came and went

Tuesday was my 50th birthday... yesterday was Don's 50th birthday... today is Thursday, and it's a beautiful day.

Thank you to everyone who extended good wishes for my birthday and described how they would or did spend their 50th birthday. They were fun to read. I stated in my Tuesday post that I would let you know how I ended up spending my birthday.

Well, I didn't do anything monumental. I had wanted to go to the zoo with my camera and spend time photographing the animals. Capturing life through the lens of my camera is one of my favorite pass times and thought that would be a fun way to spend the day. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate. I scrapped the idea early on.

After spending most of the morning reading, I headed off to the mall. I hadn't gone mall shopping in some time and enjoyed walking, looking, and trying on a few pieces of clothing and a couple of pairs of shoes. I walked out with only one bag - a new pair of shoes.

By then, the sun decided to make an appearance. I headed over to my favorite reading place, the plaza, and sat in my car and read. I find I get so much more reading done outside my home. I love feeling the warmth of the sun collect in the enclosed space and feeling the peace and calm while losing myself in the pages of a good book.

Don came home early and we decided to go to the movies before dinner. There weren't many movies out right now that we felt like we would both enjoy. We settled on Surrogates, starring Bruce Willis. After the movie, we ate dinner at PF Changs. I tried something new and I now have a new favorite dish at this favorite restaurant. It was a very nice day and evening.

Just for the record, our kids came home last weekend and we all celebrated the birthdays with a dinner out on Saturday night and then going home and playing a game. Some girlfriends will be taking me out tomorrow and another group of friends are treating me to breakfast next Monday.

Okay... on to who won the give-away. I wrote down everyone's name (only once, Mighty Mom) on a slip of paper, put them into a bowl, and drew out one. That piece of paper had the name of... (drum role please)... Melissa of Mejojac's Memos. Congratulations Melissa, and thank you to everyone who commented.

you don't want to miss this...

Well, today is the day. The day that I wish I could just skip over. I usually look forward to October 13th each and every year, but not this year. October 13th is my birthday and this year I turn 50.

50!

I'm not trying to sound sorry for myself. I'm just trying to be honest here. I consider myself a positive person and I'm not going to spend the day feeling down, but it's not a birthday I've been looking forward to. 50 just feels so old. 49 didn't and I'm sure 51 won't bother me as much.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do today but I've got a couple of ideas. I need to do something that says, "you're 50 and you're fabulous!" (thanks mom)


I thought of one way to lift my spirits... have a give-away. Giving gifts always makes me feel good, so one of you can be the lucky recipient of a special 50th birthday gift (you won't be disappointed). All you have to do is leave a comment here on this post telling me how you would or did spend your 50th birthday. I'll randomly pick one commenter Wednesday night and post the name along with how I did end up spending the day on Thursday.

random

(+) I heard this story this morning and I don't know if I find it heart warming or disturbing. It seems that a four year old boy left his home at 3:00 in the morning, walked across six lanes of traffic to get to a dollar store. He first tried one door, but it was locked. He then went to the second door and much to his surprise -or not - it was unlocked. He walked right in, tripping a silent alarm, and headed straight for the toys (my assumption). When the police arrived, they found him sitting among the toys, playing to his heart's content. (source)

(+) We have been experiencing frigid weather here in the Denver area. We broke a record the other day with an overnight low of minus nineteen. That was Monday and we didn't get above 5 degrees that day. Brrrr! It's warmed up a little each day since and we hit mid thirties today. It looks like we're getting out of Dodge just in time. The state will go into the deep freeze again this weekend. I'll be thinking about that as I'm walking on the beach in California [smile].

(+) I've entered a give-away over at Mile High Mamas that I would really love to win. They're giving away a Wii system along with the Wii Fit program. I've been hearing a lot about this system and the Fit program lately and I think it would be something I'd use. Anyways, I get extra entries by mentioning the give-away on my blog. So that's what I'm doing. Even though my chances of winning diminish if anyone reading this goes over and enters themselves. Oh well. It's all luck anyways.
Contest ends at noon, December 20th. For more info, go here.

blogging answers

Thank you to everyone for your questions and helping me celebrate my one year blogging anniversary. It will take me a few posts to answer all the questions, but I will do my best to get through them this week.

There were 23 of you who asked at least one question. I am disqualifying one - my brother (sorry, bro!), therefore 22 names went into the hat. And the name drawn was Amber @ Crazy Bloggin' Canuck. Congratulations Amber. I will email you today and get your prize out to you this week. And I will start with your question.

How did you choose your blog's name? My very first post explains my love for the sun and how I've always equated the sun with God. It also answers this question in more detail than I'm giving here. Shorter answer; from the first time I heard the John Denver song, Sunshine on my Shoulders, I felt a connection with the words. In a way, I took on this song as my personal anthem. So when I started this blog, it seemed like a natural name for it. Added note; I want this song played at my funeral.

Just Mom asked: Why do you blog? I've always said that I blog for two reasons. One, to allow myself a place and opportunity to voice all the thoughts that ramble around in my head and to record interesting things I come across. Two, by doing the first, I'm hoping that the generations that follow me will be able to read my words (I plan to publish it on a yearly basis) and know who I was and what life was like for our family.

Those are the main reasons. But I have come to enjoy the friendships I've made and therefore have found another reason to blog and comment others, and that is to grow and nurture those friendships, as well as make new friends.

Heidi Jo asked: Do you ever question whether or not blogging is a 'good' thing? Yes, I do. I can see where one can get addicted to it and I don't think addiction to anything is good. As in everything, balance is key.

I think for moms with young kids it can be a double edged sword. I think it's a great thing because they can record their everyday life for future reference and enjoyment. How I wish I had the opportunity to blog when my kids were young. I would have taken more of those random shots and included them with a short bit of how my kid flushed a toy down the toilet or drew a pretty picture on the wall. Last July I wrote a post that explains exactly how I feel on this topic.

I would encourage any mother to have a blog for this reason. But if a mom doesn't set limits, she could spend too much time on the computer and then the kids, family, and home suffers. Obviously, that's not good. I've admired moms who have openly said that the blogging was taking over and they needed to pull back.

I also think blogging is a good thing because it give readers the opportunity to learn about, and from, fellow bloggers. The more we understand or can see things from a different perspective, the more compassionate and understanding we are of people in general. How can that be anything but a good thing.

more answers to come....

one year

Happy ONE YEAR
blogging anniversary to me!

If you haven't already asked me a question and therefor qualifying yourself for a grand give away, please do so now. I'd actually take questions into tomorrow since I'm not doing anything else with this post and won't randomly draw the winner until tomorrow.

Read this post for more information on the give away.

sound familiar?

Someone sent this to me and I thought it was worthy of sharing.



And if you didn't read yesterday's post, please scroll down and do so. It gives you the details of my blogaversary - or bloggoversary, or blog-a-versery, or however you want to say it - GIVE AWAY.

Ask me a question, or two or three, and leave it for me in a comment or email, but do so by 9:00 central time on Saturday because that's my deadline. And it's firm... you snooze, you lose. okay, I'm kidding. If you're a minute or two late, I'll still take your entry to the wonderful give away =)

The prize? I told you, scroll down to yesterday's post to get all the details. Thank you.

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link of the day:
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~usgenweb/special/ppcs/ppcs.html

what is your question?

Check out more Wordless Wednesday here.

->And scroll down for a great give away<-





Guess what this upcoming Saturday is? It's my blogaversary. I started this particular blog one year ago, on April 5, 2007. So I'm thinking I need to do something to celebrate the occasion. Don't you think?

So, I'm going to have a give away. But you have to do something to earn the opportunity to win this prize. You have to ask me a question (minimum of 1, maximum of 3). Ask me anything you wish and I will answer them all here. You can leave your question(s) in the comment section or email me. You have between today and Saturday to do this.

Oh, the prize, you ask! Part of it will be a $20 gift card to your choice of either Target or Amazon. This will be added to a few other little goodies. I will put all participant's names in a hat and draw one at random and announce the winner on Sunday.

I look forward to all of your questions but this is really my way of saying thank you to all of you who stop by, read, and leave comments. I have enjoyed getting to know you and appreciate your ongoing kindness. And after 311 posts, I look forward to the next year of posts, comments, and even more blogging friendships.

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link of the day:
http://www.20q.net/

and the winner is...

ChristiS

ChristiS of Blah Blah Blog is the winner of my give-away. Her comment was #48 of 73 comments. I am so happy to be sending her a copy of The Shack. Congratulations Christi. This is a book I wish everyone would read.


on another note...

I've added this button to my sidebar. It represents a concept that I can whole heartedly support - blogging without obligation. I encourage you to check out the link for the thoughts behind the concept as well as a variety of buttons you can use on your blog, if you would like. Read these reasons for not feeling obligated to blog and see if you don't agree.

-> Because you shouldn't have to look at your blog like it is a treadmill.

-> Because its okay to just say what you have to say. If that makes for a long post, fine. Short post, fine. Frequent post, fine. Infrequent post, fine.

-> Because its okay to not always be enthralled with the sound of your own typing.

-> Because sometimes less is more.

-> Because only blogging when you feel truly inspired keeps up the integrity of your blog.

-> Because they are probably not going to inscribe your stat, link and comment numbers on your tombstone.

-> Because for most of us blogging is just a hobby. A way to express yourself and connect with others. You should not have to apologize for lapses in posts. Just take a step back and enjoy life, not everything you do has to be "bloggable".

-> Because if you blog without obligation you will naturally keep your blog around longer, because it won't be a chore. Plus, just think you will be doing your part to eradicate post pollution. One post at a time. . .

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link of the day:
http://www.moo.com/

a bloggy giveaway

THIS POST WILL REMAIN AT THE TOP OF ALL POSTS UNTIL SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2nd.
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO READ MY MOST CURRENT POST

It's time for a give-away. Check out all the participants here for a chance to win some great give-aways and consider participating yourself.

I posted here and here about a book I just finished reading and I would love to give away to someone. The Shack has such a great message in such a simple and enjoyable story. I consider it one of those life changing books.

The only thing I ask is that if you're not interested in reading it, please don't leave a comment. Give someone who is interested in reading it more of a chance to win. If it's a book you think you would like to read (and then pass on), just leave me a comment.

bracelets galore

Kelli hosts Show & Tell Friday each and every Friday. If you have anything to share, you're invited to join in the fun.


Before my birthday, back in October, I didn't usually wear a bracelet. I have a couple of nice ones and a couple more cheap ones and I'd ocassionally wear one, but not on a regular basis. But then I received a very nice bracelet as a birthday gift from one of my good friends. I love it and have worn it just about every day since.

Now I have even more bracelets to choose from each day. And I love each one of them.

This one was made and sent to me by Christine of From Dates to Diapers and Beyond right before Christmas. I won it in her Fall Y'all Bloggy Giveaway. It's beautiful Christine. Thank you very much.



This one was in my stocking, given to me by Don. I tried to get close enough so you could read what it says. It says Life is a journey, not a destination - a saying I truly believe in and use a lot. I love it. Thanks Dear.


Danielle got interested in beading a year or so ago and enjoys making bracelets. She made some from friends and one for her cousin. When I saw this design, I told her how much I liked it and she then made me one. You did a great job, Dani. thank you.


And here are two strands from a total of five. These are the bracelets my sister and I picked out for the both of us. Each strand is unique and yet they all look very similar. We both have two and we wear them as a reminder of each other and to be praying for each other. I'm trying to wear these every day but on my other arm, along with my watch. I love the look of these bracelets and what they stand for. Thanks Karen.


If you'd like to see what other people are sharing today, head on over to Kelli's place.

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link of the day:
http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/2007/12/blog_advice

facts, figures, and winners

Fall, Y'all bloggy giveaway is over and done with. Here's some facts and figures I'd like to share with you.

As of this writing, there were 665 links on the Mr. Linky for giveaways. I say links instead of bloggers because some people screwed up on their links and had to re-enter, making for two links for one giveaway. Or, some bloggers had more than one giveaway on their blog so they entered a link for each day or giveaway. Still, 665 is impressive. That's a lot of giveaways, and a lot of cool stuff.

I left comments for around 60 giveaways - and guess what!? I won something! That's right, I'm one winner out of, well... a lot of winners (don't know exactly how many). I won a handmade beaded bracelet from Christine of From Dates, to Diapers, and Beyond. Now all I have to do is figure out what kind of bracelet and what color beads. Thank you Christine. I'm thrilled.

I had 230 comments to my giveaway. There were a lot of people who wanted such a good movie. So, without further delay, I'll let you know who the winners were.

Holly @ 2 Kids and Tired
and
Sarah @ Sassyfrazz

Thanks to everyone who left a comment and entered to win the movies. Let me just say one more thing about the movie, The Ultimate Gift. If you haven't already seen it, or read the book, please go out and rent or buy this movie. It has such a powerful message. One that could change the world if people realized what was truly important in life. It's an excellent movie. And if you do go and watch it, send me an email or comment letting me know you did and what you thought of it. I'd love to hear from you.

Lastly, this falls under the "fact" part of the post; I left my giveaway post as a sticky post that stayed at the top of all of my other posts. I don't know how many readers knew or didn't know that I continued to post during the week. I just wanted to let everyone know that and that there may be three posts that you didn't get a chance to look at. A couple of them have some funny, funny pictures =]

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link of the day:
http://www.mywhitecloud.com/momandbaby/index.jsp

fall, y'all giveaway

This is my first attempt at a "give-away." Shannon at Rocks in my Dryer and Bloggy Giveaways.com is hosting another carnival of giveaways. I remember seeing her summer version and not really understanding all of it until it was over and done with. I didn't want to miss the boat this time.

This will be a sticky post and remain at the top of my other posts for this week. Make sure you scroll down to see what else I have to say.

Here's what I'm giving away...


I wanted something that reflected me or my blog. I had a few ideas but settled on this because I love movies and this is not only a current movie (DVD released a few weeks ago), but one of my all-time favorites. I love it so much that I just can't give one away, so... I'm giving away TWO!

Here's a description of the movie: When his wealthy grandfather dies, trust fund baby Jason Stevens anticipates a big inheritance. Instead, his grandfather has devised a crash course on life -- twelve gifts designed to challenge Jason in improbable ways, sending him on a journey of self-discovery and forcing him to determine what is most important in life: money or happiness. This movie is rated PG and is great for all ages. And let me add this; if you don't win this movie, I highly recommend you going out and renting it. You won't be sorry.

All you have to do is comment this post. And if you've seen the movie, comment how much you liked it. I'd love to hear if this movie meant as much to other people as it did me. And even though you've seen the movie, I'll still include you in the drawing =]. Please only enter one comment and I will only be able to accept US and Canadian bloggers because of postage. I will close comments at midnight (mountain time) on Friday, Nov. 2nd. I will then randomly pick two winners and announce those two winners on my Saturday or Sunday post.

Now, you need to click on this link to check out the very loooonng list of other bloggers who are giving something away. There are some really nice give-aways out there. On second thought, don't check out the other give-aways. You'll only reduce my chances of winning.

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link of the day:
http://www.tribbit.com/