Five Question Friday 4/9/10

It's that time again – a time I was sad to have missed last week!

1. Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?

I would love to have Sandra Bullock play me. She's my favorite actress, and has been since Speed came out!

2. Did you ever go to summer camp?

Yes, a few times.

3. What sends you running and screaming in the other direction?

Snakes

4. What is something you do that drives your spouse nuts?

Umm ... I honestly don't know. I know there's something, but I don't know what it is. He's a suffer-in-silence type. Well, until he's reached the boiling point. By that point, it's usually something small that sets him off, and I've no idea where it all is coming from. And, of course, he's not a talker. So ...

5. What is currently your favorite song?

I can never pick a favorite song! Never! But, that's why I have my weekly Tune-In Tuesday meme! (And it took this post to make me realize that I forgot about it this week! I blame spring break and the busyness – yes, that is correct, "busyness" as opposed to "business" – that comes with  that comes with it. Oh, yeah, and the launch of my NEW book blog, Proud Book Nerd.

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Rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then link up in the MckLinky on Mama M's post. Also link back to 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, April 9th (repeated for easier copying):
1. Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
2. Did you ever go to summer camp?
3. What sends you running and screaming in the other direction?
4. What is something you do that drives your spouse nuts?
5. What is currently your favorite song?

GIVEAWAY Ends Tomorrow

I know I said my book stuff will be on my new blog, Proud Book Nerd, and it will. But, because this giveaway actually is posted on THIS blog, I wanted to make sure my readers here got to see this, too.

I just wanted to give everyone a quick reminder that tomorrow at 11:59 p.m., the giveaway for Here Burns My Candle closes for entries. I plan to announce the winner on Saturday. To enter, click on the link below and enter your information into the MckLinky at the bottom of the post. (If you cannot figure out MckLinky, please leave a comment, and I'll get you entered.) GOOD LUCK!

• Here Burns My Candle

Egg-cellent

Oh, yes, I did! I have a punny title! Yes, I know, I hate those, but there are times I just cannot resist! ;-)

Anyway, Abby, Grant, and I decided to color eggs today. We hadn't done so before Easter, but who says you can color eggs only for Easter? Plus, Abby has been begging for hard-boiled eggs for a while now, so it serves two purposes. Fun with dye, and feed my girl! ;-)

I haven't boiled very many eggs in my lifetime, so I wasn't exactly sure how to go about doing so. My fear was ending up with soft-boiled eggs, which are G-R-O-S-S! But, recently, I stumbled upon a post by Jen that was about making good deviled eggs. This post caught my eye simply because I LOVE deviled eggs. Love them! In the post she gives advice on the best way to boil the eggs so they can be peeled easily. Long story short: add the eggs to a pot of boiling water, boil for a few minutes, let sit (covered) for about 15 minutes, cool under cold water. And voila! You have perfect, easy-to-peel eggs.

Today, we tested this method ...





drum roll, please ...





and it worked! The eggs were PERFECTLY cooked, and very easy to peel. Even my 6-year-old, who had never before peeled hard-boiled eggs, was able to peel the eggs pretty cleanly. She only butchered one or two, and that only happened when she tried to get it done too quickly!

So, THANK YOU, Jen! Now that I've found an awesome – no, make that the BEST – way to boil my eggs, I just might be ready to try making deviled eggs (my FAVORITE)!

UPDATE ~ MckLinky is back!

PHEW! MckLinky is back, so please use MckLinky to enter my giveaways. They can be found:

• Here Burns My Candle ~ Ends 4/9
• An Absence So Great ~ Ends 4/15
• This Little Prayer of Mine ~ Ends 4/19

GIVEAWAYS ALERT: MckLinky is DOWN!

This is a bad thing if you want to enter any of my giveaways! Until further notice, please leave a comment on the post in which the giveaways are announced. If you already signed up, PLEASE leave a comment in the post just in case MckLinky's not back soon! I don't want to miss anyone. Anyway, here are the links:

• Here Burns My Candle ~ Ends 4/9
• An Absence So Great ~ Ends 4/15
• This Little Prayer of Mine ~ Ends 4/19

Exciting Announcement

For several days now I have been considering breaking my book blog off from here. Don't get me wrong – I love this blog. But, I was thinking that it might be nice to split the more personal from the less personal. I felt like this blog was getting way too cluttered, and I don't like that! I want to keep this as my primary blog, but have my new blog as all things reading-related – book reviews, giveaways, or other book-related posts that might come along. So, without further ado, I introduce you to:

Proud Book Nerd

No, I haven't posted anything yet. But, I purchased a new layout and am now in the process of moving things over there. I will not be moving any posts from here to there. Anything that I had put on this blog before right now will remain here. Widgets, buttons, and other things like that might disappear from here, but posts aren't moving. So, if you're a bookish one, like me, or wanna win some free books, please start following me over there! Again, the new blog is:


Proud Book Nerd

I hope to see you there!

Book Review: The Flowering Cross by Beth Ryan

Title: The Flowering Cross

Author: Beth Ryan, Illustrated by Renee Graef

Summary: This is an Easter children's book about loving your neighbor. It talks about a little girl, Katie, and her family and how they befriend the grumpy old man next door. While the rest of the neighborhood refers to the man as "Mean Old Jack," Katie's family calls him "Papa Jack." Their love helps pave the way for him to come to know God's love.

My Thoughts: This is a very good story with a wonderful message! My 6-year-old daughter liked the story a lot. Included in the story are suggestions for how to talk to your child about the story and how it relates to God. While they're good, I think that they interfere with the telling of the story. I think that, for future readings, I'll make sure to discuss the insights after finishing the story. My daughter was very interested in the story, as well as the Bible verses on some of the pages. The illustrations are beautiful and nicely compliment the story. Also included is a page with instructions on how you can make your own flowering cross. I thought that's pretty neat – a way to further bring the story to life at home. Overall, I think this is an excellent addition to a child's library, especially if you're looking for Easter-related stories!

Source: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Own It: Get your own copy of The Flowering Cross HERE.

Book Review & GIVEAWAY: This Little Prayer of Mine

Title: This Little Prayer of Mine

Author: Anthony DeStefano, Illustrated by Mark Elliott

Summary: Author Anthony DeStefano’s adult books, The Prayers God Always Says Yes To and A Travel Guide to Heaven, have sold a quarter-million copies. Illustrator Mark Elliott’s cherished artwork has appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s ever-popular Princess Tales series.

Now, these acclaimed inspirational experts have come together to create This Little Prayer of Mine, a beautiful and alluring book designed to guide children into a very simple, real and expressive relationship with God.

Through engaging rhymes and alluring illustrations, This Little Prayer of Mine shows children—and their parents and grandparents—that complete dependence on God is what brings peace and fulfillment. It invites children to know and believe that God is always just a simple prayer away and that He longs to respond to them with a resounding, “Yes!”

This Little Prayer of Mine appeals to readers from all different faiths. Easy-reader format allows children to read alone, or with someone older, and encourages them to openly express their fears, thanks, and needs directly to God.

Author Bio: Anthony DeStefano is the author of The Prayers God Always Says Yes To and A Travel Guide to Heaven. He has received prestigious awards from religious organizations worldwide for his efforts to advance Christian beliefs in modern culture.

Mark Elliott’s brilliant illustrations have appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s Princess Tales series. His acclaimed artwork delivers inspiration, wonder, and timeless beauty on every page.

My thoughts: This is a very cute, sweet story about praying to God. It shows children all the different times we can pray – when we're sad, when we're lonely, when we're scared, etc. It also shows how to ask God's forgiveness when we're not acting as we should. The illustrations are absolutely lovely and go perfectly with the story. Very detailed, my children and I enjoyed really looking through them. This book would be a great addition to any child's library!

Source: This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Own It: Get your own copy of This Little Prayer of Mine HERE.

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*****WIN IT*****

I have one copy to give away to one lucky reader!

To Enter: Submit your entry using the MckLinky below (you can leave the first box, labeled "entry content," blank). Entries will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. (Central) Monday, April 19. A winner will be chosen randomly with the help of random.org. I will send the lucky winner an e-mail notification. (It will come from ramblings.more(at)gmail(dot)com, so make sure to add this address to your safe list or address book to ensure it doesn't get lost in junk/bulk mail.) If I do not get a response within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. Unfortunately, this giveaway is only open to readers in the U.S. No P.O. boxes.

Speaking of GIVEAWAYS: Don't forget to enter my other giveaways!

The GIVEAWAY for Here Burns My Candle ends on April 9!

Enter to win An Absence So Great by April 15 HERE!

I'm back!

I just wanted to say a quick hello – and almost-too-late HAPPY EASTER! We had a lovely weekend with the hubby's family. It was very nice. I'm not going to worry about posting things I'd intended to over the weekend – or things I typically post over the weekends. I'm just going to pick up where I left off. I'm sure you can understand! ;-)

That said, this week is spring break for us, so I'm not sure how much I will be around. I do have a couple of book reviews – including another giveaway – coming soon, so I'll at least be around for those! ;-) In case I'm not around much beyond that, I hope you all have a very blessed week! :-)

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Reminder: I have TWO GIVEAWAYS that are currently open. Not surprisingly, both are books. The first is Here Burns My Candle. (Click on the title to find the post.) Entries are open through Friday, April 9. The winner will be chosen – and announced – the next day. The second is An Absence So Great. Entries are open through Thursday, April 15. To enter either, just fill out the MckLinky information attached to the end of the appropriate post. If you cannot figure out the MckLinky, please post a comment and I'll be happy to add you to the list! :-)

GIVEAWAY: An Absence So Great

I hate doing this, but I have to post this without a review. I just have not had the time to finish the book yet. I am guessing I can finish it tomorrow, while we're on the way to visit family (5 hours in the car), but I won't be able to blog about it then. So, in order to be faithful to my commitment to post about it this week, I have decided to post without a review. So, my plan is simple: make this post with the description, my thoughts on it as of where I'm at in it, and the GIVEAWAY. I'll post a review when I'm finished!

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Title: An Absence So Great

Author: Jane Kirkpatrick

Summary: Inspired by the engaging stories told through her grandmother’s photographs taken at the turn of the century, award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick provides a portrait of the tension between darkness and light in the soul of a young woman pursuing her professional dreams.

Despite growing in confidence as a photographer, eighteen-year-old Jessie Ann Gaebele’s personal life is still at a crossroads. Hoping she’s put an unfortunate romantic longing behind her as “water under the bridge,” she exiles herself to Milwaukee to operate photographic studios for those ill with mercury poisoning.

Jessie gains footing on her dream to one day own her own studio and soon finds herself in other Midwest towns, pursuing her profession. But even a job she loves can’t keep those painful memories from seeping into her heart, and the shadows of a forbidden love threaten to darken the portrait of her life.

Author Bio: Jane Kirkpatrick is an award-winning author of sixteen historical novels, including A Flickering Light, the first part of Jessie Gaebale’s story, and three nonfiction titles. Known for her unique insights into the exploration of community, family and faith of actual historical women, the Wisconsin native and her husband have called their ranch in Oregon home for the past 25 years.

My Thoughts: I'm having a hard time getting into it, I think largely because I haven't read the first book in this series. I think it has the potential to be very good, but frequent references to the back story make it hard for me to get into it. I think what I'm going to do is get my hands on A Flickering Light, read that one, then come back and try again. I have a feeling that once I know what came before, I'll be VERY eager to read this one – especially since the references to the first part of the story really make me WANT to know what happened!

Source: This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Read It: Get your own copy of An Absence So Great HERE.

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*****WIN IT*****

I have one copy to give away to one lucky reader!

To Enter: Submit your entry using the MckLinky below (you can leave the first box, labeled "entry content," blank). Entries will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. (Central) Thursday, April 15. A winner will be chosen randomly with the help of random.org. I will send the lucky winner an e-mail notification. (It will come from ramblings.more(at)gmail(dot)com, so make sure to add this address to your safe list or address book to ensure it doesn't get lost in junk/bulk mail.) If I do not get a response within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. Unfortunately, this giveaway is only open to readers in the U.S. No P.O. boxes.

Speaking of GIVEAWAYS: Don't forget to enter my other GIVEAWAY for Here Burns My Candle! 

Random Dozen

I saw this one over at Reviews & Reflections. I have so much fun with stuff like this that I couldn't resist! This one is hosted by Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

1. How do you feel about the marshmallow Easter Peeps?

Eww! Eww! Eww! Eww! Eww!

2. Chickens are notoriously nervous creatures. When you are nervous, what is the best way to calm down?

I usually pray and ask God to help me.

3. People say, "April showers bring May flowers." Do you enjoy Spring rains?

YES! Love them – even better if there's thunder and lightning!

4. When I was randomly flipping through TV channels this week, I saw a show in which tattoo parlor employees received tattoos of a co-worker's face on their bodies. I can't imagine having a portrait of a colleague tattooed on me. But if someone forced you to receive a portrait tattoo (face only) of anyone, who would it be? Why?

My husband. He is my soul mate. The love of my life.

5. Would you rather have a tattoo (any kind) or a nose ring?

Tattoo

6. Do you have any special plans for Easter?

Visiting family downstate.

7. Cadbury Eggs or Reese Eggs?

Neither.

8. What was the last thing/person you took a picture of?

My kids.

9. What book are you reading now, or what was the last one?

I'm currently reading An Absence So Great by Jane Kirkpatrick.

10. What do you think is the most difficult task when it comes to Spring cleaning?

Getting motivated ...

11. How many pairs of flip-flops do you own?

At least five.

12. Which color makes you happiest?

PURPLE, baby!

Whatcha Reading Wednesday

Hey, bookworms! This one's for you! Hosted by Busy Moms Who Love to Read, this is just a fun little thing to share a tidbit from what you're reading.

Here's how it works:

Grab the book you're currently reading and open it to a random page. Choose a random spot on the page (I close my eyes and point LOL), and select two full sentences. Make a post (or just leave a comment, if you'd prefer) with the two sentences you selected. Include the page number and title and author of the book. If, by some odd chance, your two sentences have the possibility of spoiling the story for someone (say, it happens to name the death of a character or reveals a surprise twist), make sure to include **Spoiler Alert** before you share the sentences – that way anyone who'd rather not have it spoiled can opt to skip it! ;-) Then link up on the MckLinky provided! :-)

Here's mine for the week:

"You'd be surprised," Augie said. "Truth telling gets sympathy, especially when you tell them of the mistakes." ~ Page 192 in An Absence So Great by Jane Kirkpatrick

Tune-In Tuesday

I almost forgot about this today – almost. It has been CRAZY here. I had an appointment with my allergist this morning, so Natalie and I went straight there after dropping Grant off. Then we stopped by Target, picked Grant up, and had to take Natalie back to the pediatrician. So, we weren't home until lunch time. I really haven't had much time to sit until now. So, that's why no music before now. But, now that it's over, I'm here with some music!

So, I was thinking that with Easter coming on Sunday, I should do something along those lines. But, well, I don't know that there are any Easter-themed songs that I'd wanna share. And by Easter-themed I don't mean about bunnies, eggs, and jellybeans. I mean the crucifixion and resurrection. But, I grew up in a church that rarely – if ever – sang any hymns of any sort. So, my repertoire on crucifixion- and resurrection-related songs is pretty small. So, I'll just keep it to Christian music. So, here we go!

1. Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet by Jars of Clay ~ One of my favorite Jars of Clay songs ever. And I do think this one is perfect for posting during what some religions (not mine) call Holy Week – what I've always just thought of as the week between Palm Sunday and Easter. Given that this weekend is when we remember – and even celebrate – Jesus' blood and all it means.

Jesus' blood never failed me yet

never failed me yet

Jesus' blood never failed me yet

this one thing i know

that He loves me so

Jesus' blood never failed me yet

never failed me yet

Jesus' blood never failed me yet

this one thing i know

that He loves me so

Jesus' blood never failed me yet

never failed me yet

Jesus' blood never failed me yet

this one thing i know

that He loves me so

Jesus' blood won't fail me yet

won't fail me yet

won't fail me yet

Jesus' blood never failed me yet

never failed me yet

Jesus' blood never failed me yet

this one thing i know

that He loves me so

Jesus' blood never failed me yet

never failed me yet

Jesus' blood never failed me yet

this one thing i know

that He loves me so

Jesus' blood never failed me yet

never failed me yet

Jesus' blood never failed me yet

this one thing i know

that He loves me so

Jesus' blood (won't fail me yet)

blood (won't fail me yet)

His blood (won't fail me yet)

Jesus' blood (won't fail me yet)

His blood (won't fail me yet)

won't fail me yet (won't fail me yet)

Jesus' blood (won't fail me yet)

His blood (won't fail me yet)

His blood won't fail me (won't fail me yet)

this one thing i know

that he loves me so

2. Judas' Kiss by Petra ~ An oldie but a goody (or is it goodie?)! This one might not pertain to the crucifixion/resurrection as well as others, but when else is Judas' kiss relevant? ;-)

I wonder how it makes You feel when the prodigal won't come home

I wonder how it makes You feel when he'd rather be on his own

I wonder what it's like for You when a lamb has gone astray

I wonder what it's like for You when Your children disobey

It must be like another thorn stuck in your brow

It must be like another close friend's broken vow

It must be like another nail right through You wrist

It must be just like, just like Judas' kiss

I wonder how it makes You feel when no one seeks Your face

I wonder how it makes You feel when they give up in the race

I wonder what it's like for You when they willingly disobey

I wonder what it's like for You when they willingly walk away

It must be like another thorn stuck in Your brow

It must be like another close friend's broken vow

It must be like another nail right through Your wrist

It must be just like, just like Judas' kiss

Well, I surprised myself – I actually DID find some that are relevant to Easter. Or at least I think so. Enjoy! And don't forget to share your music! :-)

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GIVEAWAY REMINDER

Don't forget to sign up to win a copy of Here Burns My Candle! Contest ends on Friday, April 9.

Book Review: The Emerald Storm

The Emerald Storm by Michael J.  Sullivan

Summary: Ex-mercenary Hadrian Blackwater sets course on a high seas adventure to find the lost Heir of Novron. His only hope lies in confronting the ruthless and cunning Merrick Marius. Fearing his friend is not up to the challenge, Royce Melborn joins his old partner for one last mission. Their journey finds them adrift amid treachery and betrayals forcing Hadrian to face a past he hoped never to see again.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My review: This is another excellent installment in The Riyria Revelations series! There is lots of fast-paced action that makes the book hard to put down. I found I liked it even better the second time reading through it, but I don't think it's as good as its predecessors. I'm not sure why - I can't put a finger on what it is. But, it is still VERY good.

I must say that there are things from Royce and Hadrian's past - former jobs they had - that are discussed a lot. I'd LOVE to see Michael give us the WHOLE story in these - perhaps sometime after the current series is done!

Speaking of the current series, this is the first one I find myself wondering if someone who read this first could follow it very well. There is a lot of referencing to previous episodes in this series, and without having read them it might frustrate readers. One example is when Hadrian calls Royce "Esrahaddon" because of something somewhat cryptic he says. But, the first two books in the series are really where we get to know Esrahaddon, and I think that little tidbit (which, I must admit, I LOVED - it cracked me up) could confuse someone who hasn't read them.

But, all of that said, I still enjoyed this book very much! Sullivan is an EXCELLENT author who expertly brings his stories - and characters - to life! I can't wait to see what's coming next!

Source: I had the privilege of editing this book, so I got my hands on it for free. But, that in NO way influences my review, and I did not receive any compensation for this post.

Get your own copy: Purchase a copy of The Emerald Storm through Amazon.

View all my reviews >>

Getting to Know You

Another fun one that I just might try to do every week. Getting to Know You is hosted by MannLand5. Apparently this week's questions were created by a man blogger! Feel free to join in if you want! She has a MckLinky on her blog that you can use to share your post - or you can just leave me a comment. :-)

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1 - Why did you start blogging?

I really struggled after my son was born, and was diagnosed with postpartum depression. I thought that maybe if I blogged it would help me work through things.

2 - Who's the one blog friend that you would want to meet most in "real life"?

Well, she's not really a blog friend – she's an online friend I met elsewhere who happens to have a blog. That would be my BFF, Chris!
 

3 - Why are you always concerned with losing that "extra 10 pounds" when chances are your husband/boyfriend/friends tell you that you look just fine the way you are?

Well, I'm not concerned with that – YET. I still have a lot of the extra baby weight to lose. I'll get back to  you when I know! ;-)

4 - What's the one thing you wish guys could understand about you?

What PMS is like. That they could see just how little control we have over how our bodies, minds, and emotions react to the regular hormonal fluctuations our bodies endure!

5 - Tattoos. How many do you have and how many are visible when you wear your "everyday" clothes?

Zero and zero.

6 - What was the best year of your life and why?

Oh, I dunno. I like to think that the best is yet to come, that my life will get better and better. By categorizing a past year as my best ever, I think it limits the rest of my years a bit!

7 - Name three things you would do if you were a man for one day.

What could I do as a man that I can't do as a woman? The only things I can think of are pee standing up, have an erection, and stuff like that. I don't feel any of that is stuff I need – or even want – to experience!

8 - What's your alcoholic drink of choice that usually raises a few eyebrows?

A mudslide, I guess. It doesn't really raise eyebrows, except for the fact that it means I'm drinking. I very rarely drink alcohol, so me drinking at all is noteworthy! ;-)

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That was fun! Now it's your turn! (Questions are below for easier copying.)

1 - Why did you start blogging?
2 - Who's the one blog friend that you would want to meet most in "real life"?
3 - Why are you always concerned with losing that "extra 10 pounds" when chances are your husband/boyfriend/friends tell you that you look just fine the way you are?
4 - What's the one thing you wish guys could understand about you?
5 - Tattoos. How many do you have and how many are visible when you wear your "everyday" clothes?
6 - What was the best year of your life and why?
7 - Name three things you would do if you were a man for one day.
8 - What's your alcoholic drink of choice that usually raises a few eyebrows?

Small Talk Six: Celebrity Crushes

Here's another fun thing I've not done before. Apparently, there's a weekly (Saturday) post over at Momdot. Amazingly, the whole YEAR is already planned out! If you wanna see what's coming or find out exactly how this works, check this out!

This week's topic: 6 celebrities you had a crush on when you were a Tween/Teen. I gotta think back - I had TONS of celebrity crushes, especially in the junior high years! LOL Initially, I can only think of a couple, but we'll see what I can do.

1. Johnny Depp in the 21 Jump Street days. Looking back at the old pics, I must say: there's one thing that DEFINITELY got even better with age ...

2. Joey McIntyre from NKOTB. I LOVED him. And I was totally psyched because he was somewhat close to my age! LMAO I had posters of him EVERYWHERE! I kid you not!

3. Tom Cruise. What young girl in the late '80s and early '90s didn't love him?

4. Luke Perry. I was a HUGE 90210 (the original only, please) fan - HUGE.

5. Christian Slater. I wasn't as into him as I was into others, but I do remember a time when I had a crush on him. Loved his voice – still do, actually – and he was – and still is – pretty attractive.

6. Mark-Paul Gosselaar ~ I was a HUGE Saved By the Bell fan because of him! LOL

Hee, hee! That was fun! So, who did you lust after in your tween/teen years? Do share! :-)

My Easter Basket ~ For the Kids

I was kindly given a virtual Easter Basket from OutnumberedMama! First, THANK YOU! It was so sweet! Now the scoop.

It is meant to be passed on, and it's for a great cause! Would you like to help raise $5,000 for the Children's Miracle Network? It doesn't get easier than this! Hershey's will donate $10 for each post in this blog hop between March 18, 2010 and April 4, 2010! Just include the following instructions with your post:

• Copy and paste these rules into your blog post.
• Create a blog post giving a virtual Easter Basket to another blogger – you can give away as many Virtual Baskets as you want.
• Link back to the person who gave you an Easter Basket.
• Let each person you are giving a Virtual Easter Basket know you have given them a Basket.
• Leave your link at the BetterBasket.info/BlogHop comment section. You can also find the official rules of this blog hop and more information about Better Basket with Hershey’s there.
• Hershey’s is donating $10 per each blog participating to the Better Basket Blog Hop to Children’s Miracle Network (up to total of $5,000 for blog posts written by April 4th, 2010). 
• Please note that only one blog post by each blog url will count toward the donation.

For the record, I have no idea who all has and has not received this before me. So, if I pass this on to someone who already has it, my apologies! I did my best to check, but didn't want to spend too much time looking through everyone's blog! ;-) Without further ado, I am passing mine on to the following bloggers:

Courtney at Women Living Well

Kelly Jo at Typing One-Handed

Jen at The Misadventures of Mrs. B

Heidi at Sacred & Profane

Lisa at One Hip Mom

Christine at God is Love

As we head into the week between Palm Sunday and Easter, I wanted to just send my wishes for a blessed Easter! Love to all! (And if I didn't include you, please do NOT take it personally! I love all of my blogging friends!)

Week in Review ~ Looking Ahead

It's that time again! And I am making sure not to post any embarrassing notes to myself this time! ;-) That said, I normally write a little bit of this post every day. That way I'm not stuck trying to remember what usually is a whirlwind week. This week, I didn't. Kept forgetting. So, we'll see how this goes!

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So, I am happy to say this week was a lot better than the last. At the very least, we had no health crises of any sort!

• Sunday: We FINALLY reached the end of Natalie's health scare. Completely unrelated, Abby and I finally got to try some new nail polish. AWESOME  (non-stinky, non-toxic, environmentally friendly) stuff! Read my review HERE.
• Monday: A busy day. Girl scouts, errands to run, physical therapy. Not much blogwise!
• Tuesday: Posted another Tune-In Tuesday. I had a bit of a mental block, though, and only posted one song – perhaps it was part of this funk I recently posted about? The good news is some people do seem to be interested in this. I hope it takes off. I love music so much. I really think this could be a LOT of fun!
• Wednesday: Joined in on Whatcha Reading Wednesday. It's a fun way to share whatever you're currently reading! I also posted my latest blog tour review and GIVEAWAY for Here Burns My Candle – AWESOME book!
• Thursday: We had our FIRST SPRING RAIN! Makes me SO HAPPY! I got started on editing The Emerald Storm.
• Friday: Five Question Friday time. I really have fun with that one! Personally, more physical therapy. Starting next week, it's once per week – and probably only for a couple of weeks.
• Saturday: Quiet day. I spent most of it alternating between getting laundry done and editing The Emerald Storm. I hope to finish it tomorrow so I can get it in the mail on Monday.

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As for next week, it's almost time for spring break. I cannot wait! At some point I'll post for my latest blog tour. I'll be reading and reviewing An Absence So Great by Jane Kirkpatrick. I also have a copy to GIVE AWAY, so stay tuned!

• Sunday: I hope to remember to post Getting to Know You. That was fun last week! Here, Grant has a birthday party to attend, so I'll take him to that. I'm also hoping to finish the editing. And I have to make sure not to forget to pick up a friend at the train station tonight!
• Monday: The day for makin' new friends. Off blog, no plans. This just in: soccer practice begins again! Yikes. I'm not ready!
• Tuesday: Tune-In Tuesday, of course! My mom's coming out for a visit, so perhaps I'll be quieter than usual? We'll see.
• Wednesday: Hopefully more Whatcha Readin Wednesday! I LOVE that one! 
• Thursday: No plans blogwise, but we'll be packing up to leave for Easter weekend.
• Friday: SPRING BREAK BEGINS! I don't expect to make a Friday-themed post. Maybe if I remember to look for the Five Question Friday questions on Thursday night I can schedule it to post. We'll be traveling to see my in-laws, and it's a LONG drive. I don't expect to get much chance for blogging over the weekend.

I hope you all have a great week!

Ugh

I am in a funk. I don't know why. I've been off-kilter and grumpy for a few days now. I don't get it. Is this the depression trying to rear its ugly head, or is something else going on?

I never know what to do when this happens. I try to pray, absorb myself in music (mostly Christian), try to read, etc. Often, that helps. Not this time. WHY? What the heck is going on?

My poor kids are getting a not-so-nice me lately. Now, I – of course – would never do anything to hurt them, but my patience and tolerance are low – VERY low. Perhaps I need a break? It's been quite some time since I've had a real break. I've been on my own a few times as of late, but they've all been for appointments – physical therapy and whatnot. Perhaps I need a real break – camp out at Panera with the book I'm currently editing, get a Chai tea latte, listen to music (otherwise I listen to others' conversations LOL), and just chill.

I dunno. I'll see if I can arrange some ME time this weekend. Hopefully that'll help.

Thanks for letting me "talk aloud" – I really needed that! :-)

Five Question Friday

I would have posted this a few hours ago, but Blogger has been giving me trouble. So, my apologies for the delay!

1. Did you pass your driver's test on the first try?

Yep.

2. What is your most embarrassing moment?

I try my hardest to forget such moments. So, I'm not going to share any.

3. What TV show would you like to be on- Oprah, Biggest Loser, or What Not to Wear?

Biggest Loser

4. Would you ever get plastic surgery and what kind?

I would love a tummy tuck (get rid of baby leftovers) and my boobs lifted (breastfeeding stole the perkiness) and maybe even reduced (they have NOT gone back to pre-pregnancy size, but have remained bigger).

5. What are your favorite jeans to wear?

I hate jeans. I live in yoga pants!

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Rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then link up (grab the code too, if you'd like!!). Also link back to 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, March 26th (repeated for easier copying):
1. Did you pass your driver's test on the first try?
2. What is your most embarrassing moment?
3. What TV show would you like to be on- Oprah, Biggest Loser, or What Not to Wear?
4. Would you ever get plastic surgery and what kind?
5. What are your favorite jeans to wear?

Spring! Glorious Spring!

Yesterday, it rained. And I was very happy. VERY happy! And not simply because I love the rain.

I do love the rain – LOVE it. It's so cleansing, refreshing, and amazing. It always reminds me of God's goodness and power (the latter usually from thunderstorms, but that's another post for another day).

What was so special about yesterday? Well, it was the first spring rain! I don't mean it was the first rain once the season officially became spring. What I mean is that it was the first spring rain. You know – SPRING! It smelled like spring. That fresh, clean, springy scent that often comes with this time of year!

I breathed in that scent as much as I could. And I smiled. :-) God is so good!

Photo Credit: Stas Perov - Fotolia.com

Book Review & GIVEAWAY: Here Burns My Candle

Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs

From the back cover: Lady Elisabeth Kerr is a keeper of secrets. A Highlander by birth and a Lowlander by marriage, she honors the auld ways, even as doubts and fears stir deep within her.

Her husband, Lord Donald, has secrets of his own, well hidden from the household, yet whispered among the town gossips.

His mother, the dowager Lady Marjory, hides gold beneath her floor and guilt inside her heart. Though her two abiding passions are maintaining her place in society and coddling her grown sons, Marjory’s many regrets, buried in Greyfriars Churchyard, continue to plague her.

One by one the Kerr family secrets begin to surface, even as bonny Prince Charlie and his rebel army ride into Edinburgh in September 1745, intent on capturing the crown.

A timeless story of love and betrayal, loss and redemption, flickering against the vivid backdrop of eighteenth-century Scotland, Here Burns My Candle illumines the dark side of human nature, even as hope, the brightest of tapers, lights the way home.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My review: Very good book. Very. So, why only four stars? It was too sad. Too much loss, too much crying, too little happiness. I know it reflects the time period during which it occurs, but add to all that this book clearly was written with a sequel planned. The end isn't much of an end, and after finishing I found an advertisement for the next book – coming next spring! I hate that! So, while it was a VERY well-written story with very good characters, I just couldn't give it the full five stars. Four and a half would've been my preference, but Goodreads doesn't allow! ;-)

Source: Sent by the publisher for review.

Get your own copy: One lucky reader will win a FREE copy of this Here Burns My Candle! (Entry details are below.) For the rest of you, it can be purchased HERE.

View all of my Goodreads.com reviews >>

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GIVEAWAY

The publisher has graciously sent me an extra copy of this book to give to a lucky reader! It was VERY good, and I'm very excited to be sharing one with you!

To enter: Submit your entry using the MckLinky below (you can leave the first box, labeled "entry content," blank). Entries will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. (Central) Friday, April 9. A winner will be chosen randomly with the help of random.org. I will send the lucky winner an e-mail notification. If I do not get a response within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. Unfortunately, this giveaway is only open to readers in the U.S. No P.O. boxes.

Whatcha Reading Wednesday

Hey, bookworms! This one's for you! Hosted by Busy Moms Who Love to Read, this is just a fun little thing to share a tidbit from what you're reading.

Here's how it works:

Grab the book you're currently reading and open it to a random page. Choose a random spot on the page (I close my eyes and point LOL), and select two full sentences. Make a post (or just leave a comment, if you'd prefer) with the two sentences you selected. Include the page number and title and author of the book. If, by some odd chance, your two sentences have the possibility of spoiling the story for someone (say, it happens to name the death of a character or reveals a surprise twist), make sure to include **Spoiler Alert** before you share the sentences – that way anyone who'd rather not have it spoiled can opt to skip it! ;-) Then link up on the MckLinky provided! :-)

Here's mine for the week:

"I shall pen a letter at once," she promised, her hands growing cold at the mere thought of it. "Might you arrive in Castleton by Michaelmas?" ~ Page 148 in Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs

Tune-In Tuesday

This is rare. I'm at a loss. I'm drawing a blank. I have no idea what music to share with you! WOW! That didn't take long, did it? In my defense, it has been a CRAZY week – if you read this blog you know! So, let's see. What can I share with you ...

How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin ~ What a powerful, powerful song.

The splendor of a King, clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice
All the earth rejoice

He wraps himself in Light, and darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
Trembles at His voice

How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God

Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
Beginning and the end

The Godhead Three in One
Father Spirit Son
The Lion and the Lamb
The Lion and the Lamb

How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God

Name above all names
Worthy of our praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God

How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God

Well, since I'm drawing a blank right now, I think we'll just have one this week. Hopefully next week I'll have more to share! LOL

So, anyone wanna share their music with me? Please? I'm so lonely! ;-) (If you're curious about what I'm doing, read the first Tune-In Tuesday post HERE.)

Marketing Monday

Here's another fun thing I found while cruising through friends' blogs.



It's a quick, easy way to let people know about your blog, Web site, Esty shop, or whatever! It's hosted by Trendy Treehouse! So, if you wanna join, just head on over and add your link!

If you follow me, I will follow you back for sure! :-) I look forward to making new friends!

Getting to Know You

Another fun one that I just might try to do every week. Getting to Know You is hosted by MannLand5. Feel free to join in if you want! She has a MckLinky on her blog that you can use to share your post - or you can just leave me a comment. :-)

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1. What year did you graduate high school?

1995

2. What part of your body do you neglect the most?

Umm ... I dunno. Part of me wants to say my hair, because it has been WAY too long since my last trim. But, I'm horrible about skincare, so perhaps that's it.

3. Beach house or Lake house?

Beach

4. Mac or PC?

Mac

5. Did you wear braces?

Yep

6. If you could be one person for a day...living or deceased...who would you be?

 If you ask me who I'd like to talk to and/or meet, I could answer this somewhat easily. But, actually be? I dunno - never thought about it. This very moment, maybe I'd be one of my kids so I can see how they see me.

7. How many times have you moved in your life?

 Let's see. Not counting moving into and out of housing during college, eight.

8. Would you rather cook or clean?

Clean. I HATE cooking.

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Now it's your turn! Have fun! (Questions copied below for easier copy/paste.)

1. What year did you graduate high school?
2. What part of your body do you neglect the most?
3. Beach house or Lake house?
4. Mac or PC?
5. Did you wear braces?
6. If you could be one person for a day..living or deceased..who would you be?
7. How many times have you moved in your life?
8. Would you rather cook or clean?

Best Nail Polish EVER

I have been waiting eagerly for some new nail polish that I knew was in the works. It is a new line of environmentally friendly, non-toxic, water-based nail polish – in vibrant, GORGEOUS colors! The brand is Signature Nail Polish. When I saw that they were (finally) taking orders, I immediately placed my order. I found it very difficult to find favorite colors – there are so many AWESOME colors from which to choose! I ordered seven colors for starters – plus the top coat. Shipping was fast – I was quite impressed!

Today, my daughter and I finally got to try it out. Well, she did - I haven't painted my nails yet. I might later. Anyway, she wanted multi-colored nails, so we used five different colors on her fingernails and five on her toenails. Of the ones we tried, our favorites are:

• Sarah's Midnight Sky ~ GORGEOUS purple-blue-black iridescent color! It's pretty in the bottle, but even more so on my daughter's nails!
• Tracy's Sheer Lavender ~ Another VERY beautiful shade. It's a lighter purple-blue iridescent color that I plan to use frequently on my fingernails.
• Tina's Tropical Island ~ A very pretty green color. This one's going on my toes!

Aside from the BEAUTIFUL colors, I love that it's not stinky. It has a very slight nail-polish smell, but you only notice it if you bring the bottle by your nose. (Which I did, just to see how it smelled.) But, after we were finished, the room didn't smell like a nail salon! In fact, you wouldn't know we were getting manicures unless you saw us!

Another thing I love – easy cleanup. I dripped some of it on the tray we were using as our surface, and I wiped it off with my finger. I had the polish all over my thumb and one of my fingers. Once I was done with my daughter's nails, I rinsed my hands with warm water, and the polish came off my skin with little effort! I LOVE it!

So, if you love to paint your nails and you're wanting to try something new, I HIGHLY recommend Signature Nail Polish! The colors are beautiful. There is no stinky nail-polish smell. The polish is environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and kid-friendly. And I'll say it again, BEAUTIFUL colors!

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The Lowdown

Company: Signature Nail Polish
Web site: http://signaturenailpolish.com/
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Source: I purchased for my own personal use. I loved it, and decided to share with my friends and readers! There was no compensation of any sort, and I was not influenced in any way.