10 Things on Your “To-Do” List

1. Download my 2008 photos onto DVD's and get them off my computer
2. Get a job
3. Make a paycheck
4. Start a savings
5. Continue on my spring cleaning
6. Make arrangements for my children's spring vacation
7. Finish my latest book and move forward
8. Get my paperwork complete for taxes
9. Finish my resume
10. Remind myself of how fabulous I am
    

Whose on my MP3 Player???

• Twilight Score (I am addicted to everything Twilight)
• Daughtry (His voice rocks)
• Taylor Swift (She is a doll and I love all of her songs)
• Creed (God damn, why did they break up???)
• Evanescence (Amy sings like an Angel)
• Dave Grohl (He's the man!)
• Pearl Jam (Ten is my favorite album)
• Fuel (Love raunchy, gruff dude voices!)
• Gretchen Wilson (Hello!)
• Coldplay (Everyone needs a song or two)
• Dave Matthews (It's Dave!!! )

What's on yours????

The Simple Women's Daybook - March 30th

For Today...

Outside my window... Cold, cold, cold! Spots of sunshine but mostly cloudy.

I am thinking... That I need to call my last job to get my employment dates.

From the learning rooms... Loving yourself is so important to good mental health.

I am thankful for...Spending time with my girlfriends at a baby shower this weekend.

From the kitchen... Not much! Not hungry.

I am wearing...Jeans, brown belt and peach yoga top.

I am reading... Twilight (again) and The Middle Place (look for my review coming up)

I am hoping... To find a job that challenges me, pays well, & works with my children's schedule.

I am creating... My updated resume.

I am hearing... My girlfriend talking about our kids summer schedule, my son play Wii and my daughter watching Frosty!

Around the house... Vacuuming needs to be done. Dining room and living room were cleaned today.

One of my favorite things...zoning out with a good book.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Getting my resume printed and moving on.

Here is a picture I would like to share with you...

Amateur Movie Review - The History Channel - The Great Depression

Take an in-depth look at the decade that defined a generation, from the stock market crash of 1929 to the recovery spurred by the coming of WWII, Americans came to grips with this disaster in THE GREAT DEPRESSION, a four-part series from HISTORY.

• THE GREAT SHAKE UP: Examine the changes that swept the shaken nation during the first year of the Great Depression, from the landslide victory of FDR in 1932, to the California migrations of Dust Bowl farmers.
• FACE THE MUSIC: Faced with hard times, Americans sought release wherever they could find it, from marathon dancing to going to the movies. Using extensive film clips and photos, this episode shows how the media came of age to become an integral part of daily life.
• STRIKING BACK: As the Depression lingered and the New Deal failed to live up to people’s expectations, some Americans fought back against a system they felt had betrayed them. Illuminating rare footage and revealing interviews relive the desperate acts of people who had been pushed too far by the crisis.

• DESPERATE MEASURES: Finally, after years of crisis, World War II approached and did what all the protests and recovery programs failed to do – end the Great Depression.

In A Nutshell: Originally a 4-part series on The History Channel, this is a very relevant movie for right now. A great, in-depth documentary on the Great Depression. During these scary times, this documentary reminded me that We were there and we dug our way out, it can happen again.

To order this DVD for $12.95, head over here.

Game Review - Trivia Pursuit for Wii

Trivia Pursuit is one of those games that can either make you feel really smart or really dumb. When I play with my husband and our friends S & S I feel like a complete idiot. When I play with anyone else, I feel somewhat good about myself.

EA Games is my favorite game company due to my huge obsession with The Sims, more than a couple of years ago.

Bringing Trivia Pursuit to the electronic, game age was necessary since we are all playing on home consoles. It makes total marketing sense to bring it to Wii.

There are three modes you can play:

• The classic pie wedge style for us old schoolers
• Facts and Friends where there is one pie wedge for each category. You can even steal pie wedges from your friends.
• And my personal favorite called Clear the Board. I like playing Trivia Pursuit alone after years of feeling inadequate. There is no one besides me that can do a victory lap. Hooray!!
  

The plus side to the electronic version rather than the board version is that with each question there are multiple choice answers. I would like to say that I have gotten smarter, but I think it is more likely that I do better on multiple choice.

The only thing missing from this game is that I can't play my friends unless they are in my house. Playing remote gamers, is for me, the biggest plus side of playing high tech rather than the classic board game.

In A Nutshell: I LOVE IT!!!! This is a great addition to your Wii Game collection. The virtual game pieces floating around are fun. The questions, although they are the classic 6 categories, use photos, multiple choice and interactive maps which really add to the appeal of electronic gaming. Buy it, you'll love it!

My 1,115 Post - Saturday 9

The host of the famous Bravo series, actor, professor and host James Lipton asks actors these 9 questions (among many others). Today we will ask you those questions!

1. What is your favorite word? LOVE!

2. What is your least favorite word? Stupid, hate

3. What turns you on, creatively, spiritually, or emotionally? Someone who stands by their convictions and stays true to themselves.

4. What turns you off? Close minded people

5. What is your favorite curse word? FUCK!

6. What sound or noise do you love? My kids saying I love you

7. What sound or noise do you hate? Horns beeping and kids screaming

8. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt? I want to be a photographer for Playgirl!

9. If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? You were everything I intended you to be.

Amateur Book Review - Emergency by Neil Strauss-Giveaway

I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of Neil Strauss' Emergency from Harper Collins. I was really interested in diving into this book for so many reasons. I needed a diversion and this is one crazy world we live in and protecting my family is something I think about all the time since 9/11.

One of my favorite quotes from the book is "I'd rather be a running wimp than a dead hero." Nothing wrong with that. Hiding out sounds like a good thing if you are prepared and you can keep your cool.

While I think this book is mostly tongue in cheek, there were quite a few interesting tidbits that could change the way you view life as we currently live it.

You have to love the titles of some of the chapters too:

• Why knocking up a Brazilian Women can save your life
• Why you should think of the Zoo as a restaurant
• The Britney Spears school of pregnant surfing

The survival language was interesting too; WTSHTF (when the shit hits the fan) EOTWAWKI (end of the world as we know it) to name a few.

I personally loved the chapter called Five Steps to Tax Free and How to Become Immortal in One Easy Step.

In A Nutshell: Very interesting, quick read, entertaining and thought provoking. Word of Caution: This book will NOT save your life! It is not big enough or thick enough to take a bullet for you. However, if you need kindling you will be able to start a nice big fire with it.

Amateur Movie Review - The History Channel-The Founding of America

The inspiring early days of America – the personalities, the battles, the bravery, the losses, and even the romance – spring to life in spellbinding detail in this sweeping 14-DVD set from A&E Home Video.

FOUNDING FATHERS and FOUNDING BROTHERS examine the relationships of the very human men who risked their fortunes and lives for independence. THE REVOLUTION recounts great battles, devastating losses, and miraculous victories. BEN FRANKLIN and BENEDICT ARNOLD: A QUESTION OF HONOR look at the critical roles played by both men--one a hero, the other a traitor--while WASHINGTON THE WARRIOR and THE CROSSING pay tribute to the soul-stirring leadership of our first president.

With performances by Kelsey Grammar, Aidan Quinn, and Jeff Daniels, rare archival material, and commentary by leading historians, THE FOUNDING OF AMERICA presents historical programming at its comprehensive best.

DVD Features “History in the Making: The Revolution”; Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes; Behind-the-Scenes "History in the Making"; “Declaration of Independence” episode of SAVE OUR HISTORY; “The Many Faces of Ben Franklin”; Timeline; Anecdotes; Quotes; List of Innovations and Inventions; Benedict Arnold: Triumph and Treason (50-minute Biography episode); Cast Biographies/Filmographies.

For a breakdown of information on each of the 14 DVDs head over here.

In A Nutshell: Great documentary on the history of America. Like a years worth of History Lessons in 1 DVD set. There are over 27 hours with of documentary here for only $69.98. A real great gift for the history buff. The case is a beautiful addition to your library too. There are some great recreations with actors Jeff Daniels, Aiden Quinn, and Kelsey Grammer done really, very well. Enjoyable watch, with a current feel to American history.

Thursday Thunks on Friday

This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by THE THURSDAY THUNKERS, the color brown and the number 1.

1. What is your favorite type of soda (if you drink soda)? I don't drink Soda but I love Dr. Pepper. It has been a few years since I had a taste though.

2. Do you believe in astrology? If so, what does your sign say about you? I think there is something there but I don't put as much thought into it as I used to. I am a Leo. The Zodiac says:

The Leo type is the most dominant, spontaneously creative and extrovert of all the zodiacal characters. In grandeur of manner, splendor of bearing and magnanimity of personality, they are the monarch's among humans as the lion is king of beasts. They are ambitious, courageous, dominant, strong willed, positive, independent, self-confident there is no such a word as doubt in their vocabularies, and they are self-controlled. Born leaders, either in support of, or in revolt against, the status quo. They are at their most effective when in a position of command, their personal magnetism and innate courtesy of mind bringing out the best of loyalty from subordinates. They are uncomplicated, knowing exactly what they want and using all their energies, creativeness and resolution to get it, as well as being certain that they will get whatever they are after. Their followers know where they are with Leonians. Leonians think and act bigger than others would normally dare; the ambitiousness of their schemes and idealism sometimes daunt their followers, their practical hardheadedness and ability to go straight to the heart of any problem reassures those who depend on them. If Leonians meet with setbacks they thrive on the adversity.

On the whole they are powers for good, for they are strongly idealistic, humane, and beneficent. They have powerful intelligence and are of a broad philosophical, sometimes religious, turn of mind. Those who are devout may become very obstinate in upholding traditional beliefs and will cling tenaciously, but with complete sincerity, to practices and doctrines which liberal thinkers regard as absurdly out-of-date. These will be found as the 'lions' of industries, and in the forefront of the cutting edge of technologies.

3. Who is John Galt? A man?!

4. What is the last thing you do before you go to sleep at night? Kiss my husband

5. Who's your Daddy? A man, I think.

6. Jelly beans or Jelly Bellies? Neither

7. What do you think about yellow car? Why car manufacturer actually made yellow cars? Whatever floats your boat!

8. Holding on or Letting go? Holding on but if I have to let go, I will.

9. What kind of underwear, if any, do you wear? I only wear thongs. I hate underwear.

10. Who is your daddy and what does he do? A man who does nothing.

11. Spring - is it here yet?? It is getting here.

12. Does Google Streetview scare you? Nope!

13. What is your favorite brand of ice cream? Haagen

14. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Coffee

15. Do you ever get tired of your everyday routine? Yes, daily

16. What inspires you? My kids, books, photography, the weather, everything.

17. It’s springtime-do you spend more time outdoors? Oh yes....

18. When do you think Bud will let us see the DVD of him and the french twins? Is there a DVD?

19. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you, and why? I would live where I am right now. Why not?

20. Why do you blog? So many reasons; to keep up my computer skills, to network, to be creative, to leave a legacy for my kids, to write, to keep myself sane. Imagine taking care of kids, watching TV, doing house cleaning and laundry all day. Then imagine you never have time to yourself to just be with your own thoughts for 10 minutes! It would make you pretty crazy. Blogging allows me an escape for 2 seconds.

21. What are electrolytes and why are they good for us? Electrolyte is a "medical/scientific" term for salts, specifically ions. Electrolytes are important because they are what your cells (especially nerve, heart, muscle) use to maintain voltages across their cell membranes and to carry electrical impulses (nerve impulses, muscle contractions) across themselves and to other cells. Your kidneys work to keep the electrolyte concentrations in your blood constant despite changes in your body. Duh, everyone knows that.

22. Do you twitter? Why or why not? Yes. I Twitter because it is what Bloggers do.

23. What did you dream last night? I never dream, you have to enter REM sleep to dream.

24. What is the strangest thing you've eaten? I don't eat strange things.

25. What was the last picture that you took? It was my kids playing soccer with their father.

26. what is your favorite part of spring? The sunny, breezy feeling.

27. what is one thing that you did this past week that no one knows about? I watched Twilight 4 times this week. 2 times in 1 night.

28. What kind of bandages do you typically have in your household? Band-Aid brand

Friday Memes

1. "In a hole in the ground there lived a bunny named Hopper. Hopper loved to sit and watch the children playing in the school yard. Secretly Hopper wanted to be human but he would never admit that to his bunny friends.

2. "I have a few grays but that ain't no matter."

3. "After dark the rain began to fall again, and the creeps come out at night."

4. "The brooch she wore upon her breast were from the hold of the Spanish galleon."

5. "There was a hand in the darkness, and a scream escaped her throat as the realization seeped in.

6. "Accidents ambush the unsuspecting, tourists.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to ummm...errr...watching Twilight for the fifth time. Tomorrow my plans include just trying to catch up on a million and one errands and Sunday, I want to hang with my girlfriends at a baby shower.

1. To whom do you normally turn when you need to complain about something? I have an amazing group of girlfriends. All of them have a unique purpose. I usually turn to my girlfriend Teresa or Susan. They are the ones who aren't afraid to speak their mind or worried about offending me.
   
2. Which annual season-turning do you enjoy the most? I love summer to fall. The colors of Fall amaze me.
   
3. Where can you get a really good turnover? I don't really love turnovers. It isn't something I would look for but Entemann's has good ones.
   
4. What’s employee turnover like where you work? Unfortunately, were I work, I am the only employee. The pay really sucks, the hours are even worse.
   
5. One of the Wonder Twins could turn into any form of water, while the other could turn into any animal. Which of these powers would be more useful to you? I would prefer being an animal! A bird who can take flight, soar above the trees and return home with the swoop of a wing sounds great.

Food 4 Thought Friday

Food 4 Thought Friday ~ This week's questions

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Breakfast

What is the last thing you ordered on-line? I pre-ordered my obsession: Twilight DVD


Lunch
What is your favorite dessert at a restaurant? Something with melted chocolate

Dinner
What is the funnest game you have played recently? Trivia Pursuit for Wii

Midnight Snack
What job(s) did you have while in high school/college? When I was in college I worked at Kmart. "Attention K-Mart Shoppers, there is a blue light special in the Ladies Wear Department." Yup, that was me.

Recipe of the Week (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?) Obsessing over a fictional character is weird but it is short lived so enjoy it while it's there. "Ummm errrrr...can you say Edward Cullen????

A Thousand Words Thursday

Could You Use A Million Dollars?

Who couldn't??????

• Maybe you have your grandma's cookbook
• A picnic staple that your family and friends rave about
• Do you bake a mean cookie like no one else?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, than you could possible have what it takes to enter the Pillsbury Bake-Off.

All it takes is one simple recipe idea to become a millionaire. It could be a new twist on a family favorite or a variation of a dish enjoyed at a restaurant. Maybe it’s a recipe inspired by leftovers in the refrigerator or the desire to try a new product. As you’re creating your original recipe, think like a judge, and consider not only taste, but appearance, creativity and how your recipe will appeal to families across America. You just may have a winner!

Review these guidelines and you’ll be ready to create a winning recipe:
Recipe categories: Determine which category is the best fit for your recipe.
Prizes: See what you could win! $1 million, appliances and more!
Eligible products: Learn which products to use to make your recipe eligible for the contest.
Who can enter? Make sure you qualify to enter.
How do I enter? Submit your recipe online – it’s easy!
Judging: Check out how the recipes will be evaluated.
Rules: See the contest details.
FAQs: Start off on the right foot by reviewing the Frequently Asked Questions.

Enter here by April 30, 2009

Last Years Winner

Look What I Found Thursday - 3rd Edition

I would like to share with you "pearls of the Internet" on my radar for the week.

My girlfriend Bek, sent me this link, while there, I found Lauren's Bite. She is witty, funny and write about her Twilight/Edward/Rob obsession. I couldn't stop reading. You can also check out some awesome pictures of Rob as Edward. My favorite part of her blog is "pocket Edward."

Join my Twilight Addicts Support Group


Calling all Twilight Addicts!!!!

Christmas is only 9 months away, join the Candy Cane Club and get organized, slowly!

Twilight Support Group

Calling all Twilight Addicts!!!!

Do you have Twilightitis?
Twilightitis - Can't move past the saga; refuse to move onto another book;can't stop researching Twilight online; have already watched every You Tube video with Rob Pattinson; watched the DVD over 2 times.

I simply cannot get enough of Bella and Edward. There are a million books out there I am dying to read but nothing is grabbing me. I took 3 months to read Breaking Dawn because I refused to let go of the Cullen Family. Once I was done with book 4 I knew it was over.

I am praying that Stephanie Meyer finishes Midnight Sun because Edward's voice is missing from The Twilight Series almost making him a secondary character. I know she is busy with the movies and all but the series has already been written she just has to write from his prospective. It should be easy for her.

If you are a Twilight Addict like me; write me (ree026 at optonline.net) and lets see if together we can come up with a way to move past Twilight. What is the next great love story? What books are good that will take the place of my obsession?

Birthday Calculator - I am 511 Months Old!

That sounds so young to me. I will no longer say I am 42, from now on I will only use the month calculation.

Enter you birthday to find out how many hour, seconds, or minutes you are.

There are 142 days till your next birthday
on which your cake will have 43 candles
As of 3/24/2009 3:52:19 PM EST
You are 42 years old.
You are 511 months old.
You are 2,224 weeks old.
You are 15,564 days old.
You are 373,551 hours old.
You are 22,413,112 minutes old.
You are 1,344,786,739 seconds old.

Do You Believe In Numerology?

THE LIFE PATH NUMBER

The Life Path is the sum of the birth date. This number represents who you are at birth and the native traits that you will carry with you through life. The most important number that will be discussed here is your Life Path number. The Life Path describes the nature of this journey through life.

The Life Path number is established from the date of birth. First, add the Month, day, and year together to arrive at a total. Next, reduce this four digit number to a single digit.

Example: If a person was born on October 23, 1972 (10-23-1972*), add the month 10 to the day 23 plus the the year 1972 arriving at a total of 2005. Then add the digits in 2005 arriving at the Life Path number 7.

Mine is 7

Life Path 7 person is a peaceful and affectionate soul. (This is very true, I am extremely affectionate.) But you guard your connection to people carefully. It's easy for you to detect deception and recognize insincere people, and you avoid them. (Like the plague) You aren't one to have a wide circle of friends, but once you accept someone as a friend, it's for life. (This is so true)It's as if you must get to know someone a lot better before you allow the wall surrounding you to be penetrated. Chances are you are a very charming and refined individual with great poise and a quick wit. (Never saw myself as poised and quick witted, but I will take it) Nonetheless, there is an exclusiveness about you. You probably aren't a very social person. Your reserve is often taken to be aloofness, but actually, it's not that at all. It is merely a cover up for your basic feeling of insecurity. (This couldn't be more true. I am so insecure). There's no rush, It takes time for you to warm up to new friends. Clubs and organizations hold little interest for you; you are not a joiner. (I wish I were).

You actually like being alone and away from the hustle and bustle of modern life (Sometimes, but I do like people). In many ways, you would have fit in better in much earlier times when the pace of life was less hectic. You need a good deal of quiet time to be with your own inner thoughts and dreams (YES! That has never been more me than it is right now!). You dislike crowds, noise, distractions, and confusion. YES! YES! YES!

The overwhelming strength of the number 7 is reflected in the depth of thinking that is shown; you will garner knowledge from practically every source that you find. Intellectual, scientific, and studious, you don't accept a premise until you have dissected the subject and arrived at your own independent conclusion. This is actually very me.

The Simple Woman's Daybook~March 23rd Edition

This was supposed to post yesterday, but I just found it sitting in my drafts. Hurmmmmppppff


For Today...

Outside my window... looks warm, but looks can be deceiving. It is friggin cold out there.

I am thinking... Twilight tonight baby!

From the learning rooms... I need to spend more time learning Photoshop

I am thankful for... A day off from school.

From the kitchen... My coffee smells awesome

I am wearing... black yoga pants and a purple t-shirt.

I am reading...Breaking Dawn for the 2nd time and Emergency by Neil Strauss

I am hoping... To get the kids down before 8:00 so I can watch Twilight

I am creating... a very cool network of business associates.

I am hearing... my kids fight over the TV

Around the house...started Spring cleaning. All ceiling fans are done!

One of my favorite things... reading all I can on Twilight

A few plans for the rest of the week...cleaning

Here is a picture I would like to share with you...

My babies are too cute together. He loves picking her up these days. Check out her hand-me-down boy underwear.

It's Twilight Time - Don't look for me tonight!

The husband is working tonight, the kids are down...it's time for Twilight!

My DVD arrived today and I have been holding it ever since.

All day, I waited for this moment when I could sit down on the couch, with a comforter and watch it again!!!!

Yes, that is a 42 year old women kissing a DVD case. What? Like you never did that!


That is a happy lady right there!!!

Amateur Movie Review - The History Channel-The Bielski Brothers

During the darkest hours of World War II, three Russian brothers achieved the impossible: they transformed persecution and violence into an incredible tale of affirmation and survival. Living in the Soviet Republic of Belorussia, Tuvia, Asael and Zus Bielski fled to the woods to escape the Nazis. There they built an elaborate village for rescued Jews. The forest haven included a bakery, communal bath, synagogue, and even a theater company. Although they mounted guerrilla attacks against the enemy, their priority was saving their people. Tuvia often declared he would “rather save one old Jewish woman than kill ten Nazis.”

The Bielskis saved 1,200 men, women, and children--easily the largest rescue of Jews by Jews during World War II--but until now their story has gone largely untold.

Including interviews with Bielski Brigade survivors in the United States, Israel, and Great Britain, HISTORY recognizes three of the greatest heroes of the Holocaust.

In A Nutshell: As far as documentaries go, this one was very well done. Imagine that these brothers took on the responsibility of rescuing 1200 people all while surviving the Holocaust themselves. A very heroic story of 3 brothers who decided they wouldn't just lie down without a fight. Heroes during the Holocaust, who created history and left a legacy like no other.

This is a great movie for the WWII buff on your shopping list, and with a price of only $9.95, you can't loss.

Go here to order.

Gigi and the Lend Me A Hand Band Gets Kids Moving

Today, I was in the right place at the right time. While talking to someone today, I heard that there would be a "music and dance show" for the kids in a half hour.

My son is almost 6, so when I saw the flyer, I passed it by because it said, 1-5 years old. I am so glad someone took the time to invite me because my kids had a blast.

The "music and dance show" ended up being the............
Gigi, has been singing since before she was walking,
according to her mom, Granny Franny
The two women (the duo) who performed today are part of a musical family (trio & full band) who are available for parties, libraries, engagements, preschools, schools, and more.

There were about 25 kids and 12 moms and dads and we were all having a wonderful time. The women were engaging, entertaining, funny, witty, and clever.

The music they perform is super kid friendly. All the kids were sitting right in front of them performing the songs and doing the dances the Gigi and Granny Franny asked of them. Mixed with classics such as Old McDonald, 5 Green Speckled Frogs, and more were a slew of activities that made the kids jump, clamp, stamp their feet, make animal noises, and march around the room. The kids all loved the opportunity to speak into the microphone as Gigi asked questions, giving everyone their moment to shine.

My kids loved it! They sat right in front and told me later they really enjoyed themselves. "Can we see them again?"

If you are interested in finding out more about Gigi and the Lend Me A Hand Band check out their website where you can find out their schedule, the various party suggestions, or purchase 1 or both of the CD's.

I really wish I had my camera today!

The Good and The Not So Good Side of Being a SAHM

These are in no kind of order but today like most days I was hard up for adult companionship.

There are good, and not so good sides to every story. Giving up work to raise children is not something that anyone should go into lightly. When you give up your job you give up all kinds of things.

For me the easiest part of leaving my job was wanting to spend all my time with my babies. I lost my mom at 12 years old and never had a soft place to land. I was out of the house and taking care of myself before I was 17 years old. The hardest part of being a stay at home mom for me was giving up my independence. I didn't think of this at the time because I was more focused on my baby than of myself.

The hardest part of leaving my job; now (almost 5.5 years later) is that I am now 100% dependent on someone. This should be a good thing, and for some, it just might be. For me, it means little respect, no time to myself, having to ask for money to and always feeling as if I am walking on a glass floor that can break at any time.

Looking for work right now, is almost impossible. It means putting the kids in daycare and that is something that doesn't sit well with me. As a child of abuse I am always afraid of what other people will do to my children. My families schedule makes it hard to work also.

In this economy and in life we all need to work I just wish it was easier for me to find work around my children's, mine and my husband's schedule.

The Good Side

• Spending 24 hours a day with your kids
• Not having to take time off if they are sick
• Enjoying the park on a beautiful day
• Taking them to the free shows my community offer during the day
• Going to the farms, stores, and parks during the week instead of on the busy weekend
• Being able to participate in school activities

The Not So Good Side

• Spending 24 hours with your kids
• Getting absolutely no respect for what you do
• Having to ask your significant other for money even if it is to pay the bills
• Having no moments to yourself (even in the bathroom)
• Sometimes having no other adult conversation except with your spouse who never has anything to say to you.

I am tired of feeling in inadequate or that I am worth, less because I don't work outside the house.

Stepping off my soap box for the day. I just really needed to get that off my chest.

Twilight!!!!

Seriously, it's simply crazy to me how excited I am for the release of Twilight.

I pre-ordered from Amazon over 2 months ago knowing that I would get my DVD in the mail a few days after the release.

This morning, I received an email from Amazon stating that my order has already been shipped.

Along with this wonderful news was this email from Amazon:

Thank you for buying 'Twilight' on DVD from Amazon.com. We're writing with some important news about the release date.

Summit Entertainment, the studio producing 'Twilight' on DVD, will release it on Saturday March 21. Saturday delivery for your Amazon.com orders isn't guaranteed, but we're working to deliver your DVD as soon as possible after the Saturday release date.

We understand how important it is for fellow Twi-hards to watch and enjoy 'Twilight' on release day, so we've decided to make it happen. Amazon will provide--at no cost to you--a free 24-hour digital rental through Amazon Video On Demand that you can activate on March 21st. (No fighting the crowds or waiting in line at the store.)

Your promotional code and instructions will arrive in your inbox within hours of midnight EST on March 21st, and you can break dawn with 'Twilight' instantly. It's our way of saying thanks for your business.

Woooooootttt!!!

As if you needed another order to use Amazon!!


Thank you to my advertisers who helped me pay for my Twilight Box Set along with the DVD.

Things In My House Thursday

The last time I played along with Thing In My House Thursday, I posted pictures of one half of my son's galactic style room. I mentioned that we based the room on a bedspread and on the movie Stargate. Here are photos of the Stargate closet my husband built.

Here is a picture of the closet. It was your basic, opposing, sliding doors type box. He took the doors off and created this massive temple looking facade.

The first picture is one with the lights on. He installed a small red button type switch which is on a five minute timer. The lights are your basic red string, Christmas type lights.

The second picture: I opened one of the doors to show you the inside. The other side is just a rod with clothes hanging on it. Because the rooms are fairly small, he built the dresser inside the closet. There are sliding shelf drawers a big shelf going across the top.

In these pictures you can see the detail that went into the wood work of the closet. He carved each symbol and the first picture is my son's initials. The others are some that he found from the actual movie Stargate. You can see in the middle picture the type of crackle paint that was used. Only on an angle can you see that it has red in it. Otherwise if looks black. This was also used on the window. You an also see the 3 recessed lights above the closet in this picture.

In the last picture, I wanted to show you the trap door on either side for the Christmas lights. If a light ever goes out, he simply pulls them up through the door to change the bulb. Genius, No!???

I have so many projects around the house I would love done. With the economy these days, I would have to take a cash advance to do any such work around the house. Times are hard everywhere. We have to pray for an upswing. I thought it was hard 3 years ago but it has never been this bad.

Thursday Thunks

1. The last flight of stairs you walked up/down - were they carpeted? Yes. I cannot wait to pull that shit up.

2. Green or purple grapes? Either. They are all the same to me.

3. Do you like Peeps? No. Are they even real marshmellows?

4. The smell of Vicks - like it? It does the trick so I don't care what it smells like.

5. Do you put decorative cling-ons on your windows for different holidays? I did this one year. My kids took them off and put them back so many times, they eventually lost all shape and stopped clinging. So no!

6. Finish the sentence - I spent too much money on nothing. I don't spend a lot of money on anything.

7. Which celebrity should be flown into outer space or placed on a desert island? I could do without Britney. She's been gone for a while and I don't miss her. I want to see her do well but if she dropped out of sight forever it would be ok with me.

8. Would you support schools changing the "open" time? Such as 10am - 5pm, for example? Sure, whatever works

9. Do you go fishing? No!

Wednesday Weirdness #47

This is an interesting post to write after my bible study.


1.) In your opinion, what is your biggest character flaw? Probably that I take things very personally especially when it comes from my husband.

2.) What do you think is one of the worst television shows ever created? Oh I don't know...probably something on NBC, it is the only channel I don't watch.

3.) Have you ever ended up injured after trying an interesting new sex position? I think once, I ended up with a pulled nerve in my neck but not from an interesting "new" position. It was probably some same old position that is been done since Adam and Eve bite that damn apple.

4.) How crucial do you think communication is between you and a regular sexual partner? Do you talk often about what works, what doesn't, things you want to try, etc or do you keep the discussions to a minimal and let the physical flow as it may? It would be wonderful to have good communication. It would be impossible to expect good communication in the bedroom when you don't have it outside the bedroom.

5.) Who are your favorite comedic actors/actresses? Do I have a favorite? I like Ben Stiller, Mel Brooks, Madelyn Kahn, & Jim Carey

6.) In what way(s) do you wish your childhood was different? I wish that my family stayed together longer.

7.) Cotton Candy; Delicious treat or disgusting mess?De-lic-ious!!!

Happy Birthday Lilly P. Badilly!

Way back when I was a newbie Product Reviewer I reviewed Lily P. Badilly (see my review here) it was and IS still a great children's book. If you still haven't read this book you should!
To buy the book and the CD, head here to receive an online discounted price.

It's a great story, and one you won't mind listening to over and over which your children will surely want.

Enjoy!

Have A Sparkling St. Patricks Day

New Moon Movie and Twilight News

Teaching Your Child To Call 911 in an Emergency

As my children get older, as I watch more of the news, I realize how important it is that my children know how and when to dial 911. All children as old as 4 should know how to call. Hopefully, they won't ever have to do it, but teaching them how could save a life.

1. Teach your child to call from the house phone -- not the cell phone. Once the call from a house phone is made, the child really doesn't need to say anything else to get help. Of course, the more detailed the information available to emergency crews, the better the response will be.

2. Tell your child not to hang up until told to do so. In most cases, 911 call-takers (operators) will keep kids on the line until responders arrive. Children want to know someone is there.

3. Kids have a tendency to mumble when they're nervous. Stress the importance of being heard and understood. The recording equipment and computers make it difficult to hear at some 911 centers.

4. Make sure your child can say his or her first and last name to the call-taker. He or she will use the child's name repeatedly.

5. Your child should listen to the questions carefully, and ask the call-taker to repeat if necessary.

6. Stress to your child the absolute importance not to make things up. Kids may see the call-taker's questions as a sort of quiz, and feel they let someone down if they don't know the answer. That can lead to some creative answers. It's much better for them to just say they're not sure and move on the next question.

7. Have your child practice on an unplugged phone. They can dial 911 and you can be the call-taker. Ask them questions about the pretend incident. Do this kind of role-playing repeatedly. Kids like make-believe and repetition.

8. Teach your child when to call 911. Use basic concepts like when an adult can't wake up, any fire that happens without an adult, or an intruder in the home. Kids get the number down (it's only three digits after all), but they sometimes get confused with when to call. Don't be discouraged if your child can't explain the right situations to you. They often understand intuitively even when they can't explain it. Encourage them to trust their "gut" feelings, and if in doubt, to call.

9. Sing a song with your young child. About.com Guide to Child Care, Robin McClure, suggests using the melody to Frere Jacques as a fire safety teaching tool.

There's a fire
There's a fire
9-1-1
9-1-1
Call the fire department
Call the fire department
9-1-1
9-1-1

10. The older the child gets, the more detailed discussions you can have about the appropriate use of 911. It's extremely important that kids not use 911 as a joke. In most jurisdictions, calling 911 for any reason other than an emergency is grounds for a citation and a fine.

Happy St. Patricks Day

New Moon Movie and Twilight News

I'm not Irish but Kiss me anyway!!

Kids Are Weird

My daughter was telling my son whose mother I am.

Goddess: No, I am going to my mom. Not your mom, my mom.

Goddess: Right, mommy...you are my mom and not his?

Mom (me): No, honey..he is my baby too.

Goddess: No! Why do we need him???? Mom, why do we need Handsome????

Mom (me): Why do we need him?

Goddess: I don't want him.

Etsy Find - Airy Fairy Jewelry Giveaway

I look for inspiration everywhere and find that bloggers and Etsy artists are by far some of the most creative people you will meet.

While surfing Etsy the other day, I stopped upon Airy Fairy Jewelry. The name grabbed my attention at first. Looking through the virtual shop I fell in love with the jewelry. If I were to make jewelry I would want to do this.

The artist Katie was nice enough to allow me an interview

When did you start working with jewelry?
I started working with jewelry about 3 years ago, when I was a senior in high school. The first piece I ever made was a necklace made out of an old chain that came with a pair of jeans, an old earring from my sister, some colored wire and some found plastic beads. It was all rainbowy and pretty and I loved it. It was also the first thing I ever sold! See it here.

Where do you get your inspiration?
I get my inspiration from so many different places, I couldn't pin it down to one thing. Sometimes my inspiration will come from a trinket or bauble or bead itself, sometimes from nature, and sometimes from fairy lore. I am a big lover of fairies and I love to admire the beauty of nature. :)

What do you love most about what you do?
What I love most about making jewelry is the process of making it. Holding the materials in my hand, seeing the colors of the beads, and changing pieces of wire into swirly creations. I like making little pieces of art that people can wear. :)

Here are some of my favorites

This one is called Mermaid's Tail Ring

And the Forest Nymph Ring are just a few

Dear Reader, I have some really exciting news, the artist, Katie has agreed to gift one of my readers with a ring, or a set of earrings of their choice.

Now for the Giveaway Details:

Prize Description: One lucky reader will win a ring or earring set.

How to Enter: Visit Airy Fairy Jewelry then come back and tell me which item you would choose. (If this rule is not followed you will be disqualified).

Deadline: April 5, 2008 by Midnight

Do You Want More Entries? (PLEASE NOTE: YOU DO NOT NEED TO LEAVE A COMMENT FOR EACH SEPARATE ENTRY. LEAVE ALL YOUR ENTRIES IN ONE COMMENT. I GO THROUGH EACH COMMENT AND I WILL ADD THE ADDITIONAL ONES TO MY SPREADSHEET).*Add Airy Fairy To Favorites on Etsy

* Blog about this contest and link back to me (provide the link in the comment).

* Follow Me

*Add me to your blogroll

*Follow me on Twitter , Tweet this and leave the link.

* Subscribe to Maria's Space (if already a Maria's Space VIP "subscriber", please let me know how you receive my feed).

* Post my button on your sidebar

A winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified within 2 days. You will have 3 days to claim your prize or another winner will be chosen.

Product Review - Friends Forever Girls Giveaway

I am so happy to have been part of this product review and ecstatic to be able to host a giveaway from Friends Forever Girls.
When Mom Blog Marketing sent the notice out for reviewers, I couldn't respond quick enough. My daughter loves dolls.

When the box arrived I was like a little kid myself. I couldn't wait to open the colorful box to reveal the doll inside. I spread open the tissue paper and actually gasped. She was more beautiful than I had expected. Her name is Natalie and she is one of the Friends Forever Girls.

My daughter was sleeping after a traumatic bout with a medicine filled oral syringe, mommy when she arrived and I couldn't wait for her to see her. The kids are always so happy when I get to review a toy.

Even with a fever of 102 she was very happy to receive this doll. The exciting part for my daughter was that she isn't a baby doll. She is a big girl doll and very different from the rest of her dolls.

At 18 inches Natalie like the rest of the Friends Forever Girls comes with The First Day of Forever Book (introductory offer), Butterfly Promises bookmark, a cool clothing accessory (in this case a blue vest) and a duffel bag.

Lifted from the Friends Forever Girls Site:
Who are the Friends Forever Girls®? The Friends Forever Girls® are six characters with unique personalities that come to life through books and contemporary, age appropriate dolls for girls ages six and up. The dolls are 18 inches tall, have an all vinyl body, movable arms and legs and are able to stand on their own. The Friends Forever Girls® combine beautiful real looking dolls with content that delivers a much-needed positive message and image to the girls that play with them.

What are the Butterfly Promises? The Butterfly Promises are used as a tool to guide The Friends Forever Girls® when making decisions. They can also be used by you and your daughter! The Promises spell out “Butterfly” to make it easy to remember.

• Be the best I can be
• Use kindness and be fair
• Tell the truth
• Treat others the way I want to be treated
• Encourage my friends
• Respect myself and others
• Find the courage to do what’s right
• Listen to others, and remember…
• You can do it!

In A Nutshell: There are a total of 4 dolls right now with 2 more being added this year. At a reasonable price of $59.00 a piece they are much more reasonable and practical than some other dolls. The dolls are beautiful and each one has a unique story. I love that they talk about friendship because, as we all can attest, female friendship are important to our psyche!

Also, Friends Forever Girls has also been very generous and issued a code to customers who order a doll. Enter the code Spring to receive a free Girl Friends Forever T-shirt. The code will expire on April 20th.

Now for the Giveaway Details:

Prize Description: One lucky reader will win a doll of their choice.

How to Enter: Visit Friends Forever Girls then come back and tell me (1) which doll you would choose, (2) why and (3) who will receive it. (If this rule is not followed you will be disqualified).

Deadline: April 6, 2008 by Midnight

Do You Want More Entries? (PLEASE NOTE: YOU DO NOT NEED TO LEAVE A COMMENT FOR EACH SEPARATE ENTRY. LEAVE ALL YOUR ENTRIES IN ONE COMMENT. I GO THROUGH EACH COMMENT AND I WILL ADD THE ADDITIONAL ONES TO MY SPREADSHEET).

* Blog about this contest and link back to me (provide the link in the comment).

* Follow Me

*Add me to your blogroll

*Follow me on Twitter , Tweet this and leave the link.

* Subscribe to Maria's Space (if already a Maria's Space VIP "subscriber", please let me know how you receive my feed).

* Post my button on your sidebar

<br /> <br/><a href="http://reesspace.blogspot.com" target="_blank" title="Maria's Space"><img alt="ReesSpace" src="http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/qq179/ct315185/MSbuttonV3.png" /></a><br />

A winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified within 2 days. You will have 3 days to claim your prize or another winner will be chosen.

Good luck to all who enter.

The Simple Woman's Daybook~March 16th Entry

For Today...

Outside my window... beautiful, sunny, chilly day.

I am thinking... That I am tired of being sick. This house needs fumigation. 3 weekends of sickness is enough!!

From the learning rooms... I am reading and enjoying the bible.

I am thankful for... my husband taking the kids outside to enjoy a few hours with their daddy.

From the kitchen...Grilled chicken and salad was just what this sick mommy needed yesterday.

I am wearing... Jeans and a t-shirt.

I am reading... Eclipse and Emergency

I am hoping... a nice, warm day so that I can open all the windows and doors to bring in some fresh air.

I am creating... a network of friends that I didn't even think was possible.

I am hearing... Snow White. My daughter is watching it for the first time and hasn't sat down yet. She is standing right in front of the TV watching the dwarfs.

Around the house... A basket of laundry that needs folding.

One of my favorite things... reading with my daughter.

A few plans for the rest of the week... get the kids to the park a few days this week.

Here is a picture I thought I would share with you...This is my son on the day he got to take the school mascot home for the weekend. You ever want to make a kid really happy? Throw a stuffed animal in a backpack and tell him it's his for the weekend.

Music Monday - My Immortal

I just found this meme this morning and love, the idea of finding songs that fit with my mood of the moment.

Right now, I am loving the Twilight Series for the second time and am once again in love with the character of Edward. It is not because he is a vampire but how deeply he loves "his" love.

Whenever I pick up the book the first song that pops in my mind is "My Immortal" by Evanescence for obvious reasons. Edward is immortal.

Enjoy one of my favorite Evanescence songs.

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.

Transforming Family With The Help of a Life Coach

Have you ever just wanted to talk to someone who was totally disconnected from your situation? Someone you could lay everything on without censor, without judgement?

Who, hasn't felt that way at one time or another in their life?

Enter Tracy of Transforming Family.

Today I had a 1/2 session with Tracy of Transforming Family. What an honor to speak to someone whose goal is the help people live the best life they can live.

Talking to Tracy was like speaking to someone I have known forever. Tracy started out thinking that the key to a blessed life was money and power. She attained a BA in fashion merchandising and used it to become a buyer and manager of a sports good store. After that she went back to college, finishing with a BS in Early Childhood Education. Teaching through all the educational red tape was unsatisfying. Finally she found what she was looking for in the form of motherhood. Now, years later she has become a certified life coach. For the past 3 years she has been trying to "change the world, one family at a time."

After spending my early years in therapy, I have the tools to help me get my story out from beginning to end without falling off track. I gave Tracy a good 10 minute brief of my life from the death of mom to where I am today. She is a terrific, attentive listener who really hears you. Her caring, non threatening way of advising, makes you feel as if you are talking to your sister or your mother.

She offered suggestions and guidelines to assist me in dealing what was on my mind. I felt validated, supported, energized and accepted. Talking to Tracy, made me feel that I was on the right path and that it was OK for me to feel the way I feel. Exactly what I needed to hear!

In A Nutshell: Sometimes everyone needs someone to hear them, REALLY HEAR THEM. Tracy from Transforming Family WILL listen, Will HEAR you, and will assist you in finding the RIGHT path for you and YOUR situation.

Tracy graciously offers FREE 30 minute sessions so that you find out for yourself if she is the right coach for you. Go here to fill apply for a free coaching session.

Live your best life~

Compliments of Family Review Network