Check this out

Check out this post over at DixieChick's blog. These figures really blew me away. And, I guess I'm one of those billions of people contributing to it all since I've been there three times in the last five days....

~Kari

Fall Into Reading Challenge 2008 - The End

A few months ago, I joined in the 'Fall into Reading Challenge' that was being hosted by Katrina over at Callapiddar Days. To participate, you simply shared your own personal reading goals that you hoped to accomplish throughout the fall. It was great to read everyone's goals and reading lists - I discovered many interesting books and also found some great new blogs to visit. Now that the challenge is wrapping up, it's time to tell how we did with our goals. Below is my original reading list that I hoped to complete....

1. Creepers by David Morrell - I started reading this back in October. It was definitely not my normal type of story, but, nonetheless, I gave it a try. It just didn't seem to hold my attention very well. I stopped reading it and have went back to it a few times and am still plugging away at it now and then. So, I did not finish this book, but, may try to pick it up again after the new year.

2. Wicked by Gregory Maguire - I decided to remove this book from my list. It seems like a story that I would like, but, for some reason, I couldn't make myself start it. Again, it's another book on my list that I did not finish, but still hope to read some time in the future.

3. Ghosts of Old Louisville by David Domine - COMPLETED - This was a fun, quick book to read. It was of special interest to me because it's about the city I'm from.

4. Losing It: And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time by Valerie Bertinelli - This one was also removed from my list due to lack of time.

5. Blue Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews - COMPLETED - This was a spunky little holiday story that I finished in an aftertoon.

6. Where Angels Go by Debbie Macomber - COMPLETED - Loved this one! It was a quick and easy read that had me smiling, laughing, and crying throughout the entire story.

7. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson - I'm about to start this book with the kids now that they are on Christmas break.

*Mr. Cavendish, I Presume by Julia Quinn - COMPLETED - This was a book that I picked up on a whim at the drugstore about a week ago simply because I was drawn to the cover. I loved it and plan to look for more from this author.

I just didn't get to devote as much time to reading as I would have liked. My bedside table and armoire have stacks and stacks of "to be reads" and it's always hard for me to choose what to start next. This reading challenge helped me come up with a plan and actually list the next several books I hoped to read. Even though I didn't finish everything on my short list, I am glad I participated. Click here to read updates from other 'Fall into Reading' participants. Thanks to Katrina for hosting!

~Kari

Aloha Friday - Santa

It's time for Aloha Friday. Thanks to Kailani over at An Island Life for being our host. Participants post a simple question on their blog and then add their link to Kailani's Aloha Friday post. Be sure to click over and see all the Aloha Friday participants.


Today's Aloha Friday question is:

If Santa visits your home, does he leave presents under the tree that are wrapped or unwrapped?

At our house, Santa pulls his gifts right out of his sack and leaves them under the tree unwrapped.

Don't forget to visit An Island Life and say hi to all the other Aloha Friday bloggers. Merry Christmas!

~Kari

Wordless Wednesday - Sitting pretty

Click here for more Wordless Wednesday

Ornaments

Just thought I would share a few of my favorite ornaments that are hanging on our tree....

My husband is a firefighter, so, we have several in that theme. This firehouse ornament was bought the same year that he was hired onto the fire department. It's also the same year we got married.


A pretty shiny firetruck


This is a little embroidered felt angel ornament that my mom made when I was young


My mom also made this panda stocking ornament for me when I was a little girl


Another ornament that my mom made when I was young - for awhile, she was into ceramics and this little sleepy mouse has always been one of my favorites


My daughter joined a 4-H sewing club this fall. This Santa ornament was one of the first things she made.


When I was a teen, my mom started buying ornaments for me to keep in my "hope chest". This sledding penguin was one of these


Merry Christmas!

Aloha Friday - Christmas Movies

I'm participating in Aloha Friday, which takes place over at An Island Life. On Fridays, participants choose their own simple question to pose to their readers, and post it on their own blogs. They can then share their posts by adding a Mr. Linky over at An Island Life. Click here for all the details.

If you've ever read my blog, you know that I am a huge movie lover. So, my Aloha Friday question is:

What is your favorite Christmas movie? Is it an oldie or something new? Is it from the big screen or made-for-tv? Share your favorite with us....
I have so many favorites, it's hard for me to choose just one. Here are a few that I really love - Miracle on 34th Street , Santa Claus is Coming To Town, Elf, The Family Stone, and Joyeux Noel. Don't forget to visit An Island Life for all the other Aloha Friday questions.

~Kari

I've been....

decorating for Christmas....


loving our new stockings....


made for me by etsy member DCMalecha....



going to my daughter's annual piano recital....


trying to get the kiddos and the dog to pose for our Christmas card photo....

and, generally being stressed out about everything! How about you? How is your December going?

~Kari

Giveaway

How would you like a chance to win a $500 WalMart gift card? I know it would definitely come in handy around here, especially so close to Christmas. Head over to Keeping the Kingdom First and not only enter the giveaway, but, also read many holiday money-saving tips. One way that I try to save money during the holidays, is to start my Christmas shopping EARLY. Throughout the year, I will try to pick up gifts here and there to put up for Christmas. That way, I don't feel so guilty if I spend a little more money on something I know the recipient will love. And, it helps to avoid the mad rush in December to do all my shopping at once. Go check it out and enter. Good luck!

Enter a giveaway

- photo from Amazon.com -


If you would like to enter for a chance to win a Flip Ultra Camera, then head over to the blog, Common Sense With Money. While you're there, consider subscribing to her blog for some great money-saving/frugal living tips. The Flip Ultra Camera would make an awesome Christmas gift for anyone on your shopping list (or even for yourself - I know I would love to have one;o). Go check it out....good luck!