Thursday, December 24, 2009

Happy Birthday Jesus










Grammy came over to help us get ready for our Birthday party for Jesus

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

My First "official" product review

I know in the past, I've shared about awesome products that I've come across - remember the AWESOME boogie sucker - I still can't live without that:) However, my first "official" review is coming:) I was just asked to review a product from www.toysandgamesonline.com
When I was a teacher, I had the opportunity to help select the curriculum for the English department for the entire school district. It was going to be used for the next 7 years. I took the responsibility very serious. It ended up being a lot of extra work, but very very much worth it. Being the representative for the sixth grade level, I was giving everything (all the accompanying material) from three different companies. Much more material than the district would be purchasing even if we went with that curriculum. But, for that 6 month trial time, my students got to benefit from all the extras, and we used it all.
So with that being said, I once again was excited to try something new out with my kiddos and share our experience. Then, the problem arose. I went to the site yesterday to find a toy that my three oldest (5, 3 and 2) could all use. The problem wasn't finding something, but trying to decide which one. I was SOOO impressed with the site. I don't think I've found a site that has a better selection of, and is so well layed out. They literally have thousands of online toys, categorized by age, gender, and activity (educational, dress up, outdoor, building, arts and crafts and so on). And... the best part... the price! I usually find online toy stores to be a bit pricier than say Walmart or TJ Maxx which yes, I buy most my toys from. However, I was really pleased to see great prices. If I hadn't already finished my Christmas shopping, I would have through this site. I definitely plan on returning for birthday presents.
I LOVE their arts and craft section. I buy A LOT of arts and crafts. I feel like I am constantly trying to come up with activities for my kiddos to do. And their selection of educational toys is great. I don't home school - in that, my kids do (well Brock does) go to public school, but I do home school in that, we spend a lot of time working with the kids, teaching them, and going on educational field trips. I try to buy toys that will enhance their learning, and teach through play. I like games that will teach and challenge. With that being said, I think - after literally hours of going through the site I found the ideal toy to try out.
So, keep your eyes peeled because the review is coming soon. In the mean time head over there and check it our for yourself. They also have a baby section - I found some great stuff that I'd like to get for Caed as well. They carry everything from furniture to toys. www.csnbaby.com

Friday, December 18, 2009

26 Christmas cups

This week, of course the boys have had tons of Christmas activities at school. Every day they've needed to bring something in addition to backpacks, lunches and homework. They've had to take gifts for gift exchanges, gifts for teachers, art supplies, board games, library books, reading logs, goodie bags, party supplies... On Wednesday, Brock need to take "26 Christmas cup cakes - or so I thought. So Tue. I had to load everybody up and head to the grocery store for cupcake mix, eggs, oil, frosting, paper cups, and decorating supplies. When I got home I realized that somehow I'm missing my second cupcake pan - how does that just disappear?!?!? So, I could only make 12 cupcakes at a time. With nursing, diaper changing, kid wrangling and dinner making in the mix, it took me like three hours to make, frost and decorated all the stinkin' cupcakes.
When I picked Brock up from school on Wednesday, I asked him how his party was and he replied, "Mom why didn't I take cups like I was supposed to?"
Yep that's right... in my sleep deprived state of being I somehow saw "26 Christmas Cupcakes" when it really said "26 Christmas Cups".

2nd Annual Mommy and Me Christmas Baking Bash

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Monday, December 14, 2009

Santa




We took the kiddos to see Santa yesterday. It was the first time in a few years that no one freaked out or cussed. Last year Dane said the "F" sound for "S" and all he wanted was a sucker and M&M's. He just kept repeating M&M's *ucker! But this year it went off with out the drama.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Happy Friday:)

Happy Early Birthday Grammy


Grammy's birthday is actually December 25th - Christmas, but we celebrated it a little early this year. we had dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory, and then walked around the Mission Inn and looked at their beautiful Christmas decorations.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAMMY...WE LOVE YOU

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Bowling

The kids earned enough stamps this week for good behavior to do a fun family activity. They decided to go bowling.








A Little Dress Up and Cookie Decorating:)





I think my fav is the ninja ballerina!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Oh Briley


Maybe giving this one chocolate pudding wasn't such a good idea.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Getting ready for the season






I found this cute foam gingerbread house on clearance at Michael's (like $3). We always make a gingerbread house with frosting and candy, but I thought we'd have a practice run with this one:) I thought it wouldn't be quite as messy - I think I was wrong, but at least it wasn't as sticky. I think we're ready to tackle the "real" gingerbread house now:)

Happy Thanksgiving







We had a small easy Thanksgiving this year. Most of our family was out of town - my uncle and aunt are in Ethiopia on a Missions trip, my cousin is in Chicago with her new husbands fam, my brother and Amber were with her fam, and Bobby's family was in Texas. So we opted NOT to cook and ordered our feast from Marie Calendars for my clan of 6 and my Mom and Grandma. It was easy, and delicious:) After our meal we helped Grammy decorate her Christmas tree.