tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52106665142840119452024-03-07T20:42:07.417-08:0052 Weeks, 52 Resolutions, 1 MomOne mom seeks change, one week at a timeMomma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.comBlogger450125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-38528229558505117902015-10-25T14:58:00.000-07:002015-10-25T14:58:00.635-07:00On this Day<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">On this day, I am spending my Sunday afternoon catching up on blogs and blogging. Though mostly the former, less of the latter. I have neglected them, you know them, my blogger friends that for the most part I have never met. I haven't been caught up on their lives. It must be fate because I found out really happy news for one writer (http://aninchofgray.blogspot.com/2015/10/big-news-or-just-call-me-halle.html); I have been following her since shortly after her son died and feel that her book speaks such truth about mourning.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">I caught up on another friend that posted with such optimism in August about the upcoming homeschooling year and has reached the place that all of us that work in brick and mortar schools have reached. It can be a lonely place of frustration that we are not further along and perhaps even boredom of certain subjects. It really shouldn't be lonely, however since many of us have the same truth.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">I even read about some scripture to inspire my faith life and has actually given me a plan for Lent (I know, right! it is exciting!).</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">On this day I say to you, I am not choosing a new area of life to improve each week and will not get very far in my 52 resolutions this year. I will say that I am still a work in progress, as is my home, and I will continue to work for self-improvement, sharing my growth as I go. My truth is that there will not be 52 resolutions, but that I enjoy my life each and every day to the fullest. Having attended a funeral for the father of a young boy on my son's baseball team, isn't that the most important work we can do?</span>Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-40018852260838853362015-09-28T04:00:00.000-07:002015-09-28T04:00:02.111-07:00From This Moment On...<span style="font-size: large;">When I began blogging nearly four years ago, I gave my children nicknames. I don't need someone "googling" their names and having my thoughts poured out attached to them. But I was a bit short-sighted. </span><div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">College Boy graduated. But I couldn't give him another name. I said I would one day, but it has been over a year and I haven't. He's still in school and for now, we are sticking with College Boy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Teen Boy became Tech Boy nearly a year ago. I am not sure I have referred to him that way, but I found the post where I so named him: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">http://52weeks52resolutions1mom.blogspot.com/2014/11/teen-boy-no-more.html</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now my dear sweet LRHB is nearly 11. He is nearly as tall as I am. And he kinda picked a new nickname this summer after watching Secretariat. He is Big Red. He is nearly done with elementary school, so I guess it is time that his nickname reflect who he is, not who he was. Sad mommy moment realizing that her baby is so grown.</span></div>
Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-22063468061375799202015-09-27T15:01:00.000-07:002015-09-27T15:01:09.679-07:00Watching Dreams Come True<span style="font-size: large;">I am trying to get back into Sunday afternoon blogging. It is the time I usually have to myself and I can write several blogs and post them over the week. Hopefully, I'll be a bit more regular.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I last wrote, I was hosting Camp Mom. My LRHB was playing Little League All-Star baseball. He's not old enough for the group that you see on TV in August (if you watch ESPN or like that kind of thing). He will be in two years. We live in a place where the likelihood of advancing to Pennsylvania lies somewhere between slim and none. But to go to our Regional Tournament, that would be the next dream come true. I say the next dream come true because this summer, I had the pleasure of watching my boy's dream come true... his team won the state championship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My kids have had dreams along the way. We've had great swim meets and they travelled to compete on a national level. We've competed at the state level for math, spelling, history and geography. We've attended competitions for music in other states as well as the state level for both band and vocals. And my boys have been amazing every time, working hard, trying their best and accepting their outcomes. You might notice that I use the words "we". Although these have been THEIR moments, I have been the mini-van/chaperone mom right there cheering them on to their victory. (I have only accommpanied them once out of state for swimming, but I have watched races on the computer!) I love them and I hope that these journeys that they have taken are special memories in their hearts. I am sure that these trials and wins have made them into the hardworking adults that they have become, even if I am unwilling to say to them that they are adults, two of them truly are grown men.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">However, as amazing as those experiences were, watching his team win the state championship was a moment that exceeded my expectations. These young men (realize that I would like to call them boys, but what they have accomplished...) worked six days a week for two to three hours a day for three weeks before undertaking two and half weeks of competitions and practices to achieve their goal. They gave up biking and swimming and hockey and skating and boarding and vacationing and hanging out with friends because these things could (1) injure the player (2) wear out the player so they would be unable to do their best (3) interfere with practice time. They built new relationships on their way to achieving their goal. They were mentally and physically tasked to work hard, to sacrifice, to win. And, they did. They won the district championship after numerous rain outs and delays on fields that were a good ninety minutes from home, making the drive daily for more than a week. They won the state championship through the losers bracket. Their first state game was just 34 hours after finishing the district competition, five to six hours from home with their manager arriving about the fifth inning. It was not a surprise that they lost that game. But they turned around and won each next game. Winning, winning and winning each evening after practicing each morning, sleeping in a hotel. My son caught the final out. He has the game ball and many nights I find him sleeping with it. His all-star apparrel is his daily choice of clothing. And my windows are still painted with "State Champions", "#13" and "GO BIG RED". There is nothing to prepare a momma for watching her son's dream come true. It was a priveledge, an honor and a thrill.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've watched other dreams come true, I am truly blessed. I've seen two high school graduations and one college graduation, which are great achievements. The difference I guess is that it never occurred to me that those moments wouldn't happen. I am hoping for many more dream like moments in my sons' lives. And I admit I am probably putting more on this baseball thing than it deserves. But I lived through the angst and work and worry with my boy. Getting this win, it was amazing.</span><br />
<br />Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-50260317346234419212015-07-15T10:05:00.001-07:002015-07-15T10:12:30.170-07:00Life Just Can't Wait<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Life just can't wait for me to sit at a computer. I do not have a laptop or tablet to type up as I spend two hours a morning at the pool deck or two and a half hours at the baseball diamond. Although I am no longer by the pool deck in the mornings, as LRHB as traded in his Speedo for his Mako bat, I am now running Camp Mom. This special place is where I spend my day entertaining a kid that wants to be on the go all the time, but must rest so that he can give it his ALL during All-star baseball. No sitting lazily by the recreation pool while he squirrels away his time playing until the storms roll in each afternoon. No time to get caught up on writing or reading as I am playing every board game that we own (I'll let you know in the future my opinions on that particular topic!). We spend mornings watching a movie, afternoons playing games and eating dinner at 4 to head out for the field where the bugs bite and the rain comes and life is alive with the sounds of baseball.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Movies, believe it or not, is the topic of today's post. We have watched some incredible films, based on true stories, that are inspiring. I wanted to share them with you. I get my films at the Library. I go on, request them and pick them up. FREE!</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Glory Road</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Greatest Game Ever Played</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rudy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Invincible</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Million Dollar Arm</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rookie of the Year</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Eight Below</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Radio</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These movies may not have gotten the same press as movies such as Remember the Titans, Miracle or Hoosiers (which we have watched so many times that we can quote them), but they have the same message of overcoming hardship through perseverance that young people today need to see. </span>Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-4318845621535424962015-05-23T05:00:00.001-07:002015-05-23T05:00:07.504-07:00Disney Blog Day 5<span style="font-size: large;">Day 5 Part 2 Walt Disney World Resort</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We arrived at our Wilderness Lodge Resort and found our room ready for us even though we were hours before check-in. We had chosen a bed with bunks, for my boy and me, and a queen bed, for my parents who were arriving later in the day. Once we had explored the hotel complex, we decided to have lunch in the fast food joint in our hotel. The food was better than I expected and the salesperson took the time to explain to me why we should invest in one of their Disney Cups. {A moment about said Disney Cups: I don't drink soda anymore and I limit soda for LRHB so I had previously decided that we wouldn't be purchasing these cups. I changed my mind when I realized that I could give him Powerade and, in the humid Florida weather, realized that would be a good choice for him. Another factor was that I could get my coffee every morning with this cup and iced tea all day long. Finally, they had disposable cups that I collected and put in the room. Each morning I would make a series of trips downstairs and load us up for the day in both empty water bottles and disposable cups. These are the reasons I purchased the Disney cups and would encourage anyone else to do so as well.}</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since the weather was overcast and rainy, we skipped the pool and boarded the bus for Downtown Disney after lunch. I know I have mentioned that LRHB is anti-shopping. However, Downtown Disney has a Lego Store which was the enticement I used to get him to go. He purchased a Lego set and was entertained by it for the in-between hours (those hours before you leave for the next thing or before bed) for the rest of the trip. We received notice that my parents were on the way to the resort so we headed back to meet them. (Ask them about their car service next time you see them! LOL)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We went to the Hoop De Doo Revue for dinner and a show. This was on mom's bucket list and we all really enjoyed ourselves. We did the hurry up and rush there (via boat!) to wait and wait. Since the seating is prearranged, I would encourage you to arrive in time, but not early. Although there was probably exploring we could have done, not knowing enough about the area, we didn't do any. We were content, I might mention, to sit and chat about the upcoming days since it was our first time together in three months and we needed a game plan. The show itself was fun, food was good and LRHB is still laughing about some of the play on words that they included in the show!</span>Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-51393468016692136582015-05-22T05:00:00.000-07:002015-05-22T05:00:02.634-07:00Disney Blog Day 5<span style="font-size: large;">Debarkation Day</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The time has come for us to leave our ship. We had to put our luggage out the night before. I thought that they would wait until all of our luggage was outside before they swept it away, however, upon realizing that my pants to wear were still in the bag that I had already placed outside, I found that they gather the bags out as soon as they appear and then deliver it to the underbelly of the ship. So I dug out the jeans I had worn for pirate night to wear the next day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had to set alarms to drag us from our bed and out the door for breakfast. Early dinner seating is not a positive on debarkation day as then you have early breakfast seating. I think it was 6:15. Following our wonderful breakfast, we gathered our things from the room bidding it farewell and left the ship. (pause here for sniffing and tear wiping)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Disney Magical Express whisked us from the port to Disney World. I caught up on texting and listened to tunes while my boy took a much needed nap. Now I am going to say something very entitled, so acknowledge that I know it is entitled and recognize that I have given this more than a month of thought and still desire to share this with you: If you are paying the most to stay in the resort, you should be the first one dropped off. Seriously, we were the last ones dropped off and we were staying at the most expensive hotel. It took us an additional thirty minutes (conservative) once on Disney property to reach our resort. That just doesn't make sense to me. I know it is snobby, yet, apparently I feel strongly enough about the amount of money I paid to make the comment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Moving on... Disney Wilderness Lodge is beautiful!</span>Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-8234938857635607872015-05-21T05:00:00.000-07:002015-05-21T05:00:03.968-07:00Book # 28<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">The Fudge Cupcake Murder</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">by Joanne Fluke</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">It is time to take a break from the bakery murders because I figured out the murder on page 139 of a 271 page book. I figured out the motivation behind it before my favorite baker also. I love returning to characters I know and love so I will continue to read these books. However, if you are a die hard mystery lover, you may tire of this series. I will miss Hannah and her family during my break, yet it is time to try some other stories on my list.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">ps. Of course this book has yummy recipes for bakers to try. I continue to resist!</span>Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-62342720742445156152015-05-17T05:00:00.000-07:002015-05-17T05:00:03.929-07:00Disney Blog Day 4<span style="font-size: large;">Day 4, Part 2</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Upon returning to the ship, we quickly changed and headed for dinner. We enjoyed a lovely evening of lobster and each other's company. I found our servers to be warm and each night the assistant server had a "trick" or "activity" to show my boy. I found the food to be absolutely delicious each time I sat down for a meal. We had the breakfast buffet, twice, and found it to be unremarkable. It is a breakfast buffet, standard, nothing to set it apart. I found the lunch buffet on the island to be less than stellar. Really, plenty of room for improvement in this area. The lunch buffet on departure day was fabulous! I cannot stress enough that each meal that I sat down for, breakfast, lunch and dinner(s) we scrumptious. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Following dinner, LRHB and I met up with our companions. The youngsters headed to Kids Club, while we went for a drink. I had promised my boy that we would do the Aquaduck again tonight because we'd only gotten to ride it once the previous night. It was super windy so the requirement was in place that two people had to be in the raft. So much for me doing a couple and letting him ride the night away! Friends, it is NOT a water slide. It is a water COASTER with speed and tight turns not to mention the billion steps to get to the top to ride it. However, we did it eight straight times so that he could say that he had ridden it ten times. I am so glad that 10 was his magic number! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A word about his experience in Kids Club. Had he had a companion his own age perhaps it would have been better. He is on the cusp of the kids and tween groups and has always related well to older kids, therefore as he was probably one of the oldest kids there, this might have contributed to his less than thrilled opinion of the Kids Club. It was crazy busy at 8:00 at night with tons of kids!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Again, we skipped the evening show (for the water coaster) and headed off to bed. We slept well each night on the ship! </span>Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-78728707885758765942015-05-15T05:00:00.000-07:002015-05-15T05:00:07.695-07:00Book #27<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">The Marcelli Bride</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">by Susan Mallery</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">The next romantic tale involving my friends, the Marcellis, began with a long stretch in the plot line. The characters were true to themselves and it was fun to watch the heroine come into her own. Another questionable plot turn came at the end when we needed our hero to save his love. I had partially predicted the story line, but even I didn't expect such a faux pas by some of the characters that led to the concluding scenes. I think that writers that don't have to stretch reality so far tend to tell better stories. I was invested in the characters from the previous three stories so I wanted resolution and, in spite of the gross exaggerations, I enjoyed the story.</span>Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-73948446781583593272015-05-13T05:00:00.000-07:002015-05-13T05:00:10.487-07:00Disney Blog Day 4<span style="font-size: large;">Castaway Cay. Disney's private island. This was the part of the vacation that I had been awaiting. If I could have spent two days here, I would have been in heaven! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We walked from the ship to the beach area and picked up our snorkel equipment. After claiming a chair and slathering ourselves in sunscreen, we headed to the snorkel area. It took a bit for LRHB to get used to the equipment, but then the world below the surface opened up to him and he loved it. WE loved it. We snorkeled about 75-90 minutes before returning to the shore. He ran of to play with his admirers while I read (what else did you think I was going to do!). After a mediocre lunch (that's actually a generous assessment), we explored some other areas of beach one. We never made it to beach two! Eventually, we </span><span style="font-size: large;">headed back in for another long snorkeling session. When we returned, people were packing it in for the day. I discovered that the beach would close in about 35 minutes and that we had a bit more than an hour to be back on board. Fabulous! We moved our stuff and took advantage of the empty beach. He tried to stand on flat floaties and inner tubes. He floated while I watched, laughed and encouraged, all with my toes in the water! Every five minutes they would announce how much longer until the beach closed. At 4:24 pm, they announced five more minutes. A minute later, they closed the beach! What! This is now commonly referred to around the house as when we got "kicked off the beach". We were the only ones there and I guess they wanted us to go. BTW, we were not in danger of missing the ship because we were on board a mere 8 minutes later. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-28953797334090805602015-05-11T05:00:00.000-07:002015-05-11T05:00:01.329-07:00Book #26<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">The Lemon Meringue Pie Murder</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">by Joanne Fluke</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">I enjoy Hannah, the main character of these mysteries. She has weight issues, strong family connections and lives in a fictional small town with small town values (to include everyone being in everyone's business). I cannot wait each tale to discover how she ends up involved in solving the mysteries since she contends each time that she is NOT going to be involved. Although I had my suspicions and put together the motive for the murder in this story, I hadn't connected all of the dots to discover the murderer. Once again the story was laced with yummy treats, however, I have managed not to bake any. Yet.</span>Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-9790493595535845232015-05-09T05:00:00.000-07:002015-05-09T05:00:10.377-07:00Disney Blog Day 3<span style="font-size: large;">Day 3, Part 2</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over breakfast, the LRHB had told me that he didn't feel good at dinner the night before. When I questioned him, I discovered that he had picked up on the awkwardness. I made the decision to make other dinner arrangements and </span><span style="font-size: large;">spent some time during the day explaining to the front desk why I needed to switch tables. When I arrived at dinner, I learned that they had not received my request, but they were more than happy to make it happen for me. We received a table for two and began our second night ordering from every course. When it came time for dessert, we nearly couldn't do it! The prime rib, seafood, salads and appetizers nearly did us in! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We joined our FL friends for the Pirate Party on deck! Her boys were Kindergartners and thought my boy walked on water; he loved their hero worship! It made for a fun time! Then the two of us went back to our room, changed into our bathing suits and hit the Aquaduck, a water coaster! Unfortunately, we didn't realize that it was closing and only got one ride. We decided to make time for it again the next day and headed to bed, watching basketball from the comfort of our bed!</span><br />
<br />Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-761882247229921062015-05-07T05:00:00.000-07:002015-05-07T05:00:01.254-07:00Book #25<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">The Atonement Child</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Francine Rivers</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">I chose this book because I thought that it had come up on a classic romances list. However, after reading this book, I went back and researched how this came to be on my Nook. Let me be clear, it is NOT a classic romantic story. I discovered that <u>Atonement</u> was the book that came up on the '</span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">classic romances' </span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">search and </span><u style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">Atonement Child</u><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"> came up on the library search with </span><u style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">Atonement</u><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">. Because </span><u style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">Atonement Child</u><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"> is by an author whom I have read and enjoyed, I checked it out. It is not a classic romance, however it is a powerful tale of faith, grace and being a follower (not a fan) of God. It led me to prayer and soul searching about a emotional topic. God and I are still at odds, but I am working on it. </span>Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-45572863625245219172015-05-05T05:00:00.000-07:002015-05-05T05:00:01.456-07:00Disney Blog Day 3<span style="font-size: large;">We awoke in Nassau to a beautiful, sunny day. After hitting the breakfast buffet, we were headed for a harbor tour. I must add that I turned my head for just a moment at the buffet and when I turned back, the eggs, sausages and bacon piled on his plate would have been enough to feed our family of five. Almost. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">LRHB wanted to say that he'd been to a foreign country and just being in port was not enough for him. After researching our shore excursion options, we settled on a harbor cruise that gave some history of the area, but didn't require a lot of walking/bus riding. For much of this trip, I was letting him drive our plans and was happy with his decision. The boat ride was fun! We got some history of the area, but it was so little that I remember none of it. I do remember the large estates that were pointed out to us as well as the information she gave us on Atlantis. We met a family from right up the highway from us and discussed hockey with them and a young newlywed couple! Once back on land, the muggy heat was getting to my boy. I just wanted to stop and look at the vendors that were set up right outside the port entrance; he complained and complained and complained. I managed to make a couple purchases and though one of them was for him, it still didn't appease his crankiness. He did stop for a picture and begrudgingly took a couple pictures of me. However, once on board, the complaining continued. I issued an ultimatum: go play. Swim, play basketball or mini-golf, get lunch or check yourself into the kids club. I announced I was going my own way and he was not invited. He was quite unsure of this turn of events, but I convinced him that I wasn't mad; I just think we needed some time apart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I headed to the dining room serving lunch. I ordered a cold seafood appetizer and carrot soup. Both were wonderful! None of the main dishes caught my eye so I ordered the mango soup also. I think they thought I was crazy, but I loved every bite. I finished up with dessert, of course. The entire time I enjoyed the peace and quiet of being alone and the book on my Nook. I changed into swim gear and headed for the pool. Finding the boy playing basketball, I convinced him to come eat and showed him where I would be for the rest of the afternoon. After he ate, he had reserved some time in the sports simulator, then he spent the rest of the afternoon swimming, water sliding and playing with our new friends. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Comfortably sitting by the pool enjoying both the warmth of the sun and the cool of the breeze, I was content to read the afternoon away. When another mom was looking for a chair, I offered up LRHB's since he was done eating and unlikely to sit in it again. Little did I know, my cruise soul mate was sitting down next to me! We discussed motherhood, sports, college days and kids. We shared common values and a passion for wine. The afternoon flew by in the companionship of my new friend! We agreed to meet up again after dinner for the Pirate Party. By this time, her boys and mine were having adventures together in the pool. We really wished we could have been table mates! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-75805147297578842902015-05-03T10:47:00.002-07:002015-05-03T10:47:42.096-07:00Resolution #10<span style="font-size: large;">Mix up your Exercise Routine</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I challenge those of you who do the same classes or the same activity to find something new to do. It could be as simple as what I did: I got off the treadmill and heading into the woods.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have been walking for the last several months. I walk at school on the playground or in the testing areas. I walk on the treadmill at the gym, rocking out to the tunes on my iPod. I admit, I am content with my routine, my habits.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A few weeks ago, LRHB was invited to go on a hike with a friend. The deer in headlights look caught me off guard. He loves being outside. He loves being with this friend. He is in good shape because he is a duel sport kid. However, we don't hike so he was afraid he wouldn't be able to keep up. Then the hike turned into a bike ride which he did and loved, but also had great anxiety about undertaking. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So I have moved my walking routine outside to the many trails in our area and I am dragging the kid along with me. First, I don't think I should be hiking by myself; this is what I use to convince him to go with me. He's such a good boy that he wants to keep his momma safe. Next, I think it is a good way to broaden his training; you don't much running in </span><span style="font-size: large;">baseball or swimming (not that we are running, but you get the point). Finally, we have gotten into a rut about being together; it is usually filled with me listing the chores/homework that needs to get done and him complaining about it as we rush off to another of his activities. We use this hiking time to talk, really talk, to each other.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps the monotony of your exercise routine could use a little spicing up, as mine did. The added bonus of shared time with the kid is like finding an extra chocolate at the back of the kitchen drawer.</span>Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-23793712859426566212015-05-03T05:00:00.000-07:002015-05-03T05:00:08.752-07:00Book #24<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Deja Dead</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Kathy Reichs</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">I had been meaning to read a book by Kathy Reichs because she is the inspiration for one of my favorite shows, "Bones". The reason that I finally checked her first book out was to fulfill the 2015 Reading Challenge. First, I had to read a popular author's first book; additionally I had to read a book that inspired a television show. Check, check. I liked it. I'll admit that some of the gruesome details I skimmed. And some of the science was not my cup of tea. But she is a likable character, a strong female with just enough softness to make her believable. If you like murder mysteries, than you might want to try this one out for yourself.</span>Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-47557078195125094102015-05-01T05:00:00.000-07:002015-05-01T05:00:13.715-07:00Disney Blog Day 2<span style="font-size: large;">Disney Blog Day 2, part 2</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After finishing our wonderful meal, we headed to our room to change and head to the pool. I managed to grab a chair nearby and Reilly attempted to swim laps in a very crowded pool. We both enjoyed our afternoon returning to our room only to participate in the mandatory lifeboat drill and get ready for dinner. Somewhere in there, Reilly found the basketball court and enjoyed some hoops. We also perused the events of the day in our daily guide, skirted the launch party enjoying it from an upper deck and watched dolphins diving in the waters off the side of the ship as we set sail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dinner was awkward. I commend Disney, honestly, for trying. They took three young men of similar age, travelling with three mothers and put them at a table for six. I get it. The kids, moms or both COULD have hit it off. Not so much with this group. First, we were seated across from each other. Now my boy is good at a restaurant, but we had arrived last and it seemed everyone was ready to order. First boy ordered from the children's menu. My boy figured out what he wanted, but didn't realize that he could additionally order soup, salad and/or an appetizer. The next young man ordered from the "light menu", (brown rice, grilled chicken, broccoli). Now the moms' turn: Mom #1 asked many questions about the sauces and the alcohol in the sauces and about not having any sauces with alcohol anywhere near her food. Mom #2 actually ordered what LRHB ordered. I ordered an appetizer, a soup for Reilly and then my dinner. I didn't order the glass of wine for fear of offending Mom #1. Mom #1 and son, who had been speaking English up to this point, launched into a lengthy conversation, in French. Um, rude much? Finally the food arrived: LRHB ordered snapper with scallops. To his disappointment there was only ONE scallop. "Mom, mom, mom. The menu said scallopS, not scallop." I told him to talk to the waiter; of course the waiter graciously fixed this for him by delivering an additional 5 scallops for him to enjoy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After dinner, we went to the Sports Bar, which is open to all ages until 9 p.m. We watched some of the March Madness tourney and headed to bed. LRHB didn't want to see any stage shows and I didn't care enough to either go without him or force him to go. Our bed was turned down and I read while he drifted off to sleep. We were officially having a good time, but I had decided to talk to someone regarding our dinner seating.</span>Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-24191700482486832672015-04-30T15:19:00.000-07:002015-04-30T15:26:57.050-07:00Disney Blog Day 2<span style="font-size: large;">Can you tell I am taking a class again? Low and behold it has been nearly two weeks since I last posted!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Disney Vacation Day 2</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The next morning we took advantage of the Starbucks in the airport for breakfast. We didn't want to overdo it at the hotel since we'd be having lunch on the ship! We boarded the Disney Magical Express at the airport for a comfortable ride to the port. A video reminded us of what we would need for checking in when we arrived, of all the amenities we would enjoy once on board and all of the things to do. I was very happy to have chosen one of the earliest times to check-in/board the ship; the terminal was crowded with people trying to get their children registered for the kids clubs or trying to be photographed with Sailor Mickey & Sailor Minnie. Once they announced our boarding group, probably the 4th or 5th to board, we tried to skip on by the photographer, but the staff use those pictures on the ship to recognize you. A quick wander about to locate where our room is and the easiest way to reach it, a fast (no line) check-in of Reilly into the Kids Club for future use and off we went to the buffet lunch. Cracked crab claws, peel and eat shrimp and luscious cream of mushroom soup awaited us; we finished with a chocolate mousse and carrot cake which we shared. Then we shared another set. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">More to come...</span>Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-4932023924340226962015-04-18T05:00:00.000-07:002015-04-18T05:00:09.590-07:00Disney Blog Day 1<span style="font-size: large;">Disney Vacation Day 1</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was wonderful! I cannot possibly recount our trip in just one blog so I will be posting a series of blogs about it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Day 1: We flew to Florida and arrived late in the evening the night before our cruise was to set sail. After purchasing my plane tickets on Southwest Airlines, an offer to stay at the Hilton located right in the airport came up. When I considered the prices of other hotels nearby, the cost of getting to and from them (as some of their shuttles don't run 24 hours) and how tired we would be when we arrived, I decided that I would splurge on the Hilton. Plus the offer was less than 50% of the going rate. It was WORTH every penny. I was at the hotel BEFORE getting to the luggage carousel. The employees were lovely, the food in the restaurant (late night snacks of soup, calamari and caramelized goat cheese) delicious and the server was very accommodating. The room and bed were comfortable and clean. I would stay here again in a heartbeat.</span><br />
<br />Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-38068735844104304252015-04-16T05:00:00.000-07:002015-04-16T05:00:09.282-07:00Book #23<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">The Seductive One</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">by Susan Mallery</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">This is the next installment in her Marcelli Family series and originally the final story. It tells the story of the remaining twin who loves the vineyards and has a past with the bad boy next door, so to speak. The strong sense that we all need family comes into play once again as it does so many times in Susan's books. I am so glad it wasn't the final story as their are two remaining siblings who need to find love. Apparently, my desire to know their tales was shared by her readers who pressured her into expanding her trilogy. </span>Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-28168741109715708152015-04-14T05:00:00.000-07:002015-07-14T19:47:41.594-07:00Book #22<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Barefoot Season</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">by Susan Mallery</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">My final Spring Break read was also by Susan Mallery. Unable to continue in the Marcelli Family series, I began another series Blackberry Island. What I discovered about the Blackberry Island series is that although the stories take place in the same location, the people are going to be unrelated making it easy to read one now and the rest in June, when I will have more reading time.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">I liked this first book in the series very much. Characters that I felt were authentic dealt with real life problems. Rather than focusing on the romance, this story focused on the relationship of the two heroines and their efforts to overcome differences and problems.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Updated title 7/14/15</span>Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-32788476778400452732015-04-12T05:00:00.000-07:002015-04-12T05:00:08.577-07:00Book #21<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">The Blueberry Muffin Murder</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">by Joanne Fluke</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Another enticing mystery from my newest favorite author. I actually did predict the murderer in this book making it no less entertaining. Hannah's recipes sound amazing. I have found a nice cup of cocoa goes a long way to preventing the need to get baking! I love that she has such a great relationship with her sister and I look forward to reading more of these books to find out which path of love Hannah ventures down.</span>Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-11944468913300017482015-04-10T05:00:00.000-07:002015-04-10T05:00:03.326-07:00Books #19 & 20<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">The Sparkling One</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">The Sassy One</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">by Susan Mallery</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">This is my Spring Break reading. Another series from one of my favorites, Susan Mallery. These are the first two books in the Marcelli Family Series and I am just in love with the ladies in this family. I cannot wait to read the remaining three books, however since they were not available to download onto my Nook prior to my vacation, it may be summer before I have time to complete this series.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Let's be clear, these are romance novels fraught with deception, heartache, love, sex and fun. In this series, there is also a LARGE, LOUD family that I would love to visit because they are fascinating yet real, and they live at a winery.</span>Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-52729929942259735702015-04-08T05:00:00.000-07:002015-04-08T05:00:12.252-07:00Book # 18 <span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Not a Fan</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">by Kyle Idleman</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">16/50 2015 Reading Challenge: A book recommended by a friend</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Powerful. If I had to describe this book in one word, that is the word I would use. It wasn't an easy book, but it was an easy read. He puts his ideas into place using examples and scripture. He isn't out to make you feel bad about your relationship with God, but he is pointing out the differences in relationships with God. Fan? Follower? Which are you? Read the book and discover for yourself.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">I used this book as my preparation for Lent. I found that I generally tend to be a fan, but long to be a follower. I found that I am on the journey from fan to follower. I read much of this book over as I pondered what the author was saying. I prayed quite a bit about what I was reading and how it would impact my life. Without saying too much more, I will tell you that it has already helped me and one of my children to love more generously, and through that love, to accept and forgive.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5210666514284011945.post-60987314167253697962015-04-06T19:01:00.000-07:002015-04-06T20:09:11.695-07:00Resolution #9 <span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Resolution #9 Preparing for Lent</span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">This is a resolution that I give myself every year. I don't want the Lenten season to rush by without being purposeful. I want to set time aside for preparing myself for my God's greatest gift. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">So the LRHB and I had a discussion on our way to practice. I said that I thought we needed to do more family prayer. He said that we have tried that before and it didn't work. I felt we should try it again, however he thought he should go without during the Lenten season instead. He didn't want to give up soda, as he knew that we were going on vacation and he would be able to drink all he wanted on our cruise ship. He didn't want to give up candy, because Valentine's Day had just happened and he had counted out pieces of candy to put in his lunch box for a couple weeks. He didn't want to give up T.V. because of March Madness. I proposed that he give up desserts because I don't make them very often. He agreed until he remembered what his brothers told him about dining on the cruise. In the end, he decided more prayer time would be an appropriate choice. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">As we were reading before bed that evening, I noticed he had his Rosary out on his nightstand. I inquired why it was there and my heart swelled to hear his response. "It is here to help me to remember to pray to God every night." (No, praying to God is not a part of our normal routine. I don't know how that slipped through the cracks, but don't beat me up. I am doing the best I can!) During the Lenten season, some nights I would come in and find his eyes closed and his lips moving. When he'd finished, he open his eyes and announce his prayer of choice. Some nights, he'd ask me if I wanted to join him.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Yesterday was Easter. I asked him last night if he was going to put it away. "Not yet," was his response. </span>Momma Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16253084750186205458noreply@blogger.com0