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Entries from January 2008

Blog Tour: Mr. Inside

On the heels of his award-winning first novel, An Opened Grave: Sherlock Holmes Investigates His Ultimate Case, readers are now lining up for the much anticipated release of L. Frank James’s second novel, Mr. Inside (The Salt Works, October 2007).  The book presents an opening scenario that challenges the reader to question the fairness and goodness of God.  James uses the fictional vehicle to fearlessly bring us face to face with our feelings about personal tragedy of great magnitude.                                        

Mr. Inside is a fast-paced suspense documentary of how one man, through circumstances beyond his control, comes face to face with his interior enemy.  In 1947, brothers Gustov and Andy Miller witness the traumatic event of their missionary/pastor parents being brutally slaughtered by a Kenyan witchdoctor.  The young boys return to America, drift apart, and each enters adulthood carrying the memories and scars of that fateful event.

By the early 1970s, Dr. Gustov Miller has become not only an internationally renowned scholar with a keen sense for solving ancient mysteries but also the founder of his own company, Lost & Found International.  He runs it with only two employees: his assistant Miss Beatrix Peeters, a lovely Christian woman, and James Morrison, his “Mr. Outside,” who finds himself in life-threatening situations while searching for lost or stolen artifacts under the remote direction of Dr. Miller.  The action-packed storyline follows Gus and Jim as they are hounded by scoundrels, beaten, and thrown off of a moving passenger train—all while risking death in a race against time to solve the mystery of their lives.

Like the saga of Job, James’s stimulating narrative disarms his readers of all neat, convenient, Christian-cliché answers, securing instead their empathy with the characters’ anger and confusion regarding God and his sovereignty in the face of immense injustice.  The story points to that bitter place in our hearts where we live in fear and anger, holding God responsible for life’s unjust events.  The invisible hand of God is seen in riveting clarity as it affects the lives of the characters.  Mr. Inside is a page-turner that entertains, engages, and impacts the reader in unexpected ways.

James’s first novel, An Opened Grave, received international endorsements and awards from both Christian and general media alike.  The Midwest Book Review, ForeWord Magazine, ChristianBookPreviews.com, ChristianFiction.com, NovelJourney.com, and Amazon.com all featured rave reviews of the work.  Major endorsements were issued by best-selling authors representing a wide spectrum of the Christian publishing industry, including John Eldredge and Hugh Ross.  The Sherlock Holmes Society of London praised the author, stating, “Like G.K. Chesterton and C.S. Lewis, Frank James is a fine storyteller and a great Christian apologist.  Unusually well done.”  In late 2006, USA Book News awarded An Opened Grave first place among the Best Books of 2006 for religious fiction.  During the 2007 International Christian Retailing Show, Christian Retailing Magazine featured James and his book in a full-length article about the rise of Christian fiction and small publishing houses.

Tragically, while Mr. Inside was still in the process of being printed, L. Frank James died in an auto accident on September 2, 2007 on his way to church.  In his place, his publisher, Robert Brekke, will be available to discuss the book and the author’s passion for Christianity and the creative arts.

Happiness Is...

Getting two new books in the mail knowing that your housework and other responsibilities are finished and you are free to read guilt-free!  :)

What Kind Of Animal Made This?

We took the boys to the Natchez Trace today to the Beaver Pond. We had quite a hike and got to see the beaver dam and their home. It was lots of fun!! We saw this track on our hike and wondered what kind of animal made it. I'm not sure you can tell the scale in this picture. It is too big to be a raccoon. A wolf maybe?? Click on the picture to see an even bigger picture.

Rock Springs Trail 006

You can see more pictures of our hike here - including some great pictures of the guys.

Blog Tour: Reluctant Smuggler by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

I am behind in my reading - there's so many books to read!  I have started this one (Reluctant Smuggler) though and it is good!  It kind of reminds me of the show Alias.  This is a great book - pick up a copy!  Here's a description:

Reluctant Smuggler (To Catch a Thief Series #3) Looting of archaeological sites is big business in a thriving art and antiquities black market. When a desperate foreign government hires Desiree Jacobs’s security company to stop the hemorrhage, she runs afoul of a deadly art-for-drugs operation. Tony Lucano risks his rising career in the FBI to dive into the international underworld after her. Before either of them can come up for air, they must navigate through a deepening murk of ruthless looters, hair-trigger DEA agents, crooked government agents, and innocent bystanders caught up in an illegal trade beyond their understanding. Even if a miracle delivers Desi and Tony from evil, will their love survive the test?

Complete with a reader’s guide, this third book in the To Catch a Thief series explores the power of hope in the darkest of circumstances.

Jill Elizabeth Nelson graduated with a degree in literature and creative writing from Southwest State University in Marshall, Minnesota.
She served for three years as the senior inspirational reviewer for Romantic Times BOOKclub magazine and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Christian Writers Group, and Christian Authors Network. In 2004, she served as a Christy Award judge in the romance category. Nelson and her husband have four children and live in Madison, Minnesota.

Car Angel

Anyone want to make a car donation to me? Seriously, ours is still running and I will be thankful for that. I'll be honest though, I wouldn't mind having a new one! Have you heard about Car Angel? It is a non profit company and they use the car and other donations to make videos for children and teens. So far, they have given away ovr 2.4 million videos! I think it is a great idea!



* A Not Boring Title Goes Here *

Yesterday was the last Friday school for the month.  The boys were both well enough to go which I am glad for.  After dropping them off, I went to Hobby Lobby for some yarn and came back to the school office to crochet for awhile in silence (January is my month off).

My foot is still often sore and sometimes it just plain hurts but it is still tons better than it was one week ago today.  I spent last Saturday off of it and the pain was still incredible.  I am now up and about and getting things done.  Perhaps it would ache less if I just did nothing but I think that would make me feel worse.  It feels good to be productive again. I need some custom printed calendars but my printer isn't working.

I've casually mentioned a time or two that I've lost a bit of weight.  The truth is, I've lost 17 pounds an I'm pretty psyched about it.  I am finallly getting this vegan diet down and it is working for me.  I will be glad when I can actually exercise again. My clothes are perhaps a little looser but the biggest difference I can tell is in my wedding rings, which I can't wear right now.  I have a separate blog where I chart my progress and even share pictures of what I am eating.  If you are interested in the URL, just leave a comment.

Chill Out, Josey! Blog Tour

Chill Out, Josey! (Life, Faith & Getting It Right #21) (Steeple Hill Cafe)This was such a cute book!  As a matter of fact, it's been several weeks since I last wrote it that it's time to read it again. Before we married, my hubby worked in Russia for four months and it was fun for me picturing what things look like.  Here's the book summary:

Russia?  Not again.  Josey's finally living the good life - she's got the man, the (almost-perfect) wedding, the two-story Cape-Cod house of her dreams. That is until her man drags her back to Moscow!  Josey knows she has the guts to follow her own dreams across the world, but she's not so sure she can play the perfect wife while her husband chases after his.  Josey's set on having the perfect life -- even in a world without hot water, decent take-out and size-two leather fashion.  But can she find the courage to tell her man the secret that will change their lives forever?

Read the first chapter here.

Vapor Rub On The Feet

As Jonathan was starting to get over his cough, William was beginning to get it.  It was so rough on them during the night and it was rough on us to hear them feeling so bad.  Yesterday my mom asked me if I had heard about using Vicks Vapor Rub.  Why yes, the pharmacist recommended it to Dick when he was getting meds for the boys and we had been using it.  That's not what she was talking about though.  She said to put Vicks on the bottom of their feet at night and put socks on their feet.

Now that's more than a little strange but what could it hurt?  Jonathan had already gone to sleep and his coughing was practically gone but I gave it a try with William.  I think I heard him cough once towards morning time.  That's just amazing!  I have no idea why it works but in our cases, it did.  I read about this tip again today on WFMW and thought I'd share it too with my friends.  I also thought I would share about Wilmington real estate.

Works For Me Wednesday

What works for me?  A list of my favorite computer and internet programs, extensions favorite websites and helps.

I use the Firefox extension, Morning Coffee, every single day.  Just load it up with websites that you check on certain days and you are good to go.  Need an example?  On Tuesday mornings I click the little coffee cup and up pops up the Fox website and I watch the episode of Prison Break that was on television the night before.  Wednesday mornings?  Up pops Rocks in my Dryer!

If you have more than one blog like I do, you'll also love the ScribeFire Firefox extension.  After you add your blogs, you can just pop up the ScribeFire window and post to any of them with a click of your mouse without logging in to Blogger, WordPress or Typepad.

E-mealz is a page I visit every week - you guys have already heard how much I love them.  You can get a 20% discount by using the coupon code "dave".

Women In At Home
operates a Christian message board for women and it is the most unique board around.  The board has been around for over 3 years now and I have watched its members form close friendships, even getting together for "real life" meetings.  Women At Home is for all women and is not limited to stay at home moms - we have grandma's, singles, working moms and stay at home mommy's.

If you run out of other places to visit, try Outer Banks.

Web Hosting Choice

If you are on the lookout for your own website, you'll want to visit web hosting choice - a guide to web hosting. It is an advertisement free guide to finding just the right host you need for you own personal site. Just plug in the maximum monthly cost you are willing to pay as well as how much diskspace you need. Click the search button to get a list of hosts available that fit your criteria.

William's Tackle It Tuesday

Tackle It Tuesday Meme

My son William is 7 years old and is an artist. Seriously, he is pretty good for his age and he also treats his drawing space like any true artist would - a creative mess! Ever so often I have to get him to make it manageable again. These are pictures take before and after of his desk. Too bad he didn't find a Rolex Submariner hiding in there. The last picture is of William and his cubbies - that's a whole other Tuesday!!






Save Buckets

Have you ever planned to buy a particular product online but didn't know where to start?  I have and I have always thought it would be good to see all the different brands and prices all in one place.  I just so happened to have find such a site at Save Buckets.  They don't sell anything at their site but they do compare the prices of products (like mp3 players) through hundreds of stores.  I have been thinking about buying some sort of exercise equipment that would be easier on my feet.  I looked up stationary bikes and got a list.  Then, for fun, I looked up Rick Astley - anyone remember him from the 80's?  There's a lot of cool products of his that I didn't know existed.  Check out their site and have some fun - you might just find what you're looking for at the price you want to spend!!

101 Cups Of Water Blog Tour

book coverC.D. Baker dips into the flowing stream of God's love and draws out relief, refreshment, mercy, hope and sustenance for a new generation of Christ-followers.  Baker's clean, simple prose is paired with evocative, black and white photographs that will etch each truth into the reader's memory.

C.D. Baker founded and operated an award-winning insurance business before redirecting his career to write.  His historical novel Crusadee of Tears in the Journey of Souls series earned a Christy Award nomination.  He's completing a master's degree in theological studies at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where he splits his time from home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.  His website is www.cdbaker.com.

I have a copy of this book to giveaway.  If you would like to win a copy, please leave a comment and make sure I have a way to contact you (website or email address).  This giveaway is limited to U.S. addresses only.  Thanks.

Down But Not Out

Wednesday, my right foot started feeling a bit sore. I thought maybe I had done something to it during exercise on Monday but during the early hours of Friday morning I woke up and it was hurting BAD. I turned on the lights to see that it was red and swollen - yep, something wasn't right. I dropped William off at the Church for Friday School at 9am and called the doctor to see if they could fit me in. They said if I could be there by 10 they could see me. It was too far to go back home so Jonathan and I headed across the bridge to the doctor's office.

The doctor ordered some blood work and after Ashley stuck me, twice, we headed home. I called and made Jonathan an appointment to see the pediatrician at four. His cough seemed worse and I didn't want to head into the weekend without being able to get him help if he needed it (and I wanted to avoid a trip to the ER if at all possible). The nurse called and told me that I had Gout. Even though my mom had had it once I had no idea what it was - some daughter I am, it's one of the most painful things you can have! I have a prescription and am staying off of it.

The doctor saw Jonathan that afternoon and he has the croup. I am so glad that I took him! They gave him an antibiotic and a steroid for the cough. I am keeping him propped up and near the humidifier. He felt pretty bad yesterday afternoon (fever) but the majority of the time he feels okay but just sounds awful.

So, that's our little drama for the weekend. I hope you all are faring well! Prayers appreciated!!

An Untapped Treasure

I renewed my website today and got to thinking that, comparing my hosts prices to what I've seen around, my host really does have the best prices around!  I told my hubby that she was an untapped treasure!  Her name is April and her hosting business is called Mooseville Hosting.  Visit her site and looking at her different price packages.  Like I said, I just renewed mine and paid $38.00 which is thee cost of my domain and the cost of hosting for an entire year.

If you need a website, I highly recommend her service.

Carnival of Homeschooling Graphics Contest

The folks at Why Homeschool are having a contest for Carnival of Homeschooling graphics.  Sometime after the 28th they'll have a vote on which images people like best - these are my submissions:








13 Sites I Visit Often



  1. Dr. McDougall's Website
  2. Women At Home Christian Message Board
  3. Pay Per Post
  4. Payu2Blog
  5. Stacey's Blog
  6. Morningstar Ministries
  7. Google Reader
  8. Dana's Blog
  9. MyTheater.org
  10. Carolyn's Blog
  11. My Mom's Blog
  12. Stephanie's Blog
  13. e-mealz
In completely unrelated news, I just called the nurse regarding my sons cough and when she asked me his birthday, I totally went blank!  I mean I remembered the month and the year but couldn't think of the day for several seconds - how awful (and embarassing)!  The receptionist had the personality of a brick.

Around Here

I have had my foot propped up all day with the laptop in my lap. I woke up in the middle of the night with my foot just throbbing. It was only barely hurting on Monday before exercised but last night the pain was awful...much like the heel pain I had in December. Weird, I say. I am watching a Superman cartoon with the boys - it's not too bad either, LOL!

So, nothing big going on around here - just the day to day stuff. Did you participate in Works For Me Wednesday? I did over at The Fun Blog. What's happening in your world?

A Note About Giveaways

Sisters, Ink (Scrapbooker's Series #1)I have quite a few giveaways planned for the future.  Since they are so much fun, my giveaways are going to take place on The Fun Blog, so please make sure you bookmark that site!

Giveaway Coming In February:  Sisters, Ink (Scrapbooker's Series #1)

I am in the middle of reading this one and it is such a cute read!  I have a brand-new copy (I fold down corners in mine) to giveaway to one of my readers so stay tuned!!

The Week Past

Where can one go to get employee performance evaluations for homemakers? Last week I wouldn't have passed. I was dealing with the blues (I keep trying to avoid the word "depression") and all I managed to get done most days was our schooling. Thursday night we went to dinner at Shoney's and we were just about the only ones there - we did a lot of laughing and I felt myself start to come around. I was so relieved. This weekend we got the house cleaned (with lots of help from my hubby) and I am determined to keep it that way! We don't have a lot planned this week so we will probably stay close to the house. Anyone else feel the pain of gas prices??

Friday Felicities



Friday Felicities are things that make you happy and was created by my friend Nattie, whom I love and miss.  If you would like to participate with me, create your own post of Friday Felicities and tell others where they can participate - and then come back here and sign Mr. Linky so we can all read about the things that make you happy!

warm, toasty gas heat
safety from the storm
corny jokes
laughing with my guys
espresso machines (ok, if I had one)


Giveaway Reminder

If you want to win a copy of the book "The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Decked Out" be sure to visit my Fun Blog between now and Friday. A link to my new blog is how you get your name entered (I'm trying to get the word out). Hurry, Hurry!! Check out Tuition Wise when you get a chance.

A Little Dreaming

Now that the weight is finally coming off, I can allow myself to dream a little bit about the future - you know, how things are going to be different. On thing I am looking forward to is wearing clothes that don't look like maternity clothing. I have shopped in Women's clothing for so long it is hard to believe I might find something that is "regular." I am going to enjoy trying. I don't know if I will ever feel okay in fitted clothing - I think just tucking in my shirts will be a big deal but it is something that I am looking forward to finding out!

Weekend Happenings

The cold weather last week caused the pipe in my laundry room to burst (my laundry room is a closet off of my carport).  My hubby spent all afternoon Saturday and most of the day yesterday repairing it.  We have a neighbor who is a welder and after Dick got the new pipe and everything fixed just so, our neighbor came over and welded it for us.  That was such a blessing!  (His wife was one of 8 children who were raised in our house)

I ordered a new Leslie Sansone Walk Away The Pounds DVD this week with my Best Buy gift card.  I have had my other one for a few years now and it is time to try something new.  This one is supposed to have one of those stretch bands included.

I got a good start on my week by doing some preparation last night.  I cooked a big batch of brown rice and divided it up into individual portions.  Now the majority of my lunch is ready to go - just warm it up and add some black beans and maybe some chopped onions - yum!  I'm down another pound so this diet is working!

Don't forget to sign up for my giveaway by Friday night!

New on my To Be Read List

Dr. Attwood's Low-Fat Prescription Diet for KidsDr. Atwood's Low-Fat Prescription for Kids by Charles Attwood

We are making wonderful changes in our diet with some very good results.  I think the biggest challenge is finding good, healthy foods that the boys will eat.  They surprise me a lot of times with the things that they do like - such as raw cauliflower and broccoli - but I need some more alternatives, especially when it comes to replacing things like poptarts.

Dr. Atwood states in his book that "the ideal diet for your child consists of vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes in unlimited quantities."  In his book, he presents 4 stages to an ideal diet that are intended to be transitional stages for your child, to help him reach the ideal diet.

I like the ideal of stages, especially for children, and am looking forward to getting some good ideas out of this book.

An Affectionate God


The following quotes are from the introduction of the book "Passion For Jesus" by Mike Bickle.

"In your most private thoughts, what do you believe God's personality is like?  Your entire spiritual future is related to how you answer this question in the secret place of your heart, because inaccurate ideas of God will have a negative emotional impact on us."

"The promise of being transformed and ignited to holy passion by understanding and beholding God's glorious personality is for all believers.  No matter how weak or strong we feel, regardless of our previous failures, irrespective of our natural temperaments or personalities, each of us can be ablaze with passion for Jesus."

How Does Your Blog Look?

Sometimes I think my blog looks boring and I think that is why I often change the design, banner, background, etc.  However, I think I have found a good fix for that - images!  You don't have to include one in every post but an occasional picture really perks up your blog.  If you are blogging about a book, find the image on Amazon and post it.  If you are posting about your children, a picture of them is perfect!  You can find images everywhere!  Saving images you find on the internet to your own computer is the nice thing to do.  Just a little tip for you!  Here's another:  put audio racks next to your computer for great storage.

Book Giveaway: Yada Yada Prayer Group

I am giving away a copy of the book "The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Decked Out" by Neta Jackson.  It is one of the books we reviewed on the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.  If you are interested in winning, please read the guidelines here.  (Although I'm not giving away Nike golf clubs, you can see some good selections by following the link).

William's Birthday Pics From December

If you haven't been to my Flickr page, then you missed William's birthday pics (but I did post that video).  My little boy isn't quite so little these days.  When we go to places they hand out stickers or balloons (Walmart, etc.) he has started saying "no thanks"!  He thinks he is too old!!  (BTW, his front teeth are coming in fast now and he does look older!  sniff!)

William's 7th Birthday 005

William's 7th Birthday 003

Not A Favorite

A couple of weeks ago I ordered almost 100 digital pictures that I needed printed.  I had a coupon code from a place called Winkflash for 6 cent prints - good deal huh?  They also had free shipping so I was all for it.  However, and this was my fault, I did not read the small print that said that regular shipping charges would occur with the special price.

I spent an insane amount of time uploading and cropping pics.  I entered my payment details and clicked "order".  That's when I realized my mistake - the shipping cost as much as the pictures.  BUT what really upset me was there was no "confirm payment" screen - you know where it tells you how much everything is?  It placed my order and THEN told me what the shipping charges were.  I wouldn't have bought them if I had seen that.  I have sent 2 emails to their customer service and have heard NOTHING.  I am not surprised - needless to say, I won't be ordering from them again!  (BTW, this was NOT a paid advertisement - just my thoughts, freely given!  Isn't that what a blog is for!?) They need to contact Business valuation to find out what their company is worth.

On The Health Front

I started doing Weight Watchers on November 11th.  I think they have a great program and I did very well with them for about 6 weeks and lost about 10 pounds.  I gained a few pounds (about 5) over Christmas which, unfortunately, is normal.  I decided to once and for all go back to Dr. McDougall's program and since Christmas I have lost the pounds I gained and then some - for a total of 13 pounds lost.

My new way of eating is not easy at first (fat free vegan) but as I have stuck with it, it has become easier.  There have been so many benefits with my health (blood pressure and blood sugar being lowered) and unlike other diets for me, I don't think about food all day.  It's amazing - before I thought about what I was going to eat, how long till I could eat, how much I could eat, etc.  I stay satisfied and that definitely works for me!  The weight loss seems a bit easier too. My next step is to get some exercise equipment in this house. Not a treadmill but something.

Popcorn and Netflix

Now this is a wonderful contest! Elizabeth at Table For Five is sponsoring a giveaway that will give you a box of Orville Redenbacher popcorn every month for the next year. In addition to that, you will also win a subscription to Netflix for a year (2 DVD's at a time). My boys love popcorn and I love a good DVD - the perfect combination!!  Hurry, Hurry!!

Blog Confessions and Resolutions

I visit a lot of blogs. A LOT. But I rarely leave comments - do you want to know why? Most of the time I just don't know what to say. I used to fancy myself a writer - but I was wrong, LOL! So many of my online friends have such a way with words and I so often just admire them for what they say and how they say it and sometimes my response just seems a little inadequate. I am planning to change things though. I LOVE comments especially from those I know love me and I'm guessing they do too. When I don't know what to say, I am going to at least let them know that I was there, that I read what they had to say. It's okay if the comments are simple ("Stopped by to read your blog" or just "hi") I think the communication is what is important. Like I said, I read a lot of blogs - it's sad that they almost always never know it.

Having said that, feel free to leave simple comments on MY blog! :D I like knowing you came by to visit me. It's not the same thing but wouldn't it be weird to visit someone's house, sit in their driveway, look at their house and then leave? I promise I am going to try and do better!!

Friends Are Friends Forever


though it's hard to let you go, in the Father's hands we know

That's a lifetime's not too long
to live as friends

Resolutions

So, what is New Year's Day without a resolution to lose weight?  LOL!  Seriously though, I actually started losing weight back in November (the 11th to be exact) and have lost and kept off about 12 pounds.  In between that time I gained 5 pounds back and then lost them again to arrive at 12 pounds thinner.  Please forgive me for not posting my weight on this blog - maybe someday!  I started out doing Weight Watchers.  I think it is a very good plan and having found e-Mealz made it all the easier, BUT I have known for a long time that I should be following a Vegan diet (Dr. McDougall to be more specific) so I bit the bullet and finally committed to it!

I don't have any problems making resolutions - even if I don't keep them.  The point is, I have a goal in mind and I am going to work towards them.  It's when you stop trying anything that you stop making progress.  Make your resolutions!!

New Year - New Book Challenge



Leann is hosting a Foundational Faith Building Challenge over at her blog.  This challenge is to pick four books from your faith building library and read one every quarter and blog about it.  I am participating and have picked out my four books - they are:

Passion For Jesus by Mike Bickle
Destined For The Throne by Paul E. Billheimer
The Three Battlegrounds by Francis Frangipane
The Stronghold of God by Francis Frangipane

I am going to start with Passion For Jesus and will blogging about it soon.

Good Stuff


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