Thursday, January 31, 2008

Thursday Contests

I am totally losing track of the days! If you want an amazing amount of giveaways go to the little pink button.

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But, here are a few highlights for you, because 800+ giveaways is LOT to wade through.

An Island Life is giving away a Trendy Tadpole t-shirt. I love their clothing, I got one for my nephew and it brought a lot of laughs. Ends Feb. 4.

Ellinghouse is giving away a cute hat for kids, I would say baseball cap, but they call it a trucker hat. Very cute! Ends Feb. 2.

ENTER TO WIN a blanket, burp and quick change set from baby star + enjoy a sweetheart SALE on star swaddler blankets!

American Wife is giving away THE sweetest pair of knit baby legwarmers ever. And I do NOT want you to win, but I am being generous and sharing the link anyway.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

More giveaways!

carp(e) libris is giving away a wonderful sounding book called Downriver by Jeanne Leiby. Giveaway ends February 1st.
Sassyfrazz has some personalized fruit roll ups to give away!
Look at these earrings from Subu, Inc.
Our Blessed Arrows has a fantastic set of Ergo Accessories!
Houses, Couches, and Babies is giving away Michael's Gold Collection of two dozen cookies (winner's choice of flavor), cocoas, and teas, or box of one dozen cookies. Two winners. Ends Feb. 4.
Tangled and True is giving away a Tiny Sprouts pant set and blanket. Ends Jan. 31.
Polkadot Papoose baby sling. Ends Feb. 1.
MomReviews is giving away a Land's End diaper bag, and they are so AWESOME! I won one and I love it! Ends Feb. 5.

Monday, January 28, 2008

I just have to do highlight some!

I wasn't going to be posting giveaways since you can access them all in one spot, but I think I will highlight a few over here! Check back for more!
New at top!
Ordinary Days is giving away some Almay makeup! I really need some blush and foundation.
Goddess of the Home is giving away Message in a Bottle.
A Call to Higher Places is giving away a great money saving book, Cashing in at the Checkout.
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Hi-Tech Momma is giving away a 2gb Flash drive.
TheAngelForever - Writing goodies & Target Gift card
Apron and other things(deby)
Christy (LUSH and Starbucks)
Quiet Quandaries (Usborne Pirate Book)
chilihead (day1: tote bag)
Kellie (a Valentine's Apron
supertiff some crazy giveaways
The Apronista (Kid's Apron)
Mommin' It Up! ($25 Kroger gift card!)
Happy Geek (For Candians-girls outfit)
Lady Why (Bloggy Makeover!)
mailto:Darlene@
Stacey(blog header & layout)
Clappy Shoes-$15 Sonic Gift Card
Mommy Cracked ($25 Amazon)
Karen ($100 Amazon.com gc)
Simply A Musing (jewelry!!)
5 Min for Mom (1 Kodak camera, 4 gift cards)
http://laurawilliamsmusings.blogspot.com/2008/01/book-review-giveaway-reluctant-smuggler.html
http://www.mamanista.com/2008/01/beco-contest-and-along-for-ride-contest.html
Jacki ($10 Walmart Giftcard)
Adventures In Babywearing (Target gift card)
An Iowa Mom ($25 Gift Card)
Gabi's World- $10 Walmart books
Monkey Giggles some sort of mp3 player, zen thing
Heart of Wisdom Book and $10 Gift
Revka - blog design package from RS
Ear Candy Jewelry ($15 gift certificate
Christine - From Dates to Diapers (Starbucks and Chocolate
Melissa's Idea Garden(ZudaGay Jewelry)
Qtpies7 (non-toxic baby toys)
Qtpies7 (silver earrings)
Linda- Blog Design package (RS Designs)
blog header/banner and matching sidebar button
The Good Stuff (Blog makeover!)
Casey (B&N Gift Cert.)
Sassyfrazz (Personalized Fruit snack)
http://imadramamama.wordpress.com/2008/01/28/bloggy-giveaway-ticketmaster-gift-certificate/
Sassyfrazz (Kaboost)
Britni (Restaurant.com & Starbucks Gift Cards)
Karen ($30 Gift Card)
Mom In The Know ($25.00 gift certificate to The Big Pink Cookie Company)
http://farmhomelife.blogspot.com/2008/01/want-walmart-gift-card.html
LJ-15$ amazon card
Julie ($20 gift card!)
My Brand Name Baby (BabyLegs)
Fizz (Cracker Barrel)

Bloggy Giveaway Carnival

This giveaway is now closed, winner to be announced soon!
The winning number is #11! Congratulations sassyfrazz! I will send your information to Linda!

I am so excited to be able to take part in another Bloggy Giveaway Carnival!

A little while back I entered and won a new header for my blog, which you can see above. It was so cute, when I was looking at all the headers being given away, my little one year old saw this one and started roaring at it! I loved it! And this is the one I won out of 12. For participating in the giveaway, everyone received $10 off a $20 or more purchase from RS Designs. So I waited until they had a design that matched my header and I snapped it up. The ladies at RS Designs could not be easier to work with.

Linda has offered to give one of you a Silver Package and everyone who participates $10 off a $20 or more purchase!


Silver Design Package

You may choose three (3) of the following options (price includes up to 3 image credits; you may pay for more credits if you desire):




  1. Custom header

  2. Custom signature

  3. Custom divider

  4. Custom button or advertising banner

  5. Custom background image

  6. Color coordination (change your blog’s text colors to coordinate with your custom images)

  7. Add or delete a column

  8. Custom navigation bar

If you are looking to get a nice new template, you can check out their gallery of pre-made designs that are only $40. Check out their update page for more places they are giving away templates!




To enter, just leave a comment! You do need to have a blog to enter this giveaway, though, or have a friend you would like to give it to. I do need to be able to get ahold of you, so if don't have an email or blog in your profile, please leave an email in the comment. Or you can leave a comment with a nickname and email me at qtpies5 @msn.com telling me which nickname is yours.

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This little button is also made by RS Design, and is my button if you would like to put it on your side bar and check back with me for new posts, I like to contests all over the blogosphere several times a week! Email me for the link.

Good luck, everyone!

Check out my other giveaways:
A Groovy interlocking plate from Boon.
A set of Non-toxic teethers from The Soft Landing.
A pair of silver earrings.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Getting ready for tomorrow!

It is the big day tomorrow!

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Get your giveaways ready! Get your life in order so you have time to enter 600+ giveaways! Get your caffeine stocked up for those late night entering binges!

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Thursday Thirteen #3

Thirteen HOT Giveaways!


  1. A Zosephine diaper bag.

  2. Born to Love visor beanie from Ellinghouse.

  3. Polliwalks, cute shoes, and here.



  4. "Now You Can Find It!" key-finding system by The Sharper Image. Click here to enter.

  5. Box of personalized My Fruit Roll-ups. Comment on the sweetest Valentine message you’ve sent or received, or what you’d put on your Fruit Roll-up.

  6. Happy Green Bee organic clothing set for infant or toddler.





  7. Poi Wear Hi-Chair Bib in Turtle Reef design.

Enjoy! Check out my other posts for many more contests. Or stop by momsblogging for my Contest Frenzy column.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Wednesday's Good Stuff

Win a Poi Wear Hi-Chair Bib in Turtle Reef design. From The Laughs Will Go On. Ends Jan. 25.

Win an Anchor onesie in 3-6 month size from Childish Clothing and BlondeMomBlog. Ends Jan. 24.

Win a Muffatee hand-knitted fingerless gloves by Go Baby in child and toddler sizes at Seven Dogs and A Baby. Ends Jan. 30.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Tuesday's Good Stuff

Lots of Good Stuff out there today!!!

One of the Good things in my life right now that keeps me going with the day to day stuff is LNO Ladies Night Out. So when I saw the shirt "Livin' for the next girl's night out" tee at PlanetMomTshirts.com I knew I had to have it. Thankfully, Tops 2 Bottoms is giving one away! The giveaway ends Feb. 13. I hope I win this one!

Prizey is giving away a great little set for the Super Heros at your house from Little Capers!
Our kids are nuts for super heros, as a matter of fact, our daughter has had a Spiderman bedset from toddler bed to even now at 4 years old.
Two days a week I babysit for a couple of boys and they, along with Trinity and Samuel, would love to be a super team.
Trinity would be the Heart Hero because she is the girl of the team, and loves hearts, plus she is sweet on the boys! Samuel is the bitty boy and needs a Red star hero outfit, he is a star! Jonah would be the lightening hero, and no one who knows him would pick anything else! He is fast and into things with lightening speed! Isaac would need the peace hero because he is the sweet one of the bunch, not wanting the fighting and he is a sensitive love bug.
They would fly around the house, sling webs and drive bat cars if they were all suited up to be heros. They already climb walls, so we won't go there.

Teresa is running her first contest of the year over at her personal blog. You have a chance to win a beautiful turquoise bracelet created by Lori Jaclyn. She’s willing to ship anywhere and that means anyone is eligible to participate and win.

Monday, January 21, 2008

This too shall pass....

That is what I told myself over and over as Trinity proceeded to daily dig into her diaper and finger paint with her p00p. It was bad when she would paint the rungs of the crib, the sheets, herself and the walls through the bars. But some days she would get into it when she was out of bed.
One day she was playing nicely in her room, nothing to cause suspicions for me, a little noise here and there.
But then I smelled it.
I walked the long walk of terror across the house to her room. I found p00p ground into the carpet. I found painted stuffed animals. I found her Fisher Price doll house with a new color fence and floor and walls. But where was Trinity?
I followed the trail of p00py footprints through the kitchen and down the hall. On several steps there were p00p figurines looking down on me, set ever so nicely on display. But I kept on for my target, which I found in the bathroom getting ready for the much needed bath that was coming anyway. P00p on the tub and floor and toilette, her clothes and her.
That was the worst mess I can remember. I have blocked lots of them out.
I said "This too shall pass over and over until I got through the entire mess. And you know what? It did pass! Right on to Samuel. And we start it all over again.

So, in light of that, I figured I should enter for Crazy Hip Blog Mamas Oreck XL Ultra Vacuum! She is giving one away on January 31. I'm going to need all the help I can get in the cleaning department.

Monday's Good Stuff

I will be updating throughout the day, so check back!

Sarah at Sassyfrazz is giving away a Kaboost chair booster! Ends January 31, winner announced on the first of February.

Kristen at An Ordinary Life is giving away Gloves in a Bottle. Ends January 26.

Mommy Knows is giving away a Pippalilly baby sling. Two winners. Ends January 31. http://www.thebabymarketplace.com/ - a great online spot for Baby Clothing, Shoes, Toys, Gifts and Cloth Diapers is hosting the Pippalily Baby Slings Give-Away @ mommyknows.com go on over and comment and be entered to Win one of two Pippalily Baby Slings! There are also 13 pairs of Bical Grippers up for grabs. Don’t miss out!

Win a copy of Saving Sarah Cain coming to DVD January 15th! 5 copies.

101 Cups of Water by C. D. Baker and BOOK GIVEAWAY! From Books, Movies and Chinese food. Ends January 28.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Sunday Contests!

Win a small book gift bag from The Gifted Grasshopper (tote, puppet, glasses, and either one hardcover or two softcover or board books) from Dear Dr. MOZ. Ends Jan. 25.



Win a Glo-e Baby stuffed dog/night light from Seven Dogs and A Baby. Ends Jan. 25. Plus The Busy Mom's Devotional. Browse author's website and comment on post. Ends Jan. 23.

Win one of two Burp Armor ergonomic burp cloths from Cool Mom Picks. Email entry with trivia from sponsor site. Ends Jan. 20.

Win a Classic Animal Songs compilation CD from Peppers & Pollywogs. Ends Jan. 31.

Win a Think It Ink It write-your-own-books gift certificate from 5 Minutes for Mom. Ends Jan. 31. Also Win an Insignia Bluetooth MP3 Player thanks to Best Buy, and We Want To Give Your Child Their First Car… and Baby Steps from Motherhood to Career and 5 Minutes for Books — Piece of Work.


Win Stride Rite Shoes in winner's gender/size preference from Metropolitan Mama. Ends Jan. 22.


How about some See Kai Run shoes from Mamanista? Ends Jan. 31.


"Get Organized Now" Mom Tip Contest. The deadline is Feb. 4.


If you're currently pregnant, you can apply for a virtual baby shower on the Tangled and True blog. The deadline is Feb. 1.


Win a Duck for President book autographed by author Doreen Cronin and illustrator Betsy Lewin from Cool Mom Picks. Email entry with trivia from sponsor site. Ends Jan. 19.


Win 2 Wicked Awesome Boston Accents Tshirts: 1 wicked big Pats fan shirt and 1 best quartahback evah shirt. From Mama Loves Giveaways. Ends Jan. 25.


Win a gift certificate to Quote The Walls from Pennies In My Pocket. Ends Feb. 8.
An Island Life is giving away a Twisted Silver Align Convertible jewelry (belt/bracelet/necklace). Retail value: $100. Ends Jan. 23. Shrek the Third DVD Ends Jan. 22. And Colour-Me-Family Labels Ends Jan 22.
Seven Dogs and a Baby is giving away an amazing Cariboo blanket! Ends January 21.

I'd say it qualifies as "Good Stuff"

Donnie and I went to karaoke night at our church on Friday. Donnie has a strange work schedule, he gets home about 8pm on Friday and then has to leave for work at 7 or 8 am on Saturdays. So he showed up at 8pm for karaoke, but he had to leave earlier than I wanted to.
So, while our friends were singing "Shut up and kiss me" Donnie bent down to kiss me good-bye. Let's just say the electricity isn't gone after 18 years of marriage!
The electricity was so strong that my lip hurt for 10 minutes! I didn't soon forget that kiss.

(I refuse to admit it could be from dry weather and Donnie sliding his jacket on over his sweater just before he kissed me)

Saturday, January 19, 2008

I have a question

Why do women want to wear their pants around their hips instead of their waist? Seriously, it is not comfortable, you have to pull them up all the time, and you run a high risk of having your underwear show.
I have been harassed by my kids for wearing "80's pants" that go up to my waist. So, I took the plunge and tried a pair of hip level pants, and even went for a flared leg, which I think is just gross.
I am uncomfortable, constantly pulling my pants up, and there is a draft up the leg!
Know what my dd16 said? "You are a hip mom now!"
You mean a hip showing off mom. I don't like showing off my ample hips. I try to hide them as much as possible.
The things I do for my kids.

Weigh in, ladies, what do you wear? And if you are under 30, you don't count, thank you very much! I know what you wear, you young hipsters, you. You'd never be caught dead in elastic waisted pants, so just put some duck tape over your fingers and don't type a word. Oh, and if you are skinny, I don't want to hear it.

Check out my poll on the right and please leave a comment about your answer, if you dare.

Friday, January 18, 2008

My family's favorite pastime~ Paintball!

Our family is gung-ho for paintball, with a former Army guy and 4 sons, and even a daughter, who play, paintball guns are frequently on our list of gift items for Christmas and birthdays.
Whether you are bunkering in speedball, or hitting a trench in woodsball, you can rest assured that Ultimate Paintball has everything you need for initial outfit, maintenance, or upgrade of your gear. Throughout my family's experience with paintball, we have often been frustrated by limited or complex websites that waste time that can be better spent annihilating opponents. Ultimate Paintball carries top marker lines such as Spyder and Tippman, with prices that seem low for the excellent quality of equipment offered, with the added benefit of free shipping.
We'll be getting our tippmann a5 upgrades there as soon as the snow thaws.

We are in soooo much trouble!!!

This afternoon I heard a bit of a ruckous coming from the nursery that I had to check out. (I was just coming in from picking up Jack, and the teens were babysitting)
So I walk in the room and what do I see? First of all, the three musketeers were on the top bunk, a no-no.
But what shocked me was watching my 15 month old climb his way to the top bunk. He had gotten onto his bottom bunk, climbed to the dresser, then shimmied up to the top bunk.
There is nothing safe now. He knows he can get anywhere. We are done for.
I think we are going to take the bed apart and have two beds instead so he is safe.

It is almost here!

Valentine's Day is right around the corner! Love day. Heart day. Depressing day. Whatever you want to call it, it is coming fast.
We enjoy giving gifts to the people created by our love. But with seven of them (we love each other, what can I say?) it gets expensive! But never fear, Coupon Chief provides all sorts of promo codes for me to save money!
Like Target's $5 off $50, we buy a lot of cute clothes and jewelry for the kids there.
I want to make Drew a photoalbum of his life so far for his graduation this year, and Snapfish has some great deals, too. Like $5 off $15+! That is a great deal to get pics developed, and their quality is amazing!
I'm hoping Donnie will find a great deal on some jewelry for me, of course!

How easily something gets started with kids

Yesterday on the way to my house with the boys I babysit I must have stopped a little quickly because it tipped over the backpack that was precariously perched on the edge of the seat. The boys have to tell me everything, e v e r y t h i n g, that happens.
"Miss Lisa!!!! The back pack fell down! It fell down!!"
"Yes, it sure did, I must be a crazy driver."
"Yes, you crazy driver!"
"You're crazy, boys"
"No, you crazy!"
That goes on for a long time, they ARE 3.
Finally, one of them says "Thanks for that." in a sarcastic tone, lol.
They both started saying it over and over and over, so I said if someone says it again I am going to pinch their nose when we stop. Oh, that just got them really into it!

So today when I picked them up, first words when I got in the car "Pinch my nose!" New game.

Weight loss prescriptions

I really want to lose weight, but it is hard to eat right or exercise when you have a house full of kids. I am rarely willing to take medications for things, but I have seriously considered it for weight loss.
Have you ever looked into online pharmacies for ionamin (brand name for phentermine)? I would not want to end up with a bad pharmacy, and many others wouldn't either.
A company called Compare OP helps out by comparing online pharmacies that sell phentermine. There is a customer forum, a page for blacklisted OPs, and a comparison chart for prices and other important information.
Choose wisely if you use online pharmacies for your prescriptions.

Thank you, Compare OP, for this post.

It is all good here!

Does anyone else enjoy torturing their teens as much as I do?
I have been a little nauseated since last Saturday, which could be allergies for me, and then at that retreat I went to 5 people asked me if I am pregnant because I was knitting with pastels. (I have 3 girls!) So, just for fun, since I am not pregnant, I decided to freak Kaytlin out.

"Kaytlin, here's some money, would you run up to the store and pick up a pregnancy test for me?"
LOL
"Mom! Seriously! Are you kidding me? Do you think anyone would believe that a 16yo is buying the test for her MOM? No, they would think it is for me! Are you kidding me? OK, fine, give me the money."
Whoa! I did not think she would be willing to do it! She said she was willing to do it to prove to me that people would think it was for her. LOL
Well, I'm sure no one would even ask her who it was for, but she might get some looks from people.

Though you should hear what some of the girls in the high school endured while carrying around those babies that cry for their child development class! One was called a whore for it! Hello! It is a doll! If someone is too stupid to look to see if the child is even real before judging, they certainly couldn't imagine that the child could be a sibling or niece or babysitting.

Look at my new blog design!!

I am so happy with my new blog design to go with the header I won recently. They are both made by RS Designs. They were so easy to work with, and I love the results!
And just because they are so incredible, they made me a button, too! Which means I should really make an effort to blog here almost daily, right? OK, I will definitely put more effort into this blog, which is my goal this year.
And just maybe, I'll have a little surprise coming up soon, so stay tuned!

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Thursday Contests

Ellinghouse is giving away a Flip and Tumble bag. Ends January 19.
An Island Life is giving away Colour Me Family Labels. Ends January 22.
Bloggy giveaways is giving away 5 amazing prizes! Oreck XL Ultra, CocoBlu Studio, Chocolate Cake Club, Okiana Designs and Sher’s Wares, which is an adorable bracelet for babies that I won in the past, and it is adorable!
Laura William’s Musings is giving away a $50 Hanes gift certificate. Ends January 21.
Bosox Mommy is having her first contest. Winner gets a movie in answer to the questions, and second prize is $10 paypal. Ends January 31.
Win a Red Color Theory T-shirt from Nina and Tom at This mom knows. Ends January 22.
Mom’s Buzz is giving away 2 sweatshirts to 10 different winners from Hanes! Ends January 25.
Mama Loves Givaways is giving away a DaBib, so cute! Ends January 23.
Biblical Womanhood is giving away an Extendabib. Ends January 19.
5 Minutes for Mom is back to their amazing car giveaway! An adorable red pedal car. Check out their Pedal Cars and Retro Collectibles for their adorable pedal cars. Ends ?
What is a Dazzle Stroller? I don’t know why it is called that, but you can win one of 3 at Goodyblog! Ends January 30.
Made in the USA is giving away a Fallbrook Naturals candle. Ends January 21.
Silicon Valley Moms is giving away t-shirts for women. Ends January 19.
Adventures of a Twenty Something Mother is giving away a pair of Babylegs! Waahoo! Ends February 1.
Mamanista is giving away a pair of Vincent toddler shoes. Ends February 4.
momsational is giving away an Organizational System from Day Runner. Ends January 23rd.
Crazy Hip Blog Mamas are giving away $100 to the Container Store. Ends January 23rd.
Mamanista is giving away a Be Small Diaper Bag in your choice of design. Ends January 24th.
momsational is giving away a Comfy Easy PC & 2 game titles. Ends January 31st.
Blonde Mom Blog is giving away a hip outdoor portable playmat from Gobaby.com (value $60). Unknown deadline.
The Laughs Will Go On is giving away a Straplettes for nursing moms. Ends January 17th.
Bessed Nest is giving away a Barbie sewing machine. Ends January 27.
Mama K NJ is giving away one pair of organic cotton Babylegs to one lucky winner! I loveBaby Legs, so I hope to win! She will close the contest at 10pm on January 25.
Classy Mommy is giving away a DVD: “My baby can talk”~ a signing video! I would love this! Contest ends: January 19.
Teresa is running her first contest of the year over at her personal blog. You have a chance to win a beautiful turquoise bracelet created by Lori Jaclyn. She’s willing to ship anywhere and that means anyone is eligible to participate and win.
Don’t forget to sign up to win a Boon Groovy – Interlocking Plate and Bowl Set: GO HERE! Contest ends on January 17!
Win an Evenflo Triumph Advance Deluxe Convertible Car Seat. Ends January 22.
Win a boatload of fabulous products for parents and children. Ends January 17.

Everything is gone!!!

I came to my blog today and everything is gone except the posts! My new header, my template, all my links and my buttons and my code for things........... all gone.
Thankfully I am getting my new template today or tomorrow, but I still have to find all my buttons and links again, whaaa!!!!
It just adds to my lovely day. I took my frustration with my blogs over to a problem with Best Buy not honoring a contract they made with us, or rather honoring one they lied to us about and did not give us a full copy of. Hopefully that will be resolved today.

Update!!!!!

I went to change the background and found I was reverted to the old blogger, so I updated and picked a background and all my stuff came back!!!! Woohoo!!!
Maybe this is a good sign for the Best Buy fiasco!

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Father/Daughter Talk

A young woman was about to finish her first year of college. Like so many others her age, she considered herself to be a very liberal Democrat, and was very much in favor of "the redistribution of wealth." She was deeply ashamed that her father was a rather staunch Republican, a feeling she openly expressed.

Based on the lectures that she had participated in, and the occasional chat with a professor, she felt that her father had for years harbored an evil, selfish desire to keep what he thought should be his.

One day she was challenging her father on his opposition to higher taxes on the rich and the addition of more government welfare programs. The self-professed objectivity proclaimed by her professors had to be the truth and she indicated so to her father. He responded by asking how she was doing in school.

Taken aback, she answered rather haughtily that she had a 4.0 GPA, and let him know that it was tough to maintain, insisting that she was taking a very difficult course load and was constantly studying, which left her no time to go out and party like other people she knew. She didn't even have time for a boyfriend, and didn't really have many college friends because she spent all her time studying.

Her father listened and then asked, "How is your friend Audrey doing?"
She replied, "Audrey is barely getting by. All she takes are easy classes, she never studies, and she barely has a 2.0 GPA. She is so popular on campus; college for her is a blast. She's always invited to all the parties, and lots of times she doesn't even show up for classes because she's too hung over."

Her wise father asked his daughter, "Why don't you go to the Dean's office and ask him to deduct a 1.0 off your GPA and give it to your friend who only has a 2.0. That way you will both have a 3.0 GPA and certainly that would be a fair and equal distribution of GPA."

The daughter, visibly shocked by her father's suggestion, angrily fired back, "That wouldn't be fair! I have worked really hard for my grades! I've invested a lot of time, and a lot of hard work! Audrey has done next to nothing toward her degree. She played while I worked my tail off!"

The father slowly smiled, winked and said gently, "Welcome to the Republican party."

Friday, January 11, 2008

Friday Contests

I have been so busy and so caught up in some things, not to mention the trip I took.... That I haven't been posting contests over here or at Momsblogging. Crazy!
So, lets get some good stuff mentioned!

Made in the USA is giving away 4 pieces of St. George Crystal. Ends January 14.

Diane at carp(e)libris is giving away a book called The Meat and Spirit Plan. Ends January 14th at noon.

Bloggy Giveaways has 4 giveaways, and is always adding more. Check these out: Peace Love Mom, Milk Factory, Oreck XL Ultra, and Surprise a Pet!

Classy Mommy is giving away a Downtime Sleepy Hat. Ends January 12th.

The Opinionated Parent is giving away a pair of Itzy Bitzy shoes in Sydney style (hot pink). Ends January 15th.

Mommy Knows is giving away $100 to The Baby Marketplace. Ends January 15th.

Mom Finds is giving away $100 to Onlineshoes.com for subscribers. Ends January 16th.

momsational is giving away an Organizational System from Day Runner. Ends January 23rd.

Crazy Hip Blog Mamas are giving away $100 to the Container Store. Ends January 23rd.

Mamanista is giving away a Be Small Diaper Bag in your choice of design. Ends January 24th.

momsational is giving away a Comfy Easy PC & 2 game titles. Ends January 31st.

Blonde Mom Blog is giving away a hip outdoor portable playmat from Gobaby.com (value $60). Unknown deadline.

The Laughs Will Go On is giving away a Straplettes for nursing moms. Ends January 17th.

Bessed Nest is giving away a Barbie sewing machine. Ends January 27.

I took a trip yesterday!

I was babysitting yesterday morning, and after the kids woke up I was heading downstairs to make breakfast when my super soft Victoria Secret pompom booties met the very slick, very shiney, hard wood floor stairs. This is not a good combination. It really isn't.
The stairs are gorgeous, gorgeous! And the socks are super soft, fluffy and cute, cute!
But never the two should meet.

My foot slipped right off the stair, right up into the air. And my other super soft foot could not catch me as it slipped right off the stair.
And down I went on a trip down the stairs.

I'm alright, though. Minor injuries. Just re-injured my thumb and my shoulders are sore the next day.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Travel the world in moments

I have never had such a high level job that I needed to travel the globe, but my husband has. It was not fun having him leave for weeks at at time.
How good would it be to be able to do your meetings around the world without leaving town? Yes, it would be wonderful!
Video Conferences with up to six people or places in high definition is now possible! You can be in the US and have a meeting with someone in France, someone in Germany, someone in Africa and someone across town all at the same time.


Sad, sad situation

I saw a video today, a documentary of sorts, about British women who are childless getting this new dolls called Reborn. They look just like a newborn baby. Incredibly life-like. I would love to have one, because they are adorable and they would make me remember how cute my kids were at one time. I'd leave it out as a decoration.
However, these women are buying changing tables, cribs, bassinets, clothes, strollers, car seats for these dolls and bringing them all over with them like a real baby. One lady said she likes the attention. One woman cried when her husband said he didn't like it. One was replacing her dead child.
Sad.

Art is a good thing

Park West Art Gallery is the largest fine arts auction gallery in the world. They do a lot of business in the United States and Canada.
They feature many fantastic artists, such at Simon Bull. Have you ever seen his work? I think one of my favorite pieces by Bull is called Surrender and is featured in the Winter Sale.
I'm sure almost everyone knows Thomas Kincaid, his works are incredible and extremely popular. I found my favorite "Christmas Memories" at the Gallery.
I love the idea of Park West Art Gallery's affiliate company hosts art auctions on a cruise ship at sea. That would be so much fun.

Sleep training

We are in sleep training with Samuel. He is in a big boys bed now on the bottom bunk. So I am having to sleep with him some. Well, that isn't different, I'm just in his bed instead of him in mine. I am hoping that eventually he will stop waking up at night with me gone. He woke up too much in our bed, and it gets on our nerves.
However, I am not going to let him scream in out at 14 months. That breaks my heart!
He will out grow it, all the other kids did.

Wordless Wednesday #3

Score! We had a mom's group Christmas party and I kept getting called over because Sam would sneak into the cookie decorating room and snatch a cookie. Over and over, lol.
And, No, he did not eat his lunch after that.
If you have teenagers, will have teenagers, have had teenagers, or work with them, you need to see this WW from Our Seven Qtpies.
Want some Good Stuff?
Check out other Wordless Wednesday's.

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Not necessarily my opinion

I pay as little attention to politics as I can get away with. I know my beliefs, and I know my husband agrees with me, so I let him have fun with following politics and I just ask him who I am voting for.
This works for us because we agree, and we don't want to cancel each others votes out, so it is important to vote the same.
So, at this point I don't have a clue who we will or will not vote for, but this commercial cracked me up and if I were voting just on entertainment value, I'd vote for this guy!



This blog is about the Good Stuff, so no fighting! Thanks!

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Sunday Contests

I'm starting a bit early, but here are a bunch more contests! I may be adding contests through the day, so check back!

SevenDogsAndABaby - Planner Giveaway - Enter by Jan 8th 5MinutesForMom.com - Growing Friendships Giveaway - Enter by Jan 9th!
Flip Flop Momma - Lands End Diaper Bags - Enter by Jan 9th!
Donna Grant - Book Giveaway - Enter by Jan 9th!
Metropolitan Mama - Workin Mom's Guide to Breastfeeding - Enter by Jan 7th!
Metropolitan Mama - Snikiddy Giveaway - Enter by Jan 8th!
Power in Prayer - Book Exchange - Enter by Jan 31st!
Gilmore Girl News - Coffee at Lukes - Enter by Jan 10th!
Ask Chic Girl Friday - Rhinestone Hairbow - Enter by Midnight!
Mom 4 Life - Secure to Me Baby Blanket - Enter by Jan 8th!
Boutique Cafe - Kitchen Folio - Enter by ?
Mama Musings - Jiggles Giveaway - Enter by Jan 9th!
The Opinionated Parent - Mr Oscat Giveaway - Enter by Jan 10th!
Lipstick Powder and Paint - Olay Gift Basket - Enter by Jan 10th! Apronista - Vintage Apron & Book - Enter by Jan 11th!
Lets Go Shopping - David Scott Makeup - Enter by Jan 21st!
Blah Blah Blog - Book Giveaway - Enter by Jan 26th!

Land of Lost Luggage - $75 Rubber Stamp Gift Certificate - Enter by Jan 5th!
Mommy Cracked - Olive Kids Giveaway - Enter by Jan 7th!
CPA Mom - Flip n Flop Adventures - Enter by Jan 8th!
Edgy Inspirational - Book Giveaway - Enter by Sunday!
Camy's Loft - Book Giveaway - Enter by Jan 10th!
eMomsAtHome.com - Designer Boulevard Ivy Backpack Diaper Bag Giveaway - Enter by Jan 15th!
The Opinionated Parent - Child's Eco Baby Sling - Enter by Jan 10th!
Seven Qtpies - Twisted Silver Giveaway - Enter by Jan 13th!
Breeni Books - Book Giveaway - Enter by Jan 13th!
Oneity - Alphabet Cards - Enter by midnight!
Design Mom - LoboToMe - Enter to win by Jan 6th!
Chic and Troubled - Esente Beauty Giveaway! - Enter by Feb 3rd! Bloggy Giveaways - Bizzimom Planners - Enter by Jan 9th!
The Opinionated Parent - Downtime Sleep Masks - Enter by Jan 11th!
Queen Baby Bean - Gift Certificate - Enter by Jan 10th!
Thingamababy - Vincent Shoes Giveaway - Enter by Jan 31st!
The Silly Wagon - Baby Legs Contest - Enter by Jan 10th!
eMomsAtHome.com - Products for Parents and Children Giveaway - Enter by Jan 17th!
Little Fun, Little Learning - FYE Gift Certificates - Enter by ?
Marketing Mommy - Lands in Diaper Bag Giveaway - Enter by Jan 8th!
Our Blessed Arrows - Rumpsters Giveaway - Enter by Feb 29th!
MomFinds - Boon Bracelets! - Enter by Jan 9th!
5minutesformom - Family Dinner Box of Questions - Enter by Jan 9th!
Island Review - Hawaiian House Now - Enter by Jan 8th!
Christian's Writers World - Book Giveaway - Enter by ?
Kerith’s Kontest - Gift Basket Giveaway - Enter by Jan 31st!
DCL - Enchanting the Lady -
Camy's Loft - Abandoned Identity - Enter by Jan 9th!
Bloggy Giveaways - Kleen Bath and Body Products - Enter by Jan 8th!
Serious Eats - Cook the Book Giveaway - Enter by Jan 7th!
JenWriter - The Hobbit - Enter by Jan 15th!

Saturday contests

Design Mom is giving away $100 worth of products from LobotoMe — {goods to keep ME sane} Ends January 6th.

Mommy Cracked is giving away a framed print of your choice from Olive Kids. Ends January 7th.

Bloggy Giveaways is giving away a Bizzimom planner. Ends January 9th.

Queen Baby Bean is giving away a $30 gift certificate. Ends January 10th.

The Opinionated Parent is giving away A Downtime Sleepy Hat from Downtime Shop. Ends January 11th.

Our Seven Qtpies (thats me!) is giving away a Tattoo Ring from Twisted Silver. Ends January 13th.

Everything Moms is giving away The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen. Ends January 25th.

ModernCat is giving away a Bella Bed from Bella Creature Comforts. Ends January 31st.

Thingamababy is giving away a $50 gift certificate to Vincent Shoes. Ends January 31st.

Craft Magazine Sweepstakes is giving away a Janome Memory Craft 6600P Sewing Machine (MSRP $1999). Ends February 29th.

Circuit City Sweepstakes is giving away a Zune MP3 player. Ends January 5th.

carp(e) libris is giving away Delta Pearls, a book by Judith Bader Jones. Ends January 6th.

Vader's Mom is giving away A Soldier's Promise by Cheryl Wyatt. Ends January 7th.

Mama Loves Giveaways is giving away FamilyStories Making Spirits Bright. Ends January 8th.

Marketing Mommy is giving away a Lands' End Diaper Bag. Ends January 8th.

Seven Dogs and a Baby is giving away a momAgenda or Whomi Clarity planner. Ends January 8th.

MomFinds is giving away a Sterling Silver Baby & Toddler Bracelet by Boon Inc. Ends January 9th.

Tangled and True is giving away a prize a day until January 14th.

FeeFiFoto Blog is giving away Mommy Has To Stay In Bed by Annette Rivlin-Gutman. Ends January 15th.

momsational is giving away a Designer Boulevard Ivy Backpack Diaper Bag (value $360). Ends January 15th.

MommyKnows.com is giving away two $100 gift certificates to The Baby Markeplace. Ends January 18th.

Neopets Plushie Sweepstakes is giving away Plushie Collection. Ends January 31st.

My Wooden Spoon is giving away a Hamilton Beach 4.5-qt. Eclectrics Stand Mixer, Pineapple Yellow. Ends January 31st.

Pennies In My Pocket is giving away a Blog Make-Over by RS Designs. Ends January 31st.

Beauty Secrets Revealed is giving away a Spa Kit from Girlz Night (value $65). Ends January 31st.

The Big Bald Blog is still doing the $100/month for 2008. Ends February 1st.

Your Prom is giving away a Beaded Storm watch (value $100). Ends March 1st.

I learned a new skill this week

Hope-Anne, Kaytlin and I learned to knit. I have knit two dish clothes for myself so far. That is the only reason I desired to learn to knit, and I did it!
I will try purl and some fancier stitches soon, but for now, I'm happy!

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Guess what I won?

I won this adorable new header!
I was at RS Designs and saw they were giving away 12+ headers, and I signed up for a couple of them. This one Sam saw while sitting on my lap and he started roaring at it! LOL
I thought it was quite funny when I won that one.
I definately think I'm needing a new bloggy makeover to match, don't you?

Thursdays Good Stuff

Years ago my friend Sheree was helping me keep up with housework during a difficult pregnancy. I gave her the task of sorting my sock box. She wondered what on earth a sock box was! Hello! It's where you keep all your mismatched socks until you find its mate. She didn't grasp the concept.
But here is someone how grasps the concept of missing socks! Littlemismatched! Instead of sorting them out, it is now trendy to just grab two different socks and away you go. They are now selling a box of 9 socks to make up to 36 different pairs.
I love this! Not to mention their adorable little sock coin purses.
Bostom Mama's is giving away two of these sets. You must enter today!

Oh, this is good!

I was reading Dear Prudence and there was a letter from someone saying how his dear wife wouldn't pass gas in front of him before they were married, and the one time she did she was mortified. But now that they have been married a year she just lets them rip and it is affecting his attraction to her. She gets mad when he brings it up, but also gets mad if he passes gas in front of her.

I kind of empathize with her a bit, because I was mortified to pass gas in front of my hubby, even a couple years into our marriage. (I still blame it on the kids, hehe) I would chastise Donnie for not going into the bathroom to pass it, where I would politely go IF I ever passed gas. (as IF) Donnie insisted that I should not do that, because holding it in hurts and isn't good for you, so I should just let it go. It's fine, no problem.
So then, during one of my pregnancies, all control left me and I passed gas a lot. I couldn't control it. I was mortified. But assured that it was OK, and encouraged, I quite fighting it.
Guess what happened? Donnie didn't quite enjoy that. He admits it is a double standard, but now he prefers that I go on pretending that women do not fart.

In Dear Prudence's answer was an amazing little gem that I just had to share with you all.

I recommend you get a copy of the out-of-print
Selected Letters of James Joyce and read
together his writings about his wife,
such as, "I think I would know Nora's
fart anywhere. I think I could pick
hers out in a roomful of farting
women." Now that's love.
She is right. That is love. And I am pretty sure Donnie could pick mine out, too. LOL

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

From my dad

My dad sent me this email today.


Men, Consider This!


Something for the men to consider...

I was riding to work yesterday when I observed a female driver cut right in front of a pickup truck causing him to have to drive on to the shoulder. This evidently pissed the driver off, enough that he hung out his window and flipped the woman off.

"Man, that guy is stupid" I thought to myself I ALWAYS smile nicely and wave in a sheepish manner whenever a female does anything to me in traffic and here's why.

I drive 38 miles each way every day to work, that's 76 miles. Of these, 16 each way, is bumper-to-bumper, most of the bumper-to-bumper is on 8 lane highway. So if you just look at the 7 lanes I am not in, that means I pass something like a new car every 40 feet per lane. That's 7 cars every 40 feet for 32 miles. That works out to be 982 cars every mile, or 31,424 cars. Even though the rest of the 34 miles is not bumper to bumper. I figure I pass at least another 4000 cars. That brings the number to something like 36,000 cars I pass every day.

Statistically half of these are driven by females; that's 18,000. In any given group of females 1 in 28 are having the worst day of their period.

That's 642. According to Cosmopolitan, 70% describe their love life as dissatisfying or unrewarding, that's 449, according to the National Institutes of Health 22% of all females have seriously considered suicide or homicide, that's 98, and 34% describe men as their biggest problem, that's 33. According to the National Rifle Association 5% of all females carry weapons and this number is increasing.

That means that EVERY SINGLE DAY, I drive past at least one female that, has a lousy love life, thinks men are her biggest problem, has seriously considered suicide or homicide, is having the worst day of her period, and is armed.

No matter what she does in traffic, I wouldn't DREAM of flipping her off!

Amazing, amazing contest!


A Cowboy’s Wife is having a contest on her food blog! You can win a Hamilton Beach® Stand Mixer and she’ll ship anywhere so everyone is eligible!
The Prize:
The winner will receive a brand new Hamilton Beach 4.5-qt. Eclectrics Stand Mixer, Pineapple Yellow!!
About the mixer:
From Hamilton Beach’s “Eclectrics” line, this all-metal stand mixer comes with a host of accessories - a Flat Beater for cakes and cookies, a Dough Hook for bread and a Wire Whisk for whipped cream or pudding. The 4.5-qt. stainless steel bowl comes with a Pouring Shield that helps prevent splattering while in operation. The pouring shield has a built-in chute for adding ingredients. Powered by 400 watts, the stand mixer has a two-way mixing action to ensure all ingredients are incorporated into the mix. The quick-release, tilt-up head assists when removing the bowl. 9 x 14 x 14-in. When you’re ready for a kitchen re-do, don’t call in the carpenters! Instead, “counterscape” your kitchen with Hamilton Beach’s retro-designed, affordably priced electrics in happy, sun-saturated colors. Their “Eclectrics” line includes updates to those classic appliances from the 1950s. All of their “Eclectrics” are available in six colors: Apple Green, Moroccan Red, Pineapple Yellow, Intrigue Blue, Sugar White and Licorice Black.
Ends January 31st.

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Wednesday Contests

I will be adding to this list as I find contests today.

Tangled and True is having a giveaway a day for two weeks starting January 1st. Get in on this, so far the prizes are incredible!


The Big Bald Blog is at another awesome contest!
$100 Per Month For The New Year Seriously, that is amazing! He has teamed up with some other bloggers for this contest with tons of ways to enter. Enter by February 1.
Who wants to pay you?
1. Mixed Market Arts
2. JoeTech.com
3. Link Bait
4. Gorilla Sushi
5. CK Marketing
6. The Big Bald Blog
7. How 2 Blogger

Ok, one of my favorite kind of contests is happening right now! I know, jewelry is lovely and exciting, but this is for CLOTH DIAPERS!!!!! Yes, I'm addicted to cloth, so hey, why don't you enter for me? I'll give you lots of linky love if you win them for me, hehe. Our Blessed Arrows is giving away 5 Large Rumpsters aio diapers. It goes through the end of February.

Praise and Coffee is giving away a CD, some Dunkin Donuts Coffee, and some nifty refrigerator magnets. She will be giving away Praise and Coffee on the 10th of every month! To enter, comment on the contest post with a small note about your hopes and dreams for 2008. Ends Jan 10th.

andPOP is giving away a copy of Guitar Hero 3 for a system of the winner's choice. Just fill out the form and fill in answer the trivia question (Josh Salem). Ends Jan 29.

Two winners will receive a beaded Storm watch (ARV $100) Fill out the form to enter. Ends Mar 1st.

Neopets giveaway! 1 person will recieve the entire collection of plushies and 1000 people will recieve a plushie. Simply fill out the form. Drawings are weekly and you are automatically entered into the Grand Prize drawing. Ends January 30.




Diane from carp(e) libris is giving away a great book called Delta Pearls. Ends Friday, so get over there quickly!

Wendy from The Adventures of MomLady started a new blog called Barefoot In The Kitchen for her food posts. To celebrate she is giving away some of the best food ever, Tastefully Simples Chocolate Ugly Cake Mix, one Creamy Wild Rice Soup Mix, and one Bountiful Beer Bread Mix, all way too delish! Ends January 7.

Debtproof Living, by Mary Hunt (the cheapskate lady), is giving away a great prize for your pets for their January giveaway. A year of embrace pet insurance for one winner's pet, and 4 winners will recieve a Lifestage kit full of all natural remedies for your pet.

Wordless Wednesday #2

My son, Drew, took this at the Como Zoo in St. Paul, MN. I've put it up on my other blog, but I just love it so much I have to put it up again.

Are U Ready for some Good stuff?

I said I would be back and blogging more here, so here we go! What a way to kick off the first day of 2008! Giveaways!!!!

Edgy Inspirational Author is giving away many books in January, she has a list on her blog. She is giving away Baaad Sheep: When God's People Let You Down. She doesn't have an exact day, just second week of January. She has a list of some great Christian books coming up!

Oh my goodness! Here is a good contest: 'WHAT'S THAT SOUND?' CONTEST You guess the sound and could win what makes it, with a value of over $300! Ends February 29.

Win a Zune at Circuit City. They are giving away 28! Ends January 5.

Mama Loves Giveaways, from the Pinks and Blues girls, is giving away a FamilyStories Making Spirits Bright gift set on January 8th.

A Book Buds challenge: Win a copy of pop-up Narnia. This one is a true challenge! Enter by finding the answers to three questions and emailing her with the answer by January 5th. The book is really cute!

The Boutique Cafe is giving away the coolest little tool gadget called the Bit Doctor! Must see! I don't know when it ends.

Amanda is giving away a cute lounge pants and customized embroidered shirt for a little one. So cute! Enter today, ends January 1st.

Kim the owner of thebabymarketplace.com - a great online spot for Baby Clothing, Shoes, Toys, Gifts and Cloth Diapers is hosting the http://mommyknows.com/ go on over and comment and be entered to Win one of two great JuJuBe MiniBe Diaper Bags! Ends January 1st, so get over there and enter quick!

The Organizing Queen has a new e-book out about organizing your home: Organise your Home e-course - 12 weeks to an organised home. To promote it she is giving away a $25 gift certificate to the Stacks and Stacks store. Ends January 11.

Free Link Love for EVERYONE! From Dat Money.

Mom4Life is giving away a Angel Guard Car Seatbelt Release Cover. We have had kids unbuckling in the past. It is scarey. My cousin was in a bad accident and two of her kids had unbuckled and one was thrown quite far from the van. She is recovering, but it is a long road. Ends Midnight January 2.

Heart of Wisdom is looking for a name for her new blog. The winner will recieve a book of their choice from the author. Ends January 15.

Win three Jump Start World titles from The Opinionated Parent. Email by January 4th. I have one of the titles and it is great! My older kids even love the first grade edition.

It is Wired for Noise owner, Summer's birthday and she is giving you the present. Her birthday is January third and she is giving you a fabulous green beaded necklace. Winner picked on January 4th. Happy, happy birthday, Summer!

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