National Anthem by Terry McDermott @ NBA Game Pacers vs. Pelicans Oct 30...

http://www.youtube.com/v/YQAd2yP995s?version=3&autohide=1&showinfo=1&feature=share&autohide=1&autoplay=1&attribution_tag=h4tmxLUDoDVvJ_SiekdbFQ

Terry McDermott

Well.. I'll tell you where I've been for at least part of my hiatus from this blog.  The Voice brought my attention to an amazing singer/songwriter by the name of Terry McDermott.  I may likely mention him from time to time from now on in! His music is a creative force to be reckoned with!!

Living ..

I sometimes wonder why I have a blog .. it's not like I have a lot of new and exciting things happening in my life.. haha.. I'm a mom pure and simple, like a lot of moms I have repetitive activities to do that ensure our lives stays sane and organized after a fashion. I can detail what I do but it's not really interesting or unique to the average blog reader.
Since I posted last my niece is now a new proud mama of a sweet baby boy, my mother in law has been diagnosed with breast cancer, I've been ferrying my neighbour back and forth from work as her transportation, we got a new van, my son got a new truck..
the show The sing-off is great, nice to hear ppl just using their voices to entertain us, no unnatural tweaks etc.. but I do like x-factor at times .. especially this year's Josh Krajcik.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux0lJx9gOnQ&feature=related he sang Something(Beatle's) it was a great performance of the song!!

Guest post from a Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... a tree, partly cloudy sky and the porch wall

I am thinking... just planning the day ahead and thinking of my niece's new baby John

I am thankful... for God's many blessings, my husband and family, to be independent and alive

From the learning rooms...(if this applies) as homeschoolers we are gearing up for first day of school, at least I am, kids are desperately trying to ignore it!

In the kitchen... just fed the cats, probably will try and use the barbecue today or it'll be too warm in the kitchen

I am wearing... part of comfy cropped dark blue jeans and a brown tshirt with white trim

I am creating... a journal and a blog

I am going... to two birthday parties next week one for a baby and another for a friend

I am wondering... how my mom's move is going and if she will be happy in her new place

I am reading... Low Fat Express from Company's Coming, the St Paul Journal, and rereading Touch Not the Cat by Mary Stewart..

I am hoping... i will be able to get some part time work

I am looking forward to... baby John's baby shower in about 2 more weeks!

I am hearing... the computer hum, my keyboard taps, the refrigerator, and my daughter moving around in the living room

Around the house... everyone still sleeping even my son who works today (i'm an early riser at times)

I am pondering... if the London riots will stop soon.. terrible thing to watch

One of my favorite things... watching reruns of tv shows I watched as a child with my kids, brushing the neighbour's horses, reading the Bible with my daughter, listening to the rain in bed at night

A few plans for the rest of the week: weekend coming, maybe a picnic...

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... see above

From High School Homeschooler Blog--A Contest

Another Giveaway!

How would you like to win an autographed copy of the Duggars' new book? You've come to the right place! I am currently giving away a copy of A Love that Multiplies, personally signed by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar!

Keep reading to find out how to enter this giveaway...

TO ENTER

Post a comment answering the following question: When does school start for your family?

For optional extra entries, do one or more of the following. (Each option must be submitted as an individual comment in order to count as an additional entry):

1. Become a Google follower of the blog, and leave a comment letting me know. If you were already a follower, please leave a comment as well.
2. "Like" the High School Homeschooler Facebook page, and leave a comment on this blog letting me know. If you were already a fan, please leave a comment as well.
3. Blog about this giveaway on your blog, and leave a comment on my blog, including the url of your post.
4. Become a follower of HSHomeschooler on Twitter, and leave a comment on this blog letting me know. If you are already a follower, please leave a comment as well.
5. Sign up for email updates, and leave a comment letting us know. If you already receive email updates, please leave a comment as well.

RULES

To qualify for the giveaway, you must include your first name and last initial in each comment.

I need a way to contact the winner, so include your email address in each of your comments, or send your email address to DuggarFamilyBlog@gmail.com (along with your first name and last initial). If you are a winner, I will shoot you an email asking for your shipping address.

To qualify, all comments must be posted to this blog. They will not be accepted if they are posted to Facebook or Twitter.

Note: We are also advertising this giveaway on our other blog, the Duggar Family Blog. Entering on both blogs doubles your chances of winning!

books...

I've been sorting through my books and trying to pin down what makes a book a favourite of mine.. can't quite tell.. I do have a fondness for old books without jackets that look like someone has "gently used" it, because I feel connected to someone else who has loved it..
I think my favourite books have created a type of measuring stick to everything else i read i suppose that's a common situation.. I think that's true of my music and media experiences as well..

6 shows I try to catch regularly(not necessarily in order)

American/Canadian pickers
Murdoch Mysteries
19 kids & counting
reruns of Gilligan's Island
reruns of Walton's
Escape to the Country(BBC)

10 books that have influenced me(
my Bible
Frank Peretti's Prophet
Rebecca Brown's He Came to set Captives Free
Mary Stewart's Touch not the Cat
If I gained the world Linda Nichols
Tuesday with Morrie Mitch Albom
Jane Eyre Charlotte Bronte
Abigail's Journey Judith Bronte
Meet the Austins Madeleine L'engle
The book of Hours T. Davis Bunn

Top 8 Fiction Authors

Mary Stewart.. pictured to the left.. my favourite book is probably Touch Not the Cat..

Judith Bronte--an online inspirational romance writer, she writes her stories one chapter/month at a time..

Betty Neels-the only Harlequin writer I've ever consistently read..

Linda Nichols-- If I gained the world is well worth your time..

Harper Lee--to Kill a mockingbird will always be one of my all time favourite books

Charlotte Bronte- JANE EYRE need I say more!!

Frank Peretti--my favourite is the Prophet..

dee henderson-- can't pick a favourite..