Sunday, January 30, 2011
Writing Again
Just a quick post. Sometimes I get in the writing groove and a lot of the times I don't. But tonight I did. It was about 10:30 and the next thing I know it's almost 1:00 am. I finally got in the groove. I was writing and ideas were just flowing from my head to the page. I love moments like this. I seriously lost track of time and was in my own world. LOVE IT!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Goal Meet
I made my monthly writing goal. I wrote a total of 5878 words. (Goal was 5000.) It was nice to take the time to actually write. It adds up slowly; but still, progress is progess.
One thing I've learned this month is to just get the story out. Don't worry about perfection. It may not come out on paper the way that I see it in my mind. But I need to get the plot line down, the characters in, the storyline there. After the story is written, I can go back and fine tune it. Find what works and what doesn't work.
I've decided that I need some writing goals if I ever want to finish the novel. So, for the month of May my goal is 2000. Not as high as last month's goal, but still something that will get me motivated to write.
One thing I've learned this month is to just get the story out. Don't worry about perfection. It may not come out on paper the way that I see it in my mind. But I need to get the plot line down, the characters in, the storyline there. After the story is written, I can go back and fine tune it. Find what works and what doesn't work.
I've decided that I need some writing goals if I ever want to finish the novel. So, for the month of May my goal is 2000. Not as high as last month's goal, but still something that will get me motivated to write.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
I Hit a Mark
Wow. Two blog posts in two days. That's a new one for me I think.
Anyway.. good news. I hit 20,000 words on my writing. To be more specific, 20013. Yay. Now it will be even more exciting when I hit my 30,000 word mark. I am definately going to blow my goal of 5000 words this month out of the water.
Anyway.. good news. I hit 20,000 words on my writing. To be more specific, 20013. Yay. Now it will be even more exciting when I hit my 30,000 word mark. I am definately going to blow my goal of 5000 words this month out of the water.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
I'm Doing It, I'm REALLY Doing It!
I am having so much fun. I'm actually writing. Consistently. Well, it's been 3 of 6 days this month. But still, it's more than I've done in probably a year. The more that I write, the more ideas that come to my mind.
I've got a good routine down. Do the chores here and there throughout the day. But when my son goes to school and the baby naps, I write. My four year old is still around, but she will play by herself or watch a TV show while I write. I put some music on and get to writing.
I've got 333 words written within the hour. I love the function "Word Count" on MS Word. I'm actually writing so much, that I'm going to write a Word Count on my WIP on a side bar. And it won't stay the same number all month. I think I may just blow my 5000 word count goal out of the water.
Sometimes I doubt myself when it comes to writing, but when I get like this I am just so happy. I absolutely love the feeling and it's a hard feeling to describe. I love to write. Even if I never get published, I LOVE to write. It's a good feeling to know what you want to do in life. :)
I've got a good routine down. Do the chores here and there throughout the day. But when my son goes to school and the baby naps, I write. My four year old is still around, but she will play by herself or watch a TV show while I write. I put some music on and get to writing.
I've got 333 words written within the hour. I love the function "Word Count" on MS Word. I'm actually writing so much, that I'm going to write a Word Count on my WIP on a side bar. And it won't stay the same number all month. I think I may just blow my 5000 word count goal out of the water.
Sometimes I doubt myself when it comes to writing, but when I get like this I am just so happy. I absolutely love the feeling and it's a hard feeling to describe. I love to write. Even if I never get published, I LOVE to write. It's a good feeling to know what you want to do in life. :)
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Kind of
I'm kind of writing. I wrote about 600 words one day this month. Not a lot, but still progress. I decided to join Tristi's writing challenge this month. You get to choose your own goal for the writing challenge.
My goal is 5000 words this month. That equals out to 166 words a day. It is about 1/3 to half a page of a single spaced typed page. It depends if there is more dialogue or description. I figure I will have roughly 10 more pages written. My starting word count is 18,097. So hopefully I will be at 23,097 at the end of April. If I really get the writing bug I hope to have even more words.
I honestly don't know if anyone reads this besides a few that have commented on the past. But for those of you who don't know, here is the breakdown of novels and word count. This website has some numbers that I imagine are probably pretty correct.
So if a basic goal is 80,000 words, then all I need is 57,000 more words. I can do it, right? Yes I can!
My goal is 5000 words this month. That equals out to 166 words a day. It is about 1/3 to half a page of a single spaced typed page. It depends if there is more dialogue or description. I figure I will have roughly 10 more pages written. My starting word count is 18,097. So hopefully I will be at 23,097 at the end of April. If I really get the writing bug I hope to have even more words.
I honestly don't know if anyone reads this besides a few that have commented on the past. But for those of you who don't know, here is the breakdown of novels and word count. This website has some numbers that I imagine are probably pretty correct.
So if a basic goal is 80,000 words, then all I need is 57,000 more words. I can do it, right? Yes I can!
Friday, January 29, 2010
I Want to Win a Book
So this first post of the year .... which is sadly already the end of the month is for a contest. I want to win a book. Specifically Devil's Food Cake written by Josi Kilpack.
I love Josi's books, especially her latest culinary mysteries. I own the first two and will own this one too. The covers are awesome looking. If I don't win this contest, I will definately be buying it. And hopefully she'll do a nice local book signing like she did with her last one. Her English Trifle (same name as book) was AWESOME! I would love some Devil's Food cake.
I haven't read Devil's Food Cake, but I am sure it will be as good as the last two. Josi has become one of those authors that I will pretty much buy or read one of her books, just because she wrote it and I know I will like it.
I love Josi's books, especially her latest culinary mysteries. I own the first two and will own this one too. The covers are awesome looking. If I don't win this contest, I will definately be buying it. And hopefully she'll do a nice local book signing like she did with her last one. Her English Trifle (same name as book) was AWESOME! I would love some Devil's Food cake.
I haven't read Devil's Food Cake, but I am sure it will be as good as the last two. Josi has become one of those authors that I will pretty much buy or read one of her books, just because she wrote it and I know I will like it.
Monday, November 2, 2009
One Down, Two to Go
One holiday has come and gone - two more to come. I love this time of year when it feels like one holiday comes and the next is lined up. You have Valentines Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter. But you don't usually spend the whole month looking forward to it like the Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas holidays.
Thanksgiving seems to get overlooked a bit though. Of course, Christmas decorations are starting to come up in the stores. I understand the whole ordering/setting up/being ahead thing that happens in retail. Just don't make a big deal of it though. Don't decorate your store yet. Don't put Christmas commericals on the TV quite yet. Don't play Christmas music yet.
Growing up we had a rule that there was no Christmas music until after Thanksgiving. We might sneak a song here or there when my dad wasn't around. But I liked that rule. It made the anticipation even better. It seems when you start playing Christmas music too early, you're sick of it by Christmas.
Back to Thanksgiving. I am thinking about doing a Thankful Tree this year. I had thought of the idea last year, but didn't get around to doing it. But this year two of my kids know how to write their ABCs. I don't know the exact way I'd do it. My plan though is to probably cut out large leave shapes from cardstock and punch a hole in it to hang it on a tree. Not sure about the tree though. I could find a dead branch or make something out of wire and brown tape. I'll have to give it some thought still.
Thanksgiving seems to get overlooked a bit though. Of course, Christmas decorations are starting to come up in the stores. I understand the whole ordering/setting up/being ahead thing that happens in retail. Just don't make a big deal of it though. Don't decorate your store yet. Don't put Christmas commericals on the TV quite yet. Don't play Christmas music yet.
Growing up we had a rule that there was no Christmas music until after Thanksgiving. We might sneak a song here or there when my dad wasn't around. But I liked that rule. It made the anticipation even better. It seems when you start playing Christmas music too early, you're sick of it by Christmas.
Back to Thanksgiving. I am thinking about doing a Thankful Tree this year. I had thought of the idea last year, but didn't get around to doing it. But this year two of my kids know how to write their ABCs. I don't know the exact way I'd do it. My plan though is to probably cut out large leave shapes from cardstock and punch a hole in it to hang it on a tree. Not sure about the tree though. I could find a dead branch or make something out of wire and brown tape. I'll have to give it some thought still.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Halloween
I had a lot of fun (and sometimes stress) making my kids halloween costumes. I have a Link (from Legend of Zelda video game), a Princess, and a Pea in a Pod.
I got a lot of compliments from people for the Link outfit. Even my husband was impressed with what I did. All the adults thought he was Robin Hood. All the kids knew he was Link.
I actually have a lot of fun making things. I'm excited for next years Halloween. I may have to stock up on halloween fabrics on clearance and check sales.
My son wants to be Indiana Jones for Halloween next year. (He has been playing Indiana Jones Lego video game.) That would be fun to make. Heck, I may just make it for dress up play.
I got a lot of compliments from people for the Link outfit. Even my husband was impressed with what I did. All the adults thought he was Robin Hood. All the kids knew he was Link.
I actually have a lot of fun making things. I'm excited for next years Halloween. I may have to stock up on halloween fabrics on clearance and check sales.
My son wants to be Indiana Jones for Halloween next year. (He has been playing Indiana Jones Lego video game.) That would be fun to make. Heck, I may just make it for dress up play.
Monday, October 5, 2009
It's Autumn Time, Leaves are Falling Down
I love Fall. I love the colors, the starting to cool down. I love sitting inside with my housecoat on and drinking hot chocolate. I love pumpkins. I love pumpkin cookies, pumpkin bread. It's even better when there is chocolate in it.
I guess I haven't been the best on keeping up the blog. My goal is to at least post more than I did in 2007. 2008 wasn't the best year for blogging, but I spent a little over 1/2 of that year living with my parents with dial up.
Can't think of anything that interesting to say right now. So at least I blogged. :)
I guess I haven't been the best on keeping up the blog. My goal is to at least post more than I did in 2007. 2008 wasn't the best year for blogging, but I spent a little over 1/2 of that year living with my parents with dial up.
Can't think of anything that interesting to say right now. So at least I blogged. :)
Monday, September 14, 2009
Some of My Favorite Things
Just some random favorite things of mine.
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. An online musical. Love it. It even recently won an Emmy. Check it out. **There is a swear word, and not geared for kids at all FYI**
Rainstorms. One, I don't have to water my lawn.... saves me a chore. Two, I just love the rain.
Sitting in my housecoat, drinking hot chocolate.
Imagining up great stories to write. I think I almost love it more than actually writing it down. If only there was a device to take what I imagine and translate it into dialouge and descriptions.
Napping babies.
Sleeping through the night. Even though my baby has been sleeping through the night for the last 4 months, I still get woken up often. Some days it is more by the 3 and 5 year old than the baby. On days that I actually go to sleep and don't wake up until morning, I am in awe.
Some things I DON'T like.
Thrillers. I watched one last night. I don't like them. I have an imagination already, I don't need to feed it with scary stuff. I covered my eyes half the time and asked my husband what was happening.
The heat. I don't like being hot and sweaty. I am excited for Fall to be coming. I like the cooler weather.
Ok, can't think of other dislikes right now. I do have more, but I guess I'm just in a more positive mood today.
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. An online musical. Love it. It even recently won an Emmy. Check it out. **There is a swear word, and not geared for kids at all FYI**
Rainstorms. One, I don't have to water my lawn.... saves me a chore. Two, I just love the rain.
Sitting in my housecoat, drinking hot chocolate.
Imagining up great stories to write. I think I almost love it more than actually writing it down. If only there was a device to take what I imagine and translate it into dialouge and descriptions.
Napping babies.
Sleeping through the night. Even though my baby has been sleeping through the night for the last 4 months, I still get woken up often. Some days it is more by the 3 and 5 year old than the baby. On days that I actually go to sleep and don't wake up until morning, I am in awe.
Some things I DON'T like.
Thrillers. I watched one last night. I don't like them. I have an imagination already, I don't need to feed it with scary stuff. I covered my eyes half the time and asked my husband what was happening.
The heat. I don't like being hot and sweaty. I am excited for Fall to be coming. I like the cooler weather.
Ok, can't think of other dislikes right now. I do have more, but I guess I'm just in a more positive mood today.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Keeping Your Blog Up
I was browsing some blogs that I like to read and was thinking "how come they don't update with a new blog?" Then I come over here and check mine, and I haven't written anything for over a month. Oops.
Nothing all that new to update on though. The baby is getting bigger and cuter by the day. She can almost sit up by herself and is starting to get up on her hands and knees. No crawling quite yet, although she does scoot herself forward if she is just out of reach of an item. Which is another thing she does. She grabs anything she sees on the floor.
It's cute to see their little personalities coming through. She is 6 months old and already has likes and dislikes. She loves balloons, keyboards, and stroller walks. She dislikes baths and pool water. I'm hoping she'll like baths more when she can sit and doesn't feel as unstable as when I just have to lay her down and hold her.
Oh! One major change. I got my new front door finally installed. I love it. We went from an old white painted door to a new wood (just sealed, no stain). Such a nice door.
Ok, well baby is asleep. I better do something productive while she is sleeping.
Nothing all that new to update on though. The baby is getting bigger and cuter by the day. She can almost sit up by herself and is starting to get up on her hands and knees. No crawling quite yet, although she does scoot herself forward if she is just out of reach of an item. Which is another thing she does. She grabs anything she sees on the floor.
It's cute to see their little personalities coming through. She is 6 months old and already has likes and dislikes. She loves balloons, keyboards, and stroller walks. She dislikes baths and pool water. I'm hoping she'll like baths more when she can sit and doesn't feel as unstable as when I just have to lay her down and hold her.
Oh! One major change. I got my new front door finally installed. I love it. We went from an old white painted door to a new wood (just sealed, no stain). Such a nice door.
Ok, well baby is asleep. I better do something productive while she is sleeping.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
"The Best Things in Life are not Things!"
(A quote I got from a Don Aslett book that I love.)
I'm once again dealing with the organization problem. I'm not a hoarder and I wouldn't even consider myself a packrat. The problem I have right now is that we have sold our RV, which has house a lot of our stuff since we had the fire. Some of it has been cleaned out, but there is still a decent amount of stuff in there.
It has to be cleared out by Thursday, which means my house is now cluttered and messy from all the boxes scattered.
I've been giving a lot of thought to my stuff. I'm sick of it, I don't want it, but I have been having a hard time getting rid of it. My latest thought about it is this: I want to have a yard sale, but I don't want to deal with one. I want to make money from the stuff I have, yet I just want it gone. Let's say I was WAY lucky and got $1000 for the things I'm getting rid of. I don't care. Holding on to this stuff just drives me crazy. I can't really focus on the things that are important to me with all this stuff. If I really wanted to, I could make $1000. But not with all this stuff. It just weighs you down.
I absolutely love Don Aslett's books. I would recommend his books to anyone (unless you are the perfect homemaker with the perfect clean home). Even if you don't have a clutter problem, he has a book all about getting help from the kids and husband. His books about cleaning/clutter are to me like the Book of Mormon is to the gospel. The man is my hero.
My goal this year is to be clutter free by the end of the year. I don't want stuff. The things that are important to me: my family, my health, my wanting to write novels, the church, friends. My wants in my life are: I want a bigger home. I want more room, but not more stuff. I want to wake up everyday feeling refreshed, not worn out knowing that I have clutter to deal with.
I have some pictures of my house the way it is now. I am not posting them yet. But I love before and afters. Maybe I will post them when the after part is achieved.
Okay, now if the rain will ever slow down I will take 2 of my DI boxes out to my car.
I'm once again dealing with the organization problem. I'm not a hoarder and I wouldn't even consider myself a packrat. The problem I have right now is that we have sold our RV, which has house a lot of our stuff since we had the fire. Some of it has been cleaned out, but there is still a decent amount of stuff in there.
It has to be cleared out by Thursday, which means my house is now cluttered and messy from all the boxes scattered.
I've been giving a lot of thought to my stuff. I'm sick of it, I don't want it, but I have been having a hard time getting rid of it. My latest thought about it is this: I want to have a yard sale, but I don't want to deal with one. I want to make money from the stuff I have, yet I just want it gone. Let's say I was WAY lucky and got $1000 for the things I'm getting rid of. I don't care. Holding on to this stuff just drives me crazy. I can't really focus on the things that are important to me with all this stuff. If I really wanted to, I could make $1000. But not with all this stuff. It just weighs you down.
I absolutely love Don Aslett's books. I would recommend his books to anyone (unless you are the perfect homemaker with the perfect clean home). Even if you don't have a clutter problem, he has a book all about getting help from the kids and husband. His books about cleaning/clutter are to me like the Book of Mormon is to the gospel. The man is my hero.
My goal this year is to be clutter free by the end of the year. I don't want stuff. The things that are important to me: my family, my health, my wanting to write novels, the church, friends. My wants in my life are: I want a bigger home. I want more room, but not more stuff. I want to wake up everyday feeling refreshed, not worn out knowing that I have clutter to deal with.
I have some pictures of my house the way it is now. I am not posting them yet. But I love before and afters. Maybe I will post them when the after part is achieved.
Okay, now if the rain will ever slow down I will take 2 of my DI boxes out to my car.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Life is busy
I have been getting long gaps of time between posts lately. Of course, there is a lot on my plate right now. Three little kids (one a baby), remodeling house, springtime outdoor chores, planning a camping trip, organizing stuff, etc. Doesn't like a lot of time to think.
I have however been thinking about writing again. Of course, thinking isn't doing, but it's a start. I actually thought of ways to better my novel that has been in the works for over a year. I know there will be a time in my life that I will make the time for writing. It just isn't top priority to me right now.
I have been reading blogs written by other writers. I enjoy reading about others successes in the writing business. There are lots of books I am excited to read someday on my list. A few of them:
Agent in Old Lace by Tristi Pinkston. Tristi is on my facebook friends, and although I have never met her in person, I have enjoyed getting to know her somewhat online. She's only about 2 hours away from me. Maybe someday our paths will cross.
My Fairy Grandmother by Aubrey Mace. I read her Spare Change novel and really liked it. (It also won a Whitney Award for Best Novel.) It was her first published novel, so she's off to a good start. :)
English Trifle by Josi Kilpack. I've enjoyed the few books of her's I've read. I also read Lemon Tart and liked it. I'm sure this one will be just as good.
Another author I have really enjoyed is Robert Farrell Smith (Not the nicest layout format on a website, but it shows his books.) Anyway, he is a funny guy. I love his books. I've read his newer ones and some of his older ones. I had to check some out from the library, but they are worth the read.
Okay, well enough of the blogging. Time to actually go do something productive like cleaning .... :(
I have however been thinking about writing again. Of course, thinking isn't doing, but it's a start. I actually thought of ways to better my novel that has been in the works for over a year. I know there will be a time in my life that I will make the time for writing. It just isn't top priority to me right now.
I have been reading blogs written by other writers. I enjoy reading about others successes in the writing business. There are lots of books I am excited to read someday on my list. A few of them:
Agent in Old Lace by Tristi Pinkston. Tristi is on my facebook friends, and although I have never met her in person, I have enjoyed getting to know her somewhat online. She's only about 2 hours away from me. Maybe someday our paths will cross.
My Fairy Grandmother by Aubrey Mace. I read her Spare Change novel and really liked it. (It also won a Whitney Award for Best Novel.) It was her first published novel, so she's off to a good start. :)
English Trifle by Josi Kilpack. I've enjoyed the few books of her's I've read. I also read Lemon Tart and liked it. I'm sure this one will be just as good.
Another author I have really enjoyed is Robert Farrell Smith (Not the nicest layout format on a website, but it shows his books.) Anyway, he is a funny guy. I love his books. I've read his newer ones and some of his older ones. I had to check some out from the library, but they are worth the read.
Okay, well enough of the blogging. Time to actually go do something productive like cleaning .... :(
Friday, March 13, 2009
Contest Link
When you have a CTR 5 and a daughter who will be a sunbeam next year, you can use all the help you can get. Anne Bradshaw has a contest going to give away a free "Tiny Talks" book. Go to her website to find out how you can enter too.
My son hasn't yet given a talk in Primary. The one time he was assigned last year, we were all sick that weekend. I'm not sure he would have stood up in front of everyone and talked or not. But I am pretty sure he'd do it now. He gets nervous doing new things, but he'll usually try new things when his mom is by his side.
My son hasn't yet given a talk in Primary. The one time he was assigned last year, we were all sick that weekend. I'm not sure he would have stood up in front of everyone and talked or not. But I am pretty sure he'd do it now. He gets nervous doing new things, but he'll usually try new things when his mom is by his side.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Baby Blessing
We blessed our newest little one yesterday. Afterwards, we had friends and family come over to our "small" home for a lunch. My home is around 1200 sq foot, 1 bathroom. There were 19 adults and 15 kids. Wow! I really didn't think that many would fit in my house. It was a lot of fun though.
She has been almost sleeping through the night since she was around 3 weeks. She'd sleep from 9 to 4 a lot. But here and there wake up an extra time. Last night she slept form 9 to 5:30. I can live with that. I don't like mornings or being up that early. But it's better than being up at 11:00, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00. I was hoping the new baby would sleep through the night around 7 weeks, because my other daughter slept through the night at 7 weeks. I don't know how I got so lucky to have it actually be true.
Now I just need a few more days of the whole night sleeping, and I may have the energy to do most everything I want to do... unless of course the baby decides otherwise. :)
She has been almost sleeping through the night since she was around 3 weeks. She'd sleep from 9 to 4 a lot. But here and there wake up an extra time. Last night she slept form 9 to 5:30. I can live with that. I don't like mornings or being up that early. But it's better than being up at 11:00, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00. I was hoping the new baby would sleep through the night around 7 weeks, because my other daughter slept through the night at 7 weeks. I don't know how I got so lucky to have it actually be true.
Now I just need a few more days of the whole night sleeping, and I may have the energy to do most everything I want to do... unless of course the baby decides otherwise. :)
Friday, January 30, 2009
Life's Getting Crazy
I haven't written on here much, because life is getting more busy for me right now. I had a new baby on Jan 9th. I'm starting to get adjusted (as much as one can) to the sleepless nights. I'm a zombie for a few hours in the morning, and then my body wakes up the rest of the way after that.
I'm also feeling good enough now, that I am starting to clean and organize the house again. We are still working on remodeling the back bedroom. For now, my son and daughter are in one bedroom, and the baby is in our room. The back bedroom just needs muddding, painting, carpet, and trim. We knocked down the plaster walls, updated the electrical, put in new updated windows, and put up new walls. Well, I didn't, I was 8-9 months pregnant when the project was started.
I've decided I like a simple clean home. You may not know it by looking at some of the piles in our house. But I am going through everything and trying to objectively look at stuff and decide if I really want or need it. The DI has been getting stuff from me weekly, and I feel good getting rid of stuff.
I'm also feeling good enough now, that I am starting to clean and organize the house again. We are still working on remodeling the back bedroom. For now, my son and daughter are in one bedroom, and the baby is in our room. The back bedroom just needs muddding, painting, carpet, and trim. We knocked down the plaster walls, updated the electrical, put in new updated windows, and put up new walls. Well, I didn't, I was 8-9 months pregnant when the project was started.
I've decided I like a simple clean home. You may not know it by looking at some of the piles in our house. But I am going through everything and trying to objectively look at stuff and decide if I really want or need it. The DI has been getting stuff from me weekly, and I feel good getting rid of stuff.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Breast Cancer Awareness
It's interesting how some things don't really mean as much to you, until it hits someone you know.
There is a woman in my ward that has Breast Cancer. When they found it 18 months ago, it was stage 4, Inflammatory Breast Cancer. I just got back from the fundraiser that the was citywide for her. (Our city is about 3000.... small place).
A little about her. She just turned 30. She's actually a little bit younger than I am. She has 5 kids. Her oldest is around 12 and her youngest is 2 1/2.
The main park is across the street from my house, so my son wanted to know why there were so many people over there. We went outside to check out the 1 mile / 5 K run. He wanted to run so bad. There I am 7 months pregnant, but we went on the 1 mile walk. He ran a good chunk of the time. He was probably about a block ahead of me at one point. I know a lot of the people walking (nice thing about small towns), so I wasn't worried about him. But then he fell and cried walking all the way back to me. Poor kid. Then they had an auction afterwards. It was pretty fun. I wish I needed a new leather overstuffed chair, because it went for $300. A nice vacuumm went for $50. I did donate some money though, so I didn't feel too bad for not bidding on stuff.
A travel agency donated a 5 night trip, park hopper passes, and free airline to go to Disneyland for their family. I can tell there was quite a bit of money raised for her. I'm sure it's exciting for the family to have that much help financially and lifting their burden some. And the trip I'm sure will be fun for all. But I'm sure it's bittersweet too. She definately had a good fight so far, and I hope that without too much pain she can stay around as long as she can.
Her favorite saying is "Every day is a gift, that's why it is called the present."
Her is a link to her blog http://amberchase.weebly.com/index.html . I'm really glad that I know Amber and am glad that they were able to have this fundraiser.
There is a woman in my ward that has Breast Cancer. When they found it 18 months ago, it was stage 4, Inflammatory Breast Cancer. I just got back from the fundraiser that the was citywide for her. (Our city is about 3000.... small place).
A little about her. She just turned 30. She's actually a little bit younger than I am. She has 5 kids. Her oldest is around 12 and her youngest is 2 1/2.
The main park is across the street from my house, so my son wanted to know why there were so many people over there. We went outside to check out the 1 mile / 5 K run. He wanted to run so bad. There I am 7 months pregnant, but we went on the 1 mile walk. He ran a good chunk of the time. He was probably about a block ahead of me at one point. I know a lot of the people walking (nice thing about small towns), so I wasn't worried about him. But then he fell and cried walking all the way back to me. Poor kid. Then they had an auction afterwards. It was pretty fun. I wish I needed a new leather overstuffed chair, because it went for $300. A nice vacuumm went for $50. I did donate some money though, so I didn't feel too bad for not bidding on stuff.
A travel agency donated a 5 night trip, park hopper passes, and free airline to go to Disneyland for their family. I can tell there was quite a bit of money raised for her. I'm sure it's exciting for the family to have that much help financially and lifting their burden some. And the trip I'm sure will be fun for all. But I'm sure it's bittersweet too. She definately had a good fight so far, and I hope that without too much pain she can stay around as long as she can.
Her favorite saying is "Every day is a gift, that's why it is called the present."
Her is a link to her blog http://amberchase.weebly.com/index.html . I'm really glad that I know Amber and am glad that they were able to have this fundraiser.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Getting Back in the Habit
I just don't have the motivation to start writing much. Even though we have moved in, things still aren't organized like I would like it. Half my belongings are still in our RV waiting to be sorted and put away.
I think that things probably need to settle down a bit before I can really get into writing again. I still think of ideas for my current novel. Life is busy around here though. I am doing a home preschool group with my 4 year old. My 2 year old is, well, a 2 year old. And I'm 1/2 done with my pregnancy. My son is moving into a different room. But first we need to clear out the extra room. Then set up the crib in my daughters room.
There is a time and a season for everything in our lives. This just isn't my "work to the bone with writing" season. I suppose if I just get what I can out, then I should consider that an accomplishment.
I think that things probably need to settle down a bit before I can really get into writing again. I still think of ideas for my current novel. Life is busy around here though. I am doing a home preschool group with my 4 year old. My 2 year old is, well, a 2 year old. And I'm 1/2 done with my pregnancy. My son is moving into a different room. But first we need to clear out the extra room. Then set up the crib in my daughters room.
There is a time and a season for everything in our lives. This just isn't my "work to the bone with writing" season. I suppose if I just get what I can out, then I should consider that an accomplishment.
Monday, August 11, 2008
There's No Place Like Home
We're home! Finally!
When I find my camera cord, I will try and post some pictures of our home. Because of the fire and having to remodel the front room, we decided to just remodel the whole house. Well, the whole house except the bathroom and one bedroom. But we are planning on doing those two rooms now that we are back home.
Our house was initially built in 1911. It was 2 rooms. There have been two additions since then. When we bought the home, it was pretty ugly, but it was a good price and a home. It reeked of the 60-70's. The kitchen had orange, green, brown, yellow mixed thin carpeting. The cabinets were custom made probably in the 70's, and weren't all that great. The windows were randomly placed and all sorts of sizes. The carpet was worn and ugly. The only thing we had money to do when we bought it was to paint and re-carpet the baby's room.
Because of the fire we finally had a reason to remodel the house. We took the insurance money and did a lot of the work ourselves to be able to spread the money further over the house. We did have some money saved up too, and that helped. We were also in process of remodeling when we had the fire, so a lot of materials were bought, we just didn't have much time with 2 kids running around the house.
We still need to do a little of the finish work. Put up blinds, go pick up our new front door, put doorknobs on a few of the doors, etc. But it is so nice to be home.
We still need to do something to the outside. We need to decide to re-stucco or to do siding. So the inside looks really nice, and the outside looks like we are the poorest, most rednecked people ever. (We have our old toilet sitting in the driveway, waiting to be put in the truck so we can haul some stuff off to the dump.)
Now we just need to remodel the last bedroom. Which REALLY needs to be done by the end of the year, because ..... I'm pregnant. This will be child #3. Baby is due Jan 13th.
Anyway, so now I'm back to hopefully posting more often, and reading all the blogs I used to read often. Which is another reason I'm glad to be home. My parents still have dial-up. And my husband and I use the internet often, play games on the internet, get information on the internet, etc on the internet. I really missed high speed internet.
Anyway, long post again... Thanks for everyone that posted. Things are going great.
When I find my camera cord, I will try and post some pictures of our home. Because of the fire and having to remodel the front room, we decided to just remodel the whole house. Well, the whole house except the bathroom and one bedroom. But we are planning on doing those two rooms now that we are back home.
Our house was initially built in 1911. It was 2 rooms. There have been two additions since then. When we bought the home, it was pretty ugly, but it was a good price and a home. It reeked of the 60-70's. The kitchen had orange, green, brown, yellow mixed thin carpeting. The cabinets were custom made probably in the 70's, and weren't all that great. The windows were randomly placed and all sorts of sizes. The carpet was worn and ugly. The only thing we had money to do when we bought it was to paint and re-carpet the baby's room.
Because of the fire we finally had a reason to remodel the house. We took the insurance money and did a lot of the work ourselves to be able to spread the money further over the house. We did have some money saved up too, and that helped. We were also in process of remodeling when we had the fire, so a lot of materials were bought, we just didn't have much time with 2 kids running around the house.
We still need to do a little of the finish work. Put up blinds, go pick up our new front door, put doorknobs on a few of the doors, etc. But it is so nice to be home.
We still need to do something to the outside. We need to decide to re-stucco or to do siding. So the inside looks really nice, and the outside looks like we are the poorest, most rednecked people ever. (We have our old toilet sitting in the driveway, waiting to be put in the truck so we can haul some stuff off to the dump.)
Now we just need to remodel the last bedroom. Which REALLY needs to be done by the end of the year, because ..... I'm pregnant. This will be child #3. Baby is due Jan 13th.
Anyway, so now I'm back to hopefully posting more often, and reading all the blogs I used to read often. Which is another reason I'm glad to be home. My parents still have dial-up. And my husband and I use the internet often, play games on the internet, get information on the internet, etc on the internet. I really missed high speed internet.
Anyway, long post again... Thanks for everyone that posted. Things are going great.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Where there's smoke, there's fire!
Okay, so I dont' really know if there was any fire. We never actually saw flames, but we did have the fire department at our house over the holidays.
On Dec 28th we were remodeling our home. We had the kids go to Grandmas so that when we knocked the plaster down in the back room. the kids wouldn't be breathing in the dust. We were using our wood burning stove (we had used it the day before too). As my brother and brother in law left after helping us with remodeling, they both joked "hey, your house is on fire". We saw a small amount of smoke coming from above the light fixture on the porch. We all actually thought it was just a reaction. The front room was probably 70-80 degrees with the fireplace going. So we thought because it was so cold outside, that maybe the warm and cold was making it smoke, steam, sweat, something like that.
Well, my husband gets back home from the store and I show him the smoke. It was getting worse and he looked outside. The chimney area was starting to turn brownish. We stood in the front room and then heard a crumbling in the wall. So my husband grabbed the cordless phone, I grabbed some documents from the next room, my coat and my camera. All were grabbable on the way out the door.
We called the fire department and first the police came. They had just come from another fire call, but it was a false alarm. No real problem. They looked at our house and said "yes, there is a problem". The firemen came and cut a hole in our roof, cut a hole in our front room ceiling and bedroom ceiling. Then they started axing into the outside wall. That is when I saw a TON of smoke coming out. That wall between the fireplace and the outside was burnt. Some of the wood was completely gone. We never saw actual flames, but it may have gotten so hot that is smolder burnt the wood.
One of our friends grew up in that house and said he had gotten that wood burning stove MUCH hotter than we had it. So it wasn't an issue of the heat, but something just went wrong. We wonder if maybe the birds that have moved into the roof area dropped some nest pieces down the chimney or if the Box Elder bugs went down. Who knows?
Anyway, we have been staying at my parents home. My youngest has no idea what's really happening. Just that we are at Grandma and Grandpas and she is having a blast. My 3 1/2 year old wants to go home. We showed him the house and he kept asking his Dad to fix it.
Things will be okay. It's just stuff. It will be a pain in the butt to figure all this out. But at least I have my family. (WRITTEN JAN 2nd)
UPDATE:
We are in process of cleaning the house. We decided to do the work ourselves even though it will be a lot of work. Today we had: My husband and I, my father-in-law, brother-in-law, his friend, our home teacher, relief society president, her husband helping out. We actually got quite a bit of stuff packed. We are going to go ahead with our remodeling jobs that we had planned, since stuff is in disarray anyway.
We are tired, but actually quite optimistic. This gives us an oppertunity (spelling??) to go through all our stuff. I've thrown out some stuff and it's really giving me an idea of what I want to keep and what I don't want to keep. I am going to take pictures of the place during the different stages, so maybe someday I will post the goings on.
I haven't been able to really catch up on the blog reading. We are staying with my parents, and they have dial-up. !!!!! :( Anyway, Just wanted to let anyone who might read my blog see what's up.
By the way Tristi, I keep trying to check one of your books out from the library, but it is always checked out when I go. That's a good sign for you I guess.
On Dec 28th we were remodeling our home. We had the kids go to Grandmas so that when we knocked the plaster down in the back room. the kids wouldn't be breathing in the dust. We were using our wood burning stove (we had used it the day before too). As my brother and brother in law left after helping us with remodeling, they both joked "hey, your house is on fire". We saw a small amount of smoke coming from above the light fixture on the porch. We all actually thought it was just a reaction. The front room was probably 70-80 degrees with the fireplace going. So we thought because it was so cold outside, that maybe the warm and cold was making it smoke, steam, sweat, something like that.
Well, my husband gets back home from the store and I show him the smoke. It was getting worse and he looked outside. The chimney area was starting to turn brownish. We stood in the front room and then heard a crumbling in the wall. So my husband grabbed the cordless phone, I grabbed some documents from the next room, my coat and my camera. All were grabbable on the way out the door.
We called the fire department and first the police came. They had just come from another fire call, but it was a false alarm. No real problem. They looked at our house and said "yes, there is a problem". The firemen came and cut a hole in our roof, cut a hole in our front room ceiling and bedroom ceiling. Then they started axing into the outside wall. That is when I saw a TON of smoke coming out. That wall between the fireplace and the outside was burnt. Some of the wood was completely gone. We never saw actual flames, but it may have gotten so hot that is smolder burnt the wood.
One of our friends grew up in that house and said he had gotten that wood burning stove MUCH hotter than we had it. So it wasn't an issue of the heat, but something just went wrong. We wonder if maybe the birds that have moved into the roof area dropped some nest pieces down the chimney or if the Box Elder bugs went down. Who knows?
Anyway, we have been staying at my parents home. My youngest has no idea what's really happening. Just that we are at Grandma and Grandpas and she is having a blast. My 3 1/2 year old wants to go home. We showed him the house and he kept asking his Dad to fix it.
Things will be okay. It's just stuff. It will be a pain in the butt to figure all this out. But at least I have my family. (WRITTEN JAN 2nd)
UPDATE:
We are in process of cleaning the house. We decided to do the work ourselves even though it will be a lot of work. Today we had: My husband and I, my father-in-law, brother-in-law, his friend, our home teacher, relief society president, her husband helping out. We actually got quite a bit of stuff packed. We are going to go ahead with our remodeling jobs that we had planned, since stuff is in disarray anyway.
We are tired, but actually quite optimistic. This gives us an oppertunity (spelling??) to go through all our stuff. I've thrown out some stuff and it's really giving me an idea of what I want to keep and what I don't want to keep. I am going to take pictures of the place during the different stages, so maybe someday I will post the goings on.
I haven't been able to really catch up on the blog reading. We are staying with my parents, and they have dial-up. !!!!! :( Anyway, Just wanted to let anyone who might read my blog see what's up.
By the way Tristi, I keep trying to check one of your books out from the library, but it is always checked out when I go. That's a good sign for you I guess.
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