A Giveaway

Its always fun to enter a giveaway... especially when its jewelry... especially when its made by a stay at home mother.

Go to MJennings Designs and enter yourself.

Computer Tips #11 - Vista Tips - Search Elsewhere

Internet Explorer's default search engine is MSN.com. Boo! Click the drop-down menu next to IE's magnifying-glass icon and select "Find More Providers…" Adding Amazon, eBay, and MTV make searching much more fun. There is a list of over 20 providers to choose from. Click on the name of the search company you wish to add, and a bonus -- you can add as many companies as you like.

Computer Tips #10 - Vista Tips - Extend Activation

Are you testing out Vista's features and compatibility but not sure if you want to go ahead and activate it? Microsoft understands. It has built a software licensing manager into the new OS that lets you extend the activation period. At the Start menu's search bar, type slmgr-rearm to get another 30 days. You can do this a maximum of three times before Microsoft blocks further extension periods. Once you're locked out, that's it.

Thought of the Day - 6/7/08

The word fellowship has lost most of its biblical meaning. Fellowship now usually refers to casual conversation, socializing, food, and fun. Real fellowship is experiencing life together.

Share each others troubles and problems and in this way obey the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 NLT

Friday's Feast - My First

Appetizer
When you drink soda/pop/coke, do you prefer to drink it from the bottle, a can, or after pouring it into a cup?

I usually rinse of the Mt. Dew can and drink straight from the can. Though, many times I prefer a cup.

Soup
What television show are you willing to stay up late to watch?
I don't watch late night TV... nothing good on after prime time.

Salad
Name one person, place, or thing you think of as brilliant.
Blogging on the Internet is brilliant. Where else can you connect with total strangers and feel a bond?!

Main Course
Would you be willing to work 4 10-hour days instead of 5 8-hour days in order to save gas?
As a single mother and business owner of two companies, I work well over 10 hour days every day.

Dessert
If you were a superhero, what would you call yourself?

SuperMom, of course.

To see all the other participant's feasts, go to Friday's Feast.

Thursday Thirteen - My First

13 Things I Don't Like About Summer

1. I don't like the really hot weather.
2. I don't like the humidity.
3. I don't like the lack of central air conditioning in the house.
4. I don't like the lack of activities available for school-age children in the community.
5. I don't like the effect the humidity (and hot weather) have on my daughter's asthma.
6. I don't like the insects that are suddenly in abundance.
7. I don't like the lack of air conditioning in the car.
8. I don't like the fact that we still need to follow the "school" schedule because of the structure my son needs to survive.
9. I don't like the fact that my son doesn't sleep in... ever.
10. I don't like the constant need for ice cream and lack of money to buy this special treat often.
11. I don't like that school is out. (I do believe in year round schooling, especially for special needs children.)
12. I don't like that my children have to attend all my appointments, doctor visits, etc., with me throughout the summer due to lack of a babysitter.
13. I don't like that my first list for Thursday Thirteen sounds so negative.
    
    

Thankful Thursday #11

This week I am thankful for...

• The kindness, generosity of spirit, and helpfulness of my daughter's first grade teacher. (Tomorrow is the last day of school.)
• The kindhearted comments that so many of you graciously leave me each week when reading my Thankful Thursday list.
• The friends, online, who continually help me run my groups, sites, and forums. You all are such an important part of my life.
• The overwhelming friendship, thoughtfulness, and compassion of my son's TSS (Therapeutic Support Staff). (Unfortunately, for the Litz family, the TSS has moved forward in her career so she is no longer with us and the loss is greatly felt.)

For more graciousness, gratefulness, and gentleness, check out the home of the Thankful Thursday meme.

Family Minute #27

How much reading will your kids do this summer?

If you start planning now, they might do more page-turning than you expect. First, find out if they have any required school reading. If they do, help them break it down so they won’t have to read four books the week before classes start. After you’ve taken care of required reading, find some books that will appeal to your children – because we moms know that the more they like a book – the more likely they are to read it.

There are lots of resources (online, public library, school library, teachers) to help you find just the right books for each of your children.

Have a great summer of reading!

Remember your family first.

Wordless Wednesday #14

Tuesday Toot #2

Not often as a mom -- especially a single mom -- do I "toot my own horn" so joining in the Tuesday Toot is a good thing to do for my self-esteem (or rather lack of self-esteem). I am so amazed at all the gracious and kind comments I received last week during my first Tuesday Toot. Thanks, ladies.

This week's toots:

• I was able to help my friend, Teresa, start a blog of her own, 8 Things About Me.
• I finished the school year where I volunteered most every week in the first grade classroom helping with the AR (Accelerated Reading) quizzes and classes.
• I was able to advocate on behalf of my son and his special needs.

The List

I know I probably should have outgrown this by now, but somehow I'm always surprised when someone -- or something -- lets me down. I expect a certain something -- call it quality -- from the things and the people that surround me, which in itself is not such a bad trait. But all too often is the surprising disappointment that comes when something -- or someone -- fails you.

The upside is that you start to develop The List. That is, the list of people and things that don't ever disappoint. There is something comforting about the old faithfuls on The List.

Here, in no particular order, is a partial sampling of my list.

• Extra Cool Watermelon gum... lasts a long time.
• Bath & Body Works anti-bacterial foaming hand soap in yummy scents, such as Cucumber Melon and Black Raspberry Vanilla.
• 3 Musketeers Mint candy bar... chocolate is a soothing friend to a single mother.
• Mt. Dew... ice-cold, refreshing.
• My mother rings... I have a ring for each child that is personalized with their name, birthstone, and birth date. Some of my most treasured items! I never take them off. It is a talisman, a security blanket, a coat of armor.
• My friend Sandy... discreet confidante, excellent cook, generous friend, wonderful babysitter.
• Washing machine... after 5 floods in 8 weeks, 3 years later its still running strong... also means I'm alive and my children are alive to dirty those clothes every day.
• My Champ, 8 month young Chihuahua... loves me no matter what.

What's on your list?

Around the 'Net - Solution Seekers

Be Part of the Solution

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Join Real Simple's Solution Seekers
Your opinion can make a difference! Become part of a group of influential women offering their point of view on a range of topics for Real Simple and its advertisers. Visit Solution Seekers now for your FREE membership, which includes coupons, special offers, samples, invitations and more.

What Are You Going to Be Famous For?

You will be famous for writing a national bestseller You are very observant and tend to be the wallflower at parties. You are intuitive and know just how to communicate everything that you are feeling to those around you. Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com

What's Your Blogging Personality?

Your Blogging Type Is Thoughtful and Considerate

You're a well liked, though underrated, blogger. You have a heart of gold, and are likely to blog for a cause. You're a peaceful blogger - no drama for you! A good listener and friend, you tend to leave thoughtful comments for others.

What's" Your Blogging Personality?

Morning Mug Meme

Phyllis tagged me for this meme several weeks ago, but life has been chaotic and then I just plain forgot. Shame on me. But, hooray, I finally got around to hooking up the camera (had to rent new computer and drivers had to be updated and yada yada yada) and published my version of Lois' Mug Meme today.

According to Phyllis's post, there is a new meme in Blogland. Of course, she just HAD to do... and, of course, she HAD to tag me. :)

Rules:

Most folks drink some sort of a morning beverage, be it coffee or tea, and most likely from a mug.

1. Please share a photo of your favorite mug(s).

2. Tell a story about how it became your favorite. Include what you drink with this mug.

3. Be sure to link to Lois and the person who tagged you for this meme.

4. Leave a comment for Lois so she can follow her meme.

My additional rule:

Leave a comment here so I know you are participating and you will get a return visit from me.

My favorite mug is a mug my friend, Teresa, bought for me as a Christmas gift several years ago. It is a bigger mug which I love and it has a logo on it that represents all the different countries of all the members that belong to my group, 12 Months of Christmas. Several years ago the group had a logo contest and this is the logo that won. For other products with this same logo, go to CafePress.



However, I rarely drink tea and I don't drink coffee so my favorite mug is a can... a can of Mt. Dew.


If you are reading this, consider yourself MUGGED. (Sorry, I just couldn't resist the chance at a great pun!)

35 Things About Me

Angie is hosting 46 Things about Me at The Blog of Me. I love her The Book of Me and read her blog regularly.

35 Things About Me

1. Do you like blue cheese?
No.

2. Have you ever smoked heroin?
No.

3. Do you own a gun?
Yes, a glue gun and a staple gun, and they're both loaded.

4. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?
Depends on the kind of doctor, I guess, but generally, no.

5. What do you think of hot dogs?
The kids love them. And its an easy dinner.

6. What is your favorite Christmas movie?
Santa Clause, Santa Clause 2, and Santa Clause 3.

7. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Mt. Dew or orange juice or apple juice.

8. Can you do push ups?
Yes, 1-2. Sad, I know.

9. What is your age?
About 10 years older than I feel/think, but really 40 until July.

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry?
My mother's rings. I have one for each child.

11. What's your favorite hobby?
Scrapbooking, for the most part, but also blogging.

12. Who is your favorite actor?
John Travolta and Nicholas Cage.

13. Do you have ADD?
Yes!

14. What's one trait you hate about yourself?
Low self-esteem and constantly feeling lonely.

15. Middle name?
Storm

16. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment.
Its hot.
Too much housework to do.
How will I pay my bills this month?

17. Name 3 things you bought yesterday or today.
Nothing, nothing, and nothing.

18. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink.
Mt. Dew, Aquafina fruit flavored water, Mt. Dew.

19. Your current worry?
Money.

20. Your favorite place to be?
Snuggling with my kids because they are already "getting to big" to let mommy cuddle with them.

21. How did you bring in the New Year?
Watching TV, reminiscing, feeling sorry for myself, and reading a book.

22. Do you own slippers?
Yes, I do. My son picked out a pink pair with dog paw prints all over them to remind me about my past dogs. Isn't he sweet?

23. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets?
No.

24. Can you whistle?
Yes, but not so you could tell what tune I'm whistling. Nor am I very loud.

25. What is your favorite color?
Navy blue, all shade of blues (except baby powder blue).

26. What songs do you sing in the shower?
I don't.

27. Favorite girl's name?
Cassandra.

28. Favorite boy's name?
Cameron.

29. What is in your pocket right now?
Nothing.

30. How many TVs do you have in your house?
Four.

31. How many dogs do you have?
Champ (Chihuahua).

32. Does someone have a crush on you?
No.

33. What is your favorite book?
Too many to list.

34. Where were you born?
Altoona, PA.

35. What is your favorite candy?
Chocolate.


Some of the questions I deleted because they were not relevant to me.

Feel free to answer these questions on your own blog and sign Mr. Linky so we can all enjoy reading your answers.

Family Minute #26

Get a Head Start on Next Year

Yes, this school year is winding down – but your child will be back in the classroom before you know it. Before the school year ends, see if you can get your child’s teacher to answer a few questions, so you can help your child prepare for next year over the summer. Ask these questions:

1. What might be most challenging for my child next year?
2. What skill should my child try to improve over the summer?
3. How much reading, and at what level, should my child attempt over the summer?

Taking time during summer break to prepare for the school year ahead can give your child a head-start on success.

Make Me Laugh Monday - Maxine Talks about Men

Pizza Pasta Casserole

2 lbs. ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 jars (28 oz each)
spaghetti sauce
1 package (16 oz) spiral pasta, cooked and drained
4 cups (16 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
8 oz sliced pepperoni

In a large skillet, cook beef and onion until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce and pasta. Transfer to two greased 9 x 13 baking dishes. Sprinkle with cheese. Arrange pepperoni over the top. Cover and freeze one casserole for up to 3 months. Bake the second casserole, uncovered, at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.To use the frozen casserole, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until heated through.