Whew! What a complete exhausting, yet exciting day. We spent most of it at the Scottish Festival in downtown Saint Charles. It’s a yearly festival, and it will probably become a family tradition for us. It was so much fun. There was so much for the kids to see and do. They got the chance to learn how to log throw, strone throw, sheep toss and other fun activities.  

 I think they all loved the parade. There were so many people that were a part of the parade, and they even had Border Collies everywhere which was a big hit for us (since we just got one).  They enjoyed seeing all the people in the traditional Scottish clothing and I think I was the one that loved the bagpipes the most.  (They remind me of my father)  The people threw candy out to the children who were waiting on the side of the street, and our five made out like little bandits. I don’t know how they do that. They have a knack for that.

My two children and I had never been to the Scottish festival, though we have been to lots of other parades and festivals down there, but this was a first and honestly we are exhausted but had the best time. My boyfriend and his kids have been several years in a row now but they decided this was the best time yet. Yay!

Oh, and the funnel cakes we ate were awesome. I cannot possibly go to a festival or carnival that has funnel cakes and not buy one. Delich! There was this great breeze going when they were sprinkling the powdered sugar and the kids were covered in white spots. So funny, but yummy!!

Tomorrow it’s me and my kids turn to take them somewhere they haven’t been. Stay tuned!

Here’s a cute photo of the whole clan:

Water, water, everywhere. Figuring out a photo to use for water, was difficult. I like my photos to be unique for Photo Hunters, but I couldn’t get much more than this.

About to turn twelve, a tiny glimpse of childhood remains.

Some of you know that one of my freelance writing jobs is for www.families.com (and the rest of you now know). Back on March 9th, all of the bloggers were given vacation for two weeks. I decided to play hookey from two other clients for the duration of that vacation so I could enjoy Spring Break with my kids. I kept up with my ghostwriting jobs though.

I took advantage of the time and got through several chapters of the book I am writing and was able to catch up on some research and books I wanted to do/read! However, the vacation is over and we are back in full swing. I have been writing like a maniac for days. Between my two private clients, ghost writing and my gig at www.families.com and that other one, I have been VERY busy this week and last. Not sure if I should be cheering or wishing the vacation could go on longer.

As soon as I sat down at my laptop, I churned out seven articles in a little over an hour. Obviously I needed that vacation. Inspiration just took over, and with the beautiful weather it is so nice to be able to write outside. So, if you read my articles over there (or if you care even a smidgen about scrapbooking or frugal living and other various topics) then come visit me.

Otherwise, I’ll just see you here. I promise, I’ll still be around with my witty comments and other crap.

Yay! It’s Friday!

Appetizer
What are you proud of?
Honestly, this is pretty easy. I actually have two answers. First, and foremost, I am very proud of my two children, who they are becoming and the relationship I have built with them. Second, I am extremely proud to have had such a positive impact and be such a positive influence on my three “step” daughters. When teacher’s (several) and three different friends of the family, compliment you on the change, you know you are doing something right. Not that I was worried, it’s just nice to know! In fact, even the girls mothers’ family has been extremely grateful for the great things I guess I do. I may sound like I am bragging, but I’m always worried in “blended families” that it does more damage. It seems to be doing really well, and I am very thankful for God’s continuous blessings.

Soup
What is the best thing you’ve ever won as a prize?
Usually I am bad luck, and I hardly ever win anything and when I do, it’s usually just junk. But twice now, I have won cool things. One was a digital camera, that I was able to gift to my son. And the best yet, I think was the free kit I won for a home business I did years ago. That was so cool getting everything for free. It was a lot of stuff, and the kit was expensive.

Salad
Name something you do that is a waste of time.
Wow - that’s easy. My addiction to computer games. Not just any games, but typically Zoo Tycoon or Sims. Yeah, I’m an addict.

Main Course
In what year of your life did you change the most?
Again, very easy answer. This past year. Starting around March of 2006 until now. My life has changed so much. It is amazing what good will come when you  hand your life over to God. Jesus took my wheel. And He can keep it. He’s blessed me so much this year.

Dessert
Where is a place you consider to be very tranquil?
Hmm..this is a bit difficult. The most tranquil place I have ever been, is this lake in Arizona that is just amazingly beautiful and extremely serene. I love it. I can look at pictures of it, and get calm, and feel very at ease. However, I haven’t been there for a long time, so I guess if I had to pick somewhere nearby, I’d almost have to say my bathroom. LOL That sounds nuts - doesn’t it? I’ve worked hard to make it feel soft and nice. It is not done, because we are moving, so I will be doing the rest at our new house.

Thirteen of My Most Frequently Visited Websites

1. www.scribblesnscraps.com (well….duh!)
2. www.families.com
3. www.wahm.com
4. www.twopeasinabucket.com
5. www.bedbathandbeyond.com
6. www.accentuateservices.com
7. www.amazon.com
8. www.ebay.com
9. www.google.com
10. www.blogexplosion.com
11. www.blogmad.net
12. www.cmt.com
13. www.lifetimetv.com

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

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Word: Obfuscation

Part of Speech: noun

Definition: 1. confusion resulting from failure to understand
2. the activity of obscuring people’s understanding, leaving them baffled or bewildered 
3. darkening or obscuring the sight of something 

Sentence: The room was full of obfuscation, as the speaker discussed the Scientific Theory of Inertia.

Just a reminder what the purpose of the Wednesday Word Of Wisdom is. I started this to not only better my vocabulary for my writing, but to help other writer’s learn words they might not otherwise have attempted to use. I research the words in great depth to be sure it is a legal word, has a true meaning and can be associated with any type of writing style. So next time you are sitting there wondering what to write, be sure and check out the WWW (Wednesday Word of Wisdom) for fun, exciting and new descriptive words for your writing!

While researching an article I am writing for a local publication, I got sidetracked and found this.

Ever wonder what your desktop does while you sleep? Now you know.

Back to my regularly scheduled writing assignment.

edited: Ok, I changed the bright colors and muted them quite a bit. Does it still look horrible? I like having a background, but I’m not necessarily “sold” on the stripes so if people hate it, then I can change it. I was just so tired of the apple template I was using. I think this looks better than the citrus colors I used last night.

I actually did this all MYSELF!! Wowser!! (I promise, my feelings won’t be hurt if you don’t like it!) Just honest opinions now that I’ve changed it AGAIN! (I need some color, so keep that in mind)