Blog Roll Changes

I have *FINALLY* updated my blogroll. I had several blogs saved on my computer that were not on my blogroll and now they are! So, if you are feel like reading something new--browse the links on the right.

There are blogs on slow food, publishing, paper crafts and raising little kids while husband flies planes in the Air Force.

If you ever hope to be published, I recommend Joe Wikert's 2020 blog. It's also chock full of stuff about how publishing is changing and IT IS changing. While all of the new digital stuff is exciting, it will never replace--for me--a real book! With pages! In my hands!

As most of you know I do work in publishing, so most of these new blogs are from our authors or [former] colleagues of mine. I, also sadly, deleted some blogs that are no longer active. I will miss you, my virtual friends!

If you come across some other interesting blogs--pass them on. I am always up for reading things new and interesting.

Changes

The leaves are changing colors and Michael has changed his Packer jersey. He has two Packer jersey's and one of them is Favre #4. But since Brett is now sporting that nasty purple, he asked for --and received-- an Aaron Rogers jersey just in time for the big game this weekend. Go, Pack Go!

I will be in Green Bay for Favre's return to Lambeau. I hope I don't need riot gear!

Fall Break

Michael and I took a quick trip to Wisconsin Dells last week to hang with Jennifer and her family at Great Wolf Lodge. For those of you who don't know, I have known Jennifer for over 20 years. We went to the Defense Information School together and became Army Broadcasters a la' Good Morning Vietnam!

Here is a photo of our kids acting goofy after the water park! If you haven't been to an indoor waterpark, it is very fun. And, with the weather getting colder and the rain moving in, it is nice for the boys to have a place to run off all of that energy. Four little boys have enough energy to run that waterpark!

One particular ride called The Tornado was a workout for kids and parents. We had to drag a huge blow up thing up 400 flights of stairs to just do it all over again. This ride drops you like a roller coaster and then dumps you into a half pipe and then shoots you into a slide and then to the ending pool. Someone always has to go backwards and someone always either gets a wedgie or looses their trucks [or both].

I usually ended up backwards and always seemed to have to pull my suit out of my butt. That right there is motherly love, just so you know. Most of that happened before 9:30 am!

Hurricane's End Season

Michael's little league football team ended their less than stellar season Saturday. They went 3-6. Until this year, Michael had lost ONE football game. But, a season like this makes you humble and that is not necessarily a bad thing. His leadership skills emerged a bit and he played like a veteran. That was good to see!

Here he is with Coach Chris on trophy day!

Fifth grade has been a struggle all the way around so maybe now that football is over we can settle into a better academic routine--which is the most important thing. His parent/teacher conference is today and his grades aren't as good as they have been in the past. But, we will get there. This too shall pass.

Can I just tell you how much I love this man??

5-0 baby and sitting on top of the AFC South!!

Fall is here

Michael is modeling a black scarf I made for him last week. I am trying to learn to knit. It's all the rage you know! And, since I am going through Financial Peace University at my church, I would like to try and make SOME gifts this year. I usually do okay at Christmas; but on occasion, I do go a little overboard. It is guilt, I am fairly certain.

But this scarf is just a simple knit stich with wool-ease thick and quick yarn by Lion Brand. I have made three scarfs so far--this one, one for me and one for my friend Amanda. I now would like to try some of the fuzzy yarn and make some fun scarves! I have two 50% discount coupons for JoAnn Fabrics calling my name.

It is getting colder here--38 this morning--so those scarves will be handy. I love being cozy all wrapped up in a warm scarf! Happy Fall!

Find Your Strongest Life :A Review:

Find Your Strongest Life

:What the happiest and most successful women do differently:

By Marcus Buckingham, Thomas Nelson Publishers

I am a single mom just about ready to turn 40...and I think a lot about living my best life and the life that Jesus Christ wants me to live.

I do find it interesting that a Christian publisher put this book on the market since the author really never mentions that one of the ways to "Find Your Strongest Life" is with the help of Jesus Christ. [And, hey I am open to whatever higher power you want to call it...but I think most people believe there is something out there bigger than them.]

Buckingham does offer some helpful insights for women. I think there are nuggets of information you can get from any self-help book you read and this one is no exception. I do like the little take aways from each chapter pages and was sad to learn that women become less happy with themselves as we age. I am determined that WILL NOT be me. I also like the "What role were you born to play?" chapter. That is what I want to find out and why I chose to review this title. I was hoping for some divine answer on that one! So far, no one has whacked me over the head with an answer; but I am getting a little clearer on it.

I was a little put off that Buckingham tends to assume that all women are married and/or have children; however. I have lots of single women friends who are neither and perfectly happy about that, thank you very much. This is 2009...we should be open to just about anything at this point, I would assume.

This is a book that I will go back to; however, not a one shot deal that sits on my shelf and collects dust. Maybe that is when I get more out of it...once I have had the chance to digest some of it and go back for more.