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A Renaissance Woman

5/31/08

Packed With Madness - Day 223

Oh what a fun day it was today! It was finally time go and register for the baby. It has been 20 years since I've had to pick out any decor for a girl. The stuff they have out now is just adorable. I had to hit BabiesRUs! That is my favorite baby store. I'm surprised I was able to get anything done because my Super Star kept trying to get out of the basket. He did well considering I was so caught up in all the little bouncers, walkers, swings, strollers and bedding. Good Times today that is for sure!

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5/30/08

Blog Roll Visits

It's been FOREVER since I've gotten to visit my own blog rolls. Today I actually caught a minute!

1 Smart Mom featured tips on organizing your time. She shares how to help you schedule your family activities. Comedy Plus has a great post on how there should be an updated version of those friendship cards! It's a must read if you want a good laugh. Milk Breath and Margaritas is tackling the great toy gun debate! My time is up but I hope to visit more of my favorite blogs real soon.

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Today's Quote

Angels fly because they take themselves lightly.

-Jean Cocteau


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Tornado Toddler Strikes Again!

So within a matter of three minutes he has emptied out the drawer of my nightstand. Why can't he do this on his father's side? LOL - He has found a measuring tape and he is pulling it open and cracking up when it closes by itself. Now if I can just get him to pick up all those magazines and put them back in the drawer we will be in business! Stay tuned for more adventures of Tornado Toddler.

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Win A Graco Pack 'n Play

From Dates to Diapers and Beyond is hosting a Graco Pack 'n Play giveaway! If you are in the market for one then click here for entry details.

I love Graco's products! We have a pack 'n play but it doesn't have all the features that are offered in the giveaway. We have a navy blue one with lots of white polka dots and it is perfect for a boy! We bought it 8 years ago and used ours for both boys but now we are having a girl. It would be nice to have one for her. Our oldest daughter bought our little guy 100 plastic balls for Christmas. My other son took all the balls and put them inside the play pin. Now our little one has his very own ball pit! These kids are pretty smart and needless to say our pack 'n play is still in use. Good Luck if you are entering to win!

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Lunch Time! - Contest

5 Minutes for Mom is hosting a lunch box giveaway. VPZ offers a variety of cool designs. They have lots of trendy products sure to be a hit in your household. My personal favorite is the Flip Side Bucky Lunch box!
If you would like to enter to win your favorite retro lunch box click here for entry details! Contest open until June 8th.

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Square Dancing

Do you remember square dancing in school? I do and it was so much fun. We just got back from watching our oldest son square dance. Kids are so much fun to watch. They all had their boots and hats on! They also did the famous "chicken dance." Good times!

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Scratch That - Day 224

I have recently learned about the pit falls of leaving your comment preferences set to allow anonymous people to comment. Recently I wrote a though provoking post about Who Would Care For Your Children? It's something that we have been thinking about and it's truly a what if question. My dh and I don't anticipate dying at the same time but then again no one does. I've been trying to explain myself to an anonymous reader that had questions. It didn't make sense for me to take up space on my personal blog trying to explain my thought process or my family so I have deleted all those posts. Instead I have opted for the option of no longer accepting any anonymous comments. If this anonymous person would like to continue our discussion I would be more than happy too but they are going to have to send an email or something. Now let's get on with the good stuff!

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5/29/08

Thursday Thirteen #30 - Random Thoughts

1.) Do As I Say, Not As I Do! That one never made sense to me at all.

2.) Show me a man that is the same after marriage as he was before marriage and we will make a statue of him.

3.) If your daughter's boyfriend shares with you that his mother thinks your parenting skills suck because you let her go to the Rocky Horror Picture Show, try to let that go when you have to endure her presence.

4.) If we are suppose to help the earth then why do we have to get so much junk mail?

5.) If a guy buys you a "promise not to cheat ring" should that be a red flag?

6.) Never ever say anything poorly about your friends significant other! Chances are they will back together in 2 days.

7.) If you want to freak people out, try saying hello and making eye contact with everyone that crosses your path for an entire day.

8.) A Sociological experiment is to stand in an elevator facing the back wall. Watch how that freaks the people out on the elevator, that's always a good one.

9.) Why do people call my cell when they know I'm at home and have a land line?

10.) I will be so glad when the back pain is gone and the baby is finally here!

11.) My two older brothers have been two peas in a pod always and they are always doing things together but they never invite my family to do anything. I wonder why that is?

12.) How does my grandma manage to make you feel like the most special person on the planet?

13.) I hope my buddy is blessed with a baby some day.

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5/28/08

Still Fighting The Good Fight - Day 225

I've organized a few more spots in the house, hurray! Meanwhile my Super Star has stopped taking his naps all together. It's just wrong! We are rounding the third trimester and the back pain is unbelievable. A massage would be so wonderful and maybe a match to light all these papers on my desk on fire!!!!!!!!

Thank goodness for Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Mmmmmmmmmmm chocolate.

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5/27/08

Wordless Wednesday - Fun In The Sun

My Eyes Hurt - Day 226

If you know Mom4Life.com then you know Heather L. I blogged a bit about her recent tragic loss before. I received an updated email from her blog, the post is entitled A thousand words. There is a video of photos taken of her family with baby Sawyer. The amount of tears was tremendous. I watched because I have been following her story and she and I have previously worked together. Also, I thought "ok if she can go through this surely I can watch the video and see Sawyer too!" I have to tell you that the strength of her and her family really show in the photos. I just can't wrap my brain around what she and her family have just been through. What gets a person through something like that is their belief system. How else could you possibly manage to come to terms with it otherwise? I thought how hard it was for me to watch it and thought how silly that was because she actually went through it all. Life has a way of putting things into perspective. For those of you who need a reminder, make sure you hug your babies today and everyday!

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5/26/08

It's A Holiday - Day 227

Technically it is holiday but in the house we are working like mad people. More and more accounting and organizing and sorting! The trash is just piling up! The boys went to play with the grandmas and instead of doing something fun just the dh and I we have decided to catch up on our lives. My desk is just piled to my eyeballs! It's ok - I've got some time to play catch up and I'm super thankful for that!

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Who Would Care For Your Children?

I'm not morbid but I do tend to think about future events so that we can plan accordingly. We have our wills but we need to have them updated! If not our eldest would inherit our world and after what we have seen this past year there is no way that would be a benefit. Also we need to change the name of our executor, it's just easier to have a lawyer handle that part. There is one question that always plagued us both, who would care for our children if something happened to both of us? We thought we knew the answers back then but things change and so have we. We thought long and hard and went through all our friends and family. It's very hard to find people that have the same values and ideas that you do. When it comes to raising your kids it's just a completely different ballgame. We took into consideration: age, financial income, space in the home, whether or not they already have children, whether they are married, religious beliefs, education, discipline, whether they would have time for our kids, it was a long list of things to consider. We finally came up with a couple who we felt could handle our three little ones if the situation came up. As a matter of fact when my friend called and I told her about what we were thinking she offered! I said, "Good! Because you and your husband were our pick" Isn't that handy? Who would care for your children?

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Today's Quote

It is not the cards you are dealt but what you do with them that counts.

-Anonymous


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For All You Dog Lovers!

Ultimate Dog Stop

http://www.ultimatedogstop.com

Grand Opening of the NEW Ultimate Dog Stop Online Store

Dear Fellow Dog Lover,

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Thank you,
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www.UltimateDogStop.com
832-524-3210

Save 10%

on all orders
until 6/4/2008.

Use coupon code: grandopeningsale

http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?yhst-10118647976969+rKrmxr+index.html+grandopeningsale

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5/25/08

Down By The Bay - Day 228

We traded the beach idea for today instead of Monday. We packed up everything yesterday and all we had to do was get up and get dressed and get in the van! The boys got up at OMG 5:30am! I resisted for at least 30 minutes but decided I better get going. We made it to Stewart Beach at 7:45am. There was no traffic on the way and there were about 10 families on the beach already. The water is so brown and I'm a freak about the sun! I have enough sun damage on my face to last me a lifetime. I can not stand the sand because it gets all in your spots and it's just ewwwwww! The last thing I want to do is find a bathing suit that would cover the baby and I but my big guy wanted to go so suck it up mom! We had such a blast!!! Our little Super Star is a daredevil. He was out there in the waves and he would crawl on the beach and would laugh and laugh. We would go in the water and then back up to our spot and play in the sand and back out to the water we would go again. Before we knew it they were loading up the beach with beach chairs and umbrellas. I mean there were rows and rows! People were bringing BBQ pits and tables and we had the thumping bass in the background of Tejano music. It was about 11am when we left the beach and there was no traffic going home. We had a full day at the beach before most people roll out of bed. On the other side of the freeway, those heading toward the beach or the mall, was a sea of cars backed up for miles! We were feeling pretty darn smart! It was a good time and we are going to do it again soon. I can deal with the yuk, sun and sand to hear my boys laugh like that. It's well worth it. :)

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5/24/08

Today's Quote

Each day we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.

-Charles Swindoll


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Experiments - Day 229

I'm one of those people that keeps in touch with everyone. I'm usually the one that will call and check up on you to see how you are doing or send you an email or invite you to go and do something. I've got a crazy schedule but I really try to get some adult conversation in. This past week I decided to take a break from all that and just focus on what I've got going on here. I didn't try and call any of my friends or family. Finally after the 6th day a couple of my friends called me and a family member but he was looking for other family members! LOL - oh well it was a pretty interesting experiment.

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5/23/08

So Much Noise - Day 231

The lawn guys are here and the cleaning ladies are here all at the same time. If I can just hang in there for a few more minutes they will all be gone. It took forever to get the baby down for his nap. So far he's sleeping through the noise but who knows! We were playing the up and down routine of nap time and I kept closing his door. Some how he was fiddling with the door knob and locked himself in his room. He got so tired he just went and slept in his bed. Meanwhile I had to call my dh to find a tool to get him out of there! No worries, it's nothing a long thin screw driver can't handle. LOL - Problem solved! Hope you all have a great Memorial Day weekend. My big guy wants us to take him to the beach. I haven't been in beach water in 7 years. I don't think I even have a bathing suit that would fit. I'm super preggers and I really don't want to get into a bathing suit. Ah the things we suffer through for our children. LOL!

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Today's Quote

Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring and integrity, they think of you.

-H. Jackson Brown, Jr.


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From Mother to Mother

PARENT - Job Description

POSITION :
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION :

Long term, team players needed, for challenging,
permanent work in an
often chaotic environment.
Candidates must possess excellent communication
and organizational skills and be willing to work
variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends
and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.
Some overnight travel required, including trips to
primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities!
Travel expenses not reimbursed.
Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

The rest of your life.
Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily,
until someone needs $5.
Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
Also, must possess the physical stamina of a
pack mule
and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat
in case, this time, the screams from
the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges,
such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets
and stuck zippers.
Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and
coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings
for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
Must be a willing to be indispensable one minute,
an embarrassment the next.
Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a
half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.
Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Must assume final, complete accountability for
the quality of the end product.
Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and
janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :

None.
Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills,
so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :

None required unfortunately.
On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION :

Get this! You pay them!
Offering frequent raises and bonuses.
A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because
of the assumption that college will help them
become financially independent.
When you die, you give them whatever is left.
The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that
you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS :

While no health or dental insurance, no pension,
no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and
no stock options are offered;
this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love,
and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

AND A FOOTNOTE - THERE IS NO RETIREMENT -- EVER!!!

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5/22/08

Clutter Bug - Day 232

What I found after writing my Thursday Thirteen list is that my environment has a ton to do with my mood. Somewhere came this energy on Thursday and I organized:
my medicine cabinet
my bathroom closet
my bathroom drawer
the baby's room
the family room
the spot above the sink
all the medicines
Whew! I am super tired now. Here's what I don't need: lotion of any kind! I have enough lotions to make a small third world country smell good! Seriously it's just too much. If I could find someone that likes all that stuff I would gladly give it away. My dh is a sample freak! When he travels he brings home everything from those hotels. We have more soaps, shampoos, lotions and conditioners. It's just madness. But I do feel better. I figure if I tackle a room at a time the clutter will begin to leave and I will be able to breath. It's a good thing I know myself so well.

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5/21/08

Thursday Thirteen #30 - Ways To Cheer Me Up

I've been battling the blues here for the past 2 weeks or so and it comes and goes. I have lots of family stuff to deal with as well as business and financial. Without really anyone to confide in I just look for other places to find moments of joy. The problems are still there but distractions are good. Here are my 13 efforts to shake the blues.

1.) Catch moments like this one to the left. Life with a toddler has it's ups and downs. Mostly they are ups and when you have a silly willy around, there are many Kodak moments.
2.) Read People or Star or some silly magazine just to distract you from your own drama.
3.) Sudoku is another reason why I like Star. My gram saves them for me and when I get to the back I can do the puzzle.
4.) Find something funny to watch on TV!
5.) Go Blog Hopping! I had a lot more time to do this before when I had help with my business and with my kids. Both of those benefits are gone now.
6.) Make a playdate! It's hard to do this because so many moms have their own schedules but if you can manage it do it! It's about the only adult conversation that I have some weeks.
7.) Take a warm bubble bath. I would love to do this more often but most of the time there are toys in the tub so I opt for a warm shower.
8.) Eat Candy! I like the sweet taste it just makes me feel kid like and happy!
9.) Eat a snow cone! Again it's that sweet flavor. Only now it's too hot to wait in line. Yesterday my temperature gauge in my car read 103! That's hot!
10.) Try to call a friend and unload. Most of my friends are either busy with their own kids, asleep or at work. This too can be sort of a challenge.
11.) Visit my gram. I try to visit my gram because it makes me feel better to watch her spoil my kids.
12.) Listen to music. I have such a broad range of taste it's pretty easy for me to snap out of feeling gloomy!
13.) Find a spot in my house that I can organize and get it done. My house is full of clutter so the more organized my home is the better I feel. I'm a minimalist and I just can not stand "stuff!"

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Calgon Take Me Away - Day 233

I'm having one of those days. I remember that commercial so clearly! Do I have to be a Mom today? That is the kind of day I was having. My head hurt and I just didn't feel like working or entertaining. The problem is if you take a day off you pay for it in one form or another. This is day 2 of no adult conversation except for talking to my dh. I haven't been to visit with my gram. Since my eldest is there it is hard for me to just relax and hang out. The last 20 conversations I have had with her results in her inability to tell the truth for some reason. It's honestly just easier to stay away. I rather not deal with it. This is also day 2 without any caffeine. I'm not really suppose to be drinking it any way but the crash and burn is just terrible. That could be where the headache came from. Now for the silver lining...........my dh brought home dinner, eventually. My Super Star ate most of my cheeseburger but that's ok.

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5/20/08

Today's Quote

Argue for your limitations and sure enough they're yours.

-Richard Bach


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Wordless Wednesday - If Only I Could Face Paint!

Scatter Brain - Day 234

Today was just one of those days where I didn't have any energy at all. It was as though the weekend caught up with me and I couldn't get anything done. I was so sleepy today. I did take a nap! There is so much to do each day just living. Forget the whole idea of paying bills and running a business, etc. Just running the house with kids can kick your behind. I'm a bit lost these days. I'm thankful I was able to get the bills paid today. Next!

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5/19/08

Today's Quote

If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.

-Yogi Berra


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Birds and The Bees - Already?

Today we got a note from the teacher. Apparently our son was speaking in appropriately on the play ground. He asked one of his best girl friends if she liked his wiener. Hmmm, we thought that was odd. He said he was just joking and that she laughed. He didn't understand why this was a problem. He began to cry a lot! He was so confused. My dh thought it was time to have the birds and the bees talk to help him understand the inappropriateness of it all. Oh dear! I sat here and just listen to them talk about all the private body parts of men and women. Geez! He's only 7. He was very into the conversation just because he's so clinical about it all and wants to know the terms, etc. He stopped crying though and we think he's got a better understanding now.

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Monday, Monday - Day 235

Goodness I can't believe how busy a day it was today! The Flawless diaper cake shipped to the ABF winner (check), IRS check deposited (check), picked up new Fabulous diaper cake (check), give all photos to graphic artist (check), update site (check) and completely exhausted (check, check)! All with a toddler in tow and baby girl in the womb! I was very nervous about going to the ABF alone to represent my own company, you just never know how these events will go. I have to say that I shared a booth with a great bunch of folks. We all helped each other out as much as possible. It's been a long time since I have been a part of something like that. I'm really thankful.

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5/18/08

Diaper Cake - Day 236

This is by far the largest diaper cake I have ever seen! It's a 6-tier diaper cake and it's full of goodies. This is just one of the many photos I took while at the American Baby Faire over the weekend. I posted a little slideshow here but I will post all the photos on my events page as soon as I can. This was such a fun place to be and I hope to do it again next year. I met so many great people and so many glowing expectant moms to be! I seriously need to learn how to face paint. Kids just line up to have their faces painted. If you need a side job learn how to paint a face!

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5/17/08

Oh The Pain - Day 237

Good lord I'm in so much pain but it was well worth it! Today was the American Baby Faire and it was a total blast. I have never seen so many pregnant women in one place in my life. I have so many photos to post. All those babies were so cute. I really do love what I do and today just reminded me of that!

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5/16/08

Pencil Me In? - Day 238

Today I am thankful for my gram! I'm always thankful, but today I was reminded why. When I was growing up I didn't have to be penciled in. If I wanted to come over I could. If my Mom needed her to watch me she would. If my gram and grandpa were going out of town then they took me with them. When I was a teenager this became less cool. Of course I was a stupid teenager and didn't understand what I do now. However, this is not the same treatment my children get from their gram. They have to be penciled in.

Let's not talk about the grand-daughter's bf who is penciled in! Oh I am just waiting for his chapter to end. I pray to my wonderful God that she will see all those red flags and get a clue! Patiently I wait for his chapter to end and his fan club to be disbanded! It's a small fan club of one but still the waiting is the hardest part.

So I am thankful today of the days of old when penciling me in was not and is not required. I am thankful that my kids get to experience that with their great gram as well. I hope that when my day comes I won't have to pencil my grandchildren in either. Then again if that bf is in the picture I may have to pull out my pencil!

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5/15/08

Wonder Woman - Day 239

Today I am super thankful for the lovely twins at 5M4M. I spoke with them and they told me how to block those pesky spam bots! Woo Hoo! I'm feeling like Wonder Woman now. Take that you blasted spammers! In case any of you are having the same issue allow me to provide you with the magic! If you have Cpanel -
Log In
Look for IP Deny Manager
Cut and paste those IP addresses or urls in and click Add
You have now created your own BLACK LIST!!!

I feel so much better now. My blog doesn't get the spam here at Blogger it's my WordPress blog that is connected to my company site. You would not believe some of the stuff that I get. Lucky for me it is set to Moderate Comments! But now with this new system it's going to be less of a headache. I'm all for it.

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Today's Quote

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.

-Albert Schweitzer

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5/14/08

Thursday Thirteen #29 - Latest Words

Oh what fun it can be to spend the day with a toddler. They are always learning new things. He knows how to sign but now that he can speak clearer he just says what he wants. I thought I would share 13 things that are on his radar these days.

1.) "Trash" - He loves to take out the trash. I have no idea why but he loves to drag the bag down to the curb.
2.) "Mailbox" - He loves to check the mailbox and he likes to check the neighbors too.
3.) "Juice" - This is not really juice, it's Clorox 2 color bleach. He always reminds me to put some in the wash while I'm doing laundry.
4.) "Potty" - He likes to remove his diaper, stand in front of the potty and stick his belly out! It's pretty funny to see. Nothing has happened yet but he seems to enjoy himself.
5.) "Snow Cone" - Every time I drive down the street where the snow cone place is he has to repeat it over and over. This boy loves a snow cone.
6.) "Granny" - We visit my gram in the mornings most days. All the way to the house he says her name over and over! I actually recorded it on my cell phone so she could listen to it.
7.) "Daddy" - Every time the dogs bark he thinks his Daddy is home. This happens all day and I sort of feel sorry for him. I know Daddy isn't going to be home until the evening time.
8.) "School" - He likes to say this when we take his brother to school and when we leave to pick him up!
9.) "Brother's Name" - He loves to call out his brother's name while we are waiting in line to pick him up from school. It's really cute!
10.) "Mommy" - He does this in the car all the time. He repeats it for no other reason than to drive me mad! LOL - I can't help but laugh because he does it all the time.
11.) "Big Sister's Name" - He likes to carry her photo around the house and he just talks to her photo. I have no idea what he is talking about but it sounds pretty serious.
12.) "Toni, Max & Sam" - He loves to call the dogs and see where they are around the house.
13.) "No!" - Oh I think this is his favorite word! Are you finished with your bath? Nooo! Do you want some more milk? No! Come on let's change your diaper. Noooooo!

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Frustration - Day 240

Oh how I want to just get it all out but if I let it out then I will become seriously depressed and angry rather than just frustrated. So rather than focus on what it is or rather who it is I'm going to refocus on the highlights of the day! OK - Wordless Wednesday, how cool of all of you to stop by and link up! We did get a new toy today courtesy of an online contest. Sweet! The boys and I had a nice visit with our neighbor. He's like the adopted grandpa. It's time for Thursday Thirteen.

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Playskool Easy Dunk - We Won!

We are the happy winners of the 5 Minutes for Mom Toys for 2 weeks contest! We won the Playskool Easy Dunk toy and it just arrived today. Just to give you an idea of how cool this toy is we took some photos. This hoop can hang on any door knob or handle. Check it out!




































OK - That fun ended quickly! He started eating the ball and there are orange pieces being thrown in the trash right now. However, in Playskool's defense it is for ages 3+ and we are no where near that. It's still a cool toy!

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5/13/08

Wordless Wednesday - Rainy Day

Moving To A New Host - Day 241

I don't know how many of you have moved your sites to a new host before but for me it's a little on the scary side. The place I'm moving to is very nice and their tech service is really great. I tried to do the move myself but the back up files were too big so they are taking care of it for me. Isn't that sweet? I suppose it might have something to do with that 2 year package I just paid for. I'm just hoping that everything goes well.

Today was super productive. I have copies all my files that I work with every day on a USB key and it is traveling up and down the stairs with me so I can catch up with my life! Geez. I'm truly thankful for the invention of lap tops!

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Baby Winners!

Random Winner


 




 


 


Poll Vote Winner - Isaac & Owen


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5/12/08

In Her Eyes (GiveAway)

You have to click on over to Livin' With Me! and see what this is all about. There is an adorable photo of little Hailey. She is very much a "Daddy's Girl." Good Luck contest ends May 17th.

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The Artist Formerly Known As... - Day 242

Today was just the day for ART! I created that new cyber shower button over there on the right. Oh and a banner to match and of course the invitation. I also created another video to show how we randomly picked our Fabulous winner! I'm pretty proud of myself today. :)

I really wish I would have gotten my masters in Graphic Design. I had NO idea I would be using it so much. Oh well, I'm just thankful that I get to play with all these cool software toys!

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5/11/08

I Am Iron Man - Day 243

What a very cool day!

1.) Woke up to my cutie pies.
2.) My dh grilled up some hot dogs for lunch.
3.) My boy took me to see Iron Man. LOVED it!!!!
4.) Had a great time with my entire family today. Lots of treats for the big day!
5.) Sheila gave me a third column for my blog. Thank you Sheila!!!!
6.) It's time to vote for my favorite babies in the Fabulous photo contest. Go Vote!

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Mother's Day Giggle!

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5/10/08

Today's Quote

Bad habits are like a comfortable bed, easy to get into, but hard to get out of.

-Anonymous


Flowers For Mother's Day - Day 244

This is really a cool school project! My wonderful son gave this pot of flowers to me. It's a card too and when you open it, it says...Happy Mother's Day pick a flower and you will see the jobs you'll pick this week for me!

How sweet is that? I'm seriously getting a tooth ache. LOL - Yesterday I picked a flower and written on the back it said, watch little brother. I have 5 more flowers to choose from but I don't know what they say. I will post the rest of them here as I choose another flower each day. Let me pick one for today, LOL - it says, Hug!

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5/9/08

Triple Special? - Sweet!

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Happy Mother's Day To Me - Day 245

This morning I did my usual routine which is go visit my gram with the baby. He loves to visit with her. My mom was off today and I knew she would be there so I knew he would be super happy!

Eventually my eldest who also lives there asked me what we were doing for Mother's Day. Normally Mother's don't plan their own Mother's day it's something that is usually up to Dad and the children. At least that is always the way we have done it in our family. I explain this to her and she says, "ok what do you want to do for Mother's Day?" I reply with, "spend it with my children, the morning, afternoon and the evening, hanging out with my kids." The look on her face made me feel so warm and fuzzy inside, I pretty much had to cut the visit short. It was pretty obvious that plan interfered with her other plans that she had for the rest of Mother's Day. After all doesn't everyone spend Mother's Day with their boyfriends? Or is it their boyfriend's mothers? I feel like I'm on some sort of Time Share program.

Of course in today's modern world I guess I tend to forget the whole etiquette of Mother's Day and how the new generations fit their boyfriends or girlfriends in. No wonder I just focus on my own Mother! It's a hell of a lot easier and I'm thankful for that. Who wants to feel like their kid has something else better they rather be doing than spending it with you on Mother's Day! Happy Mother's Day To Me.

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Ringtone Spam

My other WordPress blog is being bombarded with Ring Tone Spam. I'm serious! I am getting several emails per day of spam that is trying to show up in my comment sections. It is so annoying! So where is the spam blockers? Someone clue me in before I lose my mind.

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5/8/08

To Blog - Day 246

There was an article going around about blogging and how personal it can be and about sharing your family on the internet etc. One of the interviewers said, "Isn't that something you would call your bf and tell her?" Well, yes it might be but here is the problem. Say you have something happen and it is plaguing your mind and you call your bf but there is no answer. Maybe they are at work and can't talk or maybe they are still in bed. The positive of blogging is that you can get it out and move on with your day. Besides who has time to read all this stuff any way???? I'm just thankful that those who do blog have an outlet to the madness of every day life. Here's a link to the post with the interview.

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5/7/08

Thursday Thirteen #28 - What Is Love?








A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, "What does love mean?"

1.) 'When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love.'

Rebecca- age 8

2.) 'Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on
shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.'

Karl - age 5

3.) 'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most
of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.'

Chrissy - age 6

4.) 'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.'

Terri - age 4

5.) 'Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she
takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.'

Danny - age 7

6.) 'Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss'

Emily - age 8

7.) 'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.'

Mary Ann - age 4

8.) 'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate.'

Nikka - age 6

9.) 'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.'

Noelle - age 7

10.) 'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.'

Tommy - age 6

11.) 'During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.'

Cindy - age 8

12.) 'My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.'

Clare - age 6

13.) 'Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.'

Elaine-age 5

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PCI Compliant - Day 247

All the online stores are having to become PCI Compliant. Oh what fun this is has been. I remember last year telling my web designers about this situation because our site signed up with Scan Alert. I was told that I was too small to really worry about it. Well low and behold the merchant services now want my site to also be PCI compliant. Those web designers are now changing their tune. After talking to other wahms with online stores they are running into the same situation. Lucky for me our web designers recommended a company and for that I am truly thankful. Wish me luck as I make the switch to a new host.

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Today's Quote

Great occasions do not make heroes or cowards; they simply unveil them to the eyes. Silently and imperceptibly, as we wake or sleep, we grow strong or we grow weak, and at last some crisis shows us what we have become.

-Bishop Westcott

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5/6/08

Wordless Wednesday - Little Helper

How Cute Is This?

This the latest diaper cake design in our new line of diaper cakes - Happy Panda style. This particular cake is going to a lucky winner from the American Baby Faire on May 17th & 18th in Houston, TX. What’s included on this new cake? One of our new "Flawless" infant gowns that has a pair of wings printed on the back. It also comes with your choice of matching halo hat or bib. Where are all those cool baby supplies that can be used for the new baby? They are hidden inside the cake! Lots of ladies like to use a diaper cake as a centerpiece for baby showers. If you need a game for your baby shower you can have guests guess what kind of baby supplies are hidden inside the cake for a prize! If you have another garment that you would rather use for your cake no problem! Send us an email and lets see what kind of cake we can make together.

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Fabulous Photo Contest!

Happy Panda is looking for the next "Fabulous" baby to model our latest design. The winner will get their choice of a lap t or snappy! We'll post the winner on our site and email a $50 gift code to spend in the Happy Panda online store. This contest is for children under 3 years. If the winner is 2 years or older they will receive the design in a toddler tee. Email us a photo of your "Fabulous" baby with their first name and age to: photos@HappyPandaBaby.com. We will post a slide show of all the contestants. The deadline for entry is May 12th. The winner is chosen at random and will be announced May 13th! Good Luck.

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A Wake Up Call - Day 248

Last night I had a dream that I lost the baby. I don't know what happened or really any details. I've had this type of dream with each pregnancy. I've always chalked it up to being paranoid about giving birth again. I brushed it away quickly from my mind. No pregnant woman wants to dwell on a dream like that! Then I checked my email and got a wake up call. If you have heard of Mom4Life then you know Heather Ledeboer. I've had the opportunity to work with her on a couple of the cyber baby showers that I have thrown. I subscribe to her blog to stay up date. Please visit her and shower her with prayers.
I don't think I really need to say what I am thankful for today....

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Today's Quote

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.

-Mother Teresa


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5/5/08

Baby Update! - Day 249

Oh it's only another 3 lbs added on this month! Next time I get to drink that nasty sugary stuff for a glucose test to make sure I don't have gestational diabetes. Mmmmmmmm fun! She has a strong heartbeat and we are doing super good considering all the daily drama that happens in my life. It's almost like watching Days of Our Lives! Well, without all the money and being able to come back from the dead. LOL

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5/4/08

Today's Quote

Growth in wisdom may be exactly measured by decrease in bitterness.

-Friedrich Nietzsche


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The X Factor - Day 250

Today a conversation that I had with my X factor yesterday has still got me thinking today. He sort of takes the stance basically - that if our daughter and her bf want to behave as though they are getting married that they should be treated as such. There was this particular quote that has been swirling in my head since I heard it. "My expectation is that he is now responsible for taking care of our daughter." He went on to talk about how her bf better not ever hit her etc.... - that part is just entertainment. We aren't going there because that is just too funny to even ponder.

Back to the idea of the bf now being responsible for taking care of our daughter. This is a pretty interesting position to take I think. Does that mean he should begin being responsible for her financially? Should he begin paying for her bills, gas, college books and tuition? LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL - OK - That was just too entertaining. It would certainly be a little shock of reality.

After completely messing up a thousand times over, it is very easy for me to take the stance of - figure out how to stand on your own two feet first before you go planning your wedding with anyone.

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Mommies United Win

During the giant launch party for Mommies United I did a little blog hopping and entered to win some Smart Mom Jewelry. I won a teething bling set. I had never heard of this but it is a neat concept. I do know that babies like to tug on jewelry and chew on it (which is why I don't wear any). Smart Mom has designed jewelry that babies can handle and chew! I received the MoonStone pendant and bangle. This set retails around $31.50. Since my little Priscilla isn't due until September it's going to be a long time before I get to try this out myself. When we get to the teething stage next year I will have to blog about it and let you know how it works for us. A special thank you to Mommies United for such a great launch party!

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5/3/08

Daddy Magic? - Day 251

So our Super Star has the night down pat. He will stay in his big boy bed and just babble until he falls asleep. Nap time has been my nightmare. Well, it's the weekend which means daddy is home! During the last 2 days it has been taking me an hour and a half to get him down for a nap. Today, it took my dh 15 minutes to get him down for nap! What is that about? Some kind of magic or what?????

Either way he is down for a nap and I am super thankful for that!

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5/2/08

It's Over - Day 252

The winners have been drawn! If you played games in the cyber shower then you might want to see if you won a prize. The shower is now over and what fun it was reading all the stories and looking at all the photos. Babies are just entertaining!

Iron Man was released today. I want to go see it but most likely my son and dh will go together. Someone has to keep an eye on the Super Star! He's a tornado for sure. LOLOL

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5/1/08

To Teach Your Children Well - Day 253

First let me start by saying that bedtime for the 2nd night was so cool! Our little Super Star didn't get up one time. That was so incredible! During nap time it did take an hour and a half to get him to stay in his bed. It's ok though I will persevere that's what I do. He's out of the crib and it's going better than expected so we are on the right track.

Now for the parents, currently I'm going through one of these weird situation where I'm not allowed to joke about my child with their s/o (for now). They view it as putting my kid down or something stupid like that. In our family we have a lot of banter going back and forth and constantly joke with each other. This is how we get through the major stupidity of certain situations and silly choices.

I would not say anything about someone (especially my own kid) that I wouldn't tell them directly. I find it is easier to live your life that way. So today for instance - through email exchanges I asked this s/o to tell my child "thanks for trying." They turned that quote into me being mad at my own child. What????? I was really thankful that my child was trying to help. Guess that is the downside??? People can't tell when you are joking and when you are not! Although I never joke about being thankful! Geeeeez!

My point is that you should tell your children to be careful how they vent about the family. No family is perfect, granted but your children know the family. Someone else could take that venting a step further and try to impose themselves in places that they have NO business being. Why do they do this? Apparently they feel like they are protecting or defending your child from you! Yes, you! How weird is that? Someone spends an extended period of time with your kid and they suddenly become this amazing expert on your whole family. Pretty odd from where I am sitting that is for sure.

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Worthy Mention!

As I'm blog hopping visiting all my bloggy buddies who drop by for WW and TT I found one that gets the honor of a link!

13 things women should think about while dating.

Here are a couple of my favorites!

5. Momma’s boys belong with only one type of woman, their moms.Therefore, for your sake, leave them alone and just let them trot home to their mommies.

6. Self-love, if you don’t have it, pull yourself off the market. Make no mistake about it, if you don’t love yourself, NO MAN can ever love you…no matter how great a man he is.

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Today's Quote

Leadership is doing what is right when no one is watching.

-George Van Valkenburg

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