Just Add Laughter

My Bucket List

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

Disneyland 2-22-2010

Going through withdrawals.

RFKC Walk-a-Thon

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

April 17, 2010

Tidelands Park, Coronado (San Diego)

Dash For Cash!! (Fundraiser)

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime @ Just Add Laughter) — 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 @ Just Add Laughter) — 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.

New Year's Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime @ Just Add Laughter) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:26:00 +0000

Yes, I am making New Year's Resolutions.

Here they are, in no particular order:

1. Work on the Couch to 5K program. Run at least TWO 5Ks this year.

2. Lose 50 pounds by June 12, which is when I get out of school, and the week before Royal Family Kids Camp.

3. Continue with my Daily and Weekly Bible devotions. I started last January and kept up with it sporadically through the year. Also keep up with the journal.

4. Keep up with my blogs.

5. Read at least 4 books a month, which comes out to 48 for the year. I am part of a 100+ Books Challenge, but if I can make it to 48 (52 would double what I read this year), I will be happy.

6. Update Big Sis' school scrapbook. Start a new one for Little Sis.

That's all I can think of for now.

I'm going to be an Auntie!

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime @ Just Add Laughter) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 03:50:00 +0000

AGAIN!

My sister, Kimberly from Welcome to My Life, who was married December 5, 2008, is pregnant, and due May 24, 2010!

On Monday, December 28, she and her husband found out it's going to be a GIRL!! I'm so excited for her. She and my brother are so lucky...they already have nieces. But I don't! (I'm the only one with girls so far.) So, I FINALLY get a niece!!

So, congrats to my baby sister and her husband!! You can read all about it on her post, I'm going to be a Mommy!

2009: Year in Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime @ Just Add Laughter) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 04:00:00 +0000

2009 was a year of Ups and Downs.

Big Sis and I brought in the New Year at Disneyland on December 31, 2008. She made it to 11:00pm that night, and fell asleep on the ground near it's a small world. She wasn't the only child, either. It was so very foggy that neither set of fireworks, at 9:25pm and 12:00am, were visible. We had a good time, though, dancing to Family-Friendly music at Small World Mall.

On January 4, 2009, the girls and I finally accepted my dad's invitation to go to church. We went to Crossroads Church for the 10:30 service. Both girls were sitting in the service with me, and Big Sis and I both accepted Jesus into our lives. That was the biggest decision we made all year, and the best one of our lives.

I started my full-time position at the Elementary School on January 12. It was a transfer from the Middle School. I went from working 3.75 hours a day to 6.5 hours a day. Little Sis started going to the baby-sitter after she got out of preschool at 12:30. She was not very happy about it, but she knew it was for the better. At this time, I was still commuting from Hemet to Borrego Springs, which was a 1.5 hour trip each way.

In March, the student I was working one-on-one with moved from Borrego Springs to Nevada, prompting me to fear the loss of my job. I wouldn't have lost my job completely; I would have just moved back to the Middle School working 3.75 hours a day. This was not going to be a good thing if I was commuting almost 150 miles a day. The Superintendent, however, let me stay on at the Elementary school, where I was to help out in the afternoons with the large group of third grade Special Ed students (our SDC class is only half-day, then the kids go to their General Ed class after lunch). At this time, I realized I needed to live in Borrego Springs. With God's Grace, a friend, who was also commuting, found an apartment in Borrego Springs, but decided against it, so recommended me to the landlord. I was able to move in with a small deposit and no credit check. Thankfully, I had thought to save $1000 of my tax refund, for no particular reason. So, on March 25, I moved into my apartment, where the girls and I currently live.

School ended June 12, and brought summer in all it's blazing glory. The apartment complex where I live has a large swimming pool, so the girls and I swam practically every day. They took swimming lessons at the high school, and both overcame their fear of the water. Essentially, they turned into fish. I was working during the summer, tutoring one of our SDC kids. He was also taking swimming lessons, so I was able to work some of my required hours with him in the pool, which I used as time to build his gross-motor skills and multi-action movements (kick your feet and blow bubbles). He also turned into a fish, and he still asks the instructor when it's time for swimming lessons again!

On July 15, I ended up going on a date to see Harry Potter with my ex-boyfriend. We ended up "back together" which we thought was a good idea. More on that later.....

School started again on August 21, and I had my old position back! Only this time, I was working my afternoons with a group of 4th graders. I also became a one-on-one in the morning, thanks to the new SDC teacher who saw potential for conflict with that student and his one-on-one. So she and I tag-team him. I work mostly with him during the morning, and she has him in the afternoon. His behavior has improved exponentially since school started. I love the team we have working in the classroom this year.

On September 30, my former-ex-boyfriend lost his job...and his employee housing. So, I let him move in with the girls and me in our tiny one bedroom apartment (did I mention is was a one-bedroom? The girls have a bunk bed in the bedroom and I sleep on a futon in the living room). This was the beginning of the end.

The girls, the boyfriend, and I went to Disneyland October 5-9 for the girls' birthdays. It was a good time had by all. Little Sis rode Tower of Terror for the first time, and Big Sis rode (and LOVED!) California Screamin' for the first time. It's now her favorite ride, and is bummed when we have Little Sis with us and can't Baby Swap. The girls spent their Disney Fun Card, which they received because we are Annual Passholders. Big Sis bought a Jack Skellington jacket, and Little Sis bought a Mickey Mouse sweatshirt, among other small little things that are probably lost by now.

On October 30, we went back to Disney's California Adventure for Mickey's Halloween Treat. We didn't get as much candy as we did in previous years, but because both girls had braved the bigger rides, we were able to have a little more fun. Little Sis actually chickened out of Tower of Terror, saying she had to "GO POTTY NOW!" as we were boarding the elevator. As we ran down Hollywood Blvd, we saw Handy Manny and the Little Einsteins. She loved that!!!

November brought many trials for me. The boyfriend and I were having more and more arguments over little things, and my grandma and dad finally hosted an intervention to get me to get him to move out. The girls were unhappy, and I was unhappy. So, he moved out. Things have been much better since.

Thanksgiving was yummy at my Dad's house. My brother-in-law was home from Japan, and my step-mom made her Sweet Potatoes. My sister, BIL, and I won at Pictionary Man (reigning champs!!) and we played a little Boggle. My BIL is very good at that game, yes, even better than me.

December brought in cold weather to the desert, as well as the LaughingPlace.com 10th Anniversary celebration at Disneyland. I met some great friends who I only knew through LaughingPlace.com and Facebook. I also saw some great friends I hadn't seen since July, or even since the previous December. Some friends were missed, including the one person around whom the meet had originally been planned. It was a nice kid-free weekend (well, my kids weren't there...others had their kids there), and we had a nice Girls Weekend in my friend's condo at Windham Worldmark. (And I had my first rum & Coke...OMG! Coconut rum in Coke is AMAZING!!!)

On December 13, the most dreaded day in my 20's happened....my 30th birthday. The girls and I went to Disneyland after church that day, and we had a pretty good time! Our friends, Gary and Kathy were there to help me celebrate in the morning. Kathy had a rough year; she was diagnosed with breast cancer in February, but received her clean bill of health in November! YAY! Thank the Lord for miracles...he really does answer prayers.

On December 15, I met a Christian man named Jeremy, who lives near my grandma. We made plans to meet, and we finally met on December 23.

December 18 was our last day of school before the holidays. Big Sis (who had received Student of the Month for November) reached the 100 AR Point Club for reading. So far, the only 3rd grader this year to do so! Little Sis was named Student of the Month for December for her Kindergarten class! This was one proud Mama!!! We had a sing-a-long in our jammies, and then the Kindergarteners went to have breakfast with Santa Claus at the firehouse. That night, we had our Girl Scout meeting, and made ornaments to take to the Assisted Living Facility, which we did on December 21.

On December 19, we were driving to my grandma's for the Holidays, and I turned a curve and saw a sign that said "Fresh Julian Pies." Then I saw a man holding a sign I thought said "Free pies!" Turned out it said "Free puppies!" I had stopped to get a pie, but when I saw the puppies, my heart melted. I insisted we couldn't have one, but when I picked up Midnight, she totally relaxed in my arms, and I knew she was mine. We have since changed her name to Rosy, and she's still so loving!!

That brings us to now. Christmas has come and gone. Presents have been unwrapped, turkey has been eaten, and the Starbucks card is empty (yes, already). I have two weeks left of Winter Break, but technically only one, since I have trainings all next week. I'm looking forward to what 2010 has to bring. Bring on the New Year's Eve Party....and the rum and coke! (Just kidding...I'll be driving that night!)

And I sincerely hope I didn't bore you. Really. If I did, I'll try and make 2010 more exciting.