tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9234764191527352182024-03-05T14:58:38.994-05:00Snapshots of LifeThis website will hopefully be a way that I can keep in touch with important people in my life while giving me an outlet to explore the things that are going on in my life. I have learned lately that it is important to never let life pass you by and hopefully this website will show how this revelation has affected me.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.comBlogger359125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-23641445569143081912011-06-21T09:37:00.004-05:002011-06-21T10:08:29.489-05:00Daddy's Logic Saves the Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijf8I-mP_aEk7MGmZb8qi5wxpcPYNRXkqdp4w3BdnXJw0oLqgP8c0_K7hAsCswifyVS3rIw5JYlDPc7FTDCGYzxzoXzR_uCixd9aHjUrdXRg9YyzgOrooo3NwLpePAzEzYM5wDrJXnN6g/s1600/monster.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 127px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijf8I-mP_aEk7MGmZb8qi5wxpcPYNRXkqdp4w3BdnXJw0oLqgP8c0_K7hAsCswifyVS3rIw5JYlDPc7FTDCGYzxzoXzR_uCixd9aHjUrdXRg9YyzgOrooo3NwLpePAzEzYM5wDrJXnN6g/s200/monster.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620690068439571394" /></a><br />Overheard at bedtime a couple of nights ago...<div><br /></div><div>Austin: Daddy, I don't want to climb in the monster's mouth!</div><div><br /></div><div>Andrew: What?!</div><div><br /></div><div>Austin: I don't want to climb in the monster's mouth!</div><div><br /></div><div>Andrew: Well, then don't!</div><div><br /></div><div>Austin: Oh...OK! (smiling and fully satisfied)</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank goodness for Daddy!</div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-44858016225023932792011-06-11T07:09:00.000-05:002011-06-11T07:10:04.721-05:00Time Flies...I can hardly believe that it has been over a year since I last posted on my blog! But, I am not going to feel guilty or beat myself up over it. I started this blog in a different season of my life and it has served it's purpose many times. That being said, I have been spending a lot of time on the computer lately and thought I would post an update.<div><br /></div><div>I am currently 31 weeks pregnant with another boy, Carter. We are still deciding on a middle name. I like Andrew for a middle name. Andrew likes Nelson (his grandmother's maiden name). While I don't particularly have anything against Nelson, I just really like the idea of naming a son after Andrew. Time will tell what we decide.</div><div><br /></div><div>While this pregnancy started out to be fairly uneventful, that has not lasted. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop and for something to go wrong. That is probably the wrong attitude to have, but it was how I felt. I was diagnosed early with placenta previa, where the placenta is too low. However, that really was not that concerning at first and Carter was growing and doing fine. It was just something to watch. I was told to take it easy and report any bleeding that might occur. While I did have a little spotting a couple of times, it was nothing big and went away within a few days. During those times, I did ride the emotional roller-coaster pretty heavily. I was always convinced that this was my last pregnancy and that I was not going through this again. However, as more time would pass and nothing bigger happened, that decision seemed less sure in my mind.</div><div><br /></div><div>This time, however, that decision is planted firmly in our hearts and minds. A couple of weeks ago, when we had started our weekly ultrasound appointments, Dr Jones told me that they think I have placenta accreta. (For those of my readers...if there are any left...that don't like medical information, skip on a couple of paragraphs.) This is where the placenta has imbedded too deeply into the uterus. Normally it just imbeds in the lining of the uterus, but with accreta, it goes into the muscular wall. In really bad cases, it can go all the way through the uterus and into the bladder...fun!</div><div><br /></div><div>So what does that really mean? Normally, the placenta dislodges on its own after the baby is born and is delivered with no problem. However, with placenta accreta, it does not do this, so the doctor has to go in and manually try to remove it. This can lead to hemorrhaging and sometimes, the only way to stop the bleeding and save the mother's life is to do an emergency hysterectomy. </div><div><br /></div><div>Most of the time, doctors do not know about this condition before birth, so it truly is an emergency situation. However, the blessing in my case is that we do know ahead of time, so Andrew and I can prepare ourselves for what may happen and the doctors can plan how they want to perform the surgery and can be ready for the complications.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, this has changed my circumstances considerably. Instead of doing the c-section a couple of weeks early, they are planning to give me steroid shots to help develop Carter's lungs at 35 weeks and then delivering a few days later...July 12~ one month early. The will be doing the surgery in the main OR instead of the labor and delivery OR and are planning on doing a hysterectomy. They will have blood on hand (which by the way I am looking for donors...I'm B+) because they think I will probably need to get around 4 units even in the best of situations. They are planning on doing a traditional vertical incision and taking Carter from the top since the placenta is so low. Then they will see if they need to do the hysterectomy. I will be awake for the delivery and Andrew will be there. However, if they decide they need to do the hysterectomy, they will kick Andrew out with Carter and knock me out.</div><div><br /></div><div>Carter is doing great through all of this. At last measurement a couple of weeks ago, he was in the 80th percentile in weight estimates and he has been doing all of his tricks that he is suppose to do~ moving, fetal breathing, heart rate acceleration, etc. When I talked to my pediatrician about delivering at 35 weeks and what I should expect, he had great news. He said that it is very likely that Carter will be able to go directly to the regular nursery instead of the NICU since he is trending on the larger size and will have the benefit of the steroid shots to assist with lung developments. It is really only the rest of the delivery that is up in the air! :/</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, that is my current status in a nutshell. I will try to keep things updated as they change.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh...and did I mention that this condition only occurs in 1 out of every <i><b>2500</b></i> pregnancies?! That's right folks! I defy the odds! I really should buy a lottery ticket.</div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-3281601000747221052010-04-13T21:19:00.000-05:002010-04-13T21:20:04.498-05:00Moving Right AlongOur church participates in LTC: Leadership Training for Christ. This is a program that trains children, 3rd grade to seniors, many different skills such as teaching, speech, puppets, sign language, and scripture memorization (to name just a few...there are too many categories for me to mention here). One of our elementary school boys memorized 30 scriptures since October and got a gold for it! 30 scriptures! This has really encouraged me to keep going on my scripture memorization. So, this morning, I moved on from my last scripture, Micah 6:8, to my new scripture, Psalm 139:23-24.<br /><br /><blockquote>Micah 6:8<br /><br />He has showed you, O man, what is good.<br /> And what does the LORD require of you?<br /> To act justly and to love mercy<br /> and to walk humbly with your God.<br /><br />Psalm 139:23-24<br /><br />Search me, O God, and know my heart;<br /> test me and know my anxious thoughts. <p> See if there is any offensive way in me,<br /> and lead me in the way everlasting.</p> </blockquote>This verse may prove to be very challenging to me. Not because of the complexity of the memory work, but because of what it can really mean in <span style="font-style: italic;">my </span>life.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-54621198883808441142010-03-19T06:14:00.000-06:002010-03-19T06:14:00.097-06:00Words Arn't Enough~Thank You!I know words aren't enough, but I want to say thank you to all of the friends and family who commented here on my blog and on facebook giving us support last week for Sydney's birthday. This year has been harder for me for some reason and it really helped to know people were thinking and praying for us and helping us get through yet another milestone in our road to recovery. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you!Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-28890707241691796162010-03-18T05:54:00.002-06:002010-03-18T06:07:58.050-06:00Number 11!This year, I have made a renewed effort to memorize scripture. I am becoming increasingly aware of how important this is in my daily struggle with sin! <br /><br />And, as if God is rewarding me or patting me on the back, the verses I have memorized have come up in various situations around me. For example, last Sunday at our Small Group meeting, the person leading the discussion was referencing a scripture, but was not able to find it. But, I recognized the verse he was looking for and realized it was in 2nd Peter, not 1st! I was able to help him find it and move on with his thoughts. It just feels good to know I am able to use what I am memorizing!<br /><br />So, here are the scriptures I have memorized so far:<br /><blockquote>Psalm 25:4-5<br />Isaiah 55:2<br />Isaiah 55:10-11<br />John 16:33<br />Psalm 119:11<br />1John 5:14-15<br />Joshua 1:8<br />Psalm 51:10<br />Psalm 62:5-6<br />2Peter1:5-8 (I learned this in two sections)</blockquote><br />And now, on to number 11!<br /><blockquote>Phillipians 2:3-4<br />Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. </blockquote>I will share later what my memory system is, but for now, I will just challenge you to think about work on memorizing scripture. As Psalm 119:11 says: I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. It works!<br /><br /><blockquote></blockquote>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-83931930926982779822010-03-17T06:04:00.003-06:002010-03-17T06:17:55.610-06:00No Fighting!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://tolovehonorandvacuum.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 123px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfiZyEry-pZfntzjtFbQ8QhmjxJynbTI_Mr11dkPiGRK-paO8iUQz3tWbzdIfpCa36tc03PzIdlzoSlYtmkGM5hk0il06KRUNkgaDH95K19D1gbsDAhvC0mAaGHzptx7UbsUwkjiqdW8/s200/Wifey+Wednesday.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449573904585269906" border="0" /></a>OK, So I am a little behind the times, but Andrew and I finally watched Fireproof this weekend. I was a little nervous because there was so much hype about it. I was afraid it would be cheesy and predictable. Thankfully, I was not disappointed in it! It really is an amazing movie and if you have not seen it yet, you definitely need to!<br /><br />A big part of the movie centers around "The Love Dare." A process of 40 days to love your spouse. I am planning on reading it soon. But, one thing I took away from it is a (not so new) concept to try not to fight. The first task was not to say anything negative to your spouse. I have altered that a little. For the past two days, I have been resolved not to argue with Andrew. We tend to argue over the stupidest little things and blow them way out of proportion. We can't even agree on why we do this! :)<br /><br />So, for two days now, we have not argued! We will see how this goes. I may need more than one day to focus on each task~I don't know!Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-35628180214000909372010-03-12T06:47:00.003-06:002010-03-18T06:17:24.869-06:00Three Years!It is hard to believe that Sydney would have been three years old today! I can't even imagine what my life would have been like if she were still here! She would be running around, getting in to everything, I'm sure. She would be sassy, like her daddy! (Of course, he has informed me that he is defiant; I am sassy.) She would have made my life a lot easier as she entertained Austin. She would have brought joy to my life every day, just like he does.<br /><br />Happy Birthday, Sydney!<br /><br />I miss you so much! This year has been harder for me for some reason. I find myself tearing up at the strangest times, thinking of you. I talk to Austin about you. I tell him when he is playing with something that was yours. I show him your picture.<br /><br />I don't go by the cemetery very much. I feel guilty about that, but it is just hard to imagine you being there under the ground...even though I know you are not really there. I have a hard time thinking about your beautiful body decaying in the ground. But, I go there if I can when I miss you the most. When I am really having a bad day with it. Your Grandma Nancy and Papa Don keep it looking really nice. And cousin Gavin takes flowers to you occasionally. It really is sweet. He takes so much time to pick out just the right flower for you.<br /><br />Today, we all came together at the cemetery to bring you balloons and flowers. Grandma Nancy made you a Ladybug flower "cake" that was really cute! Grandpa Ed and Grandma Jean brought you balloons. Aunt Brook and Uncle Geoff brought you balloons and Gavin brought you a little plant. Cameron gave you a pinwheel, but he kept playing with it, too! :) Just before we left, we released several balloons in your memory.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7maE3CwEprFYKFhiABoFBf14j2y0FVpCCSZQArLjJBuahj5ZXzgm6LfRlzi8QiaRvof6JM4m0g4QTD_CVATygBOa4CWJ5Aq79nMhzX7zdVJC5D1-4LlazM5fBULhKkngZu-PFLf3_8iE/s1600-h/2010-03-11+16.32.17.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7maE3CwEprFYKFhiABoFBf14j2y0FVpCCSZQArLjJBuahj5ZXzgm6LfRlzi8QiaRvof6JM4m0g4QTD_CVATygBOa4CWJ5Aq79nMhzX7zdVJC5D1-4LlazM5fBULhKkngZu-PFLf3_8iE/s200/2010-03-11+16.32.17.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447733522580876370" border="0" /></a>One thing you taught me was how important it is to spend time with family. That is why we all get together each year on your birthday. We went to Aunt Brook's for dinner last night so we could all visit. You would have had so much fun playing with your cousins!<br /><br />I miss you so much and I wish I could have spent more time with you! I wish I would have spent more time with you when I had the chance. I just didn't know that was going to be all of the time I would have with you! I thought that after you had come through so much, we would have you for so much longer! I am sorry we sent everyone home. I am sorry you spent so much time without us there. I am sorry I did not hold you more. I am so proud of how you fought! You were so brave and strong!<br /><br />I love you little Ladybug! Mommy will always love and think of you! I will never forget!<br /><br />Love,<br />MommyTiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-68012878322277872732010-03-09T05:58:00.003-06:002010-03-10T05:48:35.202-06:00Absolute Insanity!I am a planner. I love to make elaborate plans for things. I plan for the ideal world. The ideal life. The ideal situation. The ideal amount of time in a day- 100 hours, right?<br /><br />And then I plan some more.<br /><br />And then I get discouraged when nothing happens.<br /><br />I am not an executor. The world is not ideal. There is no perfect situation all of the time. Especially with a toddler in the house, things don't always (and by that I mean rarely) turn out the way I planned.<br /><br />So, last night, I was very discouraged (and tired and not feeling well and exhausted and...well you get the point). So I decided to talk to Andrew about it. I think he got a little worried when I said, "Honey, do you think we could talk for a while after we put Austin to bed?" I quickly had to explain that it was not on of <span style="font-style:italic;">those</span> talks that he needed to worry about! :)<br /><br />So as I was talking to him about the way I feel, he offered me one piece of advice. Take one thing at a time. Tackle one goal. Sure, work on the other things some too, but hold myself accountable for one thing. Then, when I get comfortable with that, move on to my next "one thing."<br /><br />So, the one thing I have chosen? The <a href="http://www.girltalkhome.com/blog/The_500_Club" target="_blank">5 O'Clock Club</a>! What is this? Well, I recently read the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1581349130/?tag=girltalk0e-20" target="_blank">Shopping for Time</a> and it talked about how to get everything done in a day that you need to. I want to write more about this book later because it was a wonderful read, but the premise is that you can get all of the priorities done if you a looking at the right priorities...God's. The best way to do this is to start your day out with time with God. Since most houses start waking up by 6 or 7, they suggest getting up earlier (5 am) to have uninterrupted time.<br /><br />While it can be whatever time you want, I had to go with 5 since Austin wakes up anywhere between 6 and 7. I know, it's insane! But, I have to do something to get consistent with my quiet time. I used to do it after Andrew left for work, but that just does not work any more.<br /><br />I am writing about it here because of my lack of follow-through that I normally have. I need someone to hold me accountable. I don't really have an accountability partner (if anyone is interested, let me know!) so I thought blogging about it would give me some sense of accountability.<br /><br />So, 5 O'Clock Club, here I come!Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-24664594726732894852010-03-06T15:37:00.004-06:002010-03-06T16:03:44.951-06:00Tantrums!Austin has recently started throwing tantrums. When he does not get his way on something, he balls up his little fists and screams or he does a little Ninja yell thing and slaps at the floor or a toy or even Momma!<br /><br />I know! He actually hits me! <br /><br />The same Momma he runs to when he gets hurt!<br /><br />The same Momma he follows around all day, begging to be picked up!<br /><br />The same Momma who rocks him to sleep for his naps!<br /><br />Is this the beginning of our love-hate relationship?<br /><br />OK, so seriously, I know that this is a normal part of development where he can't control his feelings and does not have any other way to get his feelings out and expressed and so he cries out in the only way he knows how...yada, yada, yada.<br /><br />I also know that I absolutely, under no condition, should ever laugh when these tantrums erupt! I know that, but I am not so good about always following that rule. Sometimes it is just so cute!<br /><br />When these melt-downs occur, I typically pick him up, move him away from other things and set him down on the floor telling him he is in time-out until he can get himself under control. At this point, he breaks out into real heart-wrenching sobs. I always stay close by, often sitting down next to him. Then, when he stops crying, I pick him up, hug him, tell him I love him and that I am proud of him for getting himself under control.<br /><br />This is just another milestone in motherhood, right? I will be glad when it passes.<br /><br />Any suggestions?Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-52057016159000076322010-03-03T20:03:00.009-06:002010-03-03T21:04:03.574-06:00I Can Do It!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-_mhDlOo4pbreg-X4teXSYUkjbi9aGL3rgj3qImUC1DUBXbN-tj31ZLastXwhcSj6BZkW4KP0BiSfWkf454FL5zjJtnQKbxjaf2EfctZTAy6ylOYtVn6m75YYkYXGCUKsJYO0u5vzss/s1600-h/2010-03-03+17.36.40.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-_mhDlOo4pbreg-X4teXSYUkjbi9aGL3rgj3qImUC1DUBXbN-tj31ZLastXwhcSj6BZkW4KP0BiSfWkf454FL5zjJtnQKbxjaf2EfctZTAy6ylOYtVn6m75YYkYXGCUKsJYO0u5vzss/s320/2010-03-03+17.36.40.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444599242938706402" border="0" /></a>Well, tonight, Austin reached another milestone. He has been feeding himself with his fingers for a while now. And, he has been working on using a fork/spoon with help; but not with any real consistency.<br /><br />So, tonight, I decided to give him his spoon and set his plate with applesauce on his tray and see what happened. He dug right in! It was slow going, but really for his first time on his own...I'm impressed.<br /><br />See for yourself!<br /><br /><object width="340" height="285"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mLsomtzHiCs&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mLsomtzHiCs&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object><br /><br />Notice, he is using his left hand. We have been letting him pick which hand he uses to hold his spoon. Tonight, he chose the left hand. At times, he would stop to put his right hand in to touch the applesauce, but then he would go right back to using the spoon with his left hand. I moved the spoon to his right hand at one point to see what he would do. He pushed the applesauce around with his spoon, then returned it to his left hand to continue eating. Who knows...we might have a lefty on our hands!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBjj2GE4d8cUBj7dgDMS9PCS9bPFSMNBoCLKvVNWKvcAbt0Nhs4my_ZpH4oaCFsEX6Nop6LAuRbFa-yzItf30znKlaSLrWvTm2q4d0XQq7nVtQI72wIqTY7gtIW3MAJz6Kt7G6GVKI_8/s1600-h/2010-03-03+17.37.46.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBjj2GE4d8cUBj7dgDMS9PCS9bPFSMNBoCLKvVNWKvcAbt0Nhs4my_ZpH4oaCFsEX6Nop6LAuRbFa-yzItf30znKlaSLrWvTm2q4d0XQq7nVtQI72wIqTY7gtIW3MAJz6Kt7G6GVKI_8/s320/2010-03-03+17.37.46.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444600793015062674" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBPKsxx-4CyIqOqYY-BO9bUEdBceMmdoqwZCD27Db3v5aKtGffSAzZ4PsdNyVDT5AZR0sgatwxklo7RYjAJqOW5ZXSK4PwZbQGfj-Hx3bkS4xbXnofR89QOVBsypwdpp3Zlonzlk3Zrc/s1600-h/2010-03-03+17.37.38.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBPKsxx-4CyIqOqYY-BO9bUEdBceMmdoqwZCD27Db3v5aKtGffSAzZ4PsdNyVDT5AZR0sgatwxklo7RYjAJqOW5ZXSK4PwZbQGfj-Hx3bkS4xbXnofR89QOVBsypwdpp3Zlonzlk3Zrc/s320/2010-03-03+17.37.38.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444603950710720290" border="0" /></a><br />Also, for his first time, I am pleased to announce he did not get too messy, either! No flung food (yet) and nothing dropped on the floor! This time, there wasn't even anything in his hair! (Not something I can routinely say.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTM-sqyJtQXPdEFl2lVWGxjbp2nmCE0qzDXEk6o5UNIokaAJHEucYaxWSgeEOGcla8dKwAJ_4MlmEZqINJZf1nkwqFdpKDBj_SQ9ui7x_9Ctg1HhdHu2mN0Bjz9il2xSgoniP8PQfcZO0/s1600-h/2010-03-03+17.45.42.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTM-sqyJtQXPdEFl2lVWGxjbp2nmCE0qzDXEk6o5UNIokaAJHEucYaxWSgeEOGcla8dKwAJ_4MlmEZqINJZf1nkwqFdpKDBj_SQ9ui7x_9Ctg1HhdHu2mN0Bjz9il2xSgoniP8PQfcZO0/s320/2010-03-03+17.45.42.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444605863425986242" border="0" /></a>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-1475871556159011242010-02-11T18:27:00.004-06:002010-02-11T18:34:21.866-06:00Reading TimeA couple of days ago, Mom and I took Austin to the library for the first time. Well, it wasn't exactly the first time he has been there, it is just the first time he has been there in the kids section and awake!<br /><br />Austin has just recently really gotten interested in books. He will go pick up a book and bring it to you, hand it over and then crawl into your lap. It really is the sweetest thing! Sometimes he sits through the entire book and other times he just makes it through a page or two. But, either way, I love that time!<br /><br />His bedtime routine now includes reading several of his books with Daddy and then coming to Mommy to rock and sing for a while before going to bed. He always grabs <span style="font-style: italic;">Diggers</span> first! I think that is his favorite book right now. He also likes <span style="font-style: italic;">That's Not My Puppy</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Goodnight Moon</span>. (So, I don't know how to underline in HTML. Anyone know?)<br /><br />Anyway, we got several books from the library and "Play to Learn" bag which we have not opened yet. I had no idea the library has so many things for little kids! My friend, Sandi, took here kids there a lot for story time, but I did not know how much it had to offer! We will definitely be going back often.<br /><br />Oh, and for Austin's first time at the library, can you imagine how many books he pulled off the shelf?<br /><br />None. He was too busy playing with the stackable cups and the toy where you push the balls around on the wires in a maze. But, he has enjoyed at least one of the books here at home! :) Baby steps, right?Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-33409024691470262442010-02-08T19:39:00.003-06:002010-02-08T19:52:43.452-06:00Famous Last WordsI realize it has been a while since I posted anything on my blog, but I wanted to start documenting little things about Austin again so I don't forget. So, I don't know how frequent these posts will be, but I am going to give it a try.<br /><br />There have been a lot of times over the years that I have looked at other people and said, "My kids won't ever do <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span>!" I have since learned that you should <span style="font-style: italic;">never</span> say that because you will eat those words!<br /><br />I came across a situation like that just last week! I have heard countless stories of things that kids have flushed down the toilet and always thought, "Now how hard could it be to keep a child out of the toilet if you just pay attention to them?" Well, now I know!<br /><br />I had gone to the bathroom and, of course, Austin was running around the bathroom just waiting for a chance to get into some kind of mischief. (I also have come to understand that I lost the ability to go to the bathroom alone when I became a mother.) When I was done, I went to wash my hands. Our vanity is in a separate room from the toilet and shower, so I walked around the corner.<br /><br />Austin was right behind me. <br /><br />The next thing I knew, I could hear splashing. I ran into the bathroom to get what I was sure was a little boy splashing his hands in the toilet. However, what I did not count on was finding him holding my new Android cell phone over his head after just dunking it in the water!<br /><br />I screamed "Noooooo!" and ran over to grab it. I dried it off really quickly with a towel and then took it in to dry it with the cool setting on the hair dryer. Austin was very proud of himself and pranced around me looking so innocent! (But I know he was gloating inside!)<br /><br />Thankfully, the phone is still working, but I am not sure how long my luck will run. That is the last time I let Andrew talk me out of buying a warranty!Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-7199414495971204232009-08-04T20:49:00.002-05:002009-08-04T21:08:10.740-05:00Catch UpSo much has been happening, that I have not had a chance to do any blogging or reading of blogs lately. Sorry for the long silence. Since our last post here are a few things that have been going on:<br /><ul><li>We sold our house to our neighbor the weekend before we had planned on putting it on the market.</li><li>We got a contract on 20 acres of land that is what we have always dreamed of, but never thought we would be able to afford. We are supposed to close on Aug 24th.</li><li>We moved in with Don and Nancy until our house is built.<br /></li><li>Austin got his helmet...and has finished it. I will try to post more about that experience another time. You can see pictures of it <a href="http://loughfamilysnapshots.shutterfly.com/">here</a>.</li><li>Austin started...and finished physical therapy. He was not able to turn his head to the left or bend it to the left very well. He is now ahead of what he should be doing at this age.</li><li>Austin is able to roll, transition to hands and knees, transition to sitting, sit unsupported, transition from sitting to hands and knees, and scoot around (backwards) just about anywhere he wants to go.</li><li>Austin is eating baby vegetables and has tried real peaches. He loves everything, except oatmeal so far.</li></ul>Well, I need to get to bed, but I thought that if I did not at least give a little update, I would be another month before I had the chance to sit back down and post again. Bear with me! I am trying to get back at it! Thanks for hanging in there with me. :)Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-9139265849710013802009-08-04T20:47:00.002-05:002009-08-04T20:49:15.510-05:00Pictures from Sears 7-25-09Here are the most recent pictures we have of Austin. We got his first professional pictures about a week ago. They were too cute to pass up, so of course, we spent <span style="font-style:italic;">way </span>to much money! I know I have been promising, but I will post more of an update when I catch up on my sleep a little more. :)<br /><br /><object name="Slideshow" id="Slideshow" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" align="middle" width="425" height="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshow/Slideshow.swf"><param name="flashvars" value="configurl=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fshare%2Fexternal_slideshow_config%3Fsid%3D0AbuW7hi5bM2TtY"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed id="Slideshow" name="Slideshow" quality="high" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="configurl=http%3A%2F%2Fws.shutterfly.com%2Fshare%2Fexternal_slideshow_config%3Fsid%3D0AbuW7hi5bM2TtY" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" bgcolor="#869ca7" src="http://www.shutterfly.com/flashapps/flashslideshow/Slideshow.swf" align="middle" width="425" height="425"></embed></object><p style="width: 425px; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AbuW7hi5bM2TtY&eid=115">Click here to view these pictures larger</a><img src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=pictures&c2=blogger" border="0" width="1" height="1" /></p>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-79868442733027190962009-06-17T12:22:00.004-05:002009-06-17T12:23:47.749-05:00News is Coming!I promise! We have so much going on that I have not had any time to post. We are in the process of moving. We close on our house sale next week and then I will have a little more time to post. There is much to share!Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-39356891480519784582009-06-17T12:22:00.001-05:002009-06-17T12:22:46.060-05:00A Bride in the Bargain<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" border="0" /></a></div><br /><center><span style="font-size:130%;">This week, the</span></center><br /><center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size:100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><br /><center><span style="font-size:100%;">is introducing</span></center><br /><center><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);font-size:130%;" > <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764204076">A Bride In The Bargain</a></span></center><br /><center>Bethany House (June 1, 2009) </center><br /><center>by</center><br /><center><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://www.deeannegist.com/">Deeanne Gist</a></span></center><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" >ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4ctm8OPRqop4iMaTl0BHGz4HM1yaec0PWA176FlXjUdNOPqK2cuwOg2feeLJo0mLriOb99VsjWwpr7Sxl7HDwB8_fKGI9ORTt02iyZ9kQ04ZRUD9zV_HcaQHDdQOckODgOAyHHtOTI4/s1600-h/a+bride+in+the+bargain.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4ctm8OPRqop4iMaTl0BHGz4HM1yaec0PWA176FlXjUdNOPqK2cuwOg2feeLJo0mLriOb99VsjWwpr7Sxl7HDwB8_fKGI9ORTt02iyZ9kQ04ZRUD9zV_HcaQHDdQOckODgOAyHHtOTI4/s320/a+bride+in+the+bargain.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348111891512831010" border="0" /></a><strong>The Wedding Is All Planned...<br />Someone Just Needs to Tell the Bride</strong><br />In 1860s Seattle, redwoods were plentiful but women scarce. Yet a man with a wife could secure 640 acres of timberland for free.<br /><br />Joe Denton doesn't have a wife, though. His died before she could follow him to Seattle and now the local judge is threatening to take away his claim. In desperation, he buys himself a Mercer bride--one of the eastern widows and orphans brought to the Territory by entrepreneur Asa Mercer.<br /><br />Anna Ivey's journey west with Mercer is an escape from the aftermath of the Civil War. She signed on to become a cook--not a bride. When she's handed over to Denton, her stubborn refusal to wed jeopardizes his land. With only a few months before he loses all he holds dear, can he convince this provoking, but beguiling, easterner to become his lawfully wedded wife?<br /><br />If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764204076">A Bride In The Bargain</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2009/06/bride-in-bargain-chapter-1.html">HERE</a>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-22095838079687403572009-05-29T07:20:00.000-05:002009-05-29T07:20:00.152-05:00Rose House<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" border="0" /></a></div><br /><center><span style="font-size:130%;">This week, the</span></center><br /><center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size:100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><br /><center><span style="font-size:100%;">is introducing</span></center><br /><center><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);font-size:130%;" > <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400073596%20">Rose House</a></span></center><br /><center>WaterBrook Press (May 5, 2009)</center><br /><center>by</center><br /><center><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://tinaannforkner.wordpress.com/">Tina Ann Forkner</a></span></center><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" >ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-lOMIM_LzseM2_hL8tDzJHZSvv1TnsKaWTXpEkfSKb3B4tYfZvCsLKBr9JFCEjHyr4Zfl5i1W2vq6kWvE2uMh0YTkHSKwCLwqO1oB5ZJQOVvGDLQW3l8B-o_RkYzowduNdEWn5CsUVE/s1600-h/rosehouse.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 217px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-lOMIM_LzseM2_hL8tDzJHZSvv1TnsKaWTXpEkfSKb3B4tYfZvCsLKBr9JFCEjHyr4Zfl5i1W2vq6kWvE2uMh0YTkHSKwCLwqO1oB5ZJQOVvGDLQW3l8B-o_RkYzowduNdEWn5CsUVE/s320/rosehouse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340317662931175234" border="0" /></a>A vivid story of a private grief, a secret painting, and one woman’s search for hope<br /><br />Still mourning the loss of her family in a tragic accident, Lillian Diamon finds herself drawn back to the Rose House, a quiet cottage where four years earlier she had poured out her anguish among its fragrant blossoms.<br /><br />She returns to the rolling hills and lush vineyards of the Sonoma Valley in search of something she can’t quite name. But then Lillian stumbles onto an unexpected discovery: displayed in the La Rosaleda Gallery is a painting that captures every detail of her most private moment of misery, from the sorrow etched across her face to the sandals on her feet.<br /><br />What kind of artist would dare to intrude on such a personal scene, and how did he happen to witness Lillian’s pain? As the mystery surrounding the portrait becomes entangled with the accident that claimed the lives of her husband and children, Lillian is forced to rethink her assumptions about what really happened that day.<br /><br />A captivating novel rich with detail, Rose House explores how the brushstrokes of pain can illuminate the true beauty of life. <br /><br />If you would like to read an excerpt from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400073596%20">Rose House</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2009/05/rose-house-chapter-1.html">HERE</a>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-40007496518532159072009-05-27T07:18:00.001-05:002009-05-27T07:20:26.003-05:00Jillian Dare: A Novel<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" border="0" /></a></div><br /><center><span style="font-size:130%;">This week, the</span></center><br /><center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size:100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><br /><center><span style="font-size:100%;">is introducing</span></center><br /><center><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);font-size:130%;" > <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0800733169">Jillian Dare: A Novel</a></span></center><br /><center>Revell (May 1, 2009)</center><br /><center>by</center><br /><center><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://www.inklingsauthor.com/">Melanie M. Jeschke</a></span></center><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" >ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDhrm2nRbUd_zQ6GIB_cY5_y3iHiJagWZOjak8Qqcqs_bJP_LXMlTNB9wIewprkOKbCrNZ0W5XGbWY6hQXzwENcz_w4OCEIdEOo5pGedFe702VQuxFuWi4zs2FzifGupFdnUWfikfBqQ/s1600-h/jilliandare.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDhrm2nRbUd_zQ6GIB_cY5_y3iHiJagWZOjak8Qqcqs_bJP_LXMlTNB9wIewprkOKbCrNZ0W5XGbWY6hQXzwENcz_w4OCEIdEOo5pGedFe702VQuxFuWi4zs2FzifGupFdnUWfikfBqQ/s320/jilliandare.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339575244970134114" border="0" /></a>Jillian Dare leaves her Shenandoah Valley foster home behind and strikes out on her own as a nanny at a large country estate in northern Virginia. She is delighted with the beauty of her new home, the affection of her young charge Cadence Remington, and the opportunity for frequent travel to the Remington castle in England.<br /><br />She is less certain about her feelings for her handsome but moody employer, Ethan. In spite of herself, Jillian realizes she is falling for her boss. But how can a humble girl ever hope to win a wealthy man of the world? And what dark secrets from the past is he hiding? This contemporary story, inspired by the well-loved classic Jane Eyre, will capture readers' hearts.<br /><br />If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0800733169">Jillian Dare: A Novel</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2009/05/jillian-dare-novel-chapter-1.html">HERE</a>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-47159821318698712082009-05-22T07:44:00.000-05:002009-05-22T07:44:00.348-05:00Deceptive Promises<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" border="0" /></a></div><br /><center><span style="font-size:130%;">This week, the</span></center><br /><center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size:100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><br /><center><span style="font-size:100%;">is introducing</span></center><br /><center><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);font-size:130%;" > <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1602601895">Deceptive Promises</a></span></center><br /><center>Barbour Publishing, Inc (2008) </center><br /><center>by</center><br /><center><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://www.amberstockton.com/">Amber Miller</a></span></center><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:100%;" ></span><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" >ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9eMWPldQBL1y1eoojcM8589V6O-RqoUVEm3Qfkhqh9QQbN59bn1OyHD-6s7hkcJ-dm32_pJDC8L6BxAP4i4pWYNwchE-khEGkLKNrtpH2GKrGHL7agDxF8IQgzpvWsZAHNdYOLr-eIpc/s1600-h/deceptivepromises.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9eMWPldQBL1y1eoojcM8589V6O-RqoUVEm3Qfkhqh9QQbN59bn1OyHD-6s7hkcJ-dm32_pJDC8L6BxAP4i4pWYNwchE-khEGkLKNrtpH2GKrGHL7agDxF8IQgzpvWsZAHNdYOLr-eIpc/s320/deceptivepromises.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334399147309572322" border="0" /></a>MARGRET WANTS TO BELIEVE SAMUEL'S PROMISES.<br /><br />Is deception fair in wartime Margret Scott must deal with this question as she finds herself attracte to the enigmatic Samuel Lowe. As the tensions grow between the colonists and the British soldiers and loyalists, Margret cannot always tell where Samuel's loyalties lie.<br /><br /><hr /><hr />"If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit; Let me be weighed in an even balance that God may know mine integrity." -Job 31:5-6<hr /><hr /><br />Samuel's duties have him working for both sides of this war, and he often finds himself torn between what is right and what is wrong. He promises Margret she can trust him, and Margret promises him she does. But can promises born in deception be trusted? Can a relationship built in uncertainty survive?<br /><br />If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1602601895">Deceptive Promises</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2009/05/deceptive-promises-chapter-1.html">HERE</a>.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-37413676854956713102009-05-20T07:43:00.000-05:002009-05-20T07:44:41.030-05:00Ulterior Motive<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" border="0" /></a></div><br /><center><span style="font-size:130%;">This week, the</span></center><br /><center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size:100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><br /><center><span style="font-size:100%;">is introducing</span></center><br /><center><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);font-size:130%;" > <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764202758%20">Ulterior Motive</a></span></center><br /><center>Bethany House (March 1, 2009)</center><br /><center>by</center><br /><center><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >Mark Andrew Olsen</span></center><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" >ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDbWDsRxXx-oui45y2EEPuBCsifO2om_H9tWbgoeelD1IxmTDHO8McFuiamLOtli0f9IoNasfz-RIZGBpcHVtRJOamVOWIjGGwYUJ8VxFyJU7SnrZgkidCp_XsptUdYdKuTQ_qS3X2Fw/s1600-h/ulteriormotives.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDbWDsRxXx-oui45y2EEPuBCsifO2om_H9tWbgoeelD1IxmTDHO8McFuiamLOtli0f9IoNasfz-RIZGBpcHVtRJOamVOWIjGGwYUJ8VxFyJU7SnrZgkidCp_XsptUdYdKuTQ_qS3X2Fw/s320/ulteriormotives.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334392544174057650" border="0" /></a>When an al-Qaeda email is intercepted, threatening an attack on America, it leads to the capture of the group's leader. Yet even under fierce interrogation, the terrorist clings to his jihadist beliefs and refuses to divulge any information. Desperate, the Army resorts to extreme measures--a controversial protocol designed to break a subject's resistance. But the attempt must be masked as an offer of clemency and rely on an outside party, someone who is unaware of the protocol's aims.<br /><br />They find that someone in Greg Cahill, a disgraced soldier who now serves in a prison ministry. Lured by the chance to restore his reputation, Greg befriends a man the entire country despises. And the result proves combustible, the two men having to flee for their lives. With both in need of redemption, they set out to prevent a major catastrophe...<br /><br />If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764202758%20">Ulterior Motive</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2009/05/ulterior-motives-by-mark-andrew-olsen.html">HERE</a>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-5924513615804854572009-05-13T21:24:00.000-05:002009-05-13T21:28:49.774-05:00So Much to Say...So Little Time!<br /><br />I know it has been several weeks since I posted anything other than book reviews. We have been really busy lately. So, I thought I wold give a quick recap of what has been going on.<br /><br />The March for Babies went great! The rain held off until after the walk. Team Sydney raised over $1500 and was the second highest family team! Also, our checkpoint/spirit station was way cooler than any of the other (corporate, might I add) stations. We already have some exciting plans for next year! Thanks so much to everyone who supported us!<br /><br />Here are some pictures from the day:<br /><div><embed src="http://widget-41.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=144115188096292673&site=widget-41.slide.com" style="width: 400px; height: 320px;" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width: 400px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=144115188096292673&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-41.slide.com/p1/144115188096292673/bb_t001_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" ismap="ismap" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=144115188096292673&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-41.slide.com/p2/144115188096292673/bb_t001_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" ismap="ismap" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=144115188096292673&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-41.slide.com/p4/144115188096292673/bb_t001_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" ismap="ismap" border="0" /></a></div></div><br /><br />A lot has been going on with Austin! First of all, he has recovered from his second ear infection and is suffering from yet another cold, plus thrush. The poor little guy just can't catch a break! Also, this week, he should be getting a helmet to correct the flat spot on the back, right side of his head. This has been a big struggle for me. I have felt like, as a PT, I should have caught it sooner. We took him in to be measured and we should be getting a call to pick it up any day now. He will have to wear it 23 hours a day for 3-5 months. Right through the hottest time of year! I guess we won't be going outside much this summer.<br /><br />Here are pictures of Austin getting scanned for the helmet:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxjLN44hQ4jrCZNJC3dJAA-wiKsNQUH2mYPh1TT5EDE0ABAF-My0sfIQ4T3VJK0rRDv8B9F_JXo9OJvkIWB77c2tmK6Ul_guHDMIXen9GFbjDVp9TtPRcW8lkSlc5xtaMDAtoVcP0bY4/s1600-h/DSCN1266.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxjLN44hQ4jrCZNJC3dJAA-wiKsNQUH2mYPh1TT5EDE0ABAF-My0sfIQ4T3VJK0rRDv8B9F_JXo9OJvkIWB77c2tmK6Ul_guHDMIXen9GFbjDVp9TtPRcW8lkSlc5xtaMDAtoVcP0bY4/s320/DSCN1266.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335500192740388866" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0izp9wQDQ_lL19_3DCsY3IAlWgkA3Ncj2eJMCRMaOiLHIaxuM6k8iHxEsVYFxyBVwff3P0DyJHV8_0qxsEc_Zz08d7YEvAKA66S1VOxmH31Fm2BNoWVyo7DsO89q70kjw8EpIexXPUOg/s1600-h/DSCN1269.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0izp9wQDQ_lL19_3DCsY3IAlWgkA3Ncj2eJMCRMaOiLHIaxuM6k8iHxEsVYFxyBVwff3P0DyJHV8_0qxsEc_Zz08d7YEvAKA66S1VOxmH31Fm2BNoWVyo7DsO89q70kjw8EpIexXPUOg/s320/DSCN1269.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335497796242731186" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuUAYSP92Lc94oQN5cJn7fuA93LVaFKA4LGlDkVNmXI-XqxIp1UHwHfSpRbChNlnwHP_aqoTc5WpZyHSsIUFhIw-tedFeijBzMJuSfuRVJH6V-QsHc1TU3omAP9mcEGbScnpPIlbvcZM/s1600-h/DSCN1267.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuUAYSP92Lc94oQN5cJn7fuA93LVaFKA4LGlDkVNmXI-XqxIp1UHwHfSpRbChNlnwHP_aqoTc5WpZyHSsIUFhIw-tedFeijBzMJuSfuRVJH6V-QsHc1TU3omAP9mcEGbScnpPIlbvcZM/s320/DSCN1267.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335499440045132034" border="0" /></a><br />I finally experienced my first Mother's Day with a child I could hold...so much better!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1GrBgFEKfHhMtFSvdFGbJvVVI69Qwj-xVUZsqt8pCljs27jixmKuqs9FlOPz4WeUix3zMgfLP3ohqeDgY8eVX9fhJ05-uHGztyee3ABU32gmShMPRUSvo6FXlcMuGhqDPPfLBmPo-_Y/s1600-h/DSCN1278.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1GrBgFEKfHhMtFSvdFGbJvVVI69Qwj-xVUZsqt8pCljs27jixmKuqs9FlOPz4WeUix3zMgfLP3ohqeDgY8eVX9fhJ05-uHGztyee3ABU32gmShMPRUSvo6FXlcMuGhqDPPfLBmPo-_Y/s320/DSCN1278.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335337219961437602" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid54mf0YENRTOm9OyMPQQaLLIpK673NDaYvxjj6QswVv9XYcXKohLhaoZU0RuRX0MQW5t0h0HHowqurAQUEfwc93tryX2fPYwFzZH7YEkETySPCb_zOF3YzlBKe-WcppqCfkrShWfCQNY/s1600-h/DSCN1279.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid54mf0YENRTOm9OyMPQQaLLIpK673NDaYvxjj6QswVv9XYcXKohLhaoZU0RuRX0MQW5t0h0HHowqurAQUEfwc93tryX2fPYwFzZH7YEkETySPCb_zOF3YzlBKe-WcppqCfkrShWfCQNY/s320/DSCN1279.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335336760744021266" border="0" /></a><br />Our most recent news, as of last night, is that we have decided to put our house up for sale. We found some property that we absolutely love and are going to try to buy it and build a house. Of course, that will mean we will be homeless for a few months, but we just can't do it any other way. We are excited and nervous all at the same time!Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-60839599435917337532009-05-13T20:56:00.000-05:002009-05-13T21:33:19.479-05:00Beloved Counterfeit<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" border="0" /></a></div><br /><center><span style="font-size:130%;">This week, the</span></center><br /><center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size:100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><br /><center><span style="font-size:100%;">is introducing</span></center><br /><center><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);font-size:130%;" > <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1602605475">Beloved Counterfeit</a></span></center><br /><center>Barbour Publishing, Inc (May 2009)</center><br /><center>by</center><br /><center><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://www.kathleenybarbo.com/">Kathleen Y'Barbo</a></span></center><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" >ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVaHlrSM-WdmEAwCI_RgfaeBaJSLWNcAR80cxIw7LCROnPpnFAjsAE2xnwwTyELu7-H0jdO7PhJNnU5CNxlp9mEUWJuDtZz4ka8pDcLD4ILQatqTrPARdMQJg6DxuN_GJJ5gnREAQpxk/s1600-h/belovedcounterfeit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVaHlrSM-WdmEAwCI_RgfaeBaJSLWNcAR80cxIw7LCROnPpnFAjsAE2xnwwTyELu7-H0jdO7PhJNnU5CNxlp9mEUWJuDtZz4ka8pDcLD4ILQatqTrPARdMQJg6DxuN_GJJ5gnREAQpxk/s320/belovedcounterfeit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334383462923060962" border="0" /></a><strong><em>LOVE CAN COVER A MUTITUDE OF SINS</em></strong><br /><br />Washed ashore on Fairweather Key, Ruby O’Shea and her three nieces─the offspring of the pirate Thomas Hawkins and Ruby’s late sister─have a chance for a new beginning as Ruby takes a job in a boardinghouse and the girls are passed off as her daughters. But will Ruby be able to confess all when she falls for Micah Tate, a widower, wrecher, and soon-to-be preacher?<br /><br />Micah is determined to marry the young woman who has captured his heart despite knowing she has something to hide. But will he be able to remain true to his vows when his lady love’s shady past comes to light?<br /><br />Captain Thomas Hawkins will go to any length to discover the whereabouts of his daughters. What will his determination cost the folks of Fairweather Key?<br /><br />When Ruby finds herself bereft of her newfound love and protector, will she run away in an attempt to escape her present as she did her past? Will Micah’s love cover the multitude of Ruby’s sins, or will Ruby’s duplicity cost her everything?<br /><br /><br />If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1602605475">Beloved Counterfeit</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2009/05/beloved-counterfeit-chapter-1.html">HERE</a>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-84577184544497224542009-05-13T08:54:00.000-05:002009-05-13T08:56:31.892-05:00Taking Tuscany<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" border="0" /></a></div><br /><center><span style="font-size:130%;">This week, the</span></center><br /><center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size:100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><br /><center><span style="font-size:100%;">is introducing</span></center><br /><center><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);font-size:130%;" > <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1434767779">Taking Tuscany</a></span></center><br /><center>David C. Cook (May 2009)</center><br /><center>by</center><br /><center><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://www.reneeriva.com/">Renee Riva</a></span></center><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:100%;" >ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcasciynPeM1kEvnZywCWok1ZueVCCJtF2to5IfRLgyOJBtWF3hLLl7NSmwflXk2jsYIvXKBYjvk1Puq7ZzW4_qFshungxcaWoVRpemHsRum3Fpsxa29MQjNYdPvkCuNXo3-Imlk6DhQ/s1600-h/Riva_3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 105px; height: 144px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcasciynPeM1kEvnZywCWok1ZueVCCJtF2to5IfRLgyOJBtWF3hLLl7NSmwflXk2jsYIvXKBYjvk1Puq7ZzW4_qFshungxcaWoVRpemHsRum3Fpsxa29MQjNYdPvkCuNXo3-Imlk6DhQ/s320/Riva_3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334374586449003426" border="0" /></a>Renee Riva writes humorous stories with a message, for both children and adults. Having been raised in a large Italian family with a great sense of humor, she has much to draw from for developing quirky characters.<br /><br />She loves sharing her secrets for story starters at Young Author events, helping to spark the imagination of young minds. Renee and her husband live in Richland, Washington, with their three daughters, a dog, a cat, and until recently, her beloved hamster—may she rest in peace.<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" >ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoIWm4meyJ2e2AJWll-yyph3KONHN8N8ajnmX-v7CrAp4mxMZiBEoAhKluVNxOyidIBY-dgfeQDw4hegScfTeQbrL70MHox3H32ITFXkavuwwbSjYMjCLVPjdqCm5SyvwfR6Na6hSs48/s1600-h/taking+tuscany.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoIWm4meyJ2e2AJWll-yyph3KONHN8N8ajnmX-v7CrAp4mxMZiBEoAhKluVNxOyidIBY-dgfeQDw4hegScfTeQbrL70MHox3H32ITFXkavuwwbSjYMjCLVPjdqCm5SyvwfR6Na6hSs48/s320/taking+tuscany.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334374323189769778" border="0" /></a>A. J. Degulio loved the idea of a visit to the Old Country... until her family decided to stay. It's 1972 and she's turning fourteen in a crumbling castle on a hill in Tuscany, wishing she were back in Idaho with her beloved dog, Sailor. In Italy, her blonde hair makes her stick out like a vanilla wafer in a box of chocolate biscotti, and she's so lonely her best friend is a nun from the local convent.<br /><br />The challenges of roots and relatives are nothing new to A. J., but she's going to need more than the famous Degulio sense of humor to survive. Can't anyone see that Italy isn't really home? It will take a catastrophe - and a few wise words from a friend - for A. J. to understand that sometimes the only thing you can change is your perspective.<br /><br />If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1434767779">Taking Tuscany</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2009/05/taking-tuscany-chapter-1.html">HERE</a>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-67121220690367830912009-05-08T21:45:00.000-05:002009-05-08T21:45:00.425-05:00According To Their Deeds<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" border="0" /></a></div><br /><center><span style="font-size:130%;">This week, the</span></center><br /><center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size:100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><br /><center><span style="font-size:100%;">is introducing</span></center><br /><center><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);font-size:130%;" > <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764205684">According To Their Deeds</a></span></center><br /><center>Bethany House (March 1, 2009) </center><br /><center>by</center><br /><center><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >Paul Robertson</span></center><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" >ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3k8LsE1asef1kEkZhaFtotK0syTk8b1emRUneQpeCcLRPrDKiV86Euh3VKnF5yrru0Zihd7pCbDGKCPDTYqSfmLbY3s4cBXSbEO2Mr5nbmmLut0KYBZSO0jpD7Q4zGzRPP5q1_kzxeLQ/s1600-h/According+to.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 159px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3k8LsE1asef1kEkZhaFtotK0syTk8b1emRUneQpeCcLRPrDKiV86Euh3VKnF5yrru0Zihd7pCbDGKCPDTYqSfmLbY3s4cBXSbEO2Mr5nbmmLut0KYBZSO0jpD7Q4zGzRPP5q1_kzxeLQ/s320/According+to.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332532194998379330" border="0" /></a>A Deadly Game of Justice Versus Mercy Charles Beale lives outside the shadow of Washington, D.C. Politics and power matter only when a client crosses the Potomac to visit his Alexandria Rare Books shop.<br /><br />But that all changes when a former client--a man deeply connected in the Justice Department--is found murdered after a break-in gone bad. When Charles reclaims at auction the books he'd once sold, he quickly discovers he's bought more trouble than he could have ever imagined.<br /><br />Inside one volume are secrets. A collection of sins that, if revealed, could destroy reputations, careers--even lives. Charles soon learns he isn't the only who knows. Going to the police means ruining a multitude of lives. But staying silent puts a target on his shop, his wife--and himself. Charles must decide: Should one mistake really cost you everything?<br /><br />If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764205684">According To Their Deeds</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2009/05/according-to-their-deeds-by-paul.html">HERE</a>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923476419152735218.post-87198019995540421222009-05-06T21:43:00.000-05:002009-05-06T21:44:36.791-05:00Shame<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" border="0" /></a></div><br /><center><span style="font-size:130%;">This week, the</span></center><br /><center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/"><span style="font-size:100%;">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</span></a></center><br /><center><span style="font-size:100%;">is introducing</span></center><br /><center><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);font-size:130%;" > <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1434767523">Shame</a></span></center><br /><center>David C. Cook (May 2009) </center><br /><center>by</center><br /><center><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/03884809047984686435">Greg Garrett</a></span></center><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:100%;" >ABOUT THE BOOK</span></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4P4hKUS0MW_nBQ-TN-BlIqyBFoPUZEBs_bz5PMRUFUfeb2PzSZQlLYEqY2CvTSiLuNrZ59zVVlYUZfDVgbkvRkoZ8x4EhqKq98sHHQh2XFIrVZdepVJJan-PVS2rlYVVIzkFevD3eCDw/s1600-h/shame.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4P4hKUS0MW_nBQ-TN-BlIqyBFoPUZEBs_bz5PMRUFUfeb2PzSZQlLYEqY2CvTSiLuNrZ59zVVlYUZfDVgbkvRkoZ8x4EhqKq98sHHQh2XFIrVZdepVJJan-PVS2rlYVVIzkFevD3eCDw/s320/shame.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331786432538574770" border="0" /></a>It's hard to appreciate the life you have when you're wondering about the one you might have had.<br /><br />John Tilden's glory days are far behind him, and now it seems like all he has is the monotony of everyday living. He certainly thought there'd be more to it than his ramshackle Oklahoma farm and a mundane job coaching basketball at his old high school. He questions his fatherhood skills too: His oldest son won't speak to him, his younger son wants to quit the basketball team, and now his daughter wants to go out on dates. He loves his wife, but the marriage has settled into complacency.<br /><br />With John's twentieth high school reunion approaching, he has agreed to play in an exhibition game with the old championship team. And his ex-girlfriend's back in town, newly single. What might have been now seems closer than ever.<br /><br />If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1434767523">Shame</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2009/05/shame-chapter-1.html">HERE</a>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697692339338289756noreply@blogger.com0