Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Today is a new day... or is it?

Good News...the "Groundhog's Day" effect has been broken!  Eh...sort of...





Have you ever just been stuck? 

There is a rut that you just can not seem to break out of?  



Trust me, I think we have ALL been there at one time or another and it is time to 
BREAK FREE
and run, fly, get out of dodge!

Life is full of unexpected things, so why, as a Mom, is it so hard to leave the schedules, the timelines, the "routine" behind, even for a day

I am what you call "An organised Mom."  I have, um, let's call them "DUTIES" that I like to put in place to help me maintain a lower stress level

Hubby calls this the "OCD Tornado" and while I try to take this term lightly, I guess I do see his point.  


Mornings are hectic in the Amstutz house. I get up early, get ready (where I am going is still a mystery!).  Then I get up Miss Six, get her teeth brushed, dressed and hair done.  Then it is breakfast time.  While she is eating I am busy getting the ice pack in her already packed lunch and checking her already loaded backpack to ensure we have not forgotten anything for the day. She finishes eating, she plays Disney Infinity and I try to knock some work out real quick

It is now seven fifty seven- exactly

It is shoes on, coat on, hat on, gloves on, scarf on- grab that backpack, let's head out to our already pre-heated car where we pull to the end of the gravel drive, between the two pillars and wait...wait...wait..until we see that yellow sparkle.  Then it is unloading and waiting some more for it to come to the end of the drive. 

One kid down.  One to go!


Everything is precise. Honestly....it is exhausting!  I get some what of a break when I get Miss Three out the door with my Parents. Its all business then.  

At precisely two, I head out to pick up Miss Three, which is a one hour tour.  Then back to the home-base to get Miss Three situated and wait for Miss Six to come at four twenty one on the dot. 

From there it is a little laid back...after homework is done, and the lunch box is re-packed, the girls play. 


I busy myself with finishing laundry, picking up and getting clothes and backpack ready for the next day. Then, dinner promptly at five o'clock and onto bath at six forty until seven fifteen. The girls get dressed in pj's, play until seven forty. Books are read, tuck them in and it is good night

Routine. Routine. Routine.



Exhausting!


Yes...the tornado just passed through!  



To look at it through this reality is kind of discerning!  I mean, I have great kids and I thank this tight ship for that, but the challenge I have is on the weekends, I have been working very hard to be more lax.  The problem is that these are the times that Daddy-o is present and he doesn't want crazy, high energy kids who talk a lot around


Catch 22!  


I love to hear little voices
, I love them expressing themselves and having FUN, even with the tight ship that I run.  Good behavior is rewarded with fun things




Last night, they were great at playing, no fighting, etc. So before bath, we went upstairs and they love the giant work-out ball but I don't typically let them play with it because it is literally bigger than Miss Three! But, last night, they asked nicely and got to wear themselves out...carefully, of course...bouncing and rolling on the ball!  





I might be strict about time, but I love to see them having fun and it is in these times that I do run late and guess what...hell doesn't freeze over- who knew!



So, I am breaking my routine...slowly though.  

It is scary! 

We have lived on routine for six years now. Whoa!  I probably have lived on routine far before that, in one way or another. 





I am ready for Spring and Summer to arrive, outside air and time gets..or feels just a little bit longer. 



Do you have a routine for your kids?  

Your life? 

How does it work out for you? 

How do you break down time? 

How do you break free?  



I would love to hear from you!  Feedback is what keeps me going!!!




Have a great rest of the week all! 

~Kel

Monday, February 16, 2015

Freebie's on the Book Menu







1. merrick
Merrick
by Claire Cray
New York, 1799: the future looks bright for the charming young book dealer William Lacy, until a raucous night of drinking lands him in shackles. He narrowly avoids the brutal prison system thanks to his mother, who negotiates with the judge to secure him a five year apprenticeship in lieu of a prison sentence.
FREE!Original Price: $0.99
Get this deal:Amazon
Barnes & Noble





2. beyond

Beyond Anger
by Shambhala Publications
Excerpts from some of our books from a variety of Buddhist traditions that encapsulate values of love and nonviolence, which we can all practice ourselves.

FREE!
Get this deal:Amazon
Barnes & Noble



3. pixie

A Pixie Called Pudding
by Travis Flynn
On an obscure island in the North Atlantic Ocean, a cheerful pixie named Pudding is about to make history by launching the world's first submarine. Unfortunately, the maiden voyage, which should be an easy cruise around the ocean for the young inventor and her three friends, quickly turns into an unexpected adventure. 
FREE!Original Price: $0.99
Get this deal:Amazon
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4. garden
The Garden on Sunset
by Martin Turnbull
Right before talking pictures slug Tinsel Town in the jaw, a luminous silent screen star converts her private estate into the Garden of Allah Hotel. The lush grounds soon become a haven for Hollywood hopefuls to meet, drink, and revel through the night. George Cukor is in the pool, Tallulah Bankhead is at the bar, and Scott Fitzgerald is sneaking off to a bungalow with Sheilah Graham.
FREE!Original Price: $3.99
Get this deal:Amazon
Barnes & Noble


5. candle
The Candle Star
by Michelle Isenhoff
Emily Preston has plans for her life; plans in direct oppostion to her parents' wishes. After a moment of high spirits - a tantrum her mother called it - she is shipped off to stay with her Uncle Isaac. But his Detroit hotel is nothing like the beautiful plantation she has always known.
FREE!Original Price: $3.99
Get this deal:Amazon
Barnes & Noble







1. Alterworld by d rus

AlterWorld

By D. Rus

A strange pandemic is turning video gamers into characters in the games they play, sentencing them to eternity in a virtual world. For terminally ill Max, leaving his physical body and cheating death is an alluring proposition — and his escape presents unimaginable freedom and danger. Over 200 five-star ratings on Goodreads!

Free!

Originally: $2.99
Get Deal:
Amazon
Deal ends: February 16
Category: Fantasy

2. Modern women by ruth harris

Modern Women

By Ruth Harris

From a New York Times bestselling author comes a “funny, sad,” and “vivid” novel (Cleveland Plain Dealer). Amid the energy and tumult of the 1960s, three unforgettable women forge their own paths in life and love.

Free!

Originally: $3.49
Get Deal:
Amazon B & N
Deal ends: February 28
Category: Women's Fiction



3. Heart of clay by shanna hatfield

Heart of Clay

By Shanna Hatfield

Callan’s life seems perfect, but her heart is in a dark place. Her husband Clay yearns to recapture the love they once shared. But that will mean uncovering a secret from Callan’s past — a secret so painful it could rip them apart…

Free!

Originally: $2.99
Get Deal:
Amazon B & N
Deal ends: Unknown
Category: Christian Fiction


4. Marked by kaylea cross

Marked

By Kaylea Cross

FBI Special Agent Jake Evers has one regret: letting Rachel Granger slip through his fingers. But now that she’s being hunted by a domestic terror cell, he’ll do anything to keep her safe — and win her heart again.

Free!

Originally: $2.99
Get Deal:
Amazon B & N
Deal ends: February 22
Category: Romantic Suspense

5. Hollywood assassin by mz kelly

Hollywood Assassin

By MZ Kelly

Detective Kate Sexton is having a rough time. Her ex-husband cheated on her, her mother sees dead presidents, and her dog is out of control. Despite all that, can Kate solve a cold case — and avoid the serial killer who’s stalking her?

Free!

Originally: $0.99
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Amazon
Deal ends: Unknown
Category: Mysteries



6. Stateline by dave stanton

Stateline

By Dave Stanton

When a billionaire’s son is murdered on his wedding night, Dan Reno is offered a massive bounty to find the killer. Reno needs the reward, but the investigation soon turns deadly, fraught with crooked cops and shady dealings. Will he solve the crime or become the next victim?

Free!

Originally: $3.99
Get Deal:
Amazon
Deal ends: February 18
Category: Mysteries




7. 18 things by jamie ayres


18 Things

By Jamie Ayres

Olga is falling apart, so her therapist gives her an assignment: Complete 18 tasks before the end of her 18th year. She tries out for cheerleading and goes on her first date — but there’s more to the list than Olga ever expected… “Touching” (New York Timesbestselling author Jaime Rush).

Free!

Originally: $4.99
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Amazon
Deal ends: February 17
Category: Teen and Young Adult

8. A handful of pebbles by sara alexi

A Handful of Pebbles

By Sara Alexi

Having traveled to a remote Greek village for her youngest son’s wedding, Sarah finds herself on an unforgettable journey of change and understanding. An emotional novel filled with gorgeous landscapes and rich emotional depth.

Free!

Originally: $3.99
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Amazon
Deal ends: February 18
Category: Women's Fiction


9. How to find a job when there are no jobs by paul j rega


How to Find a Job

By Paul J. Rega

An experienced executive recruiter provides fresh, effective strategies for finding employment in a weak economy. Learn an insider’s secrets for building a network, crafting a stand-out resume, giving successful interviews, and much more.

Free!

Originally: $6.99
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Deal ends: February 16
Category: Advice and How-To






10. The passion of patrick macneill by virginia kantra

The Passion of Patrick MacNeill

By Virginia Kantra

From a New York Times bestselling author comes a beautifully written romance about new beginnings. When Dr. Kate Sinclair finds herself falling for a young patient’s pilot father, will she trust her professional judgment... or her heart?

Free!

Originally: $3.99
Get Deal:
Amazon B & N
Deal ends: Unknown
Category: Contemporary Romance


11. The three arks by kevin george

The Three Arks

By Kevin George

In this sweeping adventure saga, humans race to build spaceships to flee a rotting Earth. As the end of the world approaches, can Tyler Ainsworth finish his escape craft before it’s too late? And all the while, the secret of Comet Clement looms from above…

Free!

Originally: $0.99
Get Deal:
Amazon
Deal ends: February 17
Category: Action and Adventure









Bonus Books:  

www.amazon.com

Kindling Flames: Gathering Tinder (The Ancient Fire Series Book 1) [Kindle Edition]

Julie Wetzel

Fresh from college and with no real work experience, Victoria Westernly considers herself lucky to land the coveted position of personal assistant to Darien Ritter, the CEO and owner of a multibillion-dollar company. His busy schedule and eccentric ways are enough to keep her on her toes. But, all is not what it seems when she discovers the handsome man employing her just happens to be the most powerful vampire in the area.
This is the first book in The Ancient Fire Series. It is part one of two.

Kindle Price:$0.00





A Crime Collection - 5 Heart-Pumping Mystery Thrillers Boxed Set [Kindle Edition]


Five first-in-a-series mystery novels by up-and-coming authors Betta Ferrendelli, R.S. Guthrie, Simon Jenner, Emily Kimelman and Renée Pawlish. These spellbinding stories, filled with twists and turns, murder, intrigue and suspense with captivating and unforgettable characters, have been reviewed more than 1,600 times and have earned more than 750 five-star reviews. 

*** MORE THAN 750 COMBINED FIVE-STAR REVIEWS *** 

THE FRIDAY EDITION - Betta Ferrendelli 

A beautiful Assistant District Attorney falls from her balcony to her demise on Christmas Eve. Police suspect suicide, but the DA’s sister, newspaper reporter Samantha Church, doesn’t buy it. Can she find the killer and write the biggest story of her career before it’s too late and she becomes the killer’s next target? 


Kindle Price:$0.00




Blue Fall (The Tournament, #1) (The Tournament Series) [Kindle Edition]

B. B. Griffith 

**The entire Tournament Trilogy is on sale for $4.95! A Kindle top 50 bestseller! (amazon.com/dp/B00HVQIHFG)** 

If you knew about the Tournament, you'd know why they want it kept secret. People don't like to hear that state-sponsored war games are going on under their noses, in their cities, and on their streets. The world isn't ready to know that the most powerful among us can shape the future by wagering on these fights. People wouldn't understand if they learned that teams in the Tournament have the freedom to do almost anything, anywhere, to win. 

The Tournament was supposed to be the perfect game, and the perfect secret. Frank Youngsmith, a hapless insurance agent, was supposed to be a nobody, none the wiser. But sometimes things just don't work out like they're supposed to. When Frank stumbles into the dark world of the Tournament when the game is on, it's up to him to expose the secret...or die trying. 

Blue Fall is book 1 of 4 in the Tournament series


Kindle Price:$0.00








Top 5 reasons why I don't CHEAT



With Valentine's Day just passing, and a lovely dinner @SmokeyBonesBBQ, it seems only fitting that the strange and unusual choice of conversation naturally be, why I don't cheat. 

The conversation actually happened quite casually.  My phone started vibrating on the table.  I took a peek and noticed that Hubby had tagged us at the restaurant for dinner. (no kids!)  Then, he joking (or so he says) tells me he tagged me to let my boyfriend know that I am unavailable tonight.  This is a running joke that we have in our house, especially due to the fact that he works for an Automobile manufacturer on second shift, so we are usually passing one another.  But, I let this comment linger.  I take it as a joke, of course, but it made me think about the why's in my life.  

Why don't I cheat?  

It really was a deep question because, honestly, I have never even thought about it, it has never crossed my mind, not once.  It became a topic that I brought to the table talk convo. and he found my answers similar to his own, which was interesting and, let's face it, so sweet.  

So, this brings me back to my blog, today, to share with you all!




Have you ever stopped and asked yourself why?
  
Why you do this or why you do that? 

Have you ever asked why you don't? 



Crazy concept, right!   Well, read below for why we don't cheat!



#1: Most importantly, because we love each other and do not want to hurt one another.  

I know...not a great, thoughtful answer, right.  But, it is the truth.  Love between us is deeper than just a feeling today.  I can be made as hell, hurt, angered and not want to utter a single word to him, but I still love him with all I have.  I would break down my betrayed feelings if he reached out and hugged me.  If he took my hand in the heart of my anger, I would crumble and find peace.  It is just the wacky way our relationship is tied.


#2:  There is no one else I would want to be intimate with.





Yea, maybe I am facing some self-esteem issues, but I think it is beyond that body image that I see within myself.  Intimacy is very different from being naked with someone.  I think it is best said that your soul mate is the one that can still make you nervous.  I believe this to be true. 









#3: Intimacy with my Husband is beyond SEX





There is this crazy connection that happens between my Hubby and I, as if we become one and it is pure and it is a bond that only we share.  I don't want to have sex.  Intimacy is beyond banging.  It is when we are the only two people in the room and feels like we can see beyond each others souls into the vulnerability that makes us who we are.  It is something that is impossible to explain, let alone understand, unless you are experiencing the same feelings. 




#4: It would break bonds that have taken thirteen years of faithfulness to build.

I am a believer in God and understanding my path from him.  I first saw my Hubby when I was fourteen years old, a freshman in a big, new school.  The moment that I saw him, I knew something about him was meant for me.  It literally took until I was nineteen/twenty to cross his path again.  It happened all over again when we did.  God had thrown clues out to him along the way, unbeknownst to me. When the stars aligned, we were together and it was a home that we built, children that we made together.  I am just wise enough to know that times can not always be good. We have to go through the good, bad and ugly to grow and early on, we set an understanding in our relationship that we wanted to make this work, no matter what obstacles crossed our path.  I think that that is the bond that was created and it is up to us to continue to maintain.


#5: Because he is the one.




At the end of the day, there is no one else.  He is the one for me.  It is just that simple. 






Now, do me a favor, ask yourself this same question:  

Why don't you cheat on your Spouse?  

What is your Top Five?













Please feel free to share!  Comments are always welcomed or e-mail me if you have some interesting topics you want me to dive into!   KAM0900@yahoo.com  use SUBJECT: Blogs Topics.

Saturday, February 7, 2015

In 5..4...3....2....1

Are you ready?  You know what I am talking about...it is mid-winter (in Ohio) and snow is on the ground, the chill is in the air and the blues are all around....it's time for a MUCH NEEDED BREAK!

I am going to be taking a week off.  After our Writing Challenge, I need to refuel! I will return in a week and have lots of stuff to pass on.  I loved the writing challenge and am thinking of taking it back up for another month...what do YOU think? 


Let me know!!

Enjoy some R & R!  You ALL deserve it!


~KEL

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