Fishful Thinking Giveaway!

I have recently been introduced to a wonderful site geared towards instilling optimism in your child.


This awesome site, sponsored by Pepperidge Farms is called Fishful Thinking. Mammarazzi’s blog was the very first place I learned about it and I was very impressed, to say the least. So impressed, that I recently became a Mom Ambassador for this fantastic program.


The Fishful Thinking site has wonderful activities that you can incorporate into your everyday lives and instill some very positive communication with your child. For instance, we participated in a fun game of Emotion Charades a while back. It consists of taking a few slips of paper, writing down some examples of varied emotions and placing these slips in a bowl and choosing one at a time and then attempting to act out that feeling and discuss it further.
We had a fun time as you can see in the photos below:

Happy
Surprised

(scared)

We took these in low lighting (on purpose) because I obviously was a little short on make-up at the time!

Please take a few minutes to go over to your right (on my sidebar) and click the fish! You will be glad that you did, I promise!

In honor of this wonderful new venture that I am introducing you to, I have decided to have a Giveaway! However, you will have to put forth some effort to win, but it’s all worth it, I promise.

I will be giving away a custom designed mini scrapbook, made just for you from Tonya’s KPW Design Site. Tonya designed my layout for my PHOTOBLOG and I love it! She rocks! She makes the cutest mini scrapbooks ever and my winner will have the option of how they want theirs made up just for them! This prize is valued at $25. To see what all she has to offer and just how cute these scrapbooks are, click HERE and see for yourself.

Here are your requirements to be entered in the drawing:

**To earn a place in the giveaway, first and foremost, you MUST go over to Tonya‘s place and come back here and tell me what she has there that you like the best. Entry number 1!

**Go to the Fishful Thinking site and search around and then come back and tell me something that you learned. Easy, right? Get to clicking, but them come back, because there is more. Remember, this is mandatory! But it will earn you 5 entries in the drawing!!

**For extra entries….
**Follow me. If you already do, then leave a separate comment for that entry.

**Follow my Photoblog….Again, leave a separate comment.
**Follow me on Twitter…and let me know that you do.
**Tweet the giveaway…leave me the link and a separate comment.
**Post about this giveaway and link back to me, leaving me a comment with the link, and I will enter you 2 more times!

That is IT!! A little bit of work for 12 chances to win a wonderful prize!

This contest will be open until Friday April 10, 2009. I will draw a winner and announce it on this day. So get to work and enter, enter, enter!!

Musical Monday

I have been listening to an awesome Cd that I won from the great and wonderful, one and only Lula! "Motown Classics Gold" It really has me moving this week(end) so I chose this song as one of my faves of the many oldies but goodies:


Stop by and visit Diane and Jori for more Musical Monday posts!

Spring Cleaning

I took the day off of work.

All alone this weekend.

Started cleaning........

10 garbage bags.

Full!

3 full of clothes going to my niece.

4 full of toys and clothes, going to Goodwill.

3 full of trash.

I am done.

With that room.

That was only my girls' room.

Only 3 more rooms to go!

I'm beat already.

Introducing....Snap To It!

I am happy to introduce to you, my new baby. My photo blog. I have thought about and pondered a separate blog for a while now, but just never had the nerve (or the time) to get with it. Well, finally when it hit me, there was no turning back.

Lynn @ Lynn's PhotoBooth was one of my inspirations, she takes awesome photos and I would like to thank her first and foremost for all of her help, hints, and tips.

Secondly, I would like to thank Tonya. She is a SmallTownLouisianaGirl. Just. Like. ME!
When she discovered that I wanted a new blog, she jumped right in and offered to do a blog design for me and she did a wonderful job. If you need a new look, check her out, she has some layouts to choose from and she ROCKS!

Without further ado, I present to you..... Snap To It!

I would be so excited, thrilled and stoked if you would pop on over, check it out and become a follower of my new blog. I have a new giveaway in the works for this blog, that will be tied into my new blog, so you want to become a follower now to qualify!

Thanks!

iHeartFaces {No Flash}

This weeks iHeartFaces theme is "No Flash". I take most of my pictures with no flash except for indoor photos because my home has low lighting.

My submission this week is this:

Check out their awesome site for more photos:

My photography blog is now in the works, so stay tuned for more on that later.

Musical Monday!

This week on Musical Monday with Diane and Jori we are discussing the music that we received in their CD Swap!

The whole concept of the swap was to make a CD of your favorite songs and send it off to the person they chose to receive from you. This was fun!

My CD came from Angela and it included 10 songs. Some I have heard of, some I have never heard of, and one I even love and actually have on my iPod! Here is a list:

* Mississippi - Mo Fro (never heard of them or the song, but I really found it kinda cool!)

* Motherland - Natalie Merchant (I actually have one of her older Cd's and this song was very similar in style)

* LaCienga Smile - Ryan Adams (heard of him but never heard any of his tunes)

* 3x5 - John Mayer ( I like some of his stuff but I don't own any of it)

* 2nd Street Mystery - Aubrey Holman ( This is her HUSBAND!!! I love this song....WOW!)

* Best I Ever Had - Vertical Horizon (Angela couldn't remember who sang it, but I knew, because I LOVE this song!)

* I'm Yours - Jason Mraz ( If you listen to pop radio, you've heard this one. They play it quite a bit.....it's ok)

* Street Corner Preacher - Amos Lee (Again, another singer that I have never heard of, but the song was sorta cool)

* Don't - Petticoat Junkies (Cool name for a band....got some bad words in the song...heeheee, but cool all the same)

* Vercli Cries - 10,000 Maniacs (I have heard of them, but never any of their music... a little different and not in the genre I am accustomed to, but it was ok)

Thanks Angela for the cool CD, I have been listening to it since I received it and it was awesome to hear favorites from a random person.

Thanks Diane and Jori for the cool swap! I had fun participating!

And now......my favorite song from the CD....Vertical Horizon

Fix It Friday iHeartFaces

Coming Soon: My own Photography Blog!

I am really excited about it and since I am attempting to do more of what I love (Photography), I decided to start an additional blog for that purpose only.

Until then, I will continue to blog my pictures here.

Each week on iHeartFaces, a new photo is put up for grabs that we can take and edit to our hearts content!

Once we are done with our editing, then you can link up to their post and show off what you created.

If you are an avid photographer or like to do it just for kicks, then click on over and join in the fun.

(BEFORE)

Introducing: Dimpled Darling

He is the son of one of the creators of iHeartFaces, isn't he a cutie??!!

(AFTER) I used Picnik to edit this photo.

And this one also!

Optimistically Optimistic!

Growing up, my sister and I had a great childhood. We wanted for nothing that most average, middle-class American families possessed. A nice home, new vehicles, cool clothes and whatever our little hearts desired.

We went on camping trips, took regular vacations, had many family get-togethers and neighborhood cook-outs. Both of us did well in school, participated in extra-curricular activities and had many friends.

The one thing, that no amount of money could buy or any amount of good times could create for us, was optimism. Our parents were 'negative' type people and always found the worst side in most situations.

Dictionary.com defines optimism as : a disposition or tendency to look on the more favorable side of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome.

My sister and I, more times than not, experienced the negative side to most scenarios. We were always told to consider what the worst possible outcome could be and were most times shunned from certain activities because of "the worst that could happen".

In a sense, this quality, was passed on to us. We were faced with pessimism and negativity from an early age, into our early adulthood. The awesome thing about it is, we chose not to cling to it. We chose not to let it bring us down and make us weak. We chose to turn it around and learn from it and so often talk about it now in our adult lives. Happily, we overcame it.

When I became a mother, I wanted to instill in my children something that I never had. I wanted them to believe in themselves and in others and in the world. My parents did not see the world for what it was until later in life. I knew I had to change that for myself and for my own children.

When Chelsea was little, she would watch Blues Clues faithfully. Every day around lunch it would play and we would watch and sing along. One of the many little jingles that played in that show went like this:

You can do anything that you want to do!

As she got older and lost interest in Blue's Clues, I continued to remind her (and even do so to this day) that when there is something in life that you want to do. You can do it! There is no reason to believe that you can not. Her favorite words when she was small, were "I can't!" And I was always right there reminding her "You can do anything that you want to do!"

Although I was not taught how to think on the bright side and look at the glass as half full rather than half empty, does not mean that I can not be that person today. It does not mean that I will not strive to teach and encourage my girls to be all they can be and never give up, and I hope it will be a quality that they aggressively instill into their own children.

Hopefully someday many years from now, a small child will be told that they can do anything that they want to do. And they will.

For more posts on optimism, visit Tiffany

Mom Appreciation {Sniff! Sniff!}

My baby, who just turned 9 yesterday, made me a card while she was at school.

Before I show it to you, I would just like to say that this child is a deep thinker. We can be riding along in the vehicle, just the two of us, and she will spit out a question that I never dreamed she would come up with. Questions about God or the things that she would love to learn to do.

For instance. Driving. She can not wait to learn to drive. God help us. Thankfully there are quite a few years to go before that day comes, but everything from when to turn the wheel, or how to put the brake on, she wants to know it. Now.

She wants to learn to cook. And I am not the mom who pulls her children into the kitchen and gives them a lesson on it. I just don't have that much patience or time considering their ages right now. The early teen years will be soon enough in my book.

So when she handed me this card yesterday, it really got me to thinking. Does my child really understand ALL that I do for her? Is it that she sat and pondered that particular idea and decided she had to thank me for it?

No matter what sparked those creative juices to flow in her, I was deeply touched and grateful that she took the time and put thought into thanking me for everything that I do.

To my girls. You. Are. Welcome! I love you!

( THIS IS THE FRONT)

(THIS WAS THE INSIDE)

(This is the back, we call her Tootiebug, but I have a feeling she won't want us to call her that too much longer)

Happy Birthday Alyssa!

March 17, 2000

Alyssa Morgan is born

8lbs. 6oz.

2:53AM

Second babies are supposed to be easier and faster deliveries.

Yeah right!



Everyone said that you would look just like your big sister, Chelsea.
Even though you were just as beautiful, you both looked completely different.

You did everything earlier than your sister did at different ages.

Sat up.

Crawled.

Walked.

Ate table food.

And boy did you eat!

Look at those cheeks!! You were born with fat cheeks and we loved them!

At just one year old, you were so smart!

You knew just what to do with the Easter eggs. Find them and put them in the basket.

From a very early age, you were our Tootiebug and you still are!




Confident, outgoing, athletic, and LOUD!! Nobody does NOT hear what you have to say.

You have grown into an awesome and beautiful little girl.
My baby is growing up so fast!

You are exactly like your Dad. Stubborn, demanding and proud!

But you are very much Momma's Girl!

I love you, Tootiebug!

Happy 9th Birthday, Alyssa!

iHeartFaces {Green}

I am entering a photo in this weeks iHeartFaces

'Green' theme entry in the kids category.

I took this photo of my daughter Chelsea daydreaming at the park!

Musical Monday~Long Distance Dedication

Does anyone remember Casey Kasem and his American Top 40 countdown?

I would spend countless Sunday afternoons listening to the countdown, pen and notebook in hand, writing down the songs in the order they were played, all the way to number one. What I wouldn't give to still have that notebook today!

I would even attempt to record some of my favorite songs on my tape recorder, all the while shushing anyone from making any noise, because it was just a stand alone recorder, not the kind that we got later that had the built in radio. Those were the days!

One of my favorite parts of his radio show was his Long Distance Dedications. Readers would send in letters telling about a long lost friend or the one who got away and then Casey would play the song they had chosen to dedicate to said person. I loved the way he'd say (Insert name here) Here's your long distance dedication..... He had such a unique voice.

In the last few weeks or so, Mr. Sweetie has been singing this one certain song to me when he calls me during the day from work. I always have to laugh, and it's really sweet. He told me just the other day that this is my song to you. How I have always wanted someone to dedicate a song to me that said or meant everything they wanted to communicate to me!

This is that song, and I would like to take this time to send this song out on Musical Monday to my sweetie. All of the words say just how he feels about me and I could not agree more.

Back atcha' babe, here is your long distance dedication......

Join Diane and Jori for more Musical Monday posts!

Suhweet Stuff!

Run on over to Mammarazzi's Blog and check out what she is giving away!

It is the cutest thing. Ever.

You don't want to miss it.

So go!

Now!

Oh, and if you are not one of her followers, you may want to consider becoming one, because she rocks!

Have a great Sunday!

Lovin This Blog-Land of Ours

Over the past week, the number of my followers has GROWN! I am really excited about that!

I just broke 60, shooting for a million 100. Welcome all you newbies and be sure to say hi!

UnfortunatelyI have grown even more addicted to this blog stuff than I was before. If that is even possible.

I am on Twitter now. Even though I am pretty much lost over there and the new kid on the block, I have succumbed to the madness. As usual. Let us see how long this new found obsession hobby will last! Tweet me, follow me. Do what you gotta do!

I pre-ordered TWILIGHT on DVD! Shhhh! My girls do not know. They are going to fight me for it. It is a sad day in my world when the guys my girls have a crush on are the same ones I have a crush on. *Sigh*

I won another prize! Can you believe it? I really think I should be out buying $42.00 worth of Powerball tickets right now! Queenie Jeannie gave away a card for a free product from Bath and Body Works. Yay, I can not wait. I am treating myself to this:

Thanks Jeannie!!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Winners All Around

I think I am still hungover from the SITS Spring Fling on Tuesday! So. Much. Fun!

The winner of the two books that I had in my giveaway for the Spring Fling is:

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:53
Timestamp: 2009-03-12 22:12:32 UTC

Krissy @ Thinking of Blue

Congrats Krissy and thanks for entering!!

I also had a giveaway last week for my Blogoversary and that winner is:

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:4
Timestamp: 2009-03-09 13:56:15 UTC

And that would be SUSIE from Susie's Homemade! Congratulations, Susie!

Susie will be receiving the following for some relaxation and pampering:

Bath Pillow

Bath pouf

Bubble Bath and Bath Fizz

Conditioning Hair Mask

Shower Gel

Body Lotion

Hand Lotion

Antibacterial Hand Gel

Nail Polish

Lip Moisturizer

Moisturizing Foot Cream and Foot Soak

Foot file

and last, but never least....some CHOCOLATE!

I hope you enjoy all of your pampering from head to toe, Susie!

Not only did I give away, I won something too! How cool is that?

I won all of this from:
LULA!

Thanks Lula! You are the bomb, babee!

I had so much fun having these giveaways, I already have an idea for another one in the near future, so stay tuned for that!

I am now on TWITTER, so if you are there, follow me please!

Click over there to your right-------->

SITS Spring Fling!

Welcome SITStas!

The SITS girls are at it again!

Today is the Spring Fling and there are tons of prizes to be given away every hour today.

Not only that, but there will be many SITStas that will have links up to their blogs with even more things to give away and many chances to win!

It is going to be a blast!

So in honor of the Spring Fling, I am having a giveaway!

My winner will receive two books:

This one is just too darn funny and oh so true! I thoroughly enjoyed it and I know you will too!

A self-help fanatic, I really learned something from this one. Truly inspiring!

All you have to do is leave a comment!

I will announce my winner on Friday, March 13th!

Comment away!

Musical Monday!

First off, if you'd like to join in on Musical Monday, click the link above and get with it!This week, my song of choice is one of the Top 12 contestants on American Idol. Adam Lambert sang "Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones and in my opinion, he ROCKED it!Enjoy!

Mammarazzi's Favorite Things Swap!

A few weeks ago I announced that I was participating in a swap. A FAVORITE THINGS SWAP. It was so much fun gathering everything up and shipping it off to my partner, Diane.

I received my package a few days ago and I got some really neat stuff........take a look:

A couple of photo frames, filled with some awesome pics that Diane took herself.

4 bars of ORGANIC CHOCOLATE!!! I still have not tried this yet. I must have a fever, because I adore Chocolate!

Some Biolage conditioner for my hair. Very nice, I need that!

Kerestase products for my hair and cuticle oil....Cool!

Last but not least, some awesome smelling Black Cherry and Nutmeg Lotion. If I knew it would taste as good as it smells, I'd pump it right into my mouth and eat it. Seriously delicious smells!

Thanks so much Dianne and Mammarazzi for a great swap experience! I can't wait until the next one.

BLOGOVERSARY GIVEAWAY!!

One year ago today, I started this blog. Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would go on for this long. I figured I would grow bored with it, as with many other things in my life. I was way wrong and I am so glad about that.



The small amount of supporters/readers that I started with, has grown in the last few months and I am ecstatic. Thanks to each and every one of you who stop by regularly and for those of you that leave comments. They always bring a smile to my face.



So in honor of my Blogoversary and my 250th post, I am having a giveaway!



What is it, you ask? Well, I have pondered this for several days and have decided that whoever wins will receive something in keeping with the 'theme', if you will, of my blog.



When I think about 'escaping' anywhere, one thing that comes to mind is total peace and quiet and relaxation, enjoying the things that I love the most. Including, but certainly not limited to, listening to my favorite music, reading a book, or indulging in some lovely sweetness called 'chocolate'. Getting all girly girly with some smell goods and pampering myself, also comes to mind.



The winner of my giveaway will receive a special box of goodies, filled with things to indulge and relax. ( I have not gathered up the 'specifics' yet, but will do so shortly.)



Here are the rules:

1. First and foremost, you MUST FOLLOW my blog to enter and win. I want to give back to someone who has been and will be here, sharing in my daily escape.



2. All you have to do to enter is leave me a comment.



3. While you are at it, tell me what you love to 'indulge' in. Whether it is a bubble bath, massage, or a simple treat.



That's it! I will leave the giveaway open until Monday, March 9th @ 8:00 AM CST, when I will choose a winner via Random.org. I will announce my winner on Friday March 13th. (The reason I am waiting a few days, is because I am participating in the SITS girls Spring Fling and will be having a different giveaway on Tuesday March 10th, so don't forget to come by and enter to win something then, too! Fun! Fun!)

Preview of Things To Come..

In honor of my 1 year Blogoversary and my 250th post, I will be having my very first giveaway on Friday March 6th!

I will have all of the details worked out by then, however I will tell you now that you must must must be a follower to win!

So come back on Friday and get all of the details........

TipJunkie Giveaway

TipJunkie is having a fantastic giveaway, so click on over and check it out!

*********************

Musical Monday: The Jo Bros

Join me and all of the others for.........

Click over and see what's happening this week.

For Chelsea's Birthday I took the girls and one of their friends to see this:

Let me just start by saying that Joe Jonas The Jonas Brothers are awesome!

The music rocks and Joe the movie is so cool in 3D!

This was some of the conversation I had with Alyssa before and during the movie.

Alyssa: Mom, please don't scream 'whoohoo, Joe' during the movie in front of our friend and embarrass me!

Me: Oh, no problem. I promise. {evil snicker}

Cut to movie.

Enter Joe, being awakened out of bed.

Me: Wooooooo! (looks at Alyssa sheepishly....Sorry!)

Concert starts and this song plays:

I. sang. every. word.

Rock on Joe Jo Bros!!!