Super SalesGirl

It's a bird....
It's a plane...
No. It's just Rebecca

So this week I am busy helping one of my best friends with their family-owned fireworks stand. I love being social with all the customers, and hanging out with friends all week. Rebecca loves it to, but Regan prefers to hang out with John Mark at home and take advantage of my empty computer.

Yesterday I got called into Tammy's house to use my baby-whispering skills to calm a crying toddler, and oddly enough Rebecca was left in the stand with a teenager who was brand new to selling fireworks. A car of women pulled up ready to have fun and spend their husbands' money, and Rebecca proceeded to tell them what different fireworks did, and then sold them some of the most expensive things.

When I made it out there, I was surprised to see my ten year old helping run a credit card through the machine and dictating to the high school girl to pack them up and throw in a few "free" punks. The women were impressed too and told me what an incredible job she did....and then gave her a $20 for a tip!

It just completely cracks me up that she is such a natural people person, and so smart to pretty much run the stand with no problems.

Too Young for Tragedy

Well in the flurry of Christmas this week and all the joyous family celebrations we did have a tragedy in our small town. A high school girl and some friends went hog hunting (a really common thing to do here in South Texas) and was accidentally shot and killed. She was a very sweet young lady whom I have known for years at the Gymnastics gym that I coach at and she was in one of Rebecca's tumbling classes.

It was a tragic accident that took the life of a wonderful young woman and completely changed the life of the young people in this town, and of course one young man now has to have this on his conscious for life. It is a very sad situation.

Now this is the first time that Rebecca has realized that death can actually strike the young and healthy. This is also the first time she has had a personal relationship and friendship with someone who has passed, and it has been a difficult Christmas, because it is a hard lesson to teach a ten year old that life can be cut short in the blink of an eye.

This evening John Mark took Rebecca and her friend "C" to the visitation, and then my friend Becky took the girls to the rosary with a bunch of the other kids from gym who were going together. Rebecca came home somber, and sad because they placed the young lady in her cheerleader uniform because it was her greatest joy in high school. Since this is Rebecca's greatest joy in life too, it brought it even closer to reality for her. I know that as the days pass it will get easier for everyone, I just ask for prayers for those in my community, and for a ten year old child who has had to face a sad reality for the first time.

Happy Yule Y'all

I am hiding taking a quick breather from my family in their various stages of holiday merriment. Some of which includes obnoxious joyful children, drunk spirited family, and in the overall rejoicing in your delightfully dysfunctional typical family holiday.

I know I am not the only one who is looking to escape get away for a bit, because while I am busy typing away, John Mark has found a quiet corner to read, my sister has escaped for a quick nap, several people have found errands to run, and in general we are hoping aunts and grandparents will pay attention to our children for a bit, so that we can have a moment of peace.

I wish all of you a wonderful Christmas while we celebrate at 68 degrees, and a nice day. I think after I have downed a bottle of vodka emerged. I will go for a nice stroll and avoid some other family entanglements for a bit, then join in the toasting merriment as we settle down to some serious food and poker

Happy Yule Y'all!

Christmas Quiz

I tag anyone who fancies giving it a go ;)

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both depending on the gift or the hurry

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial tree

3. When do you put up the tree? I try to put it up the weekend after Thanksgiving

4. When do you take the tree down? When John Mark begins to complain mid January

5. Do you like eggnog? I absolutely love it! I also like to make eggnog french toast for breakfats

6. Favorite gift received as a child? A giant Nutcracker coloring book and a Cabbage patch doll

7. Hardest person to buy for? My Brother in Law (Wade) he has no hobbies or big interests

8. Easiest person to buy for? Everyone else is a breeze to buy for

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Neither. I am way to lazy for those, but I love to get them!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? tacky dollar store figurine

12. Favorite for Christmas dinner? I am not nearly as picky about Christmas dinner as I am about Thanksgiving.....but I do love my mother's saur kraut and mashed potatoes on Christmas Eve

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? right after Christmas I start shopping the sales for the following Christmas (no really I am that annoying)

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes I am a regifter!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Marzipan

16. Lights on the tree? Yes white lights

17. Favorite Christmas song? Do You hear what I hear?..... He is Born

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel, it is the holiday run by mother and my aunt

19. Angel on the tree top or a star? an angel bear by Boyd's bears....I just love it

20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Morning

Nintendo DS Game: Zenses Giveaway

You know, I just love The Game Factory because once again they are coming through with an awesome game giveaway. Although this time it appeals to the Nintendo DS market. I have plenty of friends (you know who you are) who play on their kids DS while they are at school or in the evenings. I myself am a huge fan of puzzle games so I am thrilled to offer a giveaway of two puzzle games that should appeal to readers of my site especially those of us who would like to immerse themselves in a getaway that challenges our brains and soothes our senses.

Here is the Product Info:
-Release Date: November 2008
-Genre: Puzzle
-Platform: Nintendo DS™
-Rating: Rating E for Everyone
-Players: 1
-Target: Female casual gamers
-Languages: English, Spanish and French
-Developer: Shin'en Multimedia
-Publisher: The Game Factory http://www.gamefactorygames.com/zenses
-Price: $29.99 each
-Where to Buy: Available now online and at retailers nationwide (Target, Wal-Mart, amazon.com, among others.

Zenses - Ocean Edition
In Zenses Ocean, players relax themselves playing puzzle games inspired by the movements of the tide, rippling water, riffs and corals, beach vegetation and sea life. An indulgent, soothing experience, Zenses Ocean includes high quality visuals and ambient sounds inspired by the natural sounds of the sea. Subliminal addictive puzzles such as Hot Spot, Shell Twirl, Turtle Turn, Pearl Diver and Wave Breaker (names are currently being reviewed and may change) were created to give players an escape from the stress of every day life.

Zenses - Rainforest Edition
Zenses Rainforest allows players to explore the Amazon while playing games infused with rain drops, exotic flowers, waterfalls and giant trees. This refreshing experience encourages players to recharge their batteries while playing puzzle games such as Sapphire Wheel, Mirror Maze, Stack Jack and Bumble Breaker (names are currently being reviewed and may change).

Lost and Found

Lost: Two unmotivated lazy children believed to have succumbed to the mindless numbing of holiday television. Last seen still in their pajamas at lunchtime and still not having done the following things: Bathed, dressed, packed for their grandmother's house, helped clean up the breakfast dishes, or put away their own laundry

If found please report to their evil fun-sucking mother and she will in return give you their Christmas gifts as your reward.

Recipe; Sugared Ctanberries

Well it is a slow Sunday here....but not because I am in recovery from my party or anything. It is because everything seems to be running in slow motion with the amount of decongestants and Vicks, I have taken today due to not being able to breathe!

Anyway I thought I would share one of the big hit recipes of last night's party and coincidentally my new favorite snack: Sugared Cranberries.

Now as a rule I love cranberries, I think their tart bitterness is part of their delicious charm so this simple recipe makes a stunning gift, and a tasty treat.

Ingredients
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
2 cups fresh cranberries
3/4 cup superfine sugar ( the sugar I originally used was superfine, so no extra needed)

Preparation
Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring mixture until sugar dissolves. This is usually called simple syrup. Bring to a simmer; remove from heat and let cool just a bit (about 20 minutes is what I did) Stir in cranberries; pour mixture into a bowl. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
Drain cranberries in a colander over a bowl. Place superfine sugar in a shallow dish. Add the cranberries, rolling to coat with sugar. Spread sugared cranberries in a single layer on a baking sheet; let stand at room temperature 1 hour or until dry. I put my baking sheet in the fridge and was snacking on them about an hour later.

Note: The simple syrup clings to the berries and helps the sugar adhere. Store in an airtight container in a cool place for up to a week. These taste best from the fridge where they are sweet/tart, and delicious!

A friend of mine loved them so much last night that I graciously sent her home with the leftovers....so now I need to make more!

Pledge-aliscious Giveaway

I Have spent my entire day cleaning because in two hours time I have about 40 people coming to the house for our Annual White Elephant Party. My appetizers, drinks, and dessert table are ready, and thanks to Pledge the cleaning was a snap. I have a lot of antique furniture in the house and I now have a beautiful glossy shine everywhere for the candlelight and Christmas lights to reflect off of the wood.

In addition Pledge makes a lot of other products to help clean wood, floors, glass, electronics and more. Like Pledge Dry Cloths can help remove dust, hair, dirt and dander from all surfaces. It has these little pockets that grab and hold these allergens. These come n handy when I want to clean my computer space from all the dust that collects around my tower and keyboard, And Pledge also has a Fabric Sweeper to remove pet hair from fabrics. I am a huge fan of their multi-surface cleaner as well. I guess you can say I am a Pledge kind of gal.

By the way wondering about my White Elephant gift this year? I posed the ugliest little Mardi Gras doll next to my pledge can.....enjoy!

Now while I get my party on, you can win your very own can of Pledge, so no need to add it to your shopping list. Here is how to enter :

• Leave a comment on favorite Pledge product is.
• Leave a second comment if you become a follower of my blog or are one already.
• Leave a third comment if you stumble this post

You have three chances to win your own can of Pledge. This giveaway is for United States Residents Only. This giveaway ends December 30, 2008 at midnight.

This post was written for Family Review Network as part of a program by SC Johnson, who also supplied the product for review and giveaway.

Waltz Across Texas

Today Regan and I are heading to Dallas for a medical apt. at Texas Scottish Rites Children's Hospital....now this may not seem like a big deal but let me tell you why I am a grouch already about my day.

• Dallas is 5 1/2 hours away so I will be in the car around 11 hours today
• I have my big Christmas party at my house tomorrow,and should spend the day cleaning.
• Regan is missing her class Christmas Party today.
• The appointment should take all of 1/2 hour for a wheelchair fitting and pick up
• They would not ship the wheelchair straight to us for liability reasons

Reasons I should feel blessed

• The wheelchair is free
• The medical appointment is free
• Our Insurance company loves us because we are so cheap even with a disability
• I get to spend a great day bonding with Regan
• It will involve singing lots of Christmas carols for several hours which I love to do
  
  
  

Google Searches That Lead to me

I have thoroughly enjoyed compiling these and get such a chuckle on how people came to find my blog.
1. How to Make a Housewife Costume- I typically just go to my closet, but maybe that not the kind of costume they are looking for?
2. Wedgie Pickers....and even Housewife Wedgie Pickers- I wonder if there are sites that cater to this little fetish.....ummmmm sorry mine is not one of them. On the bonus side Rebecca is completely mortified that I wrote this post about her and that it comes up in google searches.
3.Possum Riddles- I think they are cute little critters, but really not that funny, are there lots of possum jokes out there that I don't know of?
4. Dark Chocolate Cerebral Palsy- wow....I had no idea that medical conditions now came in flavors. I would like to order Regan's disability in Raspberry or Margarita flavor.
5. Yo Gabba Gabba Phallic symbols-Um yes that one guy is definitely a little phallic shaped but not really going to google that in reference to children's programming....Big brother is watching people!
6.Giveaway Skin- I will gladly give away some of my excess skin in addition to the fat cells that lie beneath them...are you willing to fund that? Cuz we need to talk!
7.Big Mouth Cougars- I didn't understand why this was a search (sorry my mind doesn't automatically think that way) until I saw the titles of the other sites that came up with mine.....Get your minds out of the gutters people! There are quite a few lonely men(women?) who are really disappointed when my blog comes up in google porn searches for housewife and mouth....since those are both in my title.
8. How does weather affect a housewife- well when it is hot I stay indoors for the AC...when it is cold I stay indoors for the heat....when it is rainy I stay indoors to stay dry....any questions?
9. Pokerhontas There are either a lot of really dumb history researchers that can't spell or my fame at Texas hold em is spreading.

10. and my favorite search that led to me example of my favorite place...(blushing) why thank you this is one of my favorite places too, glad you found me.

100 Things

Well I have seen this list floating around BlogWorld, The idea of this list is to copy and paste it in your own post and bold the statements that are true for you. Enjoy the list and feel free to steal it from me and use it yourself!

RULES: There are 100 statements and you bold the ones you have done. Grab it and play for yourself!!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept in an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse (solar)
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten cavier.
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chicken pox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Wow 45...that's a good start....not that I want food poisoning or to personally lose a loved one now. Make your own list and see how you do.

Updated this List in 2015....how exciting that I could cross off  more things and am officially over halfway through the list.

Two Thumbs up for CountryBob's

I had the opportunity to test and review CountryBob's All Purpose Sauce and took one look at the label and was immediately stopped in my tracks. It is not that I didn't understand the label, but I really thought "all purpose sauce" translated into Barbecue sauce only. The claim on the label that it was tasty with french fries had me floored. The girls and I decided to take on the challenge for ourselves.
I had a bag of seasoned curly fries in the freezer and the girls and I were a little unsure about really tasting it. I have had my fries dipped in catsup, I have enjoyed them with Mayo, Regan likes hers dipped in ranch dressing, and of course being from Texas we love them dipped in white country gravy.....but CountryBob's All Purpose Sauce is a new one on us.
Rebecca was the first one to brave it out, and does a quick dip and taste.
Regan is usually a bit more cautious and wait to take cue's from her sister, so of course when Rebecca is grinning after eating a fry, She takes her dip in.
Well you have made believers out of us CountryBob and we thank you for a truly tasty fry dipping treat.

New Years Plans for 2009

Well what is a sublimely classy, well-educated, small town posh princess to do on New Years Eve? Should I got to the local tavern and down beers with the little people? Should I venture to the local dance hall where a lively polka will be playing for all the German/Czech folk and sip cheap champagne from plastic cups? Should I sit at home with my sweetheart and children while we watch you "big city folk" party all over the world and countdown the dropping of the ball....while doing some diet pills research for the new year and swimsuit season?

No to all of the above.

I have decided to do the classiest thing of all and help a friend run her fireworks stand. Viva la Sparklers people!

I am not Newsworthy

After getting irritated with my response from The AT&T center yesterday I decided maybe I should alert the media. Why, you might ask....over a parking space....and nobody got hurt and no real damage was done.

It seems to me that when people are wrong it should be addressed. If you are breaking the law, and deliberately inconveniencing a group of people for your own gain, then something should be done. Is there an ADA fining system for those kind of infractions? Who knows...because I got a real headache trying to figure out their sites, contact information, and then listening to computer voices asking me to press numbers that really don't address my situation at all.

My next course was to let KENS 5 news in San Antonio know, and although the very nice lady who took down my story agreed that it was unjust.... she didn't really think it that newsworthy....because she said they would possibly call back, but for all I know it went straight into the trashcan with a roll of the eyes.

I understand this is a small deal not important to anyone but me, but I saw the other lady in a wheelchair at the competition. I saw the elderly couple walking slowly with a cane. I saw another friend of mine limping due to a foot injury, and all of them had to walk that same half mile to the competition and struggle getting there just so there was no inconvenience placed on Spurs fans later that evening and those are only the ones I know of. I am sure I am the only loudmouth to actually complain...but my complaints have fallen on deaf ears, and I am done. I have waaaaay to much else on my plate this week to fight this injustice

My 8yr old in Vegas

I am taking a quick break from the midst of my rant (yes I am working on it, will post more later on)to tell you why my daughter at age 8 never needed to be in Vegas. I know a lot of people love Las vegas nv for family vacations.....but I am not one of them.

Two years ago Rebecca had a cheer coach who had talked almost all of the parents on the squad that this would be a great final competition destination. I tried to convince everyone that it was a ploy by the coach to get a free trip to Vegas....and coincidentally he was a huge NASCAR fan and they were racing there the same weekend (nothing fishy about that right). Well I was outvoted...and part of a team so off to Vegas she and I went. Here are two opportunities that were complete gems of mother sharing on that trip....along with an obligatory Elvis photo op.

I did get the incredible opportunity to explain the best I could to an eight year old about prostitution because she ended up picking up those "cards" from the bushes in front of Cesar's Palace. Not every mom gets those joyous mother daughter moments of explaining why half naked women want their pictures and phone numbers on what look like baseball cards.

The next gem on my trip down the strip....a stunningly beautiful showgirl takes one look at Rebecca (who also stared in awe at this woman half dressed in glorious yellow feathers and sequins) and says...."Aren't you adorable...you know I used to be a cheerleader too just like you." I promptly dragged my child away and reminded her that she has a brain that will get her much farther than posing on a street in feathers.

The following year I refused to let Rebecca be on a cheer squad that was even contemplating Vegas as a destination....and thank goodness now she has a coach who is all about wholesome Disney.

Is it Worth $5 to Me?

Wow!

So today when I had calmed down a bit from my angry terror I was on yesterday. I thought I would call The AT&T Center to let them know what had happened with the parking, so at the very least they could apologize and make sure that it happens to nobody else.

The gentleman whom I spoke to on the phone was very apologetic and seemed very sincere. Then he asks me if my family and I would be traveling to San Antonio again anytime soon. He would be willing to comp me my parking the next time and make sure I got in the handicapped parking lot.

Thanks for the apology....but really don't bother with the generous offer of $5....I think I'll survive. It is more the point that it should never have happened in the first place, and just because you broke the law, does not mean you can comp a parking ticket and make it go away!

No I was not looking for free tickets...or any big promotions we don't go that direction that often. It just made the apology seem so cheap and trivial that it could be made to disappear with a free parking pass offer, are you kidding me?

My Moment in Anger Thanks to the SanAntonio Spurs

I am one of the most even tempered laid-back people you will ever meet. Even in my 30's I still have that same bouncy personality I had as a high school cheerleader (you know the kind that annoy the crap out of everyone cuz they are always happy......yup that's me). Anyway....today I had a moment of anger.....and I am still not over it

We were in San Antonio, Tx for Rebeca's cheer competition, and usually Regan does not go with me because she hates sitting around all day waiting for awards. Today she was there because John Mark had to leave town for business, and she had no choice. So I pull up to the coliseum and ask them to direct me to the handicapped parking......and they tell me that the venue has closed all handicapped parking on the request of the cheer company...and we will have to park in the distant parking lot. What!!!!!!!!!

I explained again to the guy..... "I don't think you understand sir, I have a child in a wheelchair, and I can see the handicapped parking right behind you completely empty, can I just use my tag and park there". He once again tells me no, because he would get in trouble with his supervisor. Obviously he had no clout and I was going to get nowhere talking to him.

I dropped of Rebecca and her friend C at the door where C"s mom was ready to do their hair and make-up and then drove about a 1/2 mile away to find a parking space.

I hauled out the wheelchair and Regan and trekked back to the venue....just completely angry. Regan was just very bewildered because she has rarely seen me in such a state, and didn't know quite how to react to me. I went right up to the Cheer Company people inside the door and asked them why they were denying handicapped parking......and found out they had no idea that was even going on out front.

Here was the real deal.....

The San Antonio Spurs were playing next door at the AT&T Center that evening, and they did not want the competition traffic to take up their overflow traffic parking lots!

UMMMMM....can you say illegal! You cannot deny parking to the disabled! Believe me they are going to hear from me tomorrow, because I am one mad momma!

How I Warped my Children

Today I have taught the girls how to carjack a car, beat up old ladies for their money, and the best strategy to use in a gang war. They have also learned to run from cops at all costs. What have I done to my innocent darlings?

The ultimate in bad mom judgement calls....I let them play Grand Theft Auto at my brother's house in San Antonio.

I know.....not my finest moment...but the game completely cracks me up. I think I have a secret dark side that wonders what you would have to do as a criminal on the lam. What if Druglords sent me out on missions or I had to cater to mobsters. I should learn street survival skills right? It is just showing my girls a valuable life lesson on how not to live, right? Okay I have justified it enough that they are laughing like crazy and having a wonderful time strategizing together, and have both assured me they would never act like this in real life. I think I will just enjoy my bad mom moment.

The Back-Up Plan

John Mark has asked me before if I would ever get married again if something happened to him. The answer has always been no because Matthew Mcconaughey is already taken nobody could replace my sweetheart.....until I got a better offer.

I had the absolute torture opportunity of substitute teaching the other day for the Pre-K class at my girls school. They were just a bundle of joy and energy and I really did have a lot of fun with them. At the end of the morning one of the little boys (who just happens to be a prominent doctor's son) asked me to marry him. I was delighted! He was so cute and genuinely sincere, I just wanted to bundle him up and take him home with me....but I think there's a law against that somewhere.

To sweeten the deal even further....his best friend said "That's a great idea, you marry Mrs. Brown and I can marry Rebecca and then we can all be a family".

Now, Rebecca is my often stalked adored child by all the little boys at school...but who can turn down a two for one offer. The boys hustled off to lunch busily making plans for their double wedding....and I went home to tell John Mark that my bargaining chips have gone waaaaaaay up. Because now I have a back-up plan

White Elephant Party Gift Suggestions

Every year (for the last 12 years) John Mark and I throw a huge White Elephant Christmas Party. It is such a fun gathering with all of our friends and no kids. It is a good time to let loose, catch up, and drink....a lot!

I wanted to outline the rules of our white elephant party in case you want to throw your own....plus give some great gift ideas.

A white elephant should be something you own that you can't wait to get rid of....complete garage sale material....nothing you actually "buy". Here are the rules we follow

1. You may not buy an item for the gift exchange
2. You can not give an item received in previous years
3. The more creative the better
4. Nothing is off limits

We run the rules so that everyone draws a number and that is the order in which you can pick gifts. When "1" goes and draws a gift and unwraps it....Then "2" can either steal "1's" gift or pick a new one from the pile. This keeps going until all gifts have been chosen. Our rule for stealing gifts is that a gift can only be stolen twice and then when it is the third party hands it is frozen and can no longer be in play. Because "1" gets such a bad deal in drawing first we always let them at the very end swap gifts with any unfrozen item. So then "1" can be the best number to draw.

There are years that people have fought to get the chia pet or the box of half drunken decade old liquor. Last year everyone wanted the stressballs. Each year is a whole new adventure to see what gifts are fought over...and what remains as just junk. Here are a few items we have given in the past for more ideas.

1. A popcorn tin of my single socks I could not find matches for
2. A community service vest from John Mark's high school days (won't go into why he has one of those)
3. An old bowling trophy of my grandpa's featuring just the backside of a horse....I mean really who doesn't want an ass trophy.
4. A really bad oil painting
5. A barbie riding an oil can with boots and a cowboy hat on in honor of our friends with oil wells


Basically we just look through our cabinets and storage boxes, and put something together....one of my favorite gifts my friend Tammy did was to put a small back massager (shaped like a ladybug) in a box, and then right before the gift exchange she turned it on....everyone was dying laughing....but scared to open the box.

The "Advertising Game"

It has been about two weeks since I have run riddle me Tuesday....sorry guys. I did get an email for a request back up, so I know it was missed by at least one person. Well today I went and volunteered with the school gifted and talented program, and let me tell you about a fun activity that is guaranteed to keep any kids from the ages of about 8 and up busy for at least an hour. I call it "The Advertising Game".

I love any game that can keep kids out of your hair and cooperating with each other for a good hour with no television involved...and it is super easy too.

1. Get one cardboard box
2. Make up a name and write it on the side....today I wrote Aquanomics 3000 on the box.
3. Divide kids into teams or work as one group.
4. They now have an hour to decide what the product is in the box (using imagination) and then they must come up with a magazine ad and perform a commercial for their new product.
5. In one hour I will watch their performance and if they finish early they should just keep practicing and fine tuning it until the hour is up.

We often play this game at the house when the girls have friends over because it is a great way to foster creativity and cooperation amongst the kids. Sometimes I will just cover over a can label or something else out of the cabinet. I usually call the product something silly like whosiwhatsis or thingamajig. Today we wanted the kids to come up with something that had to deal with water conservation so we added that extra rule for them.

Riddle for the day: Every day a man leaves his apartment on the 46th floor and rides the elevator down to the first floor to go to work. Every evening at about 6:00pm he gets in the elevator, takes it to the 38th floor, gets out and walks up the stairs for the remaining eight floors until he reaches the 46th floor, and his apartment. Why does he take the stairs instead of the elevator for the last eight floors?

The Awesome Bookworm Meme

I am thrilled to have been tagged with the Bookworm Meme cause I have been reading them on other people's blogs,and kept hoping to get tagged...and thought maybe I could make-up a blog to tag me and get away with it (sad, I know). Never mind though, I am loved after all and got a tag by the fabulous Keri from It Flickers Dimly. I am thrilled to have discovered her blogs and get to read about her and her boys.

Now this meme involves opening the closest book to you, not your favorite or most intellectual book, but the closest book to you at the moment, turn to page 56. Write the fifth sentence, as well as two to five sentences following that. Then pass it on to five bloggers.

So at the moment (thank heavens) I still have Queen of the Road by Doreen Orion on my printer since I did a review on her book a few days ago. So here is another plug for that hysterical book....and these sentences confirm it.

Now to be honest instead of following it with a few sentences I had to preface it with a few sentences otherwise it wouldn't make sense....or be as funny.

"As a result, Miles blithely follows Tim everywhere. Clearly my husband is a deity in the poodle universe. I guess I'd be that happy too, even first thing in the morning, if I knew I got to sniff god's butt all day"

I am not even joking...that is how funny this book is!

Here are my five tags:

1. Till the Short Bus
2. Lisa's Command Post
3. Ramblings of a Texas Housewife
4. Come Via Our House
5. Chatty Chica

Diet Vs Diet

Rebecca is my athletic child in every sense of the word. If there is an activity going on anywhere around her she is going for it full force. She has so much energy.....but we always have to watch her sugar/caffeine intake. Since she is a little thing she can go completely hyper/nuts with just the smallest amounts.

She was telling a friend of hers the other day that she was on a diet, and her friend got completely upset....because what Rebecca meant was a healthy eating lifestyle....not a weight loss plan. The child barely weighs 65 lbs wet....I wouldn't dream of starving her or depriving her....but still the word spread like wildfire that Rebecca was on a diet.

I had to sit down and talk to her about her word choices. She is supposed to emphasize eating healthy. Taking her Juice Plus for the extra fruits and veggies is not the same as peddling diet pill info. So now she goes forth armed with the PC correct language of a healthy diet....not a weight loss diet.

Odd Baby Talk

Tonight we were at the girl's dance recital where once again Regan was a star performer. One of the great things about my girls is they need no excuse at all to be front and center stage (just like their mom). Regan is getting used to her new Kaye Walker, and still recovering from her foot fracture but that didn't deter her a bit from getting the chance to perform for several hundred people.

Her new walker has a pop down seat, so her dance teacher reconfigured Regan's routine to do it all from sitting in her walker. It was really pretty clever and she tapped away to "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" all in the comfort of sitting there.

Rebecca was very proud to spend her evening as the "assistant" dance teacher to the 3& 4 yr old dance classes. She was posted in the front corner of the stage and was the on stage demo for the little ones....who all adore her and follow her around like she is the pied piper.

Anyway, it was a wonderful evening until we were leaving out the door of our community center. An older woman (who I know meant well) proceeded to talk to Regan like she was an infant.

"You did soooooo good" (she says in a drawled out baby voice)
"You must be soooooooo proud of yourself"

Regan looked confused for a moment, and politely said Thank You. But once we were in the car she just couldn't stand it.

"How old does that woman think I am?"
"Does she think just cuz I can't walk well that I don't understand well either?"

Luckily she calmed down easily, and by the end of the night we were all teasing her by talking to her like a baby....."Regan wooks so sweepy...it must be night-night time for wittle girls".

But seriously, sometimes people are just idiots!

Bender Ball Review

These past few weeks as I can see my size expanding, I am excited that I have a strategy in place for my New Years Resolution to get back in shape. With the help of The Bender Ball and the Bender Method of Core Training, I am going to be one swimsuit ready babe come Spring. This Core Training Method was developed by master trainer Leslee Bender and it targets your upper and side abdominal muscles and even the lower abs....or right where my "little pooch" is.

In my kit I got the Bender Ball, The DVD Workout, and also access to the exclusive online members section. This is great to find meal plans, a healthy eating guide, and some of Leslee's tips to help results. This means even though I may not be on my best eating behavior through the Christmas holidays, but I can make a great turnaround, and do it in the comfort of my own home. No embarrassing myself in front of a room full of strangers who are already a perfect "6".

Leslee Bender is a master fitness trainer with over twenty five years of experience. She has been active throughout the world where she has been involved in the presentation of different and progressive methods in all forms of fitness training.

The The Bender Ball comes with a 30-day money back guarantee that lets you try the program risk free. If for some reason, you don't get the results you're looking for, just send it back. They'll refund your purchase price - no questions asked!

I am ready and excited to have my 2009 fitness program in place and ready to go. This would also be a great gift for anyone you know who will be looking for a way to lose weight come January. Want To join me in becoming a Bender Ball babe?

A special thank you to The The Bender Ball and Family Review Network for this opportunity.

My Favorite Place to Shop

Yesterday afternoon I came home armed with 8 new pairs of shoes, 10 articles of clothing, several things for my girls, Tamales for dinner, and some more glassware to match my own in the kitchen cupboard. What fabulous place had all I was looking for and more?

My Mother's house!

My mom's house is my favorite place on earth to shop. Where else can you sip on tea and eat cucumber sandwiches plus refill your own wardrobe with fabulous eclectic boutique clothing. My mother's house and style reflect the fact that she has lived all over the world, and I love that I am the recipient of everything she gets tired of even if it is just for a while.

Yesterday, I picked up the girls, and basked in the glow of compliments on my cute "new" jacket and shoes, and this morning I am happily blogging away wrapped in the most darling velvet shirt.

Thanks Mom (I think it's because I'm the favorite....but my sister and brother argue with me on that one)

My Sweetheart Heading Home

John Mark is heading home today from St. Louis, and here is my list of things put off all week until today.
1. Christmas is down from the attic officially, but not put out so I need to finish the lights so the girls can do ornaments on the tree when they come home from school.
2. The mountain of laundry is in the process of diminishing....almost.
3. The girls have slept in my room all week, and Regan actually wanted to sleep in our one-man tent which has been on my floor all week long and needs to be dismantled and put up.
4. I need to install home theater seating in my kitchen so we can all enjoy the increasing dishes on the counter.....or maybe I should just wash dishes....nah!
5. I need to mail off a book for PaperBack Swap ( great site by the way if you are a big reader like me.
6. I need to finish wrapping my girls presents while they are at school to diminish their chances of finding them and seeing them first (well Rebecca's are already done, cuz she is the worst).
7. I want to get all dolled up to greet my darling husband at the door when he comes home from stressful travel.

Sounds like I should get to work......but first I want to go check if something is wrong with my sitemeter...where are all you people today?

Yo Gabba Gabba Teaches Me an Important Life Lesson

My girls are way past the age where I have to grit my teeth and bear every inane children's program on television so I was caught off guard when we went to the Dr.'s office a few days ago. In the waiting room of our family doctor was a show that my girls told me was called Yo Gabba Gabba.

I had initially planned to ignore it and read some some 25 year old Time magazine (did you know that Madonna and Sean Penn are getting divorced?). Then this bizarre guy in some orange fashion disaster presents these odd creatures in a box. Then these very odd things start to sing at me. Well one of them looks like a cat who needs a diet and one is seriously a phallic symbol(complete with one eye)and then there were a few others that just become a blurred haze. They proceed to sing at me at how I should not bite my friends.

What!!!!!
Seriously here is the song
"Don't, don't, don't bite your friends"

and they just kept chanting this like some strange cult mantra.

Okay life makes much more sense now.
That would completely explain my lack of friends.
Why didn't someone tell me this earlier....when it could have been of use to me.
Apparently a major social lesson...and I have been biting people for years!

After I picked myself off the floor from laughing so hard, and then took Regan to the bathroom before she wet herself from laughing too hard. The girls and I decided there are some really socially inept kids out there, if this is what children's programming has resorted too.

The Diet Song

Well, My clothes can tell that I have been eating to my heart's content through Thanksgiving, and have not gotten back on track. This morning I tried on two different pairs of pants to work comfortably in....and they were....not comfortable at all!

So I put on my gym clothes (which I never wear on non-gym days) and resorted to doing laundry. I also made up a ditty in my head that I thought everyone could sing-along with me.

The tune is Camptown Ladies:

Christmas is here...I need new pants DooDah DooDah
Or some diet supplements Oh da doo dah day.
Need some brand new pants!
Diet Supplements!
Then once again I'll be a "10" Oh da doo dah day

Isn't that a catchy tune? And of course the "10" refers to where I fall on the gorgeous scale, lol.

Sing it Loud Sing it Proud!

An Interview With Heidi Ashworth

It was my search for blogs of moms who had a child with Cerebral Palsy that led me initially to Heidi's Blog Dunhaven Place, but it was Heidi herself who has kept me an obsessed reader. She continuously keeps me in stitches with her rants and raves of daily life in her house, and her anticipation of her brand new novel Miss Delacourt Speaks Her Mind . See Heidi is not only mother extraordinaire, she is also an author with her first book due to hit shelves any day now.

The Synapses for Miss Delacourt Speaks Her Mind on Amazon reads:

"A dashing rogue and a fiery heroine spar in Ashworth's charming Regency-era historical romance debut. Sir Anthony Crenshaw reluctantly accompanies Ginny Delacourt into the countryside at the request of his grandmother, who is trying to play matchmaker. But Crenshaw's mask of etiquette drives the spitfire Delacourt mad, and they can barely stand each other. When highwaymen accost the pair and force them to seek shelter at a local estate, they meet Lucinda Barrington and Lord Avery, lovers destined to marry, if only they can get past their foolish need for drama. Crenshaw and Delacourt begin to fall for each other, though their courtship is complicated by the attentions of both Barrington and Avery. The subplot involving Lord Avery and Lucinda Barrington elevates Ashworth's story above the genre's usual fare and the couple is a natural foil to Delacourt and Crenshaw. Their presence provides genre fans the opportunity to laugh at familiar circumstances taken to absurd extremes"

I got the chance to ask Heidi a few questions myself that I was curious about. Here is a portion of that interview.

What draws you to the Regency romance era?
My first true literature reading experience was with fantasy such as Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Pretty much most of what I read has an element of fantasy in it, whether it be a murder mystery, historical fiction about the royalty of Europe or regency romance. There is something very Cinderella-fairy-tale about regency romance. It all goes back to Elizabeth Bennet, a member of the gentility, snagging the noble Fitzwilliam Darcy in spite of his aunt, the wicked "step-mother". Contemporary romance bores me (with a few exceptions) and romances set in other time periods just don't hold the same appeal for me as a regency. A regency romance has certain rules that must be followed or it is not a regency. It is a smart book written for a smart audience. The time, place and conventions of the day are almost a "character" unto itself and it's a "character" I am willing to read about again and again.

Would Ginny fit in well with modern day women?
Yes. I think that is one of the things that is appealing about Ginny. She defies the conventions of the day and insists on a relationship built on true communication. It is very out of character for the time period, however, so was Elizabeth Bennet

What inspired you to put yourself out there as an author?
I have wanted to be a writer since I was seven years old. I took four years of typing between junior high and high school for that express purpose. I just kept working away at it, one way or another, until about ten years ago when the special needs of my family became paramount to everything else. I pretty much figured I would never become published at that point--thank goodness Miss D had already been written. Then, a dear friend who was writing regencies back when I was had started publishing hers. She encouraged me to submit Miss D. I am so glad I did!

As an avid reader of your blog will we get a sense of who Miss Delacourt is by reading your daily adventures, and the humorous spin you have on life?

I think so. I hope so. That's why I chose to stick to humor in my blog, so that the readers of my blog would get a sense of Miss D. So far the readers of my blog who have read my book all (claim) to love it--so I think it was a good way to go. We'll see...

Polliwalks Review and Giveaway

Are not these the cutest kids shoes you have ever seen? It is so difficult to find children's shoes that are tough durable, and fun to wear. Polliwalks are taking the kids shoe world by storm and are virtually toys for their feet. They have been featured in Parenting, Parents, and Kids Trends magazines as well as making an appearance on the popular TLC show John and Kate plus Eight.

One of my favorite features are the bottoms of the Polliwalks shoes...they leave tracks just like the animal would make through the sand or dirt. They are durable and will withstand any shoe destructive child.

On a personal note to some of my mom readers who have a tough time finding shoes to fit over leg braces...like I have had problems finding Regan cute and durable shoes that also adapt to the added width. There is no need to look any further than Polliwalks. I tested a pair out over her braces, and they fit comfortably with no problem at all. In fact she loved the look. and walked comfortably in them.

New out for Spring 2009, Polliwalks is debuting two new styles that you will want to add to your son or daughter's wardrobe. They are premiering the fish lips and the firefly styles. Currently these two styles will only be available for purchase from Dillards and Zappos.com.


The Fishlips style has color changing technology as soon as it is out in the sunlight the lips will change color. The FireFly style lights up and flickers as your child plays.

I am really excited that the generous folks over at Polliwalks has agreed to allow me to give away one pair of their adorable shoes. Unfortunately this does not include the two new styles from their spring line. The following styles are available for this giveaway: puppy, kitty, gator, duck, frog or ladybug. You definitely won't be sorry with any of these styles.

To win your own pair of Polliwalks visit their website and let me know in a comment which style and color you would choose for your child. If you are entering anonymously please be sure to leave your email address to get hold of you should you win. This contest for US residents only.

One extra entry for anyone who becomes a follower of my blog or comments that they already are.

This giveaway will end on December 15th at midnight. A winner will be drawn randomly and will have 3 days to claim your prize.

A special thank you to the Family Review Network for this wonderful opportunity.

Addicted to Sap

At this time of year I find for some strange reason all my typical logic, and sensibilities go right out the window, and I find myself with very alien feelings of being sentimental, and a little weepy......which is soooo not me. I have found the cause so that many of you can avoid the weeping pit I have fallen into. The den of sobbing uncontrollably for complete nonsense can be found every evening.....


At the Hallmark Channel


The girls and I find ourselves home from the gym in the evenings for the last two weeks and we turn on the Hallmark channel and watch every single one of those Christmas movies. I am touched by "A grandpa For Christmas". I laughed along with "Meet the Santas". Regan had me Tivo "Moonlight and Mistletoe", and "Searching for John Christmas".

We also talk in the car of some of our previous year's favorites, looking for them to make an appearance like The Snowglobe Christmas movie, and my favorite "A boyfriend for Christmas". I am not a sappy movie person but every year these play in the background while I work on my computer, and I laugh, cry, Tivo the weekend marathons, and scare the life out of my girls who are not used to seeing an emotional mom.

Of course I could cure it quickly by just turning the darn thing off, but I find myself powerless against the almighty Hallmark Channel.

Is there an addict group for weird people like me?

Reasons to check the Weather

Anytime I have ever traveled, while I am packing I check the weather channel or go online to see the seven day forecast for the place I am headed for. I mean there is no reason to pack sundresses if I am heading for a blizzard, right? I guess I thought that was a logical thing that most people did.....but alas my darling husband does not appear to be most people.

John Mark left Saturday for a week in St. Louis to work at his company's headquarters. A lot of times he is asked to come up and teach new people in the company, or to do some mentoring. So he left bright and sunny south Texas where the weather was a balmy high 60's to low 70's and headed into snow.....completely unprepared in his packing.

This morning I get the phone call to please get his heavy duty trench coat to his secretary to overnight it to him (can we say expensive?) because he is freezing. Freezing huh...guess next time you'll check the weather bucko!

Corporate Giving: Ferrero

I love the season of giving and thanks to The Family Review Network It is an honor to acknowledge and share with all my readers a way that you can give to others too.

Share Something Sweet is a partnership between chocolate company Ferrero and Share Our Strength, a leading hunger-relief organization. This partnership is in it's second year and previously they have raised upwards of $150,000 to fight hunger. The Ferrero Company has interactive way to get a lot more people involved in fighting hunger, and at no cost at all to you.

Right now, if you log on to Share Something Sweet and use it to "send something sweet" (that is, a customizable e-card), Ferrero will donate another $1 per e-card sent, up to $10,000. And for every person that joins the Ferrero Facebook page, "Ferrero Lovers Unite," Ferrero will donate another $1 to Share Our Strength (up to $1,000).

Don't forget to take the Chocolate Personality Quiz to discover which one you are.

This holiday do your part and send out e-cards that also help knock out hunger. Thank You!

Turning the Girls into Convicts

Well, I was attempting today to get a really funny Christmas card shot. I had this brilliant idea that on the way to pick up Rebecca from her friend "M's" house we pass by a prison. On a sign on the road about 1/4 mile away is posted "Prison Area Do Not Pick Up HitchHikers". I mean who can resist that!

I dressed up Regan (whose only requirements are that an outfit be shiny and have velvet) and packed up about five outfits for Rebecca to choose from (she's my diva child after all) and headed to the neighboring town with my camera and my gameplan. Well Rebecca hated all the choices that I brought....first flaw in the plan. Luckily "M" had a dress at their weekend farm that suited her just perfectly.

Then for some reason I had to teach the girls the sign for hitchiking which they both could not get???? Okay, I'm sorry how hard is it to stick your thumb out in the direction you want to go? I guess I should focus on the fact that my girls had no idea what it was to begin with, so I did not have to worry about them attempting it in the near future.

Next came the problem that I did not anticipate......The fact that it was virtually impoosible to get a good picture of the girls and the sign. The sign was too tall and well they are just 10 and 13 year old girls, and Regan was in her wheelchair instead of her walker so she could use her thumb (still incorrectly) too. Here is that attempt

So what seemed like a really great attempt at a humorous Christmas card....I just couldn't get to translate properly....UGH! You can barely tell who the girls are they just look like sad blobs at the bottom of a really funny sign. Well I did manage to salvage the day with one really great closeup shot.

Avon: More than Make-up Giveaway

For years I have always associated the name of Avon with make-up, and skin-so soft. I also have good friends who swear by their anti-aging line. This last week I was introduced to their hair care line, and I have to admit I am hooked.

I first tried the Color Reviving Shampoo and coordinating Color Reviving Conditioner. They both left my hair soft, shiny, and the color was vibrant and healthy looking. It is wonderful to not have my hair feel like straw! My brunette locks have a lustrous shine to them.

Then I put the Dry Ends Serum to the test. Here were the two challenges that I used it on. First Rebecca needed a slicked back high ponytail look for her cheer competition with no flyaways. It worked perfectly without any effort at all. Secondly for Thanksgiving I wanted my look to be perfect as the hostess to our lively group of 35 guests for dinner. If it can tame my fine hair that always has a mind of it's own....that in itself should speak volumes. I love this stuff!

Avon included something else in their goody basket, that I was unable to test (so I had my mother check it out). This was their Grey Root Touch-up I am blessed to not have discovered one of these pesky little terrors on my head yet, so I shared the wealth with my awesome mom, and she will be my tester for this product.

Avon was generous to not only let me try out their hair care line....they are blessing my readers with a copy of each item that I got. Wouldn't it be nice to pamper your hair this holiday season?

One of my lucky readers will get their own hair pampering experience with:
one bottle of Color Reviving Shampoo
one bottle of Color Reviving Conditioner
one bottle of Dry Ends Serum
and two tubes of Grey Root Touch-up

To enter this contest please tell me your favorite Avon hair product in a comment and if you would like an extra entry than become a follower of this blog. This contest only open to United States Residents, and ends December 8, 2008 at midnight CST.

If you place an order with Avon before January 1st with an eRepresentitive then enjoy free shipping on any orders over $30 by entering in the code Jingle30.

******This Giveaway is now closed*********

Holiday Traditions: St. Nicholas

My mother grew up in Germany with the tradition of St. Nicholas. Now surprisingly enough I just found out in the last few years that this is kind of a big Catholic tradition.....I always grew up thinking it was just a German thing.

The story is that on December 5th (St. Nicholas Eve) children are supposed to leave letters in their shoes for St Nicholas expressing their Christmas wishes, and he picks them up and leaves you a small surprise in return for your letter. My mother tells me the German tradition is to leave a piece of candy and fruit. If you were currently on the naughty list you would be left with coal to warn you to straighten up before Christmas arrives.

When we were growing up we were the only children I knew who did this tradition hence the reason I assumed it was German. Oddly enough we always insisted on this tradition even through high school and college when we were old enough to know better. I am pretty sure it is just because my sister, brother and I look for any reason to get presents.

When John Mark and I moved to our current town that has a large Catholic population, and it is just common for everyone to celebrate St. Nicholas Day, although some of my friends think it is funny that I do this with my girls and we are Methodist.

To Sue or not to Sue Weigh in

Today I took Rebecca to a good friend of hers from summer camp. She and M met two years ago in their cabin and they were both low juniors (the newbies) at camp. Curiously enough they also shared a common bond, in that they both have disabled siblings. Today when I dropped her off at their weekend retreat I stopped and chatted with Joan (the mom) for a while. It is sometimes really comforting to connect with other parents of disabled children to share heartaches, trials, and triumphs.

Anyway Joan asked the question of whether Regan's birth was doctor error, or just a natural circumstance. I quickly assured her ours was due to natural circumstance, but I felt that if I had answered differently I would have gotten a law office referral. I have a really hard time with the rampant lawsuits in our country due to medical malpractice. I have to still do everything I would be doing with Regan whether it would have been doctor mishap, or my own body. I don't think I could have sued anyone, because I have an awesome child with a few minor distractions. It hasn't made my life harder.....just different.

We have never filed for social security for her, and she is just on our regular insurance like her sister. Yes it is sometimes tough, and we have gone through extremely lean years where extra money would be nice, but I just can't seem to come to terms with the fact that I could have sued someone for it...or I could be taking it from a government which is already strapped to the hilt.

This evening there was a commercial for a law firm encouraging people with mesothelioma to call them. First I had to look up what that even was, and secondly it appeared to be yet another reason to sue people. I have to admit I was a little sad. I feel blessed by my life, not cursed...and I take what comes in stride and move forward. I do not blame the world for my problems, I just figure out a way to solve them. I wish more people did the same.

Book Review and Giveaway

I adore reading and you will find books spilling over in every room in my home. Sometimes I think I live in a library.....but to be honest, not all books are what I term "shelfworthy". There are the books who get shelf space because they are yet to be read, and those that get space because they are so good that I (or John Mark) will read them again. The other unfortunate books find there way to my garage sale/paperback exchange box. The book Queen of The Road by Doreen Orion is shelfworthy which is the highest praise I can give.

This novel follows the hilarious and sometimes poignant adventures of Doreen and her husband as they embark on a one year sabbatical tour of the United States in a refurbished bus. First let me say that I admire Doreen for overcoming her fears of such an odious undertaking, and turning it into an experience of self discovery. Every chapter starts off with a cocktail recipe reminiscent of the story to come. I must admit I can't wait to make Elusive Moose and Love me Bender.

I really enjoyed the history involved in some of the locations, and probably my favorite part was their stay at the Nudist RV resort. I half to admit a little disappointment that they were not as enchanted with Texas as I am....but hey I understand we Texans are not everyone's cup of tea. Finally, Doreen has left me with a burning desire to visit Savannah, and experience that city in all it's glory.

Lazy Saturday or Not?

After sleeping for nine hours......For those of you that know me that is a lot! I am typically a 6 hour a night person because I have waaaaaaaaay to much energy. This morning I am slowly working up motivation. To do What? Well here is my momentary list.
1. John Mark left for St Louis so I would like to clean up all the junk I piled in our bedroom, and start boxing up all the garage sale stuff and put it in the back of his office for storage.
2. Pull out Christmas from the attic and start sorting through those boxes and setting up.
3. Get Rebecca packed up and away from staring at the television screen ( I think she is turning into a human tv stand. She is spending the day/night with a good friend of hers from summer camp who has a nearby weekend retreat.
4. Get to Wal-Mart and pick up a few of the items I was in too much of a brain fogg to remember to pick up yesterday....like wrapping paper for all the stuff I bought.
5. I have book review and another contest to post at some point today....plus a few more assignments I need to complete since I had basically taken a two day sabbatical.
6. At some point I would love to scrapbook and play with my new toy (sigh)
Oh well time to get moving!

Black Friday Rocked my Socks!

My friends and I left the house at 3:00am to drive the 45 minutes to the nearest "city". We had not slept at all due to other circumstances, but we were armed with our list, and the knowledge that Wal Mart was price matching everyone! No need to even shop at some of our regular stops....in fact this is this first year ever I did not even step foot into Target because, I price matched all their deals at Wal Mart while I was there. I did get my Cricut......and it is awesome! I did have people following me in the parking lot just for my cart (that was a first for me).

We ate Breakfast at Sam's....then off to Kohls. We had a wonderful time there, and got the girls such cute clothes for Christmas! Then to the mall where i had actually already purchased my stuff at Best Buy at 2:30 am online.....and it was just waiting for me to pick up. No lines no fuss! We got all our typical mall deals, and then I was home by noon.

I want to apologize to my gal Dorsey...who I was hoping to meet up with for lunch...it is always cool to get to meet one of your favorite bloggers....but I was exhausted, and could only text her a feeble apology. I finally got to sleep for about an hour this afternoon, and am looking forward to my pillow right now. I do have some funny Black Friday anecdotes that I will share tomorrow.

Yes, that is the back of my Honda Odyssey this morning....but it really isn't all mine. I did have a car full of some of my favorite frugal gal pals!

Something Worth Standing in Line for

Okay, I am seriously excited....my sweetie had an awesome poker night, and came home and said "That cricut machine you want for Christmas.....giddyup, it's yours!" Isn't he the best! I have wanted one of these forever. I have watched that infomercial at least a dozen times, and been caught with drool dripping from my chin. Wal-Mart is offering the macdaddy limited cricut deal and I am bound and determined to nab one even if I have to resort to pushing and shoving a bit (pacifism is for wussies). So my schedule looks like Kohls at 4:00 am, Wal-Mart at 5:00 am, and Target at 6:00 am......I can't stop grinning!

Build-a-Bear Wii Game Giveaway and Celebrity Bear Auction

I am excited to be hosting my first contest and generate support for a worthwhile cause. My girls are very fond of their own Build-A-Bear stuffed animals. Regan has a bear that she dressed in a wizard costume whom she calls Barry Potter (I know very Punny). Rebecca has both a Rabbit named Rainbow in Olympic gymnast gear and a monkey she calls Queenie who wears a diva outfit. Build-A-Bear is truly a great company that I support.

Build-a-Bear has teamed up with Wii to produce one of the hottest games this Holiday Season, Build-A-Bear Workshop® A Friend Fur All Seasons! Up to four players can personalize a virtual animal, play mini games, and dress and accessorize their in-game friends. Depending on the outfits and accessories chosen, the virtual Build-a-Bear character will act differently. How fun is that?

Thanks to my good friends at Family Review Network and the The Game Factory I am able to give one of my lucky readers their very own copy of the Build-A-Bear Workshop® A Friend Fur All Seasons Wii game valued at $39.99. This game can be found at most retailers including Target, Amazon, and WalMart.

To go along with the season of giving The Game Factory is hosting an auction on Ebay with Build-A Bear Wii games and custom made Build-A-Bear animals that were created by celebrities to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House of Southern California. These one-of-a-kind bears were built by celebrities like Tori Spelling & Dean McDermott, the Jonas Brothers, James Gandolfini, Melissa Joan Hart, Bonnie Hunt, Mitchel Musso, Meaghan Jette Martin and more. Needless to say my girls would really like me to bid on the Jonas Brothers Bear.

I can't wait to see how many entries I get on my first ever contest! This contest is for United States and Canadian residents only. Contest Ends December 6th at Midnight.
Here are all the ways you can enter
1. Visit the Ebay auction and tell me which bear you would bid on. One entry
2. Visit the The Game Factory and tell me what your favorite game feature is. One extra entry
3. Blog about this contest on your blog and come back and tell me about it. Please include Ebay auction information as well. One extra entry
4. Become a follower of my blog. One extra entry

Everyone has at least four chances to win this game in time for the holidays so Good Luck!

A special Thank you to the Family Review Network for this opportunity.

The Dateable Standards

My girls were trying on my wedding ring tonight and speculation about their own future engagement rings and requirements of future spouses. They both know our little rule of five when it comes to evaluating whether or not the male species is worthwhile or not. It helps give a minimum standard and scale to rank all the boys they know. Now these are our own personal rule of thumb.....so take it in stride and make any adjustments to suit your own needs.

1. Must love God and have faith.
2. Must be smart
3. Must be kind
4. Must be funny
5. Must come from a loving environment.

The girls are always evaluating pretty much every boy they meet (the curse of having boy-crazy girls). Rebecca will say well he meets three out of five requirements....I guess he just doesn't cut it....or he meets all the requirements plus bonus points for being really cute! You know all I can really ask for my girls is to have a wonderful future, but it is nice that they already come with a set of standards in place....let's hope they hold up through the teen years.