Congratulations to tbarrettno1 #10 ! And thanks to all of you for the great turnout.  Hopefully we will get to do this all again.
Perhaps you recall Jasmine from our Holiday Gift Guide.  Jasmine is more than just more than just one of many of my daughter’s toy horses.  She is even more than one of her basic Breyer horses of which she has several. No, she is the Jasmine Color Surprise Bath horse by Breyer and P2 loves her.  She can play with her in the sink.  She can play …

Barbara’s Bakery was started by a true flower child at 17, Barbara Jaffe.  Since then,  Barbara
found her calling in real food and opened a small natural bakery in northern California. She had a simple plan—make wholesome food taste incredibly delicious. Inspired by good health, family and the kitchen table as the cornerstones of the good life, she used whole grains and oats just as nature intended—free from anything artificial. Barbara selected her ingredients carefully to allow vital vitamins and minerals to do their best …

Hello Kitty has hit town and in a big way!  This hair dryer is the least of the goodies to be seen.  Curling Irons, Hair Straighteners, Cameras, Bedroom Lights, and more than just the usual kitsche you see.
I was excited for the hair dryer because as yet none of my girls have  taken to drying their hair….they consider it more like unto torture.  I figured since the oldest two love Hello Kitty, it may provide a high motivational factor.  Evil mama that I am, brewaaaaaaahhh.
As for how the hair dryer …

This book was written by a 7 year old and as one might think,  it does go right along with the song…On the First Day of Christmas my true love gave to me….here is where it changes…..a Poodle in a Dog House… and the hilarity builds and builds from there.
Emma,the author, even gathered up a gang and created a cd that she included in the book plus a kareoke version to use.  I tell you, it is hysterical.  I cannot wait to have THIS gift opened on Christmas morning!!

As a child, my dad read this story (along with Luke 2) EVERY year.  And since I heard it EVERY year, and have a good memory (prior to my migraines and children at least) I could recite both ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and Luke 2 by heart.
Recently I was given a fun opportunity to try the Record a Story Twas the Night Before Christmas book.  At first, I was beginning to think it was not too fun and was going to throw it against the wall you see because …

Congratulations go to Julie L!  Thanks to everyone else who was interested.  Stay tuned for what MyBlogSpark brings us with the new year…it should be even better!
These days we are eating a lot easy to prepare and items that have something for everyone at our house.  Progresso Soups meet just those requirements.  If you have seen the recent Progresso commercials  with the tin can phones, then you might enjoy what my daughters did here.

Hey did you hear what we are having for dinner?
No, What?
Some soup with loads of vegetables in …

I was recently sent Johnson’s Shea & Cocoa Butter line of baby oil products, including Johnson’s Baby Oil,Johnson’s Baby Oil Gel and Johnson’s Baby Creamy Oil.  I have long loved the Johnson’s line and now my youngest child has incredibly sensitive and easily dry skin I find I love Johnson’s all the more.  She may be 4 and no longer a baby but I know I can trust the Johnson’s Brand.
Johnson’s Baby Oil with Shea & Cocoa Butter:  I apply this after my shower, as does my youngest daughter. …

Love Without Boundaries has received quite a few children in need of urgent care this holiday season, so we are rallying our troops to help make some wishing come true!  We’ve put together a terrific pre-Christmas auction the first week of December to help raise much-needed funds to heal these precious babies.  Just in time for Christmas, we have dolls, Barbies, Mulan goodies, ornaments, jewelry and books plus three positively show-stopping, Christmas-themed watercolor paintings created especially for this auction!

So mark the dates and join …

We just started our Advent calender and we are doing it in a unique way this year.  Since it has been a tough year and I feel we need to be showing the girls extra love but also the girls need to be practicing showing extra love to one another and those around them, each day of our advent calender gives that days girl the chance to do something  sweet for someone else in our family.  Most of it is as simple as a hug and a kiss or telling …

…Scenes from our home…Quick, set the game board up!  Is the hen is loose from the hen house?  Do the foxes want to chase her like crazy?  I want to be the Pink Fox! No I want to be Pink Fox! Well let’s get the rules out and get going!
Tonight my family played Fleeting Foxes for the first (and not last!) time and had loads of fun.  The idea of the game is for the Foxes to catch the Hen.  This is accomplished via dice rolls with 2 to 4 …

In thinking about gift for my girls to give to their teachers and other important people at school, I started counting on my fingers…4 teachers, 2 aides, 1 speech teacher, 1reading teacher, 1 bus driver…..and there are others but I go no further.  9 is plenty.  Oye.  Then I read about ClassWish.org.
Thank the Teacher Gift Cards from ClassWish.org can be redeemed for classroom supplies.  This welcome gift lets parents take the financial burden off of teachers and also helps children– including their own.
ClassWish.org, a nonprofit site where parents, …

The holidays are the busiest time of the year, children run around unchecked, turkeys are scorched in the oven and in-laws grace households with a visit.  What if there was a way to reduce some of the stress while preparing for the holidays – and reduce your environmental impact while you’re at it?  The Living Christmas Company allows customers to order a tree, have it delivered and picked up from the comfort of their couch.  This way, moms can get back to what’s …

The BornFree® BPA-Free Formula Dispenser is 100% free of Bisphenol-A, Phthalates and PVC. With a flat shape that makes it easier to store and travel, the dispenser is also a handy snack carrier and has a flip top for opening and pouring with one-hand. Dishwasher-safe, the BornFree® Formula Dispenser has no sharp edges and is easy to clean by hand. Available in Blue, Green, Orange and Pink.
Since all of my girls were bottle babies, these formula dispensers were a Godsend.The amount was pre-measured and easy …

Ritz is actually RitzPix.com and they do a variety of things with photographs.  What I needed was a great calendar without having to go anywhere and they came through in spades.  Since I became a mom one thing I have done is create a calendar each year of my favorite pictures of my girls then at the end of the year it becomes a wonderful keepsake.  It is a terrific gift for grandparents, spouses for their office, aunts & uncles, and anyone who loves your kids.
All I had to do …

In our house, we are really into games, games of all kinds.  My husband and P1 especially seem to enjoy mind benders.  Well, Recent Games carries a vast assortment of fascinating games of all shapes and sorts and sizes.One that we were sent is IcoSoKu.
ICOSOKU is a brilliant Brainteaser with literally thousands of challenges. Place the number buttons randomly, then match the dots to the numbers. First remove all the dotted tiles and number buttons. Then place all 12 number buttons randomly on the Brainteaser. Now position …

CONGRATULATIONS TO SHIRLEY!!  She has  been contacted and is excited.
Thanks to everyone else who participated – have fun on your Family Taco Nights!
If your family loves tacos like mine, why not put “Family Mexican Food Night” on the calendar at least once a month? We are able to please everyone with Taco Night which means no dramatics and no one leaving the table hungry.  With a variety of seasonings and other complementary products, Old El Paso offers everything you need for fun nights with the …

Congratulations Jennifer #27!!  She has been notified.  Thanks to everyone else who participated!
Travel down the rainbow path on a journey of discovery through enchanted lands filled with sweet surprises around every corner. Create delicious treats at the Cupcake Commons to deliver along the way, participate in a thrilling snowboard race down the Ice Cream Slopes with the Duke of Swirl, take a relaxing train ride through Gummy Hills and climb to the top of Chocolate Mountain. Be sure to make friends …

Have you ever had a child go back to school after a Summer of high stress in their little life and basically forgotten most of or at least acted like they have forgotten most of the skills they learned the year before?  It is not that uncommon I know.  Well, we have been blessed with it.  So in trying to find ways to get caught up, I watch for ideas and ways that will help her catch up yet not bore her to tears.
Tah-Dah!  Hangman Riddles!
Hangman Riddles by innovativekids manages …

I have delayed and delayed  while thinking over this topic.  It wasn’t that I did not know what I wanted because I do.  Yes, my health was part of the hold up but mainly it was because I did no know just what to call what I want.  Now I do.  Farm Friendly.You hear of Farm Chic and Farm Francaise but those are not quite right.  A friend of mine who also adopted from China, has her kitchen almost perfectly the way I want it – Farm Friendly.
In essence, Jodi …

Blurt is a hilarious, fast-paced game of rapid recall that will have both kids and adults scrambling to be the first to shout out a word based on a given definition. In the heat of the race to call out the right word, even bookworms with big vocabularies may find themselves tongue-tied. With a Junior Version that gives kids as young as seven years old a chance to learn new words, Blurt is both educational and fun for groups of three to 12 players.
My …

I have mentioned the fun we are having with my health these days and I do not forsee that changing at the moment.  Of course, along with visits to the doctor come what?  Inevitably, Bills.  And they are always such fun, aren’t they?
But no matter how hard you shake that money tree, stack those pennies, bury those dimes or anything like unto it, it comes out the same – bills that have to be paid.  Thankfully Brett has a good job and we have been able to set …

Dora’s Big Birthday Adventure Game from Nova Development is for PC and MAC and is geared towards preschoolers ages 2-5.  It is based upon the popular Nickelodeon children’s character Dora the Explorer to educate and entertain all at the same time..
Develop essential preschool learning skills with the top-rated preschool phenomenon and all her friends! Play 8 Great Interactive Games – with 3 different levels in each – to learn more and win big every time. Now everyone can help Dora celebrate her Big Birthday Adventure™ …

Experience the magic of endless fascination
Brainstring® is today’s most fascinating 3D puzzle. Based on a unique concept, Brainstring® calls for a new way of thinking. Combine intuition with structured thought and experience the fun of unimaginable possibilities.
Unique design and a well-thought-out play element. That’s the combination that makes Brainstring a popular but addictive new game for young and old. …

Visualize being in the hospital after having just given birth to your first living, breathing baby.  The nurse rolls the bassinet into your room, momentarily turns her back to you and turns back holding this little bundle you foggily think you wanted so badly for so long.  Oh, wait, you want ME to take her, your baby, you realize.  And then what?  You are handing me a bottle…you mean like I am supposed to feed her?  Hasn’t someone else been doing that?  Oh and there is stuff about charts and …

Have you ever thought of what it would feel like to have your very own storybook, written just about you?  Your name on the Title page as they describe the contents therein and that they contain grand tales of none other than, why, you.
As an adult,it might please you, bring a bit of a smile to your face.  As a child, can you IMAGINE??????????  Why, it might be the grandest of grandest things you never wished for but were lucky enough to receive nonetheless!

Custom Made For Kids does precisely that.  …

Have you ever played with the fish?  Snapfish, that is.  I have and boy was it fun!  Let me show you.

This picture does not even begin to do it justice and it was so easy!  This 20 page book I put together from beginning to end in 2 hours or less!  Now,  I am a paper and scissor scrapbooker.  I enjoy the hands-on ability to manipulate and use all or none of the pictures.  I love being able to journal and tell the story in finite detail and I adore …

Sponsored By

Cheerios® is giving you the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, your ultimate family vacation. As part of a paid promotion for their “Do What You Love” Sweepstakes, Cheerios® is sponsoring my post today about what my ultimate family vacation would be. Read mine, Enter the Sweepstakes for a chance to actually win your own fantasy family trip or one of a bunch of other great prizes.
I love to travel. I do. Dearly and truly . Short trips. Long trips. Local trips. …

We Have 2 winners: Jenny and KarenM, winner of 2 kits CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH OF YOU!!
Please get me your addresses as quickly as possible
What little girl doesn’t dream of putting her best Barbie into a fabulous ball gown while her Prince Charming awaits, where he then whisks her off to a wonderous evening.  Of course the Princess must change her gown many, many times throughout the party as all princesses do, each gown more splendid than the last….
Sometimes the only way to get fabulous gowns like those is to make …

We have a party where we invite friends on the odd years so this was P1′s year.  We also have a special meal at home on the red dishes.  This year the party with friends was a Rainbow Party and lots of friends and the Red Dish Dinner was at Grammies complete with Freezer Mac and Cheese and Oreos.  Yum!
September 2010

If you have a picture up for Wordless Wednesday, leave your link below in Mr.Linky. Then you can head on …

CONGRATULATIONS #30 NAD!!
Email me your address asap!
And thanks to everyone who participated.

Watch for more fun really soon!
When P2 was little,her favorite place to eat was none other than ‘Chhiiwweee-iiieees’ So, when we are having to call out for Brett’s Mom to come help in order to right the boat again, why do I go with the oldie but a goodie when I need to Shout Out to Eat Out?  Because, they are dependably good.

Go to the newest Shout Out To Eat Out promotion where users can upload a photo …

Ahhhh, quelle suprise! mframe won!!!!  Well good for YOU I say!!
Thanks for entering!

***GIVEAWAY DATE CHANGE***
You may recall that P1 got her ears pierced recently so earrings and especially sparkly ones are a big topic around our home these days.  Apparently someone at school had the ‘audacity’ to tell P1 that her 1st pair of earrings were not ‘real’ diamonds.  This was somewhat upsetting to her.:)
So we discussed the word ‘real’.  I asked her where diamonds came from.  She said the jewelry store.  I said that was was one place. I …

Now if this doesn’t clear your palate following several weeks of Books, nothing will!
One2One held a wonderful Milano Cookie  campaign last month so I am sure you have seen these around but it seemed like the perfect change of  taste.
My sweetest moments have been spent with my family, probably on vacation when we had no additional expectations out of life than just being together and having fun.  What were your sweetest moments this summer?

I was not going to post this article because I have no frame of reference for it yet but then I realized I could, very easily.  I thought of our favorite babysitter and I cannot imagine something horrible like cyberbullying happening to her.  She lives to text and email and IM are just one step further and it all kind of goes hand in goes.  We all need to be aware.

Cyberbullying has quickly turned into a pandemic on the web, causing severe emotional and psychological pain to children.  …

As I have said before, school may be in session but summer is not even close to over here in Texas, as evidenced by my family going swimming yesterday.  This was a wonderful beach towel I received when I received the the Hawaiian Bikini Kitchen Booty Butter Tanning Lotion. You know how when you get some beach towels, they look all nice and soft but they really are thin and a rather poor excuse for a towel?  I mean, they absorb nothing and are really more on the scratchy side …

Life moves too fast.
There you have the basic tenet of this interesting and helpful book written by Shannon Honeybloom.  She also thinks it’s time to change all that.
She’s a proponent of the Slow Home Movement, which she writes about in her book, “Making a Family Home.” In the book, she explains how to slow down the space you live in.
Anxiety-driven over-parenting has reached a peak, and parents everywhere are yearning to get ‘back to basics’ at home and with their children,” says Honeybloom, a parent and former educator. …

Now you tell me,who was having the most fun?  Hmm?
Brett, the 3P’s and at least 3 others
August 2010

If you have a picture up for Wordless Wednesday, leave your link below in the comment.  Then you can head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom, Double Bugs,  The Not-So-Blog Blog,  Wordful Wednesday, Go Graham Go, Mommy Goggles, Momspective, Look What Mom Found – and Dad Too!, Mom of 3 Girls, The Divine Miss Mommy,  …

When I was growing up, Trident was the only gum we were really allowed to have.  I was not a major gum fanatic so it was not the end of the world but my Mom and the Dentist were in cahoots and thought that Trident was healthier and had less sugar.
Now that I am the Mom I do have a gum fanatic…lucky me.  Because of early training though, I really like my gum fanatic and her sister (it is still off limits to #3) to chew sugar free gum AKA …

“Do you love me when I finger-paint with toothpaste on the bathroom mirror? Do you love me when I go right to bed?  Do you love me when I don’t?”
As he goes through a day, a child asks the typical million questions of his mother to find reassurance. Does she love him when he’s gentle? How about when he’s not? Does she love him when he jumps in wet and muddy puddles while his new sneakers? The story continues on with more sweet yet simple childlike questions all in …

Basically, Oscar is a pig.   He is a very cute little pig.  He is a very cute little pig with a problem – his Mommy is going back to work and he doesn’t really know what that means.  Will she come home?  Will she still love him?  Will she still have time for him?  These concerns and many more roll around in Oscar’s head.
Then he meets Mrs Tutu and his life is never the same. Mrs Tutu makes life everyday so fun and exciting and vivacious (whatever that means) and …

“Funky Monkey Snacks were created to bring delicious and healthy snacks to everyone!  There are so many snacks that are delicious and unhealthy, or healthy but bad-tasting… wouldn’t it be great if there was a delicious, convenient snack with the wholesomeness and natural goodness of fresh fruit?  That’s what Funky Monkey is all about- we combine the great taste and nutrition of fresh fruit with the crunch and convenience of your favorite snacks.  We do it by freeze-drying full slices and pieces of …

See this child?   Looks innocent,doesn’t she?  Harmless.  Well, she is that child.Yes, well, this same child is the one who fell and split her lip at age 3 and needed stitches and the same child who fell and broke her arm about a year later, made like Houdini and pulled the first cast off and had to have a second one put on.  Then of course she is also the one who suffers in silence while her ear drum is bursting so I have to try to out guess her …

Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple,
White, White, White, White, White!
Let’s Go Coyotes
You’re Really Outta Sight!
P2 at her 1st Game
August 2010
If you have a picture up for Wordless Wednesday, leave your link below in the comment.  Then you can head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom, Double Bugs,  The Not-So-Blog Blog,  Wordful Wednesday, Go Graham Go, Mommy Goggles, Momspective, Look What Mom Found – and Dad Too!, Mom of 3 Girls, The Divine Miss Mommy,  …

This wonderful little book took me quite by surprise and it it may you  as well.  New on the market, written by Eva Marie Cote and illustrated by Tom Myers, it is an unassuming little paperback that I was contacted by the illustrator about.  He wondered if I would take a little time and look over it and give them my opinion so I said sure, especially since I knew I had Book Week coming up.
When the book arrived, I instantly knew with P3′s birthday being days away, I had …

Well, ready or not, we started school this week.  As you can tell from the faces, we had a few mixed reactions but overall, they were happy to go and happy with their teachers and classes.

August 23rd, 2010

If you have a picture up for Wordless Wednesday, leave your link below in the comment.  Then you can head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom, Double Bugs,  The Not-So-Blog Blog,  Wordful Wednesday, Go Graham Go, Mommy Goggles, Momspective, Look What Mom …

Mandy and Pandy are a little Chinese girl and a Panda Bear who have been paired up to create a cute series of 6 books to give a basic introduction to the Chinese culture and their language for English speaking children. Each book is accompanied with an audio CD which includes English text read by a native English speaker and Chinese text read by a native Chinese speaker.  When you are the mom of a Chinese born/American raised daughter, books like this are EXACTLY what you …

Fashion Playtes is an online site that allows you or your daughter to design clothing for her to wear. If you have a daughter like one of mine who is very picky about what she wears, this is a dream come true! For me, was a great adventure and opportunity for my daughter to choose exactly what she wanted and open the door to discuss modesty and style as well.

On Fashion Playtes you can use the virtual sketchbook to create their own shirts, skirts, dresses, pants, …

These are all from P3′s 4th birthday Party exactly as she requested – At Grammie’s House, With White Cake, Princesses, Pink  (and White) frosting, Purple Ice Cream.  She seemed to love every bit of the event.  Hard to believe my ‘baby’ is 4!!

August 16th, 2010

If you have a picture up for Wordless Wednesday, leave your link below in Mr. Linky.  Then you can head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom, Double Bugs,  The Not-So-Blog Blog,  Wordful Wednesday, Go Graham Go, …

In the US, I would like to think that everyone has at least heard of Autism, however many of us may not be educated as to just what it is, how many varieties of it there are and just how closely it hits to many, many homes.
Autism Speaks is the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy group, dedicated to helping fund research, treatment, prevention,cause, and cure autism.  Autism does not affect just any one group of people nor does it come in any one ‘type’ of behavioral patterns.
Autism Speaks has …

The trusty ice cream maker

The wannabe golfer

Happy Unbirthday Daddy!
Brett’s birthday is actually December 18th, the same day as Paris’ but when you grow up in a family of 6, you often feel a little overlooked when it falls somewhere between the last day of school, family Christmas Parties and Christmas.  To make a switch for him to a fun Summery birthday, we now officially celebrate his birthday ob July 18th (June 18th is often Father’s Day;)  If you have a kid who has a birthday at a time where you …

“S-s-s-Santa?’

This image was taken using the AWESOME Olympus STYLUS TOUGH 8000!