Back Home: September 2008

Monday, September 29, 2008

Thank you to my very thoughtful Fall Swap person!

I left my house this morning at 10:00 with Margaux and Harry Jack and spent the next 5 1/2 hours running all sorts of errands. I returned home exhausted, at 3:30 after picking up Maddie and Dan Dan from school, and found this huge package on my front porch.

Instantly my exhaustion turned into delight as I quickly unloaded my truck of groceries and children and ran to get my package, from my Fall Swap person, Inger. (I blackened out the addresses.)

As I opened it, I got so excited when I saw how it was packaged.

VERY cute Inger!

It was stuffed with nicely wrapped gifts.

F-Fun Fall Food

Inger gave me some yummy cookies and 7 incredible recipes that I will for sure be making! Very creative Inger. All the recipes sound so good and include:

Aztec Quiche

Hot Fudge

Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Taco Soup

Poppy Seed Chicken

Chicken Enchiladas

Special K Bars

A-An Adorable Pumpkin

L- Leaf Candle Holder (smells great)
L-Lovely Letters for the Logan Family

Again, very creative!

Then, Inger surprised me with a very nice thank you note and gift for hosting the Fall Swap. She made this cute stationary holder out of a pretty place mat. Very nice, love the stationary too!

THEN, if that wasn't enough Inger remembered my sweet children and sent them 2 books, some pumpkin gummies, and a cute little tote bag that will come in handy when we go to and from the library!

Thank you, thank you Inger! You were so thoughtful in your giving and so kind to my family! We read the books to the children tonight and they loved them. I am sure we will break into the candy and cookies tomorrow!

I am sorry about the shipping cost. Yikes! I didn't even think of shipping costs to and from California. Again, thank you !

And, by the way, were you an elementary school teacher major in college? Your writing is VERY neat-teachery!

For Those of You With Little Girls

I just found another cute site in the back of my Cookie magazine and wanted to pass it along to those of you who have little girls, ages birth to 2 years. For cute little ruffle bottom bloomers and other cute outfits, click on Ruffle Butts.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

The First Gift

I'm so excited I can hardly type!! The first Fall Swap gift has safely arrived to its person. Go to Jennifer's blog to see the sweet gift Dolly gave her!

Jennifer, great job posting about this! Good pictures! Great descriptions!

Now let's all hold up our right thumb to the computer screen and say together, "To the gift giver!" Way to go Dolly Mama!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

and the Shofar Blew

Somewhat back to my original post:
I just finished reading this book last night. One word. Incredible!

I had posted a different post earlier this morning about this book, but then as the day went on I decided to keep my opinions about this book to myself and just say it was an incredible read. It is never easy talking negative about God's ministry and although I didn't think I was, I did not want to give anyone the wrong idea.

I say this book is incredible because for me it was so validating of so many feelings I have. At times I wanted to shout out, "No kidding!" and "You are so right!" to the writer, who did her research well.

This book does take a few chapters to get into, but once you do, you see what happens to so many ministry families when the stresses of church set in. The questions we have all asked about moral fall's within the ministry: How could that happen? He's a pastor! She's/he's a pastor's kid! are clearly answered. When you work in a church there is no separation from work and worship. It is a constant and can take a toll on the family if not balanced properly.

I am so thankful that Danny is not like the husband in this book. He is my best friend and I enjoyed sharing this book with him. I wish we would have read it together. It would have been a great ministry couples devotional. It was therapeutic. I learned. It made me stronger in what I feel and believe. And, more understanding of others.

It's a great book. Give it a few chapters to get into. By the way, my favorite part is the tongue lashing Paul receives from his mother in the last couple chapters in the book. Incredible!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Happy Last Day of Summer!

Happy last day of Summer!

Normally we put away the white shoes by now and pull out the fall color outfits and shoes. But here in Florida, thankfully we get to wear the same wardrobe just about all year.

Have a happy Sunday with your family celebrating this last summer day of 2008. As for us, we are heading to the beach tonight for church!

P.S. Thanks Caroline for all the schweet hand me downs! I promise to stay away from the sharpies! Love, Margaux

Friday, September 19, 2008

Free Disney Admission On Your Birthday in 2009

Don't laugh at me, but I just wanted to let you know that Disney is giving free admission to any of their parks, on your birthday during 2009. Children 0-2 years old are already free, but anyone 3 years old and up is FREE on their birthday. All you need is a valid ID and proof of your birthday.

So remember this when you plan your 2009 vacation. Hey, the savings is gas money to get there! Well, at least half a tank.

Click here to read more about it.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Let The Swap Begin

All18 names are placed in a bowl. Each name is drawn out one at a time. The first person drawn gives to the second person drawn. The second person drawn, gives to the third person drawn, and so on. The last person drawn gives to the first person drawn.

Drum Roll Please!
Heeeere's the list!

Nothing was rigged. It worked out great.
Just in case you can't read it:

Angela gives to Dolly
Dolly gives to Jennifer
Jennifer gives to Sara
Sara gives to Donna
Donna gives to Nikki
Nikki gives to Inger
Inger gives to Denise
Denise gives to Suzanne
Suzanne gives to Dayna
Dayna gives to Ashleigh
Ashleigh gives to Caroline
Caroline gives to Julie
Julie gives to Jenius
Jenius gives to Hannah
Hannah gives to Noel
Noel gives to Robin
Robin gives to Jenny
Jenny gives to Angela

Remember the success of any future seasonal swaps and participants depends on how good you do on this swap. No pressure, but hey, make it good. Presentation is all part of it.

If you want, blog about your gift once you receive it (don't forget to take a picture), and don't forget to be "Sweet and Southern" and write the Thank You note if you don't blog, to let your giver know you received it. Also, FYI to all private blogs--make sure your giver has access to your blog if you blog about your gift.

Now, for those who do not know the person you are giving too, I will try to give a little 411 on them. For starters, here is a quick picture of some of the bloggers, at my sister Dolly's baby shower a couple weekends ago.

Left to right, top to bottom: Kristi (not playing), Jennifer, Suzanne, Hannah (aka HPS), Ashleigh, Donna, Me, Dolly, Christy (not playing).

Side note: we bloggers met Jennifer (and Kristi) for the first time at the baby shower. See how friendships can get started! It's just like we have always known them, seriously!

Dolly- my sister #4, due to have her first baby, baby Michael Jr. very soon. Very sweet, and very friendly. A good person to invite to a party! Age-31. Her blog is private but I will see if I can pull some strings and let you in. :)

Sara- my sister in law, married to Danny's youngest brother. Very sweet and quiet! (Not as outspoken as me.) She is an RN and has a beautiful 6 month old baby girl. Age 24, I think.

Inger-Lives is sunny California. Nikki, I think your father may know her family, and family ministry. I'll give you the last name when I email you her address. Inger has 3 little girls. She is a blog commenter and came across our blogs somehow. There's got to be a connection somewhere. Inger did you go to Lynchburg Christian Academy? Just wondering.

Me-Well, Inger,what you read is what you get. Hopefully you know me somewhat by my blog!

Caroline-Is from England and has a LOVELY accent. Recently moved to the Queen City with her hubby and two little boys. Went to LCA and Liberty. Age (guessing) 39.

Julie- The most incredible sewer in all the world! Lives not too far from you Caroline. She used to live in the burg, where I met her and became friends. She has two sweet children, girl and a boy. Very funny and very friendly! Another good person to invite to a party. Age 38.

Noel-One of our burg friends. She went to LCA and Liberty with my and my sisters. Nikki and Jenny M.'s older sister. One of the Top Dawgs at World Help. Has 2 boys, who go to school with Dayna's children. Age 36.

Robin- Goes to my church. Is an RN and has a sweet baby girl. Likes to sew. Originally from Kentucky and moved here with her hubby. She would fit in great in the Queen City!

Jenny- A Lynchburg friend. She and her older sisters went to school with me and my sisters. She has a little boy and I think just recently decided to be a full time stay at home mommy. Age 28.

Angela- A staff wife at our church. I think her hubby is now the longest employed staff member for our church. She has 2 sweet little boys. She has ties to the burg, as she and her hubby lived there for while when he attended LU. Jenny, her hubby may know of your dad from LU days.

Okay that was hard. If anyone has any other questions about their person, just comment or email me. I will start to email each of you to give you the last name and home address of your person. This may take a few hours. Hopefully by tonight I will have emailed all of you!

Thanks for playing! Have fun!

Monday, September 15, 2008

Almost Ready to Swap

Okay girlies. Below are the names of those who are in on Fall Swap. There are two of you that I think are in but need confirmation. I, because of my pregnancy brain, am not sure based on your comment in the Fall Swap post.

Anyway, just confirm that you are in. I will be getting ready to post the list Wednesday evening. I will also try to give a little 411 on each person so you can learn a little about them. I will email you with the name and address of your person too.

Oh, and if anyone else still wants in. Let me know asap!

Jennifer

Donna
Nikki
Dolly
Caroline
Angela D.
Denise
Ashleigh
Dayna
Julie
Jan-a.k.a. Jenius
Inger
Noel
Hannah
Jenny M.
Sara
Robin
Suzanne

Sunday, September 14, 2008

SNL Palin Clinton Skit

I just had to delete and rewrite this post due to youtube playing something NBC/Universal had the rights to. (Youtube had to take it off their site.)

Anyway, last night there was a funny SNL political skit for the opening season premier. If you want to see it, click here. It is funny! There are a few crude comments made in the skit. I want to just let you know so no one is offended.

Go McPalin!!!!!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Fall Swap

Have any of you heard of a Fall Swap? It's a lot like a gift exchange. For a Fall Swap, you buy 4 little gifts for your person, one gift representing each letter in the word FALL. I think the idea is to be crafty, but right now in my life, I don't have time to be crafty. I am thinking along the line of being creative with idea's of what could respresent each letter of the word FALL.

So if you're interested in being a part if a Fall Swap, here are the details. Oh, and also, I need at least **6 known bloggers/**known commenters, besides my sisters and mother, to be a part of this to make it work. So come on and have some fun. Don't be afraid that you may not know the person you're buying for. It's all for fun and getting to know your fellow blogger/commenter.

Sign Up: Sign up by emailing me your name and home address, at dlogan7@verizon.net by Wednesday, Sept.17.

Send Out: Send out FALL gift no later then Friday, October 3.

Budget: Try to keep total gift under $25, INCLUDING shipping. ( I hope this will be possible.)

Blog/Thank You Note: If you want, blog about your gift when you receive it, OR please remember to send a thank you note to the person who sent it to you.

Be creative, crafty, whatever. Just have fun! I will place the names of all those who sign up in a "hat" and draw out names one at a time. The first person drawn will buy for the second person. The second person, for the third person and so on. The last person drawn will buy for the first person drawn.

I will email everyone ASAP after the closing sign up date and tell you who you are buying for and that persons address. More information will come as the sign up deadline arrives. If you have any questions, just leave a comment.

**known bloggers or commenters means, that someone within the little blog/comment circle we have, has to know you. Sorry. No unknown lurkers allowed.

By the way...

Has anyone received their McCain Palin gear you bought from the site below? I am waiting for my bumper sticker and pink hat. Danny ordered it for me last Thursday and it still has not come.

UPDATE: I want my hat and bumper sticker so bad that I called the company today. They had a recording saying they were basically experiencing high order volume and orders were taking about 5 business days to received--I guess. So, maybe by Friday, we will have our stuff. Good for the high order volume!

Thursday, September 4, 2008

McCain Palin 2008 It's a HOMERUN!

Click here to get your McCain-Palin gear! Cute pink Tshirt!

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

My Silly Commenters! You girls crack me UP!

LONG post! Sorry

You girls are SO funny. I could not believe all the silly comments on my blog this morning when I got up to check my email and blog. Thank you for the laughs! You are all good girls, alll goood girrrrls (said slowly with a proud mama look on my face)!

Okay let me address some of the many comments left on my blog from my Labor Day post:

1. Toll House Cookies: an important part of any trip to a Disney park. Each park sells them. You just need to find out where. Not all cookies sold at Disney are Toll House. Look for the Toll House sign on the Disney menus, then you know you've got the right place. Sadly, Dolly and Donna, we missed out on the cookie this time. Danny and I had planned to get one to eat as we watched the 6:30 Beauty and the Beast show. Wouldn't you know the bakery CLOSED at 4:00. Mental Note: Find out when the bakery that sells THC closes.

2. Weather: It was great. No rain and we had sunshine all day. Of course it is Florida and we are still having summer here so it was hot, but no rain.

3. Our "Duggar" Attire: As far as "our look" I was a site myself as I, "big mama", toted myself, and TLB #5, across Disney's Hollywood Studios pushing a stroller, and DRIPPING of sweat! The bitter sweet news--we still have 2 more Disney park days and 3 more water park days on our Florida residents tickets, to use up before Oct. 26, and "big mama" is just getting bigger! (By the way bless the Duggar's hearts. They must be a site at a theme park--but at least they have taken ALL their children to Disney Jennifer!)

4. Clardy Disney Vaca 2009: I am so excited for you! February is a great time to go! Buy the book Birnbaum's 2008 The Official Guide to the Walt Disney World Resort. Great book and it will answer SO many questions.

5. New Blogger: I have a new blogger on my links. A friend from church started a blog. Check it out! Hammack Happenings.

6. My Top 10 Commenter's! The best sidebar widget ever. Just trying to spur you on ladies!

In closing, below is a little video and picture from our day yesterday. We decided to go to Disney's Hollywood Studios. A few noteworthy things:

*Harry Jack rode Tower of Terror.

*The Little Einstein "real life" Characters are HUGE in real life. Caroline, June says hello!

* I got stuck talking with a Star War's groupie who actually talked like Yoda, (and was proud of it) the whole time. This happened as Margaux and I were waiting for Danny and the children to get off the Star War's ride. Wish I had a video rolling. Definitely blog worthy!

* Within minutes of entering the park, Maddie, Danny, and Harry were asked to be junior directors for the Indiana Jones show. They were THRILLED! Below is a picture and little clip.

In this picture they are each being asked their names and ages. Harry Jack said he was 4! He's only 3. In the clip below they are saying, "Light's, Camera, Action!" Big Mama only got part of it. Cue the Debbie Downer music.