CLICK HERE FOR FREE BLOG LAYOUTS, LINK BUTTONS AND MORE! »

Friday, June 27

Little Biggs

A new play place opened up a few minutes away from my house and today was its grand opening.
And in celebration, everything was free. We got free pizza and drinks, free $5.00 arcade cards per kid and free entrances into their play area.
It's wonderful because it's geared toward 2 - 5 year olds, which is perfect for me.

The first stop was the huge sandbox plopped in front of a beautifully decorated ocean mural, giving it a beachy feel.
The mister had tons of fun!

The miss did too, but she plopped herself in the middle of so many kids, it was impossible to get a picture of her.
But I did get lots of shots of everyone else's kids with the side or back of the miss' head in them.

Once the sand play got old, they were off to explore.
They loved the music room.


The mister loved the piano slide.

The miss then bounced around in the inflatables while the mister climbed on a duck over and over and over and over again.


After about two hours of fun, we played a few arcade games and left the building. It was a mad house there. It was great fun, but there were kids everywhere. I think it is going to be such a fun place to go to once the newness dies down. My kids loved it!!!

Wednesday, June 25

The Real Me (Repost)

I was looking through some of my posts from last year. I came across a meme that I had done, and you know, I really like it, because I think it really exemplifies who I am.
I have some different readers now, so I am going to post it again. And I think you, yes, YOU, should do it too. And if you do, then leave a comment so that I can come visit your post and learn all about you!

The Real Me

***<<<*WHAT?*>>>***

What is your biggest dream?
Honestly, my biggest dream, was to be a mother. And I have that. I have been blessed so much!

What is your biggest success thus far?
Being a mom.

What is your ideal job?
My ideal job would be something that would bring happiness to others, spread the love of Christ and allow me to do something I love. So, I would LOVE to be a Christian recording artist. But there are so many other things I could also do, that would allow me to do the three things I listed.

What was the most important thing you learned from your parents?
To work hard.

What do you look for most in a friend?
I like them to have my same beliefs and values....be someone that I can talk to....someone who I can relate to...someone who will accept me.

What is your philosophy of life?
Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.
Mother Teresa

What's your biggest fear?
It's always been being attacked, killed, harmed by an intruder. And that fear has grown beyond me and to those same type of people hurting my children.

What's your biggest joy?
Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, how great is His love, His peace!!!!!

***<<<*HOW?*>>>***

How would YOU describe yourself in three words?
Empathetic, Generous, Loving

How would someone else describe you?
I would hope in the same way.

How do you measure beauty?
Beauty is from within....it is in the genuine smile...in the loving heart....in the warmth of a caring hug. It radiates from within and it also spreads. A person's true beauty can be seen by the beauty it brings to others.

How important is family to you?
Family is very, very important.

***<<<*DO YOU?*>>>***

Do you believe in regrets?
I believe that regrets exist. I believe that it is easy to get hung up on them. I also believe that they can be damaging. The past shouldn't be focused on. All you should do is learn from the past, grow from it...and see where all those choices we regret, brought us.

Do you believe in second chances? why or why not?

I believe that you can't truly forgive without giving a second chance.

Do you believe in love at first sight?
I believe in an attraction at first sight. But love is so much deeper than a glance.

Do you believe that true love lasts forever and conquers all?
I do think that love conquers all. Look at Jesus' love. I think that the love we have in our lives can conquer all, but it does take work.

***<<<*ARE YOU?*>>>***

Are you trustworthy? trusting? How do you show it?
I am very trusting, always have been. And I do think I am trustworthy, although I have struggled with gossip in the past...I am outgrowing that thankfully.

Are you independent? Or still dependent on someone?
I feel that I have always been independent. And sometimes I think I can be too independent in that I don't even let God have control. It's a real struggle for me.

Are you willing to change for someone else?
I am willing to work on things if I know that I am doing something that is hurting someone else. For example, if I react in a stressed out manner in a situation and someone who that effects asks me to work on it, then yes, I will change that. But I will not change my beliefs and things like that for someone else. I will not change the values and beliefs that are a part of who I am.

***<<<*IF?*>>>***

If you could leave one life lesson behind to the younger generations, what would it be?
To realize how much you have...and how little so many others have and to keep that in mind always and strive to make a difference in the world. Share the love of Christ. Show His love to all. And help the oppressed.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?
How controlling I can be....or I try to be...mainly with my hubby. I seem to back down around friends and what not...try to make everyone happy and accommodate them. But with my hubby, it's like I feel it's my way or no way. It's not nice.

If you could have anything in this world, what would it be? why?
The opportunity to go to Northern Uganda and help out. But I may still get to do that....my life isn't over yet.

If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
I don't have a very strong relationship with anyone in my family from my parents down to my Aunts and Uncles. So, I would change that. I wish I knew them.....meaning knew who they are as people...what their life experiences have been..things like that.

If you had everything you've always wanted, would you be happy?
No..because sometimes the things we want...or think we want, don't bring happiness, but bring just the opposite. It's hard to remember that at times...especially when in the moment, we focus so much on what we want and how much better it will make our lives...or how much better we think it will make us. And oh how wrong we are. So, I say, I hope that I am able to have all the things God has for me to have, because He has my happiness in mind. He knows the desires of my heart. But he also knows my lustful desires as well. And I am better off without those lustful ones. So, I say God...give me the true desires of my heart....and I will be soooo happy.

Wordless Wednesday

Because I haven't posted a picture of him in awhile...




Monday, June 23

A Huge Weight Has Been Lifted

When the baby was five weeks old, I returned back to work at my evening job at the front desk of a nearby hotel. And although the job itself was fairly easy, with most nights being pretty quiet, it was sitll a strain on both me and my hubby,

The mad dash I had to do from 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M. to get the house picked up, dinner on the table (yes, early, so I could take a plate with me), baby fed and pajamas out for the kids was incredibly stressful.

And my poor hubby, mentally drained from his long day at work, would walk in the door to usually very loud and cranky children. I'd quickly ramble off to him important things, like when the baby last ate, and I'd dash out the door, to drive in rush hour traffic to get to work.

And I'd work until 11:30 most nights, make it home at midnight and then get a second wind that would keep me up until 1:30 A.M.

The baby would wake up around 4:00 A.M. to eat and my other two kids would be up by 7:00 A.M., ready to start their day.

And sometimes the hotel would schedule me to do this four nights in a row, and that really took its toll on me.

I am writing this as if I am not working there anymore, although I am, but only for two more weeks, because last week, I was hired for a new job. And this job allows me to work from home, and I am so ecstatic.

I have already started my new job, just putting in whatever hours I can here and there, because I have to finish up my two weeks at the hotel too.

But already there has been a bounce in my step. My days have been easier, I have been less stressed, and I know it's because of the new work-from-home opportunity I was given.

It may also have to do with the fact that I get to assist two awesome gals, Janice and Susan at 5 Minutes for Mom. So of course, when they are your bosses, how could you have nothing but love for your job?

Scallop Gratin

The other day, I grabbed a recipe for scallops from the turntable near the seafood department at Wal-Mart
I made the dish last night, and it was scrumptious. All of us literally licked our plates clean.
My kids, 4 and 2, loved the scallops and were pretty bummed that I hadn't made enough for seconds.
And just to prove how great the dish was, my mister, 2, who doesn't have many words in his vocabulary yet, said "scallop" last night.
He really wanted more. And after pleading to us with "more, more, more", he finally started pointing to the pan while saying "scalllloooppp".

So, I knew I had to share the recipe with you.
I modified it just a bit. It says to prepare a garlic toast with it and to serve the scallops on top of the toast. But, I served the scallops over rice instead.

To serve 4 you will need:

1 lb. scallops (but you may want to make more, so there are leftovers)
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 small clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup green onions
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1 tbsp. tomato paste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallops and brown well on both sides.

Remove and keep warm.

Add mushrooms and garlic; brown lightly.

Add green onions and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.

Blend in half-and-half, tomato paste and Parmesan cheese.

Return scallops to the pan. Cook, stirring; bring to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes to blend flavors.

Enjoy.

(recipe modified from Try-Foods International)

Saturday, June 21

Friday, June 20

Walking With My Princess

I went on a walk this evening with the miss and mister. The baby boy was at home sound asleep.
I had the kiddos collect leaves and sticks in little bags for a craft we will be doing next week, part of a bug themed Bible lesson. You'll understand next week, when I show you their creations.

As we were walking, my daughter looked at me and said...

"Daddy is falling in love with me. He just loves me so much. I went to a daddy dance with him and we danced and ate food. He loves me."

She is just so precious.

She was excited when we spotted a squirrel in a tree and she desperately wanted it to climb down to her. So, she started singing the ah ah ah ah ah part from the song, "I'm Wishing". It's the song that Snow White sings while in the forest and all of her animal friends come and sit with her.

It was just the cutest thing ever.

Oh, oh and then she spotted a little garden gnome and said, "Look, Mommy, it's a Heigh-ho."

Sunday, June 15

Summer Prayer

Four years ago, I found this beautiful prayer in a Christian Women's magazine. I loved it so much, that I tore it out and kept it on my fridge. It is still there to this day.....and I thought that this morning I would share it with you.

Dear Heavenly Father,
I want to spend this summer season enjoying your presence. Help me to carve out times of quiet amid the chaos of daily life. Let me be aware of the sacred in the ordinary: the music of a child's laugh, the stained-glass perfection of butterfly wings, the joy of licking a cold Popsicle on a hot day. Draw my attention to teachable moments. Lord, I ask for an extra dose of patience for everything from spilled juice to sweaty temper tantrums. Keep my voice calm, my words gentle. As we spend time outdoors together enjoying your beautiful world, hold my children in the palm of your hand. Keep them safe from all danger and distress. I am so grateful, dear Lord, that you have entrusted me with these little ones.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

- Cindy Crosby

The Recent Find For My Little Chef

My girlfriends out here know that when I visit with my mister, their kitchen will be my mister's play area.
He will get into the dishwasher and try to put away the dishes. He will take all of the pots and pans out and distribute them all over the floor. He will attempt to use the stove, by standing on the oven door. He may also sweep or mop.
My son loves the kitchen.
His birthday is next month, and I decided that it would be great to purchase him a cute wooden stove.
I was looking on Craigslist earlier in the week for a daybed for the miss, and came across an ad for a children's wooden play kitchen for only $10.
I called about it and was told by the sweet old lady on the other end of the line, that she couldn't email me a picture, because she didn't have email or a digital camera. But she did her best to describe it.
Her husband had made the darling wooden kitchen. The stove top has 4 burners and can even be plugged into an outlet, which turns on a little light that warms it a bit.
There is a little oven with two racks, that even some of my cookie sheets fit into. (Don't let the mister know I told you that though).
Under the oven there is a drawer to store pots and pans. And to the right of that, there is a large cabinet for dishes. The wooden stove also includes two shelves up top; one of which adorns several hooks to hang teacups from.

It sounded too cute to pass up, especially for only ten dollars. So on Friday I went to pick up the kitchen.

And, it is adorable!!!!!

It does need to be repainted, to cover up some scratches and what not, it was a very loved kitchen and you can tell that it was played with often.
We were going to save it for his birthday, but I couldn't wait that long. I just HAD to give it to him now.
We still need to paint it, but the mister doesn't mind the worn look at all.
He looooooooves it. And I love that he has his own pots and pans and oven door to open and close repeatedly.



Thursday, June 12

Don't Know Where To Start

A good friend of mine lost pretty much all of her treasured belongings in a house fire this past Sunday.
She also lost all of her clothes. The fire began in her bedroom, thankfully she is okay.
I want to help her so badly, if I had the money, I'd go out and buy her a ton of clothes or send her a gift card, but unfortunately I don't have the extra money to spare.
I thought about doing some sort of fundraiser for her, or asking businesses for donations, but I wasn't too sure where to start.
Does anyone have any suggestions?

Monday, June 9

My Life Story

Well, Miss Sara tagged me for the life story meme. I am to come up with my life story in only 6 words.
I actually found this to be quite easy.
And my 6 words are.....
Drum roll please..............

"I want to leave a legacy"

Meaning, that in my life, I want to touch lives. I want to instill values in my kids. I want to show Christ's love in my words and actions.
I want my life story to be seen in the legacy that I leave.

My six words are taken from the song, "Legacy", by Nichole Nordeman.

"I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy"

Wednesday, June 4

Time Has Been Flying

Wow, has it been a crazy week. I have been working a ton of hours, which makes for a nice paycheck, but it makes the days a little more hectic.
My 15 year old sister-in-law is also out visiting, and we've been spending a ton of time glued to the television. I have gotten her hooked on one of my all time favorite shows, Dawson's Creek. We are currently in the middle of the second season.
The miss' recital is on Friday, and she had her dress rehearsal this afternoon. We are only allowed to take pictures or videotape during the rehearsal, so I did get a few shots in.
She was sooo stinking cute.



Friday, May 30

Will you still need me, When I'm 64........

I am a total people watcher. I love to not only watch people, but to try to imagine what their lives are like. What are they struggling with? What makes them happy? What trials have they been through?

Working at a hotel, I get to observe many people. Most are tired from travelling. A few are very friendly and love to chit chat with the bored front desk girl.
And many, are not so nice.

And then, there is the cute old couple. They walk into the hotel at around the same time each night. As they head to the elevator, he gently takes her hand. They walk slowly together, both with genuine smiles on their faces. He then guides her to the side of the door that leads to the elevator, and opens it for her. They are just so fun to watch, and so adorable.

I wonder how many years they have been married. What trials have they been through together? Was there ever a time when they regretted being married to one another?
How long have they been as happy as they are today?
Do they have children? Did they ever lose any children?
What things in their lives brought them close together as a couple?
Were there any things that ever drove them apart?
What were their happiest moments?
How did he propose to her?
How did they meet?

I would love to just know their story.

But for now, I'll just settle for what I do see.
They are the happy couple who perhaps have grown old together and still take the time to walk lovingly hand in hand.

I hope to be that way with my husband when I am old and gray.

Thursday, May 29

My Mister Mom

I just had to take a second to dote on my hubby.
See, I am one of those naggy wives, I admit it. But, I do think I am getting better at not being such a nag, at least I hope I am, because I have really been making an effort.
And since I feel like I don't point out enough the wonderful things he does, I knew I had to share this with all of you..........................

Tonight while at work, I called home to say goodnight to the miss, and the hubby asked if they could call me back. See, he had taken the kiddos outside to play, and since the older two had covered themselves in dirt, he was giving them a bath.
And, as hubby started the bath, the baby decided that it was a great time for his next meal. Those babies always seem to have impeccable timing, don't they?
So, hubby was then giving the little one his bottle while washing the other two. He told me he felt like Mister Mom.
And, after telling him it was fine if they called back, I realized that I had the biggest smile on my face.
I don't know about you other wives out there, but the whole responsible mister mom vibe thing, it's quite a turn on.
He's such a great hubby and an amazing daddy.
Oh and when they did call back, he said he had to cut it short and clean the kitchen, because it was messy.
Who needs chocolate or oysters?

Tuesday, May 27

...But We Know What It Effects

I visited Especially Heather today, and was moved by her post, most specifically the video she had posted. I have placed it below, because it is one of the most powerful 60 seconds that I have ever witnessed.
So, please view it and if moved, perhaps you can see what you can do to help fight brain cancer.

Weekend of Fun

I hope that you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. Mine was very nice, actually.
Friday night, I had the girls come over for our monthly craft night. I decided that once a month, we'd all hang out and do a little sewing, scrapbooking or crafting. I hosted our first get-together, and the evening's project was tutu making.

We used this awesome tutorial and, really, it was pretty easy.

Well, actually, I stunk at making tutus, but everyone else had an easy time.

Here I am working on a tutu for a birthday party I was taking the kiddos to the next morning.

We joked on how we felt we were wearing HUGE garters. You have to wear the elastic band around your thigh, because it aids in the knot tying, unless you are me of course. My knots stunk.
And Sara teased me about the whole garter look, as I rushed up the stairs mid tutu creation, to help out the little mister who was in his room screaming. Don't you love those two year molars? (and yes, I did rush, but I also stopped to pose....okay?)

I don't have a picture of my finished tutu, but I do have a picture of Sara's. Her tutus came out beautifully, don't you think? (I stole this photo from her blog, SHHHHHHHHHH!)


Saturday morning, it was off to a shower and birthday party at my best friend's parents' house. And my best friend, who lives out of state, was there too. It was soooooo wonderful to see her.
She is one of my photographer friends, so I left the picture snapping to her. So, I am sure to have some great pictures from that day by the end of this week or next. So you will just have to be patient, okay?
I did take one picture of my handsome baby boy. Isn't he just a doll? That smile of his, it just melts my heart.


Yesterday was my hubby's 29th birthday. And in celebration of him now being an old fart, we went to see Indiana Jones. We ended up taking all of the kids. The mister had trouble sitting still during the first half, so I found myself walking around the arcade with him for awhile. But during the second half, he did much better. My miss, whose daddy indoctrinated her into the world of Indiana Jones a few months ago, enjoyed this one. She did get quite scared in parts, though, and buried her head into her daddy's arm several times.
The baby just slept the whole time. So, he was very easy.
I wish there hadn't been so much language in the film, especially since my younger ones were there. And, if my miss hadn't been such an Indiana Jones fan, we probably would have seen the movie without the kids in tow. But anyway, it was a great film and you should see it. :o)

So, there you have it. I hope you all have a Splendid week.

Friday, May 23

Show-Off

Just had to show off a picture of the baby taken yesterday...He is 2 months old today, crazy, huh?


And I had to show off a taggies blanket I made for a shower I am going to tomorrow. It was sooo easy. It took like 30 minutes...and I totally have to make one for my little guy.



And for my friends who are having babies, I am totally making you a taggie blanket. ;o)

Sunday, May 18

Four Things

I was tagged by Sara to do this here meme....so here goes:

Four things I was doing 10 years ago (1998)
- Moving into an apartment with my boyfriend, who is now my hubby.
- Working as a receptionist for a Title Company
- Watching Dawson's Creek faithfully, I was hooked on that show.
- Driving a Purple Cavalier (I loved that car)


Four things I was doing 5 years ago (2003)
- Was pregnant with and then had my little miss.
- Was preparing for my hubby to go away to OSAN AFB in South Korea for an entire year, leaving when our miss was only 6 months old.
- Working as a Senior Escrow Assistant at a different Title Company.
- Living in our first home, a new build in Surprise, Arizona (No, we don't live in Arizona anymore)

Four Things I did Yesterday:
- Took a bunch of foam rollers out of the miss' hair and then spent some time trying to make her look less like Shirley Temple.
- Putting too much makeup on my little girl, for her dance pictures. She loved it though.
- Cleaned the kitchen and front room.
- Went to work in the evening

Four Things I did Today:
- Slept in a bit, thank you wonderful hubby.
- Enjoyed the 80 degree weather by taking the kiddos to a nearby park. It was a pretty neat one. The kids had a blast. (Jealous, my Arizona friends?)
- Ate a yummy Papa Murphy's Pizza
- Headed to work

Four TV Shows I Watch:
The Office
Grey's Anatomy
Lost
American Idol

I am not tagging anyone, but if you'd like to do it, comment me and let me know, so that I can visit yours. :o)

Saturday, May 17

Charleston Cuties

The miss has a dance recital coming up in a few weeks. Today, they had professional pictures taken, individual pictures and one with the whole class. They had to come in their costumes, with makeup on and hair in curls.
Then, after their pictures, they were to go into the larger studio to perform their dance.
Unfortunately, their teacher was absent today. She is recovering from a surgery or something, and none of us moms really knew the dance. So, the girls were doing it all on their own.
It was funny watching my miss, because near the end she began improvising. She even tried to do the splits, LOL.
She is the blonde in the pink near the far left.
ENJOY!

Saturday Photo Hunt: Candy

I remember when I used to do the photo hunt faithfully.
Well, I am starting it up again. This week's theme is candy.

Here's an oldie. It's the miss at around 18 months, loving her licorice rope, at her second Diamondbacks game.



Tuesday, May 13

Always Remember.....

Here are things I hope I never forget:

The way the miss twirls around in her dresses and then runs to put on her dress shoes, so that she can tap dance in the kitchen.

The way the mister looks at me with his big blue eyes and then gently presses his forehead against mine as he smiles.

The way the baby smiles at me and goos to me when I come home from work in the evenings.

The mister's walk. He swings his right arm in the cutest way.

The miss' obsession with Jesus being in the clouds, driving a cloud car and how badly she wants to be in the clouds with him.

The baby's cute awwww sound he makes, when he tries to sneeze, and it doesn't quite come out.

The miss' plea for me to sing, "You Are My Sunshine" to her every night.

The mister's open mouthed, wet kisses.

The baby's soft skin and heavenly scent.

The miss' stick figure drawings where everyone has long legs and no arms.

The mister's love of, "If You're Happy and You Know It" and the way he points to his eye or sticks his finger up his nose, instead of placing it to the side of his mouth during.."your face will surely show it."

The way the baby looks up at me with his denim eyes, while nursing. And the way his little fingers stroke my back.

The way the miss says gugglegum.

The mister's laugh when he is tickled.

The baby's new smiles.

The smile the miss gets when she accomplishes something.

The mister's dancing...spinning in circles with his hands up.

The baby's little feet.

The miss' songs she always seems to sing at around 5:00. It's like her music hour.

The way the mister sweetly comes to you, and rests his head on your shoulder, when you ask him to give you cuddles.

The little noises the baby makes when he really wants to eat.

The miss' love of Indiana Jones movies and "Power" of the rings movies.

The way the mister says, "woooaaaahhh" when he stumbles.

The baby's first laugh.

The way the hyper miss will stop running around and sweetly ask to be held or cuddled, every so often.

The way the mister makes sure everyone prays at dinnertime.

The way the baby wraps his hands around my arm at night when we are sleeping.

Monday, May 12

Spread the Word

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

He Wears His Heart On His......

For snack, I gave the kiddos heart-shaped lollipops that I brought home from work last night. The miss wanted goldfish for snack as well, so I told her to start on her lollipop and I'd get the goldfish in a minute. I was in the other room, attending to the baby.
Well, she had a fit because I wasn't giving her "goldfish right now!!!"
So, she left the table so that she could meet with me face to face to explain to me her disappointment.

My reply, however, was to sit back down, eat her lollipop and be patient, or I would eat it.

Upon returning to the table, she began crying because her lollipop had disappeared.
The mister was happily sitting in his seat eating a lollipop, that I thought might be hers, but I couldn't find a second one anywhere, not in his seat, not on the floor, not stuck to her seat cushion.
Her lollipop was gone.

I gave her goldfish, and told her that I'd get her another lollipop the next time I went to work. And she was surprisingly okay with that.

After snack time, we headed into the front room, sat on the couch, read a book and sang some songs. When the mister got up to dance around, we found the missing lollipop. Well, actually, he must have been eating her lollipop, because his, well it had ended up here...

Pretty Please With a Cherry on Top.

Can somebody please invent scratch resistant DVDs?
My children are ruining way too many movies. And even if put up high, my four year old will scale the entertainment center shelves when nobody is looking and knock several down.
The majority of my children's movies are scratched and covered in sticky goo or dried saliva.
And it seems that my favorite Disney movies have gotten ruined, and that is so aggravating with their whole vault system.
And, it's sad when your kids are used to watching movies in which 20 minutes of it is ...eh..oo..eh..ahh...wa... (That is my typing example of a choppy, half frozen scene) It was the best I could do.
So, yes, scratch resistant DVDs please.......
I'm not asking for much!!!

Thursday, May 8

Why Pepsi Almost Came Out OF My Nose

My general manager at the hotel I work at, was still here when I got to work this evening and she was watching her nine year old nephew for a few hours here at work, while trying to finish up her paperwork and get out of here. She had been here since 6:30 A.M. My shift started at 5:00 P.M.

Her nephew was just getting into everything and bored and making her crazy.
He was trying to pick locks with paperclips and he would go outside and place his face against the window that was right by her desk, and make random faces.
He really wanted to go home, I think.

So when he came back inside, I started talking to him a bit. I was hoping he'd leave his Aunt alone for awhile so that she could go home for the night. She looked so very tired. So we talked about school and things like that. He let me know that he was in 4th grade. And I told him that I had really liked 4th grade, but not 5th or
6th.

Anyway, so then I asked him what he got his mom for mother's day...

And as he was answering, I was drinking my Pepsi that my wonderful hubby brought home for me, along with a pint of Ben and Jerry's, which I also brought to work with me and will eat in its entirety sometime tonight. (Sorry off topic)

So I asked him what he got for his mom.

He said to me... Well, I found a shirt in the back of her closet that she hasn't worn in like 5 years. I put it in a nice bag for her. She'll think it's new.

And, I almost spit my pepsi out all over the front desk....I was laughing so hard.

My GM said that he had actually bought her some things with his dad....but he kept insisting that he wrapped up that shirt of hers...

maybe he did both.

Tuesday, May 6

:o(

It's a sad day. My digital camera is broken. We may be able to buy a new one kinda soon, not sure yet.
So, there won't be many pictures for awhile, unless taken by my friends.
I do have this one that Sara took.
It was last week while at a play date at Tiff's. The baby was going through a growth spurt and was in between feedings for the umpteenth time. I think at this moment though, he wanted to be eating, and I was telling him that the kitchen was closed. I know, mean, huh? I think he won though and had the chef open the kitchen back up, just for him.
Sara thinks he is looking at me as if to say, "Woman, where's my food?"


Monday, May 5

Outback Tonight????

Mothers Day 2008 - Giveaway Event


Real Quick, Head on over to 5 Minutes For Mom and enter to win $75.00 in gift cards to Outback Steakhouse. YUMMMMY!

No Humans Allowed

So, the miss had just finished watching Happy Feet and preceded to dance around the family room while pretending to be a penguin. She also announced to us several times that she was a penguin, in case we were wondering.
The mister then decided to join her, excitedly spinning around in circles.
She immediately stopped dancing, looked at him sternly and told him that he had to leave. "You're NOT a penguin, she said, You're a HUMAN!"

Saturday, May 3

Rag Curls

Well, I was informed at the miss' dance class today that we have to do hair and makeup on the girls for pictures on the 17th and then of course for their recital next month. And their hair has to be done in big bouncy curls. Well, I learned a few weeks ago, that the miss' hair does not hold curls, well at least when I use a curling iron and tons of hairspray. So I was thinking of trying rag curls.
I found a great instruction for it Here
Do any of you have any experience with rag curls? Just curious. I think I may practice it this upcoming week or weekend to see how it works and how long the curls stay in, since her recital is in the evening.

Thursday, May 1

Tons of Preschool, Pre-K and Kindergarten Teaching Links

My miss is going to miss the Kindergarten cut off this year. I have been looking into pre-k programs for her, but geesh they are expensive. I am quite certain I can teach her the same stuff they would, for free. I do, however, want to get her involved in something part time if I can, to give her the social aspect that she needs.

But, I am going to teach her at home this upcoming year, well starting now, actually, because she enjoys it and asks constantly to do her workbook or crafts.

She knows most of her uppercase letters, she does get a few mixed up. She struggles with many of the lowercase letters. She does understand that letters make words and she can sound out quite a few words.
She can count, but struggles with number recognition.
So those are the things we will focus on the most.
I will also throw in Science, Social Studies, Bible and Music lessons into the mix as well.

So, I went surfing the internet for resources to use in working up a curriculum for her, and I found so many awesome things. So, I thought I'd share them with all of you as well.

MATH

Kindergarten Math Worksheets
Kindergarten Math and Literacy Online Games
Flower Counting Book
Songs for Teaching
Numbers Poster 1-12

LITERACY



Ladybug ABC Puzzle
Flower Alphabet Book
Beginning Reading Free Worksheets
Exercises for Letters A-Z
Bible and Rhyme Letter Songs
Handwriting Lessons
Make your Own Handwriting Sheets
Tracing Pages
Learning Letters Worksheets
Letter Tracing Sheets
Tons of Great Ideas for Teaching Letter Recognition
Activities for Literacy and Reading Skills
25 Fun Ways to Encourage Reading
Alphabet Posters
Tons of Literacy Printouts and Ideas (YOU MUST CHECK THIS SITE OUT)


SPANISH

Play and Learn Spanish



MUSIC

Montessori Music Lesson Materials
Teaching Musical Instruments
Alfred's Piano Prep course A (Which I will be starting with the Miss)

CURRICULUM

Sound of The Week Curriculum
A Joyful Heart Character Curriculum
ABC I Believe Lessons
Many Lesson Plans
Eric Carle Teaching Resources




Kindergarten Skills Test (What should be mastered upon completion of Kindergarten)

There you have it for now. I may do another post with even more links, as I find fun stuff to share with you.

Sunday, April 27

A Picture is Worth One Thousand Dollars????

Mother's Day 2008 - Giveaway Event


5 Minutes For Mom is hosting, yet again, another wonderful contest. This one is in honor of Mother's Day. All you do is enter in a photo of what motherhood means to you, and you don't have to be a blogger to enter, you can email your submission as well. And the prize is $1,000. Yes, you read that right!

I had a hard time choosing the photo I wanted to enter. Being a mommy of three, I have many pictures that to me, represent motherhood. In fact, I may do an honorable mention post, so that you can see some of the other photos I was choosing from.

So, onto my entry....

On March 23rd, I gave birth to my third child. This time around I did at home, with a midwife, in a pool, in the middle of my family room. And it was an incredible experience. And no matter what type of birth you have, I think one of the most defining moments in any mother's life, is grabbing hold of your baby for the first time. (Even for adoptive mothers when they meet their new baby for the first time)

So here is that moment for me, the first time I lifted him up into my arms. After nine months of pregnancy and hours of labor, my little blessing was finally here.



Now, go rummage through your photos and enter the contest too.
Also, if you'd like to read about my recent homebirth, you can find all of the details and more photos here.

Friday, April 25

Quiz Time :o)




You Should Play the Guitar



You're very independent - both in spirit and in the way you learn.

You can teach yourself almost anything, even if it makes your fingers bleed.



You're not really the type to sit patiently through a music lesson - or do things by the book.

It's more your style to master the fundamentals and see where they take you.



Highly creative and a bit eclectic, you need a wide range of music to play.

You could emerge as a sensitive songwriter... or a manic rock star.



Your dominant personality characteristic: being rebellious



Your secondary personality characteristic: tenacity






Your Dominant Intelligence is Interpersonal Intelligence



You shine in your ability to relate to and understand others.

Good at seeing others' points of view, you get how people think and feel.

You have an uncanny ability to sense true feelings, intentions, and motivations.

A natural born leader, you are great at teaching and mediating conflict.



You would make a good counselor, salesperson, politician, or business person.

Thursday, April 24

Idol Top 6 ( A couple days late)

So I didn't do my idol post. I wasn't in the mood to on Tuesday night. The performances bugged me and I was unmotivated. I am starting to get fed up with the top peeps in idol, I dunno.
Anyway, I must say that I CRACKED up, when Andrew Lloyd Weber made the comment about how he never pictured a male singing Memory, esepcially one in Dreadlocks. That was so stinking funny. And Jason was so stinking terrible, how on earth did he NOT make it into the bottom 2? Who are his fans, and why?
He should have sang something from Joseph, that would have fit him. But I guess it didn't really matter, since he was safe.

And Brooke...I am getting upset with her now. She was one of my favorites, but lately, I haven't been impressed. I did, however, love her dress. In fact I spent a good 30 minutes, trying to find it online, because I WANT IT.
I did find it, although they changed hers up a bit...they made Brooke's more modest. I like how Brooke wore it. And I loved how she wore a purple belt with it.
Anyway, the dress is by Alice + Olivia, and it's only $396. So, who wants to buy it for me????

Anyway, Brooke as well should have been in the bottom 2, but she was safe.

Carly was FANTASTIC and so was Syesha. In fact Syesha was stinking adorable. It was a shame to see Carly go home last night. She is so talented.

David A. was pretty good. His version was a bit odd, but he did well. And David Cook, well he has a great range, huh? The high note he hit in Music of the Night, gorgeous!!!!!

The finals better be both Davids.

So there you have it. Now go buy me that dress, and a purple belt to go with it. Thanks. :o) (they have it at Saks)

Saturday, April 19

Masquerade

Well the miss had her daddy daughter dance this afternoon. We had quite the time trying to do her hair in an updo with curls. The curls I did didn't hold. I think it was due to the size of my curling iron and her hair being so fine.
So I made it work, and had her sport the tiara I wore on my wedding day, to hide the flawed 'do.
She did inform me when she got back from the dance that all the girls had curls in their hair except for her. :o(
But I told her that she was the only one in a princess crown, so that is much cooler than curls.
She had a wonderful time and made her daddy stay on the dance floor for most of the dance. But near the end, she befriended another little girl, and the two of them decided to dance the day away together.
And the miss and her daddy won the grand prize in the door prize drawings, so that was very exciting, indeed.
So here are some pics of the miss after getting ready for the dance.





That Masquerade mask, I made it for her, since it was a masquerade theme. It took a bagillion sequins and a couple of hours, but I think it came out beautifully.
I used This template and changed it to print at 85%.
Then I cut the mask out onto cardstock and decorated it.
Here are two more fun masquerade links for the kiddos:
Papier Mache mask for kids
and an online masquerade dress up game

Friday, April 18

A Four Year Old's Prayer

So the hubby was putting the kiddos to bed and while helping the mister fall asleep, he heard the miss yapping away in her room. He headed in there to tell her to keep it down, but then stopped when he realized what she was doing.
There she was, on her knees, perched on her pillow, staring out the window and praying.
He only caught the end of it, but our miss was praying for this:

Please help me to grow big, tall and strong so that I can ride on Indiana Jones ride. And please give me lots of doggies and I'll pick up their poop.

Tuesday, April 15

Idol Top 7

Alrighty here goes....

1. David A.- "Believe" - I actually really liked his performance. He may have wowed me tonight, finally!

2. Carly - "Without You" - I love her dress, so cute! Randy said that the beginning was bad, but that he loved the middle and end. I actually disagree. I think the beginning was gorgeous. She had me entranced in the song. I was very impressed. But once she started with the higher notes, and swelled and everything, she lost me. But it was still an incredible vocal performance.

3. Sayesha -"Vanishing" - Very beautiful vocal. It was a very controlled performance. She also has such a gorgeous smile, doesn't she? If I had to critique it at all, I'd just say that she breathes out at the beginning of the first note in each phrase, and it wastes very valuable breath.
I really like her, but she did pick a song that not many people know, and it could hurt her, as Simon said, even though her performance was great!

4. Brooke - "Hero" - I am worried for Brooke tonight, in that she may go home. I know the judges liked her singer/songwriter performance, but honestly, I wish she hadn't played the piano while singing tonight. It almost seemed like she had to concentrate so much on playing, that she didn't connect with the audience. And she rushed the end pretty badly. But, I still LOVE her.

5. Kristy - "Forever" - Okay, I am about to say something that I didn't think I would ever say in regards to Kristy...are you ready? WOW! I was finally impressed by Kristy. She did a GREAT job. And it was pitchy in parts, but she always is pitchy in every performance. Oh,and her hair looked soooo pretty!

6. David Cook -"Always Be My Baby" - Wow, he has such a talent and such an ear. This wasn't my favorite changed up song that he's done, but it was still really, really good. I thought, maybe it would have sounded better in a different key....I dunno. Oh, and I wasn't a fan of the background vocals. I think it should have just been him singing. He shows what a musical genius he is though. And I have decided that I want him to win!
Awwww...he got teary eyed.

7. Jason - Okay...Please Jason, BREATHE!!!
E..I didn't really like it much...or at all. I think he may have saved Brooke from going home.
How can Simon like Jason's performance and not Carly's?
Weird!

Best of the night - Vocally, David A.....but David C in a very close second for his originality

Going Home - Jason

My Blogaversary (100 Things) Installment 4

71. I have a lot of old jingles stored in my memory, like some of the McDonald's ones from the 80's.

72. I destroy PC's, I do. So keep me away from yours. I am actually currently using one, because my Mac runs way too slowly. But, I do prefer Mac over PC, just so you know.

73. I would totally play on a powder puff football team. That would be so much fun. I can throw a spiral, but my aim is pretty off.

74. I can't wait to get the okay to work out from my midwife. Mainly because it would be a nice break from the kiddos and it's fun.

75. I HATE pickles.

76. I also HATE mustard.

77. I can't do most spicy foods, but I try to, for my hubby, who loves them. If we get Thai food, I stick with something mild though.

78. Peas are my favorite vegetable.

79. This is the scariest thing I have ever done.

80. I have never seen the Star Wars trilogies in full. I always fall asleep during them.

81. I'm bad with names, but I remember faces.

82. I am a total memorizer. I have my driver's license number, my telephone number from my childhood home in CT, my credit card number, expiration date and security code all memorized.
I have a bunch of other numbers memorized too....just wanted to share a few though.

83. I am a visual learner.

84. I only got A's and B's in school, except for my junior year, when I got a D in geometry. See, I told you, I am horrible at math.

84. I had always hated, HATED history, until I went away to school at Huntington College, now Huntington University. My history professor, Mr. Brautigum, rocked. And I enjoyed his class so much.

85. When I went away to school in Indiana, I didn't know anyone there, I hadn't even been to Indiana before. It was one of the best experiences of my life!!!!

86. Burger King French Fries are my favorite. I don't like McDonald's fries. (I write about food a lot on my 100 things, huh?) I love to eat, what can I say?

87. I would love to have a huge colonial style house someday, with a huge yard and a white picket fence.

88. I would ABSOLUTELY LOVE to live in Long Island, New York.

89. New York city is my favorite city.

90. I really want my kids to attend the really nice k-12 private Christian school out here, but I don't think we'd ever be able to afford it.

91. I want to go to Uganda someday on a mission trip...actually I WILL go there someday.

92. I am going to have my kids go on mission trips as teenagers. I think they are very important!

93. I sing, "You Are My Sunshine", to my daughter at night, before she goes to bed.
I have done it since she was a baby.

94. I would love to own a horse someday.

95. I collect quotes. I have kept notebooks of my favorite quotes, since I was in high school.

96. I took a semester of ASL, and loved it. I wish I had taken even more semesters of it.

97. I have the movie, Aladdin, memorized.

98. When my kids scream and cry in the car, I can tune them out. When they scream and cry in the house, it drives me bonkers.

99. I love the smell of winter. Yes, winter has a smell.

100. Periwinkle is my favorite crayola crayon. It has been since I was 5 years old.

Monday, April 14

My Blogaversary (100 Things) Installment 3

51. I hate my hands. HATE THEM! They are dry a lot, because I wash my hands constantly, since I am cleaning a lot and changing diapers and wiping snot noses all day long.
I try to put lotion on them a lot throughout the day, but I usually forget to.
And they are veiney and, well, I just don't like them. :oP

52. I love Bath and Body Works' home fragrance thingies in Juniper Breeze. They make your house smell soooo good!

53. Roald Dahl is one of my favorite children's authors.

54. My absolute favorite candy is Ghiradelli chocolate with caramel filling. YUM.

55. I loove coffee ice cream

56. But I also love a million other flavors of ice cream too.

57. My kids only use MAM Pacifiers.

58. I went to the American Girl store in Chicago back when I attended college in Indiana. It was the one of the neatest stores I had ever been in, and I couldn't wait to have a little girl someday to take to that store. So, I will have to take the miss there someday. She has yet to be introduced to American Girl Dolls though.

59. My miss will never NEVER own a Bratz doll or anything affiliated with Bratz, because mommy says so!

60. My first car was a Dodge Neon. I HAD to have it, because it looked in the front like it was smiling. Yes, I was such a girl. THAT was the reason I purchased a particular car, because it smiled.

61. My next car was a purple Chevy Cavalier and that thing was a trooper. I didn't take care of it well at all. I never got its oil changed when I should have. I would drive it for a loooong time before getting the oil changed. It never once broke down on me.

62. I ran out of gas once on the freeway, because I am one of those people that will drive with the gas light on for quite awhile. Like for instance, I know I can make it from my house to my place of employment, which can be a 25-30 minute drive, while my gas light is on.
See, one shouldn't know these things.
I am lucky that I don't run out of gas more often.

63. I love, LOVE REAL SIMPLE magazine. I should really subscribe to it.
I also love Self magazine too.

64. I used to buy US weekly every single week. It was my addiction. I don't buy them anymore...haven't bought one in a loooooooooooooooooooooong while.

65. I can't paint my own nails to save my life. If I do, I always use glitter nail polish over the colored polish, because it hides all the places where I messed it up.

66. I don't get manicures anymore, because I don't have the time in my life, or the money, to keep up with it all the time.

67. I do, however, LOVE pedicures...and I need one in a bad way right now.

68. I cough when I am nervous. Anytime I had a performance, you could hear me in the wings coughing, before I headed onto stage.

69. I also have a really loud cough. Everyone in my family does. So, I blame my parents. :o)

70. I will not blow my nose in public. I will always go in the restroom to blow my nose. Because I am weird. :o)

Saturday, April 12

My Blogaversary (100 Things) Installment 2

32. I am horrible at returning videos and library books on time. In fact, I probably owe the library money right now.
I really need to get better at that!

33. I love Vitamin Water's Vital-T. In fact, a friend of mine told me today that I need to go to Vital-Tholics anonymous.
I can down two in under 15 minutes. And would drink maybe 6 a day, if I had that many in my house at one time.

34. My friend, Tiff, has also gotten me hooked on Sweet Tea. And hers is mighty yummy!

35. I've gotten many compliments on my cooking and baking lately, and that makes me very happy! I looove to bake!

36. In the Bible, Paul's writings are my favorite.

37. I LOVE Beth Moore's Bible Studies. LOVE THEM!!!!!!!!

38. I say Jeez Oh Pete when I am angry, stressed or think something is silly. And I say it soooo many times in one day. I also say, Seriously???? a lot too.

39. My daughter has also started to say, SERIOUSLY?!?!?!, often, because of me. When the mister is doing something that she doesn't like, she'll say, come on now, seriously!

40. The Matterhorn is my favorite ride at Disneyland.

41. I've been to the Grand Canyon more times than I can count on one hand. That's what happens when you spend a lot of your childhood in Arizona and have relatives visit you from out of state.
I never did hike down it or anything. Maybe that would have made it more enjoyable.

42. I've only gone camping, like real camping, one time. I really want to go more often. And I hope that once our kids are a tad bit older, we can make a yearly camping trip tradition.

43. I pronounce, syrup, Sear-up. Apparently that makes me strange. My hubby and his family all say it as Sir-up. How do you say it?

44. I make tons of typos, if you hadn't already noticed. And I spell things wrong all of the time....but I know better. So, I usually read my posts over and over again to hopefully find all of my dumb mistakes.

45. I love the Cosby show. I would love to own all of the seasons of it. I think I have season 1 on DVD. I want to be as awesome of a parent as Bill Cosby's character was on that show.

46. I had two pet bunnies as a kid, Floppy and Snowball. I used to hold Snowball in my arms while I would swing on our swing set. It probably scared her to death.

47. I am horrible at math. I am looking forward to when my kids start needing help with their math homework, because I'll get to learn it all over again with them. Maybe after assisting them over the years, I'll become a math wiz. One can hope.

48. I am NOT a bath person. I looove showers and find them to be more relaxing. I think it's because I have a hard time just sitting still. I get bored in a bath.

49. So far, based on what I have tasted, I don't like wine!

50. I love white flesh peaches. They are the yummiest fruit EVER!

Fashion Fiesta

medium button

So, we interrupt the blogaversary posts to bring you the Fun Fashion Fiesta post. I love alliterations.

She wants to see what we wear on a daily basis. What kind of clothes make up our wardrobe. And what do we not own yet, that we want to...and if we had all the money in the world to blow on clothes, what would we buy.

So, here goes.

First of all, I love grapic tees especially vintagey ones. The shirt I have on today is such a tee, and I tried to get a pic of it, but it didn't quite come out very well. But I'll post it anyway.

Here's another example of the vintage tee look...and I don't own this YET..but I may..cuz it's in my price range. :o)
This one is at Target

And many Christian Tees are looking pretty vintage too...I love the ones by Know Him, NOTW and Ezekial.....and if I had money to blow, I'd buy tons of these....
Here's an example of one I'd like to own..


I think I am noticing a trend...there are birds in all three tees. Hmmmmmmm. :o)

Here's a few more Christian tees...



I have found my favorite graphic tees at Old Navy and American Eagle. I love AE's Aerie line. They also have some other cute tops at American Eagle that I would like to own soon.



So, what do I actually wear ALL OF THE TIME??? Well...that would be..
SO Jeans and my black boots



But once summer rolls around, I'll be in flip flops most days! :o)

Oh and one of my most favorite shirts, is this one.....


It spreads the word about Invisible Children...an organization helping the kids in Northern Uganda.... you can check them out Here

So there you have it!

Oh, and if I had tons of mula to spend, I'd buy These 7 for all mankind jeans I mean they are only almost $200.00.

And I'd get This $250 Juicy dress

Go check out more fashion fun at Big Mama's

My Blogaversary - Installment 1

So, I didn't even realize it until my nice comment....but it's my 2 year blogaversary. And in typical Blogaversary fashion, I am here to do my 100 things.
Although, it will be broken up into several posts over the weekend, because with three little kiddos, one of whom is only 3 weeks old, I don't have the ability to write out all 100 at once.
And hey, maybe it's easier to read when it's all broken up.

So, here goes...

1. I almost died when I was born, and was born via emergency c-section.

2. I started reading when I was 3 years old, thanks to an awesome in home daycare that my parents had put me in.

3. I started taking tap and ballet when I was 3 years old. I took them both for 7 years. I LOVED tap dancing. LOVED IT!!
I took a tap class when I went away to college and realized how much I had missed it.
I plan on taking an adult tap class in the fall at my daughter's dance studio, if we can fit it into our budget.

4. I, as part of the Phoenix Girl's Chorus, sang on stage once with Pat Boone and Florence Henderson, the Brady Bunch mom. I had no clue who Pat Boone was, but it was kinda cool meeting Florence Henderson. We all sang the Brady Bunch theme song to her. I am pretty sure she wanted us to stop though.

5. Growing up, I had several celebrity crushes....there was Chad Allen, but I think it was because a friend of mine was obsessed with him, and I wanted to be cool like her. However, I did LOVE the show, Our House, that he was in. Then, there was Joey from New Kids On The Block. Boy did I ever love that guy.
Jared Leto, from My So Called Life, was next.... It was his eyes....they were gorgeous. Then, in high school, I had a thing for Christian Bale and Val Kilmer. After that, my celebrity crush phase died down.

6. E.T. was the first movie that I ever saw in the theaters.

7. Neverending Story and The Dark Crystal were two of my favorite movies as a kid.

8. Debbie Gibson's Electric Youth perfume, was the first perfume I ever bought and wore. I think that I was in 5th grade.

9. Wham! Make It Big, was the first cassette tape that I ever owned...which was followed by Debbie Gibson's, Electric Youth.

10. I did run full speed into a sliding glass door, that was so clean, I thought it was open, when I was nine years old.

11. My grandfather was born in a Sioux Indian tribe. So, I have some Native American in me. I hope to someday go to South Dakota with the kiddos, so they can learn about that part of their ancestry.

12. When I was 11, I had to get stitches after literally running into a pole that was in the middle of one of the aisles inside of Pets Mart.

13. When I was 10, I won a bicycle at a Halloween Costume Contest held by the nearby Fry's Grocery Store. I barely used it though, because it was a boy's BMX bike. Oh, and I was dressed as a Scarecrow.

14. In High School, my two absolute favorite cds were Counting Crows, August and Everything After, and Mariah Carey's Daydream.

15. As a young teen, I remember begging my parents to let me audition for the new Mickey Mouse Club. I loved that show and wanted to be a part of it soooo badly. I never did get to audition, even though they held some in my home state.

16. I never got asked to any dances in High School. So the ones that I did attend, I went to stag, with a few girlfriends, who also weren't asked to any dances.
I did, however, go to Senior Prom with my high school sweetheart, who I also ended up marrying. :o)

17. My hubby and I met our Senior Year of High School. We met chatting online on AOL. Yes, it's true. We then talked on the phone a couple of times and then met. We became "official" after our first date.
It was weird, the night that we first met, because we had no idea what the other really looked like and stuff. But not only were we attracted to each other's personalities, but once we met for the first time, we realized we were both very attracted to each other physically, as well.

18. Our first date was at TGIFriday's. We both ordered the fettuccine Alfredo, and he had to leave the table halfway through to respond to a page from his friend, Chris. The page that would let him off the hook, if the Internet chick ended up being crazy. But, luckily, he told his friend that all was wonderful.

19. We met in December of 1996.

20. We dated for almost three years, but then I broke up with him.

21. We got back together in 2001 and married in 2002.

22. Okay, I guess I have to get back to random things, huh? I was in a car accident, while on my permit. I was driving, and my mom was in the car with me. It was totally my fault, and the wreck happened on the busy street right behind our house. My dad had been in the living room, and heard the crash, so he called 911. He then went outside to make sure people were okay, and then he saw his car totaled.
We were all okay, so were the people in the car that I had hit.

23. I was in another wreck, when I was 16, but it WASN'T my fault.

24. I have yet to crash a car since....so that's good!!!

25. When I was in High School, if you had asked me what it was that I wanted to do for a career, I would have told you that I wanted to work with child cancer patients in a hospital as their nurse or therapist.
I would still love to do that someday. :o)

26. In college, I became very interested in autism, and decided to pursue Psychology, in hopes to work with autistic kids someday. I have yet to finish school. But it would still be awesome to work with autistic kids someday. :o)

27. My favorite foods are most anything Italian and mashed potatoes. I am a starch girl. :o)

28. I also love baked sweet potatoes. Potatoes in general, are my comfort food.

29. The first book that I ever read on my own, was The Spooky Old Tree. I now LOVE reading it to my kiddos.

30. I can't draw to save my life.

31. I also whistle horribly.

Friday, April 11

Two Weeks of Toys Giveaway

Two Weeks of Toys - Giveaway Event


I tell you what, there is always something fun going on at 5 Minutes For Mom.

For the next two weeks, they are giving away some awesome toys, every day. Yes, every day, there will be a new contest to enter.

So head on over and check it out!!!!!

Tuesday, April 8

American Idol Top 8

So, we all know that nobody will be eliminated tomorrow, right?
Well, at least last year they didn't eliminate anyone on Idol Gives Back night.

Anyway, I think I disagreed with most of the things the judges said tonight. It was weird. The people I thought were good, the judges weren't too pleased with. And the people I thought were just okay, the judges praised.

So here goes...

Michael Johns- I think he did great. He showed off his range. He got the audience into it. He's a great performer. The judges didn't like it, but, well, I did. :oP

Sayesha - I feel so bad for this girl, she just can't win. The judges never seem too pleased with her. They were correct in that she didn't really connect emotionally, but of course Fantasia had an emotional connection to the song, it was the finals song..I mean, come on!!
I thought that there were some parts, where the song seemed too big for her. But there were other parts where it was flawless and gorgeous. And that note at the end.......WOW! She has incredible range. According to her q&a on the idol website, she hasn't really had vocal training. I think that with some awesome training, she'd be AMAZING. She has the chops, she does.

Jason Castro - I just knew when he said he was singing, Somewhere Over The Rainbow, that he'd do the version that he did. And, really I didn't like it. He really, REALLY needs to learn how to breathe properly while singing. He hardly opens his mouth, and it really bothers me. I am nitpicky, huh? Sorry. He still looks like he is making "exhaling cigarette smoke faces" at the end of his notes. I was thinking, during his performance, that I wouldn't buy a cd of his. He does have a nice voice, but it isn't good enough to win the competition.

Kristy Lee - Okay, I wasn't impressed with her performance at all. I thought her arrangement was weird, well in the beginning. I thought the verses weren't sung well and she was pitchy. But I am biased, because I love Martina. She had some showy moments where she belted and it was pretty. But I still don't think she should make it much farther. And I don't think it was her best performance and I don't think it was as GREAT as the judges said it was.

David Cook - So I do like Our Lady Peace, but I am not sure I liked his take on their song, Innocent. It was weird how he started the verse singing higher and then went low suddenly. I really wish that in the chorus, that the background vocals weren't so loud. It was almost as if they overpowered him at times. I loved the last 4 notes of the song. I do really like him, and I don't think this performance will be the end of the road for him. He'll make it much further. I really wanted to be wowed, but it was just okay.

Carly - I loved her hair, I did. You know, she sounded great. I do think she looked angry, as the judges said, and I also think parts of the song got away from her. But the parts of the song that were good, were GREAT! She has a gorgeous voice. It was almost too theatrical though, and I really expected Simon to say that.

David A. - A beautiful song, but I still have yet to be wowed by David A. I know he has a huge fan base, and I am probably an odd one out, not being too thrilled by him, but I'm not. I think he is nasaly, as Simon said. He is a sweetie though, he's got a great personality that comes through in his performances. But he also sometimes seems to lack the confidence during his songs. I think one of these nights he needs to just lose himself in the song, then I think I'd be wowed.

Brooke - She will always be one of my favorites, even when her performance isn't anything spectacular. She is so genuine, so real....and a bit emotional, and her emotions pour through in her singing. She seemed choked up tonight, maybe due to who was in the audience...and it did come out though while she was singing and almost made it appear that her voice was a little tired or something. But it was still very pretty. I think next week, she needs to be more showy though. The last few weeks, she has just been, you know?

I really don't think I have a favorite tonight. Nobody really impressed me. And I do think Kristy needs to go home, I really do. :o(

Leave your idol reviews at Boomama's

Italian Hot Dish (TRY IT!)

I like to try two new recipes a week, if I can, because I'd like to have tons of recipes to choose from each week, instead of the same ol' same ol'.
The hubby and I are eating healthier due to mainly his cholesterol, and because it's good to eat healthy, yo!
Now, I looove Italian food. He isn't as big of a fan of it as I am, and a lot of it isn't the healthiest.
But last night I made a new pasta dish that I found a recipe for online, and I must say, it was very yummy. And the kids ate it all up too, which is saying a lot.
And, my hubby ate like thirds or fourths and even mentioned that he isn't a big pasta fan, but THIS is Good!!!

So, give it a try.

Here's the recipe

Friday, April 4

Jenny McCarthy Rocks

So, I totally missed Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd. Normally I think I would have remembered, given that I am very passionate about autism, but I forgot, I did. But with good reason, I have a tiny baby boy. :o)

Anyway, Jenny McCarthy was on Larry King Live on April 2nd, and she was awesome. I encourage you to watch all of the clips linked below, get informed, if you aren't already.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7