wanted to check that out. Doing your own is sooo much more fun!
Enjoy!
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Thursday, October 23
It's a Wrap!
October 15th was Blog Action Day. I linked up, posted here and checked in from time to time to see what other bloggers were blogging about. I learned a lot, got some great ideas, am hopeful of the good that can be done.
It can be overwhelming to really think about Poverty. It's a small word that carries such a heavy burden to those that are living it.
'I can't save the world, so why try' is a brick wall that must come down. So, thanks to the Common Weeder, I am going to start by working in an extra row in the garden, just for the hungry. It's a great place to start. Not only can I plant the seeds that will feed those in need (and will probably be more grateful for the crop than my children), but I can also plant the seeds within my children about what we are doing and why.
With my heart to guide me, Blog Action Day as my pick ax and the support of over 12,000 Global Bloggers as my strength, I can at least help save the world. Click here to get more wrap up details... you might be pleasantly surprised at who was named as the Top 100 Blogs that participated. Be sure to scroll down to find 'em. And at the very bottom, you can sign up to get an email about next year.
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Tuesday, October 21
Kids' Picks
It's an open invite to join the fun or follow along.
Me and the little ones go to the library about at least once every two weeks, sometimes more. I always have them with me, so it's usually a battle to keep the peace and quiet - it is a library you know. If anyone has any suggestions on the best way to tackle this beast, I would be so very grateful. (I'll spare you the details of how our library visits actually go - just know they are not pretty).
While we wait for the library to let us know our next read is in, we've been enjoying these reads.
Tiger, Tiger by Dee Lillegard and Illustrated by Susan Guevara
Although I later realized that this book is a bit over their reading level, they enjoyed it the same. Rich colors and detail allowed me to read a fantastic story and give them a beautiful picture book at the same time.
Good Night, Sweet Butterflies by Dawn Bently and Illustrated by Heather Cahoon
This book is a bedtime story staple. After months of reading to them, the babies now recite it with me. They can even tell me the colors and animals that are in the story when I point to them.
Trucks Roll! by George Lyon and Illustrated by Craig Frazier
I quit my freight career last November to stay home with my babies (then ages 2, 1 and 1), so this was a fun introduction to how stuff gets moved from place to place. My son of course enjoyed it more than the girls, but it was a fave for all.
Hop on Pop by Dr.Seuss
I remember these (who doesn't) from when I was a kid, so when I saw this at the library, I couldn't resist.
We haven't managed to get a productive reading time in during the day, so each night before bed, our ritual is that we read the stories (at least 3) and then when we are done with all of them - they each get to pick a book to "read" from the ones that we just read together. I'll give them 5 minutes or so and then we say our prayers, sing our songs, last time to pottie, hugs, kisses, something to drink...
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Sunday, October 19
Please Excuse My Mess
I am re-arranging my pad in Bloggy World. Please feel free to leave me a comment to let me know if you like or dislike how it is looking. Just like my home, I get bored with the way something looks after a while and I have to change it around. Understanding that people don't like change as much as I do, I'm hoping to find something that will have some staying power. Have a Great Day!
Friday, October 17
Think Pink
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and today is National Mammography Day. Here are some resources to help you learn more. Be informed.
These are just a few to get you started.
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One Day to Give
My whole life I've wanted to give back. I struggle with where and how... There are so many needs in the world, it's overwhelming - where do you start?
I always gave blood when I could, sometimes I couldn't because my numbers weren't high enough. I need to start doing that again, I got out of the habit when I was having kids and surgery. I pick up after people at the park, in public bathrooms, if I see trash near a trash can - I'll pick it up. It's a no brainer. My thought is that if I can leave something better than which I found it, I've at least done something good. I've donated my hair twice to Locks for Love and once to Wigs for Kids. They create real hair wigs for those going through cancer treatments. When I see we've accumulated too much stuff, I'll plan a trip to the Good Will.
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But really, is that good enough? Not really - I don't think so, not by a long shot.
I came across an opportunity through an organization that hosted Blog Action Day. You can check out their web here. If you are a blogger or a follower, chances are, you heard of this. This years topic was Poverty and I decided to join the movement. You can check out my posts here.
Basically, my one day to give was really awareness through Blog Action Day. Awareness to the power that each of us holds, if only we know we have it; can we do great things. Once you realize you have the power, harness it, put it into action and do something.
Thank you Kristen for all of the wonderful ideas and inspiration you have given us. I see many "One Day to Give" days in my family's future. It's beautiful.
"Before you tell your life what truths and values you have decided to live up to, let your life tell you what truths you embody, what values you represent." ~Parker Palmer
Read more...Thursday, October 16
Wednesday, October 15
Blog Action Day : What will you do? Part II
If you doubt me...
Whether or not we hook up with a Plant a Row group, all of us could dedicate a row of our garden to a local food organization. No donation is too small. I have been assured that no head of broccoli or single squash will be turned away. There is no reason to let our excess harvest go to waste when there are hungry people in our community.
Start at home. Then grow from there. Don't have a garden? The next time you are at the store buying ketchup at a steal at 10 for $10. Buy one more than your family needs (or more) and donate at least one to your local food shelf.
Until next time.
She did it! She did it!
Finally! She did it! Isabelle, our youngest, has always been the one that decides to do things in her own time. When her sister and brother are already on the path, doesn't matter what it is... It's like she's telling me 'I'll get to it, I'll get to it. Don't worry'.
Well, she finally got to going on the pottie today! If you remember in an earlier post, I said that she was the first one to actually go on the pottie, but that was it. Well, that was the first and last time until now! I'm sure we'll have many days of going back and forth, but at least now I think she ready - it's her time. :)
Good luck honey! More days of independence to come!
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Blog Action Day : What will you do?
United we stand, divided we fall is a saying that I have found to be attributed to Aesop and used throughout History in songs, motto's, etc. But I don't have to tell you all that - chances are, you've already experienced it.I am only one person, I can't do much alone, but today, Bloggers spanning the Globe are Uniting to Stand against Poverty. If you are reading this post and think you have missed out, there is still time. If you have a Blog and want to participate and have your voice heard, click here. If you don't have a Blog, you can still inspire awareness. Just talk about it. If you email it, I'm not suggesting spamming anyone, in fact don't.I am only one person, I cannot do much alone, but what I can do is start at home and plant the seed. Plant the seed within my spouse, my children, my neighbors, my neighborhood, my community, my city government, my State, my Nation and yes, eventually, the World.The World? It's really not as hard as you think. If ever you communicate with another human being, you have the power. It's a power that most of us don't realize we have because we don't see the results right in front of us. You have the Power, Believe it!So, what can you do? Each of us is in a different state of being and have a different path to follow or blaze. For me, it starts with me for my children. Our children are our future and they copy everything we do. They can't be taught anything they don't see in practice or real life. Long after I am gone, they will be here and their children and their children.My children will no longer be left at home while I take food to be donated, I'll explain to them why we buy extra when we can to help those in need. They will go through their toys and clothes, hand picking them for children that have less than they do. When old enough, they will go with me when I donate blood, so they can see what I am doing, not just me telling them what I am doing. They will resent me less for not spending that time with them and appreciate it more.You may be reading thinking I've lost my focus of what this day is. I haven't. Believe me. This journey, it's just the beginning.I'll leave you with two quotes from a woman whose wisdom will forever live on."We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty."
"What I do, you cannot do; but what you do, I cannot do. The needs are great and none of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things with great love, and together we can do something wonderful."
~Mother Teresa of Calcutta 1910-1997
Tuesday, October 14
"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves." ~James Barrie
Read more...Childrens' Classics @ 5 Minutes for Books
The SECOND Tuesday of each month is Children's Classics over at 5 Minutes for Books. In this carnival, I have the opportunity to share my thoughts on a favorite children's classic that me and the babies (yes, I still call them babies, even though they are 3, 2 and 2) read during the month. We are given a suggested topic for each month.
This month we are to select a Caldecott Medal Winner. I've chosen the 2006 Caldecott Medal winner, The Hello, Goodbye Window illustrated by Chris Raschka and written by Norton Juster. Come visit me again on November 11th to read our review or better yet, join the fun!
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Click here to find your own Caldecott Medal Winning book to read to/with your children. Bloggers and non-Bloggers alike are encouraged to join - the more the merrier.
For my little bookworms! I love you!
Monday, October 13
Sunday, October 12
Wordle
Wordle? What's Wordle? Well way too much fun!
Click image to view larger.
This Wordle is one of my blog posts. It looks so much more interesting like this.
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Oct 15th is Blog Action Day! Sign up Now!
I came across this site a few months ago and while I am new to blogging, wasn't thinking ahead, so I am posting now. At least it will be fresh in your mind so close to the date.
Last Year, the Environment. This Year, Poverty.
"Global issues like poverty are extremely complex. There is no simple, clear answer. By asking thousands of different people to give their viewpoints and opinions, Blog Action Day creates an extraordinary lens through which to view these issues. Each blogger brings their own perspective and ideas. Each blogger posts relating to their own blog topic. And each blogger engages their audience differently.One Issue, Thousands of VoicesBlog Action Day is an annual nonprofit event that aims to unite the world’s bloggers, podcasters and videocasters, to post about the same issue on the same day. Our aim is to raise awareness and trigger a global discussion."
I know what I am going to write about. Do you? Let your voice be heard! Sign up Today!
Come back here on October 15th to find out what is close to my heart when I think of Poverty.
Saturday, October 11
To Blog or Not to Blog?
That is my question.
First, I am not a writer. Do I need to be a writer? I've wanted to be a writer, but I have a hard time putting my thoughts on paper... or in this case, on the screen.
My interest in blogging started a few months ago. I always knew it was out there but honestly didn't know how to get there. Once I found it, I had no idea. WOW! I'm so addicted.
I spent hours and hours browsing from one Blog to another to another to another and so on. Finding more and more interesting and useful information. I laughed and I cried. The Blogs I came across were so personal, so touching, so raw, so humbling, so supportive, so... It's amazing.
I book marked many Blogs because I couldn't get enough, once I figured out how to add them to a feed, I was was adding even more Blogs. I was following so many that I couldn't keep up. I found myself only returning to a short list of favorites. I guess I'm still waiting for the novelty to wear off.
I don't think it will.
Part of the problem is that I love information. I love to read. I love to learn and I love to share.
Usually when I browse to a blog, I generally look for the first post, if I can find it.
I really want to know how the Blog was born and how its evolved. Most have done the same as me and some just dive in with the first post. Maybe maybe having the "Hey I'm new here" post is too personal.
I think the most confusing part is learning the ropes. Blogs get tagged, win awards, are ranked, have carnivals... it's very interesting. Not to mention, you can get sponsors and make money or have companies send you their products so you can use them, review them, blog about them and then give free samples away - wow. Sign me up! But... I have yet to find any blogs that are new like me. Am I really that far behind or is it because I am new and like other newbies, we don't enough interesting content yet to get us exposure to other bloggers to get exposure to sponsors. I've been reading other blogger's blogs just to learn about tricks, tips and how to's. We'll see how quick a study I am.
I think the hardest part is content. I've read many things about picking your content and to keep it focused. I soon realized that I guess I'd fall into the Mommie Blogger category, so how focused can a Mommie Blog be? Think about it. What comes to mind when you think of a mom? Hmmm... Chef, Nurse, Banker, Chauffeur to name just a few on the tip of the tip of the ice berg.
I am a wife. I am a mom to Irish Triplets (our son was born in January and our twin daughters were born in December of the same year). I want more for our children than I or my husband had growing up. Not so much better and definitely not materialism, but more of life. How to embrace it, enjoy it, experience it, protect it, believe in it, cherish it, share it... I really didn't start do dream about living a life until recently. I don't want it to be the same for my children.
I'll keep blogging away, will eventually find my niche and hopefully some readers along the way. I'm warning you now that until then, you'll never know where this blog may take you.
Until next time.
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"Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word 'happiness' would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness." ~Carl Gustav Jung
Read more...Friday, October 10
Thursday, October 9
"Change the way you look at things - the things you look at will begin to change." ~Dr. Wayne Dryer
Read more...Wednesday, October 8
"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning." ~Louis L'Amour
Read more...Tuesday, October 7
Mule Round Up!
This past weekend, we went on a short journey back in history to a Pioneer Village at the Annual Mule Roundup in Guysie, Georgia. The village has been recreated to look much like many Southern farms in the era of the Mule.
Yes, it had authentic buildings and character including a log cabin, a log smokehouse, a general store and barns. And for those of us from the 21st Century, they even had potties that flushed. We enjoyed the atmosphere and, if in Southern Georgia again, the first weekend in October, would go again.
Here is the General Store.
At the end of the "village" there was a fenced in area with lots of animals that the babies could play with, follow, pet, carry around, etc... Tons of fun!
Isabelle followed the goats everywhere.
Emma couldn't get enough of the puppies.
And although you can't tell here, Tyson was fascinated with all of the birds. Didn't matter if they were chickens or turkeys. Here he was chasing the turkeys.After our feather and fur encounter, we decided to take a break in the shade.
Enjoying a cool, refreshing Strawberry Slushy.After some folk music and ladies dancing in poofy skirts, we found ponies for the kids to ride. Since this was their first time, we didn't know if they wanted to, but we gave it a go anyway. What do you think?
Tyson is a natural on is Stallion - all cool and casual as if he's been riding for years! Check out the cars in the back. I never noticed them until I looked at the picture - at home. Now I know they didn't have that type of Mustang back in the day.
I couldn't tell if Emma was enjoying herself or not. We'll have to get back to you.
Isabelle loving every second. So much so, she didn't want to get off. That was a sight to see.
Cooling off after a long day. See the sweat through Izzie's shirt? Tyson was up in front getting his share of the cool breeze. Aaaahhhhh, it's good to be in the 21st Century again.Public excursions with our three little ones can be rewarding, exhausting and mentally challenging on all levels. Ponder herding chickens and you'll understand what I mean. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Wednesday, October 1
All in Stride
Another victory this past weekend. Isabelle, has taken to the pool instead of crying and running the other way. Emma and Tyson are still my little mermaid and merman in training.
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