My new theme song?

 

Dear Jonas Brothers:

Did you guys write this for me?

Find yourself… keeping it real… I always say ;)

Technorati Tags: Jonas Brothers,Keep it Real,Music

I Loathe Having These

After the kiddos spent several days last week cleaning out their rooms to make space for their new school stuff we just bought… they wanted to make some money by “selling” the junk gently used items. 

Let me just say… I hate yard sales… but I didn’t want to disappoint my little entrepreneurs.  They made signs and organized all their “stuff” getting ready for the big day.  Being so excited, I wanted to soften their expectations and told them not to be disappointed if they didn’t make huge profits from setting out their gently used items.

Now when I say I detest these little endeavors… I mean they make me feel about the same way as that dream nightmare when you end up back at school looking for a classroom you can’t find to have a test you are not even slightly prepared for and you finally find it – only to realize you are naked – because you also forgot to put on any clothes that morning.

But even with my little fetish about having them… I got up bright and early Saturday morning… and helped the kiddos set out all their junk stuff.  I even found a couple lamps and kitchen items to set out on display… for the whole neighborhood to see what we consider not good enough anymore for how we live inside our little dwelling we call home… 

Aaaah…. the lovely wait for customers began. 

The kid’s anticipation and excitement quickly turned to impatience as we had one, two, then three customers.  One decided to buy… but got a steal because I let the kiddos decided on prices for their stuff. 

Then we sat some more…. and waited…

and waited…

By 10:30 am the kiddos were so disappointed at the lack of customers and non-profits that they asked me if we could pack up early and take it to the goodwill.  They didn’t have to ask me twice!  I started helping them get it all back into boxes and loaded up in the SUV.

A trip to the goodwill…. and we were done.

I think that was the best yard sale I have ever had! 

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Technorati Tags: yardsales,children,customers,goodwill

Photo Credit: http://www.northkingstown.org/Town_clerk/yardsale.gif

…And About “The Talk”

The Talk

Do you remember the post about the doctor telling me it was time for ‘the talk’ with little Kass?  Are you struggling with  the topic of puberty and your elementary school age child?

Well I have eluded to the topic with her on occasion and made sure I had shared some of the basics.  But of course, I didn’t feel totally prepared for the long-drawn-out version of “the talk.”  At least not to the point where I wanted to open the floor for more in-depth questions and I don’t think she felt comfortable doing so anyway.

Book Giveaway!

Then a few weeks back I was approached by Healthy Edudynamics about reviewing a book titled, 101 Questions Kids Really Ask… And The Answers They Need To Know.  They sent me a free copy and I started reading the book.  Let me first say I am impressed and appreciative of the approach to the material.  So much so that I have an extra brand-new copy of 101 Questions Kids Really Ask… I want to give away to one of my readers along with a preview of “A Time to Talk,” a new DVD-based program that gives parents and teachers the necessary tools to begin early with age-appropriate, straight-forward, and accurate dialogue.

Some topics for conversation during such a “talk” about puberty can lead to discussing personal choices – choices a family has to make for themselves and provide as a guide for their children’s way of thinking.  This book adapts to that concept by leading you to input more of your personal choices when it comes to discussing morals and boundaries instead of making those decisions for you in it’s content.  To see what I mean, here is an example. 

This excerpt is taken from the text of the book:

**What is sex?

There are many slang terms for all types of intercourse.  When asked a question that includes a slang term, begin your answer with statement No. 1.

1. That is a slang term for ____________________.

2. Give the definition for the behavior in questions based on the above definitions. (These definitions are outlined in the book in the previous section)

TEACHABLE MOMENT – If children should ask technique or “how to” questions related to intercourse, a parent should acknowledge the question, perhaps try to find out what the child knows or has heard about the topic, and then answer or not answer based on the information the child states and using the personal values of the family. ** Excerpt taken from page 78, Section: Questions About Sensitive Issues.

As you see here, you are able to use the material and yet impart your own ideals as you share the information with your son or daughter.  On the flip side even if you use this material with a small civic group or church group of young people, the content allows you to provide an answer, yet gear the children to what needs to be asked of their parents when they get home so they can elaborate about it.  This gives the family the final say and more control over how their children should be taught in these more sensitive and personal areas.

It also discusses other questions kids have… like “What is French Kissing?”  So it is not just about the sensitive issues… but also a tool for other related conversations about harassment and self esteem/body image issues.

Remember our children, no matter how sheltered, will be exposed to information.  As they get older and closer to middle school age especially, they will ‘hear’ things and may know more than you think they do…already.  Don’t you want them to see you (their mom or dad) as an easy-to-talk to resource?  Keep that door open and gentle… not judging.

Helpful Resource

I think this book can be very helpful for parents and group leaders alike; plus it gives you a jumpstart to beginning such a conversation in a down-to-earth, “this is what other kiddos are thinking and asking” kind of way. 

I plan to use this tool as a resource on this topic of puberty and “the talk” and you might want to check it out too. 

You have a chance to receive a free copy right here.

If you would like to receive this extra free copy of the book and resource DVD about “The Talk” all you have to do is leave me a comment.  One name will be chosen from the comments on this post over the next week, so leave your email address to be contacted or a profile connection with an email linked to it.

Seriously, if you are in the stage with one of your children where “the talk” is coming up soon, you have to check out this book, 101 Questions Kids Really Ask… (And I was surprised at how early that stage really is.)

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Technorati Tags: sex education,puberty,children,free book,facts of life,healthy

The rest of Our weekend

After our adventures downtown on Friday afternoon and evening…. we decided it was time to have dinner at my house.  Before the photo sessions we had managed to go to the grocery store and stock up on what we would make at my house to eat for the weekend… we are both watching our budgets closely these days (remember I do have braces and more ‘stuff’ to pay for very soon).

So that night we were going to make pizzas from ham and pineapple on pita bread… but we ended up eating the fresh sushi we bought that day instead and decided – pizzas would be for another meal that weekend.

The Phone Call

During dinner, Mr. M. got a call from his son, who said he wasn’t going to practice on Saturday after all.  His mom had decided to take the boys to a water park that day – so he would have to miss.  I couldn’t help but smile.  After this Mr. M. called the other coach to say he wouldn’t be there.  And I want all my readers to know – and be proud – I told Mr. M. to go anyway… that I was perfectly alright with missing those hours with him on Saturday.  We hadn’t made any plans since he was going to be at the practice that morning anyway.  But he said, since his son couldn’t be there, he wanted to spend that time with me.

Then we watched a movie we picked up on the clearance rack – In The Name of The King.  Our dating life can sound boring, I know… but we like kicking back, chilling and watching a movie together.

 

Saturday

And Saturday proved to be more of the same… kicking back, relaxing, watching TV and then we ended up seeing a movie “District 9” at the theater nearby that afternoon (the matinee, of course).

Sunday

Sunday morning, Mr. M. went to church with me, which was a real treat.  I wanted him to know that meant a lot to me … to have him there and experience being with me in my element. 

Kiddos Return

The kiddos made it back home later that afternoon… and then all was back to it’s normal chaos… with Kass and Jas annoying each other and a friend of theirs flocking with them in and out the door…. ah… it was just that… back to normal.

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Photo Credit: IMDB: In The Name of The King and http://www.behindthehype.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/district-9-trailer.jpg

Technorati Tags: District 9,In The Name of The King,relationships,single moms dating,relaxing

Single Ladies Night Out In NYC

LADIES EVENT IN NYC

The lovely Sherri Langburt of Single Edition contacted me and asked that I would help her get the word out to you readers about an exciting upcoming event.  Now I won’t be there in New York City… but some of you reading this may be close by and might want to go! 

Single Edition and Spark Networks is putting together a unique series of ladies nights out for singles, “Live the Life You Love.”   Each seminar offers insight, innovative tips and creative ideas to help you succeed at work, home and in your community.  The first one is September 15 and you can get all the “who, what and where” information by clicking on this link.  Contemporary advice for living as a single will be available… and in what better place than the shoe department in Saks 5th Ave! 

SAVE THE DATE!

Join a panel of professional experts and hundreds of single women get answers to life's big questions plus makeup, manis and more!

Find yourself, keeping it real.

More Free Stuff….and Cool too

This black and white photo is a product of some free software I found from http://www.fotosketcher.com/.  With this free downloaded software you can turn your ordinary photos into art that look like sketches.  This one I did as a black and white pencil sketch…

You can also do it in color plus change the stroke, intensity and other variables to get it to look just like you want.

Here it is in color pencil sketch:

and here is the original photograph I took of my niece, Emily at a recent Birthday bash for Faith at the lake…

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Technorati Tags: photos,photography,children,lake,free software,fotosketcher.com

It Was Our Weekend

This past Friday was the beginning of our weekend together.  It was rare for us (Mr. M. & me) not to have any of our kiddos.  His visitation includes every weekend for his boys to be with him but this was their week of vacation to be with their mom.  So here we were with a weekend that was rare, as I have already shared… and it was a big deal.  I was just glad we had worked through that “bump” in the road for the most part… so it wouldn’t be a weekend of more stress… but just a time for us to spend together.

Friday I had off from work and Mr. M. took a half day… so we got started early.  We started the afternoon with me wanting to get some shots close to home.  We were going to play tourists in our own backyard by going downtown and hanging out and getting photographs.  I know…(dorky) but I love taking pictures!

Here we are on our way downtown in the car as I take this photo out the window.

The clouds got me worried… that we might have our little adventure rained upon… but we headed that way with tripod in hand anyway.

It’s not a very good representation of our new art museum… but this is from the car as we are driving by one of our most recently built architectures and one of the most controversial… but I personally love the building.  And look at those clouds reflecting off it’s glass!

Finally we were out and walking down the city streets.

I like taking these “angle” shots of large buildings…. Mr. M. – he wonders about me :)

And here we are reflecting in the windows… of the store fronts downtown.  I know – my son tells me I am quite the nerd.

Then we walked around Elm Park… downtown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After leaving the park we were both captivated by this building and the way the clouds reflected in it’s windows….kinda cool…. anyway.

More about our weekend….soon…

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Technorati Tags: Photography,downtown,clouds,parks,weekends

Back to School… Ready or Not?

Some of the schools in the area started back TODAY!  Mr. M.’s boys were included in that bunch…. It is hard to believe it is already here.  Summer is coming to an end.  Your kiddos’ class photo might not look like this one above, but perhaps…. they are just as ‘happy’ about going back.

My kiddos have until September 8, because their school system always waits till after labor day but we are trying to get ready for the big day.  I made an attempt to buy some of their supplies for ‘back to school’ during the tax-free weekend in Virginia… but we have a ways to go. 

I did find these tips for back to school from Real Simple Magazine to be helpful.  Check them out when you have five minutes to get organized.

They also have some ideas to make it less stressful!  So check out that link too.  It’s time for chaotic mornings and rushed afternoons…once again.

Do you have any tips for us moms as we gear up and psych ourselves up for back to school?

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Technorati Tags: back to school,children,school supplies,tips,stress

Photo Credit:  http://www.ncculture.org/HistoryHappens/PhotoGallery/images/largephoto/schooldays1940.jpeg

Catching Up…

Giveaway Update:

 

Well not many of you left a comment for the post on the adorable apron… (sniff…sniff) but I am considering the post closed today and will be sending the lovely Jessie Steele apron to Single Mom Seeking.   Congrats Rachel Sarah!

 

Paradise Update:

Now back to me and Mr. M. Thanks for all your comments on our little ‘tiff.’  In the moments of “wondering” I let my imagination get the best of me… and I shouldn’t have jump to those conclusions.. so quickly.  After further explanation I understand he was trying to show an example to his son by keeping his commitment as coach… once he found out his son was going to be at practice after all.  I commend him for that… and after his explanation it makes sense.  As a coach he has never missed a practice over the past five years his son has been playing…

So you can see we have been talking about it and working through it.  Interestingly, in some ways that conversation led to even more “misunderstandings” on both sides because of things that were ‘misread’ or taken the wrong way… even in the attempt to make sense of it all. 

But on the bright side, it has gotten us to start discussing things like we used to – how we feel about this stage of our relationship and -how and why we interpret things the way we do.   We both have our own set of past relationship experiences that we bring to the table when trying to understand each other… and sometimes we interpret things very differently than how they are intended. This is definitely not the “fun” part of relationships but a necessary part… one that will make us stronger I think. 

What can I say… relationships are still work sometimes.

And so far…. we are taking each day as it comes…. and trying to understand this Mars versus Venus concept we have going on here.

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Technorati Tags: relationships,love life,dating,giveaways,misunderstandings,conflict resolution,communication

Photo Credit:  http://lifeinthenhs.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/relationships.jpg

Oh Savannah, Part 2

I stood alone for a few minutes waiting for one of the girls to let me in the door where they were making their last bathroom run before we got on the road.  As I looked up at the sky, the sun was barely coming up over the horizon.  I stopped and said a prayer for protection, for travel mercies before headed off to cover 450 plus miles to Savannah.  I couldn’t help but be a little nervous (I hadn’t actually driven that far myself before) and I let God know I was depending on Him – and driving on faith that He would help us and keep the caravan safe.

After driving for a few hours the girls were sleeping in the back and I could feel my eye lids getting heavy.  I started turning up the radio and turn the vents of air right toward my face to wake up. 

But I quickly came to my senses when the first vehicle in our caravan braked suddenly in front of me and quickly we both came to a crawl.  I looked in the rearview mirror to make sure the van behind me was able to react as quickly as we did.  Thankfully they did.

It was a close call but it let me know – God was watching out for us.  One car ahead of the leader of our group blew out a tire right in front of us and swerved – but that driver managed to maintain control as she pulled off the road in one direction while the tire rolled in another.  The chain reaction could have been bad – but we were all safe along with the other driver.  Even though we slowed quickly on the interstate, we managed to react and traffic behind us at the time was back far enough that we didn’t end up with a truck or something crashing into us.  So we were grateful… a little shook up, but grateful.

Arriving in Savannah…. to be continued.

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Photo Credit:  I took this photo while driving down the interstate toward Savannah. I know, I know – but I was careful :)

Technorati Tags: Savannah,Georgia,trips,travel,photography,faith

Trouble in Paradise

I struggle with being so transparent… but here I share my life as a single mom and relationships are important to me.  I try to learn from each one and try to treat everyone in my life better as a result. 

Sitting on my couch last night I gave myself a pep talk / consolation for what might lie ahead.  I hadn’t gotten a call in hours and so my mind began to imagine what he must be thinking.  My thoughts started with “I can do this… I have done this before… it might take a few more weeks to get over it this time, but…”  Since I hadn’t heard from him, I was having a one-sided conversation and thinking it might be over.

A CONFLICT

Mr. M. and I had a tiff.  I won’t call it down right fight, but we had a misunderstanding. 

I was looking forward to having a weekend with just the two of us because my kiddos were still vacationing with their father and Mr. M’s boys were on a week vacation with their mom.  He normally had them every weekend.  So this was a rare opportunity for us to have a weekend ‘kid-free'.  Mr. M. had already told me he was going to let the main coach know that he wouldn’t be their to assist at Saturday’s soccer practice so that we could potentially have the whole weekend – should we decide to do a day trip on Saturday or something.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Perhaps you as readers here can understand my disappointment when I found out that since the boys are not actually going anywhere with their mother, the oldest will be at soccer practice on Saturday.    And when he found out his son would be there… without any hesitation he told me he would be going to practice on Saturday too and was surprised at my reaction. 

“We can still do something Saturday,”  said Mr. M. 

“But we won’t be able to get an early start for a day trip,” I responded.  “I am just disappointed is all. But, I will get over it.” 

What was I supposed to say? I felt he deserved to know where I stood and why I felt this way.  I was looking forward to having ONE weekend with just the two of us and thought it was a big deal.  But to him I guess I am overreacting but I really don’t know what he is thinking. 

He was silent following my statement of disappointment…for several minutes. 

Then he said he would call later that night.

I went to bed around 10:00 pm not hearing anything more.  He called at 10:30, woke me up and said he just wanted to call before he went to bed.  That was it.  Nothing more was said about the issue.

Now I do understand he wants to see his boys as much as possible and I do appreciate his non-reactive temperament.  But if I cannot feel at least some attempt at a resolution come through conversing on a topic when it arises, I feel we haven’t attempted to understand each other’s position.  Because we haven’t tried to hear each other out.  I spent one marriage sweeping too many things under the rug and have no plans to start that strategy again.  Even little things that come up shouldn’t be ignored.  I like to talk about them.

WHAT’S NEXT?

So we are still communicating.  He called this morning to let me know he was at work… and that he would call later.  But if he truly has nothing to “say” to me about things that disappoint me…. what is the point?

Seriously, should I let this go?  Am I overreacting?

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Technorati Tags: relationships,dating,communication,conflict resolution,dating with children

photo credit:  http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PWsyVBvNUGU/R1yPn_4-56I/AAAAAAAAAj8/_Je01Isbw-E/S300/sign%2Bsweep%2Bunder%2Brug.jpg

My New Second Cousin

Well he isn’t brand new.. he’s over a year old and I took this photo at a recent family get-together at my aunt’s house.

Isn’t he adorable!

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Two for One Tuesday….Inspiring Mom

Recently… Lisa won a contest put on by BillMeLater.com and Zappos.com for moms as Household CEO’s by making this video.

She shares about her entry and I quote:

“This is my entry into the BillMeLater & Zappos Household CEO Contest. I enlisted the help of my whole family, and all of them (especially my husband) were great sports about it. Some days I feel like the CEO, and others like the housekeeper, but I am grateful for my family and enough to get by. What a great contest and opportunity. Thanks, BillMeLater and Zappos!!!” – Lisa Roberts

She is an inspiration to all of us moms…. and said the $2500 she won in prize money will be going toward ‘back to school bonuses for her staff’….hope you enjoy the video.

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Technorati Tags: moms,children

Keep it Super Simple, Mom (Kiss’m)

Lists

Our list of things we “should do” as a parent get longer every day.  I was reminded of this in the published letter from the editor in this year’s “Real Simple Family” special issue.  I could so relate as she reiterated how every mother we know, book we read, and friends (some who don’t even have children) all seem to carry more wisdom for us to glean from. 

Keeping it simple

Some of that wisdom I do “hope” to absorb, but many times all those new “should do’s” as a mom don’t stick and I’m back to simply picking my battles and trying to keep everyone safe and healthy (and sometimes even entertained) when possible under my watch.

At the end of the day that might be all I can manage to do and pray God keeps His big hands of protection around my kiddos, protecting them from that big ole’ world out there and protecting them from possible consequences of my mistakes I know I still make sometimes as their mom.

Photo above I took out on a walk with Mr. M. last night…. The sunset was gorgeous.

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Technorati Tags: raising children,children,sunsets,photography,single moms,moms

Staying Busy But Dainty All the Same

Well the kiddos have been gone with their dad a week and they have one more week before they get back from vacationing with him.  I try to get some of those odd jobs done around the house while they are away, so…..this was a working weekend.

My good friend Brooks came down and we worked on putting the new light fixture in the half bath I have been remodeling.  I had to wait for him to redo the electrical in the wall so the new light could be put in and moved higher on the wall making room for the mirror/medicine cabinet.  Mr. M. doesn’t like to do electrical… so I waited for Brooks to do the honors. 

Well you know how our projects usually end up being an adventure… but we were happy that we only blew one fuse in the process and only had to make one trip to the hardware store!

I need to show you guys photos of the progress…. so far… I will try to post updated photos soon.

After getting some of that work done, we also put together a new pantry cabinet for my dining room.  So I took the day off today to get that organized and my other cabinets cleaned and re-organized.  It was hard work… but I was pleased with the end results.  Plus I got to use my “Gloveables" I received from www.SingleEdition.com.   The pretty yet durable waterproof rubber gloves make working with the scrub brushes and buckets… dainty and “fashionable.”

I also started a book I was asked to review, 101Questions Kids Really Ask… And The Answers They Need To Know by Mary H. Halter.  When I finish I will share my thoughts about the book…. but I will tell you, so far I am impressed.

So I have been staying busy and want to cross a few more off my list of projects before school starts in September…. maybe.

Now if you haven’t left a comment (or two) to try to win the adorable little apron from Jesse Steele, jump on over to the post to try to win.   Only a few more days to get a chance to receive it.

Find yourself… keeping it real. 

Technorati Tags: gloveables,projects,single moms,singleedition.com,book reviews,puberty

Jon and Kate… What do you think?

“WOW”…. yeah that’s what I would say too, Kate.

I found this link on www.momlogic.com this morning from the “Live with Regis and Kelly” that aired Thursday.  I think Kate handled the question well.  This is a tough time and would be for anyone… spotlight or not. 

But what is Regis thinking?  Is he trying to pretend they live a fairytale after all?

I hate the way this has all played out for them, Jon and Kate.  Remember I watch the show and was hoping for the happier ending with what began back in February.  But now she does have to move forward, make the most of it, and consider the wellbeing of her kids with what is revealed about them personally in these next months of proceedings. 

Will she be able to continue the saga on their television series as a single mom?  Dynamics of life change when you are a single parent.  And she is a single parent with eight children, remember.  I realize she does have constant help, thanks to their income from the show….so maybe she can pull this off.  But I think, like others, perhaps now is time for a break from some of this limelight.

Share your thoughts here about Jon and Kate. 

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Technorati Tags: Jon and Kate,Jon and Kate Plus 8,divorce,relationships

Oh Savannah…. Don’t you cry for me

(I know…. not quite the way it goes, but…)

Here is a snapshot view of the trip… but not everything… for more you need to take look at the my photo album.

But some of my favs are below:

From the steeple of this church is where the feather fell during the famous scene in the movie, Forest Gump.  If you haven’t seen the movie (like Mr. M.) which is hard to believe… you have to see it.

I loved this shot on River Street above.  I have it on my computer desktop right now… though it was tough choosing just one for the desktop (out of the 694!)

This is Paula Dean’s restaurant. Lady and Sons (you may have seen her on the food channel).  I took this while in a carriage ride… so it may be a little blurry… but still cool.

This is the Juliet Gordon Low birthplace.  She started Girl Scouts in America in 1912.

My baby doll in the garden at the Juliet Gordon Low birthplace.

Another view from River Street.

Now before you take the longer look at my photo album, don’t forget to leave a comment to win the adorable apron!

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Technorati Tags: Savannah,travel,photography,photos,Girl Scouts

New Giveaway – Please Comment to Win

Thanks to SingleEdition.com I have a few more giveaways for my readers.  This is one of them!

Isn’t it adorable!?  It’s from Jessie Steele (Fine Aprons and More)…

I was tempted to keep it for myself for those outdoor barbecues (…but I’m trying to think the last time I had one at my house) or for hostessing a dinner party at home (those I have often with my kiddos and their friends from the neighborhood!)

But instead – I want one of you to have it.

So now what?

Just leave me a comment….let me know what you think about my blog --the good and the bad and something you would like to see here in the future…. (don’t forget to include an email to contact you) and I will put your name in the pot to draw out the lucky random winner. 

Anyone can enter… win the sassy apron and give it away if you aren’t a mom.  Because surely you know one who would just love this!!!

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Disclaimer…Your comments must be within SOLO dot MOM’s image and may not be offensive or inappropriate, as determined by Solo dot Mom. 

Technorati Tags: giveaways,singleEdition.com,aprons,outdoor fun,barbecues,winners

"Keep Mooooving" Summer Activity Suggestions:

Finally I can share with you the winning post about keeping the family active this summer.  Thanks again to Shamrock Farms for sponsoring the contest and to Amy Y. our winner. 

Try these original creative ideas from Amy’s winning entry…..

•With water- swim, create a slip-n-slide, sprinkler play

•Water balloon toss- usually turns into a water balloon fight!

•With your dog- take for a walk, teach a new trick

•Visit -the zoo, parks, skate parks, hands-on museums

•Lego's- create a village (on-going project), create your family using Lego's

•In the woods- create a fort, play cops-n-robbers, build a butterfly habitat, build bluebird or other bird boxes/houses

•Small Stream- dam up an area to make a pool. Race toy boats from upstream. Play will it sink or float? (David Letterman classic!) Use as a doll pool (Barbie, Polly Pocket, G.I. Joe, etc).

•Night time- Catch fire flies, play flashlight tag

•Classics- make s’mores, play tag

•Sidewalk Chalk- hopscotch, self portraits, draw cities (use matchbox cars to drive on the streets) write surprise messages to each other, don't forget the classic: rainbow!

•Free craft play- have available beads, feathers, googly eyes, paper (scrapbook, plain, construction, wall paper books), pipe cleaners, glue, paper tubes (from TP and paper towels), paint, tape, rice, dry pasta, etc. Let kids  create....

"Keep Mooooving" Summer Snack Suggestions:

•Frozen grapes

•Slushies

•Fruit smoothies

•Popsicles made with fresh fruit puree/juice

•Sliced watermelon (Seed spitting contest???)

•Homemade ice cream (could add fresh berries...)

Submitted by Amy Y.

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Technorati Tags: activities,family fun,summer,winners,nutrition,boats,butterflies,fruit,Shamrock Farms

Where did the time go?

Do you realize it is August 10 already? 

I just want to know.... where has the time gone?  I think I missed a couple weeks this year or something.... did I sleep through them?  You know I love my sleep!

Mid-August already and I thought I just posted my list of things I plan to do in 2009!  I guess I need to pull out that list.... and check them off... the few I can.  The kids start back to school soon... and yes we have started all that shopping....but it will also be Christmas before you know it and then I will be making a new list for 2010!! (I know you hate hearing me say that - the part about Christmas... not about my list!)

The good thing about this year flying by? ummm well it will be time for a tax refund in less than 5 months....

Oh well.... can you think of another positive about this year going by so fast?

Find yourself... keeping it real.

Photo Credit: http://www.csus.edu/indiv/d/dowdenb/graphics/time-flies-clock.gif

The Winner Is...

First of all let me say thank you to all of you who entered the contest that started a few weeks ago.  I wish I could have the sponsor to give all of you a new Wii system and Wii Fit game.  But sadly they made me choose only one of you.

So without waiting further, the winner from our recent Keep Mooo-ving Contest is...

Amy Y.

It was a tough call between entries, but Amy is the winner.  I will be sending her an email and getting all of her shipping information to the sponsor Shamrock Farms.  Congrats Amy!!!!

But to all other entries - I will be sending you coupons in the mail to get free bottles of the Shamrock Farms products at a store near you. 

Amy had such a long list and variety of ideas to keep the whole family active and unique ideas at that, like building a butterfly habitat or damming up a small stream to create an area for racing toy boats.  Others of you also had unique ideas... the close second entry was Gary who actually listed he had recently canceled his satellite-tv to help get them active and out of the house!

I will be posting Amy's entry of ideas for keeping active soon as well as including ideas from other entries.

Stay tuned for those ideas, another contest thanks to SingleEdition.com, and pictures I want to share from the recent travels to Savannah and Tybee Island.

Find yourself... keeping it real.

Technorati Tags: contests,winners,Shamrock Farms,nutrition,active,family

Deciding on a Winner

Everyone that entered the recent contest “Keep Moooving” for the Wii and Wii Fit sponsored by Shamrock Farms had some great ideas and tips for getting active.  I have been trying to decide on a winner all weekend.  Creativity was a plus and definitely all of them were original ideas… so I am having a tough time deciding on just one.

After narrowing down to the top three, now I have to pick one. 

It is so close I may have to close my eyes and just pick one.

Ok… let me take another look at the top entries and I will let you know in the morning!

Stay tuned for the winner.

Find yourself… keeping it real.

Back in Town and So Much to Share...

Well we made it back late last night from Savannah.  I have so many stories and yes tons of photos to share with my readers.  I took a total of 659 photos while on the trip from start to finish. I plan to go through the photos this weekend and sort out the cream of the crop!

But also I plan to read through each entry "again" for the final pick to win the Free Wii and Wii Fit from Shamrock Farms in the Keep Moooving Contest.  So stay tuned for the announcement of our winner!  It might be you!!

Thanks for being patient with me since I have been out of town... but I will make it up to you very soon with lots of posts about the trip and more....

Find yourself... keeping it real.

Savannah Here We Come

Yes, that's right.  I will be driving to Savannah soon along with nine girl scouts (including Kass), three parents, and the other leader.  Savannah is a major Girl Scout history area.  I won't bore you with all the history just yet... but that will come later.

It will take about nine hours with stops to get there.... three vehicles will be in the caravan and I am praying the evening we come back that I won't get tired because our trip is jam packed with tours, carriage rides, swimming, and other projects for the girls to do.

I am excited and hope to come back and show you tons of pictures.  But pray for us to have travel mercies. 

The photo above is of Tybee Island where we will be doing ocean life projects the morning of the day we leave.  While it may look and sound like I am getting two vacations this summer with this trip, this one won't be much of a vacation with all the fast-paced activities we will be doing and all- - -that- - -driving....One great thing though - this trip is paid for by the troop funds.(Thanks to all those cookie sales last winter!)  But I will be earning my keep, I assure you!

Find yourself... keeping it real.