A few weeks ago, I was listening to a local radio station and they were talking about some cool things to check out. Book Bub was mentioned, I, being an avid reader jotted it down and stuck the piece of paper in my purse, only to readdress the paper at a later date. Upon discovering this thing called Book Bub- I was prompted to enter an Email Address and like them on Facebook.
Now, I am OBSESSES. I cant wait to get my email daily! Were talking no books over $2.99. No Joke!
This inspired me to look further and after some research, I found a site called SWEET FREE BOOKS. awesome! I wait for this email even more so than Book Bub!
I have SO many books on Nook AND Kindle that I am never going to have enough time to read them all in my life- and they keep coming - DAILY!
So, I have decided to incorporate this into my BLOG- of course!
My Downloads today, SATURDAY, November 16th, 2013 on KINDLE:
Free - Deer Season by Aaron Stander
Free - In a Small Town (A Small Town Series: Book One) by Marc A DiGiacomo
Free - This Shattered Land (Surviving Dead) by James Cook
Now, I would like to say that I download a Free Kindle book on 9/17/13 - called Maids of Misfortune: A Victorian San Francisco Mystery by M. Louisa Locke.
This book was Amazing! It takes place in the early 1800s and I would BUY this book, that is how good it is. It is NOT a fifty shades book in ANY means. It is strickly mystery and an interesting plot takes you through the complex characters flawlessly. It is definatly on my RECOMMEND list, even if you ahve to pay for it!
Hi! Kel here. Welcome to Life at Gray Gables! I am building the life of my dreams. I am a Wife, a Mom, a Writer, a Dreamer, and an Artist for my soul. Come on in and let's create the life we deserve!
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Christmas.. time.... is fast approaching- have you made your lists yet?
I can not believe how fast the month of November is moving! I was freaking out last night because I have no idea what to get some people in my life, and by no means is my list long!
I think my hardest decisions are going to be for my little misses. My 4 1/2 yo wants everything in all 4 toy books- and I mean everything. I sat down with her to circle things of interest last week and she asked half way through if she could just X through everything she didn't want!
My youngest cant hold her attention long enough to go through the books seriously-so it is just up to me- oh joy! They play with all the same stuff, so basically, it is just pick something and split it down the middle. They each have their own *favorite princess- the 4yo loves Rapunzel and Ariel, the 2 yo loves Belle and Sophia is a split between the 2!
I know that Hubby was looking at the Doc McStuffins station to put all the medical tools from the kit- that is going to be a joint present.
Last year we put John Cena under the tree- wrapped up and gave it to our then 3 yo to open first. Her reaction was the BEST! She threw him, that is how mad she was. We asked her if maybe Santa gave her all boy toys- she was scared to open another present! (Are we cruel parents?)
Our 1 yo at the time LOVED him! She was carrying him around, hitting him so he would say OOH, UGH.. lol. I finally put him away a few months after the holidays- only to find him here, at our new house. I was like, seriously- a needle in a haystack, anyone !
Well, as if that year weren't cruel enough, Hubby thinks that John needs to show up again this year- but maybe inside a wrapped toy? I am so twisted that I like it!
John Cena Tradition, anyone!
I haven't started on the girls and have no idea when I will. I have a bad habit of wanting to give them anything awesome I get - so it takes some control!
I have, however, finished presents for my Big Ones Teachers and the girls at work! GO ME!
I think my hardest decisions are going to be for my little misses. My 4 1/2 yo wants everything in all 4 toy books- and I mean everything. I sat down with her to circle things of interest last week and she asked half way through if she could just X through everything she didn't want!
My youngest cant hold her attention long enough to go through the books seriously-so it is just up to me- oh joy! They play with all the same stuff, so basically, it is just pick something and split it down the middle. They each have their own *favorite princess- the 4yo loves Rapunzel and Ariel, the 2 yo loves Belle and Sophia is a split between the 2!
I know that Hubby was looking at the Doc McStuffins station to put all the medical tools from the kit- that is going to be a joint present.
Last year we put John Cena under the tree- wrapped up and gave it to our then 3 yo to open first. Her reaction was the BEST! She threw him, that is how mad she was. We asked her if maybe Santa gave her all boy toys- she was scared to open another present! (Are we cruel parents?)
Our 1 yo at the time LOVED him! She was carrying him around, hitting him so he would say OOH, UGH.. lol. I finally put him away a few months after the holidays- only to find him here, at our new house. I was like, seriously- a needle in a haystack, anyone !
Well, as if that year weren't cruel enough, Hubby thinks that John needs to show up again this year- but maybe inside a wrapped toy? I am so twisted that I like it!
John Cena Tradition, anyone!
I haven't started on the girls and have no idea when I will. I have a bad habit of wanting to give them anything awesome I get - so it takes some control!
I have, however, finished presents for my Big Ones Teachers and the girls at work! GO ME!
11-16-13- A GREAT DAY to go Shopping!
I just LOVE a little retail therapy and a day to connect with my Mom.
We have been trying to rebuild our relationship, slowly, and by taking a step back, I feel like it has brought out the old Mom, who I have missed for the past two years- since Gray Gables!
There were some, I believe, CONTROL issues going on. This is my side of the story, that is. Words had to be said, time had to be given and, most importantly, SPACE!
Anywhoo- its been a little bit of time and I feel like we might be back on the right path to rebuilding the great relationship we used to have, at one time.
So, today, I had asked if she wanted to go shopping with me and the girls- I have Christmas pictures coming up next weekend (If you book before the 19th at JCP, you get the CD for $49.99- this is great day because it is usually $150!!- I am that crazy person who NEEDS to have our pics) so, we stopped at McD's for chicken nuggets and headed over today. When I get there, my Dad volunteered to take the little Ladies- so we got a free day! (Which Mom and I now owe my Dad! LOL)
Carter's has some great deals going on- in store and online! I got $40 dresses for my girlie's for $20 and I was able to use the 20% coupon from their email also! I also had to get PJ's (yes, everything is matching with this kids!)
Then it was a Bath & Body Works run- because they are right there, after all! Trying Merry Marshmallow this time. I am so disappointed- no more Love, Love, Love... That was my GO TO scent!
Then hit TJ Max (again, right there!) and picked up a cute lighted Christmas bird house for my mantel! My Mom also got me a MOOSE - I frickin LOVE Moose!! Great deals there!
We then HAD to go to Sam's Club. I hate being out of Pepsi!
It was a great day. Thank you Mom for the great memory!
We have been trying to rebuild our relationship, slowly, and by taking a step back, I feel like it has brought out the old Mom, who I have missed for the past two years- since Gray Gables!
There were some, I believe, CONTROL issues going on. This is my side of the story, that is. Words had to be said, time had to be given and, most importantly, SPACE!
Anywhoo- its been a little bit of time and I feel like we might be back on the right path to rebuilding the great relationship we used to have, at one time.
So, today, I had asked if she wanted to go shopping with me and the girls- I have Christmas pictures coming up next weekend (If you book before the 19th at JCP, you get the CD for $49.99- this is great day because it is usually $150!!- I am that crazy person who NEEDS to have our pics) so, we stopped at McD's for chicken nuggets and headed over today. When I get there, my Dad volunteered to take the little Ladies- so we got a free day! (Which Mom and I now owe my Dad! LOL)
Carter's has some great deals going on- in store and online! I got $40 dresses for my girlie's for $20 and I was able to use the 20% coupon from their email also! I also had to get PJ's (yes, everything is matching with this kids!)
Then it was a Bath & Body Works run- because they are right there, after all! Trying Merry Marshmallow this time. I am so disappointed- no more Love, Love, Love... That was my GO TO scent!
Then hit TJ Max (again, right there!) and picked up a cute lighted Christmas bird house for my mantel! My Mom also got me a MOOSE - I frickin LOVE Moose!! Great deals there!
We then HAD to go to Sam's Club. I hate being out of Pepsi!
It was a great day. Thank you Mom for the great memory!
Friday, November 15, 2013
Kids: Elf on the Shelf
Our family is pretty new to Elf on the Shelf- as we just started the tradition last christmas. Our little Elf is always up to no good. His name is ELFRICK- my oldest named him. He was all over our old house last year, hanging from the light fixtures, hidden in the tree, partying with Barbie and the DIsney Princesses.
This year, Elfrick appeared shortly after we moved. Our new house has a massive fireplace- something our old house didnt have. Can you believe that Santa used to use the back door. Luckily Mom and Dad would leave a key outside for him every year. (Yes, these are the questions that my oldest was asking at age 2 and 3!!) Elfrick came to chill until his magic arrives. He is sitting on the mantel watching my girls and at night he sneaks through the chimnea, back to the North Pole to give Santa his report.
Well, I got a copy of Elfrick's schedule for this year and boy oh boy is he a busy little elf who is up to all kinds of NO GOOD!
Hopefully my girls are good and Santa will give them wonderful presents, instead of coal!
Attached you will see the copy of our Elf, Elfricks' schedule! I cant let the kids see- surprise is the purpose, but I cant wait to try to captrue these moments. I sure do hope that Elfrick get's his magic on the 1st!!
Let the Holiday madness begin- tune in tomorrow for my topic of Christmas Presents!!! Our lists are LONG in this house this year.
~til then~
This year, Elfrick appeared shortly after we moved. Our new house has a massive fireplace- something our old house didnt have. Can you believe that Santa used to use the back door. Luckily Mom and Dad would leave a key outside for him every year. (Yes, these are the questions that my oldest was asking at age 2 and 3!!) Elfrick came to chill until his magic arrives. He is sitting on the mantel watching my girls and at night he sneaks through the chimnea, back to the North Pole to give Santa his report.
Well, I got a copy of Elfrick's schedule for this year and boy oh boy is he a busy little elf who is up to all kinds of NO GOOD!
Hopefully my girls are good and Santa will give them wonderful presents, instead of coal!
Attached you will see the copy of our Elf, Elfricks' schedule! I cant let the kids see- surprise is the purpose, but I cant wait to try to captrue these moments. I sure do hope that Elfrick get's his magic on the 1st!!
Let the Holiday madness begin- tune in tomorrow for my topic of Christmas Presents!!! Our lists are LONG in this house this year.
~til then~
Relationships: Passing by with just a HI!
This week has been filled with ups and downs for me. Tonight was no exception.
My Hubby has been working 10 hour days, 6 days a week for a while now. His shift starts at 5 pm- but he leaves at 415 or so. This makes it challenging! I work at 5 am and get home with the kids around 3 pm- so we are kind of just passing each other- with a little hello in the morning- when he gets home at 4 am.
I think the most important thing is that we are MAKING it work. It is not easy, but I am very proud of hubby for stepping up to the plate and, even through I have a full time job outside of the house, he is the bread winner. I am sure it makes him feel good too.
But, (yea, we all knew one was coming, right!) nothing is getting done in the remodeled mess we are living in. I am kind of going crazy, but, being the good wife I am, I just act like I am not bothered and keep my lips sealed. I tried to get the desk together in our room- unsuccessfully! It is sitting in the middle of the room and driving me MAD! That was Monday... It is still sitting where it was and its Friday.. Me, not so happy about this..
The couch in the living room was sitting on the floor and VERY uncomfortable. We had talked about putting the feet on it weeks ago. Yet, a month and a half later, guess what- still no feet. So, last night, as sick as I was, I had the help of a 4 year old- and got those darn feet on that heavy couch! GO ME! (toot toot!)
I also had a rug for the living room- a BIG rug at that, that I was able to get down, finally, right!
I am taking on so many responsibilities and while I appreciate Jason for making that paper- I am still in need of his help to get stuff done. I am itching for a stove- reasonably so, I think. But, I am choosing to "PICK MY BATTLES" - because a) life is to short and b) time is precious!
Our life is good, don't get me wrong. We are handling everything just fine, we are making it work. It is not always easy as a couple, but I think that we are seeing everything in a different light.
Hubby and I are unique, in that, we are able to connect and be 'in-tune' even when we are not together. There is also text-messaging- thank goodness!
So, as I close on this Friday eve, this week has been especially rough- with sicknesses and lack of sleep and crazy kids- but, we are communicating just fine and that is enough for this week. Next week hopefully we will be bringing sexy back! LOL
My Hubby has been working 10 hour days, 6 days a week for a while now. His shift starts at 5 pm- but he leaves at 415 or so. This makes it challenging! I work at 5 am and get home with the kids around 3 pm- so we are kind of just passing each other- with a little hello in the morning- when he gets home at 4 am.
I think the most important thing is that we are MAKING it work. It is not easy, but I am very proud of hubby for stepping up to the plate and, even through I have a full time job outside of the house, he is the bread winner. I am sure it makes him feel good too.
But, (yea, we all knew one was coming, right!) nothing is getting done in the remodeled mess we are living in. I am kind of going crazy, but, being the good wife I am, I just act like I am not bothered and keep my lips sealed. I tried to get the desk together in our room- unsuccessfully! It is sitting in the middle of the room and driving me MAD! That was Monday... It is still sitting where it was and its Friday.. Me, not so happy about this..
The couch in the living room was sitting on the floor and VERY uncomfortable. We had talked about putting the feet on it weeks ago. Yet, a month and a half later, guess what- still no feet. So, last night, as sick as I was, I had the help of a 4 year old- and got those darn feet on that heavy couch! GO ME! (toot toot!)
I also had a rug for the living room- a BIG rug at that, that I was able to get down, finally, right!
I am taking on so many responsibilities and while I appreciate Jason for making that paper- I am still in need of his help to get stuff done. I am itching for a stove- reasonably so, I think. But, I am choosing to "PICK MY BATTLES" - because a) life is to short and b) time is precious!
Our life is good, don't get me wrong. We are handling everything just fine, we are making it work. It is not always easy as a couple, but I think that we are seeing everything in a different light.
Hubby and I are unique, in that, we are able to connect and be 'in-tune' even when we are not together. There is also text-messaging- thank goodness!
So, as I close on this Friday eve, this week has been especially rough- with sicknesses and lack of sleep and crazy kids- but, we are communicating just fine and that is enough for this week. Next week hopefully we will be bringing sexy back! LOL
Interesting Read- WILL COUPLE BE JAILED FOR RETURNING ADOPTED SON AFTER 9 YRS- wtih my opinion!
This article is about a family from Ohio that adopted a boy 9 years ago and now, after 9 years, they want to give him back because of his behavioral issues, stating that he is aggressive.
I am a Mother- stating this, how can anyone, being in a Parental role, not PARENT! These people have raised this little boy from infancy, and what is their reason for his behavior- a family history of aggressive behavior? Based on what? As a parent, this would only mean that the methods you are using are not working- so try something new.
Jail time though? I don't know. I think they need mandatory counciling for both them and the poor boy. How horrible of an outcome for him- I don't know the circumstances of his adoption, but that can play a huge role on self esteem issues within him. I am still mind-blown here! I think they should NOT be able to put him back into the system- shame on them.
The more I keep writing, the more infuriated I am getting.. C'mon people- grow up!!!
http://shine.yahoo.com/parenting/will-couple-be-jailed-for-returning-adopted-son-after-nine-years--194054370.html
I am a Mother- stating this, how can anyone, being in a Parental role, not PARENT! These people have raised this little boy from infancy, and what is their reason for his behavior- a family history of aggressive behavior? Based on what? As a parent, this would only mean that the methods you are using are not working- so try something new.
Jail time though? I don't know. I think they need mandatory counciling for both them and the poor boy. How horrible of an outcome for him- I don't know the circumstances of his adoption, but that can play a huge role on self esteem issues within him. I am still mind-blown here! I think they should NOT be able to put him back into the system- shame on them.
The more I keep writing, the more infuriated I am getting.. C'mon people- grow up!!!
http://shine.yahoo.com/parenting/will-couple-be-jailed-for-returning-adopted-son-after-nine-years--194054370.html
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Sick...Ugh
The sickness has arrived, and Mommy is DOWN!
I was not feeling well last night, so no blogging- instead it was nighttime meds and sleepy time for me!
I had to do work today- so despite my clogged head, I had to muster through my workload. I hate being sick! This is crappy sick too! Sore throat, cough and lots of SNOT! Yea...
SO, here I am, letting the world know that my house is under attack, but were fighting! Thank you Tylnol.
Now I am ready for my night time dose and la la land!
Hopefully tomorrow will be better, I have a lot to talk about!! Like, I am really having Baby Blues- but we are DONE- no more babies here. So stay tuned...
I was not feeling well last night, so no blogging- instead it was nighttime meds and sleepy time for me!
I had to do work today- so despite my clogged head, I had to muster through my workload. I hate being sick! This is crappy sick too! Sore throat, cough and lots of SNOT! Yea...
SO, here I am, letting the world know that my house is under attack, but were fighting! Thank you Tylnol.
Now I am ready for my night time dose and la la land!
Hopefully tomorrow will be better, I have a lot to talk about!! Like, I am really having Baby Blues- but we are DONE- no more babies here. So stay tuned...
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