Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Be the Adult

Don't tell her I said this, but my mom gives good advice. She always has. When I was a teenager, I'd pretend to ignore it, process it, then follow it. Even into my 20s, I wasn't a fan of unsolicited advice, but I'd at least think about what she told me. From words of wisdom that led to my breaking up with my first serious boyfriend in high school to tips when buying a house, my mom's advice has often proven valuable. Again, don't tell her I said that! ;-)

One of the pieces of advice I've heard more recently is: Be the adult. Be the adult.

Where'd this come from? Well, we sometimes have issues with some of our children's friends, and I have vented to my mother about this. Things that drive me batty, and I gotta let out so I don't blow. I know these kids are young enough that it's more a matter of not knowing better than anything, but it's still frustrating and (in the right situations) infuriating. My mom will patiently listen, even agree with some of my concerns, but always remind me to "be the adult."

Do you know how often I have to remind myself of that?

Really, this is excellent advice. And not just when it comes to my kids' friends. In life in general this can prove useful. From an argument with my husband that gets out of hand to a disagreement with a friend. If I remember to "be the adult" maybe things would be resolved more quickly. Or at least with less fallout.

Heck! This might even come in handy with my kids. You know, when they're under my skin and WON'T get OUT! Maybe if I remember to "be the adult" I can find a way to alleviate the issues and help the kids (and myself) to move on.

Be the adult.

Great advice.

Thanks, Mom.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Tuesday Tunes #2

I almost didn't do this for this week. We've had a LONG week. Last Friday was Abby's 7th birthday. We had a party for her friends on Thursday. Friday night, the fun started. Natalie was first to be sick, followed (in a matter of hours) by Grant. Both are still working things out. Mr. Ham was next, followed by me. Abby appears to be getting sick now. So, obviously (I think), it has been a crazy few days. But, I decided to try to get a TT post up, because this (honestly) is something that I should've had scheduled and ready to go. Forgive me for slacking!

For the newbies, here’s the scoop: Tuesday Tunes is a hopefully weekly meme hosted here at Rambings & More. What’s the point? Sharing music. I LOVE music. LOVE it. In fact, I would say it’s very reasonable to say that music is my passion. It’s one of few, very few, things that I couldn’t imagine living without. As such, I’m always looking for new music, and I’m more than happy to share my favorite music! Well, not just my favorites. I also share whatever’s in my head at the moment, and sometimes that’s determined by what my KIDS are into at the moment. Anyway, please share your music with me! :-) For now, just leave me a comment with your link. (And please link back to me.) When we get some more participation, I’ll make a button and get us a Linky to make sharing easier! Note: Sometimes (likely more often than not) I will share Christian music. That does NOT mean only Christian music is welcome. I wanna know what YOU’RE listening to, whatever genre it is! :-)

Because of the craziness that has been the past several days, I'm kinda at a loss. Usually I know in advance what I'm going to share. Not this week. I haven't a clue at the moment! So, I'm gonna whip out the iPod Touch, hit shuffle, and see what comes up first. Wish me luck!

1. Let God Arise by Chris Tomlin


Hear the holy roar of God resound
Watch the waters part before us now
Come and see what He has done for us
Tell the world of His great love


Our God is a God who saves
Our God is a God who saves


Let God arise
Let God arise
Our God reigns now and forever
He reigns now and forever


His enemies will run for sure
The church will stand, she will endure
He holds the keys of life, our Lord
Death has no sting, no final word


2. Because You're Mine by Building 429 ~ I don't know how much I've heard this before, but WOW! Awesome song! God is so good!




Child of mine I know that you’re hurting
And I’ve seen you try to soldier on
I am here to lift away your burden
And I will hold you till the pain is gone


So today I promise forever
Tomorrow I’ll say it again
You would give it all to know the answers
And I know you’ve heard this all before
I’m just here to help your heart remember
That no one else could ever love you more


You ought to know that I am here (near)
You ought to know I’ll be here to love you
Just to love you
Through all the pain and through the years
I’ll be the one to dry your tears
I love you, I love you
Because you’re mine


You would give it all to know the answers
And I know you’ve heard this all before
I’m just here to help your heart remember
That no one else could ever love you more


So today I promise forever
Tomorrow, I’ll say it all again


You ought to know that I am here (near)
You ought to know I’ll be here to love you
Just to love you
Through all the pain and through the years
I’ll be the one to dry your tears
I love you, I love you
Because you’re mine


So don’t you ever doubt
You are my precious child
my glory in the making
The years will bring you many trials
But I will never let you down
I’m here with my arms open just waiting for...


You ought to know that I am here (near)
You ought to know I’ll be here to love you
Just to love you
Through all the pain and through the years
I’ll be the one to dry your tears
I love you, I love you
Because you’re mine


You ought to know that I am here (near)
You ought to know I’ll be here to love you
Just to love you
Through all the pain and through the years
I’ll be the one to dry your tears
I love you, I love you
Because you’re mine
Because you’re mine
you’re mine


OK, that was a fun way to do it! :-) So, give it a try! Turn on your iPod (or other MP3 Player, or iTunes or even your CD player). Hit shuffle. What are the first two songs that come up?

Top 2 Tuesday: Deserted Island

It's been awhile since I've done this one.


This week's topic: Top 2 things (not people) you'd bring with you to a deserted island.

1. A Kindle ~ Loaded up to capacity with good books. (That way I can bring more than one book! ;-) )

2. My iPod Touch ~ Mainly for the music, but also for the apps.

If you wanna play, you can link up (and find other responses) at the post HERE.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Sunday Stealing: The Eighty Meme, Part 1

Taken from the-blog-that-encourages-stealing, also known as Sunday Stealing! ;-)

1. What curse word do you use the most? Damn, I think.

2. Do you own an iPod? Yep. An iPod Touch. LOVE it!

3. What person do you talk to on the phone the most? My hubby.

4. Do you still remember the first person you kissed? Yep. (And I must add eeeewwwww!)

5. Do you remember where you were on 11/9/01? I'm assuming this actually is supposed to be 11 Sept. 2001 – or as we AMERICANS write it: 9/11/01, Sept. 11, or just plain 9/11. Making that assumption, yes, I remember. I don't think I'll ever forget.

6. What was the last movie you watched? Umm ... The Princess and the Frog

7. Has anyone ever called you lazy? Sure.

8. Do you ever take medication to help you fall asleep? No. When I can't sleep, I'll read for awhile. That quiets my mind, and then I can fall asleep.

9. Has anyone told you a secret this week? Umm...not that I remember.

10. What is the first thing you notice about the opposite sex? Eyes.

11. What are you looking forward to? The last two Harry Potter movies. I just saw a trailer this evening, and I am EXCITED!

12. Do you own any band t-shirts? Yep. I love to get T-shirts as a souvenir from concerts. I have Skillet, Third Day, Newsboys, and more.

13. What will you be doing in one hour? Sleeping, hopefully.

14. Is anyone in love with you? My husband.

15. Last time you cried? Umm...not sure.

16. Are you on a desktop computer or a laptop? Desktop. I love my Mac Mini.

17. Are you currently wanting any piercings or tattoos? No.

18. Would you ever date anyone covered in tattoos? Probably not.

19. What were you doing before this? Facebook.

20. When is the last time you slept on the floor? Not sure. It's been awhile, thankfully.

21. How many hours of sleep do you need to function? I prefer 8-9, but I can function on a minimum of about 6.

22. Do you eat breakfast daily? Yes.

Getting To Know You ~ Better Late than Never

Right? ;-)


*To play..copy the questions..answer them..then go back to MannLand5 and link up*

1.If you had 5000.00 to spend on plastic surgery what would you have done? The boobs. Not bigger, just perkier. You know – more like before babies! ;-)

2. Do you watch Soap operas and if so what is your favorite and why? Nope.

3. Favorite clothing brand? Umm...whatever's comfy.

4. An afternoon shopping spree at your favorite store or maid service for a year? As much fun as the shopping would be, I'd have to go for maid service.

5. Would you ever vajazzle? :-? What is that?

6. Favorite Disney Princess? Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)

7. Last movie that made you bawl your eyes out? Umm...I have no idea. Movies don't usually make me cry.

8. Have you ever broken any bones and if so what? Nope.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

A Bit of Me(Me): Animals

This is a new meme that I just love. Hosted by There's a Book, this is one question every week to help bloggers get to know each other. This week's topic is animals.

Are you an animal person? Any type in particular?


For me, it's cats. I LOVE cats. We have two, Zeus and Huckleberry. I've had cats almost all my life. I couldn't imagine ever not having a cat. We also have a dog, Sawyer. He is a beagle that we got when Grant was about 8 months old. (Sawyer was born the day Abby turned 3!) I hadn't really had a dog before this, so this has been a learning experience. I have a STRONG preference for the cats. There are so many, many things I prefer about these cats, but I'll refrain. There are bonuses to the dog, too. I just prefer the cats.

Unfortunately, I don't have any pics of any of the animals available at the moment. So, this will be a pic-free post – well, aside from the most adorable button I've ever seen! :-)

So, what about you? Are you an animal person? If you wanna link up, check out the latest post.

The End of an Era

It came as a slight surprise to me when Saturday morning Mr. Ham said "let's do the switch today."

The what?

The switch. The bedroom switch. Tear down the crib, set up Grant's new bed in the room the crib had been in, and start having Natalie sleep on the bottom bunk in Abby's room.

Ooooh. That switch.

Grant tries out his new bed
for the first time.
This is something we had been talking about for several weeks now. We originally had discussed doing so around Memorial Day weekend. I'm not sure why we didn't. Maybe part of it was denial? I dunno. What I do know is that Mr. Ham tore down that crib, then we disassembled the changing tower. Then assembled the hutch to make it a dresser/hutch instead of a changing tower. Then it was time for the bed. I made it with Grant's new Thomas bedding, and his room was ready. And he was THRILLED! I'm not sure if it's the having his own space, the Thomas bedding, the blue walls, or something else. But he was THRILLED. Still is. It's pretty cute, actually! (Click the thumbnails to see the pictures their actual size.)
Grant reads to his puppy in his new bed.




Once Grant's room was ready, we prepped the girls' room. Changed the sheets for Natalie, brought her favorite blankets (for snuggling) into the room, and let her check out her new pad. She was excited, too. And the next morning, she came into our room (way too early) with Abby, and she had a HUGE grin on her face! She, too, is still excited.


Grant shows off his Thomas bed.
It's bittersweet for me. Because it's the end of an era. For almost 7 years we have had that crib up and (mostly) in use. When Abby was a couple of months old, we moved her into it. She stayed in her crib until she was almost 2.5 – a few months before we needed it for Grant. He used it until he was a few months shy of 2, because Natalie was coming. And she has used it since she was a couple of weeks old. (Funny how that works – first child gets a couple of months in our room. Last child, a couple of weeks. But, I digress ...)

We knew when I was pregnant with Natalie that she was the last. It was confirmed for me shortly (we're talking moments) after her birth. I knew I was D.O.N.E. DONE! While I occasionally get a tiny smidgen of baby lust, it's very fleeting! I just remind myself how nice it is to be done with the newborn craziness. Natalie's got a routine, we're all settling into a nice family routine. I'm happy to NOT upset it now! ;-)

But, still, it is the end of an era. The Baby Era is over in the Ham household. Over and done. (Mr. Ham is fixed, so there's no question about it!) And I'm 99.9% happy with that. But, part of me will miss my cuddly, sweet babies. (Especially when the older one mouths off and rolls her eyes ...) The Baby Era is over. I'm not sure what to call it now. We have one in school, one in preschool, and the other's technically a toddler still. The first of many Transitional eras, perhaps? Maybe I'll call this Transition Era, the First. That will give way to The School Era, when all three are in school. Back to Transition, etc.

Yikes! I had better stop thinking about that! It'll make me sad.

Time to enjoy these sweet babies – er, I mean children – of mine before they want nothing to do with me!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Tuesday Tunes #1

I'm starting over. I still intend to attempt t0 share music with you every week. But, I didn't like Tune-In Tuesday as a title. Well, I liked it, but not its abbreviation ...

Anyway, so, Tuesday Tunes it is! And, new name = new string, hence my starting with #1. (Yes, I did say hence. I use that word a lot. My degree's in English. It's just something I do.)

For the newbies, here's the scoop: Tuesday Tunes is a hopefully weekly meme hosted here at Rambings & More. What's the point? Sharing music. I LOVE music. LOVE it. In fact, I would say it's very reasonable to say that music is my passion. It's one of few, very few, things that I couldn't imagine living without. As such, I'm always looking for new music, and I'm more than happy to share my favorite music! Well, not just my favorites. I also share whatever's in my head at the moment, and sometimes that's determined by what my KIDS are into at the moment. Anyway, please share your music with me! :-) For now, just leave me a comment with your link. (And please link back to me.) When we get some more participation, I’ll make a button and get us a Linky to make sharing easier! Note: Sometimes (likely more often than not) I will share Christian music. That does NOT mean only Christian music is welcome. I wanna know what YOU'RE listening to, whatever genre it is! :-)

And now I share.
1. Better Than a Hallelujah by Amy Grant ~ This is pretty new, and I like it. I've heard there's actually a lot of complaints about this song in the Christian-music world. (What IS it with Christians and being so damn critical and prone to bitching and moaning about every. little. thing. that they don't like? SOMEONE, please explain. How is that love? How is that a good example? No wonder so many people cannot stand Christians ... anyway, that is completely beside the point.) Take a moment to listen, really listen, to this song. I get what she's saying. I totally get it. Totally. I've decided to post the lyrics (excuse poor grammar. I just C&P these) with this one, because I think it'll make it easier for me to explain. Part of it is semantics: she says sometimes. She doesn't say that your (or my) hallelujah is crap. She doesn't say tears and suffering are the only thing God hears. She says that there are times when a hallelujah just isn't as good. Why? This is the part I think is most important: she's referring to the rawness and sincerity inside our cries for help. So many times our hallelujahs are just lacking in sincerity and rawness. I'm not saying that we're not sincere. I just think we're more real with God sometimes when we're broken. There's nothing like going through rough times to bring someone back into His arms. I've been there. Most people I know have been there. THAT is what this is talking about. And, knowing that, I think this is an absolutely beautiful, right-on song! Enjoy!


God loves a lullaby
In a mothers tears in the dead of night
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes.
God loves the drunkards cry,
The soldiers plea not to let him die
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah.

The woman holding on for life,
The dying man giving up the fight
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes
The tears of shame for what's been done,
The silence when the words won't come
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah
Better than a church bell ringing,
Better than a choir singing out,singing out.

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

Better than a church bell ringing
better than a choir singin' loud
singin' loud

There was another song off her new album that I wanted to share, but it's not on Grooveshark right now. I don't have it on my computer, either, so I can't add it. I'll put it on the back burner for a future Tuesday Tunes post. Rather than force it and dig up another song just to fill the space, I'll keep it at one this week.

So, what about you? What music are you listening to lately? What music makes you think?

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Getting to Know You ~ 6/20

*to play..copy the questions..answer them..then go back to MannLand5 and link up*

1. While at the beach, pool, etc..Do you cover up your assets or show them off? Back in my skinny days (or maybe I should say not-fat days) I showed them off. Nowadays, cover up. No one wants to see this!

2. Road trips or Plane trips? Depends on how far I'm going. If it's not too far, road. Otherwise, plane – I wanna get there fast!

3. I can't stand it when...? My kids are whiny and argumentative.

4. Have you ever gone topless at the beach? LMAO No way!

5. How many blog carnivals do you do a week? Between the two blogs, too many! But, they're fun, and I've made some great friends through them!

6. My favorite thing about the weekend is...? Having my husband home! :-)

7. Pancakes or waffles? Pancakes

8. Water Park or Amusement Park? Amusement Park with water rides! ;-)

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Sunday Stealing: The Oh My! Meme, Part 1


Taken from the-blog-that-encourages-stealing, also known as Sunday Stealing! ;-)

1. The phone rings; who don't you want it to be? A solicitor

2. When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart? Usually.

3. In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener? Listener.

4. What was the last compliment that someone gave you? Umm.. Abby told me I'm the best mom ever.

5. Do you play the lottery? Nope.

6. If abandoned alone in the wilderness, who would you want with you? My husband.

7. Do you like to ride horses? Yes.

8. Did you ever go to camp as a kid? Yes.

9. What is your favorite party game? Umm...I dunno. Scattergories is fun.

10. If a sexy person was pursuing you, but you knew he/she was married, would you go for it? Nope.

11. When was the last time that you lied? Probably earlier today. Abby lost a tooth yesterday and the tooth fairy forgot to come ... :oops:

12. Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you? That depends. If it's a different Christian denomination, sure. If it's something outside the Christian umbrella, then no.

13. If you have a S/O, who pursued who? If not, do you like to pursue or be pursued? Um...neither, really. We just kinda came together. One of our good mutual friends worked hard to help get us together.

14. Use six words to describe yourself. short, shy, lefty, quiet, loyal, Christian

15. Name a song that could make you cry. Can't say I can think of one. I'm not an easy crier.

16. Are you pleased with your education? Yes.

17. How do you feel about gun control? Less is more.

18. If your house was on fire, what thing would be the first thing you grabbed? Assuming we're talking about things because my family and animals are safe, I'd go for the computer.

19. How often do you have a romantic weekend? Rarely. We need to fix that!

20. Do you think more about the past, present or future? I'm an equal-opportunity thinker.

21. What was the last adult magazine that you have read? Adult? I sure hope you don't mean smutty. If you mean for grown-ups, then Parenting or Parents.

22. What are you told about your eyes? They are big and beautiful.

23. How tall is just right? WHAT? Umm...

24. Where is your dream house located? Probably about a mile or so away.

25. Do you have a secret fetish? LOL No.

26. Have you tried bourbon? If yes, what type? Nope. I'm not one for alcohol.

27. Have you ever seen a male or female stripper? Briefly saw a male stripper, but exited the premises once I realized that's what was going on.

28. When was the last time you were at TGI Fridays? Sometime over the past few weeks.

29. When was the last time you were at Church? Way too long ago ...

30. Where was the farthest place you traveled today? Upstairs. Seriously. Today was move-kids'-bedrooms-around day, so I didn't go anywhere. We took down the crib <sniff, sniff> and set up Grant in his new room. Natalie gets the second bed in Abby's room (where Grant used to sleep). Mr. Ham is now trying to get Natalie to go to sleep ...

31. What was your favorite job? Page designer. That was my first job out of college, and it was AWESOME!

32. What condiments do you like at your BBQ? Ketchup and mustard work for me.

33. Bud is hosting Thursday Thunks this week. Will you play? Probably not, simply because I've never done TT before. Hadn't even heard of it before now!

34. Do you look like your mom or dad? Mom

35. Who was the last person that you showered with (it's okay to leave out the name)? Um ... my husband? I don't know simply because I'm more of a solo showerer! ;-)

Friday, June 18, 2010

Small Talk Six: Father's Day

Today’s topic is “6 things you and your Dad both enjoy.” You can answer this with a list of 6 words, 6 phrases, 6 sentences, 6 paragraphs, 6 photos, 6 videos, etc . . .

My dad and I both enjoy:
  1. Reading
  2. Popcorn
  3. Music
  4. Chicago sports
  5. My kiddos
  6. Staying up later than we should

Now it's your turn! Post your list and go back HERE to link up and find others' lists!

Friday's Fave Five #5

I can't remember the last time I did this one. Bad me. I really want to do this more often. It's always, ALWAYS good to look back and see what I'm thankful for over the course of the week.

This is hosted on Living to Tell the Story. If you’d like to join in, the rules of play can be found HERE. This week’s post, with the MckLinky attached, is HERE.
  1. Girl Scout Camp ~ Yes, I know. I'm a horrible mother, but I needed a break from the oldest. She's the sweetest, most loving child. But she's also a handful. And she gets bored easily. Girl Scout Camp (day camp) was a perfect activity for us. She's still home in the mornings and at night, but during the day she's having a blast with her friends. And, she's in the same group as her BFF. Yesterday she told me she's sad that today is the last day of camp. Me, too, kid. Me, too.
  2. FROGs ~ Say what? That's my forum for Christian women (frogsgroup.com), and these ladies are the best, most supportive group of women I've ever had in my life. Even though I've been less-than involved there lately, they're still here for me when I need them. Thank you, ladies! I love you all!
  3. A very understanding husband ~ A few weeks ago we purchased a new mattress. We chose poorly. After about a week and a half of hemming and hawing, I finally said enough was enough. It isn't as soft as I like my bed. It's too bouncy (we had a Simmons Beautyrest before, and we are SPOILED as a result). I'm waking up with a sore back EVERY day. Not good. Not good at all. So, my wonderful husband, who said he was fine on that mattress, agreed to get a new new mattress. (There's a 30-day guarantee, thankfully.) So, I went (without Natalie) and chose my top three. (And wouldn't you know it, I went back to Simmons! Which, interestingly, wasn't available the first time we shopped, so I think it's good we chose poorly first.) Mr. Ham and I went back (with the kiddos in tow) and he agreed on my absolute favorite! :-D My wonderful, sweet husband didn't let the fact that it costs TWICE our original selection stop him. (Shockingly, I have to add!) He and I agree: We got 11 years out of Mattress #1, and expect to likely get about the same out of Mattress #2. Now, the hard part. Waiting. Seven to 14 days for the mattress to arrive in the store. Then we schedule delivery. I still have a sore/stiff back every day (stupid wrong mattress), but at least I know it's almost over!
  4. Thirty-day guarantees ~ See #3 for why! ;-)
  5. Kids' programming back on Netflix ~ I recently posted an e-mail I had sent to Mr. Ham. (If you haven't read it yet, it can be found HERE.) Well, I checked a few days ago to find that Blues Clues and Dora were BACK! WOOT! AND, even better, Diego is available streaming, too! Extra bonus: Instead of just two seasons, all three shows have THREE seasons! Woohoo!

Now it's your turn. What are your five favorite things from this week?

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Friday Fill-Ins

Friday Fill-Ins I remembered this week! YAY me! ;-)

1. I hope to sleep past 6:58.
2. It was the reason, of course, I swear it was.
3. Have more babies is something I no longer feel the need to do.
4. I have another errand to run, then it's time for some more reading.
5. I don't care where it isn't...just go find it
6. What were once vices are still vices.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to nothing in particular ~ maybe some reading, tomorrow my plans include reading and finishing laundry (fun stuff) and Sunday, I want to take Mr. Ham out to dinner for Father's Day!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Tune-In Tuesday #10 ~ For Real

I type my titles before I actually write my posts. Otherwise, I forget to add a title! So, this was written in hopes that Grooveshark actually wants to WORK this week! I'm calling this #10 because last time Grooveshark wasn't working. Anyway, it's time for Tune-In Tuesday.

For the newbies: Tune-In Tuesday is something I (try to) do every week. I LOVE music – almost as much as I love reading. And, I figured that my blog is the perfect place to share music with you. Generally, it will be my favorites. Songs that touch me, songs that move me, songs that I love for any reason. Sometimes they'll be songs I heard recently that I like or songs that are pertinent to me at that time for reasons I'll explain in my post. If you love music – or just have some songs to share, too – please play along. For now, just leave me a comment with your link. When we get some more participation, I'll make a button and get us a Linky to make sharing easier!

Now that that's out of the way, here's this week's Tune-In Tuesday Music:

1. Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) by Beyonce ~ I'm not too into Beyonce. Never have been. But, my daughter has been singing this lately – because the kid next door does. (I'm guessing it's the Chippettes' version, but I figure that'd be annoying, so we'll go with the original! ;-) )




2.Lead Me by Sanctus Real ~ I recently heard this one. WOW! I so wish this would hit home with my husband ...





I am so proud of myself! I did it – ahead of time, too! :-D I'm really, really hoping I can get into a routine with this!

So, anyone out there have music to share? I wanna know what you (or your kids, I suppose LOL) are listening to!

Monday, June 14, 2010

A Bit of Me(Me): Movies

Isn't that picture absolutely adorable? I love it! Makes me think of my own babies. I always loved their precious little baby feet!

So, what's this about? There's a great getting-to-know-you-type meme hosted by There's a Book that I thought would be great. I think it's so much fun to learn more about each other. I can't think of a better way to build a strong community of bloggers who are more than just fellow bloggers – fellow bloggers who also are friends! The current topic is about movies.

Tell us about your favorite movie and why. If you can't pick just one, give us your top five!


I don't know if I can pick one. Or even five. I have eclectic taste in movies (at least I think I do), and there are so many that I love for so many different reasons. But, I'll give it a shot.

1. Braveheart

I think this is probably my all-time favorite movie. I love it. Lots of action, romance, and even humor. The story is heartbreaking, exciting, hopeful, then heartbreaking again. And to think it's based (probably loosely) on a real person. Amazing. I love how it goes through the whole gamut of emotions!


2. Fight Club

This is one of my favorites of all time, too. I think this is masterfully done. I never saw the end coming. Not once. LOVE this movie!


3. He's Just Not That Into You

I recently saw this and was blown away! I had no idea what I was getting into, but I LOVED it! It filled me with warm fuzzies, and I'm not gonna argue with that! ;-) My husband was out of town when we had this (via Netflix), so I told him that if he wants to see it then we're gonna buy it. I'll definitely see this again and again and again ...


4. Gladiator

Maybe this one is my all-time favorite. I dunno! LOL What I do know is I love this one, too. Again, the whole gamut of emotions. From excited to sad to happy to hopeful to disappointed to sadder than before. And Russel Crowe was amazing in this movie. This is one I own and have been pining for the extended edition! (Anyone know if that's on Blu-ray yet?)


5. The Princess Bride

Does this really need any explanation?

So, what about you? What are your favorite movies? If you wanna link up, check out the latest post.

Friday, June 11, 2010

E-mail to Mr. Ham

I just sent the following e-mail to my wonderful husband:
There was much weeping and gnashing of teeth by children (ESPECIALLY the male child) in our household just now ...

It finally happened ...

We both have feared this day ...

They're gone!

All of them ...

GONE!

I'm hoping he'll know exactly what I'm talking about. I'm guessing he will.

I'm betting you don't know what I'm talking about. So, let me explain.

When I got pregnant with our youngest, one way we decided to help the bottom line was to cancel our satellite service. Since then (almost three years now), we've only had free TV. We did get a DVR, so we can still record shows, but the only programming we have is what's available from networks in our area. For the most part, our kids watch PBS shows. Favorites include Curious George, Martha Speaks, Word Girl, Dinosaur Train, and Super WHY. Great shows.

In January we bought a Blu-ray player. And Mr. Ham signed us up for Netflix, including the streaming. We started streaming kids' shows (not found on PBS). The favorites (by far) around here are Dora and Blues Clues.

A few months ago we received notice that both were going to be removed from the instant queue. We are guessing contract issues. Anyway, it didn't happen when it was supposed to. Then we got a second notice that they were going to disappear again a few weeks later. Still didn't happen. Recently I noticed they were supposed to disappear sometime this month. I didn't quite believe it, but knew it was a possibility.

A pre-naptime routine has been watch an episode of Blues Clues or Dora. We went to do so this afternoon, and they were (I guess I should say ARE) gone. GONE ...

I guess June 11 was the date they were scheduled to be removed ...

And that is when the weeping and gnashing of teeth happened. Figuring something else out was tough, but we settled on a Leap Frog DVD.

I sure hope Netflix gets the streaming Dora and Blues Clues back soon!

Monday, June 7, 2010

So much for getting caught up ...

Remember, I recently stated that I wanted to get caught up on my blog on Sunday? Well, I was doing pretty well when suddenly I couldn't access Blogger other than to read things. I couldn't post anything, I couldn't edit anything, I couldn't even leave comments on others' blogs! RIDICULOUS. We're talking roughly 18 hours down. I know it's a free service, but I expect more from GOOGLE, of all companies!

So, I am going to be moving this blog to its own domain, too. I just haven't decided what that domain should be. I had started a temporary blog on Wordpress.com, but if I'm going to switch platforms, then I'm going to go all the way – like I did with Proud Book Nerd. So, stay tuned, please. I will hopefully get this set up in the next couple of days. While focusing on that, I will most likely be silent here – and on PBN. I will make it known when it's ready!

Blessings,
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Sunday, June 6, 2010

Blog Journal: Day 22


Question: What would I use lottery winnings for?

My Answer: I am assuming that we're talking about BIG money. Multi-million-dollar lottery winnings. Am also assuming this is about what I'd do after contacting my lawyer and accountant, claiming it, and paying taxes. After all of that, here are some of the things I'd do:
  • Donate a sizable portion to charities: Compassion International, Best Friends Animal Society, St. Jude's, the ASPCA, BGEA (Billy Graham's ministry), and a few others.
  • Pay off ALL of our debts: credit cards (and destroy them), loans, mortgage – EVERYTHING.
  • Buy a new house with everything I want in it. From the rooms to the decor and appliances, everything exactly how I want it. It also must have separate space for my mom.
  • Pay for regular maid service.
  • Go to Hawaii, Italy, and many other places I've always wanted to visit. Flying first-class, of course, and staying in nothing but the BEST of hotels.
  • Put enough away to help pay for the kids' college educations.
  • Save for DH's retirement.
  • Invest, invest, invest.
  • Get DH a new car – or truck.
See other answers HERE.

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Five Question Friday ~ Er, Sunday



1. If you could go back to college would you change your major? Or, if you were to go to college right now...what major would you choose?
I'm not sure. I think I would. I'd major in something more marketable. Don't get me wrong. I'm proud of my English degree. I'm proud of what I've accomplished, but it's hard finding employment outside publishing and other related fields. Especially for someone like me – a reader, not a writer. What would I change it to? Music engineering.

2. What do you love most about your home?
Our laundry room is on the second floor just off our bathroom!

3. What types of books do you like to read (if you like to read at all)?
Do I like to read? Do birds have wings? Do ants love picnics? YES! I like to read – no, wait, I don't like to read. I LOVE to read! As for types of books, most fiction will do. No horror-type stuff, though. Lately I've been reading YA, fantasy, general fiction, Christian fiction. You can see my reviews and whatnot on my book blog.

4. What is the grossest thing you've ever eaten?
When I was a kid, I LOVED liver. LOVED it. I have no idea why. Once I learned more about anatomy, I stopped eating it! LOL

5. If you HAD to be a character on a TV show, whom would you be?
Carol Hathaway on E.R.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then link up in the Linky provided by Mama M.

No blog? That's alright!! Just answer the questions in the comments of anyone's blog along the way...this is a fun, easy way to get to know your fellow bloggers!

Questions for Friday, June 4 (repeated for easier copying):
1. If you could go back to college would you change your major? Or, if you were to go to college right now...what major would you choose?
2. What do you love most about your home?
3. What types of books do you like to read (if you like to read at all)?
4. What is the grossest thing you've ever eaten?
5. If you HAD to be a character on a TV show, whom would you be?

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Blog Journal: Day 21

Today's is a fun one! :-) Three celebrity crushes!

1. Johnny Depp
He has been my top celebrity crush forever! I remember him in Nightmare on Elm Street and 21 Jumpstreet. *sigh*

2. Matt Damon
I especially like him in the Bourne movies ...

3. James Marsden
I discovered him when my daughter was obsessed with Disney's Enchanted.

Head on over to Emma's place at Toddler Awesome for more!


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Oh, the places I've been

I saw this the other day on The Beverly Buzz and decided to do it, too!

I've decided not to include states which I've only been in an airport! ;-) I have a lot more traveling to do! ;-)


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Blog Journal: Day 20


Today we're talking about the hardest thing we've ever dealt with.

This will be kinda long, as I believe the backstory is important here.

When I was a few months old, my mom left her husband – my biological father. He wasn't a very nice man. While my mom worked to support me, her mother, Grandma Darling, took care of me. As a result I became VERY close to her. In many ways, I saw her more as a second mother than as a grandmother.

Labor Day weekend of third grade, she died. She was 54. She had been battling breast cancer for a couple of years (if my memory is correct), so we knew it was coming. But, I was only 8 (I think), and this was DEVASTATING to me. Absolutely devastating. As I said above, it was like losing a mother. I took comfort in knowing that someday I'll see her again in Heaven, but it still tore me apart.

Exactly a year later, my grandfather (my mom's dad) died suddenly of a massive heart attack. He, too, was 54. He was active, and seemed to be quite healthy, but apparently that wasn't the case. This was a huge shock – and blow – to an already struggling and hurting family. And the timing – to this day that weekend is the roughest of the year for me! To make matters worse, so far as we all know, he died an atheist.

Shortly after that, my great-grandfather (Grandma Darling's father) died, too. I know he was old, and I can't say I remember exactly how he died, but he was a wonderful man. His death was nasty icing on a cake laced with poison.

By the time I entered my teen years, I had one grandparent. And she wasn't very warm. Maybe the fact that she was technically an adoptive grandmother – her son is the only man I've ever known as my dad – was why. I don't know, and never will. She died while I was in college ...

Anyway, as a result of these deaths (I guess), my mom's family pretty much fell apart. She has four brothers, and they just all disappeared. We knew where they were, but no one was talking to anyone. Because of my young age at that point, I can't even guess what all happened. I just know that I went from having a wonderful, loving family to having very little family.

I think that, as a result of all of this pain and loss, I spent a good portion of my childhood – and possibly even teen years – depressed. I have very little recollection of most of my childhood, and maybe that's why.

I know this isn't losing a child or having a miscarriage. But, if you're a parent, imagine your child suffering all of this loss and all of this pain at such a young age. And realize that – as with any loss – it's pain that still flares up on occasion. There are still days I ache for my grandmother – and the others I lost. And Labor Day weekend is STILL a bitch (excuse the language) for me – and my family! Yes, the pain of losing someone lessens over time, but I don't know if it ever goes away.

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Blog Journal: Day 19

The question: What are your favorite things/what makes you happy? List 20.

My answer: As always, click on it to see it full size.

To see more, check out Emma's post HERE.

 

Up next: The hardest thing I've ever had to deal with.

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Saturday, June 5, 2010

Friday Fill-Ins ~ A little late

ffi


1. Florida is my favorite place to travel to.
2. When I think about my childhood, I often remember my old friends, playing in the summer.
3. Loyalty makes for a good friend.
4. The wind in the trees, the rain on my skin, the mud on my shoes.
5. Life is so exciting!
6. My best friend knows almost everything about me.
7. And as for the weekend, Friday I watched a good movie with DH, today my plans included nothing, but I was productive, and Sunday, I want to get caught up with this blog stuff!



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Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Blogger Appreciation Day: May 2010

I posted this last month and found it neat to see where my visitors are coming from. I'm excited to do this again, and to see how things have changed over the past month. I think this is a great way to say THANK YOU to those who have sent readers your way! This was started by Kelli at 3 Boys & a Dog.

Here’s how it works:
  1. Go into your tracking service (I use Google Analytics) and set the time period for April 1st – April 30th.
  2. Find the sites that have referred readers to you and put them in order from most sends to lowest.
  3. Write a post (like this one) listing your top 10 referrers.
  4. Link that post up in Kelli's MckLinky, which isn't up yet – she posts hers on the third. 
It would be appreciated if you could link back to this post, you know – return the favor! ;-)

Without further ado ...

Thank you to my top 10 referrers for May!
  1. Toddler Awesome ~ 63 <– first time on the list!
  2. Kelly's Korner ~ 34 <– first time on the list!
  3. My Little Life ~ 14
  4. 2nd Cup of Coffee ~ 12
  5. Sunday Stealing ~ 7 <– first time on the list!
  6. Mann Land 5 ~ 5 ***TIED with #7 – listed in same order as on Google Analytics***
  7. Signature Nail Polish ~ 5 ***TIED with #6 – listed in same order as on Google Analytics***
  8. 3 Boys & a Dog ~ 4 <– first time on the list! ***TIED with #9-10 – listed in same order as on Google Analytics***
  9. Blogger Chix Designs ~ 4 <– first time on the list! ***TIED with #8 and #10 – listed in same order as on Google Analytics***
  10. The Plum Bean Project ~ 4 <– first time on the list! ***TIED with #8-9 – listed in same order as on Google Analytics***
 Wow! Only four were on the previous list! Thanks, EVERYONE! :-)

(I do not list engines, Twitter, FaceBook, etc… I list bloggers and mom entrepreneurs!)

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