I torture my children while Mooning my Neighbors

This morning Puddin' Pop decided to use the bathroom and then refused to put her pants back on.  I chased her around for a while and then just gave up.  She would just run and giggle and I figured if she got cold she would come find me.

Fifteen minutes later she was trying to get out the front door, still with nothing on her bottom half.  I explained that it was cold, but we all know that Mommy's don't know anything.  She finally managed to get the door open and I picked her up and to show her how cold it was I pressed her little bottom to the freezing glass of the storm door...just as my neighbor was driving by.  The neighbor stopped, I smiled and waved, and Puddin Pop squealed "Do it again!"

Spanked?

I got spanked by Google and I didn't even know they were giving spankings out.

Up until the latest Google update I really didn't pay much attention to their rankings.  I read a lot about how having sponsored posts have really hurt some people, but since my blogs are young (4 months), I always had a 0 and wasn't really concerned.  In the last update this blog was given a 3.  I took a lot of sponsored posts with Social Spark since then, which I knew would hurt me in the next update, but as of today, this blog in ranked N/A by Google.  I didn't realize an update was being done.  Does Google just strip your ranking whenever?

No worries, the sponsored posts were nice for a little extra income, and when I was having a mental block about what to write about,it was nice to have an idea and get the creative juices flowing.  This blog is more about helping others so I will not get discouraged and I will march on with my intended content and new ideas on how  and who to help.

Spanked?

I got spanked by Google and I didn't even know they were giving spankings out.

Up until the latest Google update I really didn't pay much attention to their rankings.  I read a lot about how having sponsored posts have really hurt some people, but since my blogs are young (4 months), I always had a 0 and wasn't really concerned.  In the last update this blog was given a 3.  I took a lot of sponsored posts with Social Spark since then, which I knew would hurt me in the next update, but as of today, this blog in ranked N/A by Google.  I didn't realize an update was being done.  Does Google just strip your ranking whenever?

No worries, the sponsored posts were nice for a little extra income, and when I was having a mental block about what to write about,it was nice to have an idea and get the creative juices flowing.  This blog is more about helping others so I will not get discouraged and I will march on with my intended content and new ideas on how  and who to help.

Too much Pee

 

Puddin'Pop will be 2.5 tomorrow and wer'e in the process of potty training.  I'm of the low stress, do it when your ready school of training.  She's been wearing pull ups only (and sometimes "big girl" panties when we're at home) and likes to use the potty.  The problem is that she goes every 30-35 minutes.  How am I supposed to get anything done when I am in the bathroom all day?

I thought I could leave her alone, per her request, but she either unrolls the entire roll of toilet paper (and tries to get it all in the toilet) or she's playing in the water.  The other day she decided to turn around on the seat and I found her with both feet (shoes still on) in the toilet like she was dangling her toes in a pool on a hot summer's day.

I guess I'll quit giving her beverages.  I applaud her for being a big girl, but a little bladder control (and the ability to "hold it")  would be really nice right about now.

 

It's Red Kettle and Bell Time

It's an all too familiar picture.  We will soon be out doing our holiday shopping and at every store there will be someone ringing a bell and holding a red kettle.  Do you drop in your change, or look the other way and walk on by?  Before you walk on by, think about what this kettle represents.

The tradition started in 1891 when Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee was trying to raise enough money to feed 1000 of San Francisco's poorest citizens a Christmas Dinner.  He set a kettle at the Oakland Ferry Landing with a sign that read "Keep the pot Boiling."  He soon had the money he needed to provide the Cristmas Dinner.

Currently the kettles are used across the US as well as Korea, Japan, Chile and many European countries.  Just a few cents can help.  Each year, in the US alone, these funds assist with Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for over four and a half million people who otherwise would be without.

Can you spaare some change?

I like to use the opportunity to teach my kids that there are some less fortunate than us, and that part of being a nice person is doing what we can to help.  I always have loose change and allow the kids to put the money in the kettles.  I really think it makes them feel good, even if they do not yet fully understand the magnitude of the need they are contributing to.

Address and Cookies and Blast, Oh My

I may have over volunteered with the PTA.  I've had several calls in the last 2 weeks about sub comittee meetings and when and where they'll be held.  It is very frustrating when looking for residences to not have the houses properly marked.  Having the address on the mailbox is my favorite, and the easiest for me to spot (afterall, it is about me right?). 

If you have your mailbox on your porch, or live in a community where the resident's mailboxes are together at the end of the road, then a nice address plaque works well as long as it is in a well lit area like the porch or garage.  Okay, that's my two cents on labeling your house, back to my PTA agenda.

I have to make teddy bear biscuits for the Teddy bear picnic on Friday.  I need to be at the school on the 2nd of November from 1:30 -4:00 for the "Big Blast", a party for all the children who sold at least 5 items in the fundraiser last month.  I have to bake something on the 3rd and have it to the school by 4:00 for the bake sale the following day that I'll also need to spend some time working at.

Is this the norm?  Kindergarten parents wanting to get involved, having no clue what is involved, signing their life, or at least a year of it, away to the PTA?

Beautiful Day

After having grey skies and drizzle for the past 2 days, waking up and seeing the sun do the same was a very welcome suprise.  We got breakfast and showers and got the kids and ourselves dressed.  We packed a lunch and headed to Busch Gardens.  The temperature was in the 60's and it was a beautiful Fall day.

When we got to the park, our original plan was to find a grassy area in the parking lot and eat lunch before heading in.  We coudn't find a grassy area that wasn't also a steep hill, so we taught the kids what a tailgate is.  We opened the back of the SUV, laid out a sheet, put the kiddies in the back, and hubby and I sat on the tailgate and we all enjoyed lunch.

We went into the park, the kiddies rode the lil clydes, the carousel, the airplanes, and the bumper cars.  Boog rode the BIG swings for the first time and loved it.  With all the rides to ride and things to look at and do, the kids spent the most of their time plaing on and in a stack of  eggs in Dragon Land.  We ran into a friend from My Mommy's group and my 2 munchkins and her one, climbed in and out of these eggs for about 30 minutes.  I really need to get a set for my back yard.

Lamp Collecion

I don't know what it is about me that screams "give me all your old lamps."  But apparently, everyone can hear it but me.  We really need to clean out our garage, it ends up being the dumping ground for all our unused items as well as Holiday decorations.  I was getting out the Halloween decorations and noticed I have a ton of lamps.

I do not care to shop for lamps.  I don't find anything all that exciting about them, and yet I have 6 in my garage.  I can think of 4 lamps I have purchased for our house.  A snoopy one that matched Boogie's baby room (still in his "big boy" room.)  Puddin' Pop got the one that matched her bedroom set.  The lamp on my nightstand, that I bought at Target because it was "reduced"  ( I think I may have paid $7), and the Torchiere I bought to replace the old one that stood on a constant lean.  My Step Mom was visiting a couple years ago and couldn't stand looking at it.  She pulled $20 out of her purse and insisted I go right then to get a new one.  I did, and gave her back almost $12 in change.

2 of the lamps in the garage are huge table lamps that my In laws gave us when they remodeled their den.  There is also a rocking horse lamp from Step Mommy, who thought the kids might like it.  I'm saving it in case one of them goes into a horse phase.  I have no idea where the other 3 came from.  I think I need to get better at saying "Thanks, but No Thanks

Directions Please

I'll admit it.  I'm directionally challenged.  While my little brother has always been able to get any where on memory, I am the opposite.  I do not pay attention to where I am going if I am not driving, unless I'm navigating.  I like to know specifically where I am going and want specific instructions.  Every time I drive home to Michigan, I print directions from an on line source, every time.  It's just useless information to me, keeping directions in my head.  Plus it doesn't interest me, so there's no  retention.

When hubby and I first met I had lived in Virginia for 6 months and had pretty much spent  most my time at home or at work (and an occassional visit to a nearby after hours bar).  When he wanted me to meet him after work, he would give me directions like "Go down Warwick to the McDonalds, make a left, go to the 7-11, take a right...".  I wanted street names.  Do you know how many McDonalds and 7-11's there are around here?  Even on the same street?  I quickly started getting local directions on line as well and I couldn't live drive without them.  When my Mom's group has a play date, I just ask for the address and print my directions.  I've tried a GPS, but I couldn't stand the constant talking, especially if you make an "un planned" stop.  I want to know that I  have to go 10.5 miles on such and such street, turn left on the next and go 6.2 miles.  Then I get to where I'm going, follow the directions in reverseto get home (if needed) and throw the directions out.  if I have to go back to the same place a month later, there's a good chance I'll have to reprint the directions.  Maybe I should start a file?

Dinner with the Girls

I wish I had taken pictures, but I didn't, so you'll just have to visualize. 

4 of us "girls" in the cul de sac meet once a month for dinner.  We missed last month due to busy schedules and not being able to find  a day that worked for all of us.  We almost had the same problem this month but decided to go with 3 out of 4 and fortunately the 4th made it after her other commitment.

I wanted to do the dinner (make everything) and was very excited to cook a "grown-up" meal that everyone would enjoy.  Wednesdays are great for me because the kids go to choir practice with Mima and Papa at 5:00 and dinner is at 7:00.  I should have had 2 hours to whip up my gourmet meal.  As it turned out, Mima wasn't feeling well, so along with dinner for the group, I had to cook dinner for hubby and kids.  Hubby and kids had baked chicken breasts, corn and mac and cheese.

For the other dinner I made brown rice with sauteed squash, zucchini and red onion,  Garlic shrimp, and a salad with raspberry vinagrette dressing.  We accompanied dinner with Margaritas and had a fabulous brownie cheesecake for desert that I swear put me into a sugar coma for about an hour.  I'll try to remember to take pictures next time.

All I want for Christmas...

All I want for Christmas is...

Not to shop at the Mall or Mass Retailers!

I do a little shopping ahead of time at these places but once Thanksgiving hits I refuse to go to the mall or Retailers until after the New Year.  Some people enjoy all the holiday spirit, so do I.  Some people enjoy the great sales, I always love a sale.  Others love the rush of getting up at the crack of o'dark thirty and fighting the mad crowds and waiting in lines just to get those great deals on "Black Friday", this is where we part ways.  The whole idea of fighting the masses for a good deal is not even on my "might be fun" radar.  I think I spent too many years in the restaurant industry dealing with these frantic individuals to want to face them again.

What's my solution?

Whatever I don't get prchased by Thanksgiving gets purchased online!  I love shopping online and getting packages delivered to my door.  It's like getting presents all month long, even if it is gifts to give to others.  Giving is the best part, afterall.

Shop.com has everything combined for one stop shopping.  Stores like Macy's and Target, as well as less known stores like The Purple Frog (for the family frog lover) where you can obtain more unique and personalized gifts.  What's more, they have a complete listing of stores that offer free shipping (which makes it really pointless to leave the house to shop) as well as several coupons for gifts you may have already planned on purchasing.

One final note about Shop.com...they have contests.  Everyone likes contests, go ahead and check out the cool contests they have right now, but since you got the info from me, you have to promise NOT to register for the outdoor fireplace they are giving away.  I want that!  So don't register.

Season For Babies

 

I have 3 pregnant friends that will all deliver in the next 4 months and I was looking around for unique gift ideas for the Mom's- to-be. I came across Mustela, a company that has been committed, for more than 50 years, to providing bathing and cleansing product designed specifically for the sensitive skin of newborns, without the drying effects of regular soaps. They have also branched out and are now offering several products for Moms-to-be.

Instant Comfort Legs is a product that relaxes and refreshes legs as well as ensuring long lasting hydration and toning. I'll bet a couple of Mom's that did the "walk" this weekend wish they had had that.

They also have several specialized products for the different "ailments" infants get, such as Stelatopia for eczema, Stelactiv for severe diaper rash, and Stelaker for cradle cap. The site has other useful tools and advice such as a Parent's corner which has everything from "What to pack for the hospital", to "How to take care of your post pregnancy body."

If you are currently expecting, or know someone who is, they have monthly sweepstakes and give away a years supply of Mustela Cleansing and Soothing wipes as well as their vitamin barrier cream. Who couldn't use a years supply of those? Go sign up.

As for me I'm still debating between the Newborn Gift set or the Squeaky Clean gift set. I think the Mom's would enjoy either so maybe I'll get a couple of each.

 

Memory Walk

 

The weather was absoltely beautiful on Saturday for our Alzheimers Memory Walk.  We walked just under 3 miles and had a good time.  Our group raised just over $600. The walk brought in over $20,00.  Donations are still being taken until November15.

I must admit that this is the first charity "walk" I've ever been involved in and I really enjoyed it. Our Mom's group has decided to do a minimum of 3 next year.  We'll do the Alzheimer's walk again, The MS Walk, and are searching for one more.  I wonder if it had been raining and cold if we would be so eager to do more?  (Yes, we would)

 Like I said in previous posts, just knowing that you did something good for other people, makes it all worth while.  I sent out some e-mails to friends and family back in April when we originally signed up.  I sent out another round 2 weeks prior to the event, and raised $115.  Not spectacular, but every little bit helps.

I remembe,r as kids, my brothers and I would go door to door every year collecting money for the Jerry Lewis Telethon.  Unfortuneately that practice is no longer acceptable, but it taught us that there were people less fortunate than us and we always wanted to help.  That is something I definitely want my kids to learn and hopefully they will be just as eager to help others.

Dear Friend

 

 

Dear Friend,  (name withheld to protect the innocent)

We've talked recently about the dates you have gone on and the men you have met and I wanted to tell you about a new dating sevice I came across (No, I wasn't searching for it, I just came across it in my daily blogging reseach).  True.com allows you to search for free, available men in your area.  I know you have used other online services but have never heard you mention this one, so I wanted to share.  I'm not sure what requirements and info the other sites give out but I was impressed with the security this one promises.  Married people who register may be charged with fraud (which they should be) and felons are not allowed to apply.  Is this standard with other sites?  I also came across some safety tips on first dates and found them useful.  I could have used these 20 years ago.  For instance,  under 6 Must-Haves for First Dates #3.  Always carry gum or mints.  For bad breath, right?  Well that too, but nervous people (like those on a first date) need something to occupy them, and if they are drinking, this may mean drinking quicker than usual.  Chewing gum or mints may occupy your mouth and reduce alcohol consumption ( I could have saved myself some embarassing moments way back when with this tidbit of info).

Anyway, since my matchmaking attempt proved disastrous, I thought the least I could do is come up with an alternative.

Good Luck,

xoxo

Feeling pretty good

Even though I've been up since 5:30 due to Hubby's phone ringing incessently downstairs (he set the alarm for yesterday when he had to work early and never turned it off, yay.) I feel really good.  I sent off the curecaps yesterday, and the Memory Walk is tomorrow, so I'm feeling pretty good about helping out others.  It amazes me how something so simple and easy can make me feel so good about myself.  Not that I have issues, I usually feel pretty good about myself, but this just sweetens the deal.  What do you do to make yourself feel good?

Cure Caps

There are a few things I've come to realize since I started blogging.  One is that all the beading I've done is not even worth mentioning, as my talent (or lack of) is nothing compared to the many beading bloggers I've seen and their tremendous work.  Two is that as crafty as I think I am, I've never put enough time into one skill to get really good at it and would rather be meiocre at a lot of things.  That being said (and you'll understand why I mentioned it in a second)  Here's is Tuesday's Spotlight

---

One of my earlier posts I featured Addi and Cassi Hempel, twins afflicted with "Childhood Alzheimers".  I also mentioned that a fundraising effort was in affect to collect knitted caps to be sold with the proceeds to be used to help find a cure.  I also said that I would be sending caps.  I e-mailed CureCaps yesterday to make sure they were still accepting them and received this response

Thank you, thank you, thank you!   I can’t wait to get the caps.  They really brighten up my day and keep me going!

Love,

I will be sending my caps out tomorrow and thought I share them with you before they go out.  (This is where you remember what I told you in the first paragraph.)

 

 

 

Contests and Giveaways

As I do my daily EC dropping I come across a lot of blogs holding contests.  Some are by the individual and others are held by multiple bloggers.  The prizes are usually for EC credits or ad space on one or several blogs. sometimes for jewelry or even cash.  I have yet to participate in a contest but am studying the processes so I'll be ready to do one for the traditional 100th post.

In the mean time, I came across this contest by Charter Services where you can win a NEW CAR.  Restrictions do apply.  You must be in an area that is serviced by Charter.  No purchase is necessary, however, I know when we bundled our services 2 years ago, we were able to add digital cable and a DVR and still saved $50 each month.  Plus it's nice getting one bill vs. three with cable, phone and Internet all on the same invoice. It may be something to look into.

About the Car

Polished Metal Metallic
Up to 45 mpg highway
Fabric interior
USB Audio Interface
110-hp, 8 valve, SOHC i-VTEC® 4-cylider engine
Continuously variable transmission
MP3 Auxiliary Input Jack

Here's your chance to Save Green and Go Green at the same time.  If you win the car and are not interested, please think of me.  I would love this car!  What are you waiting for? Go to Charter now and sign up.  Who knows, you may end up saving some money too.

 

Contests and Giveaways

As I do my daily EC dropping I come across a lot of blogs holding contests.  Some are by the individual and others are held by multiple bloggers.  The prizes are usually for EC credits or ad space on one or several blogs. sometimes for jewelry or even cash.  I have yet to participate in a contest but am studying the processes so I'll be ready to do one for the traditional 100th post.

In the mean time, I came across this contest by Charter Services where you can win a NEW CAR.  Restrictions do apply.  You must be in an area that is serviced by Charter.  No purchase is necessary, however, I know when we bundled our services 2 years ago, we were able to add digital cable and a DVR and still saved $50 each month.  Plus it's nice getting one bill vs. three with cable, phone and Internet all on the same invoice. It may be something to look into.

About the Car

Polished Metal Metallic
Up to 45 mpg highway
Fabric interior
USB Audio Interface
110-hp, 8 valve, SOHC i-VTEC® 4-cylider engine
Continuously variable transmission
MP3 Auxiliary Input Jack

Here's your chance to Save Green and Go Green at the same time.  If you win the car and are not interested, please think of me.  I would love this car!  What are you waiting for? Go to Charter now and sign up.  Who knows, you may end up saving some money too.

 

Readers Digest Widgets

 

 

 

Go Ahead, you know you want to try it.  No one's looking, see how good your word power is.  (my first try score was 635, I'm pretty sure you can beat that.  I'll keep practicing though)

While surfing the web yesterday, I came across a site with Reader's Digests word power.  I love RD and have been reading it for years, so you know I had to go to ReadersDigest.com Widgets and get one for myself.  Boy was I suprised at all the widgets they have available.

Laughter is the best medicine, and RD always has a variety of family friendly jokes and stories that always make me chuckle, if you don't believe me, and are one of the rare few who have never skimmed through a copy of Reader's Digest (I don't think there is a Doctor's or Dentist's office around that doesn't have a copy) check out RD Laughs Main page and see for yourself.  You can get the laugh widget which features jokes, funny cartoons and pictures as well as a stand up comedy act daily.  I can't think of a better way to start the day or to relieve stress when your day is going all wrong.  I may just have toadd it to my other blog

If you have a Facebook page, you may be interested in downloadiing "Prop My Photo", a program that allows you to do silly things with pictures and has contests for cash. (Only works with Facebook)

 

 

Shirts for a Cause

I think I mentioned earlier that my Moms group is participating the the Alzheimers Memory walk on Oct 11.  Our goal is to raise $1500 and we're still trying to get to that goal.  Yesterday we got together to tie dye shirts to wear during the walk.  I can't remember the last time I tie dyed, maybe 30 years ago.  We had a lot of fun and I think the shirts turned out pretty nice.  I made one for myself, one for Puddin' Pop and one for Hunter.  If you haven't tie dyed before, or not in a long time, give it a try.  It was fun brought back lots of child hood memories, and the shirts are cool to wear.

My shirt

Puddin' Pop's

Boogie's shirt

Crazy

 

 

It's been a little crazy around here with the floor being re-done and I haven't had as much time to post.  The contractor has been working from about 8-3 and the noise sometimes (circular saws and nail guns) has been a little much for Puddin" Pop so we've been trying to get out of the house while he is here.  He should be finished with the first part by Tuesday of next week, so hopefully I'll get the "Spotlight" in then.  Bare with me through this transistion and things will be back to normal in no time.

Thanks