Zhu-Zhu Pet Pampered Party

 

My girls were super excited to get to have this party right before the Holiday’s. We kicked the boys of the house out and they invited a few girl friends over. We had a great time!!

The girls in spirit of the new “Zhu-Zhu Pet Rockstars” decided to get all girly on this party. We did Manicures, and had their nails painted. Then they decided to dress up with their princess dresses and do a fashion show. Then we used the Zhu-Zhu Pets we got, and the outfits supplied to do a Zhu-Zhu Pet Fashion Show. That was super cute too!

 

All the kids had a blast, and enjoyed themselves. All the girls left with a new Zhu-Zhu Pet outfit and some goodie bags with lip gloss, nail polish, and a hair accessory!

 

We had a break and enjoyed some Passion for Fashion Punch… and fruit kabobs. They were both delish!!

We may just have to have another one of these parties again soon!

 

*Thanks to Zhu-Zhu Pets and MommyParties for this opportunity. They supplied us with the product, and party ideas in exchange for this post. All ideas are completely my own.

Giving back to the community!

 

 

A couple weeks ago, Hunter’s Cub Scout pack got together for a community project. Yes, I know I’m a bit late getting this up…. I’m slow these days, but trying desperately to get better.

Back to the story…. I love my kids being in Scouts, cause then they really learn what it means to give back to our community’s. This time we cleaned up some brush, and raked some leaves. It was a really nice day for it too. Hunter worked really hard raking leaves, and hauling brush. I was really proud of him.

A few days later, he also helped with organizing food for the food cupboard. He worked really hard with his fellow scouts for that too!

I love watching my kids learn what it means to help others… cause I really think that in these times, people are not so good at it.

Simple Woman’s Daybook…

 

 

 

 

FOR TODAY... Monday November 29th, 2010

Outside my window...   It is very very cold!! Brrr! I’m not quite ready for this frigid weather. It sunny today and bright!

I am thinking...  I need to get in the Christmas Spirit, and get some things done. Working on my Christmas cards…. and we need to make some Ornaments. Kinda  tradition every year we make homemade Ornaments to give to close family and friends.

I am thankful for….. My family… without them I would be lost, and not sure what to do. They keep me going even when I want to give up. This time of year reminds me of all of that!

From the learning rooms….. … Things are going great!

Hunter-  Is doing awesome in Math, and we are getting him slowly into writing. I’m so proud of him!

Rachel-   Is doing great with Spelling, Reading, and Math. She is picking up two digit addition like it is nothing. I’m super proud of her too!

Sage-  Is doing really good, and working hard. She is so advanced at some things… Like Math.. (must be a family trait) and is starting to pick up them sight words really well, as well as starting to read. I think she will fly when she gets the hang of it.

From the kitchen….  I can’t remember what is on the menu… Guess I need to get looking. As well as start to put a new one together… this one is almost done.

I am creating….  Christmas Ornaments, and lots of fun stuff for the holidays!!

I am wearing.. Jeans, t-shirt, and a sweatshirt!

I am going..  Loopy! Ok, besides that, I’m going to start a few more list of things to get done… So much to do, so little time!

I am hearing…. My kids read… oh how books are such a big delight in our house!

 

I am reading… Home Learning, Year by Year… as well as How to make Brothers and Sisters friends.

Got lots of books on request at the library though!

Around the house… I still have lots to organize… and decorating to do, but we are getting there.

One of my favorite things…  Spending time with my kiddo’s and getting in the Holiday spirit!

A few plans for the rest of the week:  This is super crazy week… We have Cub Scouts, my brownie troop, Girls Daisy Troop, need to get new tires, my car aligned, maybe a play date, and 4-H.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing…

Hunter’s first snowman of the season.

 

Shutterfly making Christmas easier for you!

The season is upon us… can you believe it?? I mean, I know that it was coming, but it really seems like it snuck up on us. I usually have my Christmas Cards done by now…but I was a bit behind this year… especially with moving, and all. I was super happy to remember that Shutterfly is super fast and easy to use, making my Christmas easier!

I love making my Christmas Photo Cards every year. I mean it so fun to design and come up with just the right picture to use. Shutterfly makes it super easy… you just upload some photo’s. I usually upload a few so I can play around with a few options, helping me to choose which one is just perfect!

Then you pick which card you want to use, there are many to choose from! I think that is always my hardest decision! Once you do that, you drag the picture that you want to use to the card, and if you click on it.. you can change the picture to Black & White or you can crop the photo, take away red eye, and lots more. From there, you add in whatever text you want on the card, or in the inside. Preview it, and save! Then you pick how many to buy and pay! They are delivered right to your door.

This is ours for this year… Which one do you like better??




The first one, or the second one??



I can’t decide, and I need some help!

So hurry get your cards made at Shutterfly today!!! While your there be sure to check out their Calendars too. Perfect Christmas present for the Grandparents!

*Shutterfly is giving me the chance to get 50 free cards by posting about their site, and what I like. Opinions are 100% mine and my monkey’s.

General Mills & The Movies…..

 

 

Are you all in the process of decorating for Christmas?? We are not decorating yet, but the kids love to see the lights on at night… We love to see what everyone comes up with! Enough about that… on to the topic…

How do they go together you ask?? Great question… Well, General Mills is having a promotion where if you buy 2 boxes of Cereal and put the codes in, from the back of the box…. you can get a free movie ticket (up to a $12 value) Check this site, to see participating movie theaters.

How can that be any better??? With the holidays coming up, I’m sure you can find some good deals on Cereal. I know, in my house we go through a box or two a week. So with your normal boxes of cereal you buy, you can get a movie ticket. Save up a few… and you can take the family to the movies. What a great treat!

Participating Cereals are specially marked boxes of….

• Honey Nut Cherrios'
  
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch
  
• Lucky Charms
  
• Trix
  
• Reese’s Puff’s

 

 

WIN IT:

Thanks to General Mills and MyBlogSpark … You can win two boxes of Cereal and 4 Movie Tickets.

Tell me what Movie you would like to take your kids to see if you won??  (Mandatory to Enter)

Extra Entries:

• Follow my Blog
  
• “Like” me on Facebook
  
• Follow me on Twitter
  
• Tweet up to once daily.. Be sure to use @the3kidsandme in your tweet (also be sure to leave a comment each day)
  
• Tell me what your favorite General Mills Cereal is?
  
• Blog about my giveaway and leave me a link to it
  

 

Giveaway is open to US Residents only..and ends on December 10th @ 10pm EST. Make sure you leave me an Email address to contact you. I will choose a winner with Random.org and the winner will have 48 hrs to respond or I choose a new winner.

*The information and giveaway where provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark

 

Hope you had a Fabulous Thanksgiving!

 

 

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Whether you spent it at home with a few family members, or if you drove a long ways to be with lots of family!

I’m sure most of you are out shopping the Black Friday sales. I don’t usually shop them, unless there is something super amazing that I need to have! Or should I say want to have!! Especially since I usually have all of my Christmas Shopping done, by September.

If you did go out today, I hope you found lots of great deals.. and was able to shop without to many hassles. Those of you in this state, I hope your travels were safe, as we had some nasty weather to wake up to this morning.. Enjoy the rest of your weekend…

Don’t forget to check out my most recent Giveaway to get in the spirit of Christmas!

PictureItPostage Review & Coupon Code

As crazy as it sounds, I usually have my Christmas cards made up, back to me, and ready to be mailed out right before, or right after Thanksgiving. The last two years, no such luck, but we are trying really hard to get back on schedule. I like to have mine in the mail no later than the beginning of December. Crazy.. I know! 


I was given the choice to make some personalized stamps and share my experiences of it with you. So first.. I simply went to PictureItPostage online. It was very easy to do.. and it walked you through it nicely. First step was going through what pictures, I had and wanted to use as a stamp. Then I uploaded a couple, to see which I thought looked better. After choosing my picture.. you can also change the color to the side, around the postage part of your stamp (there are lots of colors to choose from). You can change whether you want your stamp to be in portrait or landscape, as well as being able to change the text on the stamp. Then you order however many stamps you would like. The cost of 20 stamps runs you $18.95, and around $4 for standard shipping. I used standard shipping and my stamps arrived in about 4 days, but mine where shipped over the weekend. 




Here is the stamp I choose to have made:

You want to create your own now?? Well if you head on over to PictureItPostage and deliberate for hours which picture you want to use on yours, and then enter MOTHERHOOD in the discount code spot when you order them, and get $4 off your order! This code will expire on January 31, 2011. 


Be sure to come back and tell me what you decided to use on yours! 


* Thanks to The Motherhood and PictureItPostage for the code for complementary stamps, as well as being compensated for my time to do this review. All opinions are 100% my own!

Gratitude Post #13

Today I'm grateful to be healthy... I've been pretty blessed to not have any major illnesses or diseases in my immediate family. My kids are healthy for the most part... except a minor cold here and there. I'm very thankful  for that, as I have watched others around me suffer in ways that I could never imagine. My heart goes out to them, and I pray everyday that cures will be found for those that suffer. 

Gratitude Post #12

Today I'm grateful for such wonderful programs for my children to be involved in, as well as myself. As most of you have probably figured out after reading my blog for the last few years... I'm involved in a lot! I love that my kids have such wonderful programs like Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and 4-H to participate in. 

My son absolutely loves Cub Scouts and the opportunities it brings for him in learning, as well as friends. My girls love Girl Scouts, and the friends they have made along the way, and the fun things they have been able to be apart of, and giving back to the community. This is our first year with 4-H it actually just started tonight, but I'm sure it will be just as much fun. I have also enjoyed being apart of all these, and being a part of the kids learning, and watching them grow. Thank you to all of those that are part of these and the time you put into doing them... I know how much you are under appreciated! 

Taco Night Winner is.....

#22 

Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug} said...

Publicly following 3 Crazy Monkey's with Google Friend Connect [Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug}]

Congrats!!! 

Thanks to everyone who participated... and be sure to check back, we have some more good giveaways coming up! 

The winner has 48 hrs to email me back, or I choose a new winner. 

Gratitude Post #11

Today I'm grateful for my in-laws... I was blessed with such accepting, loving, in-laws. Nothing like the ones you hear about prior to getting married... (Haha) They are amazing.. and am so grateful to their generosity in times that we have needed help or advice. It was very hard for us to leave them and move back to Maine, after having shared the last few years with them. We will absolutely treasure those years... and memories for years to come! We miss you! 

Gratitude Post #10

 

 

 

 

Today I am thankful for my Husband… Though I may not always say it often… He is amazing to us, and we are grateful to have him in our life. He works very hard for us, so that I am able to stay home and care for our children, and school them. Thanks for all you do!!

Gratitude Post #9

 

 

 

 

 

Today I am thankful for my friends.. I don’t have many anymore, cause as I get older I seem to weed out the ones that cause to much drama for me, or just are not what I need in my life anymore. Though the few I have left, I am so GRATEFUL for… as they keep me strong when I have no strength to keep going, or make me laugh when I can’t see a bit of happiness in the day! They are great and I hope they know how much they mean to me, thought many of them are no longer near us, we miss them greatly and think of them everyday!

Gratitude Post #8

 

 

 

 

Today I am grateful for the opportunities my blog has given me. To be able to review products before they come, and to be able to tell other mom’s about them, and what I think of them. This has given me and my children some wonderful times and memories.. Between in home parties, and showing others the things we have tried. I’m also thankful to the companies for allowing me this opportunities! Thank you!

Simple Woman’s Daybook:

FOR TODAY... Monday November 8th, 2010

Outside my window...  it is rather chilly… and cold. We have had a couple of freak snow storms now, and its only a matter of time before we get it for good. 

I am thinking...   I’m doing good with the organization, just a bit more and it should be livable for me!! 

I am thankful for..  Lots of things, but lately my friends for giving me the strength to go on with my day… even when I am simple just to exhausted to want to!

From the learning rooms….. Moving along greatly! …

Hunter-   is doing great with Math (we are trying to get the Multiplication table down, so we can move on to division)

Rachel-  is doing awesome with reading almost able to read chapter books on her own, without much help!!

Sage- is moving along nicely.. and advanced with some things, and still a bit behind in others, but she is one Smart Cookie!

From the kitchen….Not sure yet… we have had some delish stews & soups lately, but not sure what I feel like now.. Maybe a roast, or pork. Any suggestions?

I am creating…. My holiday cards next.. I finally got the picture I want to use… I think!

I am wearing.. Jeans, a t-shirt, and usually a sweatshirt over that, socks, and my sneakers (croc’s around the house)

I am going..   to keep wishing for my perfect house that I want… and it will show up!

I am hearing…. The kids playing space adventure (love when they use the imagination)

I’m reading…. Nothing at the moment, but have a huge list waiting to be sent from the library.

Around the house… laundry and more laundry… where does it all come from?? Oh, that’s right the kids who like to get muddy!!!

One of my favorite things… visiting with my friends… or my daily phone calls to a great friend!

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Library, schooling, seeing friends, maybe a play date and hanging around home… Nothing to exciting!

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing…

This is the picture that I’m thinking of getting for our Christmas Card, what do you think???

Gratitude Post #7

 

 

 

 

 

Today I am grateful for Stores.. It is so nice to be able to go to the store and pick up what I need/want. Sometimes hard to remember that we all didn’t have or don’t have that luxury. I’m thankful that I do have that luxury when I need it… however, we are trying to do more from scratch cooking now!

Gratitude Post #6

 

 

 

 

Today I am grateful for my Mom… Without her I would be lost most days. She is a huge inspiration to me, and reminds me that we all make mistakes but we can over come them. I am very happy to have the extra time with her now. We make a pretty good team, when it comes to cooking! She is amazing, and has a huge heart, and a great shoulder to cry on when needed! Thanks mom!

I love you!

One of our First Field Trips …..

 

as homeschoolers. Ok, the first official Field Trip I was not present for..Monkey Man, and Middle Monkey Girl went with Grammie the day after I left to head back to Florida, a month or so ago!

Therefore, I’m calling this our first Field Trip! Haha! After our Co-op this morning, we went to Augusta to meet up with the others at the Maine State Museum. This Museum as you can probably tell from the name, has a lot to do with Maine.

The kids have all been learning about Maine at their Co-op. The girls have been doing a Lapbook on Maine, and the book “Blueberries for Sal”.  Some of you are probably wondering what a Lapbook is, so I will post a picture at the end of this post to show you the girls. Monkey Man’s class, has been learning about Author’s in Maine, or that had wrote stories about Maine. Then this week learned more about industries in Maine, so he did some research on “Hebron Academy” here in Maine and put together a little speech. I am very proud to say, he did a great job, I’m so proud of him!!!

On that note, after learning all this stuff, and kind of bringing the class to a close for the Holiday’s.. (we only have one more before Thanksgiving and Christmas) We took a field trip to do so….

The kids got to see things that were “Made in Maine” which was very interesting… and then learned about “Farming in the Past” which was also very interesting.  Like did you know in the 1700’s they used deer antlers to rake their gardens?? Or the deer shoulder blade as a hoe, or shovel??

 

 

 

Then as a really big treat at the end, they got to do a class on “Wool Carding" which they did by hand. Each of them got some Wool and Carders, and had to work together to make it smooth, and clean.. and then they twist it into yarn… It was really neat to watch them try to do this….

 

They had a blast, and we will absolutely be going back there to learn more again soon. Not sure what we will do a lesson on next to tie into it…but I will be sure to find something!!!

Happy Learning!

Gratitude Post #5

Today I am grateful for books... As I sit in a library to write this... I must say, books are a wonderful thing. Our family has quite the collection of books, and we have not slowed down in collecting them. I would someday love to have a room fully functional as a home library, that way our books are out and on display for the kids to pick from, instead of them being pawed through. 

My kids have learned and gathered so much from reading... I love watching their imaginations soar from reading good books. Or just the questions that come from a great book. 

So I say thank you to the people who are talented enough to write such wonderful books!! 

Gratitude Post #4

Today I would have to say I'm grateful for talents.. I like that god gives us all something we are good at, so we can admire our peoples work, or be praised for our own. That we are all a little different in our own way... I have not yet really found my best talent, but I love to see what others are good at. Like my friends who can take amazing photo's, or my mom who is an amazing painter... they inspire me to try harder everyday in what I do! 

Halloween a new way…

 

This year we decided that since we moved so close to Halloween, and that Middle Monkey turned 7 a few days before the holiday. We were not going to go out and do the “Traditional Trick or Treating”.

We really didn’t have the money for new Halloween costumes, and the ones they had were way to light weight, and they would freeze to death.

So instead we made up some clue cards and made up a treasure hunt. Then at the end of the 3rd clue they had a nice bag of candy waiting for them!

 

 

Gratitude Post #3

Today I'm Grateful for the amazing scenery that god gave us. It amazes me everyday how much beauty there is in the world. Just a sunset or sunrise that is breath taking, or a rainbow that makes you stop and stare. Or the leaves changing color and how much joy it can bring to a day! 

Life is super Crazy

 

 

and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better…

Guess that is life though, so I must not complain.

We have all recovered for the most part from our nasty colds that attacked us.

Things are kind of calming down, but at the same time, I’m not sure that they are..

Do you ever feel that way?

My life is changing a little at a time, not for the bad, just changing..

Our new venture in Homeschooling adventure is going quite well, or better than I expected it to (to be very honest)

I’m becoming the from scratch baking mom that I wanted to be, but never had the confidence to do…(all the time)

Now if I could just get the kids to listen a bit better, life would be grand.

I have internet at home, but am not able to link up via my laptop, so I’m falling quite behind in my posting…

So, I’m hoping to be able to come to the library and link in using theirs once a week, so I can be a bit more on top of stuff, and just do my posting from here.

Thank you all for being patient with me, while we move, and get resettled, and figure out what we are going to do next. I really appreciate it.

May you all enjoy this wonderful start to the Holiday Season!

Gratitude Post #2

 

 

Today I am thankful for the right to Homeschool my children…

Though, many people may think that I am making a mistake, I believe we are doing what works for our family. My kids are excelling wonderfully and I’m very proud of them!

Old El’ Paso family taco game night has arrived again!!!

Looking for a new twist on dinner?? Why not play a family taco game night? With Eltacodor and see what fun arises!! You might remember my post from last year.. my kids had a blast with this!

With my daughters 7th birthday coming up… I’m thinking this would be a cool way to do her birthday dinner. Since she loves Taco’s, and she loves games. Since her birthday is near Halloween, I’m thinking this Tarantula Taco’s would be a cool idea.. What ya think?


Or maybe we will make it a once a month thing….
How you would you like to have a “taco family fun night” of your own???
Enter to win: I have one Old EL Paso taco family fun night Prize Pack to giveaway to one lucky reader.

To Enter:
Leave me a comment about Which night you would make your taco family fun night??? (Mandatory to Enter)

Extra Entries:

• Tell me some of your favorite toppings?
  
• Follow my blog
  
• “Like” me on Facebook
  
• Follow me on Twitter & Tweet about it leave me a link, and be sure to use @the3kidsandme

Giveaway Ends Nov 10th @10pm EST. Giveaway open to US Residents only. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and will have 48hrs to respond, or I chose a new winner. 


*The prize package for giveaway were all provided by Old El Paso through MyBlogSpark. All opinions are solely mine.

Gratitude Post #1

 

 

Since it is November and often people get carried away with the holiday’s and forget what is really important.. I have decided to try and post what I am grateful for everyday for the month. If you would like to also join, go HERE and get the info.

Cause I believe that most of us forget the little things and could stand to be reminded.

For the first day of Gratitude…..

I’m thankful for my 3 Monkey’s that keep me going everyday, even when often times, I’d like to just stop and hide. They remind me of what life is really about, and what we should be thankful for!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY... Monday November 1st, 2010

Outside my window...   It is cold... no snow left from yesterday though... Winter is absolutely on its way! 

I am thinking...   Wow, has it really been almost a month, since we got here. Time goes rather fast sometimes... 

I am thankful for..  Everything! I certainly have lots to be thankful for, and try to remember that everyday! 

From the learning rooms….. Lots of learning!

Hunter-  is doing great, and starting to write more, and doing great with his multiplication!

Rachel-  is doing great with her spelling, addition, and reading! 

Sage- is doing very well with her letter recognition, and is getting her sight words well! 

From the kitchen…. not really sure yet... maybe a corn chowder..

I am creating….  not much.. still getting back in my groove. Been doing a lot of baking lately... I make bread 2 times a week, and we have been doing a lot more homemade food.  

I am wearing..  my comfy pants, t-shirt, sweat shirt and croc's unless I go outside... then I try to remember to put on my sneakers! 

I am going..   start working on my holiday cards soon, its almost Thanksgiving, and I try to have them out by then! 

I am hearing…. My kiddo's laughing, we are headed out soon to bring daddy to work, and visit a friend, maybe hit up the library... 

I am reading… Any books I have floating around, while I wait for the library to get in the new Nicholas Sparks book. 

Around the house…Cleaning, cooking, stacking wood, getting ready for winter and organizing! 

One of my favorite things…Snuggling with my monkey's!

A few plans for the rest of the week: We are visiting a friend today, Library, Co-op and an afternoon field trip, school of course, and whatever else we can come up with!

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing… I have so many to share... hope to find my camera cord this week too!!!