Hump Day Giveaways - 1/25

Happy hump day!  I hope you are all having a great week!  Mine has been pretty good, especially since the chiropractor pulled my hip back into place.

Please share your giveaways below and be sure to enter some while you are here!

Sunday Stealing - 1/22

Today we ripped off a blogger named Tense Teacher of the blog Tense for a Reason. (Yes we know that we've ripped her off not so long ago as well. It's pretty amazing since she stopped posting in 2007. But that's where we live as a thief). Also, it's long so we'll do it in parts. She does not say where she got it from. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time.Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!


Sunday Stealing: The Never Ending Meme, Ends

Cheers to all of us thieves!

36. Have you watched American Horror Story? 

I don't believe I've ever heard of it.

37. Baseball hat or toque? 

I don't know what toque is...but, I think almost all of my hats are considered baseball hats.

38. Do you shampoo or soap up first in the shower? 

I don't use shampoo.  My hair is so short, I use body wash for everything.

39. Wet the toothbrush or brush dry with the toothpaste? 

Wet it first!

40. Pen or pencil?

99% of the time, I use a pen.

41. Have you ever gambled at a casino?

I put $5 into a slot machine one time at a casino we went to for a business conference.  I got up to $15 and then lost it all.

42. Have you thrown up on a plane? 

No

43. Have you thrown up in a car? 

I don't remember ever doing it.

44. Have you thrown up at work? 

Nope.

45. Do you scream on roller coasters? 

Not really, I'm usually trying too hard to convince my body to breathe.

46. How many shoes do you have? 

I have 4 pairs I think.

47. Who was your first roommate? 

My brother...we shared a room as long as I lived at home.

48. What alcoholic beverage did you drink when you got drunk for the first time? 

I have never been drunk, but I did drink more than I should have one time.  It was Kahlua, Cream, & Cokes.  8 of them.

49. What was your first job? 

Mowing grass for my grandma.  Then the first "real" job I had was working at the grocery store.  I loved that job!

50. What was your first car? 

Chevy Corsica, but that was owned by my parents.  The first car I owned was a Chevy Metro.

51. When did you go to your first funeral? 

I don't remember it, but both my grandpas died within a year of my birth.

52. How old were you when you first moved away from your hometown? 

19...I think

53. Who was your first grade teacher? 

Ms. Ludeker

54. Where did you go on your first airplane ride? 

Seattle, Washington

55. When you snuck out of your house for the first time, who was it with? 

I am pretty sure I never snuck out of the house.

56. Who was your first best friend and are you still friends with them? 

They were twins.  My mom babysat for them and we went to pre-school together.  We were in school together clear through high school.  We've pretty much lost contact.

57. Where did you live the first time you moved out of your parents’ house? 

I lived with a lady who had an extra bedroom so that I wouldn't have to drive an hour and a half to school and back every day.

58. Who is the first person you call when you have a bad day? 

My wife...but I usually don't call...I usually just talk to her when I get home.

59. Whose wedding were you in the first time you were a bridesmaid or a groomsmen? 

I think the only time I've been a groomsman was my brother's wedding.

60. What is the first thing you do in the morning? 

Pee.  LOL

61. What was the first concert you attended? 

I couldn't tell you who it was, but our church growing up used to have gospel quartets in all the time.

62. First tattoo or piercing? 

I have neither, although I've often thought about getting a tattoo...no idea what of though.

63. First celebrity crush?

Wow, I have so many that I'm not sure who the first was...maybe Julia Roberts.

Brother P-Touch Garage Organization

Back in August, I wrote about the Brother P-Touch PT-1290 electronic labeling system and the durability of the labels.  As part of this campaign, I was to organize my garage using the labels and write again about how they held up.

Let me start by saying my garage was the ultimate mess!  It seems that during the winter, we tend to store things in the garage and then never get around to sorting through them and cleaning up.  Add to that home improvement project supplies, tools everywhere, and fasteners of every kind spread throughout the garage.  I was unable to get to the main garage door and could barely get to the freezer.

So, fast forward to organizing with the P-Touch labeling system.  I purchased some wall hanging organization units.  This consisted of a rail and hooks and shelves.  I installed the rails and mounted a shelf and two hooks to hang ladders that had been leaning against walls or laying on the floor.

On the shelf, I place my big toolbox that used to belong to my wife's Grandpa.  Now, you would assume that all my tools would be in the toolbox, right?  Well, as I cleaned the garage, I found tools all over the place.  I labeled the drawers as to what tools were in them and started placing the scattered tools where they belong.

Next on the shelf, I placed a drawer organizer for fasteners and labeled the drawers as to what size/type fasteners were in them.  This is a huge bonus because, again, I had fasteners in multiple places in the garage. Some of them were just mixed into a big box of fasteners.  I didn't even know what I had.  Now, I can go straight for the fastener I need for any job. I used the labels a couple other ways too.  I labeled my shelving unit that houses all of my chemicals (garden, pesticide, car, cleaners, etc.).  I also labeled my gas cans (regular and two-cycle).

Having had some of these labels in place for several months in the garage, I must say I'm very pleased with how well they hold up.  None of the labels have peeled away from where I placed them.  Even on the gas can handles that are used a lot, I saw no sign of the label falling off.  Because of this, I plan to label my big sprayers (weed killer, all vegetation killer, etc.) this summer when I start using them.

I'm beginning to think of ways we can use these throughout the house too.  My wife does a lot of crafts, including crochet, knitting, a little scrapbooking, and much more.   These labels could really help her organize all her craft supplies.  My son has many of his toys in plastic boxes.  The labels could be used to label those boxes as well.

Additional features I didn't use in the garage include the 15 Deco Patterns included on the labeler and 7 Stylish Frames for your text.  This labeler also allows you to choose the font and size of your text, which came in very handy with some of the fastener drawers that had a tiny handle on them.

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Brother P-Touch and received a product and gift card to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

My Memories Suite Review & Giveaway

My Memories Suite is digital scrapbooking software that makes it easy for families to create scrapbook pages, documenting the things that mean the most.  I received a free copy of the software for this review and used it to create a few pages of photo memories.  This was the first time I've worked with digital scrapbooking software.

Firstly, I have to say the installation was painfully long.  I purchased the software as an Internet download instead of ordering a CD.  Well, the initial download was just the beginning of the installation.  When I started the installation, it downloaded three different files from the Internet.  The whole installation took an hour even though I have Cable Internet service.

Once the installation was complete, I opened the My Memories Suite software and began designing.  There are  several pre-made designs for scrapbook pages.  I chose to create my own design using the many built in paper backgrounds and images.  I found it very easy to select the items I wanted for my pages.  Most of the page settings and items are on the right side of the program, making it really easy to make adjustments without having to drill down into menus.  There are many additional digital scrapbooking kits that can be purchased to make your scrapbook pages even more fun.

Below is one of the pages I created, documenting my son's first day of Kindergarten.

Purchase

Would you like to try this great software?  I have a Share the Memories code that provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value!

Here's how to use the code to purchase the My Memories Suite.

1. Go to http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software
2. Click on Add to Cart.
3. Enter STMMMS78507 in the Promotional Code field on the shopping cart page
4. Finish the checkout. You should not be asked for any credit card information, and the total for the order should be FREE.
5. To download the software, go to http://www.mymemories.com/my_accounts/downloads and click on the link to download the software. Your product key will also be displayed on that page.

Giveaway


My Memories Suite has offered to give one of my readers their own copy of the software I got to try.  This is a $40 value!  Please use the Rafflecopter form below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the software to allow me to try it and provide my honest opinion about it.  All opinions are my own.

Hump Day Giveaways - 1/18

Please share your awesome giveaways below!  If you would, please note ones that are rafflecopter or low entry!

Rough Week/Great Weekend

Wow, last week was a really rough week for me.  First off, it was really busy.  I started back to working out at the YMCA at 6am in the morning twice last week.  I donated plasma Tuesday night.  Wednesday night included a 3 hour meeting at church, although the pizza was amazing!  Several days included some rather stressful stuff at work, causing me to exude a seriously bad mood.  I think I reached utter exhaustion and stress overload.

Friday night, my wife and I talked a bit about just getting away from it all for a day.  I decided I'd wait and see how I felt on Saturday.  Saturday morning, I got up, worked on the budget a bit and decided I'd really like to just get away.  I logged onto Drury's site and found a two-queen bed room and booked it.

We headed out around lunch time and went to the Tanger Outlets in Jeffersonville, Ohio.  (Yes, shopping is fun for me...most of the time).  We shopped for a couple hours and I even found some new cargo pants at Bass for work.  We checked in at the hotel and headed down for the 5:30 kick back, where we had our free beverages and food.  After that, my wife and son went to use the pool while I just relaxed and watched some football.  Sunday, we made a mandatory stop at Target before heading home.  (Yes, mandatory...we don't have a target close to us, so when we see one, we have to stop.)

Yesterday, we went to breakfast at Denny's, I worked in the garage a little, and then just relaxed.  This morning, it was back to the YMCA and plasma donation tonight.  So far, this week is looking up much more than last week!  Here's to a great week everyone!

Sunday Stealing - 1/15

Today we ripped off a blogger named Tense Teacher of the blog Tense for a Reason. (Yes we know that we've ripped her off not so long ago as well. It's pretty amazing since she stopped posting in 2007. But that's where we live as a thief). Also, it's long so we'll do it in parts. She does not say where she got it from. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!


Sunday Stealing: The Never Ending Meme, Part Two

Cheers to all of us thieves!

21. Did you go to your high school prom? 

I went to both my junior and senior year high school prom with the most beautiful lady I know...she's now my wife!

22. Perfect time to wake up? 

It really depends on the day.  On the weekends, I really like to sleep until 9 or 10 in the morning.  During the week, anytime between 5:30 am and 6:30 am works for me.

23. Perfect time to go to bed? 

10pm

24. Do you use your queen right away in chess? 

I have never understood chess.  I just can't remember how each piece is allowed to move.

25. Ever been in a car accident? 

I've been in two and they were both my fault.  In high school, I t-boned a guy in the school parking lot.  Shortly after moving to where we live now, I rear ended a young lady on my way to work.

26. Closer to mom or dad…or neither? 

I think I'm equally close to both my parents.

27. What age is this exciting life over for you?

Whenever God is ready to bring me home.

28. What decade during the 20th century would you have chosen to be a teenager?

I'll stick with the 90's when I was a teenager.

29. Favorite shoes you have EVER owned? 

Probably an old pair of All Stars back in middle school.

30. Do you have an article of clothing you have had since you were in high school? 

I don't think I have anything that old anymore.

31. Were you in track and field? 

I ran hurdles in junior high.

32. Were you ever in a school talent show?

No, I wasn't very talented in anything.  After all, I spelled radical as "radicool" in the junior high spelling bee.

33. Have you ever written in a library book?

I don't think so.

34. Allergic to?

Nothing I'm aware of.

35. Favorite fruit?

Probably apples since I can't have grapefruit with my Lipitor.

Hump Day Giveaways - 1/10

Happy Hump Day everyone!!!  Please share your amazing giveaways below!  Also, leave a comment if you'd like!  Or, ask me a question in a comment and maybe I'll turn it into a post!

A Real Post

It seems like it's been forever since I've written a real post.  I got really burnt out on many things in the last month or so, dealing with back pain and being just plain busy.  My family had a great Christmas and New Years together, minus my son being sick Christmas Eve night and my wife coming down with laryngitis.  I'll share a little about our family time and some things God has been doing in my life.

Christmas Eve, we celebrated Christmas with my family, minus my brother and his wife, who are in Kansas.  My dad grilled t-bone steaks that were probably the best steaks I've ever eaten.  We had a lot of fun with the kids, my son and my niece and nephew.  After this, we went to my in-laws where we stayed for the weekend.  My son woke up in the night puking.  I'm so thankful my wife can deal with that because my stomach gets upset at just the smell of it.

Christmas morning, we read the Christmas story from the Bible and opened presents with the in-laws.  My son was feeling considerably better, but we didn't make it to church that morning since everyone was moving pretty slow.  Around lunch time, we went to see my wife's grandparents and then to my uncles for a lunch.  I got to see my great aunt that I haven't seen for quite some time.  It was fun hearing stories about things my dad's family did years ago.  Christmas evening, we went back to the in-laws for some extended family time.  I was very exhausted by that point.

The day after Christmas, we packed up and headed home so I could be at work on Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday, we headed back to the in-laws.  We had planned to go shopping or something on Friday, but that didn't end up happening.  I did get to have breakfast at Bob Evans with my mom and my son.  I love their pot roast hash!

New Years Eve, we were able to spend time with a dear friend from back in high school.  It was so great catching up with all that is happening with her and her family.  They live about 4 hours away, so we don't get to see each other very often.

God Moments During the Holidays


The night of Christmas Eve, I prayed before falling asleep and God kept bringing the name of an old friend to my mind along with $100.  I prayed for this friend, but didn't put too much thought into the money.  God kept prodding at me all through Christmas Day about this and, after talking with my wife, I decided I should send this friend the money and be obedient to God.  I have no idea what the money is for, but I know God has a plan for it.  To top it off, just as I was getting ready to send the money, a rebate check for $100 came in the mail.  I wasn't even expecting the rebate check.

I have two spiritual gifts that have been identified as very strong.  One is helps, which is most of the behind the scenes stuff I do.  I like being in the background and not getting a lot of attention for the things I do, although, it is nice to get a thank you once in a while.  My second spiritual gift is giving.  It's been hard to really use this gift since we've been aggressively paying off debt, but we're approaching the end of our debt payoff.  I'm glad I'm to a point that God can use my gift of giving for others!

New Years Eve, I felt God telling me to give money to my friend that we spent the day with.  Before we found out that she really needed gas money, I had already slipped money in her coat pocket.  She found it on their way home and let me know what a blessing it was to have that money in a time of need.

I have some other things that God is doing or might be stirring in my life, but I'm not sure I'm ready to share about any of that here quite yet.  I'm just praying that God's will will be done in my life and that I will remain obedient!

Sunday Stealing - 1/8

Today we ripped off a blogger named Tense Teacher of the blog Tense for a Reason. (Yes we know that we've ripped her off not so long ago as well. It's pretty amazing since she stopped posting in 2007. But that's where we live as a thief). Also, it's long so we'll do it in parts. She does not say where she got it from. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!


Sunday Stealing: The Never Ending Meme, Part One

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. Song that always makes you sad? 

Don't Take The Girl...kinda of makes me sad and happy all at the same time.  And, it's one of only a couple handfuls of country songs I like.

2. Last thing you bought? 

Suet Cakes for the birds.

3. Last person you argued with? 

Probably my 5 year old son.

4. Do you put butter before putting the peanut butter on? 

Yuck...no, don't think that would be a good mix.

5. One of your stuffed animals’ names as a kid? 

Denise.  I named one of my teddy bears after my step-grandpa's daughters who I thought was super cute.

6. Did you ever at one time own a Barenaked Ladies CD? 

Not sure I'd even know a song by them.

7. Favorite day of the week? 

Monday...just kidding!  Probably Saturday because I get to spend most Saturdays with my family!

8. Favorite sundae topping? 

Oreo crumbs

9. Did you take piano lessons? 

No, but my wife did and she's really good!

10. Most frequent song played?

If you are talking about my playlist, it is hard telling.  I have a very broad range of music on there and it's always on random.

11. T.V. show you secretly enjoy?

I don't think there are any that I secretly enjoy.  I'm pretty open about the shows I watch.

12. Would you rather play basketball or hockey? 

Basketball...hate ice.

13. Date someone older or younger? 

Either.

14. One place you could travel right now? 

Birch Run, Michigan.  I want to shop at the outlets and eat at Tony's.  And, it's only 3 hours away.

15. Do you use umbrellas? 

Yes!

16. Do you know all the words to the Canadian national anthem? 

I don't think I know anything past O Canada.  I know the U.S.A. national anthem though.

17. Favorite cheese? 

Just about anything with hot peppers.

18. The Smith’s or The Cure? 

Huh?

19. Do you prefer blondes or brunettes? 

I don't know how to answer this.  I find most blondes to be really cute, but my wife is HOT and she is a brunette.  I also find I'm most attracted to brunettes.

20. Best job you ever had?

Grocery store.  I did just about everything there.  I probably enjoyed the Deli the most.

Wednesday Giveaway Links - 1/4

Happy New Year to all my readers!  I'll be back very soon with new posts!

Please share your great giveaways below for me and everyone else.  Thanks for stopping by!