Summer is almost here…

 

Doesn’t that mean we should be less busy, as things come to an end??? Not always the case is it? What is your family doing for the summer any big plans?

Hunter is out of school on June 3rd. Wow, may I say the school year has just flown by! On June 4th him and I are flying to Maine. He is going to be spending the summer with Grandma (my mother). Hunter of course is beyond excited! I’m happy for him, cause I know he really misses them, but sad to think I will be almost 11 weeks without my little man, helper, and buddy. I will be staying in Maine for a mere 4 days..not nearly long enough. It will fly by, as I have a graduation, and birthday parties to attend.

Now with one less kid, you would think I would have it golden right?? Well…. for anyone who knows me. They know how much I have to keep busy, so that really is not the case. The weekend I get back, I have a Boyscout event to chaperon, cause I am a Den Mother…(even though Hunter is away) Then the following week the girls are going to a Musical and Art Summer Camp, and the following week Rachel starts her dance class for 5 weeks this summer. We have weekly trips to the library..may be summer, but that doesn’t mean we don’t read! Plus somewhere in there Rachel is starting Girl Scouts. Then in August we are driving back to pick up Hunter and visit for a few days! When we get back it will be time for Hunter to start 2nd grade, and Rachel will be starting Kindergarten!

That is just all stuff the kids have over the summer. I didn’t mention the planning meetings for next years Boy Scouts that have to get done, or the training for my Girl Scout Leadership. Yup, I have homework this summer too!

Of course we will fit in plenty of fun days too…but that is just a taste of our summer. Doesn’t seem like much less to do does it?? How is your summer looking?? Are you prepared for those “Mommy I’m bored questions yet?” Trust me even being this busy their will be some of those questions floating around our house!

Crossover time:

 

 

Hunter officially became a Wolf, this past Tuesday night! We have had a fantastic year of scouts… it was sad to see it come to an end already. Seems like the year has flown. It was a great for Hunter, as he made his first real friends from his “Tiger Den”.  We have many more activities and achievements to earn! We are excited to embark on our new adventure this fall!

Here he is getting his “Tiger Badge” they put it on upside down until they do a good deed for their parents. Then they are allowed to turn it over!

So proud of himself!

Here he is as a brand new “Wolf”

He is excited to work on some new Belt Loops and electives with Grammie while he is with her in Maine!

Earn a free book??

 

Check out Barnes and Nobles Summer Reading Program!

Kids can earn a free book when reading this summer. What is better incentive than that??

Here's How It Works:

1. Kids read any eight (8) books of their own choosing.
2. Kids use the Summer Reading Journal to tell us their favorite part of each book. A parent/guardian signs the journal when it's complete. You can also get a Spanish-language Reading Journal.
3. Children bring their completed Reading Journal to a Barnes & Noble store between May 26th & September 7th, 2009.
4. We'll give them a coupon for a FREE book! They choose from a list of exceptional paperback titles.*

* Eligible books will be listed on the coupon. Choices must be made from available stock. No special orders. Limit of one (1) form per school-age child (grades 1-6), please. Incomplete forms will be ineligible for free books.

Its a good way to keep the kids reading over the summer. Good luck and have fun!

Thursday Thirteen:

 

This week is the Letter “U”

1. Umbrella: I have never been a fan of using them really. I always thought they were more pain than good. However, living in FL during the summer, may change my mind on that.

2. Unicorn: I think is one of the most beautiful fantasy creatures. They are gorgeous….

3. Ugly Betty: Was an interesting name for a TV show don’t you think? I guess it got peoples attention. I do watch the show on occasion. I like it, but its not a must see for me.

4. Ugli Fruit: Why would you name a fruit that? Why would anyone want to eat something called that? Have you ever tried one? I’d like to sometime soon. The kids and I think its a silly name. Therefore, they must try it out!

5. Unicycle: Has anyone out there ever tried one? I have always found them to be interesting. I’m afraid, I couldn’t keep my balance and I would let it go over backwards. I do think it would be neat to learn how to ride one though.

6. U-turn: Why do most States make these illegal? Wouldn’t they rather you had a spot to use them instead of doing it in the middle of the road anyway??? I love that FL has U-turns often!

7. Ulcer: I’m not sure how I haven’t ended up with one over the years… I often wonder how one develops anyway… Don’t you think it would be cool if you could watch how these things make themselves, or how diseases come to be.. Then maybe we could save people from them!

8. Ultrasound: I love that technology was able to come up with an Ultrasound. Can you imagine living years ago, and not ever knowing what was happening to your baby, or how it was growing? Times have changed so much…sometimes its just amazing to realize how much!

9. Unable: Another word that I don’t allow my kids to use. I don’t like when they say they are unable to do something. I tell them they are always able if they put their minds to it, and if all else fails ask for help!

10. Upload: When I upload pictures, I put them in designated folders and then I go in right then and label each individual photo… Most people find I am crazy to do that..but this way I remember what is of, and why I took it. Plus when I burn them to cd, to give to anyone they know what the photos are for to! How do you organize all of your photo’s?

11. Upside –down Cake: I have experimented with a few different kinds… of these. None that I have made yet have ever come out that great. I love the concept… and think that it would be a great dessert. Anyone have a good recipe they would like to share??

12. Uranus: I think that is the strangest name for a planet! Why couldn’t they have come up with something a bit better.

13. Uniforms: You know at first I was against the idea of uniforms for the kids at school. But I have to say I have since changed my mind. I always agreed with the whole part where then kids all dress the same and no one is better than anyone else. But The other upside is it costs way less! My son wears his uniform all week, so his other clothes get less wear and tear… Plus you don’t have to buy as many clothes at the back to school time. Really not a bad idea!

Stay tune next week for the Letter “V”

Almost to the end of the alphabet, so if you have any suggestions for what you would like to see me do next, let me know!!!

Its the BIG 30!

 

Yup, I turn 30 today! So hard to believe really. Seems like only yesterday I was graduating from high school, getting married, or having my kids… and here I am 12 years later from all that. WOW!
I thought 30 was going to be tuff. I know, silly…but to me age has always been a big deal. Had a really hard time with 25, why you ask??? Well…. cause to me, it was crossing over that bridge, that made you no longer a adolescent… (most kids are out of college by then) and you were old enough to be a responsible adult! Not that I had a problem with any of that cause I already had 3 kids! I made it through ok though.
I had a relatively good birthday.. and appreciate my in-laws who really tried to make it very special for me. I missed my mom, a lot today and my best friends. I’m happy that I kinda get a late birthday present by going up to Maine in a week and seeing them. A definite plus! My MIL made me a birthday dinner of Steak, mashed potatoes and green beans! It was delicious! Then they got me this really good Chocolate cake, with chocolate whipped frosting, and topped with chocolate covered strawberries! My FIL decided to get me good with trick candles… it took awhile to blow them out! Here is a few snap shots of the evening!

 
My cake!

The kids enjoying the cake! :)

Book Basket:

This week’s Book Basket is full of new adventures…

• Big day on the river by Sarah Wilson: this was an ok book, but didn’t really keep the interest of my children.
  
• Armadily Chili by Helen Ketleman: this was a very cute book and my kids loved it. I think the name was the best part for them. It also taught them that sharing was important. Great for kids 3-6 we think!
  
• Princess K.I.M. & the lie that grew by Maryann Cocoa-Leffler: My girls loved this book. It was a great book to teach how one little lie can turn into a huge one. Good lesson!
  
• Big Kicks by Bob Kolar: this particular book taught the kids how being different isn’t a bad thing… very cute book about a bear and a soccer team.
  
• Maggie’s Monkey’s by Linda Sanders Wells: very cute book about a imaginary monkey in a refrigerator. My girls again really loved this book, cause it was cute. But also taught them to use their imagination! Good for kids 3-6yrs old.

We will not be posting next week..as I am going on a short vacation next Thursday so we are not getting any books from the library for a couple weeks.
Looking for more Book ideas, also check out Happy Housewife’s Blog.

Thursday Thirteen:

 

 

This weeks letter is “T”

1. Trouble: Seems to be the word of the house! My kids are constantly in trouble… fighting with each other, driving me up a wall!

2. Talk: I love to talk… and if you know me than you know this already. I will talk to people online for hours, or even on the phone. My record was talking on the phone straight for 8hrs. Yup, its true. If I can’t talk, then I will text. I’m addicted to talking! HELP!

3. Trash: Never been one of my favorite chores… now that my son is old enough, I have him do it. It is so weird that the old saying “one persons trash is another man’s treasure” can be so true. Its amazing what people will throw away!

4. Tinkerbell: A cute Disney movie, and also my daughters favorite character. She was so excited when we finally got to meet her. We are now reading the books. We just finished the first one.

5. Time: Why does no one other than yourself ever think your time is worth something?  I like to use my time wisely, though not always an easy task.. Never seems to be enough time to go around though does it?

6. Tomato: One of my favorite vegetables…ok fruit. (however you look at it) Though if I eat to many at once I get cankers. I do love tomatoes though! Especially fresh picked!

7. Turkey: My new friend.. I have been putting ground turkey in place of hamburger. I also enjoy a good turkey…but I like the dark meat best!

8. TV: I like to watch shows… and i think that a good movie now and again is nice. However, I hate that my children think that life needs to revolve around TV. I don’t let them watch much of it… So many better things you could be doing. What are your favorite things to do other than watch TV?

9. Turtle: I think turtles are the coolest. I love to learn about them. I think they are also cute. Well some anyway..snapping ones not so much! Hunter and I enjoying learning about the different kinds.

10. Tadpoles: Do you remember catching tadpoles as a kid, and watching them grow into frogs? I haven’t had the opportunity to do it with my kids yet, but can’t wait. I think it is cool, to watch the transformation.

11. Team: Its so hard to teach your kids the concept of a team sometimes… I think Hunter finally understood it better after this Baseball season… when he realized what he did affected them to, in some way. I think that team work is a vital piece to teach our children, just not always the easiest.

12. Teach: Speaking of TEACH. I think that teachers are not given enough credit anymore. (well some of them) I think they have a very difficult job in our society now. Parents are slowing not becoming involved anymore, and they are left to pick up the pieces. I think that teaching a child is the most gratifying job. I enjoy doing what small part I do with my kids everyday!

13. Thirteen: A nice number, though many are superstitious of it. Are you superstitious? I’m not… I think that 13 has just as much potential as any other number. What is your favorite number? or do you have one?

There you have this weeks letter…. Stay tuned for next weeks letter “U”   

What kids do in water:

 

Here is a taste of what kids will do if left near water!

What better way to spend a hot afternoon??

And what your face looks like if the water goes missing!

Simple Woman’s Daybook:

 

 

For Today May 18th, 2009

Outside my window.... It is rainy, and dark… but we really need the rain.

I am thinking....  Down to 16 days til I see my family!

From my imagination....Not a thing.. given my brain a rest!

 

I am thankful for....  Family.. We have a new addition to ours… My cousin had a new baby girl yesterday!

 

From the kitchen.... Pork Chops, scalloped potatoes, green beans, and corn.

 

I am wearing..... Jean shorts, t-shirt, and bare feet!

 

I am reading.... A Karen Kingsbury book… A time to dance..

 

I am hoping..... to get some stuff finished up before my short vacation… Gotta get Hunter packed for the summer.

 

I am creating... A mess! Always… in my attempts to get more organized, I make more of a mess!

 

I am hearing....  Silence.. My kids are asleep. I’m a bit late posting this today!

 

One of my favorite things....My girls pretty smiles!

 

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Cub Scouts, cooking, packing, reading, picture taking,laughing,and having fun! 

A picture I am Sharing.… My gorgeous boy!

Dove:

 

Recently I was picked to try the new Dove Visibly Smooth Anti-perspirant Deodorant. I have always been a fan of Dove’s products. This was no different. This deodorant was made to give you the smooth look…and to keep you stubble free under your arms longer. Coming out just in time for the sleeveless weather! 

I’ve only been using this deodorant for a few weeks now. I have noticed the difference in the softness. The hair is easier to remove and much finer…leaving a better looking underarm. What makes this all possible you ask… the special formula contains Pro-Epil Complex. After time your underarm hair will look and feel less noticeable.

Some of the great benefits of using Dove Anti-perspirant/deodorant are:

1. 24-hour Odor and wetness protection.
2. Alleviates white marks.
3. Conditions and cares for underarm skin with Dove 1/4 moisturizers!

It comes in to different scents, Wild Rose, and Nature Fresh. I currently have the Wild rose and love the subtle but refreshing smell. This hits shelves in your local markets sometime in May!

Want a chance to win some prizes such as a luxurious spa robe or elegant, stainless steel and Lucite Dove razor to help make your underarm beauty routine special, each day. Go HERE. 

I’m also giving the chance to 6 lucky people. The chance to win 4 coupons for this wonderful product that tally up to $8 dollars off. They are good until 12/31/09

I will pick a winner with Random.org on May 29th 1pm EST…just before I leave on Vacation..so I can get them out. 

For your First Entry leave me a comment on what your favorite beauty product is…..

For Extra Entries:

• Follow me on Twitter (you’ll see my twitter updates to the right)  and tweet the giveaway, leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment.
  
• Follow my blog… and leave me a separate comment letting me know you do.
  
• Mention the giveaway in a blog post with a link back to this post, leave your URL in your comment

Purex:

 

I was recently picked to be a Purex Insider, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. They sent me a package with their new laundry product inside. I have to say at first I was not thinking it was going to work out that great. But I put it to work…..

This is what the sheet looks like. It contains your Laundry detergent, softener, and anti-static all in one. What could be more convenient right??

Just toss it in and its ready to go. It is good for all washers including the High Efficiency. When the laundry is done washing you just toss the pad and laundry all in the dryer… No having to remember the softener, or fabric sheets anymore. The stripe is activated by heat and it does the softening and anti static for you! Great for us moms on the go!

Go check out the Purex site for yourself, and be amazed!

Thursday Thirteen:

 

 

Last week was the Letter “R”
This week I bring you the letter “S”

1. Scream: Some days this is all I really feel like I do. My ears start to hurt from listening to it all. I just keep telling myself one day, life will calm down, and children will listen. :)

2. Squash:  I really like this vegetable. My favorite squash is Buttercup, but we can not find them to buy in the stores here in FL. So we have been eating more Butternut squash…which has become my son’s favorite.

3. Silly: I love having silly days with my kids. Life is so much more fun when you can just stop and be silly. Makes the days go by faster too!

4. Serious: I think that we all take life a bit to serious sometimes… we wander why children are so happy and carefree… its because they can turn anything into a silly moment. Does it really hurt us to stop from the serious parts of life and laugh a little?

5. Sulking: Nothing I hate worse than kids who sulk. Oh my, it is a constant in our house some days. Good gravy… Its almost as bad as whining….

6. Smile: Smiles, are a wonderful thing. Do you ever notice that you can be having the worse day, on the verge of a meltdown and tears, and your child can look at you and smile, and it turns it all around! Its amazing how a smile can have so much power isn’t it?

7. Sage: Its a wonderful spice that I use, but its also a great name. I named my youngest daughter this, and at the time you barely ever heard it. Heck, I even had some people look at me weird…. I thought it was cute, and different. Now, it has become a very well used name.

8. Siblings: I don’t have any siblings. Well except for a step sister that I never see, or has anything to do with me. I often get very confused by the fights and jealousy my kids share over their siblings, cause I never had to feel that way. Do they ever start to get along???

9. Sister: As I stated above, I don’t have any biologically related to me.. but like a parent, blood isn’t what makes someone related to you. I have friends that I consider sisters, cause our bonds are just as strong as ones that would be blood related. I am very thankful and grateful for those relationships.

10. Snickers: One of my favorite kinds of candy bar. Yum… Now I want one for a snack! :)

11. Scouts: I am a leader for both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. I love doing both. As I think shaping our young people into great citizens is very highly over looked these days. What happened to doing community service cause you wanted to help people out, not cause you got in trouble with the law??? I wish that more people got involved!

12. States: I have lived in 3 different states in my life. Maine, South Carolina, and Florida. My goal is to someday visit all 50 states. I think it is wonderful to learn the history of each one, and see what makes them unique.

13. Snow: I’m not a huge fan of snow. That is why Florida was a good pick for our new home. However, my favorite activity with snow is making Snowmen… The kids and I enjoyed doing this a lot. We also liked sledding. I always wanted to learn to ski, but I would kill myself I’m sure!

Well, there you have the Letter “S”
Next week will be the letter “T” ….. Should be just as easy… Join me again next Thursday!

97 Degrees:

 

What do you do when its that hot out??

Run through a sprinkler? Maybe…

 

Dive in the pool… Sure if we had one!

 

Or go get Ice Cream??

Yup that is what we opted to do!

Baskin Robbins was our choice this time!

A big old scoop of Strawberry Cheesecake or Snickers???

 

Or in the kids case Cotton Candy!

 

 

Sage decided it was the best ice cream cause it was of course Pink & Purple!

 

How else would you make such a informed decision???

 

Jamboree on the Trail!

 

Saturday was Jamboree on the Trail. Where the Boy Scouts tried to get all Boy Scouts around the world to go on a hike… It was a big event around the world. Which we thought was pretty cool. Of course our family participated.

There was a really decent turn out for your district. Probably close to if not over 100 scouts. Its nice to see some many families involved in these kids of activities. I love to see such things encourage family bonding! 

Here are the Scoutisme badges from around the world. The one that I remember standing out the most was the Giraffe when that was from Taniza that Hunter pointed out.

Here is a Spoonbill bird that we found on the Eagle Trail we hiked. Yes, it was called Eagle Trail because there are bald eagles found along it. Unfortunately, it flew off right before we got to it. We where hoping to get a picture.

Hunter along Otter Trail. You know it amazes me how it is so beautiful in these state parks. Yet, like this one, the city and airport where only around the corner!

Here is one of the many crabs we saw along the Salt Marshes! The kids thought they were so cool. We even saw one with a little fish in its mouth.

We had a great time… the kids learned about Coral Snakes, different kinds of birds, and Maps & Compasses! It was a wonderful event!

Simple Woman’s Daybook:

 

 

For Today May 11th, 2009

Outside my window.... Its sunny and hot!

I am thinking....  Down to 23 days til I see my family!

From my imagination....Nothing

I am thankful for....  My beautiful kiddo’s!

From the kitchen.... Meatloaf maybe??? Or Taco’s… can’t decide!

I am wearing..... Jean shorts, and my baseball mom t-shirt, and of course my croc’s!

I am reading.... A Karen Kingsbury book… Starting the a new set..

I am hoping..... It is a good and productive week!

I am creating... A list of things to get together.. My son leaves in 3 weeks to spend the summer with Grammie!

I am hearing....  My girls listening to Mickey Mouse!

One of my favorite things....Spending time with my family!

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Baseball game, Cub Scouts, cooking, reading, picture taking,laughing,and having fun! Things are busy for a couple weeks, as everything is coming to an end for the summer.

A picture I am Sharing.…  My flowers I got for mothers day! :) I love the orange!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

This year is again a particularly hard one for me. Being away from my Mom and not being able to spend the day with her. As we usually always do. My mom is amazing.. She is hard working, caring, dedicated, thoughtful, and supportive. Being so far away from her has come with its struggles. I call her often, mostly to just hear her voice on those really tough days. (not that I tell her that) I love you mom! xoxoxox


Mom is a hard job... Having three kids of my own, I know this first hand from many long hard, stressful days. They drive me crazy, to the point of no return, but I would not trade it for all the quiet peaceful days in the world. I'm lucky to have been able to be a SAHM for the past 6 yrs. I just keep in mind on those long crazy days, that they will grow up before I know it. The sleepless nights, temper tantrum throwing days, and whining moments will all be a short blip of time in my memory.

I hope you all have a great pampered day that you deserve. Snuggle up close to your kids, shower them with love.

Thursday Thirteen:

 

 

Well I managed to get the letter “Q” out there…. This week we have the letter “R”

1. Rude: Is it me or are people becoming worse over the years??? I’m so horrified by some of the kids I see and how they behave in such a rude manor. Do parents not demand respect anymore?

2. Radishes: I have never really cared for them. I don’t eat them often, and usually request not to have them on a salad. Do you like Radishes?

3. Random: I am probably one of the most random people you will ever meet. I will start on one thing and move to the next at the blink of an eye. I’m not sure why I am this way, but it has become part of me now. My daughters are following in my foot steps!

4. Roots: Do you like to explore your roots?? Or more accurately where you come from? I love to look back at my ancestors to see where they came from or what I learned something from. I find it very fascinating…

5. Rubber: Rubber is so bad for our environment, yet if you look around it is one of the most used. I do find it interesting how one came up with the concept of a bouncy ball made out of rubber. Do you think the person was highly bored outside one day???

6. Real: How many “Real” people are there anymore?? Does anyone believe in who they are enough to tell the truth, or has the society driven people into being “Fake” to fit in?? A few months back I found myself not lying to people, but not being “Real” to myself. I didn’t know who I was anymore our who I wanted to be… I’m still trying to find my way back. Do you ever feel this way?

7. Rug: I’m not a huge fan of Rugs if you have animals, or a dirt driveway! LOL! It is such a pain to clean and keep clean. I feel like I vacuum a few times a day! Who has time for that??? Do you prefer Hardwood floors or Rugs?

8. Refuse: Oh my…. My kids refuse to do so much lately… Drives me Looney! I don’t like this word very much.

9. Rocks: My son loves to collect white rocks. I still don’t understand what is so fascinating to him about them. I find some rocks to be interesting, so I don’t discourage him in his pursuit!

10. Rats: For such a filthy creature, that everyone wants to keep out of their house… do you notice there are numerous people who have them as pets?? I really don’t think I could have one as a pet…… How about you???

11. Rachel: A beautiful name, I do say. My middle daughter’s name actually, and my mothers middle name. I do think that with this name comes a huge mount of stubbornness! (however I might be a bit basis)

12. Rainbow: Have you ever really seen anything more beautiful?? It is one of the wonders of the world that I truly adore. There is nothing better than to watch a bright rainbow after a quick rain. I love it! I do often wonder if their could be a pot of gold at the end! But would you really want to fight a little green guy for it??? 

13. Rabbit: I used to have a dwarf rabbit when I was younger. He was a cute gray one… and we used to let him out of the cage every once and awhile. He would do flips and jumps to entertain us. He was a cool little guy. He wasn’t like a regular rabbit though, he didn’t like carrots. Nope he was more of a Ritz Cracker kind guy. No joke!

Well there you have the letter “R”
Stay tuned next week for the letter “S”

Simple Woman’s Daybook:

 

 

For Today May 4th, 2009

Outside my window.... Its sunny and beautiful!

I am thinking....  Only 30 more days and I get to see my friends and family! :)

From my imagination....Not a whole heck of a lot.

I am thankful for....  My family and friends!

From the kitchen.... Not sure yet.. Good question.. 

I am wearing..... Jean shorts, a t-shirt, and of course my croc’s!

I am reading.... Nothing waiting on some new ones to get here.  :)

I am hoping..... To increase my exercising this week.

I am creating... a new eating plan… fell off the wagon, trying to get back on!

I am hearing....  My girls giggle in their room as they play.

One of my favorite things....Seeing my kids succeed at things they love. Its wonderful to see how happy they get.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Baseball game, Cub Scouts, cooking, reading, picture taking,laughing,and having fun! (for us a relatively calm week)

A picture I am Sharing.…  Sage passed out on our way to get some groceries.. Its amazing how one minute she is talking to you and the next well….

 

Friday Nights:

 

Since the cost of everything is so high these days… and getting out of the house to do anything as a family has to be pretty well thought over. We make every other Friday a movie night at our house. The kids pick a movie, we make homemade pizza, and usually have something special for a snack.

Did you know for a family of 7 it costs nearly $60 for you to see a movie at the Theatre…(and that does not include snacks) We have converted to using the Redbox where you only pay a dollar to rent a movie… and if for some reason it is late the next day its only a dollar late charge. Can’t beat that right??? Plus you can go only to reserve a movie and have it ready to pick up at your favorite Redbox location.

The kids choose “Benji off the leash” for this past movie night. We all enjoyed it, and laughed at how clever a dog can be! Here a few more shots of our night:

Hunter all snuggled in to watch the movie!

Our cool popcorn containers (found in the $1 spot at Target)

Rachel ready for the movie to get going!

Sage always posing for her picture! (excuse her mouth full of food)

What are some low cost family activities you enjoy doing?? We are always looking for new ideas!