Did you know that Google Reader has a secret ninja mode? Activate it using the infamous Konami code (if you don’t know what the Konami code is, shame on you!) and your favorite RSS reader will transform into this:

Not only has the cute ninja from GMail themes replaced your sidebar, your “Like” button has transformed into a heart! Click on the “Like” button for a nifty animation of flowering hearts:

Click on “Unlike,” and the heart will break before your eyes:

View the YouTube video below for the full explanation and to see the animation in action:

Via GeekSugar.

When I first found out I was pregnant, the baby-preparation experience I looked forward to the most was not decorating the nursery or picking out the baby clothes. It was building the baby’s first library.

As a avid lover of books, I absolutely cannot wait to introduce my child to all the books I loved as a child. Where the Wild Things Are. The Giving Tree. The Velveteen Rabbit. The list goes on and on.

(And if my child takes after J and does not like reading much, I’ll just DIE. DIIIEEEEE, I tell you!)

Yesterday, Wired’s GeekDad introduced me to another book I must add to the list: An Awesome Book by Dallas Clayton.

I immediately clicked on over to read the book online, and was impressed beyond words. What parent – what any sane person – would not want to gift their loved ones a fun, easy-to-read book that fosters creativity and encourages the reader to think BIG and outside the box?

Yes, I have already read the entire book online. But I will definitely buy a copy before Tater Tot arrives…and you should too! Why? Because the author will give away a copy for every copy that is purchased through the Awesome World Foundation.

What books did you love growing up? Which books are on your list of must-reads for children?

While having a conversation with a fellow church member yesterday, the topic of my current situation came up.

“I’m still surprised at how well you and J seem to be coping. I would’ve broken down weeks ago. I’m really proud of you guys, and I pray for you every day.”

Yes, we may have to give up our first home. Yes, we are in debt. Yes, we’re still biting our nails waiting to hear back from our insurance options.

At the same time, I am still hopeful. Hopeful and optimistic. I have faith that God will provide, as He has always done so in the past. (This isn’t to say that we can just sit on our butts waiting for a miracle to arrive. Rather, we will try our best and God will provide a solution that will ultimately be in our best interest.)

My prior entry on our situation was not meant to arouse pity. It was not an attack on the U.S. healthcare system. It was merely a way to let my readers know what is going on in my life. And honestly, it hurt a bit that the few blogs who linked to it received some scathing comments about “the poor family who didn’t plan ahead, got a mortgage they couldn’t afford, and only got into this situation due to their stupidity.”

But you know what? I don’t care. Rather, I feel sorry for them that they would feel the need to bash on strangers when they do not know our full story.

Every Sunday, I am reminded of just how blessed I am. Because every Sunday, church members approach me and ask about our growing family. People whose names I don’t even know tell me that they are praying for me, J, and the baby every day. And every time I think of our friends and families who keep us in their prayers, I cannot help but smile.

Tater Tot is already so blessed – how can he/she not, with so many people praying for him/her?

I have a new obsession, and that show is Glee.

After downloading all 5 episodes in the season so far, including the director’s cut of the pilot, I pressed “play” on my computer expecting not much more than another over-hyped sitcom.

Not so, my friends.

I proceeded to watch all 5, right after the other, in one sitting. It was that good. And I’m itching for more.

THE best new show of the year.

And for all my fellow Glee fans, here is a treat from the latest episode:

(If you’re viewing this on an RSS reader, please click on through to see the animation!)

Wednesday nights have never looked better!

When I saw this “Thank You Mario!” animated gif generator on haha.nu, I knew exactly what I needed to do…

(If you’re viewing this on an RSS reader, please click on through to see the animation!)

Go create your own at wigflip!