A Little Help?

About a month ago, I lost my Sony Bloggie (the one I bought to replace my Flip after "someone" cracked the lens). After looking high & low... I've found raisins, toy food and books in my bed. I found a turkey baster in one of my bathroom drawers. I found several kitchen utensils in the recycle and a perfectly good washcloth in the trash. Jack David! However, I've not found my video camera.

I'm now looking to spend a little Christmas cash on a new one, but am a bit hesitant to spend much when another one may likely disappear. Any tech experts willing to offer some advice on a good buy? Is refurbished worth it? I used several refurbished Mac computers at my last job and seemed to have endless problems.

I'd love your input!

I'm So Thankful - Pt. 18, 19

Nov 18th
I'm thankful for a few moments alone. One of the things I miss from my single days is the opportunity to be alone. I like my space.


Nov 19th
I'm thankful for my home. It feels good to be in my home. I like the way it's decorated, even if I always have ideas for projects (much to Brian's dismay). And, we have quite a bit of space, which is especially good during the holidays. Most holiday dinners happen at our house and I like that. I like being the hub, especially since my family is so great about helping clean up. Today, I'm very thankful for my home.

I'm So Thankful - Pt. 16, 17

Nov 16th 
I'm thankful for my home.

Nov 17th 
I'm not a baker. However, I've discovered many ways to help me cheat the system. The box of cookies where you just add eggs? My family loves 'em. The following is my latest Baking For Dummies recipe that I scored from my super cool sister-in-law (she's a lot like me so we really get along). I'm thankful for easy baking.

Lemonade Party Cake
1 box Betty Crocker Lemon Cake (plus eggs, water & veg. oil that mix calls for)
1 can frozen lemonade concentrate
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 can lemon frosting

• 1Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Make cake as directed on box for 13x9-inch pan. Cool 15 minutes.
• 2Mix lemonade concentrate and powdered sugar. Pierce top of warm cake every 1/2 inch with long-tined fork, wiping fork occasionally to reduce sticking. Drizzle lemonade mixture evenly over top of cake. Run knife around sides of pan to loosen cake. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled.
• 3Spread frosting over top of cake. Sprinkle with colored sugar. Store covered in refrigerator.

I'm So Thankful - Pt 13, 14, 15

Nov 13th
I'm thankful for my car. I like a good roadtrip now and then. I like the freedom of going wherever I want, when I want. In fact, I kinda want to go on another mini roadtrip all of the sudden.

Happy Jack getting ready to eat some grub!

Nov 14th 
I am so thankful for good health insurance and quality health care. Jack had tubes put in his ears and it was a rough day for the two of us, but it's over now and Jack should be healthier & happier camper. My favorite moment of the day was watching my little, two-year-old boy in just a toddler hospital gown & diaper as he carried his pig through the hospital halls.

Nov 15th 
Today I was able to visit with my Grandma King. I haven't seen her in over a year, but this week she moved in with mom. I feel pretty blessed to have her living close. Today, I'm thankful for my grandmas.

I'm So Thankful - Pt. 9-12

November 9th
I love getting lost in a good book. Over the past year I've enjoyed the following: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, the Stephanie Plum series, Elizabeth George's Edge of Nowhere, Jack Reacher series, and Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan series.

November 10th
I'm thankful for fellowship over football games & the chance to just chill (Go K-State!)

November 11th
I'm thankful that today Brian gets the recognition he deserves (and for his free pancakes, too).

The underside of a starfish

November 12th

I'm thankful to live in the PNW. Even though it poured rain yesterday, it's crisp & clear today. As I sit in my friend's home, I look our one set of windows and see the Puget Sound. Then, I look out the other window and see the Olympic Mountains. I even love the pungent smell of seaweed.

I'm So Thankful - Pt. 5, 6, 7

Nov 5^th

Sometimes it’s the little things in life so today I’m thankful for bubbles.

Nov 6^th

As so many think about the future of our country, I find myself thinking of those who have gone before me. I’m thankful for the following women and their impact on my life.

Harriet Beecher Stowe

Susan B. Anthony & other women suffragates

Madame Marie Curie

Rosa Parks

Billie Jean King

Mother Teresa

Auntie loves you, Lu!

Nov 7th

It's Lucy's 1st birthday today and I cannot begin to tell you how thankful I am for that baby girl. I was on the phone with Kirby the moment she figured out she was pregnant, and I can tell you there was some cussing tears hesitancy towards the notion of becoming a parent. 

Yet, my sister has become an amazing mother. She conscientious, self-less, patient. In turn, Lucy is becoming a pretty fun little girl. And, she is all girl - complete with shrill, happy squeals.

I'm So Thankful - Pt. 4

Nov 4th

I'm thankful for my church.

Yesterday I participated in UPPC’s Community Serve Day. Most of the options to serve were out in the community. However, I was on a bit of a time crunch and decided to volunteer for work around the church facilities. I was reminded of how good it feels to serve (plus, it was fun to demolish some old shelving), and what great people I’ve met through my church.

Also, our church has an excellent nursery. Jack runs in on Sunday morning excited to play with his friends. He also gets to go play two mornings a week, and it’s such a relief to know he is in capable hands. And, I appreciate a couple hours to myself.