There was an overwhelming response

*

to Mini-me’s picture

*

so I decided to add the other kids, too…

*


Here is Heir:


And then Spare:


And we have Spare+1:


Last Mini-me:


Mom with her boys:


And Dad:



Who knew grandma showed (kidding, kidding):




And an Uncle:

Okay seriously, here’s 3, 1, and 2

And 1, 4, and 3


If you couldn't tell... We took the boys to the zoo -

But, if you are not amused by my funnies, here are the boys…

Have a good week....

My book comes out March 14, 2006 with Samhain Publishing.

(click on the cover to go to the website and read more)

I have been wracking my brain (d'ya see all the fog over North Texas lately - that was brain dust! - LOL) trying to come up with a contest for a Free copy of the book.

I have a novel idea - {snort} let me hear what you think I should do for a contest - I will use the best idea and give that person a freebie as well as the winner of the contest -

have a good weekend ~

{Snort}

Gummy Bears

You may be smooshie and taste unnatural, but you're so darn cute.

ain't he cute ! ... ! ... !

Your Fortune Is

Support bacteria -- it's the only culture some people have!

I am reduced to dial-up - argh!!!!!!

Something ... is... wrong... w/ the internet... connection -

DIAL-UP??? Do you know how archaic that is??? (And can you imagine my frustration when someone sent not one but 6 huge files through e-mail - took more than thirty minutes)

I can use the kids computer - it is actually faster - but, um - well, they have been using it.

sheesh!!

okay see... I did mail out ALL the pens - I only had to go to the PO for three folks - so I know those are good - but um - well, you see... I got all the others back ('cept Susie) for insuficient postage - it was lacking $0.13 even though I used the DH's postal scale he had from his now defunct eBay business - It was well under the one stamp rate.

so darn it all, I have to add the postage and re-send... luckily they just gave them back and didn't cancel the stamps that were one there. Not sure why Susie's didn't come back - let me know if you have to pay the extra $$ and I will make it up to you - PROMISE

sheesh - I've been sick... and that excuse will only go so far - LOL

... everyone

I am still ill - the boys have gotten and gotten over their colds - which is good and now this sudden change in weather... (for those not in Texas - it was 80 yesterday and high today is 38 - no wonder, huh)



I cannot seem to shake it - I am not whining just telling. I have had a sore throat for 9 days now - and do you know, I have not been to a doctor since Mini-me was born and the fact that he is whooping my booty at Mario Racecarts should give you a slight clue how long that has been. Yeah, yeah, I know - why don't you go ... I hate going to the doctor!

Add to that my internet issues - man (and did I mention the splinters from having to fix my fence? A few know how much I enjoy that!!!)

But all is good, I have one final edit and I have to get an excerpt for the Samhain website - that is cool!

Oh and last night - I watched - Dallas Swat on TV - OMG - loved it. I am a sucker for all that kinda stuff - and Dallas had a swat issue yesterday so it seemed so, I hate to say fitting as four men got shot here, but you get the drift.

Have a great weekend folks - stay warm (as they say 80% of the country will be below freezing - our Canadian friends are laughing and saying - uh-huh, what's the problem)

Happy Writing.........


Update – 10:45, I have to do edits, like I said, so I cannot play on the GameCube w/ Mini-me. Well, I look over and I see him trying to wedge the pup’s foot on the controller so she’ll play with him – sheesh!

And I have reached new levels of laziness – instead of putting my computer back in the office on the desk (I brought it out to the family room when the DH was out-of-town for 2 ½ weeks) I just today brought the wireless keyboard and mouse into the family room, too, so it was easier for me to type and navigate: I can flop back on the sofa instead of having to perch on the edge – I told you, lazy!

but now the dern computer is acting up and word is messing up the enire computer - can I crawl back under the covers now and cry...

I may be offline the next couple of days - I am having a little trouble with the computer (more so the internet linkage)

I will check e-mail when I can - promise

I mailed out all the pens except Eve - and uh yeah - she should have been first - but I gotta go to the post office (Since she is getting a bunch - LOL) and the kids are sick and home from school - fun fun day - and I need to mail Christa's - PO too 'cause I am a slacker - LOL

okay - enough excuses - happy Wednesday!

CB1 - Sending out a batch of valentines, huh?

CB2 - I suppose there's cute one in there for me?

Lucy3 - Why should there be? I don't like you, Charlie Brown.

CB4 - Couldn't you just send me one out of pity?

A sealed envelope - put in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed. (hmmm..m...) ======================================================
Use empty toilet paper rolls to store appliance cords. It keeps them neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to. ======================================================
For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and put Dawn dishwashing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. T hey won't refreeze.
======================================================
To remove old wax from a glass candle holder, put it in the freezer for a few hours. Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The wax will fall out. ======================================================
Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is!). ======================================================
Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt blue!) ..... rubbing alcohol on paper towel.
======================================================
Whenever I purchase a box of S.O.S Pads, I immediately take a pair of scissors and cut each pad into halves. After years of having to throw away rusted and unused and smelly pads, I finally decided that this would be much more economical. And now a box of S.O.S pads last me indefinitely! In fact, I have noticed that the scissors get sharpened this way! ======================================================
Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works every time! Now, where to put the body? LOL ======================================================
Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks. Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don't wash windows on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak. =====================================================
Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on. =====================================================
Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels and linens. ======================================================
Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning. ======================================================
To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm!
=====================================================
To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stovetop. ======================================================
Spray your Tupperware with nonstick cooking spray before pouring tomato-based sauces and there won't be any stains. ======================================================
Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks. ======================================================
When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar (no salt) to help bring out the corn's natural sweetness.
======================================================
Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.
======================================================
Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces. Leftover wine? What's that?! :)=====================================================
To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will experience instant relief.
=====================================================
Ants, ants, everywhere.... Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line. So get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march. See for yourself. ======================================================
Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell to the shine.
======================================================
When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily. =====================================================
Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer: =====================================================
Clean a toilet. Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush. The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous China. =====================================================
Clean a vase. To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets. =====================================================
Polish jewelry. Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes.
======================================================
Clean a thermos bottle. Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if necessary). ======================================================
Unclog a drain. Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes, then run the hot water. ======================================================





I was quiet over the weekend - sick as a dog, but I rested and feel a wee bit better =)

Well if I didn't say Eve I think there would be a revolt - LOL - and since she steered most of the hits (thanks so much, hun!). I think she will get a couple different pens -

List of pen recipients:

Eve
Voodoo
Savannah
Bebo
Jennifer
Susie
Christa
Jana
Sandy J

If your name has been mentioned, please send me your snail mail at my e-mail address right over there ----->

actually - you have to go a little higher - it's under the writing links... =)



Thanks all. I appreciate the visit! And enjoy your pens!

Okey dokey folks it’s contest time.
My book comes out in a few weeks – MARCH 14, 2006. The contest for it shall be announced soon...

This is a pre-contest contest – I got pens – who doesn’t love free pens!




Let’s see what can we do?

We bandied about some ideas recently – number of {coughs} items in a jar – naw, my camera isn’t working so that can’t work.

I got some great trivia questions from Tsavo - but whit that I am – I deleted the e-mail by accident – sheesh.

What to do, what to do…

I know – let’s get some traffic generated to my blog. If you can bring one friend to my blog and each leave a comment, I will enter you both into the contest and you could each receive a pen – if your name is drawn - how’s that sound?

I will draw five names. You and your friend will each get a pen. (Maximum 10 pens to be given away). Contest ends tomorrow night, Friday February 10, 2006 @ 11:59 pm – Winners announced Saturday 2/11/06 ... (when I get back from my YR meeting) =)

here is a banner...




what do you think ?

My mother - the graphic artist - is supposed to be coming up w/ something for me - but I sorta made this one - though I can't quite get it saved like I want it. Any help/suggestions would be appreciated. (I have no clue what I am doing, really - so.......)

again - what do you think?

Recently (okay maybe a couple of weeks) on Jill Shalvis' blog she asked about what music we listen to when when we write. I stopped to think about that. I have to say when it comes to music I am a little on the have-no-clue side - okay a lot... I will admit (have you ever noticed that I admit to a lot on here - sheesh) Anyhoo - I digress...

I am curious what type of music people listen too. What are the last CDs you bought? As for me, I got Bo Bice for Christmas - Love BO!

And I bought the Pride and Prejudice CD - so good!

In October I got Chris Cagle - other than that it has been a while since I purchased any.



I tend to listen to them over and over until the boys know the words by heart - Spare can sing any of the Bo songs all the way through - though he'd rather hear the DH's Green Day CD - like that will EVER happen.

When I recently edited a book from a while back - I popped the CD in that I listened to when I wrote to - it helped to evoke the memories and feelings that I experienced back then (four years ago). Music can be such a useful tool in writing.

As writers, we need to help each other by promoting works of authors we know. I received a book from fellow Romancing the Blog gal Brenda Coulter, A Family Forever from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. I can’t wait to read it.

You can preorder it now at Amazon or it will be in stores Feb 28, 2006.

To read most of the first chapter you can go to Brenda's website.

I will read it soon and give you guys a review – I am so excited. (I have several contest entires I have to get to first - but as soon as I am finished.......)

And don’t forget to check out Brenda’s blog: No Rules. Just Write.

On Samhain - They put up my author's page. Click Here to check it out.



How cool is that - It gets more real every time I turn around! I have finished my second round of edits - the books goes to the Line Editor now and remember - MARCH 14, 2006 you too can be owner of a fine book about love, and the finer points of romance.

The only thing that rivals New Year's Eve is Super Bowl Sunday. The boys had their list of munchies in Monday - The spread is on the table and their faces are ears deep in cheese dip, pop corn and ranch.



The only bad thing is dad being in Detroit (for the past two weeks for the game). Well, not bad for dad - he has an all-access security pass so he can pretty much go anywhere he wants to, though knowing my DH - he will be at the craft tables during the game except half time when the Stones are on stage *ggg*. Such a rough life.

Let the fun begin.....

Okay - you can mess with me all you want - but you mess with one of my kids - all bets are off....

My child, Spare +1 came home from the playground with a huge knot on the back of his head. Spare, who was with him, said he tripped, hit his head on a rock and wanted to come home, then promptly returned to the playground. I was concerned w/ Spare +1 so I didn't really press the issue - every time I asked he moaned and complained that his head hurt (should have been a clue). Then two hours later, when Spare came home, I asked him to explain again what happened.

Spare - "He tripped."

Mom - "On?"

Spare - "A big rock, then he like, fell."

Mom - "How'd he hit the back of his head?"

Silence - I look between the pair. Spare +1 won't look me in the eye and Spare has the look.

Mom - "Tell me what really happened. NOW!"

Tears flow - children babble. "I didn't want to get him in trouble..." "Said he wouldn't be my friend..."

Mom - "Now!" I think fire just about shot out my eyes.

Well, suffice it to say - a boy from down the street - let's call him Turd - Turd was throwing rocks, which his father forbade so obviously this is an issue with him, and my sweet, sweet boy who pays not too much attention, walked too close and Turd smacked MY CHILD in the back of the head with the force of the throw and both Turd and Spare convinced Spare +1 not to tell me.

Mom - {head spinning} "He hit your brother? And you LIED TO ME?" I grab Spare +1 by the hand. "Let's go. We're going to talk to Turd's mom."

(I have to say I am more piseed about the lying - I can deal with the fact that he walked in the way - but Turd, who though like I said is in second grade is the size of fourth grade Spare, convinced them with threats and not for the first time I might add, to lie to me.)

Spare - {In full blown ugly cry} "They went somewhere. They're not home."

Well ... hell

By the time I get the TRUTH out of them, it's already two hours after the fact and I am not about to sit on my front porch watching for their return - though I am mad enough to.

This is a child the boys walk to school with, not that they like to. I make them. (I felt bad for him - silly me). He is in the second grade. He usually leaves AFTER his parents have gone to work. And he leaves the front door unlocked until he returns from school - apparently he cannot learn how to use the key and this is not a priority for the parents - damn them - and I am surprised that he beans my kid?!?!? Then lies and threatens...

Can you say, "Been nice knowing you."

My book goes one sale MARCH 14, 2006.





Just in case you didn't know. =)


Keep watch on the blog - I am going to have a contest for a free book as the release date nears - details to follow!

You Should Get a PhD in Liberal Arts (like political science, literature, or philosophy)

You're a great thinker and a true philosopher. You'd make a talented professor or writer.

This cracks me up....

Here are some pics for you, Eve I hope this makes up for the one I stole, er ah, borrowed...


I like the long haired ones best...

If you have ever driven in a car pool or driven your child to school you will be able to relate - heck if you have ever driven a car you'll nod your head.

Drivers are stupid!

I get so aggravated when I drive the boys to school in the morning. People don't know how to follow simple signs that point to which direction you are supposed to follow (Ever see Mr. Mom?). Add to that, the fact that they will drive up to the drop off spot and sit. Man, if you know your kid's supposed to get out at a certain spot, have them ready when you get there - save the chit-chat for later. Sheesh.

I often tell the kids that I am going to get a t-shirt that reads, "People are stupid." Well, I revised that. I am going to get stickers that say, "Stupid person here." and pass them out as I see fit. A woman this morning gets two - if you need over and pull your car ever so slightly in front of the drivers that are actually moving, get your ass over when a nice driver stops to let you in (That's be me). Don't just sit there and stare at the way her hand is frantically telling you to move your frigging ass! - can you say annoyed this morning?!?!?!?! Then she does it to the person in the next lane and effectually blocks the complete and utter flow of traffic in front of the school.

This coming from someone who removed their boots while driving may have to be taken with a certain degree of subjectivity, but come on don't block traffic - I have stuff to do. I shouldn't have to wait 'cause you don't know how to pull over (Lady in a white Dodge Grand Caravan license plate number .... I'm not really gonna give you that)

rant over...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
and for good measure...