I guess I didn't tell you I was leaving, but we just returned from our Smokies trip. We left Sunday afternoon. I have lots to share, but first, the laundry calls! I will post soon!

Labels: Family and Friends, Fun

Caroline Sweeney is dependable. She takes pride in being Miss Responsible. But, when a friend invites her to take a job in Spain, Caroline is ready to leave all her duties behind and chase adventure.

As she prepares to accept the dream job, Caroline's boss dies, and he wills the small-town cafe he owned to Caroline. Caroline is forced to choose between caring for the cafe and following her dream.

To add to her confusion, Caroline's first love, Mitch O'Neal returns to town. He is not simply her ex-boyfriend; he is now a country music star. Can she guard her heart while also making decisions that will affect the course of her life?

Sweet Caroline, by Rachel Hauck, is an enjoyable book. I appreciated that the characters seemed very real to me. Their lives were far from perfect, and their problems did not always work out nicely and neatly. The characters did, however, learn that they could trust in God, regardless of how messy their lives might be. That is a great lesson for all of us!

If you would like a good summer read, be sure to check out Sweet Caroline. You can find more information at Rachel's website, and you can enter to win a fabulous gift basket by signing up for Rachel's newsletter. Rachel will also randomly select two commenters from all the blog tour posts to win copies of Sweet Caroline, so leave a comment if you are interested!

Happy Reading!

Labels: Books

This is one of those "for the grandparents" posts. I wanted to share some pics from some of my Favorite Boy's recent activities, and I know my mom in California will appreciate them!

On May 12, my Favorite Boy and his dad went to Titans Kids Day at LP Field. My Favorite boy got to check out the locker room, play games that were set up on the field, and meet some of the players. His favorite part was running through the tunnel and inflatable helmet like the Titans do when they are running onto the field. He had a great time! If you look closely, you can see him running out. He is wearing his baseball uniform. (All the pictures in this post were taken with a $3 disposable camera, so they aren't the best!)



The next day, my Favorite Boy and his dad enjoyed more sports fun by attending their first Nashville Sounds baseball game of the season. Because my FB is a member of the Sounds Kids' Club, he can attend all the Sunday home games free. Here he is with the Sounds' mascot, Ozzie.


In other events, the kindergarten had water day last Friday. It was cloudy and 63 degrees. The parents were a little cool, but the weather didn't stop the kids from having a great time!



I'll have more fun events to share soon! Have a great weekend!

Labels: My Favorite Boy

Labels: My Best Girl

Baseball season ended last night. On Saturday, we celebrated a little early. We had a picnic at our coach's house, and the boys enjoyed themselves so much. Almost all the players on our team attend the same school, so it has been great getting to know the families better. Our coach said a little something about each boy and gave out the trophies.



Next fall, all the boys from the team will move up to the next age bracket. They are very excited because they will start keeping score. We all know how much boys like to keep score! However, they may long for the good ole days if they are losers more often than they are winners! :) We'll keep our fingers crossed...

Labels: My Favorite Boy

Hello! I am back from my blogging break. Unfortunately, my blogging and commenting will be sporadic for the next several weeks. We have so much happening around here! I'll be updating and commenting as much as I am able.

Have a great Monday!

I enjoy historical fiction; it's one of my favorite genres. During the past year, I had the privilege to read Book One and Book Two in Tricia Goyer's Spanish Civil War Series. You can read my reviews for these books here and here.

Because I enjoyed the first two books so much, I was excited to read the final book in the series, A Whisper of Freedom. In this novel, Sophie, an American in Spain, works to escape Spain with a large golden treasure. She does this along with her friends Walt and Phillip, not for herself, but for the sake of the Spanish people. Things are not always as they seem, however, and all of the characters, along with Sophie's former fiance Michael, learn a great deal about themselves and each other as the story unfolds.

Like the first two books in the series, A Whisper of Freedom is a page-turner. I enjoyed reading it, and I was so glad to have all my questions from the first two novels answered. I encourage you to read this series!

Labels: Books

I am taking a break from my blogging break for this week's Destination Disney (I already had the post written, so I wanted to share it). The topic is "Hotels and Resorts." Disney has so many resorts! There is truly something for everyone. For a brief overview of the Disney resorts, click here and here. Below, I will tell you about the resorts we have visited and give suggestions for enjoying the deluxe resorts even if you are a value customer. At the end, I also will give some advice for off-site accommodations.

On-site, we have stayed in both the All-Star Sports (a value) and the Dolphin (a deluxe). Because the Dolphin is a deluxe resort, it has larger rooms and more of an adult feel than the value resorts. It also has several on-site restaurants, a pianist in the lobby, and you can watch the Epcot Illuminations fireworks from the resort. From the Dolphin, you reach most of the parks by bus; you can visit Epcot by taking a boat. (All Disney resorts provide free transportation to all the parks.) I took these photos at the Dolphin in 2004.


As much as we liked the Dolphin, we honestly enjoyed the All-Star Sports resort more. The value resorts are great when it comes to theming and fun. The food court is also nice because there are many kid-friendly options. My kids loved the over-the-top design of the All-Star Sports; they wouldn't have wanted to stay anywhere else. So, while the grown-ups may long for a stay at one of the nicer hotels, your children will appreciate the value resorts (and so will your budget). Here are a few of our pictures from the All-Star Sports resort, including two shots of the fun towel arrangements left by mousekeeping).



If you choose to stay at a value or moderate resort, you can still take advantage of some of the activities at the deluxe resorts. During our next visit, we are planning to dine with Cinderella at the Grand Floridian and with Mickey at the Contemporary. We may also watch the fireworks from the beach at the Polynesian. All Disney resorts are accessible using the Disney transportation system, but these three hotels are very convenient to visit because they are on the monorail line. To find other great ways to enjoy the deluxe resorts, click here and here. For many activities, you do not have to be a guest of the resort to participate.

Although staying on-site has definite perks (free transportation in the parks and to/from the airport, free parking, Extra Magic Hours, etc...), staying off-site can be the best choice for some families. If you want a suite, off-site hotels are much cheaper. Also, many off-site hotels offer some type of free breakfast. If you are planning to use a hotel's shuttle system to and from the parks, however, be sure to ask lots of questions. Many off-site shuttle services do not run frequently enough to be convenient.

During our next stay, we plan to use my husband's Hilton Honors points. Because of this, I have been researching our off-site options. I have found that the Downtown Disney Hotels are a good off-site choice. Technically, these resorts are on Disney property, next to Downtown Disney. However, they are not Disney owned. The Downtown Disney hotels have a free shuttle system that runs to and from the parks every thirty minutes. From what I have heard and read, the shuttles are reliable and almost as good as the Disney transportation. We are considering the Doubletree Suites because we would have two separate rooms (very handy when the kids go to bed earlier than the grown-ups). If you choose off-site accommodations, visit the disboards or the Intercot boards. You can ask about the resorts or vacation homes you are considering and get feedback from others who have visited the properties. Also, be sure to check tripadvisor.com for reviews.

If you are going to Disney World, there are accommodations to suit your needs. I hope you have found something helpful in this post. Be sure to visit Jennifer for more Disney hotel information!

Labels: Disney

I haven't been doing too well with posting, commenting, and responding to comments in the last week or so. Please excuse me! With end of school activities, baseball season, and other happenings, I am having a difficult time keeping up with everything. So, I am going to take a few days off. Hopefully, when I return, I will be a better blogger!

Have a great Monday!

Labels: Blogging

Last summer and fall, we had a terrible drought. Now that it's spring, we are realizing what survived and what didn't. My coreopsis didn't come back. We also lost two dogwoods and parts of our bushes.

The weeds, apparently, don't need water. They are doing just fine.

Labels: General

Most people think that a trip to Disney is bound to be expensive. While that can be true, there are some great deals out there! This week's Destination Disney Carnival is all about Disney on a budget. Here are a few of my favorite tips and resources.

Free Dining: During late August and September (when attendance is usually lower), Disney offers a package that includes the Disney Dining Plan for FREE. When you stay in a Disney resort and purchase park tickets, you receive one counter service meal, one table service meal, and one snack for each person per night of your stay.

When we travelled to Disney last September, we took advantage of this deal, and it was fantastic! Normally, we splurge on at least one character meal during a Disney vacation; but because we were on the dining plan, we were able to do character meals every day (FREE!). Eating with different characters daily was one of the highlights of the trip for all of us. Also, because all parts of the meal are included (drinks, meal, dessert), we enjoyed ourselves without worrying about the cost of every. single. item. By using the free Dining Plan and staying in a Disney value resort, our vacation was truly affordable.

To get this offer, you must book April-June and sign-up for the free dining plan package. To find out more, click here.

Rate Plans: Another way to save is to pay attention to the rate structure. Children under three are free! When we went last September, my daughter was one month away from her third birthday. We saved several hundred dollars because we did not have to purchase tickets for her. Also, adult pricing for theme park tickets starts at age 10. Keep this in mind when you are planning!

Mousesavers.com: Mousesavers is an excellent tool for the budget-conscious Disney traveller. They keep track of deals related to anything and everything Disney. From Disney packages to off-site hotel deals, from rental cars to airfare, they have many discount codes and tips that can lower the price of your vacation. When you are trying to lower the cost of your trip, be sure to check Mousesavers!

Disney Rewards Visa: Another way to save on your trip is to apply for a Disney Rewards Visa. Not only can you save $40 off your package when you apply, you can also earn Disney Dollars on ALL purchases (and you get a really cute credit card with Mickey on the front). :) Now, hear me on this...I do not recommend using your card for things you can't afford simply to earn Disney dollars. We pay our credit cards off every month. However, if you are going to use a credit card, you might as well be rewarded for it. You can use your Disney reward dollars towards all Disney purchases, including theme park tickets, meals, etc...

Use a Travel Agent: We have never done this, but using a reputable Disney travel agent is a great way to save money. A knowledgeable agent can help you tailor your vacation plans to suit your needs and help you eliminate costs that are unnecessary. These agents are also aware of new packages that may be announced after you book, and they can help lower your price if a better deal is announced before your trip. These agents make money because you book your trip; you pay them nothing!

One more tip: Many Disney rides exit into gift shops. Prepare your children for this so that they won't beg for things every time you leave a ride. My children know not to ask! We always buy a family Christmas ornament and a magnet on each trip. That's it! Because they know this ahead of time, we are not bombarded with constant pleading. That helps save money and our sanity! :)

If you have been putting off a trip to Disney World because of price, please consider these options. If you do a little research and planning, a trip to Disney can be much more affordable than you think. For more great money-saving tips, be sure to visit Snapshot today!

Labels: Disney

Labels: My Best Girl, Wordless Wednesday

I have been helping a few kids with reading in a first grade classroom at my Favorite Boy's school (I was a reading teacher before having my own children). It has been fun for me to do this. Last Thursday, when I arrived, one of the kids I work with was writing in his journal. He called me over and said, "Do you want to see my diarrhea?" Thankfully, he mean to say diary, but I had to bite my cheek to keep from laughing!

In other school matters, I had a proud mommy moment in the principal's office. The principal and I were discussing plans to take the kids to see their teacher before the year ends (she is fighting cancer). Of course, because of the serious nature of her illness, the talk was somewhat somber. My darling 3-year-old daughter walked over to the principal with her index finger sticking out and said, "Mrs. G, could I have a kleenex? I have big, green booger on my finger!"

I am sure you can imagine that I was quite embarrassed. The principal, however, thought it was hilarious (thankfully). I guess we needed some comic relief!

Kids...you never know what they will say next. Have a great Monday!

Labels: Small Talk

"I don't want to plan or schedule. It's a vacation!"

That's what I often hear when I tell people how much time I spend in preparation for trips to Disney World. In response, I say, "It is a vacation, and you are going to love it. But, having a plan will help you enjoy your Disney vacation so much more!"

If you are are looking forward to a Disney trip, or even just thinking about it, today's Disney Carnival will be helpful to you. Jennifer has asked us to share Disney planning tips. I have mentioned before that I love to plan, so this is right up my alley! Jennifer suggested a few topics for discussion; I am including her questions with my answers.

How far in advance do you plan?

For our September 2007 trip, I started planning about 7 months in advance, as soon as we made the decision to go. Although I don't have definite plans for our next trip, I am already thinking ahead for Disney 2009. I am studying our options for dates, hotel preferences, etc...

When do you go and why?

I have been several times during peak season. If I can help it, I will never do that again. These trips were great, but after experiencing smaller crowds last September, I am hooked on the off-season! We hope to make our next trip in early December 2009, another time of the year with smaller crowds. (Keep in mind that Disney World is always crowded; but, some times of the year are much less crowded than others.) If you are interested in crowd size at Disney World, click here.

Are there books or websites you would recommend?

By far, my favorite guide for planning is The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. It includes information about the parks, including reviews for every show, ride, hotel, and restaurant in the World. The authors include recommended touring plans and tips for making the most of your trip. When you purchase this book, you also gain access to detailed crowd information at touringplans.com. This information is invaluable when deciding what parks to visit each day. If you are planning a trip to Disney World, buy this book!

Additionally, I use several websites. AllEars.net and Intercot are excellent. They regularly post updates on all four parks, and they have a treasure-trove of information regarding all aspects of the World and the Orlando area. I especially like that you can find detailed menus for all the restaurants. When travelling with little ones, it is helpful to know food information in advance! Also, if you have specific questions that you would like to ask about Disney World, visit the Disney Moms. They are experts who answer vacationers' questions daily.

What types of plans do you make in advance: reservations for meals? shows? a schedule for park day?

When making plans last year, I first sketched out a schedule for our week. Using the crowd information at touringplans.com and the Disney calendar, I decided which parks we would visit each day. Then, I used this daily plan to schedule our meal reservations. These plans were complete about 5 1/2 months in advance. This is so important! If you wait to make dining reservations when you arrive, you will be disappointed. Occasionally, you can make last minute plans, but not always. If you plan to eat at a character meal (which I highly recommend) or at any other sit-down restaurant, do your research and make reservations well ahead of your trip. At most restaurants, you can do this 180 days in advance by calling 1-407-WDW-DINE.

My first plan was very general (e.g. Magic Kingdom on Tuesday, Animal Kingdom on Wednesday, etc...). As we got closer to our trip, I made more detailed plans for each day. Again, I used the information from the Unofficial Guide to help me. I will stress that I did not follow their suggestions exactly, but I used their information to make a plan that worked for us. I knew which rides we wanted to enjoy, the shows we wanted to see, and the times that we would need to have a break. I found that by sticking with our plan in the morning, we accomplished so much that we could be very flexible with what we wanted to do in the afternoon.

I would suggest that another important part of planning is familiarizing yourself with the parks. If you have never been to Disney World, take the time to visit this customized map site. Have your family choose the attractions that they want to experience. Disney will send you a customized map for free (they are really neat). As you get closer to your trip, take the time to look at the maps. Not only will you become more excited about your trip, but you also won't waste your time trying to find your way around when you arrive!

Disney World is such a magical place, and you will have a wonderful time when you visit. I believe, however, that you can have the vacation of your dreams with a little planning. Not only will you have a fantastic time on your trip, but the planning will enable you to be even more excited as you anticipate all the fun you will have. If you are interested in reading more Disney planning suggestions, be sure to visit Jennifer's site today! Also, I did a post last fall that included my tips for Disney. If you aren't tired of reading, click here.

Have a great weekend!

Labels: Disney

Melissa and Elexis tagged me for this meme. Here is a six word sentence that describes my life.


More grateful to God each day.


If you are reading this, you are tagged as well. I look forward to reading how others describe their lives!

Labels: Fun