Menu: Week 52

Well, started out my weekend with a nice large scratch across my cornea, thanks to my youngest son. Poked me right in the eye. Couldn't see for 24 hours, it hurt so bad.

Likely, one of my photographer friends was able to take over my photo shoot so they didn't have to reschedule.

Needless to say, I didn't get much done yesterday. I had my husband txting and typing for me, and reading all my facebook messages. I wasn't going to ask him to type my story for me, I have a hard time typing it myself with all the changes I like to make to it :) Poor guy would of had a heart attack.

I'm better now, other than the slight blur in my left vision, so back to life. Although, it making it hard to read Real vampires don't sparkle. I wonder if its any good.

Monday
- Chili baked potatoes

Tuesday
- Spaghetti

Wednesday
- Pork schnitzle sandwiches

Thursday
- Cajun chicken alfredo

Friday 
- 4th of July festivities

Saturday
- Ranch chicken tacos

Sunday
- Dinner with the In-Laws

OMG! PITCHARAMA agent round!

WAHOO! got the news this morning that I was picked by the totally awesome Suse Michelle of Aussie owned and read to be part of her team for the PITCHARAMA agent round.
Now, on to shining up the old pitch and sending it of to the powers that be. Wish me luck and check back after the 27th for an update. :)

Menu: Week 51

Loving this summer weather! We spent all day outside yesterday working on the yard while the boys played in the grass. Even the baby was crawling around getting dirty.
So, this week I entered a contest with my manuscript, now I have to wait till the 27th to know if I move on to the agent round. Cross your fingers. I have a really good chance since there were only 20 people that entered, as far as I could tell. We will see. :)



Monday
- Cheesy spaghetti squash casserole

Tuesday
- Crockpot chicken lo mein

Wednesday
- Ranch chicken club rollups

Thursday
- Chicken and potato chowder

Friday
- Pizza grilled cheese

Saturday
- Loaded Nachoes

Sunday
- Dinner at the In-Laws

Author spotlight

A LONG AND WINDING ROAD

A CAREGIVER'S TALE OF LIFE, LOVE AND CHAOS

By Linda Brendle
20983741
Release Date: July 1st, 2014
Buy Links: B&N| Kobo | iTunes | Amazon | GooglePlay
Synopsis
Sometimes reality really bites. Alzheimer’s has wrapped Mom’s brain into knots, vascular dementia has attacked Dad, and, instead of carefree retirees, we have become caregivers. Regardless, dreams die hard, and we somehow stumbled into the purchase of a forty-foot motor home. That’s when all four of us set out on this seven-week trek across sixteen U.S. states. Now, Dad stopped-up the toilet again, Mom wet her last pair of clean jeans, and David just announced that he was hungry. My head is beginning to pound, and I know this isn't going to be the easygoing retirement we’d imagined for ourselves.

Linda Brendle takes you on a roller-coaster ride of emotional and spiritual challenges that many families are facing right now. Co-dependency, mental breakdowns, and finding love after divorce are just a few of the issues weaved into this journey of caregiving. Whether you’re looking for an inspirational story to help teach you how to “let go and let God,” considering becoming the caregiver for one of your own parents, or are just looking for an entertaining travel book, this story is sure to strike a tender nerve.
About the Author

After 15 years as a family caregiver, Linda began writing to encourage, inspire and amuse other caregivers. She loves to travel and since retiring has traveled mostly by motorcycle and RV. She and her husband live in a small East Texas town where she gardens, writes and attends church.
Author Links: Author Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Menu: Week 50

Happy Fathers Day! We had a great Sunday planed with my dad and then a BBQ with my husbands family, but of course, good o'l Oregon rained on us. We didn't get to go on a hike to see the Souvies Island lighthouse and we didn't get to BBQ either.
It wasn't all a bust though. Played a few games of Banangrams with my mom and sisters (I lost every game due to my horrible spelling) and had flank steak and home made fries with my in-laws.
Now we have to go back to the real world today. Well, maybe you do. I get one more day off with my boys. Happy Monday everyone!!!

Monday
- Spaghetti Squash Pizza

Tuesday
- Hot roast beef sandwich

Wednesday
- Sausage and cheese tortellini

Thursday
- Buffalo chicken quesadillas

Friday
- Chipotle chicken tacos

Saturday
- Corn and cheese chowder

Sunday
- Dinner with the In-laws

Pitcharama!

Its Pitcharama time and I'm super excited. Here is my entry.

Title: The Last Artican
Author: Sarai Henderson
Genre: YA Fantasy
Word count: 91K
Synopsis: 

Nineteen years ago, Tabor showed up in the mountains an orphaned child with the magic of the Articans running through her veins. She survived the bitter winter, the wrath of a yeti, and mutinied on the flying pirate ship Stallings – and now the Dominion have come.

The monastery is no longer safe for Tabor. But the Articans have disappeared. Tabor grows desperate as the path to her people becomes cold, the Dominion is on her trail, and her magic is on the fritz. To make things worse, Tabors guide has completely lost her mind.

Tabor knows that the only people who can save her from the Dominion are the Articans, but when she finds them, she is the only one who can save the Articans from the Dominion. But the biggest flaw in her plan, one that might destroy her people – and her heart – is something she never considered: She must die to save her people, or risk becoming the last Artican.



Menu: Week 49


Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday
- Salad and grilled chicken

Saturday

Sunday
- Dinner with the In-Laws

A few highlights from Ronan's birthday party at the train park today. The sun was shinning, the breeze was blowing and the trains were chugging. We had a great day.




June Healthy Life Challenge - Day 1

Today is the first day on my June healthy life challenge. I've decided to set myself some small goals along the way to keep me going through the month.

Today's goal is to drink more water. I'm terrible at drinking water. I love soda, especially cola. I'm a self proclaimed colaholic.

I did some research to brush up on the importance of water. Here are some facts I've come across:
  • Only 1,1% of the water on earth is suitable for drinking as is.
  • Our bodies consist of 55 – 75% water.
  • Depression and fatigue can often be symptoms of dehydration.
  • It is healthy to drink water with meals, as it aids the process of digestion.
  • The best way of getting rid of water retention is to drink a lot of water. Water retention can be a sign of dehydration
  • Water allows the body to metabolise fats more efficiently.
  • Good water intake prevents the skin from sagging.
  • Water is the main food the body needs.
  • The thirst reflex only appears when our bodies are already dehydrated.
  • Children dehydrate more quickly than adults do, and a survey revealed that 65% of school children drank too little water.
  • A 2% reduction of water levels in the body can lead to a 20% decrease in mental and physical performance.
  • Dehydration may induce contractions in pregnant women.
So today I am going to try and drink three 16oz cups full of water. Wish me luck!

Menu: Week 48

My medium boy turned 4 last week. We went to a new photo locations up in Vancouver for his birthday photos. He was supper excited. I love my Ro!
This month I have challenged my husband to eat low carb with me. For the entire month of June we are going to attempt to cut sugars and carbs and hopefully I will lose weight. My goal is 10 lbs. I think I can do it. :) The girls at work are also going to try and lose weight, so I will have support everywhere I go. I challenge the rest of you to eat a little healthier this month. Cut sugars or try and eat more veggies. Maybe pick one thing you eat too much of. Keep me updated through your journey with your goals and pictures. I would love to share this healthy month with you.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday
- Train park for Ronan's birthday.