As you can tell I get bored with my background pretty quickly. If some of you are the same way I thought I'd provide a list of the free template sites I've used or seen my friends use and liked. Hope this helps!
Aqua Poppy Designs
Delightful Dots
Leelou Blogs
The Cutest Blog on the Block
Shabby Blogs
Monday, July 6, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
99 Days to Go!!!
You heard it here...I've got less than 100 days left of pregnancy! (Of course this would be way more exciting if due dates weren't +/- 2 weeks)
Pregnancy Milestones II
To continue on...
1. I slipped the other day in front of Nate and my sister Wendy and their first reactions were ones of concern, not laughter.
2. I have quadrupled my lifetime usage of the words urine and vomit.
3. Told by my husband I remind him of Violet in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory when I wear my blue dress.
4. Wet my pants in a Walmart bathroom stall because I sneezed before I could get them off.
5. Finally remembered to look offended when an acquaintance asked if I was 'expecting'. Ha ha so blessedly funny!
6. Can see the bottom of my belly button (Nate thinks it's shaped like a star).
7. Bought a body pillow. Sometimes I talk to it softly when it is supporting my legs, hips, belly, boobs and neck, telling it how much it means to me and how I'll never leave it. May love it more than most people I know.
8. Sat in the front seat when there was more than me and Nate in the car (I normally sit in the back since I have the shortest legs ever).
9. Urinated in the back yard because I wasn't sure I could make it to the bathroom.
10. Refused to lift crockpot full of chili on pretense it was 'too heavy'.
11. Had to use positions I never mastered in yoga to shave my legs- note to self: just make Nate shave them next time.
12. Actually saw Peanut move through my belly. Nate saw it too. Probably the freaky-ist thing so far in pregnancy. Really looked like an alien trying to get out.
13. Started telling my sisters, "Peanut's favorite aunt would..."
1. I slipped the other day in front of Nate and my sister Wendy and their first reactions were ones of concern, not laughter.
2. I have quadrupled my lifetime usage of the words urine and vomit.
3. Told by my husband I remind him of Violet in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory when I wear my blue dress.4. Wet my pants in a Walmart bathroom stall because I sneezed before I could get them off.
5. Finally remembered to look offended when an acquaintance asked if I was 'expecting'. Ha ha so blessedly funny!
6. Can see the bottom of my belly button (Nate thinks it's shaped like a star).
7. Bought a body pillow. Sometimes I talk to it softly when it is supporting my legs, hips, belly, boobs and neck, telling it how much it means to me and how I'll never leave it. May love it more than most people I know.8. Sat in the front seat when there was more than me and Nate in the car (I normally sit in the back since I have the shortest legs ever).
9. Urinated in the back yard because I wasn't sure I could make it to the bathroom.
10. Refused to lift crockpot full of chili on pretense it was 'too heavy'.
11. Had to use positions I never mastered in yoga to shave my legs- note to self: just make Nate shave them next time.
12. Actually saw Peanut move through my belly. Nate saw it too. Probably the freaky-ist thing so far in pregnancy. Really looked like an alien trying to get out.13. Started telling my sisters, "Peanut's favorite aunt would..."
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Reasons NOT to get a Sunburn While Pregnant
I'd like to consider this post educational...
Let's start with a quiz.1. What does SPF Mean?
2. What are the numbers measuring?
3. How do you know which number/how much/how often to apply?
4. What does sunblock actually block?
Answers (from wisegeek):1. SPF is an acronym for Sun Protection Factor.
2. The number you see associated with SPF represents the length of time you can stay out in the sun without burning, multiplied by the corresponding number. So a person who would normally start to burn in 10 minutes, could theoretically have 150 minutes of sun protection with a sunscreen that has an SPF of 15.
3. Regardless of SPF number, testing of sunscreen does not really correspond to the amount of time you can stay out in the sun without burning because sweating, clothing rubbing against the skin, and water sports will all wear the sunscreen off. Tests also use much more sunscreen than do most people, so SPF number results can be inaccurate. Usually, an SPF 15 rated sunscreen will give your about an hour of protection before you should reapply sunscreen. This, of course, varies from person to person. It also helps to wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses.
4. SPF number only relates to ultraviolet B (UVB) protection. Ultraviolet A (UVA) protection is not measured through SPF numbers, and until recently, frequently was not available in sunscreens. UVB rays are more potent, quicker to produce sunburn, and have been linked to skin cancer. UVA is associated with aging of the skin, and along with UVB exposure, may increase risk or facilitate skin cancer. UVA though milder, is still not safe.
This past weekend Nate, Amber, Miguel and I went to the Lake with all the dogs. We were only there 3 hours and I did apply sunscreen. Yet I am so toasty! Amber got burned, Nate got a little burned on his face/neck (he was wearing a shirt the whole time). Even Miguel got burned and he's Mexican! Apparently the UV Radiation for Saturday in our area was "extreme".
Top 5 Reasons Pregnant Women Should Not Get Sunburned:5. We're already dehydrated. Most pregnant women are dehydrated (even more so than the average person). This is due to extra usage of water and the fact that while we try to drink a lot it's hard to make yourself when you're already peeing every 5 minutes. (PS All this while our little gummy bears are living it up in a fleshy water world)
4. Our skin is weird. Pregnant women have crazy hormones running through their bodies that affect their skin. They can get acne or have their skin clear up better than ever and they can be more sensitive to the sun.
3. We're already uncomfortable. Already we're telling our husbands about our aches and pains and stretching places. Now all of that is compounded by burning flesh.
2. We can only sleep on our sides. Now overall this hasn't been a problem for me. I was already a side-sleeper so this wasn't one of the pregnancy things that bothered me. However, when your shoulders are burnt to a crisp sleeping on your side is an entire night of flipping over and making sad pain noises (hopefully loud enough to keep your husband up so you don't have to suffer alone).
1. Big + White =
Big + Brown =
Big + Red = 
or
Monday, June 22, 2009
Facts about Grass
***this post has nothing to do with drug use. if that is your interest- move on!***Definition of grass:
California - monocotyledonous green plants usually covering front yard area. sometimes not allowed due to drought. soft and good smelling. require taming by lawn mower every couple of weeks. fun to lie down on in the shade on a hot day.
Oklahoma - monocotyledonous green plants found everywhere. grow pretty much year round except in coldest temperatures. spiky and smell like garlic. require intense battling by lawn mower, weed eater and other instruments multiple times a week. filled with bugs: ticks, fleas, chiggers etc.
In California grass seemed to be fairly innocuous. If your dad put it down on your list of chores for the summer you found some neighbor boy to do it for you. It took him 5 - 10 minutes.Here in Oklahoma grass is a top 10 concern all summer. The following are some of my facts/stories about grass, learned since living in OK.
1. It was here I was introduced to riding lawn mowers. Regular people have them here. We have one. It's like a baby tractor. I had started doing our lawn pretty often last summer until I realized how much Nate loved doing it. It's like yoga for him- very relaxing. Plus I kept hitting stuff and breaking the mower.
2. I have the unusual ability of being able to find buried treasure and trash by going over any area with a lawn mower. It doesn't matter that Nate has gone over that exact same area 50 times at the same blade height and never hit anything- I can find it and get it wedged in the blades of our mower. It's a talent.
3. We have an entire demolished house and torn apart car in our back yard whose pieces are 3 feet underground when Nate mows and sticking 6 inches out of the ground when I mow.
4. Dogs are strangely unconcerned by the lawn mower. They will attack the vacuum, eat the hose and bark at sinister old ladies and children walking outside the fence but will not move out of the way of a lawn mower coming toward the shady spot they're laying in.
5. Once when we went on vacation for 10 days we received a notice from the city that our grass was too long and a neighbor had complained. We live in a very old house across the street form another really old house that's falling apart and a trailer. Up the street there are trailers. Across the other street is a horse field. For real??? What, we were bringing down the value of the neighbor hood with our 4 inch high grass???
6. People in Oklahoma keep their grass freakishly short. Short enough you see dirt through it. Why?
7. My first summer in Oklahoma I had to be consistently covered in bug repellent to even walk out in the grass for a minute. Okie grass bugs love Cali blood...
8. Last week Nate and I were cleaning up the yard. He was mowing and I was cleaning out and then refilling the dog pool. Normally when Nate has the hose he tortures the dogs by spraying them. He also tries to spray me. For once I had the upper hand. He was at my mercy... So I sprayed the dogs and then aimed at him- not sure if I was going to actually spray him or just watch him cower. In my joy and triumph I shouted, "I'm Queen of the Hose". Nate was not cowered he just laughed uncontrollably. (If you don't get it say it quietly to yourself)
Friday, June 19, 2009
Favorite Author Fridays - Dick Francis
So lately I've been rereading some old favorites (this is what you do when you're trying to cut down on spending). One such favorite I'm rediscovering is Dick Francis.
Dick Francis was a champion jockey in Britain. 
When he retired he began writing thrillers, utilizing his knowledge of the racing world. I love his style! His protagonists generally have a couple things in common: brains and 'stiff-upper lips' emotionally. They're marvelous! They're not necessarily brilliant they just think clearly, especially in bad situations. I really admire that.
Dick Francis now writes in conjunction with his son, Felix. I haven't read any of the newer books they've written together but I will now make it a point to do so.
On a side note, his website is amazing. Very simple and easy to navigate but with all good information about the books. My favorite part was that aside from listing books by title he's also had his books listed by protagonist. Wonderful! Have you ever read a book and you can remember the main character's name but not the title? I certainly have. Also this make it easy to see if sequels have been written about your favorite hero (I discovered one I didn't know about for my favorite, Sid Halley).
Here are a couple of my favorites with blurbs from his site:
Odds Against
Amazing what bodily injury could do for a man. A fall from a racehorse had left brilliant jockey Sid Halley dangerously depressed, with a wrecked hand and the need for a new career. And now a bullet wound was helping him find one. He'd been with a detective agency since his racing accident, but it wasn't until some two-bit hoodlum drilled a slug into his side that he was sent out on a case of his own. That was where he met Zanna Martin, a woman who just might make life worth living again. But it was an even-money bet that he'd be killed before she had the chance...
Whip Hand
Sid Halley had one good hand and another made of metal. Five hundred pounds of horse had landed on him, directly ending his career as a brilliant jockey - and indirectly ending his marriage to the woman he loved. He had become a private investigator, quite a good one, though his new life could never erase the haunting memories of his past glories. But it was only when the wife of one of England's top trainers came to beg his help in preventing some foul play at the track that Sid Halley began to know what being haunted really was...
Twice Shy
Twice Shy is different from any other book Dick Francis has written - because instead of just one point of view, there are two narrators. One is Jonathan Derry, a mild-mannered Physics teacher who through a turn of fate ends up in possession of a computer program that can predict which horse will win a race. The second is William Derry, Jonathan's younger brother, who is working as a manager of an American millionaire's English horses. The second part of the book takes up about ten years or more after the first. Everything centres around the computer program - what it does and who wants to get their hands on it?
Shattered
When jockey Martin Stukely dies after a fall at Cheltenham, he accidentally embroils his friend Gerard Logan in a perilous search for a stolen videotape.
Logan is a glass-blower on the verge of widespread acclaim for the originality of his work. Long accustomed to the frightful dangers inherent in molten glass and in maintaining a glass-making furnace at seldom less than 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, Logan is suddenly faced with terrifying threats to his livelihood, his courage and, finally, to his life, as he seeks to find the truth. The final race to the tape throws more hazards in Logan's way than his dead jockey friend could have imagined.
Here's a bibliography (from wikipedia):
***I've colored in red those I know I've read. Due to similarities in plot line (i.e. horses, jockies) it's actually difficult to remember from the short blurbs if I've read each book. I know I've read and enjoyed more than I have marked but...***
So anyway...in general I would recommend him to anyone.
Dick Francis was a champion jockey in Britain. 
When he retired he began writing thrillers, utilizing his knowledge of the racing world. I love his style! His protagonists generally have a couple things in common: brains and 'stiff-upper lips' emotionally. They're marvelous! They're not necessarily brilliant they just think clearly, especially in bad situations. I really admire that.
Dick Francis now writes in conjunction with his son, Felix. I haven't read any of the newer books they've written together but I will now make it a point to do so.
On a side note, his website is amazing. Very simple and easy to navigate but with all good information about the books. My favorite part was that aside from listing books by title he's also had his books listed by protagonist. Wonderful! Have you ever read a book and you can remember the main character's name but not the title? I certainly have. Also this make it easy to see if sequels have been written about your favorite hero (I discovered one I didn't know about for my favorite, Sid Halley).
Here are a couple of my favorites with blurbs from his site:
Odds Against
Amazing what bodily injury could do for a man. A fall from a racehorse had left brilliant jockey Sid Halley dangerously depressed, with a wrecked hand and the need for a new career. And now a bullet wound was helping him find one. He'd been with a detective agency since his racing accident, but it wasn't until some two-bit hoodlum drilled a slug into his side that he was sent out on a case of his own. That was where he met Zanna Martin, a woman who just might make life worth living again. But it was an even-money bet that he'd be killed before she had the chance...
Whip Hand
Sid Halley had one good hand and another made of metal. Five hundred pounds of horse had landed on him, directly ending his career as a brilliant jockey - and indirectly ending his marriage to the woman he loved. He had become a private investigator, quite a good one, though his new life could never erase the haunting memories of his past glories. But it was only when the wife of one of England's top trainers came to beg his help in preventing some foul play at the track that Sid Halley began to know what being haunted really was...
Twice Shy
Twice Shy is different from any other book Dick Francis has written - because instead of just one point of view, there are two narrators. One is Jonathan Derry, a mild-mannered Physics teacher who through a turn of fate ends up in possession of a computer program that can predict which horse will win a race. The second is William Derry, Jonathan's younger brother, who is working as a manager of an American millionaire's English horses. The second part of the book takes up about ten years or more after the first. Everything centres around the computer program - what it does and who wants to get their hands on it?
Shattered
When jockey Martin Stukely dies after a fall at Cheltenham, he accidentally embroils his friend Gerard Logan in a perilous search for a stolen videotape.
Logan is a glass-blower on the verge of widespread acclaim for the originality of his work. Long accustomed to the frightful dangers inherent in molten glass and in maintaining a glass-making furnace at seldom less than 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, Logan is suddenly faced with terrifying threats to his livelihood, his courage and, finally, to his life, as he seeks to find the truth. The final race to the tape throws more hazards in Logan's way than his dead jockey friend could have imagined.
Here's a bibliography (from wikipedia):
***I've colored in red those I know I've read. Due to similarities in plot line (i.e. horses, jockies) it's actually difficult to remember from the short blurbs if I've read each book. I know I've read and enjoyed more than I have marked but...***
The Sport of Queens 1957 autobiography
Dead Cert 1962
Nerve 1964
For Kicks 1965
Odds Against 1965
Flying Finish 1966
Blood Sport 1967
Forfeit 1968
Enquiry 1969
Rat Race 1970
Bonecrack 1971
Smokescreen 1972
Slayride 1973
Knockdown 1974
High Stakes 1975
In the Frame 1976
Risk 1977
Trial Run 1978
Whip Hand 1979
Reflex 1980
Twice Shy 1981
Banker 1982
The Danger 1983
Proof 1984
Break In 1985
Bolt 1986
Hot Money 1987
The Edge 1988
Straight 1989
Longshot 1990
Comeback 1991
Driving Force 1992
Decider 1993
Wild Horses 1994
Come to Grief 1995
To the Hilt 1996
10 LB. Penalty 1997
Field of Thirteen 1998 short stories
Second Wind 1999
Shattered 2000
Under Orders 2006
Dead Heat 2007
Silks 2008
Even Money 2009
So anyway...in general I would recommend him to anyone.
Happiest Lunch Ever
So today I decided, very last minute, to leave campus for lunch. I didn't have anything to bring from home and so I had to buy regardless and I really was tired of the building I work in.
So I asked Peanut what he wanted for lunch. He said a burger and cheese fries (he's not really up on healthy versus non-healthy food yet).
I agreed that would be reasonable since we had both been so good this week and I'm still a little under normal weight gain as of my appt. Wednesday.
***Although I must say this has been my weirdest craving. Normally I hate melted cheese but cheese fries have been a wish list item, on and off again, for weeks now.***
There are two places in town with good burgers and cheese fries in Stillwater:
Eskimo Joe's (within walking distance, always busy, usually bad service, good food) and 
Goldie's (need to drive=lose parking spot, usually not too busy, reasonable service, good/ok food).
After some contemplation we decided Goldie's would end up being faster, even with having to drive (dues to the busy-ness and bad service of Joe's).
So we got in the car and started on our way. We had to pass Joe's to get to Goldie's and as I did so there was an amazing sight- almost no cars!!! Now I take lunch at 11 so most places are usually pretty slow still but Joe's is always busy. I decided to chance the bad service and go in since I was already there and they were so empty.
(I ended up parked right in front where that white car is- amazing!)
I asked for a table for one someplace quiet and out of the way. They put me on the 2nd floor by a window with no one else in the room. It was heaven!!! I had brought a book
(more on it later today) and was excited to get a few minutes to just read and eat and relax. My waiter was polite, attentive and friendly. I got my food quickly and everything was correct. I ended up not getting cheese fries because they only have a big size and that was way to big for me by myself but I got a burger and their regular seasoned fries.
I got to sit quietly in the sun looking out at trees, reading and eating with no one bothering me. I got a red Joe's cup (you get to keep them), even though I only ordered water.
I then left Joe's, drove back to campus, found a spot almost as good as my original one and was back right on time. Happiest Lunch Ever!!!
So I asked Peanut what he wanted for lunch. He said a burger and cheese fries (he's not really up on healthy versus non-healthy food yet).
I agreed that would be reasonable since we had both been so good this week and I'm still a little under normal weight gain as of my appt. Wednesday.***Although I must say this has been my weirdest craving. Normally I hate melted cheese but cheese fries have been a wish list item, on and off again, for weeks now.***
There are two places in town with good burgers and cheese fries in Stillwater:
Eskimo Joe's (within walking distance, always busy, usually bad service, good food) and 
Goldie's (need to drive=lose parking spot, usually not too busy, reasonable service, good/ok food).After some contemplation we decided Goldie's would end up being faster, even with having to drive (dues to the busy-ness and bad service of Joe's).
So we got in the car and started on our way. We had to pass Joe's to get to Goldie's and as I did so there was an amazing sight- almost no cars!!! Now I take lunch at 11 so most places are usually pretty slow still but Joe's is always busy. I decided to chance the bad service and go in since I was already there and they were so empty.
(I ended up parked right in front where that white car is- amazing!)I asked for a table for one someplace quiet and out of the way. They put me on the 2nd floor by a window with no one else in the room. It was heaven!!! I had brought a book
(more on it later today) and was excited to get a few minutes to just read and eat and relax. My waiter was polite, attentive and friendly. I got my food quickly and everything was correct. I ended up not getting cheese fries because they only have a big size and that was way to big for me by myself but I got a burger and their regular seasoned fries.I got to sit quietly in the sun looking out at trees, reading and eating with no one bothering me. I got a red Joe's cup (you get to keep them), even though I only ordered water.
I then left Joe's, drove back to campus, found a spot almost as good as my original one and was back right on time. Happiest Lunch Ever!!!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Pregnancy Milestones
So I've reached a couple of pregnancy milestones I've neglected to post about.
Here they are:
1. Had a complete stranger ask me when I was due (thought about looking offended but didn't remember to stop smiling in time).
2. Moved completely into maternity pants- the rubber band trick no longer works comfortably or reliably.
3. Used the phrase, "the baby wants..." when talking about numerous food items.
4. Learned the plumbing in my breasts works as God intended (if you don't understand please call- I will gladly explain basic anatomy and physiology in 'when a man and a woman love each other...' terminology)
5. Bought a maternity bathing suit.
6. Stood around while other people at work moved heavy things. Did not offer to help.
7. Both Nate and my sister, Wendy, have felt Peanut kick through my tummy fat. He has now changed position so his feet are always pressing on my bladder so this hasn't happened in a while.
8. Stopped wearing my wedding ring. It still fits most of the time but my fingers swell late in the day and I got nervous about taking it off at work.
9. Started being greeted by my mother in law with the phrase "you look really pregnant" every time I see her (Hi Jeanne). Since pregnant women are beautiful and beloved of all I have taken this to mean she thinks I'm getting more and more lovely each day and her love for me is growing even to exceed that of her own children.
10. Started holding my belly whenever I'm walking. I'm not sure why I do this but it seems to be an impossible habit to break.
11. Went to a LeLeche League class. They were not all crazy hippies (or I'm just as crazy as them so I didn't notice).
12. Went to a Birth Connections class to learn about cloth diapers. May become an addict.
13. Have almost convinced my sister, Amber, that she 'caught' pregnancy from me from sharing my glass of juice.
More to come...
Here they are:
1. Had a complete stranger ask me when I was due (thought about looking offended but didn't remember to stop smiling in time).
2. Moved completely into maternity pants- the rubber band trick no longer works comfortably or reliably.
3. Used the phrase, "the baby wants..." when talking about numerous food items.
4. Learned the plumbing in my breasts works as God intended (if you don't understand please call- I will gladly explain basic anatomy and physiology in 'when a man and a woman love each other...' terminology)
5. Bought a maternity bathing suit.
6. Stood around while other people at work moved heavy things. Did not offer to help.
7. Both Nate and my sister, Wendy, have felt Peanut kick through my tummy fat. He has now changed position so his feet are always pressing on my bladder so this hasn't happened in a while.
8. Stopped wearing my wedding ring. It still fits most of the time but my fingers swell late in the day and I got nervous about taking it off at work.
9. Started being greeted by my mother in law with the phrase "you look really pregnant" every time I see her (Hi Jeanne). Since pregnant women are beautiful and beloved of all I have taken this to mean she thinks I'm getting more and more lovely each day and her love for me is growing even to exceed that of her own children.
10. Started holding my belly whenever I'm walking. I'm not sure why I do this but it seems to be an impossible habit to break.
11. Went to a LeLeche League class. They were not all crazy hippies (or I'm just as crazy as them so I didn't notice).
12. Went to a Birth Connections class to learn about cloth diapers. May become an addict.
13. Have almost convinced my sister, Amber, that she 'caught' pregnancy from me from sharing my glass of juice.
More to come...
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Quick Note
Just walked into the restroom, saw my reflection and jumped a little. Who is that woman with the belly lurking in front of the sinks????
Monday, June 8, 2009
Sexy Asian Man...
Not sure how many of you watched the pre-game show for the last Superbowl. I did and loved the new front man for Journey. He's a guy from the Philippines who was doing covers and Journey found him on YouTube. Crazy hunh??? I'm not sure why but I find him crazy sexy!
Journey (with Arnel Pineda) - Don't Stop Believing
Journey (with Arnel Pineda) - Separate Ways
Journey (with Arnel Pineda) - Don't Stop Believing
Journey (with Arnel Pineda) - Separate Ways
Friday, June 5, 2009
Favorite Author Fridays
Books I’ve been reading this last week or so:
Sunshine – Robin McKinley
The Smile – Donna Jo Napoli
The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan’s Curse – Rick Riordan
What if you were one of those children?
Such is the discovery that launches twelve-year-old Percy Jackson on the most dangerous quest of his life. With the help of a satyr and a daughter of Athena, Percy must journey across the United States to catch a thief who has stolen the original weapon of mass destruction – Zeus’ master bolt. Along the way, he must face a host of mythological enemies determined to stop him. Most of all, he must come to terms with a father he has never known, and an Oracle that has warned him of betrayal by a friend.
OK this is possibly the level of intellectual stimulation I can stand right now because I loved these! I picked up the first one the beginning of this week and bought the next two a day later (there are 5 in all). 
I have always loved greek and roman mythology (see side *note/story at bottom) and these books are really effective at teaching the myths and drawing you into the characters at the same time.
I loved the website and while I was on it I found the following. Has anyone read this book/series? Is it good? It sounds way cool.
The Maze of Bones - Rick Riordan
Amy and Dan Cahill know their family is big, but they don’t realize how big until their grandmother Grace’s funeral. Relatives arrive from all over the world by special invitation. In Grace’s last will and testament, she issues this challenge:
For your inheritance, you may have the first of thirty-nine clues. The first team to successfully put together the clues, which are scattered across the world, will discover the secret of Cahill power and become the richest, most important people in history.
Amy and Dan take the challenge! Soon, they are catapulted into a dangerous round-the-world race for the thirty-nine clues. They will explore every continent, and delve into the strangest, darkest chapters of world history to find the secret origins of their family. Other teams will try to eliminate them by any means necessary, because in this treasure hunt only one team can win, and there are no rules.
The 39 Clues will feature ten action-packed books. The first, The Maze of Bones, is written by Rick Riordan, who also designed the story arc for the entire series. The 39 Clues experience also includes trading cards and a huge on-line game which will allow you to become a member of the Cahill family and compete for amazing prizes! Each of the 39 Clues books will be written by a different author. The second, One False Note, is available as of December 2, 2008, and was written by Gordon Korman. Check the 39 Clues website for further information about the series.
*OK so in 6th grade we did a big unit on Greek/Roman Myths. I loved it. At the end of the unit we had a Greek and Roman Fashion Show. All the girls wanted to be Aphrodite except me- I wanted to be Athena. So, of course, I was picked to be Aphrodite. It’s one of the only costumes my mom has ever made that I didn’t scream about not being movie set quality. It was an sleeveless sheath style dress in really silky blue material and trimmed with a cool design in gold thread. Way to go Mom!
Sunshine – Robin McKinleyFrom her website:
Rae, nicknamed Sunshine by her stepfather, is the baker at her family’s coffeehouse. She’s happy getting up at 4 am to make cinnamon rolls for the breakfast rush, and dealing with people and food all day. But one evening she needed somewhere she could be alone for a little while, and there hadn’t been any trouble out at the lake for years.
She never thought of vampires.
Until they found her.
She never thought of vampires.
Until they found her.
I really need to read this book later when I’m not pregnant. It was written in a style very close to stream of consciousness, which isn’t my favorite style. However my real problem was that everything wasn’t wrapping up etc. like I wanted. Normally that’s not a huge problem, you know being actually surprised by a book but right now it was almost depressing to me. I would definitely recommend it and will read it again when I’m not so unstable…
The Smile – Donna Jo NapoliFrom Amazon.com:
The identity of the woman the world calls Mona Lisa has ignited speculation since Leonardo da Vinci created her portrait and left it untitled, unsigned, and undated. In this richly embroidered romance set in Renaissance Florence, Napoli imagines the young life of the woman behind the famous smile. Thirteen-year-old Elisabetta, the daughter of a wealthy silk merchant, is starting to think of marriage when Leonardo da Vinci, a family friend, introduces her to young heir Giuliano de’ Medici. Political turmoil that escalates into war threatens the young romance, though, and Elisabetta is caught between her passionate attachment to Giuliano and her dutiful obligations to her family.
Same as my comments for Sunshine. This book was beautifully written, the characters were amazing and yet I was sad when it ended. Not just sad but unfulfilled. Obviously my pregnancy hormones want Disney-style endings.
The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan’s Curse – Rick RiordanFrom his website:
What if the gods of Olympus were alive in the 21st Century? What if they still fell in love with mortals and had children who might become great heroes — like Theseus, Jason and Hercules?
What if you were one of those children?
Such is the discovery that launches twelve-year-old Percy Jackson on the most dangerous quest of his life. With the help of a satyr and a daughter of Athena, Percy must journey across the United States to catch a thief who has stolen the original weapon of mass destruction – Zeus’ master bolt. Along the way, he must face a host of mythological enemies determined to stop him. Most of all, he must come to terms with a father he has never known, and an Oracle that has warned him of betrayal by a friend.
OK this is possibly the level of intellectual stimulation I can stand right now because I loved these! I picked up the first one the beginning of this week and bought the next two a day later (there are 5 in all). 
I have always loved greek and roman mythology (see side *note/story at bottom) and these books are really effective at teaching the myths and drawing you into the characters at the same time. I loved the website and while I was on it I found the following. Has anyone read this book/series? Is it good? It sounds way cool.
The Maze of Bones - Rick RiordanAmy and Dan Cahill know their family is big, but they don’t realize how big until their grandmother Grace’s funeral. Relatives arrive from all over the world by special invitation. In Grace’s last will and testament, she issues this challenge:
For your inheritance, you may have the first of thirty-nine clues. The first team to successfully put together the clues, which are scattered across the world, will discover the secret of Cahill power and become the richest, most important people in history.
Or you may take one million dollars in cash right now and walk away.
Amy and Dan take the challenge! Soon, they are catapulted into a dangerous round-the-world race for the thirty-nine clues. They will explore every continent, and delve into the strangest, darkest chapters of world history to find the secret origins of their family. Other teams will try to eliminate them by any means necessary, because in this treasure hunt only one team can win, and there are no rules.
The 39 Clues will feature ten action-packed books. The first, The Maze of Bones, is written by Rick Riordan, who also designed the story arc for the entire series. The 39 Clues experience also includes trading cards and a huge on-line game which will allow you to become a member of the Cahill family and compete for amazing prizes! Each of the 39 Clues books will be written by a different author. The second, One False Note, is available as of December 2, 2008, and was written by Gordon Korman. Check the 39 Clues website for further information about the series.
*OK so in 6th grade we did a big unit on Greek/Roman Myths. I loved it. At the end of the unit we had a Greek and Roman Fashion Show. All the girls wanted to be Aphrodite except me- I wanted to be Athena. So, of course, I was picked to be Aphrodite. It’s one of the only costumes my mom has ever made that I didn’t scream about not being movie set quality. It was an sleeveless sheath style dress in really silky blue material and trimmed with a cool design in gold thread. Way to go Mom!
It's the Little Things...
Two related things that make me really happy...
1. Being the first to shower after I've scrubbed out the shower and tub. I even love the slight gritty feeling of not having rinsed everything down perfectly.
2. Walking into the bathroom at work and seeing a toilet that hasn't been used since the janitors cleaned. The toilet seat is up and you can still see the disinfectant in the bowl. It's a beautiful thing...
1. Being the first to shower after I've scrubbed out the shower and tub. I even love the slight gritty feeling of not having rinsed everything down perfectly.
2. Walking into the bathroom at work and seeing a toilet that hasn't been used since the janitors cleaned. The toilet seat is up and you can still see the disinfectant in the bowl. It's a beautiful thing...
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Big Nate Turns 28!!!
OK so the pics from Monday...
Nate and Beezer hanging out together without adult supervision in Walgreens while I was at work in the morning (that is a fake hair visor)
I do think he's sexy
Pics of me and Beezer at the lockers at White Water Bay Water Park. Why yes Beezer did fall out of that bikini top on at least one ride during the day; why do you ask??? PS This is me trying not to look pregnant so that I could make my own decisions about the safety of my fetus and not be kicked out of high danger rides like the lazy river...
Short story (in Nate's words) of his finest hour at the water park:
"We were at White Water and decided to try the cannon ball slide. It is a 20ft slide with a 7ft drop into a pool of water. I went first and Amber went second. After I went the lifeguard told her that it was the biggest splash he had seen all day. About 30 minutes later we went again. When I got the top of the ride the lifeguard started grinning and told everyone in line behind me to gather up so they could see the splash. I went down and got several cheers and hoots. I was having fun so I decided to go up again. When I got the top every one told me to cut to the front so they could see the splash. I was happy to oblige them. I went down and was followed by the guys that let me cut. They waited at the end of the landing pool to see me do it one more time. So I went back up and took the plunge. When I hit the pool the wave washed over them and knocked them back into the lazy river, which is joined to the landing pool. The lifeguard watching the bottom pool could not help but laugh at them"
At Hooters after with Nate, me, Beezer and Wendy. It was my first time. I wasn't super impressed.
This is Nate's hokey pokey for his birthday.
I think overall it was a very fun day. Really wish Miguel (Amber's fiance) could have been there. :(
Nate and Beezer hanging out together without adult supervision in Walgreens while I was at work in the morning (that is a fake hair visor)
I do think he's sexy
Pics of me and Beezer at the lockers at White Water Bay Water Park. Why yes Beezer did fall out of that bikini top on at least one ride during the day; why do you ask??? PS This is me trying not to look pregnant so that I could make my own decisions about the safety of my fetus and not be kicked out of high danger rides like the lazy river...
Short story (in Nate's words) of his finest hour at the water park:
"We were at White Water and decided to try the cannon ball slide. It is a 20ft slide with a 7ft drop into a pool of water. I went first and Amber went second. After I went the lifeguard told her that it was the biggest splash he had seen all day. About 30 minutes later we went again. When I got the top of the ride the lifeguard started grinning and told everyone in line behind me to gather up so they could see the splash. I went down and got several cheers and hoots. I was having fun so I decided to go up again. When I got the top every one told me to cut to the front so they could see the splash. I was happy to oblige them. I went down and was followed by the guys that let me cut. They waited at the end of the landing pool to see me do it one more time. So I went back up and took the plunge. When I hit the pool the wave washed over them and knocked them back into the lazy river, which is joined to the landing pool. The lifeguard watching the bottom pool could not help but laugh at them"
At Hooters after with Nate, me, Beezer and Wendy. It was my first time. I wasn't super impressed.
This is Nate's hokey pokey for his birthday.
I think overall it was a very fun day. Really wish Miguel (Amber's fiance) could have been there. :(
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