Sunday, October 31, 2010

The first snow of the season…..

 

 

came and boy oh boy where the kids super excited after not having seen snow for 2 yrs!

You would have thought it was Christmas out! The girls didn’t get a chance to play in it this time, cause they went to church with Grandma… but Hunter was super excited and headed right out to play!

Here is the first Snowman made for 2010!

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Thursday, October 21, 2010

Random Dozen








1. Do you prefer to read the book or see the movie? I actually like to read the book, then see the movie... However, that then sometimes leaves me not liking how the movie goes... 

2. What is your favorite holiday and why? Christmas, cause I love to decorate for it... and all the family traditions we have. Such fun! 

3. Which do you like better - the mountains or the beach? That is a tough question... I really like both equally I think... maybe the Mountains a bit more, since I don't usually get a sunburn there. :-) 

4. If money were no consideration, what vehicle would you drive?  Surprisingly nothing over fancy... just a SUV of some short, with good gas mileage, or maybe even a hydro version of it! 

5. What is your favorite cold-weather beverage? Hot apple cider, and hot cocoa... 

6. How do you communicate most often with your friends: phone, email, text, face-to-face, or Facebook? Sadly, really a variation of email, txt, facebook, and then face-to-face! Txt probably being my highest form of communication! 

7. How do you receive your mail? Mailbox on the porch, at the end of the driveway, down the street, or post office box? Up until a couple weeks ago, it had been at a post office for almost 4 yrs. 

8. Of the four basic personality types - sanguine, phlegmatic, melancholic, and choleric - which is your strongest? Which is your least evident? (See definitions below.) Sanguine

9. What do you miss the most about being 20? Not really sure... I don't really think that being 20 was really any different than it is being 30. 

10. How long from the time you get up, does it take you to get ready to walk out the door in the morning? If it was just me? 20 mins... with my kids almost an hr! 

11. Who handles the car maintenance and pays the bills in your family? That would be me... if I left it up to my husband he would forget to pay things! 

12. For those in the US, how many states have you visited? For those outside the US, how many provinces/other countries have you visited? I have been through 15 states, actually stopped and visited, 7 of them! Hope to hit all 50 at some point in my life!!! 



Libman Freedom Mop winner is.....

#
6
Congrats!!!


Julie said...

follow blog


You have 48hrs to respond to my email, or I have to chose another winner. 

Thanks for stopping by, and don't forget to check back for more giveaways soon! 









Tuesday, October 19, 2010

What my week has been like......

Again I apologize for not posting regularly yet...

Still working on getting organized... (big task)

Hubby started his new job this week, and so far so good.. Except the hr travel to it.
Kids are doing really well with the Homeschooling so far... very impressed. 

Starting with a Homeschool Co-op tomorrow, and very excited to have the kids make some new friends.

Having a hard time being away from friends, especially with them having such a hard time right now...

Visiting with old friends is relaxing...

Missing my phone calls, (cell towers in the sticks are not so friendly)

Made lots of baked goods, my mom says I'm domesticating her... 

The cold is a bit much to handle at once... brrr!! 28 degree's this morning when I got up!

My middle monkey is turning 7 a week from tomorrow!!!!! 

Excited to decorate for fall! Love how the weather puts me in the mood. 

Van had some issues this week, that caused me to have a bit of a break down mentally...but i'm over it. 

Just hate how everything happens all at once! UGH!

Miss talking to my twitter friends... hope everyone is having a fabulous week! 

Enjoy!!! 





Monday, October 18, 2010


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FOR TODAY... Monday October 18th, 2010




Outside my window...  It is very chilly... I think it said 30 degree's this morning.. Brrr!! 



I am thinking...  Things are coming along slowly... still lots more to accomplish... 




I am thankful for.. My life.. and the people I share it with! 






From the learning rooms….. Going better than I expected…

Hunter-  Is doing better..but still not liking the writing part... Getting there though

Rachel-  has been doing really good with everything. Reading is progressing nicely! 


Sage- is doing amazing... head of where I thought she would be. Smart Cookie she is!




From the kitchen….Homemade Pizza tonight (YUMMY) 





I am creating….  Nothing at the moment...been cooking a lot this week though. I made apple Jelly, Zucchini Bread, Oatmeal Bread, homemade baked beans, Brown Bread, and homemade English muffins... Got a Sourdough bread starter going for bread later this week. 





I am wearing..  Pants, long sleeve shirt, and my croc's (yup left the sneakers in FL, waiting for them to arrive OPPS)




I am going..  to accomplish more this week, and knock down that To-do List!!





I am hearing…. Kids wandering around, and getting dressed.. early start to our day today! 





I am reading… Nothing right now, no time to read... Need to get Nicholas Sparks new book still. I can't wait to read it!!!





Around the house…Cleaning, cooking, and organizing! 





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





A few plans for the rest of the week: Going shopping today in Augusta, Homeschool Co-op on Wednesday for my kiddo's, Library, more cooking, organizing, and fun of course!!!





Here is a picture for thought I am sharing… Don't have one again this week... Need to upload my photo's off my camera!! Soon, I promise!!! 






Thursday, October 14, 2010

9 yrs... WOW!

Yesterday was our 9 yr Anniversary!!! 

In honor of that.. I also chose a winner for my DiamondEarrings.org giveaway... and the winner is....


#9



Beeb said...



I would give these to a friend! Thanks you for the giveaway!


Congrats!!!! 

You have 48hrs to email me back, or I have to chose a new winner. Thanks again to everyone who entered, and be sure to check out my other giveaway for a Libman Freedom Mop!!! 








Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Random Dozen




1. Is there a word which you initially mispronounced? Were the circumstances in which you made the faux pas embarrassing? By the way, that's not "foax pass." (I know you know that. Just jokin' with ya.)  


Not that I can think of off the top of my head, however, I am sure there is one. 
2. How do you feel about the use of texting shortcuts and trends? (ex: "I've got ur notes. Get them 2 u 2morow.") 



I was not a huge fan of them, but as I started to text more and more, I found it easier to use them! So, I'm guilty of that. 

3. Tell me about your high school senior picture. Please feel free to post. 



There were a couple that I think came out really well. I actually think I looked much better than. I wish I could post the picture, but I don't have one right here. I'm using my mom's computer, until we get everything unpacked. 

5. Share a high school or college homecoming memory. 

I never went to any homecomings, nor my prom. I kinda wished now that I had, but what can ya do??

6. Linda at Mocha with Linda wants to know: "Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets?" 



Honestly, I like them both. I have seen some beautiful ones in my day. Like the morning we left Florida, there was a beautiful Sunrise. Wish I had gotten a picture now. 
7. Lea at Cici's Corner asks, "What is something you have not done that you desire to do?"

Yes, I would love to go Deep Sea Fishing (strange I know) and Sky Diving. However, having a hard time finding someone to do the second one with me! 

8. Carol at Wanderings of an Elusive Mind ponders, "If you could come back [in another life] as an animal, which would it be?"

A Giraffe, I think that would be cool... and they are beautiful animal I think.. Great question! 

9. Joyce from The Other Side of the Pond is curious: "Where were you 10 years ago?" Please feel free to elaborate more than just your physical location. 

Not yet married, (shy one year to the day, Yup today is my 9th Anniversary) didn't yet have any kids, and was living in Maine still. 

10. When you are proven to be correct in any contentious discussion, do you gloat?

I try very hard not to gloat... with that being said, I won't say I don't sometimes to my husband, cause that is just FUN! 

11. What is your favorite food which includes the ingredient "caramel?"

Carmel Apples, Ice Cream, Coffee Creamer... oh to many to list. Caramel is my all time FAVORITE!!!  

12. From my 17 year-old daughter to you: "If you could be part of any fictional family, which family would you choose and why?" (She's so cute. And clever.)

Little House on the Prairie, (yes Cara) and because I believe that life was so much more family orientated then. I wish that my family was that close, and helpful sometimes. That they understood that less often means more, and that family is really important. Plus the kids seem to get along really well. I'd love for my kids to be that close. (slowly working on that) 






Tuesday, October 12, 2010

The Winner is.....

#14


Lady V dZine said...

Like you on FB as Virginia Shimchick Higgins

Congrats!!! 

You have 48hrs to email me back, or a new winner is chosen!

Thanks for all the good laundry tips.. I saw some in their that I have never thought of, and can't wait to try!! 

Thank you to everyone who entered, and remember to check out my other current giveaways, for DiamondEarrings.org and Libman Freedom Spray Mop.. Be sure to send your friends over for a chance to win too! 





Monday, October 11, 2010

We made it!

We are safely back in Maine.... It was a long 28 hr drive, but we did it. The other two Monkey's were very happy to see us. 

Our day has been filled with cleaning, rearranging, unpacking, and exhaustion. 

So please bare with me this week, as we slowly get back to life, and routine. 

Hope everyone is having a fabulous week! 





Saturday, October 9, 2010

My mistake....

Since I'm headed out in the morning... I'm off to bed. We will be on the road for a couple days. The final stage of our moving. So I'm going to extend the Smelly Towel Giveaway until Tuesday Night... Be sure to get your entries in!!!

See you Tuesday! 



Friday, October 8, 2010

My Get Together Chex Mix Party

 

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We have lots of family in town right now visiting, and what better way to help with their snack attacks than Chex Mix??

While they are sitting watching those Football games, or the kids are playing, Chex Mix is the best solution cause its easy to grab and snack. Best part it comes in many different flavors to statisfy everyone! Did you know it comes in 13 different flavors???

  • Traditional
  • Cheddar
  • Bold Party Blend
  • Sour Cream & Onion
  • Peanut Lovers
  • Hot & Spicy
  • Barbeque
  • Turtle
  • Dark Chocolate
  • Peanut Butter
  • Honey Nut
  • Trail Mix
  • Caramel Crunch

Not only do they offer lots of flavors, they also have 50% less fat then potato chips, so you can feel better about eating them. Great for snaking!!

We had a great time watching tv, playing games, catching up, and snacking. We had the Honey Nut, Turtle, and Traditional. I like them all, but the Turtle was the best sweet one I’ve had. Love Caramel!!!

Hope everyone enjoys the coupons we were given, and buys some for their own family fun, or parties with Friends!

Thanks again to My Get Together and Chex Mix!!!

*I was given the product sample in exchange for my review. No money was exchanged. All opinions are solely mine!

 

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Libman Freedom Spray Mop Review & Giveaway:

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I won’t lie… I hate mopping the floor.  I have tried numerous different mops over the years. Then when I’m done, it never seems like my floors are clean. They are either sticky from cleaning film, or just didn’t come clean. Maybe I’m just to picky… (that is what my husband would say) My theory is though, if your going to walk on these floors barefoot, you want to know they are clean.

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When I received this mop, there was so much that I was excited about. So many different aspects that I find great! Wanna hear about them?? Ok, Ok, in a minute… First I want to say probably one of my most favorite things is that there is no added expenses once you buy the mop. Why is that?? Ok, I’ll tell you now….

  • The Libman Freedom Spray Mop comes with a removable cleaning pad. Safe on any floor surfaces. No more having to throw them out, and buy new ones. You can use one pad and machine wash it up to 50 times! 50!!!
  • It has a detachable 18oz cleaning Solution bottle… and you don’t have to fill it with a special cleaning solution made by them. You can choose your own cleaning solution. So if you like to make your own, you can use it. Want organic, go ahead and use it. How cool is that???
  • Lastly, NO BATTERIES! What is worse than your in the middle of cleaning your floor, and the batteries die?? Even worse you have none in the house… Not anymore.. With the Libman Freedom Spray Mop, you don’t have to use batteries, and you still get to control how much you want to spray.
Another good thing is this mop is made in the USA. Comes fully assembled, and ready to go!
I really loved this mop, it did a great job. As far as mops go this is probably one of the best I’ve tried. I love that i can use what I want in it, and that I don’t feel like I have to be careful and not waste the pads. It is even easy enough for my 8 and 7 yr olds to help me. Which is nice, as every mom deserves a break now and again don’t they???  I had some really nice pictures to show you, but I missed placed my memory card while packing. Please forgive me!


Buy: You can get a Libman Freedom Spray Mop at your local retailers, such as Target, Sam’s Club, and Kmart for around $19.99- $24.99.

Win:
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I have one mop to give to one lucky reader…

To Enter:
Leave me a comment telling me what your favorite cleaning product is…  (Mandatory to enter)

Extra Entries: (must leave separate comment to count)

  • Follow my blog
  • “Like” me on Facebook
  • Like” Libman on Facebook
  • Blog about my giveaway and leave me a link
  • Follow me on Twitter & Tweet about it… Leave me a link and be sure to include @the3kidsandme
Giveaway Ends OCT 19th @ 10pm EST. The giveaway is open to US Residents ONLY. Winner is chosen by Random.org and has 48hrs to respond or I chose a new winner. Be sure to leave me an email address to contact you.

*I received this complimentary mop from Libman as part of The Mom’s Blogger Club in exchange for my review. All opinions are solely mine.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Random Dozen

 

 

random dozen

 

 

1. From "Men Are Dumb ....": If you had a theme song that played whenever you walked into a room full of people, what would it be?

 I really am not sure… Hmmm… Girls just wanna have fun.

I’ve never really thought about it…

2. From Pam of "Alert And Oriented x 4": Which of your shoes are your absolute favorite, and which are of the object of your most painful shoe-buyer's remorse?

I have one pair of shoes, that are my favorite. They are croc sandals… I got them last year on clearance for $10, they are normally $40. I wear them everyday!

As for buyers remorse… I don’t really have any.

I have wide, and big feet for a girl. So, trying to find shoes is darn near impossible for me, I get so frustrated looking.. So sadly I only own 4 pairs of shoes. 2 sandals, and 2 sneakers.

3. From Susanne of "Living to Tell the Story": Tell about your favorite birthday celebration that you've personally experienced.

Not really sure I have a favorite. As a mom, we usually don’t have tons of time or money to do anything. So any of them spent with my family are good ones.

One year I’d love to go on a cruise with my family for my birthday though! I think it would be a blast!

4. From Lori of "Just me and My Life": If you were a flavor of ice cream, which would you be?

Ben & Jerry’s Brownie Do gooder!!!! Yummy!

5. Cindy Swanson of "Notes in the Key of Life" asks: Have you ever had a crush on a movie star? Who was it, and are you still crushing?

Have a crush on… Hmm.. Not sure it is a crush, but I have always thought that Vin Disel is hot… and I still do. Love his movies too!

6. Jill from "Jill Boyd's Place" inquires: Glasses or braces--if you had to wear one, which would it be?

I would have to say Braces, cause I am suppose to wear glasses for reading and stuff, and I hate them so I never wear them!

7. Nel from "Fasteneau Facts" asks: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Somewhere in Europe… Not sure I can pin point an exact location until I went there to look around, but I have always wanted to live in Europe.

8. Thena from "Patiently Waiting" wants to know: If money were no obstacle, what would be the perfect birthday gift to receive?

A fabulous vacation to either Europe, or a cruise.. Not picky as to which, with my family, and a few friends. Yup the more the merrier!

9. From "Life Through Bifocals," LynnMarie asks: What is your favorite birthday meal?

Olive Garden, I love the Olive Garden… YUMMMY!

10. Debby at "Just Breathe" checks in with: Do you still send hand-written thank you notes?

Yes I do, I am a very big believer in sending actually hand written notes and letters. I think that sometimes you just need to show that emotion, that you can’t get from a email.

11. Linda from "Mocha with Linda" poses this question: What is something you've done that you never thought you'd do?

Not really sure… I can’t think of anything right now.. Hmmm….

12. Jewel, my homegirl from Indiana who writes at "Musings from the World of Jewel," is very insistent that we answer this: Mount Rushmore honors four US Presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt. If you could add any person to Mount Rushmore, who would you add and why?

Wow excellent question, but you know… I have no idea. Mickey Mouse, cause he seems to be a big icon for today’s youth??? =)

Just a thought.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

KT Tunstall Cd Review:

 

 

100_Tiger_Suit_cover

I love KT Tunstall so when I was offered a chance to review her new CD, by One2One Network, I jumped on it!

Today Oct 5th, she released a new album “Tiger Suit” . This is her 3rd Album she has released.  This Scottish-born Singer and songwriter has already hit the Top 20 with one of the songs on the album “ Fade Like a Shadow” on the radio.

KT is headed out on tour this Fall all over the US, which you can find here.

KT Tunstall

If you are having a hard time remember just who KT Tunstall is, you might remember some of these Grammy nominated songs, “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree”, “Suddenly I see”, and “Hold on”

My personal favorite of hers all time is “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree”. Do you have one??


On the new cd, my favorite is…  I would have to say “Fade Like a Shadow” which you can see the video here

The songs on her new CD are:

  • Unmmannaq Song
  • Glamour Puss
  • Push that knot away
  • Difficulty
  • Fade like a Shadow
  • Lost
  • Golden Frames
  • Come on get In
  • Still a Weirdo
  • Madame Trudeaux
  • Entertainer, The

Buy: You can get a copy at Amazon

What you waiting for head out and get a the CD!!! You can also find KT Tunstall on Facebook, and Twitter.

*As a blogger for One2One Network I received a complementary CD, in return for my review. Opinions are solely my own.

 

Monday, October 4, 2010

Simple Woman’s Daybook:

 

 

 

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FOR TODAY... Monday October 4th, 2010





Outside my window...  It is quite nice here in FL right now… Its finally cooling down a bit. High 80’s but not so humid.


I am thinking...  Got most of the rest of the packing done over the weekend, but still have a bit more to finish up. Can’t wait to see my Monkey’s, I have missed them so! 


I am thankful for.. Fabulous and supportive friends, and a wonderful mom.

From the learning rooms….. Going better than I expected…

Hunter- Still has no trouble with Science & Math… however, writing is still a struggle.

Rachel-  is doing fabulous with all her studies. Very happy!

Sage- is doing great… Starting to learn to read..its cute to hear her talk now, cause everything she says, she sounds out. Very cool to watch.

From the kitchen….Leftovers, cause we are making a Turkey tomorrow…   I was stumped for meals for the next few days, Turkey sounded good, and you can make good leftovers with it! LOL

I am creating…. A plan for a smooth and successful move. (Ha, who am I kidding)

I am wearing.. My normal, shorts, t-shirts, and croc sandals! (for the week, then I won’t be able to for a few months)

I am going..  be very busy for awhile… Helping mom, settling, and looking for a house to buy. Phew, I’m exhausted just thinking about it!

I am hearing….Sage singing to herself..  Gotta love waking up to that.

I am reading… Nothing right now… I finished Eat, Pray, Love… so I’m waiting til I can get a copy of Nicholas Sparks new book.

Around the house…Last minute packing….

One of my favorite things…Giggles of my monkey’s

A few plans for the rest of the week: Not much…. last minute packing, dropping a few things off, saying good-bye to some peeps, and then heading out on Sunday… Its a bittersweet good-bye….

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing…

Fall colors…

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Sunday, October 3, 2010

Sunday thoughts…

 

 

As I sit here with my little monkey watching Scooby-doo, and wandering what my other two monkey’s are doing with Grandma today… (we will see them in 8 days) and smelling my roast in the crockpot.

I was just rattling some thoughts around in my brain and thought I’d share.

I was wandering around in Target the other day… Little Monkey wanted to see “the piggies”. She has this obsession with real piggy, piggy banks. Its rather cute! Right now Target has these piggy banks that are dressed in Halloween costumes, they are rather adorable….. Any who, back to my point. We were going through the Halloween costumes. She was pointing out the ones she likes, and we were commenting on some. I started to feel a bit guilty, cause I knew we can’t afford to buy new ones this year. Between moving, and a few bills, my other daughters birthday it just won’t happen. I think, Halloween can be such a fun and imaginative time. However, it drives me crazy how much they charge for the lamest of costumes. We some some for 5-8 yr olds for $30!! That is INSANE! Doesn’t even include some of the extras you need to complete the look. Why do they need to cost that much??? As a parent how can I feel ok paying $70-90 for 3 costumes that are worn for one day??

Well, we put ours in a trunk of dress up clothes, and they continue to play with them all year long, but still. I can’t even think about paying that amount.. So not this year, or even any year will I.

We either buy them on clearance after Halloween the year before, or we come up with something from what we have at home. Does that make me a bad mom?? No, I don’t think so, just frugal and imaginative.

What will we do this year??? Well, they are going to have to dig into their trunk of past ones, and see what they can come up with. The good part? We will be in a different state, in our new home, so no one, except maybe my mom (who I may have sent pic’s to in the past) will remember or even know they are past costumes.

What do you do to cut down on the cost of costumes?? Do you make your own?? Buy?? Go to a online store that is cheaper?? Or not go out???

I’m curious….

Thanks for listening to me…

Friday, October 1, 2010

October Really???

 

 

Is anyone else as confused as I am, as to how it got to be October already?? Last I remember it was June and the kids were getting out of school. How come time flies when you don’t want it to, but doesn’t when your going crazy???

October really signifies so much doesn’t it?? Means Christmas isn’t to far away, Thanksgiving is around the corner, a new season.. Leaves changing, apple picking, baking, and Halloween all rolled in one! Phew, I’m excited and tired just thinking about it. LOL!

What do you have planned for October anything special??

Here is a list of what we will be up to this month!

  • Birthday’s (about 5 of them to be exact)
  • Our Anniversary (9 yrs)
  • Moving 1300 miles
  • Hubby starts a job at in another state (same company)
  • Our first year of Homeschooling really gets under way (so far so good)
  • Pumpkin Craving
  • Halloween
  • Middle Monkey’s Birthday (she will be 7)
  • Looking for a new House

That is just some of what we will be up to. I’m trying my best to keep up with my Reviews, and we have a few more coming up in the next couple weeks…but please be patient with me as we move across the country.  Try to get settled into our temporary home, while we look for hopefully our new home, and last move for many, many years!

May your fall season be filled with many excited adventures… and happiness!

We are excited to do some of those things that we haven’t been able to do in a couple years! Of course we will be sharing them all with you!

Happy October!!!!