Gone on Vacation

I'm hitting the road tomorrow! I've been looking forward to what's become our annual vacation to Sunriver, Oregon. We always have so much fun as a family (my grandparents, my parents, my sister, and me), and I also appreciate the quiet time. =) Sunriver is a beautiful place, and I can't wait to ride my bike, see the sights, read, etc. I'm so glad for times of rest!

However, I've decided not to do any blogging while I'm gone. I think it will be good to take a break--and that way I won't be distracted from spending quality time with God and my family!

I'll miss you all, though! You are such dear friends to me, and I've really enjoyed having my own blog! Your comments touch my heart, and I'm so thankful that you take the time to follow my blog. You are all so wonderful!

Before I go, though, I thought I would tie up some loose ends:

First, the poll results are in! There were 14 people who voted, and (of the places I listed) the place you all most want to visit is . . . Ireland! Ireland received 5 votes. Coming in at a close second was Italy (with 4 votes). Third went to England (2 votes); and Hawaii, Germany, and Israel tied for fourth with 1 vote each. Europe seems to be the favored continent for travel destinations!

Second, it looks like the Washington D.C. trip isn't working out. :( It's not for sure that it won't happen, but I think it would be best to accept the inevitable in this case. However, as a college student, I won't mind having more time at home! And since I won't have "Washington D.C. Week," I'm happy to do another themed week in its place. That being said, I would (again!) love your input on which theme you would prefer. The poll is in the sidebar. Thanks!

Third, after having the big "Birthday Story Bash" week here on my blog with a Toy Story theme, I would love to share some pictures from my Toy Story themed family party! I apologize that I'm so late in sharing them!

Here's my reaction when I first walked into the dining room and saw the decorations. (If you can't see my face because I'm too far away, I'm smiling broadly.) =) The party was at my grandparents' house.

Aren't the decorations adorable? =) My mom used a lot of our old Toy Story toys to decorate the table. Don't you just love the barrel of monkeys and flying Buzz Lightyear hanging from the lights? Too cute!

And of course I had to share a picture of me getting a book, right? =) That's my happy, "I just got the latest Francine Rivers book!" face. I'm still saving this one (Her Mother's Hope), but I'm looking forward to reading it!

In conclusion (Does it feel like I just wrote an essay to you? The post is even organized with an introduction, three main points, and a conclusion!), I'll be bringing several books with me on my trip (shown under my "Currently Reading Book Montage" in the sidebar), so maybe I'll have some reviews for you when I get back! And not long after I return, I'll be hosting author Julie Lessman!!! Yes, right here on this blog!!! So be sure and check in on July 9. (And I should be back on July 6 or 7 if you want to check in before then!)

I'll miss you all! Happy blogging while I'm gone! =)

Birthday Story Bash Finale

We're going to end the week like we started it--with a bang! =)

First we'll start with the poll results. If I was interviewing ya'll collectively, and I asked you who your favorite Toy Story character is (I guess I kind of did that, huh?), your answer would be a three-way tie between:

• Woody
• Jessie and/or Bullseye
• Rex

Coming in close second(s) would be:

• Slinky Dog
• Hamm

I guess all of the Toy Story characters are so great that you had a hard time deciding! ;)

And now for the moment you have all been waiting for. It's time to announce the winners! Winners have through Monday to respond to my e-mail, or I'll pick another winner (so be on the lookout for that e-mail!). And the winners are (drumroll please) . . .

• Karen : autographed and personalized copy of Love Finds You in Hershey, Pennsylvania by Cerella Sechrist

• Lindsay : The Prophecy by Dawn Miller

• Deb : Love Finds You in Pendleton, Oregon by Melody Carlson

• Ariel : Pedigreed Bloodlines by Sandra Robbins and Dog Gone by Eileen Key

Congratulations to all of the winners!!!

And now for some huge "thank you"s!

Hannah over at Project Journal gave me a grand surprise party on her blog yesterday!!! It was wonderful! In fact, I think there might still be some cake left over, and that bouncing house might still be up if you want to go check it out. ;) We would love to have you join the party!

And while I was at that party, Hannah gave me some "thank you" notes that I could use. =) So here are some other wonderful people I want to say "thank you" to:

• Cerella Sechrist: Thank you so, so much for letting me interview you, and for giving away a personalized, autographed copy of your book! It was so much fun having you visit this week (and in the past, as well!). Thank you for your kindness!

• Angie: Thank you for your generosity! I know we all appreciated having you give away three of your own books this week! You are such a good friend, and I'm so glad we could meet in the blogging world. :)

• Renee: It was so much fun interviewing you! Thanks for always being so patient when I ask you blogging questions, and thank you for all of your support and encouragement! (You were my very first follower, and I haven't forgotten that!)

• Emily: Thank you for being such a sweet sister, and thank you for letting me interview you! =) I'm so proud of your achievements, too! (My sister got a scholarship last night for her academic achievement. She's going to be in 8th grade soon! I'm so proud!) =)

And a BIG, BIG THANK YOU to all of you!!! Your sweet comments and your enthusiasm made this week a memorable one for me. I hope you all had even half as much fun as I did! Thank you for making my birthday week so special for me!

In closing, I want to remind you that Toy Story 3 is coming to theaters June 18! Don't forget!!!

And here's a video I found on YouTube of "You've Got a Friend in Me." I think it's a great song to sum up how I feel. You, my dear blogging friends, have a friend in me!

(Toy Story picture from the Pixar website.)

Birthday Story Bash: Day 4

Happy Friday to one and all! Today is the last giveaway day of the birthday bash. Tomorrow all the winners will be announced!

Once again, I will remind you that each day of the bash will include a guest interview; movie, book, and song-of-the-day selections; and a giveaway! Also, each day will have its own theme based off of one or more of the characters from Toy Story.

Today's character is . . . Slinky Dog! Thus, today's theme is all about animals (especially dogs)!

Now my 12-year-old sister is a big fan of animals, and even though that's not what she's going to talk to us about today, I think it makes her just the right candidate for an interview today! She was very sweet about agreeing to be interviewed for my blog, and with some prompting I got her to answer the questions for me! =) So please welcome my sister, Emily!

Amber: Who is your favorite Toy Story character?

Emily: Woody is my favorite character because he has a lot of enthusiasm and he's a good friend.

Amber: What is one of your favorite stories? (This could be book, movies . . . anything goes!)

Emily: I really like The Hardy Boys series because it's adventurous and has a lot of action in it! I also like The Hardy Boys T.V. series from the 70s. My favorite character is Joe Hardy!

Amber: If you could be a Toy Story character, who would you be and why?

Emily: I would probably want to be Jessie, because she's friendly and active. She's a lot of fun!

Amber: Thank you so much, Emily, for joining us today! It was fun to interview you! =)

Readers, I also have a fun story for you about Emily! When she was about 3-years-old, we went to Disneyland. She had a Woody doll that she carried around with her everywhere. One time Princess Belle came and asked if we would like to walk with her for a little bit. It was winter time, so Belle had a muff with her, which she let my sister carry. Well, Emily put her Woody doll in the muff, and we had a wonderful time walking with Belle to Snow White's wishing well, where we got some great pictures. So, so cute! Just had to share (and now you know that Emily's love of Woody is not a new thing!).

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Now for today's selections!

• Movie of the day: Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (This is a great movie! Yes, it is animated, but it is one of the best animated movies I've seen that wasn't done by Disney or Pixar! The animation is really good, and I love the music! )


• Book of the day: Seeing Things by Patti Hill (This book is from such an interesting perspective, and the main character--who is an older woman with Age-Related Macular Degeneration--has a dog named Miss Bee Haven, which is why this book works with the theme!)


• Song of the day: The Puppy Song by David Cassidy (I confess that I connect this song with You've Got Mail, but I found a video on YouTube that included David Cassidy's version of the song. It's cute, and it also ties in with the interview because David Cassidy is related to Shaun Cassidy, who played Joe Hardy in the 70s Hardy Boys show!)
  

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And now for the final giveaway! (Or should I say giveaways, plural?) Angie from Never a Dull Moment not only offered to giveaway the book for Tuesday (The Prophecy), but she also offered to give away the books for today! She picked them out to fit especiallly with the Slinky Dog/Toy Story theme! Thanks so much, Angie!

The first book is Pedigreed Bloodlines by Sandra Robbins. Here's the description from Amazon.com: "When Leigh Dennison’s dear friend and champion show-dog breeder, Addie Jordan, is killed, Leigh goes on the hunt to sniff out the murderer. If only she could devote full time to her sleuthing. But Leigh, who has never been a dog lover, now finds herself as the owner of Addie’s kennel, which houses a puppy with a bright future in the show ring.

Attention Deficit Disorder is just one obstacle Leigh must overcome as she sets out to succeed with the kennel and find the person who killed the woman she loved like a mother. At the top of her suspect list: a homeless Vietnam veteran, a young Cherokee high school dropout, the owner of a rival kennel…and the man with whom Leigh is falling in love.

As clues unfold to the killer’s identity, she makes another surprising discover—there’s a reason a dog is known as man’s best friend."

The second book is Dog Gone by Eileen Key. Here's a description of the book from ChristianBookstore.net: "Cleaning lady Belle Blevins dusts off her sleuthing skills. . .
when a rash of missing dogs jeopardizes her best friend s boarding business. Why would anyone go to such extremes to steal a family pet?
When Belle learns the missing animals could possibly be in the hands of dognappers, she trades her vacuum for a detective kit and enters the world of valuable show dogs. Will she win a blue ribbon in the romance category? Or will her curiosity put her on the no-show list for the next round of competition?"

Both of these books are Heartsong Presents Mysteries books. It's a double giveaway! Whoever wins today's giveaway wins both books! To enter, just leave a comment saying you would like to be entered. You must have a U.S. mailing address, and you must leave your e-mail address in your comment.

Have a "d0g-gone" good day!

(Toy Story picture from the Pixar website.)

Birthday Story Bash: Day 3

Today is the day! I am now beginning my last year as a teenager, and I'm so thrilled I can celebrate my 19th birthday with all of you!

Just as a reminder, each day of this birthday bash includes a guest interview; movie, book, and song-of-the-day selections; and a giveaway! The main theme for the week is Toy Story, but each day will also have its own theme based off of one or more Toy Story characters.

Today's characters are . . . the members of the Roundup Gang! Thus, today's theme is the Wild West!

The Roundup Gang consists of Woody, Jessie, Bullseye, and Stinky Pete. Toy Story 2 shows the viewers Woody's famous past. He used to be the star of a T.V. show! How cool is that?

Now, there have been quite a few western-themed T.V. shows in the past, but I confess the only one I've really watched much of is Bonanza--and I am a big fan! I absolutely love the show, and I actually just watched an episode last night with my family. I love the theme song! I love the actors! And I LOVE the setting! Virginia City, Nevada is a great place to visit, and I actually wrote a paper in high school (an extended essay for my IB Diploma) on the social aspects of the town during its heyday. It was quite the place, let me tell you! There's lots of history there, and the town feels so alive with the past. As you can probably tell, it's one of my favorite places!

I have a confession to make now. I don't technically have a "guest" interview for you today. I thought I would take a shot at answering the questions I've been asking others! (But no worries! I plan on having an actual guest interview for you tomorrow!)

Question: Who is your favorite Toy Story character?

My Answer: I think my favorite would have to be Woody. All of the characters are so unique and fun, but I just love Woody's character! For a toy, he's very real. He shows jealousy and pride. But he also is a loyal friend, and he really loves his owner, Andy. Woody and Bo Beep are so cute together, and since Woody is a cowboy, of course I love him! ;)

Also, I talked with my mom about this, and I think we both agree that it's so fun to see Tom Hanks shine through Woody's character! My parents and I are big fans of You've Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle, and Joe vs. The Volcano. Many of the Tom Hanks movies that I've seen (not all) have been very sweet/fun, and I enjoy hearing his voice for Woody's character!

Question: What is one of your favorite stories? (This can include books, movies, family stories...anything goes!)

My Answer: This really is a hard question! (Sorry to all of the people I've interviewed or will interview!) I absolutely love stories! I love the book and movie versions of The Last Sin Eater (book written by Francine Rivers; movie directed by Michael Landon Jr.). There is a lot to take away from that story! I love the first and second Anne of Green Gables movies. I enjoy certain Hallmark-type movies very much.

As for family stories, the story about my great-great-grandfather's life (on my mother's side) is fascinating! Although I have a horrible confession to make: my grandpa has written a book on my great-great-grandfather's life, and I have never completely read the book all the way through. :( I need to remedy that!

Anyway, my great-great-grandfather spent much of his life on the sea. And my grandpa, for my 16th birthday (I believe), gave me a ring that belonged to my great-great-grandmother, which was given to her by my great-great-grandfather when they were both out at sea together. I was so touched! I could go on and on, but I'll stop now!

Question: If you could be a character in Toy Story, which character would you be?

My Answer: I think I would either want to be Jessie or Bo Peep (to echo Renee!). It would be fun to be a cowgirl, and to be part of the Roundup Gang! It would also be fun to dress up and take care of cute sheep!

I also saw that there is going to be a "bookworm" character in Toy Story 3, so I could definitely associate with that character!

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Now for the selections of the day!

• Movie of the day: Love Comes Softly (I love this whole series, although I think the first three/four are the best! For those who know me even semi-well, I'm sure this selection comes as no surprise!)



• Book of the day: From a Distance by Tamera Alexander (I can't wait for the third book in this series, Within My Heart, to come out this fall! To read my review of another wonderful book of Alexander's (The Inheritance) click HERE.)



• Song of the day: Great American Cowboy by The Sons of the San Joaquin
  

Here's a video I found on YouTube of another song by The Sons of the San Joaquin. You should be able to find Great American Cowboy on YouTube, as well, but I loved the video of this song, and I think it really fits today's theme!

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Today I'm giving away my gently-used copy of Love Finds You in Pendleton, Oregon by Melody Carlson!

Here's the description of the book from Amazon.com:"Native American beauty Sunny Westcott is not one to let her hair down. But her friend Aubrey manages to drag her to Pendleton, Oregon, and the pair arrives just as the hundredth annual Pendleton Round-Up begins. Sunny is surprised by how much she enjoys watching the rodeo, riding horseback, and getting to know Aubrey’s family—particularly a handsome cowboy named Cody. Pendleton is also home to the Umatilla reservation where Sunny’s ancestors once lived, and the trip gives her the chance to do some digging into her family’s history—a topic she knows next to nothing about. But will Sunny like what she finds? And how will skeletons from the past compete with the current drama unfolding in Cody’s own family?"

Isn't this great? The book talks a lot about the Pendleton Round-Up, and today we've been talking about the Roundup Gang from Toy Story! Fun, huh? =)

To enter the drawing, just leave a comment letting me know you would like to be entered. You must have a U.S. mailing address, and you must leave your e-mail address in your comment.

To read my review of this book, click HERE.

Have a great day full of adventure, and at the end of the day may you ride off into the sunset! Yee-haw!

(Toy Story picture from the Pixar website. Bonanza picture from the TV Land website.)

Birthday Story Bash: Day 2

Welcome to the second day of the Toy Story party here on my blog! I know I'm getting this day started a little early (it's still technically the first day of my party!), but I thought I would post this when I knew I could find time. We'll just keep this party rolling!

Just as a reminder, each day of the party will include a guest interview; movie, book, and song-of-the-day selections; and a giveaway! And each day will have its own theme based off of one or more of the Toy Story characters.

Today's character is . . . Buzz Lightyear! Thus, today's theme will be space/flying (because Buzz can fly, at least when he has a rocket strapped to his back!).

To get us started, I invited Renee from Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot to get us started! Renee is a dear blogging friend of mine. When I have blogging questions, Renee has blogging answers! She is patient, kind, and she has a wonderful blog! If you don't already follow her blog, head on over there as soon as you're done reading this post!

Amber: Who is your favorite Toy Story character?

Renee: I would definitely have to say that Buzz Lightyear is my favorite character. He is super funny and way cool, I mean he can fly (kind of) plus he has little green men for groupies! I also liked Buzz in the TV cartoon series that was released, I believe, right after Toy Story 2! I loved XR the witty robot, and Buzz's sidekicks Mira and Booster. Is it okay if I admit that I also like Evil Emperor Zurg? Really, what is a movie without a villain or two to issue a good challenge?

Amber: What is one of you favorite stories? (This could be books, movies, family stories...anything goes!)

Renee: Oh goodness this is a toughie! I will go with a book, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Ever since I first read it in high school I've been enthralled with everything Austen (I've read most of her books plus a lot of the modern "retellings").

Elizabeth is the perfect heroine and Darcy...*sigh* there are no words for him. It's easy to see why these stories have remained popular for over 200 years. There are lessons that today's readers can take away regarding first impresions and the like. Plus it's also fun to see how society has changed and how it has remained the same.

Amber: If you could be any character/toy from Toy Story, which one would you be?

Renee: Hmmmm I would have to say I would love to be Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl! She is so independent and not to be crossed LOL! She's also a tomboy like me. However the girly girl in me also likes Bo Peep with her pretty pink dress. ;-) I'm anxious to see what they do with these characters in Toy Story 3!

Amber: Do you have any other Toy Story/Pixar info you would like to share?

Renee: Besides Toy Story I really love the Disney/Pixar movie Cars! Being a bit of a car fanatic I was pleased when they decided to release this movie. I love McQueen, Mater, Sally, Doc, Luigi and Guido. I usually like the secondary characters and Luigi and Guido are definitely my favorites, especially when they meet the Ferrari towards the end of the film...soooo cute!!! I thought it was really cool, too, that Dale Jr, Darrel Waltrip and other NASCAR folks lent their voices in cameo apprearances throughout the movie. It made it seem very authentic.

Amber: Thanks so much for joining us today, Renee! It was fun to read your responses! =)

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Now for the selections of the day! Going with the space theme, I have some fun recommendations for you:

• Movie of the day: WALL-E (Another great Pixar movie! It's a bit different from the others, but I suppose all of their movies are rather unique! The robots in this one are just too cute!)


• Book of the day: Once in a Blue Moon by Leanna Ellis (To read my review of this book, click HERE. And to read my interview with Leanna Ellis, click HERE.)


• Song of the day: When You Come Back Down by Nickel Creek

Here's a video of the song that I found on YouTube. It's a beautiful song, and I think it fits with the flying part of our theme!

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Today's book giveaway is from another dear blogging friend, Angie over at Never A Dull Moment. Thank you so much, Angie, for your generosity!

Here's the description of the book from Zondervan: "In this intense, emotionally charged supernatural thriller for young adults by author Dawn Miller, the angelic forces of heaven and hell wage battle over mankind, placing five gifted teenagers in the middle of a war only they can end. Each of the five has struggled since a terrifying night in their childhood, and as memories of that evening’s events come rushing back, and the dark angels make themselves known, they discover that what was meant to destroy them has instead opened their eyes to a world otherwise hidden from humankind."

I think the cover fits well with today's theme, don't you? =) To enter this drawing, just leave a comment saying you would like to be entered. You must have a U.S. mailing address, and you must leave your e-mail address in your comment to qualify. (Just as a reminder, all the winners this week will be announced on Saturday, June 5.)

Good luck to all of you! And I wish you a fabulous day, full of fun "to infinity and beyond!"

(Toy Story picture from the Pixar website.)

Birthday Story Bash: Day 1

Welcome to the first day of my Birthday Story Bash! To give you an idea of what the next few days will be like, each day will have its own theme based off of one (or more) of the Toy Story characters. Going along with the theme, there will be a guest interview; movie, book, and song-of-the-day selections; and a giveaway!

Today's characters are Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head! Thus, the theme will be . . . food! (No, we won't talk about eating potatoes; and yes, I do like having food themes on my blog, as some of my "long-time" followers know!)

Our guest today is author Cerella Sechrist! Please join me in giving her a warm welcome!

Amber: Who is your favorite Toy Story character (this can be from the first or second movie)?

Cerella: I adore Rex the dinosaur. Despite his insecurities and paranoia, he's always willing to help his friends. =)

Amber: What is one of your favorite stories (ie: book, movie, family history, etc.)? Anything goes!

Cerella: Growing up, I loved the Berenstain Bears as well as Dr. Seuss. In particular, I'd always ask my mom to read about Seuss's Yertle the Turtle, king of the pond. It helped that she always did a variety of character voices. Story time was so entertaining at my house.

Amber: If you were in one of the Toy Story movies, which toy would you want to be?

Cerella: I think I'm gonna go with Tour Guide Barbie. I like the idea of driving a car and showing the other toys around. And she's so perky/pleasant. Now, if they had featured Strawberry Shortcake in the movie, I might change my answer... =D

Amber: You and strawberries! ;) Can't say that I blame you, though!

Cerella: All this toy talk is making me nostalgic for my childhood! I might have to go dig out some old stuffed animals to console myself. ;) Happy Toy Story week!

Thanks so much for joining us today, Cerella! I am honored to be able to host you here once again!

Readers, you can find my previous interview with Cerella HERE. And you can find Cerella at her website or her blog. She's a very sweet and very fun person (as well as a great author!), so be sure to drop by her blog and say hi!

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Now for the selections of the day:

• Movie of the day: No Reservations
  
• Book of the day: Love Finds You in Hershey, Pennsylvania by Cerella Sechrist
  
• Song of the day: Dental Care by Owl City (After watching and reading about food, you'll want to go out and eat some! But just be sure to take good care of your teeth!)

Here's a video of the song that I found on YouTube:


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And now for the giveaway! Cerella has generously agreed to give away a copy of her book, Love Finds You in Hershey, Pennsylvania. But not just any copy--Cerella said I can tell you that this copy will be "autographed - personalized to the winner (I'll inscribe their name with a brief message)"! Isn't that great? =)

To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment on this post letting me know you want to be entered. You must have a U.S. mailing address and you must leave your e-mail address in your comment.

I highly recommend this book! (To read my review of Love Finds You in Hershey, Pennsylvania, click HERE.)

Note: I also recommend that you watch Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in preparation for the release of Toy Story 3 in theaters June 18!

(Toy Story picture is from the Pixar website.)

Get Ready for a Birthday Bash to Remember!

All you Toy Story, Toy Story 2, and soon-to-be Toy Story 3 fans, here's a heads-up! Next week's theme on my blog is going to be Toy Story, and there's lots of fun in store! To get the ball rolling, I'll be posting a poll in the sidebar, and I would love for all of you to participate!

Here's some of what you can expect next week:

• Book giveaways
• Book, movie, and song-of-the-day selections
• Guest interview(s)
• And more!

Hope to see you all here!

Also, I'll try to keep on posting more book reviews for you. Within the next week or so, be looking for my reviews of:

• She Walks in Beauty
• Love is Monumental
• Love on a Dime

Have a lovely weekend!

(Picture from the Pixar website.)