Sunday, November 30, 2008

Monochrome Monday


Hit the button above to go to the home of Monochrome Monday


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To see this picture in color, (which is fast becoming one of my favorites) go here.

Handsome Performs

This Wednesday, all parents were invited to watch the pre-school class perform a song. I didn't make a big deal out of it because honestly, I didn't know there was going to be an actual performance. While watching, I really wish that The Teach was there.

We were all directed to a door for the church. There were 2 moms standing on either side handing out flyers. The flyer was a detail of everything that was going to happen.

My son and his class marched out all dressed as either a bear, squirrel or a bunny. Handsome was a squirrel. He scanned the crowd for me and then waved when he saw me. It was then that I wished his father was there. He didn't make a beeline for me, he was standing with his class waiting for his teacher to direct them.
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They all did the Pledge of Allegiance then started singing a song called, "animal homes."

I don't remember all the words but I love the part where they said,
"we're squirrels, we shake our tails like this" and my son turned as he obviously had been taught to shake his big paper bag tail. He was the only one to do so. Beam!

After that there was a video montage' where the teacher took 2 kids at a time into the kitchen, let them play in the sandbox and asked them all the same question. "How do you think turkey"

Innocent question and it was fun to hear some of the kids talk about how you have to put chocolate or hot dogs or some such thing in it. Or the kid who said when a turkey falls on the floor you have to wash it.

Then she made them smile at the camera and say "Happy Thanksgiving."

Afterward there was a Thanksgiving party. It was great!
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Unfortunately, I didn't get many great photos. It was too dark and the camera wasn't cooperating or maybe the photographer sucked. Either way...I hate that I didn't get any good pictures of him on stage.

It was great. Baby Boy you made me so proud!! I love you.

4 Days of Daddy Fun

This weekend we made a TooBEEZ for that was the star of the house for 2 days. I threw blankets over it, put blankets and pillows inside and had a great time reading stories to my daughter.

Saturday evening my husband went inside. Kids are so used to Mommy playing that when Daddy does something silly with them they love go nuts.

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My daughter was in her glory as she played fort with daddy. They hid under the blanket watching my shadow, whenever I pulled up the blanket to take a picture she screamed like a banshee.

My son and his father have spent countless hours playing Super Mario Galaxy over the last 4 days. I love watching them talk each other through the screens or yell at each other when one screws up.

Yesterday my husband wanted to clean the gutters and put up the Christmas lights. While he did the gutters, the kids and I started working on the leaves. My son gave up after filling a garbage can with leaves. My daughter on the other hand was amazing. She filled up 3 garbage cans with her little 3 year old hands while I blew the lawn clear of leaves. She wasn't done until the last leaf was picked up from the pile. Such a good work ethic already. She had a job to do and wouldn't do anything else until she was done. She wouldn't even stop for a piece of chocolate (her favorite). "Let me finish this. I'll have some when I'm done."

I told her that her father and I were going to pay her for her hard work. I think that job was worth at least 3 dollars.

We have never done an allowance but I remember as a kid I loved getting paid for a job well done.

This is above and beyond their normal chores which we don't believe (at the moment) they should be paid for.

Daddy also played his first board game with us. Not sure about him but, I loved it!

The kids and I play Zingo about 2 times a week. It was great to have him join us for a few games.

All in all this was a great long weekend. Freelance work done, reviews drafted, time with daddy, Christmas lights up, Lord of the Rings marathan and way to much food.

Slice of Life Sunday - My Big 4-0

My big 4-0 was 2 years ago but today Slice of Life asked:
Slice of Life choices for the week of November 30 are:
1. Winter Wonderland
2. The Big 4 - 0
3. Writer’s Choice

I decided to go with #2. This is what I wrote about my birthday in 2006.
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I am planning my 40th Birthday party. While it hasn't consumed my every thought until this week, I have gone into Birthday mode in the past four days. The theme...Luau...the peeps...My Girlfriends.

I am pyched! In the past week I have completed the menu:

Huli, Huli Chicken, Sweet and Sour Meatballs, Coconut Shrimp, Pineapple, Sweet Potato and Macadamian Nut Crumb top, Orange Lime Sauce for over the rice, Haupia (some Hawaiian candy type thing). Fruit Salad in a Pineapple, Green Salad, Coconut Cream Pie, and numerous type cookies and sweets, and enough alcohol to knock some chicks on their ass.

The drinks are:
Pina Colada, Maria's Pinapple Punch, Maria's Happy Island Punch, Maria's Luau Punch...

I am providing grass skirts, leis, flower headbands, wrist bands, and such. I made name tags for everyone with their Hawaiian name. I think it is going to be a blast.

I have been working on a project to honor the women in my life and hope to complete it tonight or tomorrow at the latest.

I am making each of them a card with pictures of us, a paragraph why they are important to me and cute embellishments. I hope they like them.

The card goes something like this...(this is my sisters)...

Tomorrow is my birthday so today I want to celebrate the women in my life. Each and every one of you are part of the mosaic that was, is, and will become Maria. I love you all for various reasons and for the same reason. You are all different and each and every one of you is important in my life. I am so happy I am celebrating my life with all of you.

Gabrielle – I could not breathe without you. You are my sister, my mother, my friend. I adore you! Our chats about our lives sometimes bring tears, sometimes bring conflict but they constantly bring laughter. Thank God we can laugh about our lives. Your quick humor and raw attitude make me love you every day. You have been there for me when I needed a shoulder, an opinion, or a laugh. You are one of the funniest people I know and also one of the bravest. I wish we lived closer because there are days I miss you like crazy. We can talk numerous times a day and still end every call with an “I love you,” I don’t know many people who can say that. Thank you for loving me. I am so glad that you are my sister but I love that I can call you my friend.

I am officially 40 as of 7:38 pm tonight. It is strange to think that 40 years ago my mom was healthy and a first time mom. What a beautiful day weather wise.

Today was fairly quiet but after yesterday that is the way to go..

My Birthday Luau yesterday was so much fun. There was me and 8 of my closet friends eating, drinking, and talking. I started cooking Friday night, and finished in the morning while my sister decorated my deck. Guests arrived by 2:00 p.m. and the party began. Being the first to reach 4o out of my peeps makes me feel older but hell what do they say these days? Something about 40 being the new 30?

My husband took (for the first time by himself) both kids out so that I didn't have to host and mother. That alone was a gift in itself. He need not get me anything.

Here are some pics from the day.

My sis and me

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Pink Saturday & Scenic Sunday Pretty In Pink


Hit the button above to be taken to the home of Pink Saturday


Or the Scenic Sunday button, which will bring you to the home of SS.

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I took this picture by making a circle with my fingers and in front of the camera lens. I love the effect and it doesn't hurt that my daughter doesn't seem to be able to take a bad photo.

Saturday Photo Hunt - Metal



I took this picture of some trees through an old screw hole in my 3 seater swing frame. We don't have the swing anymore but we use the base to hold rope swings for my children. I really love the effect or the screw hole as my frame.
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Friday Fill In



1. My stomach feeling quite big right about now.
2. Antipasti is what I ate the most of on Thursday.
3. The yard is finally cleaned of leaves and looks amazing
4. Hanging on the couch with my husband is where I'd rather be at any given time.
5. The smell of toast and coffee reminds me of my grandparents home when my family lived there.
6. Sit ups is what I need right now!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching Lord of the Rings with my husband tomorrow my plans include lawn work and Christmas lights and Sunday, I want to read.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone


MyHotComments
Today I am thankful for: My family - Which includes my Friends
Teach - You are the most wonderful man. You listen when it matters and make quiet changes to show that you love me. I have never felt closer or more connected to you than I do these days. I love you with all my heart. Thank you for the most romantic moments of my life. Handsome - You are the sweetest boy in the world. You are a sensitive soul and you have a lot going on behind those big brown eyes. You love family hugs and constantly bring all of us together for a group hug. You force us to stop our rushing and slow down to enjoy the small things that matter. Goddess - Has there ever been a funnier child? I doubt it. I spend my day laughing because of you. Even when you are upsetting us, we have to stifle smiles. You think and act like someone well beyond their mere 3 years and I felt that you had all the answers the first moment I met you. Teresa - You are someone that I always know I can talk to even though our talks are few and far between these days. I hate that we have only seen each other 6 times this year, that is crazy. Hopefully next year is different. Thanks for always being there. Susan - Whenever I need someone rational to talk to you are the first person I think of. I know you hate the phone so I often rush through my call but you never make me feel like I am wasting your time. Thanks for being there to listen to my rants and never judging. Clarissa - I don't think there has ever been anyone who I felt 100% myself around. I feel like I can say anything to you and you will know exactly where I am coming from and....you make the best breakfast sandwiches! I love you like a sister because I think we may have been related in one of our lives. Sometimes we say the exact same thing, we are so alike it scares me. You are crazy and I adore you sister! Gabrielle - I couldn't breathe without you. Are there two sisters who feel the way we do? If so, they are very lucky. I adore you and our differences. We see the world very differently and that is was makes our relationship so awesome. Your wit and humor makes me laugh and I always look forward to the next time we speak. Sheress - Has there ever been someone I look up to and want to take care of in my life? I doubt it! You are an awesome mom and friend and I worry about you constantly. Is she ok? Is she tired? How does she do it all? Thank God you have an amazing support system with your mom and your man. Daddy - I thank God for our relationship. I love our talks especially during the holiday. You never judge and I can tell you anything. I wish we lived closer and that my kids were able to know you. Diane - You are crazy and I wish we had more time to talk. We are at totally different times in our lives and it is awesome to connect with you the few times a year that we do. I can't wait to see you this holiday and reconnect. To all my other friends and family, I love and adore you all and wish that we all were able to get together more. If I said something about all of you this post would go on forever. To my nieces, in-laws, sister-in-laws, I am looking forward to seeing you all soon it has been way too long. My children's teachers and instructors, I love what you have all done for my kids. They love all of you and bless you each night. Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends in the blog world too...I actually speak to a lot of you more than I do the people listed above. I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday. Love, Maria

Monday, November 24, 2008

Ruby Tuesday - The Scarecrow


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9th Day Of Christmas - Crunchless Abs Giveaway-CLOSED

On the 9th day of Christmas Crunch Abs is giving away another way to get healthy.
I hope you people are singing those lines when you read it!!

One Lucky winner will win both the Total Body Power Sculpting and the Cardio Core Sculpting.


Giveaway Details:

1. Leave me a comment. Yup that's it. Say whatever...pick me, winner, whatever.
2. The Contest ends on December 3, 2008 at midnight.
3. A Winner will be selected by Random.org and notified within 2 days.
4. You have 3 days to claim your prize or another winner will be selected.

Need more entries? 1 extra entry for each bullet

* Subscribe to me by email or to my feed.
* Post about this contest on your blog
* Put my 12 Days Of Christmas Button or my Maria's Space button in your sidebar.

Sponsored by:

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Calling All Twilight Fans


If you have seen the movie and care to read two fans chat about our screening of the movie, head over to my other blog Chotskies.

Would love to hear your views on the movie interpretation of the best selling book by Stephanie Meyer.

Twilight the Movie with Bek and Ree


Bek and Ree went to see Twilight last night check out our discussion. If you don't know what Twilight is, lift the rock you are living under and walk to a movie theatre right now!! That's an order.
FULL OF SPOILERS

Ree says: Whenever you are ready...I have my chat open
Bekkah says: Let's DO THIS!!!
Ree says: So...I believe that you.....Hated it
Bekkah says: LMAO! No way!
Ree says: Loved it??? Really? I am shocked
Bekkah says: Well, let's not get carried away here....love is a STRONG word.
Ree says: Ok...Did I like it or hate it?
Bekkah says: It's REALLY hard to guess whether or not you liked it. I half wonder if you're middle of the road like me...meaning that you may have found it to be an entertaining flick, not meant to be deep or powerful, but just...fun. I also was feeling...
Ree says: Yes! Exactly.
Bekkah says: a bit disappointed that it had the potential to be FANTASTIC, but unfortunately it kinda fell short. I also wonder if...I would have enjoyed it a bit more if we weren't surrounded by REALLY young kids. They were giggling at EVERYTHING, even when it wasn’t really appropriate...that nervous/pre-pubescent giggle kept reminding me that we were watching a teen-flick!!! Which of course totally prevented me from losing myself in it.
Ree says: Yes..I felt that especially the love of Edward and Bella seemed juvenile. If you hadn’t read the book you would never understand why they love each other so deeply seemingly overnight.
Bekkah says: Yup, not nearly as emotionally intense as the books.
Ree says: Yes exactly. She was saying that she knew she loved him and I was thinking why? I also don't think the movie showed why he loved her.
Bekkah says: Yeah, it seemed as though it was all moving too fast...as if one day he hated her and the next day they were madly in love?!
Ree says: Yes...and...Where was the charming, charismatic Edward? Although I found him extremely sexy at times his reactions were laughable. To quote my niece...his face made him look like he was constipated
Bekkah says: I completely agree...every time he tried to look 'troubled' he ended up looking like he was about to vomit?! LMAO! Or that...
Ree says: It did movie too fast. I kept telling my niece that it had to move quickly or it would have been an 8 hour movie. Exactly...vomit. I had to stop myself from laughing because honestly I wanted to love it and him.
Bekkah says: I know, I did too, but it just wasn't happening for me.
Ree says: Really??? So this Edward wasn't sexy to you? Oh...crap and his standing in her room in the book was romantic but in the movie it was a bit stalkerish. Another disappointment was Jacob.
Bekkah says: OMG, TOTALLY! That completely weirded me out!
Ree says: Jacob was a pivotal character. He was the reason Bella put together what Edward is. So where was he?
Bekkah says: I half wonder if I never really got into it because of all the 'kids' sighing and giggling throughout the entire movie...those were times when I kinda wished I was home watching it in The Batcave!
Ree says: If you didn't read the book you wouldn't understand why there is a Team Jacob.
Bekkah says: But in the books, did Jacob get that much time developing his character in the first one?? Or wasn't it more so in the 2nd book that he really got some 'face time'??
Ree says: The ahhhhs, especially when Edward first appeared on screen were so funny. I loved it.
Bekkah says: HA! And sometimes they would have that nervous giggle going even when it was inappropriate?! Edward was about to suck venom out of a bite mark and there were chickies sighing EVERYWHERE!?!?!
Ree says: Or when Carlisle came on and someone said, "Now that is what I'm talking about
Bekkah says: BWAHAHA! I didn't hear that! Did you hear the girl next to me singing along to E.V.E.R.Y. song off the soundtrack!?!?!? Holy Prep-Work!!!
Ree says: Sighing over the most uncomfortable scene for me. His face was weird
Bekkah says: Dude, EVERYBODY'S face was weird!!
Ree says: Half the time his mouth was lopsided and his face did strange things but...
Bekkah says: Seriously...most UNattractive cast EVER! What was up with the perpetually SURPRISED look on Jasper’s face?!?!?! Total deer in headlights...
Ha! Get it...Deer...vegetarians...nevermind :\
Ree says: all in all...Edward was HOOOOOTTT!!! Do you think they were unattractive????
Bekkah says: Alright...he was...OK...that's all you'll get from me.
Ree says: Ha I get it. That is one of my favorite lines Sexy baby!
Bekkah says: Uhm...yeah...although Alice was kinda cute and he fit the 'pixie' description from the books.
Ree says: That was another thing
Bekkah says: jes?
Ree says: Alice and Bella’s friendship was totally missing from the movie. Alice tells Bella, we are going to be such friends or something but that was the extent of it. Everything that leads up to the prom was completely gone.
Bekkah says: Yup, I'm assuming that will become a bigger story in the next movie.
Ree says: What happened to Angela? She is supposedly Bella’s closest friend. Ahhhh...there was so much missing but I absolutely loved it and would have gone into the next theatre and watched it all over again
Bekkah says: I think they were probably trying to cram a lot of stuff into two hours and just had to let some things spill over into the sequel.
Ree says: True...and I didn't hear the singing girl. Was she the one who said, "he has nice teeth" when Jacob was on?
Bekkah says: eheheeee! Probably...
Ree says: Also, the cheesy, campy style was interesting considering that I didn't feel the book was cheesy or campy.
Bekkah says: He DID have nice teeth though...
Ree says: He does. He's a cutie
Bekkah says: There was one thing that I totally hated.... I hated it in the book and I hated it in the movie...the scene when Bella is leaving home and is SO nasty to Charlie. Even when reading it, it seemed so over the top and cold-hearted. She could have easily come up with an excuse to leave without being so horrible to him!
Ree says: The part where Bella always looked pissed off and she smelled something bad?
Bekkah says: HA! that too.
Ree says: Speaking of Charlie...he was a cutie. I didn't picture him somewhat hot
Bekkah says: He was okay, in a lumberjack, maple syrup, backwoods kinda way... Me neither, for some reason I pictured a beer belly and receding hair line?!
Ree says: The part where Carlisle is talking to Edward because he is trying to get him to stop drinking her blood cracked me up. It was the worst! Me too!
Ree says: Exactly. Police Chief...too many donuts. Hahahah
Bekkah says: Exaaaaaactly!
Ree says: I always liked those lumberjack types
Bekkah says: I'd take the lumberjack over bug-eyes-Jasper.
Ree says:I also liked Emmett. He looked like a big teddy bear. The newbie? He looked ready to shit himself
Bekkah says: YES! Emmett...and poor dude had like two lines throughout the entire movie!!
Ree says: Lie he had the runs and was afraid to move for fear he would shit in his pants
Bekkah says: HA! Of course, how did I not make that connection?!
Ree says: See. That's why I'm here.
Bekkah says: Thank goodness! What did you think of the Meyer cameo?? Like you mentioned, Stephen King, M. Night Shyamalan have cameos in their films...and I think Stan Lee always works himself into the films he produces. It usually doesn't bother me, but...
Ree says: I loved that! I loved it because everyone said, "that's Stephanie"
Bekkah says: I dunno...for some reason it kinda annoyed me that she was in it...it totally distracted me and she looked...out of place and uncomfortable.
Ree says: The chick hasn't been around forever and that just shows me how much the internet played into the movies success. What I did love about the movie is
Bekkah says: Definitely...her face is everywhere these days. Good for her!
Ree says: I think that Robert and Kristen did manage to get the essence of Bella and Edward. I liked them together on screen and thought that they did a good job of depicting the characters. Bella was at times annoying because she just seemed like a silly teenager who had fallen in love with the unattainable guy with the 90210 hair.
Bekkah says: I like them too. They weren't what I had envisioned after reading the books, but I think they did pretty good. Besides... Being a fan of the books, it's almost impossible to not enjoy at least some aspects of the movie. It's always pretty cool when you finally get to see locations and characters, living and breathing, when previously all you were working off of was a mental picture.
Ree says: I have spoke to 2 others one loved it but she did not read the books. The other read the books and was disappointed mostly because she felt that Edward was supposed to be the hottest guy but she didn't feel that Robert was hot enough to play Edward.
Bekkah says: I'm with the last friend...I enjoyed the books, but I was a smidge bit disappointed in the movie. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it. I thought Edward could have used some gym time prior to filming... Wasn't he chiseled in the books?!!?
Ree says: I think that we can't possibly picture the hottest guy. What is hot to you may not be hot to me. He is what is hot to Bella.
Bekkah says: True that...
Ree says: He said that he was working out like crazy but dropped too much weight and they asked him to stop. In the book did he shimmer in the sun? I don't remember
Bekkah says: I heard he dropped a lot of weight, but not that he was working out...I read somewhere he looked emaciated. Yup...totally shimmered....
Ree says: My niece said his stripped name is Sparkle
Bekkah says: ehheee....niiiiiice! Did you notice he has two songs on the soundtrack?
Ree says: I personally love the movie, can't wait to see it again. No, I didn't. Ummm...interesting
Bekkah says: They're...interesting :\
Ree says: What did you think of the three vampires?
Bekkah says: The villians?
Ree says: Yes. Did they do the characters justice?
Bekkah says: Well, what little interaction we had with them, I thought they did great.
Ree says: Wasn't her mom hotter in your mind
Bekkah says: YES! She looked a bit...weathered...
Ree says: I read that the budget was small, there was no green screen on this movie. Everything was done my stunts and pulleys, no big effects.
Bekkah says: I kinda liked that though....
Ree says: I kind of like that
Bekkah says: HA!
Ree says: Yeah. I wonder if they the next one with a bigger budget will overdo the effects
Bekkah says: I wish you had finished Breaking Dawn already..DAMMIT! Would love to discuss right now what I DISLIKED about the books, but also how some of those issues were resolved by the end...it gave me a better understanding of where Meyer was trying to go with the plot and character developments.
Ree says: Someone who didn't read the book will have no disappointments with this movie.
Bekkah says: I'm sure it'll they'll have more impressive action scenes, but hopefully they'll know their target audience enough to realize it would be wasted on us!
Ree says: Meyer writes so descriptively that you can't possibly transpose that to the screen which is where I think we are all disappointed.
Bekkah says: You're probably right. As usual, I'm having a hard time feeling the same enthusiasm for the movie when the books kicked so much ASS!
Ree says: She is so detailed in her books that it would be impossible to act that out. I know. Like Stephen King, she writes a vision on our heads with the amount of detail that we don't need a movie to see it play out. His movies don't do well either
Bekkah says:Plus, I think that because she so vividly describes the characters and events we all have our own mental picture of what would be perfect. As you said before, the film couldn't possibly satisfy everyone's idea of how this story should look visually.
Ree says: Even the Cullens home wasn't as grand as I thought it would be.
Bekkah says: OMG! Yes...I was totally expecting some modern looking mansion...The cooking scene was cute...
Ree says: We won't be able to discuss Breaking Dawn until next month since I am refusing to pick it up. I loved that!
Bekkah says: BAAAH! You suck.
Ree says: I am not ready to let them go
Bekkah says: Me too! They were so excited...
Ree says: Stephanie is putting the next series on-hold indefintely
Bekkah says: Aaahh...probably not a bad idea. Spacing it out might work better anyway
Ree says: I loved the line where they ask "Are we even sure she is Italian?" Then "her name is Bella"
Bekkah says: HA!
Ree says: I am going to need my Edward fix. I want Edward to stand in my room and watch me sleep. Me and 500,000 other teenagers.
Bekkah says: I loved all of the graduation caps on the wall.
Ree says: Yeah that's right
Bekkah says: HA! Get in line!!
Ree says: Me too. Cute! "Inside joke"
Bekkah says: And that Edward is '17'...for 'a while'
Ree says: Haaa.. How long are you watching me sleep? "Only a couple of months"
Bekkah says: C-R-E-E-P-Y!!!!!
Ree says: That's me babe. Creepy
Bekkah says: Ahahaha
Ree says: I enjoyed the ending
Bekkah says: So, I think it’s pretty obvious what the appeal is for teens…but why do you think it’s also able to connect so strongly with so many adults??? Is it just Edward's 'hotness'?!
Ree says: People who didn't read will know that Victoria is ready to avenge.
Bekkah says: Definitely. That ending had sequel written aaaalll over it.
Ree says: I think Vampires are sexy but...I also think this is like Titanic without the ocean liner, iceberg, and him dying at the end.
Bekkah says: Aaah, yes...excellent analogy!
Ree says: We are all romantics at heart
Bekkah says: "I'll never let go" and she pulls his frozen hand off her and lets him sink.
Obviously it’s the fantasy element…as well as the danger/excitement , but I think it’s also the newness and innocence of Bella and Edward’s relationship. It’s a peek back to a time when everything seemed so intense and full of promise/possibilities.
Ree says: Who wouldn't want a guy to be so drawn to you that they couldn't possibly be without you. "My personal heroin"
Bekkah says: Uhm...ME! I need space, yo!
Ree says: Not me...."You don't know how long I've been waiting for you Bella!"
Bekkah says: Okay...THAT was kinda sweet! You could definitely feel how lonely he had been before she arrived.
Ree says: Exactly. He was alone in a home full of pairs just waiting for his imprint
Bekkah says: Night and day without having someone...while Rosalie had Emmett and Alice had Jasper. Yup.
Ree says: Exactly.
Bekkah says: I have to say though...I'm nervous about... the next movie...I wasn't crazy about that book, so I'm hoping that maybe I'll have the reverse opinion.
Ree says: So....to sum it all up Siskell...you liked it but...
Bekkah says: I like it, but it could have had more substance too it. I also had to remind myself that technically I'M NOT the target audience, so some of the things that I would have LIKED to have happened...couldn't because of that.
Ree says: For me...it was romantic. The movie will never be what the book is...it is not possible. One of the best things about the written word is that we all see our own movie. Now when I read Breaking Dawn I will picture Kristen and Robert as Bella and Edward. Yeah like...yo...Bella and Edward Get down to some business. The kiss was hot, "I want to try something"
Bekkah says: On my star rating (1=horrible, 2=entertaining, 3=excellent, 4=earth shatteringly fabulous) I give it a two...
Ree says: but...this chick would like to see the adult version. If I use your scoring I give it a 3 because I would see it again and probably again after that.
Bekkah says: Oh, yeah!
Ree says: I also loved the innocence of them just laying in the grass together. Cute. So...would you see it again??????
Bekkah says: Yup, and all the 'silent' cut scenes of them sitting and talking...just getting to know each other... Yes, most definitely. In fact, I'm looking forward to watching it again.
Ree says: Yes...loved that...that was how the writer wanted us to see them developing their relationship in a short period of time. Oh...cool..let's go
Bekkah says: Exactly. We were to assume that their bond strengthen over time... AHAAHAA!!
Naw, man...we wait for it to come on PPV, then we spark up the batcave! Vampire wine is on me. Not literally, of course.
Ree says: How hot was it when he stopped that van??? Dude hot! His intensity of trying to save her and then him being pissed off at her clumsyness at the class trip.
Bekkah says: But did you think Edward was HOT!?!?!
Ree says: Oh...speaking of on you. I owe you. I thought that he was hot
Bekkah says: Another chat session to discuss Breaking Dawn?!
Ree says: Oh hell yeah.
Bekkah says: w00t! Bekkah just sent you a nudge.
Ree says: K...so you didn't think he was hot?
Bekkah says: Sorry, got a bit excited there.
Ree says: That scared the shit out of me. Holy hotness batman
Bekkah says: Honestly, he was...in a very different and original kinda way...
Ree says: To borrow a Bek phrase. Yes. Not conventionally hot, but hot.
Bekkah says: Exaaactly!
Ree says: We agree??? That is crazy
Bekkah says: I would NOT throw him outta' my bed
Ree says: Oh hell yeah and that grey peacoat hot!
Bekkah says: Giiirl, us agreeing happens more and more every daay!!
Ree says: The car driving, hot.
Bekkah says: Okay...now you're just out of control! The coat was FUGLY...
Ree says: I loved it
Bekkah says: I mean COME ON!? Ahahahaa!!
Ree says: Do you think anyone else will read our gibberish
Bekkah says: Probably not...but they SHOULD!
Ree says: I am sitting her laughing
Bekkah says: We crack OURSELVES up! Me too
Ree says: J, wants to know what I am laughing at
Bekkah says: Did you tell him me??? He laughs at me all the time too...i can take it!
Ree says: I think I am laughing because I am 42 years old drooling over a 23 year old actor with my girl.
Bekkah says: Eheheee!! yeah, that IS kinda humorous!
Ree says: He thinks we are crazy for chatting alone, just the two of us
Bekkah says: OMG...so does OHIO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Men...humpf.
Ree says: It's the best. They suck and they are not Edward, so there..plllltttttt
Bekkah says: Oh, certainly NOT. Funny...I read an interview with Robert Pattison...He said... "Who knew every girl's dream guy would be driving a Volvo." I'm not sure why I found that so damn funny, but I did...
Ree says: Everyone loves vampires. Not sure if it is because of the Volvo...
Bekkah says: Or his hot pea coat?
Ree says: Crap...Also, loved when he asked her "say it out loud." He can't read her so he needs her to say it.
Bekkah says: Yeah, but for some reason I was thinking of Sam Kineson yelling out...
Ree says: Also, why was the guy in the restaurant thinking about a cat?
Bekkah says: say it, say it, SAAAAY IIIIT!!
Ree says: Hahaha....miss Sam
Bekkah says: LMAO! I dunno, the cat guy freaked me out! Me too
Ree says: OK...so....let's wrap this up....I loved it
Bekkah says: Yes, please...the 2nd harry potter awaits us in the batcave!! I enjoyed it. And I will definitely go to see every sequel they decide to make with you, then chat about it.
Ree says:I give it 3 out of 4 bite marks
Bekkah says: after 24 hours of pent-up frustration from not being able to talk about it.
Ree says: Hell yeah...enjoy Harry. Tell Ohio thank you.
Bekkah says: 2 out of four bite marks.
Ree says: I know it. Ok...
Bekkah says: Hi to Teach and the kiddies!
Ree says: Thanks for your time, the books and going to the movie
Bekkah says: My pleasure!
Ree says: peace out
Bekkah says: word
Ree says: yo. buh bye

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Then There Was Blood

No, I haven't seen Twilight yet. That will be happening this weekend. I am talking about Handsome boxing on the Wii then running over to fall like his character on the play mat I have on the floor. This would be fine and only mildly annoying if his sister hadn't been playing on the mat.

I saw him run over, and as he went down like his Wii Character, his Wii controller collided with Goddess who landed in a crumpled heap, on her face with her butt in the air. For a moment they in fact looked like the Wii characters on the TV only there is no blood in the boxing game.

She was screaming as my short legs took big long strides to get there. She was holding her mouth, I scooped her up and tried to access the damage. She was screaming and holding her face. I noticed loads of darkness around her lips but she had just eaten a little square of Hersheys so I was hoping it was only that. Chocolate or blood her screams would be exactly the same.

I calmly walked her to the bathroom so I could see in some good lightening and yes...it was blood and lots of it. Her brother was doing the "I'm sorry chant" over and over again and she was screaming.

After calmly (I really am good in an emergency. She could have bite through her tongue and thank God she didn't and I would have been the same way.) checking each tooth to make sure they were all intact. I followed up with a tongue inspection. Nope, the blood after wiping was coming from the side of her lip. I wiped blood, used ice, made her laugh and blew her nose and wiped her tears. She wanted Daddy but unfortunately he was working and unavailable by phone. We eventually got through it 20 minutes later, she has a fat lip on one side which also looks like she has red lipstick on but she is fine.

Blood on your child is never fun. It was all over her clothes and mine but eventually there was laughter. Pretending to be her with a fat lip made her laugh and all was well.

My poor baby, between getting locked in the bathroom at school and now this, she is having a very tough week.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Product Review - The Wonder Mop - You Need One!

The Next Amazing Product was my new favorite mop.

This mop is called Wonder Mop and it is by The Libman Company. They have been making family made products since 1896. If a company can be around that long in this economy, they must be doing something right.

The Wonder Mop put my dirty old sponge mop to shame. My faithful mop has been cleaning my kitchen forever but it is already sitting on my deck waiting for the trash man scheduled on Friday. I will never again use a sponge mop.

Fibers are the way!

I love the lightweight, the ease of wringing the the mop out and the fact that It can reach into many, hard to reach areas. My kitchen is very cluttered and it is hard to get everything out so that I can do a thorough swapping of the deck so to speak. Not necessary with this mop. I was able to reach under my microwave stand, my stove, behind the microwave stand and I didn't need to get on my hands and knees to get into the corners of my kitchen to clean them. The mop did the dirty work for me and got everything. Loved it!

Would you like a mop of your very own? The Wonder Mop is available at most grocery store chains, Walmart, Target, and Kmart to name a few. Another way to get your own Mop would be to come back here and look for my upcoming June Cleaver Giveaway.

Sponsored by The Libman Company

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Product Review - Who Doesn't Love A Clean House????



This week I received an awesome (and I am not kidding) package from Weiman.

Weiman products have been a staple in homes across America since 1941 and can be purchased at all the biggest shopping locations (Home Depot, Walmart, Target, and Kmart to name a few).

Weiman started 65 years ago as a complimentary gift and became the foundation for a revolution in clean. The Weiman family gave its customers a small bottle of special polish to help them preserve and protect their new fine wood furniture. That polish not only is the cornerstone of Weiman's entire product line, it also has enjoyed top status among fine furniture restorers, leading museums, embassies, craftsmen and antique experts worldwide. Isn't that interesting? Love that!

I reviewed:

Weiman, Natural Furniture Wipes

I loved it: Easy, smell and convenience. Also, that I didn't have to use a dusty, old rag. I used it on every piece of wood in this house. I love the smell. It is fresh and clean without being overpowering. The wipe has just the right amount of product on it. There were not streaks, and no residue. Loved it!

Weiman Squeeze and Clean Floor Cleaner
Why I love it: All natural, quick dry, smudge free, no harsh chemicals. Need a say more?



Glass Cook Top Cleaner Wipes. I used these on absolutely everything. My stove, my bathroom mirror, my laptop, TV, I used these are all purpose cleaners. They are also easy, convenient and like the other 2 products. Safe to use around my children.

Want to try these products out and more? You could find them at Kmart, Home Depot, Target and Walmart to name a few. Another way would be to come back soon to see a Product Giveaway sponsored by Weiman.

Check back with me soon!

Sponsored by Weiman

Ruby Tuesday and Wordless Wednesday - Bite Me



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Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Locked Doors Can Cause Tears

I walked into my children's preschool today and overheard one of the teachers telling the other to "let mom (me) know about the bathroom incident."

Expecting that I was going to hear that one of mine (my son) was playing in the sink and got water all over I prepared myself for a discussion with my son.

No!

Today while I was going about my morning with my girlfriend discussing Twilight, books, kids, family, holidays and Maury over eggs, toast and bacon my daughter was locked in the bathroom at school.

She had gone into the bathroom after someone had been in there. They are not allowed to lock the door and Goddess has no idea how to lock or unlock one (we will be working on that this weekend). The teacher tells me that she had gone past there a few times because it seemed as if my daughter was in there for a while. Finally (no one is telling me how long), she heard my daughter crying and tried to open the door and realized it was locked. They got the door opened, got my very upset baby out and had a big discussion with the class about playing with the lock.

The reason this upsets me and maybe I am crazy because kids have to learn that mom can't always be there, is that she was crying and I wasn't there. I know that the teachers don't pick the kids up and console them and it just kills me that she was patted on the head and told it was ok while she cried. Aghgghhhhhh...She is 3 and she is so little that it really breaks my heart that she was scared and I wasn't there.

I told the teacher that I wasn't going to bring it up to her unless she brought it up to me because honestly, she seemed fine when I got there. Neither she nor her brother ran to me telling me any of this. They ran to hug and kiss me hello.

When we got to the library, my son brought it up. "Mom, you know Goddess was scared today? She was afraid of the door!"

I asked her "what happened at school today? Do you want to tell me?" She said, she "I couldn't get out of the bathroom." I asked if she was scared and she said yes.

I asked if she yelled for help and she said No. This was when I decided a conversation about calling for help was necessary. Kids need to know they can call for "HELP!" Sometimes they don't because they are afraid they will be in trouble or because they are embarrassed. I should know, "I never asked for help when my grandfather was molesting me." I was afraid someone would think it was my fault.

I told her that it was important that she yell help as loud as she could the next time she was scared, afraid or in danger.

When we ran into my "breakfast girlfriend" and I told her, she reiterated exactly what I had told my daughter, only with more animation. She pretended to punch and kick an imaginary door while yelling "help."

Hopefully she gets the idea and I will deal with my "mommy guilt" in my own time.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Amazing Prima Princessa Holiday Giveaway 2008!


Back in July, Prima Princess was my very first giveaway. You can see it here.

Now, the ladies over at TuTu Zone are giving away an amazing Holiday Giveaway that any little girl or big girl will absolutely fall in love with.


Included in this giveaway is:
  • The Prima Princess Presents Swan Lake DVD
  • Beautiful White and Silver Sparkle Wings
  • Elegant White Feather and Faux Pearl Tiera
  • Adorable White Tutu
  • Soft Stuffed Swan
Prima Princessa Presents Swan Lake is a 40-minute DVD for children 3-7, with an animated fairy ballerina who magically transports a group of little girls to see the world famous Paris Opera Ballet perform Swan Lake. The show is cleverly abbreviated for kids and narrated beautifully by an adorable cartoon ballerina. Between acts, the children return home to learn simple ballet steps, which are playfully shown mixed into colorful montages of toys, animals, children and young dancers from the School of American Ballet, the official academy of the New York City Ballet.

To enter this adorable giveaway and make someone's Christmas extra special head
over to TutuZone and leave a comment. Easy enough right? So, what are you waiting for?


Web site: http://www.primaprincessa.com/ (features clip of show, coloring book pages)
Blog: http://www.tutuzone.com/ (join in on the journey of 2 movie-making moms)

Monochrome Monday - Correct Hand Placement


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If you know any of my history you would know that this photo of my son shows just how far he has come. At 5 years old he was still holding his pencil with a 5 finger grip. Notice the correct finger placement in this shot.

We have been getting speech, occupational therapy and special instruction for the past 3 years. It has been a loooonnngg process, one that I wasn't crazy about when we started. Over the years we have learned that my son's speech delay was a physical one. He has lax core muscles which contribute to most of his problems. Speech has been working on helping him with his lisp, "sh" "l" "t," and "w" sound. Occupational therapy has worked on his grip, grasp and other muscular issues. I have been concerned about his footing for about a year now. I asked for a physical therapy evaluation and we will be getting that now too.

Speech, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Preschool, Tao Kwan Do, Gymnastics and life make this child very busy. I would never be able to hold his schedule. Thank God he has youth on his side.

BTW...look at the size of that mitt. He is 5 years old but his hand looks like an adults.

Emerald Green Sunday


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It's so cold and grey out today that I wanted to put some warmth and sun up on my site today.
This was taken in April at the Botanical Gardens. The lawn looks so lush and green.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Week in Pictures - November 8 - 14, 2008



Week in Pictures

Join my lonely meme and create a running, photo diary of your week. It can contain your favorite picture of the week or a picture for everyday. Whatever you like as long as their is a story or description to go with it.

I am trying to create a legacy for my children and Photos are the best way. When I look back at my childhood photo albums I wish my mom was around to tell me the details of the photo like:

Where we were going?
What was happening?
How old was I?
Who are those people?

Scrapping is a great way because you get some photos and some journaling, but who has time for that these days?

JOIN THIS MEME by adding the button to your post and coming back to comment so that I can come see yours. You can find the button and link on my side bar.

November 8, 2008 - We headed out to a really fun, gymnastic party. The kids had a blast with their classmates as the entire class was invited. It was very controlled and everything was organized to the T. I guess when you have over 25 kids in a big facility that has to be. In this photo they are all waiting their turn to jump into a big pool of foam blocks. I really wish I was still a kid sometimes.
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November 9, 2008 - Handsome loves his boxing gloves. He wears them all the time. In this shot he was actually pretending to hit himself in the head and was in the process of falling.
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November 10, 2008 - I have been using Ortonish a lot in Picnik. I love the effect. This shot cracks me up. The steps are so steep and Goddess was basically just walking up them but you can see the effort it takes for her to accomplish this in this picture.
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November 11, 2008 - Handsome was doing his "homework" from his OT instructor. He had problems holding his pencil, now we are working more on control. Up until this year he was using a 5 finger hold. I was so proud of him as I watched him work to control his movements.
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November 12, 2008 - This is the calendar we use for the kids. They love doing the weather song, days of the week and month of the year songs every morning. Handsome pretends he is the teacher and Goddess plays the student. I love watching them. He sits in a chair like his teacher and she sits on the floor. He speaks as his teacher does asking her to raise her hand and "who is listening, I need listeners." Cute!
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November 13, 2008 - Last month I won a giveaway from Life Is Like Champagne from Frill er Up Couture. The one Goddess picked out is called Chocolate in the Sky. It is a very fitting name for her. If you know us personally, you know what I mean. More of this cute Tutu to come. This was right after we received it and she wasn't in the mood to pose as she was watching a movie with her brother. Notice the forced smile.

November 14, 2008 - This is the Toobeez that I just reviewed today. In this photo the kids are singing at the top of their lungs, Hard Knock Life from Annie. Be glad I don't have sound on here.
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Product Review - Toobeez - My Kids Playing


This weekend I received the most awesome children's product. It is called Toobeez and the reason I think it is the most awesome is because the possibilities are endless.

My kids were excited when they saw the box and couldn't wait to see what was inside.
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We opened it and there was another box. They were beyond excited because in their mind there was a box for each of them.
I finally opened to show them what the box held. Inside was the most colorful 57 pieces of plastic I had ever seen. The kids were so excited with loads of "wow's" and "what is it?"

Telling them it was a way for us to build something we could sit in like we do with the Little People, I got to business. While I built their first fort, they fought over the boxes. Finally I had my first fort constructed and they ran and got their mini couches to put inside. I made it wider by simply adding more attachments. It was so easy, just take one of the yellow multi-keyhole balls and insert a plastic tube into it until you feel it click. So easy, my 3 year old could do it.
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We added the slide on curtains and they did a mini puppet show, then we threw some blankets over it, gave them their lanterns and played inside. There was room for their mini couches, me, some stuffed animals, 2 blankets and 2 kids. We changed the configuration easily about 5 times. Finally, they lied down to drink their milk while I read them a story.

Before the kids went to bed we had to talk them into pulling it down promising them we could put it together again tomorrow. We put all the pieces into a giant storage bag that was included with the set. Love the bag because it easily holds all of the pieces, zips up and has handles for easy transport.
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My son's wish for tomorrow is to make a boxing ring and Goddess wants to make a swing and cradle for her teddy bear while I want to make an obstacle course with hurdles for my son to do like he does in his Tao class.