Just Add Laughter

Contest -- Donate to RFK and win $20 Amazon.com gift card!

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Tue, 01 May 2012 04:45:00 +0000

It's EASY to enter. Contest ends May 5, 2012. Winner will be drawn on May 7, 2012.

How to enter:

DONATE at least $10 to Royal Family Kids. For each $10 you donate, you get 1 entry. To donate, click on the "DONATE" button on the left side of the page. This will take you to my RFK Paypal donation page. If you would like a tax-deduction receipt at the end of the year, please enter your address in the notes. You MUST use this link to donate because the "official" RFK donation page doesn't send me an email that you entered.

LEAVE A COMMENT for an additional entry. You can enter anything in the comment -- a prayer need, encouragement for the RFK team for this year, or your own experiences at summer camp.

TWEET this contest. Leave a comment with the link to your tweet.

FOLLOW me on Twitter. Leave a comment with your Twitter name. Follow @JustAddLaughter

It's really simple. You're helping kids, plus you'll be entered to win a $20 Amazon gift card.

To read more about Royal Family Kids, read my post here.

Royal Family Kids!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 06:38:00 +0000

THE STARFISH STORY

While walking on the beach one day,

I saw Starfish by the score.
And everywhere i looked it seemed,
I saw a thousand more.
Then what to my surprise appeared?
A boy of nine or ten;
and as the Starfish washed ashore,
he threw them back again.
I smiled at such a futile task to save this population.
“One fish won’t make a difference son. You can’t change this situation.”
He stooped and picked up one more fish, then looking right at me ,
“I can make a difference for this one, sir,” and returned it to the sea.
So I went and gathered all my friends, my brothers and my cousins.
We joined in with that little boy and saved Starfish by the dozens.
There are still many to be rescued-many “Starfish” on life’s shore.

Let’s make a difference like that lad-by saving one more.

It's that time of year again! Time to pull out the sleeping bag and hiking boots! Time to start prepping the scrapbook supplies for the memory books! Time to start thinking about a flag for the cabin!

YES! It's time for ROYAL FAMILY KIDS CAMP!

RFK is a camp to create memories for abused and neglected foster kids. A lot of children in "the system" are passed from home to home, some never getting to experience a "normal" childhood. RFK is designed to give these children, whom God loves so much, a chance to experience what they may otherwise miss coming from broken homes. It's a safe place for them to just be kids.

The 7th annual Walk-A-Thon will be held on May 5, 2012. We are looking to raise a total of $40,000 for this year's camp, and we're only 50% of the way there! We need your help! Please, prayerfully consider sponsoring my visit to camp. All monies go toward the camp and campers. My time is 100% on a volunteer basis. And all donations are tax deductible. If you would like to sponsor me, please click the Royal Family Kids link to be taken to our official donation page.

The Lake Elsinore Storm Baseball team has also introduced community fundraising nights! We will be part of the kick-off event on May 18. Game time is 7:05pm and tickets are $10. All proceeds go to RFK Temecula (our camp). If you would like to contribute in this way, we would love to see you at the game. Tickets are for box seats right behind home plate. And what is a Friday night baseball game without FIREWORKS??? If you would like to buy tickets, please Email Me or click on the Paypal Donate button (and put "Storm Tickets" in the memo).

So what is a week at camp like? Here's a brief (I hope) rundown:

Sunday:

After our commissioning at both church services, we head up to camp. We unload our cars and start unpacking until it's time to meet with the director. During the meeting, we get our schedule for the week, with specific times for meals and activities, including the nightly drama and Bible lessons. We then break up into groups and cover the camp in prayer. We pray over EVERYTHING. We don't want the devil messing things up. And trust me, he's tried during the last 3 years. (Prayer is something everyone can do for the camp, even if you can't financially donate!!!) After prayer, we start decorating the camp. We decorate the cabins to the 9s, and anyplace the campers spend time is decorated, including the bathrooms! (This year's theme is The Olympics!) We then eat an outdoor BBQ picnic dinner, then finish decorating. Lights out is early because the week has only begun!

Monday:

We're up early for breakfast. A lot of us get up early and spend some time with God outside. Nothing like a late spring morning in the great outdoors to feel close to the Creator of everything. We then have another meeting, then work on blowing up balloons and decorating name signs for our campers. This is one way our campers feel welcome as well as it makes it easy for them to find us when they get off the bus.

After the campers arrive, it's unpacking, camp tours, and lunch. Then it's non-stop, go-go-go-go, for the next three days -- with swimming, hiking, arts and crafts, singing, dancing, worshiping and eating. There is SO MUCH FOOD!

On Thursday, after lunch, we throw the BIGGEST "Everybody's Birthday Party." Some foster children don't ever get to celebrate their birthday. Sadly, some don't even know when their birthday is! So we throw a HUGE party with bouncy houses, water balloon fights, games (usually with the counselors getting wet or covered in shaving cream), music and just a whole bunch of FUN. Then, after dinner, we have -- CAKE! (Of course, right? What birthday is complete without cake?) That night is the talent show, and then every child gets showered with birthday presents.

Friday is the saddest day, but it starts like any other day. We wrap up the drama and Bible story (which has continued each night) and have an awards ceremony for the "graduating" 11-year-olds (camp is only for kids ages 7-11).

Honestly, it's exhausting, but I wouldn't trade this week for anything. I would choose it over a week at Walt Disney World if I had to make the choice.

I hope you've read this entire post. I had a lot of fun writing it -- looking back on previous years and looking forward to this year. This camp can't survive without it's volunteers -- whether it's the volunteers spending the whole week at camp, or volunteers selflessly donating their money to help us run it.

Again, please consider donating. Any little bit helps. The more money we raise, the more we supplies we can get to make the camp more fun and exciting for the children.

Thank you.

Royal Family Poster

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:43:00 +0000

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Terri Rausin" <rausinrosa@yahoo.com>
Date: Feb 3, 2012 3:22 PM
Subject: Fw: Royal Family Poster
To: <rausinrosa@yahoo.com>

Hi Everyone,

Our 6th Annual Dinner & Auction will be taking place this Saturday 2/4 at the Temecula Community Center - Ronald Reagan Park at 6pm - this event supports Royal Family Kids
2012 Summer Camp!

We are so excited - there will be OVER 100 items up for auction via silent bidding, live auction and raffles - SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!!!! (including a retired valentine set from PARK LANE - my favorite, lol)

Tickets available at door - call to reserve them TODAY!!!!

Flyer attached for more information - call Natalie (951) 852-6830 to reserve your tickets!

--- On Mon, 1/30/12, bearlybaking@roadrunner.com <bearlybaking@roadrunner.com> wrote:

From: bearlybaking@roadrunner.com <bearlybaking@roadrunner.com>
Subject: Royal Family Poster
To: rausinrosa@yahoo.com
Date: Monday, January 30, 2012, 6:15 PM

--
Natalie Kinsley
Royal Family Kids Temecula
Camp Director

My Bucket List

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 03:29:00 +0000

Also known as: "What I Want to be Able to Talk to Jesus About When I Finally Meet Him."

My sister posted on Facebook that she's started her own bucket list. I've been watching "Hot in Cleveland" and Melanie had written a book called "Things to Do Before You Die" which is how they ended up in Cleveland in the first place.

So, I'm going to start compiling my list.

Some things to get me started (thanks to Squidoo's 1000 Things To Do Before You Die)

Ride a gondola in Venice
Tour The Holy Land
Learn to Salsa Dance (and not because I have jalepeno in my eye)
Complete a 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk
See a Stanley Cup Final
Hold the Stanley Cup
See the Sharks play in Canada
Bowl a 300 (perfect game)
Become a black belt in Karate
Become fluent in Spanish
Learn the Guitar
Take a cruise to Alaska, Mexico, and the Caribbean
Ride in a hot air balloon
Go skydiving
Zip line through the rain forest
Travel cross-country on a motorcycle
Road trip along Route 66
Swim with dolphins
Camp on the Grand Canyon Floor
Visit Easter Island
Camp in all the National Parks
Camp in all the California State Parks
Visit Niagara Falls
See the Pyramids in Egypt
Visit Stonehenge
See Machu Picchu
Visit New York City
Climb to the top of the Statue of Liberty
Visit Washington, D.C.
Visit the Louvre
Climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower
Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge
See the Arizona Memorial
Visit Four Corners
Visit all the Disney Parks in one year
Celebrate New Year's Eve in Times Square
Learn to play Chess
Learn to knit
Successfully scrapbook a whole year of pictures before my kids graduate high school
Watch every Best Picture Academy Award winner
Graduate from college with my Bachelor's Degree
Earn my teaching credential
Earn my Masters Degree in Education
Be a foster parent and/or adopt a child
Go on a year-long mission and teach children about Jesus
Build a house for Habitat for Humanity
Complete a 365 Photo project
Read 100 books in a year
Write and publish a book
See a Broadway Play
See a musical performance at Carnegie Hall
See Garth Brooks in concert
See the Superbowl live and in person
See a NHL All-Star game
See a MLB All-Star game
See the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade live and in person
Go on The Amazing Race
Learn the Hula in Hawaii
Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
Watch every Disney animated feature, in order, starting with Snow White

Have you seen 180?

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 04:50:00 +0000

Over on Facebook, San Diego 6 News has posted that "Proponents of a measure that would ban abortions by giving equal rights to fetuses have been cleared to gather signatures in California. The state proposal would define a person as a living human being from the time of fertilization."

What great news! However, there are people posting comments who are saying that women should be given the right to choose, and that "life begins at the heartbeat." I find it quite funny that these people believe that life begins at heartbeat (which begins at about 4 or 5 weeks post conception) but they think it's ok for a woman to have an abortion after they find out they're pregnant, which is generally at the 6th week or later. One also said it's ok for a woman to have an abortion if a man walks out on her. If that was the case, why wouldn't it be ok for a woman to kill her children after the man walks out on her? It's absurd, isn't it?

So, why am I posting such controversy? I am doing so because I want to tell you about an amazingly eye-opening movie. It's only 33 minutes long, but you may not need that much time to see how abortion is murder.

You can also find 180 Movie on Facebook.

CHOC Walk -- October 16, 2011 -- CONTEST!

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 23:48:00 +0000

It's that time of year again!

Children's Hospital Orange County's Annual 5K through Disneyland is less than a week away! My daughters and I are walking to raise money for CHOC. Big Sis has already raised over $60 (through the website and cash donations). However, Little Sis and I have not raised a single cent!

So here's the deal: I'm holding a contest to raise money.

The prize? A $20 Gift Card -- to Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, OR Starbucks (your choice!)

Here's how to enter:

1 entry: Donate at least $5 to my CHOC Page. (Click for link)

Extra entry: Donate at least $5 to Little Sis' Page. (Click for link)

Extra entry: Leave me a comment below with your donation amount and a contact email address.

Extra entries: For each $5 extra over the minimum, you'll get an extra entry. For example, if you donate $20, you get a total of 4 entries.

Each entry will be placed into a hat and winner will be drawn randomly on Monday, October 17. An email will be sent to the winner to verify address.

Please, help me help the children at CHOC. No child is every turned away for their inability to pay. This fundraiser helps the hospital help those families that cannot pay.

First Day of School Tomorrow

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:15:00 +0000

So the clothes have been laid out, prayers have been said, and the girls are settled down for the night. We went over our morning routine and lunches have been made. The only thing left is to wake up and put everything into motion to get them off for their first day of school.

The girls helped me put together their own lunches. One girl and I will work together to make her lunch while the other girl is in the shower each night. The biggest challenge they had last year, though, was remembering to bring their lunch boxes home at the end of the day.

So here's what each girl chose for lunch:

Big Sis chose the mini bagel and turkey. She got six slices of mesquite smoked turkey breast (our personal favorite). She will NOT eat white cheese whatsoever. So her cheese selection is Colby jack stick. Strawberries and a banana round out the meal. She also added a 90-calorie granola bar at the last minute, and a bottle of sugar-free Hawaiian punch (anyone have a good leak-proof reusable bottle for juice?)

Little Sis's meat of choice is pepperoni. She does like turkey pepperoni, but I don't, so I didn't buy it (although, if I did, maybe I wouldn't eat it - haha). She got 16 reduced fat Wheat Thins, 5 baby carrots, and grapes (which she snuck a taste while I was putting them in the container). She also got her lite string cheese and a 90-calorie granola bar.

Both meals are in Easy Lunchboxes. Little Sis has the blue lunch cooler, and he lid will be the blue one. Big Sis and I both have the pink lunch coolers, but Big Sis will get the red lid and I'll use the orange and green ones. I really enjoy the fact that they are sturdier than the Ziploc Containers (I even did the squeeze test like Kelly did while I was at Walmart. I didn't ruin them though). Other options we bought today is whole wheat bread (for sandwiches), peanut butter and jelly, 100-calorie packs of cookies, apples, and pineapple. The only rule I have is the girls have to pick the same fruit, but only if I have to cut an apple or open a can of pineapple. Otherwise, Little Sis doesn't like strawberries, and the grapes are washed in a container in the fridge.

I still have to make my lunch. I'm thinking a turkey sandwich, Wheat Thins, Laughing Cow cheese spread (sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and ... something else, I can't remember), grapes and strawberries, and green tea.

I'll post again tomorrow with pictures of the girls as well as the verdict on their lunches (my biggest questions will be if they had enough food, and if they ate everything).

I'll leave you with this, borrowed from a friend on Facebook:

"T'was the night before school started, when all through the town, the parents were cheering - a riotous sound!! By 9, kids were all washed and tucked into bed where memories of homework filled them with dread! New pencils, new folders, new notebooks too! New teachers, new friends - their anxiety grew! The PARENTS just giggled when they learned of this fright and shouted to all "GO TO BED!!!! IT'S A SCHOOL NIGHT!!!"

Happy School Year

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:01:00 +0000

Every year, on the first day of school, I always say I'm going to keep up with my blogging. So this year, I'm going to say it again. But it's not a "resolution." I like to think of my blog as a way to keep my family involved in our busy lives, and a way for them to see what the girls and I are up to.

So here's an update:

I'm still in college. I've been attending Kaplan University online for a year. I'm majoring in Early Childhood Development, and should be done early 2013. I am still working in Borrego, but my position was moved to the Middle School. I'm looking forward to seeing the 6th graders again (have been with them since they were in 3rd), but I will miss my colleagues at the Elementary School.

Big Sis is in 5th grade. Her last year of elementary school!! How did that happen? She's looking forward to GATE again, as well as hoping there is an after school band class. We got her CST scores, and she scored Proficient in English Language Arts and Math, as well as passed the 4th grade writing test with a 6 (out of 8). I'm so proud of my smarty pants.

Little Sis is in 2n grade. She's still in the dual immersion program. She read all summer, but most of it was in English. One of her best friends moved over the summer, but her other BFF is still here and in her class. She's looking forward to a new school year, and has promised me that she will be "a better student." I'm hoping and praying, because I know her teacher won't put up with her attitude, and I don't want her to be "that kid."

I've been using FLYLady to get my house and schedule in order, as well as the Cozi Online Calendar. I love both because FLYLady is on Facebook and Twitter, so she's always in my pocket. Cozi has an app for my phone (Android) so I can carry my shopping list, to-do list, and calendar everywhere. FLYLady has even partnered up with Cozi and has her Zone Lists available to download into your Cozi to-do lists.

I'm hoping all this planning can keep the house running smooth. The girls and I are already practicing our morning routines (I went back to work Tuesday, but they don't go back to school until September 6) but I still need to get into my afternoon routine and bedtime routine. It's a process, but we're getting there.

I also ordered the EasyLunchbox System from Amazon. I bought the four-box system, as well as lunchboxes for the girls and me. My mind is overflowing with lunch ideas for the girls (super picky eaters). I see fresh fruit and "Lunchables" type meals with turkey, cheese, and Wheat Thins. Their lunches last year were healthy-ish when I did pack one for them, usually consisting of a sandwich, fruit, yogurt, and a juice box. This year, I hope to pack lunches for them more often, since the school's lunches tend to be lacking in stuff they'll actually eat.

I'm really looking forward to this school year. We also are adding in Wednesday night church as well as Girl Scouts (Big Sis is a Junior and Little Sis bridged to Brownies).

Royal Family Kids Camp Walk-A-Thon

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 17:09:00 +0000

It's that time of year again! All the Walks for Charity.

This year, I am again raising money for Royal Family Kids Camp. This is my Mission Trip for the year.

Royal Family Kids Camp is a camp for abused and neglected foster kids that happens through the love and generosity of volunteers. For one week, we go and love on these kids, and show them the love of Jesus through just BEING THERE.

I need to raise $300 or more. This pays for all the necessary supplies and materials needed for the camp, including the fun fun fun stuff needed for "Everybody's Birthday Party" that happens on the last full day of camp. Some of these kids have never had a birthday party, and some don't even know WHEN their birthdays are. This day we celebrate everyone's birthday. We have jumpers, water games, and last year, we even had ice cream!

This is the best week of the year for me. I give up a week away from my girls, but they understand what I'm doing. They know they're sharing their mommy with kids who don't have loving parents, and in turn, they are showing the love of Jesus to these kids.

Please, can you help? No amount is too small. To donate, click on the "DONATE" button below the Royal Family Kids Camp logo on the top left of the screen. Be sure to include your name and address on the form if you would like a tax receipt.

The Walk-a-Thon is April 16.

Thanks so much, from me and the children I get to serve during this year's camp.

More Committments

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 01:02:00 +0000

So today marked the very last day of the 2011 Girl Scout Cookie Site/Booth Sales for our Girl Scout troop. YAY! I still have about 8 boxes left to sell, but I'm hoping to get rid of those tomorrow while we are out and about.

Today was also the Borrego Springs Health Fair. Big Sis dances with her Hip Hop/Jazz dance class first thing in the morning. Little Sis ended up dancing with the Mexican Dance class. She has not been going to class, but knew the dances the kids were performing. So she was dancing out in he crowd. Her teacher saw her and told her to get up there and join them. It was so cute, I was laughing so hard.

Big Sis also had her Elementary Ban debut. She plays the flute, and is the only flute in the elementary school. A couple of middle schoolers joined them, so she had another flute playing with her. They played 5 songs: Frere Jacques, BINGO, the Mexican Hat Dance, Minute Man March, and Climbing Stairs. (I think I remember playing the Minute Man March at one point in my musical career.)

While we were at the Fair, I also signed the girls up for Softball and T-Ball. I wasn't going to, but they really wanted to play, and since about half of the kids at the school are playing, I figured we may as well join in on the fun! I am hoping the weather doesn't get too hot, though. Looks like my Saturdays are packed until June!!

Facebook...Have you missed me?

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 06:33:00 +0000

At the beginning of the year, the Pastor at our church called for a Church-wide fast for 5 weeks during the series called "Crazy Love" after the book of the same name by Francis Chan.

I really struggled with what to fast during this time. I finally decided to fast Facebook. I had realized it took away a lot of my time that I could have been using for homework, family time, and my devotions. It had become an addiction.

The first week was difficult, since when I was finished with any school business and email checking online, I wanted to go check my news feed. But I decided to just turn off the computer. I ended up spending more time with my family, as well as spending more time with my Heavenly Father in prayer and in His word.

I am not sure if anything significant happened to me spiritually during my fast. I feel I have become less lazy, though, which I know is something my girls have been praying for -- more time with them, more time spent keeping house, more time cooking meals instead of eating out -- and I feel that I have accomplished those changes. I know moving into a new, bigger house has helped. Things have a home and I want to keep it that way!

So, Facebook, I have not missed you. I have missed communicating with my friends on a more regular basis, but I know that there are always other ways to get in touch with them. My time on Facebook will continue to be limited, and I will no longer be owned by a computer website (other than my school's website, anyway).

Into the arms of Jesus...

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 03:18:00 +0000

The girls and I got some very sad news today. A friend, who we have known for 2 years, was involved in a car accident this morning and passed away. We are very saddened, and are praying for her family, including her husband, sons, and 4-year old grandson.

Bambi has always been a ray of sunshine. We met her through the Methodist Church in Borrego, where the girls and I have been going to OaSis on Wednesday nights. Bambi was the sweetest, and, last year, was the OaSis "Comforter." When children were not showing the love of Jesus, whether they were tired, cranky, or hungry, she would swoop in like the angel she was and cheer them up right away! This year, she started as the Coordinator and was also the Cook, but stepped down to "only" Cook just a few weeks ago. This last Wednesday, it was "Diversity Night" and we had a rainbow of colors for dinner: baked chicken, rainbow pasta, and broccoli. We also had rainbow Jell-O for dessert: red at the bottom, then orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. When asked how she made it, she said "Magic." I wish I'd taken a picture, but it was very yummy.

Bambi will be greatly missed by everyone in the community of Borrego Springs. I know the kids especially will feel the hole she leaves at OaSis. But we can all take comfort in knowing she's in the arms of Jesus right now. Please pray for her husband, Brian, and her sons and grandson, Devon. I know they are hurting right now. Big Sis and Little Sis are, as well... Big Sis has known since I've known and has been crying off and on all day (as have I). Little Sis just found out not more than an hour before this is being written, and I hear herself whispering to herself "She's in the arms of Jesus" as she's crying and walking through the house.

We love you Bambi... We'll see you in Heaven!

Disney Junior & A Day at the Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 05:45:00 +0000

Next month, Disney Junior is going to premier. My girls cannot wait! Heck, even I can't wait! I love all things Disney, which most of you all know.

Over at Disney Junior, there are having a photo contest. The top 6 photos (3 boys and 3 girls), will have their picture on Disney Junior during the premier week, starting February 14.

I have entered this picture of Little Sis in the photo contest. It's called "A Day at the Beach" and it's one of my favorite pictures.

So, if you could all be so kind as to head on over to Disney Junior (that's a direct link to the photo voting page) and vote for Little Sis. She would be so thrilled to see herself on the television.

Thanks so much in advance!

Handmade Christmas Cards!

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 04:42:00 +0000

**DISCLAIMER: If you are a member of LaughingPlace.com and are participating in the swap, be prepared to have the surprise spoiled if you continue reading. Please, only positive comments on my cards, as well.**

This year, I am participating in the LaughingPlace.com Christmas Card Swap. The premise is you make cards for everyone who signed up and send them to the Hostess. Then she distributes each of the cards to the other participants, then you end up with a different card. This year, it should be 22. :)

So I ran to Michael's and could NOT find what I was looking for. Of course, I have to have them mailed out this week, so I am kind of pressed for time. I bought some pre-folded cards in a "Winter" color scheme (blues and silver) and blue and white stamp ink pads. I also bought a snowflake stamp and a "Season's Greetings" stamp. Also purchased was some jeweled snowflake stickers and some jeweled Mickey silhouette stickers. I also bought some Christmas Quotes Vellum, but ended up deciding not to use it.

Here are the pictures of my generic-looking but cute hand-made cards:

Dark blue paper with white ink.

This was the reject. Not enough "snow" themed quotes. Had I not made this, I could have returned the vellum and the sticky dots.

Grey/Silver paper and blue ink. Each card had a Mickey on it, because LaughingPlace.com is a Disney Fan Site. The BEST one, in my opinion! :)

Winner of the $20 Gift Card (CHOC)

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 18:20:00 +0000

Last weekend, October 17, the girls and I walked for the Children's Hospital Orange County. I ended up raising $55 and Big Sis raised $50. I signed Little Sis up at the last minute to walk with us, and I donated $25 to her name, and Disneyland Resort matched that. We walked for the Disney VoluntEars, and we had a great time!

I had 6 people donate to me, and of those 6, 4 also donated to Alex. So I had a total of 10 entries, which were given random numbers. Here's how it worked:

Robert A. 1, 7
Brooke F. 2, 8
Wendy C. 3
Liz K. 4, 9
Barbara M. 5, 10
Robbin M. 6

And the winner is.... Number 3!!!! Congrats, Wendy! You get a $20 gift card from Amazon, Starbucks, or, as an added bonus, Disney! :) Let me know what you choose, and it'll go out by November 1!

Congrats again to Wendy, and thank you to everyone who donated to CHOC! :) (Pictures will follow soon!)

My 365 Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:30:00 +0000

So back in January, I started a 365 Project. I went almost 2 weeks, then got busy and stopped posting.

So, I'm going to start up again in January. You can find the link at 365 in 2011. I have even updated the graphics already.

Oh, and what should I be doing right now? My homework, but instead I'm playing on my blog.

Sponsor and WIN! $20 Starbucks OR Barnes & Noble GC (ends 10-16-10)

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 04:38:00 +0000

So, I'm really lacking on sponsors for the 2010 CHOC Walk, which happens at Disneyland Park on October 17, 2010. So far, I have ONE sponsor at $10 (Thank you, Barbara Murray!!)

So, to spice things up a bit, and to get as many sponsors as I can, I'm going to offer an incentive.

Sponsor me, and you can win EITHER a $20 Starbucks gift card OR a $20 Barnes & Noble gift card (winner's choice).

Here's how to enter:

For one entry, click on my sponsor link: http://www.chocwalk.net/justaddlaughter and donate at least $1.

For a second entry, click on Big Sis' sponsor link: http://www.chocwalk.net/alex2001 and donate at least $1.

For a third entry, leave me a comment telling me you've sponsored. For bonus kudos, guess how long it will take me to finish the 5K (which is 3.1 miles). If you guess right, I'll post your blog or website's button or ad for 30 days at the top of my blog, right below the CHOC Walk logo.

For more entries, if you tell someone about my contest, and they donate, you will get one additional entry for each person (they must donate to at least one of either myself or my daughter, and tell me you sent them).

Only one entry per person per requirement (donating $1 ten times will only get you one entry). Remember, this is for an excellent cause. The Children's Hospital Orange County helps 200,000 children each year, and they need our help to continue offering exceptional care. Big Sis and I both need $100 to be able to participate in the walk.

Contest ends on October 16, 2010, which is the day before the CHOC Walk.

Winners will be notified on October 18.

You can read my first entry about the CHOC Walk by clicking here.

One week ago...

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 03:48:00 +0000

On August 19, 2010, my girls went back to school. I had been working since the 16th, and they were at Grandma's. I picked them up Wednesday night, and everything went smoothly on Thursday morning.

Big Sis started 4th grade. She's very excited. She got her flute today, and will be in the GATE Science program after school. She's also continuing Karate and will be doing a dance class. She is also going to be taking Japanese, which is being offered after school as well. Who knew we attend a small school district with only 220 students at the Elementary School?? She'll be doing a California Indian project as well as the California Mission Project. I've already told her teacher I want to go on the field trip to the Mission, which is usually in January. Once we know what Mission she'll be building, I'm going to try and plan a trip to visit it.

Little Sis is now in 1st grade. She is still in the Spanish Dual Immersion program. Her teacher had a pre-Curriculum Nigh meeting on Tuesday, and we got to hear a bit about how their day goes. I'm very excited. She's getting more independent and I'm thankful. It lets me focus on my job. She's currently in the after school swimming program and she started Karate as well. She even has her uniform! I'm hoping to get her into some fun after school classes as well as some academic ones to help her with her Spanish reading and writing.

Both girls are getting into th routine. Little Sis is in bed by 8, and Big Sis is allowed to stay up until 8:30. But because Wipeout and Minute to Win It are an hour (we love those shows), she's been staying up until 9. However, she's not giving me any problems in the mornings, so I'm comfortable letting her stay up. Once she starts telling me she doesn't want to get up, it's back to 8:30 sharp.

The week before school started, I took apart their bunk beds, and now they're in their own twin beds. It's cramped in the tiny bedroom, but now they can make their own beds. Also, I can snuggle with Little Sis a little easier and tuck Big Sis into bed (which is hard when she's on the top bunk).

So, back to another year of school. I am working the after school swimming program as well as my 6.5 hours at the elementary school. I am also finishing up my first term at Kaplan University. I have 2 weeks left, then a week off, then I start my next term. I'm looking forward to the Crossroads Church Women's Ministry Retreat in mid-September and a trip to the San Francisco Bay Area in November so my kids can see their dad and I can visit some friends. We've got Girl Scouts as well, as Big Sis is now a Junior. We're still in the discussion phase as to whether or not the Daisies (Little Sis) will become Brownies or not. The other 2 moms and I think the Daisies should stay Daisies for another year. Because of our small community, finding the girls and the parents to help can get challenging, so we are sticking with our small group of 3 Daisies, 3 Brownies, and now 6 Juniors (Big Sis and her BFF were Brownies last year).

Here's to a busy and healthy year!

2010 School Year Resolution

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 22:32:00 +0000

Well, I go back to work on Monday, and the girls start school a week from today.

Big Sis will be in 4th grade. I am excited for her! Living in Borrego Springs, the 4th graders get an awesome opportunity to be Junior Rangers with the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. 4th grade also means that she'll be a Junior in Girl Scouts.

Little Sis will be in 1st grade. I can't believe my baby is growing up! We're still working on the logistics for Girl Scouts, so I'm not sure if she'll still be a Daisy or if she'll be participating with the Brownies.

Anyway, my school year resolution is to keep up with the blog more. I spend a lot of time on the computer anyway, so there should be no reason why I can't post once in a while, more than I am now.

By the way, did I mention that I'm going to school as well? I am 6 weeks into my first term at Kaplan University, and I'm having a great time. I just have to get all of us on a schedule so I can keep up with everything once school starts!

Here's to a happy and prosperous school year! If you've already started, hope it's going great!! If you haven't started yet, I hope the first day is a memorable one!

CHOC Walk -- October 17, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 01:07:00 +0000

Every year, I try to support a good cause. For the past few years, it's been Walk Now for Autism, and in the last 2 years, I've also volunteered for Royal Family Kids Camp.

This year, I've decided to walk for Children's Hospital Orange County. On October 17, 2010, thousands of participants will get the privilege of walking through Disneyland Resort to raise money for CHOC.

Most of my readers know how much I love Disneyland, and I've wanted to participate for several years. I have many friends walking as well for the team Disney VoluntEARS.

If you would like to donate, click on the link to my Donation Page. There's also a link at the top of my blog next to the fundraiser counter. (Don't get it confused with the RFKC Donation button, although you can always contribute to that, too!!)

Thank you for any donation you can make. If you cannot donate, please pray that the walk will be a success, both for my donations, team donations, and overall money raised.

Wordless Wednesday 4-28

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:10:00 +0000

Disneyland 2-22-2010

Going through withdrawals.

RFKC Walk-a-Thon

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 02:18:00 +0000

Today I walked for Royal Family Kids Camp.

I arrived at Rancho Community Church in Temecula, California at 7:45am. I checked in with my donation packet, and got my lap counter tickets. 16 laps I was told was 3.5 miles.

My friend Rose and I walked together. At one point, I got distracted by my sister and her dog so I ran half a lap to catch up with my walking buddy.

We finished all 16 laps in about one hour and ten minutes. Later, I learned it was more like over four miles.

I was doing great while I walked. I was a little sore after while Rose and I were sitting at Starbucks, but once I got home and took a FOUR HOUR nap, I started feeling the muscles tightening and spasming.

It was for a great cause, though, and if I were to train properly, I could do a 5K in under an hour!!

We still need donations! Click the RFKC logo or the Donate button above to help us send 52 kids to summer camp!!

Wordless Wednesday 4-21

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:54:00 +0000

April 17, 2010

Tidelands Park, Coronado (San Diego)

Dash For Cash!! (Fundraiser)

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 02:53:00 +0000

I am raising money to help abused and neglected kids attend a free (and wonderful) camp this summer. Royal Family Kids Camp - check them out online. (http://temecula.rfkc.org)

My goal is $500 and You can help:

If each of you would mail me $2, just $2! I would reach my goal. Of course you are welcome to send more if you see the need and are able....

Every bit helps! Thank you ahead of time!!

Send to:

RFKC
c/o Jaime Heath
PO Box 114
Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Checks payable to RFKC.

Or click on the Royal Family Kids Camp logo or "Donate" button on the left to donate using Paypal.

I will be walking on Saturday, April 24 at Rancho Community Church in Temecula for RFKC as well!!

If you cannot contribute financially, please pray for us. Pray for the camp, the campers, the volunteers, and others who are giving. It's a 5 day camp, and we counselors put our blood, sweat, and tears (and heart and soul) into this camp. Every little bit counts, and contributions are tax deductible.

Thank you, and God Bless

The Great Debate: Over or Under?

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime Heath) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 23:58:00 +0000

In my household, it's gotta be under. There is a very logical reason for this, too. My kids like to mess around. So, if they're playing with the roll, or even just pull a little too hard, the under tends to not get out of control.

Mom Bloggers Club is hosting a giveaway for a month's worth of toilet paper. With 3 girls in my house, we could use it!! This post is my entry for it.

So, where do you stand? Go to the Roll Poll and cast your vote. Then, leave a comment here for a chance for YOU to win 1 of 10 Cottonelle gift baskets to be randomly chosen on January 29.