Our Family Ramblings!

Love, Compassion, Grace VS Judgement

2011-09-22T19:58:00.000-04:00

I know, I know... it has been awhile! I hope to remedy that problem.
Okay... so here I go. I have a lot of thoughts so this may end up a jumbled mess, but I will try and organize them the best I can!

I will start with a question a dear friend asked me last week while we were hanging out at the local splash pad. I have been thinking a lot about it lately. She said, "what does loving someone that is broken REALLY look like?" Does it mean just sending them a text saying, " I love you... thinking about you?" Does it mean being there when they need you, but at arms length or when it is convienent? Does it mean getting down and dirty with the broken, helping them sift through the pieces of their brokeness and helping them glue the pieces into a beautiful mosaic? How does loving someone through their brokeness translate to daily living?

I think an excellent way to start is to realize that we are ALL broken in some way, shape or form. Some more broken then others. Some experienced devistating circumstances to lead to brokeness, some just broken from being a sinful being. Nevertheless , all broken-- all in need of love, connection, and friendship.

Showing the broken grace is needed. Grace means :mercy; clemency; a pardon. Why grace? Because it is by Grace that we have been saved through Christ Jesus. Remember your own forgiveness and grace that was afforded you by our Lord. (Eph. 2:8) Because that emulates our Lord. (Gen 5:1 -- we are made in HIS likeness) Follow that up with compassion. Jesus led by compassion. So much so that he broke his own father's laws to show compassion. (Luke 13:10) The good samaritan not only showed compassion in thought, but put into physical tangible actions! (Luke 10:30) It really has amazed me and is something that I have been learning in a BIG way over the past months.... It is a shame on us, but sometimes we don't show or understand the degree of grace we should show to others until we are in the place of needing that grace ourselves.

I do know that one thing the broken do NOT need is judgement. Nine chances out of ten the great judge (the Lord) and refiners fire has already been at work in the brokeness. That is more than likely where their brokeness has come from. They don't need your "fire". The definition of judgement is the forming of an opinion, estimate, notion, or conclusion, as from circumstances presented to the mind. I love the last 4 words! These circumstances are almost always not based on fact or by being a "scholar of another" and ripping off the packaging to open the box of their lives. It is all about where the mind takes it. No one has ever been healed or restored by judgement. Compassion and love, yes! If we are looking to change lives, judgement needs to go out the window and let grace and love abound!

We as Christians are usually the worst offenders of passing down judgement. I would almost be more accepting of judgement from a non-believer. But we as Christ followers should know better. To whom much is given, much is required. (Luke 12:48) There are times when rebuke and correction are necessary and founded by truth in situations, but other times, if we are honest... the situations are just uncomforable to us , out of our box, some new way that the Lord is choosing to work his big picture that we aren't familiar with. We may not like the situation or circumstances in someones life and how uncomfortable it feels to us, but we are called to LOVE, show COMPASSION, and offer GRACE-- not just in word, but in deed!

These words come from a truely broken vessel. I seek HIS face daily, trust his promises, walk with him through the fire and pray for beauty from these ashes. I KNOW HE is creating a beautiful mosaic, and I am thankful for those ppl who are helping me slap in the grout to make it complete!!!

Praise you in this storm!

2011-05-16T11:38:00.000-04:00

Is HE everything or just a story?

2011-04-18T12:57:00.000-04:00

I heard a song on the radio that is an oldie but goodie by Christian music's standards! It is by a group called Avalon. I think the timing of this song is very significant being played this week as we go into "passion week"--The week prior to the Death, burial , and glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus! My mind and heart cries out for you to take the stories and really seek the reality of them!

I have grown up in a Christian home most of my life. Went the Sunday school like a good girl, joined the youth group, memorized scripture, and even attended a christian school from 1st- 12 th grade. I heard the stories, my parents drilled them in But at a point , we have to evaluate ... are they just stories-- just a page of history? There is a time when all these stories become the catalyst for making your faith your own-- not just what your parents want you to believe. To know him is to love him and to love him is to make him your everything!

What does the story of Easter mean to you? Is it just a story, or do you live it, breathe it, thank HIM for it! Do you read the story and then put it back on the shelf till next Easter? Our Lord did the most amazing thing for you and I... came to earth in human form, took on the critics, testified to the truth of our heavenly father, was beaten, and crucified all because of his love for us.

Is HE everything to you... is he how you live, breathe, talk, act? Have you made he stories a reality in your life? I love how Avalon sings it... they can do a much better job of sharing my heart with you. So here you go!

Have a great day!

Sunny Splashin' Saturday !

2011-04-16T14:51:00.000-04:00

Today was such a beautiful day. Hubby and princess had rehearsal ALL day for Sound of Music ,so I packed up the other two and headed to our quaint little downtown for the farmers market and to let Monkey play for a while in our brand new splash pad. What a great area!!! It has added even more excitement and charm to our downtown area! After some fun in the sun, we went to lunch at the local pizza place. (our favorite!) I really enjoyd our day!!! Here are some fun pics!!

Took her a while , but she warmed up the shooting streams of water from the ground beneath! :o)

Dashing between splashes to follow mom!

Big brother too "big" for the splash pad, but patiently waited without complaint so his sister could play!

Found mom among the fountains!!

This woman was standing at the foot of the splash pad , arms raised, bible in hand... praying over the pad and the families there! I love it! I then noticed her later walking around downtown , praying over our town. If only we all had that much conviction to go and openly prayer for strangers!!!

GOOD day!!!

My you too find "sunshine even on a cloudy day!" ;o)

Dragonfly!

2011-04-14T09:22:00.000-04:00

Most of you that know me and some that don't because I have told you... know that I just adore Dragonflies! I love anything with them on it! I never really knew what my attraction to these awesome creation of God were. So I decided to go on a fact finding mission and see what they were all about!

We have dragonflies EVERYWHERE down her in Florida, which makes sense because they are mostly found around marsh lands, ponds, and lakes because their first stages of life are aquatic! You can see one flying around or you can see hundreds in a field just buzzing in a group. They really are fascinating to me! They are fast little bugger too... On record... the fastest dragonfly was clocked at 60 mph! Of course that is out of the norm, but generally they fly about 35 mph. Can you imagine how fast those wings are flitting to get those kinds of speeds!

Another reason I love them... the eat our pesky mosquitoes! God's natural pest control system! I love it!
When I dug deeper into the Dragonfly cultural significance... I found one that I particularly loved!

Japan:
In Japan dragonflies are symbols of courage, strength, and happiness, and they often appear in art and literature, especially haiku. The love for dragonflies is reflected in the fact that there are traditional names for almost all of the 200 species of dragonflies found in and around Japan. As it symbolizes courage, boys are given the name of "Tonbo", meaning dragonfly. The shape of the archipelago of Japan, as seen on a map, is said to be that of a dragonfly. Hence the leading male character in Kiki's Delivery Service, in a non-Japanese setting, is named "Tonbo" so that the Japanese audience can identify with him. (wikipedia)

That is just so cool to me because I can remember MANY times looking back where I have been going through a rough time or needed an extra pick me up and was visited by a Dragonfly! I remember one day, when I was taking a LONG walk. It was hot, I was tired, the baby was cranky, the dog refused to listen and I just wanted to make it home. Wouldn't you know a dragonfly came down out of nowhere and landing at the head of my stroller canopy! It was almost as if to say, "I am gonna help you flit home-- now let's get going!"

Some of you may be thinking, "HOKEY"! But I see this as a way of God using his beautiful and magnificent creation to help his children with little reminders of HIS grace, strength, and courage! When I see them now, I remember God's promise that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I will remember that God does not give us the spirit of fear. I will remember that no matter how insignificant I think my struggle is , my Lord cares and my happiness lies in him!!!

Wow, all I can say is that thank the good Lord I am not Japanese or having any more children or my son just might just end up with the name "TONBO"!!

Next time you see our wonderful dragonflies ... remember strength, courage, and happiness and where it all comes from!! Thanks Lord for BIG reminders in the form of one of your littlest creations!!!

Spring Fever in the Garden!!

2011-04-09T21:15:00.000-04:00

Spring has sprung and summer is charging in!!! It was a whopping 90 today! Yikes!! I managed to get my butt out of bed on a Sat. morning and take the kiddos down town to the "garden festival" that is held in my sweet little town! (I think I have mentioned before how much I LOVE my town!)

I think the festival gets bigger and better every year! Lots of garden goodies, local growers with their fruit and veggies, kid's zone fun, music, yummy food and lots more! Here are some pics from our day! This one is my sweet baby girl taking a rest on the festival shuttle!!

We saw some awesome chalk artists doing their thing on the sidewalks of city hall! Great talent!!! This one was of course my favorite. It is going to be a humpback whale. It was cool to go back through out the day and see their progress!!

There was a pretty funny and talented juggler that kept the kids laughing!!

Then on to the kid's zone where everything, even snakes, yuck... was hands on!

Monkey didn't want ANYTHING to do with that snake-- That's my girl , so she settled for a chicken!!

By the time we got home, we were wiped out!! Great day!!

Have a blessed week!!

Sure aint your classic sunday school song!

2011-04-07T14:23:00.000-04:00

Driving home the other day from picking up the kids from school with my radio on to our local christian radio station that is "safe for the little ears" :o) , My favorite artist came on and with his new song "I will follow"! Yes, I am referring to Chris Tomlin! As the music started, Monkey, said... "mom this is my favorite song" and proceeded to sing all the words! WHAT?????????

As she sang, "where you go, I'll go"... "when you move, I'll move"... "if this life I lose, I will follow you"! Oh, poop... here come the water works!! I sobbed as she sang in the back seat! I could only pray that those words would resinate in her as she grows, and she will fully understand the awesomeness of that song!!!
Thank you Lord for that gift in the backseat!!!

Now sing with her!!!!!!!

The view from my beach chair!

2011-04-01T20:47:00.000-04:00

I can not even tell you how badly I needed a beach day! I just love the enormous vastness that the ocean is and that my God has created it ! I feel closer to him almost when I am there... well when I am not being pulled in a hundred directions, and I am not hearing "mom" all day long! :o) I do love the view from my chair though! My kids playing in front of me enjoying God's playground! I don't we think we realize how much he has given to us as "free" entertainment!

Today we packed up after 2 days of being cooped up in the house on spring break because of nasty weather and headed to the coast! My parents, brother , and his 2 kids joined us as well! It was SO windy because of the outgoing weather front! But the skies were clear , not a cloud in the sky, and the humidity was low! It was just perfect!

Guess what? I even got to take a LONG walk on the beach by myself! BOO YAH!!! Just me and my thoughts... yoikes...yes, I do have them from time to time-- not always pretty, my IPOD , and my God! As I walked further down the beach the crowds of people started to diminish, and it was quiet and peaceful! I was pretty much a lone.. well me and a few hundred seagulls that looked like they were up to no good! Hundreds flocked above my head! All I could do was pray they didn't poop on my head! ;o) It was a pretty great time except when I am a lone with my thoughts, my heart, and God... we tend to wrestle! I really have to get to the beach by myself more often!

The kids had a great time with their cousins!! The highlight of their day was rescuing a fish stuck in the sand! :o) I did come home with a pound of sand in places I did NOT need sand and pretty good sun burn! Enjoy the pics! You can click on them and they will enlarge!

Don't really care for this pic of me, but she was so darn excited to go to the beach and so cute too! Yah, whatever... you can't take the "hick" out of a PA girl, no matter how long she has lived in FL!

This was my dear son's dream come true!!!

To bury his sister!

PAYBACK, Baby!

Hanging out with some friends!!

The kids, the cousin, and me on the jetty! Yup, still a "hick"!

Monkey's dream come true! To be the little mermaid! She kept repeating the lines from the movie as daddy was burying her! So funny!!

Hope you all had a blessed Friday!

Love you all!!!

Grandscape-- God permeating my past, present , and future!!

2011-03-30T18:38:00.001-04:00

Oops, here I go again!! Being real and vomiting words and emotion-- twice in one week, whew!! (you asked for it , Jaimie! :o)

So this upcoming week in MOPS we will be re-visiting MOMOLOGY: Grandscape!! As I sit here editing the lesson DVD ,and praying over what will be shared in the meetings, I am forced and convicted to reflect on my own mothering and the grandscape of that journey with Christ ,and where He fits into that grandscape!! God permeates our past , present, and future. He wants to hold our hand through it all , in an intimate relationship. This is true for every avenue of our lives, but I am reflecting specifically on motherhood since that is my current thought process right now!

1. What do I think about this idea that God wants to guide me through this Grandscape?
WOW! the creator of the universe... the healer and giver of life... the one that spoke the world into existence with his very words... the one that caused the red sea in the OT to part... etc... wants to hold my little , worn, calloused, and painted fingernail hands through my journey of being a mom. A job that some ppl take very lightly at times and fear isn't important other than securing the human race. On the flip side... it scares me a bit because I am such a control freak! This God that I can not see, audibly hear, or touch is asking me to have faith in Him and His plan for my children and my mothering. WHAT? Can I truly do that? Can I fully let go and let HIM guide my mothering? Can I yield the plans I have for my kids to the great shepard?

Psalm 23 says I can , because "He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

I am also comforted in knowing that my Lord knows everything there is to know about me. Psalm 139 says He knows I am a control freak. He knows my desires and my plans for my kids and my mothering. He knows it all ... he gave me kids that He knows I can mother . His plan is perfect!

2. How has God guided me in my mothering journey?
That, my friends, is a question that could take 13 years to answer! I could share so much over the past 13 years, but rather I focus on my past 5 years of mothering! Guiding via handholding is such a beautiful picture. Instead of guiding by taking his hand and waving me in a direction or putting "signage" for me to follow, he grabs my hand and shows me the way! Not just hand in hand, but the intimate "fingers entwined" , "I am not letting you go" kinda hand holding!! I see Him in my mothering every day in every way. Looking back through the picture books in my mind, I can see His fingerprints everywhere! In a more deeper intimate way lately, though. As the struggles get bigger, deeper... the need for His guidance becomes even greater.

Starting with my miscarriage in 2006, I could see Him gently showing me that I wasn't in control of my mothering. He was the one that gave and took away. Through the whole ordeal I slowly saw how he orchestrated each detail with his infinite grace and perfect will. He was taking my hand and guiding me through it. Don't get me wrong... it took me awhile to be okay with what His plan had brought me to. But the day I could reflect and say, "it is well with my soul" was a day I will never forget!

Aching for the baby I had lost, the Lord did see my tears and the desires of my heart. A year later, he gave me a another chance but all the while teaching me, guiding me, and showing me HE was still in control. Even through His lessons and refinement of my heart and soul, he NEVER let go of my hand. Savannah , my now 3 year old, was a twin. Obviously, at the time that I had lost her twin, I thought this was a cruel joke and how could this be perfect and pleasing to Him? Then there was a risk that I could lose Savannah as well? WHAT? Really? Where was he guiding me? Was I letting him guide me? I couldn't feel his hand in mine anymore. Again, he knows me in and out! He guides me! His will IS perfect! There were reasons...at the time I couldn't see... but now in retrospect, I know it was perfect! And I KNOW he never let go of my hand!

When my daughter, princess, was going through her cardiac issues ,and we were in a sea of unknown... he never let go of my hand.... I was in such a place of peace that it was almost sureal to me. I began to think "should I be more freaked out about this?" The answer... no! He had shown my back in 2006 and 2007 via my miscarriage and loss of a twin that He was still on the throne and was holding my hand and guiding me through every up and down of motherhood!!!

God loves us so much... John 3:16 says that "God so love the world that he gave his only son." Now we know that His son died for us so that we might live. There is no greater example of love. If you have any doubt of how much he loves us-- pick up the greatest love letter of all time from Him... the bible!
Maybe it’s been a long time since you picked up your Letter of Love. I pray that today that you’ll pick it back up, hold it in your hands, and read it for the first time all over again.

Motherhood is such a challenge, a beautiful fulfilling challenge! I love my job-- my ministry, but I could NOT do it without my Lord! Face it... it is stinkin' hard with him. Can you imagine doing it without him? He wants to be in relationship with you. He wants to hold your hand through your mothering journey. He wants to guide you so you don't have to do it alone. Even the Lord is on a mission of NO MOM ALONE!!

All you have to do is let him guide you and hold your hand! When you are diapering the baby, feeding them, dropping them off at daycare, cruising the grocery store isle, or even just sitting on the bed being quiet... He is there guiding you like it says in Psalm 139:10 (our theme verse this year) "even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." FAST... not wimpy... not like a limp noodle-- he will hold you FAST!!

Who am I apart from them?

2011-03-28T20:23:00.000-04:00

I don't normally get real and deep on my blog, but on the slim chance I do...sometimes it is doozy. The beauty of a blog is I can get it out, but you DON"T have to read it! Your choice! This is me... raw and real!

I have had a lot of struggles this week in my heart and in life that spanned a lot of things that left me weeping in worship on Sunday at church. I won't bore you with all my struggles , but hopefully encourage you in my realizations and truth!

Who is them? Them is my family... my friends... my ministry team... my church. I have felt over the past few years ... that I at times have lost myself in relationships, in motherhood, and in ministry. Who have I become? Am "I" still in there or am I a version of what I am supposed to be for the minute it is needed? Have I missed something along the way? Am I where I am supposed to be? You ask... girl, why are you questioning these things? Don't you know that God places you where you need to be when He needs you there? Don't you know that God pre-ordained each minute of your life? Don't you remember that HE is in control of the good , the bad, and the ugly for HIS glory?

I do know this as truth, but sometimes during the breakdown of my walk with Him, the enemy sneaks in and allows my mind and my heart to hear and believe lies! I have been hit HARD this week by a lot of them and it has shaken me. Ranging from issues my husband and I are having- to I am nothing without "THEM".   Obviously ALL lies.

It is so easy to get to this place if you are not seeking HIM daily by the minute. Staying in His word.

I was spurred on into this arena by a friend's tragedy this week. She lost her husband in a car accident after being married only for a year. I began grieving with her on my own. In my grief for her, the questions came in.... What would I do?    What if my family or motherhood were taken away? My current ministry at my church allows relies on my motherhood as well. Who would I be? That definition of my life being stripped away would leave me with ... just "me"? I have been a mom for 13 years... I shutter at being just "me"... or have I enough identity in Christ to carry me through to be more than just me?   Have I done things for this side of heaven that have been worthy of Christ in me? If I had to start over without my "definitions" would I be lost  or  know who I am? Am I just a mother and a wife now, or am I truly something greater?

Lesson learned through seeking his face: My true identity , my first identity, is daughter of the King. Anything beyond that is a blessing of my father. Jesus didn't seek an earthly identity. Uultimately Jesus’ identity, worth and power came from His Heavenly Father and not from the validation of any earthly being.
Have I involved myself in ministry in the areas that please him?

Ultimately my identity is in CHRIST! The lies are gone. HE has started a good work in me, and will carry it out to completion.   I don't fear the lack earthly identity any longer. I know that whatever this world holds for me I am still daughter of the King. He holds me in his arms and loves me like crazy. This world will disappointment me, my husband will disappointment me, my kids may "hate" me someday in the heat of an argument, but...... those moments won't define me anymore.

Psalms 139 says...You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

and goes on to say....
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,
I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.

I am HIS and He is mine!!! If all things of this earth were to fade away and it is just He and I... I know that
I would be okay and have still have an identity..

I am also not JUST a mother or wife or daughter or friend... I am a minister to them! They are my ultimate ministry. Have I ever been bogged down by the stress, logistics, and same ole family stuff-- felt unappreciated or undervalued-- wanted to walk away? Of course... but instead of thinking of it as a loss of myself and not being validated for my work... I view it as my ministry... sometimes ministry doesn't go seen or valued on this side of heaven. Jesus lamented, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family” (Mark 6:4).

I will be upset, I will revisit these emotions and doubts, I will hear and believe lies again... it is only human, but I will strive to seek him daily, stay in His word, and remember who I am apart from "them"!!!

I choose to trust our often marginalized Messiah to shape my identity and define my future.
I love being a mom and having my earthy "definitions", but I will continue to strive to perfect my greatest identity of all... Child of God!!!

FLASH MOB!!!!!

2011-03-14T14:00:00.000-04:00

Princess had an opportunity to take part in a flash mob in our city! It was choreographed and planned by friends of ours, so when the plea for participants went out.. .of course Princess jumped right on board! Me... not so much! I will leave the drama, dancing, and singing to her! You are welcome!!!!

They first did it at a local shopping area and then went to our little down town area to do it for all the unsuspecting bikers, shoppers, and Sunday strollers!!! It really went well!!! They all did a great job!! If you are looking for princess , she is in the center then gravitates to the right side!
Enjoy !!!!!!!

Are you "dog" tired? Where do we draw the line?

2011-03-10T12:03:00.000-05:00

Hey guys! I know it has been a few weeks since I have posted... crazy busy here! That is what leads me to my next thoughts! I was having my quiet time with the Lord this morning and He brought this devotional to my heart and mind! So, I though it was so worth sharing with you!

Scripture reading: 1 Cor. 10:14-33

In two short phrases, the apostle Paul practically wrote a thesis on simplification. For every one of us who ever wondered where to draw the line, juggled too many balls at once,or had trouble making up our mind, Paul offers a timely simplification: "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." We differ in talents, gifts, and resources, but the hands of time strangle us all. We desperately need a time management course-- but who can fit it in? :o)

When our beloved Michael was little, he loved to "help" me in the grocery store. Once he begged me to buy our dogs a large bag of rawhide bones. His face was so animated that I agreed, but when we arrived home I forgot about the purchase, Michael-- always a sneak-- slipped the bag out without my noticing. Later that day, a strange commotion in the backyard seized my attention. Our dog , Sunny, was hopping frantically in every direction, kicking up more grass and weeds than a weed eater, and panting as if she were fighting for her last few breaths. When I walked out to investigate, I heard Michael laughing mischievously, and then I saw them-- at least 100 "bones" scattered all over the back yard. Sunny was frenzied. So little time-- so many bones!

Don't get me wrong, I'm not "dogging" us for trying. Most of our "bones" are good ones. We've just got too many to chew. In our attempt to do a hundred good things, we may not do any of them well. We're caught in the captivity of activity-- hopping frantically in every direction, tongues dragging, and lungs panting. We're dog tired.

God never meant for us to live frenzied lives. Back breaking schedules are not His idea. How can we, believers in Christ, restructure our lives ad find a little refreshment?

Reestablish the goal: Isaiah 43:7 tells us we were created for His glory. The purpose of our brief journey on this planet is to glorify God. He desires for us to pour the best of our energies

into God's works. Go back to the basics!

Redirect your focus: Matthew 6:33 makes a revolutionary promise. If we seek God first,

He will direct our schedules and help us to discern His priorities through the work

of the Holy Spirit. Give this approach a try... it works!

Rethink your motivation: Galations 1:10 prompts us to ask ourselves if any of our

activities are seeking man's approval rather than God's. If we seek to please

people rather than God, rules will constantly change and expectations will soar.

Rest in God's will: Hebrews 4:10 says, "Anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own

work."

Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? God is not unreasonable. He does not heap on stress and then refuse to grant us rest. None of us can do 100 things to the glory of God. Let's find rest in His will and do a few things well!

"whispers of hope" by Beth Moore

Some long lost videos!

2011-02-09T14:35:00.000-05:00

Hey friends and family!
I have finally emptied my flip video and found some gems!
Enjoy!!

The princess breakfast Epcot for Monkey's birthday!

Hugs from one of her favorite!

Talking to Ariel!!

Making a wish!

Just a few fun videos from our Princess breakfast!

More Gems to follow!

Super Bowl Sunday!

2011-02-07T09:59:00.001-05:00

Okay... I concede! Congrats to the Packers! I have to admit... I was a lot irritated at how the Steelers played at times. Too many turnovers! Never the less... it was a good game!

I was very annoyed at the biased reporting. I felt the two sportscasters' reporting of the game was very one sided in favor of the Packers. And really... could we stop focusing on Ben's sin and report the game play. Was it really necessary to show newspaper articles about a man's sin that happened last year? I think NOT. They had him failing in the game before it even started because of moral failure. This game wasn't about a time for Ben's redemption, but for a team to be a team and play football! Okay... off my soap box.

Let's talk about the entertainment for one second! WHAT IN THE WORLD? I personally thought it was terrible.. from the national anthem to the black eyed peas! The audio was off (aka they sounded horrible), the choreography was cheesy, and I just thought they could have done better...

Our half-time entertainment was singing Happy Birthday to my hubby! I tried to convince him that the only cake they had was a SB one! LOL! It was yummy! He didn't get a Steeler victory for his birthday, but with the season being over... time for NASCAR! That makes him VERY happy!

I still love the Steelers and will always be a hometown girl!

We will be back next year ready to rumble!!!

GO BLACK and GOLD!!!!!!!!!!

2011-02-04T19:32:00.004-05:00

GO STEELERS GO STEELERS GO!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, I am a Steelers fan!

I am originally from the PITTS area!

I will always love my black and gold!!

I am SO excited that we are going or # seven!! Seven is lucky right?!

Yes, I am that parent who is a fan as well!!! The girls love their jerseys!

Enjoy the video...

get excited, get pumped, and cheer them to victory!!!

My baby is turning 3!

2011-01-11T12:29:00.000-05:00

**SNIFF** ** SOB**!!!!!

My sweet little Monkey is turning 3 on Monday!

January 17th, 2008 was a sweet day in our world for so many reasons!

I was sitting here pondering what I could possibly say and how I could possibly express my deep emotions when I talk about my sweet girl! I am so incredibly blessed! She has been such a ray of sunshine, source of laughter, and a complete humbling of my spirit! I am amazed each day how she teaches us to love, forgive, laugh, have faith, and adore our Lord!! Even at 3 , she is wise for her years! I would love to take credit for that, but that would not be the case... you see... the Lord fashioned her even from the womb! She fought odds and her arrival into this world was purely HIS design and NOT mine!

If you are new or need a refresher in the story of MONKEY... you can start here!

Then you can visit here for the next step in the journey!

And finally... the story of her glorious birth-day here!

The Lord has been continually teaching me things through Monkey even before she was concieved!

I just love how HE does that! I am overwhelmed with excitement to see what the Lord has in store for this little one... especially in HIS kingdom! I am honored and blessed to be her mom!!

So in celebration and a look back... here is the video we made for the day we gave our blessing back to the Lord!!!! Oh that was a sweet day!!!

Happy 3rd Birthday sweet girl!!!
Love, your mom, dad, brother, and sister!!!!!!!!!!
PS... I promise I won't forget to pick up your cake!!! :O)

Recovering at home!

2010-12-30T18:53:00.001-05:00

Hey friends and family!
Well we made it! Haylee had her EP study today at the hospital! Boy what a Trooper! I am so proud of my girl! I am always amazed at kids ability to be resilient!
She took every prick, pull… everything with such grace and courage!

We arrived very early in the morning to an awesome staff at the hospital. Welcoming, friendly… yes even at 6:30 am! She was put into pre-op. She got all hooked up and ready to go down to the Cath lab for her procedure. We were able to stay with her till she went night night for awhile! The procedure was to take anywhere from 3 to 8 hours depending on what they find out when there are in there. We waited with hourly updates from the lab. Phase one was complete with them NOT being able to induce an arrhythmia. Next phase… to put in synthetic adrenaline to see if that will induce arrhythmia. NO GO!!!! The procedure took 1 ½ hours! WOW! So after mapping out the systems of her heart and doing multiple tests from within…, they concluded that the pathway was benign. No way it can cause an arrhythmia or be of concern at any time! PTL. No restrictions, no issues, no problem! They also concluded that she actually does not have Wolf Parkinson White syndrome, but what is called Mahaim Fibre Tachycardia which is frequently mistaken for WPW. It shows up as WPW . I won’t bore you with the medical lingo. She will always have an abnormal EKG, but we know now what is going on. Another good thing is now with the new diagnoses… it isn’t hereditary… just the way her “fibers” in the heart formed when she was born and grew! (no need to rush to get the other kiddos checked ) She goes back in a month to make sure she still is on track and that her entry points are healing okay. Then back in 6 months to be “cardiac cleared” for good! She will have to carry an “official” paper with her if she does anything that needs to include an EKG so she isn’t diagnosed again and labeled with a heart condition, because that isn’t the case anymore!

I so appreciated all the thoughts and prayers! We could definitely feel them. I made a comment today asking myself… “should I be more freaked out about this situation than I am”… the answer was clear and felt! God had her in the palm of His hand from beginning to end and calmed my spirit! My relief going into this new year with answers , knowledge, and no fear of the what if and what can’t she do… well…. You can imagine my relief! I am so grateful for an awesome doctor! He was fantastic! (so was his staff at the heart clinic)

Haylee is doing well. A little sore in the entry areas, little scratchy throat, and a little headache, but doing great overall!

Many blessing for a great new year!
Thanks again,

Today's stress test and next steps!

2010-12-23T17:12:00.000-05:00

Hey all…

Hope you are all ready for Christmas! I think I am ready! Oh wait… I have to wrap everything? Oh boy!!!

Getting "wired" up!!!

Just wanted to update you on our visit today with the cardiac doc. And her running stress test! She did really well on the test… the results… since neither the stress test nor the holter monitor tests revealed any sort of arrhythmia we are still uncertain the severity of the extra electrical pathway. So next thurs, December 30th, she will be going to APH for an EP study. (electrophysiology study) Essentially, it will map the electrical system of her heart from the inside. They will find the circuit and attempt to force it into an arrhythmia. If it is not able to be tripped into an arrhythmia then the circuit is benign. They won’t need to do anything—chances are she will just live with it with no issues. If the circuit is able to be tripped into an arrhythmia then it is a malignant pathway which then will require them to ablate the circuit which will cure her completely. They will go in the same day under the same sedation and ablate it on the spot. No extra visit. This will be all done under sedation and is an outpatient procedure. SO we will be at APH for the day! Gonna pack me a lunch!

Go girl GO!!!

She is still on Christmas break so need to miss school. The new year will indeed be a fresh new year!!! SO glad we will go into 2011 with answers!!

Either way, the outcome will be good in the long run. You can’t put a price tag on piece of mind! (the whole “what can’t she do, what if her heart rate rises?” stuff doesn’t do a mom good!) Either it will be taken care of or nothing will need to be done! I am a little freaked out by the concept of ppl going into my girls body for what I feel is an invasive procedure and being put under sedation, but I am VERY confident in the awesome doctors that we have. I know she is in good hands. I will still be a nervous momma in the waiting room until I can see her and all is well… but I won’t be alone! The Lord is my stronghold!

Please pray for us on Thursday! Haylee is in great spirits and really is very “whatever” about the whole thing. I am so grateful that we have found this so early. As she gets older , this could have been a much different complicated situation. The Lord is good!

Thanks everyone… we will keep you posted! Have a very merry Christmas!!

Santa's dry run!

2010-12-16T08:27:00.000-05:00

Part of our "festivities" for Christmas is the much anticipated SANTA RUN! This is where the local fire and police departments escort Santa's sleigh throught all our local neighborhoods! They come with sirens blaring and loud christmas music so you have no doubt he is on the way! Monkey was convinced that he was bringing her gift to her tonight. We finally had her convinced that he was only doing a drive by to make sure he knew where she lived so when he comes on christmas eve, he knows exactly where he is going!!! Here is her reaction to hearing the sirens!!!!

Here is the actual event!!! She was so excited!! Yes, I appears that I am just as excited!! :o) (and can't carry a tune!)

The very first year we moved in, I had no idea that our town did this, so of course when I heard all the sirens getting louder and louder, and saw the lights... I was sure my house on fire! :o) Happy to say that was the start of an awesome tradition!!!
Have a great weekend!
HO HO HO!!!!!

Santa are you for real?

2010-12-15T11:24:00.001-05:00

This has been a conversation that I had dreaded for a while! I have always grown up with Santa being a part of Christmas, but not THE reason to celebrate! He was more of a symbol like a Christmas tree is for Christmas! I really wasn't sure how to break the news to my kids! Not to mention, but I have a 2 1/2 year old to think about! If I told my 11 and 8 year old (at the time) the truth, would we be able to keep up the fun for Monkey or would the older two slip and ruin it. Last year was when we told our two older ones... It went really well! I think they were sort of already there before we sat them down! We have also taught them how to distinguish between real and pretend, fact and fiction, tv shows that aren't real and documentaries-- I think that helped so "us lying to them all these years" was never an issue for them. They never thought we "lied" to them!

This year has been SO much fun watching my older two help keep the tradition alive! They are having as much fun pretending and helping to keep it going for monkey as they did believing it!!

So when I am asked why or how did you tell your kids... I can't think of a better way than the way Mark Driscoll says it in an article I found on one of my friends FB pages! I love this article because this is the exact approach we took with our kids! It also gives some great history that is worth including in the truth! Here is what he has to say:

'Tis the season . . . for parents to decide if they will tell the truth about Santa.

When it comes to cultural issues like Santa, Christians have three options: (1) we can reject it, (2) we can receive it, or (3) we can redeem it.

Since Santa is so pervasive in our culture, it is nearly impossible to simply reject Santa as part of our annual cultural landscape. Still, as parents we don't feel we can simply receive the entire story of Santa because there is a lot of myth built on top of a true story.

Redeeming Santa

So, as the parents of five children, Grace and I have taken the third position to redeem Santa. We tell our kids that he was a real person who did live a long time ago. We also explain how people dress up as Santa and pretend to be him for fun, kind of like how young children like to dress up as pirates, princesses, superheroes, and a host of other people, real and imaginary. We explain how, in addition to the actual story of Santa, a lot of other stories have been added (e.g., flying reindeer, living in the North Pole, delivering presents to every child in one night) so that Santa is a combination of true and make-believe stories.

We do not, however, demonize Santa. Dressing up, having fun, and using the imagination God gave can be an act of holy worship and is something that, frankly, a lot of adults need to learn from children.

What we are concerned about, though, is lying to our children. We teach them that they can always trust us because we will tell them the truth and not lie to them. Conversely, we ask that they be honest with us and never lie. Since we also teach our children that Jesus is a real person who did perform real miracles, our fear is that if we teach them fanciful, make-believe stories as truth, it could erode confidence in our truthfulness where it really matters. So, we distinguish between lies, secrets, surprises, and pretend for our kids. We ask them not to tell lies or keep secrets, but do teach them that some surprises (like gift-giving) and pretending (like dressing up) can be fun and should be encouraged. We tell them the truth and encourage them to have fun watching Christmas shows on television and even sitting on Santa's lap for a holiday photo if they so desire. For parents of younger children wanting them to learn the real story of Santa Claus the Veggie Tales movie Saint Nicholas is a good choice.

The Truth about Santa Claus

The larger-than-life myths surrounding Santa Claus actually emanate from the very real person of Saint Nicholas. It is difficult to know the exact details of his life with certainty, as the ancient records are sparse, but the various pieces can be put together as a mosaic of his life.

A Gift-Giver

Nicholas was born in the third century in Patara, a village in what is now Turkey. He was born into an affluent family, but his parents died tragically when he was quite young. His parents had raised him to be a devout Christian, which led him to spend his great inheritance on helping the poor, especially children. He was known to frequently give gifts to children, sometimes even hanging socks filled with treats and presents.

Perhaps his most famous act of kindness was helping three sisters. Because their family was too poor to pay for their wedding dowry, three young Christian women were facing a life of prostitution until Nicholas paid their dowry, thereby saving them from a horrible life of sexual slavery.

A Bishop and Saint

Nicholas grew to be a well-loved Christian leader and was eventually voted the Bishop of Myra, a port city that the apostle Paul had previously visited (Acts 27:5-6). Nicholas reportedly also traveled to the legendary Council of Nicaea, where he helped defend the deity of Jesus Christ in A.D. 325.

Following his death on December 6, 343, he was canonized as a saint. The anniversary of his death became the St. Nicholas holiday when gifts were given in his memory. He remained a very popular saint among Catholic and Orthodox Christians, with some two thousand churches named after him. The holiday in his honor eventually merged with Christmas, since they were celebrated within weeks of one another.

Misnomer

During the Reformation, however, Nicholas fell out of favor with Protestants, who did not approve of canonizing certain people as saints and venerating them with holidays. His holiday was not celebrated in any Protestant country except Holland, where his legend as Sinterklass lived on. In Germany, Martin Luther replaced him with the Christ child as the object of holiday celebration, or, in German, Christkindl. Over time, the celebration of the Christ child was simply pronounced Kris Kringle and oddly became just another name for Santa Claus.

Folklore

The legends about Santa Claus are most likely a compilation of other folklore. For example, there was a myth in Nicholas' day that a demon was entering people's homes to terrorize children and that Nicholas cast it out of a home. This myth may explain why it was eventually believed that he came down people's chimneys.

Also, there was a Siberian myth (near the North Pole) that a holy man, or shaman, entered people's homes through their chimneys to leave them mushrooms as gifts. According to the legend, he would hang them in front of the fire to dry. Reindeer would reportedly eat them and become intoxicated. This may have started the myth that the reindeer could fly, as it was believed that the shaman could also fly. This myth may have merged with the Santa Claus myth, and if so, explains him traveling from the North Pole to slide down chimneys and leave presents on fireplace mantles before flying away with reindeer.

These stories of Santa Claus were first brought to America by Dutch immigrants. In the early twentieth century, stores began having Santa Claus present for children during the Christmas season. Children also began sending letters to the North Pole as the legends surrounding an otherwise simple Christian man grew.

In sum, Saint Nick was a wonderful man who loved and served Jesus faithfully. So, we gladly include him in our Christmas traditions to remind us of what it looks like for someone to live a life of devotion to Jesus as God. Our kids thank us for being both honest and fun, which we think is what Jesus wants.

article reprinted from the washington post!!

I also love the book "santa are you for real?" by Harold Myra! It is a great look at the history in a fun way!!!

However you do it or don't do it-- just keep the main thing the main thing! We lose sight so easily! Jesus was born!! That statement is so loaded! With that statement hope, peace, salvation, redemption, grace, eternity was born as well!!! Christmas is so much more than a baby being born in a stable in Bethlehem!!!!
Have a blessed Christmas !!!!

Santa Success!!!

2010-12-13T14:16:00.000-05:00

WE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Monkey was all excited to go and visit Santa this year. Of course I was fully expecting her tune to change once we go there like last year! If you don't remember last year... let me remind you HERE! Last year's picture was one for the record books!

This year was much better! She didn't scream and run out of the pagoda. She was however looking a little petrified! She told Santa what she wanted and insisted that she wasn't going to touch him! Guess what, she sat on his lap AND kissed his check! Reluctantly , but did!!! This year's picture was much better!!!

There is one more thing different about the two pics!!! My older two are missing! Yes, we crushed their hearts and did away with Santa for them! Actually... the "there is no santa conversation" didn't go as badly as I thought! My oldest said that he already knew because logic had set in! :o) So yes, they couldn't be bothered with a picture with santa this year if it wasn't going to yield any rewards! Santa did manage to get princess involved so her sister would be more at ease!

Now I just have keep reassuring monkey that I won't let the big, fat, hairy, old man into her bedroom on christmas eve. She is sort of freaked about him "coming into our home in the middle of the night under the cover of darkness, sneaking in, and eating our food." Her little minds blows mine sometimes! I have to admit, once you really sit an think about it... it IS kinda creepy!

Blessings!!

Update on Princess' heart!

2010-12-08T14:16:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to update you on our pediatric cardiology visit for Princess that we had today! Let me start by saying… I am in complete AWE and amazement at how the Lord has knit together our hearts! WOW! So intricate, so complex… not only that, but he gave ppl the knowledge to navigate it and fix it! The doctors were amazing!!! He took A LOT of time talking to us, explaining to us, and even drew us pretty pictures in lingo we can understand! He gave the analogy that the circuits (the one that is supposed to be there and the extra one that shouldn’t) in her heart are like a dog chasing its tail. Instead of going one direction, they keep going around and around. The faster they fire, the more the heart has the possibility to “poop” out and shut down!

First they did a repeat EKG which confirmed her diagnoses. She does have WPW. Now at this point, because she didn’t come in with palpitations or increased heart rate (which would have meant a direct ticket right to the surgical unit) we don’t know how severe or intense the defect is… we are in test mode! They did a cardiactric ultrasound to make sure her heart was normal in respect to biology and design. They showed us she indeed has a heart!! :o) A very big one in my eyes! No abnormalities in the heart were detected. So the issue is now strictly electrical.

She was sent home wearing a Holter Device which is like a mobile EKG machine that will record her heart rhythms for 24 hours instead of just 10 seconds! This will give some insight into the daily operations of her heart during a typical day! Then on Dec. 23 we go back for her to do a running stress test on a treadmill. At this appointment, we will compile all our information and plan out the road map for the months to come! Based on the results and findings, we will either do nothing and just watch her, use medications, use medications till she is older, or go straight to surgery to fix it! It is still anyone’s guess… but we are on the road!

We all appreciate your thoughts and prayers! Your encouragement is awesome! We are so thankful that we have a heavenly father that we can go to when we need peace or rest!

^{John 14: 27} Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Have a blessed day! We will keep you updated!

Christmas Carol mania!!

2010-12-06T10:45:00.000-05:00

Most of you know that Princess was cast in the production of "Christmas Carol" starring Dennis Neal for the holidays this year! Opening night was on Friday! She is having a such a great time and is loving every minute! The rehearsals were rigorous, but so worth the opportunity! Just wanted to share some pics! If you are local... RUN to see the show! You can order tickets here!

Carolling prior to opening night as a part of our town's "light up night"!!

Hanging out waiting for the show to start!

A big thanks to Kristen Wheeler for the awesome show pictures!!! Check her out!
One weekend of shows down, 2 more to go!!! ( I think it is 9 shows left!)
Bah Humbug!!!! :o)

Princess for a day!!

2010-12-06T10:33:00.000-05:00

If you are one of my FB friends, then this post will bore you! (since I have already posted most of these pics!) This past week we have been busy!! Fun busy, but busy! On Thursday... we skipped school! Yes, we did!!! Princess was given the opportunity to be in the WDW Christmas Day Parade that is televised nationwide on ABC on Christmas morning! She arrived for the filming and was given the total top to bottom princess treatment! First a bibidi bobidi boutique makeover!!!

Taking some pics with her adoring fans!!!

Little sister is the biggest!

After her makeover was complete... it was parade time! She is riding the castle float that hosts a lot of little princesses that comes at the end of the Disney princess' segment! The talent that sings while she is riding the float is Amber Riley from GLEE!!!

Waving to her subjects! :o)

One of my personal favorites!

After running the floats down main street USA for several times, plastering a smile on her face,and perfecting the princess wave... my princess was really tired. Grateful , but tired!!! They then took the girls to the Magic Kingdom rose garden for a photo shoot!

Be sure to watch ABC on Christmas morning for my princess-- oh and daddy's name will be in the credits!! So proud of them both!

Challenges!!

2010-11-30T12:25:00.001-05:00

So I said in my last post that we were having some pretty stressful challenges lately! On of which was the van and the transmission issues! Well, mucho bucks later... the transmission is fixed. It actually purrs like a kitten!! :o) Here's hoping we can get a couple more years out of it!

I won't bore you to tears with all the little mini challenges that seem trivial to others, but stressed me to the max... so I will just get to the big challenge that faces us now!

Our pediatrician always has her 9-10 year old patients go and get a routine “sports ekg” to determine if there are any heart issues before the kids get into sports. She has seen too many kids go undiagnosed with heart issues and die on the football field. One of the many reasons I love our pediatrician!! Sometimes what seems to me to be "over the top" actually helps us cut things off before they get really out of control!! I am all about trusting your pediatrician, but.... you are the parent who knows and loves your kids like no one other! You, your child, and the Lord have the final say in their care!

Anywho…

We took Princess for her ekg last week. It came back that she has what is called Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome. In as little words as possible, it is a form of tachycardia. Her heart’s electrical system fires with an extra circuit and runs the risk of “short circuiting out”. That sounds incredibly scary, I know it did for me. I think my stomach sank into my feet… but the symptoms of this syndrome usually don’t rear its ugly head until age 11-20 so we are catching it early. It also just means for now that she can’t participate in sports that will increase her heart rates. The faster the heart beats the more chance it has to short circuit.

At this point , we don’t know how severe it is. We are waiting to go see the pediatric cardiac specialist on Dec. 8th. We will need to find out what this will mean for her life and if it can be cured! (in some cases they can go in and “zap” the extra circuit so it doesn’t fire anymore letting the regular circuits fire in the correct sequence!) It may also mean NOTHING at all!!! That is my personal prayer!

I am in utter awe at how the Lord over the past week has shown me the amazing way He has handcrafted her little body! Princess, as you know, has turned her passions more toward the arts and entertainment with the shows she has been in lately. I can see the Lords fingerprints and handiwork all over this situation. If this condition means NO sports for her... I think the Lord may have just taken care of that!

I am at a place , after the initial fear, uncertainty, questioning what this means, and nauseating feeling... that I can very much say that I am so peaceful about this! God has got this! After that appointment that she had the ekg at, I found myself all day long cranking up the Pandora with Chris Tomlin, Christy Nockels, & all my favorite worship songs!!! I really am at peace! I just love the Lord for doing that for me! Don't get me wrong, I still fear & worry... this is my little girl! However, the difference now is that I can get back to that peaceful place a lot easier when I worship Him!!!

"Three of the most life-changing words in the entire Bible are 'Praise the
Lord'. Praise is the key that releases God's character back into even
the ugliest of attitudes and darkest of situations." Lysa TerKeurst

I love that!!! No matter our circumstances, attitudes, or challenges... just praise HIM!

I will keep you all updated on how her appointment goes!!! Pray for continued peace, wisdom, and healing if He so chooses!!

Love you all!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2010-11-26T21:42:00.000-05:00

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!! Things were pretty regular here! Daddy was in Philly doing their thanksgiving day parade, and we woke up and all watched it together in our PJ's!!! (even though it was 83 degrees!) Grammy, Pappy, Uncle, and cousins arrive around 2 ish. We ate our gutts out all day long. Dinner quickly approached--Table set, food on, napkins in our laps & Daddy waked in the door from Philly just in time!!! We truly have A LOT to be thankful for this year! In an economy that is pretty much tanked, the LORD has continually provided for us financially! Hubby still has his job that he loves and was born to do.

I am so thankful for family near by. When times come that I need someone to watch the kids in a pinch... they are there! It is also very cool to have cousins close for my kids to grow up with! I am so thankful that I can have so much peace in Jesus Christ... He has and is really testing me right now through many different challenges! ( I will save that for another post!) I know that through Him, I can take on the world!

Well, enough with the commentary! I know you family members only care about the pics so here you go!!!

Cousins!!

My dad... doing some cleaning up!! Love it!

Me, grabbing some refreshment!!!

Can't we eat our meal backwards.... I can't wait!!!

The day after Thanksgiving is the traditional "go crazy and decorate the house in a day" event!!! Mission accomplished!! Christmas... bring it on! It was all worth it to hear Monkey tell the Christmas trees goodnight!! :o)

Getting the tree done!

We have a new tree this year... it is very tall!!!!

The family room tree!

The living room tree! Sorry it is so dark!

This is the next tree to be replaced!

Happy Thanksgiving! Love you all-- friends and family!

It's almost time!

2010-11-17T10:59:00.000-05:00

We are in our last couple of weeks of rehearsals for the final push to perfect the performance!!!!!!! If you are a Christmas addict like me, this is one Christmas event you don't want to miss!! Well, I am a little biased since my girl is in it!!! :o) She is playing an urchin, a school boy, and is in various scenes throughout the show!! You never know where she will pop up!

Here are the specifics:

December 3-19, 2010

Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm

Monday, December 13, at 8pm

Dickens’ classic family tale ushers in the holiday season and the wonderful sprit (or spirits) of Christmas. Film and television star Dennis Neal portrays the miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve and awakens the next day a changed man.

You can reserve your tickets here!!

What a great way to usher in the Christmas season!!

Starbucks BOGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-11-16T13:10:00.001-05:00

Starbucks fans, rejoice! Every day from 2-5pm on November 18-21,
buy one holiday drink and you'll get one FREE.

Set up a coffee/treat date with your girlfriends and go wild!!! But... who will get the free one? :o)

Thanks Fiddledeedeemom!!!

Random thoughts from the weekend!!

2010-11-15T08:53:00.002-05:00

This was one crazy weekend!!! It first started out on Sat. morning when we all piled in the van to drive 2 1/2 hours to go spend the day at a much anticipated air show down near West Palm Beach! Well, that didn't go well. We got about 45 minutes into the trip and the transmission on the van blew! We made it off the turnpike into a walmart parking lot. No air show today! Thank you Lord, we didn't make it the whole way there. We wouldn't have anyone to come and pick us up! And that would have been one expensive tow!!

We got the van towed, got a rental car, and shook off our disappointment! (dear Lord let the estimate not be a bazillion dollars!) We spent some time at the lakefront park, had a picnic,and got some ice cream! We made the best of our day!

Sunday... Daddy and grandpa packed up and drove to Tampa to attend the Bucs/Panthers football game!! Yeah Bucs!! They won! The kids and I went down to Disney for a special pre-screening of the new Disney movie TANGLED set to come out next week! After getting our free popcorn, drinks, and body search.... (well the movie hasn't been released yet, wouldn't want it to end up on youtube) we were settled in for the movie!! My review.......... GO SEE IT!!! It is so good!!! The 3D is good! Very cute!! The kids LOVED it! It will be a great holiday break "thing to do"!! (saw a great trailer for the new movie TRON-- that is high up on the list too! )

After the movie, we stuck around downtown Disney for the "festival of the masters" ! It is a Disney arts festival basically! All sorts of Disney artist, animators,and crafters joined together! Of course the major hit of the day with our group, THE LEGO store. They had a master builder there building a 9ft tall dragon. The kids got to build a "brick" as per his instructions, then take them to the dragon, get a participation certificate and then see their brick added to the enormous dragon. They also had all sorts of artist who made lego models out front for viewing!

Building their bricks!

Monkey had to get her pic taken with her favorite, Tinkerbell on a lego mural!

Here is the start of the finished project!

Some Star Wars models!!

All in all, the weekend was challenging, flexible, and fun fun fun!!!!!!! Hope yours was good!
Blessings!!

Who , who, was that?

2010-11-06T16:06:00.000-04:00

So my kids are sort of obsessed with OWLS now since seeing the movie "legend of the guardians- the owls of ga hool" and reading the books!!!!! So when one of dad's co-workers sent him some information about an owl festival at the Avian Reconditioning Center, well... duh!!! So we went!!! The A.R.C. is a great place for owls and birds of prey that are in transition from injury or are in need of a permanent home due to displacement or injury! They also use their birds for a great education mission! My son's class went to the center a couple years ago and adopted one of their owls! It was so cool to walk in and see the exact owl, Hunter, that the kids adopted!!! He was super excited!

There were bounce houses, vendors, flight demonstrations, falconry demonstrations, entertainments, and of course TONS of birds to oogle over! Man , are they beautiful and right there w/i inches of you!

Enjoy the pics!!!

This is Hunter, the owl my son's class adopted!!!

He lost his eye due to an attack.

Gosh, I still can't get over how majestic and

beautiful these guys are !!!!

Fall Festival Fun!!!!

2010-11-03T11:23:00.001-04:00

Yes, she would be a Christmas tree, complete with changing lights!!! Thanks dad!!

She actually won the contest for "most creative" costume! My Indiana Jones got an honorable mention!!! woo hoo!!!

Monkey and her BFF!!!

Who's child is this????????? LOL

Of course, Mommy's favorite shirt!!!! Candy corn on it!

Have a great week!!!!

My birthday weekend!

2010-10-25T08:50:00.000-04:00

Yes, birthday's only come around once a year, so we make it a weekend celebration!!! So this weekend was mine!!!!!!!!

It started on my actual birthday which was Friday!! I woke up to so many birthday greeting on my Facebook account that I couldn't count them all or respond to them all! I know ppl can say what they will about the social networking sites, but when it comes to feeling the love.... I will take it! My genius and creative son also made me an awesome 4d lego birthday card! We are all there including the dog!!

Then after the sending the kids off to school, hubby came back home and told me he was taking the day off from work and we were going out for breakfast! My favorite... First Watch!!!! (yes, I am a member of their Sun-e club and had a free breakfast coupon! Still gotta save on your birthday!!!) So hubby, me , and Monkey went to breakfast!

You don't think I would cook for dinner do you? Nope... off to Urban Flatts for dinner! ( I had a $10 off a purchase of $20 that I won at the southern women's show!) We came home for a yummy ice cream cake-- One of our family's personal favorite cakes. Hubby put the kids to bed, and I relaxed in front of the TV!

Saturday morning, we went to the Science Center for the afternoon. Very nice and relaxing and the kids had fun! After we got home, I jumped back in the car and headed to pick up my girl friends for a night at the Epcot Food and Wine festival!! MMMMMMMM!!!!!! What could be better?! Girlfriends, food, and entertainment! ( NO KIDS!) Ireland was my personal favorite of the night! Lobster and scallops Shepard's pie with a plate of fantastic cheeses!!

Sunday we had our morning at church-- always the highlight of my week! Then off to my mom's house for lunch and some cookie cake!! Thank goodness my birthday only comes around once a year. I am exhausted, but loved!!!!

See you next year!!!!

Happy Friday to you!

2010-10-15T10:40:00.001-04:00

Just enjoying our Friday off from school! The weather is great! The day is ours for whatever we want to do! Apparently, that means taking our chairs outside in the driveway, grabbing a book, and chillin'!! Love their creativity!

Have a good weekend , friends!!!

My beautiful girls!

2010-10-12T17:20:00.000-04:00

I am taking a moment out of my busy life to post this great picture of my girls!!

I just love them, and can't wait to see what amazing women they will become!

I hope they remain... well... currently they have a love- hate relationship because Princess tries to mother Monkey, but then Monkey always knows that she can count on her sister!

I love the dynamics even though sometimes it makes me crazy!

I love you girls!!!

Free Cold Stone Ice cream!!!!!!

2010-09-27T09:23:00.000-04:00

MMMMMM... my favorite ice cream!!!!

Head on over to Cold Stone Creamery on September 30th to get a free 3 oz Kate’s Creation. Click HERE for all the details. This was Kate’s wish for the Make a Wish Foundation. She loves ice cream and wanted to make her own.

This is from 5PM-8PM on September 30th.

Free ice cream refers to 3 oz. sample of Kate’s Creation served out of a ready to love pan in a Like It^TM cup. Waffle products and extra mix-ins available for additional charge. Valid only during published date and time. While supplies last. No substitutions. Limit one per customer. An estimated 85 percent of all donations in September will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation®. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation visit wish.org ©2010 Kahala Franchising, L.L.C. COLD STONE CREAMERY is a registered trademark of Kahala Franchising, L.L.C. and/or its licensors.

Thanks deal wise mommy!!!

A night of JOY!!!

2010-09-13T09:36:00.000-04:00

Yes... it has come and gone!!! Night of Joy at the Magic Kingdom!

My hubby is back for a brief bit before heading off to NYC!

Myself and a girlfriend went... I know I am crazy to brave the crowds, but how else was I going to get a glimpse of my husband?! I did take Monkey with me. She did great!

The bands were great! First up was David Crowder Band!!

After David Crowder we wondered around to the other stages... Side Walk Prophets, Barlow Girl etc...

We were really only waiting to see the one we had waited for ALL night-- all year for that matter!!

CHRIS TOMLIN!!

Finally it was time... Hubby got us situated RIGHT UP FRONT! Ahh!

Then the rain!!!!!

What do you mean there is a rain delay for Chris Tomlin?

The Lord kept the rain at a slow drizzle then stopped! YES!!!

Guess who was backing him up? Christy Nockels from the band Watermark! I adore Christy! She was the worship leader for our MOPS convention back in August! Her worship is so amazing! Having her there w/ Chris was an awesome surprise!

Monkey fell asleep about 2 songs into Chris' set and never woke up till 8 am the next morning!

What a great night!!! We didn't make it to see Casting Crowns-- there set was at @ midnight. The Lord worked that one through for me... Chris Tomlin and Casting Crowns were supposed to be swapped!! :o)

Have a great day!!!!!!!!!

I am still alive!

2010-09-09T10:45:00.000-04:00

Yes, bloggy land... I am still alive and kicking!! More like getting my butt kicked by life!! :o)
Kids are back in school! MOPS is off and running!! Night of Joy at Disney World has made me a single mom for a couple weeks!! Hubby flies to NYC after NOJ for Disney's Marketing tour promo of the next year "theme"! My boy is having his 12th birthday next weekend! Princess has been cast in another show for Christmas: "A Christmas Carol". OYE!!!!!!!!!!!

Just wanted to let you know I am here, alive, and will keep you up to date even if it one sentence here or there!
SO until then.... I am off to the store .

Ba- bye!!!!!!!!!!!!!

End of the summer horah!!

2010-09-02T13:04:00.000-04:00

As our one last fun trip of the summer, we took the kids to SEA WORLD! After our trip to Ft. Myers, they were all still in love with all sea life... so what better way to end the summer! I am sure everyone has heard of the sea world controversy by now surrounding the death of Trainer Dawn... there are indeed some changes, but nothing that would hinder us from having a great experience and enjoying the shows!

I think they named every creature they saw!

This was "brian"... he kept following us around the tank!

Getting a bit sleepy!

And... she's out!!!

Crazy stingrays!! They would have jumped out of the water if they had legs!! By the time we left their pool, we were soaked!!!

Yes, some changes... ALL the trainers have their hair up and out of the way.

NONE of the trainers got in the water at any time. Still a great show of some awesome creatures that God has created!

Don't forget... no matter how much you think they are trained ... they are still WILD animals created by God for their purpose. They will never lose that instinct that God gave them to be WILD animals... some are more easily interacted with than others... RESPECT!!!!!

She is praying and thanking God for all the animals we saw this day! Yes, she

listed them ALL!

Can't get away from our favorite sport or driver anywhere!!!

The kids are back to school now!!! They are adjusting to life as a 4th grader and a middle-schooler!

Monkey and I are hanging out getting some stuff done before our year really kicks into gear! MOPS starts this coming TUES ( I am one of the coordinators for our group!) so busy life here I come!!! So excited though! God has got some good things going on!!!

Treasures in the garage!

2010-08-19T10:54:00.000-04:00

So I was going through some stuff in the garage this morning and found a play hut set that my older two kids had when there were very young! I didn't even realize that I had kept it! AWESOME! With it being SO stinkin' hot here in FL, it is a challenge finding something to do. The kids are all "swimmed " out for the time being, so it is stuff indoors that will have to work!

Monkey is so happy! I am happy the play hut is getting a second chance at life!

Thanks goodness for a brief moment of being a pack rat!!! :o) My husband would be so proud!

What are some things you have forgotten you have kept, and are now able to revive to new life?

(FYI: monkey does have pants on!)

Have a great thursday!! Keep cool!!

Wordless Wednesday!!

2010-08-18T13:28:00.000-04:00

Just chillin' together watching daddy's favorite show, Jeopardy!

I love these kinds of pics!!

Happy WW!

For more visit here !

Don't forget to link up so we can see yours!

$10 backpacks w/ free lunch tote at Old Navy!!

2010-08-12T13:51:00.000-04:00

From now until 8/19 Old Navy has a great in store deal! (This is on their Facebook page HERE).

Get a free Lunch Kit when you buy a Backpack for $10 bucks! You can’t beat that deal—it’s delicious!

Backpack, $10 (reg. 14.50-19.50)

…Lunch Kit, $5 or FREE with backpack purchase (reg. 7.50)

Thanks so much dealwise mommy!!!

Finally Princess has her own room!!

2010-08-03T14:38:00.000-04:00

This mamma has been one busy little bee!! I stripped, painted, designed, and did my magic this past weekend! Princess now has her own room. Sure... before her "room" was in the loft, but it was not private and really wasn't her own! It is now! She is just thrilled!! After we took the daybed out of her "room" and gave it to Monkey-- which she is still over the moon over-- we searched craigs list for the bed of Princess' dreams! We really needed something that would give us storage, be functional, and save space.

There isn't too much room in the loft so ....

Here is our journey!!

Computer... OUT, tv ...OUT, toys... OUT,

Paint Colors picked... design decided!!!!
BOTTOM: Tan paint with sand texture thrown in to resemble the sand at the beach!
TOP: Sea blue for the ocean
MIDDLE: blues/ greens glass iridescent tiles!

To divide the room from the rest of the upstairs (since there is NO wall), I put up curtains. Then we got some material and made tie backs for the curtains so when she wants it to be open an airy (lofty) she can tie them back!!! (yes, PC... I made them! )

Add new bed!!! Loft bed with a dresser and desk built into it!! HUGE space saver!! There is even a trundle bed underneath for sleepovers! Also behind the dresser and desk portion is a HUGE storage area with a door to get in. She has deemed this area NOT storage, but her clubhouse! (she is waiting for her dad to install Christmas lights for added affect!

WOW, it was a lot of work, but SO worth it!! I really feel like she deserved this room! She was sharing a room with her sister and her brother from time to time! She gave up her room that she had since she was 2 years old to little monkey without a second thought! I feel like we accomplished all the MUSTS that I needed to do in this room! A. keep it flexible (can still be a loft ) B. maximize the space C. make it hers D. enable us to use the space in our home the best way we can to make everyone comfortable AND stay here till the market improves.

We will be adding some Dolphin stuff to the room! She LOVES dolphins! And I am looking for a lamp that shoots waves onto the ceiling!

I have to go take a break now!! :o) My boy has decided that his "rescue heroes" room isn't old enough for him now!! Can only imagine what he wants me to do with his room next!

Have a great week!!!!!!!!

Wordless/Wordful Wednesday!

2010-07-28T06:17:00.000-04:00

Monkey is SO excited to show off her "new" BIG bed!! She has graduated from her little toddler bed to a twin size day bed!!! I say "new" loosely! The day bed was mine through high school and college, then princess had it from age 2 till now, now Monkey gets it!!!!

(We are working on converting the "loft" into Princess' room, so the daybed is out ,and her new bed will be arriving soon! I will keep you posted!)

Have a great WW!! For more go HERE or HERE!!

Don't forget to link up while you are here so we can see your WW!

She has finally got it!!

2010-07-26T12:00:00.000-04:00

Monkey is swimming like a pro!!! We were on vacation in Ft. Myers and it just clicked!! She jumps in, swims, rolls over for a breath, swims some more, and finds the wall/stairs!! I am SO proud of her, and I just had to share it!!! Thanks Ms. Ginny!!

The down side to this: she LOVES the water so every opportunity she gets, she is in the water even I am NOT looking! I have to watch her super close! No amount of swimming lessons will be a substitution for supervision, but I am a little more confident that her skill will buy me a little time if an emergency happens! Face it... it is hard to keep two eyes on all of your kids at one time. We are human, but we can prepare ourselves and our children for any situation that may arise!

Drowning is the number one killer of kids in Florida.

Enjoy my little mermaid!!!!

Great Mascara!

2010-07-26T11:42:00.000-04:00

I am a stickler when it comes to the mascara I use!! Recently "BzzAgent" sent me Cover Girl lash blast fusion to try out!!! I have to admit... I was sceptical that it would do anything different that any other "add volume plump em up" mascaras! I was actually pleasantly surprised!

I love the thick round brush!! Felt like I got all my lashes covered in one swish!!

The brush grabbed all the lashes really easily!

It also didn't flake or rub off. In the hot Florida sun , that is super important! My lashes felt very full. Not necessarily longer, but definitely fuller!

I also like the big round tube. It is easy to hold, find, and grip!!

The mascara also lasted a long time! I didn't feel like my lashes were heavy or clumpy at all! Sometimes with other mascaras, I have felt like if I touch my lashes they are "course". This made them still feel soft!

I even depended on Lash Blast Fusion to make my eyes stunning for a recent video shoot that my family and I were in last week! I was camera ready with my new mascara!!!

Overall... my review based on what cover girl claims: fuller-- YES!!! longer-- not necessarily! (may depend on your unique lashes!)

I was happy with the product and would definitely buy it!!

http://www.bzzagent.com/user/jnkgooch

Free Backpack!

2010-07-23T13:14:00.000-04:00

Buy any backpack at Staples and get it FREE after rebate in the form of a Staples gift card when purchased between Sunday, July 25 through Saturday, July 31. They’ve got several brnads of backpacks including Jansport and Swiss Gear. Just be sure you use your gift card on something you’d normally be buying (like school supplies).

Just click on “Upcoming Weekly Ad” to see this deal for yourself. Are you already a member of Staples Rewards (it’s free to sign-up). Here’s the Staples Easy Rebates page. This rebate is only available from in-store purchases and there is a limit of one per customer.

Thanks so much to "freebies for mom"!!!

Wordless/ Wordfull Wednesday!

2010-07-21T06:00:00.001-04:00

Where will you be on Thursday morning? I will be at the Beaches and Cream Ice Cream shop at Disney's Yacht Club resort shooting a web commercial for disney.com to advertise their amazing ice cream treat! And yes... we get to eat it!!!!!! Could a thursday morning get any better?!

At $21.99, they have their own version of the kitchen sink sundae called “The Famous” Kitchen Sink, which has scoops of vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, coffee and mint chocolate-chip ice cream covered with all the toppings available in the shop and an entire can of whipped cream. Intended to serve four people, this sundae is a popular choice when celebrating a birthday or special occasion at the resort, but be warned: Once it’s ordered, you will become the center of attention while eating it.

Who knows... maybe you will see our family on the world wide web!!

Happy WW!! For more.. go HERE or HERE!

And don't forget to link up so we can see yours!

It is that time again...

2010-07-19T17:01:00.000-04:00

Time for NIGHT OF JOY at the Magic Kingdom!!!!

My hubby works incredibly hard on this event and I become a "single" mother for a good 2 weeks, so I better promote it so that is worth my while!!! Seriously though... last year I went and just had a great time! Chris Tomlin is a MUST!!!

SEPTEMBER 10th and 11th

To purchase tickets go here!!

Friday night's schedule:

Chris Tomlin

Genre: Christian Adult Contemporary

Raise your hands with Chris Tomlin! Awarded Male Vocalist at the 2006, 2007 and 2008 Gospel Music Awards, as well as the 2009 Dove Award Winner of Best Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song, Chris Tomlin is one of Contemporary Christian Music's best loved performers. Come hear his selections from his new album and other favorites.
Chris Tomlin Official Website

David Crowder*Band

Genre: Rock

Heartfelt music, fun and a great message! This Dove Award-winning band got its start when lead vocalist David Crowder began writing worship songs for church to attract a younger crowd. It worked! Now a 6-man band, their eclectic sound draws on guitar, banjo, drums, violin, mandolin, turntables, clarinet, theremin, keytar and more.
David Crowder*Band Official Website

Casting Crowns

Genre: Adult Contemporary

Get ready to rock! With nearly 4.5 million career album sales, a Grammy® Award, an American Music Award®, 23 GMA Dove Awards and 8 chart-topping radio singles, Casting Crowns' focus is discipleship through music. With honest, hard-hitting lyrics and a captivating musical style, this band brings down the house and speaks to the heart.
Casting Crowns Official Website

BarlowGirl

Genre: Rock/Pop

Get inspired with anthems of hope and victory! Offering up songs both intimate and bold, this riveting sister trio showcases their remarkable vocal blend. The best-selling new Christian artist of 2004, their hit single, Never Alone, was the longest-running No. 1 song on Radio & Records' Christian Hit Radio (CHR).
BarlowGirl Official Website

Francesca Battistelli

Genre: Christian Pop

Blending pop, R&B, jazz, rock and gospel, Francesca's buoyant songs will bring you to your feet! This young artist hails from Central Florida, but her Nashville residence has honed her incredible accessibility and musicality, delivering a message of truth and purpose. Her album, My Paper Heart, highlights her expressive vocals in personal reflections on life and faith.
Francesca Battistelli Official Website

Group 1 Crew

Genre: Hip Hop

Breakout urban sensation Group 1 Crew wraps a serious, faith-based message in an original sound, whether it's using thick guitar riffs or rhythm and rhyme. This entertaining threesome fuses diverse styles, revealing the influences of hip hop beatmaking, electro-pop, Spanish R&B, techno-funk, jazz and more.
Group 1 Crew Official Website

Tenth Avenue North

Genre: Adult Contemporary

Take in the fresh music of Tenth Avenue North! Producing a warmly textured sound, this pop/rock group reveals its eclectic musical roots: country, folk, rock, singer/songwriter acoustic, and pop. Delivering intellectual honesty and emotion, their compelling compositions and raw passionate vocals create unforgettable moments.
Tenth Avenue North Official Website

Sidewalk Prophets

Genre: Rock/Pop

Passionate pop, raucous rock and beautiful ballads—these are the sparkling gems delivered by Sidewalk Prophets. This past year, they released These Simple Truths, integrating worship with real life in an album that radiates raw beauty, helping them to win the 2010 GMA Dove Award for Best New Artist.
Sidewalk Prophets Official Website

Saturday night's schedule:

MercyMe

Genre: Adult Contemporary

The rich vocals of Bart Millard bring listeners to their knees in these anthems that have gone double platinum. The melodies of MercyMe celebrate the Spirit with worshipful ballads and edgy riffs that triumph with tales of the Lord's love. The band's sheer musical talent shows up in jam-session-inspired songs with soaring lyrics.
MercyMe Official Website

Third Day

Genre: Rock

There's good reason why this multi-platinum-selling rock band has 25 No. 1 singles and an armload of GMA Dove Awards and Grammys®. This band tells it like it is! You'll thrill to the stirring vocals of singer/songwriter Mac Powell, as he gives voice to the struggles of a personal journey of faith, offering higher hope.
Third Day Official Website

Family Force 5

Genre: Rock

With tongue planted firmly in cheek, Family Force 5 gets the party started as they escort audiences to an alternate reality. With funky rhythms, percolating club grooves and undeniably infectious hooks, this Atlanta-based 5-man band delivers dance floor dynamite.
Family Force 5 Official Website

Smokie Norful

Genre: Gospel

Hearing Smokie will move you! With 7 years in gospel music, Smokie Norful has been recognized as few have: a Grammy®, GMA Dove® and Stellar Award winner, a Billboard chart-topper, a 2-time gold-selling artist. Also an ordained minister, Smokie delivers music that's a celebration of faith.
Smokie Norful Official Website

Red

Genre: Rock

Red raises the bar for new millennial rock 'n' roll! Riding the momentum of its huge-selling Grammy®-nominated debut album End of Silence, Red released Innocence & Instinct earlier this year. With layered narratives, heightened sensibilities and artistic boldness, Red's music will captivate you with its originality.
Red Official Website

LeCrae

Genre: Hip Hop/R&B

Ready to rap? LeCrae's lyrics redefine rap music with Christian messages of praise. His engaging street style and strong hip hop beat have broad appeal, bringing him awards and acclaim from Christian and mainstream audiences. LeCrae's "crunk" beat delivers a spiritual high!
LeCrae Official Website

Day of Fire

Genre: Rock

Day of Fire's true strength is their sincerity, honesty and ability to grab audiences by the heart. Founded by Josh Brown, Day of Fire draws on the intensity of raw, personal experiences. Their powerful new hard-rock album, LOSING ALL, explores the meaning of rebirth and hope when you've put everything on the line.
Day of Fire Official Website

Britt Nicole

Genre: Pop

Britt Nicole's engaging voice and thought-provoking lyrics will captivate you! With fresh, "girl next door" appeal, Britt's spiritual maturity is well beyond her years. Her signature collection of finely crafted songs seamlessly reveals this intriguing mix of youthfulness and wisdom.
Britt Nicole Official Website

Maybe I will see you there!!!!!!!!!!!!

Summer vacation 2010!

2010-07-19T09:02:00.000-04:00

Finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is all I have to say!!!! Boy , we really needed it! We packed up and went down to Ft. Myers Beach! The hotel was great, the view spectacular, and the natives were amazing!!!

We had a fantastic view from our balcony!!! Sunsets were the best!!! The balcony was screened in which made this mamma ALOT more comfortable being on the 11th floor!!

First up... Beach time!!!!!

We saw and played with all kinds of sea life. Sand dollars, crabs, starfish, conchs, fish, and yes... some sharks. I local fisherman was fishing about 10 ft from us off the sand bars and caught a little black tip shark. He let the kids pet it! YIKES!

This is a conch!

This is a sand bar about 60ft off the shore!!! So cool to be walking on the beach in the middle of the ocean!!

Next was a dolphin site seeing boat tour! The tour ended with a trip to Lover's Key island to do some shelling!!!

This was another speed boat that the dolphins followed to play in their wake! So fun watching them . There were about 4 of them! I have some cool video I will try and post later!! After this speed boat left they came and played with us a bit!! The kids LOVED it!!! Monkey is now obsessed with dolphins. Can you blame her? Swimming with them is on my bucket list!

Here they are right off our boat deck coming to say hello!!

The boat dropped us off to do some shelling!

On our way back to the dock!

She is a little pooped!!

All these shrimp boats are parked waiting for some relief to go back into the gulf to shrimp. Oil spill is affecting everyone one way or another!

Then we were on to more beach fun!!

Lastly was a trip to the everglades to get a little education about Florida history!!! Oh, and an air boat ride through the everglades!!!! So fun!!!

Weather looks fabulous , right?! Well that is what you gotta love about Florida!!! We checked in , payed for our tour, and sat to wait for our driver. Then the sky opened up and a huge storm hit out of nowhere! UGH... we were soaked.

Here we are hiding in the bathroom on the side of the building!

Finally the storm portion passed. We got our rain gear on and set out!

Here is another friend just off the deck of our ship! WAY too close for my comfort. I am thinking, " umm... don't you see those discovery shows where the alligators jump into the boats!?" This big guy was about 8ft! They grow into super monsters in the everglades!

The everglades are truly an amazing place with a lot of history!!

We really enjoyed ourselves this week! It was hard coming home and getting back into the swing of things!

I think I might start planning our next vacation! Don't know when it will be, but it gives me hope!! :o)

Hope you are all enjoying your week!

Blessings,

FREE Slurpee at 7-11!!

2010-07-09T09:37:00.000-04:00

What a great little refreshing summer treat!!!!

Join us at any participating 7-Eleven Store in the US on Sunday 7/11 between 8 am and 11 pm

and get a free 7.11oz Slurpee drink.

GO HERE for details

Thanks "who said nothing in life is free!"

Make some household cleaners from scratch!!!

2010-07-09T09:34:00.000-04:00

My boy has been at the local science center for the past week doing summer camp!! He is having a great time and learning a lot. The camp he is attending is called "Engineer This"!! Each day they learn about a different aspect of engineering.... Aerospace, mechanical, structural, and the past day they did chemical!! I was so excited when he brought home his papers today to find 4 awesome recipes for household cleaners !!!! Boy this might just save me a TON of money!! So I thought I would share what WE have learned at summer camp with you all!!

ALL PURPOSE CLEANER:

        (makes 1/2 cup)
        Ingredients-- 1/4 teaspoon Borax, 1/2 tablespoon vinegar, 1/2 cup warm water
        Other materials needed -- measuring spoons, measuring cup, plastic mixing bowl, funnel, spray bottle,
   paper towels/clean rags.

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix well, pour into spray bottle. Be sure to label the container. Spray on counter top and wipe with paper towel or clean rag!!

LAUNDRY STAIN PRETREATMENT:

   (makes 1/8 cup)
     Ingredients-- 2 tablespoons baking soda, water to create paste, white vinegar to wet stain
   other materials needed-- measuring spoons, pint sized plastic container, dishpan with soapy water

Measure baking soda into pint sized plastic container. Slowly add water and stir until you make a thick paste. Spread the paste onto the stained fabric and wet with vinegar. Let soak in soapy water. Rub fabric together to remove the stain!

SCOURING POWDER:

       (makes 1/4 cup)
       Ingredients-- 2 tablespoons baking soda, 2 tablespoons salt
       other materials needed-- measuring spoons, pint sized plastic container w/ lid, plastic scouring pad,
       paper towels/ clean rags.

Mix ingredients in a pint sized container. Sprinkle on surface. Scrub with scouring pad and wipe with wet paper towel or clean rag.

GLASS CLEANER:

       (makes 5/8 cup)
       Ingredients-- 2 tablespoons salt, 2 tablespoons water, 1/2 cup white vinegar
       other materials needed-- measuring cup, measuring spoon, funnel, spray bottle, paper towels

Pour salt into the spray bottle. Add liquid ingredients to the the spray bottle using the funnel. Mix well. Be sure to label the container. Spray on glass and wipe with a dry paper towel.

Wordless Wednesday!

2010-07-07T09:15:00.000-04:00

STOP... Bubble time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a great WW!

For more Visit here!!

Don't forget to link up so we can see yours!!

FREE Sobe Life Water!

2010-07-05T12:59:00.000-04:00

Hey guys... just a quick freebie alert! CVS has Sobe Lifewater on sale this week Buy 1 Get 1 free! That is a sweet deal, but throw in Buy 1 Get 1 Free coupons and that makes it even sweeter!! Yup, that would make them totally FREE!

Click here to play the "heads or tails" game at SOBE !! After you play the game , you will get a printable coupon for B1G1 Free!!!! You can print the coupon 2 times by hitting the "back" button. I think CVS has a 6 bottle limit!

Okay... gotta run for now and go get my SOBE lifewater!!!

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-05T10:11:00.000-04:00

We didn't go to any "fireworks shows" for the 4th this year! It was raining and gross, so we figured we would wait a day and then put on our own show! Yikes! Did I honestly just give hubby permission to buy some fireworks to blow up in our culdesac? By george, I think I did.... My brother and niece and nephew came over and added to the contraband! After I found the only pile off dog poop in the yard by stepping in it ... we were off to "blow up the culdesac"! Monkey was not happy!! She kept saying, " I go home now" and " people scaring me"! She like the small, quiet, colorful ones though! The night was good! We were surrounded by MANY others blowing up their culdesacs! No injuries and only one shell on a neighbors car! Oops!

As soon as we were done, the skies opened up and rained again. It was if God was putting out our "fires" for us and making sure no sparks were still sparking anywhere in our town!

Happy 4th everyone!

holding tight to daddy!

My boy with a monster sparkler!

Now time for the roman candle

Not too thrilled!

One of the fireworks we shot up! It was quite a show!

Gee, I forgot to ask hubby if his pyrotechnic license was still valid?!

Enjoy your week!!!!

Friday Funnies!

2010-07-02T12:39:00.000-04:00

Saw this on a friends FB page!!! So funny!!

So in honor of the Eclipse movie's opening....I share it with you!

For more FF... visit Kim!!!

Have a great 4th of July weekend!!!!!!!

Wordless/Wordful Wednesday!

2010-06-30T09:17:00.001-04:00

Last week was princesses' last week of drama camp! She has such a great time!!! At the end of the two weeks they preformed the show they had worked on for the two weeks! The show was "the ever after". The story of the fairy tale characters going through reconciliations with other characters on a talk show!! Very funny and entertaining... the kids all did a great job!!! Princess played one of the wicked stepsisters trying to reconsile with Cinderella!! She was the funniest in the show, I think!!! She had a duet and ALOT of lines to learn! She did great!! I think she is really catching this acting bug! OYE!! Here are some pics! Not great, but pics none the less!!!! Happy WW!!!

The two "stepsisters"!

Waiting for the show to start!!

Enjoy your WW!!!

For more... go HERE or HERE!!!

Don't forget to link up so we can see yours!!!

Most Beautiful Baby?

2010-06-28T14:49:00.000-04:00

So EVERY mother feels that THEIR baby is the MOST beautiful in the land!! They don't even need a magic mirror to tell them that!! I am no exception!!! I think MONKEY is just the most beautiful around!!!
I am hoping that after my giving back to you via fun giveaway , you can all give back to me by voting for my MONKEY !!!!

Our local newspaper is running a Beautiful Babies Contest!! You vote on the local level and then winners will be picked from the each of the "local levels" to compete on a national level!!!

We would love for you to join us in this fun!!! Please VOTE HERE for Monkey!!! Spread the word!!! You can vote from Monday, June 28 until Wednesday, July 14 at Mid EST!! You can vote one time per valid email-- per picture-- per day! So go crazy!!!! COME BACK EVERY DAY!! ( the site may experience difficulties due to traffic so keep trying... if it says come and vote later, but the VOTE button is there under the pic... you can still vote!!! )

Thanks everyone!!! Here is the actual link if you want to pass it on!!!!
http://orlandosentinel.tribunepromotions.com/babies/tip_bb_orlandosentinel,0,2095026.ugcphotogallery?index=78032

Have a great week!!!

HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY TO ME!

2010-06-26T18:12:00.000-04:00

Yup today is the day!!! I have been blogging for 2 years! Good thing too, because I really have been a terribly slacker mommy when it comes to scrap booking and journaling for the kids!

I know a lot of you sitting there reading this and saying... whatever!! Just get on with who won the $60.00 gift card to CSN stores!!! I had 90 something entries!! You guys rock! You made this giveaway super fun and successful!! Can't wait to do it for you again!!

So without further delay.... the winner of the $60.00 gift card is *drum roll*............................

MOM LOVES DEALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats!!! I am so happy for you!!! You have 48 hours to contact me via email to claim your prize!! If I don't hear from you, I will pick another winner!!!! I am sure I will hear from you though... who doesn't want free $$!!

Happy Shopping!

Thanks again to all my faithful friends and followers! You listen to me rant, you support my antics, and you share a little bit of my family!! I am truly blessed by all of you!!! Here's to another fantastic year!!!
Blessings,

Wordless/ Wordful Wednesday

2010-06-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

Well at least she is inventive to carry out her disobedience!
The water/ice maker is a bit too high for her to reach.

NO MORE WATER from the fridge!!!!!!! OYE!!! Hmmm?
Where is all that water going, by the way?

To see more WW click here or here!!!

Don't forget to link up so we can see yours!

AND... my giveaway is just a couple days away! Don't forget to enter here!

Random weekend thoughts!

2010-06-21T09:41:00.000-04:00

1. Can you have a variety of different emotions in one weekend? Of course!! Whew... this weekend took it out of me! It started off with a memorial service for a precious little baby that passed away even before he was born. He was a twin. The other twin is doing well in the NICU. After the memorial service, I had to attend a baby shower for a precious one to come!! WOW... talk about quick change of emotions!

2. It is almost impossible for women to NOT cross their legs! Try it! Yes, that was one of the baby shower games. Have a clothespin on your person. If someone catches you crossing your legs, they take your pin. I took mine off and just gave it to my girlfriend. I knew I wouldn't be able to do it!

3. TOY STORY 3 rocked!! While it was a great movie, I hate them for making my emotions run crazy AGAIN! So many .... sadness, fear , and happiness! As I sat there watching... I looked over at my three "babies" sitting there. It won't be long till my oldest will be going off to college! I think I might throw up!!

4. Lost wallet = PANIC! We realized on Sunday morning that hubby lost his wallet. After retracing our steps, we concluded that it must be at the movie theater at Downtown Disney. The idea of my hubby's wallet being lost in tourist heaven, scared me to death. I saw $$ and credit scores plummeting dancing through my head. He tried calling the theater, but couldn't get any one in "customer service" to give us any "customer service"! UGH... so he jumped in the car and drove down there! They had it! Thank the Lord!

5. Week 2 of Princess' drama camp! She is having a great time and has A LOT of lines to learn by Friday for the parent show. I think she is really catching this acting bug!!

6. My blogiversary is just 5 days away!!! Don't forget to enter the giveaway!! FREE $$$!!! See link above this post!

What do we do to stay busy when the cousins visit?

2010-06-17T17:52:00.000-04:00

Make a water park in our backyard, of course!!!!

Wonder if MONKEY knows her pool is being used for the greater good?

They rigged the hose to hang on the top to "wet" the slide!

And when the rain comes in?

Cuddle up and watch a movie together!!!

Sounds good to me!!!!

Wordless/Wordfull Wednesday!

2010-06-16T07:00:00.004-04:00

Monkey was feeling a bit under the weather this past week!! In rare moment of sibling love, Princess laid on the couch and watched Nick Jr. with her for a while!!! Just had to capture it and post it!!! I WILL pull this out next time they fight, oh yes I will!!!

For more WW go HERE or HERE or HERE!!

Don't forget to link up so we can see your WW!

Oh, and don't forget about my blogiversary giveaway!!!

Every one could use some free $$! Enter HERE!!

Have a great week!

Catching some sun!

2010-06-15T08:49:00.000-04:00

Here is summer craft project number 2! Sun catchers!!

They did a great job and were very precise!

I was in bed with that stinkin' swimmers ear , so I didn't get a picture of them making them!

They had those little beads EVERYWHERE when I came downstairs! That's okay... they had a great time and they turned out great!

On to summer craft project # 3!!

Have a great week!!!

Swimmer's ear to the max!

2010-06-14T12:22:00.000-04:00

This weeked has been one I would rather have slept through! After our trip to Typhoon lagoon and a brief trip to our community pool, I somehow got a case of swimmer's ear. Now, I am not a "swimmer" in the sense that my time spent in the pool is under water! I have also had swimmers ear before , but NOT like this! I started out using the ole stand by vinegar/alchohol mixture. No help!

My pain became so bad, that vicodin wasn't even cutting through it! The left side of my face felt like it was in a vice grip. The pain radiated across my forehead and into my sinuses. I was in so much pain, I was nauseated and throwing up! Which made the pain worse from all the blood pressure going to my head from all the heaving. I finally gave up and went to the local walk in clinic on Sunday. The doctor said my ear canal was about 98% closed. He couldn't even see the back of the ear to see if the infection went into the middle ear. We were guessing, uh... yes! So he gave me ear drop antibiotics and oral antibiotics to kill it from both ways.

God bless my mom... she came over to sit with the kids so that hubby could get into work for an event. I spent all day trying to manage pain, eat, sleep, and not throw up the antibiotics! I am doing a bit better today. I am still in a lot of pain, can't hear a thing, and a lot sleepy! My nausea is gone, thank the lord! Just have to let the drugs do their thing! I thank the lord for the wisdom he bestows on Dr.'s and the miracle of medication! On the good side of things, I can't hear the kids fighting! :o)

This summer is a prime time to get swimmer's ear! The kids are more likely to get it! Here is some info to help you out this summer! (taken from web md!)

OVERVIEW:
Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is an inflammation and infection of the ear canal . It occurs when the protective film that covers the ear canal (lipid layer) is removed. This causes the ear canal to look red and swollen. The ear canal may be narrower than normal and is tender when the outside of the ear is gently pulled up and back.

Swimmer's ear may develop when water, sand, dirt, or other debris gets into the ear canal. Since it often occurs when excess water enters the ear canal, a common name for this inflammation is "swimmer's ear." If you have had swimmer's ear in the past, you are more likely to get it again.

A rare but serious infection called malignant external otitis can develop if bacteria invade the bones inside the ear canal and spread to the base of the skull. Not many people get this infection-it is mainly seen in older adults who also have diabetes, people who have HIV, and children who have impaired immune systems-but it can be fatal. Symptoms include ear pain with sudden facial paralysis, hoarseness, and throat pain. Antibiotics are used to treat this infection.

Other causes of inflammation or infection of the ear canal include:

Allergies.
Bony overgrowths in the ear canal called exostoses.
Bubble baths, soaps, and shampoos.
Cleaning the ear canal harshly or with a sharp object.
Headphones inserted into the ear.
Scratching the ear canal with a cotton swab, bobby pin, fingernail, or other sharp object.
Skin problems, such as eczema, psoriasis, or seborrhea.
Sweating.

Swimmer's ear is more likely if you have a very narrow or hairy ear canal, live in a warm, humid climate, have impacted earwax, or have had a head injury that also injured your ear.
Symptoms can include itching, pain, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Your ear canal may be swollen. You may have moderate to severe pain, drainage, or hearing loss. Unlike a middle ear infection (acute otitis media), the pain is worse when you chew, press on the "tag" in front of the ear, or wiggle your earlobe.

You may be able to prevent swimmer's ear. Symptoms often get better or go away with home treatment.

HOME TREATMENT:
You may be able to relieve your ear canal problem.
If you are quite sure that you do not have a ruptured eardrum:
Gently rinse the ear using a bulb syringe and warm saline solution or a half-and-half solution of white vinegar and warm water. Make sure the flushing solution is body temperature. Inserting cool or hot fluids in the ear may cause dizziness.
If your ear is itchy, try nonprescription swimmer's eardrops, such as Star-Otic or Swim-Ear. Use them before and after swimming or getting your ears wet.

To ease ear pain, apply a warm washcloth or a heating pad set on low. There may be some drainage when the heat melts earwax. For more information about earwax removal, see the topic Earwax.
Do not use a heating pad when you are in bed. You may fall asleep and burn yourself.
Do not use a heating pad on a child.

Do not use ear candles . They have no proven benefit in the removal of earwax or other objects in the ear and can cause serious injury.

PREVENTION:
In most cases, it is best to leave your ears alone and let them maintain their own healthy, natural balance.

Do not scratch or clean the inside of the ear with cotton swabs, bobby pins, your fingernail, or other objects.

Removable earplugs may be used to keep moisture out of the ear canal. But prolonged use of earplugs can make your ears hurt and itch, and the earplugs can push earwax deeper into the canal. If this happens, your ears are more likely to get infected.

Keep soap, bubble bath, and shampoo out of the ear canal. Do not let a child lie down in the bathtub with his or her ears underwater. These products can cause itching and irritation.

Keep your ears dry.

After swimming or showering, shake your head to remove water from the ear canal.

Gently dry your ears with the corner of a tissue or towel, or use a blow-dryer on its lowest setting. Hold the dryer several inches (centimeters) from the ear.

Put a few drops of rubbing alcohol or rubbing alcohol mixed with an equal amount of white vinegar into the ear after swimming or showering.

Wiggle the outside of the ear to let the liquid enter the ear canal, then tilt your head and let it drain out.

You can also use nonprescription drops, such as Star-Otic or Swim-Ear, to prevent swimmer's ear.

If you use public swimming pools or hot tubs, ask about the chlorine and pH testing of the pool. You are less likely to get swimmer's ear from facilities that maintain good control of their pool testing and treatment.

Do not swim in dirty water or locations that have been closed because of pollution.

Follow any instructions your doctor has given you to treat skin problems-such as eczema, psoriasis, or seborrhea-that may cause ear canal irritation.

I can only imagine what the kids go through when they have this! OUCH! I have a little dropper filled with alchohol/ vinegar mixture ready for right when the kids get out of the pool! Don't want them to feel like I do!

Have a great and swimmer's ear free summer!!!
Don't forget to enter my blogiversary giveaway! Click HERE!!

Summer is off and running!

2010-06-11T19:56:00.001-04:00

First week of summer vacation is almost over for us!!! We have made crafts, played games, visited friends, and lost our patience here and there! Okay that was just me losing patience, but... we did have two great outings to kick off the summer right!!!

FIRST STOP:

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon

Would you believe that we have lived here and hubby has worked for the mouse for 12 years, and we have NEVER been to the Disney water parks?! Crazy, I know! But in our defense, the older two kids are just now to the age where they could really enjoy the parks! We did have a great time! However, we all came home with bumps and bruises from being banged around on slides and wave pools! Oh, and I will never feel badly about wearing a tankini again! (geez ppl... put some clothes on for crying out loud!)

Now , I don't have many more pics of the actual fun because my camera isn't

waterproof, but I caught a couple!

What a couple of looney tunes!!! :o)

NEXT STOP:

STAR WARS WEEKENDS AT DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

My boy looks forward to this EVERY June! This year was no exception! Since Monkey has been under the weather, I was more than happy to volunteer to stay home with her! So daddy took the two big kids for some great daddy/ kid bonding time! It was hot, crowded, and the lines were long, but they had a great time! (okay, well the lines weren't too long for them... daddy found his buddy

that helped them cut lines and get VIP seats!!!)

They saw Peter Mayhew (chewbacca), Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka- from the clone wars), Ray Park (darth maul), & James Arnold Taylor (several voices from clone wars).

All decked out in SW gear and ready to use the force!

First ever girl clone trooper! :o)

I think our summer is off to a great start!! Can't wait to see what adventure will embark on next!!

Hope your summers are going well!!

Have a good weekend and DON'T forget to enter my blogiversary giveaway!!

Everyone could use some free $$!

For more details and to enter go HERE!

It's my Blogiversary!!!! How about a giveaway?

2010-06-10T20:00:00.008-04:00

image by: psychologytoday.com

IT'S MY SECOND BLOGIVERSARY!!!!!!

I can't believe it has been 2 years since starting this blog!!!

I am still amazed that I have been able to keep up with it! Yes, I have had seasons where I just had to take some breaks!! To those faithful readers and followers... thanks for sticking by me!!

So without further delay.... A giveaway seems only natural!!

This is exciting!!! CSN stores is sponsoring this giveaway!!

They have many stores that carry everything from

bathroom vanities to children's toys!!

They have been ever so generous to help me celebrate

and offer one lucky reader a

$60.00 gift certificate

to spend on any of their 200+ websites!! Yup, you read correctly!

They have sponsored giveaways for me before ,and I am so grateful!

Here are the rules:

Contest ends on my Blogiversary date! JUNE 25th

at midnight is the cut off for entries!!

I will post/contact the winner on June 26th. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me with their information. If no contact is made I will draw a new name!

GOT ENTRIES?

(put a comment in for each entry-- you can get a total of 3 entries)

1. follow me via google friend connect! (if you already follow tell me!)

2. visit CSN stores HERE and tell me what you would spend your $$ on if you win!

3. "like" CSN stores on Facebook HERE

Did I say a total of 3entries?

BONUS time!!!!!

Get 4 bonus entries if you blog about this giveaway and link back!!!!!!!

Leave a separate comment with the link to your post! So now we are up to a total of 7 entries!

I blog for many reasons and one of them is YOU!! So take advantage of this great giveaway!! Enter, share, and cross your fingers!!! LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Thanks again and GOD BLESS!

More Summer Freebies!!

2010-06-10T10:37:00.000-04:00

Free Events:

Apple Youth Programs: They have three different programs (for families, teachers, and kids) all summer long. The Apple Camp looks like fun. Kids ages 8 to 12 get to make a movie, compose a song, create a photo book, and then bring home a DVD of the projects they made.

Bowling: Designed to provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this summer. The Kids Bowl Free program is back and allows kids under 12 to bowl two free games every day. Shoe rental not included. Family pass available–details on right side of page.

Lifestyles Family Fitness: Kids ages 12-17 can work out for free for two months this summer.

National Parks: They’re bringing back their free National Parks admission days on Aug. 14 & 15 as well as Sept. 25.

REI Kids’ Adventure Journal: Containing games and activities, this journal encourages getting outdoors and going hiking.

Free or Almost Free Movie Programs:

AMC Entertainment: Tickets for Tuesday movies at 10am are only $1.

Carmike Cinemas: Tickets for Tuesday movies at 10am are only $1. It runs through August 10 and popcorn & drinks are also $1.

Cinemark Theatres: For $5, you can buy 10 movie tickets that can be used once per week on weekday mornings.

National Amusements: From July 7 to Aug. 11, kids and their parents can see a free movie every Wednesday at 10am. However, you have to bring a “book report” with you.

Regal Cinemas: Free movies will be shown at 10am every Tuesday and Wednesday.

Rave Theaters: There will be free admission to G or PG rated movies every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10am.

Free Reading Programs:

Barnes & Noble: Children in grades 1-6 can read eight books through Sept. 7 and then get one free. They have a Summer Reading Journal to help keep track of your child’s books and select which one they’ll get for free.

Borders: Children 12 and under get a free book when they read at least 10 books by Aug. 26.

Half Price Books: They want to Feed Your Brain between now and July 31. Kids ages 14 and under can earn a $3 Half Price Books shopping card for each week they read at least 15 minutes per day. They have a reading log to help keep track.

H-E-Buddy.com: A site I’ve never heard about is offering a “cool prize” for reading 10 books by Oct. 1. They have a form you can fill out that also has a slot for a t-shirt size, so I’m guessing that might be the prize.

Pizza Hut: Any child in grades K-6 who reads five books between June 15 and Aug. 15 can enter to win the Summer Break Reading Challenge. Prizes include swim gear, gift cards, and more.

Pottery Barn: They hold a Book Club every Tuesday from 11-11:30am. If your child attends five events, they get a “special gift.”

TD Bank: If any child under 18 reads 10 books between May 3 and Sept. 30, they get $10 for free!

***Remember to check for local participation.***

Thanks to free stuff finder for this great listing!

"Mom , I'm bored!"

2010-06-09T19:00:00.003-04:00

NOPE... don't wanna hear it!! I am going to be proactive this summer!!! We have summer camps booked, outings planned, play dates scheduled, and crafts ready!! We made a trip to Jo Ann Fabrics and went craft shopping to kick off the summer!! Paint, projects, foam board, brushes, etc.... I am stocked!!!

They are only permitted one craft per day! (gotta make em last!)

Some crafts they make this summer will become christmas gifts!!!

Woo hoo... I love killing two birds with one stone!

TODAY'S CRAFT:

Painting Wood Letters

I saw this idea on someones blog and not for the life of me can't remember who!! Anyway... thanks!

The kids got paint and decorated their wood letters to their liking ! Here are the "angels" actually getting

along momentarily! I love their finished projects!

Yes, I added some finishing touches to Monkey's but the rest she did by herself! They did a great job making them unique and a reflection of themselves!!! Can't wait to hang them in their rooms for them!!!

Let me know if you have any great craft ideas for the summer that we can "borrow"!!

Stay tuned for the next exciting summer craft adventure!

Enjoy your weekend!!!

Wordless/ Wordfull Wednesday!

2010-06-09T09:23:00.001-04:00

I know mother's day is past... but I came across this picture that I forgot I took and just had to share it!! This is my boy telling me "happy Mothers day" in a way only he can!! Yes, these are BIONICLE characters forming the words! I just love that boy!!!

Enjoy your Wednesday!!! For more WW fun go HERE or HERE!! (and dont' forget to link up so we can see yours!!!) Oh, and check back sometime this week... a cool giveaway for my blogoversary is coming up!

Win an Apple Ipad!!!!!

2010-06-05T10:02:00.001-04:00

MOM TO BED BY 8 is having an awesome give away!! I am IN! I was just telling my hubby last night how much I REALLY wanted one! An APPLE IPAD!!!!!! My life is so busy and on the go... I really would LOVE a personal assistant and I think this is the answer to that prayer! (or I may have to move to France... I have heard that the govern. there provides you free of charge a nanny/assistant when you have kids! )

So join my desire and enter to win this awesome toy!! CLICK HERE for full details!!

Contest ends July 2nd!

Speaking of giveaways!!! My blogiversary is coming up VERY soon!! I love to give back to my faithful readers!! Stay tuned for details for this awesome giveaway!!!!

Awards and Bowling!

2010-06-04T08:13:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was princess' award ceremony! This has been an interesting award year!! We usually have the award ceremonies at the school as a whole school, but due to construction on our campus-- new gym, woo hoo!!!-- we don't have room for all the parking yet. So they told all the classes to take their awards ceremonies off campus and have fun with it! If you remember, my boy had his at a pool!! Princess' class had hers at the local bowling alley!! They had a blast bowling, eating pizza and getting their awards! Side note: MONKEY ate 4 pieces of pizza -- ya think she is going through a growth spurt?! :o)

Anyway, princess got the "loving spirit" award! She also got A/B honor roll!! Then out of her whole class she was one of 4 kiddos that got the "presidential fitness award"! You go girl!!! Here is princess and her best gal, who happened to get one of the other fitness awards!

I am so proud of my kids!! They have had a great year! Through the ups and downs, homework trials, and drama... they have come out on top! They have worked hard all year! Today is the last day of school! This is the last day of elementary school for my boy! Oh, that really makes me nauseated. Lord help me now.

Love you guys!!! You did awesome!

AMC Theaters Summer Movie Camp!

2010-06-03T15:40:00.000-04:00

Looking for a cool getaway for gobs of kids this summer? Bring them to AMC Summer MovieCamp and enjoy the magic of movies! It is that time again!!! Each summer we take full advantage of the summer movie camp at AMC theaters. With the summers being SO hot in Florida, we are always looking for something to do indoors when we have had enough of the water!!

Summer MovieCamp will be offered at 10 a.m. each Tuesday morning this summer at participating theatres, from June 15 through August 10. At only $1 admission, it’s an affordable option for summer fun for families and groups. All admission and concession proceeds will benefit two AMC charities, Variety – The Children’s Charity and the Will Rogers Institute.

We will also offer KidsPack™ concession combos for $4 – more than 30% off the regular price.*

Advance tickets will be on sale starting June 8 at 215 participating AMC theatre locations and online. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. and shows will begin at 10 a.m. local time nationwide. See a list of participating theatres or search by zip code to get tickets. Tickets for each week will be on sale approximately one week prior to the scheduled show date.

June 15
Shrek The Third (PG)

June 22
Imagine That (PG)

June 29
Monsters vs. Aliens (PG)

July 6
Madagascar (PG)

July 13
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (PG)

July 20
Hotel for Dogs (PG)

July 27
Kung Fu Panda (PG)

August 3
The Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)

August 10
Surprise Mystery Title

Maybe I will see you there!!! :o)

Calling ALL "Twilight" fans!!!!!!!!!

2010-06-02T20:00:00.003-04:00

In the immortal words of Darth Vader: "This will be a day long remembered."

As all of you know, the next installment of the Twilight series, "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" opens in AMC Theatres everywhere June 30th (yes, it's just over a month away). That alone is a special event... but we at AMC Theatres have come up with a way to make it a truly memorable event.
Introducing...The Twilight Experience starting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 29!

Select AMC Theatres are going to be showing all 3 Twilight films ("Twilight", "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" and obviously "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse") back-to-back-to-back. Plus, you get a free $10 AMC gift card that you can use as you choose and a collectible lanyard. All that in one incredible night for one incredible price of only $30.

So once again, for your $30 ticket you get:

1) Admission to "Twilight"
2) Admission to "The Twilight Saga: New Moon"
3) Admission to "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"
4) A $10 AMC gift card that you can use at any time
5) A collectible lanyard (while supplies last)

On top of that... Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner will have free kissing booths in the lobby. Ok, that part was a complete lie, but everything else was true!

"The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" shows at 12:01am June 30th with the first two Twilight films playing immediately before it. What better way is there to spend a great night with your Twilight loving friends?

These tickets are going to go FAST! So don't delay. Click on the link HERE to get your tickets for this one night only event.
Thanks AMC theaters!!!

Wordless/ Wordfull Wednesday!

2010-06-02T08:46:00.002-04:00

AAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!! My boy and his friend relaxing a bit pool side! This was their school end of the year "award" ceremony! Where else, but FLORIDA can you have that pool side!! They had their award ceremony and then jumped into the pool for the day!! My boy made A/B honor roll and got the imaginative thinker award!! That boy can do anything with lego! I think every project at school consisted of legos in some form or another!!! :o) Great job buddy!!!

Happy WW!!

For more WW fun go here or here!!

Don't forget to link up so we can see your awesome WW!!

Random Thoughts from the weekend!!

2010-05-31T23:30:00.000-04:00

1. When you can't find your 2 year old ANYWHERE at home... don't forget to look in your car! OYE!

2. Happy Memorial Day to everyone! I am so grateful for my dad and brother's sacrifice and boy did they sacrifice!

3. You will never know what kind of visitors to expect down her in good ole FL.!! Went out in the am to check the pool temperature at my mom's. There he was... a huge FL softshell turtle! Don't know how he got there. The nearest swamp, lake, or stream was miles away. He must have been on a great journey! We caught him, kept him hydrated till my dad got home , and then set him free at a local lake!! Steve Irwin would be so proud!

4. A big scary stuffed armadillo caused temporary paralysis in monkey tonight at dinner!

YUP... I'd be scared too!!! ( and yes, dinner was at Texas Roadhouse!)

5. Boys, frogs, and lake water WILL make your van stink! The boys got home from camping and proceeded tell me a tale of boys who were on their way home from canoeing. They rode in MY nice flowery smelling van. They also told me how they brought home some friends that they had found while at the lake! Frogs... yes, they brought home a "bag" of frogs. No... they were not secure so when they finally arrived back at their destination, they had a "frog hunt" ... IN MY VAN! Gee , I hope they got them all. Needless to say, we spent a portion of the weekend cleaning, vacuuming , and deodorizing my van! Boy it smelled!

Donuts anyone?

2010-05-31T14:17:00.000-04:00

National Donut Day is this Friday, June 4th! To celebrate Krispy Kreme and Dunkin Donuts are giving us a Free treat.

Dunkin Donuts is giving out a free doughnut with any beverage purchase.

Krispy Kreme - geta free doughnut (your choice). No purchase necessary.

Thanks Southern Savers!!!

Freebies for Good Grades!!!

2010-05-28T17:33:00.001-04:00

My kids are big reward seekers!! Especially when it comes to good grades!! They deserve it! They work super hard for 9 months!! So here is a great list of Freebies for good grades!!! So awesome to see companies recognizing all the hard work these kids do!!! Thanks saving dollars and sense!!!

Chuck E. Cheese – Chuck E. Cheese believes in the value of a good education. Have your child bring in their most recent report card and they will receive FREE tokens for good grades.

Krispy Kreme - Get a free donut for each A (up to 6 A’s). (confirm w/ your local franchise)

Chick-fil-A – Bring in your all A’s and B’s report card and receive a FREE 8 pack nuggets! Call ahead to your location to see if they are participating

Pizza Hut – Each marking period, any child who has 3 A’s or the equivalent thereof, will receive one Personal Pan Pizza and a small soft drink or carton of milk by presenting his or her report card to the manager. This offer is good for Elementary and Middle School students. Dine-in only. Student must be present and the original report card must be presented. Available at participating locations.

Sbarro Pizza – Sbarro restaurants across the United States are giving elementary schoolers a delicious reason to get good grades… any student with A’s and B’s on his or her report card automatically becomes one of our PizzAchievers! Sbarro will then provide every PizzAchiever and an accompanying adult with a free slice of cheese or peperoni pizza and a small soda!

McDonalds – If your child has a straight “A” report card, he/she can receive a FREE Happy Meal. This may vary by location so call ahead first!

Topps – Getting good grades in school is always a priority. Now there’s an extra reward for studying hard. The Topps of the Class program has been created to give you a great trading card gift when you put your mind to work. Every time you bring in a report card to this store, the manager will award you with a gift. Work hard in school, receive cards. It’s that simple.

Family Video – Offers free rentals based on how well you did on your report card.
I suggest calling ahead to be sure that your area business is participating.

SCOOPS-- offers free icecream for A report card!! Check the store for details!!

Also if you are a homeschooling family, check out this list of links to free printable report cards.

As I said before... check your local stores to verify participation!!! Go kids go!!!!!

Shopping this weekend?

2010-05-28T15:30:00.000-04:00

Memorial Day weekend is usually a really good weekend for SALES!!!

Let's add to those great deals with some coupons!!!

Thanks so much Deal Wise Mommy!!!

* Abercrombie & Fitch coupon = 20% off your entire purchase in stores and online (use coupon code 1531) valid through May 31st

* Calvin Klein coupon = Snag 40% off shorts and polos PLUS Preferred Members take an additional 15% off entire purchase May 27th-June 2nd

* Carters coupon = 30% off your purchase of $40 or more valid in store only through June 2nd; Carters is having a Memorial Day sidewalk sale with 60% off sale items so you should be able to snag some great deals!

* Coach coupon = 20% off on everything at Coach Factory Store through June 6th

* Express Coupon = 15% off your purchase valid at Express or Express Men Stores through June 1st; not valid on clearance items

* Juicy Couture coupon = 30% off select Couture Terry styles for Women and Kids online and in store valid through June 3rd

* Lord & Taylor coupon = 20% off sale and clearance merchandise storewide through May 31st; not valid on telephone or internet orders

* Peebles coupon = 25% off any single Item through May 31st; limit one coupon per customer per day

* Yankee Candle coupon = $10 off $25 or more purchase at Yankee Candle Company stores, in the Yankee candle mail order catalog, or at YankeeCandle.com valid through June 26th

* World Market/Cost Plus coupon = Save $5 on your purchase of $15 or more valid through June 6th; one coupon per customer per day and not valid online

* Aeropostale coupon = Save $10 on your purchase of $50 or more through June 6th valid in store only

* Steinmart coupons = Save 20% on one sale item; Take an extra 50% off home clearance items; Take an extra 25% off all red dot clearance valid through May 31st

Freebie Fun for JUNE!!!!

2010-05-28T10:15:00.001-04:00

The kids are out of school!! What do do with them now!!!! (and NOT break the bank!!) Here is some freebie fun for the month of JUNE!!! Thanks so much , mom advice!!!

JUNE
1-2 – Museums on Us (Bank of America)
1 – LEGO Stores make a Lego Grill 5pm
3 – The Home Depot Martha Stewart Living Eco-Friendly Gardening workshop 7-8:30pm
5 - Friendly’s Free Ice Cream Day 12-5
5 – The Home Depot Kids Workshop make a soccer game 9-12pm
12 - Borders Toy Story 3 Party 11am

Have a "freebie" June!!!

Wordless/Wordfull Wednesday!

2010-05-26T06:00:00.001-04:00

What has MONKEY been up to?

Mmmmm, good chocolate brownies!!!

My kind of girl!!

Finishing Swimming Lessons!!

And got a hair cut!!

For more WW click HERE or HERE!!!

Don't forget to link up so we can check out yours too!!!

Our Family Ramblings!

Love, Compassion, Grace VS Judgement

Praise you in this storm!

Is HE everything or just a story?

Sunny Splashin' Saturday !

Dragonfly!

Spring Fever in the Garden!!

Sure aint your classic sunday school song!

The view from my beach chair!

Grandscape-- God permeating my past, present , and future!!

Who am I apart from them?

FLASH MOB!!!!!

Are you "dog" tired? Where do we draw the line?

More flip video gems!

Some long lost videos!

Super Bowl Sunday!

GO BLACK and GOLD!!!!!!!!!!

My baby is turning 3!

Recovering at home!

Today's stress test and next steps!

Santa's dry run!

Santa are you for real?

Santa Success!!!

Update on Princess' heart!

Christmas Carol mania!!

Princess for a day!!

Challenges!!

"Three of the most life-changing words in the entire Bible are 'Praise theLord'. Praise is the key that releases God's character back into eventhe ugliest of attitudes and darkest of situations." Lysa TerKeurst

I love that!!! No matter our circumstances, attitudes, or challenges... just praise HIM!

I will keep you all updated on how her appointment goes!!! Pray for continued peace, wisdom, and healing if He so chooses!!

Love you all!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

It's almost time!

Starbucks BOGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Random thoughts from the weekend!!

Who , who, was that?

Fall Festival Fun!!!!

My birthday weekend!

Happy Friday to you!

My beautiful girls!

Free Cold Stone Ice cream!!!!!!

Thanks deal wise mommy!!!

A night of JOY!!!

I am still alive!

End of the summer horah!!

Treasures in the garage!

Wordless Wednesday!!

$10 backpacks w/ free lunch tote at Old Navy!!

Finally Princess has her own room!!

Wordless/Wordful Wednesday!

She has finally got it!!

Great Mascara!

Free Backpack!

Wordless/ Wordfull Wednesday!

It is that time again...

Chris Tomlin

David Crowder*Band

Casting Crowns

BarlowGirl

Francesca Battistelli

Group 1 Crew

Tenth Avenue North

Sidewalk Prophets

MercyMe

Third Day

Family Force 5

Smokie Norful

Red

LeCrae

Day of Fire

Britt Nicole

Summer vacation 2010!

FREE Slurpee at 7-11!!

Make some household cleaners from scratch!!!

Wordless Wednesday!

FREE Sobe Life Water!

Happy 4th of July!

Friday Funnies!

Wordless/Wordful Wednesday!

Most Beautiful Baby?

"Three of the most life-changing words in the entire Bible are 'Praise the
Lord'. Praise is the key that releases God's character back into even
the ugliest of attitudes and darkest of situations." Lysa TerKeurst