Last year I forgot that I had been blogging for two years.
The past year, blogging has been low-key for me. Family pictures, bits of thoughts, links to this and that, info I want to remember. My mind has been elsewhere. I read some of the women I admire and appreciate their deep thoughts and inspiration. Me? Not so much these days.
I've been grateful for the people we've known online both while we were in Ukraine and since we've returned to the States. The friendships and interactions have been worth it--so here's to another year of blogging, writing, talking and living.
A few years ago, some girlfriends introduced me to the idea of a "Mondo Beyondo List" for the new year. This is the list of all the wild and crazy dreams we have, the things that are so out there it is almost scary to write them down. This isn't a resolutions list of eating healthier and spending wiser. This is the mondo beyondo list, the ideas that tug at your heart and are almost out of reach even of day dreams.
I'm taking some time this week to day dream. I'm planning on posting my Mondo Beyondo list the first week of January.
Yup, we need a girl. . . *grin*
Test.
My sidebar has disappeared. I haven't touched the template in ages. I checked, and the coding is still there, but it's not loading. Ack.
One of my boys better grow up to be super-techy to help me with this stuff. C5 has been pretty intuitive about computers and electronics, since he was a toddler. I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes our tech-geek.
Though I'm skilled enough in getting the computer to do what I want, coding and trouble-shooting are beyond my ken.
UPDATE: It righted itself. Hunh. Thank goodness--C5 isn't quite up to coding yet. . .
Hypothetically speaking. . .
If someone using blogger wanted to block a certain user from their site, is it possible to do so easily? Can any viewing of the site be blocked? If not, can a specific user's comments be blocked?
Just wondering. . .
(Not that I think that *I'm* being blocked by anyone, but I think a certain blogging buddy is being harrassed and I don't know anything about Blogger, so I'm asking. . .)
These blog posts caught my eye this week. . .
This'll show her.
Because my Mom was reading my blog. And she wanted to comment on something but decided to just call instead. *grin* Made my day. I don't call or e-mail my folks or my sister enough. I'm glad that at least my Mom reads and comments here and my sister blogs, too.
Today I had a mysterious box awaiting me at home. I opened it, and found it FULL of coffee. As in THREE POUNDS of coffee and goodies.
1. FIRST NAME? Tulip. No, really. Did you expect me to use a nom de plume all this time and just give out my given name? If you really, really insist upon knowing, I know you won't have too much trouble figuring it out.
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My first name is a derived from my grandmother's maiden name. And my middle name is my mother's maiden name. When I was in sixth grade, my Jamaican bus driver's name was Miller. I felt such kinship, since my middle name was Miller, too.
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Tonight. I'm feeling awfully sentimental and enjoying a nice glass of wine.
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? It's okay. A mixture of D'Nealian and Italic, and not very neat. My o's look like e's.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? None, really.
6. KIDS? 4 boys.
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Maybe. I just don't know if we'd ever call each other.
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Now, a blog. And notes in my daytimer. But not the daily journal, prayer journal, and dream journal I used to keep before I was married.
10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes.
11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Nope. Don't like heights. But one of our fave dates used to be to go sit on the bleachers and talk while we watched other jump.
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? I don't eat breakfast very often, and cereal usually only when I steal a bite from the kiddos.
13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No.
14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Depends upon the challenge, I'm a lot less strong, in person, than I idealized myself as. . .
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Toss up--Baskin Robbins Chocolate Mousse Royale or Breyers Cokiees and Cream.
16. SHOE SIZE? 8 1/2.
17. RED OR PINK? Neither. Remind me one day to tell the story of the pink trauma I suffered in 7th grade.
18. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I don't measure up to my ideals.
19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My Mom(IL) and sister(AZ).
20. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? I'd love anyone who wants to do this to put it up and mentioned it in the comments.
21. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES YOU ARE WEARING? Multicolored sarong and barefoot.
22. LAST THING YOU ATE? Parmesean goldfish and sauvingnon blanc wine.
23. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The ceiling fan.
24. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Midnight Blue
25. FAVORITE SMELL? After the rain.
26. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? A friend with whom I went to the beach this week
27. FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Countenance
28. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I adore both Kim and Kim, and have known them and respected each of them over the years.
29. FAVORITE DRINK? Coffee. Right now, iced coffee.
30. FAVORITE SPORT? Watching my monkeys at baseball practice.
31. HAIR COLOR? blondish-brownish-reddish
32. EYE COLOR? Greenish blue.
33. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Not now.
34. FAVORITE FOOD? Lately, brie and feta
35. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Happy ending.
36. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Curious George
37. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? lime green
38. SUMMER OR WINTER? summer
39. HUGS OR KISSES? Both.
40. FAVORITE DESSERT? Any kind of rich cake with a ganache frosting
41. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? *shrug*
42. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I would have thought I was least likely, but. . .
43. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? The Child in Christian Though, Bunge; Berkhof's Systematic Theology, (like Kim! *L*); Banished Knowledge, Alice Miller; Psalms
44. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Don't have one. There is a nice, smooth spot on my wooden desk.
45. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Didn't.
46. FAVORITE SOUNDS? the ocean waves
47. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? It's a toss up. And I know there are only two kinds of people. . .
48. THE FURTHEST YOU BEEN FROM HOME? Egpyt
49. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? birthin' babies, listening to cranky people and helping them feel heard without taking it personally
50. WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN? March 24th, Jefferson Parish Hospital, Metairie, LA
51. WHAT CONDITION ARE YOUR HANDS AND FEET IN? Feet, used. Hands, nice. Nails, natural.
52. WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE AUTHOR? While she hasn't written my favorite books, I love the way Madeliene L'Engle uses the English language.
Hey--all the cool kids are doing it. . . C'mon. . .
I've known both of these women for years, and both are fairly new to blogging. Maybe I've just been extra hormonal this week, or maybe they just know how to write in ways that touch my heart--but I've had tears reading each of their blogs this week.
Three times I actually cried while reading blogs today.
Real tears are rare enough. Three time, though?
Between my kitchen worms and the name of our third son, I think I qualify.
And to be honest, it's not all that far off. . .
Build your word cloud here.
(Via Kim in ON and Kim in IL)
February 05, 2006 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Things You Learn Online
Like, easy ninja masks. From t-shirts.
J9 looks formidable. But the camera battery is low.
Thanks, Ashley.
January 30, 2006 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Four Things Meme
Tagged by Miss Mel in Paradise:
Four Jobs You've Had
Easter Bunny at the Mall
Intern, Christian Pro-Life Foundation
Various Bookstores
Tutor for Homeschool Students
Four Places You've Lived
A remote island in Alaska.
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
Middle-of-Nowhere, Texas
Kyiv, Ukraine
Four Vacations You've Taken
Two Weeks in Paris. Amazing.
Road Trip to C-stone with a girlfriend.
Prague for visa renewals.
A dacha near the Black Sea.
Four Vehicles You've Owned Driven
Purple Honda Civic Hatchback with B Kindr tags--it's my Mom's car, but I'm driving it these days. *grin*
Volvo Station Wagon (learned to drive in it.)
Several Voyagers/Caravans
Nissan Sentra
Four Blogs I Visit and Want to Tag:
Nutmeg Mama
Chile Con Becca
The College Girls
Kiwi Mum
January 27, 2006 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Neat Noonie News!
I made the short list on The Lactivist blogroll! Thanks, Jennifer!
And in recognition of that, here are some of my favorite writings on breastfeeding:
The Original Noonie Page
A Few Of My Favorite Things 2005, 2004
Play Ball! (Militant Breastfeeding Cult)
Breastfeeding and Babywise: The Realities, The Practicalities
Contented Cows Give Sweet Milk
January 11, 2006 | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Blonde Joke
I'm both grinning and groaning at this blonde joke.
(Via Atypical Andrea)
January 04, 2006 | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Mondo Beyondo 2006
I like the New Year.
I like having a time to collect my thoughts from the past year. A time to reflect, be grateful, see how far the Lord has brought me.
I like having a time to dream.
A few years ago, some girlfriends introduced me to the idea of a "Mondo Beyondo List" for the new year. This is the list of all the wild and crazy dreams we have, the things that are so out there it is almost scary to write them down. This isn't a resolutions list of eating healthier and spending wiser. This is the mondo beyondo list, the ideas that tug at your heart and are almost out of reach even of day dreams.
I'm taking some time this week to day dream. And I'll post my Mondo Beyondo list come January 1st. (Well, at least part of it--some is too scary to post publicly--you know. . .)
Please share yours, too--either on your own blog or in the comments.
Mondo Beyondo Lists:
Lenise's
Kristen's
Hannah Im's
Amie's
Christina's
December 31, 2005 | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Web Founder Starts Blogging
So, I was looking for info on Nutcracker performances in our local paper online, when I came across this article. They didn't provide a URL, but apparently the Web's founder, Tim Berners-Lee, has finally started blogging.
Google provided the link (what would we do without google?):
timbl's blog
(And on the Nutcracker--I was really hoping to take the boys to see the Nutcracker again this year, but can't find any local performances between Christmas and New Year. *sigh* Didn't realize it would be mainly presented in early/mid December. Next year.)
December 22, 2005 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Next Time I Update
I've got to add Considerable Grace (Tara Barthel) to my blogroll.
(Discovered via Pastor Jolly)
December 21, 2005 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
What Kind of Food Am I?
Well, besides noonie food for my babies.
You Are French Food
|
Snobby yet ubiquitous.
People act like they understand you more than they actually do.
|
One of my favorite things in France was starting the day with strong cafe au lait and heavenly pastry.
(Via Hot Mexican Food Mama)
December 21, 2005 | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Seven 7s
Tenn tagged me on this over a month ago. I really did want to join in, but. . . Never really got to pulling my thoughts together. So here I am, late but participating. *grin*
And Barbara Curtis just tagged me again! *grin* So, I'm updating my Seven's. . .
Seven things to do before I die:
1. Live in France
2. Learn to Dance
3. Sing Lullabies to Grandbabies
4. Be on the Board of a Non-profit
5. Own a old Jaguar
6. Go back to University
7. Write something lasting
Seven things I cannot do:
1. Sew. I've tried.
2. Not flinch when I step on bugs.
3. Sing harmoniously.
4. Totally give up sugar.
5. Balance my checkbook.
6. Think artificial infant formula is normal.
7. Understand why Ukrainians like sala.
Seven things that attract me to Hubby:
1. His rakish smile.
2. His fun approach to fatherhood.
3. His sexy legs.
4. His sharp mind.
5. His strength and longsuffering.
6. His fear and whimsy.
7. His discernment.
Seven things I say most often:
1. Just a minute.
2. I love you!
3. Please, Lord, help me. . .
4. Time to get in the car.
5. Come to the table, guys!
6. Would you make me some coffee?
7. What do you think about. . .
Seven books you love
(I'm going to go with authors whose writing I love. . .)
1. Madeleine L'Engle
2. A. A. Milne
3. Louis Berkhof
4. Susan Hunt
5. J. K. Rowling
6. Ernest Hemingway
7. Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Seven movies you watch over and over again:
1. Princess Bride
2. Breakfast at Tiffany's
3. Search for the Holy Grail
4. Winter Wonderland (I grew up on musicals.)
5. Chasing Amy
6. Forrest Gump
7. Casablanca
Seven people I want to join in, too:
1. Musing Rebecca
2. Prattling Leann
3. Prairie Girl
4. WakeShaw
5. Samantha
6. Joy
7. Keer (If you haven't. . . Did I read it over at your site already?)
Seven more people to tag, in honor of being tagged for 7s again:
1. Reasons Why
2. Shimmer
3. Summer
4. Mountain Mama
5. Fire Ant
6. Healthy, Wealthy and Wise
7. On These Wings
(Sevens first posted 11/15/05)
December 03, 2005 | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Willow?
Willow Rosenberg
45% amorality, 63% passion, 63% spirituality, 45% selflessness |
Likely you're stronger on the inside than most people would give you
credit for: like Willow, you're a decent person with both passions and
a spiritual side, sometimes struggling for control.
Willow is one of the most beloved characters in the Buffy universe;
Congratulations!
If you enjoyed this test, I would love the feedback!
Thanks Again! -- THE 4-VARIABLE BUFFY PERSONALITY TEST |
 |
My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender: | You scored higher than 9% on morality | | You scored higher than 47% on repose | | You scored higher than 53% on spirituality | | You scored higher than 45% on selflessness |
|
December 03, 2005 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
NRO Mentions Hubby. . .
. . .without actually mentioning the Discoshaman. Check out this headline:
DISCO -- SHAMANISTIC VEHICLE OF SPACE-TIME TRAVEL
December 02, 2005 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Blogging Family Tree
Trace your blogging geneology via BlogTree.
This is a really neat-o blog tool, when it is working. Often the site's bandwidth is exceeded--but keep trying!
December 01, 2005 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
So I've Sold Out. . .
Yes, those are blog ads in the right column. Yes, I want you to click on them. Still working on formatting and finding the most appropriate ads.
I've gone mainstream. Bowing to the pressure of materialism. Supporting consumerism. Sold out. Left behind my purist blogging ways. And sure do appreciate your click-throughs. *grin*
(Oooh, hey--just saw an ad for cajun gumbo. Yumm!)
December 01, 2005 | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Scarry Through The Years
Check out the changes in the old and new Richard Scarry's Best Word Book Ever. A soldier replaced by a judge, no more "brave heroes" and "beautiful screaming ladies."
This was one of my sister's books when she was little. My favorite Richard Scarry title was "What Do People Do All Day?"
(Via Jared)
November 29, 2005 | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
WWLB?
(Via the Wild Calvinista)
And on a related now, Katie's Beer links to Doug Kern's "Here I Blog, I Can Do No Other" at Tech Central Station.
November 19, 2005 | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Blogging on the Mountain
i'm slowly getting the hang of this. i think... so welcome. welcome to my world. my mountain. welcome to a blog that celebrates childhood. celebrates music, prose, and good cuisine! . . . enjoy your stay, comment often, breathe, breathe, breathe, the air is clean, the grasses are high, the wildlife is dangerous, the kids are noisy, and it's all so unpredictably beautiful. the sun is now just staring to rise and water is boiling. i greet the day. greetings to you.
-mountain mama
November 18, 2005 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
On Faeriefolk. . .
I like faeries. I have for many years. I read faerie tales when very young, from a book that was my mothers when she was a little girl. In junior high, I read all of the rainbow fearie books. Even just a few months ago, Hubby bought me a faerie book as a surprise.
Carla Rolfe, blogger of wisdom and homeschool mama of seven, has a faerie tale book she's written and published, Maplewood Manor Garden Faeires. I like the bits I've read about it, and knowing Carla and her writing, I'm sure this book captures a bit of the enchantment of childhood.
November 17, 2005 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Hubby's Back to Blogging. . .
Many dear TulipGirl readers have also been regular readers of Hubby's blog, Le Sabot Post-Moderne. If so, you're aware that he has been on hiatus for about six months or so.
Lately he hasn't been able to sleep well. Too many thoughts swirling around his brain keeping him awake. Hence, back to blogging. *grin*
Not only is he blogging at Le Sabot, he's begun a second blog.
Religion of Peace? is designed to be a clearinghouse on terrorism news, with links to both news stories and the best commentary related to the War on Terror.
So, check them out and pass along the news that Hubby is back!
November 14, 2005 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Twenty Random Things
I've been tagged for several memes lately--ones I've wanted to join, but have been slow. . . This one is from Megan.
1. I was the Easter Bunny at the mall when I was preggers with my first.
2. In spite of several years of piano, I can play “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” And nothing else.
3. I adore green veggies--spinach, artichoke, zucchini. . .
4. In another life, I think I would have been content to live in the rural south, wear daisydukes and halter tops, and listen to southern rock.
5. I’ve been nicknamed “the plant assassin” by my Hubby.
6. I keep trying to grow kitchen herbs anyway.
7. I’m an optimist.
8. I’d rather read about doing crafty things than actually do them.
9. I started writing a book about post abortion issues about. . . oh. . . 12 years ago.
10. It’s been so long since I set it aside, I don’t think I’ll ever go back and finish.
11. I like being pregnant.
12. I like labor and childbirth.
13. I'm no good at list making.
14. Hence, never finishing “100 Things About Me” or “Fifty Things I Love” or this “20 Random Things About Me.”
Can you come up with twenty? Tagging Anne and Anne and Anne.
November 14, 2005 | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
What About You?
Btw, I took this test with T7 just now. It was interesting to hear him answer the questions and see his perception of himself. He was Aslan, btw.
(Via Mollie)
November 09, 2005 | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Charity Grace
A dear friend I've known for years online has just recently begun blogging. Please visit Charity Grace's encouraging blog.
November 09, 2005 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
And Ode to Form and Beauty
You are 'regularly metric verse'. This can take
many forms, including heroic couplets, blank
verse, and other iambic pentameters, for
example. It has not been used much since the
nineteenth century; modern poets tend to prefer
rhyme without meter, or even poetry with
neither rhyme nor meter.
You appreciate the beautiful things in life--the
joy of music, the color of leaves falling, the
rhythm of a heartbeat. You see life itself as
a series of little poems. The result (or is it
the cause?) is that you are pensive and often
melancholy. You enjoy the company of other
people, but they find you unexcitable and
depressing. Your problem is that regularly
metric verse has been obsolete for a long time.
What obsolete skill are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
(Via BadgerMum)
October 28, 2005 | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Like Pumpkins?
Lookie here!
The Fat Triplets First Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest!
Get out your knives and ingenuity, and join in. *Grin* If you don't want to carve a pumpkin, at least go over and look at the ones entered and vote.
October 24, 2005 | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Any Takers?
All serious offers considered. I'd hate to give up blogging, but. . . At this price, I'd sacrifice it.
The analysis program was inspired by this research.
(Via Keer.)
October 24, 2005 | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Tag! I'm it!
I've been tagged by happily homeschooling Joanne. My soon to be neighbor. *grin*
The rules are:
1. Search your blog archive.
2. Find your 23rd post.
3. Find the fifth sentence (this is meant to say something about you).
4. Post that sentence in your blog along with these instructions.
5. Tag five people to do the same.
My 23rd post was Google Fun. 5th Sentence: Type in a UPS/FedEx tracking number, and the package status comes up.
I'm tagging:
Knitted in the Womb (a jumpstart to blogging again?)
Scott's Simple World
Roughtcut Gems
Pink Dana
My One Long Day
You're it!
October 08, 2005 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Firsts Meme
First Memory
The firsts are jumbled together. But my youngest memory in which I'm aware of my age (3ish) was in the St. Louis arch, the sensation of the sloping floor, and being fearful.
First Kiss
Thanksgiving Eve 1992, from Hubby (who wasn't yet!)
First Concert
First concert not as a kid, going with friends? The Choir w/ The Allies, Wheaton College, 1989 or 90.
First Love
My Mom.
First thing you think in the morning
"Do I have time to press snooze? Again?"
First book you remember loving
Tom Sawyer
First pet
1981. My "pet shrimp."
First place you think of when you hear the word vacation
Tie: Sarasota and Paris
First best friend
Ross Folkenroth. The son of one of my mom's close friends from college.
Last time you dressed up
This week. Suit, blouse, hose, heels, the works. . .
Last thing you ate
Chocolate milk. Okay, so it's a drink, but I had it as a snack.
Last CD bought
Why Should the Fire Die? Nickel Creek
Last time you cried
This afternoon. Upset/angry/frustrated tears.
Last time you told someone you loved them
Five minutes ago. Hubby. Ten minutes ago. My sis. Twenty minutes ago. My yellow haired monkeys.
Last really fun thing you did
Went swimming with Hubby and the kids and goofed off and played in the pool instead of simply sitting in the sun and watching.
Last thing you watched on TV
Angel, Season 2
Last Halloween Costume
A Pirate. First Grade.
Last concert attended
Speeding Lisa, Kyiv
(Via Joel Chadwick.)
October 07, 2005 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Blogroll
Updated some links on my blogroll--linked a few blogs I've been meaning to add for ages. Deleted a few that are no longer there. *sniffle*
September 25, 2005 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Pick Your Prize!
Not only does Tim Challies have a great blog, write insightful book reviews, and design creative websites--he also likes to pass along great resources via his monthly Challies.Com giveaway.
This month, choose a Bible and choose a book from a wide selection. (Oh--and real people actually win this drawing. I did!)
September 22, 2005 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Bye-bye, Technorati!
Most everyone who blogs is familiar with technorati, and the great service they've provided the past several years in searching blogs and links. Great service, that is, until the past few months. I don't know what's going on there, but whatever it is hasn't been good. . .
Pyro-guy has lamented technorati's increasing lameness. The Rough Woodsman suggested icerocket as an imperfect alternative. (And at that time I mused that it would be great for Google to jump into this niche. . .)
And Google has met the challenge! I just found out, thanks to gid. I'm again impressed with Google's tools and innovations. We'll have to wait and see how effective it is when used regularly. Check out:
Google Blog Search
Hmmm. . . After playing around with it a bit, it doesn't quite seem to be up to the technorati-in-its-heyday level at this point.
September 17, 2005 | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Linky-Linky
My blogging has been a bit sporadic lately. Obviously. Have been less compelled to write lately. But I'm still reading and wanted to share some great posts with you.
Child Training and Sleep Training
"[M]y husband and I have decided that we don't stop being parents just because it's dark outside. We don't suddenly have to be less Christlike at bedtime. And, frankly, we're not as hung up over sleep as we used to be. We have enough baby experience to know that all babies eventually sleep through the night and that parents can cope amazingly well with interrupted sleep."
You are Parenting a Person
"So much in parenting is so basic. It is not fancy. It starts with remembering that kids are people. It starts with treating your child the way you would want to be treated: with empathy--remembering how it felt to be that age."
Parenting and P***ography
"P***ography makes a person objectify the people in his life. Looking back, I see that I started seeing the people in my home as actors in the play that I was writing. Except no one was learning their lines! I wanted us to be a "Christian" home, where fathers are in charge, where mothers are secure, where children play quietly/do as they're asked/never lose control of their emotions. And I stopped seeing my children as the people they really are."
Toddlers in Christ
"I've been reading Ames & Ilg's Your Two-Year-Old in preparation for the months ahead. They describe the 2.5 yo. . . So Pastor was discussing babes in Christ this morning from I Corinthians 3. . . .
In a sense, it sounds like Paul is describing 2.5yo Christians in the midst of disequilibrium. They are egocentric and rigid. . . They are materialistic and volatile in that they defend their territories with tantrum-like jealousies and dissensions."
Children are a Blessing, Part 2
Do you have a hard time living by the "golden rule"? Well, if you struggle with that, just have a few children watch you go through your day to day activities so much that you find them following in your footsteps. Do you long to make a difference in someone's life? Well raise chldren who have a sense of purpose and send them out into the world believing that they have a responsibility to the world around them. Do you want to know forgiveness? Watch how easily a child forgives her father or mother after they've been unjust.
August 26, 2005 | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Baby Blessings!
We join in rejoicing with Swamphopper and Marsupial Mom and their three little LadyBugs in welcoming a new BABY BOY!
Birth time: 5:58AM
Weight: 7 1bs, 10oz.
Length: 19 5/8 inches
Mom and baby are both doing well.
"Oh, LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and infants you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger." Psalm 8:1-2
August 25, 2005 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
For Google Geeks
. . . like me.
(via Carol)
August 09, 2005 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Moving and Redecorating
Megan has not only gone through a cross-country move this summer, but has also moved her blog to a new url, http://www.halfpinthouse.com/. She's also had it redesigned! I love the new look, but it's still our Megan writing about her Half Pint House.
July 12, 2005 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
New, Experienced Blogger!
A homeschool mama I knew way-back-before-I-had-kids is now blogging!
Check out Jill Novak's Through the Windowpane.
I'm sure there will be much mommy-inspiration, and ideas for writing and homeschooling. As I've mentioned before, She and her family also hold workshops on The Gift of Family Writing.
July 07, 2005 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Blogging Pet Peeves
I never noticed it until I heard someone (Tim? Valerie?) mention how much it bugged them when a person referred to a blog post as a "blog." Now it bugs me, too.
But what is a bigger pet peeve is when I am following a discussion on a blog, and then the blog owner starts deleting comments that disagree with him. Or simply deletes comments that don't put the blog owner in the most favorable light.
I understand that a blogger has the freedom to control who and what gets discussed on their blog. But it still bugs me when comments are deleted when they have been thoughtful and respectful. (Hey--I'm all for deleting flamers and spammers!)
And then there is another level. . . One at which I simply shake my head. That is when an original post is slightly modified to make the blog owner look better, and any dissenting comments are deleted--as if it never existed. Sure, I understand people changing their minds, but be honest! Post about it!
When people delete respectful comments solely because they hold another view and pretend they haven't done so--I simply lose respect for them as bloggers. It lacks integrity. And there are a couple of people I just will not link to because I've seen happen on more than one occasion.
Pet peeve vent over.
Public Service Announcement: If you're reading this, it's very likely that I'm not talking about you!
PSA, take two: If you've ever had a comment deleted from this blog, I apologize profusely. And believe me--it was inadvertently done while deleting spam. . .
July 06, 2005 | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Up and Running
The newIntellectuelle blog has opened!
And on a related note, check out this other new blog--Got Me A College Girl. It's a group blog of Christian women who describe their writing as in celebration of formal education in the life of the Christian girl.
June 28, 2005 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Add to Blogging Research
Sponsored at MIT.
(Via Rebecca.)
June 25, 2005 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Writers / Thinkers / Wannabes Update
The essay contest that I mentioned has been judged, and the new Intellectuelle blog team announced!
Congratulations and get writing wishes to:
Hannah of Hannah Im
Lexie of Lexical Light
Samantha of The Home Realm
Sarah of The Foundation for Women of Faith in Culture
Marla of Marla Swoffer
Laura of A Practice in Belief
Bonnie of Off the Top
Get the full scoop.
June 23, 2005 | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Writers / Thinkers / C.S. Lewis Fans / Wannabes
Announcing the Intellectuelle contest!
Who: Open to evangelical women who are secretly C.S. Lewis wannabes
What: Submit something (<500 words) you've never blogged or published which demonstrates you're a deep thinker with a strong orthodox Christian faith
When: May 17th-June 16th
Why: To be part of a seven-woman team blog called "Intellectuelle"
Marla is starting a new blog and hosting a contest to assemble the blog team for Intellectuelle. I'm not entering--but I know a lot of great women thinkers, and I'd love to read more of their deep thoughts over there.
So, get writing! Only a few submission slots left!
June 10, 2005 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Other Mamas of Four Sons
Blest With Sons
Boy Story
Annie Barlow
Selkie
Laurie's Boys
Randomly Organized Megan
Zoo Full of Boys
Voth Family Adventure
And who am I forgetting right now? I know there are a few more. . .
June 09, 2005 | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Blogging Pays Off
Took some skills tests today.
Editing, grammar and math skills -- 100%
Typing speed and accuracy -- High
June 03, 2005 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Phil Johnson, PyroManiac
Phil Johnson is blogging.
Yes, THAT Phil Johnson, of Phil Johnson's Bookmarks.
A household name to many.
I'm swooning.
(Via Tim Challies.)
June 02, 2005 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Posts I'd Like to Read. . .
. . .but doubt will ever be written.
How I Overcame My Fears and Learned to Love Weird Foods.
Dogwood Blue
Update: She wrote it!
All I Needed to Know About Parenting I Learned from the Sopranos
The Zero Boss
To Breed or Not to Breed: And Other Questions the Bard Failed to Ask
Carmon, Shakespeare aficionado and Mother of Many
Push it Good, Push it Real Good
Knitted in the Womb
How We Adopted Triplets from Ukraine
Speaks Her Mind
Teach Your Toddler Latin In 100 Easy Lessons
This Classical Life
Babywise Author Issues Book Recall
Yellow Porch
May 05, 2005 | Comments (14) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
If I Were. . .
I've been "tagged" by Carol from Carol's Storybook / Parenting Decisions to answer some questions.
Here's the scoop on how to play: I pick 5 occupations out of the list below and post my answers. Then I tag 3 other people to post their answers on their blog. If I tag you, and you don't want to be a part of this, then that is okay. Just let me know and I'll tag someone else.
The "questions": If I could be a scientist...If I could be a farmer...If I could be a musician...If I could be a doctor...If I could be a painter...If I could be a gardener...If I could be a missionary...If I could be a chef...If I could be an architect...If I could be a linguist...If I could be a psychologist...If I could be a librarian...If I could be an athlete...If I could be a lawyer...If I could be an inn-keeper...If I could be a professor...If I could be a writer...If I could be a llama-rider...If I could be a bonnie pirate...If I could be an astronaut...If I could be a world famous blogger...If I could be a justice on any one court in the world...If I could be married to any current famous political figure...
Here are my answers:
If I could be a painter, I'd go to the places I've been and felt overwhelmed, and capture on canvas the feelings and sights. My heart would be turned to the Creator in worship, as He allowed my creativity to capture just a bit of the world.
If I could be a writer, I'd head for the hills and write poetry to express my soul. I'd pen influential essays on policy issues that would land me a place in the university speaking circuit. I'd write books that would encourage people, especially as they struggle to keep their eyes on God as they live in a fallen world.
If I could be a bonnie pirate, I'd make my home on an isolated Caribbean isle, sit in a hammock and read all day while sipping pina coladas. My mateys and I would take a monthly jaunt on my good ship, to do the whole pirate pillaging and plundering thing. And then I'd return home to rest in the shade, reading and sipping.
If I could be a scientist, I'd do research related to brain development, learning, endocrinology and attachment.
If I could be a world famous blogger, I'd want to publicize a freedom movement in a former soviet state. I'd turn my blog orange. I'd help communicate the heart of what was going on--not just the political machinations. I'd get an Instalanche and people I don't even know would be visiting my lowly little blog. Oh, wait. Did that already.
Now I get to tag three people: Dogwood Blue, Blogma, and Gideon Strauss (though I'm not sure he'll want to join in. . .)
April 27, 2005 | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Welcome, Babies!
Congrats to proud parents, Joe and Jane Missionary (and big brother, Junior!) on their daughter Joy!
And congrats to Little Miss Reformed, on her niece Little Baby Tulip. Lil' Miss is the type of aunt every parents wants for their child--doting and loving and spoiling. Baby Lil' Tulip even looks like Lil' Miss! See the cute tulip hat!?
March 23, 2005 | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Blog Call!
Inspired by Megan, who borrowed it from Keeley Steger. . .
Come on, comment. . . It’ll be fun.
1. How often do you check my blog?
2. Do you have a blog of your own? If so, what is the link? If no, why not?
3. Why do you visit my blog?
4. What are some other good blogs that you read?
Thanks for playing along. I’m always just *so* curious!
March 19, 2005 | Comments (43) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Suzanne moving to Kyiv. . .
I got your e-mail, but my reply to you bounced back twice.
Please e-mail me again! tulipgrrl AT gmail DOT com
March 15, 2005 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Tea, Wonderful Tea
I've been cutting back on my coffee and replacing it with water and herb tea. The baby weight I've held onto since #4 was born hasn't gone anywhere and I'm not happy with that. I realized that the huge quantities of coffee I drink (along with the requisite cream and sugar) were adding more calories a day than I realized--especially in the winter when I always have a cuppa hot joe in my hand.
So, I've been slowly replacing all but my morning coffee with hot tea. My favorites are peppermint, chammomile, lemon, and green tea. I often make the boys lavender tea when they come in from the cold or right before bed. I like a tad of honey with the green tea (or when I'm sick) but other than that, I drink them sweetner-free. I can't wait to try Adagio teas--in fact, their Cha Cha blend sounds like something I'd love. For now, though, my usual comes from a small company that sells teas made from herbs gathered in the Carpathian Mountains.
I came across Adagio Teas earlier this week. After reading about their blogging promotional all over (and challenged by Andrea), I've finally decided to public my decision to break my coffee-habit.
Those who love learning about and talking about tea, be sure to check out the Adagio Tea sponsored online magazine, Tea Muse.
March 11, 2005 | Comments (20) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
True To Life Crayons
I found the below "crayon reject" over at Keel The Pot.
Note: That color gold is only found in the diapers of exclusively breastfed babies. Thought that was interesting. . .
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You are |
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March 10, 2005 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Hooray! Carol's New Home!
I'm really excited to announce the unveiling of Carol of Parenting Decisions new blog at a new url, http://www.parentingdecisions.com/blog/!
Carol has been a dear friend for several years now, such an encouragement to me both in ministering to my children and in my faith. She's surprised our family with Christmas boxes (peanut butter and more!) and called me on a day that I really needed it--all the way from Canada to Ukraine.
Andrea of Atypical Life did a great job with the layout and techie stuff. (I'm in such awe of techmamas.)
March 09, 2005 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Joe Who?
Those who are fans of Joe Missionary, please note his new url and easier-to-read website, http://www.joemissionary.com/.
March 08, 2005 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
March Giveaway from Challies
Referral ID 41754.
Btw, I won Amazing Grace: The History and Theology of Calvinism, and have totally enjoyed it. *grin* Thanks, Tim!
Update: Congratulations, Ryan and Wanda!
March 08, 2005 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Desk Exercises
Exercises to Incorporate into my Daily Computer Routine
Exercise 1
1. Keep your eyes fixed on a spot straight ahead and do not allow that spot to move up and down throughout this exercise.
2. Place your index finger on your top lip. Draw your head away from it as far as you can so that the bottom of your neck is moving backwards on your shoulders. This will effectively pull your chin in.
3. Hold the position at the limit of movement for three seconds.
4. Repeat six times.
5. Do this every two hours.
Do not be surprised if initially you find this difficult to perform. If you have had a forward head posture for a long time and your headaches are fairly chronic you will be very stiff in this direction. Keep practising and movement will improve. Once you understand the manoeuvre you can dispense with the finger under the lip.
Exercise 3
A stretch of the muscles at the base of the skull can also be achieved without the use of a headrest, making this the exercise of choice in the office or for those working in a chair without a head support.
1. Clasp both hands behind the head just above the base of the skull. Find the base of the skull by placing thumbs on the bottom of the ear lobes, then running them under the skull, towards the spine, until the hands can be clasped. Keep the arms and hands still.
2. From this position, allow the chin to drop in a 'yes'. Maintain this position. Do not push the head back.
3. Lean back from the mid shoulder blade region, about ten degrees only. You will notice your chin tuck in some more, as if in a permanent position of 'yes' and you should feel a stretch at the base of the skull, where the neck joins the head.
4. Hold this position gently for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat six times.
Exercise 6
This exercise not only improves the stability of the shoulder blades, but it will also prevent the contraction of the muscles across the top of the shoulders which cause your shoulders to creep up around your ears at moments of stress. Chronic contraction of these muscles affects the neck joints and may, in turn, cause headache.
1. Sit up straight, with elbows free and bent at right angles. Gently tuck in the chin. Hold.
2. Take the points of the shoulder blades down to the floor and in to the spine. If you cannot get your shoulder blades to obey these instructions, think of pressing the elbows to the floor, while keeping the forearms parallel to the floor.
3. Once you feel a stretch occurring across the top of the shoulders, hold the position for ten seconds.
4. Repeat ten times. Perform regularly especially if you feel that telltale tightness starting. You may prevent the onset of a headache.
(Recommended by How Now)
February 28, 2005 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Mail Goodies
The Amazing Grace DVD Set that I won from the Challies.Com giveaway arrived in the mail today. Woohoo! That was fast!
So, just a reminder to register for this month's prize and a quick plug for MonergismBooks--not just great resources, but fast and cheap shipping for international customers!
Can't wait to start watching these dvds. *grin*
February 11, 2005 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Good Reads for the Really Bad
Rebecca writes, Why I Love the Doctrine of Total Depravity. Tim joins in with Total Depravity: The Great Equalizer. Jared adds a bit of literary input from The Heiké Story. For more, check out Tulipedia.
For the corollary, check out Pastor Jolly's Journey Into Grace.
February 10, 2005 | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
February Challies Book Giveaway
Just in case anyone things the giveaways that Tim is hosting are a farce, I want to reassure you they are not. After all, I won in January! *grin*
Because I won in January, I feel weird about entering to win again. But since I want y'all to have the opportunity to get a copy of The Holiness of God and The Reformation Study Bible, my referral ID is 32607 and you can enter the drawing here:
February 08, 2005 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Envious Me
Carol and Andrea spent the weekend together. Kristen and Lenise visited each other, too. So, when am I gonna get to visit my blogging friends?
February 08, 2005 | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Dynamic Blogging Duo
New husband and wife blogging duo, Steve and Jenn, have some great posts up this week.
Steve reminisces fondly about Larry Norman and not-so-fondly about Bill Gothard:
Nineteen years old and driving around listening to "How Great Thou Art" a cappella 24/7. . . . I had "made a commitment" not to listen to CHRISTIAN ROCK!!. Yes Christian Rock...songs about Jesus that have beats and tempos not approved of by Sir Gothard. Aaaahhhhh, my friends thought I had lost it. Like a lemming to the sea I was!
Jenn addresses good hermeneutics and gives an example in her post the Latest Spiritual Gobblydeegook? She also talks about psychology and faith in Indoctrination 101:
Though there is some psychological stuff that is counter to our faith, there is some learning to be gained from the psychological community just about the general nature of people and how we respond in different scenarios. I believe this falls under the area of “general revelation” from God just as much as what I learned about biology and chemistry in college also falls under “general revelation” in understanding the beauty and intricacy of God’s physical creation.
January 31, 2005 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Another Amazing Giveaway
Update: Wow, I'm one of the Amazing Grace DVD winners! Thanks Tim and Monergism Books! Tim will be announcing the next giveaway on February 6th.
Wow, Tim! Please use referral ID is 21274.
Monergism Books is donating the prize. (And Rebecca is tempting me to place an order with them--international shipping is only $10!)
January 29, 2005 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
PCAers are Cool.
Check out PCA Blogs and the new blogroll/aggregator for Presbyterian Church in America bloggers, initiated by JollyBlogger.
January 26, 2005 | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Thanks, Carol!
My boys enjoying their treats from Canada!
January 22, 2005 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Virus Alert
The other day I linked to the Quizilla "What 60s Person Are You." Since then, I've heard several sources link that quiz to a virus. I'm deleting my quiz post (I'm a Mod! *L*) and I recommend running whatever virus detection software you use.
So, consider yourself warned.
January 21, 2005 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Total Truth Giveaway!
Update: Tim has announced the winners! Enjoy your new book, Bob R. & G. Clarke. Tim also mentioned he'll be announcing a new giveaway in a few days.
Update: Tim has now posted his review of Total Truth. Hurry--you still have a day and a half to enter the drawing!
Have you ever heard of a New Year's Resolution to give away books? This month Tim is featuring and giving away Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey.
"In today’s cultural etiquette, it is not considered polite to mix public and private, or sacred and secular. This division is the single most potent force keeping Christianity contained in the private sphere—stripping it of its power to challenge and redeem the whole of culture."
Enter the drawing here. Please use 20079 as the referral ID.
One of Tim's specialties is book reviews, and so when you have the time check out the Book Review Archives.
January 16, 2005 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Quotables
"I never imagined I’d be sitting in a Vietnamese café listening to two American girls sing to me in Ukrainian." – Tanya, as relayed by Lil' Miss
"Holy murderous malefactors, Yushchenko! Those oligarchs pounded you harder than anybody since Gongadze. How are you still standing?" - "Robin" over at Orange Ukraine
"The notions that Islam is a "religion of peace" and that jihad means only "moral struggle" are woven from the gauziest of spin." - Hubby
". . .gender apartheid cloaked in religion, aimed at controlling women. . ." - C&R's Patrick, in the midst of explaining where leftist social policy and Islam meet
January 15, 2005 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Show Us Your Desk!
Two of my boys playing on the computer.
Join in the fun by posting the place where you blog, and leaving a comment here so we can come check it out! (Via Life With Four Kids via Quiet Life.)
January 14, 2005 | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Welcome New Bloggers!
I know several people that I'm excited to welcome to the blogging world:
FlowerMama
Knitted in the Womb
Spiritual Ingenue
Really Need a Nap
Little Miss Reformed
Publius Pundit
Comment Me No Comments
and a whole slew of GCM Mamas.
So as you get started journaling online, here are some ideas I've found helpful over the last year.
First, it's nice to have a pretty blog. Play around with CSS and HTML. Hire someone like Tim or Jeri. Check out the Colors of 2005--my faves are the Desaturateds (hat tip FireEric.) Become a follower of the Scripty Goddess. Or just remember that content is king and accept having a plain-jane template for awhile.
Join The Truth Laid Bear and watch your blog go from an Insignificant Microbe to a Playful Primate. Maybe you'll even be a Higher Being one day. Track who is linking you or the news stories you're linking through Technorati. It's also fun to register at BlogTree and follow your blog's "geneology."
Also, I suggest joining a group of similar blogs. Christian ones include the Evangelical Blogroll, League of Reformed Bloggers, The Church Directory, and Blogs4God.
If you really want to get the scoop on blogging, check out Joe Carter's recent How to Start a Blog series.
Keep reading and commenting on blogs. Revel in having an organized place online for your writing and ranting. Most of all, enjoy blogging!
January 13, 2005 | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Book Meme
Via Eric over at Fire Ant Gazette: Here's how it works. Copy the list, then remove from it the names of any authors not in your home library, replacing them with names of authors you have. Boldface the ones you’ve added.
1. Louis Berkhof
2. Graham Greene
3. Henry James
4. Anne Lamott
5. Sir Walter Scott
6. Peggy Noonan
7. John Irving
8. Susan Hunt
9. Asne Seirerstad
10. William Shakespeare
Yikes. I guess Eric and I don't have a lot of bookshelf overlap, or at least meme overlap. I picked authors to add that I've had in my hands lately.
January 06, 2005 | Comments (19) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Spam Happy
I'm just tickled with MT Blacklist and the behind-the-scenes updates that Tim has done around here. And if you like the new look, check out his other work and keep Tim in mind when you're in the market for web development gurus.
But, I've gotten delete-happy, and somehow have accidently deleted some real comments. (Sorry Mr. Strauss and Mark and others. . .) I need to be more careful. . .
January 05, 2005 | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Vote for Me!
Join in the Best of the Blogs 2004 awards, and vote for me!
You can vote once each day in each category from now until January 17th. And, be sure to visit the other Homeschool/Education blogs--there's a great collection of them listed.
January 01, 2005 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Happy First Blogiversary to Me!
Last year for Christmas, Hubby gave me my own domain name and webhosting to start a blog and transfer the info from my old site to a new one.
One year and 503 posts later. . . Here I am. The functionality of the site hasn't quite emerged as I envisioned last year, but the blogging and writing have. I'm glad I have all the family journaling that I used to write in e-mails now collected in one place. I like having my own soapbox. And it's been thrilling to be able to help people around the world get a glimpse and better understanding of the Orange Revolution.
And, thanks to Tim Challies, soon my orangey site will be beautified. Already I'm using the updated MT to go through and kill spam. (There is something so therapuetic about that.)
Along with all of that, today I found out I'm a finalist in the BOB Awards for Education/Homeschool blogs. Voting starts tonight. *grin*
Overall, though, I'm very thankful for how the blogging world has brought in relationships and stimulating conversation. I love living in Ukraine, but even as my language skills progress, there is a limit to communication. I don't feel isolated, thanks to blogging and e-mail.
January 01, 2005 | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Welcome, Baby Alexander!
We are rejoicing to here that new baby Hampson has safely and healthily made it into this world. Much love to the Hampson family!
"O Lord my God, shed the light of your love on my child. Keep him safe from all illness and all injury. Enter his tiny soul, and comfort him with your peace and joy. He is too young to speak to me, and to my ears his cries and gurgles are meaningless nonsense... Let him as a child learn the way of your commandments. As an adult let him live the full span of life, serving your kingdom on earth. And finally in his old age, let him die in the sure and certain knowledge of your salvation. I do not ask that he be wealthy, powerful, or famous. Rather I ask that he be poor in spirit, humble in action, and devout in worship. Dear Lord, smile upon him."
~Johann Starck, 1680-1756
The above prayer is at the top of Jenn's blog, and is one I'm going to print out to keep above my kitchen sink.
December 30, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Happy Happy Joy Joy!
This week I'm getting a wonderful Christmas present from Tim over at Challies Dot Com. *grin* He's a tech guru and is doing what gurus do to templates and MT and the sorts of things that confound us unenlightened ones.
If there are any hiccups along the way, please be patient with me!
And go check out Challies Dot Com--one of my regular (and very worthwhile) reads.
Update: Ooooh, ooooh! MT 3.12 is already installed and already addressing the mire of spam that's accumulated. Thank you, Tim!
December 28, 2004 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Happy Mail-box Mail
I received a special treat in the mail today--the January and February 2005 issues of TableTalk magazine. I'm just tickled. This was a gift from Swamphopper and Marsupial Mom. *mush, mush* Thank you!
I think TableTalk was one of the first things I added to my wishlist. I remember Kelly mentioning last year that a subscription is one of the standard Christmas presents she gets for certain family members. I've been wanting it (and procrastinating subscribing myself) since then.
Again, thank you so much! What an encouragement y'all are. to me. It's hard to wait until January 1st to begin the devotionals.
December 17, 2004 | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
The BOB Awards
Well, I'm flattered! I was just nominated by MaltaGirl in the BOB Awards. And, woohoo--they offer prizes! I'd love to win a prettification of my blog.
She chose the Education/Homeschool category.
My Homeschooling archives seem a bit bare these days, but life here in Ukraine is quite an eduation. Check out the Nurturing Children and Family Journal, for more of our learning-through-living posts.
The other nominees include blogs I often read, like Happy Homeschooler, School@Home, Relaxed Homeskool, Routon Family Homeschool and Classic Adventures. I couldn't resist, I even had to add a nomination, Amy Loves Books.
One of the best things about blogging promotions like this one, is discovering new blogs. Go check out the BOB Awards, surf around the nominess, and suggest a few of your own!
December 16, 2004 | Comments (8) | TrackBack (1) | Permalink
Alluring Alliteration
Kleptocratic crack-up continues concurrently with Yanukovych's quixotic campaign contra Kuchma.
Cool.
Also check out:
Marabouts, Magicians, and Meacham
December 15, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
New and New-to-me Ukraine Sites
Orange Ukraine, Helping to pull 48 million chestnuts out of the fire. is a brand new blog to watch. It's authored by former Peace-Corps volunteeer and freelance journalist Dan McMinn, who lives in Kyiv with his Ukrainian-born wife. Keep checking back--Dan really understands the situation here.
Photos from Kyiv and around the world are being collected by Crocodiles Ukrainian Election 2004 site. It was especially neat to see the pics from Chicago, where my Mom lives and where I attended my first political rally (skipping school, naturally.)
AidUkraine is run by a Ukrainian in diaspora and has some good info. Note, they are asking for donations. And while it looks legit, I cannot personally vouch for this group..
November 27, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Support Ukraine Buttons
Amy has designed a series of buttons to show your support for democray in Ukraine on your website. Thanks, Amy!
Also, Nathan at Registan have also designed several buttons to show support for Ukraine.
November 26, 2004 | Comments (5) | TrackBack (4) | Permalink
CSS Changes Ahead
No, you are not seeing things. Yes, this blog is orange.
And I keep misreading the CSS, so no telling what you'll see here before I finally figure it out. Thankfully, MovableStyle has helped keep me out of too much trouble.
November 24, 2004 | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
More Google Tools
I'm such a sucker for Google tools.
Joel over at Elesyium mentioned the latest beta, Google Scholar. It searches through academic research and papers. I found one study my Dad was part of, Performance of High-Speed Dental Handpieces: Subjected to Simulated Clinical Use and Sterilization .
Maybe that's not exciting online reading, but still. . . What a neat new tool.
November 19, 2004 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Help!?!?!
I'm getting drowned by spam.
I'd love to have someone more tech-savvy than myself help me upgrade to MT 3.12 and install MT-Blacklist.
I was able to do the initial MT install myself, but made enough mistakes along the way to be a bit wary of trying the upgrade (and losing everything.)
Soooo. . . Any volunteers?
(And I'd love to send you a little "thank you" from Ukraine!)
November 15, 2004 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
A Surprise!
Usually when the phone rings, I immediately switch gears to Russian. It threw me off for a second when I answered the phone today and was greeted in English.
"Hello. This is Carol. In Canada."
After a moment it register. Carol!
I rarely get phone calls, much less from a dear friend from North America.
Thanks for calling, Carol. It really made my day. *grin*
November 06, 2004 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Oooh! Ooooh! Homestar Runner Quiz!
Which Homestar Runner character are you?
this quiz was made by jurjyfrort
Well, I don't think I'm like the Cheat. Except for maybe the bad habits and artistic endeavors part. . .
(Via Pruitt Communications)
October 29, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Welcome, Margaret Elizabeth!
A belated welcome-to-this-world to Dawn and Jason's little girl!
Born: 10-13-2004
Weight: 10 lbs 1 oz (Wow! Good job, Mom!)
Length: 21.5 in.
October 26, 2004 | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Hooray, she's back!
Marsupial Mom is back online! (And be sure not to miss her hubby and friends over at The Rough Woodsman.)
October 26, 2004 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Hey, Peter!
Your mama gave me your url! *eg*
(And y'all should check out PeterPike.com, too.)
October 25, 2004 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Welcome, Baby Sophia!
Rejoicing with Samantha and Jeremy (and the big brothers) on the arrival of Sophia Alexandria!
C'mon guys, we want to see pictures! *grin* It seems like other mamas' pregnancies pass by so quickly. . . It hadn't even registered that Samwas due soon!
October 16, 2004 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
What I'm Reading (online)
I read and skim way more often than I post on other blogs. Here are some I have open right now that I've found interesting, even if I'm not commenting.
Tales of a Farmwife: Combines and O Canada
Carol: Updates on Baby Lincoln
Mysterium Tremendum: What Jared is Reading
BatesLine: Oklahoma Politics No comment feature here--are y'all going to change that?
Coffee Swirls: Convoluted Recollections
Gideon Strauss: Phase One: What You Should Do With Your Life
Challies:Impact of Calvinist/Arminian Thinking I finally registered to comment. . .
CyberEcology: President of Integrity and Faith
Amy: And the Kids She Teaches
The Rough Woodsman: Skipping the Football, Reading the Politics and Theology
Non-blog sites open:
GCM Forums
AwareParent Forums
NRO Online
Drudge
OpinionJournal BotW Today
October 16, 2004 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Places Not to Live
T6 told me the other day, "I NEVER want to be a missionary to China."
A startling, out of nowhere comment. "Why?"
"They eat too much rice!"
But, Bejing is one of the places that Marla and crew might be headed. Brilliant!
October 13, 2004 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary or Thyme?
YOU ARE ROSEMARY
What herb are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
(Via Chamomile MtnMama)
September 23, 2004 | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
What we've all been waiting for. . .
Hubby is back and blogging at Le Sabot!
September 16, 2004 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Check these out. . .
Rebecca not only writes, but is also working on a new historical journal based David Brainerd's Blog.
Thanks, Joe, for pointing me to Rebecca's new project.
Also, I invite you to register and participate at the new AwareParent forum. I'm not a mod there, but you'll see me around.
Tonight Hubby is giving an overview on "What is a Cult?" to the Student Fellowship. He especially recommend the info on cults from CARM.Org.
And visit World Reformed Fellowship for updates and article around the world.
September 11, 2004 | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Blogs on Books
Tim at Challies is is predicting 2005 Christian Bestsellers including, these family-focused favorites:
The Even Newer Dare To Discipline by James Dobson (The first 10,000 copies will include your choice of either a switch or a paddle autographed by Dobson himself.)
How To Alienate and Emotionally Starve Your Child God's Way by Gary Ezzo
Child At Heart by John Eldredge
FarmWife Andrea, avoiding satire, is sharing some insights from Cloud & Townsend's Raising Great Kids.
Carol captures the antagonistic attitude of the Pearls as she provides quotes and commentary on To Train Up a Child.
And Sam, curled up with a book in her cabin, is musing on the ideas about autism and asperger's in A Mind Apart.
August 28, 2004 | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Happy Belated Birth Day!
Congratulations to David and Ange!
Little Lucy was born a week ago, August 15th. See great photos here.
Lucy is a beautiful newborn, and seems to have gotten the hang of noonying pretty quickly.
August 21, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
BookMark / BlogRoll Update
Jordana has moved Curmudgeonry to http://curmudgeonry.mu.nu/.
Rachel Ann has moved WillowTree to http://willowtree.mu.nu/.
Prattling Pastor's Wife has moved to http://www.prattlingpastorswife.blogspot.com/.
And if you know of other blog moves that I've overlooked, please let me know.
August 21, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Deacon's Borsch
Paul Baxter has several interesting posts on his mission trip to Lviv, along with a promise to share his recipe for borsch.
Lesson from Ukraine
Lesson 2 from Ukraine
Photos from Ukraine
Actually, to see the pics and read the posts from Paul's trip, it's best to just go to his blog and read through it.
August 17, 2004 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
BlogSwap 4: Freedom
Today I'm happy to host a BlogSwap guest blogger, Marisa. who takes great photos and records her ideas at Simple Games.
Freedom suggests a lot of things. To me, an unusual memory is stirred when I think of freedom. Four images, realistic, inviting, detailed, classical. The Four Freedoms by Norman Rockwell.
The freedom from fear.
The freedom from want.
The freedom to worship.
The freedom of speech.
Freedom from Fear
Our world is such a place that we fear to move about, afraid that someone will harm us, watch us, destroy us. We fear ourselves, what we will do to others, that we won't be good enough, our limitations.
We fear other nations, their powers and their choices. Our security as a nation is threatened, and we fear that we will be attacked. We need to reclaim the safeness that comes from having the Creator's protection, and not imitate the citizens of Jerusalem, to whom Christ said:
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Matt. 23:37
There's such comfort in that image, being so close to Yahshua that we are under His safeguard. Peace and security come when He is the One we look to for control and protection.
Freedom from Want
Our planet gives up riches in food and goods, every necessary of life. Too often, I am concerned about food and clothes, not that I won't have enough, but that I won't have the right sort, something to satisfy my tastes. A vast portion of Americans don't have the need to worry about wanting basic things to sustain life. But if we are in that position, we should remember that God gives the fields the most perfect adornment in a single flower, which will wither in a day, and feeds the songbirds through no work of their own. He knows our needs, and I daresay blesses those more that can completely rely on Him, when no hope of their own is left. That is true courage and reliance upon Yahweh. (See Matt. 6:23-34)
Freedom to Worship
In many centuries, it was a hazard to life to be a Christian. The Bible was censured, doctrines of faith were proclaimed heretical, and worship had to be carried out secretly. People were forced to make a choice between their religion and their life. Horrible punishments and threat of eternal suffering were made to those that kept true to their way of worship. Thankfully, we no longer have to bear up these burdens, but our Father gave those generations the will and the power to persevere. He spread His love over them, welcoming them to pray forever at His altar. Let us not lose this fervor because we have things easier. Let us strive to prove our devotion in other and equally hard ways, overcoming our society with good.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:24
Freedom of Speech
I consider this to be one of the greatest rights of man, the ability to speak his mind, no matter what the subject, openly, publicly, without the threat of prison or death. There is such diversity of opinion about every topic you could name, yet we all find freedom to say what we think, to be honest. Many nations do not enjoy this freedom. It should not be limited to the press. We all need to speak out about something in our lives, whether to those we know, or in a more public arena. As Christians, this means not shirking hard topics with our family and friends, being open about life, and putting our lives and words more and more under the influence of Christ. Words are powerful, they can build up or hurt. Use this freedom wisely.
... Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. Matt. 12:34
You can see the Four Freedom paintings here and here.
by Marisa, at Simple Games, which is a mostly random blog, dwelling on Christ, photography, friends, and life.
----------------------------------------------
My entry will be posted on Rebecca Writes. (Woohoo! I feel honored! *grin*)
To view the rest of this week's entries, click here.
Would you like to BlogSwap? For more information visit Challies.com.
August 13, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Awww, thanks!
Tim over at Challies ranked me among the 5 Great Blogs (That Aren't On My BlogRoll). Thanks for the kind description and encouragement!
One of the reason I haven't quite made the cut for the blogroll is because we talk about too much girly stuff over here, like breastfeeding. Of course, since this is World Breastfeeding Week, anyone clicking through from Tim's will get an extra-large dose of that topic.
BTW, Tim, I understand. . . If I weren't married to him, I don't think my blog would be too girly for Hubby, even
August 03, 2004 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Who's Where. . .
Deacon Paul has been in Ukraine since last Thursday, but unfortunately, this year he in in L'viv which is an overnight train ride from where we are. Hubby was able to get together with him last year (and I'm hoping that Lenise and baby get to come with him next year! *grin*)
Marla seems to not be home in Sweden.
Andrea is now living in a "Notable Historic Home" in Canada!
Dana is on vacation, but has 48 posts from last week's blogathon to keep you busy reading until she's home.
The Stewarts are en route from Austin to North Carolina.
EarthGirl is in the garden.
The Marine Corps Moms are at the Marine Corps Parents Convention.
Jared and Mrs. Mysterium Tremendum are smooching at DisneyWorld.
And who knows where Joe Missionary really is?
July 31, 2004 | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
BlogSwap 3: Open Assignment
Hey all you BlogSwap fans! The following post is courtesy of Jeremy at On The Door Step. Be encouraged!
"The Thin Red Line of Accountability"
"True religion . . . intelligible, rational, and accountable, -- not a burden but a privilege." --B. Whichcote.
Accountability. Possibly the single most important thing in our lives as Christians. Our very faithful perseverance is dependent on our willingness to be accountable to someone. Thus, the church (not "a church" or "a building") plays such a vital role in a Christian's life. We must be willing to share our struggles and shortcomings to someone
in our life and in return we must be willing to befriend those that seek accountability with us. It is important for us not only to learn how to share with others, but also how to effectively hold someone accountable. When we share, we make ourselves vulnerable and open up our hearts and minds to someone that we are willing to put all of our trust into at any given point. In doing that, we long for support and often expect it. However, there's got to be a balance between support and guidance. That's the beauty of true accountability. First off, it gives us a chance to share, a chance to vent, and a chance to get our thoughts and feelings out on the table without having to worry about the embarrassments, judgment, gossip and pressures that are far too prevalent in the general church body. And secondly, accountability provides answers even when the person on the listening side has nothing to say in return. A heart that seeks truth will find truth; God doesn't leave us by the wayside when we truly want to do what is right. Accountability done right is basically a spiritual parenting force in our lives --- a perfect balance of understanding and discipline.
Nonetheless, perfect accountability doesn't exist. I think there are two major flaws (and quite a few minor ones) in spiritual accountability today. For one thing, people on the whole are afraid to be truly accountable. We'd rather play it safe and share just enough, or nothing real at all. But that issue has been played over and over, as it should be. The flaw that has been brought to my attention most lately is "OVER-accountability". What basically happens is the person being held accountable becomes so dependent on the person handing down the accountability, that they forget the purpose of doing what is right. If you listen, you'll know when this happens. Phrases start popping up like "yeah, but I don't want ____ to find out." Or "what would ______ think if (s)he knew I wanted to do this?" etc etc etc. The answer to that should always be: "WHO CARES WHAT THEY THINK!" What has happened is their spiritual life has become so dependent on one person that they don't even consider the fact that God is always present, always watching. God should be our ultimate accountability partner. Other people should be an extension, not the be-all-end-all, of our spiritual moral measuring stick. The moment someone becomes more concerned with what an individual thinks, as opposed to what the Word of God or God Himself says is the moment the accountability is useless. The concept of being a Christian is fulfilled (because they still do what is right), but the heart of what Christianity is becomes lost.
Accountability is vital to learning about our character and molding it into God's character. Letting God work on us through another individual to help take us to the next place in our spiritual journey... God is not pleased when accountability becomes dependability, even when the outcome is the same. This is not a work place or a business. In a business, the boss generally doesn't care how something gets done as long as it gets done. God, on the other hand, does care. Doing what is right because you are afraid of what a spiritual authority in your life might think if fail, and doing what is right because you love, fear, and desire to honor God are two totally different things, even though you are doing what is "right" in both instances. The difference is simple. The individual will not always be around, and he'll not always be right. To base the existence of our faith on something so fragile and finite is foolish, but it happens day after day after day. Be watchful when your under accountability, and be responsible when you're handing down the accountability.
On The Door Step welcomes you into the life and times of a young family man seeking to make an eternal difference in the life of his family, his friends, and whoever will stop to listen. Come on in, you won't be overwhelmed with politics or spirituality or entertainment... it's just me, living my life and learning to live for Him .
My entry will be posted on Penguin Boy.
To view the rest of this week's entries, click here.
Would you like to BlogSwap? For more information visit Challies.com.
July 30, 2004 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Lurking?
A real life friend and I were talking today about mothering and babies and I mentioned, "You should write an essay about that!"
She replied, "Yeah--and you could put it on your website."
Now, I don't know whether she means this blog or the old family website we had, or our never-updated mission site. But it reminded me that people are reading here, and I don't always know who!
So Debbie, if you see this, would you post a "hi!"
And any other lurkers--go ahead, please introduce yourselves! *grin*
July 25, 2004 | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Read Pink
Go over and read Think Pink throughout today. It's Project Blog blogathon day! Be inspired, be challenged, be pink. . .
July 24, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Thank you, Dana!
I just knew that I could count on online friends for help in getting some cookbook pages scanned and sent to me! Thanks so much, Dana!
July 15, 2004 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Link Update
Craving curmundeonly commentary?
Jonesing for Jordana?
Update your links and bookmarks:
http://curmudgeonry.blogspot.com/
July 13, 2004 | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Get on the Band-Wiki-Wagon!
Aaron, web-outreach visionary, is enlisting help with two new wiki projects, Theopedia.com and Tulipedia.org.
Theopedia.com is "designed to be a free, well-organized resource for Christians all around the globe. . . . [E]quipping our brothers and sisters in Christ with accessible, sound theology will strengthen them and help them persevere in the faith. . . . As a college student, I have witnessed first-hand how theological literature on the internet, good or bad, has an increasingly significant impact on newer generations of Christians."
Tulipedia.org, on the other hand, more narrowly focuses on Reformed theology and calvinism.
Interested? Read more about how you can get involved with Theopedia.com and Tulipedia.org.
On the bandwagon:
Gideon Strauss
Buried Treasure Weblog
Lollardy
Truth Becomes Lies
How Now, Brownpau
Life of Brian
The Red Fire Hydrant
Matt Hall
Kacy
TruePravda
Little Drummer Boy
the pHAASibilities are endless...
July 02, 2004 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Bloggers I Once Met. . .
I just found out that Kevin Bywater has a blog. Cool. I met him in. . . what. . . 1992? And saw him again when passing through Manitou Springs in 2001. It's fun seeing pics of his family, and I'm pretty sure this will be a regular read.
(via Mark Horne)
June 20, 2004 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
What I've been reading. . .
I've been under the weather for over a week. I started getting better, but pushed too much yesterday, and so am feeling pretty feeble again. Hubby is, too. So, I've been reading several blogs, though feeling too blah to comment or write much myself.
Kristen praises Michael, "Excuse me, Bradley dad, coming through. Bradley dads -- the few, the proud, the douloi."
Last Thursday I made Marla's cream cheese poundcake.
Carol rejoices that the US has a life-respecting First Lady.
Samantha is looking for Christian survey-takers, especially African-American Christians who have yet to respond to this survey.
LaShawn fumes about afrocentrism.
EO muses on the differences among theTexas GOP, the Constitution Party and the Libertarian Party.
June 09, 2004 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
A-List Quotes
"Now there are always people who resist and resent any inquiry into how they're using your money. We call those people Democrats." Accurate.
". . .as Ecclesiastes says, there's a time to be cynical and a time to be Pollyanna." Astute.
"Watch this space for new and improved OKCalvin-istic ruminations and commentary." Alright!
"My all-time favorite is The Four Brave Calvinist Ninjas. Admittedly, it wasn't easy telling that one with a straight face."Amusing.
"Did the training wheels fall off?" Appalled.
Baby Feet. Adorable.
May 22, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Note to Swamphopper:
But caffeine is supposed to help migraines, isn't it?
May 18, 2004 | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Catching up with blog pals
I've been AFK for about two weeks, and it's been nice this evening to catch up with friends and blog pals.
Carol has passed the halfway mark in her pregnancy, and she and her family have been very involved in both anticipating the birth of this baby, and also speaking up for other preborn childern.
Marla and her crew went to see the American Boys Choir and Swedish Boys Choir. Cool.
Kelly is welcoming new bloggers and pondering the Augsberg Confession.
Andrea is opening windows and OK Calvin is praying for open doors in Spain.
Sciolist is meditating at Nordaggio's Coffee.
And Dana is reflecting on Beautiful Things on this very special anniversary.
May 08, 2004 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Yummy Freebies!
Free Ben and Jerry's today!
Free Baskin Robbins tomorrow!
(Via Valerie)
April 27, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
I like that!
I've been added by Ilyka to the list of Chicas Conservadoras.
Cool.
April 27, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
I'm not surprised. . .
Doug Wilson just couldn't resist the siren's song of blogging. . .
April 27, 2004 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Remember this silly game?
Did you ever play the silly Mansion-Apartment-Shack-House game when you were a kid? One of our unofficial rules was you had to inlude at least one "bad" option in each category.
My "future":
In a house in Scotland
Married to John
With four kids
Working as a trash collector
Driving a white volvo station wagon!
Okay, so I weighted the game to marry John. *grin* And I really did learn to drive in a white volvo!
(Via Maricar)
April 20, 2004 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
And there was much rejoicing!
Valerie's back!
April 17, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Survey Says. . .
Michelle is posting some of the results of her blogging survey.
I found the denominational demographics interesting, especially the high number of presbys represented.
April 16, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Computer Coma
Our computer is dying a slow, painful death. It's been in a coma for a few days. But it will wake at the oddest moments.
Updates here and on Hubby's blog will be unpredictable.
April 13, 2004 | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
A bit overdue
Jared is back!
April 09, 2004 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Quiz Time
 I am Vanilla Flavoured.
I am one of the most popular flavours in the world. Subtle and smooth, I go reasonably with anyone, and rarely do anything to offend. I can be expected to be blending in in society. What Flavour Are You?
|
If I wasn't vanilla, I'd be lemon. Vanilla and Lemon? I like that. . .
(Via Jordana)
You are a GRAMMAR GOD!
If your mission in life is not already to
preserve the English tongue, it should be.
Congratulations and thank you!
How grammatically sound are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
(Via TECS)
My Mom was a substitute teacher for English when I was in 1st grade. I remember her giving me a grammar guide to read for fun. I guess it stuck.
April 08, 2004 | Comments (4) | TrackBack (1) | Permalink
Happy Anniversary!
*mwwwahhh*
A big ol' kiss to my Hubby on his first blogiversary. . .
March 27, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Bibliophile Blogathon
Carmon is in the midst of a 24-hour blogathon. Already posted on Shakespeare, California and quantity vs. quality. (And I bet we'll get both today. . .)
March 26, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Grump
We have a glitch in Netscape that results in all browser windows closing when I click the X on a pop-up. Which I do automatically.
I've had the same post written up THREE times this morning and keep losing it right before saving it. Grump. Well, I guess you will just have to suffer without my brilliance this morning.
March 26, 2004 | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Marla's Moved!
While she's still at home in Sweden, Marla has a new URL: http://swedanmar.blogspot.com.
I wonder who's going to jump the UpSaid ship next?
Update: Samantha has moved to a new home realm. So, who's next? Sora? Sarah?
March 23, 2004 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Grump.
My browser keeps getting errors. I've tried to post TWICE tonight, and both times had it all freeze up right before hitting "save." Sure will be glad when we finish updating stuff and our computer works how it is supposed to.
March 17, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Some Tech Questions. . .
Part of the reason I started blogging was because I wanted to redo my old website, Me and My Boys. It was a pain to try to recode the info with CSS from the old html. I knew that the tools were available through CSS and MT to do it from watching Hubby blog.
But I'm getting so frustrated trying to figure things out. Googling for answers has just led to pages that are a step above my tech prowess.
What I'd really like are links to websites that explain MT templates, CSS, and such without too much added jargon. Also, I'd appreciate if anyone would be willing to e-mail me (alex8b8 AT hotmail DOT com) a cut-and-pasted copy of their main template and main css stylesheet so I can compare the coding with what I see on the screen and in my template. Thanks!
March 12, 2004 | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
The Baxter's New Additions
"So I've had enough of suffering in silence. I'll be verbose in obscurity instead." -- Lenise
I'm sure if anyone understands that sentiment, it's fellow bloggers. Our Ukraine-visiting friend Paul has announced his wife's new blog, Paxifist.
And they've also announced another Baxter addition--congratulations!
March 08, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
For those who have been jonesing. . .
and you know who you are. . .
Hubby is back to blogging!
March 02, 2004 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Computer woes
I'm not sure what happened, but it ended up with our computer in the shop. The shop proceeded to blow out the power pack (we use a transformer and US power current.) So, who knows when our computer will be home safe and sound. I have reassurances that my digital pictures and address book will be safe, and I'm really praying that's true. . .
This is the first time I've been to a computer club here. The keyboard feels funny, and the mouse doesn't have the scroll button I've grown accustomed to. But at least I have the opportunity to check my e-mail and such.
February 06, 2004 | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
*mush, mush*
I love my hubby. And I guess it shows. . .
Evangelical Outpost said we're one of his Favorite Husband and Wife Blogs, along with Jeremy and Samantha.
January 30, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
Bloggy Tools
EO shares the happy news--the new and improved Beta Technorati is up and running!
Also, after being down for ages, Blog Tree is back up and stable.
January 23, 2004 | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) | Permalink
