Did You Hear What I Hear?

Yup... I'm gonna be a Gigi again!  Linz will have two under two... hmmm  should prove to be an interesting journey for her!  Congrats Linz and David!  I'm sure Russell will be a great big brother! 

Just Married with Coupons: Charmed Design 1012 - $25 Gift Certificate Giveawa...

Just Married with Coupons: Charmed Design 1012 - $25 Gift Certificate Giveawa...:
Enter for your chance to win a $25 certificate to use towards your purchase... I've picked out what I want!!

Giveaway from GameStop and Todays Mama!

TodaysMama and GameStop are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.

1. What is your holiday wish for your family?
  --  hmmm that is a good one.  I wish that we could all be together.  Part of our family is going to visit inlaws for Christmas.
2. What is your Christmas morning tradition?
  -- We started a new tradition last year.  Everyone comes over and has breakfast (egg casserole, of course), and after breakfast we see what each other has stuffed in our stockings. (we all bring little goodies to put in each others stocking ;)
3. If you could ask Santa for one, completely decadent wish for yourself, what would it be?
  -- I would say a cruise vacation for me and my family
4. How do you make the holidays special without spending any money?
  --  we go look at the "tacky" lights in town.  It is a huge thing for us!
5. What games did you play with your family growing up?
   -- uhm... Sorry and Chinese Checkers! (aging myself, I think)
6. What holiday tradition have you carried on from your own childhood?
  -- NO opening gifts until after breakfast!! (Santa stuff is excluded!)
7. Where would you go for a Christmas-away-from-home trip?
 --  I think a cabin int he mountains would be awesome!  Esp if it snowed!
8. Check out GameStop and tell us, what are the three top items on your GameStop Wish List this year?
Duh!
XBox 360 250 GB with Kinect
Nintendo Red DSi XL Bundles
Super Super Mario Bundle - with Free Charge Station!

Only 8 Days Left To Order Your Letter? An interveiw with Santa's Secretary!

I decided to ask Holly from Santa's Secretary why they shut down so early in the season.  The holidays are just getting started!  Here is our interview:

Me:   Hello, Holly! First,  I want to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat with me..

Holly:  You are most welcome!  I am always glad to talk about Santa's Secretary!

Me:  Some people are wondering why Santa's Secretary site shuts down so soon. 

Holly:   I'm so glad you asked, Cindy.  You see, it is the only way that we can ensure that no child's letter is received too close to Christmas.  Sometimes Santa needs to remind them to correct some behavior.  If they get the letter too close to Christmas, they don't have time.  It's just not fair!

Me:   Well, that does makes good sense!  But still, to shut down at the end of November?

Holly:  What people may not realize is that I work out of a satellite office.  Keep in mind that it takes about a week to ten days for a letter to get turned around once it is sent to Santa to sign.  After it leaves our hands, we lose complete control over it.  The post office does a fabulous job, but sometimes things happen and the letters get lost.  When we allowed the site to be open up to mid December, the week before and up to Christmas Eve  we would receive frantic emails from mothers looking for their children's letters.  It broke our heart. From that point on, we  decided to shut the site down at the end of November.  We just don't like to take the chance that a child won't get their letter from Santa in time.  This way, if a letter does gets misdirected, it can quickly be resent out in time to be received before Christmas!

Me:   From a business standpoint, does that not affect your sales?

Holly:  Yes, it does affect sales, but this is the bottom line; it is about the children and keeping them excited and believing in the big guy.  He needs that Christmas spirit to help him get around the world in time!

Me:  Well, I know you are busy and I don't want to tie you up any longer, Holly.  Thank you again, for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer my questions.

Holly:  You are most welcome!  And Cindy, I see Malia has been doing really well since her motivation letter in October!  Don't forget to order your follow up for her!  You only have 8 more days!    Merry Christmas everyone!!

Me:  Merry Christmas to you as well!   Thank you for the reminder, Holly!  I'll get right on that! 

Well, there you have it folks!  Holly, from  Santa's Secretary, cleared up that nagging question!  You have 8 days left to get your orders in!

Lenovo laptop givaway at Dear Crissy

 I entered Dear Crissy  Can’t Wait til Christmas Lenovo Laptop Giveaway and hope to win a $799.00 IdeaPad!

One would wonder why I would try and win such an awesome gift... HA  the answer is in that sentence!  It's an awesome gift!  I like to work with different medias and Lenovo can handle my habit!

So.. in order to earn 10 extra entries, I finally caved in and agreed to blog about it!  So.. you peeps know the rules..  If you decide to enter the giveaway then you have to reference my your email address so that if you win, she can notify me you :)   Your email addy is love2bgigi at  gmail dot com in case you forgot!

Giveaway: Guidecraft Moon & Stars See, Store And Take Along Toy Storage Cart (ARV $210)

Giveaway: Guidecraft Moon & Stars See, Store And Take Along Toy Storage Cart (ARV $210)

This would be great for keeping all of Malia's things in order! Ends 12/5

Malia's Tea Party

Malia had her birthday party this past weekend...  OMG look at the cake my cousin made for her!  I hated to take it apart... Amazing what you can do with cupcakes, huh!

So, we set the stage...

 Complete with a menu!

 Look at my little lady having tea!

 Even had some little men there

 Time to sing Happy Birthday!!

We had a great time!  It is so hard to believe she is three now!  Where does the time go?

Big Mama's Blog: Review & Giveaway: Bracelet-mate

Big Mama's Blog: Review & Giveaway: Bracelet-mate:

How cool is this?? I can see that I need one.. hint hint to my girls!! (43 more days till Christmas)  I hate carrying a purse, but if I had one of these I could slip my debit card and my license in it and be ready for a night on the town... ok.. maybe a trip to Wal-mart! Stop by Big Mama's and enter for your chance to win!!

RCA Small Wonder Giveaway

RCA Small Wonder Giveaway

Digital camera, anyone??
Check out Mama Must Have It and all her other Christmas Giveaways!!

GIVEAWAY: $360 Worth of Prizes to Celebrate Bird Crafts Party Blog 1st Blogversary!!

GIVEAWAY: $360 Worth of Prizes to Celebrate Bird Crafts Party Blog 1st Blogversary!!

She is throwing a huge bash to celebrate her one year blogversary!
This party animal has some great ideas!! Looking forward to her next year of blogging ;)

Thursday Blog Hop :)

A letter from Santa!

While this is not her real first letter from Santa, it is the first time she was aware of what it really was!  Her eyes lit up and she was in awe!  It was really quite exciting for me her!  This year was the first year that SantasSecretary.com offered motivational letters in the "off" months.  The letters can reinforce good behavior .. or let them know they have time to correct some questionable behavior and get back on the good list :)  Can I tell you that this little girl was sooooo excited that Santa wrote to her!! 

LOOK!! It's from the NORTH POLE!!!!

Very carefully I will rip open the envelope....

 I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!!!

Look... it's a real letter.... for me!!!

Read it to me, daddy!!

 She has been mesmerized by the letter...  Santa told her how proud he was of her that she is using the big girl potty all the time....  and how she is such a big girl to sleep in her own bed and to keep up the good work!  But he also told her that she needs to work on her whining and be the big girl that he knows she can be!  He let her know that the Motor Works (from Discovery Toys) is put aside just for her if she can stay on the good girl list..  (Not sure what leverage we will use come January!)

 See!  Right there it says I'm a good girl!!

SantasSecretary.com is now taking orders for the Christmas season.   Letters ordered will be processed to arrive approximately 1-2 weeks before Christmas.  Stop by and check it out!

Halloween Fun

This was the first real year that Malia has been trick or treating.  She went last year, but was really too young to even understand what was going on.  She was ready to put her costume on at 4:00.  Yes, we had to play and romp and roll for two hours before we could even go out the door to start the festivities! 

Here is the picture journal of her night!  Allow me to narrate.....  

DADDY!!!  please don't take my picture!  We have to go!!!

 Sheesh... you'd think they would put these door bell buttons down where I could reach it!!

 I said "trick or treat"... Here's my bucket, now please add candy!

 That's it?  Seriously?

 Ok guys.. lets go.  We have a lot to do tonight!

 Huh?  What do you mean I can't have it all tonight?!

 How about if I smile real pretty and use my manners?

 Uhm.. excuse me?  What did you say?

 No, really, it's ok to eat this.. it's a protein bar!!!

 What candy?  I'm not eating candy!   (Poor Mickey keeps trying his best to get at what she has)

 It's mine! It's ALLLLL mine!

 Bedtime?  Yeah, right! 

Ok.. so that is not really what she was saying, but I like to add my sense of humor in on pictures!  I see them and stupid stuff pops out of my head!  It's a curse!  

OMG she's at it again! iPod touch giveaway

Living On Love and Giveaways has the newest generation iPod Touch that she did not need and is giving away!  Seriously??  WOW.. this is our gain if we win.  All we have to do is do a few entries and hope that we win!  I need to let you know that if you win, you owe me!! :)   Just kidding!!  I will congratulate you ... and go to my room and cry! 

Good luck everyone!

WOW... Where did the time go?

I have been SOO focused on entering giveaways, I have neglected writing.  Shame, shame, shame on me.  I will say that my efforts to enter have been very fruitful!  From The Keurig coffee maker, Zuvo water purifiers, Soda Stream, beautiful keyletttes, Digital picture key rings, books for liittle miss, gift cards, t shirts, shoooot.  My Christmas is almost done :) 

It has been great.  I am still entering giveaways and really enjoying the new blogs I happen upon.  There are so many out there with such wonderful things to say. 

I am re-learning how to save money, make money, etc.  Just today we needed new rechargeable batteries.  Well, they were on sale at Target for $9.51.  PLUS each one had a offer to redeem for a $10.00 itunes gift card.  Can you say cha-ching??  They paid us to take them PLUS we have 2 Christmas gifts!!  (these make great stocking stuffers, wouldn't you agree?

So... I apologize for not having anything to write about.  Well... I've got a lot to write about, just have not had the time :)

Gosh I love these blogs!!  You ladies rock!!  You can visit any of them on the side of my blog.  I'm sure there is somthing you will find you need.  If not, please feel free to use my email address and enter on my behalf :)

Happy Halloween everyone!

Living on Love and Giveaways: A Facebook Giveaway! $30 Walmart Gift Card

Living on Love and Giveaways: A Facebook Giveaway! $30 Walmart Gift Card:

Who does not want or need this? I certainly do!! Go show her some Facebook love and enter to win!

PRINTABLE HALLOWEEN / FALL HARVEST GAMES - REVIEW

 Halloween is almost upon us and yet, I've not done a thing to get ready for it.   As I wondered what I could do that was different, imagine my excitement when Python Printable Games  asked me to review their Halloween party games and Halloween printables .  I was thrilled and could hardly wait to go online and check them out!  There are games for young children, as well as for the teen crowd and adults.

There are coloring pages, trivia, scavenger hunts, match games, the list goes on.  There are over 50 printable sheets available for you. Python Printable Games is selling this awesome package for only $19.95 ( that is a bargain considering you get over 50 printables that you can download and keep)!  I am thinking about printing some of these out to put with the candy I hand out for Halloween!

My little angel is going to have a great time with the coloring pages!  She is almost three years old and loves the color.  The match games are going to be fun as well. 

Oh, and the package is not just for Halloween / Fall Harvest.  Also included are  printables for Thanksgiving.  I can so see my nieces and nephews having fun with this while they are waiting for the dinner to be served!  I plan on having some cute prizes for the winners of each round of games I plan to do! (You know.. the winner gets to do the dishes.. JUST KIDDING!)

Python Printable Games also have a link for FREE coloring pages and a $5.00 coupon HERE!  (Wow, that would bring your price down to under .29 a game)! 

The way I see it, you can't go wrong here!    Head on over to download your FREE coloring pages and $5.00 coupon  HERE and then be sure to order the Halloween printables while you are at it!

This Product Was a Free Giveaway 

Curious George, anyone?

My friend at Have Sippy Will Travel  has a super low entry giveaway for NJ and PA.  Come on peeps.. you have a great opp if you live out that way to go see Curious George Live.

Scoot on over there and enter!!  You have a really good chance to win!

Trim Tread

OK... I'm only doing this b/c I really want to win them!!  Katie over at Mommy Katie is hosting a giveaway on these shoes.  Now, those who know me, will wonder if I have totally lost my mind by wanting these (seeing how I have trouble standing upright without falling) ... but I really do want these!

So.. if you are reading this.. head on over to Mommy Katie and enter to win.  In order to win you must use my email address... no, really, you do!  OK FINE  enter with your information and when you win, you can just give them to me for Christmas... (by the way, I want the black ones)

Good luck!

I hate having my picture taken

I really do... It's amazing how the camera put weight on you... so if 3 are pointed at you, do you gain 30 pounds in your picture?  Well, I'm going with that one!  ('cause surely I don't really look like that... do I?)

Just kidding... I know better!  But back to my point.  I hate having my picture taken.  Now I know that I am fearfully and wonderfully  made.. but my aging face and sagging body parts did not get that memo!  I did, however, find a picture my hubby took whilst we were on vacation last week, that I fell in love with...

This one right here!---->

Now, isn't that the sweetest look we are sharing? 

Well, I think it is, but the back side of the look is she was trying to put sand down my shirt!  The little monkey!!

hmmm... I think I will take all of my pictures looking up like that.... you can't tell my neck wrinkles that way..

Incorporating Fun into Your Child’s Daily Activities

Having three girls that are now in their twenties, I feel sometimes that I failed miserably when they were little girls and young teens. As a young mom who worked full time and commuted a long distance, I just didn't have the energy to devote to them as I should have.  I was fortunate to get a do-over with our now almost three year old.  This little girl keeps me laughing (even when I should be scolding).  Everything is a game for her. 

When she was a few months old, we started teaching her to communicate with us via sign language.  By the time she was 8 months old she could tell us she wanted milk.  At a year old she could tell us she wanted milk, water, juice, to eat, or wanted more, please and thank you.  Unfortunately, a friend of mine also taught her to sign "it wasn't me, it was her".  Yeah, she has used that one as well!  Children are so amazing and such sponges.   With her being able to communicate with us, it eliminated a lot of frustrations.   My oldest was so impressed she decided to do this when she had a child.  Her son is now learning to "say" milk.

The little girl loves to sing.  It can be anytime or anywhere.  She had me join her in song as we walked through a Wal-mart.  Heaven forbid if I forget my “microphone”.  But not to fear!  She will pull one out of her make believe backpack and hand it to me.   We sing songs like Itsy Bitsy Spider, Twinkle, Twinkle, The Alphabet Song, you know the normal stuff! Microphone in hand!  Anytime, anywhere!   What a great way to help with memorization!

We also love to have tea parties.  She will crawl up in my lap and ask me if I would like some tea.  Why yes, I would!  So she reaches back into her handy dandy make believe backpack and wah-lah!  I have a nice cup of tea.  She is quick to warn me that it is hot and I need to blow it and be careful.   The tea is scrumptious and really hits the spots!  We use this time to work on table manners. 

We have taught her to count to 30, sing her ABC’s and spell her name all while getting dressed and putting on shoes to go “to work”.  You see, we run a few home businesses from our house and one of them is putting flamingos in yards of unsuspecting “victims”.  She helps us count the “critters” as we place them in the yard.   Helping us collect them at the end of the rental is another venture in counting.  This little lady will be counting to 50 before we know it!  She can already count by two’s up to 10.  Did I tell you she is only 2-1/2?

Left and right is no challenge for her anymore!  We have her tell us which way we should turn when we are driving about.  While sitting at a light, we will ask her which way we need to turn.  Do we turn left, or right?  She nails it every time!  One day she saw something at a store she wanted.  We were trying to ignore it and she was adamant that we look on the left and see it.  Guess what... it was on the left. 

Cooking is always fun with her.  Play-doh is our friend!  She can come up with the most delicious looking delicacies.  Bringing us dinner while we work is her greatest joy!  Her pizzas are the best in the house!  She can get a little possessive of the rolling pin sometimes, but that’s ok.  We are working on the sharing issues!   It is also a great time to reinforce learning colors.  She is learning that yellow and blue make green!  Also learning all colors mixed together turn a yucky brown!

Her garden was amazing this year.  She had her own little plot and was diligent to make sure it was weeded, watered, and basically well taken care of.  Her Abby-Cadabby gardening set was top notch in helping with weeding!  She looked so darn cute in her gloves.  The joy in her face as she was able to finally pick her first tomato and cucumber was priceless!  Talk about a feeling of accomplishment!  She got to watch these plants grow from seedlings to food on her plate! 

Cleaning time is fun time as well.  We make it a race to see who can pick up the most toys.  The winner gets a high five!   At one time she was afraid of the vacuum cleaner but we have coaxed her to help us push it and now she enjoys helping us suck up that dust bunny!   The step stool is always nearby when we are unloading the dishwasher as her job is to help put the dishes away.  While it does take longer than doing it alone, the pride she feels in helping is worth that time!

She helps us take care of our little dog, Mickey.  We take him for a walk a few times a day and she enjoys telling me the colors of the cars that pass us.  Sometime we call out the numbers on the mailboxes.  She is a sharp little lady.  We try to make everything an opportunity to learn. 

Speaking of our dog, she will use him as her shopping buddy, as her baby (and wrap him up in a blanket), and as her best friend.  This little dog is amazing with her.  I’m still waiting for her to try and bottle feed him!  She will be quite a mommy when she grows up!  She will read to him and quiz him about what she has "read".  Not unlike us.  We take turns reading.  She enjoys "reading" back to us.  She runs her finger under each word as she speaks.   

While we don’t have a lot of inventive new ways to play, we enjoy the time we spend with her and learning from her as well! 

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and The Hub blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Day at the beach...

is relaxing

peaceful

fun

reminds me of God's majesty. 
(And sometimes I need to be reminded).

Is just what I needed to refresh and de-stress!

Thanks mom!!  I really enjoyed the vacation with my family, my mom, and Aunt Bea!  It was much needed and greatly appreciated!

Wordless Wednesday

She wants to be a doctor when she grows up....  I told her she needs to be so that she can support us when we get older LOL

Meet Me On Monday

Meet Me On Monday blog hop

OK... I have 5 questions to answer :)

Questions:

1. What is the best dish you can make?
hmmmm... that's a tough one... I guess Id have to say my macaroni salad is my most requested dish

2. How often do you change your sheets?
I'm supposed to change them??  Just kidding!! weekly!

3. What is the longest car trip you have ever taken?
I would have to say from Richmond, VA to Novia Scotia, Canada

4. What is your favorite fruit?
Watermelon... love me some watermelon

5. Would you rather have breakfast for dinner or dinner for breakfast?
Breakfast for dinner... love me some breakfast

The World Is A Stage

And Malia is more than happy to perform.  How many two year olds can sing Bohemian Rhapsody word for word.. in tune, no less.  She cracks me up!   Here is a short clip (I don't want to bore you with the longer ones.. Sadly, she did get distracted by her ice cream cone but you get the jist.  (Hopefully it will play... I'm technically challenged)

Groovy and Benders by Boon Inc.Giveaway // $20.00 Gift card

head on over to Fun Saving Mom for your chance to win an amazing feeding set for your little one!  Fun Saving Mom gave them a glowing review and I am sure that you will want it fo ryour little toddler! Head on over there for your chance to win!

BY THE WAY!  She is also having a drawing for a $20.00 Gift Card  HERE!  Do not miss out on this opportunity!

Wordless Wednesday - Let's go shopping!

Diamond Earrings, Anyone?

A week or so ago, I came across an offer for free earrings.  All I had to do was mention  their website on my Facebook page, Twitter, or blog and pay the $3.77 shipping to receive them.  That's it!

Why would they do that?  Well, I am so glad you asked!  They are trying to get the word out about their website HERE ! Word of mouth is the best advertisment!  Why pay thousands on commercials or ads when you can give away beautiful simulated diamond earrings to everyone who goes to their site and pays the $3.77 shipping? 

They arrived today!  Can I tell you that they are beautiful?  I really am impressed with how nice they look.  Granted, they are simulated stones, but they are quite lovely! 

Post on your social media site of choice, visit their site, and take advantage of this offer before it's too late.  You don't want to miss this!!

Can you tell?

I've been a giveaway entering fool lately!  Ah, but if I don't enter, I won't win!! 

I will be back on track with my gibberish about my little princess.. and let me tell you she has given me much to chat about lately!!  Love that little booger!!

So.. stay tuned for the next episode of How Cindy Sees It! 

SPIN AND GO!!

My buddy at Cocktails With Mom has a Spin and Go Touchless Mop and Wringer up for grabs at her site.  Enter for your chance to win!   Well... You can bet I will be entering so that I can hopefully win it.  Sounds like a dream come true!!   I'm sure my hubby will love it!!!   Love you, baby!!!  You rock!!!

New Kindle

That crazy girl at One Savvy Mom is making me blog and tell everyone about her give away of a new 3G Kindle... NOW listen to me closely.. Go and enter to win.. BUT use my email address as a means for her to contact you should you win!  HA.. Just kidding.. no, I'm not... Yeah, I am...  no I'm really not..

Ok fine.. use your own entries and contact info.. but just know I've been wanting one of these ever since they came out.  Do I have your sympathy vote yet?  sheesh!!

Zuvo Water Purator -

Head on over to One Savvy Mom for your chance to win one of those nifty Zuvo Water Purators.  $299 value!   She gives you a lot of chances to enter so drop in and try your luck!

Gourmet Gift Baskets.com give away

My new buddy Colie over at Colie's Kitchen is offering a chance to win an awesome gift basket!  Who would not want to secure one of these for for the upcoming holidays?  Now, if I were smart, were I to win, I would save it as a Christmas gift... but I am not known for my wit and therefore, I will most likely use it myself, were I to win!!  Their online site hosts a variety of interesting baskets that really make it hard to choose!  Scoot on over to Colie's site.. tell her Cindy sent you!  I'm going to head back over to Gourmet Gift Baskets website and drool over all the possibilities!

Slushies at home??

My fellow blogger, the Diva Housewife, is hosting a give away for the Blizzie Slushy Drink Maker HERE.  This is a neat little ditty that you can use to make your own slushys right when you want it!  I'm tasting a limeade flavor with a little grown up juice added for an extra kick  (wink, wink.. know what I mean?)

Head on over to her site for all the details.  She also has a coupon code for a discounted price if you don't want to wait to see if you won!  I'm thinking.. .you can't have too many!!

Play Doh Creations Caddy Giveaway

Thanks, Mail Carrier! is making me tell everyone about a great Play Doh Creations Giveway that will be a great gift for some lucky little child at Christmas.. Maybe mine! 

Run on over to her site and enter for your chance to win!  You must leave MY email address so she can contact me when I, uhm... I mean you win!

Share Your Storm Contest

Cheryl Ricker is hosting a special giveaway in celebration of the release of a new book.. "A Friend In The Storm".  A gift book that will touch your heart and spirit.  In keeping with the spirit of the book, she is looking to hear how someone was in your life at at time when you were going through a storm.  The random winner will be the recipient of a Kindle.  Who would not want that?  You?  Then win it for me because it's on my wish list :)

Please stop by Cheryl Ricker's website for your chance to win.

I'm SO feeling the love!

A big shout out to Johanna at Mom's Treehouse !  I am so honored that she chose me to be in her VIP area of her treehouse. 

<-- that's me climbing the steps to my spot in the VIP lounge!!

I feel I should be honoring her, because she has been so helpful in my growth here!  She is truly the hostess with the mostest!  From the bottom of my heart, Johanna, I thank you!

You need to hit her site... she has an amazing NO ENTRY GIVE AWAY going on  right now for (2) free interactive children's books HERE!! 
Show her the love, people!

A Special Award ~ Amazing Woman

I was blog hopping earlier this morning and happened upon a blog post that asked a very good question.  If I could award someone an award, who would it be?

I thought that was very thought provoking... and immediately my BFF Carla came to my mind.  I would award her the Amazing Woman Award...  You see, Carla has a heart of gold and while she struggles with issues (and don't we all?), she tries really hard to get out of herself and give unto others.   She has dealt with different forms of cancer, recent death of her beloved father, supplied care packages for years to our soldiers, the list goes on, and on.  So, yes, without a doubt I would honor her with that award. 

Giggles Computer Funtime For Baby Free Giveaway

I had no idea that there was a program you could put on your computer that your child, aged 6-36 months old, could safely play with.  I found out today that there is!!  The name?  I'm so glad you asked!   It's called Giggles Computer Funtime For Baby and  Mymcbook's Blog is graciously giving one of these to a lucky subscriber to her site! 

While I truly hope my number is the winner, I will graciously step aside if it's not me!  Head on over to her site and try your luck.  This blog is a class act and if you do not already subscribe to her emails, you should.  Check out her website as well mcbooksandgifts

I am convinced...

That I am not alone!  Over the past few weeks, I have been able to see that a lot of bloggers have the same type of  quirky  personality.  Their humor is awesome!  I really do love reading the funny things that my fellow bloggers write about.  It's amazing that they can take a situation and turn it into something lighthearted and funny! 

Sass and Class all rolled up together like Julia Sugarbaker. 

Or maybe a little Rosanne Barr quick wit. 

I love it!  I'm trying to figure out where I fall into this grand scheme of things.  I am totally not classy...  I am a little very sassy (ask my mom!)  She's in the pink shirt!  Oh.. I'm the one with a camera stuck in her shirt to look like a third boob..

I am a bit of a smart a$$ at times a lot.  And I'm sorry, but I will laugh if  my friends fall down (at least until I see they are crying)... Hey, they laughed at me!  Fair is fair!  Granted, I give them a whole lot more opportunity to laugh because, well, I fall down a lot.  (I keep my foot air cast very handy). 

So, I'm not real sure where I fall in the scheme of things here, but the best part about being online is... I can be myself... And if you are not loving me, ( but seriously why would you not?), then you can click out and I won't get my feelings hurt, because... well, I don't know you didn't like me. 

Bottom line... the way I see it, I am not alone here and there are lots of wonderful, witty, charming people in this arena that are just like me!  (hmmm a recipe for mayhem!)

Everyone have a great rest of the day and wonderful evening!

$35.00 Jiffy Lube Gift Card Keeping My Car Alive giveaway offer

Head on over to Thanks Mail Carrier! and enter for your chance to win one of 2 gift cards for $35.00 to be used at Jiffy Lube.

Tell her Cindy sent ya!  (it won't get you any extra entries, but will make me feel good!)

Toy Strap Giveaway

Wheat Free Mom is hosting a Toy Strap Giveaway over HERE!    You know you want it... that's right...  What better way to keep your baby's toys close at hand?  Put an end to that game babies like to play!!

Mosey on over there and enter!

I feel so special

Thank you so much Victoria's Voice for awarding me this beautiful award!  I'm so overwhelmed with all the nice, friendly fellow bloggers I have had the priviledge to get to know! 

Now for the rules for winning this award

• Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award.
• Share 7 things about yourself.
• Pass the award along to 15 other bloggers who you recently discovered and think are fabulous.
• Contact the bloggers you chose and let them know about the award.

1)  I am really very shy in person.
2)  I love cake icing... have been known to mix up a batch of buttercream icing just to eat by the spoonfuls. 
3)  I love Big Bang Theory and GLEE... have been waiting anxiously for the new season. 
4)  I am a paid yard vandal Check Out Here! 
5)  I love to plan over the top parties.
6)  I will not grow old gracefully....
7)  not that I do anything gracefully... I'm a bit of a klutz...

I have met so many really cool people lately, it's so hard to pin them down to just 15... but I will try

Define You Photography

Mommy Only Has 2 Hands

Jinnia Low

Mom's Treehouse

Quintessential Housewife

Something Old to Something New

Mommy Katie

The Lazy Dazy

RattleBoxx
Mommy Monologues

more to come! 

ZipGift.com offering $25.00 Amazon gift card

You need to head on over to Thanks, mail carrier! for your chance to win a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card, compliments of ZipGift .  (again, I'm only telling you because I want the extra entries!) 

Good luck!

Coffee anyone? Keurig B60 Special Edition Brewer Giveaway!

I'm only letting you guys in on this because I want an extra entry to win this at Thanks Mail Carrier !  Keurig has graciously allowed her to give one of these away... all you have to do is enter.  Now, if you need my info, so that you can put my name and email in, then simply leave me a comment... I'll get that info right to you... HaHaHa 

But, if you decide you don't want me to win this, then fine, go ahead and enter your own info.  I just hope that if you win it, you invite me over for a cup :)

Good luck!

$25 Amazon Gift Card - giveaway offer

The folks at GiftZip.com are giving away a $25.00 Amazon gift card!!  Go to Hot Mom Tips to enter!  Lots of chances and this time I'm giving you a whole week!!!  Click on over there and try to beat me!! HA..

NachoMama Tee's

Great Giveaway: $15 Gift Card or Mystery Tee from NachoMama Tees! Ends 9/19

Sorry for the short notice... computer issues ... don't get me started!  BUT If you hurry you might be able to get some entries in for a awesome t-shirt from NachoMama

Zuvo Water Purator - Verilux Clean Wave UVC Sanitizing Wand giveaway offers

Head on out to One Little Mister for a chance to win a Zuvo Water Purator.  Perfect opportunity to go green and stop using bottles of water that just sit in the landfill.

ALSO.. she is hosting a giveaway for a  Verilux CleanWave UVC Sanitizing Wand ..  Get rid of those pesky germs!! 

Visit her site and enter for your chance to win!  The way I see it, you can't win if you don't enter!

The end of an era...

OK, maybe it's not really as dramatic as it seems... but to us it is bittersweet.  We sold our beloved 1983 CJ Jeep Renegade.  Malia is under the impression it was hers. 

She really loved to ride in it, especially with the top off.  Me.. not so much because it messes up my hair.  Not that I'm prissy or anything, I just don't look good in frizz.  I'm just sayin' 




We put the jeep up for sale recently.  We didn't really want to, but there are bills to be paid and it just was not realisic to keep it.  It's that ol doing the grown up thing.  Being grown is not always what it's cracked up to be.  Sigh ...

We had that feeling that this one was the buyer.  We had been meaning to take some pictures of her and her dad in their respective jeeps.  You know, for old time sakes..   So we did.   Good thing too, because dude came ready to drive her off!   So....here they are my wonderful hubby and darling daughter in their respective jeeps

Oh wait... I said respective jeeps... OK you two clowns!

There!  That's better!
Although in reality, she truly did act like it was hers!

We will miss our jeep...  Rest assured she noticed right away that it was missing...  We quickly distracted her.  Not sure how long we will be able to keep it up. 

Oh well, we still have her little Barbie jeep!

Thankful..

As I have been flip flopping around on blogs that I have been lucky to find, I saw a couple had the same theme... Being thankful..  I thought I'd join in. 

I am so very thankful that I have my health.  I lost my dad when he was 41.  My lovely mom is about to turn 75 next year.  I am grateful that at 53 I am still around and healthy. 

I am thankful that I have a family that loves me. (and I love very much!)  I have great son-in laws and an adorable little grandson.  I am blessed!

I'd like to introduce you to my family!

Here is my hubby and 2 year old

Then we have my oldest (28 year old) Linz .. this was taken at her bridal shower (why yes, that is a condom corsage) 

This is Blair... she got maried a couple two years ago.  She and her husband just recently got back from a mission trip to Haiti                                                             

and last but not least... Baby Russell... my little grandson :)

I am very grateful for my day job and that our home businesses Storks and More and Flamingo Nightmares are doing well enough.  Also thankful that it's the holiday season coming up and my other home biz Santa's Secretary has a following (but always room for more!) 

I am thankful that my friends appreciate my quirky sense of humor.... one that my 2 year old seems to have as well.  Oh my, I am in for it when she gets older! 

On a selfish note... I am thankful that I have stumbled upon Mom Bloggers Club thus many others from that connection.   The way I see it, I am making a whole lot of new friends! 

Yes, I am very blessed and thankful!  How about you?