tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3608196374610282912024-02-20T13:09:23.810-08:00Thue CrueAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-51632949142221048962009-11-30T07:30:00.000-08:002009-11-30T07:35:52.948-08:00Christmas for Kids<a href="http://s977.photobucket.com/albums/ae252/thuecrue/Decorated%20images/?action=view¤t=christmas11a.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae252/thuecrue/Decorated%20images/christmas11a.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I am doing a daily feature over on <a href="http://unforgettablechildhood.com/">Unforgettable Childhood</a>: <a href="http://http://unforgettablechildhood.com/christmas-is-for-kids/">Christmas for Kids.</a><br /><br />Each day you can find a new recipe, craft, or family tradition to celebrate the Christmas Season.<br /><br />Subscribe to <a href="http://unforgettablechildhood.com/">Unforgettable Childhood</a> so that you don't miss a single post.<br /><br />Today's feature is a Christmas Countdown Book Basket.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qw6YbGiGRZxtJ4RN691BaznF5smElMVyy77ErJusDH2pQ3CO2B1uU10mZnerF92OdrP5SUzzzuIeC8PpOTquUXLqKZ5hfr5lmrb2YpWLBglzV3Xr4a9XpiG997Vb0QgNYinBbllqP-M/s1600/SV107017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qw6YbGiGRZxtJ4RN691BaznF5smElMVyy77ErJusDH2pQ3CO2B1uU10mZnerF92OdrP5SUzzzuIeC8PpOTquUXLqKZ5hfr5lmrb2YpWLBglzV3Xr4a9XpiG997Vb0QgNYinBbllqP-M/s400/SV107017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409920369327155298" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-79432573012697586082009-10-25T13:32:00.001-07:002009-10-25T13:35:00.401-07:00Unforgettable ChildhoodHave you had a chance to check out <a href="http://unforgettablechildhood.com">Unforgettable Childhood</a> yet? I am busy doing some updating. I have to post about Pumpkin Carving and a Project Runway Birthday Party. . .that should come tonight when I have a few moments. My new blog doesn't have Google Followers so you have to actually subscribe to my reader to get my updates. <br /><br />I hope that it will be a place of fun for your family. I have a lot of holiday posts that I can't wait to share with you! I hope to see you over at <a href="http://unforgettablechildhood.com">Unforgettable Childhood</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-21555913906709788282009-10-01T06:53:00.000-07:002009-10-01T06:57:07.836-07:00NEW Site is Up and Running!The new blog site is up and ready to go! I can't for you to come and explore our <a href="http://unforgettablechildhood.com">new home</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://unforgettablechildhood.com">Unforgettable Childhood</a> is our new domain. The site is still under construction and new exciting changes are still in the works.<br /><br />Please stop by and let me know what you think.<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-13379851162283963672009-09-29T05:32:00.000-07:002009-09-29T05:35:02.726-07:00Change is in the AirI keep talking about change with this blog and it is right around the corner. I decided that with the change from Summer to Fall, I would do some major changes with this blog.<br /><br />I purchased a domain name and I am moving my blog to a new home. As soon as I have it running I will give you the address.<br /><br />I can't wait to reveal the new site and I hope all of you enjoy it!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-69292258461759455142009-09-22T06:26:00.001-07:002009-09-22T06:36:54.049-07:00Amy vs Daisy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Gpxhe9hJMufNmNK3Q74o5bZKpd3SDro5K08IGw8yyE-j2h-0yEk8x70DOwq-0m0WxM6m-jpSbTJyo63BvCzInuBUnNiClLWt7ENU8jBp0jUwjkAOYXCWuCk8Z7ggD00O23GzoyxfBNo/s1600-h/Untitled-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Gpxhe9hJMufNmNK3Q74o5bZKpd3SDro5K08IGw8yyE-j2h-0yEk8x70DOwq-0m0WxM6m-jpSbTJyo63BvCzInuBUnNiClLWt7ENU8jBp0jUwjkAOYXCWuCk8Z7ggD00O23GzoyxfBNo/s400/Untitled-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384283029079666290" /></a><br /><br />As part of my getting away time, I have started a new part-time job as a legal assistant. Yesterday was my first day. I am working out of this lawyer's home office. When I sat down at the computer to start working I couldn't find the wireless mouse. I knew they had one because I had used it the day before. <br /><br />I heard commotion of the dog and cat behind me so I swiveled my chair around. Standing by the table was their big golden lab staring back at me with the computer mouse in her mouth. As soon as I stood up the dog ran around the kitchen table. I would head in one direction and Daisy would head in the other direction. No matter what I said or did, I could not get her to drop the mouse.<br /><br />I finally got really frustrated and went back to the computer. A few minutes later I found the dog underneath a bed with the mouse. She let me take it from her and I finally got to work.<br /><br />So that was my entertaining first day. Did I mention they have a kitten, too. He sits on the desk and watches my fingers fly across the keyboard. I thought that she was going to pounce on them. But, she just laid on top of the papers I was trying to type from.<br /><br />I can't wait to see how the day goes tomorrow. Here is a picture of Daisy from the Fourth of July.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NzQ-tczNDwwtYYsFf4JPVFV8OXdI43lwGRFDGbe2y3Oic8P3yJ-37ELvJ8aCuTe7jkhRZqjSqbN-j-gSorrRRSZx0qn-fVUTGN4xMd6tpfwZiLtSTAoPdwYbWn_6ISvmKO8974TBnUo/s1600-h/SV105187.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NzQ-tczNDwwtYYsFf4JPVFV8OXdI43lwGRFDGbe2y3Oic8P3yJ-37ELvJ8aCuTe7jkhRZqjSqbN-j-gSorrRRSZx0qn-fVUTGN4xMd6tpfwZiLtSTAoPdwYbWn_6ISvmKO8974TBnUo/s400/SV105187.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384284835063519282" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-16322497603585759072009-09-21T04:51:00.000-07:002009-09-21T05:06:21.872-07:00Disco 'til DawnWell, they were not up until dawn, but the did stay up very late.<br /><br />The party was a success. The girls had so much fun and now I can relax another month until the next fall birthday.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmjTD2_OVBOr7zzKm7QxBbwmSMg-iZ0yOJXUwoplKaRNJK9AduepxDXTUqvND59no4taJc6jXZ1UJAxHRaPTxmT49Oy2YG7iDG8UjZSW3fNnXxUsef_zGQrQ8KfJtwieDmlRq4VAivOw/s1600-h/SV106419.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmjTD2_OVBOr7zzKm7QxBbwmSMg-iZ0yOJXUwoplKaRNJK9AduepxDXTUqvND59no4taJc6jXZ1UJAxHRaPTxmT49Oy2YG7iDG8UjZSW3fNnXxUsef_zGQrQ8KfJtwieDmlRq4VAivOw/s400/SV106419.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383888279417057042" /></a><br /><br />Here are a few pictures from the evening.<br /><br />The decorations:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOLU80BL4fvX_1thQDtqHrkaXZywkwT1fqm36fLwu6W0qTiFM3SZnBg4qsjIrNkOkHHnA9iT-s9SmsbsKoMra1bAAwpZ4rhYdG6QgZ-WQOP4t0adj9mSDrG4DFnknaRs1BzUE-TXErCY/s1600-h/SV106372.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOLU80BL4fvX_1thQDtqHrkaXZywkwT1fqm36fLwu6W0qTiFM3SZnBg4qsjIrNkOkHHnA9iT-s9SmsbsKoMra1bAAwpZ4rhYdG6QgZ-WQOP4t0adj9mSDrG4DFnknaRs1BzUE-TXErCY/s400/SV106372.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383888258626546274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VcElyzfKWAZAak267XniL9-4bjXH8c7B9qhyphenhyphenalCcppW1Qn1BXBBA1oagS32xLJ9XlAoHundSplElDI7-uFsxppuaOh9F6kbC3fBT0Q1S_zhMwBJgx5OHb3fdNe9m0kUjq12-F9tuoy4/s1600-h/SV106369.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VcElyzfKWAZAak267XniL9-4bjXH8c7B9qhyphenhyphenalCcppW1Qn1BXBBA1oagS32xLJ9XlAoHundSplElDI7-uFsxppuaOh9F6kbC3fBT0Q1S_zhMwBJgx5OHb3fdNe9m0kUjq12-F9tuoy4/s400/SV106369.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383889552612818866" /></a><br />They danced. . .<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPR3QHPPLO45D5Vht8gjnJs-I5sT1Pjh17aGkl191t9DEKr4bRDrc9Lvts96_z9V5YqzJ07xfi2TMyEQ4G2SO2Suce5F7wduSoYlFkcojzSZAdSUydI0kih5bGU31eS7puniWmaohW80k/s1600-h/SV106384.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 358px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPR3QHPPLO45D5Vht8gjnJs-I5sT1Pjh17aGkl191t9DEKr4bRDrc9Lvts96_z9V5YqzJ07xfi2TMyEQ4G2SO2Suce5F7wduSoYlFkcojzSZAdSUydI0kih5bGU31eS7puniWmaohW80k/s400/SV106384.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383889565429142658" /></a><br />They posed. . .<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqNAOSS6o9ssyptN8l_6iKyh7R02ZEwOkACCbXSjLH3Csbh5tsSAdSTid9oowEj9babVrRVLHNfDadozaThTSIySoTOZrL1FqyZXJtT3lotV2N2fi445sOkdQQk1oi4wnaBMX5CW0yn4/s1600-h/SV106391.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqNAOSS6o9ssyptN8l_6iKyh7R02ZEwOkACCbXSjLH3Csbh5tsSAdSTid9oowEj9babVrRVLHNfDadozaThTSIySoTOZrL1FqyZXJtT3lotV2N2fi445sOkdQQk1oi4wnaBMX5CW0yn4/s400/SV106391.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383889576802506402" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzz95xdCiN3op6Vr3PrOi2gX46XsXZ7OwlnUGAMn0c6TRBqoM4VrwCLAqazdAC4_mZKPRXoGWqerWJJadAEIoM4taG8U0xArCBOGnBw8ex3cO_AJswh0pULuhR32oF-D4r1RzbyiPKco/s1600-h/SV106399.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzz95xdCiN3op6Vr3PrOi2gX46XsXZ7OwlnUGAMn0c6TRBqoM4VrwCLAqazdAC4_mZKPRXoGWqerWJJadAEIoM4taG8U0xArCBOGnBw8ex3cO_AJswh0pULuhR32oF-D4r1RzbyiPKco/s400/SV106399.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383888288863038338" /></a><br />They played Dance Craze Charades. . .(Even Daddy participated in dressing up and in the games)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2uuqaUGF2ZJUp6wXCI2ym0fXbXhP7mJhjXcmTMWlWiVujPZFvn7pN681vYFwg0HsGqU4fBY9Py076hFjbT-Yxm48KdHSE3JOEMQgXF2Pfg5eXBbo4Tc4KEEKae1toqG36fCzbQ5v29g/s1600-h/SV106406.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2uuqaUGF2ZJUp6wXCI2ym0fXbXhP7mJhjXcmTMWlWiVujPZFvn7pN681vYFwg0HsGqU4fBY9Py076hFjbT-Yxm48KdHSE3JOEMQgXF2Pfg5eXBbo4Tc4KEEKae1toqG36fCzbQ5v29g/s400/SV106406.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383888302444309554" /></a><br />They finally slept, after a lot of giggling.<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-75518898265051896762009-09-18T06:09:00.000-07:002009-09-18T06:14:52.313-07:00Getting Ready to DiscoThe day is here. Six little girls (plus don't forget I already have three of my own) will ascend upon the house at 7pm for a Solid Gold Disco Party. And. . .they are all staying over night.<br /><br />I will be busy today decorating the house and getting the last minute details pulled together. <br /><br />I wanted to give you a preview of the cakes for the party. My friend Misti came over yesterday and helped me tackle the cakes. Thanks Misti!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj567i8bW-hCTvTDhwohfsOaZ4ZbjsanJMQ2_mVdo_GoP1vKBoZFI3iQ2I86GP6rMFJMYddUOKGjzOv0xWpf-aQ0UjDsNEBBpXb1DTOV1fGr6clC36FDs8AKU1tuFIx_9Vf5kfPRYf3qag/s1600-h/SV106354.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj567i8bW-hCTvTDhwohfsOaZ4ZbjsanJMQ2_mVdo_GoP1vKBoZFI3iQ2I86GP6rMFJMYddUOKGjzOv0xWpf-aQ0UjDsNEBBpXb1DTOV1fGr6clC36FDs8AKU1tuFIx_9Vf5kfPRYf3qag/s400/SV106354.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382795130681401490" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymKEbTHgluupBO79riCQILVOxJXN7KIHFV0OQYQ9trZhqGPYMHLdRSCflmLaACgWcNjpHZzCOk5hb6q_sIfwRL707ncgmz4KxqE6W-BwE44U64WCgKGiYV2RDrFbLIZH6ZAOk5GeSqEo/s1600-h/SV106352.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymKEbTHgluupBO79riCQILVOxJXN7KIHFV0OQYQ9trZhqGPYMHLdRSCflmLaACgWcNjpHZzCOk5hb6q_sIfwRL707ncgmz4KxqE6W-BwE44U64WCgKGiYV2RDrFbLIZH6ZAOk5GeSqEo/s400/SV106352.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382795124855464178" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-17181216722273276842009-09-16T06:12:00.000-07:002009-09-16T06:20:30.440-07:00Building A Better BlogYou may have noticed that I have been playing with this blog a lot lately, changing the background, changing the pictures, etc. Well I am trying to use some of the tips from other bloggers that I have received to make this blog a fun place to come and see what I have to say.<br /><br />There is a lot to be learned and I have a long ways to go, but every new tip I receive has been great.<br /><br />Today I am hosting a snazL party on this topic, "Building a Better Blog". There are some videos from Susan at 5minutesformom.com and Heather from thedomesticdiva.org. <br /><br />Join the fun at 3pm EST/2pm CST! Share your tips and learn a few new ones. You can come back here to my blog to join the fun or go to snazL.com.<br /><br />Hope to see you there!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a><br /><br /><embed src='http://www.snazl.com/swf/widget_blue.swf?roomID=1088&color=blue' id='previewList' quality='high' bgcolor='#fff' wmode='transparent' name='previewList' allowscriptaccess='sameDomain' pluginspage='http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' align='middle' height='545' width='400'></embed>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-54716865191352968352009-09-15T06:11:00.001-07:002009-09-15T06:25:48.762-07:00Mom's Time Out<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1eCvZhstY0A4lx83Y9IvL0Sc5F8360ed4-af06AQPIqqLvwiwPjIpzpFPkri3OdjhiQOCc6GBBuKUZj_ho1dlgSdTKlTMtvU4RR2f6vJ-Yi1LGwOw4loL1EUAFkYZJNaPjIvd8vq4QU/s1600-h/Untitled-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1eCvZhstY0A4lx83Y9IvL0Sc5F8360ed4-af06AQPIqqLvwiwPjIpzpFPkri3OdjhiQOCc6GBBuKUZj_ho1dlgSdTKlTMtvU4RR2f6vJ-Yi1LGwOw4loL1EUAFkYZJNaPjIvd8vq4QU/s400/Untitled-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381681229922163618" /></a><br /><br />I decided that every Tuesday I am going to take a time out from focusing on parenting and have a Mom's Time Out. One of my favorite things to do when I have some free time is read. So today I decided to post a new book review.<br /><br />Today is the publication date for a new book from a brand new author. <a href="http://www.ivypochoda.com/about-book.html">The Art of Disappearing by Ivy Pochoda</a> debuts today!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzPQnrc1LpUbIBa-8rqwbg1wssJdOOLe2i00y26R4YIduOLMjlX6Z8av8bBIzMpiPnQgjM6rDeelIrJYiLVpYMRBHDSFXqI2t1-lFoiZG8Yr340sw5bjTWa9y6n8BALIMSGmx1ochjGU/s1600-h/images-1.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 85px; height: 129px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzPQnrc1LpUbIBa-8rqwbg1wssJdOOLe2i00y26R4YIduOLMjlX6Z8av8bBIzMpiPnQgjM6rDeelIrJYiLVpYMRBHDSFXqI2t1-lFoiZG8Yr340sw5bjTWa9y6n8BALIMSGmx1ochjGU/s400/images-1.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381682120633897314" /></a><br /><br />This book was a perfect book for Mom's Time Out. It is a magical story of love and romance with a touch of mystery. <br /><br />Toby Warring, a young magician and Mel Snow, a traveling textile designer find each other and two days later a Las Vegas Wedding is underway. Through the book the magic keeps the story interesting. When a magic trick goes horribly wrong the couple flees together to learn more about the art of Toby's magic and things that took place in their past. It is a story that asks the questions, what will win Toby's affection, his magic or his love for Mel?<br /><br />If you are looking for a good book to take a time out from life, this is a great new read. <br /><br />You can read more about this book at Ivy Pochoda's <a href="http://www.ivypochoda.com/index.html">website</a>. For purchasing info you can go <a href="http://www.ivypochoda.com/buy-book.html">here</a>.<br /><br />St. Martin's Press; Hardcover<br />US $24.99<br />Publication Date: Sept. 15, 2009<br />ISBN-10: 0312385854<br />ISBN-13: 978-0312385859<br /><br />I hope you join me next week for Mom's Time Out.<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-84511887182472582932009-09-14T05:09:00.000-07:002009-09-14T05:31:44.420-07:00Kids in the Kitchen - Masterpiece PizzaWe love our <span style="font-style:italic;">Better Homes and Gardens New Junior Cookbook</span>. The girls love to flip through it and decide what they want to make next. Last night we decided to make a bedtime snack. I would love to be able to tell you that we eat all things healthy in this house. But that would be a lie. . .we love our sweets. And I think they are okay in moderation.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHpjyfDyNrZWsYPiHlGQvECmHyHLhHjmM2HA8uhzQ0PSRbjjYr0I67nERLYfjyPSzxlLkDdVzJu5pya86_M8RSNlPdmRwOcv3KahvA1U-hNJIHHocAswnMs-wZ_vTFQdj0kjXGF-g8nI/s1600-h/SV106344.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHpjyfDyNrZWsYPiHlGQvECmHyHLhHjmM2HA8uhzQ0PSRbjjYr0I67nERLYfjyPSzxlLkDdVzJu5pya86_M8RSNlPdmRwOcv3KahvA1U-hNJIHHocAswnMs-wZ_vTFQdj0kjXGF-g8nI/s400/SV106344.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381299406957829314" /></a><br />So the younger girls put on their aprons and helped me with this snack, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Masterpiece Pizza</span>.<br /><br />Here is the recipe:<br />1/2 cup butter or margarine<br />1/2 cup peanut butter<br />1/2 cup packed brown sugar<br />1/3 cup granulated sugar<br />1 egg<br />1 tsp vanilla<br />1 cup all-purpose flour<br />1 cup semisweet chocolate pieces<br />3/4 cup tiny marshmallows<br />2/3 cup peanut (we left these out)<br />1/2 cup miniature candy-coated semisweet chocolate pieces<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat butter and peanut butter with electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat until combined. Add egg and vanilla. Beat until combined. Add flour, beat on low speed until combined.<br />Take about 1/2 cup dough and place near one corner off the cookie sheet. Use the table knife to spread dough into a 5 inch circle. Repeat with the remaining dough to make 4 circles. Bake pizzas for 15 minutes or until the edges are light brown.<br />Remove from the oven and sprinkle the center of each cookie with semisweet chocolate pieces. Let stand 1 to 2 minutes until you can spread with a knife. Sprinkle each cookie with marshmallows, peanuts and mini m&ms.<br />Return cookie sheet to oven for 5 more minutes. Enjoy!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjM7k4DtWXX6Sgge4zEe63_OUvm4czHIY6pE2z1C1_3OUFMLRkuBBOF2_UVvErVK_HtaNJrfQoMIAa_-UIt23x0KB65qNjZ8Mek5FFwhG836L5bb0w9J-hdDxpSfoH-U6wxiBbkbdkB4/s1600-h/SV106347.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjM7k4DtWXX6Sgge4zEe63_OUvm4czHIY6pE2z1C1_3OUFMLRkuBBOF2_UVvErVK_HtaNJrfQoMIAa_-UIt23x0KB65qNjZ8Mek5FFwhG836L5bb0w9J-hdDxpSfoH-U6wxiBbkbdkB4/s400/SV106347.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381299419520597618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3Xz0li8YRsbbOn-T-gC9j2RcAJlB3SFY-Zc0oVx7Th3daFeeDbjIJZo3usDTdSmbxDkQ4W8SaQ2QoBgwP7uZn9EnZrB62ougpKJN5Dg8lro09FkOSPlDzR5OMF1ky_BaqmYU4AXihxU/s1600-h/SV106346.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3Xz0li8YRsbbOn-T-gC9j2RcAJlB3SFY-Zc0oVx7Th3daFeeDbjIJZo3usDTdSmbxDkQ4W8SaQ2QoBgwP7uZn9EnZrB62ougpKJN5Dg8lro09FkOSPlDzR5OMF1ky_BaqmYU4AXihxU/s400/SV106346.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381299408974766594" /></a><br />This recipe got two thumbs up.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0U0F4nwLwSJlDK2qDgLh9rliWlqdjmlDIX-5eaC14-B9xWZQo2DDT2LfTdsGCtxi2EQ00IihfnATdFRxMwTNkDZ4bgg53k3vI7KtOS9Me6BmB-l66eYToWEWHuVU9Fymud0c84l7URQ/s1600-h/SV106351.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0U0F4nwLwSJlDK2qDgLh9rliWlqdjmlDIX-5eaC14-B9xWZQo2DDT2LfTdsGCtxi2EQ00IihfnATdFRxMwTNkDZ4bgg53k3vI7KtOS9Me6BmB-l66eYToWEWHuVU9Fymud0c84l7URQ/s400/SV106351.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381299431408016690" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBKhiS0akQ1MvUt8tMItI-xlnYHfBT4RyFoM99sjw4Mqgddj_82WrKZmtvMHwNYRmBCgzELdqsbdZHPF9qBOPZ6cpkyoeiWMZ5-dACzAR_TD7nkBpgyrXKokej1s4nvlshdiZoi2wZVw/s1600-h/SV106350.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBKhiS0akQ1MvUt8tMItI-xlnYHfBT4RyFoM99sjw4Mqgddj_82WrKZmtvMHwNYRmBCgzELdqsbdZHPF9qBOPZ6cpkyoeiWMZ5-dACzAR_TD7nkBpgyrXKokej1s4nvlshdiZoi2wZVw/s400/SV106350.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381299422845562834" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-41674855066947668262009-09-11T06:39:00.000-07:002009-09-11T06:43:44.517-07:00Mom's BalanceI finally figured out how to add a little vlog to my post. Looking for a little balance in our house. . .<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/g5LE-xRwbtI&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/g5LE-xRwbtI&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-60387953262400714832009-09-09T06:48:00.000-07:002009-09-10T06:24:52.201-07:00Golden Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7EYaVUAX5DJyBqlveDOIJ5-v72On1yETtIevRPRRXTc75eKbydcaiPDb5CHNWEdKMRkOxB4oCz2KIjrtomPJWEYYIad39g2uSRbnPksokuePV4U6s7wYERYQIsfXFtyhpxK3VWLHO7A/s1600-h/SV106337.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7EYaVUAX5DJyBqlveDOIJ5-v72On1yETtIevRPRRXTc75eKbydcaiPDb5CHNWEdKMRkOxB4oCz2KIjrtomPJWEYYIad39g2uSRbnPksokuePV4U6s7wYERYQIsfXFtyhpxK3VWLHO7A/s400/SV106337.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379536335663574034" /></a><br />Today is Taylor's Golden Birthday. I can't believe that she is 9. . .wow! She has decided that since it is 9/9/09 it is not just her Golden Birthday. It is her Super Duper Golden Birthday.<br /><br />Birthdays are always a big deal in our house. I love to be spoiled on my birthday so I make sure their day is extra special, too.<br /><br />She wanted Chocolate Dipped Waffles with sprinkles on them for breakfast.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPDIN8loLtRJq4MqRjmbDDVw_IcIBVW4FvlyL3S-93GHE_89V-cNG4cBED9FyFco88LvUkEaV9pFmPDa4V8jK5yAbI9ur76CkZssV6HR338l184W053vmtKo-Gj-Ol-9Fl1SnvB6wNmY/s1600-h/SV106322.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPDIN8loLtRJq4MqRjmbDDVw_IcIBVW4FvlyL3S-93GHE_89V-cNG4cBED9FyFco88LvUkEaV9pFmPDa4V8jK5yAbI9ur76CkZssV6HR338l184W053vmtKo-Gj-Ol-9Fl1SnvB6wNmY/s400/SV106322.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379536341238022610" /></a><br />She couldn't wait until tonight to open her presents, either.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIzYW2Jdh4sXJue9Z4VUH4mFDjTAJ3PTXpJcHlse1CChMnqa_cuT1IeN6_oKfoqvSDJQlrycjqVwRE95IUy_i6YMQCbY5YitAKZMeE0LLrOL74cqf3iHfle53vN_5VGXWOJ7ut_Pgomw/s1600-h/SV106336.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIzYW2Jdh4sXJue9Z4VUH4mFDjTAJ3PTXpJcHlse1CChMnqa_cuT1IeN6_oKfoqvSDJQlrycjqVwRE95IUy_i6YMQCbY5YitAKZMeE0LLrOL74cqf3iHfle53vN_5VGXWOJ7ut_Pgomw/s400/SV106336.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379536321164341762" /></a><br />We were rebels and sent non-healthy birthday snacks to school. My end result are not nearly as cute as <a href="http://bakerella.blogspot.com/search/label/cupcake%20pops">Bakerella</a>, but they sure do taste good. (Check out her site for all kinds of Cupcake Pops for every occasion)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCgTQyDH_2_M2j8Or9U9VEl3U2fOveNNtPJ7sZeviddhlnP-TEd0u0QrMl7hqyHk32_aRpaL_zVGRKmnrotpRlsjuUgUENKLlPKqMR_DYCIzmTNiZovG0u2bIZ93OfoSPY5I0voR8RqA/s1600-h/SV106325.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCgTQyDH_2_M2j8Or9U9VEl3U2fOveNNtPJ7sZeviddhlnP-TEd0u0QrMl7hqyHk32_aRpaL_zVGRKmnrotpRlsjuUgUENKLlPKqMR_DYCIzmTNiZovG0u2bIZ93OfoSPY5I0voR8RqA/s400/SV106325.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379536312986350946" /></a><br />We are in the process of planning her birthday party. Every year each girl gets a Theme Party that they help me plan. This year in honor of her Golden Birthday she is having a Solid Gold Disco Slumber Party. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9ZZfpC3zeHYFfdd8jRcTFlGDFodhb8fe_lVh8Li7CRuME4HB12oVDmWSCjLiRSACJouEo5X9UXkmIUhsl3VAtbCy2eUwj8u9KuTI5MVnPChxY1RmRlCgLYfr7ZySxyeDLhjewvVWSiI/s1600-h/SV106316.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9ZZfpC3zeHYFfdd8jRcTFlGDFodhb8fe_lVh8Li7CRuME4HB12oVDmWSCjLiRSACJouEo5X9UXkmIUhsl3VAtbCy2eUwj8u9KuTI5MVnPChxY1RmRlCgLYfr7ZySxyeDLhjewvVWSiI/s400/SV106316.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379536306562735154" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-49766768567672380972009-09-08T09:21:00.000-07:002009-09-08T09:38:29.409-07:00Nature & NailsWe had an awesome Labor Day Weekend filled with making memories.<br /><br />We spent the majority of the weekend camping near our home. The kids ran wild with their friends and we were able to spend a lot of fun time with our friends.<br /><br />It was really windy, but the sun was out so the girls insisted that they spend a little time at the river.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cCM7WfT4goHYvRTg0LOobTheMlE0E5tba4L0mPnIokHwHZZLQmuvgDqWHMuOfII4Tl62_lXD4eoKYlioD-opsRgRoeMpj8rg0L8NPALkQgWlW8MKb7jfk5vkHU3jOHPrlaMGJ3TrlR4/s1600-h/SV106281.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cCM7WfT4goHYvRTg0LOobTheMlE0E5tba4L0mPnIokHwHZZLQmuvgDqWHMuOfII4Tl62_lXD4eoKYlioD-opsRgRoeMpj8rg0L8NPALkQgWlW8MKb7jfk5vkHU3jOHPrlaMGJ3TrlR4/s400/SV106281.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379136300803587986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwt2dcIaSZY3BHRUael9LQOudOTXMj4lHnk1OcAz_dakCSpWbmqiEVpcTTKQUV_iEUMVJrAiAkxKHKAwjtBMzrl37GJgWrDQEkPIt5JS7oa0vwJgbzkPSjsQSrkdZD9KYfMSYGWt9yAc8/s1600-h/SV106285.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwt2dcIaSZY3BHRUael9LQOudOTXMj4lHnk1OcAz_dakCSpWbmqiEVpcTTKQUV_iEUMVJrAiAkxKHKAwjtBMzrl37GJgWrDQEkPIt5JS7oa0vwJgbzkPSjsQSrkdZD9KYfMSYGWt9yAc8/s400/SV106285.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379136293126049442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BM_SoB5TrtVGWR5S8GtrkMXvx9x_usPOBgwbZR0ANdfJBkNloB1kNac1tyUf65ruw_RlCiLUDX-5Xoz26H8AVEj7qIaTv6wMHJONtkTRKQpYQjr3A08uTNOczrqfwdZ-YwAV2Qsgf9E/s1600-h/SV106289.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BM_SoB5TrtVGWR5S8GtrkMXvx9x_usPOBgwbZR0ANdfJBkNloB1kNac1tyUf65ruw_RlCiLUDX-5Xoz26H8AVEj7qIaTv6wMHJONtkTRKQpYQjr3A08uTNOczrqfwdZ-YwAV2Qsgf9E/s400/SV106289.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379136284085874130" /></a><br />Nadia took advantage of the wind and decided to fly her kite.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5oZzwJKlTzEbmD2I4fHkzQs_QNG-fADM7FTEAtKE2Ba4EXuqcev86yFR66Nkp466FsEs6T0h1otq82Roh6rL4iiDNKNhhFBcP1QIu5uoXg9aYOswZta7stMAU8aur64Pb5qknXagBJI/s1600-h/SV106302.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5oZzwJKlTzEbmD2I4fHkzQs_QNG-fADM7FTEAtKE2Ba4EXuqcev86yFR66Nkp466FsEs6T0h1otq82Roh6rL4iiDNKNhhFBcP1QIu5uoXg9aYOswZta7stMAU8aur64Pb5qknXagBJI/s400/SV106302.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379136315798870898" /></a><br />Yesterday we decided to finish off our weekend with a little shopping trip. It is Taylor's Ninth Birthday tomorrow so we took her out of town for eating and shopping. At the end of the shopping trip daddy decided that the girls could get their nails done. I have never even had my nails done. . .but he wanted to treat the girls. I wish I would have had my camera to take pictures of the girls. They looked so cute sitting with their nails under the dryers.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcKRTDRg_xtZFi88j_j1x1WuCxMsHNcn9819ZI3-olgcLR0OM4-6MIpugeNdwv1B-tbWnURZ2S7cu-TeKWs0PgatrQcwzjWG0D6phgETw0JDqy4u-jM7GBo6i3Aot_3-19a6Oh2ZghZ6A/s1600-h/SV106311.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcKRTDRg_xtZFi88j_j1x1WuCxMsHNcn9819ZI3-olgcLR0OM4-6MIpugeNdwv1B-tbWnURZ2S7cu-TeKWs0PgatrQcwzjWG0D6phgETw0JDqy4u-jM7GBo6i3Aot_3-19a6Oh2ZghZ6A/s400/SV106311.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379136322886369970" /></a><br />Now back to the grind today. What kind of memories will we make this week?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-80650809151762351082009-09-04T05:38:00.000-07:002009-09-04T06:30:06.137-07:00I Love PackagesA few weeks ago I participated in a Birthday Swap over at Seriously Shawn.<br /><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://seriouslyshawn.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="seriouslyshawn" src="http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/rr13/shawntrotti/Seriouslybutton.png"/></a></p><br />Yesterday I received my package in the mail from <a href="http://thiswonderfulcrazylife.blogspot.com/">Bea</a>. She sent the perfect gift. One of the most important things to me is to create an unforgettable childhood for my girls. I love to focus on the experiences we can have together. So she sent me this. . .<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVFo1mhpw9VauSDQ9fBJ6PVsrvYkyRGhk-2hgXOv88xXV1WF3yaT1vG6IEArdCsmBCvntIpy-mtsEbjwzBEbTSP_nQDRqUQvTG4tPidkQg0uUUZTfYodHDh5U-5N3RskzCvv996j8678/s1600-h/SV106267.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVFo1mhpw9VauSDQ9fBJ6PVsrvYkyRGhk-2hgXOv88xXV1WF3yaT1vG6IEArdCsmBCvntIpy-mtsEbjwzBEbTSP_nQDRqUQvTG4tPidkQg0uUUZTfYodHDh5U-5N3RskzCvv996j8678/s400/SV106267.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377598270416481794" /></a><br />Three beautiful aprons for my girls created by <a href="http://www.studioeight.etsy.com">Studio Eight</a>. My girls absolutely loved them. In fact, they loved them so much that when I got home from the gym at 8:30 last night they surrounded me as I collapsed on the porch and begged to bake something.<br /><br />Well they should have been getting ready for bed, but they were so excited about their new aprons that I knew that I couldn't make them go to bed. Luckily I had a box of Pound Cake mix, so we whipped it up quick (and then had to wait 50 minutes for it to bake). They didn't want to get out of bed this morning, but oh well. They created an awesome memory thanks to the beautiful aprons from Bea.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHf3ia2SxdLDM3FBGqh4KWbGkfBYh0jlC487C1aXp4n4OwkSgngLl2vaT7v4jszsWnJ4z_sLvuQrWBSwZdU8I653CfBZcTvr461TLZmjduEorsFHei0OHP4TKDsmSb-gnIoh1P0pzYgTE/s1600-h/SV106271.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHf3ia2SxdLDM3FBGqh4KWbGkfBYh0jlC487C1aXp4n4OwkSgngLl2vaT7v4jszsWnJ4z_sLvuQrWBSwZdU8I653CfBZcTvr461TLZmjduEorsFHei0OHP4TKDsmSb-gnIoh1P0pzYgTE/s400/SV106271.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377598301110223762" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphaETv1xJi0K3zdvihYP7mwAlAugvk9DQhYvInilec2y0csYPaw8FmJ0oirfTnm75-8U5keRuauhrMfFmHKrCayJpJ4OcFS20hfgWwUIRvjwSUOu_DTNrRb1dCfX3lR1_ZDUNLbBdeLo/s1600-h/SV106270.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphaETv1xJi0K3zdvihYP7mwAlAugvk9DQhYvInilec2y0csYPaw8FmJ0oirfTnm75-8U5keRuauhrMfFmHKrCayJpJ4OcFS20hfgWwUIRvjwSUOu_DTNrRb1dCfX3lR1_ZDUNLbBdeLo/s400/SV106270.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377598288271069746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcej4aBjhWxgExUJQbOkrAFKRgtt7egQFyQ4PGEUr6YVKywgV0Rwosl02AftaDYpLhxMb1AZc3vViwP31WurWaO1PeaoOXK6UbAIIVIOh6lymk-RFNiApw0Uo-IaOny5luOBashNOS1Q/s1600-h/SV106269.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcej4aBjhWxgExUJQbOkrAFKRgtt7egQFyQ4PGEUr6YVKywgV0Rwosl02AftaDYpLhxMb1AZc3vViwP31WurWaO1PeaoOXK6UbAIIVIOh6lymk-RFNiApw0Uo-IaOny5luOBashNOS1Q/s400/SV106269.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377598280232647922" /></a><br />Thanks Shawn for the swap and thanks Bea for the perfect gift. Now I can't wait for Kristen to receive her gift from me. . .<br /><br />If you are a parent that is interested in reading one of the best books I have read as a mom. Click over to my other <a href="http://girlfriendsgetreal.blogspot.com">blog</a> and enter to win a signed copy of the book <span style="font-style:italic;">Not So Fast by Ann Kroeker<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span>. It is a book I think every parent should read!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-72185588685787840532009-09-02T06:52:00.000-07:002009-09-02T06:57:09.602-07:00How I have survived 9 1/2 years of MarriageWe are celebrating marriage today at a new snazL party on snazL.com.<br /><br />Today at 3pm EST/2pm Central we will be chatting on marriage, sharing videos and pictures and giving each other advice on marriage survival.<br /><br />All you have to do to join the fun is go to snazL.com and register. Then go to the top of the page to the "Quick Links" button. Click on upload. Browse your photos on your computer and then upload them to your profile.<br /><br />During the party click on the (+) button to add your photos, videos, etc to the party. Or do you have a favorite song that is out on Youtube? Upload that to the party. I found the song I sang to my hubby at our wedding, so I added that to the party.<br /><br />I interviewed my hubby on how he has survived being married to me for 9 1/2 years. I will be adding that video to the party.<br /><br />It is easy to join in the fun. I would love to chat live with you today at 3pm EST/2pm Central. Hope to chat with you there!<br /><br /><embed src='http://www.snazl.com/swf/widget_blue.swf?roomID=1010&color=blue' id='previewList' quality='high' bgcolor='#fff' wmode='transparent' name='previewList' allowscriptaccess='sameDomain' pluginspage='http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' align='middle' height='545' width='400'></embed><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-49451808289241138682009-08-31T05:56:00.000-07:002009-08-31T07:49:05.050-07:00Backyard Campout<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OkSsRvGUH2k6pEMZZRAy8bxB6EipIM-YEV8-7D5ppv3jmO9SaFklh_yPUfV0SKRC-nZyyRB6irXYUaiFubY10iYwGA-bvT29vszNzxihyqm_9n87LE9n6plzlnCZUr2Pr9YXWYFTpNc/s1600-h/SV106254.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OkSsRvGUH2k6pEMZZRAy8bxB6EipIM-YEV8-7D5ppv3jmO9SaFklh_yPUfV0SKRC-nZyyRB6irXYUaiFubY10iYwGA-bvT29vszNzxihyqm_9n87LE9n6plzlnCZUr2Pr9YXWYFTpNc/s400/SV106254.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376113392773026706" /></a><br />Yesterday as I was cleaning inside of the house my girls put up the tent in the backyard. They kept talking about how they were going to sleep in it last night. I laughed. For one thing it was a school night. Not to mention, it wasn't exactly hot out last night. So I thought they would just play in there and then we would come back inside to our nice comfy beds.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBe2GzSya1XLWM4el5_nMy8s5aejyNlYUyqlKpw6WXojuXWaBvta918v71KsWEw20HtZIu7YktEdqMHaP_HdcMYgeHjiO1N1g4y8auUSeiYk8Q-gwcp4OPKIQ6l1bGWipCV9JJxZbG7ZA/s1600-h/SV106252.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBe2GzSya1XLWM4el5_nMy8s5aejyNlYUyqlKpw6WXojuXWaBvta918v71KsWEw20HtZIu7YktEdqMHaP_HdcMYgeHjiO1N1g4y8auUSeiYk8Q-gwcp4OPKIQ6l1bGWipCV9JJxZbG7ZA/s400/SV106252.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376113383852620882" /></a><br />The girls somehow convinced their dad that it would be fun to sleep outside, even though they had school today. So we all bundled up and headed outside. The girls each told us a story before bed. It was hilarious. I should have had the video camera out. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHv-in5n9Sb5oqU6gInOxO_QdvdMhJYe1ueII18uYB5GsFhSFqaMT6sl9BHSCB9J-Wo88z38XA9LRqjKgUvetahv2iIt8uYVKQWSrGL1-wb_1IM5CrZo6q7jheg_qKlgvrvYBHsqqRSXI/s1600-h/SV106258.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHv-in5n9Sb5oqU6gInOxO_QdvdMhJYe1ueII18uYB5GsFhSFqaMT6sl9BHSCB9J-Wo88z38XA9LRqjKgUvetahv2iIt8uYVKQWSrGL1-wb_1IM5CrZo6q7jheg_qKlgvrvYBHsqqRSXI/s400/SV106258.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376113397655555714" /></a><br />We actually went to sleep a lot earlier than we usually do. Somehow the girls ended up on the air mattress and Chad and I were on the ground. He lasted outside until about 2:30 am and then he told me he had to go into the house. Nadia lasted until about 4:00am. The older girls had to be woke up to get ready for school.<br /><br />I guess this was just another one of our adventures. I only had one question for my hubby. Why didn't we do our backyard campout in the summertime when it was warm out and the girls didn't have school the next day. . .<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a><br /><br />AND THE WINNER IS. . .I almost forgot to post the winner of the ECOstore USA Shampoo and Conditioner. The winner is #7 The McCormick's.<br />McCormick's said...<br />I tried using fancy salon shampoo and conditioner a few weeks ago. Liked the shampoo but my scalp got super itchy and flaky. The conditioner didn't work at all. Would love to try the eco-friendly stuff since you like it!<br /><br />I will send you an email and get your address to send off your prize.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-41223517850139256822009-08-28T08:51:00.000-07:002009-08-28T08:56:31.415-07:00Yummy Bran Muffins<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOETMEnuTRA1cz_kiPUggVGYl_mFdsbxE1vBOkOU-8CFqxkiVNm_VmdSEG47U1X2bqRLHsBmjxhyphenhyphenSAVrRkQln0axRyoNGAk1hI4YOATzKvfw6FGrMfO8nfDzlZlY_TU3sKaXNC9sHEU2w/s1600-h/SV106239.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOETMEnuTRA1cz_kiPUggVGYl_mFdsbxE1vBOkOU-8CFqxkiVNm_VmdSEG47U1X2bqRLHsBmjxhyphenhyphenSAVrRkQln0axRyoNGAk1hI4YOATzKvfw6FGrMfO8nfDzlZlY_TU3sKaXNC9sHEU2w/s400/SV106239.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375043979080217554" /></a><br />Last night before bed I mixed up some Bran Muffins. This morning I put a pan in the oven for a fresh yummy breakfast. I wanted to share the recipe with you. This is something I love to have in the fridge so that I can make them whenever we need something a little different for breakfast. The batter can be kept in the fridge for up to 6 weeks.<br /><br />1 cup Bran Buds<br />1 cup boiling water<br />1/2 cup shortening<br />1 1/2 cups sugar<br />2 eggs<br />2 cups buttermilk<br />2 1/2 cups flour<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />2 1/2 tsp soda<br />2 cups Bran Flakes<br /><br />Pour 1 cup boiling water over bran buds and set aside. Mix shortening and sugar. Mix in eggs then buttermilk. Add dry ingredients. Add Bran Buds and mix. Fold in Bran Flakes.<br /><br />Bake muffins for 15 to 20 minutes at 400 degrees.<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-41582199024116769932009-08-27T05:48:00.000-07:002009-08-27T06:09:04.432-07:00Afternoon Art AdventureI am reading an amazing book right now by <a href="http://annkroeker.wordpress.com/">Ann Kroeker</a> called <span style="font-style:italic;">Not So Fast - Slow Down Solutions for Frenzied Families.</span><br /><br />This book has inspired me to slow down with my kids. So Sunday afternoon we had an afternoon art adventure. My oldest was at the river with some friends so the younger two and I gathered up our paint, markers, crayons and colored pencils and we had so much fun.<br /><br />First we laid out a tablecloth on the front porch and we painted. They thought it would be fun to splatter paint. They filled their brushes with paint and hit the handle to make speckles all over their papers.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLv3RYKetK2AFx8Q7r1rMmX4vfognoLYaebjnJ2qejYyX95eoRzZg7xqUrfpcY8qZFmt6ldz1PeKQZFq3NF_lyuJ6PRdNmVn4DAIPpDd9lZlFr6en1jbBviiGPOdwmLSA62LJ0WA1mpo/s1600-h/SV106198.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLv3RYKetK2AFx8Q7r1rMmX4vfognoLYaebjnJ2qejYyX95eoRzZg7xqUrfpcY8qZFmt6ldz1PeKQZFq3NF_lyuJ6PRdNmVn4DAIPpDd9lZlFr6en1jbBviiGPOdwmLSA62LJ0WA1mpo/s400/SV106198.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374629297385340946" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJF-Q8y0j8QSTZhyE9VJ6CL_xIo7qkVwhMbMF2mxhxII1kQCvoGSDiaHl_TlKKB217DXtTSTmi2OQxxEjVvzoQMsr4D7w2FeU0CQ9C4KmdV10qAu1fj_7NN2Wh16iJL5WSYkWe3vJmBg/s1600-h/SV106197.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJF-Q8y0j8QSTZhyE9VJ6CL_xIo7qkVwhMbMF2mxhxII1kQCvoGSDiaHl_TlKKB217DXtTSTmi2OQxxEjVvzoQMsr4D7w2FeU0CQ9C4KmdV10qAu1fj_7NN2Wh16iJL5WSYkWe3vJmBg/s400/SV106197.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374629289656482466" /></a><br /><br />After our painting fun we loaded our picnic blanket, sketch books and drawing supplies into the stroller. Madi jumped on her bike and Nadia climbed into the stroller and we were off. We walked to City park and created. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SkmvU0-IjNtkblzsAwOY1s5WsfnEPc2UtTFuVMrmcK3UU2vdB2nCjjQQptHJLBp6p7fAv0JT8BC3T15szJue2c8mZY30WczWDoznrJhk8ndG_VRBAkAER2ww0HVuVGSqcdk_TyNdLyc/s1600-h/SV106202.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SkmvU0-IjNtkblzsAwOY1s5WsfnEPc2UtTFuVMrmcK3UU2vdB2nCjjQQptHJLBp6p7fAv0JT8BC3T15szJue2c8mZY30WczWDoznrJhk8ndG_VRBAkAER2ww0HVuVGSqcdk_TyNdLyc/s400/SV106202.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374629304761107314" /></a><br /><br />Not long after we were there we had a little visitor. This little bird really wanted to get onto our blanket. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6varrt0xY0vurItF021XI7zH6VMY0c-2DLVVNaCEk2R7YN9tz7OH_fPau96zUA1NrJlQgWGV1yZ7o4ZPGTcYh3eZxAw6oxQfbh-38ig2M6tl6jQYbua0aFBH_DdeTHi0H4vh6wGlr4w/s1600-h/SV106204.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6varrt0xY0vurItF021XI7zH6VMY0c-2DLVVNaCEk2R7YN9tz7OH_fPau96zUA1NrJlQgWGV1yZ7o4ZPGTcYh3eZxAw6oxQfbh-38ig2M6tl6jQYbua0aFBH_DdeTHi0H4vh6wGlr4w/s400/SV106204.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374629309862372386" /></a><br /><br /><br />Nadia said, "He wants to be my friend."<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8sOPA2WpzclZqwfaZmOexiy29wM6S7K4F_bRNYDfir82HCdHivLbawQFUD9StHjkZc-zaLvPJov-8-HY4Yq-EFqrRTjstlHYG27wCIcyVCQ6wMGsHvDs6oI7qFSyk32M6SSulq3dW_A/s1600-h/SV106209.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8sOPA2WpzclZqwfaZmOexiy29wM6S7K4F_bRNYDfir82HCdHivLbawQFUD9StHjkZc-zaLvPJov-8-HY4Yq-EFqrRTjstlHYG27wCIcyVCQ6wMGsHvDs6oI7qFSyk32M6SSulq3dW_A/s400/SV106209.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374629316384630370" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-73109397293587555942009-08-26T13:49:00.000-07:002009-08-26T13:53:10.781-07:00My Baby went to school today<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHWTMIm5CxN5MYA8Us5lh1qfw3eFGqFyiw88LUhPNmAHJraoAw7oZtx8_t27vR413IOrNVHp-bJrXFvR6monZ7W2J6w8axxf7BytmnWjLc6RthRrCTdXZI1J80FDYV8Fn-hqrfYz6lXA/s1600-h/SV106237.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHWTMIm5CxN5MYA8Us5lh1qfw3eFGqFyiw88LUhPNmAHJraoAw7oZtx8_t27vR413IOrNVHp-bJrXFvR6monZ7W2J6w8axxf7BytmnWjLc6RthRrCTdXZI1J80FDYV8Fn-hqrfYz6lXA/s400/SV106237.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374378246280862402" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjFuQ7N_mPT0DjZ53xCiHhRXw5gLku2W6EkcWHcI4_DZYW6TdPj3bg2SeGdY_oYxyFFIE0nhZVexqdLEP6uSM8WNhL5W9ZeqG9KBuwh-x31EGsZsltalqQIzFcHNpPLYTSENykEqR_Vo/s1600-h/SV106233.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjFuQ7N_mPT0DjZ53xCiHhRXw5gLku2W6EkcWHcI4_DZYW6TdPj3bg2SeGdY_oYxyFFIE0nhZVexqdLEP6uSM8WNhL5W9ZeqG9KBuwh-x31EGsZsltalqQIzFcHNpPLYTSENykEqR_Vo/s400/SV106233.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374378237149988562" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydBD7U6TVSH1EzIS3qrMEtN4OIJmfdtUo9DEighkait0IFGnMMCY3fK1LeAKAVTaVy6JFmMxbQBN6cabTOO7TIwhTqEMVa6rECnRZkEjpWH86PmFDtdP8HpXraWCi4RcFDa4QSBu_6Xc/s1600-h/SV106232.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydBD7U6TVSH1EzIS3qrMEtN4OIJmfdtUo9DEighkait0IFGnMMCY3fK1LeAKAVTaVy6JFmMxbQBN6cabTOO7TIwhTqEMVa6rECnRZkEjpWH86PmFDtdP8HpXraWCi4RcFDa4QSBu_6Xc/s400/SV106232.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374378231150447522" /></a><br />I just have to share a few pictures from Nadia's first day of preschool. I just picked her up and she had a great afternoon. There are only two other little girls in her class so she will get a lot of attention (like she doesn't already get a lot of that at home).<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-71185813449954544602009-08-26T06:17:00.000-07:002009-08-26T06:20:44.274-07:00It's Party Day!You can join the party fun on this site, or over at SnazL.com. Don't forget 3pm EST today!<br /><br />Want to win a prize pack of books for your family? Stop by and chat with us.<br /><br /><embed src='http://www.snazl.com/swf/widget_blue.swf?roomID=982&color=blue' id='previewList' quality='high' bgcolor='#fff' wmode='transparent' name='previewList' allowscriptaccess='sameDomain' pluginspage='http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' align='middle' height='545' width='400'></embed><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-53681223001814709472009-08-25T14:26:00.000-07:002009-08-25T14:46:59.367-07:00Party Party Party!I am so excited to chat with all of you tomorrow at my <a href="http://www.snazl.com/snazl/982">SnazL party</a>. I wanted to share with you a few things ahead of time that you can look forward to at the party.<br /><br />Healthy Snack alternatives from <a href="http://www.drinkwataah.com/">WAT-AAH!</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-CExzWHxghMJRDWuvvCwWQagYvBOmPvQWBlAdDKij8ig1zphjRa_jtHmjGqIWR-Uvr1VXEBf0TzEA3n3ZrrtrWOQzFROC2B3wYAp5x2WVHW60QRbtiLAGRvP7GWKj9ejs8WhviLjvLA/s1600-h/SV106010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-CExzWHxghMJRDWuvvCwWQagYvBOmPvQWBlAdDKij8ig1zphjRa_jtHmjGqIWR-Uvr1VXEBf0TzEA3n3ZrrtrWOQzFROC2B3wYAp5x2WVHW60QRbtiLAGRvP7GWKj9ejs8WhviLjvLA/s400/SV106010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374018660711146562" /></a><br /><br />Are you wondering which activities you should involve your children in? Check out this new book from <a href="http://annkroeker.wordpress.com">Ann Kroeker</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzjyqV4Acofzmy7WoEU-RYsuzEy739QbSocjFRdGSnLN_gVAuIn62TqU8_pQ2fvfRcLXHoCFFr9fP8g9RjTMty4QpJYfHgqvQEX2lebhPzNVJfUq_O8X7ploIINSFnB6O0Xd4Zw9ds8k/s1600-h/Not+So+Fast.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzjyqV4Acofzmy7WoEU-RYsuzEy739QbSocjFRdGSnLN_gVAuIn62TqU8_pQ2fvfRcLXHoCFFr9fP8g9RjTMty4QpJYfHgqvQEX2lebhPzNVJfUq_O8X7ploIINSFnB6O0Xd4Zw9ds8k/s400/Not+So+Fast.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374018805437948626" /></a><br /><br /><br />Are you interested in a new way to communicate with your children's teachers? <br /><br /><a href="http://parentella.com" target="_new"> <img alt="Parentella" src="http://parentella.com/system/files/Parentella_125x125Button_Blue.png" /> </a> <br /><br />Aparna Vashisht-Rota, the founding Mom of <a href="http://www.parentella.com/">Parentella.com</a> will be sharing a great way to get involved in your child's education. Below she shares her tips for Back to School. Come to the party and you can chat with Aparna.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">It is back to school time! My son starts middle school tomorrow. We went shopping as he has outgrown his clothes, shoes, and backpack. He was very patient while we picked out his clothes and shoes. <br /> <br />He is really excited to go back to school and meet his friends and get back into the routine. It reminds me of my own eagerness and anticipation for a new school year. I used to love the new school year, so much excitement, new books, new notebooks, pencils, etc. I really enjoyed it. <br /> <br />As happy as I am for my son to embark on a new transition, I also feel sad. He is no longer a baby. He is older but I am also happy that he is grown into such a wonderful, loving, and kind person. I am very proud of him. I have heard that as they get older, it gets a little bit harder. I really want to get to know the other parents and make sure that the transition is as smooth as possible.<br /> <br />I am going to connect with other parents on Parentella. Parental involvement is the most important thing in a child's education. You'd have thought it is the latest and the greatest but it boils down to parents being involved. Parentella is one such tool that helps parents stay connected, informed, involved, and on top of it. <br /> <br />10 reasons I am going to be on Parentella:<br /> <br />1. It is free. <br /> <br />2. It is only for parents and teachers. <br /> <br />3. It is private, safe, and secure.<br /> <br />4. It is simple, easy to use, site. <br /> <br />5. It allows busy moms to keep all information regarding the kids in one place. I am so done reading through the stack of paper they send us! If we are all online, it is money saved for school as no more paper is needed. <br /> <br />6. Parentella sends you automated reminders for events, never forget the movie night again!<br /> <br />7. Ask other parents that difficult question in Algebra. One time, my son got homework and it was tough! I wasn't sure really what we were supposed to do and I'd have loved to ask another parent. <br /> <br />8. Get context rich information! Ask a mom in your child's class regarding videogames, allowance, cellphone usage, etc. We are in it together, so might as well help each other. <br /> <br />9. You can archive information for the entire year when you leave the class to join the next grade, you still have access to the information. All the content you created, stays with you. <br /> <br />10. Organize online signups for potlucks, book fairs, staff luncheon, class parties.<br /> <br />Get Parentella, get involved. It is a MUST HAVE for back to school.<br /> <br />This post is written by Aparna Vashisht-Rota, the founding Mom of Parentella.com. Thank you for reading this post and please feel free to write her at aparna (at) parentella dot com.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-43766053540230034512009-08-24T17:05:00.000-07:002009-08-25T04:52:49.926-07:00Good Enough MomBefore I became a mom I thought I had motherhood all figured out. I thought that adding children to our little twosome would be a piece of cake. I thought I would just keep working, always have a clean house, cook and bake all while raising my children to have excellent manners.<br /><br />And then. . .I had kids. I realized that I do not have a <span style="font-style:italic;">Super Woman</span> cape hiding under my clothing. I do not have super human strength and lightning fast speed.<br />I tried to be Super Mom, but it just was not possible. I want to be a great mom to my kids. But by whose definition?<br /><br />I am learning that I cannot say "Yes" to everyone and everything. I have learned that some days if I decide to have an afternoon art adventure with my girls. . .the house may stay a mess. <br /><br />I am going to start making a few changes with this blog and I can't wait to share them with you.<br /><br />This blog is my journey to helping my children have an unforgettable childhood. If I was trying to be <span style="font-style:italic;">Super Mom</span> I don't think that is the experience that they would have. I think by being a "good enough" mom, we can embark on an amazing adventure.<br /><br />Stay tuned to some changes around here and don't forget to join my <a href="http://www.snazl.com/snazl/982/blue">SnazL party</a> on Wednesday afternoon at 3pm EST/2pm CST. It should be a fun time for us to get to know each other better.<br /><br />Have a great week!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-22035932426789112362009-08-24T17:00:00.000-07:002009-08-24T14:52:25.250-07:00It is Time for a Party!!!<span style="font-weight:bold;">This is your invitation to a party! This Wednesday I am having a party at <a href="http://www.snazl.com/">SnazL.com</a> on Back to School Survival and I would love to see you there.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What is <a href="http://www.snazl.com/">SnazL</a>?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"The power of snazL is that it lets us, the community, create Our Story in real-time. We can watch what’s been shared in sync and then respond by chat; by adding new videos, audio, and pictures live to the snazL story for the community to watch as part of the story; even by drawing. Community members can interact from multiple locations through the snazL: they can take any snazL to their own social networks, websites, and blogs for THEIR friends to discover and interact with. Any changes that are made to a snazL from one location or from snazL.com update automatically to every location where it’s located."<span style="font-style:italic;">--from the <a href="http://www.snazl.com/">SnazL.com</a> blog</span></span><br /><br />I have had the opportunity to party with some of the coolest bloggers around over the last two weeks with <a href="http://www.snazl.com/">SnazL</a>. Heather from <a href="http://thedomesticdiva.org/">The Domestic Diva</a>, Danielle from <a href="http://www.extraordinarymommy.com/">Extraordinary Mommy</a>, Nirasha from <a href="http://www.mommyniri.com/">Mommy Niri</a>, Beth from <a href="http://www.rolemommy.com/">Role Mommy</a> and Susan from <a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/">5 Minutes for Mom</a> all hosted parties that I was able to attend with SnazL. I was able to chat real time with them and share my stories.<br /><br />Here is what I am asking you to do. Check out my SnazL below. Go to <a href="http://www.snazl.com/">SnazL.com</a> and register. On your account you can make an album of your back to school pictures and videos. Below is a list of some of the questions we are going to focus on that day.<br /><br />It doesn't matter if your kids are in preschool or College. It doesn't matter if your kids go to public school, private school or homeschool. We all have tips to share. You might not even have kids, but I am sure you have stories of your own to share.<br />What are your morning routines?<br />How do you decide which activities your kids get to be involved in each year?<br />What are some of your favorite After School Snacks or lunch box secrets?<br />How do you prepare your children to deal with bullying?<br /><br />Oh, and before I forget. . .there will be prizes. Who doesn't love prizes. Stuff for your kids and stuff for you! It is going to be a great party, I can't wait to see you there. <br /><br />Any questions about how all of this works, send me an email at amy.thue(at)hotmail(dot)com. I can't wait to see what you have to share.<br /><br />Next weeks topic. . .Marriage.<br /><br /><embed src='http://www.snazl.com/swf/widget_blue.swf?roomID=982&color=blue' id='previewList' quality='high' bgcolor='#fff' wmode='transparent' name='previewList' allowscriptaccess='sameDomain' pluginspage='http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' align='middle' height='545' width='400'></embed><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-45628721997857767102009-08-21T05:00:00.000-07:002009-08-21T05:28:40.669-07:00Give Me Your Best Shot - My Little MonkeyWe have survived our first week of Back to School. Nadia misses her sisters during the day, so she will be happy to head to preschool next week. It is hard to believe it is already Friday. Of course we have to start the weekend with a friend sleeping over tonight. (Sleepovers are very important to our 8 year old). I am surprised that they like to do them here, because my husband actually makes them go to bed. He isn't a very fun sleepover dad.<br /><br />I am going to share one of my favorite pictures of the week with you today. We headed to the park on Tuesday. Nadia dressed herself before we left. Her sisters couldn't believe I let her leave the house dressed this way. I didn't care. At least her clothes matched. She looked better than she does on the days that she is wearing horizontal stripes on top and vertical stripes on the bottom. When I try to get her to change those days she says, "I do to match mom, see stripes and stripes."<br /><br />She thought she would try to attempt the monkey bars, but this is all the farther she got. . .<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqv_8GsHHC-AewyTtSSQj8xGA8b2hMOcbMjc0n1n5RnXUJRzLFjWjFG3j0NmWxg8XyXOADv_5151eQ-hD-pqPhHEtS_7pFergHS8tzN2tEUdft1LzD30xLNRiK5a6g8hh83LBGFRYnr8/s1600-h/SV106148.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqv_8GsHHC-AewyTtSSQj8xGA8b2hMOcbMjc0n1n5RnXUJRzLFjWjFG3j0NmWxg8XyXOADv_5151eQ-hD-pqPhHEtS_7pFergHS8tzN2tEUdft1LzD30xLNRiK5a6g8hh83LBGFRYnr8/s400/SV106148.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372387676249521954" /></a><br /><br />I am linking up with <a href="http://1momof5.blogspot.com/2009/08/this-my-my-favorite-shot-of-week-at.html">Lolli's Give me Your Best Shot</a> today. Head over to her blog to check out more great pictures.<br /><br /><a href="http://1momof5.blogspot.com/search/label/GMBS" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y121/1momof5/08Nov21_gmbs_1-1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360819637461028291.post-63745260808171396282009-08-20T07:13:00.000-07:002009-08-20T07:33:37.171-07:00Get Real Girl Goes Green<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s977.photobucket.com/albums/ae252/thuecrue/Decorated%20images/?action=view¤t=recycle_lg.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae252/thuecrue/Decorated%20images/recycle_lg.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></p><br /><br />Okay, I admit it, my family does not live very green. Our town does not have curbside recycling. I bought CFL light bulbs almost a year ago and still haven't replaced the old ones. However, I am trying to teach my Daisy Girl Scouts all about helping the environment so I decided I better start doing what I can for the world.<br /><br />So as my first "Get Real Girl - Goes Green" post I am reviewing two products from <a href="http://www.ecostoreusa.com">Ecostore USA</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What does <a href="http://www.ecostoreusa.com">EcoStore USA</a> have to offer?</span><br />Our eco friendly, plant-based household cleaning products are as effective as the leading supermarket brands, and our body and baby care ranges are gentle on your skin and are simply beautiful to use.<br />All of our products are made from plant- and mineral-based ingredients, free of toxic chemicals that bring people closer to nature with non-toxic, environmentally safe solutions that also help to reduce our carbon footprint.<br /><br />Our products also help to ensure value for the dollar for our customers. We know it can be expensive to buy natural or organic products but we’ve found a way to safely super-concentrate our formulations. Our super-concentrates means that a little really does go a long way - saving you money by cutting down significantly on cost per use.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What product did I review?</span><br />I chose to review the Aloe Vera Shampoo and Conditioner. My oldest daughter and I are always looking for Shampoo and Conditioners that will add moisture. Both her and I have been using these products for the last two weeks.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ecostore.co.nz/products/img/shampoo%20aloe%20vera128.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 128px; height: 274px;" src="http://www.ecostore.co.nz/products/img/shampoo%20aloe%20vera128.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What do we think?</span><br />My daughter can't believe how soft her hair is and we both have had no problems with dry scalp. We both have hair that requires more conditioner than usual, but this has been with any conditioning product we have used. The product smells good. We both think this product works great and it is safe on the environment.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Would you like to try this product?</span><br /><a href="http://www.ecostoreusa.com">Ecostore</a> has sent me another set of shampoo and conditioner that I am giving away to one of you. The only thing you have to do is leave a comment.<br /><br />The contest will end on Wednesday, August 26th at midnight CST.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/253/0CCFFEA1B74019975E8847EFD45F2A75.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729746508094507948noreply@blogger.com8