The Other Boufs: Mommy, Daddy, Katie, Timmy ... and more!

Dr Seuss' The Lorax - Ticket Giveaway

2012-02-07T07:25:00.002-05:00

We don't go to the movies that much. It's pretty expensive for a family of 4, but moreso, we're just busy. So we generally wind up watching movies together at home. By the time we get to them they're available to rent anyway. Plus, we're so in tune with our DVR that we rarely see commercials for new movies. But once in awhile a movie comes a long with such a buzz that you have to check it out. Or, you happen to catch part of a commercial that is so colorful and eyecatching while you're fast forwarding that you have to rewind to see the whole thing. Or there's a superbowl ad that has you and your kids excited.

For all of these reasons and more, my family is eagerly awaiting the opening of The Lorax, which comes to theaters on Friday, March 2. My kids love all things Dr. Seuss - the books, the cartoons, the movies, the dress-up costumes, the musical - I know this is going to be a new favorite in our house.

If you're as excited as we are, or just enjoy saving money, enter below to win 1 of FIVE family prize packs. The prize packs include: 4 free passes to the advance screening of Universal Pictures’ DR. SEUSS’ THE LORAX on Saturday, February 25 at the AMC Cherry Hill. Showtime is 10am, but you should be prepared to get there early to guarantee your seats.

To enter, leave a comment below. Let me know your favorite Dr. Seuss book or character. Or tell me who you're excited to see this movie with.

Extra entries: Follow me on Twitter @JulieBouf, become a google friend connect follower of this blog, or tweet this giveaway (including link to post and @JulieBouf). Leave a comment for each extra entry.

Winners will be chosen randomly and notified on February 12th. Make sure to leave your e-mail address or twitter ID in your comment. Need more than 4 tickets for your family? Have your significant other or kids enter too!

Synopsis:

From the creators of Despicable Me and the imagination of Dr. Seuss comes the 3D-CG feature Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, an adaptation of the classic tale of a forest creature who shares the enduring power of hope. The animated adventure follows the journey of a 12-year-old as he searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.

Danny DeVito will lend his vocal talents to the iconic title character of the Lorax, while Ed Helms will voice the enigmatic Once-ler. Also bringing their talents to the film are global superstars Zac Efron as Ted, the idealistic youth who searches for the Lorax, and Taylor Swift as Audrey, the girl of Ted's dreams. Rob Riggle will play financial king O'Hare, and beloved actress Betty White will portray Ted's wise Grammy Norma.

Dr. Seuss' The Lorax is the third feature created by Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment (Despicable Me, Hop). http://www.theloraxmovie.com

IN THEATERS NATIONWIDE MARCH 2

The Katie File

2012-02-02T07:03:00.002-05:00

It's been awhile. I know. And I was figuring that since I've jumped back into attending a bunch of blogger events, I should probably start to blog again. With that in mind - file this one under "Posts to pullout during the teenage years."

Sunday night we were driving home after a long day out - just me and the kids. Katie pondered, "Mom, do you think Daddy's going to be upset that we left him alone by himself for all of that time?"

Heh. Right!

I explained that daddy was probably very happy to be home by himself. Amongst a flurry of questions I explained that daddy probably got a chance to take a nap or play video games or do something else that he wanted to do. In fact, he'd probably want to thank me for all of that alone time.

She wondered, since he'd be so appreciative, would he give me a kiss?

Playing along, pretending that he would actually be so gracious as to recognize how wonderful I am and thank me AND that we thank each other with kisses, I replied, "Oh, I hope so!"

There was some pondering silence and then:
Do you think he'll stick his tongue inside your mouth?

?!?!?!?!!?

"Katie, what are you talking about? Daddy doesn't do that..."

She assured me that oh yea, she had seen that for herself before. She saw him do it. He really did.

I thought back and decided that perhaps recently we had given each other a peck and when the kids moaned and acted like we were gross - he may have gotten a little carried away in giving them something to really be grossed out about.

"Katie, you know, sometimes husbands and wives do that because they really love each other."

"No way, they do NOT!!!" (hey wasn't she the one who witnessed it?; I still don't believe it actually happened.)

"Yea, Katie. Actually, when you get bigger - like old enough to have a husand - you might actually like it."

And then she promised me:
"No, I will NOT. That's gross! If my husband EVER tries to stick his tongue in my mouth.....I'll kick him in the face!!"

And just a little motherly advice, if a boy ever really does just stick his tongue in your mouth - you probably shouldn't kick him in the face. But it does mean he's not a very good kisser.

Last Chance: Miranda Cosgrove & Greyson Chance at the Mann 4-pack Concert Ticket Giveaway

2011-07-15T17:56:00.010-04:00

Congrats to Mel for winning the
4-pack of concert tickets!
(7,1-9, generated by random.org)

As the mom of a 6-year-old daughter, I am hosting this giveaway with great excitement. While Spongebob is still a favorite, I hear more and more from her about who today's teenage stars are dating and the fact that she plans to name her children after actresses from iCarly and the like. (even if her future son is still slated to be named "Pepito" from the Madeline series.) Since she also wants to be a singer herself someday, I am thrilled to be taking her to see Miranda Cosgrove w/ special guest Greyson Chance.

The star of Nickelodeon’s hit TV series iCarly tours in support of her new EP, High Maintenance, following her highly successful “Dancing Crazy Tour”.

The actress/singer launched her music career in 2007, when she scored a hit with the theme song to her own TV show. In 2009, her song “Raining Sunshine” landed on the soundtrack for “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”. One year later, Miranda released her debut album, Sparks Fly, featuring the hit single “Kissin U” which reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200 charts.

Her breakthrough acting role came in 2002, when she played the role of Summer Hathaway in the big screen comedy “School of Rock” alongside Jack Black. In the wake of “School of Rock”’s success, she was cast in a supporting role on the Nickelodeon sitcom Drake & Josh.

In April 2010, then 13-year-old Greyson Chance posted a YouTube clip of himself performing Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi”, which became an instant viral sensation viewed by more than 28 million people. Just two weeks later, he was invited to appear on The Ellen DeGeneres Show where he chatted confidently with DeGeneres, performed “Paparazzi” and fielded a congratulatory on-air phone call from Gaga herself. At present, he is earning kudos for his original compositions including “Stars” and “Broken Hearts,” which have racked up more than nine million collective views & is expected to release his debut album Hold On “Til The Night this summer according to Billboard. “I want people to be able to feel what I’m feeling when I’m singing,” he says. “That’s what it’s all about for me.”

For tickets & info for Miranda Cosgrove with special guest Greyson Chance: Ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000, AEGLive.com, TicketPhiladelphia.org, 215-893-1999 or the Mann Box Office.

Enter for a chance to win 4 FREE tickets to the Friday 7/22 Mann Center for the Performing Arts 7:15 performance (doors open at 6pm):
(Tickets will be left at the Box Office for you as Will-Call. Must present ID):

*Simply leave me a comment to let me know you're interested and who you'd love to win these tickets for (1 entry per family).

*1 more entry for google friend connect followers of this blog.

*Feel free to tweet this giveaway, once per day, for an extra entry per tweet. Tweet must include @JulieBouf and a link to this post. Please leave a comment below to let me know you tweeted.

If you have a non-reply google account or don't have a google account - include some way for me to contact you in your comment (e-mail address, twitter handle, etc...if I don't already know you personally).Please leave a separate comment for each entry type.

This giveaway will close on July 19, 2011.

Tickets for this giveaway and for my personal use were provided by the Mann & AEG Live.

If you are a PA resident who lives in the Philly area - make sure you stop by and visit my friends at Chester County Moms for an even greater chance to win. They are giving away another 4 pack of tickets.

Movie Screening: Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer

2011-05-19T19:29:00.000-04:00

I'm giving away 4 passes to the Philadelphia, PA screening of Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer and I'm super excited to attend with my own energetic imaginitive daughter!

Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer

Ritz East

125 S. 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA

Saturday, June 4

10:00am

**Note that screenings are frequently overfilled. Winner should plan to arrive about 1hr early**

The actual theater release is Friday, June 10th.

Press Release: When her best-laid plans for a summer full of fun go comically awry, an imaginative young girl creates her own vacation adventures in Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer. Based on the beloved, bestselling book series by Megan McDonald, Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer is an irresistible and delightfully funny treat for adventure-loving kids and adults.

This summer, Judy Moody is planning the most super-duper, double-rare summer vacation ever with best friends Rocky and Amy. Except that it turns out Rocky is going to circus camp to learn to tame lions, and Amy is headed off to Borneo with her mom to save a lost tribe while Judy stays home with her pesky little brother Stink and second-best friend Frank Pearl.

Just when she thinks things are as rotten as they can be, her parents announce that they will be going to California and Judy will have to stay behind with her Aunt Opal, who she’s never even met! It looks like Judy’s best summer ever has just become her way worst summer ever.

But feisty, fearless and ever-funny Judy Moody never gives up! With help from some unexpected sources, she’s headed for a summer full of surprises in this charming and spirited family film. Get ready, get set, get MOODY!

Giveaway Rules:

The Biggest Loser: Cheerios Giveaway

2011-04-28T23:01:00.004-04:00

I've been drinking the Kool-Aid for just over 2 weeks now. Except, of course, I'm not really drinking "Kool-Aid"...rather my favorite diet drink.

At my work, about 70% of the women around me belong to Weight Watchers. I've teased and called them a cult due to my jealousy. I was envious of their determination and self control. I wanted to lose weight. NEEDED to lose weight, but just wasn't ready yet.

Now I am! And in 2 weeks, I've already lost 7.5 lbs. I'm not a yo-yo dieter. I've always known that a life change was necessary to be really successful. For this reason, I've always been diet resistant...but no more. Hopefully, I can really get my act together soon and get back into the gym.

It can be a challenge, but this year MultiGrain Cheerios® cereal and The Biggest Loser Club® can help you get started on your weight management goals with a free 7-day plan.

With tips, advice, and inspiration, the MultiGrain Cheerios website can help you start your weight management journey. After entering the code found inside specially marked boxes of MultiGrain Cheerios cereal, you can access exclusive tools, including:

A Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator to gauge how much weight you may need to lose or gain to be considered healthy and not at risk for serious health problems

An exclusive 7 Day Plan that pairs daily meal plans with cardio and strength-training routines

15 tasty recipes that will give your body the fuel it needs to get through the day

Daily workouts that couple cardio with mobility and resistance exercises to hit major muscle groups

Along with using the online tools, eating MultiGrain Cheerios cereal in the morning is another simple step you can take toward helping to manage weight. Studies have shown that people who eat more whole grain tend to have healthier body weights, and with 110 lightly sweetened calories per serving, MultiGrain Cheerios has more than 16 grams of whole grain per serving (48 g recommended daily) to help keep you on track for a healthier you this New Year!

Join MultiGrain Cheerios on Twitter™ during each episode of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser: Couples” Tuesday nights at 8PM EST through May 24, to connect with past contestants, share weight loss tips and discuss how to become your own Biggest Loser. Be sure to follow @MGCheerios and use the hashtag #mgcheerios to keep up with the conversation!

GIVEAWAY:

1 winner will receive a prize package that includes 1 box of Multigrain Cheerios cereal, a gym bag, a water bottle, and a Cheerios snack container. Giveaway will close at 11:59pm on 5/11/11.

To enter:

Required Entry

Leave me a comment sharing what steps you are taking or plan to take to become The Biggest Loser at home or what tools you plan to use on the Multigrain Cheerios website . Or just let me know why you love cheerios or who will be eating them if you win!

Optional Additional Entries

1) 5 entries for followers of this blog

2) Tweet this giveaway. Include my handle @JulieBouf, a link to this post and #myblogspark

*Disclosure: Product information, review items and Giveaway were provided by Cheerios via MyBlogSpark.com

Dr. Oetker Pizza Review & Giveaway

2011-04-20T22:38:00.006-04:00

Congratulations Courtney, selected randomly via random.org (1-11>2)

Awhile back, I got to participate in a fun Valentine's Day discussion hosted by The Motherhood.com and Dr. Oetker. I knew that down the road I'd get an opportunity to sample their frozen pizzas, which are now available in the US. So I was pretty excited when one of my friends commented and mentioned that she's been using Dr. Oetker baking products for years. As a company with a history of selling quality baking products, I expected great things from it's frozen pizza, and I wasn't disappointed.

Sad to say, but we eat a lot of quick meals in our household. We're not usually home from work and daycare pickup till about 6:10pm and the kids are HUNGRY-not to mention the nights we have to quickly turn around and leave again within 30 minutes for an activity. But the best part about this pizza is that it's quick AND really delicious. I would absolutely buy Dr. Oetker Ristorante frozen pizza and I would could cook it for a quick dinner or even a leisurely family meal.

I received a sample of their spinach pizza and mozzerella cheese pizza. You better believe that spinach pizza was gone on Day 1.

As soon as I opened the package, I was really impressed with how much topping ingredients were on the pizza. It was covered with cheese and spinach.

I cooked it for a few minutes over the recommended time just to get the cheese a little extra brown. I think the box suggests the pizza should be 2-3 servings. I tried to put away half of it...but I kept going back to the kitchen every 30 min for one more piece. My favorite part about the pizza was how flaky the crust is. The toppings were really flavorful, too.

Enter for a chance to win Dr. Oetker prize pack (cooler bag, apron, pizza cutter, coupons):

*1 comment = 1 entry. Go to town - enter as many times as you'd like
*5 more entries for google friend connect followers (I've recently decided to ditch my separate review blog and offer all of my giveaways on my main blog, so make sure this is the one you're following)

*Feel free to tweet this giveaway as much as you'd like for extra entries. Tweet must include @JulieBouf and a link to this post.

If you have a non-reply google account or don't have a google account - include some way for me to contact you in your comment (e-mail address, twitter handle, etc...if I don't already know you personally).Please leave a separate comment for each entry type.

Note: Dr. Oetker products are available in limited geographic regions at this time - if the brand name is new to you - check their website to make sure it's in your area.

This giveaway will close on April 30, 2011(11:59pm).

Winners will be selected randomly by Random.org.

About Dr. Oetker: Dr. Oetker (urt-ker) is a fifth-generation family-run business headquartered in Bielefeld, Germany. Begun in 1891, it has grown into an international food business leader and a market leader in many of its product lines. In 1985, Dr. Oetker launched Ristorante frozen pizza in Germany with only two varieties. Today, Dr. Oetker is the market leader of frozen pizza in Europe and sells Ristorante in more than 30 countries – and Italy’s #1 frozen pizza is now available in your area, giving you Italian restaurant style pizza taste without paying restaurant style prices!

To learn more about Dr. Oetker, visit http://www.oetker.us/
This post was sponsored by The Motherhood.com and Dr. Oetker and I will be compensated for participating in this campaign.

Do you love the chance to enter giveaways and win free stuff? Check out what other giveaways are being hosted this week by the Philly Social Media Moms!!

Stress, Relief, Laughter, Stress, Relief, Laughter

2011-02-12T12:00:00.007-05:00

Katie has some issues, there's no question about that.
(fyi, if you're new to The Other Boufs, Katie is the dancer all the way on the right)

It's perfectly ok that I make fun of her dancing since I love her so much.

But honestly, that dance recital was a smashing success since she actually wore her black leotard AND her dance shoes. The "legwarmers": an added bonus. Truth is, I had worked myself up the entire day about getting her cooperation to dress appropriately. I entered The Little Gym apprehensive and sick to my stomach, but prepared, with makeup and hints of a celebration cupcake for a job well done. This was her 3rd recital and to date, she had never worn what the group was supposed to wear, without accomodations. Of course, the first go at putting on the leotard resulted in an episode and some hasty thrashing in efforts of wripping it right off, but we were able to finally compromise and she wore one of her favorite leotards underneath so she wouldn't even feel "the itchy one".

So, after our celebration date at the diner (it was just the girls since Timmy had puked all over himself at dinner and had to stay home with dad), we drove home. Katie was unusually peppy and verbally lucid for that late at night. I began to tune some of the non-stop chatter out of my head until I was certain I had heard the "F" word.

I couldn't really blame her since I do tend to swear like a sailor, but I really DO try to hold back in front of the kids. In 5 1/2 years, she's only ever repeated "damn it" or "what the hell?!?!". We quickly discussed both phrases and nipped them in the bud. I thought I was in the clear.

I asked her to tell me again what she had just said, breath held. She proudly repeated herself and I took an audible sigh of relief when she repeated, "I said 'Oh GREAT now we have to go get STUCK at this red light'"*****

Well thank goodness, at least I'm not a terrible parent who makes fun of her kid's dancing AND has her kid dropping F-bombs.

Do you have a funny story about a funny misunderstanding with your kids, other family members, or friends where what you thought you heard was a little different than what was actually said? I'd love for you to share it here in the comments section. And if you think it's like the funniest story ever submit it on the Alka-Seltzer Facebook page to enter their Said/Heard Mishaps contest.

The winner of the Said/Heard Mishaps Contest will receive:

· A trip to New York City to star in an Alka-Seltzer online video featuring their entry
· The winning spot will premiere on the Alka-Seltzer Facebook page!
· Plus $5,000 to spend toward whatever they wish.

The makers of Alka-Seltzer want you to remember that while miscommunication can be funny and entertaining it can also lead to stress. And when stress gives you heartburn with headache, Alka-Seltzer Original gives you relief fast. Use as directed.

Abbreviated Contest Rules

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.), 18 years or older. Contest ends 2/25/11. To enter and for Official Rules, including prize description, visit http://www.facebook.com/AlkaSeltzerOriginal?v=app_7146470109&ref=sgm. Void where prohibited.

This post was sponsored and compensation provided by Alka-Seltzer.

*****Ok, so this isn't really exactly how the conversation went down. In reality, she began with "I said 'Oh GREAT now we have to go get STUCK..." and I felt an immediate sense of relief that I had really heard her say "STUCK" and not something inappropriate. But, then she continued as clear as I ever heard this little girl who has been in speech therapy for 3 years "...at the F%^#ing red light!" I double checked 3 times. And heard that "really bad word for a mom to say in front of her kids and even worse to have them repeat" all three times.

In the Meantime

2011-02-09T06:51:00.004-05:00

I'm having a little trouble shaking the winter blues. Things have been busy, sick, lazy, crazy, sick, cold, snowy, and sick over here at The Other Boufs for the last month. But, today's my birthday and next week is Valentine's day so I'm determined get my mojo back on.

In the meantime, come visit me at The Motherhood today, where I'll be double-dutying my lunch break at 1pm Eastern to join a live talk with other moms and Dr. Oetker (Ullie Kammler). The talk will be live later this afternoon, but feel free to stop by sooner to submit a question or comment.

About Dr. Oetker: Dr. Oetker (urt-ker) is a fifth-generation family-run business headquartered in Bielefeld, Germany. Begun in 1891, it has grown into an international food business leader and a market leader in many of its product lines. In 1985, Dr. Oetker launched Ristorante frozen pizza in Germany with only two varieties. Today, Dr. Oetker is the market leader of frozen pizza in Europe and sells Ristorante in more than 30 countries – and Italy’s #1 frozen pizza is now available in your area, giving you Italian restaurant style pizza taste without paying restaurant style prices!

To learn more about Dr. Oetker, visit www.oetker.us

We'll start out discussing the Dr. Oetker brand and quickly move on to a Valentine's-themed discussion about spending quality time with loved ones. For me, this Valentine's Day will mark the first year in 12 years that my husband isn't in the throes of financial audit busy season, working to 10pm+ January-March... But even still, I look forward the most to a quiet evening of not cooking and a day of enjoying my family!

This post was sponsored by The Motherhood.com and Dr. Oetker and I will be compensated for participating in this campaign.

Wordless Wednesday - Electricity

2010-12-29T08:12:00.002-05:00

I'm participating in Wordless Wedneday here and here and Wordish Wednesday.

Happy Holidays

2010-12-26T19:20:00.005-05:00

From our home to yours, we hope your holidays are merry and bright.

And as to THIS little dilemma... Katie was excited to see that Santa did bring her a Cinderella Castle, unwrapped and front and center in the living room.

Timmy's favorite surprises were his roaring, walking dinosaur and his new lawn mower.

Mommy ~~and daddy~~ left their big big surprises of a tool bench, bike and barbie size doll house in the family room.

Timmy surprised us all by being a present opening machine. He did not fall into our tradition of taking turns opening presents and had to be stopped from opening everyone's.

Katie proudly read out the recipient and giver of each gift she picked up.

Among other things, mommy got this:

Family came for dinner and a little Kinect play at night.

It was a good, good day.

Thank you friends and family for being in our lives and most especially,

thank you God for delivering us your newborn son.

Participating in 5 Minutes for Mom Christmas 2010 Linkup.

My Virual Gift to the Mommies of the Blogosphere that are not already in AA

2010-12-22T07:07:00.001-05:00

If you haven't gotten one of these from me in real life, just keep in mind....it's the thought that counts, right? And I was thinking of you...

I may or may not have bought one for myself. Because it's funny ~~and true~~. Not because I can't handle the kids I have. I may or may not have bought myself one of these too:

The back of the mug reads, "Inner Peace Through Impulse Buying".

This one is still on my wish list:

I really just don't understand why everyone tells me I'm hard to shop for.

I have no problem shopping for myself at all. I wish I did.

These are just a few of the hilarious products that caught my eye at Our Name is Mud. And really, with the amount of money I spent on their products for holiday gifts...they really should throw a giveaway my way. Don't you think?

To Torture or Not To Torture

2010-12-09T22:34:00.004-05:00

Christmas Eve and Christmas morning are chock full of traditions at The Other Boufs. For one, we don't just attack our presents and finish the whole present opening in 5 minutes flat. From as early as I can remember, I have savored the present opening and would open my own presents really slowly while I kept an eye on what my siblings were unwrapping. I didn't want to miss anything. I wanted the magic to last as long as possible. Since Katie is my mini-me in so many ways...she has fallen right into my present opening technique. We take turns and pass presents out. Katie also tends to like to play with every new toy right away...so some years, we've even resumed opening presents later in the day...or the next day. (insert gasp as I look up and reminisce about how long Katie's hair was just one year ago.)

Some Christmas mornings, during my childhood, Santa would hide the present I wanted more than anything - and I would get some hints that there might be something else for me once I had opened the rest of my presents. It may have only been once, but I remember that Christmas morning that I found my new Pound Puppy in the laundry room like it was yesterday: the wonder, the thrill and excitement, the satisfaction. To pass on a bit of this excitement to my kids, I have guided Santa into leaving the most exciting gift in the family room (our tree is in the living room). And at least through last year, Katie has never remembered this tradition and hasn't even wondered about whether there might be something more in another room.

It began in 2007, when Katie was 2 1/2. Although, I must admit, we were really left with no choice that year. Santa and mama had gone a little crazy with only one child to buy for and there really wasn't any room left in the living room - you know...with the Radio Flyer rocking horse and trampoline. Katie was ecstatic to find a new train table later in the morning as we assembled for breakfast.


(pre-addition)

In 2008, Santa surprised the kids with a racecar and jumparoo.

But as I prepare to begin the wrapping process for 2010, I am pondering - do I want to torture my kids this year? Do I want to torture myself? See, last year was the year that Katie became a brat.

Although she got the 3 specific items she had asked for and did show some excitement a few times,

she looked like this most of the morning.

She didn't verbalize what was bothering her and told us "nothing" when we asked, but I theorize that it was eating at her that she saw the push car and was jealous that there was only one "big" gift in the room...and it was her brother's. We knew big excitement would follow when she found her biggest surprise. But frankly, it pissed me off. Everything on her list had been received.

And then Timmy saw something in the family room...and Katie went to investigate...and there was the reaction I had anticipated.

So this year, I'm wondering...do I have Santa set up the kids' big exciting gifts in the family room? For the first time, it won't be an unanticipated gift. I expect Katie's biggest surprise will be the item highest on her list:

Timmy is getting the monorail set (if he's good).

Do you do anything similar at your house or do you have any unique present opening traditions? Is it worth potential silent pouting to buildup the excitement?

Another one of those child dancing videos

2010-11-12T20:57:00.003-05:00

Chock full of self-confidence after her previous night of dance moves in Jamaica, Katie decided to enter the resort talent show. She and her new friend, Zoe, practiced for hours.They had a great time and loved being the center of attention. Unfortunately, they didn't get to go on until 9pm, so they were a little sleepy. But, no stage fright for these girls... or Timmy.

Sometime after her stage premier, though, Katie caught site of some locals dancing. It may have been during the pool games the next day. But somehow, somewhere...she realized that this is a way more entertaining way to dance:

Speechless

2010-11-04T21:52:00.006-04:00

I've been learning some interesting things about Katie in Jamaica.

Today, as I caught up with her and the other children from kids camp, on their way to the beach for a sandcastle making competition, I noticed she was howling. A cute little girl with long brown hair solemnly told me, "We think she's turning into a werewolf." When I inquired into what had caused such an alarming situation she looked at me with big serious eyes and told me "I'm half werewolf and I infected her." Of course I asked more questions...and was rewared with more sincere responses. Apparently, "It's from the bite. It tranferred into her blood." So yea, I'm now the daughter of a Jamaican werewolf.

And last night...well - last night Katie got her first kiss (other than that of the playground kissing tag variety - although of course I suppose this really was of the same variety). This older boy from England danced her into a tizzy and then apparently leaned in for a snog.

I'm pretty sure they should be cast in the next remake of Dirty Dancing, premised in Jamaica:

On our way back to the room last night, I mentioned that she sure did seem to have a lot of boyfriends. She told me, "Well, I don't have one of them anymore. "Sean broke up with me." Am I really hearing this correctly? Apparently she knew he was her boyfriend because he broke up with another little girl who is in their daycare and kindergarten class. There were about 3 more breakups somewhere involved in the whole explanation. I asked her, "Katie, do you even know what breaking up means?" And oh...she did: "It means he's not in love with me anymore." Folks I just don't know what to say. Besides advising her that she is much too young to let any boys kiss her or to worry about having boyfriends. Really, I am speechless.

Oh and guess what...turns out the boy above has an uncle who lives in the next town over from me. Talk about a small world. I would joke and make a remark about how funny it would be if they ended up falling in love some day, but I had a conversation with him on the beach today would prove that isn't likely.Apparently he didn't recognize me as Katie's mum - and he was telling me all about this dumb girl who won the treasure hunt at Kids Camp the previous day. I told him it wasn't nice to call anyone dumb and he went on to tell me, but she really was...she didn't even know how to miniature golf properly. But then he relented that they did then become good friends and danced together. I chided him and reminded him that he was talking about my daughter. And he was speechless.

We miss you, Daddy! (Hope you're having fun at work)

2010-11-03T22:37:00.000-04:00

I remember learning so many literary terms in high school English classes and college Core classes and Theatre classes: symbolism, themes, yada yada yada. Well, for those who are not lucky enough to know Katie closely (because using the word intimately just somehow seems wrong) - this video can sum up in 30 odd seconds what life with Katie is like. My girl - my smart wonderful girl - the girl my mom calls "special".

And yes, she did ride the short-bus to pre-school. But she's just your typical 5yo, now. So to all the mom's of 5yo girls out there, I'm drinking one for you right now. A mango vodka and 7, to be precise.

Silent but Deadly

2010-11-02T23:11:00.003-04:00

Reason #342,524 why I would never make it on "Survivor"...only 1 night in Jamaica and my leg* looks like this:

The other leg doesn't look much better. And I never even saw them coming. Never felt them biting. Never heard their pointy straw like apparatus jamming into my skin over and over again.

If you haven't figured out by now, I'm here in Jamaica. My weeklong twitter and facebook campaign to find someone to go with me and the kids**was a bust, but I finally ~~told my mother-in-law she had no choice~~ convinced my mother-in-law to come with us. We got here yesterday and will be Philly bound on Sunday afternoon.

I'll be live blogging (and tweeting via @JulieBouf) all week. Well live plus the 6,345 minutes it takes to upload each photo. And tweeting meaning, on my laptop - since it would cost about $7,234 in data charges every time I turn my phone on. Check back frequently this week, I'll be posting a lot. Randomly. Throughout the day. Whenever I feel like it, mon.

*I'm positive that my calf isn't really this large and that it MUST be swollen from all of these mosquito bites. Swollen skin and rock hard muscle (NOT 32 years of overeating and overall laziness).

**If you really have no idea what I'm talking about, shame on you. My husband realized it really wasn't possible to take off from work, after all, just one week before our vacation. Good times. It's all I talked about for a week straight. And to everyone here in Jamaica. Hell, even my 5yo greeted our resort greeter with,"Hi, we're here for our vacation. We brought grandma cause my daddy has to work and couldn't come and we'll call him on the telephone every night."

My apologies to Ms. M's Kindergarten class

2010-10-21T06:30:00.007-04:00

As the parent of a kindergartener, I get a lot of "reminders" in my daughter's princess backpack. We received slips of paper in bright colors that said "Don't forget to wear a Hawaiian shirt on Friday for the Rick Charette concert" and "Don't forget to dress comfortably for our Karate assembly next week (including the times of the assemblies assigned by grade)". We also received the annual picture day money envelope. Surprised there was no accompanying info, I did the research and went online to the school calendar to see what day would be picture day. And then I promptly forgot all about it. No brightly colored reminder slips were sent home. It wasn't included on the class "Week in Review" newsletter that includes what to look forward to in the upcoming week. But I rely on those reminders, centrally displayed on my refrigerator. My memory isn't what it used to be. I can remember every detail of my childhood, but something from last week? Forget it.

So, Tuesday morning rolled around - the second day of my husband's new job - and we had our typical cyclone of a morning trying to get Katie dressed and out of the house. MULTIPLE outfits were wripped off and strewn throughout the house. They all itched. They all bothered her. Didn't matter if it was her favorite shirt or a brand new one with no tags. So it was a compromise kind of morning. Wear what you want - as long as you're dressed.

Katie finally settled on this shirt:

Ok, not awful. We'll pretend it's not 55 degrees outside. You want to wear it with THIS skirt?:

FINE! At this point, I even turned a blind eye to the Dora crocs.

Tuesday evening, we talked abut Katie's day. While she was telling me her requisite 3 things that happened in kindergarten class that day, she gushed about getting to have her picture taken....

WH WH WH WHAAAAT?!?!

She kept gushing. She was so excited that everybody got really dressed up in fancy clothes. She assured me that everyone thought her outfit was so pretty. She got to take a picture by herself AND with her whole class.

Parent FAIL!

Some time ago, I read this post over at Classy Chaos and giggled. I thought, "oh, poor Pauline," but also how cute her youngest looked. People, it's no joke. And yes, I got retakes done the next day. And yes, even if I didn't, the pictures are only of the chest up. I know her shirt was fine, but I'm thinking of her class picture, here: A snapshot of her first year as an official elementary schoolgoer. And I think to myself - THIS is just another reason why God has given this 5'1" momma an amazon-bred child. So that she will be the tallest in her class; she will be on the top riser for her class picture. And hopefully, just maybe, her lower half will be hidden and history will not record this ensemble.

I am currently too much in the moment to think about how someday I'll look back and laugh at the picture, remembering how "spirited" she was. No, it will more likely rekindle post traumatic stress disorder symptoms - reminding me of the daily torture this child unleashes on me. (This child who I love very much and wouldn't trade for anything....except perhaps one that gets dressed by herself and doesn't flip out for 40 minutes every morning about her clothes bothering her.)

Why I have smoke coming out of my ears

2010-09-24T19:00:00.018-04:00

It's happened before. One of those days that everything that can go wrong WILL.It started shortly after I woke up this morning. I was finishing up picking up Katie's bedroom for today's house cleaning. My husband mumbled as he rushed past me down the steps on his way to the couch, "I have to lay down just a little bit longer. I'm so tired, but Katie peed all over the bed." Not such a big deal, you'd think, since most kids her age have mattress protectors, as does she. Except we had guests last night. So in order to clear out the guest room, which is usually inhabited by Sir Snoresalot, I slept in Katie's bed and she slept in the master bedroom with my husband. Have I mentioned that she's only ever peed the bed like 3 times before in her entire life?!?!?!? So I replied, well did you get her up? Of course not. She was soaked, the bed was soaked. I started the cleanup process, berated my husband, and zoomed out of the house to my early meeting.

As I got back to my desk from the morning meeting, I noticed an e-mail from our housecleaning company. "The dogs are running loose in the house. What should we do?" It was from 1 hr prior. I responded they could be let out back...hoping they could still get there to clean and we didn't have to go another 2 weeks living in filth. I e-mailed Chris to bitch, just a day after he left Katie's backpack (containing her homework) at home. He mentioned how bad HIS morning was. Including the fact that he got pulled over for having a brake light out, only to realize he didn't have his wallet with him.

I picked up the kids from daycare, which days later still puts me in a bad mood - ever since the new daycare provider told me, "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," after I stood by one of my parenting decisions. One that is none.of.her.freaking.business.

I got home to a clean house (thankyou God), only to have my cherubs break in to a box of donuts while I was checking our voicemail. Chocolate donuts that then got ground in ALL OVER our newly cleaned kitchen floor.

I opened the mail, excited to finally receive my Jamaica vacation documents. The vacation that I'm already pissed about since I found out the resort I booked at will be closed for renovations and we've been "upgraded" to a different resort. One lacking the huge waterpark we were looking forward to. The one that I couldn't cancel since we had bought an "airfare included" package. Which included nonrefundable airfare. The one that as I opened the mail today, found out that they only booked THREE airline seats for my family of FOUR. Something about Timmy being under two...which didn't even cross.my.mind when I entrusted them to create my dream vacation.

The dogs were in the back yard, barking INCESSANTLY. As I was outside summarily flipping my lid on them, my neighbor mentioned, "Oh, they were out running ALL over the neighborhood today. I let them back in the house for you." Really? Someone used our gate and didn't think it might be a (insert the fact that Timmy just came in to visit and SHUT DOWN my computer). Sorry. What I meant to say was that is it so hard to close a gate at a home where you know DOGS LIVE? This is not a new problem at our house.

So, I finally, after much screaming and silent prayer, managed to get the barking idots back in the house. Tracking mud. Everywhere. Why mud? The yard is dry. Oh, cause Katie was just out at the water table and tracked in water, which was then crossed over by the dirt pawed canines.

So I came up to the office to vent. The children were left to scream Mommy! watch Spongebob.

There's a large puddle of water on my pergo downstairs a la Katie's abandoned cup of water that was commandeered by her brother.

Timmy just pulled apart a lei in the office and I silently celebrated knowing that it would keep him busy for one more minute.

And there goes all the papers off my desk....

And yes asshole, I DO have my period!!!

Yo, ho!

2010-09-01T17:42:00.006-04:00

Don't be offended. If I happen to call you a ho or more likely, "hooker," it means I have the utmost love and respect for you. Just one of those little nuances in life.

After college, I had the pleasure of living with my childhood friend C for three years. She was and is a very good girl. No drinking, no swearing, no funny business with the boys. And so, of course, our pet term for each other is "hooker."

It still amazes me how, through life, we continue to meet new people who become near and dear to our hearts. Like a mother with a new child, my heart's openness to new friends is boundless. And I've been so lucky. Beyond my family, beyond my childhood and college friends, beyond my bloggy friends, I genuinely appreciate my mommy friends. Those friends that could be casual acquaintances or new BFF's, but for a conversation.

With 18 month olds running around and trying to jump their way off equipment and into the ER (mine never actually hurt herself, but oh how she tried), passing balls and balloons to one another, running side by side to pop bubbles. We met in preschool gymnastics. Casual smiles turned into conversation. The propensity for my daughter and one other particular little boy to be clumsy, wreckless, insane and crazy drew me and his mother to one another to simutaneously shake our heads, roll our eyes, and commiserate. Then there were a few others who were not afraid for their lives when around our two kids, and we started to meet at McDonald's or Friendly's before or after class. Then we started having playdates. And then girl's nights. And then, my generous friend M, suggested a few of us use her Vacation Club for a mommy getaway to DisneyWorld. It happened to be the same weekend as BlogHer '10, for which I already had a ticket and hotel room. And I'm sorry, my bloggy friends, for skipping out on meeting so many of you - but I just couldn't pass up a trip with these girls and our 5 year olds. These ladies who represent everything I value in a friend - honesty, reliability, compassion, generousity and fun. And our kids love each other like siblings.

And our trip WAS magical.

Katie actually wore her fabulous new outfits from 77kids. (In hindsite, I realize many readers may not realize why that is such a big deal, but suffice it to say that we have had SIGNIFICANT issues with Katie this summer regarding clothes. For weeks at a time, I washed the same outfit every night, to be worn every day. To my utter depression and turmoil as I fingered all of the lovely, unworn clothes in her closet.)

And she was so proud to pose in her new grunge, as we traveled over to a kids only Pirate Cruise at the Grand Floridian.

She even accepted a $10 souvenir bribe to wear one of my most favoritest Hanna Andersson sundress sets that she had never worn.

We treasured every moment of our trip.

We even happened to overlap our trip with my sister's family and had the ultimate experience of going on a Kim Possible mission with them in Epcot.

We swam and played.

The kids were thrilled to build their own cars at Downtown Disney.

And I got an amazing long weekend getaway with my girls, most notably my favorite girl.

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree

2010-08-19T12:30:00.004-04:00

Katie wanted to be a doctor when she grows up. A baby doctor. So she could help kids all the time. From about as early as we could understand her (which was at about 3), she was set on her career path. Last year, she was even a doctor for Halloween.

That all changed when Katie became more familiar with the world around her. And at 4 years old started to have anxiety about things like learning how to drive when she grows up. Quick witted like her mom, she came up with the solution that instead of being a doctor, she would be an "countant" like her mom. So she could drive with me to work every day and be with me every day.

She may have possibly also decided to change career paths due to a little conversation where she asked me how she would learn to be a doctor and I told her that in medical school she would get to cut open bodies and see what's inside of them. She wasn't a huge fan of that idea.

Lucky for Katie, being an accountant is a little less traumatic. And last month, she got a chance to come to work with me for a half day.

The other half of the day, we were busy doing this.

I dreamed a dream of times gone by...

2010-07-21T12:00:00.006-04:00

Back in the spring of my freshman year in college, I was still grasping at my love of music and theatre and was playing the role of Little Red Riding Hood in our school production of Into the Woods. That semester-along with playing on the girls’ soccer team, pledging a sorority, and getting mediocre grades- I was also working part-time for a local CPA firm. One day when I came back from my lunch break, which I had used for a theatre practice session, one of the senior managers laughed at me. He told me he had never heard of someone being interested in accounting AND theatre. That the combination just didn’t make sense and that I’d probably have to choose one over the other. After that semester, I hung up my acting and singing shoes in my quest to be the world’s best accountant.

Around the same time, two handfuls of students joined together at Indiana University to form an a cappella group. After graduation, they went their separate ways. Some continued in the industry by appearing in theatrical productions or wowing cruise ship passengers. Others turned to their field of study and began careers in the world of finance.

For a college reunion, they got together once more to perform. And someone uploaded a video of them singing to YouTube. And then they were approached with a record deal.

A few weeks ago I was given the opportunity to see their show at Harrah’s in Atlantic City. I had never heard of them, so I googled “Straight No Chaser.” I found their website at sncmusic.com and began listening to tracks. Not only was I an immediate fan, but I realized I HAD heard them before. I didn’t know their group name, but I was sure I had heard them sing Christmas songs in one of those holiday greeting e-mail forwards. I was lucky enough to be provided with tickets to see their show and I even got to pretend I was real press and interview the group after the show.

It’s quite unprofessional . Particularly since I was ~~a little tipsy~~ trying to rush the process as my camera battery was about to die. And also because I’m pretty new to the glamorous life of interviewing celebrities. After you're done making fun of my interview, please stop over at my Giveaway page to enter to win 2 tickets to see Straight No Chaser on July 30th at Harrah’s.

Mission Complete

2010-07-05T14:18:00.001-04:00

In regards to this post.....

it appears that my husband does love me. Very, very much.

He is miserable about it and not looking forward to it, but I have ascertained that at least he will not be divorcing me.

That being said, I think that all of our friends should reward him for his sacrifice by joining us on vacation. So he can make the most of the all-inclusive unlimited top-shelf liquor.

Give me a call or send me an e-mail and I'll let you know the dates...I'll even let you know how much it would cost for your family. With a spreadsheet if requested. Come on. You know you want to. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. You'll love it. Please!

Touche (with a little accent on the e)

2010-06-29T06:00:00.009-04:00

A few weeks ago, Katie was intent on getting her way. Hmm, well I suppose I should specify, since Katie is ALWAYS intent on getting her way, that a few weeks ago a specific conversation took place.

K: Mom, I’m ready to go swimming.

M: Ok, in a minute.

K: Mom, I want to go swimming.

M: I know, just wait a minute.

K: I REALLY want to go swimming.

M: Ok.

K: Can we PLEASE go swimming?

M: I am busy right now. We WILL go swimming, but I just need you to be patient.

K: Can we go swimming?

It was as if she wasn’t listening to a word I was saying. Finally I had had enough and lashed out, “Katie, that’s ENOUGH! You will NOT get what you want sooner just because you keep asking. In fact, you’re driving me nuts. Don’t ask me again.” Which of course led to, “Can we go swimming now?”

Overhearing the entire dialogue, Chris muttered – “Hmm, I wonder where she learns that from? I wonder what could ever give her the idea that may work?”

Heh. Moi?

Oh, not because I have a history of giving in to her when she badgers me to the point of exhaustion. But, because I have a history of expecting that if I badger her father to the point of exhaustion – that he will eventually give in to me.

My current project: a vacation to the Boscobel Beaches resort in Ochos Rios, Jamaica.

1. Get it into my head that I want to go on vacation during a specific week – brought on by Disney flyers for extremely reduced rates.

2. Plan out my vacations for the next 2 years in my head, remembering that I’d really love to go to an all-inclusive resort – somewhere with pretty blue water. Suddenly remember that I was interested in visiting Paradise Island, Bahamas.

3. Try to convince BFF to travel with our family during this given week. While she wouldn’t be able to go until the following year, she did provide some amazing alternative suggestions. My research into the Beaches resorts begins.

4. Casually mention my plans and timing reasons to husband.

5. Getting nowhere in my plea, create a detailed spread sheet of room costs and airfare for a variety of travel dates for 4-7 night vacations to Boscobel. Provide husband with spreadsheet, which also includes average and incremental cost per day of travel.

6. Order resort brochure. Once it arrives, have 5yo show to her daddy making sure that she appropriately exclaims in awe over the pretty water, water slides, and Sesame Street characters.

At this point, I STILL haven’t convinced him. Crazy, right?

7. Send e-mails to husband with links to the Beaches website and phrases such as – “Open me. You want to go here” and “You love your wife.”

8. Start a campaign to find friends or family to go with us expecting that if husband has a drinking companion, he will be more inclined to look forward to this all-inclusive paradise.

9. With only one day left to book the vacation at a reduced price check the prices one more time and find out I can now get it $300 LESS…but only until tomorrow.

I have yet to determine if this method really is a surefire formula for success. It has been in the past. I’m beginning to think my husband may just not love me anymore.

Of course, after our little discussion and my husband’s timely remark, I took Katie out to swim right away. Because I love her.

This is not an advertisement or endorsement. Of course, if Beaches would like to pay for my vacation it would make it so much easier to convince my husband to go and I would be willing to blog on location ;)

Daddy and his shadow

2010-05-18T20:59:00.009-04:00

Daddy's biggest fan has decided that he also wants to be Daddy's big helper.

I kid you not, this keeps him busy for an entire hour. He keeps an eye on Daddy to make sure that he turns in the opposite direction when he's supposed to and tries to time his moves to synch up with Daddy. And he gets royally pissed off when Daddy takes a break to empty the mower bag.

Ahh, this kid and his Daddy. His hero. His best friend. His pillow. While he increases the amount of words he says on a daily basis and has even moved onto phrases - most often we just hear: "Daddy, daddy, daddy!", "That Daddy" or "Daddy, bread?" as he tries to shove his dinner bread into his Daddy's mouth. Of course, "Daddy" is followed closely by "Doggies" and "Katie." I'm somewhere down there on the list of importance. Way down there. But that's ok - Katie tells me she love me more than anyone in the whole world and that I'm her favorite ever.

And don't forget to enter my giveaway for a signed Joanie Leeds CD, perfect for your favorite kid. Or you - if you're a dork like me.

Playing along today with:

My niche

2010-05-17T01:20:00.021-04:00

One of the key rules of blogging is to find your niche. Especially if you want to write reviews. I love to travel, but sadly due to a 1 1/2-year-old terror who I happened to give birth to, a real vacation is not in our imminent future (despite the MANY Disney ads and cruise ads that my inbox has recently been inundated with...sigh). I swoon over romance novels, but I don't really have the time to read lots of books. But our family loves music and I LOVE theater. So I've jumped at the chance recently to bring our kids to some events in Philadelphia.

Theater, especially of the musical variety, is my personal splurge. I have a subscription to the Kimmel Center's Broadway at the Academy series as opposed to major league sports season tickets. I dreamed that my little girl would love theater as much as I do (my love is partially fueled by the memories of my high school and college musical theater glory days). I started her out early taking her to shows with her favorite characters: Disney Live, Disney on Ice, the circus.

As Katie got older and some of her sensory-seeking tendencies began to emerge, I thought "Well, theater is probably out, but at least she'll love sports." However, last year, my subscription included "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and unfortunately, it was for an Easter evening performance and it didn't look likely that I'd be finding anyone to go with me. So, I bought the movie for Katie. I got her interested in the story and ultimately decided to bring her to the show with me. And at only 3 1/2 - she loved it.

Last month, with only the CD of the Broadway performance of The Lion King to teach her the story, Katie went with me to see "The Lion King" at Philadelphia's Academy of Music. As she whispered to me during the second song of the show that "Mom, this is REALLY great," I smiled inside. Perhaps it's the African language that some of the songs are sang in that she identifies with. Her favorite pretend name for herself is "Africa" and the limited amount of final consonants does seem to be a little easier for her to speak. She's been singing the opening song of "The Lion King" on a constant basis for the last week. She proudly told me as she came home from school one day that she had been singing it ALL day: at daycare, at school, even on the bus. I inquired, "Oh, and did your teachers LOVE that?" She told me, "Well, they did keep saying 'Ok, Katie - that's enough. And the bus driver told me, that's enough Katie."

Last weekend my friend and I took Katie and her friend Max to see Princess Katie and Racecar Steve at the Kimmel Center. We had a great time and Katie loved how Princess Katie walked through the audience.

(ahem, Tea Collection, yes - our children would LOVE to model for you. And we'll even try to make sure Katie doesn't get blue icing all over her clothes.)

This weekend, Chris and I took Katie and Timmy to see Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights perform at World Rock Live in Philly. As newcomers to her music, she had me at "I love Sushi":

Katie initiated a mosh pit of running toddlers and pre-schoolers.

While Timmy clung for his life in the safety of his Daddy's lap.

I know he loved the music though. The whole way to the show he was singing in the backseat of the car to the band's CD "I'm a Rockstar" and dancing in his carseat. He's used to his Daddy bringing him to the basement and playing rock concerts on tv when he can't sleep, so he was just snuggling in for the show. I may have had to tickle him to get this reaction, but I know he enjoyed himself.
After the show, we got to meet the lead singer, Joanie Leeds, and she even let Katie interview her for my review page.

So yeah, I think our family found a niche to explore. Of course, we don't intend to limit ourselves, but I couldn't be happier. And we were very excited to find out that Joanie Leeds will be back in our area on June 5th to perform at the Philadelphia Zoo. I'm giving away a copy of the new Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights CD "I'm a Rockstar" over here. Please check it out and enter. It's a really fun CD.