Happy Valentine's Day

He loves me!!!

After 20 3/4 years of marriage, I'm pleased to say he STILL loves me!

Happy Valentine's Day from our house to yours...

Now, go eat some chocolate. :-)

We laughed until we cried...

A couple days ago, Andrew turned on the TV and it happened to be on the channel that Ellen DeGeneres' show is on. The first words we heard were the first words of the first Clumsy Thumbsy...we had shocked faces until we realized what it was.


Then we started laughing...and couldn't stop. We were laughing so hard we brought Sean down from the office to see what manner of comedic attack we were under. Andrew & I kept watching this segment over and over...and still kept laughing. So now he keeps saying to me, "Great news! Grandma..." and he leaves it right there. And we giggle all over.


So grab a tissue because if this strikes your funny bone, you'll be laughing until you cry. Enjoy!!


I'm still laughing...

Wordless Wednesday

Life is not measured by

the number of breaths we take,

But by the moments

that take our breath away.

Rebekah and Nathan put on a fashion show. They used the nap mat as a 'runway' and Nathan helped dress Rebekah. They also dressed up a toy bunny. Nathan made the bunny a skirt out of silly bands. 

He was the judge of the fashion show. It ended up being a tie.

Here's Master Stylist Nathan (holding Rebekah's microphone that he 'announced' with) and one of the winners of the fashion show. (The other winner is the blue bunny in the background over Nathan's shoulder.)

What can I say---a beauty queen and the man who put her look together.

I'm so proud

**Sniff**

Wipes tear from eye...

Make a Weeknight Dinner Special Review and Rafflecopter Giveaway

I had the pleasure to try the brand new Bertolli Meal Soups. There are currently four flavors available:  Chicken Minestrone, Roasted Chicken & Rotini Pasta, Tomato Florentine & Tortellini with Chicken, and Tuscan-Style Beef with Vegetables. The Bertolli Meal Soups are touted as the soup that makes a meal. I know I can make a meal out of soup, but after twenty years of marriage to Sean, I know his response. "Soup is NOT a meal!" 


Can I tell you that I almost fell out of my chair when Mr. Soup is NOT a meal told me, "I can't believe I'm saying this...but that soup really filled me up. It was hearty enough for a meal." Wowza!!! 


I participated in the Weeknight Meal Challenge (which I did on Saturday night--because it worked for me) where I had one hour to cook the meal and side dishes and create a festive atmosphere for the presentation. I was able to get the meal done and on the table (with candles for ambiance) in only 32 minutes. 

The Bertolli Meal Soups are a frozen soup mix so it is found in your grocers freezer aisle. I tried the Roasted Chicken and Rotini Pasta meal. You put 1 cup of water in your pot, then add the package straight from the freezer. The broth has been frozen into cubes and all the meats and vegetables are flash frozen so they are fresh when you cook them. I took photos of the initial meal in the soup pot, then partway through cooking and my final masterpiece. The serving suggestion for this Bertolli Meal Soup was to pair it with Italian bread. I paired it with Everything Bread because it is what I had on hand. It was a really nice complement to the soup. I toasted the slices and we ate that with our meal. Each package of Bertolli Soup Meals serves two. That was fine with Sean and I because our kids don't eat soup. While I made our soup meal, I made mac and cheese on the other burner and even making two items I was done and on the table in only 32 minutes. 


Some of the longest parts of the process were cleaning off the kitchen table so I could set it nicely with our matching plates and add candles. I stirred the soup occasionally and was even able to get the drinks put on the table while the meal was cooking so it was a fast prep and serve. 

More about the Bertolli Meal Soups from the Bertolli company:
Bertolli Frozen Meal Soups are hearty and fresh-tasting with vegetables, meats, pasta and herbs individually flash frozen at the peak of freshness.

Bertolli Frozen Meal Soups are available in the frozen food aisle, and can be prepared on your stovetop in minutes.

With robust flavors and rich textures, new Bertolli Frozen Meal Soups are available in four varieties.

Would you like to try a Bertolli Frozen Meal Soup for yourself? I have a Rafflecopter giveaway going on the blog that ends on February 17. Take some time to make a pot of soup into a romantic meal. If you are receiving this by email, click here to go to the webpage and enter.

Tips on Tuesday: Never Underestimate the Power in an Hour

The past few weeks, I have gotten back to one of my first loves--volunteering in my children's classrooms. Mainly, I've been in Kindergarten.  I love those little smiling faces with hair falling in their eyes, shirts skewed a little and the girls with their 'bling'. I get to read with them...or listen as they read to me. And they are READING to me!!! 


Does anyone else remember being in kindergarten when the biggest thing you had to learn in the year was how to share the crayons? We're halfway through the year and they know the letters and the phonetic sounds and they string it all together to read words. Now I get to listen and ask questions to help them learn to comprehend what they are reading. Just saying words isn't going to cut it. What do the words put together mean?


It's fascinating. It's fun. It's also very interesting--in a good way. They have insights that you can't believe. They tell me about their mommy and daddy and pets. Maybe a little about their siblings. Sometimes they show me their new clothes or hairdo. And spending five minutes listening to them and letting them read and giving a high five for a job well done is all it takes to put a big smile on their faces. 


You can't buy this kind of joy in a store. And what makes me sad is how many other rooms that do not have a mommy or a daddy or a grandma or a friend of children to come and listen. I am taking one hour out of my week. It's only 60 minutes. I can only get to about 10 kids in that time slot. But what a return on my investment. I give an hour, some high fives, praise and smiles and I am rewarded with precious stories, gap-toothed grins and the knowledge that the next generation will have 20 students who love to read. All because I took an hour.


So here's my challenge to you--what's your excuse? Maybe kids isn't your thing. But the library needs help to shelve books. Soup kitchens need help serving meals. Food pantries need people to put cans on a shelf. Make a goal and find a way to give to someone or something else. Get out and see the bigger picture.


The photo below is from the Successories store. I bought this exact postcard when I was first married and too poor to afford the framed print. That card has stayed on my desk for over 20 years now. It gets lost in the shuffle and then reappears at different times. And every time I see it, I take a moment to think about my own priorities. And I'm thrilled to note that I think this world really and truly will be a better place because I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that I'm important in the lives of some children. Not just my three biological children, but for this year it's 20 kindergartners (and 21 fourth graders). 

"A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, 

the sort of house I live in, or the kind of car I drove...but the world 

may be different because I was important in the life of a child."

Wordless Wednesday

Life is not measured 

by the number of breaths we take, 

but by the moments 

that take our breath away.

 Rebekah wanted a Happy Napper for Christmas. She didn't get one on Christmas day, but when we got home and opened presents here, there was one under the tree.

For those who don't know, a Happy Napper is a pillow and a pet (but not a Pillow Pet--that's different). The pet comes inside a house with a doorbell that works. Then you unzip the door, turn it inside out and it becomes the pet. Unzip the flap again and turn it inside out so that you have the house again.

Rebekah got the ladybug in the pink house. When you ring her doorbell, you hear the ladybug snoring.

The day after she got her Happy Napper, she was carrying it around and told me, 

"Mommy, I've ALWAYS wanted a Happy Napper. Now my life is complete!"

There you have it. 

Nirvana at age 5...because she has a Happy Napper. 

So glad that $19.99 made her whole world complete. 

Whew! That was easier than I thought. (giggle)

And here's princess Rebekah who had a sick day on Friday. She fell asleep on her Happy Napper while watching TV and her brothers were at their piano lesson. We walked into this precious scene on our couch. 

Tips on Tuesday: Walk a Mile in Someone's Shoes

The past few weeks, it has become more and more clear to me. I have been reconnecting with people after the holidays and some folks I haven't seen in a while. And each person, no matter how polished and cheerful they appear to be, is going through 'stuff'. What I'm learning is that everyone is going through 'stuff'...and usually it is 'BIG STUFF'. And while my BIG STUFF might seem manageable to me--I'm learning it's still big, it's still stuff and it affects my interactions with others.


I'm also learning that everyone I'm talking to is going through their own BIG STUFF and it affects them. Some react better than others. But when I find out that the person who was a little snippy with me learned that a father/mother/sister/brother is battling cancer and there are more unknowns that known, I can forgive a little easier. And when people share their stuff with me, I sometimes marvel at the fact that they are still standing. I often think that if I had to go through their stuff, I'd be crushed and couldn't cope. Yet, when I share my stuff, I often hear people tell me, "I couldn't ever do what you're doing." But here I am...doing what I do...and trying to keep myself upbeat.


I'm sure you're wondering what the point of all of this rambling is. I'm glad you asked. If each of us would accept the fact that everyone we meet is going through BIG STUFF in their life, couldn't we be a little more kind to each other. If we give out a little more grace and a little less judgement, would it be easier to get through our own BIG STUFF? 

Here's my thought for today...and tomorrow...and the day after that...

Tips on Tuesday: I resolve...

Well, another new year has begun and it seem like everyone is talking about their New Year's Resolutions. I have a fairly strict policy of no New Year's Resolutions. I find them to generally be made with no real belief that they will be accomplished.

I've always believed in a more goal-oriented style. I tend to set my goals to run with the school year and add a few minor ones over summer vacation. This year, however, finds me in a place of quandary. I worked a part-time job for the Christmas season and found that for six weeks, my goals (and most of my life) had to be put on hold while I just tried to keep clean clothes on my kids and food on our table. 

So this year, I am NOT making any resolutions. I AM making goals to carry me to the end of the school year. I'm a firm believer in using the SMART goal-setting method. 

Is your goal:

1. Specific (What exactly will you accomplish?)

2. Measurable (How will you know when you've reached the goal?)

3. Achievable (Is the goal realistic to achieve with effort and commitment?)

4. Relevant (How is this goal significant to your life?)

5. Timely (When will the goal be achieved?)

I'm setting some goals to get my house back in order after six weeks of neglect. I'm setting a goal for cleaning out kid closets and getting a specific number of items prepared to sell at the spring consignment sale I participate in. I'm also setting a goal to reconnect with friends--which means I make some time for me. 

I hope you will create or take some time to check in on your goals. Are you moving towards where you want to be? Keep me posted on your progress. I'll let you know how things are going here, too.

Happy New Year 2012

Wishing you and yours a 

Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Merry Christmas 2011

I've always loved this scene from the Peanuts Christmas Special. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas Eve

Remember the reason for the season.

Merry Christmas!

Oral B Stages & Crest and Oral B Pro-Health FOR ME Review

We came, we ate, we watched, we talked about brushing and we had a ton of fun.

I invited over some of my mommy friends and their children. We had a chance to watch the movie "Cars 2" and munch on popcorn and other goodies. While the kids watched the movie, us moms had fellowship--the most important thing this time of year!! We talked about oral hygiene and talked about the pros and cons of toothbrushes, toothpaste, flossing, etc. The younger girls and boys LOVED their Disney Oral B Stages toothbrushes. With beloved Disney characters, we all agreed it encourages them to brush. 


One of the fun facts was that you should start taking your kids to the dentist by the age of 2. Most of the moms didn't know that. There were also very few who know that you should start brushing teeth/gums by about 4 months of age. Also, did you realize that even young children are allowed to use toothpaste? The most important thing is to make sure the portion size of your toothpaste is small enough. The size of a pea is a good rule of thumb to follow. 

The little ones also got a sample of the Cars 2 Gummy Vitamins. They were yummy--and good for you. I tried them too and decided they sure taste better than the multi-vitamins I had to take when I was a child. 




Since I also have tweens and teens, we also got samples of the Oral B Toothbrushes that are Stage 4 for the older kids and Crest Pro-Health FOR ME toothpaste. The older kids like the toothbrushes with the cool designs on the toothbrush. I have discovered that my tween and teen  prefer how clean their mouth feels when using the Pro-Health for Me toothpaste. They like the updated look of the packaging that is more appropriate for an older child. We also tried out the flossers. The little ones thought the Disney Princess and Cars flossers made flossing more fun. The older kids liked how easy their "FOR ME" flossers were to handle. 


There was a flashcard game included and I used it to help giveaway some of the other prizes at the party. Overall, we had a fun time, we learned better ways to care for our children's teeth and we got to watch a movie and socialize. What a great day!

Be sure to check out Oral-B Stages online!
http://www.oralb.com/stages/

You can also "Like" them on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/oralb

Be sure to follow  @OralB and @Crest on Twitter

Thanks again to Mommy Parties!
http://www.mommyparties.com/

Thanks to Mommyparties, Oral B and Crest, we had a great time getting together. 

Disclosure: All products were provided to me at no charge by Oral-B, Crest and MommyParties in exchange for hosting a party and sharing these great products. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Thanksgiving from our house to yours. Here's a great song Matthew West created for KLOVE Radio. 

Enjoy--and Gobble Gobble!!!

Winner: Mickey Mouse Band Aids

Congratulations to Tiramisu. She won the Mickey Mouse Band Aids.

Remember the Xia-Xia Giveaway ends tonight and...

If you drink coffee--be sure to keep an eye out on this blog this weekend. I've got a review and giveaway that you're gonna love!!!

The Newest Addition to our Family

Could it be a girl???

Maybe it's a boy??

Ready to find out???

It's a...

Honda Odyssey. 

My former van was starting to show its age and needed some major repairs. We had reached that point in time where it was better to take the money and get a newer van.

It's a black Odyssey with the Navigation Pack (which means the back up camera that I like because I have a hard time seeing out the back window in reverse). There's also the optional eighth seat which is critical in our carpool endeavors.

We hope to have many years and lots of adventures together. :-)

Heelys Roll into Our Home

My boys have wanted Heelys for quite a while, but I wasn't sure they would really enjoy them so I've always waffled on them. When Heelys contacted me about a potential review, I jumped at the chance. I got a pair of Heelys for Nathan to try out. He was so excited when they came in the mail. He couldn't wait to put them on. He picked out the style called "The Edge" which is a navy pair of shoes with yellow trim. 

Now, keep in mind, Nathan has worked hard during OT to gain strength in his limbs and to improve balance. He's doing so well now, but Heelys is a new challenge for him. He is learning how to balance himself on his heels while rolling. He does better right now if he holds his scooter handles and keeps the scooter between his feet. It gives him more balance to make him roll faster. He's now working on rolling without his scooter. (He wouldn't let me take pictures of him using the scooter, so don't ask.)


I got great news from Heelys that I can share with you. Heelys is throwing a Black Friday special!!! Between November 25--November 28, buy any pair of Heelys, get a second pair for $25. Or buy a Nano and get a pair of shoes for $25, and get free ground shipping on all orders! Head over to Heelys.com to take advantage of this great deal.

Also, be sure to check out the Heelys Playbook which includes safety information. There are also some how to videos and videos showing how to do tricks in your Heelys. Check out the videos at the Heelys site. 




Nathan gives Heelys an enthusiastic Thumbs Up!!

Disclosure: I was provided a pair of Heelys for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

DaGeDar Coming to Nintendo DS - Review

 Have you heard? DaGeDar, the popular ball bearing racing game is now going to be available on Nintendo DS and DS Lite. If you aren't sure what DaGeDar is, please see my original DaGeDar Review where I shared all about these Ball Bearings from the 33rd Dimension. My kids all loved the original DaGeDar and they were thrilled to get to work with a demo of the new Nintendo DS Game.


The game consists of 30 different ramps and numerous DaGeDar online balls--including some new ones--that you can race. The springs and power-ups give you even more ways to speed along the track to the finish.


From the manufacturer:

Battle it out with your friends or race evil spirits alone; DaGeDar’s virtual raceway will keep you playing for hours. With more than 30 fast and furious raceways, you’ll be looping, dropping, climbing, and banking your way to the end with fury, but watch out for the blocks and gaps in the raceway!  Featuring 100 collectible balls and special, limited edition characters, you’ll have a blast collecting and trading your favorite DaGeDar items.  Whether playing alone or sharing with a friend using the game’s single card download option, the action-packed world of DaGeDar will keep you hungry for more racing, collecting and conquering of evil spirits in a unique 33^rd dimension world. 

Additional DaGeDar game features:·         Collectibles: Unlock and collect up to 100 DaGeDar racing balls, for collectible and trading fun! Special limited edition, cool characters available too!
·         Unique Race Abilities: Each ball carries abilities of Acceleration, Top Speed, Defense and Attack modes.
·         Rewards: Earn DeGaDar points at the end of every race for special rewards and bonuses!

All three of my kids tried the demo game we received and all thought it was really cool. Since it was just a preview, they couldn't access the collectibles and couldn't unlock more tracks and levels. This really frustrated them because we have a highly competitive family. They all agreed that it was fun to have a way to take DaGeDar on the road and they really enjoyed playing it in the car on some car trips. 


From their commentary and my own (failing) attempts to play the game, we found that when we were at home, we'd rather play with the real DaGeDar ball bearings and race them down the ramps. Anytime we were away from home, the Nintendo DS DaGeDar game was a wonderful way to have the opportunity to play the game without taking the toys and gear with us. 


With the game being released just in time for the holidays, you might want to consider this for all your DaGeDar fans. 

Disclosure: I was allowed to use a preview copy of the game for a limited time in order to write this review. No other compensation was given for this post. 

Family Photos 2011

Rebekah and Nathan reminding me...

It DOES take two to tango. 

Rebekah, age 5

Nathan, age 9

Andrew, age 14

The mischievous faces of Rebekah.

Nathan is serious...and quite GQ looking.

Andrew--my first baby--growing up so fast. 

He's gotten to be so handsome.

I love this picture of Sean and I. After 20 years of marriage, he's "Still the One" for me.

He didn't catch my musical reference before so I needed to put it here for him to hear.

Some of my favorite lyrics are, "You're still the one who can make me laugh,

You're still the one who's my better half,

We're still having fun and you're still the one."

Finally--some family photos.

And a few more of the kids being silly. Rebekah wouldn't stop kissing Andrew.

Hope you enjoyed the 2011 edition of Family Photos.