Since this is 4th of July week we wanted to do some fun crafts. Ones that we could use for the day on the 4th. Here are some of the ones we are going to make…or possible make….
Patriotic Flip Flops (with red white and blue fabric)
What are your ideas???
We found these at are favorite place to look for crafts at Family Fun and their is so much more!!!
Happy Crafting!!!
is your family big on doing things together?? Or are you trying to get them together to do more??
Either way you might want to check this out! NBC has been trying to help get families together this summer with Movies. The first was “Secrets of the Mountain” which sadly we missed, cause I would have loved to see this one.
Well the next one is called “The Jensen Project”. Which will be airing July 16, 2010 @ 8pm on NBC. For more information on this movie, you can see a trailer for it Here! All of these movies have been presented to you by Walmart & P&G Products to help families get together.
I think this movie looks like a great movie to sit and share some popcorn with. Be sure to check it out and plan a great night with your family.
FOR TODAY... Monday June 28th, 2010
Outside my window... It is hot and humid… The heat has been intense here, but we are doing pretty good so far. Normally I wouldn’t want to go outside at all, but I have been trying to get out a bit here and there.
I am thinking...Time for a structured change… which is most times easier said than done. I’m hoping for the best!
I am thankful for...Such great memories we are making this summer...
From the learning rooms...Well we are trying to ease into things here…so no one goes rebelling! For Hunter we are doing, writing, math, reading, and science right now… (not all at once)
Rachel- is doing some writing and learning sight words, and practicing the reading.
Sage- is working on sight words, sounds, and beginning reading.
From the kitchen...I am thinking BBQ Chicken, with mashed potatoes, summer squash, and zucchini.
I am wearing...My normal, shorts, t-shirt, and croc’s!
I am creating...Lots, and lots. I want to get some scrapbooking stuff done (as I am so far behind.. like a year) I am also working on a schedule that works for us. As well as a menu plan. I have decided this last minute what are we having for dinner thing, is driving me CRAZY! So, I’m working on fixing that!
I am going...Crazy! Well that is normal… No we are going to plan a trip to the coast VERY soon.
I am reading... Holly’s Inbox right now.. not really into to much. Got a few more books to read this week and next for a review. Look for those soon!
I am hearing...The girls chatting while they wait for Hunter to wake up. They have been really good about sleeping in til about 8… Hunter most mornings til 9! Wish I could sleep that long!
Around the house...Things are going quite well. The kids have been pretty good about keeping their things picked up, and helping with every day stuff.
One of my favorite things...Garlic Bread! I just love the stuff… and really it goes well with any meal..not just a pasta dish!
A few plans for the rest of the week: Ummm… Pool on Monday, Library on Tuesday, Pool again on Wednesday, Play Date on Friday…. Fun on the weekend with friends for the 4th, and some fireworks! Hope you all have a great holiday!
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
Sage enjoying her Cold Stone Ice Cream, on a hot day! It was all over her when she finished! Yummy!
I have a question for you….
This is my first real year… and attempt to homeschool.
While I have done my research and feel confident…
I just need some advice to find some good tips….
on scheduling?
I realize that each person is different, but looking
to see what has worked well for others.
I need a form, if you know where you can find one.. or
something like that.
I like to be organized… so I’m struggling right now with
the “wing it method”. LOL!
Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!
Have you heard of the new Kung-Zhu hamsters?? Well we got a great opportunity to host a party. Thanks to Momselect and Toys R Us.
These hamsters are from two different forces. There is Special Forces, and Ninja Warriors… to choose from. There is 4 of each hamster, and they each have their own armor.
The obstacle course and battle arena is huge! The kids were chopping at the bit to play, and it took us a bit to set up. In the meantime they picked the hamster of their choice, and put on the armor.
Then when it was all set up. They went crazy… and off to battle. Laugh did these kids laugh. They had so much fun playing with them, and laughing at the obstacles they ran into along the way. (sorry there is only my kids in the pictures, but I don’t post any of kids that if I don’t have permission too)
You can buy these at any Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, Target, or Amazon.
Looking for some fun this summer?? Zhu-Zhu’s are going on a tour at a city near you!! Check it out HERE.
*We just want to Thank MomSelect and Toy R Us again for giving us the opportunity to have that much fun!
Remember back in April… Sage had to get glasses?? If not you can read about that here..
Well because she would not cooperate with some of the tests at that appointment or have her eyes dilated. She had to go back again this month for another check-up.
The reason Sage needed the glasses in the first place was cause she had a lazy eye. (not really surprising cause I do too) After another extreme visit.. where she didn’t want to cooperate. It was determined that this eye is not really getting any better. It is still looking wherever it wants too. (Really it has a mind of its own) Nor can she even really see out of it. If the other eye is closed, she can’t tell you what she is looking at. My poor baby!
So it has been determined that she is to wear a patch over the good eye, everyday a few hrs a day. To help strengthen that eye. Since we only have about another year to fix this problem or she will always have an issue.
Needless to say the black eye patch was just not appealing to her. So we had to bling it out for her. This is the finished product!
was had by all that attended today! Some of the cute little Daisy’s from my troop attended a Dancing Daisies event today. Really one of our first real events we have attended since starting our troop this past false.
The girls had a blast. They did some dancing, and some crafts. What is better?? Especially to a 5 yr old!
Here are some shots of our day…
We had a blast, and can’t wait to have more fun at another event!
I was so excited to try this product out! I have been looking at buying some for a few months now…but wasn’t sure whether my son would do well with them.
They have them in many different age groups. We reviewed the Level 1-2. My son was so excited to get to try it out. He was pretty good at them too! I was excited to see him learning, and having so much fun! We did some together to, which really made him happy as well.
Critical Thinking Mind Benders are a great way to strengthen the mind during the summer. Fun, but educational for those children that don’t like the prospect of learning during the summer.
They even offer free pintables', if you want to try out some stuff before you buy them. Which you can find on my Right Side Bar.
Currently Critical Thinking Mind Benders is hosting a Critical Thinking Moments Video Contest where you can win a “Years supply of educational product” (valued at $500).
You can also Nominate a Hero… that makes a difference in your life. The official rules are HERE. Nominations need to be in by Feb 15,2011 and the winner will be chosen by June 2011.
I suggest trying these today! You can get a book for $9.99! Great price, and a great learning tool!
Want to learn more about them??
You can follow Critical Thinking on Facebook or Twitter!
*This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by: Critical Thinking for this review."
For Today June 21st, 2010
Outside my window- It is so hot out there with a humidity of way to much!!! About 80 at 8am!
I am thinking- What should we plan for this week??
I am thankful for- Time with my monkey’s!
From the kitchen- Not sure yet.. Something with Summer Squash, and Zucchini
I am wearing- Shorts, a t-shirt, and my croc’s
I am reading- Holly’s Inbox
I am hoping- The kids have a better week than the last few days. UGH!
I am creating- school plans for the monkeys.
I am hearing- The kids playing in their room.
One of my favorite things- Fun in the summer time!
A few plans for the rest of the week…. Trips to the Water Park, Maybe a movie, Library, Reading, and Most importantly FUN!!!
A Picture I'm sharing- Hunter @ the park
I absolutely love Sarah McLachlan! I think she has a wonderful voice and beautiful songs… So when we had the opportunity to hear this Cd, we were excited!
This is her first studio album to be released in 7 yrs! Over the last 2 decades she has been a Grammy award winning, multi-platinum singer/songwriter. She has over 20 million career sales to date. Every one of her albums have been certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum by the RIAA.
Her album “Laws of Illusions” was amazing. We popped it in the Cd player as soon as we got it. Cranked it up, and listened to it as we ran some errands. The kids loved it! The music was wonderful and relaxing.
This Cd was released on June 15th to help kick off the Lilith Fair Festival. This is an all-female festival. It is touring all over the US. You can get a list of dates Here. Were all money will be donated to National and Local Women’s Charities.
So what are you waiting for? Head on out and pick it up today.. at Amazon, or Barnes and Nobles!
Then listen to all of here wonderful songs!
All fantastic Songs! I don’t think we could really narrow it down to one or two favorites… We like them all!!!
You can also find Sarah McLachlan on her website here.
On Facebook here
Or on Twitter here!!!
*I received a copy of this Cd for One2One Network in exchange for this review. I was not monetarily compensated. All opinions are my own.
was again a huge hit for my kiddo’s! What is best for me… is its free, and gave me 3 hrs a day of quiet time!
This was Hunters first year going, as last year he was in Maine during it. The girls loved it, and were excited to go back.
They had a great time! Hunter did Guitar, Puppetry and Bells. He loved Guitar, and learned how to play Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star over the week. Puppetry was a huge hit as well. Such imagination and it was great to see them at work. Bells is just fun to see.
The girls really enjoyed the puppetry class as well. I think by far that was the hit of the camp. They also enjoyed the piano class again too. They have gotten Mary Had a Little Lamb down pretty good now.
They were pretty sad to see the camp end.. but had a great time. We wish that they had a longer camp, cause they really enjoyed it.
my kids come up with the most educational or serious conversations. Mostly seems to be in the car… which is even weirder!
Like last night at 10pm, when they were half asleep… and they wanted to talk about Satan. Now before you get all worried, they had been talking about him earlier in the day. They have been going to Music Arts Camp at our local church. In their puppetry class they learn about the different characters from the bible.
Well my son played the part of Satan and was very upset about this. He couldn’t really give me a reason why… so we just discussed that puppetry is a form of performing arts. Therefore he was just pretending to be a character, it wasn’t that anyone thought he was bad, or had the same traits. I told him as long as he learns from the lessons they are teaching him, and knows the difference from right and wrong… he will be nothing like Satan.
I just find it really funny, that our serious conversations seem to be in the car.
Our other favorite topic’s are the planets lately. We love to have our science class in the car. We know lots about the planets, and space.
I love their excitement for knowledge!
Have you ever had one of your kids come to you at 7pm and say mom “I need brownies for school tomorrow” or something like that?? Mine are famous for not getting the paper to me, or telling me ahead of time. Just what you need at 7pm at night right??? How will you possibly get it done in time. Who wants to stay up til midnight cooking?
Pillsbury comes to your rescue!!! With a taste as delicious and authentic as if you baked them at home, Pillsbury Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies are a blend of 3 types of cocoas with real chocolate syrup and milk chocolate chunks to make a delicious fudgy brownie—they’re the perfect solution when you’re pressed for time. Add personal flair to these already-baked brownies with your own decorations, frosting, caramel or powdered sugar! With a straight-out-of-the-oven flavor without the time or clean-up, Pillsbury Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies are a great treat for any occasion! Exclusively at Sam’s Club!
WIN IT:
MyBlogSpark has given me one Prize Pack to give away to one lucky reader. The prize pack includes a $25 gift card to Sam’s Club to buy the brownies, Betty Crocker Frosting, and a container to carry them in.
To ENTER:
Leave me a comment telling me how these brownies could come in handy for you! (mandatory to enter)
Extra Entries:
Giveaway Ends July 2nd @10pm EST. Open to US RESIDENTS only!!! Winner will be chosen by Random.org and they will have 48hrs to respond to my email or I chose a new winner.
*Pillsbury provided me with the free product, information, and gift pack through MyBlogSpark.
I was really excited to try this product out. I am a fair skinned woman with red hair. Do I need to say more?? Sunburn is something I am absolutely familiar with.
The first thing I really need to say is that I love how light weight this sunblock is. When you put it on, you can't tell that it is a sunblock. Its not extremely greasy and heavy. I hardly noticed it..which I LOVE!
I have used this daily since I got it. For my day to day life, which I really noticed a huge difference in this compared to regular sunblock. I have been at the pool for two days straight now. Normally I would be a crispy critter. In my photo you will notice I am barely pink! It does a great job, and works so good. I don't have to reapply a thousand times before the day is out. At the end of the day I was pink but not red, or even burnt. I was really impressed for a sunblock.
Need something for those rainy days that your kids are stuck inside to keep them busy??
I don’t let my kids play on the internet often, but they are allowed to play on a few sites, we have looked at and are comfortable with. Under strict supervision I assure you!!!
Wiglington & Wenks is the same. Its a Virtrual world for kids to go and play in. You pick a character and design what color hair and such that you want.
My son thought this game was cool. He enjoyed playing the mini games and just going around the worlds. His favorite part of this game is learning about history! He loves history. I love that it throws in education. I don’t know if it would be one he would play often enough to warrant the $5.99 a month fee though.
Here are some of the things the company has to say about the game:
As a parent.. I like to see my kid play something educational as opposed to mindless games. I felt this was a safe place for them. They are not allowed to use their real names, so they are not giving any information out. Plus it is fairly cheap!
*"This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by:Wiglington & Wenks for this review."
About the Book:
Fear of being abandoned keeps nineteen-year-old Harmony Dust trapped in an abusive and cruel relationship. She thinks she has hit bottom-tens of thousands of dollars in debt, struggling to get by, and so controlled by her boyfriend that she doesn't protest when he begins openly sleeping around. Things can't get worse . . . until someone tells her how much money she can make as an exotic dancer. For the next three years, Harmony lives a double life as Monique, a dancer in a fully-nude strip club.
Scars and Stilettos is Harmony's stark, honest, and ultimately hopeful story of how God found her in that dark, noisy place and led her out. She has since married, completed an MA in social welfare, and now leads Treasures, an organization helping women in the sex trade discover their true worth.
"Harmony wrote her story so that you and your friends may get help out of whatever dark tunnel you find yourself in. . . . once you start this book, you will not be able to put it down and you will want to get a copy for every person you know." -Holly Wagner, from the preface
About the Author:
Harmony Dust is the founder and Executive Director ofTreasures Ministries, a Los Angeles, CA, based nonprofit organization [outreach and support group] for women in the sex industry.
As a child, Harmony was sexually abused and raped by multiple people. She ended up in a group home at age 17, where she first encountered social workers and began to dream about one day making a difference in peoples’ lives. She discovered, however, that despite her dreams, the abuse and pain from her past continued to hold her captive. She found herself walking straight from a troubled adolescence into an adulthood entrenched with dysfunctional relationships and a life inside the walls of a strip club working as an exotic dancer. She continued down this path for several years, until committing herself to a journey of healing that radically changed her life.
For more info… go HERE.
My thoughts:
So far I am enjoying this book. I have not yet finished it due to my busy schedule the last few weeks. I do enjoy it… The characters are strong and the writing is good. So far, I would absolutely recommend this book. For some reason I love reading books about overcoming hardships and learning from them. What about you??
Buy it:
On Amazon
Win it:
I have one copy to giveaway to one lucky reader!!! Just leave me a comment with Two books on your Summer Reading List this year…. (Mandatory to enter)
Extra Entries:
Giveaway ends June 30th @10pm EST. Giveaway is open to US RESIDENTS only… The winner will be chosen by Random.org and will have 48hrs to respond to my email or a new winner is chosen.
* Litfuse Publicity gave me this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are strictly my own.
For Today June 14th, 2010
Outside my window- It is so hot out there with a humidity of way to much!!!
I am thinking- The kids should have a great week.. and I will have a 3 hr break every day!!!
I am thankful for- My smart little monkey’s!
From the kitchen- Leftovers… cause we made a big roast last night.
I am wearing- Shorts, a t-shirt, and my croc’s
I am reading- Finishing off a couple of books…
I am hoping- the kids have fun at Music Camp
I am creating- Lots of things for the summer.
I am hearing- Nothing… the kids are at camp! A few hours of peace for me!! Yippee!!!
One of my favorite things- Seeing such gorgeous smiles on my babies!
A few plans for the rest of the week…. Music Camp, Trips to the Water Park, Library, Reading, and Most importantly FUN!!!
A Picture I'm sharing- Sage being silly!
Can you believe the School year is over?? I can’t! Time has flown by….
I’m very proud of both of them… as they have done so good this year. Both have gotten A’s and B’s all year! I couldn’t be a prouder mom!
For curiosity sake, I wanted to see if they changed since the beginning of the year… Here is a photo from the first day of school.
Here is a photo from the last day of school…
What do you think??
I know in the summer I’m always looking for the best deals, I can find. So.. I wanted to share this one with you!
At RaceTrac you can get a FreeFill cup for this summer. You pay $6.99 and you get free refills for the whole summer from their impressive fountain selection! How can you beat that??
Stay hydrated with them until August 1st!!! With no extra charge!
You can also follow them on their facebook page HERE.
Hope this helps you beat the summer heat!
*Information was provided by MomSelect.
Do you remember this movie??
Have you ever thrown a themed party??
Well one of our friends decided to embark on this…. She threw a Cloudy with a chance of meatballs party today for the kids. What a way to end the school year!
My kids were thrilled at the idea of it. They have been counting the days down.
The day arrived yesterday… and excited where they excited.
To get ready we had made cupcakes the day before… and not just your regular cupcakes. We made Huge cupcakes (used a big muffin tin, instead of a standard one)
We headed to our friends this morning, and upon arriving the kids sat down and watch the movie. After that we moved them outside, where we served them Spaghetti (falling from the ski and all) and meatballs. They ate with there hands… It was so funny to see some of them that were afraid to get dirty! Not two of mine!
We also gave them huge chunks of watermelon. After they were done eating, we washed them up, and off to the pool they went.
What a great time they had!
Have you ever thrown a themed party?? Do tell?
I’m thinking of doing a couple more this summer, what a great way to spend a day. Plus the kids can get imaginative and help with the details.
This same friend is thinking of doing an Unbirthday Party towards the end of summer. Can’t wait!!!!
About the Book:
Meet the Ames Girls: eleven childhood friends who formed a special bond growing up in Ames, Iowa. As young women, they moved to eight different states, yet managed to maintain an enduring friendship that would carry them through college and careers, marriage and motherhood, dating and divorce, a child’s illness and the mysterious death of one member of their group. Capturing their remarkable story, The Girls from Ames is a testament to the deep bonds of women as they experience life’s joys and challenges — and the power of friendship to triumph over heartbreak and unexpected tragedy.
The girls, now in their forties, have a lifetime of memories in common, some evocative of their generation and some that will resonate with any woman who has ever had a friend. Photograph by photograph, recollection by recollection, occasionally with tears and often with great laughter, their sweeping and moving story is shared by Jeffrey Zaslow, Wall Street Journal columnist, as he attempts to define the matchless bonds of female friendship. It demonstrates how close female relationships can shape every aspect of women’s lives – their sense of themselves, their choice of men, their need for validation, their relationships with their mothers, their dreams for their daughters – and reveals how such friendships thrive, rewarding those who have committed to them.
About the Author:
Zaslow first worked at the Journal from 1983 to 1987, when he wrote about a competition to replace Ann Landers at the Chicago Sun-Times. He entered to get an angle for his story, and won the job over 12,000 applicants. He worked at the Sun-Times from 1987 to 2001, and was also a columnist for USA Weekend, the Sunday supplement in 510 newspapers.
In 2000, Zaslow received the Will Rogers Humanitarian Award for using his column to run programs benefitting 47,000 disadvantaged Chicago children. For 12 years, he hosted an annual singles party for charity, Zazz Bash, which drew 7,000 readers a year and resulted in 78 marriages.
A Philadelphia native, Zaslow is a 1980 graduate of Carnegie Mellon, where he majored in creative writing. His wife, Sherry Margolis, is a TV news anchor with Fox 2 in Detroit. They have three daughters: Jordan, Alex and Eden.
My thoughts:
This book made me sorta jealous that I didn’t have such a strong bond of friends growing up as a kid. I could only wish that my kids have such bonds through life with their friends. It would be so nice if me and my friends were still able to get together for a weekend once a year to bond, chat, and reenergize! I thought this book was amazing with its detail. The story line was fantastic. I would recommend it to any of my girl friends!
Buy it:
*This book was provided by Penguin Group in exchange for this review.
#2
Congrats to Donita!!!
big fish games :)
It is my stress relief
I sent you an email. Thanks for entering… have some more giveaways to come very shortly! Be sure to check back soon!
Yesterday was the kids awards ceremony at school… Things are still a bit different down here compared to up north. They don’t have Auditoriums so they get to do all there stuff in their classrooms. Strange I say!
Rachel got her certificate of completion of Kindergarten…
Hunter got a certificate for getting all A’s & B’s all four quarters. (the only one in his whole class)
He also got High Honors in Reading on the SAT 10 (kinda like the MEA for you people in Maine) and got 88th Percentile out of all of FL.
He got Honors for Math on the SAT 10 and was in 70th Percentile out of all of FL.
They make me very proud!
So here are some shots from today!
With the end of school nearing… (ok, its tomorrow) I decided that we needed to do some fun stuff when they got home at night. To celebrate not having homework, and having such a successful year.
I love to just do random things with my kids. It has been so refreshing that they are really starting to come into their age. Meaning that the fighting is starting to calm down, and they are listening a bit better. Getting that when we listen and cooperate, we can do more stuff. I get so excited that they can do that now… I get to enjoy my time with them, instead of screaming like a chicken with my head cut off!
Ok, getting to my point. Sorry… I like to go off on tangents. :)
Last night we decided to do a pre summer activity to gear us up for what we had to come! We made Banana Boats…. Since our first time having them at Scouting events, my family has fallen in love with them!!!
Here are some pictures of our night:
We are excited for our summer to begin… We are hoping to have a great summer! Full of lots of FUN!
What are you doing for the summer??
If you go HERE you can read about some of our plans.
For Today June 7th, 2010
Outside my window- it is humid and hot already… 75 at 6am.. Blah!
I am thinking- Oh my only 3 more days left of school!
I am thankful for- how amazing my kids are… they make me so proud!!
From the kitchen- I have no idea… time to hit the store at some point today.. Must try to work that in, I guess… Hmmm…
I am wearing- Shorts, a t-shirt, and my croc’s
I am reading- Shades of Morning and Scars & Stiletto’s
I am hoping- the kids have a good last couple of days of school… gonna be busy!
I am creating- a curriculum for the summer. My kids have some stuff to do to be ready for next year. (still working on this)
I am hearing- Sage singing to herself in her room… while we get ready for the day!
One of my favorite things- happy, healthy, laughing kids!
A few plans for the rest of the week…. Doctor appts, Award Ceremonies, Library, babysitting, a party, Boys are spending the day together Friday, and maybe the pool this weekend?? Most importantly FUN!!!
A Picture I'm sharing- Rachel again!
Wow! Is all I really have to say. It was a whirlwind of a weekend…oh my!
This was Rachel’s first Dance Recital. So, I was really nervous that she would get up on the stage and be frozen in fear.
Saturday we went to the Theatre where they were going to be performing to get in a few hours rehearsal in the morning. Other than getting up at the CRACK OF DAWN! It was not bad.
When I picked her up she was beyond excited. Mommy “their are mirrors all over the walls with lights in my dressing room” was her biggest thing to tell me!
To wind down from rehearsal, we came home and got the rest of the family and headed to the local pool. What a great idea that was, got out their energy, cooled them off, and made them tired!!! Plus they ran into friends and played with them…while us mothers (and my husband) chatted. Win, Win!!!
Today was the BIG day! We got up early this morning, and headed to a friends house, to have her hair and make-up done.
Then went to the theatre where we had to be 2 hours early… so while waiting for it to start after we dropped her off, we went to a local hotel and got some breakfast… and played for a bit on the DS.
Show started at noon, and we found our seat… I must say, I think I picked rather good ones! Close, but yet not to close, and perfect for where she was on the stage!
Remember I was saying about the fear, being her first recital?? I was so WRONG! She went out there and had such confidence! I was such a proud parent… it brought a tear to my eye. She was beaming from ear to ear! She remembered the whole dance and did it so well. Her whole class did amazing for first years!!!! (We were not allowed to take photo’s or video’s or there would be one)
This really showed me how much she learned this year, and how much she LOVES dance! I am again so proud of her!
GREAT JOB BABY!!!!!
