Tiffany Noth

Shopping and Saving Money

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Fri, 25 May 2012 19:45:00 +0000

I enjoy shopping.

Surprise, I know! Actually, I love to shop yet I am not so fond of parting with money. When I can save on items we need, then I am a happy mama.

We {Mr. Incredible and I} like the frequent deals and coupons available at Kohl's. It is a great place to find the latest fashions and catch a smart deal not only on wardrobe items... but the much needed iron skillets, rolling pins, Kitchen Aid mixers and Keurig coffee makers that are a necessity in our home. {We love coffee, homemade brownies and pizza}

We also love to hit outlet stores while on vacation. Mr. Incredible's work attire requires dress pants, shirt and tie. {Oh I love that combo!} We are able to stock up on those necessities in one trip... save time and money! That's a win/win in his book and our son's. Neither of them enjoy too much time spent shopping.

JCPenney is another favorite for savings. If you haven't visited a JCPenney store recently, you may want to try them again! I've always enjoyed their stores for specific items and am very impressed with their new prices. I'm sure you remember the recent marketing they've ran with Ellen Degeneres. The commercials make even more sense when you step inside and begin to peruse and oh so stealthily glance down at the price tag. You'll be delighted. I promise.

How are you saving money during your shopping trips?

Give me your hand, and I will help you

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Thu, 24 May 2012 03:54:00 +0000

"Give me your hand, and I will help you."

Dan's voice was loving yet firm. He stretched his hand out toward Joseph and urged him to take hold. Joseph's tiny hand lifted and began to slip into his father's.

Crossing the small creek that crossed the trail we had been hiking for an hour was an easy task for Dan. A couple steps and he would clear it with ease. As for Joseph, a four year old boy, it was made more difficult by slippery and unstable rocks. Taking hold of his father's hand would assure his crossing the creek and doing so without soaking his feet.

Before Dan could grasp Joseph's little hand, Joseph pulled away and splashed through on his own. Running ahead, Joseph eventually tripped and fell.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;
and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6

We spend our childhood resisting the need to lean on our parents and follow their lead - in much the same way that we resist leaning on the Lord and allowing Him to direct our path.

If life continues down an easily traveled road, we are very unlikely to feel as though we need Him in any way. When employment is going well, our health seems fine and relationships are strong - we seem to be enough. We feel or begin to feel that we are fully capable of handling life.

Photo Credit: VisualPhotos.com

Joseph crossed that little creek without the help of his father. If he had taken the time to rely on the strength and firm foundation provided by Dan - he most likely would not have increased in speed and eventually tripped. Yet, he was on his own... doing fine... why not go faster and faster? He had inevitably took on more than he was capable of handling. When he found himself on his knees, he turned to his father. He needed help, direction and comfort.

I am continuously amazed by my children. Amazed by how their natural behaviors and instincts teach me about my own relationship and walk with the Lord. They remind me that when I am beginning to feel strong and independent, I am only steps away from falling to my knees and begging His help, guidance and blessings.

Dan did make his way to Joseph, helped him up and guided him on.

"Because thou hast been my help,
therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
My soul followeth hard after thee:
thy right hand upholdeth me."
Psalm 63:6 -7

Here's to a world with less cancer and more birthdays - Sponsored Video

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Mon, 21 May 2012 23:11:00 +0000

In my short lifetime, I have had more friends and family diagnosed with cancer than what I ever imagined seeing. Each time a birthday is celebrated or an anniversary of remission is marked - a victory has been won. The moments between those victories are just as sweet.

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from: morebirthdays.com/learn

Act now, you can get involved through volunteer work, events and donations

How will you fight for more birthdays?

This post is sponsored by American Cancer Society

Sunday {May} Blog Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Sun, 20 May 2012 11:59:00 +0000

It's the Sunday {May} Blog Hop Add your blog to the May 2012 Blog Hop on Bloggy Moms!

Add your blog to the blog hop, then meet more mommy bloggers!

Then copy and paste it to your blog!

Copy and Paste

Add your blog to the May 2012 Blog Hop on Bloggy Moms!

Add your blog to the blog hop, then meet more mommy bloggers!

Then copy and paste it to your blog!

Tweet Your Entry and Invite Your Friends!

May 18, 2012 {For My Children}

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Sat, 19 May 2012 03:01:00 +0000

Today Dear Children -

Daddy and I took you to Kings Island. This was the first trip with daddy to Kings Island this year. We were finally able to convince daddy that this year he needed a season pass. Hopefully we will have many more memories made with daddy at Kings Island in 2012!

Joey, you were finally tall enough to ride Surf Dog this year. Other than what I've taught you to call "The Beastie", Surf Dog may be one of your favorites. I love seeing your face as you enjoy the different rides. The way you cackle and laugh is so innocent and sweet. I can't get enough of it. Before the rides even start - you have your hands in the air and do your best to keep them there until the ride is over.

Savannah, mommy is terrified of all the rides you are tall enough to venture onto. I actually enjoy the rides. However, riding them with you scares me. You are my little baby doll, how can you be big enough for these rides that twist and turn while going upside down? Oh the crazy thoughts that begin to creep into a mother's head when her children are big enough to do these types of things. Not once in my younger days did I even think about a coaster coming off the track or safety measures failing. I hopped onto rides and enjoyed them thoroughly. I can still enjoy them... but not when you're the one sitting next to me. You probably figured that out by how hard I was gripping your leg while riding The Beast, The Vortex, Flight Deck and Drop Tower. I will work on getting past this.

We introduced daddy to our tradition of buying slushies and then riding the train. Joey, you think that the blue and green engines are Thomas and Percy. So today we rode Thomas, apparently. You were so excited to see the train pulling into the station.

I hope these moments, down to the sounds and smells, stay in your memory and that you cherish them always.

I get so much enjoyment bringing you to a place where I had so much fun with my own brother, sister, mom and dad. It's neat to think about you sitting in the same places I sat as a child and taking in the moments.

Kings Island - Free Admission for Military Personnel

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Sat, 19 May 2012 02:58:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Don Helbig

May 18, 2012 (513) 754-5797

KINGS ISLAND TO OFFER FREE ADMISSION TO MILITARY PERSONNEL MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND AND FOURTH OF JULY

Offer valid for any active or retired members of the military

KINGS ISLAND, Ohio – Kings Island prides itself on providing world-class thrills, fun and entertainment for guests of all ages. The 364-acre amusement and water park is also proud of the brave men and women who serve in the U.S. military and is pleased to announce plans for its Tribute to the Armed Forces program during the 2012 season.

Kings Island’s Tribute to the Armed Forces program will offer a free regular admission ticket to any active or retired military personnel Memorial Day weekend and over the Fourth of July. Along with free admission, active and retired members of the military will be able to purchase discount admission tickets for members of their immediate family (maximum of six) at a special military discount price of $29.99. A valid military ID must be presented at the Kings Island ticket window May 25-28 and July 3-5 to receive this offer.

Kings Island is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a publicly traded partnership that is listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FUN.” In addition to Kings Island , Cedar Fair owns and operates ten other amusement parks, six water parks, one indoor water park resort and five hotels. Cedar Fair also operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy , Calif. under a management contract.

www.twitter.com/kingsislandpr

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies - Gatlinburg

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

I think I enjoy most anything we decide to do on vacation. I am very excited to be taking the kids to Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg! I can only remember visiting another aquarium once in my life and that was on my honeymoon. That was also a Ripley's Aquarium.

The amazing view of so many different types of animals that inhabit our oceans is simply breathtaking.

Although Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is hundreds of miles from the ocean, the scenic beauty and the abundance of water all around makes the town of Gatlinburg a “natural” location for a world-class aquarium, voted America’s #1 aquarium by TripAdvisor!

ALL NEW at the Aquarium for a LIMITED TIME!

Photo Credit: RipleyAquariums.com

Perfect Predators: SHARKS! provides guests with an opportunity to appreciate these magnificent predators and an interactive experience to see Sharks in an amazing new way.
For millions of years sharks have ruled the seas

Innovative, Educational Exhibit Explores the Oceans’ Top Predators with a Variety of Live Sharks and Over 30 Hands-On Interactive Displays.
Some of the Things in the Exhibit

During a walk-through of this amazing exposition, visitors will be able to see why sharks have endured for millions of years.

Have an up close view of shark skin. Have “shark vision.” Guess what unusual man-made objects have been found in a shark’s stomach. Experience the force of shark bite!

www.ripleyaquariums.com/gatlinburg

May 17, 2012 {For My Children}

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Fri, 18 May 2012 03:01:00 +0000

Today Dear Children -

The day started a little more hectic than usual. Only a few minutes after daddy left for work, he called needing us to come and jump start his car. Joey, I knew you would put up a fight about doing anything fast. Joey doesn't go fast!

I was pleasantly surprised when it wasn't too difficult to get pants on you and out the door. I think the mention of watching a movie in the Honda Pilot was the motivator. THANK YOU HONDA! Fantastic timing!

We jumped in the Pilot and headed downtown to find daddy. It might have taken us near 45 minutes to move daddy's car from the middle of town to the garage where his car will be fixed. It wanted to die at every single stop sign. Every. Single. Stop sign.

The two of you didn't seem to notice. You were occupied with Bee Movie. That was fine by me and daddy! Again, THANK YOU HONDA!

We later ran a few errands and then the two of you cleaned up the basement. The motivator behind that was... no clean basement/toy room... no vacation!

Later, we brought the suitcases up from the basement and began to fill them with all the outfits we want to wear while on vacation. I told each of you how many pairs of socks and undershirts to pack - and you giggled as you ran to bring them back to me.

Joey, you had another Tball game tonight. This is how you presented yourself. You refused to put on a belt. I brought it with me because I knew you would change your mind the first time your baseball pants fell when you ran. Mommy was right.

Daddy and I examined the Honda Pilot and decided what would be the best way to pack it with all the luggage, food and fun items we want to bring with us on vacation. I absolutely can't wait to get on the open road with the two of you and daddy. It is one of my favorite things to travel with all of you.

Ripley's 3 D Moving Theater {Now 4 D}

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Thu, 17 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

This past Winter was my first experience with 3 D movie theaters. Actually, it ended up being 4 D. That was a nice surprise. My mother, sister and I took all the kids to see a special showing of a Christmas movie that came complete with the smells of hot chocolate and what felt like ice being broken up beneath our feet and flying up at us.

The kids absolutely loved it. The adults did as well... I can only imagine how exciting something like that might be for children. Not only seeing a movie on a giant screen but feeling more a part of it than ever before.

We'll be doing something like this again during out Smoky Mountain vacation. After my initial visit to a 3 D theater - I'm eager to take the kids to another one.

Ripley’s 3-D Moving Theater is a State-of-the-Art Motion Simulator! Ride the Movie, Feel the Rush! Experience the thrill movies you ride powered by REAL D!

Cutting edge technology and incredible six channel digital surround sound make it the most exciting movie there is!

Two new action-packed films with continuous showings!

Feel the rush of Snow Ride and the thrill of Skate Race! in REAL D digital technology, the same 3D magic used in Avatar, How to Train a Dragon, Shrek and more!

The 4D virtual reality simulator where you actually ride with the the movie and experience every bump, dip and turn! State-of-the-Art Motion Simulator. Seats move in 8 directions. Full sized theater!

Find hours and ticket pricing for Ripley's 3-D Moving Theater here.

Who was the Fabulous Mr. Ripley that brought us such fascinating reports and illustrations of the odd and unusual? Read about the man who brought us Believe It Or Not here.

Your Sweet & Strong Daddy {For My Children}

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:28:00 +0000

Dear Children -

I hope you never forget or choose not to see {during those sometimes trying teenage years} how amazingly sweet and strong your father is.

Savannah, last night as you were trying to help daddy put away a few things he received from work - you dropped and shattered a brand new coffee mug of his. Immediately you began to cry. Your sweet daddy rushed to and began to comfort you. He made sure that nothing had hurt you and cleaned the broken pieces. When you were worried that he would be mad at you - he showed you all the coffee cups he had and reassured you that he was not mad at all.

A short tempered and self centered man, would have reacted differently. There may have been huffs and puffs along with hateful words - maybe even some yelling.

Never forget the value of a man who doesn't overly value material things...

Joey, I love seeing your daddy hug and kiss you before he leaves for work or before he helps you to go to bed in the evening. It's so much fun to see you decide you are going to wrestle daddy and then charge at him full speed. It is just as much fun to see him decide he is going to wrestle you and catch you off guard. So many fathers have missed out on the blessing that a great relationship with his son brings. It is amazing to see your daddy show you that a man can be strong and loving. He doesn't make fun of your sweetness or roll his eyes when you behave as a child does.

I pray you both continue to develop this strong relationship with your daddy.

Ripley's Believe It Or Not - Gatlinburg

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:24:00 +0000

There are so many attractions and natural beauty surroundings located around the Gatlinburg area - that it is difficult to decide what you will spend your time doing each time you visit.

Ripley's offers an assortment of attractions in Gatlinburg and we were only able to visit a few last time we vacationed in the area.

I have always enjoyed the Ripley's Believe It Or Not attractions located throughout the United States. If my memory serves me well - I believe I visited the Gatlinburg location on a family vacation when I was younger. Who knows, maybe it was on a different vacation. Either way, I love seeing the replicas of some of the world's oddest record holders.

Photo Credit: www.ripleys.com/gatlinburg

Visit the strangest place in Gatlinburg! Ripley’s Believe It or Not! has been proudly freaking out families for over 90 years.

Come and see the museum that inspired the hit TV series. Once you’ve seen the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, you won’t want to miss the most astonishing exhibits in the world.There’s always something undiscovered at this Ripley’s attraction! Experience and learn new and unsual things!Three stories of over 500 Outstanding and Incredible Artifacts from around the World surround and Amaze you every step of the way! See an eight-legged buffalo, two-head calf, shrunken human head, and MUCH, MUCH MORE! All guaranteed real and mind boggling. Join us for your challenge to simply… Believe It or Not!

Find ticket information and operating hours for Ripley's Believe It Or Not in Gatlinburg.

Lodging in Gatlinburg

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:18:00 +0000

The decision that is the hardest for me to make each vacation, is where we will stay. Choosing the right location with amenities that will entertain the children is very important.

The first time we went to Gatlinburg for a family vacation, I hadn't been in that area for at least ten years. Even back then - I wasn't paying attention to the local resorts, cabins or hotels.

On the advice of friends, we went down there without making any type of reservations. The time of year that we traveled, we were told would be the best for receiving a last minute discount so the hotel could fill the room. It ended up being a fantastic idea! A few places I may have chosen while browsing photographs and sites online - proved not to be the best place for families to stay. A place I never looked into ended up being our choice.

We ended up staying at Marriott's Fairfield Inn and Suites.

It was a beautiful little setting. It wasn't high up in the mountains, just nestled right at its base. It was still pushed back enough to where you didn't feel that you were right in the middle of Gatlinburg.

The cutest little trolley would pick you up right in the parking lot of the Fairfield Inn and take you through town. This was a nice option as parking in Gatlinburg is scarce!

The kids loved the little pool with twisty slide. I think that was probably their favorite part of the entire vacation.

Attendants at the front desk were always very helpful and friendly. That was a nice touch for our first family vacation. I was nervous enough to take my kids hours away from home for the first time. Traveling just isn't something we get to do as often as we would like. It was nice to have smiling faces at the pool, front desk and breakfast bar each day.

If you decide on a hotel during your next visit in Gatlinburg, be sure to check them out!

Favorite Corny Hidy Honda Commercials

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:27:00 +0000

This Honda dealership has always made me laugh with their silly commercials.

I believe the gentleman in the videos owns more than just that type of dealership... he's pretty funny.

{In my opinion}

Packing the {Honda} Pilot!

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:43:00 +0000

This year, the family and I will pack up and head to The Smoky Mountains for another fun family vacation! It is one of the most precious times of the year when we get to do this. I love getting to go out of town and spend time with just my husband and the kids. Having the opportunity to do this allows for added bonding time between the four of us. We don't take this blessing lightly. It is cherished and talked about all year long.

We typically borrow my in-laws van when we go on vacation. Our older sedans just aren't up to a long, family road-trip. This year, we are taking a Honda Pilot on vacation! If you are confused like my son was - a Honda Pilot is a vehicle and not a person who flies airplanes. I actually took my son to a Honda dealership to show him what a Honda Pilot was. He was impressed.

I was impressed too...

Yet, I was found wandering off toward the Honda Odysseys... drooling. So, my son said I could get one of them if I wanted. How sweet is he!

Back to the vacation.

I always make a big deal out of packing for our trip. This helps get the kids excited. We talk about what we will need for the amount of days that we will be gone.

I place the suitcases in our living room and send them to their bedrooms to retrieve "X" pairs of socks, "X" pairs of undershirts, etc...

My daughter especially loves getting to help choose what outfits she will get to bring and wear each day. We plan what types of clothing will be appropriate for all the activities we want to do.

Going through each days activities helps to build on their excitement.

We move on to packing swimsuits, towels, sunscreen and flip flops to wear at the pool. This is one of the most exciting things for the kids. They love having a place to swim while we are on vacation. You can be certain that our hotel accommodations must include a swimming area.

They aren't as excited to pack personal items. The shampoo, soap, tooth brush and tooth paste. I usually end up losing my audience at that point.

I am stuck with packing those items on my own. I also largely pack food items on my own as well.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, Vacation on a Shoestring, we bring food items with us. I usually plan for a free breakfast from our hotel. If we do not stay at a location that offers that - I pack donuts and other breakfast items. I always pack lunch items.

We bring: bread, peanut butter, jelly, chips, fruit that travels well, granola bars and crackers.

I try to book a hotel that offers a mini-fridge so that we can bring juice and even purchase milk/orange juice locally.

Have you started to understand why a sedan just doesn't work on our vacations... and why we need a van or SUV? Actually, I'm positive our suitcases alone wouldn't fit in the trunks of our sedans.

Being able to bring those food items help to cut the cost of our vacation. It also allows us to not worry so much about the dinner and treat budget while we are out enjoying the area where we are vacationing.

How do you pack for vacation and what do you do to help keep costs down?

May 13, 2012 {For My Children}

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:23:00 +0000

Today Dear Children -

Was Mother's Day. It is the eighth time I have had the joy of spending it as a Mother.

Throughout the years, I've had many different titles. Daughter, friend, classmate and various employment titles.

Christian, Wife and Mother are by far the most cherished. One relying on the previous to strengthen it.

I've heard that "having a baby doesn't make you a Mother". Well, it doesn't necessarily make you a good one - but children... I was a mother the moment I found out I carried a little miracle inside of me.

I remember staring out of my office window into the beautiful sunshine and longing for the day I would enjoy it's warmth with my children. When the life inside of me would run, laugh and create memories in the Summer sun.

Actually, I remember watching my own mother. I watched her care for me and plan fun trips and gather materials to teach me something new. I couldn't wait to be just like her. So, for many... I'm sure that the mothering instinct is there from childhood.

Savannah, I watch you play with your dolls. You talk to them, push them in the stroller and change their clothes. You teach them something new and make sure they've had food. I can't wait to see your motherhood someday. But for now - please stay my sweet baby girl.

Joey, you have stated "my never going to grow up!". Oh Peter Pan - that is fine with me! Stay young and innocent as long as possible.

Savannah, thank you for the adorable picture frame you made for me.

Joey, thank you for insisting I buy myself a new waffle iron.

Thank you both {and daddy} for the yummy chocolates I oh so discretely hinted that I wanted.

Sunday {May} Blog Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Sun, 13 May 2012 10:51:00 +0000

It's the Sunday {May} Blog Hop Add your blog to the May 2012 Blog Hop on Bloggy Moms!

Add your blog to the blog hop, then meet more mommy bloggers!

Then copy and paste it to your blog!

Copy and Paste

Add your blog to the May 2012 Blog Hop on Bloggy Moms!

Add your blog to the blog hop, then meet more mommy bloggers!

Then copy and paste it to your blog!

Tweet Your Entry and Invite Your Friends!

Train up a child... and remember not...

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Sat, 12 May 2012 23:04:00 +0000

As Mother's Day approaches, I've pondered more and more my role as a mother and the quality as to which I am able to do what is required of me.

So many days I feel as though I'm failing and only giving my children reason to move far from me when they've grown. I do my best to take care of the essentials: food, clothing, bathing, education...

As a Christian mother, I'm also concerned over meeting their spiritual needs.

Will I instruct them correctly in matters of faith?

Will the love of Christ be evident in my rearing of them?

Will I rightly divide the word of truth and present it to them correctly?

Will I instill in them a desire to know truth and seek it?

Will they grow in their faith and lean on God in their adult life?

My lean to verse when I begin to think about that last question...

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." ~ Proverbs 22:6

...gives me peace. Though that verse has grown more and more curious.

"and when he is old" repeats in my mind.

I'm not promised that his youth will be filled with a rooted faith. "when he is old, he will not depart from it."

No matter how perfect I try to be in my daily task of raising my children... perfection will not be achieved. That's true for every motherhood, for every fatherhood. We will mess up and do or say the wrong thing. Even if we don't realize it until they've grown... we will mess up.

Yet, even when we do our best - we are still not promised that they will stay in the way that they "should go" while they are young.

Maybe this is why King David asks...

"Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness sake, O Lord." ~ Psalm 25:7

So what does "when he is old" mean? I couldn't number the times I've sent that question in the heavens. I'm not sure I'll receive an answer while bound to this earthly body... and wondering about that free-will given to us all, including my children.

My wish is that my children won't need to utter "Remember not the sins of my youth"...

I won't count on it, or assure myself and others around me that by raising them the right way - they will always do what they should. Their youth may be filled with wrong decisions and bad choices... but I'm relying on "when they are old".

Wordless Wednesday {Caption Contest}

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Wed, 09 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Leave a comment below captioning this photo of me from my childhood

I look a little bossy!

Bicycles and Childhood Memories - Sponsored Video

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Wed, 09 May 2012 02:13:00 +0000

So many of my best childhood memories include a bicycle. I and the other children who lived on my block traveled many miles peddling up and down the small streets surrounding our neighborhood. Not even the Summer sun, a June rain shower or the coldest chill from Fall winds would deter us.

Whether we were racing to be the first to grab the most popular place in the grass under the Rosenberger's large shade trees or slowly making our way down the street having the deepest and most world-changing conversation - we were on our bikes!

Well, we did stop for a game of baseball, dodge ball and basketball from time to time. But we loved our bikes. Actually, I think we really enjoyed each other's company.

The sound of wheels spinning faster and tires creating friction on the blacktop as we suddenly stopped to huddle and plan our next activity… will forever be a cherished memory.

My kids now have bicycles of their own. Savannah no longer needs training wheels and Joey isn’t far behind her. I’m certain he will lose the training wheels at some point in the next couple of months. I hope they create as many wonderful memories on their current and future bicycles as I did.

This post is sponsored by Schwinn

May 8, 2012 {For My Children}

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:58:00 +0000

Last Night Dear Children -

Your Great Grandpa Vitucci passed into eternity. Before your daddy and I were married, I never thought that the family of someone else would grow to mean so much to me. I don't think I've cried so much for someone in a long time.

I cry for the loss that it is to his wife and children. I'm hurt for the loss that it is to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. I hurt for your daddy, who I know held Grandpa Vitucci in high regards.

I may have the numbers wrong, but I believe a cousin of your daddy's said that Great Grandpa Vitucci had 9 children, 20 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren on the way.

When I first met your daddy, Grandpa Vitucci was still walking marathons and staying as active as possible. He told great stories and was always so happy to spend time with his family. In fact, the entire family really seems to enjoy getting together when they can.

I love the way he took each opportunity he had to see you kids and teach you something. It was usually about numbers and money.

Truly there aren't enough men like him in the world.

Replay your memories of him so that you might never forget...

Kings Island {Rides from the Past}

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:31:00 +0000

This was one of my favorite rides at Kings Island when I was little. I'm not sure exactly where it was located but I believe it was around where you will currently find Surf Dog.

On this ride, you moved the car by peddling with your hands. I was the best... I always ran into the kids in front of me and no one could catch up to me. I'm pretty sure the ride operators always told me to slow down and not ram into the kids in front of me. I should have probably been banned from the park.

I could really use this type of arm exercise today! Maybe they should put in an adult version!

Tango Gift Card Giveaway! $100 and $50

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:55:00 +0000

Hey Bloggy Mavens! Bloggy Moms is sponsoring another Giveaway just in time for Mother's Day!!

Tango Card is giving away two gift cards two two Bloggy Moms members!

Tango Card™ is a Seattle based online gift card e-card retailer who provides their own gift card, the Tango Card, that allows you to redeem value for one of their marquee partners, donate to charity, or even receive cash. Their cards have no fees and they want you to use every penny; they don't prosper from you not using your value! Treat your mom to a spa day, a latte, and a duvet when she breaks her Tango Card up into a Spa-Finder card, a Starbuck’s card, and a Pottery Barn card! Appreciate her by letting her choose.

Giveaway Rules

Here’s how to enter our Office Supplies Giveaway:

Mandatory Entry

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Arnold Pocket Thins {Summer Menu Items}

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:59:00 +0000

Entering the Summer months, I'm all for meals that are simple to prepare and easy to handle. Items that can be held while eating are a plus for dining outside on those perfect Summer days.

We will do the staple Summer items such as hamburgers and hot dogs - but the newest taste added to our Summer menu are sandwiches made with Arnold Pocket Thins!

There is such a wide variety of things that you can place inside the Pocket Thins to create many different meals this Summer.

Two of my favorites were:

{1} Slices of grilled chicken with lettuce, tomato, onion and ranch dressing. Sometimes I substituted mayonnaise for the ranch dressing. Either way - delicious!

{2} Placing a chicken buffalo dip inside the Pocket Thin for a spicy sandwich! We make our chicken buffalo dip with shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheddar and our favorite buffalo sauce. I prefer the buffalo chicken dip to be heated before placing it in the Pocket Thin.

Serve with your favorite salad or even pasta salad for an easy clean up meal this Summer!

Next, I plan to use swiss cheese to make some of the best grilled cheese sandwiches the kids have ever tasted!

We often take trips to the local state park and spend the afternoon riding bikes, taking trails, playing at the playground and having a picnic. The Arnold Pocket Thins will be a fun twist to the regular peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that usually accompany us!

Find more of the fantastic breads made by Arnold at ArnoldBread.com

May 6, 2012 {For My Children}

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Mon, 07 May 2012 01:17:00 +0000

Today Dear Children -

I wasn't sure how I would make it through the day. Last week's activities had truly worn me out. I thought I would fall asleep during Sunday School. Surprised I didn't!

After church, I decided I was too tired to cook, etc... So I convinced daddy that we should go out to eat. I was driving, so he told me to just drive wherever I wanted to go.

So, we went to Chili's.

You two seem to always enjoy yourselves when we go there.

Joey, you may have enjoyed yourself a little too much.

Savannah, you never really seem to know what to think of your silly brother.

I love eating at Chili's anyway, but on Sunday I especially enjoy that they are playing Christian music. It's pleasant to hear.

As we left, daddy showed Joey how to be a gentleman and open the door for ladies. Joey, you opened Savannah's car door for her - then became very embarrassed and made some goofy noise as you ran to your side of the car.

My car needed washed and I decided to run it through a car wash before we returned home.

We had never been through this one before. It moves the car through without mommy needing to actually drive. That seemed to bother both of you...

Oh so much work had to be done when we finally arrived home. I decided to do some of the work I needed to. Daddy cut the grass and then the two of you played outside as the cool of the evening began to set in.

I love that your daddy and Grandpa Noth were able to build a nice swing set for the two of you. You love the clubhouse that is created at the top when daddy puts the cover on.

Keep making those memories my babies!

Oh, Savannah, at some point you took my phone and took random pictures. Here is a random picture of what I call the Charlie Brown Tree and shed in our backyard.

Sunday {May} Blog Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Noth) — Sun, 06 May 2012 11:16:00 +0000

It's the Sunday {May} Blog Hop Add your blog to the May 2012 Blog Hop on Bloggy Moms!

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