Simple Woman’s Day book:

FOR TODAY... Monday August 30th, 2010

Outside my window... Hot, very very hot… with some winds from a Hurricane off the coast.


I am thinking... Time is ticking… things are coming together..

I am thankful for...Fun    

From the learning rooms...
Nothing right now… on break while the kids are at the public school til we move. Then the real fun starts!

From the kitchen...Chicken, and something.. I think!

I am wearing...My normal, shorts, t-shirt, and croc’s!

I am creating... Boxes, and more boxes, mess, and organization… does that make sense?


I am going... be busy til this move is done.

I am reading... Waiting for Eat, Pray, Love (can’t wait to read it & see the movie)

I am hearing...Silence… it seems so weird to have silence for a few hrs everyday!


Around the house... Some cleaning to be done… maybe some baking.
 
One of my favorite things... Fun times with friends…


A few plans for the rest of the week:  Nothing really… Pretty quiet week… then this weekend we are going to the Gekofest and the Zhu-Zhu Tour

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
Sage she is sick… and has been out of school for a couple days. Hoping to send her back tomorrow.

Digital Keychain Review:

Do you ever wish that you had a handful of pictures with you so you can show off your beautiful children.. There are number of times that I wish I had some photo’s on me to show friends or family that I happen to run into…

Well this Digital Keychain is so the answer to that!! You can upload photo’s to your keychain, of your favorite pictures, and have them on you at all times.

 

Details:

Main features:

• 1.5 inch 128x128 LCD display;
• viewing stand;
• 8 MB internal memory which can store up to 99 pictures;
• Compatible with PC and MAC
• Built-in rechargeable battery
• Charged / data downloaded via 5 pins USB cable

Package contents:

• 1 x Photo Frame with key ring;
• 1 x USB cable
• 1 x user manual

It was super easy to set up and run. Perfect present for Mother’s day, Father’s day, or even that special grandparent.

Buy:
Price: $9.99
Or add an extra $5.99 and get it engraved with that special message for the one you love! You can put up to 3 lines, with 11 Characters on each.

Giveaway:
I have one Digital Keychain for one of my readers.

Enter:
Leave me a comment with something on the Wholesale Keychain Website that you would like to get… (Mandatory to Enter)

Extra Entries:

• Follow my blog
  
• Follow me on Twitter and Tweet about it.. Be sure to include @the3kidsandme
  

Giveaway ends on September 9th @10pm. Open to US Residents only! Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and will have 48hrs to respond or a new winner is chosen.

*I received a Digital Keychain in exchange for this review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Singalingo Review:

 

 

Since two of my kids are in a dual language class at school. We were very happy to have this opportunity to try this Spanish Singalingo book out. Both my girls take Spanish at school half the day… and then they switch off and do English the second half of the day! I know a lot of parents have issues with this… saying that it is to overwhelming for them to learn Spanish as well as their regular curriculum. What most people ten to forget is that little minds are like sponges! The best part being that they retain what they learn. I personally really think it is good to teach them basic’s when they are young.

With that being said… My kids loved this book. Especially my girls. They also enjoyed teaching what they knew to my son. The books have a wonderful aspect to them, being that they have it in Spanish, but on the bottom you will see it in English as well. Great way for your kids to learn Spanish.

Along with the book, they also include a download of 2 songs. Which you can listen to along with the book, and make it all the more fun!

So go check out their book selection. They are $9.99 a book. However right now you can get 10% off your order with this Promo code: 1mama2buzz3 so hurry and pick up a couple today!

You can find Singalingo on Twitter and Facebook.

 

A bit about the founders:

Piña Madera, founder

Piña has worked as an educator since 1987 – Montessori, piano teacher, ESL textbook editor, curriculum developer, teacher. She is also invested in teaching Spanish to her own kids (ages 5 & 7). It is her Mexican mother’s language — Piña was raised bilingual. She wrote all the original songs on our 1st CD ‘En MiCasa’ and that’s her voice and piano playing you hear in all the songs.

Michael Madera, co-founder

Michael holds an M.A. in Spanish and a doctorate in Psychology and is a part-time rock ‘n roller (when he’s not running his consulting business or being a Dad). You’ll hear his musical contributions on our CDs.

 

*This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by: Singalingo for review.

Random Dozen

 

 

 

 

1. What is your favorite Mexican dish?

I love Taco’s and Fajita's!!! Yum! Huge hit around here… :)

2. When you were a kid, did you get started on your homework right away after school, or did you procrastinate?

I was a huge procrastinator in school… which is so odd, cause I’m not really that bad now.

3. What is your favorite store for home furnishings?

We find a lot of our stuff at Thrift Stores, or Yard Sales… But I also have found some really good deals at Pier One… I also love Crate & Barrel and Ikea for some stuff. However, those purchases I really have to think about before I will do it.

4. When you were young, did you like school lunches?

Some of their lunches… some things were just plain Nasty!!!

5. Is religion a crutch?

For me personally? No, cause I'm not an overly religious person.

6. In your region, what is the "big" (most popular in the community or state) high school sport?

I would have to say Basketball and Baseball

7. Do you consider yourself rich?

Monetarily? No…  In life… absolutely.. I have the best family and friends.

8. Which of these would you have the best chance for success in administering:
A) CPR
B) Heimlich Maneuver
C) Changing a flat tire

I could do any of them… Luckily my dad was a mechanic, and so I was made to learn things like Changing a flat tire.

9. Which dance would you prefer to learn & why:
A) Salsa
B) Hip Hop
C) Waltz
D) Swing

I would have to say Salsa, as I think it would be really cool to learn… Although, all of the rest would be fun too.

10. What's the worst news you've ever delivered to someone?

The death of a family member. It was the hardest thing for me to do as well.

11. Name something you learned in college that had nothing to do with classes or academics.

I didn’t go to college for very long… but while I was there I learned that things from High School don’t go away when you hit College.. (in some cases it gets worse)

12. New variation on an old question: If there's a song in your head that just won't get out, what is your favorite (or most repeated) line in that song?

I actually don’t have a song in my head at the moment… It usually depends on what music I had just listened to…

This is normally due up on Wednesday…but I just decided to start it. So after this week I will post them on Wednesday like everyone else! :)

Bertone Favorite Family time ideas:

 

 

Do you struggle to find new ideas for your family??! We love to spend time together as a family, even though it is sometimes hard to get a time where we are always together.

Now a days, with sports, dance, scouts, and more… it is hard to find a day with time for us all to sit down together.

Here are Five of our favorite things to do:

1. Have a movie night… pick out a new release or just a favorite family classic to watch. We start off with homemade pizza’s for dinner, and then we usually pick a few snacks to eat during the movie… Trail mix, popcorn, ice cream, or fruit. We all lay on the floor with pillows and snuggle up to watch the movie.
   
2. Go to the park- we bring a few games to play… Frisbee, soccer, bubbles, or a scavenger hunt. We pack a lunch/dinner with lots of cool fresh fruits, veggies, and lots of water and off we go!
   
3. Water Tag-  We recently bought 4 new water guns, and we love to go out and play with them together. The kids made up a water tag game… its loads of fun on a hot day!
   
4. Baking day- We love to spend time in the kitchen… testing new recipes or making old favorites. We love to make cookies, pies, and more!
   
5. Game night- We love to play board games… we pick 3 board games to play.. and then we also have snacks like popcorn, raisins, peanuts…. Then at the end of each game we give the winner a certificate for fun…
   

That is our favorite things that we love to do… What about you?? What are your favorite things to do as a family??

*“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and LEGO blogging program, making me eligible to get a prize pack. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

First day of School 2010

 

 

Wow… I can’t believe that my kids are back to school. Not only are they back to school, but my youngest starts kindergarten this year!

 

Littlest Monkey’s first day of Kindergarten:

 

 

Middle Monkey’s first day of 1st Grade:

 

 

Oldest Monkey’s first day of 3rd Grade:

 

 

Group Shot:

 

Now to go enjoy my peace and quiet… How strange!

Simple Woman’s Daybook:

 

 

 

 

 

FOR TODAY... Monday August 23rd, 2010

 

 

Outside my window... Hot, very, very hot!! Crazy intense heat these last few days! 

I am thinking... what a great weekend with my kiddo’s before the start of school!

 

I am thankful for... awesome days!!!    

From the learning rooms...

Nothing this week… as the kids are back to school, so we are slowing down the home learning… (til we get to Maine)

From the kitchen... Not really sure… Do I have to cook??

I am wearing...My normal, shorts, t-shirt, and croc’s!

I am creating... Piles, and more piles… to organize and get rid of things… Doing pretty good so far.

I am going...  to be so lost with all of my kids gone off to school… Oh my! (insert whimper)

I am reading... Julie & Julia, and Waiting for Eat, Pray, Love (can’t wait to read it & see the movie)

I am hearing...Silence… oh my… its so strange! They were so excited to head off to school. Hope they have a fabulous first day of school!

Around the house... Not to much

 

 
One of my favorite things... Seeing smiles on my kids faces, it makes everything worth it!

 

A few plans for the rest of the week:  First week back to school, Cub Scouts, Library run (will be strange without the kids), girl scouts, doc appt.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

More monkey’s!!

 

 

Emotions running wild…

 

 

Crazy! Crazy I say! My baby is going to Kindergarten tomorrow morning.. how is that possible??

Yeah, you can say that my emotions are going crazy… while this little girl is excited beyond belief to be starting school.

I love that I have raised good, independent children…but it saddens me a little that she isn’t even the least bit nervous about this new adventure…

Oh the excitement of a mama!!!

The Sam’s Gift Card winner is…….

 

wait for it!!!!

#42

Elizabeth said...

sent a tweet out.

Congrats Elizabeth!!!

You have 48hrs to respond, or I have to choose another winner by Random.org …

I thank you all for entering… be sure to check back again soon!

Licensed for Trouble by Susan May Warren Review:

 

 

About the Book:

PJ Sugar receives shocking news that she's inherited the Kellogg family mansion. Though she has no idea why, the timing is perfect-PJ has clearly worn out her welcome at her sister's house. Unfortunately, the mansion is in shambles, and PJ is short on cash. Rescue comes in the form of Max Smith, a mysterious handyman willing to trade his services for PJ's investigative skills. But PJ already has a full docket with cramming for her PI license and nurturing a growing romance with her boss, Jeremy Kane. Can she take on Max's case without dropping the ball?

 

About the Author:

usan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of twenty-four novels with Tyndale, Barbour and Steeple Hill. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Book of the Year.

Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!) A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at: www.susanmaywarren.com.

My thoughts:

I am not sure that the first book would have made that much sense to me, if I hadn’t read her first two before reading this one.

The first two in the series, was Nothing but Trouble, and Double Trouble.

I had a bit of a hard time getting into the very First book of the series…. but once I got through the first book.. I couldn’t put the rest of the series down. “Licensed for Trouble” really did a good job summing up the series!

The Characters were really fun to get to know.. 

Buy:

You can find it at:

Amazon or Barnes & Nobles for around $10- $15

Also right now…

Licensed for Trouble, Susan's brand new PJ Sugar novel, is in stores now! To celebrate the release, she's giving away a Kindle!! You can enter using Twitter, Facebook, or e-mail using the icons below.

One Grand Prize winner will receive a A SWEET Kindle prize package that includes:

• A brand new Kindle (Free 3G, 6”, Latest Generation)
• The entire PJ Sugar series by Susan May Warren

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form. Don't forget to tell your friends about the contest.

Oh, and enter soon! We’ll announce our super sleuth winner on September 2nd.

 

*I was given a the book in exchange for a review by LitFuse.

 

Cause we all need some Girl time….

 

As I get older and reflect back… I have to say, life is way different than what you imagine it as a child, or teenager.  Of course we all had our hopes, and dreams as to what we thought it would be… For some of us, it may be just that, for others it may not be anything like we expected it to be… and then there are those that it turned out better.

I think that I ended up in the middle of both of those. Its not what I expected it to be, or even necessarily everything that I want it to be…but it is better in a lot of ways… So even though, I might gripe and complain sometimes, I’m thankful for the life I do have.

Now that I have said that… How many of you get away and have time with just your Girlfriends … no kids, no husbands, just you and the girls?? To get reenergized and refreshed?? I really have a handful of friends that I can rely on for anything… and that I would call true friends. Of course they are all scattered in different states with their own busy lives.. and though we may not always talk to each other, we know that if ever we needed each other we would be there…..

But it is nice to get out once in awhile and be able to just laugh freely and talk about anything but kid issues, or questions. It doesn’t happen nearly enough for my liking, but its great when it does.

Like yesterday… A friend of mine was down from Maine visiting and taking her kids to Disney for the first time. We were able to arrange some “Girl” time, and had lunch at the Olive Garden and then went and get Pedi’s. Oh, can I tell you my feet are so happy about that!! (helps that my toes look great now, and cute..LOL) Point is… it was wonderful to have that time, and made coming back to my chaos of reality so much easier! Sometimes, you need that refreshing (new batteries so to speak)

I’m thinking of trying to implement with all my friends a yearly trip… were we get together for a few days and just be fun, crazy, and ourselves… None of us have a ton of money… so something simple as renting a beach house somewhere and hanging for 4 days! Relaxing, fun, and reenergizing!! 

Do you have any rituals with your Girlfriends?? Do you get together once a year, month, or even every week? Do you find it helps you to be a better wife or mom? Share your thoughts… I’d love to hear them!

I got a Blog Award:

My first Blog Award I do believe… oh how special I feel. Its been a pretty good week here on my blog. I have hit over 100 followers (so excited), and then a blog award! WOW!

The rules for these awards are as follows:

1. Thank the one who gave it to you and link to their blog.
2. Share seven things about yourself.
3. Choose seven others to bless with the award and let them know they've won an award.

Seven things about me. I have no idea if they need to be seven things you don’t know about me or not so here goes.

First I want to thank Lisa from The Berry Patch for my blog awards!

Now for SEVEN RANDOM THINGS about myself…

• I currently live in Central Florida, and am getting ready to move back to Central Maine
  
• I’m thinking my new path in life is to live in the country, living off the land, and homeschooling my kids…. (sounds like an interesting adventure, stay tuned to find out if I lose my mind or not)
  
• This October, I will have been married for 8yrs.
  
• One day I would love to go on a Road Trip with my kids around the United States, visiting historical sites, and fun places!
  
• I’m an only child
  
• My kids are my life!
  
• I could eat fruit and salad everyday!
  

The blogs I’m choosing to give an award to…

Cara @ A Caring Heart

Deb @ Mom of 3 Girls
Brittany @ The Geer 5

Cheryl @ TidyMom

Joy @FiveJ’s

Erica @ Confessions of a Homeschooler

Maureen @ Spell Outloud

Thanks and hope you all have fun playing along!!!

The Madagascar Penguin Winner is…..

 

 

Drum roll please!!!! ……….

#15

Congrats to Jen!!!

Jen said...

following on twitter @n4zfk and tweeted
http://twitter.com/n4zfk/status/20475742935

You have 48hrs to respond or I have to choose a new winner!

 

Be sure to check back for more giveaways!

Simple Woman’s Daybook:

 

 

 

 

 

FOR TODAY... Monday August 16th, 2010

 

 

Outside my window... Nice and hot… after a few days with some intense rain storms.

I am thinking... so much to do, not sure how much time!!

I am thankful for...memories…    

From the learning rooms...

Not much they start back to school this week… for the next month or so, then it will be homeschooling….

Hunter – just recapping his Multiplication, and of course reading.

Rach- is still working on her reading skills (doing good with level 1 books and we are starting on level 2 ), and addition

Sage- Letter sounds (Leap Frog Video’s) , and sight words

From the kitchen... Pork..mashed potatoes

I am wearing...My normal, shorts, t-shirt, and croc’s!

I am creating... stacks of totes… and cleaning out stuff that we no longer need. (that is the one thing that is great about moving, you tend to purge!)

I am going... to keep packing and sorting… very busy week!

I am reading... Julie & Julia, and Waiting for Eat, Pray, Love (can’t wait to read it & see the movie)

I am hearing...My kids giggling… a good thing to hear first thing in the morning.

Around the house... Not much… did cleaning this weekend.

 
One of my favorite things... Visiting with Friends…

 

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Eye Appt, Spending the day with a Friend (down from Maine), Library, Playdate, Girl Scout Meeting, School Orientation, Training, and maybe a day at Disney… Phew!!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Sage making her own personal pan pizza… :)

 

A Summer plans update… since school starts in a week:

 

 

so if you remember my post about summer plans?? If not well you can go here and read about it.

I wanted to pop in and give you a bit of an update.. and a few things I think we are going to add or have added to it. The added stuff will be in RED. The ones that we have done, have a line through them as well.

• The kids are going to a Music Arts Camp
• The kids are going to VBS for the first time this year
• A Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Party
• A few trips to the beach (once)
• A trip to St. Augustine
• Time at the Local Pool   Which is on going!
• Of course time with our friends! (got lots of good play dates in this summer)
• Lots of BBQ’s
• A few Girl Scout events for the girls (did two)
• School work (not that the kids will be excited) –not being to bad about it.. so far so good
  
• Crafts  As well as on going
  
• Zhu-Zhu Pet tour (Labor Day Weekend)
  
• Play Dates with Friends (done a couple) 
  
• 4th of July Bash
  
• Make Homemade Ice Cream (didn’t get there yet)
  
• Play in the rain
  
• Movies
  
• Disney
  
• Spent time with a Friend from Maine
  

That about sums up so far… and the things that we wanted to add to it. I’m curious to see what we add, or don’t get to by the end of the summer. What about you?? Tell us what exciting things you have been up to this summer!!!

Am I crazy? or what???

 

Ok, so perhaps some of you shouldn’t answer that… Cause I think I know what the answer will be! LOL

By nature my personality has always been crazy, so I suppose that is a loaded question. Right??

However, what I am referring to this time… is life in general. As I shared before we are moving as soon as my hubby can get transferred.. Naturally that means packing, general chaos, excitement, sadness, and so much more!

Therefore…… Why would I make myself more crazy by adding to that??? Good question but I do! Not only am I moving now…but we have decided once we leave here the kids will all be homeschooled. (yes they are starting public school here, so I can deal with the moving process more smoothly, selfish of me?? Maybe) At first it was talk about just Hunter being the homeschooled one, but now we have decided on all 3, since there will be lots of transitioning. Going to 3 schools in a matter of 6 months is to much for any child. We just want to eliminate that chaos. Who knows it may be just what we all need, and then we will continue it through the years. One never knows right???

So my craziness comes in with just that… I’m not only trying to pack, but prepare for homeschooling all three children. Finding appropriate curriculum and such. Not an easy task on a very very low budget! Which can be overwhelming and challenging all at the same time. I’ve gotten lots of great advice from other homeschooling friends… but I’m always happy to hear more.

So, I am curious what any of you use for your kids, or used… Mine kids will be Kindergarten, First Grade, and Third Grade.

Thanks for helping me stay sane!

Sam’s Club Back to School Spark & Giveaway:

Are you ready for the back to school season to begin?? I know, I’m not… I almost think in some ways back to school can be worse than the holiday season don’t you??

Do you like to help out your school and help them get more money for things they need? We are huge supporters of the Box Tops in our house. My kids have even got their grandma who lives 1300 miles away involved.

Starting August 11th – August 30th you can earn more cash for your school. Participating General Mills products will have 6 Box-tops on them for the Sam’s Back-to-School Event.

Also from August 6th – August 13th in addition to that when you upgrade your Sam’s Club membership to a “Plus Membership”… upon payment of your plus membership they will give you a certificate for an additional 150 bonus Box-tops!!! How cool is that???

Some of my favorite things to get a Sam’s for the back to school season is… Ziploc Bags (since I have to send them to school as well as use them for lunches), Kleenex Tissues, and of course General Mills cereals!!

Win:
I have one Sam’s Club Gift Card for one of my lucky winners to help them get a head start on their shopping!!

To Enter:
Tell me what your favorite back to school item is at Sam’s Club. (Mandatory to Enter)

Extra Entries:

• Follow my blog
  
• Follow me on Twitter and Tweet about the giveaway be sure to include @the3kidsandme
  I will except on Tweet per day… (Be sure to leave an extra comment with link for each one)
  
• Blog about my giveaway (be sure to leave me link)
  
• Like me on Facebook

This giveaway will end August 19th @10pm EST.  Giveaway open to US Residents only. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and will have 48hrs to respond, or new winner will be chosen.

*Sam’s Club Plus Membership, gift card, information, and giveaway were all given to you from Sam’s Club and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Got2b Review

I recently got the opportunity to try Got2b Smooth Operator unique smoothing hair stylers...from BzzAgent! I decided to try the Lustre Lotion..

Not only does this come in cute little bottle that any girl would love to have in her bathroom. I mean its pink, and has little charms hanging off it. Who wouldn’t?? A bit about the charms….

göt2b® charming
No doubt you've noticed those cute charms accessorizing every bottle of göt2b® smooth operator. Well, we were surprised (and downright giddy) to learn that each charm represents a different facet of your beautiful self:

• Heart with Lock & Key: You hold the key to unlock your inner goddess
• Glittering Heart: Express yourself and let your heart shine
• "Charm Me"? Shield: Symbolizes strength and the power of self-expression to create beauty (and a pinch of good luck)

It does an amazing job at keeping the fly aways, away!!! I have the most frizzy thick hair imaginable. (ok for me anyway) I hate trying to style it, cause after an hour or so of being outside its frizzy and driving me crazy. Not anymore, Got2b Smooth Operator Lustre Lotion, keeps it where it needs to be, and controls the frizz!

It is a bit pricey, around $8 a bottle…. however, a little really goes a long way with this product. As I stated before I have thick hair, and I still didn’t use that much. It also smells really nice, not like hair spray and gel.

*Thank you to BzzAgent for product sample,and coupon.

Stepping Stones Together Reading Program Review:

This actually came a wonderful time. I have been trying to strengthen Rachel’s reading, and help Sage to learn how to read for a few weeks now. This program is a great way to help me do that.


There are many things about Stepping Stones Together Reading Program that I love. Like it was put out by Erika Burton, Ph.D. I think the biggest one being that you can print the books off for them, and then they can color them, and practice again and again with them! Plus they have stories about fairies, princesses, and super hero’s to keep their interest.

It utilizes 220 high frequency words, and 200 vocabulary words in their 95 most common books. Their are 3 levels of books, as your child completes a level the next becomes available. They have also designed an incentive chart for child to keep them excited. As well as at the end you can give them a personalized certificate!

At the end of each book gives you writing prompts as well if you want to take it a step further for the older child.

My girls have loved being able to sit and read these stories, and having the option of printing off and coloring the ones they love the most.

Price: It is very affordable with a  90 day membership for $19.99 or year membership at only $39.99.

You can find them on Facebook and Twitter as well.

*This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by: Stepping Stones Together Reading for this review.

Simple Woman’s Daybook:

 

 

 

 

FOR TODAY... Monday August 2nd, 2010

 

 

Outside my window... Humid, and sunny! (got all its rain out yesterday)


I am thinking... School shopping is pretty much done… just a couple more things left to get.


I am thankful for...my laughter, cause its all that gets me through sometimes.


From the learning rooms...Hunter is reading some more… and brushing up on math.

Rach- is doing awesome with her reading…

Sage- Letter sounds, and sight words

From the kitchen... Sandwiches tonight, meetings tonight!

I am wearing...My normal, shorts, t-shirt, and croc’s!

I am creating... Totes… we have lots of packing to get to!

I am going...crazy.. a few marbles at a time.


I am reading... Nothing at the moment waiting for
Eat, Pray, Love

I am hearing...the kids moving around… we have been working on getting them up earlier each week as school approaches!

Around the house... Very messy, as we go through things and purge again!  


One of my favorite things... Hanging with friends…

A few plans for the rest of the week: Meeting, Library, pool, Doc appt… Pretty slow week this week… crazy busy next week!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Another fun shot from the summer!

Who won the Pillow???

 

 

I know your just dying to know who won the Total Pillow??

So the winner is……..

#18

Nancye said...

I like you on Facebook

 

Congrats!!!

Thanks again to everyone that entered.. Keep your eyes open for more giveaways coming soon!

The winner has 48hrs to respond, or I will have to choose a new winner.

Changes… are coming…

 

We are excited about the changes about to happen here. Not on the blog physically…but as a family. We are getting ready to move again. For any of you that have been around with us very long, know that almost exactly 2 yrs ago we moved from Maine. We had many expectations upon moving… or I should say hopes. While they all did not work out, we had a great time here over the last 2 yrs and have met wonderful people, and made great friends!

However, that being said.. it is time for us to move on.. For some personal reasons we have decided to move back to Maine… to help out family. Being an only child leaves you feeling like you should be able to do more… which is not always easy…

We will not be moving to the same area we were in last time, but more central… and we are pretty excited about our new adventure. The 3 monkeys are excited to see family, and old friends. Very sad about leaving friends but very optimistic about keeping in touch. Since moving is hard… we are keeping their spirits up.

Life throws us curve balls often, but we are so optimistic that we are going to be happy! Good things are to come!

So as we embark on this journey … we are going to try and stay current.. However, if we get a little slow, please be patient with us. We probably won’t be moving north for a couple months, but lots to do in preparation.

Stay tuned for our next journey, and more news we have to come!!!

WaterPik Review:

 

 

 

 

Do you ever feel like you need an escape or a massage?? I know, I do after a long exhausting day with my 3 monkey’s! But who has time to go get a massage, or just to have 30 minutes of quiet time with no interruptions?? My life is never that easy!

 

Well look no further! Waterpik has come up with a wonderful shower head, to give you that escape you need. Let me tell you 10 minutes under this shower head is like an hour in heaven!!! The installment is also very easy…to the point that us mom’s can handle it!!! I installed mine in less than 5 minutes!!!

 

 

Here is what the company has to say!

 

Since 1962, Water Pik has been committed to developing and manufacturing innovative personal and oral health care products.  They are dedicated to creating products that will not only improve the health and well-being of their consumers, but provide a truly transforming experience.  Water Pik showerheads are designed using their patented OptiFLOW technology, to maximize water pressure by increasing water force by up to 30%! This provides you with an enjoyable shower, so you feel refreshed and invigorated.

The Easy Select ultra sleek design will add style and sophistication to any bathroom.  Installing the showerhead is a quick and easy 3 step process- it's so simple, your kids can even assist! The five different spray modes allow you to add variety and enjoyment to your shower time.

Geek Dad Book Review

 

I snagged this book up, because as most would say, my husband is very much indeed a Geek Dad. Often times he has a hard time coming up with things for him to do with the kids, that he is not going to be totally bored to death with doing.

Before i gave this book to my husband to read and go through. I sat down and skimmed through it. I was just amazed with the things it had for ideas. They were totally things my husband would enjoy as well as my son. I was eager for him to give this a try.

My husband loved this book, and found lots of things that he wants and has tried with our son. It is so on their level and fun for them both to try out. It was a fabulous time for them to bond. I was very excited to see them enjoying ideas from this book!

About the Book:
- because learning shouldn’t have to end when summer vacation starts. GEEK DAD is the ultimate guide to making those lazy summer days packed with fun and, dare I say, educational value. Keep the kids’ intellectual curiosity alive with projects like light-up duct tape wallets and electronic origami. Build future coders with your very own binary calendar, or future engineers with a home hydroponic food garden. Instill some environmental awareness and help the kids “go green” by building a compost bin. The possibilities for summer fun are endless with some imagination and a dose of geek.
Having trouble dragging the kids off the couch? GEEK DAD shows you how to take the video game excitement outside - by making backyard versions of favorites like Madden and Sonic the Hedgehog (extra geek points for costumes). Create your own mini-water park and be the envy of your neighbors with an awesome homemade Slip ‘n Slide. Time to break out your imagination and duct tape, you’re going on a “staycation”.
Warm summer nights can be spent playing with electronic lightening bugs of your own creation, or perched out on the lawn watching a movie on a self-built home movie theater! Staying at home will never be lame again.

About the Author:
Ken is a husband and father from the San Francisco Bay Area, where he works as a civil engineer. He's also the editor of GeekDad, the parenting blog for Wired magazine's online presence, where along with a group of other dedicated, geeky parents he posts projects, book and movie reviews, weekly podcasts, and more about being a parent and being a geek.

Simple Woman’s Daybook:

 

 

 

 

FOR TODAY... Monday August 2nd, 2010

 

 

Outside my window... It is gonna be another hot one!

I am thinking... Wow, I have a lot to do before the kids start school in a few weeks

I am thankful for...Supportive friends and family

From the learning rooms...Hunter has just been reading.

Rach- is still working on her reading skills (doing good with level 1 books), and addition

Sage- Letter sounds, and sight words

From the kitchen... Don’t have a clue yet.

I am wearing...My normal, shorts, t-shirt, and croc’s!

I am creating... nothing at the moment.

I am going...to take it easy today…

I am reading... Nothing at the moment

I am hearing...silence… ah, isn’t it wonderful??

Around the house... Nothing got everything done over the weekend. 

 
One of my favorite things... Not being stressed out!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Not much this week, helping a friend Monday, doc Tuesday, pool maybe Wednesday, and another doc appt Friday.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

The girls being silly! :)

 

General Mills: Penguins of Madagascar Giveaway

First off… tell me those Penguins don’t just crack you up! I think, it is so funny how such a small character on the originally movie, has made such a huge impression.

Well watch out, cause they are bringing some excitement to your breakfast table! In specially marked boxes of General Mills Cereal, your kids will find Penguin Launchers. Your child will be able to “commence operations” with one of the 5 characters, Skipper, Rico, Kowalski, Private of King Julian.

Here are some of the games your child can play with them!

• Dive In, Soldier - Set an empty plastic cereal bowl on the table and try to pop your launcher into it. Wear a helmet or you´ll be squid bait.
  
• Longest Propulsion Launcher - Challenge your troops to see who can launch their character the furthest. Go long or go back to the zoo.
  
• Target Practice - Create a landing zone with a spoon and try to strategically drop your character into the sweet spot. Hit the target or go back to the drawing board.
  
• Clear the Wall - Do you have enough projectile pop to push your launcher over the top of the box? Proceed launchin´ troops, earn those wings!
  
  

Tell me that doesn’t sound like fun even to you?? My kids had a blast with them, and daddy even got in on the action. Yeah, so you might have to clean up some spilt milk, or cereal on the floor, but the fun and smiles are worth it!!!

Thanks to MyBlogSpark one of my lucky readers will have the chance to win one of their very own Penguins of Madagascar Prize Pack…

Where they will get a couple launchers, a box of Trix cereal and the new Penguins of Madagascar Movie.

Enter:
For your chance to win… Leave me a comment telling me  What is your child’s favorite character from the Penguins of Madagascar??? (mandatory to enter)

Extra Entries:
Must leave a separate comment for each one to count!!!!

• Follow my blog
  
• Like me on Facebook
  
• Follow me on Twitter and Tweet about my giveaway (leave me the link)
  
• Blog about my giveaway (leave me a link)
  

Open to US Residents Only… Giveaway Ends Aug 15th @10pm EST. The winner will be chosen by Random.org, and will have 48hrs to respond or a new winner is chosen. 


*Prize packs and information were all given to me from General Mills and Nickelodeon through MyBlogSpark.