Thursday Thirteen #27 - Many Faces

Today's Quote

No one cares as much about what you are doing, as you!

Pamela Kramer

In Just 30 Minutes! - Day 154

Last night it only took 30 minutes for our little guy to understand that he had to stay in his "big boy bed." He must have gotten out of bed 50 times. I have to thank the Super Nanny on this one. We took her advice. The first time we said "It's time to go to bed", the second time we said "bedtime." The next 48 times we said nothing and took turns putting him in his bed. Near the end he just stood in the doorway of his bedroom. It was so hard not to laugh! He did it though. He finally passed out at 8:30pm.

Today's nap time was not so easy! It took about an hour and a half. It's ok though because I started at 10:30am. LOL - so by the time noon rolled around he was very much asleep. It's just an adjustment. His sister was here which made it a little worse. He doesn't get to visit with her very much. He sees her but usually he is leaving or she is leaving so he gets a bit emotional. He stood at the top of the stairs yelling for her, "Suuuuuuuuzzzzzzzzi!" Overall the new routine is working!

Come One Come All! - Cyber Baby Shower Post

The cyber baby shower starts today! I'm so excited. I love to play these games. Here is a link to the shower if you want to join in and win some cool prizes.

I'm going to play game #1 - My guess is that there are 58 jelly beans.
I'm going to play game #3 - My guess is that there are 68 diapers on that cake.

Good Luck everyone!

Wordless Wednesday - Finger Paint

Shipping Tuesday - Day 254

Today I shipped so many packages and boxes it was just crazy! What can brown do for me? Absolutely nothing! I'm really not happy with UPS but it's too long of a story to get into and I don't want to get into a bad mood. Just beware of the extra charges that tend to creep up on your bills!

I'm full of ideas today!

Today is full of changes. I did it. I took down the crib so that my little Super Star can begin sleeping in a big boy bed before his sister comes along! Oh please wish me luck, I hope this is going to be easy but realistically it's going to be a battle the first few days. It's ok though, we have to get this going sooner rather than later!

Today's Quote

Tell me whom you love, and I will tell you who you are.

-Houssaye

Blue Monday - Day 255

Just had one of those days with so much to do and so little time. I should do a Thursday Thirteen about small business but I don't want to depress anyone. It's very much an up and down kind of roller coaster. The actual highlight of the day was that I got to sit back and enjoy a little R&R time with my hubby. I'll take it!

Naming Winners - Day 256

What a fun day! It's always fun to announce winners. Having contests and then giving away cool stuff is just a blast. People get so happy and giddy when they win. Who wouldn't? My dh has been making me watch this series called Hamish MacBeth. It's really pretty cool. You might find it at your local library.

Happy Birthday Connor!

If you enjoy a good party there is another one going on right now! Click on the banner to join in the fun for lots of prizes. Come on by it's open to everyone. I would love to get the Nina and Tom Prize! I want to purchase some of their organic clothing.

Naps are good M'Kay! - Day 257

Now that the man is back in the house we can all sleep! I thought I was doing ok in the sleep department but obviously not. We passed out today and slept for 2 hours. How wonderful it was to just be able to relax enough to nap. The kids are so happy that he is home. They are back to wrestling with him and following him everywhere. The little one wants up, up! - LOL

We are all thankful he is home now.

Today's Quote

If there is any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow human being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.

-William Penn

Ah to Dance - Day 258

This evening we got to see our daughter dance in her college spring show. It was pretty interesting to say the least. It is always a pleasure to watch her dance. There was this one dance she was in and you could tell she was supposed to do some sort of bumping and grinding moves. She didn't do it! I laughed so hard because I knew what she was thinking. Insert thought bubble here --- My parents and little brothers are in the audience, my grandma and great grandma are in the audience, I'm not doing it! LOL - After the show when we spoke with her that is exactly what she said. We all got a good laugh and that was the silver lining of the day!

Angels, Is It a Southern Thing?

Recently I launched a new product on my site. They are gifts for a baby shower or a new mom. In case you are curious to see click here. When I sent these off to a few people as a test pilot I submitted a product sheet detailing the content. I also included a short poem -

Babies are Angels that fly to the earth,
Their wings disappear at the time of their birth
One look in their eyes and we're never the same
They're part of us now and that part has a name
That part is your heart and a bond that won't sever
Our Babies are Angels, we love them forever.
~Unknown~

To me this didn't seem like a big deal. However, one of the women explained to me that in the Northeast parts of the states that this poem might be frowned upon. Angles don't have the same meaning there that they do in the south. I was taken back by this for a moment. She is right, not all people like angels it just seems foreign to me. So I put it to you the public! What is your take on the poem? Where are you from and would it offend you or people you know?

Today's Quote

When you carry out acts of kindness you get a wonderful feeling inside. It is as though something inside your body responds and says, yes, this is how I ought to feel.


-Rabbi Harold Kushner

Carnival Anyone?

Oh how I love a good carnival! PMKU is in and I'm going to give away 10 of my favorite Millionaire t-shirts (US shipping only). The last time I checked there were 872 plus giveaways. How can you not go blog hopping? If you would like to be one of the 10 winners all you have to do is......
visit the HappyPandas page pick out your favorite one and come back and tell me who it is! Please make sure you leave me an email address or blog hyperlink so I can contact you if you win! The winners will be posted right here at 6pm cst on April 27th! Good Luck

10 Winners:
cdziuba
Christie
ticole96
Audra Marie
CanCan
Sharla
Marcia
sweetsue
Julie Anne
Jinxy & Me

My Love for Carnivals - Day 259

Now that I'm older rides sort of make me sick and dizzy. Oh how I loved it when I was a kid. As an adult I get to enjoy a different kind of carnival. You have to be on your toes to catch these. I just happen to stumble across it on another blog and low and behold there was a party going on! I love to join in on giveaways! Makes me feel good to do something nice for others. Enjoy the party folks, I know I am. That's my silver lining for today. What's yours?

Today's Quote

Getting to know someone is not a task--it’s an art.

-Pierce LeBlanc

Thursday Thirteen #26 - Flying Solo

Welcome to my 26th edition of Thursday Thirteen. This week is dedicated to what it's like when my dh is out of town for "work." I call it flying solo. It's much like being a single mom for a limited time. I'm not a fan at all and here are 13 reasons why.

1.) I can't sleep. My body doesn't shut down like it is suppose to and I become very sleep deprived.

2.) There is no relief from the children. I love my kids but every parent needs some time during the day or evening to regroup.

3.) I worry that he makes it to his destination ok.

4.) I worry that he makes it home ok.

5.) I get sick every single time. Currently I'm dealing with pain in my right ear and the right side of my mouth and lovely bloody sinus issues. I feel terrible.

6.) Trying to get everything done around the house is just a joke. I'm chasing a little person while being a taxi and everything else.

7.) I actually ran out of milk because I had so many other things to do I couldn't get to the grocery store.

8.) I can't get any work done except for nap time. There's nothing like trying to keep up with a business within the span of 2 hours.

9.) There isn't any back up of discipline for the children.

10.) There isn't any adult conversation in the house.

11.) We have to limit our communication because of the time change of being in another country whether it is Dubai or Scotland or England. The phone lines seem to drop when we do try to talk on the phone. We have a hard time reaching each other.

12.) There is always a financial mess that happens in his absence. This time it was shelling out nearly a thousand dollars for an old medical bill for our eldest. Of course we could have taken care of this 8 months ago had she bothered to open the mail that was sent to her when she had her own apartment. We could have avoided the collection calls and bills from the attorney's office.

13.) When he does return we still have a few extra days of waiting for him to get his clock adjusted. This makes for a very grumpy, testy man who isn't ready to jump in and take over.

I haven't had a vacation in about 7 years. I haven't traveled with my family in about 2 years. He has never had all the kids for even a full 24 hour period. But hey, it's all in the name of putting food on the table. Flying solo isn't always what it is cracked up to be.

Popcorn - Day 260

Microwaved popcorn is the highlight of my day. I don't know whether to laugh or cry about that one.

Who? What? Wear? Wednesday Meme

Who? Super Woman (this week)
What? Typing at the speed of light! Trying to play catch up.
Wear? A Donor For Life t-shirt, maternity jeans, and my New Balance cross training shoes!

Wordless Wednesday - Serving Spoon

How Do You Eat an Elephant? - Day 261

You eat the elephant one bite at a time. It's just a little saying when you get overwhelmed and you need to calm down. I don't know where it came from but it makes me feel better.

Where is my silver lining today? Tomorrow is Wordless Wednesday. That's it! One of my favorite memes. I've gotta go dig out some super cute photo out of the camera! Oh wait, I've got it.

Today's Quote

Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished: If you're alive, it isn't.

-Richard Bach

Manic Monday & Oh Yea, Happy Birthday - Day 262

It's my dh's birthday today and he gets to spend all day in meetings in Scotland. Oh how hard it must be to celebrate your birthday over dinner meetings. But hey, at least we got to call on his cell phone and sing Happy Birthday. That's what really counts don't you think? I mean he may not get to hear it until he gets back in our country but there it will be sitting in voicemail.

My boy made me go birthday shopping! Oh yes, just because Dad isn't hear doesn't mean we can put off the shopping until he is on his way home. No, the shopping had to occur today. So lucky Dad will be the proud owner of the latest Mars Mission Lego set along with many little army tanks. Lucky guy!

Manic Monday heck yes! So much to do and too few hours that is for sure. I'm still here, alive and kicking. Oh and so is Ms. Priscilla. Should we just nickname her Prissy and get it over with? There is a strong consensus that kids will make fun of her and call her Prissy. She's gonna ROCK! Who cares. She has me for a mother so she's going to be touch as nails. She can handle it! I'll make her an outfit with a Prissy design! Yea that's the ticket.

Scotland The Brave - Day 263

I finally heard from my dh today. He was sitting in a park in London waiting for a train to head to Scotland. Yes, it's a rough life. We had a long talk about our eldest and my concerns. He always makes it better. All he had to say was "I think I need to have a talk with that boy!" I think guys are just better at talking to their own species. LOL - They seem to understand each other better.

Chili's No Place Else - Day 264

Super! My darling daughter invited me out to eat. OK - So I paid but hey we got to spend a whole 45 minutes eating some yummy hot wings and fries. Ah good times! Now if we can just manage to eat out without her little brothers in tow it might just turn into a girl's dinner. We could have a conversation without having to save the sugar, salt or pepper dispensers. LOL

Today's Quote

Create the kind of self you will be happy to live with all your life.

-Foster C. McClellan

OUCH my ears!!!!!!!

There's nothing like your 18 year old who is not even out of high school for a year telling you they have found "the one!" They just know. I wanted to hurl. My ears just started to ache. Overly dramatic? I think not. It's too hard to wrap my brain around. So the two of you are going to wait for 3 years? 1.) A lot can happen in 3 years. 2.) When did you become engaged? 3.) You will only be 21 in 3 years. Oh the thoughts, make it stop! My poor mother. It's all that freakin karma coming my way! Oh why? Oh why? Haven't I paid enough? No? This is so wrong. Why can't these kids just focus on how they are going to make a living? Don't they know it's a new world? What's wrong with backpacking to Europe to find yourself? So I suck as a mother because I refuse to marry my child off at the tender age of 18, 19, 20 or 21. What's wrong with 27 or 30? We are living to be well over 80 now. Come on! It's not about fearing a bad marriage and divorce at an early age it's about getting to know yourself first. Give yourself some time! You could be a great wife and mother if you learn to develop patience. There is so much to learn about yourself. I've taken a poll and most of those people wish they would have waited or done something before they put all of those responsibilities on themselves. I try to tell my child but they don't hear me. Turn your ears on! Some may say oh it's just puppy love and you know how it is.... Yes, I do know how it is and I also know how strong it can be when you think you have found "the one." I can only hope that the common sense fairy will come along and sprinkle some of her magic common sense dust on my child.

I Made It - Day 265

So the dh is off to Scottland again! It's ok I've got this kid thing down, no problem. It's not like he has ever had to watch these guys for a whole 7 days without help much less 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1! Good Lord I need to take a vacation. Can't wait to add another one to the mix. Sweeeeeeeeeet!

Today's Quote

If I won't be myself, who will?

-Alfred Hitchcock

Canon Sure Shot - Day 266

Against my better judgment I finally took out my new camera from the box. I was going to use it for a new product photo shoot but because I was limited for time I decided not this time. My daughter decided I should use it and we spent all our time trying to figure out all the freakin settings just to get a photo! Good Lord it's like rocket science. There are so many features. It's going to take me the rest of the year to figure it all out! We probably took about 20 photos and the batteries are already dead. But hey those pixels are crystal clear!

All In Good Fun - Day 267

Today was fun. I loved posting my Thursday Thirteen. I know that my visitors know that it is all written with humor. I'm pretty much laughing at the end of each number. It really is a big adjustment but we will all get there one way or another.

Today I am thankful that my bears have finally arrived! It was a very long wait but now that they have arrived it will set off a chain reaction. I will share more on that one later. I must get back to this mess on my desk now. I have to get it together before my dh leaves town again. Ahhhhhhhhh

Thursday Thirteen #25 - Message In A Bottle

My eldest has been out of the nest for almost a year now. It's been a big adjustment for all of us. Here is a list of things that I didn't realize needed to be said.

1.) Give me a break! I've told you what to do for the last (insert # here) years. I've told you when to get up, go to sleep, when to eat, what to eat, what to wear, where to go, when to be there etc. It takes time to release this mode. I know you are now in charge of doing these things yourself now so don't get mad if I remind you! It's years of programming, Get Over It!

2.) Just because you are now an adult doesn't mean I appreciate a potty mouth. I'm still your Mom so remain respectful.

3.) If you are going to ask for money at least ask over dinner. Can't you slyly make the request while appearing to enjoy your parents company?

4.) If you don't want the parental opinion maybe you should make that clear before you begin your story. This will allow you to vent easily and prepare us from refraining from forming any feed back.

5.) Trust your parents. Why would we push you in the wrong direction? Why invest years of guidance only to watch you go down the drain?

6.) Make time for your parents. We are use to seeing you every single day. It's hard when we don't know what is going on any more. A phone call can be nice as well.

7.) Your siblings miss you too! They have grown up with you and now you are gone. Make some time for them. That's how great bonds are formed.

8.) Do not allow your boyfriend/girlfriend to communicate with your parents for you. Unless you are incapable of doing it yourself because you are in a coma in the hospital.

9.) Be careful how you express your opinions about your family others may misinterpret you. Oh and we don't have to like everyone you date! Most likely we will only like one and that will be the one we arrange for you. LOL

10.) Could we please not talk about marriage before your 25? Focus on your education and setting yourself up financially for goodness sake! At least give us time to save up for the big fantasy you have built up in your head.

11.) Don't get annoyed when you get lectured because you keep putting off very important things. For example: taking care of a traffic ticket so that you don't get a warrant out for your arrest. Yes, that would be good. We don't really want to bail you out of jail for that one.

12.) Yes, this is really what it is like to live on your own and you can't live the lifestyle that your parents provided for you. You must start from scratch like everyone.

13.) Yes, you should have stuck to the plan we set out for you because it was a lot easier than the struggle you are going through now. But hey, to struggle just builds character and think of the stories you will have to tell to your own children. :)

Who? What? Wear? Wednesday Meme

Who am I? The home of the baby bump, Pamela Kramer
What am I doing? I'm eating Lemonheads and catching up with VIP!
What am I wearing? A monogrammed white terry cloth bathrobe.

A New System - Day 268

My husband and I have a new system for keeping things on track. We have decided to go from room to room after the kids are in bed. The first time we did this was VERY unpleasant but we did it again tonight and it only took 30 minutes. Sweeeeeeeeet!!!! This is what I have been trying to get him to do for the last 10 years. LOL - It's happening now so....I'm thankful for that.

Wordless Wednesday - Book Worms

Today's Quote

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.

-Anais Nin

Day 269

Perfect! Today has been a kick abs and take names kind of day. One thing to be thankful for is caller id. Lately I have been the caller while those I am calling just look at the caller id and see that it is me and decide that for what ever reason they don't want to talk to me. Often I am unaware of this but every now and then a situation will arise and I'm clearly aware that it is happening. My phone calls are being screened. It's even better when it's your own children screening your calls. Insert dagger here - - - >

Today of all days I was the one who was lucky enough be on the receiving end of the screening process. The phone rang and I took a look at my caller id and decided, I don't want to talk to this person. For a change I get to have my own reasons not to answer the phone. Hopefully this person doesn't feel very good about having their calls screened because I know it doesn't feel good when it happens to me. Eye for an eye? A little immaturity? Maybe a taste of ones own medicine? Call it what you like, no one likes to be ignored but I guess that at times it's just necessary. How else can we weed out the negative? Technology rocks, don't you think?

Day 270

Today I am thankful once again for the one person I have in my life that lets me vent. She doesn't interject her opinion while I'm trying to talk. She just lets me get it out and off my chest and then she takes it in. She tries to understand how I feel and then basically says "Wow that's not right!" She doesn't talk over me or move on to another subject as though she didn't hear me to begin with. She doesn't ignore me when I call and if I do call she calls me back. Everyone should be allowed at least one person in their life like that. As I left her today I thought how awful it is going to be when her time here on earth is over. She is irreplaceable.

Day 271

Awesome possum! 2 cakes down and 4 to go. My dd is working on this project for me and it's turning out pretty nicely. The boys went camping and it was just me and the Super Star. We hit the park with the dogs. I don't think I will be doing that again. It was a little scary trying to round up a toddler with 3 dogs in tow! LOL

My Precious Kids Giveaway

An Island Life is giving away this adorable swaddle blanket from My Precious Kids. Doesn't that look comfortable? The baby looks all warm and snuggly. I'm due in the fall and this would come in handy just in time for the change of the weather. If you would like a chance to win this swaddle blanket head over to An Island Life for all the details! Good Luck.

Today's Quote

Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you’d have preferred to talk.

-Doug Larson

BebePOD Plus Giveaway

Aren't they cute!? As part of the Toys for 2 weeks giveaway on 5M4M this is the latest item up for winning. This is a BebePOD Plus by Prince Lionheart. I would love to win one of these. To read a full review and contest entry details please click here!

Day 272

My Q did a great job on a project that I gave her. Hopefully I will be able to share that pretty soon here on the old bloggy!

I'm so glad we decided on a name for the baby! That's my super thanks for today. :)

I have a new idea for a design but it was quickly shot down by the cost of it all. That is really heartbreaking for me. So many ideas and just not enough money to fund them all. Back to the old drawing board.

Do you know a Lego fan?

I know a few Lego fans and they reside right here with me. We have so many sets we could actually have an entire room dedicated to just Legos! I don't mind because it is so much fun to watch my little guys build stuff. Dad is an engineer so it's part of the package. 5M4M has added this Lego City to their 2 weeks of Toys giveaway. Visit 5M4M for all the entry details. Good Luck!

Priscilla Madison Kramer - 19 Weeks

I was going to save this for a Wordless Wednesday but I'm afraid it requires some explanation since it is an ultrasound! LOL

If you look at the photo and you tilt your head to your left shoulder you will see her face. Her mouth is open and she is sticking out her tongue!

We have a little tradition with our kids. Our eldest son has my husbands initials. My husband wanted to pass down all of his monogrammed items. Our second son has my husbands fathers initials. He will receive all of his grandfathers monogrammed items.

Now that we have a girl I thought it would be fun for her to have my initials. What fun that has been trying to figure out a name that we could agree on that started with a P. Just when we got over that hurdle, came all the names that started with an M!

We were all in the van coming home and our eldest son said What about Madison? My dh and I looked at each other and smiled and said "That's it!" No more discussion that is her name we are done. LOL

Day 273

Oh silver lining, silver lining , where are you silver lining? My legs ache so badly. I tried to get all the laundry done but still it hangs about the house. I did hear from my good friend Allison. That's about it. I have to clean up pooh now. My Super Star got himself naked and took his diaper off. This should be the final topping to my day!

Circle of Fun Giveaway!

Mommy Goggles is giving away a "Circle of Fun" on her blog. This is a great toy if you have small children. I'm sure I can find room for this in my house if I win! This would keep my boys occupied for a while. Good Luck everyone.

Thursday Thirteen #24 - Baby on The Brain

Rather than just have a ton of anxiety I thought I would take the opportunity to use Thursday Thirteen as a bit of therapy. I've got a bit of baby on the brain.

1.) Is it a boy or girl? I would love to have another boy because that girl right there on the right in that photo broke the mold! LOL

2.) It's going to hurt! The last time there just wasn't enough drugs for the pain. I had so much I got sick. It wasn't pleasant.

3.) What if it doesn't want to come out? LOL - The last 2 were so big it was a challenge to get them out. I'm not going to get graphic here.

4.) What if there is something wrong? The last one came out with the cord around his neck. There was a lot of massaging going on. No one told me until after the baby was in the clear.

5.) We are going to be around 55 and 60 before this one leaves the house!

6.) When will we get to sleep again? We run on fumes as it is and both of our boys still get up in the middle of the night.

7.) We have to get our Super Star out of the crib and into a bed so that we can use the crib again.

8.) What if my doctor is not there to deliver my baby? Ugh!

9.) I have at least 20 more weeks of people lifting up my shirt to LOOK at my belly.

10.) I have at least 20 more weeks of people wanting to TOUCH my belly. You would think I would be use to that by now, no I'm not.

11.) I wish people would stop asking if we are going to have more. Don't they think it crosses our minds that 5 children between us is enough? We know.

12.) The names! Going through the names and trying to decide on one we all like. That will be easier when we know if it's a boy or girl.

13.) The baby shower! I've had so many, what if people get tired of coming? LOL

Day 274

Today I am somewhat amazed at how a doctor's office works. For example today I had an appointment but the doctor was held up in traffic. After 2.5 hours I was finally able to get in. I had another doctor to see so I did that during the wait and returned again only to wait more. There were no magazines or anything to do while you wait. The waiting room was filled with a bunch of mad people!

Another thing - Why??????!!!!! are the alarm buttons on elevators at the bottom right at the eye level of say, a toddler!!!! What is up with that? Why not have those very important buttons at the top of the button list? Geez

My Super Star was very patient during all of this chaos and for that I'm truly thankful! He was the entertainment during the long wait. He made many people smile.

2 Weeks of Toys Giveaway!

The contests are just popping out every where in the bloggy world. 5 Minutes for Mom is hosting 2 weeks of toys to give away from their site. There are some really great sponsors donating prizes.
Here is the 1st - written by Janice.

For our first giveaway, we are starting off with a huge giveaway from Playskool. There will be three lucky winners — one receiving a Rose Petal Cottage, another scoring a Kid Motion Easy Dunk Basketball, and a third winner getting a Made For Me Day To Dream Soother. Click here to find out entry details.

Today's Quote

Pain nourishes courage. You can't be brave if you've only had wonderful things happen to you.

-Mary Tyler Moore

Caboose Trailer Bike Giveaway!

This is a really cool giveaway hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom. They are giving away a Caboose Trailer Bike and it's open to U.S. and Canadian residence. The Caboose Trailer attaches to a regular bike. How handy is that? The winner will get their choice between two sizes. 5 Minutes for Mom will announce the prize winner May 5th so there is plenty of time for you to enter.

Wordless Wednesday - Tree Lovers

Baby Update!

Last night I was feeling those bubbles in my tummy. At least I thought they were bubbles. It's hard to tell because my diet is just horrible! It's ok it's only a phase. Any way my dh and I are going to sleep and he puts his hand on my belly. I asked him, "Did you feel that?" "no" he says. I flip around on my back and put his palm in the right place and BAM! Sure enough he got kicked or punched, we couldn't decide. I don't think those were bubbles that I was feeling this whole time. LOLOLOL - Till tomorrow! We find out if it's a boy or a girl. I would love to have another boy but my gut feeling tells me it's a girl.

Day 275

Oh what a great day today! I got all my prints in and updated my shop. I'm already filling orders. That Fierce design is super cute. The flames on the backside of the diaper area his hilarious! I can't wait to see a baby in it.

We took off to the snow cone stand today and I enjoyed the Tutti Frutti flavor. It just made my day. I also broke out the Cinnabon bread and toasted it and put a little butter on it, yum yum. Are you hungry now?

Spring Fling Contest!

OK - I have the inside scoop on a pretty cool contest that was just posted about 5 minutes ago. It's a Spring Fling Giveaway hosted by My Mommy's Bracelets.com. This contest will go all month long! I can't wait to enter but I don't know what my top 3 choices are yet. Maybe after I find out what the baby is I can do some early contest shopping. Woo Hoo! Good Luck.

Day 276

Today I am thankful for almost catching up on what I need to do. I find myself getting very distracted. I just want to catch up with my friends. I try to balance but it's always a bit of a struggle. There just aren't enough hours in the day. It's the countdown to baby gender! 2 more days.....I'm so thankful for that. I'm ready to find out what it is and get shopping or creating something new. I wish I knew how to crochet. I think that would be a fun skill to have. :)

I was just thinking about blankets and baby booties. LOL

Very cool thing today - we walked all three dogs again today. They walked together in a pack. We were good until they saw a Rottweiler. We passed him but it was a little on the scary side. LOLOL

Today's Quote

Never stand begging for that which you have the power to earn.

-Miguel de Cervantes

Tipping!

Someone clue me in here because I always seem to have trouble with tipping. Saturday I took my son to get his haircut and it was $12.00. How much should I have tipped the barber? Anyone know?

With the waitstaff at a restaurant we always tip between 15-20% is it the same when you get your haircut?

What about for women? By the time you color the gray and get it cut and blown out it could easily run $75-$100! What do you tip your stylist?

Day 277

Hurray! My son won his first soccer game today. Of course no one else in our family came to see the game but that's ok. He was so happy because there are only 2 more games in the season to go.

My dh nailed some boards to the giant tree we have outside our front yard so our son could climb the tree by himself. He was in heaven!!!

We actually walked all 3 of our dogs together it was so awesome. They were so well behaved that Cesar Melan would have been proud. While we were walking we saw my mom and driving by and she ran a yellow light. I had to call her and tell her because she didn't see us and swears up and down that it didn't happen. LOLOL - She ran that yellow light!

The shed was finished today and the garage cleaned out again! That silly old shed is ready to come down and I am so thankful for that!!!! Woo Hoo

Day 278

Saturday! Woo Hoo I posted the video this morning and then we were off as a family to take on the rest of the day. We hit the library, Sams and Tropical Chill has opened again! It's only the best snow cone place is the city. When I was pregnant 2 summers ago I practically lived there. It's the ice I think because it so thinly sliced it just melts in your mouth. Ahh Good Times!

Last Day To Vote! - The Poll Has Been Restarted

Austin won the polls! To see who was named the Fierce baby winner click HERE.

Day 279

Sweeeeeeet!!! What a fun day. We wrapped up the photo contest. The best part was video taping our Super Star picking the winner randomly. He had so much fun! My older son got his report card and is doing really well. His reading level is off the charts. We are so proud of him.

Today's Quote

There is nothing better than the encouragement of a good friend.

-Katharine Butler Hathaway

Day 280

What a day! I had so many packages to ship this morning it was just amazing. I ordered pizza for lunch and it was super yummy! My gram lifted my shirt today so she could see if I was showing. How truly disturbing. LOLOL - Give me some warning for goodness sake!

I've gotten nothing done today but get lost in the bloggy world. I have to keep my word about getting through my pile of papers first and then I can play....
I'm working on it!

Old Navy vs. The Pigeon

This morning I took my little guy to Old Navy to find some pants for my older son. I was waiting in the check out line when he began to get tired and fussy. He wanted out of the cart. The cashier asks the customer ahead of me if she would like to fill out a credit application to get 10% off. Instead of just checking me out while the lady fills out her form she has me wait.

Um, no - not today! I put the pants on the counter put the basket back, take my son out of the cart, attach him to my hip and out of the store we go. He has on this green Old Navy shirt. We were walking to Michael's craft store to get a basket that I needed when all of a sudden I hear this bam. I saw something fly like mud. I thought did someone just throw mud at us? I look at my sons shoulder and there is this pile of slime on his shoulder and it smells really bad. I look up and at the top of the building there sits a blasted pigeon! Yes it is bird poo. A bird poohed on my son! How gross and I had to head back to the car to leave. I set my son down and immediately removed the shirt trying not to get the bird poo all over his face. So there he is toddling with me toward the car without a shirt on. I actually left the shirt because it smelled so badly! A woman saw my son walking around and she was giving me this dirty look. Yes, I could see it in her eyes! What is wrong with you lady? Put some clothes on that baby. Rather than entertain the woman I just scooped him up and we took off.

What are the odds?????????? So when it comes to an Old Navy shirt and Pigeon Poo - the pigeon wins!

Ju Ju Beane Boutique Giveaway!

Amanda is hosting a fun giveaway from Ju Ju Beane Boutique. What's in it for you? Click on over to Amanda's and check it out. I'll give you a hint! Does a $50 gift certificate sound good? I thought so too!

Mother's Day Celebration!

Just a note to let you know that we’re getting ready to celebrate Mother’s Day at www.HeresToGoodWomen. We’ll be giving away a $200 shopping spree – and you can win! If you send us a photo of your favorite mom (yourself, perhaps?) and a few words about why you think she’s a great mom, you’ll automatically be entered in the contest.


We’re also having a separate drawing, just for bloggers. If you put a link to our homepage to let other mom’s know about the contest, you’ll be entered in a separate drawing for a $100 shopping spree!

Day 281

Geez it was a long day today. I'm rocking and rolling over here. My latest design isn't working out. I need to sleep on it. I have no idea who will win that photo contest. I think they are all so cute! My Super Star had his hair cut today and the barber cut him with those clipper things. Poor baby! I tipped that guy well too. I didn't see it until after. My chicken was dry and my rice undercooked but hey we made it to soccer practice on time. Woo Hoo!

So the highlight was....the soccer coach said, "You own Happy Panda? It's very cool!" Made my whole day!!!!! I'm super thankful for the kuddos! I'm all warm and fuzzy now. :)

Thursday Thirteen #23 - The Many Roles of Me

I don't know if this will fill up a full 13 but let's see. I have always felt a lot older than I really am. You won't see me in very many photographs. I'm usually the one behind the camera. I started getting gray hair around 23? I think this might have something to do with it.

1.) Teenager and pregnant.
2.) Married teenager with new baby #1 and in high school.
3.) Divorced young adult with toddler working menial jobs to survive.
4.) Single with young child with better job going to college part-time.
5.) Newly remarried not working, going to school full-time for Associates degree, without young child and now a step-mom but still no children in the house.
6.) Married not working, going to school full-time for Bachelors degree with new baby #2.
7.) Married not working, going to school full-time for Masters degree with preteen back home and baby.
8.) Married not working, still in school but now the teenage step-daughter has moved in too.
9.) Married not working, still in school and teenage step-daughter has moved back out.
10.) Married not working, just graduated with Masters and pregnant again with baby #3.
11.) Married working full-time for one company in my house, my teenager graduated and moved out leaving us with a 1st grader and a toddler in the house.
12.) Married working full-time for two companies in my house, started a new business.
13.) Married working full-time back to one company in my house, running my business and pregnant again with baby #4.

Yes, this is pretty much the recipe for I'm tired and worn out. No wonder I feel so much older than I really am.

Day 282

It was be against the desk today, again. I won! But I lost to the dishes. LOLOL - It's ok the paperwork is more important. There are bills and stuff on my desk and well people like to get paid. I know, crazy isn't it?

I'm still on my quest to get organized. There should be some nesting occurring pretty soon right? I will be thankful for that!

Wordless Wednesday - Monkey See Monkey Do