Note to Self

Hey, you!

Me?

Yep. YOU.

What now?

Remember that recent post about going the Wrong Way?

Yeah, what about it?

Feel free to make that U-turn any time now. I mean, really. Not that I'm in a rush to get back into shape or anything. It's just, well, swimsuit season is just about here. And shorts. And tanks. And, well,  you get the idea. ...

...

I'm just sayin' ...

...

Don't MAKE me force you to EXERCISE!

Blogger Appreciation Day: April 2010

What a great way to say THANK YOU to those who have sent readers your way! This is something 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 HERE.

It would be appreciated if you could link back to this post, you know – return the favor! ;-)

Without further ado ...

THANK YOU to ALL of my referrers, especially April's TOP TEN:

1. Proud Book Nerd ~ 40 Visitors (Yes, it is my book blog, but I think it still counts – at least this month. If it turns out that it's a recurring theme, then I'll skip this one in the future.)
2. .{Silver Lining}. ~ 14 Visitors
3. Living to Tell the Story ~ 13 Visitors
4. Signature Nail Polish ~ 9 Visitors
5. 2nd Cup of Coffee ~ 9 Visitors
6. Whimsical Musings and More ~ 5 Visitors ***TIED with #7 and #8 – listed in same order as on Google Analytics***
7. The Secret is in the Sauce ~ 5 Visitors ***TIED with #6 and #8 – listed in same order as on Google Analytics***
8. My Little Life ~ 5 Visitors  ***TIED with #6 and #7 – listed in same order as on Google Analytics***
9. My World ~ 3 Visitors  ***TIED with #10-12 – listed in same order as on Google Analytics***
10. Mann Land 5 ~ 3 Visitors  ***TIED with #9, 11-12 – listed in same order as on Google Analytics***
11. Midday Escapades ~  3 Visitors  ***TIED with #9-10, 12 – listed in same order as on Google Analytics***
12. Trendy Treehouse ~ 3 Visitors  ***TIED with #9-11 – listed in same order as on Google Analytics***

Well, whaddya know! There are TWELVE here this week - two ties! :-) I thought it only fair to list all those tied! So, THANK YOU to ALL of you! :-) There were SEVERAL others linking here, too, and I thank you, too. This was my first month using Google Analytics, and I look forward to seeing how things change for May!

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

On Comments

Like most other bloggers out there, I LOVE comments. It's great to know that others read my writing, AND have something to say about it. What irks me, though, is those who never, ever respond to – or at least acknowledge – comments on their own blog. I understand it can be time consuming, but readers like to KNOW that their comments have been received by the one to whom they are directed.

Those who do respond or otherwise acknowledge comments seem to have different ways of doing so. Some respond within the post's comments, making it kind of a discussion thread. But, that only actually develops into a discussion if those leaving comments are following that particular "thread" for responses. Then, if it's a high-trafficked post with lots of comments, the inbox can get cluttered by a bunch of updates.

Another response method I've seen more recently is the blog author responds via e-mail. They respond to the e-mail notification of the new comment, which has the e-mail of the comment-leaver as the sent/reply-to address. That's harder to miss – unless, of course, your e-mailed response gets filed into the bulk/junk mail folder. But, this is particularly good for potentially explosive topics where the author doesn't want to start drama.

I'm not sure if there's some other response method out there. If there is, I haven't seen it yet!

I was wondering, what do YOU prefer? I'd like to hear what my readers like. I might even generate a poll for this. For now, please comment with your thoughts.

Thanks!

Random Dozen 5/4

1. What was the last thing about which you procrastinated?

Paying bills, which I finished last night.

2. How long does it take you to fall asleep, and do you sleep through the night?

Depends on what's going on and how tired I am. I'll often take awhile to fall asleep if I can't get my head to stop thinking. When that happens, I'll read for a bit. That usually relaxes my mind enough that I can get to sleep. If I'm really tired, though, I fall asleep almost instantly. Most nights I sleep through – assuming the kiddos do! ;-) I might occasionally get up once to pee, but that's not the norm.

3. Which decade would you choose to exemplify your favorite fashion styles?

Ugh, I dunno. LOL Definitely NOT the '80s!

4. What is your personal best dish to feed a crowd?

As in a meal? Um...my hubby is the cook.

5. Are you an impulse shopper? What was the last thing you bought on impulse?

Yes, unfortunately. It's something I'm begging God to help me STOP! The last thing I bought on impulse? Books, of course! ;-)

6. What is one wish you have for your own funeral?

I've already told DH not to worry about a funeral. He can have a memorial service, but don't bury me – cremate me.

7. If it's true that joy is in found in the simple things in life, what does your joy look like today?

I got to have a chai tea latte this morning! :-) That, and Abby's school's book fair is tonight! :-)

8. What is your favorite type of bread?

Beer bread – YUM!

9. What trait do you fear developing the most? (Laziness, greediness, grumpiness, etc.)

Fear developing? That implies something I haven't yet developed, so I guess grumpiness.

10. What trait would you like most to develop?

Whatever the opposite of laziness is and being good with money, being frugal.

11. Which room in your house best reflects your personality? Why?

Geesh, I don't know. I think the kids' room. It's my favorite. It's calm, peaceful, and I just like it a lot. Not sure if it reflects my personality, though! LOL

12. How do you maintain balance in your life regarding, work, family, church, other organizations and activities, and blogging?

Balance? What's that? ;-) I'm still working on that. I know my priorities need BIG-time straightening up ...

Tune-In Tuesday #7

Good morning! Happy Tune-In Tuesday! :-) Before I get to that, though, I wanted to offer my apologies. I was absent yesterday due to technical difficulties. Apparently, there has been some issue between Google services and AT&T DSL customers in the Midwest. Google was blaming AT&T, but I find that a bit much. Google was the ONLY thing any of us were having trouble with – and by "Google" I mean ALL of Google: Gmail, Blogger, etc. By the end of the day, however, they seem to have resolved the issue. But, my hubby is gone for a few days this week, so I wasn't able to come by and say hi. So, if someone posted any comments, I apologize for not getting to it right away.

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And now for the fun stuff. Tune-In Tuesday! :-) I don't know if you remember, but last week I shared a song by Flyleaf. Since then, I have purchased the full CD. And I am SO GLAD to have done so – it is GOOD! Abby likes it, too. She says it's great having a rockin' CD with a GIRL singing! :-) Every time I listen to Flyleaf, I'm reminded of Evanescence. Anyone else experience that?

Anyway, today I wanted to share another Flyleaf song, one that is just as awesome as Again, last week's song.

Treasure by Flyleaf ~ A beautiful, powerful song. And this girl has pipes! Anyway, I hope you enjoy it! :-)

Can I tell you a story as we dance
while the sun starts to bleed
Song of songs love is calling daughter
wake up from your sleep

Refined I'll become the most
dazzling precious treasure
I'll be treasured over all the earth

Bearing the gift of a new heart
Patience ablaze I'm slowly burning

Refined ill become the most
dazzling precious treasure
Ill be treasured over all the earth

I am in awe and in shock
I'm in love and given away
I'm reserved with these words:

Can I tell you a story as we dance
while the sun starts to bleed
Trees rejoice with the wind here
Hallelujah, Yes Shua

Tonight I've become the
most dazzling precious
I am treasured over all the earth
Just look at what he's done
How he's laying down his life
Take this life
Oh most dazzling precious treasure
Tonight I've become the most
dazzling precious treasure
I am treasure over all the earth

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What song(s) has(have) touched you this week? I'd love to know – I'm always looking for more great music! :-)

Worship and Praise Sunday: You Are So Good to Me

This week I chose "You Are So Good to Me" by Third Day. I love, love, love this song. I could listen to it over and over and over again.

You are so good to me

You heal my broken heart

You are my Father in heaven [2x]

You ride upon the clouds

You lead me to the truth

You are the Spirit inside me [2x]

You poured out all your blood

You died upon the cross

You are my Jesus who loves me [2x]

[Chorus:]

You are beautiful my sweet, sweet, song [3x]

I will sing again

[Bridge:]

You are my strong melody

You are my dancing rhythm

You are my perfect rhyme

And I want to sing forever

You can join in on Worship and Praise Sunday by visiting Jen's blog.

Getting to Know You 5/2

To play..copy the questions..answer them..post them..then go back to Mann Land 5 and link up..that's it!

1. Are you superstitious?

Not really.

2. If you were an animal..what kind would you be?

Cat. Then I could sleep all day, soak up the sun rays, be pampered ...

3. You would never catch me wearing.........?

I don't generally like to say "never" for much of anything. You just never know what might happen.

4. If someone posts a VLOG..do you watch it?

Not usually. And if I do, ONLY if it's short – as in 5 minutes or shorter.

5. Have you ever waxed your girlie/manly parts..or any other part of your body?

Just the eyebrows.

6. Are you a spender or a saver?

Spender, unfortunately.

7. If you were starring in a movie..who would you want to play your leading man/woman?

Johnny Depp

8. Smoker..never smoked..social smoker..or smoked back in the day?

Tried smoking a little in high school, but didn't stick with it. YUCK!

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The questions, once again, for easier copying and pasting:
1. Are you superstitious?
2. If you were an animal..what kind would you be?
3. You would never catch me wearing.........?
4. If someone posts a VLOG..do you watch it?
5. Have you ever waxed your girlie/manly parts..or any other part of your body?
6. Are you a spender or a saver?
7. If you were starring in a movie..who would you want to play your leading man/woman?
8. Smoker..never smoked..social smoker..or smoked back in the day?

Looking back, I'm not surprised

It's funny how when we start to move forward something always gets in the way. Whether it stops us in our tracks or not is entirely up to us. Getting past it can be HARD work – even painful at times. But, once you're on the other side, the work was so worth it.

This past week I had quite an experience of this particular sort. I am currently reading a book called Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John & Stasi Eldredge. (I know, this isn't my book blog, but bear with me, this is NOT about the book.) Here is the description from Goodreads.com:

Every little girl has dreams of being swept up into a great adventure, of being the beautiful princess. Sadly, when women grow up, they are often swept up into a life filled merely with duty and demands. Many Christian women are tired, struggling under the weight of the pressure to be a "good servant," a nurturing caregiver, or a capable home manager.
What Wild at Heart did for men, Captivating is doing for women. Setting their hearts free. This groundbreaking book shows readers the glorious design of women before the fall, describes how the feminine heart can be restored, and casts a vision for the power, freedom, and beauty of a woman released to be all she was meant to be. By revealing the core desires every woman shares-to be romanced, to play an irreplaceable role in a grand adventure, and to unveil beauty-John and Stasi Eldredge invite women to recover their feminine hearts, created in the image of an intimate and passionate God. Further, they encourage men to discover the secret of a woman's soul and to delight in the beauty and strength women were created to offer.

I was PLOWING through this book. The rate at which I was reading it astounded even ME. While I tend to read good fiction rather quickly, I'm not so quick with other book types, normally. But this one really hit home with me. I found myself wanting to drink it all in, and it is an eye-opener, for sure! I was starting to make progress in my own life and my own mind.

And that's when it hit.

Wednesday night I was sicker than I've ever been in my life. I'll spare you the details, but suffice it to say that it was as far from beautiful as it could get. My poor (and WONDERFUL, I must add) husband was kept up most of the night, too. And he was stuck doing most of the cleaning up ...

Thursday, bless his heart, my awesome hubby stayed home to run the house. I spent 90% of the day asleep. I attempted to be social and/or helpful, but I could barely stand. I was just SPENT.

Yesterday, I woke feeling MUCH better. I'm almost back to 100% now, praise God! But, interestingly, I haven't been as motivated to pick up that book again. I'm not sure why. Part of it was just not having the energy to read, but now I don't have that excuse. I've lost the flame.

Isn't it just like Satan to do that? You start to make progress, you start to move forward, and BAM! He comes in and throws his worst at you! Choice words come to mind when I think about this! LOL (How ironic is that?) I told him in the midst of my agony Wednesday night/Thursday morning to just let it go. I will NOT let him take away what I'm gaining in reading this book and learning so much about what being a woman is. I told him that he CANNOT use this to take away the inner beauty. I will not allow him to rob me of what I've just so recently gained. I will not accept anything he's trying to give me.

And shortly thereafter, the truly disgusting/agonizing part of it all stopped and I was finally able to rest ...

Perhaps he decided against trying to further afflict me. Or perhaps God heard my refusal to take it, and had mercy on me. Or maybe I just got "lucky." (Nah, I don't believe in luck!) Whatever it was, I finally was able to rest and start recovering.

Now I just have to find the motivation – or whatever it is that I'm lacking – to get myself back into that wonderful book. This is a book I plan to read many times. It is THAT good and THAT helpful.

And, no, this post wasn't about the book. It was about how Satan will try to take away your progress the moment you start making confident steps forward. I think one very good point made in this book was proven true. Basically that the beauty God gave women is reflective of His glory. And in that glory and beauty is power. If Satan can keep us down – attack the very fabric of our being – he has less to fear.

No wonder women are so hated and so horribly treated worldwide!

I, for one, refuse to accept it. No longer will I buy Satan's lies about my beauty and my place in this world. No longer will I allow him to bind me with his chains.

Now I'm ready to finish the book.

Five Question Friday ~ April 30

1. If you could, would you go back to high school?

My gut reaction is an immediate "NO!"

2. If a genie appeared and granted you two wishes, what would they be? (And, no saying "more wishes".)

To have all of our debts instantly GONE – paid off or forgiven, I don't care, just GONE.
For me to be back at my before-the-first-pregnancy weight.

3. What kids show do you secretly like?

Martha Speaks

4. What is your beverage of choice?

Dr Pepper or chai tea latte

5. What is something that you would change about yourself (or are working to change in yourself)?

See my second wish above – I wanna lose this weight. Aside from that, I want to stop using credit cards completely.

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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 HERE. 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 30th (repeated for easier copying):
1. If you could, would you go back to high school?
2. If a genie appeared and granted you two wishes, what would they be? (And, no saying "more wishes".)
3. What kids show do you secretly like?
4. What is your beverage of choice?
5. What is something that you would change about yourself (or are working to change in yourself)?

Button Swap Blog Hop

Today is the first weekly Button Swap Blog Hop!  Where bloggers can get together and swap buttons to help promote and support each other. 

Over at Blogger Chix Designs, bloggers are encouraged to be proactive and involved in growing their blogs.  Swapping buttons with other bloggers is going to get your name out there so new readers can find you, which will increase your traffic.  So whip those buttons out and get ready to swap till you drop :-).

Guidelines:

1. Grab the Blogger Chix Designs button HERE and put it on your blog/blog roll (first link on the list).  Leave a comment while you're there and she'll grab your button and add it to her blog roll too!

2. Add the blog hop list (instructions below list) to your Button Swap Blog Hop post on your blog.  Be sure to include the guidelines so all the buttons you swap with others will be returned by them grabbing yours as well. *Be sure to include your button's copy code in you Swap Post.

3. Link your blog post up to the blog hop.  (You only need to link up once and it will show up on all the hop lists on all the blogs participating).

4. Then start visiting the other participants!  Grab their button and add it to your blog sidebar or blog roll, and leave them a comment telling them your visiting from the BSBH party!  Be sure to return the favor to anyone visiting you.

*Tip for having lots of buttons swap success - don't wait for others to come to you, go to them first!*

Don't forget to grab my button:

<center><a href="http://ham1299.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Ramblings & More" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v61/ham1299/Blog%20Stuff/Heather-Button.png" /></a></center>

My ABCs

This is a fun little thing I saw on My Chihuahua Bites. I had to play along! If you play, please leave a comment with your link so I can read your list, too!

A. Are you a PC or a Mac? Mac. I LOVE My Mac!

B. Best current show on TV: Umm...I'm loving The Good Wife.

C. Chore you hate: Do I have to choose one? My absolute least favorite would be dishes. Eeewwww! Plus, my hands get SUPER dry and crack! :-(

D. Dogs or Cats? We have both, but I STRONGLY prefer the cats – despite the puking.

E. Essential "start the day" item: Dr Pepper

F. Favorite color? Do I really have to answer this? Can't you tell? PURPLE!

G. Gold or Silver: Well, my most important rings are gold, but I think I look better with silver. I prefer white gold, actually.

H. Height: 5'4"

I. Instruments you play: I played the violin for several years. I stopped when I developed tendinitis in my left wrist. I also played the clarinet for a couple of years. Since quitting the violin, I've just stuck to my voice.

J. Job: I’m a stay-at-home mom. Prior to that, I worked in publishing.

K. Kids: Three. Abigail will be 7 in June. Grant is 4. Natalie is 2.

L. Living Arrangements: We live in the house we own in Illinois.

M. Mom's Name: Dori.

N. Nickname: Never had one. "Heather" doesn't lend itself to shortening very well! ;-)

O. Overnight Hospital Stay: Just the births of each of my children, thankfully.

P. Pet Peeve: I've more than I should have, that's for sure. Most are while driving ...

Q. Quote from a movie: umm...nothing comes to mind right now. I've never been big on quotes in general.

R. Righty or Lefty? I am a PROUD lefty! :-) I LOVE being left-handed. Absolutely love it.

S. Siblings? Two younger sisters.

T. TV Shows: Not as many as I used to watch.

• Monday: 24
• Tuesday: Lost, The Good Wife, The Forgotten
• Thursday: FlashForward, Private Practice, The Mentalist

U. Underwear: Yes. I'm not a fan of going commando! ;-)

V. Veggie you dislike: Most. I think an easier question for me to answer would be veggie I like.

W. Ways/reasons you are late: Usually the kids. Sometimes because I get caught up in something and lose track of the time.

X. Expiration dates – do you keep or toss? Depends on what it is.

Y. Yummy food you make: I make a pretty good baked macaroni & cheese.

Z. Zoo animals you like: Zebras, dolphins, elephants, giraffes.

Wrong Way!

Have you ever been driving in unfamiliar territory and turned onto a street only to find out that you're going the wrong way on a one-way street? In my experience, it's usually discovered after either driving for a bit and realizing no signs are visible or by being rudely honked at – maybe even cursed at – by an angry driver coming my way. Then, of course, you're embarrassed and hoping no cops are nearby ...

Well ... hopefully the weight-loss police aren't nearby ...

I've suspected for some time now. I've been avoiding the scale. I've been in denial, I guess. But, today, I stepped back on the scale. While I know that some fluctuation is considered normal, I don't think a gain of 6 pounds could be considered regular fluctuation. Especially given what I've been doing lately ...

Old habits have returned ...

Too much Dr Pepper. Too much eating out. Too much chocolate and other sweets. Too much peanut butter. Too much chocolate (did I say that already?).

Not enough water. Not enough healthy foods. Not enough exercise.

And, yes, this is unfamiliar territory for me. Prior to last summer, when I decided it was time to get back into shape – or at least out of the plus sizes – I had never before seriously attempted to lose weight. I hadn't really needed to. Well, not before having babies, anyway. After each of my kids, I could've worked at it, but I found that demoralizing. I didn't want to work at it until I knew it wasn't happening again. That I'd never be pregnant again and gain 50-60 pounds in nine months.

Maybe that's an excuse. I dunno.

What I do know is that I have got to get back into this weight-loss thing. People were starting to notice! When seeing someone I hadn't seen in awhile, I'd get asked if I'd lost weight! It's been LOVELY! People can SEE it!

So, I guess it's time to get back on the bandwagon. I'm going to get back into recording what I eat on MyFitnessPal.com. I'm going to record my weight again, too. I'm GOING TO DO THIS! I CAN DO THIS!

I was so close - within a few pounds of my first goal. Plateaus suck, but I KNOW I CAN do this! I CAN and I WILL!

It's time to turn around and start moving in the RIGHT direction!

Photo Credit: VanHart - Fotolia.com

How cool is this?

So, I've been around the blog-block a lot lately, and I noticed that people do many different things with the navbar here in Blogger-land. Some have found a way to move it to the bottom of the page (or replace it with something very similar that is anchored at the bottom), some have tweaked the colors, and others even have removed it altogether. Initially, I always chose the color that either best matched my blog's color scheme, or the one that clashed least. Then they had more colors, and it became somewhat simple to pick one that worked. Then it got better - transparent navbars! That made me happy. I'll admit, though, that I kinda liked the pages without the navbar, except that it was frustrating trying to find my way back to my Blogger dashboard! But, I liked how they looked. But, again, there was the no-quick-way-back-to-the-dash issue ...

Then I saw it. A blog with a navbar that disappears, but reappears when you hover at the top of the page! BRILLIANT! I wanted it. I contacted the first person I saw with it, but she had someone else design her blog, and that was part of it. Finally, I did a Google search for "blogger navbar hover" – or something like that. And viola! I FOUND IT! And it's so simple. So easy! As easy as adding an html widget to your blog. Check it out on Shabby Creations Freebies here:

Disappearing Navbar

I did have to tweak the margin at the top of my outer wrapper in the html part to get it spaced the way I like it. That was the easy part. I actually did it on Proud Book Nerd first, then realized I wanted it HERE, too!

How cool is this? Pretty cool, if you ask me! ;-)

Tuesday Top 5

While doing my usual blog surfing, I found a new meme over on Reviews & Reflections. She's not the host, but since I found it through her, I thought I'd mention her. Anyway, Shasta just started it TODAY! How fun is that! If you want to participate, check out her POST for the rules.




This week's theme is FEARS. So, my top five fears (in the order they pop into my mind, not necessarily in order of importance or severity) are:

1. Snakes ~ I think it's a true phobia. ANY type of snake fills me with fear. I even made my husband buy a hose of a color that wouldn't freak me out after we bought our house! And sometimes, even earthworms freak me out! I usually can get that one out of my head, but snakes are a no-go. In fact, I can't even see pics. I close my eyes when watching Indiana Jones or anything else that has any number of snakes in it.

2. Cancer ~ This isn't something I've never verbalized before, but it's true. Everyone I know who has been touched by cancer suffered a great deal and didn't make it. I don't necessarily fear getting it, although I don't really think about it either.

3. Losing my husband ~ I know, we've been married over 11 years now and together for almost 17 years. You'd think I'd be secure in our relationship. And, generally, I am. But, no amount of strength or confidence can keep death from coming – whether soon by some freak accident/occurrence or many, many years from now.

4. Losing my teeth ~ I know, it sounds silly. But it's true. I even have nightmares about it sometimes!

5. Something happening to my kids ~ Something bad, obviously. Whether death, abuse, or other tragic occurrence. I pray God protect them ALWAYS in ALL WAYS!

How about you? Don't forget to link up on Shasta's post HERE!

Tune-In Tuesday #6

I promised it'd be back this week, and here it is! :-) I don't have a fancy-dancy graphic yet, but there will be one. I promise.

So, for today, I've honestly no idea what music to share. So, this post likely will take me all. day. to write! LOL That said, I'm starting this at 10:05 a.m. (central). I'll let you know when it's finished! ;-)

Finally! (It's 2 p.m. now ...) I know what to share.

Again by Flyleaf ~ I LOVE this song. I just love the sound of it, plus it's nice to have a rockin' song with a WOMAN singing. I can sing along without straining the voice! ;-) I actually love this song enough to have bought it on iTunes, which is a rarity for me. I prefer to buy the CD, which I can listen to in my car.

I love the way that your heart breaks
with every injustice and deadly fate
Praying it all be new
and living like it all depends on you


Here you are down on your knees again
trying to find air to breathe again
Only surrender will help you now
I love you please see and believe again


I love that you’re never satisfied
with face value wisdom and happy lies
you take what they say and go back and cry
you’re so close to me that you nearly died


Here you are down on your knees again
trying to find air to breathe again
Only surrender will help you now
I love you please see and believe again


they don’t have to understand you
be still
wait and know I understand you
be still
be still


Here you are down on your knees again
trying to find air to breathe again
Only surrender will help you now
The floodgates are breaking
and pouring out


Here you are down on your knees
trying to find air to breathe
right where I want you to be again
i love you please see and believe again


Here you are down on your knees again
trying to find air to breathe again
Right where I want you to be again
See and believe!

I've actually been meaning to share this song for quite some time. Just never remembered it. I try to write the songs down when they come to mind, but often I'll think of something while driving. As in, I am behind the wheel. So ... I'm just happy to have remembered to post this one FINALLY! It's an awesome song!


So, share your music pics! Leave me a comment with a link, or – if you don't have a blog – just share one of your favorites!




P.S. This post was finished at 2:10 p.m. ...

Friend Makin' Monday: Favorite Things

This week's task: Name five things (aside from the obvious, meaning other than your kids/family) that you love.

1. Dr Pepper

2. Unicorns

Oksana - Fotolia.com

3. Skillet

4. Spring

5. Reading

Wanna play? Visit Amber for the rules and this week's links! :-)

Blog Tour & Book Review: No Greater Love

Happy Monday! I know I'd said that all future book-related posts would be over on Proud Book Nerd, but I had some previous commitments that were made when this was the place for EVERYTHING. So, I need to make good on those.

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Title: No Greater Love

Author: Kathi Macias

Summary: Forbidden romance, an unlikely martyr, and an even more unlikely hero. Orphaned four years earlier when their parents, active in the African National Congress ANC movement against Apartheid, were murdered, 16-year-old Chioma and her 15-year-old brother Masozi now live and work on an Afrikaner family’s farm. When Chioma and Andrew, the farm owner’s son, find themselves attracted to one another, tragedy revisits their lives. Chioma escapes to join an ANC rebel band in her effort to survive and gain revenge for her family and culture. When cultures clash in life-or-death struggles, Chioma must choose between violence and revenge or forgiveness and selfless love. Loosely based on historical events and set near Pretoria, South Africa, just prior to the setting of the popular movie Invictus, during the violent upheaval prior to ANC leader Nelson Mandela’s release from prison and his ascendance to the presidency of South Africa, this story of forbidden romance produces an unlikely martyr who is replaced by one even more unlikely.

My thoughts: Overall, I enjoyed the book. It was an interesting story with compelling characters. I vaguely remember hearing about Apartheid when I was a kid, and this book made me want to learn more about it. As the story unfolded, I could kinda guess how some elements were going to play out, but there were still other things that were surprises. I did find it a little hard for me to get into at first, but after a few chapters I was drawn in. While I could guess at what the meanings of the words that aren't in English, I would have liked a glossary or something to define the italicized words in the book. (I'm not sure what language it is.) Despite that, I would recommend this book, and I look forward to reading the second book in the series, More than Conquerors.

Source: Sent by the author for review.

Own It: Get your copy of No Greater Love HERE.

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See my other book reviews on my book blog, Proud Book Nerd.

Worship and Praise Sunday: I'm Still Yours

I stumbled upon this earlier today on Leah's blog. You can join in on Worship and Praise Sunday by visiting Jen's blog.

I chose "I'm Still Yours" by Kutless. It's off their recently released "It Is Well" album, their latest praise and worship album. I LOVE this song!

If You washed away my vanity

If You took away my words

If all my world was swept away

Would You be enough for me?

Would my beating heart still sing?

If I lost it all

Would my hands stay lifted

To the God who gives and takes away

If You take it all

This life You've given

Still my heart will sing to You

When my life is not what I expected

The plans I made have failed

When there's nothing left to steal me away

Will You be enough for me?

Will my broken heart still sing?

If I lost it all

Would my hands stay lifted

To the God who gives

And takes away

If You take it all

This life You've given

Still my heart

Will sing to You

Even if You take it all away

You’ll never let me go

Take it all away

But I still know

That I'm Yours

I'm still Yours

Oh, I'm Yours

I'm still Yours

I'm still Yours

I hope it touches your heart the way it does mine. Have a blessed week!

Getting To Know You 4/25

Hosted by MannLand5, this is a fun theme for Sundays! If you want to participate this week, you can leave me a comment and/or fill out the MckLinky HERE.

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1. If you could star in any movie genre..what would it be: romance, horror, comedy, suspense, or action?

I think I'd choose romance.

2. Do you recycle?

Yep.

3. Have you ever been to a strip club?

Nope.

4. Do you have a nickname?

Not really.

5. What's a name you can't stand to be called?

Heath (not heeth, but pronounced the same way as it is with the 'er on the end)

6. What are your Summer staples?

Tank tops and flip-flops.

7. What was the last thing you bought for yourself?

Umm...maybe a shirt?

8. Are you happy with your boob size?

No. I have kept some of what I gained when pregnant/nursing. I'm hoping that as I lose weight, I'll lose boobage, too.

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Now it's your turn! Here are the questions (for easier copy/paste):

1. If you could star in any movie genre..what would it be..romance..horror..comedy..suspense or action?
2. Do you recycle?
3. Have you ever been to a strip club?
4. Do you have a nickname?
5. What's a name you can't stand to be called?
6. What are your Summer staples?
7. What was the last thing you bought for yourself?
8. Are you happy with your boob size?

Small Talk Six: Rise and Shine

Want to join in? Go here to learn how and to view the weekly Small Talk Six topics for 2010.

Today’s topic is “the first 6 things you do after you open your eyes in the morning.” You can answer this with a list of 6 words, 6 phrases, 6 sentences, 6 paragraphs, 6 photos, 6 videos, etc . . .

When I wake up, I:

1. Put my pj pants on.
2. Pee
3. Help Grant get dressed (unless, by some miracle, he's actually still asleep)
4. Let the dog out.
5. Feed the kids breakfast.
6. Check e-mail.

There is a Mr. Linky on this week's post HERE.

Five Question Friday ~ April 23

1. What was the first car you owned?

A white Pontiac Bonneville. I can't remember what year – around 1989, I think.

2. What song are you embarrassed to know the lyrics to?

Um ... I dunno. I like a lot of different types of music, so I'm not sure there's something I'd be embarrassed about.

3. Have you ever had stitches?

Yep.

4. What was your first job?

Assuming we're not counting babysitting, I was a CSR (Customer Service Rep.) at Blockbuster Video.

5. Who is your favorite Sesame Street character?

Abby Cadabby ~ One, she's cute. And two, she's got a GREAT name! ;-)

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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 HERE. 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 23rd (repeated for easier copying):
1. What was the first car you owned?
2. What song are you embarrassed to know the lyrics to?
3. Have you ever had stitches?
4. What was your first job?
5. Who is your favorite Sesame Street character?

Friday's Fave Five #2

LOVE this idea! Share your five favorite things from the past 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. Spring rain ~ I love the smell of spring rain. I got to smell it this morning. Heaven on Earth! :-)

2. Soccer ~ I never expected to say this, but I'm enjoying Abby playing soccer. She seems to really like it, and she seems to be pretty good at it! I really enjoy watching her play and practice and get all excited about it.

3. Good news ~ I had an annual IEP meeting for Grant yesterday. (I meant to post about it, but kinda forgot.) He is doing well. It was so much better than the one we had a year ago! (PRAISE GOD!)

4. Umbrellas ~ This goes with my first one, but deserved its own mention. Abby has been using an umbrella for quite some time now. Today was the first time the other two got to use one. Grant has a blue one he uses, and Natalie used a Disney Princesses one. As they're walking in the rain, holding their umbrellas over their heads, I hear constant giggles. From both of them. :-) It's quite possibly my favorite thing from this week!

5. Good friends ~ Not casual friends – which I guess would be more like acquaintances. I mean GOOD friends. Friends who know me. Friends who know that when I post something that, while not necessarily in good taste, makes me laugh, I'm not being malicious. I'm just sharing something I thought was funny. Friends who TRULY know me. Friends who know how I work and usually know my motivations behind such things without me having to tell them. Friends I know I can count on – not just when I really need them, but when I'm just trying to have fun or live my life and someone else has a problem with it.

Friday Follow: A Celebration of Followers 4/23

Welcome to the April 23 Friday Follow celebration hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades! Join every Friday to get more blog followers and to follow other interesting blogs. It is all about sharing and having fun.

Here's how YOU can join the Friday Follow celebration:

--Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below. Only need to add on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops.

--Grab the Friday Follow button and include on your Friday Follow blog post.

--Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.

--Follow as many other blogs on the linky as you'd like.

--Take a moment to comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow.

--Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow.

This list is new each week. The links do not carry over. Please link up each week for new participants to find your blogs. The list is only open to add your blog links on Fridays. It will be visible all week to visit the blogs listed.

Due to the overwhelming number of entries each week, it is understood that everyone, including the hostesses, might not be able to follow every blog. To keep it fun, follow what you can at your own pace.

Friday Follower of the Week!

Congratulations to Mommy Living the Life of Rileyof the Week! Each week the hostesses randomly draw from all the links, one Friday Follower for the next week's Friday Follow, and the chosen blog will be placed in the highly coveted number 4 position on the blog hop.

Random Dozen 4/21

1. Ever had any run-ins with the "library police?"
Um, no. I have had late books, I think – like in school. But, I hardly use the library, so late fees are very rare!

2. Do you have a special organizational plan and place for wrapping paper, gift bags, etc., or do you just purchase whatever you need as you give gifts?
Both. I try to have a plan/place for it, but our house is too small to make it feasible. So, I usually end up getting stuff as needed.

3. Have you ever been in (first-hand witness) a natural disaster?
Um, tornadoes touched down VERY close to my dorms my freshman year in college. Oh, and the summer before my senior year there was one that touched down blocks from my house.

4. What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
N/A ~ I couldn't name any of his songs.

5. What's the best costume you've ever worn?
Um ... I dunno. I'm not much for dressing up in costume.

6. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus?
Dictionary ~ it's the tool of the trade when you're an editor! ;-)

7. What's your favorite breakfast food?
I gotta pick a favorite? Pancakes, fried eggs, hash browns, biscuits, waffles, french toast ...

8. Have you ever purchased anything from an infomercial?
Nope.

9. Have you ever crawled through a window?
Not that I remember.

10. Do you believe in love at first sight?
Nope. Infatuation or lust, yes. Love, no.

11. How man pairs of jeans do you own?
Not sure. I don't really wear them anymore.

12. If someone were going to bake a cake to honor/represent you, what would it be? (Think creatively, like Duff and Crew on "Ace of Cakes.")
Probably a book or something else reading-related.

I'm Sorry

I hate doing this, but there will be no Tune-In Tuesday post this week. Yesterday was NUTS (running around ALL DAY), and today was busy, too. My intention is to have it ready to go and scheduled to post in the morning so it's here all day, but that requires time for both planning and execution. That's time that has been eluding me as of late – especially when I'm trying to do things like organize my kitchen! ;-)

That said, I wanted to say something. When I started this meme here on Ramblings & More, I honestly had NEVER seen a music-related meme in the blogosphere at that time. I have since learned that someone else has been doing a Tune-In Tuesday (probably mistakenly missing that hyphen), and there's another music-related meme on Mondays. I believe it's called Music Monday. Anyway, I honestly hadn't seen either of those before, and was not stealing someone else's idea. While I'm not in the least bit surprised that others have had similar thoughts (or, in the case of Tuesday's meme identical thoughts), I honestly hadn't seen either prior to making my first post.

I do fully intend to continue this meme. While it seems it's of little interest to my readers, it's something I like, something that makes me happy. And, really, that's what this blog is about. I love that others want to read what I have to say. I sure hope I bring something of value to the blogosphere. But, my primary goal is to have a not-so-private journal. I post what I want, what I like, and what makes me happy.

So, despite its lack of originality, I will continue posting Tune-In Tuesday every week (hopefully starting back up next week). I will be creating a fun little button for it that you can grab and use, should you ever decide to participate. I will aim to share at least one song every week, with themed posts when appropriate (Mother's Day, Christmas, special days in MY family's life, etc.).

So, again, I'm sorry for no Tune-In Tuesday this week. Stick around, and it'll be back next week!

Blessings,