Attention Bloggers!

Found an Awesome Giveaway for those Coupon Mavens out there!!

Do you love coupons? I do and found an awesome give away! I entered it myself, but thought I'd share in the opportunity with my readers! Check out this great giveaway! The kids are grown, now what?: Review and Giveaway: Savvy Saving, Couponing Secre...: When I heard about Savvy Saving, Couponing secrets from the Stockpiling Moms, I was intrigued. I watch Extreme Couponing. I read all the sav...

Indoor Skating!

Indoor ice skating with wax paper boots

                                      It’s cold outside or if you live in Arizona, it’s chilly and not snowy or icy. So, what do you do when you’re stuck in doors or have no winter wonderland to play in? You make one inside. If you have carpet or linoleum, then you can make the winter come inside. 

Baddha Konasana- Butterfly Pose

Another year is coming to an end and changes are about!  To celebrate the changing of the years lets explore our stretching and changing bodies by doing the Butterfly or Baddha Konasana pose!  Let's allow the new year to change us like a Catepillar changes to a Butterfly!

Wordless Wednesdays

The Church Runaway Bride was filmed at!  Saw it this past July when visiting Taneytown, Maryland

Husband Take Over!

Hello Blogosphere.  My name is Eric Billings (husband of the proprietor of this blog) and I have been asked to provide a post of some relevance to help my very busy wife during this holiday season.  At first, I was perplexed by the offer seeing as this is a blog about being a mother, which, to many individuals’ amazement, is an occupation for which I have not much experience.  However, after much consultation with my much more experienced wife, I feel that I have gained a base understanding of the position, thus allowing me to extol, upon ye faithful readers, the virtues of a subject that is near and dear to my heart.  I hope you find it helpful and enjoyable.

My Birthday!

What does every mom want for her Birthday?  A day off! A day to sleep in, be the one to just play, no meals to cook, no diapers to change, and no/little responsibility.  Basically, a day to get hair done, maybe nails, maybe some leisurely shopping, that book read, or some scrap-booking finished.  So for that reason my husband will be taking over the blog for today. He will be posting and maybe publicizing.  Thanks to all my loyal readers and thank you to my husband for giving me a much needed break!  I think I'll start with that nap/sleeping in now! Good Luck to the Hubby!

That Christmas ham went where?!!!

This post brought to you by Slim-Fast. All opinions are 100% mine.
So, the holidays are done and we should probably start planning for the summer months and those dreaded swim suites.  I have found that all my baking and cooking has made my clothes uncomfortable, we'll just leave it at that.  So, now starts the search for ways to drop the weight.  I already do yoga and walk/jog with the dogs each morning.  I need to change my newly acquired monster, insanely delectable, overly calorie diet I now have acquired.

Toshiba Laptop Giveaway!!!!!

Check out this sweet new giveaway!

Didn't get what you wanted for Christmas?  Why not enter to win a new computer for yourself in the new year?  Just enter below and cross your fingers!  I personally can't think of a better way to start the new year!!!

Pumpkin Cookies!

The holidays are done, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy the baking!  It’s still cold outside so why not make use of that frozen left over pumpkin from our Halloween Jack-O-Lantern?  Start by running water over it to thaw it out while it’s still in the bag or container you froze it in.  This can take a while and waste water, so another idea is to heat some water (not boil or it will cook the pumpkin) and set the container in it.  Leave it over night or during morning activities.  Now, surprise the kids by announcing you’re baking Pumpkin Cookies!!!!!!

My Present To My Readers!!!!!

Merry Christmas! Thank you for visiting/unwrapping this blog today! As a reward here are some free quick pages for you to download for your scrapbooking needs! Download one or them all! They will close in a few days so download them now! You can use them as a jpg in any program or you can get your own My Memories Software. As an added bonus if you do get the software use this code, STMMMS60602,for an additional $10.00 off and a $10.00 coupon will be in your receipt for downloads!  To use this coupon just visit: www.mymemories.com and order your My Memories Software Vs3!

Hand Made Tree!

We love to decorate the tree each year.  So, let’s give the kids a tree they can be proud of too!  Let’s make one to put on the table next to the dish where Santa’s cookies will rest!  

A "Frosty" Treat

The kids are antsy, their is so much going on!  Why not give them a treat in their lunch box and surprise them with some holiday cheer!  Well, this was my thought too and I created a fun little character who is completely edible!

Start by getting your supplies:

3 large Marshmallows
craisins or raisins
peanut butter
rolo
stick pretzels

Easy Ornament

Why mess with a good thing? Here is an oldie but a goodie ornament idea for you to do with the kids!

You need:
Beads
Pipe Cleaner

HELP NEEDED BY FRIDAY!!!!!

Chick-Fil-A Rocks! This is a Call to Action!!!

I got a call today while the kids were eating lunch from one of the parents.  It wasn’t a check up call or a there is a problem call it was a, I know you love kids and I found a great way to help!  You see, I live in Arizona and we have this thing called Helen’s Hope Chest here.  They deal with foster children and as it would happen the manager at the Stapley and Baseline Chick-Fil-A helped found Helen’s Hope Chest!  So, what does this have to do with a parent call?  Well, they are giving out a free sandwich in exchange for donations to Helen’s Hope Chest children!  They have a tree with ages and gifts wanted by children for you to draw from, then get the gift and bring it in!  

Wordless Wednesdays

Lifting weird stuff again!

HP Mini-Note Giveaway!

WIN THIS:

Win an HP Mini Netbook 

We have a WINNER: Jami C.!!!!!

This Giveaway is brought to you by LaDonna Dennis Speaks and a multitude of other bloggers!  

Snowless Snowman

We currently reside in Phoenix and that means we do not have snow!  That's right, no snow.  So, naturally, what do you think the kids say they want to make?  You guessed it a snowman!  Ya, OK, that's a lot of ice cubes for me to shred.  Since, I'm not about to shred some cubes, I had to get about getting creative.  Thus, the snow-less snowman was created!

For your Frosty you will need a few things:

Sea Life Event Review Phoenix AZ

 I visited Sea Life's Santa Claws event today in Phoenix, AZ.  Santa Claws is a giant lobster whose tank is decorated with a beard and a Santa Hat!  Sea Life is an aquarium geared to children.  It has a theater that talks about the latest exhibits and animals, feel me tanks, multiple bubble views, intricate tank shapes, a large children's play area, and a gift shop.  Now, Santa Claws himself is moving to a sister Sea Life location, but the Santa Claw's event will go from the 19th to January 1, 2012.

Chocolate Mint Rooibus Tea Review

I was recently sent some tea to review.  If you have been follow me you will know I'm trying to cut down my coffee intact and replacing it with tea.  Naturally, when the opportunity came to review some teas, I jumped at it.  The company was very helpful in asking the flavors I prefer and sending me teas that fall into that category.  I love mint teas.  So this review and the 3 more to come will all be a variation of mint teas.  


Lets start reviewing!  

12 Teas of Christmas-Giveaway!

We have a WINNER!  It is Ruth Mayer Hill!!!!  She has been emailed and has 48 hours to claim her prize!  Thanks to all who entered!  Checked back for more to come!
This is perfect for the tea lover in us all! If you are like me and trying to cut down on your coffee intact, making the switch to tea is the perfect answer. Their are just as many ways to make, brew, and drink tea as their are for coffee, maybe more. Not to mention, more flavors! For the Tea Maven in your life enter to win!  Can't wait to win it?  Then visit Boston Tea Company and order it now!

Found this awesome Event in AZ! I'm going on Sunday!

Santa Claws is Coming to Town!

December 19th - January 1st

Experience the holidays at SEA LIFE Arizona this holiday season and see Claws as you have never seen it before... in the snow! The Claws exhibit will transform into an underwater winter wonderland known as "Santa Claws." Enjoy holiday themed craft activities and daily storybook readings of "A Fishmas Carol." Following the storybook reading, a light dusting of snow will flurry through the exhibit!

Storybook reading will occur daily December 19th through January 1st at 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm.

ELF-CAM.com - Where Santa Comes to Life!

Guess who is visiting my house!  Santa is!  That's right and this year I got a picture to prove it!  This is what the kids will have to see that Santa really came and found their names on the Nice list!  Not only are they getting the picture but I had this video made of Santa checking his list and putting presents under the tree!  If you want your own visit www.CatchACharacter.com, then use the code SAVE25 and save 25% off your order!  Feel free to share as you wish with all your friends so Santa can visit their house too!

Crazy Christmas Photo Ideas!

We all love a good holiday photo to frame and maybe even send as a card, but why not separate the two?  Why not have a nice photo for the frame and memory book and a separate one for the card?  Think of something unusual or funny to send to your friends and family and give the gift of a smile! 

Here are ten crazy photo ideas!

Wordless Wednesday

Slice Review

I'm a penny pincer and a crafter, so I'm always paranoid about using the scissors or other cutting devices around the kids while I'm trying to get stuff done during the day.  I was sent the safety cutter to review and it claims to be a great safety cutter, so it was right up my alley.  I opened the product and looked at the list of things it claimed to do.  First was the most important one to me, not cut fingers.  Am I really about to test this part of their claim?  Yes, yes, I am going to poke and slide this thing along my finger to make sure its really safe on skin.

Rocking Family!

What a way to start off the day.  I was going through all the emails from the night and weeding through the business, blog, personal, and of course junk mail.  Sometimes when we are going through a routine we get a little surprise if something unexpected is encountered.  I received this email video in my in box this morning and it had me cracking up!  I opened it up and the music had me snapping, then I saw the characters I started laughing!  I've been jibjab elf-ed!
My mom sent it to me and it's of my family and my parents!  Check mine out and then make one of your own and send it as this years Christmas Card!

A Gift of a Different Kind

Each year we all spend a moment remembering those we have lost.  Be it a friend, comrade in arms, or family member their is always a minute where we think of them and remember the times they were with us sharing in the joyous holiday.  Maybe their is a way we can still celebrate them this Christmas!

My Memories Digital Scrap-booking Software Give Away!

WE HAVE A WINNER!  PAM KULJIS!  As you know I recently found this software for scrap-booking and love it!  So much so, that I are doing a giveaway for Free Scrap-booking Software and a free Slice!  Just enter to win below and good luck!

Christmas from a different veiw

Christmas is an amazing holiday and focuses so much on the kids!  We take them to see Santa, find adorable little red and white outfits for them to wear, make lists that we give to everyone, and glow over their handmade decorations!   I love it!  Recently, however, I found that there are those who find this time of year especially hard.  I have had the pain of experiencing this other side through a few friends of mine.

Paw Socks were hung with care!

During the holidays we can get wrapped up with getting gifts for the family, but often we forget some important family members!  Don't forget the fur-babies this year!  This doesn't mean you have to only spoil them with gifts!  After all, we do give underwear and socks to the kids.  Give your fur-babies the gift of health!  Get them a few gifts for under the tree and don't forget to stuff a special paw sock to have hung on the mantle as well!

Scrap-booking fantastic

I consider myself a pretty crafty gal, but often get backed up with projects, writing ideas, and scrapbooking for the family. I've always loved the look of the finished scrapbook and feel it has much more emotions then just a photo album, but seriously cutting all those things out sticking them together, cutting out the photo's and the endless hunt for the tape which is usually found under a pile I've created just makes it so my photo's pile up! I have always been hesitant to try any software for scrapbooking, because I'm just not all that computer smart. (I know I have a blog, I'm learning as I go, but willing to state not the saviest tech-mama out there) So, what does an overwhelmed mom with more scrapbooking than she knows how to have time for do? She takes the plunge.

Holiday Shopping!

So, this year I'm attempting to not leave the house to do my shopping.  Not an easy task when you shop consignment for the kids clothes like I do and most places don't do consignment online.  I checked E-Bay and Amazon, but the pictures weren't that great and I wanted to see what I was going to be getting and shipping costs can really add up.  Seriously, every time I turn around I feel like the kids are outgrowing something! I hunted and hunted and finally found my answer!  I found www.2ndbundle.com!

Wordless Wednesdays

Tis the season for purses?!!!

I make baby food. Many of you know this from looking at the baby food recipe blog I wrote. One thing I’m not sure if anyone ever noticed is that I haven’t done many crafts using the empty can’s I ends up with from making some of the baby food! So, I sat there looking at these cans thinking, what in the world can I do with this? I can toss it in the recycling like usual, but I feel like I should at least try to find a use for it in my home. At this moment, I was given the gift of uncanny inspiration! One of the kids came up to complain, yes the complaint from a child inspired my genius! The complaint was that they were pretending to go shopping and had no purse to dress up and pretend!

A day in my ruby (house)slippers..: My experience as mother of a child with ADHD (unm...

I was looking around today when I came along a mothers holiday struggles. Hospitals weren't uncommon to me in my youth as I had a member in my family who had a seizure disorder. When I read this, I just had to share it with you my readers.

Why didn't I find this last month?

Have you ever had a moment where you are looking for one thing and find something that would have been a lifesaver little more than a week prior? Yeah, that happened to me!  As you know we went to Oregon last week which meant a plane ride with two under two and massive security checks, Awesome right?  Now, we have traveled via plane before and I loaded up on products to make it easier which I posted previously about.  After that learning experience I managed to widdle down what we took, but what I hate the most is the bottle/juice situation.  I have to pack multiple bottle carriers because I have to load them up with ice packs (which if they are like mine have to be tested because they are the kind you fill with water).  I called the airline to find out what they allowed and no powders or premixed juiced just added to my bottle testing issue.  Now, I had to bring bottled water and bottled juiced, plus all bottles pre-mixed which meant a ton of bottle carriers and ice packs.  We spent forever getting our infants liquids tested plus all the stupid ice packs opened and tested then re-closed and everything re-organized for space.  Naturally, I had that annoying I packed it amazingly well once and upon re-packing found myself needing space?  A few attempts and had everything fixed.  

Scented Pine Cones!!!!

 Go on a Pine cone hunt!  Have the kids find as many pine cones as they can!  Take a wagon or garbage bag if you can and have them fill it up!  They will love hunting around and discovering the different things in nature and you can talk about how the big trees come from the pine cones they are finding!  I love duality!

Brownie Kind of Day

Some days just aren’t made for outside play. Be it rain, snow, hail, dust, or extremely high winds we aren’t always able to get our wiggles and giggles out by running around in the fresh air. On those days, us moms, have to be creative and sometimes break our rules on sugar, messy inside play, and using outside voices inside. On this particular stuck inside day I decided to break the sugar intake rule, without a special occasion like a holiday or birthday! I know, the kids were shocked too! I pulled out the bag-o-brownies and have the kids be bakery chefs! We all washed out hands and got ready to go to work!