tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342798522024-03-06T21:01:42.785-07:00Random Thoughts with ChrisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.comBlogger243125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-51555325600737059112012-09-26T14:30:00.002-06:002012-09-26T14:31:10.209-06:00Join the Dew Crew on Facebook<script src="http://on.socialchorus.com/javascripts/AssetEmbedder.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<script type="text/javascript">function socialChorusDelayedLoad() {
if(typeof(Halogen) == 'object') {
var embedder = new Halogen.AssetEmbedder("189f0-186d9-27616-3ospm1b5ilh", {
assetUrl: "https://activator-production.s3.amazonaws.com/banners/images/849/original/849.png",
trackingHost: "t.socialchorus.com",
clickthroughUrl: " http://apps.facebook.com/dewcrew?mcpArg_acquisitionSourceId=SCHORUS",
btype: "ot",
keywords: "earnhardt, earnhardt dale, dale earnhardt, diet mountain dew, mountain dew, dew crew, jr dale, dale earnhardt jr., dalejr, earnhardt junior, hendrick motorsports, dale race, earnhardt car, dale earn, earnhardt crash, dale driver, dewcrew, dale earnhardt jr, earnhardt nascar, nascar racing, do the dew, jr nation, dale jr foundation, no. 88, mountain dew racing, earnhardt jr, tony stewart, dale earnhardt junior"
});
embedder.banner();
} else {
setTimeout('socialChorusDelayedLoad()',100);
}
}
socialChorusDelayedLoad();
</script>
<br />
<div id="_halogen_189f0-186d9-27616-3ospm1b5ilh">
</div>
<div id="banner_849_disclosure_description">
Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Mountain Dew.</div>
<div id="banner_849_disclosure_description">
<br /></div>
<div id="banner_849_disclosure_description">
If you are a racing or Mountain Dew Fan, check out the Dew Crew for chances to win great prizes and follow Dale Jr and team #88! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-31281539268396192932012-05-27T21:55:00.001-06:002012-05-27T21:59:49.044-06:00The Most Important Catch Blog Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSlOtd9ojxtRYmr3nRqR7gxSv6a2Lo0HHB6Y25O78kMdfoNBg2javk3eyCX2Mo-aTB8_09SCHFBZa60JRMIIiOVs34i2eTLM3v9WIlIOGEXNVb-TzgGfDvZYzs0ab9u26Yh78tw/s1600/13602289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSlOtd9ojxtRYmr3nRqR7gxSv6a2Lo0HHB6Y25O78kMdfoNBg2javk3eyCX2Mo-aTB8_09SCHFBZa60JRMIIiOVs34i2eTLM3v9WIlIOGEXNVb-TzgGfDvZYzs0ab9u26Yh78tw/s320/13602289.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0985164808/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=randthouwithc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0985164808">The Most Important Catch </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=randthouwithc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0985164808" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
by Jaclyn M. Hawkes<br />
Published March 2012<br />
by Spirit Publishing<br />
Paperback 291 pages<br />
Rating: 4 stars <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Synopsis (from Goodreads):</b><br />
<br />
Run or die!<br />
<br />
She knew too much, and she’d seen too much.
And the police refused to help.
Knowing that she was to be the next scheduled death, Kelly Campbell hid under head to toe black leather and a tinted motorcycle helmet and ran for her life.<br />
<br />
When the weather turned cold, she turned south.
She ended up in North Carolina, home to one of the most famed and eligible NFL football stars in the whole league; only she didn’t know that. She thought he was a businessman. Not being a huge fan, all she knew was that he was incredibly attractive, kind, generous, and that she was safe with him.<br />
<br />
Or was she?<br />
<br />
His brand of fame proved to be all but deadly, but his fame wasn’t nearly as lethal as his attraction. He kept her safe and protected. All except for her heart.<br />
<br />
<b>My Thoughts:</b><br />
<br />
I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure at first, when I read the synopsis. Not being a huge football fan, I worried that football would take over the story, but it was really just a tiny portion of this great, clean romance.<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
Following the promptings of the spirit, a quick thinking Kelly was able to sneak away, when her life was in peril. She had discovered that the man she was dating, a doctor at the hospital where she worked, was not only selling prescription drugs illegally, but that he was also pushing through clinical trials too quickly, which had resulted in the deaths of several patients.<br />
<br />
Not knowing where she was headed, or what she would do when she got there, Kelly road for days. She ran out of gas in the middle of nowhere, where she ran into Robby, a nice man who ended up hiring her to be a caretaker for his new home. Little did Kelly know, Robby was actually a famous NFL player who had women constantly vying for his attention. <br />
<br />
A steady friendship grew between Robby and Kelly, and soon that friendship became more, but each was hiding secrets from the other, and those secrets might just be what keeps them apart in the end.<br />
<br />
The sweet love story between Robby and Kelly was very enjoyable, and the added conflict of Kelly's attempts to stay hidden from her former boyfriend really kept me reading throughout the day. I didn't want to put the book down, but alas, my kids called me away at times, thank goodness for bedtime when I have a good book calling.<br />
<br />
If you are looking for a sweet, clean LDS romance, grab a copy of The Most Important Catch by Jaclyn M. Hawkes. If you want to read more reviews of the fabulous book, check out the rest of the blog tour by clicking on the image below:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thebookbug-hogan.blogspot.com/p/blog-tours.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07Lz229BgQBk-SpCDbT1M0R-FMEiDCbcooZgii-AlDdy-NVc4b3KM7mfx63XO01gOU3rf3lqGUbVrwgBv3a9ak1iZxB3NmSq5kZdXzCrfgcTkbciYUGo2CGl8ICrYolmFEzJnLA/s320/The+Most+Important+Catch+Banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://thebookbug-hogan.blogspot.com/p/blog-tours.html" target="_blank"></a><br />
<b>About the Author</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvcL60lCf0GhgCvoEpzoJM8wNZi4renMboAh1CIXNs7BigPyn7fAX78sb1ViVzCioh_41Day2gHW3eSjWU__s95xpiivHnGT18nRyqt3r1a3kesyaypmvsFmu-BrV-CumfirbxQ/s1600/100_7206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvcL60lCf0GhgCvoEpzoJM8wNZi4renMboAh1CIXNs7BigPyn7fAX78sb1ViVzCioh_41Day2gHW3eSjWU__s95xpiivHnGT18nRyqt3r1a3kesyaypmvsFmu-BrV-CumfirbxQ/s200/100_7206.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Author bio:
Jaclyn M. Hawkes grew up in Utah with 6 sisters, 4 brothers and any number of pets. (It was never boring!) She received a Bachelor’s degree, had a career, and traveled extensively before settling down to her life’s work of being the mother of four magnificent and sometimes challenging children. She loves shellfish, the outdoors, the youth, and hearing her children laugh. She and her fine husband, their family, and their sometimes very large pets, now live in a mountain valley in northern Utah, where it smells like heaven and kids still move sprinkler pipe.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in order to write the review. My opinion was not influenced by the free copy, I shared only my own, personal opinion.</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-4900715104834752902012-04-11T21:52:00.000-06:002012-04-11T21:53:43.427-06:00A ConfessionThere is no doubt that I enjoy reading...That is pretty obvious, considering the fact that almost all of my posts lately have been book reviews. But there is more, I think it is a sickness. I can't seem to read just one book at a time. I am usually in the middle of two, sometimes three different books. I can usually logically explain why, but it really does seem crazy at times.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I read more than one because one of the books I am reading is a bit slower going, yet still enjoyable. Sometimes I just have to read something that I can breeze through in a half a day. I want to be sucked in and just escape for a few hours into someone else's story. So I will read a nice, quick book, and then go back to the other book that I have started.<br />
<br />
Other times I am simply reading several at a time because I have one book downstairs and another on my night stand, and yet another that I am reading on our iPad (since I can read ebooks with the lights off and not disturb others who are trying to sleep...namely my husband).<br />
<br />
So, right now I have started and I am actively reading two books, and I picked up a few others at the library that seem to be calling for me to dive between their pages. So, likely, in the morning, I will be reading another one or two..Sure, it is a crazy way to read, but it works for me.<br />
<br />
So tell me, am I alone? Am I the only one who has more than one books going at once?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-61982267796386605572012-04-09T10:34:00.001-06:002012-04-09T10:34:44.518-06:00Caller ID by Rachelle J. Christensen Blog Tour Stop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1328042027l/13158024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1328042027l/13158024.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599559900/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=randthouwithc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1599559900">Caller ID</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=randthouwithc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1599559900" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
by Rachelle J. Christensen <br />
Published March 13, 2012<br />
by Sweetwater Books<br />
Paperback, 272 pages<br />
ISBN 1599559900<br />
Source: Publisher<br />
Rating: 5 stars <br />
<br />
<b>Summary </b><br />
<i>When twenty-three-year-old Courtney Beckham is abducted near her home, the search turns up more than just a kidnapping crime. FBI agent Jason Edwards investigates the ten-million-dollar ransom and stumbles upon something he wasn't meant to find. When Courtney catches a glimpse of the caller ID in her kidnapper's home, what she sees turns her world upside down.</i><br />
<br />
<b>My Thoughts</b><br />
I really liked Caller ID. Having read Christensen's previous book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599553643/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=randthouwithc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1599553643">Wrong Number</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=randthouwithc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1599553643" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
, I hoped to see more of FBI agent Jason Edwards, and Caller ID gives me more! Courtney Beckham is the daughter of a wealthy developer, who has been given almost everything she wants. She has struggled with men, and just can't seem to find the right kind of guy. When off riding to clear her mind, she unwittingly stumbles on a marijuana crop and the men tending the illegal plants. She is kidnapped and taken to a cabin in the nearby mountains. While there she makes a discovery that sends her world spinning. Agent Jason Edwards is called in to help find the kidnapped Beckham<i> </i>and the two end up on an adventure that neither will ever forget.<br />
<br />
The story line has multiple twists and turns. It seems that just when you have everything figured out, something changes and you have to re-think your theories.<br />
<br />
If you are looking for an adventure, mystery and romance all mixed into one book, then Caller ID is a great choice!<br />
<br />
<b>About the Author</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypFcP3A9sdZx6G2R1P_mzutJqujc1yO42S4gzLLJDLoNw9GOFEhS72-W2owGmnEVDvrhOGhwJ9nTyjwqkwYCWjqRY-bjMwm9r5k5JhBI3dHBEdzkSHTwO4VcEZaYZs3wlBs_h2Q/s1600/Rachelle+Christensen+author+photo+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypFcP3A9sdZx6G2R1P_mzutJqujc1yO42S4gzLLJDLoNw9GOFEhS72-W2owGmnEVDvrhOGhwJ9nTyjwqkwYCWjqRY-bjMwm9r5k5JhBI3dHBEdzkSHTwO4VcEZaYZs3wlBs_h2Q/s200/Rachelle+Christensen+author+photo+cropped.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Rachelle was raised in a small farming town in Idaho, where she would often daydream and write stories in her head while working in the fields. She graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a Minor in Music. Caller ID is her 2nd work of fiction (she has also written and non-fiction book entitled <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599552485/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=randthouwithc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1599552485">Lost Children: Coping With Miscarriage for Latter-Day Saints</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=randthouwithc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1599552485" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
.) Learn more about Rachelle by visiting her<a href="http://www.rachellejchristensen.com/" target="_blank"> website.</a><br />
<br />
<b>Contest </b><br />
To celebrate the release of CALLER ID, Rachelle is hosting a contest for a new Ultra Flip Video Camcorder (4GB memory, Records 120 minutes Value $149.99) and other great prizes. You can enter to win between now and April 14, 2012. Winners will be announced and notified April 16, 2012.<br />
<br />
For how to enter, click <a href="http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/p/ultra-flip-video-contest.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
This review has been a part of a Cedar Fort blog tour to celebrate the release of this title. To read more reviews and visit the other stops along the tour, click the image below!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cedarfortbooks.com/blog-tour-caller-id/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_BXkKt8dhantbuffk3Oo47Um2CQULp4EoUgyt0jWcXU3LHTuGmBeoDY77Aa6FfSOOyuNmQ9ok4o5u3thSV80mX2GY_vSzMsfIZ0-ZOndDMQV-TdhXqmNCeeu6LcVfTarLF1K5w/s320/Caller+ID+tour+banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
(Book cover image and Synopsis from Goodreads, author photo from author's website)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-38411512045349467402012-03-23T05:00:00.000-06:002012-03-23T05:00:02.733-06:00Lightning Tree by Sarah Dunster Book Blog Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3xp7gHXTf3Aa6g_iTijLK6NgLltftvWkF8vUfVbbbfS0k2UBzdH8XwztZU0pdAV4Ru9MMaUdVmIhvirFWHsJLQALqx2A4GkGZ2RZ4MHhI4Q-g0B4zOrjDfbQ79JimAqriywasA/s1600/Lightning+Tree_2x3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3xp7gHXTf3Aa6g_iTijLK6NgLltftvWkF8vUfVbbbfS0k2UBzdH8XwztZU0pdAV4Ru9MMaUdVmIhvirFWHsJLQALqx2A4GkGZ2RZ4MHhI4Q-g0B4zOrjDfbQ79JimAqriywasA/s320/Lightning+Tree_2x3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599559595/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=randthouwithc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1599559595">Lightning Tree</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=randthouwithc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1599559595" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
by Sarah Dunster<br />
Expected Publication- April 10, 2012<br />
by Bonneville <br />
Paperback, 384 pages<br />
ISBN
1599559595<br />
Source: ecopy from publisher<br />
Rating: 4.5 Stars <br />
<br />
Synopsis (from publisher)<br />
<i>After surviving the tragic deaths of her parents and baby sister and a harrowing trek across the plains to Utah, it’s no surprise that Maggie’s nights are plagued by nightmares.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i> But after years of harsh treatment by her foster mother and sisters, and memories that seem to hint at an unthinkable crime, Maggie is forced to strike out on her own. To separate the truth from the dreams, Maggie faces a painful ordeal and learns that she’ll need to put her trust in those around her to survive. </i><br />
<br />
My Thoughts<br />
<i> </i><br />
I found this to be a very interesting book. Maggie is such a likeable heroine. She tries hard to do what is right; has realistic faults; makes mistakes and tries to learn from them. I felt connected with Maggie and ached for her as she made painful discoveries about her past. The story progressed well and while it did not have the ending I expected, it ended well. There were many interesting twists to this story; events did not always progress as you would have expected, so it keeps the reader on their toes a bit. I really liked this aspect of the book and felt it helped to draw me into the story further.<br />
<br />
Another interesting aspect of this story was its historical setting. We often find stories written of pioneers crossing the plains, but this story takes place in the early days of the Utah settlement, during the furor and backlash from the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Tension definitely runs deep throughout this tale, with fingers pointing in many directions and everybody talking, and yet not really talking about what truly happened.<br />
<br />
If you would like to learn more, visit the book website found<a href="http://lightningtreebook.com/" target="_blank"> here.</a> You can also learn more about Sarah Dunster by visiting her <a href="http://sarah.thedunsters.net/" target="_blank">website</a> or<a href="http://nosurf.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> blog. </a><br />
<br />
This post has been a part of a blog tour organized by the publisher, Cedar Fort. Visit them online via their <a href="http://www.cedarfortbooks.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cedarfortbooks" target="_blank">facebook</a> or <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/cedarfortbooks" target="_blank">twitter</a>. Click the image below to find the rest of the blog stops along the tour!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cedarfortbooks.com/blog-tour-lightning-tree/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1JKQvXl6LsQHr3Ur3F32jYqbzccRiIHT6oAxl4RQ_UKQBng3VliRMbkh9mCQqMsqRN60Az4UNUelzlRjjKrbunZ3OrO0yCr9nuzb0KDsjSz4Ia8K0OhcS2FvFwcnXnV1Hu8YJA/s320/lightningbanner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Disclosure: I received a free ebook copy of this book in order to participate in this blog tour. The opinion above is 100% my own.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-46532300789620826082012-03-20T09:01:00.000-06:002012-03-20T09:01:06.580-06:00Darling Spring Dresses from Old Navy and Crowdtap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIq4zFOIm48CAZ0bWAXD7pjYZboFtjmRIv28D5ct6cWcsRTTddk6B5h7Efy1jpxlIPGHUV4jJCf055rbB9j14ErDE5jcn3ZxQ2wsTAxSZWWZ8ziraiR0lR-U_7wJR0MTmSfv3yQ/s1600/ON_logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIq4zFOIm48CAZ0bWAXD7pjYZboFtjmRIv28D5ct6cWcsRTTddk6B5h7Efy1jpxlIPGHUV4jJCf055rbB9j14ErDE5jcn3ZxQ2wsTAxSZWWZ8ziraiR0lR-U_7wJR0MTmSfv3yQ/s1600/ON_logo.gif" /></a></div>
Thanks to <a href="http://bit.ly/jC8Py0" target="_blank">Crowdtap</a> and Old Navy, my friend Lisa and I were able to sample the <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=15292" target="_blank">dresses </a>available at our local store. We weren't sure what we would find, as neither of us were very familiar with the dresses available in seasons past. We had hoped to find some of the knit Maxi dresses we had found online during a pre-shopping online search, but unfortunately our local store did not have them in-stock. We did, however, find several fun dresses to try on. I almost selected this dress, as I love the blue and the fun ruffled neckline:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=68334&vid=1&pid=898309&scid=898309002" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhoe1bqIIECS8S90BqZSlahUC4JnPDBwvQcZ4x_5mQwZj-zkhwlVllxW4v6YdCOyftFIBmdTtfbMlu-Of2eEmW2XssHzMCo_cNc-qbtstrjMW304qQWgjfzK4pjiZt-pIga2HXg/s320/almost+bought.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
But after trying several dresses, I tried this one on:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=68334&vid=1&pid=898313&scid=898313002" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVp3WhEvIl5TgIBB_-xoV3rCRe4D6NUO8tGveF0ZTyiMzcjYChHRAy7WP3lp5yvx5QfDmPj8UHjPCwJXdHhi7i-s_6BdSdOOB3GAmJuyof9F3DXz_uHEKnfn9HpTo8risdao32Q/s320/my+dress.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
When I grabbed it off the rack, I wasn't quite sure I would like it. I am usually more of a blue girl than pink, but it looked fun and summery, so I went for it. After trying it on, I was sold. It is darling and has a nice fit.<br />
<br />
Lisa purchased this pretty dress:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=68334&vid=1&pid=898307&scid=898307002" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIorXxRXBBkYHUZDP1ingOtQCPFb3JIPEFQxCxCtYVQzvDCFImFWPgIkK-hChYqu7YqfnPeDdiAgZ6J5vdxr8MTBkIu4crI6NKZljXmvy3yIf-G8vQF6SERv2RZKqL4EhV189IA/s320/Lisa's+Dress.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I think it was the first dress she tried on and it really looks beautiful on her (you will see in a minute :) ).<br />
<br />
Being concerned about modesty and the lack of sleeves on this (and most of the dresses we tried on), Lisa and I purchased these darling cropped, short sleeved sweaters to provide a little more coverage:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=60783&vid=1&pid=898257&scid=898257062" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPOVhHL0ZRycVlKz57vxm8v6_QZKU-FCtVriUD8NVmD1fPRjtXXa9LNfOoCATYPrSpS7v3QJgKncyh0FQ26v7lYLTH24yi44KrKVjfuJ_EzDGAxV4E9xrcHv2s6PKrgUUOCyFQxA/s200/white+sweater.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=60783&vid=1&pid=898257&scid=898257062" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_aS3LxKqFyVRF-azbb0OQVT5EnzgWFWARs2uhpTqPzQxDAk8YIseZ1jRXTCzkjTcYPE1bOG1d0hRcISrB1Dw_l_1Y2e21PNp_YNrtMd_juC5gJh2Q0LK_JZyM-sr2sxAxM-eTw/s200/pink+sweater.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
At only $15, these made the perfect additions to our dresses and will get much use in the future with other dresses!<br />
<br />
Here we are in our dresses:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7UB3eDDVQKdehqY9wfsNCPMTkTBAcoPVFKQ16q3PrRBXaIfFAreUCLNKTdRe00rdIi9aDhvjZd8k_a3Fx8JR4gMTyMFwGSlSV0Is1erQqfosuvgxzg2xX65bjCXHGuUTdWUmNg/s1600/Old+Navy+Dresses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7UB3eDDVQKdehqY9wfsNCPMTkTBAcoPVFKQ16q3PrRBXaIfFAreUCLNKTdRe00rdIi9aDhvjZd8k_a3Fx8JR4gMTyMFwGSlSV0Is1erQqfosuvgxzg2xX65bjCXHGuUTdWUmNg/s320/Old+Navy+Dresses.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
We both wore our dresses to church on Sunday and got so many compliments on them! I was even stopped by someone I didn't know to ask if I had purchased my dress at Old Navy. She had seen the dress on the rack, but was unsure about it. Now after seeing it, she wants to try it on! So fun.<br />
<br />
Thanks Old Navy and Crowdtap for the opportunity to try these fun dresses.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lisa and I both received a free dress as part of a Crowdtap Sample and Share program. Blogging about my experience was not a requirement of the Sample and Share program, but I wanted to share :)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-40520356893693129742012-03-01T14:17:00.002-07:002012-03-01T14:17:33.831-07:00On Little Wings by Regina Sirois Blog Tour Stop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoE7zHXuLVXUhlSeSmCF1ndMmz8gMG75Ql4b96IK4wSrAjE-ooIFU2LKgq-gi8qImlsrvh7ZTs4RbEwImY8bKWrtjRnPojpBAHlWAXVY0c_8-_f40uJbi_JYiGZeYIYlvQXxxQ8Q/s1600/On+Little+Wings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoE7zHXuLVXUhlSeSmCF1ndMmz8gMG75Ql4b96IK4wSrAjE-ooIFU2LKgq-gi8qImlsrvh7ZTs4RbEwImY8bKWrtjRnPojpBAHlWAXVY0c_8-_f40uJbi_JYiGZeYIYlvQXxxQ8Q/s320/On+Little+Wings.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1468096478/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=randthouwithc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1468096478">On Little Wings</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=randthouwithc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1468096478" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
by Regina Sirois<br />
Published January 4th 2012 by Regina Sirois<br />
ISBN B006MITQRC<br />
Source: author<br />
Rating: 5 stars<br />
<br />
<b>Synopsis (from Goodreads):</b><br />
<i>This is a story of the countless ways we get love wrong. And why, despite every disappointment, we keep fighting to get it right.
</i><br />
<br />
<i>Jennifer must do the impossible – bring her mother home. When a family is torn apart by death, two sisters take violently divergent paths and the story of their family appears to end terribly and abruptly. Two decades later Jennifer never dreams that the photo she finds stuck between the pages of a neglected book will tear open a gaping wound to her mother’s secret past. Abandoning her comfortable life with her parents and best friend in the wheat fields of Nebraska, Jennifer’s quest for a hidden aunt leads her to the untamed coast of Maine where she struggles to understand why her mother lied to her for sixteen years.
</i><br />
<br />
<i>Across the grey, rocky cove she meets Nathan Moore, the young, reluctant genius surrounded by women who need him to be brother, father, friend, provider, protector and now, first love. The stories, varied, hilarious, and heartbreaking, unfold to paint a striking mural of the shattered past. As Jennifer seeks to piece together her mother’s story, she inadvertently writes one for herself</i><br />
<br />
<i> </i><b>My take:</b><i></i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
Honestly, I loved this book. It had so much to it: great characters, beautiful language, scenery that makes you want to hop a flight to Maine right now, and a great story of love, not always conquering all but hope that it might. Sirois uses beautiful imagery to describe both the scenery and the emotions of her characters. But, beautiful language alone does not a good book make. The story of sisters, separated by fear, hate and misunderstanding drew me in. I wanted to see them come back together, but the years apart and the hatred that had been nursed in hearts seemed too much to overcome.<br />
<br />
Jennifer is another story, she is discovering the joy and pain that comes with first love. When you don't know what the other person is thinking; do they care as much as you do? Sirois gives us a great understanding of how this really feels. It brought me back to my days in high school when I fought that same battle.<br />
<br />
On a personal note, this book touched home. I grew up hearing of the beauty of Maine. I did visit once, when I was 18 months old, so all I have of that vacation are photos; no memories. My grandfather was born and raised in Maine. While somewhat faded, his Maine accent is one of the things I remember most about him. The reference in <i>On Little Wings</i> to the Maine accent brought memories of my late grandfather rushing to my mind. <br />
<br />
If you are looking for a book that will make you smile, laugh and maybe even shed a tear or two, this is a great one.<br />
<br />
<b>About the Author</b> (from the <a href="http://reginasirois.com/" target="_blank">Author's website</a>, visit to find out more)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBKdyUeYRYudY6B-pkGxlu6i79QgHheSlwICNKAI1m5gLy9VatgfDeetrEMNCu0yB3Sa-cr7VwbMUGm1HPqepyvTi91nQyyIBnrkYNu7OyYvHzTneB9fLY31RD6dXV7AqjCQROA/s1600/ReginaSirois-m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBKdyUeYRYudY6B-pkGxlu6i79QgHheSlwICNKAI1m5gLy9VatgfDeetrEMNCu0yB3Sa-cr7VwbMUGm1HPqepyvTi91nQyyIBnrkYNu7OyYvHzTneB9fLY31RD6dXV7AqjCQROA/s200/ReginaSirois-m.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<i>Regina Sirois is 90% reader and 10% writer, and as such, her loyalty lies with readers. She believes a book should do more than mildly entertain- it should change us. She graduated summa cum laude from Missouri State's Department of History and English and settled in the golden wheat fields of Kansas with her High School love. She is currently doing laundry (probably) and raising her two daughters. She fell in love the day she learned to read and cried the first time she did a word problem in math ("But it's not a problem..." sob, sob. "It's a story!"). In her debut novel, "On Little Wings," Regina Sirois holds nothing back as she dares to make us believe.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
This post is a stop in a blog tour for this title. Learn more about this and other tours by clicking on the image below:<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.tristipinkstonbooktours.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz90/desertrosedesigns/TristiBookTourButton2_220.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-14285075244020063512012-02-07T06:00:00.000-07:002012-02-07T06:00:15.332-07:00Persuasion: A Latter-Day Tale Blog Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCxEVWLBKcIL7h-FUIBWH8hvl4R0j8PFJ9ykJ0STtgsj5EwzXAH_4xxjdnAvSyh0TXjVUNfk17Txrs4KRCKpq446iZcnUmCzYLAB4mkgfN3ZcyNI2_3rVvSgy2YQnGf1AxVFhLA/s1600/Persuasion_2x3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCxEVWLBKcIL7h-FUIBWH8hvl4R0j8PFJ9ykJ0STtgsj5EwzXAH_4xxjdnAvSyh0TXjVUNfk17Txrs4KRCKpq446iZcnUmCzYLAB4mkgfN3ZcyNI2_3rVvSgy2YQnGf1AxVFhLA/s320/Persuasion_2x3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Welcome to my little stop on the Persuasion Blog tour! I hope you enjoy my review of this fun book!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599559471/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=randthouwithc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1599559471">Persuasion: A Latter-day Tale</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=randthouwithc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1599559471" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
by Rebecca H. Jamison<br />
Paperback 240 pages<br />
Expected publication: February 14th, 2012<br />
by Cedar Fort, Inc<br />
ISBN 1599559471<br />
Rating: 4 stars<br />
Source: Publisher, ecopy<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>When Anne broke off her engagement seven years ago, she thought she'd never see Neil Wentworth again. But when Neil's brother buys the house she grew up in, it seems fate has other plans in store, and Anne is woefully unprepared for the roller coaster of emotions that accompanies Neil's return. Fans of Persuasion will love this fast-paced, modern retelling of Jane Austen's most romantic novel.</i><br />
<br />
It's no secret that I am a Jane Austen fan. I love the way she makes fun of society in her own way and her romantic tales are just so heart warming. Honestly, who doesn't fall for Captain Wentworth or Mr Darcy when they are reading a Jane Austen? I also enjoy a good Austen spin-off, and this was a fun one. Set in modern day, this LDS centered retelling does a good job of modernizing this Regency Era tale.<br />
<br />
Taking on Persuasion is a difficult task. Where Pride and Prejudice seems to easily translate into the modern day, it seems to me that Persuasion is very Regency based and a bit more difficult to translate. So much of the original story focuses on the cousin Mr Elliot and the fact that he inherits the Elliot home and title (and the fact that he is their cousin, yet wants to marry Anne...something that is not much done today). I wondered how Jamison would be able to take this Regency steeped tale and make it work for the modern day, and she did fabulously. A great deal of the story followed the original fairly closely, but it also took a few turns here and there to fit in with a modern-day LDS life.<br />
<br />
If you like Jane Austen and modern retellings of her stories, definitely grab a copy of this title! You won't regret it.<br />
<br />
You can watch the book trailer below:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oKgM9tuCzSo" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>About the Author</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc24phLZBp5uhlZDRNnVfeKaMVDF9k1UcSOPL-NRgmliP_c2LDKBbCVDPLRn6Q95-vudJ_J2a6Snj69RUe5Mex-Ha-YCe787NIBVNL3tUMaltGmKVcylYgiFaAyskV3lNrRQk2og/s1600/R_Jamison_photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc24phLZBp5uhlZDRNnVfeKaMVDF9k1UcSOPL-NRgmliP_c2LDKBbCVDPLRn6Q95-vudJ_J2a6Snj69RUe5Mex-Ha-YCe787NIBVNL3tUMaltGmKVcylYgiFaAyskV3lNrRQk2og/s200/R_Jamison_photo.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
Rebecca Jamison enjoys running, dancing, making jewelry, reading, and watching chick flicks. Rebecca grew up in Vienna, Virginia. She attended Brigham Young University, earning a BA and MA in English. In between college and grad school, she served a mission to Portugal and the Cape Verde islands. Rebecca now lives with her husband and children in Utah. You can learn more about her at <a href="http://www.rebeccahjamison.com/">www.rebeccahjamison.com</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Stop by the rest of the blogs on the tour by clicking the image below<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cedarfortbooks.com/blog-tour-persuasion-a-latter-day-tale/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVwLOaB04j2cqLEURD_kVRCxRfRTMWISpxR0XMUNciEm4OuxYreTH7zLTJnDTPjQe3UgOdRCphC3Fk4BCoouWNMdzYJkFGA6rLGM_YtrZQURxAASnWVOnlj3YmC_C5QWosB0D2w/s1600/Persuasion.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-15517652772332920322012-01-31T22:26:00.000-07:002012-01-31T22:26:13.931-07:00RetirementQuest: Make Better Decisions by John Houserman, CFP Blog Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamECR1H6ot0LLPXiypStMBpjQ599Lc5EfffXVA8t-Ka1dJCbEp2oSEprgE4k41CsfPVw-HNkjTFf0YaGMloxXhZ4dhteHF36oHrZT3AjlWQfqZuRh5m4sPD5wGHYv6jHFG45EfA/s1600/RetirementQuestCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamECR1H6ot0LLPXiypStMBpjQ599Lc5EfffXVA8t-Ka1dJCbEp2oSEprgE4k41CsfPVw-HNkjTFf0YaGMloxXhZ4dhteHF36oHrZT3AjlWQfqZuRh5m4sPD5wGHYv6jHFG45EfA/s1600/RetirementQuestCover.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/RetirementQuest-Better-Decisions-John-Hauserman/dp/0983021708/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327988186&sr=8-1" target="_blank">RetirementQuest: Making Better Decisions</a><br />
John Hauserman, CPF<br />
ISBN # 0983021708<br />
Rating: 4 Stars<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>RetirementQuest: Make Better Decisions was written by a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner who has been counseling clients since 1992. Drawing from his twenty years of experience, John Hauserman has developed a unique ability to communicate complex financial subject matter in easy to understand terms. Readers are guided through the basics of financial planning, while threads of politics, history, and psychology are woven together to create a tapestry of deeper understanding into the financial planning world. Complete with hard hitting insight into the practices and sometimes abuses of the financial services industry, John has created a masterpiece designed to help those responsible-minded investors who are seeking to avoid common planning mistakes. (from Amazon description)</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
To be completely honest, when asked to review this title, I wasn't sure what I would think. I often struggle to finish books that don't have a swiftly moving plot line, and non-fiction is the hardest for me. A book about investments and retirement...yeah<i> </i>I pretty much expected to fall asleep quickly when I attempted to read it. But I was surprised to find that Hauserman has a talent for making finances make sense and explaining ideas, that might seem at times overwhelming, in a way that really helps the lay person grasp what is needed. He helps you understand how to set realistic retirement goals and what to do to achieve them. He also helps you to avoid common investor mistakes. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself enjoying the book (which, as mentioned before is huge for me, as non-fiction titles and I usually do not get along. My theory with non-fiction in the past has been, as Robert Frost has said, "good fences make good neighbors", but the fence is falling down for this title) If you are planning your retirement (and shouldn't we all?) this book can help guide you in your decision making.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdORqA0zFAKNCo-9bK43HuPHUNpI2HoMXx78qCnsQ2f0EsNhrM5S64Ehejkb8rxjG_rEYZABcM4-0-gZvFq2QLMZ7NrElp6-2IdN8IOZgx13Fnlg5hNCMK2WTnbhfRN2zh4FwYg/s1600/John+Hauserman+pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdORqA0zFAKNCo-9bK43HuPHUNpI2HoMXx78qCnsQ2f0EsNhrM5S64Ehejkb8rxjG_rEYZABcM4-0-gZvFq2QLMZ7NrElp6-2IdN8IOZgx13Fnlg5hNCMK2WTnbhfRN2zh4FwYg/s200/John+Hauserman+pix.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Find out more about John Houserman, CPF and RetirementQuest by visiting his <a href="http://retirementquest.com/home.aspx" target="_blank">website</a>. You can also purchase the a copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/RetirementQuest-Better-Decisions-John-Hauserman/dp/0983021708/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327988186&sr=8-1" target="_blank">RetirementQuest: Making Better Decisions for $14.99 at Amazon.com</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to participate in the Tristi Pinkston Blog Tour for this Title. Click below for more information about this and other tours.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.tristipinkstonbooktours.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz90/desertrosedesigns/TristiBookTourButton2_220.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-58514374041065700942012-01-21T06:00:00.000-07:002012-01-21T06:00:01.612-07:00Time Gangsters Blog TourWelcome to the last stop in the Time Gangsters Blog Tour!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCEhV9HHLHQL4kPvtmTt_B6A9ueThOxsKMpjmw3H8Bp3GCLjVoT8-6M_MZSKrMGt5MBpvZrYJLTIWEB4ouiveutLhB3iom5llGGvHXUZ25Z1yGvnq5sPd16KV_svPbZo6dFTLwQ/s1600/Tme+Gangsters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCEhV9HHLHQL4kPvtmTt_B6A9ueThOxsKMpjmw3H8Bp3GCLjVoT8-6M_MZSKrMGt5MBpvZrYJLTIWEB4ouiveutLhB3iom5llGGvHXUZ25Z1yGvnq5sPd16KV_svPbZo6dFTLwQ/s320/Tme+Gangsters.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599559668/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=randthouwithc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1599559668">Time Gangsters</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=randthouwithc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1599559668" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
by<a href="http://www.berinstephens.com/" target="_blank"> Berin L Stephens</a><br />
Paperback, 296 pages<br />
Expected Publication- February 8, 2012<br />
by Cedar Fort, Inc<br />
ISBN-1599559668<br />
Source: Publisher<br />
Rating: 3.5 stars<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>When Billy discovers a hidden cache of ancient coins, it isn't long before a gang of thugs swipes them right from under Billy. Plotting to use the magical properties of the coins to seize power in the past, these power-hungry gangsters will do anything to reach their goal. Their future threatened, Billy and Danny must race through time to steal back the coins---before history is changed forever!</i><br />
<br />
This time traveling adventure takes a pair of cousins (Billy and Danny-who's name is actually Danielle) and Billy's friend Wheezy (a nick-name given to him because of his constant Asthma related wheezing) on an adventure between modern day Colorado and 1927 New York.<i> </i>Egyptian medallions that give the bearer magical powers are being sought by a prohibition era mobster for his bid to take over the country.<br />
<br />
While the story is cute, with fun characters that the intended audience (middle grade readers) will enjoy, I struggle a bit with time travel based books. There are so many issues that arise when you are dealing with time travel, and my much too logical brain struggles with the loose ends that are usually left at the conclusion of a time travel story.<br />
<br />
Having said that, the story has a good pace, and is well written. I enjoyed the almost brother/sister relationship between cousins Billy and Danny. All in all this is a cute book that I would recommend to others!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
You can visit the rest of the stops along the blog tour by clicking the link below:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cedarfortbooks.com/blog-tour-time-gangsters/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk32rxCpbraT9KA6Gw8I7r5Pmq2si3dqh9hJg_3lR6WKWafgGINCa7TpZxR47hx8WKnnbl-wDKODYkcAUs5ubiuhmYUk-PL_6OSSoaWFFl-M0rTbRWWZTpaKllS-SqB_zf4d-gIg/s320/Time-Gansters+blog+tour+badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
You can learn more about the book by visiting the book website<a href="http://timegangstersbook.com/" target="_blank"> timegangstersbook.com</a>. You can also connect with the author on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Books-by-Berin-Stephens/129836213004?ref=ts&sk=wall" target="_blank">facebook</a> or via his <a href="http://berinstephens.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>.<br />
<br />
(I received a free e-copy of this book in order to participate in this blog tour)<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-11701945865371418012012-01-20T09:39:00.000-07:002012-01-20T09:39:54.629-07:00Aaaand We're Back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Sorry for the drop off. The Christmas Holiday was crazy this year (good, but crazy) and I just didn't have time to blog. Right after Christmas a stomach flu hit our house with a vengeance and made its way through everyone except Joelle. Right after the flu, we finished our Winter Break with a great visit from Jared's brother and his family. Below you will see a few photos of what I didn't blog:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygeET5okf1PoPwF3ELn0WhOr5DP7GQKq1bLBTbNibLG0HPwXC00HBCe6Y2QIcYTcnsmwlOLBsg63pgldG2JYsZbTer9j8P8zLsruSnLlwaePt_aabI0rbnzqDNArbu-FUaZupaQ/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygeET5okf1PoPwF3ELn0WhOr5DP7GQKq1bLBTbNibLG0HPwXC00HBCe6Y2QIcYTcnsmwlOLBsg63pgldG2JYsZbTer9j8P8zLsruSnLlwaePt_aabI0rbnzqDNArbu-FUaZupaQ/s320/DSC_0003.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tree on Christmas Morning</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iesmZ_VLLdEDkGXImE0sTQObFR2kE435dPDOeF2jPH21b1nAk5L9MmaJxwr5sj7hpSNThmti4V4eGgztBhrHYuTUuQYqZQXRWPQ7VCYHfSV2TVr8uuXF-5uK43heAb_qL7AM_A/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iesmZ_VLLdEDkGXImE0sTQObFR2kE435dPDOeF2jPH21b1nAk5L9MmaJxwr5sj7hpSNThmti4V4eGgztBhrHYuTUuQYqZQXRWPQ7VCYHfSV2TVr8uuXF-5uK43heAb_qL7AM_A/s320/DSC_0014.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right after Church Christmas Morning. Joelle did an amazing job singing with me in church that morning in-front of a large group!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYBNhklwSJ-1XyixvPmJu4Z1tUvRzcEjZW6Tq3zEyLoZeg__wv6Rz0Sxupl9rLNc2t5A6QStLlOdVmMTc0KrrZzUb_k9fxYy2xTPOP5Eh3PuJfVvgW5HYrEydprmfCW_OKy9jdQ/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYBNhklwSJ-1XyixvPmJu4Z1tUvRzcEjZW6Tq3zEyLoZeg__wv6Rz0Sxupl9rLNc2t5A6QStLlOdVmMTc0KrrZzUb_k9fxYy2xTPOP5Eh3PuJfVvgW5HYrEydprmfCW_OKy9jdQ/s320/DSC_0028.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting to go downstairs at Grandma's house to open presents.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OIkZqDEP08DdCJQK5eX-Cv2EG4HOVPX3rm3VU-vz5l5Efvm85VuwKo-FW2gPrSIcKcdPXB5JegDkAd5Pt1eP3BoRy9LY7uOaxfZv61eKxRltgeptShe3VyTI_cDojMNidSzfjQ/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OIkZqDEP08DdCJQK5eX-Cv2EG4HOVPX3rm3VU-vz5l5Efvm85VuwKo-FW2gPrSIcKcdPXB5JegDkAd5Pt1eP3BoRy9LY7uOaxfZv61eKxRltgeptShe3VyTI_cDojMNidSzfjQ/s320/DSC_0047.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A crochet project I completed over the break! Showing our team spirit!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcOysqEiibhn2kXqMAlrsWph8sLSxYTVIgk1w_gyGL9JzPRpQHPwz8dAuakwRTC02SygImz-LAjRy20nan23Kf1ANHAQSXX2hYbyMJ5C3mYdJle30ZejY3npUwCcdbGdi-Au0ew/s1600/temple+square+visit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcOysqEiibhn2kXqMAlrsWph8sLSxYTVIgk1w_gyGL9JzPRpQHPwz8dAuakwRTC02SygImz-LAjRy20nan23Kf1ANHAQSXX2hYbyMJ5C3mYdJle30ZejY3npUwCcdbGdi-Au0ew/s320/temple+square+visit.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A photo from our visit with Jared's brother. We took a trip down to temple square (it was a first visit to temple square for my nieces and nephew). This is a picture with the missionaries who took us for a tour.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I hope that you are all doing well. Look for more posting soon (including a book review post tomorrow!)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-88878961202939791962011-12-16T09:26:00.003-07:002011-12-16T09:26:48.762-07:00Choose the Right: A Year of Family Night Lessons to Help Your Children Choose the Right by Kimiko Christensen Hammari Blog Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1321390695l/12676674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1321390695l/12676674.jpg" /></a></div>
<i>Choose the Right: A Year of Family Night Lessons to Help Your Children Choose the Right</i><br />
by Kimiko Christensen Hammari<br />
Paperback, 160 Pages<br />
Published November 1, 2011<br />
by Cedar Fort, Incorporated<br />
ISBN 1599559412<br />
Source: Publisher<br />
Rating:4 stars<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is a synopsis from the publisher:<br />
<i>Crazy days mean no time to plan family nights. With Choose the Right,
all of your Family Home Evening lessons are done for a whole year,
complete with activities, games, scriptures, songs, challenges, and a
CD-Rom with printable handouts! Not only are the lessons fantastic but
they correlate with the 2012 Primary topics and lessons. Spend quality
time with your children as you make family night the best night!</i><br />
<br />
<br />
If you struggle with Family Home Evening because you aren't sure what to teach each night, this book is for you! Filled with lessons for each week of the year (A couple months have you extend one lesson over two weeks) that follow the 2012 Primary theme, you can be certain to have a simple lesson ready to go each week. The lessons are simple to prepare and teach. The CD that comes with the book contains printable image files for each of the lessons, including activities.<br />
<br />
One of my favorite features of this book is the resources list at the beginning of each lesson. You do not need to read through the entire lesson, scanning for the items you will need. You can look at this quick summary and easily grab the books or images that you will need to successfully prepare each lesson. <br />
<br />
This little book that retails for only $14.99 is certain to be a big help this year as you prepare your Family Home Evening lessons!<br />
<br />
See more of the Cedar Fort blog tour for this book by clicking on the image below:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cedarfortbooks.com/blog-tour-choose-the-right/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwJ5SuHrNQQryRgXzXDKvCJqZQ0OkiGXCbFvL2TkexYvoJ9aFlhnUBO-KKVfJihQ7eZAq_kfJXq8aBRJGXhTSaJ_pmSVjW9TmTjJ906oKbwb_y4lJDyJgYLu_4pf5rfBVpBzkgA/s1600/Choose+the+Right.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-89305445727760560362011-12-14T10:27:00.002-07:002011-12-14T10:27:27.946-07:00Old Navy Bundle-Up Bash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBE5Eff2gwKUZctjqwEainrBGnuIVghZdK7UPzSzL9OhzEHqLZbfar_FWgUxyNy1KKZ57bTKkm95FogHzF8yP1doiOfJX5_uaIhwX3iVXA2KvkINPOHz9SIML3uSi5xcMGF6lYA/s1600/ON_logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBE5Eff2gwKUZctjqwEainrBGnuIVghZdK7UPzSzL9OhzEHqLZbfar_FWgUxyNy1KKZ57bTKkm95FogHzF8yP1doiOfJX5_uaIhwX3iVXA2KvkINPOHz9SIML3uSi5xcMGF6lYA/s1600/ON_logo.gif" /></a></div>
Thanks to Crowdtap and<a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/" target="_blank"> Old Navy</a>, I was able to invite three friends to join me for a Bundle-Up Bash at our local Old Navy store. To say we had fun, would be an understatement! We thought we would be there for about an hour trying on clothes and then going home with a brand new outfit...well the trying on clothes and going home with a new outfit was true but the hour wasn't! We were there for two and a half hours, try on clothes, laughing and generally having fun! Here are some photos from our in-store adventure:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyso5XnjBqPWudT8pDb-Aw45hmt64DPFv-VWZ4W3MzE30sXnH0HtICzzlti9LfUFBAEUzReeHWIw6hdr2oq_NAhIWxKwsct5GVdpy-9vvFR5VUE52noL5nnfBWx1QfZLHdU4BMw/s1600/me+outfit+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyso5XnjBqPWudT8pDb-Aw45hmt64DPFv-VWZ4W3MzE30sXnH0HtICzzlti9LfUFBAEUzReeHWIw6hdr2oq_NAhIWxKwsct5GVdpy-9vvFR5VUE52noL5nnfBWx1QfZLHdU4BMw/s320/me+outfit+1.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me modeling my first look</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29knhREE42XC4mfzPmVfZjnBgRqJh08FSnFBu8NvVk__u-RB69_U-KX92v2nJC_wfM1oWTW_8D-ifOYYRNX1zav3vAIhyu9KKTMQZUWiXh3kdfQo9IRTAdJfwP5aGNVj5dl9O4w/s1600/Lovely+Lisa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29knhREE42XC4mfzPmVfZjnBgRqJh08FSnFBu8NvVk__u-RB69_U-KX92v2nJC_wfM1oWTW_8D-ifOYYRNX1zav3vAIhyu9KKTMQZUWiXh3kdfQo9IRTAdJfwP5aGNVj5dl9O4w/s320/Lovely+Lisa.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lisa rocking the yellow stripes</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAAjKL94kYpDAx0H6xcdMsec84sPix62NFmkhWicJOrOp6CgHlQO4WPsgIjYV07njZBmCNFsM7nVTxgZdb3pr-_yxFpKLOeEIH1Y6s4uk6nusqI4ypQHQfMTke6qnlTFoYXCscA/s1600/fun+with+Modelquins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAAjKL94kYpDAx0H6xcdMsec84sPix62NFmkhWicJOrOp6CgHlQO4WPsgIjYV07njZBmCNFsM7nVTxgZdb3pr-_yxFpKLOeEIH1Y6s4uk6nusqI4ypQHQfMTke6qnlTFoYXCscA/s320/fun+with+Modelquins.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having Fun with the Super Modelquins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrMQXhz7C6SZnBhjv_w5mQSKvBM9RCbqgCuCY66ptU3vufnCv133oC5M7cLATwLHxIS9POpemTs4shxmuTB4xkUc1zRJ085pY4Dm6w_hghtLCURayLc0tDoiagpxx241MTl7qnA/s1600/with+scarves+and+hats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrMQXhz7C6SZnBhjv_w5mQSKvBM9RCbqgCuCY66ptU3vufnCv133oC5M7cLATwLHxIS9POpemTs4shxmuTB4xkUc1zRJ085pY4Dm6w_hghtLCURayLc0tDoiagpxx241MTl7qnA/s320/with+scarves+and+hats.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing with scarves and hats in the background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPc1GPJ96ZDAUdLUexII-sT152Yeq3wEYnH4n7tlntGyQcV64LqDfYuHZABNSGxnWFRDoyi0joLvdh5rO9ARG6mNUcAAQNhz-7p2NDOA9P_oIWPfK86O1g3x96RKC_v-L5wU_Ew/s1600/helpful+employees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPc1GPJ96ZDAUdLUexII-sT152Yeq3wEYnH4n7tlntGyQcV64LqDfYuHZABNSGxnWFRDoyi0joLvdh5rO9ARG6mNUcAAQNhz-7p2NDOA9P_oIWPfK86O1g3x96RKC_v-L5wU_Ew/s320/helpful+employees.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabulous, helpful employees!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTqSnbkmLO_i-QWtDsHVKe0r4tp_alBFA6kNkeOSEsJZ5-AhBSdUmBuJ2eNCUcFMfuzAEHJGkm2B9tRiRZ25LcXftpwkGZTCrfmb3ePj6Zl5N0hDbfwf_FoyhoU4ikS_29B49Fw/s1600/discussing+options.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTqSnbkmLO_i-QWtDsHVKe0r4tp_alBFA6kNkeOSEsJZ5-AhBSdUmBuJ2eNCUcFMfuzAEHJGkm2B9tRiRZ25LcXftpwkGZTCrfmb3ePj6Zl5N0hDbfwf_FoyhoU4ikS_29B49Fw/s320/discussing+options.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deciding which hat looks best</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6B9Ndfnyu7Pgl89QqeTuw6tKqKQKO_1msq4DB75xY0geGjz0I9z7AlCY0Te8uUvtTmjd234jMunIhrHyyPO99ilVKaP7UJuaaGiJkghYEfUaJGbk2W4cD2cJq7ZNAyLekYKLc7A/s1600/our+haul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6B9Ndfnyu7Pgl89QqeTuw6tKqKQKO_1msq4DB75xY0geGjz0I9z7AlCY0Te8uUvtTmjd234jMunIhrHyyPO99ilVKaP7UJuaaGiJkghYEfUaJGbk2W4cD2cJq7ZNAyLekYKLc7A/s320/our+haul.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2.5 hours later leaving with our goodies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWT88x-QlYqfYOwjJ0drzIJrMipdKZMquPzascmhTaIFAq879-h5haw5KFlkvkKHx6yPDcy-YQu1YIKJ7ZAX_YGRoMfLWjz6qjk6VrQ7P6apl2pKY4uKAwD2AXDTeDMdleOHds2g/s1600/we+love+old+navy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWT88x-QlYqfYOwjJ0drzIJrMipdKZMquPzascmhTaIFAq879-h5haw5KFlkvkKHx6yPDcy-YQu1YIKJ7ZAX_YGRoMfLWjz6qjk6VrQ7P6apl2pKY4uKAwD2AXDTeDMdleOHds2g/s320/we+love+old+navy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy to be going home with a brand new outfit from Old Navy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A couple of my friends admitted that, while they often shopped at Old Navy for their children, they hadn't thought to purchase their own clothes there. They were surprised at the cute styles and great prices available at Old Navy. There were so many diffrerent styles of pants, sweaters and more. Everyone found several items that they would have loved to take home with them! Ironically, while we all loved several styles of jeans, three of the four of us ended up purchasing the darling <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=70358&vid=1&pid=868409&scid=868409002" target="_blank">trouser jeans</a>!<br />
<br />
All four of us left with a pair of pants, a sweater and an accessory (scarf, hat or gloves). I chose the following items:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www3.assets-gap.com/webcontent/0004/290/708/cn4290708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www3.assets-gap.com/webcontent/0004/290/708/cn4290708.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www2.assets-gap.com/Asset_Archive/ONWeb/Assets/Product/868/868409/big/on868409-00vliv01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www2.assets-gap.com/Asset_Archive/ONWeb/Assets/Product/868/868409/big/on868409-00vliv01.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
and a scarf that doesn't seem to be on their website. I absolutely love each of these items. I wore the whole outfit to a holiday party last night and it was the perfect dressed-up casual look! The green in the sweater is even more gorgeous in person!<br />
<br />
It was so much fun to laugh together and enjoy trying on clothes. We all said that it reminded us of when we were young and would go out with friends and shop together. We decided that we definitely needed to arrange another shopping day. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: My friends and I each received a free pair of pants, sweater and accessory in exchange for having and in store party and my submitting photos and a report back to Crowdtap. I also receive a small amount of monetary compensation for my time filling out the report.</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-76280770432687403562011-12-08T07:22:00.001-07:002011-12-08T09:17:39.604-07:00Texting Through Time: Trek With Brigham Young by Christy Monson Blog Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZ5WgvGObkpV4qMTJFi7LDZ9M26GuQXw64bxm9C9VRisBZ74i08moDA0RiKe93SLCZA32ZtoiQt0GIv3x2pW0O8MPxl6uJvxLThoDK4e5KSYYEjNpS0wVnHkUpBRmOUPTJHVmMg/s1600/texting+through+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZ5WgvGObkpV4qMTJFi7LDZ9M26GuQXw64bxm9C9VRisBZ74i08moDA0RiKe93SLCZA32ZtoiQt0GIv3x2pW0O8MPxl6uJvxLThoDK4e5KSYYEjNpS0wVnHkUpBRmOUPTJHVmMg/s320/texting+through+time.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
Texting Through Time: A Trek with Brigham Young<br />
by Christy Monson<br />
Paperback 128 pages<br />
Published: November 8, 2011<br />
by Cedar Fort, Inc<br />
My rating: 3.75 stars<br />
<br />
<br />
I am thrilled to be a part of the Cedar Fort Book Tour for the fun new Middle Grade book: <i>Texting Through Time: A Trek With Brigham Young</i>. Here is a synopsis for you (from the publisher):<br />
<br />
<i>When 12-year-old Micah “borrows” his father’s experimental time-travel
phone, his hopes for seeing the future are dashed as he and his sister,
Alicia, end up trapped in the past at Brigham Young’s boyhood home. This
book is a fun way to discover Church history and learn that no matter
what time period you are in, God is still aware of you.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
The concept of this book is definitely a fun one for Middle Grade readers. Micah and Alicia are playing with their dad's un-tested time-travel phone and wind up an the past, arriving on Brigham Young's 11th birthday. This begins an adventure for both Micah and Alicia, as they try to make their way back to the present. They learn much from the life of Brigham Young, popping in to his life at different times. <br />
<br />
Through this all they learn that they really have it pretty easy, and they grow to rely on the Lord through their trials. In order to progress through time, they have to text their experience, thoughts, and feelings to their own phones. When they finally return home, they find their texted journals and can revisit what they learned along the way.<br />
<br />
This book would be great for younger readers. I will definitely be passing it on to my daughter to read (she turns 12 in February). I like how it puts a fun spin on the technology that kids know today while teaching them about the past.<br />
<br />
To see more of this blog tour click the image below for the schedule and link to the blogs participating in the tour:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cedarfortbooks.com/blog-tour-texting-through-time/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIigiHnAHn7q70SaOxs_KaNUxzdl5QENmbFaFLrvlB3eXgs8hnXjlas8q_3elvVXmu7sf8NJs06_CJZLfYB3FOELsHnDnz6BvJT_wcDnCcdPKNlQMPluCgDCLBGDA4U-ld2-DLw/s1600/TextTimeBlogBanner.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: I received an ebook copy of Texting Through Time in order to write this honest review. No further compensation was received. Cover image from Goodreads.</span> <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-21444120680511959612011-12-01T17:47:00.001-07:002011-12-01T23:22:32.980-07:00Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2011/12/book-lovers-holiday-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgA7IOqz-FjEhKC1kBWe5CVyu3IyKS-99RmFNw7FFqsGll9MW-bt_uMivwkH8-CpyLfh4IeyQQYqPpCAwOaht-AmOmragAmbQrGXvq0owAzAOVxAywkOAGfwh_N-r8J8dt6s6AA/s320/book+lovers2.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
Welcome Hoppers! I am so excited to be participating in my first blog hop :) Over 200 blogs are participating in the Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway Hop (sponsored by<a href="http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> I Am A Reader Not a Writer</a> and <a href="http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/" target="_blank">Kid Lit Frenzy</a>)and I am thrilled to be one of them. Each blogger is giving away something that a book lover would love, and really, what to book lovers love more than books? So I am giving away a copy of one of my favorite books! I discovered the <a href="http://sheralynpratt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rhea Jensen series by Sheralynn Pratt</a> late last year and have since read each book. For my giveaway you will be receiving the first book in the series: City of Angels.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1268783783l/7875739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1268783783l/7875739.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Synopsis (from Goodreads): <span id="freeText16500134547776790686">Rhea Jensen is your
typical twenty-something single girl-if by "typical" you mean a private
investigator who studies ways to escape from handcuffs while waiting to
take down another serial sleaze. But when a seemingly open-and-closed
embezzlement case goes awry, her on-again-off-again boyfriend starts
fooling around behind her back, and some Mormon missionaries stop her on
the street during a stakeout, Rhea realizes her life is anything but
typical-even by her standards. </span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<span id="freeText16500134547776790686">You are sure to love this fantastic series, and I am going to help one of you by getting you started with the first one! Winner will also receive a bonus homemade item (a surprise :) ) with their book. I promise it is good!</span><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText16500134547776790686">Here are the rules: Enter in the rafflecopter form below. Following is not required, but does get you an additional entry :) Begins now and runs through 12:01 AM EST on the 7th of December. Only one entry per household, US entrants only. Winner chosen at random and notified by email (also will appear in the rafflecopter form in this post when winner has been selected). Winner will then have 72 hours to respond to winning email or a new winner will be chosen.</span><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText16500134547776790686"> </span><i><span id="freeText16500134547776790686"> </span></i><br />
<script id="rafl-script" type="text/javascript">
RafflecopterSettings = {
raffleID: 'MDYxMDczMjAxYjIxYmFmYTEwZTI0YjBhYzA1NGE2OjE1'
};
</script>
<script src="https://rafflecopter.ssl.dotcloud.com/static/js/widget/rafl-widget.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<noscript>&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;.</noscript>
disclosure: I purchased the book featured above in this giveaway myself. I was not given a free copy nor was I compensated in any other way.<br />
<br />
Now hop along and check out the rest of the blogs in the hop:<br />
<br />
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=110662" type="text/javascript">
</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-72428480049687145082011-12-01T07:45:00.001-07:002011-12-01T08:44:45.496-07:00It's the Holiday Season!Don't you just love this time of year? The radio is playing Christmas music; the streets are lined with wreaths and lights. There is just something in the air that changes after the Turkey and Cranberry of Thanksgiving has been packed away as leftovers in the refrigerator. I think it really starts with Thanksgiving day, all of that gratitude changing hearts just a little.<br />
<br />
There is just a different feeling for that month that spans from Thanksgiving to Christmas. (And I don't mean the commercial, crazy feeling that we sometimes encounter). Hearts are just a little softer. We think of family and friends. Memories come rushing back as we unpack the ornaments and hang them on the tree. As family gathers, they share stories of Christmases past. Donations make their way to food closets; pocket change clinks along in harmony with the bells rung outside store entrances. <br />
<br />
And the smells! Don't even get me started on the smells. I can't get enough of the smell of pine and cinnamon, cookies baking, hot chocolate steaming. It is all so delicious.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9qPtiOESWQVOCmk7e51hgLp780rBevOqMX5H4tsWZi-EAt0Dww0HEiopbTt40mYxb82khYdwd5e-xyqESeqfpHi5SkxFQTrKwThn1rrWZf8oS4zKPvDjFH3MkowBsfSo0F23SQ/s1600/mary-joseph-with-baby-jesus-39533-tablet%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9qPtiOESWQVOCmk7e51hgLp780rBevOqMX5H4tsWZi-EAt0Dww0HEiopbTt40mYxb82khYdwd5e-xyqESeqfpHi5SkxFQTrKwThn1rrWZf8oS4zKPvDjFH3MkowBsfSo0F23SQ/s320/mary-joseph-with-baby-jesus-39533-tablet%25281%2529.jpg" width="258" /></a>But the best part of all is that for a little while we focus on what matters, family, friends and Jesus Christ. We remember his birth and celebrate his life! I love turning on the radio station and hearing his name coming over the airwaves. In a time where religion is being swept under the rug more and more, this month of remembrance is almost a miracle in itself.<br />
<br />
I hope that you experiencing that change as well. I hope you are feeling that love and feeling of joy this month as we prepare for Christmas.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-23672118484073193032011-11-23T16:57:00.001-07:002011-11-23T17:10:16.943-07:00Whew, Do You Ever Feel that You Need a Vacation to Recover from Your Vacation?We recently returned from a fabulous vacation to Disneyland with my parents and my sister (with her family.). We had such a wonderful time. The lines were short, the weather gorgeous, the company great, and we stayed in a fabulous hotel. The only problem was exhaustion. Seriously, my legs and feet were screaming by the end of the day (and we stayed until the last moment possible every night).<br />
<br />
The kids were all at great ages to take to Disneyland. Lucas was just tall enough that he could ride all but the scariest of rides (and a few of the rides he insisted on riding freaked him out a bit, but he was determined to ride them all). Dane was even tall enough for Indiana Jones, and surprisingly, really enjoyed it. The older three enjoyed California Screaming (we rode it several times, since the wait time was never more than 15 minutes). Jared, Liam, Max and I LOVED Hollywood Tower of Terror (Joelle rode it, but wasn't a big fan). I think the family favorite ride had to be Toy Story Midway Mania, where we all donned 3-D glasses and enjoyed a Midway game experience. Nobody could beat Jared's high score, but we all sure gave it a good try.<br />
<br />
The last several days have been filled with recovery from our vacation. I came home exhausted and needing to do laundry.<br />
<br />
Here are a few photos from our trip for you to enjoy:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvRlyjauh-QCYCVgsa1Dd8dHhMMgBnwyaHZ08O3-SYOHim37CHpdhJ_06JXSyu47H3K29g4-vsL_BxG3MWExWDuEjZNjbSD8MfEBhWKzuz21SQ50LWpwx5wB6qTzmBlELucE7aQ/s1600/buzz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvRlyjauh-QCYCVgsa1Dd8dHhMMgBnwyaHZ08O3-SYOHim37CHpdhJ_06JXSyu47H3K29g4-vsL_BxG3MWExWDuEjZNjbSD8MfEBhWKzuz21SQ50LWpwx5wB6qTzmBlELucE7aQ/s320/buzz.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP85jsybiy3HfdkizXnuSyFr2xKi5IpsDuMeqh6Z3tkxhC8rXm3tCyuybatmsEZh_OhuX3RPcYMDn8NJqFpa_paLD8r3AzU2C6u2aMUn7zvIGSdAtx8MpBx79Qsc5wQFV8z8lK_A/s1600/daddy+daughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP85jsybiy3HfdkizXnuSyFr2xKi5IpsDuMeqh6Z3tkxhC8rXm3tCyuybatmsEZh_OhuX3RPcYMDn8NJqFpa_paLD8r3AzU2C6u2aMUn7zvIGSdAtx8MpBx79Qsc5wQFV8z8lK_A/s320/daddy+daughter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhT69EDxh4PAetWsE4lTgwJIR7ZpE5unBucVn3j2v2lLhjxY5gyCBvNgc-88gI42B4FBemYSS5G-dwrDJ68l9M6QqK53MvuHD7hbaZ8VrtcxjgiHd5XXre2uIStnB_sPDLeeG_BA/s1600/dland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhT69EDxh4PAetWsE4lTgwJIR7ZpE5unBucVn3j2v2lLhjxY5gyCBvNgc-88gI42B4FBemYSS5G-dwrDJ68l9M6QqK53MvuHD7hbaZ8VrtcxjgiHd5XXre2uIStnB_sPDLeeG_BA/s320/dland.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3NDs-s6ZMqIJddU6RGyAKAeDi4EJ_nPI3TA4WofB_hDFJsuDRUyChqE4_3jM1R2Kcs2JS_9eZu7jBUnfEwn6PW3yVHllOk_g495dOHdzUfR7Ry7a8B18wOtezTK1p4P-5mF8pg/s1600/him+and+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3NDs-s6ZMqIJddU6RGyAKAeDi4EJ_nPI3TA4WofB_hDFJsuDRUyChqE4_3jM1R2Kcs2JS_9eZu7jBUnfEwn6PW3yVHllOk_g495dOHdzUfR7Ry7a8B18wOtezTK1p4P-5mF8pg/s320/him+and+me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWouwOOF0Cf9ud1wo4oq27s-iWXjBDV1CD9e1YkWJRvd1GzoCDf0lHU6Vx6UDoJraty8MCvFjGP6xsS3CCQV-4cTIyLtWR4DdiVHI-XbSN7gBu3oVO5JZrWcPIct_-ynMVMAWUqA/s1600/mickey+and+my+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWouwOOF0Cf9ud1wo4oq27s-iWXjBDV1CD9e1YkWJRvd1GzoCDf0lHU6Vx6UDoJraty8MCvFjGP6xsS3CCQV-4cTIyLtWR4DdiVHI-XbSN7gBu3oVO5JZrWcPIct_-ynMVMAWUqA/s320/mickey+and+my+kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKY7ys3669JtDmb4ScGntn9ygcwinf18ChippWVKsQGPpGVbyzf8MP-FgdnCN7AGk-sJe2V3ECsjR171OUhtBxlYM6bNLT1IrT_ylKItj6uFkmcP7LYMdq8wxMG_N7khYSEXjkQ/s1600/with+pluto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKY7ys3669JtDmb4ScGntn9ygcwinf18ChippWVKsQGPpGVbyzf8MP-FgdnCN7AGk-sJe2V3ECsjR171OUhtBxlYM6bNLT1IrT_ylKItj6uFkmcP7LYMdq8wxMG_N7khYSEXjkQ/s320/with+pluto.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-73526886075475048052011-11-17T07:00:00.000-07:002011-11-17T07:00:15.542-07:00Bitter Blessings Book Blog Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOM7W7MCxMyKrkmURVrdZyJ4IISSmiikgX_ONpAgq0KgqrDNcpQs6sMOTH6cqSEPIoeZA94jWbh4cpsRO6okgNibd91XwETLQ4q6jV1lZ20bmbDOJQCbFv_jXHX19Qg7kUzgZDtA/s1600/Bitter+Blessings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOM7W7MCxMyKrkmURVrdZyJ4IISSmiikgX_ONpAgq0KgqrDNcpQs6sMOTH6cqSEPIoeZA94jWbh4cpsRO6okgNibd91XwETLQ4q6jV1lZ20bmbDOJQCbFv_jXHX19Qg7kUzgZDtA/s320/Bitter+Blessings.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_635357725"><span style="font-size: large;">Bitter Blessings </span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bitter-Blessings-Christine-Mehring/dp/1599555239/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319502805&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">by Christine Mehring</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am excited to be a part of the blog tour for Bitter Blessings by Christine Mehring. Below you will find the synopsis (from Goodreads):</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span id="freeTextContainer9390240203722355446">Megan has the perfect
life, but when her mother dies in an accident, everything spins out of
control. With the rest of her family falling apart, Megan must confront
her past to uncover the truths that will keep everyone together.
Thought-provoking and heartfelt, this book shows that even in times of
trial, you can often find blessings.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span id="freeTextContainer9390240203722355446">My Thoughts</span></b><span id="freeTextContainer9390240203722355446">:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="freeTextContainer9390240203722355446">This was a wonderful story. Megan deals with so many different challenges throughout her story. As the oldest of three sisters, the struggles experienced by her family are a heavy weight on her shoulder. I don't want to spill the beans on all of the twists and turns this book takes (No spoilers here :) ) but some of the things Megan learns will definitely surprise you. Luckily she has some good friends to help her along the way.</span><span id="freeTextContainer9390240203722355446"></span><span id="freeTextContainer9390240203722355446"> Megan soon finds the blessings hiding in her trials.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="freeTextContainer9390240203722355446"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="freeTextContainer9390240203722355446"><b>My Rating: </b>4 Stars</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="freeTextContainer9390240203722355446"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="freeTextContainer9390240203722355446"><b>More book information: </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="freeTextContainer9390240203722355446">Published July 8, 2011</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="freeTextContainer9390240203722355446">by Cedar Fort, Inc</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="freeTextContainer9390240203722355446">Paperback, 192 pages</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="freeTextContainer9390240203722355446">ISBN: </span>1599555239
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="greyText">Website: <a href="http://www.bitterblessings.com/">www.bitterblessings.com</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Purchase<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bitter-Blessings-Christine-Mehring/dp/1599555239/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319502805&sr=8-1" target="_blank"> here</a></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.tristipinkstonbooktours.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz90/desertrosedesigns/TristiBookTourButton2_220.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="greyText"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I received and ebook copy of this book in order to provide this review. </span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-32213371047866097372011-11-16T09:47:00.001-07:002011-11-16T10:09:11.806-07:00What...It's almost Christmas? Better get hopping on those Christmas Cards!Every year I begin with the best of intentions. I plan the children's outfits, take family photos, all with the plan in mind that I will send Christmas Cards to our friends and family. But, for some reason, the last few years I put off the planning and decision making until too late and cards have not been sent. So with each arriving Christmas Card in the month of December, I feel the guilt associated with not sending one in return.<br />
<br />
This year is certain to be different. I am determined to start now by choosing my card design and getting our photo taken early so I won't, once again let the Christmas Season pass without sending cards to our family and friends. On my search for the perfect card, I was searching through the <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/shop/picture-christmas-cards.htm">Christmas Cards</a> available at <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/">Tiny Prints</a> and absolutely love this one:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/product/28785/ornament_cards_whispering_snowflake.html"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cQNhpsRJI8Ad6jP6AlNlFkA6sTipV-9BdFbRvB4z5i0mTJjmr5zYznJ3WMv8YkCuFhxaXTe6b1Qrufum6mK84xuA1MvvEE6ozC6fLIR0NpVVbW9oSHJaoqM-KRo7NJjnflsXdw/s320/Christmas+Card.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
How cute that it is an ornament (it even comes with the ribbon) so your family and friends can hang it on their tree if they want (and I can too)! I am a simple girl, and the simplicity of this card and the functionality both make it a winner in my book. <br />
<br />
So, if you like me, struggle with getting your cards made in time, hurry over to Tiny Prints now and check out their fabulous selection of <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/shop/picture-christmas-cards.htm">Christmas Cards</a>.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Tiny Prints provides simple, modern, and unique stationery from <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/shop/picture-christmas-cards.htm" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Christmas cards</a>, <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/shop/happy_new_year_cards.htm" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">New Years cards</a>, <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/party-invitations-best-sellers.htm" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">party invitations,</a> and<span style="color: #1f497d;"><a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/shop/personalized-address-labels.htm" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">address labels</a> </span>to <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/personalized-stationery.htm" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">thank you cards</a>. Once the holidays have come and gone, Tiny Prints will still be here to fill your stationary needs<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span>with their exclusive designs from the nation’s top designers. All year round, you’ll fine <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/businesscards.htm" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">business cards</a>,<a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/baby-photo-birth-announcements.htm" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">birth announcements</a> and even <a href="http://www.weddingpaperdivas.com/unique-wedding-invitations-stationery.htm" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">custom wedding invitations</a>.
Come try the easy card personalization, a powerful preview engine and
top-notch customer service and paper quality for yourself. With Tiny
Prints by your side commemorating every holiday and momentous occasion
is a cinch!</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This post is part of a Tiny Prints and Global Influence blogging campaign. In exchange for my honest thoughts I will receive Christmas Cards for my family.
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-37476023753462534552011-11-09T07:28:00.002-07:002011-11-09T12:22:14.016-07:00Big World Network<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqddC8iV0Yl1HmT3z4Xanb76_y6_3NrgPy0VTqx94NbjWJdeO8Abf8DMyynCF4EXScus3YBW8NnicEA9f_4funtVq8X0eqQqaLoBlx5zMrHy47n4libT2etpSU4W0nj8WhJ2AzlQ/s1600/BWNlogoblackdotcom.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqddC8iV0Yl1HmT3z4Xanb76_y6_3NrgPy0VTqx94NbjWJdeO8Abf8DMyynCF4EXScus3YBW8NnicEA9f_4funtVq8X0eqQqaLoBlx5zMrHy47n4libT2etpSU4W0nj8WhJ2AzlQ/s200/BWNlogoblackdotcom.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
Many of the books we know as classics today were written as a weekly series, published in a newspaper. Readers would anxiously await the weekly installment of their favorite story. <a href="http://bigworldnetwork.com/">BigWorldNetwork.com</a> is bringing back the serial story, but bringing it to a modern world. You will be able to read stories in small, weekly installments (approximately 4-7 pages each) either online, downloaded, or via audio file. Each story has a day on which it is released each week, so just like your favorite TV series, you will know when to expect the next installment of your favorite story.<br />
<br />
One of my FAVORITE aspects of <a href="http://bigworldnetwork.com/">BigWorldNetwork.com</a> is the <a href="http://bigworldnetwork.com/ContentRating.html">rating system</a>. For years I have said that books really needed a rating system like movies, TV and video games. I have been so frustrated in the past when I have started a book that came very highly recommended only to find that it was filled with content that made me uncomfortable. If only it contained a rating, I could have made a more informed decision on whether to read the book. Each of the series on <a href="http://bigworldnetwork.com/">BigWorldNetwork.com</a> have a clearly labeled rating! FINALLY, now if only this idea will catch on to the rest of the publishing world I would be thrilled.<br />
<br />
I got a sneak peek at the website earlier this week before it went live this morning, and I read the first episode of <a href="http://bigworldnetwork.com/Takingoutthetrash.html"><i>Taking Out the Trash</i> by Tristi Pinkston.</a> I am already hooked; it is a cozy mystery (the genre that I have recently come to love) and starts out with a fun twist. I highly recommend checking it out, episode one is already available to read, then come back weekly on Tuesdays for future episodes!<br />
<br />
I am very excited to explore the <a href="http://bigworldnetwork.com/Series.html">other series'</a> available from Big World Network and I hope that you will take a look! Oh by the way, did I say that these stories are available FREE? Yep, FREE! <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I received no compensation for this post. I did get a preview of the site before it launched but no financial or material compensation for sharing my honest thoughts about the site.</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-78109158362957673982011-11-07T21:53:00.001-07:002011-11-07T21:53:33.146-07:005 Kids = lots of laundry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7JJUXTC-B9hqMpJpevluVg8DX04oIyVnUVpiNURXkKYV-ikSUBAZbn4del-8xsByJDYfXJ3533iUVMqOscQBRrNykuqLIW0VHpHIvFiFQcgrFRmOTQyxaGohAIss6VHO2iFJ0A/s1600/halloween+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7JJUXTC-B9hqMpJpevluVg8DX04oIyVnUVpiNURXkKYV-ikSUBAZbn4del-8xsByJDYfXJ3533iUVMqOscQBRrNykuqLIW0VHpHIvFiFQcgrFRmOTQyxaGohAIss6VHO2iFJ0A/s400/halloween+kids.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halloween 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While these little monsters are darling (they are pretty cute, if I do say so myself), they sure create a lot of laundry. I have spent the day trying to make a dent in the mountain of laundry that has build up in my home as of late. I spent the month of October sick with a bad cold/flu/sinus bug and I wasn't able to stay caught up (I did laundry, of course, just not enough). So now it is catch up time, and man...5 kids create a lot of laundry. Good thing they are cute, huh?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-42302515504132715482011-11-06T18:38:00.000-07:002011-11-06T18:38:48.068-07:00A Soccer Free SaturdayLast spring I took over as the Regional Coach Admin for our local AYSO region. My job didn't really begin until the Summer, as the prior Admin helped get us through the end of the year (I was his assistant for a few months before I was officially given his job). My life has been soccer, soccer and more soccer since late July, and while there have been fun moments, there have also been many crazy days where I questioned my sanity in accepting this volunteer position. On top of this position, I have been coaching Max's team. So it has seemed that I was living and breathing soccer for so long, I wouldn't know what to do with myself when I had a soccer free Saturday.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEu1lVpErUa_pOrw6NCcaPvQX-JmqcpqivT2hsgEouCNu3TuYUWuVu1i1iBe4o8ohe9ER9QJp4a9lBsfl8WAWI9ldcyveVDGjdlkvFkxx2tCK62Li5xOmdx1m8xMNlra-3waOeQ/s1600/Dane+Soccer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEu1lVpErUa_pOrw6NCcaPvQX-JmqcpqivT2hsgEouCNu3TuYUWuVu1i1iBe4o8ohe9ER9QJp4a9lBsfl8WAWI9ldcyveVDGjdlkvFkxx2tCK62Li5xOmdx1m8xMNlra-3waOeQ/s320/Dane+Soccer.jpg" width="184" /></a></div>
But the day finally arrived. The Fall season officially over, I had my first soccer free Saturday this past weekend, and can I tell you how much I enjoyed it? We woke, after sleeping in, to snow on the ground. The kids bundled themselves in coats and gloves and proceeded to make trails through the snow in our yard (that is their favorite thing to do in the snow...trudge through it, making curving trails). It felt wonderful to be able to spend the day catching up on laundry, enjoying some family time.<br />
<br />
I know, the Spring season will speedily make it's way into my life, but for now, I am going to enjoy my Saturdays.<br />
<br />
But really, who doesn't love watching their kids play the most popular game in the word? <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
(please ignore the fact that my son is wearing the wrong shorts, two different socks and that one sock is falling down....when you have 5 kids to get out the door for games, 3 playing soccer, and one of them dancing, you never know what you will get)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-7689548108503105902011-11-04T05:00:00.000-06:002011-11-04T07:29:20.516-06:00Key of Kilenya by Andrea Pearson book blog tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2uLDAh87HblcUreA-eX10nB-VV2l4PS7hR24w5Nx6yTtKEfLFVTwIVmdRIzCO5xBMoBsCY1m-iEv_Ty72GLiMuYy23S36gtCXgLfjFrT5_Q-dcXKBnXdWPaiYmOBU4ApaFiT2Q/s1600/KeyCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2uLDAh87HblcUreA-eX10nB-VV2l4PS7hR24w5Nx6yTtKEfLFVTwIVmdRIzCO5xBMoBsCY1m-iEv_Ty72GLiMuYy23S36gtCXgLfjFrT5_Q-dcXKBnXdWPaiYmOBU4ApaFiT2Q/s320/KeyCover.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>When two vicious wolves chase fourteen-year-old Jacob Clark down a path from our world into another, his life is forever changed. He has no idea they have been sent by the Lorkon—evil, immortal beings who are jealous of powers he doesn’t know he possesses—powers they desire to control. </i><br />
<br />
<i>The inhabitants of the new world desperately need Jacob's help in recovering a magical key that was stolen by the Lorkon and is somehow linked to him. If he helps them, his life will be at risk. But if he chooses not to help them, both our world and theirs will be in danger. The Lorkon will stop at nothing to unleash the power of the key—and Jacob's special abilities. (Synopsis from Goodreads)</i><br />
<br />
<b>My Thoughts:</b><br />
Fantasy is a tough genre. I enjoy a great fantasy, but they require so much more to feel real. This story is enjoyable and I like the concept, but I struggled a little to immerse myself in the world of Kilenya. New ideas were presented so quickly that I did not have a chance to accept them as true before another new word or idea was there begging to be understood. This definitely improved as the story progressed, and the characters became more real and likable as I continued to read.<br />
<br />
Jacob seems like a typical 14 year old boy struggling to figure out his place in life. He feels awkward and inferior to his older brother, Matt. When he arrives in Kilenya his thoughts are awkward, like he is, but they seem to mature and develop along his journey. There is a hint of romance (a must for me in a truly enjoyable book) that enters the book about half way through, but we may need to read further books in the series to see what happens there.<br />
<br />
All in all, the story is a cute one. It is a good fit for younger readers and I plan to read the future installments in the series.<br />
<br />
My rating: 3 Stars<br />
<br />
Content: some violence, but not graphic<br />
<br />
<b>Buy it</b><br />
You can visit <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/68856">smashwords</a> and get a free e-book copy of this book to enjoy for yourself. You can also purchase a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1463671830/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=randthouwithc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=1463671830">paperback copy</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=randthouwithc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1463671830&camp=217145&creative=399373" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" />
via Amazon for $11.99 if you prefer a physical book. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: I received a free ebook copy in order to provide this review. The opinion expressed above is 100% my own.</span><br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.tristipinkstonbooktours.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz90/desertrosedesigns/TristiBookTourButton2_220.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-50235239870608557552011-06-10T09:45:00.006-06:002011-06-10T10:07:49.940-06:00A Virtual Race for Autism Race ReportI signed up for <a href="http://aliciaruns.blogspot.com/2011/05/finally-virtual-race-for-autism-5k.html">The Virtual Race for Autism</a> hosted by Alica at <a href="http://aliciaruns.blogspot.com/">Alicia Runs</a> a few weeks back and for some reason thought that tomorrow was the 10th, so I planned to double up and race the 5K I had scheduled for tomorrow as my virtual race as well, but I noticed that today was in fact the 10th and I needed to finish my virtual race today and get my post up in order to participate in this great virtual event. I decided that I would just go out for a nice easy 3.1, not push it too hard, but um...I didn't do that..I pushed it, and I pushed it hard! Here's how it broke down (average paces):<br /><br />Mile 1: 08:15<br />Mile 2: 08:57<br />Mile 3: 08:54<br />last point 1: 7:30 (yeah, that was my kick to just finish the darn thing)<br /><br />So as you can see, I went out WAY too fast, but amazingly I was able to maintain a sub 9 average pace throughout! I am very happy with my result!<br /><br />Here is the official Garmin photo:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGXampDtbJLKgH5ia_7Cgd-lvuhMe2D3Btx6OcnUE_UXNs2Fp5wes_rUVXf0wTHUxYxMSNjULndHLUslyD4myFNZINttL9R-w7h3Pauq54m0UoEzCWrT5DI-SF1Xtia7rlL2YxA/s1600/DSC_0122.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGXampDtbJLKgH5ia_7Cgd-lvuhMe2D3Btx6OcnUE_UXNs2Fp5wes_rUVXf0wTHUxYxMSNjULndHLUslyD4myFNZINttL9R-w7h3Pauq54m0UoEzCWrT5DI-SF1Xtia7rlL2YxA/s320/DSC_0122.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616620833981236786" border="0" /></a>And here I am post race (yes, I look horrid I just left it all out on the trail, remember? Plus, I have had 5 kids..this body is pretty stretched out from all of that! And you can't see the number on my race bib...which is 7 for the number of people in my family, 5 kids..2 parents):<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Bepr_hXsWpnLZkDeJkhMw3yLFpYaWF1pcttcTR_dA0WGz44hv8BhV04XhUryX3ByuMDoyLtbqYC6UnOzbqtNasHqJmUqv9J2xHWNElYnnNB7_Tm7yCIfnvuxDlRqHQPI6hTSLQ/s1600/virtual+5K.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 194px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Bepr_hXsWpnLZkDeJkhMw3yLFpYaWF1pcttcTR_dA0WGz44hv8BhV04XhUryX3ByuMDoyLtbqYC6UnOzbqtNasHqJmUqv9J2xHWNElYnnNB7_Tm7yCIfnvuxDlRqHQPI6hTSLQ/s320/virtual+5K.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616621653544349634" border="0" /></a>I hope I can run as well tomorrow in my race in the morning! Thanks for the opportunity participate in this fun virtual race. It definitely pushed me to run harder than I would have today!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34279852.post-60078882560627917852011-05-31T12:58:00.004-06:002011-05-31T13:20:29.488-06:00Our Three Day WeekendFirst I want to apologize for a complete lack of photos. I didn't have my camera with me at our various activities, and while I tried to take a few with my phone, I don't have a way to get them off the phone, so there will be no photographic evidence of the events of our weekend, but you will get to read about them (ok, so not as fun, but hey, better than nothing, right)<br /><br />Jared (my hubby) took the older two boys to our Church Fathers and Sons camp-out on Friday night. They had a great time and came back VERY dirty! (The camp-out only lasted from Friday evening to Saturday morning but it is a fun event for the boys and their dads).<br /><br />Because the Dad and the older boys were gone for the evening. My daughter, our younger two boys and I had a sleepover in Mom and Dad's room. We put on a movie and everyone fell asleep on my bed. The kids seemed to enjoy that and it gave them something special since they didn't go with Dad.<br /><br />Saturday morning I got up early and headed out a little before 7AM for a 9 mile run. It's not a good sign when you wake up feeling off. My stomach didn't feel great, I couldn't eat much (but I often can't eat much pre-run). I had very little energy and almost went back to bed, but I knew I would be mad at myself if I did, so I headed out anyway. The run really didn't have very many high points. At the start, when I was fresh, I struggled to keep up a 10 min/mi pace...and it only went downhill from there. I had no energy, my hips tightened up the last couple of miles and I really had to force myself to keep putting one foot in front of the other. But, in the end, I finished...an average pace of about and 11 minute mile, but I finished. I was pretty wiped out for the rest of the day and had a REALLY bad headache for most of the day on into the evening.<br /><br />As if that wasn't enough to make for an exciting Saturday, my middle child (and 2nd son) Max was playing in his room with a stick he had apparently brought home from the camp-out. (I did not know that a stick had been brought home, nor that it was being played with indoors). I heard screaming and my husband calling for me to find a bandaid, so I ran to my bathroom, where I knew I had a supply of bandaids, but then I was called downstairs to inspect the wound. He had a nasty cut on his wrist, very deep and bleeding quite a bit. So we created a makeshift bandage using a papertowel and a strip of <a href="http://www.kttape.com/index.php">KT tape</a> (hey, ya gotta use what ya have, right?) and headed to the urgent care center to get it stitched up (well me, my oldest son-who was brought along to keep pressure on his brother's wrist, and Max, who has the bleeding wrist headed to urgent care, the others stayed home). Three stitches later we headed home to get ready for our next Saturday activity.<br /><br />As coaches with our local AYSO region, we received as a coaches gift, season tickets to the <a href="http://www.ogdenoutlaws.com/">Ogden Outlaws</a>, a local semi-pro soccer team. The games had started the previous Saturday, but due to an unforeseen event we were unable to make the first game. So, we were determined to go see this one, especially since they were playing the team from BYU. Our daughter had spent most of the day with my parents, and elected to continue her stay with them instead of joining us, but the other six of us headed off to South Ogden to see the game...in the rain. Needless to say it was wet and cold, but we had a fabulous time. The game was great (even if the Outlaws lost by 1 goal) and we can't wait for the next one (and we are crossing our fingers it doesn't rain). It was pretty funny walking out with a wet bum.<br /><br />Sunday was a nice, low key day of church and dinner at my parent's home. (Especially since I did not have to prepare the meal). Monday was also pretty low key. I went for a run with a local friend (with whom I will be training for my first Marathon), which went great. Later that day hubby and I headed to the grocery store to fill out sadly empty refrigerator. We also cut down the tree in our front lawn that has been half dead for a couple of years. Having been unable to save it, we decided it was time to see it go. Later we meet my parents at Wendy's for a nice, easy dinner.<br /><br />So that's my weekend..how was yours?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11417739113489419406noreply@blogger.com4