Swine Flu and the School System

Living in South Texas means that Swine Flu is the main topic of conversation everywhere we go. The girl's school has suspended all game play with other schools (well actually the whole state did). The big track meet they were all looking forward to next week with two other schools has given way to a field day with just our own kids. All field trips are up in the air as of now, and some school districts in the San Antonio area have closed. There is talk that we may close soon too.

I am wondering what else will change for us in the next few weeks. Will they suspend Little League Games? If they shut down the school temporarily will we have to make it up. Regan leaves for camp two days after school lets out, and we had already missed several days for Hurricane Ike earlier this year.

John Mark leaves for California on Saturday. How closely are they looking at airline flights leaving San Antonio? It is eerie how last week it was a remote sickness that was unfortunately happening across the border. It is completely different when you look around and wonder how your life is about to be affected.

Where's the App for that?

There is no question that my iPhone and iphone accessories are one of my favorite things. It helps me feel completely free to leave my house at all times, and still be connected to my work with no worries. But the commercials for iPhone having me running to the app store every time I see another or learn something new. Here are the new apps you can impress me with.

1. My In-laws are coming in five minutes can you make the microwave meals look homemade and suddenly feed six? Yeah....I need that App.
2. Can you separate my laundry and make sure no stray red sock found its' way into my whites? I really need that App
3. Can you drive my kids to school at 7:30 A.M. so I can stay in my pajamas for a few minutes longer and linger over breakfast? I would actually pay for that App!
4. Can you scrapbook a few pages for me to meet a client deadline? That would be an amazing app that I could make money off of.

Okay that is my new challenge to Apple to help make my life even easier with my phone. Thanks!

Book Review: Bringing Up Geeks

It took me a little while before settling down to read Bringing Up Geeks. The main reason is that when Marybeth Hicks sent it to me for my perusal it was with the note that she had read my blog and thought that we had similar values and felt that her book matched my parenting skills well.

This was of course prior to the incident with my youngest who had gotten into serious trouble at school, and so I honestly wasn't feeling worthy that I was in fact bringing up Genuine Enthusiastic Empowered Kids. I mean I agree with the Enthusiastic and empowered part for both of my girls, but I could hardly describe my child's recent actions as being genuine. So the book began to gather dust on my computer while I sat consumed with guilt that I had become so unaware.

In the last week I sat down and read about " how to protect your kid's childhood in a grow-up-to-fast world" and realized that overall I have been doing a good job, and that I shouldn't;t be so hard on myself. That being said, I am ready and able to handle this review.

From the first chapter of "Raising a Brainiac" made me feel very validated, because both of my girls know how much I value education and being a part of theirs. I am at school volunteering or subbing on a weekly basis to stay in touch with the school on where my girls are academically. John Mark and I model daily how important it is to be a reader, and the whole family falls asleep every night with books in hand. I concur that Marybeth hits the nail on the head with making sure Education remains the top priority no matter what your child's social life is.

Her next few chapters go into detail of raising a sheltered child, an uncommon child, a kid adults like,and a team player. These were all things I felt I was right on top of.

The chapters I am reading more closely and feel we can work on better include: Raising a late bloomer, a homebody (well Regan is, but Rebecca is way social...I try to steer her friends here though), a principled kid, and a faithful kid.

This book is such a testament to how much character is a part of your child's development, and how you can mold and model it better. She gives clear examples and easy to read guidelines to make a more empowered parent out of anyone. I have to personally thank Marybeth Hicks for sending me Bringing Up Geeks at such a particularly rough time in my parenting life, and it has helped us get right back on track to my raising true GEEKS. I highly recommend this book to any parent who struggles raising their kids in a very fast paced world.

My Deprived Children

In our family there are certain age limits to receive or get to do certain things. Partly because it was tradition for when I grew up, and partly because it gives them something to look forward too, and a timeline to go by.

* at age two you get your first haircut
* at age eight you get your ears pierced
* at eighth grade graduation you will get a cell phone.
* at 16 you will get a checking account with a little starter money
* at high school graduation you will get to choose the family trip that summer
* at 21 we will take you to Vegas with one friend

Of course there are lots of other negotiable items, but these are the big ticket things that my children talk about as milestones. The one that has them in an uproar......The cell phones. We live in a very small town, and I am amazed at how young all the kids have cell phones. I can understand the need to keep in touch with a high schooler who is involved in a million things, or driving, but younger than that I just don't get it. Rebeccca has a best friend with an IPhone.....don't get me wrong I love mine, but I don't plan to get my children one. Regan is one of two children in her 7th grade without a cell phone. Now they have an unlocked phone that works with almost any provider. My answer is still NO!!!!!

What kind of milestones do you have age restrictions on?

Sister/Sister A Sacrapbook Page

In the top photo are me and my sister Jennifer who are 2 1/2 years apart. I am the older sister, and don't you just love the vintage Raggedy Ann? The bottom one is Regan and Rebecca my two girls at about the same ages as my sister and I....also 2 1/2 years apart. Of course I had to scrapbook it a while back....I think it was right when rub-on letters came onto the market several years ago, and I thought they were the bomb!

Oliver's Labels Review and Giveaway

It's "getting ready for summer camp season" at my house as indicated by Rebecca's Camp Trunk (in Comanche Orange of course). We also received notice today in the mail that Regan's first camp week for Lions Camp will start on May 31st. She will have gotten out of school on Friday the 29th of May, and leave for her first camp of the summer on Sunday. Because it is a frenzy this month with trying to get everything organized. It is important that I get as much done beforehand as possible. Which includes making sure their names are on everything.

Now it never fails that every year my girls lose a few items, and gain a few items. This year we are doing our part to keep track of everything thanks to Oliver's Labels . These are unique because of their special Found-It system that assigns each customer a unique code so that if your item is found, then log in the code, the company will alert the owner of the found item, and let them get in touch with you to retrieve it. This is a fantastic way to make sure more expensive items you might be sending with your child do not get permanently lost. This is perfect for items like cellphones, and portable video games


These labels come in all shapes and sizes from mini to put on toothbrushes and sunglasses, to labels for clothing and shoes that are no-sew or iron. They also have larger labels that I am using for things like Rebecca's Tennis Racket and shower caddy. The variety is incredible and the prices are reasonable. There is no end to what these labels can be used for

Rebecca chose the farm animals theme for all of her labels, but they have a variety of choices and colors for all ages. They even have the medical labels that proclaim any allergies . I have a co-worker with a wheat allergy so to proclaim you are gluten-free on your lunch box-thermos, backpack. So that anyone who works with your child is aware of what not to give him or her.
Right now Oliver's Labels is offering my readers a a 10% promotional discount. They simply enter the promo code as payment before checking out to receive 10% on their purchased items. Please note that this offer expires on May 31, 2009.

Oliversfriends (one word, no apostrophe)is the discount code.

Want to win a $20 gift certificate to Oliver's Labels then here is your chance. This giveaway is open to US residents only and will be close May 6, 2009 midnight CST. If you are entering this giveaway anonymously please leave an email address where you can be reached.

1.Mandatory Entry: Check Out Oliver's Labels and tell me your favorite design in a comment
2.Another Entry, become a follower of my blog/ or Twitter Follower and leave me a separate comment letting me know you are.
3.Another Entry, Tweet about this post and leave me a copy in a separate comment
4.Post my button on your sidebar and leave me the link in a separate comment
5.Post about this giveaway and leave me the link in a separate comment.

Book Review: The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club

Oh to live in Broadgate Bay, the seaside town where Jo Mackenzie has settled with her two boys to help recover from the death of her husband in a familiar setting. It sounds like the start to many a chick-lit novel. The difference is how well written Gil McNeil has made the characters and storyline of The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club.

It makes all the difference in the world when you can relate to the eccentric characters that Jo surrounds herself with. Whether it is her quirky ladies in the knitting circle or her sarcastic, and dry best friend Ellen. It was the very realness of each character that kept me turning pages to see what happens next. I also happen to adore her boys Archie and Jack who behave and act just like typical 5 and 6 year old innocent but full of mischief boys do.

This is a lovely read to pass the day, and you will find yourself rooting for Jo as she not only recovers from being recently widowed, but faces her uber-snobby in laws, and a few other scuffles. I recommend The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club. for anyone looking for an enjoyable read by the pool this summer. It will draw you in and keep you entertained. I look forward to reading another Gil McNeil novel soon.

Welcome to "Forward" World

The girls are at the age now where all of their friends send each other emails. Living in the land of the Chain Letter and the forwards has gotten ridiculous! Rebecca checked her email and almost all of the mail she got was a forward from a friend and most of those she has received before....and they all end with something along the lines of send this to 20 million people or you will be cursed with a zit akin to Krakatoa on your chin ( Oh wait that really did happen to me this week).

My sister and aunt have put their foot down from being on Rebecca and Regan's forward lists. They both said if you are sending us any mail at all....it better actually have some written conversation from you attached to it. I tried to explain that there are no real curses attached to chain letters, and they are just absolute nonsense. It is hard to convince a ten year old that seven years of bad luck aren't real especially when she can easily send it to 10 bff's and they will in turn send it right back to her.

Here is a copy of my official forward to my children, Enjoy...and of course if you like it forward it!

BUT..... only to your great Aunt's College roommates' daughter who lives with Bob or you will be cursed with nose hair that will self-braid on command.

The Eight Meme

I was tagged by Julie over at A Day in our Life. I discovered Julie during Wordless Wednesday , and her family picture was so cute I had to comment. i will definitely be visiting her more often.

The rules are:1. Mention the person that tagged you.
2. Complete the lists of 8's.
3. Tag 8 other bloggers.
4. Tell them that they have been tagged.


8 Things I Look Forward To
1. Having the house to myself for a little while this summer

2. Swimming my favorite summer activity
3. Vacation with my husband and girls at the end of July
4. Finishing my house and putting it on the market
5. Getting My friend Jody's scrapbooks finished and adding more clients
6. Spending some time Geocaching
7. Mother's Day with my whole Family including Oma coming on from California
8. Dewberry Season starting in two weeks


8 Things I Did Yesterday
1. Made breakfast for my friend Lori's Bed and Breakfast
2. Went to American Cancer Society Relay for Life
3. Watched "The Deadliest Catch" snuggled up with John Mark and Regan
4. Blogged and Networked
5. Got Rebecca packed up to spend the night at a friends
6. Edited Regan's Blog Post and moderated their comments
7. Interviewed Regan for a future guest post here
8. Did some light housekeeping


8 Things I Wish I Could Do
1. Organize my scrapbooking supplies

2. Finish painting the dining room
3. Travel more
4. Stay on task and not get so easily distracted
5. Figure out how to market and sell a product
6. Spend some serious time in a bookstore and replenish my low stock

7. Have a spa day
8. Be motivated about yard work


8 Shows I Watch
1. Amazing Race ( My favorite)

2. Dancing With the Stars
3. The Office

4. Phineas and Ferb
5. Paranormal State (don't ask)
6. Old movies on TCM and AMC
7. Old British Comedies
8. Entourage


8 Bloggers That I Tagged (have fun ladies!)

Brandy
Andrea
Allie
Chelsea
Dorsey
Joss
Erin
Ellen

Tuxedos are so Yummy

Doesn't that strawberry look heavenly? Actually though I was referring to men in a tuxedo. John Mark is in a wedding this summer for a really great friend of his, and unfortunately he will be attending all by himself. The problem is the wedding is in St. Louis and takes place over the 4th of July weekend. That would be the same weekend that I pick up Rebecca from camp, and take Regan to another camp. I will be basically criss-crossing the state with the girls at the time when my sweetheart looks the yummiest. See to me there is nothing quite like the look of a man in a tuxedo. He exudes confidence, power, class, and grace. All things that just make my knees quiver and go weak. Maybe, it is that James Bond kind of cool or the fact that a groom in his tuxedo waiting for the love of his life just makes my heart melt. Whatever it may be, the tux is the one thing a man can wear that just looks good on anyone. Maybe instead of renting this one, I can convince John Mark he needs to own one....just for me.....LOL. Anyone else have weakness for a man in certain clothing?

My Darling Regan....I Hate that you are Growing (No Offense)

Regan is one of those people who really thinks that you can preface a phrase with "No Offense", and then you will automatically not find it offensive. As in "No offense mom, but you can't dance so quit trying to act like your cool". So now I am supposed to just go on my merry way and not be insulted? Nope, Not me...I just dance even more, because once you find out what embarrasses your children you do it to your heart's content.

Seriously though, Regan, I hate that you are growing up! Because as much as you are growing into a wonderful young lady, and I enjoy you and all your precious quirks (No Offense), but it is getting harder to find things for you to do like the other 7th graders due to your developing normally female form.

No longer can I feel comfortable sending her to friends houses for their mom's to do things like bathroom transitions or helping her dress if she spent the night away. We have noticed the number of overnight invitations dropping over the last two years, and this is no way indicative of her friends (people just love Regan), but unless I go with her. She doesn't go to the dances and parties her other junior high friends are doing. More and more she is with me at my side at weddings and parties. It used to be fine for her to run around, and all of our friends had no problems helping her with any of her needs. We pretty much had several homes where the mom's knew how to help her, but with a mature young lady....it all changes.

So now she goes to school on Monday mornings and learns of the out of town Laser Tag party, and the overnight trip, the pool party.....all things where it was not personal to Regan but the kids wanted a party their way and not adapted.

So I have been trying to come up with creative outlets for Regan to take the place of these things. For Example: the girls blog Random Monkeys. She is interested in Web design, and pretty much anything tech related. She is looking forward to summer camp and reuniting with her summer friends. She has also been on the lookout for a good pen pal that has CP, and is similar to her. Anyone have any other suggestions? Good Suggestions Only Though.....No Offense!

A Future House to-do List

I have decided to dedicate much of my summer to house improvement to put my house on the market. We are moving forward to build a house completely designed around Regan and her needs. My problem is I can watch all the design and moving TV shows in the world.....but so very little of it applies to my small town. Here is what matters here:

1. What street are you located on? Some streets have better zoning and no trailers on them some don't.....I actually live on a street one block long with only one other house, not sure if it is even a street considered worthy.
2. What is the crime like in your part of small town? Pretty Bad....but there really isn't a crime free zone anywhere in south Texas when you live on the border drug paths....UGH! But, we do have ADT so that should work to our benefit.
3. Do you have a yard? Yes...and it is large and rocks! We are also on the outskirts of town so we have pastures bordering us so no neighbors behind us. Maybe I need to purchase some patio furniture to help show it off.
4. What are the schools like? Again not great which is why I drive my children to a neighboring school district for education and safety purposes.
5. Do your garage doors match? Ummm...okay they won't ask this up front, but they don't...Ugh again
6. Is your yard landscaped? Well it used to be, before the ten year drought in South Texas, and John Mark and I decided water conservation was more important and turned off the sprinkler system. So the current landscape is brown and weedy....Is that not the style?

Obviously, There are changes to be made, but hey I have all summer, and it's not like I am putting lipstick on a pig (sorry for the political pun). What frugal changes would you make if you were getting ready to put your house up for sale?

Finish Quantum and Jet Dry Review and Giveaway

For the last ten years we have lived in a home that had a broken dishwasher. All dishes were done by me or John Mark (Okay mostly John Mark....I hate dishes). Well a few months ago we had friends who were redoing their kitchen , and replacing their 1 year old dishwasher with a different model. For the first time in my married life i would have a working...and gorgeous stainless steel front dishwasher. Imagine my Joy!

To celebrate I was able to test the new Electrasol Quantum Finish and Jet Dry Turbo Dry. You would have thought the circus had come to my house, as the girls gathered for front row seats and John Mark made popcorn, and we got ready to test the dishwasher detergent, the rinse, and finally the dishwasher itself.

They all worked like a dream (thank goodness). The dishes came out crystal clean and none of the glasses had spots at all. Now the toughest job is making sure the girls take turns loading and unloading the dishwasher because Rebecca is trying to hog it all to herself, and I plan to take full advantage til the novelty wears off, and it becomes a chore.

Here are the features of the dishwashing detergent that sets it apart from the rest:

Finish® Quantum is an innovative new automatic dishwashing detergent designed for consumers who want perfect dishes every time they wash. Finish®, the new
name for Electrasol®, delivers a clean superior to the leading dishwashing detergent. Finish® Quantum leaves nothing behind but the shine helping users experience the perfection they deserve in their everyday routines.

Finish® Quantum has a multi-Chamber system that is pre-measured and wrapper free. This technology separates 3 powerful active ingredients, releasing them when needed in the dishwashing cycle.
1. Powerball® with Jet-Dry® Gel for an amazing
shine

"Cheer"ful tidings

Action shots from Disney Nationals came in this week and I was tickled by both of these shots of Rebecca. She just eats, sleeps, and dreams cheerleading and wants to one day try out to be a cheerleader at the University of Texas (Hook Em Horns!). Don't ask where her flexibility comes from....I assure you I cannot do that.

Earth Day is time to S.H.O.P.

I thought I would start getting into the spirit of Earth Day by encouraging all my readers to make at least one change.....I want you all to go S.H.O.P. (Start Helping our Planet). Yes, you heard me head over to Calypso Studios and join their big Earth Day Giveaway. They are giving away $10,000 in shopping totes to help conserve the use of plastic and paper shopping bags, and replace them with reusable and super-cute S.H.O.P. totes.



Here are a few Earth Day statistics to keep in mind as you register at the Calypso Studios site.
Plastic bags are harmful to the earth in several ways:

• Each year, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide
• According to the EPA, over 380 billion bags are used in the USA every year, which is more than 1200 per resident and it takes about 12 million barrels of oil to make this many bags.
• Over 46,000 pieces of plastic are floating in our oceans worldwide
• Each reusable bag you use has the potential to eliminate an average of 1000 bags over its lifetime.

In a noble attempt to keep our planet green and clean head over to Calypso Studios and win your own trendy shopping totes. This giveaway end April 22nd at Noon EST. Good Luck to all who enter.

Sometimes He just doesn't get it!

I absolutely adore my husband, but sometimes he just makes me mad......because he doesn't get it! Okay, here was the situation, he very proudly told me that he had upped his insurance because life insurance rates were such a great deal right now. Then he told me beaming from ear to ear, that if anything ever happened to him the girls and I would be set....Isn't that great!

I swear for being such a sweetheart....he can be such an idiot too! No matter how many times I tell him that he is worth so much more to us than any amount of money, and we would much rather have him everyday around, than money in our pockets....he just seems so darn proud of the fact that he has a plan to provide should anything happen. Does anyone else have a husband like this? Surely my communication skills cannot have gone that far awry that I can't make him understand this point.

So, I am putting it in print as proof too....John Mark I don't care about your policy, the girls and I would rather you were around for many years to come.

KINeSYS Review and Giveaway.

My girls are in full out outdoor mode since it is April and 80 degree weather already. Regan and I both have such fair skin (I blame the German background) and Rebecca was fortunate enough to inherit more of the Native American skin that runs through John Mark's side of the family. Regardless of your skin type though, proper sun care is of utmost importance for our family.

You can imagine how thrilled I was when the Family Review Network asked me to review KINeSYS sunscreen products. They have worked hard to make the ideal sunscreen for your active kids. The kind that doesn't sweat off during the ballgame or wash off in the pool. Here is what the folks at KINeSYS had to say:

“countless tests and trials have led to the KINeSYS line of Performance Sunscreens, which exceed the requirements of professional athletes and active individuals regardless of skill or age.”

So when Regan is running track or Rebecca is playing softball I trust that they will be protected and that is confidence that I have not been able to say about a many sunscreens we have tried before. For and active Family a sunscreen that holds up to South Texas Sun is a must. My girls loved the smell of the spf 30 girl. It is a vanilla green tea scent that just smells yummy.

Want to order KINeSYS? I've got a discount code for you!! Use code BRC10 for 10% off your order, and free shipping on orders over $45 (after discount.) Here is a great tip: they take PayPal, which I personally find so convenient at online retailers.

Want to win your own bottle of KINeSYS. You can win a 4 oz. KIDS SPF30 Alcohol Free Sunscreen Spray and a 4 oz. Performance Moisturizer with SPF 15 to try for yourself. This giveaway is open to US residents only and will be close April 27, midnight CST. If you are entering this giveaway anonymously please leave an email address where you can be reached.

1. Mandatory Entry: Got to the KINeSYS site and tell me another product you like there.
2. Another Entry, become a follower of my blog/ or Twitter Follower and leave me a separate comment letting me know you are.
3. Another Entry, Tweet about this post and leave me a copy in a separate comment
4. Post my button on your sidebar and leave me the link in a separate comment
5. Post about this giveaway and leave me the link in a separate comment.
   
   
   
   

Walgreens and The Take Care Recovery Plan

I love it when corporate America reaches out to those who have been touched by this recession, and I wanted to make sure this did not go unnoticed. Just recently I was fortunate to hear about a Partnership with Walgreens and Take Care Health Systems. They are working together to make sure that everyone who has lost their jobs with this economic downturn now does not have to worry about medical coverage.
They have launched the Take Care Recovery Plan to offer free healthcare services at Take Care Clinics through out the rest of 2009 to all patients and their families, who have lost their jobs on or after March 31, 2009 and have no health insurance benefits. Now you do not have to worry about how you will pay for a family doctor visit on unemplyment. It just makes me proud when companies step in where they see a need and help out their fellow Americans. Please if you know someone who qualifies for this let them know.

Queen of the Time Wasters

Well it is raining buckets, and we are currently stuck indoors...which just makes me fidgety. You would think I would challenge the dust build-up happening around me or begin the battle of the laundry....but instead...

I thought it would be more fun to wash my hair in the rain water with the girls. So we all have super soft shiny hair.

Next we made popcorn and watched "Made of Honor" while our hair dries.

Then we put some big red plastic cups outside to gather rainwater to drink.

I managed to scrapbook three pages.

Now I am wasting time here, and scouring the online market for zero radius sinks because John Mark mentioned when we build our next house sometime next year he wanted industrial sized sinks to wash his barbecue gear in.

I am the Queen of Time Wasters.....anyone want to challenge me on that?

I don't really care...I have a game of Yahtzee to play.

My Blogging Children

My girls have taken over my much ignored site Mom Tidings with the intention of starting their own blogging phenomena. Here are their goals:

1. To get more followers than mom
2. To get cool stuff to review
3. To Vlog and have their own webisodes like "Fred" and "ICarly".
4. To have a much better name than "Mom Tidings" but for now they are stuck with the URL, cuz I won't buy them one when we already have one not being used.
5. To show kids that cerebral palsy is not a disability but a talent to be shared.

To be honest I have mixed emotions about this. As much as I keep my girls very protected Small town....even smaller school...Limited Internet Access....and plenty of wholesome after school and evening activities. On the other hand I want them to have a voice that can be heard. I want to raise strong empowered girls who can be good role models while having fun. Especially Regan who would like more people to know her and how her disability affects her life. So I am entering this cautiously. Their first post is up, and they are looking for help with a new blog title.....please go help them out so they know I have spread the word for them today.

This weekend they are redesigning the background, and working on more posts (I think introductions about themselves). I have decided to have full editorial control, and all comments will be monitored before being posted. The email address to contact them will also be mine.
I will allow them to have PR because they have great opinions that I use all the time.....but I will be overseeing everything.

And finally if you have kids about their age could you send them by the site (maybe over the weekend) so they can get to know them. By the way if you decide to become a follower be forewarned...They can be Drama Queens especially Rebecca.

Nothing Rhymes with Palsy

Regan and I were trying to come up with something that rhymed with Palsy (as in Cerebral Palsy)for a poem. I really don't thank her school would appreciate the fact that I could only think of "ballsy".....so we decided to just say CP to rhyme it with the "p" part which then extends the possibilities to all kinds of stuff. Thank goodness she doesn't have something impossible to rhyme with like mesothelioma or we would be completely stuck.

Those of you who are interested in knowing whether or not she loved her song...the answer is unequivocally....YES! In fact it is played daily (several times) until I have to put a stop to it, and then she sneaks on YouTube to play it some more with the slide show. She has deemed it the best gift We have ever given her....that is until this morning.

Both of my girls are really interested in Blogging so I have told them they can share and take over my much neglected second site. This weekend they plan on giving it a new makeover and a new name so look for life from a 10 and 13 yr old perspective, but still under mom's watchful eye. I told them I would be keeping very close tabs and still have full editing control. Should be interesting if nothing else. On the car ride to school they were planning jokes to post, and funny stories.

You have been officially forewarned.

Happy Tax Day

Today is my 14 year anniversary. I wish I could say my style has changed much, but my hair is still same color, same length, and I still think nothing can beat a strand of pearls to show just the right touch of jewelry. I am so happy that I have found my love and I can't wait to see what we still have to look forward to in the future.

And yes, I did have an outdoor April wedding where I could enjoy my favorite Texas wildflowers as my landscape.

And again, Yes....it is on purpose that it is Tax Day....that way my sweetheart always remembers Taxes are due....and so is my gift!

Tuesday and Contemplating

I actually should get the official random Tuesday meme that is floating around blogosphere...but for some reason I am lazy this morning, and can't be bothered. I am so completely sidetracked with obsessively reading through the Pitch Bloggers forum, and finally figuring out how to use Twitter successfully that I can't be bothered with much else.

In honor of my sheer laziness, I have decided to let my dirt and dust just mingle and cohabitate. Then one day they will give birth to new dust (and possibly a bit of mold and mildew). Then they can have big family reunions at my house. If I believe Dr. Suess and "Horton Hears a Who" then in reality I am saving millions of lives by not cleaning my house this morning.

Here is my final contemplation....Tomorrow is my anniversary, and I was thinking (don't get to excited) of posting one of my wedding pictures. So technically in my wordless/wordful Wednesday post you could see a picture of me for the first time in blogosphere.....but it would not be recent....and I am still contemplating. The problem is while I have a beautiful family, I am the unphotogenic one of the bunch (just ask my family...they will tell you). SO as I said it is just a contemplation, I'll decide later...after I watch the dust/dirt porn that is swirling around me.

Oh wait....one more rambling: don't you hate it when you have a zit right inside your nostril? You really can't mess with it because it looks like you are picking your nose, and it is really a painful location. Time to break out Acnetix, and hopefully that will do the trick....You would think at 36 I would be so past that stage.

Etsy Review and Giveaway: Crown Bindery

You know less than a year ago I became aware of the whole Etsy phenomena. It is amazing I hadn't discovered this gem of a shopping resource before then. I am in awe of all the artisans and what they are capable of.

A few weeks ago I zipped up to Austin to help my sweet sister Jennifer at a small craft fair for her MOPS (mothers of pre-schoolers) group. Jennifer and I had a table filled with hair bows, belts and buckles, and tutus. We spent the morning selling like crazy...but then came the great part...I actually got to wander and shop for myself. I fell in love with a booth called Crown Bindery and met the owner Carla. I was sitting there gushing over her binders and how absolutely gorgeous they were, when I subtly (okay not so subtle...ooops) mentioned I had a review blog that these would be awesome for.

Boy, was I in luck, because Carla, and her fabulous Etsy shop Crown Bindery had actually worked with a few bloggers, and she was thrilled to have me look at her binders, and review them. Can I just tell you this binder has become a desktop staple for me....what do I use it for?

Review blogging of course. Every time a company sends me their stat sheets along with their product, then I punch holes in the stat sheet and add them to the binder for when I need them. That way, I do not lose any of my paperwork, and all my information is handy right next to my computer. The girls have requested their own for school because they are so stylish. Carla mentioned to me how great they are for all kinds of things such as recipes and Bible studies, but really the possibilities are endless.

Crown Bindery is willing to give one of my readers a 9x11 binder of their choice. This giveaway is open to United States residents only. Please if you are commenting anonymously leave your email address so that I may get a hold of you. This giveaway will end April 20 at midnight CST

1.Mandatory First Entry: Visit Crown Bindery, and let me know what other products that you like at her site.
2. Next entry:Become a follower and leave me a separate comment telling me you are.
3. Extra entry:Twitter this giveaway and leave a copy of your tweet in a separate comment
4. Another entry:Put my button on your sidebar and leave me a separate comment
5. Final entry: blog about this giveaway, and leave me the URL in a separate comment

Xanax take me away!

Well we are looking at a four day Easter weekend but the way the girls are fighting....well I wish school was in session tomorrow. For some reason this is just one of those evenings where everything gets to them. The constant bickering, whining, and pettiness has me wishing John Mark hadn't returned all the unused Xanax to his mother.

See, being the very sweet and loving mother that she is she was concerned that her son's mental state was deteriorating along with the economy....and yes it has been very difficult, so she loaned us a few emergency pills. John Mark promptly stored them in a cupboard never to be used. But it got me thinking......why?

I hear that they help relieve stress and tension. I hear that they can make you a little sleepy. I hear that life just slips by while you remain blissfully unaware....and right now that sounds pretty darned good.

I would like to be blissfully unaware that:

1. I don't have my Easter stuff organized for my mom's house on Sunday.
2. I still need to clean several rooms and finish laundry
3. I need to get paid for several private mascot lessons
4. I need to finish some major scrapbooking for clients

I just don't think Calgon is going to cut it this evening.....but in the meantime my MIL had asked if those pills had ever been put to use, and when we admitted that no they had not....she promptly asked for their return (I don't blame her...if they are as great as that).

I think a stiff drink, and an early bedtime will have to suffice.

Tiny Prints: Communion Giveaway

I am a really big fan of the Tiny Prints company and just this week had placed an order with them to get Rebecca her camp stationary and address labels to make her letter writing a breeze. While I was perusing the site I came across all of their stunning Communion Invitations. You know it is that time of year again, and we live in a town that is predominantly Catholic. It never fails that every year we have a First Communion mass to attend and a party afterwards.

This year it will be for the daughter of my good friend Kelly. She has found the perfect dress, planned the celebration, and now it is time to get the invitations out. I know exactly where I will suggest she go to. Look at those gorgeous examples of Invitations I found at Tiny Prints. I know this will be a very special day for their family, and setting the tone for it with the right invitation makes all the difference.

Tiny Prints is offering one of my readers a $50 gift certificate to spend at their website. Perhaps you have something special coming up? Or maybe you just want to order fun stationary like I am getting for Rebecca. This giveaway is open to United States residents only. It will close April 18 at midnight CST. Remember if you are commenting anonymously I have to have an email address to reach you at.

1.Mandatory First Entry: Register at Tiny Prints or Log on if already a member and save a favorite design in your account. Then come back and tell me what you saved in a comment.
2. Next entry:Become a follower and leave me a separate comment telling me you are.
3. Extra entry:Twitter this giveaway and leave a copy of your tweet in a separate comment
4. Another entry:Put my button on your sidebar and leave me a separate comment
5. Final entry: blog about this giveaway, and leave me the URL in a separate comment

A Heart-Wrenching but Glorious Olympics

We had a wonderful time last Friday at Regan's track meet.
It was a day of joy and tears.
The games started off with the parade of athletes. Three different teams entered the competition, and marched with their banners. You can see Regan with her team the Knights.

Then came the passing of the torch when different children ran a quarter of the track accompanied by a police officer or firefighter. The stands were full of kids from the loal elementary and junior high school. Even the town mayor, and city council came out to support the track meet. The games this year were held in memory of a teammate who had lost his life to pneumonia around Christmas time, and you could hear the quiet crying as his family and friends dedicated the day to his memory.


Regan's first event was the tennis ball throw for distance. She really does well at this, and she spent quite a bit of time stretching her arms to get ready to throw.Her entire grade from her school came out to watch as a morning field trip (Yup, all eight of them...lol). It was really great to get the support of her school and classmates. They were her own personal entourage and cheerleaders. We also had several friends who took time from work and home duties to come out and watch Regan during her events. It is a real testament to how many people she has touched, and how many friends she has. Well after a first place medal at tennis ball, we watched several of her teammates until lunchtime.


During lunchtime they had some hip-hop music playing over the loud speakers, and several of the high school volunteers took out the special needs kids on the track to dance with them. One of the parents told me that the local high school would be having senior prom the next day, so this was almost like an impulsive mini-prom. It was a blast, and Regan never needs an excuse to get down and boogie. Of course I broke into tears again when a slower country song was played, and several of the high school "jock type" football boys and cheerleaders, asked the high school kids with down syndrome to dance. It was again unexpected and beautiful.


After lunch it was time for Regan's race, and she asked me to lock her wheels on her walker so that she would run a straight line. After a little hesitation I complied with her request, because we had never locked her wheels in her new walker, and I knew she hadn't practiced running that way. I asked her if she was sure, and she said emphatically again "yes mom, I want my wheels locked". So with wheels locked she got behind the starting line, and I went to wait behind the finish line, to get pictures and meet her when she was done.


Well, due to her wheels being locked, she kept tripping and not able to adjust her walker. She must have fallen to her knees on that hard track at least ten times before crossing the finish line. Her knees were all scraped up, and she was crying, because she had always done really well at running her race....and today was not her day. She cried out of anger, and embarrassment, although I assured her everyone was very proud of her. It took us a while and some quiet time for her to finally get back in the right frame of mind. My heart hurt for her being so angry at her feet and her walker, for not cooperating with what her head and heart wanted to do. It was a hard lesson for both of us, because I could not go out and rescue her.....she just had to get through it.


The day then took a turn for the better when Regan reconnected with one of her camp counselors from Texas Elks Camp, and he had her laughing and turning her focus to this summer and all of her wonderful activities to come. He was an angel at just the right time. Regan ended with a great day, and has proudly worn her medals to church on Sunday, and again to school yesterday. She is wanting to practice her running more, so that she will not make those mistakes again.

LemonHead Kidz Hair Flair Giveaway

The LemonHead Kidz company also make non-slip hairclips that will satisfy mom's whose children have the finest hair. It is difficult to find hairclips that work with children with fine hair. Their Clipeez do a great job, and are beautiful. The felt flower clip that was sent to me, was of such high quality, that I can't wait to add it to my baby niece's Easter Basket, because it will work in her hair very nicely.

The wonderful people at LemonHead Kidz has agreed to send one lucky reader their very own Bandeez and Clipeez to try out for themselves. This giveaway will be open to United States residents only. If you comment anonymously please leave an email address where you can be reached. This Giveaway will end on April 17, 2009 at midnight CST.

1. Mandatory First Entry: Go to LemonHead Kidz and tell me what your favorite Bandeez pattern or Clipeez design are.
2. Next entry:Become a follower and leave me a separate comment telling me you are.
3. Extra entry:Twitter this giveaway and leave a copy of your tweet in a separate comment
4. Another entry:Put my button on your sidebar and leave me a separate comment
5. Final entry: blog about this giveaway, and leave me the URL in a separate comment

Clorox Wipes Giveaway

Speaking of winning...Wouldn't you love to have your own little piece of Clorox decor for your counter? I am giving away three coupons each for a free container of Clorox wipes. This Giveaway is open to United States residents only. I will have three winners on this giveaway. If you are posting anonymously please leave your email address so that I have a way to get in touch with you. This giveaway will end April 16, 2009 at midnight CST

1. Mandatory First Entry: Leave me a comment on which canister look you love best.
2. next entry:Become a follower and leave me a separate comment telling me you are.
3. extra entry:Twitter this giveaway and leave a copy of your tweet in a separate comment
4. another entry:Put my button on your sidebar and leave me a separate comment
5. final entry: blog about this giveaway, and leave me the URL in a separate comment

One..Two...Tie my Shoe!

Want to Win these for your pre-schooler/kindergartner.....or challenged older child? Then comment away, and solve those shoe tying disasters in no time.

This giveaway is open to United States residents only, and will close April 15th at Midnight CST. If you are posting anonymously then please leave your email address so that I can get a hold of you.

1. Mandatory entry: Visit Tie Buddies and tell me something you learned from the site.....and whether you want the girl or boy version.
2. Become a follower of this blog , and leave a separate comment letting me know
3. Twitter this giveaway and leave me a copy of your tweet in a separate comment
4. Put a copy of my button on your sidebar, and let me know in a separate comment
5. Post about this giveaway and leave me a separate comment with the link

Thank you so much to Family Review Network for putting me together with this product, that really made such a difference for us.

25 Randomicity (Yes I made the word up....so there)

One of my darling fellow Texas bloggers (props to all my lone star gals) Brandie from Come Via our House has challenged me to be random in 25 different ways. I am so up to that challenge ( I hope I don't scare any of you off).

1. I miss the Jehovah's Witnesses that used to come by once a month....I guess they have finally decided I was nonconvertible....but it was so sweet of them to be so persistant and try.
2. I am super psyched to see that I have reached 200 followers....my family wishes I would blog less, and facebook instead.....NOT HAPPENING!
3. My sister is my complete sounding board for everything. She is so awesome!
4. My brother should listen to us and go on Match.com or Eharmony...he is quite a catch!
5. My favorite phrase at the moment is "Holy Guacamole"....not sure why, guess because I am not much of a cusser.
6. How sad that the only way I am getting my next spa day is that Regan did so well on her report card, I convinced John Mark that would be the perfect treat for her was a mani/pedi....and of course while I took her, I should get something done as well.
7. I can't seem to get into dinner time lately....which is great for my waistline, but poor on the good mothering side of life.
8. My Ice Cream party from Haagen Dazs somehow turned into a party with 7 ten year olds and two 13 year olds......ummmmmm that is "my" ice cream
9. The girl's school has nominated me for volunteer of the year for pretty much running the gifted and talented program for the last two years....honestly I am embarrassed that I would rather see a paycheck from it and call it "substitute teaching" instead of some sort of plaque.
10. I am taking Regan to get her hair cut in the morning so that she doesn't look quite so shaggy in all of her Special Olympics pictures I am taking taking.
11. I realized from my small trip to Disney, that I should travel much more than I do....cuz I am checking airline prices all the time looking for a good deal. Anyone want a visitor? I have a passport...and can travel
12. With Easter coming next week, I need to focus on what to put in eggs, and 16 Easter baskets......yes that was 16!
13. Want to know how many of those baskets are for kids? ummmmm well just four (and Claire is newborn so she might not count)
14. Hence another random wacky fact about my family...Everyone always gets their own Easter Baskets and Christmas Stockings filled with stuff....so I need mature goodies for most of the baskets.
15. I am glad Rebecca is no longer socially grounded...because I miss all the kids that are at my house every weekend. we usually have 2-4 extras at any given time. It has actually been a little quiet this month.
16. Did you know I am pretty talented at Origami? I can make about 10 items with a piece of paper, which is always entertaining with church bulletins when kids get fidgety
17. I have several hundred books in my personal library, and find myself with nothing to read at the moment, and nothing i feel like re reading.
18. I really need someone to order from my library on paperbackswap.com so I can earn me some credits
19. I find I am always on the lookout for other Texas bloggers or cerebral palsy mom bloggers, it is not that I feel like those are exclusive clubs or anything...I am just drawn to those women for some reason.
20. I wish I had gotten the flu or a good virus this winter...just because those are a great quick weight loss program, and a perfect excuse to lie in bed for a couple of days....but alas, i am healthy as can be LOL
21. Oh, almost forgot....I found my first official gray hair the other day ...I guess at 36, that would be the norm...still processing it honestly.
22. I have cravings for bacon egg and cheese breakfast tacos on homemade tortillas....I have to really focus that I don't spend money in the mornings buying breakfast when I have perfectly good things to eat at home for way cheaper.
23. Speaking of money, I am a complete Dave Ramsey addict and will tear up on Fridays listening to all the people with their debt free calls. I am always so happy for them.
24. I wish that I was going to BlogHer or one of those other amazing conventions because it would be such a blast and a great learning experience.....doesn't anyone want to sponsor me?
25. Oh and finally........I am trying to come to terms with the way photograph, so that I will eventually be brave enough to post a picture of myself on here....but, have such a big personality, that pictures to me just fall flat, and I never like them. Maybe I should have my readers draw pictures of what they think I might look like, and email them to me and I will post those....ooooh that could be fun, and interesting

Okay Brandie that is enough randomness to satisfy any reader...anyone interested in being stretched to the randomicity limit?

Evoking Mail Envy

I have previously posted about how much I love my mail. In fact I have put quite a few of my friends into permanent mail envy. Almost daily, I receive some sort of freebie, item to review, or just cool stuff. I am known to stalk check my mail box from 10 a.m. until Cindy (awesome mailperson extraordinaire) finally arrives with my daily stash.

And if UPS or FedEx should happen to show up I am a quivery mess with excitement....as was the case today! I had FedEx email me yesterday that a package would be arriving today from a company......and boy was I excited. "Please just get here before noon" has been my mantra all morning, because after that I am not home til nearly 7 pm because of the girls school gifted program, and my gym coaching schedule.

No need to worry....Fed Ex arrived with my lovely package from.....

Haagen-Dazs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Review: Life On Record

I truly love going out of my way to get the people I love not just gifts, but experiences. I am just not that into "stuff" as I am into making memories and preserving them. Which is why when Family Review Network asked me if I would be interested in reviewing Life On Record I jumped at the opportunity.

Basically they have the same philosophy of giving a unique gift that I do. It should be something special that you have a verbal memory of what is happening around you to preserve the voices of your loved ones, to have an everlasting gift.
For example, looking for the perfect Mother's day gift? Set up Life On Record with your greeting introducing all your callers to your purpose. Then when family, and friends call in they can leave a story that is poignant or funny. A great memory to share about that person or how they make you feel. Your recipient will have a permanent record of what an impact they have made here on earth. How much they mean to those around them. Who could ask for a better gift than that.

Once all of the messages have been recorded, you can choose to purchase the set of audio recordings on CD from LifeOnRecord® or you can download them to your iTunes account to create the CD yourself.

Who wouldn't want such a personal and memorable gift, who in your life could you do this for?

Regan's Song of Love

I am keeping a secret so SSSSSSHHHHHHH!

In Regan's Easter Basket she is getting her very own song.

Songs of Love is a charitable organization devoted to providing personalized songs to children and young adults who are facing difficult medical challenges.

I found out about it several weeks ago when I was reading about the foundation on my friend Colleen's blog The Princess and the Monkey. She is wonderful to read and has the added challenge of having two precious children with special needs. She also has a huge talent for finding really cool stuff like Songs of Love. As soon as I had heard Kennedy's song, I knew I wanted one for Regan, and filled out an online application with the foundation. A few weeks later they called to interview us about Regan's personality, what type of music she likes, and her hobbies.

They have captured her perfectly in song, and I am so excited! Enjoy!

Here are the Lyrics so you can sing along....It's quite catchy!

Feel the rhythm, feel the beat

running on the track

This girl's so sweet, Regan

Shaking her hips

watching Cheerleader flips

She's liking the dance

Let the 8-count rip, Regan

Regan

Are you catching my groove

This girl can move

She's a whole lotta fun

Yeah, she's cool Regan

(Chorus)

Regan, You are loved by your family

and Regan, you're special most definitely

Rebecca, Mom, and Dad, Yeah they believe

You're the girl who rocks the world

Come on Say it with me

Go Regan

This funloving gal is a fun loving pal

Just ask her friends what I'm talking about, Regan

Jesus is the way, she's at church Sunday

She's diggin tap and she's diggin ballet, Regan

Regan

I'm speaking truth

It is time to prove you love this girl

Let's see you move for Regan

(Chorus)