Happy Father's Day!

Money doesn't grow on trees!

Have you ever heard your Dad tell you that? Mine told me that over the years of growing up...but I'm not sure I believe him...I think he is still keeping it from me! Maybe I need to go money tree hunting late at night...


What Dadism's has your Dad told you over the years?


In honor of my Dad...Arthur McAskill, here are some "throwback" pictures of him and his three girls!

I'm first~me and my Dad!Shannon getting some tips on how to walk from Dad


And last, but not least, Camille

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

This last week a group of us went to go see Mary Poppins at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle! What an amazing musical!

So I was taking a picture of myself (my favorite way to take pictures) and I forgot that I had the zoom on...but I kind of like how it came out so I kept it! :)

Girl's Night Out!

Mandi, Me, Holly, Sue, Barbara and Heather!

I think I can fly...but I might be missing my umbrella!

Dinner beforehand was at the Cheesecake Factory...yummy goodness!

The girls at dinner!

PBR

PBR in Seattle! Yee--Haw....8 Seconds Baby!

Barbara and I enjoying the cowboys...well, I was enjoying the cowboy butts!

Me and Sean Willingham

ME!!!

The Nun that overlooks the kitchen table at Bucca di Beppo's in Seattle! We had reservations for dinner and were surprised when we were seated in the kitchen! The food was scrumptious and the company was great too!

"I still have my feet on the ground...

I just wear better shoes!"

~~Oprah Winfrey~~

Happy Easter

Hallelujah!

He has Risen!

How can a person not be excited for this weekend? We, as Christians, have the opportunity to worship Jesus Christ who was crucified on a cross for MY sins, buried in a tomb and rose from the dead three days later!

If you happen to stumble across this blog and don't know who Jesus is and don't have a relationship with him...please stop a moment and ask me about Him. I know that He would want to know you!! Even through a blog such as this God can find you just where you are. Please know that He loves you and wants the best for you!

Happy Easter All!

Please have a very Blessed weekend!

Book Review

“Follow the drugs.”

Her sister’s last words shake FBI agent Heather Sloan to the core. They also convince her that the helicopter crash only Heather survived wasn’t an accident. Sheriff’s deputy Jeremy Latham is assigned the case—he’s the one who can help Heather find the person responsible. Once she convinces him they should work together. As they dig for the truth, they learn to trust and care for each other. Will they lose it all when the killer targets Heather? She’s willing to risk her life to find her sister’s killer—but her code of justice could cost her the chance to win Jeremy’s love.

I'm not usually one for suspense books, but I love a good romance and Liz Johnson delivers both a good suspense and romance all in one! Not only does Liz deliver romance but she also makes her characters believable! She explores the sister/sister bond...I have two sisters and know that I would do anything for them, just as I imagine others would do the same for their siblings. Although I'm not sure I'd put myself into the position of offering myself as bait to catch a killer! Would you?

Dive into this great book which can be found at places like amazon.com or cbd.com!

It's raining, it's pouring;
The old man is snoring.
Bumped his head
And he went to bed
And he couldn't get up in the morning.

Rain, rain, go away;
Come again another day;
Little Johnny wants to play.

Bath Time

I went to my Grandma's house this weekend and scanned pictures all weekend! In total, I scanned over 650 pictures...pictures of old black and whites of family members I don't know and lots of pictures of us as kids!

Me and my sister Shannon sharing a tub outside!

Can't believe we were ever small enough to both of us in that tub!

What a cute tush that is!

Tampon Anyone?

Girls, we've all seen the tampon machines in any public bathroom that we've gone into (in fact there are a few arenas that I've been to that they have them sitting out free!) Can anyone tell me if they've actually purchased merchandise from one of these machines?

Here is my quirky thought for the day...

My work (which I suppose should remain anonymous...but hey, why? Babies/Toys R Us in Tukwila) just reopened its new store and this machine is in our womens' restroom. The thing that I don't get is why is it still EMPTY after five months of being open. The next thing I don't understand is why are companies still putting them in bathrooms? Do they really think that we don't carry female items in our purse?

I know...such a random thought/picture, but had to share with someone!

Way too HOT!!!

I am sitting here multi-tasking as usual....laptop out, tv on and a book nearby! Right now I'm watching The Proposal with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.

I just have to say that this man is just a wee bit hot!

However, no matter how hot Mr. Reynolds is...my all-time love is David Boreanaz, aka, Seeley Booth! YUMMY!

Um, do you forgive me?

Yes, I am a slacker!

I have come over to my blog throughout the last year and keep thinking to myself, "I really need to post something to my blog!" I had been so faithful in writing on my blog and sadly, I have let it go to the wayside the last year.

Do I have excuses? Nope! Not one! But do you forgive me anyway? I know that there is at least one person out there that reads this...so please forgive me! I promise to write a bit more faithfully this year.

So what have I been up to this year?

1. Still, and I mean still, looking for a full-time teaching position. Since last summer I probably sent out or filled out online applications for at least 50 openings. I even applied to the Houston, TX, school district...moving forward and even getting a phone interview with one school. I have had a few interviews during this school year for positions that I am not fully qualified for (but was favored with interviews anyway)....but did not get the jobs. I have been subbing frequently this year, but really need and want a full-time position! I know God called me to be a teacher and I know that he has the best job out there for me.

2. Church: I started attending Lifespring Foursquare Church a year ago and I am really liking it. It took me awhile getting into the groove and getting involved but I am slowly but surely getting more involved! I attend our young adult group (Converge) get togethers and try to make it to the events for women. It is a part hard making all activities as I am working a part-time retail position in order to make extra income.

3. Family: most of my family...meaning my two sisters and all their kids, live in Idaho Falls, ID which is a 15 hour drive from my house! My Dad and I made the trip over at Christmas time but holy camoly that is a freaking long drive! I do see my Dad every 4-5 weeks (should probably be more since he only lives 30 minutes from me!) and I need to see my Mom more (she only lives 3 hours away!). Still missing my Grandpa who passed away last March and visit with my Grandma on the phone frequently...I get to go see her in a few weeks!

4. Finances: Mine SUCK! Not having a full-time job right now has been very difficult. There have been weeks that I have very, very little in the checking account! The reason I even say anything is to let you know that I firmly believe that I serve Jehovah Jireh...which is God my Provider! He never lets me down...He never forsakes me and He always is watching out for me!

Even though this has been a very difficult year for me in regards to job and finances, and I have felt like I am being crushed and suffocating many, many times MY GOD WILL SEE ME THROUGH!!!

If you are facing circumstances that stretch your faith and you feel like there is no way to get out from underneath everything that is holding you down...please, please know that God loves you! He wants the best for you and He will help you succeed! Place Him first in your life and all the rest just falls into place!

Thanks for catching up with me and I promise to do better at keeping up with you all!

Blessings and Happy Second Week of February!

Family Pictures

Back in May, my Dad and I made a trip over to Idaho Falls, ID, to visit my two sisters and their families. I had been thinking about family pictures for a long (long, long) time and had actually planned them for a year ago Thanksgiving.

In my family you (meaning me!) just has to make things happen. So I scheduled the appointment, told everyone what to wear and made sure everyone made it the studio (yes, they were late!). My Dad was the worst one to drag his feet...he hates pictures. But he told me (and yes, I am quoting), "I am only doing this because I love you!"

So here are some of the shots from our pictures. I have individuals of all the kids, but need to rotate them before I can upload! We are missing one grandchild...Cassie wasn't with us! And Mom, I promise we will get some done with you in the near future!

Three Sisters!

Rachel (That's me! The older, bossy one!), Shannon (She's the middle child...sitting down) and Camille (Yes, she's the baby of the family!)

Dad (Art) and his girls!

Siefert-Ramirez Family

In the back (L to R) is Josh (20), Brittany (16) and Ernie

In the front (L to R) is Maddy (12), Shannon holding Jocelyn (1), Brandon (20) and Mason (7)

The whole family minus my Dad...Mason is looking a big manic!

The whole crew with Grandpa Art in the middle!

Dragness Family

Joe, Camille, Elliana (2) and Dajia (6)

Guitar Hero, Heroes

How does a family bond?

Well, of course, we play Guitar Hero!!

Poor Camille....looks like she is having fun, but really she was getting booed off the Guitar Hero stage.

Ever get booed by virtual fans off a virtual stage?

Look...even Elliana is getting into the act!


Josh is definitely one of the BEST! He just acts like it is nothing though...PUNK!

What?

Me, a Guitar Hero?

Nah!

But I definitely am hooked on this game!

Brittany's gettin' her groove on...

Maddy used to tell me all the time when she was little that she wanted to be a rock star!

I think she is on her way!

Mason is a SUPERSTAR!

Brandon is just as good as Josh!

These boys have been playing for years and probably know all the songs by heart and can play without even watching the screen.

Shannon plays it all cool!

She is really the Rock Star at heart...she just pretends she is playing for Metallica!

Guitar Hero Videos

When I was in Idaho a few weeks ago visiting my sisters I was introduced to Guitar Hero! Now I am familiar with Guitar Hero; however, I'm not a huge fan of video games, so I have never really played.

But whoa....

The kids got me hooked! I couldn't put the dumb guitar down! Even though I never really mastered much past the easy/medium stage it was a complete blast! I suppose if I were to ever buy myself a video game I would have to go with Guitar Hero!



Here I am rocking out! LOL! Really I didn't realize Brittany was even filming me...what I really like is the small snippet of Elly jamming out!



Don't BLINK!

Here is a few seconds of Brittany...it may be the only video you ever see of her...she is like an elusive pink unicorn only seen once in a blue moon on the fifth Sunday of the thirteenth month!

Suspense Book Review

Do you crave a good suspense book? How about a suspense with a touch of Christianity thrown in? I'm not usually a person who reads suspense books (although I have read some Peretti in the past that put shivers up my spine); however, right from the get go I was hooked on this book.

I was recently asked to review the book Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze and I was extremely pleased with this read. I really enjoyed the character development and the plot of the book. Ms. Hinze is an excellent writer and I think you will enjoy it as well.

Summary:

A mother who cannot face her future.
THEIR ELUSIVE ENEMIES TOOK EVERYTHING. NOW THEY WANT MORE.

Crossroads Crisis Center owner Benjamin Brandt was a content man—in his faith, his work, and his family. Then in a flash, everything he loved was snatched away. His wife and son were murdered, and grief-stricken Ben lost faith. Determination to find their killers keeps him going, but after three years of dead ends and torment, his hope is dying too. Why had he survived? He’d failed to protect his family.

Now, a mysterious woman appears at Crossroads seeking answers and help—a victim who eerily resembles Ben’s deceased wife, Susan. A woman robbed of her identity, her life, of everything except her faith—and Susan’s necklace.

The connections between the two women mount, exceeding coincidence, and to keep the truth hidden, someone is willing to kill. Finding out who and why turns Ben and the mystery woman’s situation from dangerous to deadly. Their only hope for survival is to work together, trust each other, and face whatever they discover head on, no matter how painful. But will that be enough to save their lives and heal their tattered hearts?

Author Bio:

Vicki Hinze is an award-winning author of twenty-three novels, three nonfiction books, and hundreds of articles. Selected for Who’s Who in America in 2004 as a writer and educator, Hinze is active in Romance Writers of America and serves as a Vice President on the International Thriller Writers Board of Directors. Vicki lives in Florida with her artist husband, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel. Visit www.vickihinze.com to learn more about Vicki’s books, blogs, and writing programs.

**This book was provided free of charge for review by WaterBrook Multnomah**

Would you like a copy of this book? I just happen to have an extra copy to give away! Just leave me a comment of any kind and I will enter you into the drawing. I will draw a winner via random.org next Friday April 23rd! Good Luck and Happy Reading!

This Little Prayer of Mine

Have you ever heard a small child pray? The wonder? The innocence they have when praying to God? I love listening to small voices pray for family, friends, animals and even for the things they want.

We all know how important it is for mamas, papas, aunties, uncles and grandparents (as well as friends) to teach young children to pray. In order for a child to grow in the way of the Lord they must first learn to pray.

Anthony DeStefano brings us this wonderful book called This Little Prayer of Mine which can be read to younger child while young readers can read it on their own. The prayers go from how the children feel at different times and places of their lives, what things they are thankful for, prayers that ask to be like God and how their futures are in the hands of God! The words are simple but straight to the heart! In addition to the beautiful prayers Mark Elliott brings us beautiful illustrations. I think that anyone would be excited to have this book sit on their shelf so that they can share it with the young person in their life!

Author Bio:

Anthony DeStefano is the author of The Prayers God Always Says Yes To and A Travel Guide to Heaven. He has received prestigious awards from religious organizations worldwide for his efforts to advance Christian beliefs in modern culture.

Mark Elliott’s brilliant illustrations have appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s Princess Tales series. His acclaimed artwork delivers inspiration, wonder, and timeless beauty on every page.

**This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group**

Would you like a copy of this book for your own bookshelf or for that special young someone in your life? I have an extra copy to giveaway! All you have to do is leave me a comment about a special young man or woman who would benefit from this book.

I will choose a winner via random.org on Sunday April 18th and will send the book out as soon as I get shipping info from the winner! Good Luck and Happy Reading!

It's OK Mom...

Let me tell you a story... (**Please do not take offense at anything you read...and if you do...don't read!**)

....A few nights ago my sister Shannon and her family were sitting down to dinner when they heard a loud knock on the door.

My sister told everybody not to answer the door as they don't know many people in their neighborhood. She also said that the only people that knock loudly at the front door are the Mormon neighbors, and she didn't feel like talking to them that particular night (honestly, she doesn't ever feel like talking to them...and they live in a town with a whole lot of Mormons!).

Again, another LOUD knock at the front door!!! My sister said, "Don't answer it!!"

However, y'all haven't met my six-year old nephew Mason.

Mason doesn't listen very well.

Mason is a highly energetic six-year old.

Again, a LOUD knock.

Then you hear Mason open the door and yell across the room..."It's OK Mom, it's not the Mormons!!!!"

OMG....(Oh My Gravy....according to my cutie patootie cowboys on Amazing Race)...how mortifying, but how freakin' hilarious! It happened to be somebody on personal business for my sister!

I bet that guy at the front door was laughing inside while trying to keep a straight face!

Romayne Ambrose Knutson

This is my Granpa Shorty on his 80th birthday two years ago.

Sadly, my Granpa went home to be with Jesus this past Sunday, March 21st at 4:15pm.

It is still hard to comprehend that he isn't here anymore. Even though we've been expecting his passing, due to severe health complications, it still hits you like a ton of bricks. No more stories to hear, no more smiles, no more hugs and kisses; however, I am extremely grateful for 35 years of memories of my Granpa!

He was such an amazing man. He worked hard, he played hard and he loved all of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren...he wanted nothing but the best for all of us.

We will be having a memorial service to celebrate his life on April 17th in Colfax, WA. Please pray for my Granma Pat as she is having processing the loss of her beloved husband of nearly 60 years. Not only was she his better half but she has been his nurse and personal health care advocate during his illness. She learned how to work dialysis machines so they could have dialysis at home, she questioned doctors and nurses and went to bat at anything that might concern my Granpa and his care. She has family with her this week and probably next, and more family will stay with her during the week of the memorial service; however, I know she is hurting.

We are all comforted knowing that my Granpa was a Christian a believer in Jesus Christ as his savior; so right now he is in Heaven celebrating with his family that have gone before and probably taking a little fishing break!

Romayne Ambrose Knutson
January 24, 1928--March 21, 2010

Here Burns My Candle

**I apologize that I haven't even glanced at this book. Usually I read the books I am given for review; however, we've had a death in our family this week and I am trying to uphold my review obligations. Thank you**

SUMMARY:

A mother who cannot face her future.

A daughter who cannot escape her past.

Lady Elisabeth Kerr is a keeper of secrets. A Highlander by birth and a Lowlander by marriage, she honors the auld ways, even as doubts and fears stir deep within her.

Her husband, Lord Donald, has secrets of his own, well hidden from the household, yet whispered among the town gossips.

His mother, the dowager Lady Marjory, hides gold beneath her floor and guilt inside her heart. Though her two abiding passions are maintaining her place in society and coddling her grown sons, Marjory’s many regrets, buried in Greyfriars Churchyard, continue to plague her.

One by one the Kerr family secrets begin to surface, even as bonny Prince Charlie and his rebel army ride into Edinburgh in September 1745, intent on capturing the crown.

A timeless story of love and betrayal, loss and redemption, flickering against the vivid backdrop of eighteenth-century Scotland, Here Burns My Candle illumines the dark side of human nature, even as hope, the brightest of tapers, lights the way home.

Author Bio:

LIZ CURTIS HIGGS is the author of twenty-seven books with three million copies in print, including: her best-selling historical novels, Thorn in My Heart, Fair Is the Rose, Christy Award-winner Whence Came a Prince, and Grace in Thine Eyes, a Christy Award finalist; My Heart’s in the Lowlands: Ten Days in Bonny Scotland, an armchair travel guide to Galloway; and her contemporary novels, Mixed Signals, a Rita Award finalist, and Bookends, a Christy Award finalist. Visit the author’s extensive website at www.lizcurtishiggs.com.

**This book was provided for review by Waterbrook Multnomah**

I have an extra copy of this book to giveaway if you are interested! Please leave a comment of any kind on this post and I will draw a winner April 3rd via random.org. Good Luck and Happy Reading!

Teen Fiction Book Review

Do you have young pre-teens or teenagers at home looking for a good book to read? Do you want to give a great book, with good morals, to a young person as an encouraging gesture?

I have two books for you to check out!

The first is Raven's Ladder by Jeffry Overstreet.

Summary:

Following the beacon of Auralia’s colors and the footsteps of a mysterious dream-creature, King Cal-raven has discovered a destination for his weary crowd of refugees. It’s a city only imagined in legendary tales. And it gives him hope to establish New Abascar.

But when Cal-raven is waylaid by fortune hunters, his people become vulnerable to a danger more powerful than the prowling beastmen––House Bel Amica. In this oceanside kingdom of wealth, enchantment, and beauty, deceitful Seers are all too eager to ensnare House Abascar’s wandering throng.

Even worse, the Bel Amicans have discovered Auralia’s colors, and are twisting a language of faith into a lie of corruption and control. If there is any hope for the people of Abascar, it lies in the courage of Cyndere, daughter of Bel Amica’s queen; the strength of Jordam the beastman; and the fiery gifts of the ale boy, who is devising a rescue for prisoners of the savage Cent Regus beastmen. As his faith suffers one devastating blow after another, Cal-raven’s journey is a perilous climb from despair to a faint gleam of hope––the vision he sees in Auralia’s colors.

Author Bio:

Jeffrey Overstreet is the author of The Auralia Thread, the fantasy series which begins with Auralia’s Colors, a thrilling adventure twice-nominated for a Christy Award, and Cyndere’s Midnight. He is an award-winning film critic and columnist, his work appearing in many publications including Image, Paste, and Christianity Today. He is also the contributing editor for Seattle Pacific University’s Response magazine. Jeffrey writes in the coffee shops of Shoreline, Washington, with his wife, Anne.

The second book is Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue by Chuck Black.

Summary:

Determined, smart and a master of both the sword and the bow, Lady Carliss has proven herself as a veteran Knight of the Prince. Returning from a mission of aid, Carliss is plunged into adventure once again as she searches for the marauders responsible for kidnapping a friends’ family. Along the way she is reunited with Sir Dalton and discovers that the struggle in her heart is far from over. When Dalton falls to the vicious attack of a mysterious, poisonous creature, Carliss finds herself in a race against time. As Dalton clings perilously to life, she must find the antidote in the distant and strange city of Moorue.

While there, Carliss uncovers the master plot of a powerful Shadow Warrior that will soon overtake the entire Kingdom. Her faith in the Prince and her courage as a knight are tested as she faces evil Shadow Warriors and a swamp full of dreadful creatures. The lives of many, including Dalton’s, depend on Carliss. But she cannot save them all, for time is running out. She faces an impossible choice: save Dalton, or let him die so that others may live.

I loved this book!!! I would highly suggest you buying this book for any young person you have in your house or for a young person you know. I was greatly impressed with the way Chuck Black presented the gospel through a story line that will catch and keep the attention of young readers. It is the fourth book in the Black's Kingdom series and I am contemplating buying the first three so I can see what was happening in the beginning!

Author Bio:

Chuck Black, a former F-16 fighter pilot and tactical communications engineer, is the author of nine novels, including the popular Kingdom series. He has received praise from parents across the country for his unique approach to telling biblical truths. His passion in life is to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and to love his wife, Andrea, and their six children. He lives with his family in North Dakota.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.