Time for a change...
Well, what do you think? I've been wanting to do something to update the look of my blog and so far this is what I've come up with. I have some great things in mind that I'd like to do with some photoshop stamps and such, but I just haven't had the time to mess with it. So for a temporary and quick facelift, I downloaded some
free headers, pulled them into skitch and then added some text. Boom, done! I even changed my weather widget and profile picture. All this took about 15- 20 minutes. I'm so proud of me...even if it is elementary looking, I figured it out myself:)
Labels: fun facts
Glenn Beck
Check out this little visual Glenn put together to help us understand what's happening to the US dollar. A little alarming if you ask me....
Labels: fun facts
Twelve years ago Nancy Leigh DeMoss, out of a burden for revival in the hearts of Christian women, birthed a daily broadcast on Moody Radio called "Revive our Hearts." This broadcast has been a blessing to women worldwide over the past decade and a movement began as a result of its success.
That movement started in 2006 with the planning of the very first True Woman Conference. Two years later, in October of '08, with several partners on board (Moody Publishing, Family Life & Moms in Touch, to name a few) the Revive Our Hearts team gathered with over 6,300 other women in Chicago, Illinois for a national conference which unveiled the True Woman Movement and the signing of the True Woman Manifesto. It's purpose is to help women:
-Discover and embrace God's created design and mission for their lives
-Reflect the beauty and heart of Christ to their world
-Intentionally pass on the baton of Truth to the next generation
-Pray earnestly for an outpouring of God's Spirit in their families, churches, nation and world
The conference itself is just the beginning of their vision. They are praying for "a widespread movement of revival in the hearts of 100,000 Christian women around the world." It starts here - they are asking women from across the globe to read the Manifesto and sign it. You can read it yourself
here. After signing the Manifesto you can begin the 30-day True Woman Makeover.
I've just signed it myself and will begin the 30- Makeover immediately! Click
here to see who else has signed (my name was added upon my signing!). Won't you join me and the 3,914 other women (besides the 3,500 at the conference) who have signed it online?
Labels: fun facts, ministry
I've done a little review in my head of some of my favorite things or experiences from 2008. The items listed below are completely personal. My hope is that as you read over them, you, too, will peruse your own memories of the past year and chalk them up for what they really are...blessings from a merciful & loving God.
Leather Journal - I've never been an avid journaler, but this year, with raising two teenagers & one pre-adolescent, feeling the discomfort ministry work can bring, and facing financial strain in hard economic times, writing my prayers & thoughts down in the beautiful leather journal Dave gave me this year has been quite therapeutic. It's become a natural part of my morning devotion with God.
Trip to Russia - It seems like another lifetime, but our trip to Russia to assist my brother & sister-in-law in bringing their two adopted sons home was a life-changing experience. It created a bond of love & understanding that Chris, Penny, Dave & I will share throughout our lives here on earth and into eternity. Priceless!
Going cellular - This summer we gave up our land line. I never have to hear the grating sound of a cordless phone shrieking through my house again. Nor do I have to deal with unwanted solicitors. This being an election year we were able to avoid all those annoying political calls, too!
Dropping satellite television - I love not having the distraction of the constant availability of numerous viewing options. It's much quieter in our home and we have more conversation & relationship building than ever.
My camera - I've had a blast creating memories for myself and others as I've learned the in's & out's of operating a DSLR camera.
Turning 40 - Not so bad! I actually finally feel like a grown-up and that others might just start taking me seriously! I'm really looking forward to the second half of my life. I want to do it better...much better!
Having a 3rd driver in the family - Despite the insane cost of insurance for a male teen driver, it's been worth all the benefits of not having to be the taxi driver all the time. Love it!
Reading Raising Your Children with No Regrets, Catherine Hickem - My choice for best book of the year. It met me right where I was and made a huge impact on my perception of mothering my growing children. Absolutely a God-sent message!
Meal Planning - Doing this on a weekly basis has rescued us from eating out & over-spending and has given us a little more margin in our budget. I've done this for years off and on, but this summer it really helped us out when gas prices where through the roof.
My man- God has given me a husband that makes doing life in this crazy world more of a fun adventure than I ever imagined. We're in our 20th year of marriage now and I believe all the years leading up to now were preparation for what God has in store for the next 20 years. We are truly blessed that our Creator chose us to be partners as we raise a family in His name & further the gospel message with the gifts He's given us. I can't wait to see what plan God has for 2009!
Labels: fun facts, ponderings
5 Obsessions...
I got tagged by my sister-in-law,
Penny, to reveal five obsessions. Well, here they are and in no particular order, as anyone who has self-professed, undiagnosed, mild OCD will tell you, they are all equally important!
1. my hair (I incessantly pull on it, twirl it and pick at it!)
2. cleaning
3. organizing
4. reading
5. photography
I'm tagging
Sarah,
Chad, &
Kim. Can't wait to see what other obsessions are lurking out there!
Labels: friends, fun facts
I've been archived!
My clustermaps sidebar tracker has been archived. As you can see below, the hits over the past year have totaled almost 9,000! I know that's not a lot compared to the many 'blog stars' out there, but I think it's pretty cool.
So now I start over with a clean map. Over the past 11 days I've had 143 hits from across the globe. Maybe I can pull in 10,000 hits this year....we'll see!
Labels: fun facts
History of Presidents' Day
As a homeschool mom, I love interesting historical facts and this being a national holiday I was compelled to find out the root of why we mark Presidents' Day on our calendars. According to
Patriotism.org, a Miami-Dade County Public School website, the history of Presidents day is as follows:
The original version of the holiday was in commemoration of George Washington's birthday in 1796 (the last full year of his presidency). Washington, according to the calendar that has been used since at least the mid-18th century, was born on February 22, 1732. According to the old style calendar in use back then, however, he was born on February 11. At least in 1796, many Americans celebrated his birthday on the 22nd while others marked the occasion on the 11th instead.
By the early 19th century, Washington's Birthday had taken firm root in the American experience as a bona fide national holiday. Its traditions included Birthnight Balls in various regions, speeches and receptions given by prominent public figures, and a lot of revelry in taverns throughout the land. Then along came Abraham Lincoln, another revered president and fellow February baby (born on the 12th of the month). The first formal observance of his birthday took place in 1865, the year after his assassination, when both houses of Congress gathered for a memorial address. While Lincoln's Birthday did not become a federal holiday like George Washington's, it did become a legal holiday in several states.
In 1968, legislation (HR 15951) was enacted that affected several federal holidays. One of these was Washington's Birthday, the observation of which was shifted to the third Monday in February each year whether or not it fell on the 22nd. This act, which took effect in 1971, was designed to simplify the yearly calendar of holidays and give federal employees some standard three-day weekends in the process.
Apparently, while the holiday in February is still officially known as Washington's Birthday (at least according to the Office of Personnel Management), it has become popularly (and, perhaps in some cases at the state level, legally) known as "President's Day." This has made the third Monday in February a day for honoring both Washington and Lincoln, as well as all the other men who have served as president.So there you have it! In spite of having a glorious day off from work or school, you've had a condensed history lesson, compliments of "Things Pondered"!
Labels: fun facts, home schooling
HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2008!
I thought I'd start the New Year off with a new look for my blog and a few quotes for a chuckle. Enjoy!
Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to. ~Bill Vaughn
People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas. ~Author Unknown
Never tell your resolution beforehand, or it's twice as onerous a duty. ~John Selden
New Year's Resolution: To tolerate fools more gladly, provided this does not encourage them to take up more of my time.
James Agate
A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. ~Author Unknown
Labels: friends, fun facts
FISHFLIX?
I'm sad to say that we are not movie rental enthusiasts in the Kush household. We have way too many network television shows that we are addicted to - House, Lost, CSI, Heroes, The Office - you get the picture, one for every night of the week! Besides getting nailed with one too many late fees from our local movie rental center, due to the hectic nature of our weeknights, we've had more than our share of movie rentals returned unwatched!
That said, a couple of our friends have started using Netflix, making movie watching much more feasible due to it's front-door delivery and pick up as well as the convenience of ordering online. You never have to leave your house - just a short walk to your mailbox and tah-dah! You're requested movie is at your fingertips!
As you can probably guess, this option has started to sound a bit appealing and caused me to consider trying this not-so-new modern convenience. I've not decided anything. I haven't even discussed it with my husband. I'm just tossing it around in my head.
Now, my PSL girlfriend and homeschool mentor lands this one on me. Fishflix. You got it. Same idea as Netflix, but a Christian based and family centered entertainment resource. Their motto..."edify, encourage and entertain." Intrigued yet? You can check them out
here. They have everything from well-loved movie classics to documentary's and bible teaching.
More for me to process! Anyway, I'm thinking about it...why don't you?
Labels: friends, fun facts, tv
Favorite Things of 2007
This is a quick rundown of items I've found to be some of my favorite things. Some are new to me but most have been tried and true over the years. I actually use every one of these items almost daily, if you can believe it!
10.
Biosilk finishing spray - Gives your hair an unbelievable shine without feeling oily
9.
Caswell Masseys Elixer of Love Potion No. 1 - A light & fresh smelling every day fragrance
8.
Label maker - I just love labeling things!
7.
Turbie Twist hair turban - Perfect as a "shower cap" for days when you don't have time to do your hair
6.
Neutrogena sesame body oil -Leaves skin silky without the slime--get's rid of dry pimply skin
5.
Ooh la Lift under eye depuffer by Benefit - Really works to rid those under eye bags!
4.
Chi flat iron - Keeps my unruly hair under control!
3.
Franklin Covey daily planner - Absolutely can't live without it; keeps my life in order!
2.
Pilot G-2 mechanical pencil - I'm a pencil lover to begin with, but when a friend gave me this one, none other will do for me (I actually panic when I can't find it!).
1.
Tamrac Camera sling bag - Keeps my most precious possession safe and organized!
Labels: fun facts, gadgets
My Avatar!
Check out my Avatar! Does it really look like me??? I'm not sure if I'm feeling it!
Labels: fun facts
My Very First Mammogram...
Cartoon Courtesy of:
superlaugh.comYes, today was a big day for me marking my very first mammogram! As I was sitting in the waiting room I began to feel a bit anxious because I wasn't more anxious! I'd heard many terrible stories of what I was about to experience. Including the one that best decribes the sensation as lying on the cold concrete floor of your garage and placing your breast under your car tire while your husband drives over it a couple of times!
So as I walked into the dressing room to disrobe my upper body & acquire my new purple gown I began to feel a small quiver in my knees. Once in the equipment room, the technician went to work explaining and manipulating (I won't go into further detail---figure it out for yourself!). A few of changes in postion and before I knew it I was back in the dressing room, fully clothed and awaiting instruction. As I waited I realized that I was seriously surprised that I didn't end up passed out on the floor from the should-be pain described to me so many times before! Sweet victory! Another right of passage under my belt of womanhood!
So my transparency should come as a great relief to those ladies under 35 awaiting their first trip for their dreaded mammogram! Unless I'm crazy and maybe I am, believe me, it's a piece of cake! No worries!
Labels: fun facts
Lead in lipstick....should I be worried???
The recent hype in the media is the purported high levels of lead in certain lipsticks. I wasn't sure what I thought of the whole mess but I certainly wasn't frightened enough to throw any of my Maybelline or Loreal into the trash can. But in my monthly e-letter from the infamous
Cosmetic Cop, Paul Begoun, she writes a compelling article which has set me free to stay the course with my decision to hold on to my favorite lip palettes. Any of you out there in a quandry? Check out Ms. Begoun's report - you'll be glad you did!
Labels: fun facts
Check this out!
An
adoption blog I frequent has this
link posted on it. I was amazed and just had to share it with my blogging friends. If you have a toddler or a young child who's not a great swimmer yet, it's a must see.
Labels: fun facts
Labor Day
Fun fact:
Wikipedia states that "Labor Day is a United States federal holiday that takes place on the first Monday in September. The holiday began in 1882, originating from a desire by the Central Labor Union to create a day off for the "working man". It is still celebrated mainly as a day of rest and marks the symbolic end of summer for many. Labor Day became a federal holiday by Act of Congress in 1894." I believe our thanks is due to the Central Labor Union for the many long weekends we've enjoyed over the past 100+ years!
Today we enjoyed a fish fry with our Duvall family friends, just relaxing and enjoying quiet conversation and a new card game. Oh, and of course we had dessert - home made coconut cream pie and chocolate cream pie, yum! Later we headed over to my parents for a visit with them and Chris & Penny, and made it home just a little while ago. All in all it was a most pleasurable and restful weekend. What did you do over your long weekend?
Labels: friends, fun facts
Geography Lesson
I love geography. The way God made our world so extremely different geographically from region to region just amazes me.
I've lived in Florida most of my life so it's home to me. Home is comfortable, mostly unchanging and sometimes boring (in a good way!). When you get used to living somewhere you take for granted the beauty that may be surrounding you. Take for instance the beach. For those of you who are land locked, the beach is more than likely a novelty. As much as I love the sand and surf, I really don't spend much time there, I think because it's so familiar I just pass it by without much thought. I forget that I have, just a few miles up the road, the warm waters of the gulf stream flowing by. I instead, look at the hatchling tree frogs (a reptile I really have much disdain for!) climbing all over my windows and feel like I'm living in a swamp (we actually do border the Everglades!!)! In my mind, I consider all of Florida as a swamp and presume that in order to see real beauty I must travel by car the 6 hours it takes just to cross the border into another state.
This vacation I realized that I don't have to leave my giant peninsula to enjoy the diversity of God's creation. There are many places here that people from all over the world come to explore. The photos above is one of those places. I knew springs like this existed, but didn't think they would be as stunning as they actually are.
Alexander Springs is located in the Ocala National Forrest. The spring basin is about 300 feet wide and 30 feet deep with the surrounding area being a white sand floor of about 2-4 feet deep. The water temperature is a constant 72º year round (cold to us Floridians, but warm to the Europeans and Northerners!) It costs $4 per person to enter but is well worth the small fee, especially in the summer when the heat index is well over 100º! It has a beautiful picnic area blanketed with enormous oak trees covered with hanging moss. There are also clean restrooms and a conscession area. A word of warning....weekends bring large crowds to the point of turning people away. You'd be wise to go on a weekday!
Labels: fun facts
You Know You're a Floridian When...
My Top Ten:
10. Sweet tea can be served at any meal.
9. A good parking place has nothing to do with distance from the store, but everything to do with shade.
8. Anything under 70 is chilly.
7. You've attended (or hosted!) a hurricane party.
6. You go to a theme park for an afternoon, and know when to get on the best rides.
5. You can pronounce Okeechobee, Kissimmee, Withlacoochee , Okahumpka and Loxahatchee.
4. You understand why it's better to have a friend with a boat than have a boat yourself.
3. You've driven through Yeehaw Junction.
2. You've worn shorts and used the A/C on Christmas.
1. You dread lovebug season.
Thanks to my "Floridian Friend" for sharing a good "forward"!!
(cartoon courtesy of www.news-press.com/.../ dougstatetoons/index.htm)
Labels: fun facts
Globe Trotting
Growing up as a kid in the 70's we didn't have all the neat gadgets kids have today. I know I'm sounding just like my parents when I say we had to invent things to do. I can, however, say that playing with a stick was not one of the things on our list of activities! I can go one better...a globe. My brother and I used to spend many afternoons and evenings making up games with a globe and one of our favorites was to spin it and point your finger to a random place on the globe and pretend you were going there. I remember daydreaming about the many places my finger went and wishing I could actually go there and see those wonderful places in person.
As an adult, I'm not much different in my daydreaming adventures. I just have a bit more technology at my fingertips a la the "World Wide Web"! So now instead of spinning a globe, I surf the web for endless geographic destinations.
This week during one of my virtual trips I discovered three islands I had never heard of... St. Helena, Ascension and Tristan de Cunha. They are not very close to one another, but they are, according to my research, connected economically and, therefore, dependent on one another. St Helena is where Napoleon was exiled and the home he lived and died in still stands. There are only about 4,000 who currently live on this island that is only accessible by the island's own ship. The Royal Mail Ship, St Helena, can be boarded at Cape Town and several days later dock at its namesake. Oddly, there's very little tourism on any of these three bits of land in the middle of nowhere.
There are many more interesting facts and statistics about these three little islands that, as a home school mom, I could bore you with, but will leave it to you to dig if you really want to know how many hotels and restaurants are on St. Helena Island.
What are some little known places you'd like to visit or maybe have visited?
Labels: fun facts
