My Little Patch of Sunshine

Wordless Wednesday - Whale

2012-01-25T19:00:00.001-07:00

Tell Me Thursday - Rite of Passage

2012-01-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken last week outside of our local public library.

The boys each got their own library cards when they were 4 and able to sign their name legibly. Lydia has been able to write her own name for a while now, but we don't visit the library as often as we did when the boys were tiny. (Not because we read any less -- it's a combination of having more than a thousand children's books in our house and limited library hours and me working most of the hours the library is open.)

BUT, last week we went to the library and Lydia was able to receive her very own library card. The boys were both disappointed when they learned that library cards are no longer signed on the back. (I was, too, since now I don't know how to keep track of whose is whose.)

You can see that she was pleased as punch to check out a few books with her very own card. She even used the self checkout herself! She chose some early readers as she has decided that it's about time she learned how to read for herself.

Review: Disney on Ice Toy Story 3 in Phoenix

2012-01-19T00:11:00.001-07:00

We just got home from the Phoenix opening night of Disney on Ice presents Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 3 show. According to Nate, it was "fleeping amazing!" I would have to agree, although I'm not sure what fleeping means. He tells me it's an adjective that makes it even more amazing.

I wasn't sure how they would translate the Toy Story 3 movie to ice, but after watching the show, I think they did a fantastic job! There was enough of the movie plot to be familiar, but the choreography and the music made it an excellent ice show. The music chosen was upbeat and fun, and went perfectly with the scenes and the skaters.

One thing that I noticed that was even better than previous shows was the use of lights. The lights helped set many of the scenes and really brought the set to life. At one point, the center of the stage looked like an old-fashioned TV set and during another point, the ice was flooded with rainbows.

The skaters were fabulous. They have so much talent, and athletic skill, that it is fun to watch them skate. There were so many great numbers -- and we all chose different favorite parts when we were talking in the car on the way home. The aliens and the Barbies were definite hits! I'm also amazed at how well the skaters do in the elaborate character costumes.

One thing that I love about these shows is that they are wonderful for all ages! My 4 yo daughter has a great time, but my 9 and 11 yo sons also had fun and laughed and clapped throughout the show. Bo is in Florida for work today, so my mom was able to come with us and she thought it was terrific.

I know that when we attend one of these shows, that everyone will leave feeling that they had been entertained for 2 solid hours. Every show seems better than the last!

While I was writing this post, my giveaway winner sent me a thank you email. In part, she said:

I just wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed Disney On Ice Toy Story 3 last night. The skaters were fantastic, the costume colors were brilliant, and Barbie and Ken a hoot! *** really enjoyed himself, and laughed during the alien performance. It was a perfect evening and I enjoyed sharing it night with my little man.
Thanks!

She even shared a picture of her and her son at the show!

Disney on Ice presents Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 3 is in Phoenix through this weekend. You can still use the discount code MOMMYDEAL to purchase 4 tickets for $44. (this post explains the details of the discount code) It's an amazingly fun show, and I know you will have a good time!

*Disclosure: I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and sharing my opinion, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld Shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-show events. No additional compensation is provided. All opinions are my own.*

Wordless Wednesday -- Rite of Passage

2012-01-18T06:30:00.000-07:00

Portuguese Chicken Soup

2012-01-17T22:04:00.000-07:00

I make a lousy food blogger because I have no pictures to share with you of this yummy soup I made last night -- but trust me that it looked and smelled as wonderful as it tasted.

I picked up the latest copy of the Food Network magazine because I wanted to check out the chili recipe on the cover. That turned out not to interest me, but a Portuguese Chicken Soup recipe by Emeril Lagasse did. I didn't follow the recipe exactly (I rarely do) but I kept the essence and everyone enjoyed the soup.

The original recipe called for a whole chicken -- but nobody in my house will eat dark meat -- so I substituted bone-in chicken breasts.   The recipe's yield was 6 servings, which may have just fed my family, but I wanted to share with my parents and I wanted leftovers . . . so again I veered away from the recipe. The recipe also called for mint, but I didn't have any and didn't want to make a trip to the store for mint. Enough talk of what I didn't do, here's what I did.

Ingredients
3 bone-in chicken breasts
3 stalks celery
1 large onion
3 crushed garlic cloves
liberal sprinkle of red pepper flakes
salt
pepper
zest from one lemon (from our backyard!)
juice from 2 lemons (again, our yard!)

rice
juice from another lemon

Directions
Cover chicken breasts with about 2 extra inches of water in large pot. Coarsely chop celery and onion. Add spices to taste. Add lemon zest and lemon juice. Bring to boil and then turn to simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour.

Remove chicken breasts and set aside to cool a bit. Strain broth and discard vegetables. Return broth to pot and bring to boil. Add rice (the recipe called for 1/4 cup, which didn't seem like enough to me. So I threw in a cup, which was too much, but it was what was left in the bag I had in the cupboard. Luckily, I also had chicken broth in the cupboard, so I just added more broth later and it all worked out fine. I should have done 1/2 cup) Simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender.

Remove chicken skin and shred chicken. Add to broth. Add juice from another lemon.   Simmer for 5 - 10 minutes. Enjoy!!

I really enjoyed the zing the lemon juice gave the soup, and the soup received a thumbs up from all 5 members of my family.   If I would have had any carrots, I would have added them in as well.

And, now that I've read through this post, I also realize I'm not a food blogger not just because I forget to take pictures . . . but also it's hard to put down all the steps in a recipe when I just wing it. Oh, well . . . if nothing else . .. throw some lemon juice in the next chicken soup you make. It's yummy!

Giveaway: Ocean Spray Fruit Snacks

2012-01-17T00:41:00.000-07:00

True Story!

Lydia and I were in the grocery store early last week and she saw an end cap full of boxes of Ocean Spray fruit snacks. My kids all love Ocean Spray juice, and they all love fruit snacks. When she saw the boxes, she said "Oh! We need to get these!"

I looked at them, and then said "No, I think we're going to get some in the mail soon." She gave me that look that she gives me when she thinks I'm pulling her leg, but we moved on to finish our shopping.

Sure enough, when we got home, there was a box waiting for us with boxes of Ocean Spray fruit snacks! She was rather amazed (as was I, since I wasn't really sure when they would arrive!)

All 3 of my kids (okay, and me, too) have tried them and think they are delicious. I like that they are not as sticky as other brands on the kids' teeth. The flavors are bright and fruity.

Each package is only 80 calories, contains a full day's requirement of Vitamin C, and the first ingredient is juice. They're easy to throw in my purse for snacks for the kids and I don't have to worry about them crumbling or melting.

If you would like to try them the next time you go grocery shopping, click this link for a coupon good for $1.10 off TWO boxes.

If you think it would be fun to come home and find a box on your doorstep containing 6 boxes of fruit snacks in assorted flavors, then please enter my giveaway!

Entries for my giveaway are completed on my giveaway form. Take a look at the required questions below, then CLICK HERE to pop over to the giveaway form. Fill in all the information and I will use random.org to choose which entry will win the giveaway. Comments left below will not be included in the giveaway.

NAME OF GIVEAWAY: Ocean Spray Fruit Snacks
MANDATORY QUESTION: What's your favorite fruit flavor?

The giveaway will end February 2, 2012. Good Luck!

*Disclosure: Ocean Spray^® Fruit Flavored Snacks, information, and giveaway have been provided by Ocean Spray^® through MyBlogSpark.*

Tell Me Thursday - Band

2012-01-05T08:36:00.000-07:00

That is my new wedding band, a Christmas gift from Bo. I haven't worn my wedding set since I was pregnant with Colin. I kept thinking my fingers would shrink back down so it would fit again, but they never did.

Every once in a while I would think about a new one, but it wasn't really a priority. I knew I was married -- I didn't really need a ring to prove it to anyone.

In the last couple years that I've been traveling for business, though, it came to mind more often. I ran into 2 situations -- either the people who searched for a band and assumed that I could travel for business because I wasn't married OR the men who would try to pick me up thinking I wasn't married. It was just slightly annoying, but I started getting the feeling that people didn't believe me when I said "No, I'm married -- I just don't wear a wedding band."

I'm super happy with the band Bo chose. It was a wonderful surprise and now when I travel I have that physical reminder of our love, our marriage, and maybe a few less inquiries as to my marital state!

Wordless Wednesday - Band

2012-01-03T23:06:00.001-07:00

Disney on Ice - Toy Story - Phoenix - GIVEAWAY

2011-12-30T23:35:00.003-07:00

*Winner has been chosen & notified! A sweet family from AJ will be there opening night. Thanks for reading!*

It's time for a giveaway!! This will be my first giveaway of 2012, since I will choose the winner on Wednesday, January 4, 2012.

I have FOUR TICKETS to opening night of the Disney on Ice presents Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 3 show in Phoenix on January 18th to give away to one of my awesome, local readers!

I wrote about the show earlier this month, and also shared a great discount code!

For this giveaway, you MUST be available on January 18th in the evening to attend the show at US Airways Center in Phoenix. Please DO NOT enter the giveaway if you are not sure if you can attend the show.

To enter this giveaway, you must CLICK HERE and type your information onto my Giveaway Entry Form. Please enter all the information correctly in order for your entry to be included in the drawing. I will choose a winner on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 using random.org. YOU MUST RESPOND WITHIN 24 HOURS, or I will choose another winner.

Name of Giveaway: Toy Story Disney on Ice
Mandatory Question: Who is your favorite Toy Story character?

Good Luck!!

*Disclosure: I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and sharing my opinion, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld Shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-show events. No additional compensation is provided. All opinions are my own.*

2011 Meme

2011-12-30T21:35:00.000-07:00

I've done this for the last 4 years (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010) -- so I couldn't skip this year! If you decided to play along on your blog, leave a comment so I can read your 2011 recap.

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
Was denied entry into a foreign country. I don't think I wrote about it on this blog, but I was denied entry into Canada a few months ago because I didn't have all the paperwork they wanted to see. I was supposed to teach a class, but had to cancel since Customs didn't think I had enough paperwork to prove that I was there for work. It was a stressful couple of days until I got my passport returned and was able to return to the U.S.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I kept 2 of my 3 resolutions. I am still thinking about resolutions for 2011.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope. No new babies close to us in 2011. Dear family members are working on adopting their foster child, though, so I'm excited for them!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Nobody close to me died in 2011.

5. What countries did you visit?
Canada

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
Balance

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
July 5 - 8 and attending the National Stuttering Conference with Nate in Fort Worth, TX. It was a wonderful experience to travel alone with Nate, and spend time with amazing people.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Having 2 articles published in a local parenting magazine. Recovering enough to take Nate to the National Stuttering Conference in Texas. It was up in the air as to whether I would be healthy enough to go, but willpower made it happen.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Nothing I would share with the Internet :)~

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I suffered some serious kidney issues over the summer that landed me in the hospital 3 times, 2 surgeries, and flat on my back for over 6 weeks. It came on suddenly, and it feels like I'm still catching up from the time I lost. Health is precious.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

I can't think of any outstanding purchases.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My kids. They all stepped up and were amazing taking care of each other while I was sick. My brother, who helped immensely when I was sick. Also, Colin who stood up to the bullies that harassed his brother.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The kids who teased and bullied Nate about his speech. I wouldn't say appalled, but I am disappointed with both boys' teachers this year and they have definitely brought about depressed feelings. They're just not a good fit.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Mortgages, medical bills

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My parents finally moved in next door. Our trip to CA in October and the time I was able to spend on the beach.

16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Someone Like You For no other reason than I really liked it, and I listened to Adele's 21 album quite a bit this year.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
a) about the same; b) about the same; c) about the same

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Played. Spent time outdoors.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
worried (this never changes, does it? Maybe 2012 should be the year I work on changing that)

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Christmas was even better this year because my parents live here now. They are thoroughly enjoying the time they can spend with their grandkids and I love watching their relationships develop.

21. Did you fall in love in 2011?
Never fell out of love.

22. How many one-night stands?
None.

23. What was your favorite TV program?
Top Chef, American Pickers, Storage Wars (still a reality TV junkie . . . )

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No.

25. What was the best book you read?
A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire I picked it up for free over a year ago, but didn't read it until a couple months ago. Got very interested in it, and read the next 3 in quick succession. Felt that Book 4 got really long, with too many new characters, and was too frustrated to spend the money on the fifth book. I'm sure I will read it when either the price drops, or I can get it from the library.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I was a little slow to the party, but I fell in love with Adele this year.

27. What did you want and get?
A new wedding band. My wedding set hasn't fit since I was pregnant with Colin, and I got a little tired of being asked if I was married -- especially when I was traveling. Bo found an absolutely gorgeous band and gave it to me for Christmas. OH! And he also found us a wonderful couple that cleans our house twice a month.

28. What did you want and not get?
Can't think of anything. I'm pretty blessed.

29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Dolphin Tale

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 44 this year. Bo was in Vegas. I think I worked. Nothing exciting.

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Can't think of anything.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Simple (boring)

33. What kept you sane?
My sister. I depend on her for quite a bit, and I can always count on her even temper and cheery attitude. Traveling for work, and sleeping in quiet hotel rooms.

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Mark Wahlberg. He's still my celebrity boyfriend and I'm excited he has a new movie coming out in January.

35. What political issue stirred you the most?
I'm not a big political issue type of person. I have my views, and I keep them quiet for the most part -- doing what I can to further what I believe is important. Nothing stirred me enough to prompt me to post on the Internet about it.

36. Who did you miss?
Close, intense friendships. I think social media has watered down relationships.

37. Who was the best new person you met?
I met a ton of people while traveling, and teaching. Can't single out one person, but there were lots of people that made my days go by easier.

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
Work can wait, and money can always be earned. Enjoy the people in your life.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
I'm not big on quoting song lyrics . . .

Doll Hair Rescue

2011-12-26T15:30:00.001-07:00

This is Celia. She is a much-loved baby in our home. She was a gift for Lydia's first Christmas. She also has c-r-a-z-y hair.

I have tried to comb it, and had very little luck making her look presentable. Lydia says she's just a "rock star." Apparently, rock stars have crazy hair.

I saw a post on Pinterest about rescuing doll hair. It was recommended to use a Wig Wire Brush and diluted fabric softener to tame doll tresses.

I ordered the brush a few weeks ago, but since I switched to the fabric softener granules, I didn't have any liquid fabric softener. Today, I finally remembered to buy a bottle, as well as a small squirt bottle.

I did a half and half solution of liquid fabric softener and water and sprayed it on Celia's hair. Then, I started brushing with the wire brush. I ended up wetting her hair pretty thoroughly, but you can see the results below!

Next, I'm going to take on some of the Barbies in our house!

Chex Party Mix Parties! (Giveaway)

2011-12-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

Have you ever hosted a cookie exchange? I confess, they seemed like a lot of work to me! I loved this idea from Chex Cereals, though, to host a Chex Party Mix-Change!

I know Chex Mix has been around for many years, but I didn't realize that they have come up with a ton of new recipes using Chex Mix to make fun party food! I was lucky enough to recieve a gift pack with some cereal, as well as new recipes to try out with family and friends.

This year, my parents finally moved to Arizona. It's been the first holiday season in over a decade when we've been able to spend it together. This was a fun thing that I could finally include my mom in!

My oldest has loved pumpkin pie since his first taste of pumpkin pie when he was a year old. So, when I saw the Pumpkin Pie Chex Mix, I knew that I had to make it! It takes only 15 minutes to make, and it was yummy!! It will become a holiday staple at our house.

If you would like to host your own Chex Party Mix-Change, I have the perfect giveaway for you to enter! You'll receive 2 boxes of Chex cereal, recipes, take-out boxes to send Chex Mix home with your guests and a $20 gift card to buy supplies! You know the drill -- CLICK HERE to jump over to my giveaway form. Enter the necessary information.

NAME OF GIVEAWAY: Chex
MANDATORY QUESTION: What's your favorite party food?

I'll draw a winner on Friday, January 6 from all the entries that followed the instructions. I use random.org to choose a winning entry. Good Luck!!

*Disclsoure: I received a gift package like the one I am giving away, thanks to MyBlogSpark and Chex Ceereals. All opinions are my own. No additional compensation was provided.*

Disney on Ice - Phoenix - Discount Code!

2011-12-21T23:18:00.000-07:00

I posted earlier this month that Disney on Ice presents Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 3 was coming to Phoenix next month. I still haven't told the kids we're going, but I DO have a discount code to share with my readers!

The deal is 4 tickets for $44 with the code MOMMYDEAL!

Valid only on Thursday 7:30 p.m., Friday 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturday 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 5:30 p.m. for the $14 and $18 tickets. You can get the discount online, at the box office, and over the phone.

In the past, some readers have had questions about how to use the code online.

Here are step-by-step instructions to use the code online at Ticketmaster:

Log on to: www.ticketmaster.com

Type Disney on Ice and click the red search button

Scroll down to any of the following showtimes:

Thursday 7:30, Friday 10:30 and 7:30, Saturday 7:30 and Sunday 5:30

Click “Find Tickets”

Go to the “Advance or Promotion Ticket Selection”

Click how many tickets you would like

Click either the $14 or $18 price level (MUST SELECT ONE OF THESE PRICES TO GET THE DEAL)

Type code: MOMMYDEAL

Click the red “Find Tickets” button

Type in the security words

Click Continue

Select Delivery method, click continue

Enter payment information. If you click under Price Details, you will see that it is an $11 ticket (plus facility fees and convenience charges)

Restrictions – no double discounts, not valid on previously purchased tickets or group sales. Additional fees apply.

Keep reading! I'll have a giveaway by New Year's for local readers to have a chance to win tickets to opening night!!

*Disclosure: I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and sharing my opinion, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld Shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-show events. No additional compensation is provided. All opinions are my own.*

Wordless Wednesday -- Tradition

2011-12-21T12:11:00.001-07:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Random Acts of Zhu -- Christmas Donation

2011-12-18T08:27:00.001-07:00

My kids were amazed when these boxes started arriving at our house in mid-December. A few weeks before that, I let them know that I had applied for a chance to give away a ton of Zhu Zhu Pets to a local charity.

My kids have had a great time with Zhu Zhu Pets over the years, and we have been lucky with the chance to play with the latest and greatest toys from Cepia. So, when Mom Select contacted bloggers seeking some who wanted to share the fun with local charities for Christmas, I was hopeful that I would be one of the chosen!

The boxes arrived over 3 days, and I piled them up in the corner. Cepia sent a variety of Zhu Zhu Pets and accessories. 100 bloggers across the country received 100 toys to share in their local community.

The boys get out of school early on Wednesdays, and I really wanted them to be part of this donation. When they got home, we loaded up the truck with the boxes and drove them over to our parish. Our church was collecting gifts and food for needy families, and we were excited at the opportunity to make a huge donation. When I stopped into the office and let them know I had a donation, they were happy to take it. When the four of us showed up in the office piled high with boxes, they were surprised! Even more surprised when I let them know I had more boxes in the car!

The kids were excited to show them the toys, and explain the accessories, to make sure that the kids got a great set of Zhu Zhu toys. When we left, Nate turned to me and said "That felt really good!!" And, it reminded Colin of our project years ago of donating birthday bags (bags with cake mix, frosting, candles) and he said he would like to do that again, but add small gifts to the bags as well.

I feel very fortunate that we were able to bless our church families thanks to Cepia and MomSelect. It was great to include the kids in such a wonderfully large donation. It's great, too, working with companies who are dedicated to giving back to the community in large ways. I know kids across the country were excited with their new toys, thanks to the efforts of Cepia and Mom Select.

It was a great note to end 2011, and I think it was a push for us to be more aware of the needs in our local community.

Disney on Ice: Toy Story Coming to Phoenix!

2011-12-11T22:27:00.000-07:00

There's so much excitement surrounding Christmas, I'm not telling the kids yet about Disney on Ice's show that is coming to Phoenix January 18 - 22! BUT, you can bet when the post-holiday blues hit, they will be thrilled to hear that we'll be attending opening night!

It's hard to believe that the first Toy Story came out in 1995! My three kids have enjoyed the movies, and when Toy Story 3 was scheduled to come out in the theaters, Bo took the kids to see Toy Story and Toy Story 2 that were running on the big screen in anticipation of Toy Story 3's release.

We have attended a number of Disney on Ice shows over the past few years, and have always had a fantastic time! It seems that each show is better than the last, but I guess the reality is that they are all so unique and well-done that they are very enjoyable on their own.

I am eager to see how they will transfer Toy Story 3 onto the ice, and I know the kids will be excited. Tickets went on sale yesterday through Ticketmaster. Opening night is Wednesday, January 18, 2012. The show runs through January 22, 2012 at US Airways Center in Phoenix.

For a sneak peek of the show, visit www.disneyonice.com and click on Toy Story 3. Come back in a few days for a special discount code for my readers!

*Disclosure: I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and sharing my opinion, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld Shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-show events. No additional compensation is provided. All opinions are my own.*

Wordless Wednesday -- random texts

2011-12-07T21:39:00.001-07:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Review: Punchbowl Party Planning Site

2011-12-06T08:52:00.001-07:00

Have you visited Punchbowl? It's a website for party planning and e-cards and it is pretty amazing! I have found myself sending out invites for simple things -- just to have the fun of sending them. Their invites are unique, in that they arrive in recipient's emails looking like a snail-mail card, complete with envelope and postage! A click opens the envelope, and the invite appears.

Guests can RSVP on the site, and hosts can track responses, as well as receive and send notes. There are tons of themes, perfect for kids or adults. So much of their site is free, but you can also purchase a subscription to access more content.

In addition to sending invitations, you can do all your party planning through the site, including finding local vendors. You can also set up email reminders for important events (like birthdays). And, finally, you can send unique and creative e-cards.

Another thing I like about the site is that they highlight special days -- like today is National Gazpacho Day! It's a fun addition and while the information is on their home page, they also update their Facebook page with each day's special commemoration.

I have had fun playing around their site, and the invitations and cards I've sent have been well-received. I like the convenience of online party planning and RSVP tracking, and the ease of using this site has made it my online party planning choice. I recommend you check it out! And, now, I need to plan some holiday parties.

*Disclosure: In exchange for this review, I received a paid subscription to Punchbowl. No additional compensation was provided.*

NaNoWriMo Wrap Up

2011-12-05T23:44:00.001-07:00

In late September, I heard about NaNoWriMo's Young Writer's Program and thought it might be fun to do with the boys. I contacted Katie Charland, the director at Gangplank to see if she had anything planned. She ran an amazing summer journalism camp for kids as part of her Gangplank, Jr. program and I thought NaNoWriMo would fit right in.

She said that she would love it if I would do something! Of course, I couldn't say no.

She helped publicize it, and I got the information out in my circle, and in the end we had a small group of young people get together. I was so impressed to hear about their plans for their novels and how ambitious they were when setting word counts.

Even Lydia got into it, and was very excited to write her own novel. (It was about a princess who saved a prince, in case you were curious.) Thanks to NaNoWriMo's youth website, the writers were able to update their word count and I was able to watch in amazement at the number of words they were writing. As a group, they wrote over 50,000 words. Pretty amazing for a group of kids ranging in age from 4 to 12!

This past Sunday, I got together with them one last time to celebrate their success. The majority of writers met the word count goals they set for themselves, but found that their stories were still not completed. I hope they continue writing and see where their stories end up. I know I am very interested in reading what they came up with.

I was very fortunate that Bookmans in Mesa donated gift bags to all the young writers I worked with. They received a great canvas bag, a sticker, a pencil AND a gift card to spend at the store. The kids were all very surprised, and very thankful for their generosity.

It's a great program, and I do look forward to next year. I didn't meet my personal word count goal, but for the first time trying, I'm not too upset. I'll have a better idea next year and I hope to work with an even larger group of kids.

Wordless Wednesday -- Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T22:37:00.001-07:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

He Can't Be 11

2011-11-13T22:47:00.001-07:00

Colin turned to me in the car a couple days ago and said "Hey, Mom! In 5 years I'll be driving!!" When I told Bo the story later, he furrowed his brow and said "No, he won't." Then, his face changed as he realized that . . . yes, he will! (Well, if he's like his father he will. If he's like me, he won't drive until he's 21. But that's another story.)

My sweet, intelligent, emotional, intense, considerate boy turns eleven today. What to say on such a day? I could tell about my pregnancy (brief though it was -- well, my knowledge of it anyway), or I could tell his birth story (a bit dramatic, but the end result was a red-headed bundle in my arms), or I could tell stories of his first few years (always a tale to remember!)

Instead, this year I think I'll talk about the young man he is just this moment. I have fond memories of the past 11 years and I look forward to the future. Right now, though, I want to cherish. Because he will never be 11 years old again.

At 11, he loves to read. He prefers fantasy usually, and he especially likes books that come in a series so he can continue reading about the characters book after book after book. That doesn't stop him from reading other types of books, though.

He loves Pokemon cards, and recently has started with Redakai cards. He enjoys playing games on his Nintendo DSi, and lately he has been building animations with FlipNotes more than actually playing games on it.

He has no care for fashion, or his hair, or anything like that. It never crosses his mind to brush his hair or plan his outfits. He'll take care of these things when prompted, but he really has no interest.

He has strong likes and dislikes, and knows his own mind. He is particular about how he likes his food, but mac & cheese remains one of his favorites from when he was tiny.

He is a strong student, but I think he finds himself a bit bored this year. I need to help him find something to be passionate about (beyond Pokemon).

He loves his family fiercely, and enjoys his friendships. He likes to be around people and is never shy to share his opinions.

He has a strong sense of right and wrong. He is extremely sentimental and believes in following family traditions. In fact, the picture you see is our traditional birthday picture in this family -- when he was 4 he saw this cake at the store and wanted it desperately. Now, every year, each kid has their picture taken by the inflatable cake.

I'm a bit in shock today that I'm the mother of an 11 year old. I always wanted children, and we went through a time when we weren't sure how our family was going to grow. He was a surprise, a blessing, a miracle -- and he continues to surprise me, bless me, and remind me of miracles each and every day.

Happy Birthday, #1 Son!

Shutterfly Holiday Cards

2011-11-13T21:23:00.001-07:00

'Tis the season! Have you started thinking about your Christmas photo cards yet? We have a wonderful neighbor who sets up his living room with professional backdrops and takes pictures for the families in the neighborhood every October or so. I love that he does this, and the pictures he took this year are adorable (as always!)

Shutterfly is my go-to photo processing website, and has been for over 10 years. I have never been disappointed with anything purchased from them. I love the cards and photo books I've created there over the years, and I appreciate knowing that they offer free storage of my digital photographs with no strings attached.

This year, they have new holiday card designs and I've been trying to figure out which design to choose for our family card. Last year, I sent out Christmas photo cards and then photo "thank you" greeting cards after the holidays! I've chosen a multi-photo style the last few years, and will probably go that route again this year.

Not only do I enjoy sending out photo cards, I especially love receiving them! It's fun to see the kids grow over the years, and I like to see the different spin everyone puts on their cards.

If you order by November 16, 2011 and use the code CARD40 you can save 40% off your greeting cards at Shutterfly. Don't delay! That's an awesome savings!

*Disclosure: I received free photo cards in exchange for posting about Shutterfly's holiday cards this season. No additional compensation was provided.*

Wordless Wednesday -- Gift

2011-11-10T09:33:00.001-07:00

Review: 1-800-Specs

2011-11-02T12:22:00.001-07:00

I have worn glasses (or contacts) since I was 6 years old. I can't see much of anything without corrective lenses, so there's never an option of leaving them behind. As I've gotten older, I find myself needing bifocals in order to continue reading.

My last pair of glasses was the least expensive I could buy at the local eyeglass place and I think they set me back about $300 because of the high prescription and the need for bifocals. They also weren't very attractive. Okay, I didn't like them at all.

I wear contacts most of the time, but I have a hard time reading with them. I have planned for a while to replace my glasses with a nicer pair.

I was offered the opportunity to try out 1-800-Specs.com recently and jumped at the chance! I found a copy of my last eye prescription so that I could place my order. (I always ask for a copy so I can get the best prices on contacts and glasses. Did you know that your eye doctor has to give you a copy if you ask? Those prescriptions belong to you!)

There are lots of choices on their site, even when I narrowed it down to glasses that I could get progressive lenses. I went back a few different times over a couple days to try and decide which pair I wanted to try. I finally narrowed it down to the pair you see above and entered my information. I've ordered glasses online before, and knew that the hardest part was figuring out your PD (pupillary distance). If you google it, there are plenty of sites that help you determine yours, or you can ask your eye doctor to measure it and tell you the number. That number is never included with your prescription.

The ordering process was easy. I entered my frame choice, my prescription and my shipping/billing information. Two weeks later, the glasses were in my mailbox. I took them out, tried them on, adjusted the nose piece, put them back on and was very happy! They are so much cuter than my old pair, and I can see out of them perfectly. I ordered progressive lenses and was a little worried about seeing -- but I didn't need to worry.

If you need glasses, I would check out 1-800-Specs and look at all the frames they offer! I was very happy with how easy it was to use their site and how quickly my glasses arrived. The quality is better than my last pair of glasses purchased locally, are so much cuter, and cost more than 2/3 less! Since 3 out of 5 of us currently wear glasses, I know I'll be ordering again! It's much easier on our budget than local choices.

*Disclosure: In exchange for my honest review, I received a pair of prescription eyeglasses from 1-800-specs.com. No additional compensation was provided.*

My Little Patch of Sunshine

Wordless Wednesday - Whale

Tell Me Thursday - Rite of Passage

Review: Disney on Ice Toy Story 3 in Phoenix

Wordless Wednesday -- Rite of Passage

Portuguese Chicken Soup

Giveaway: Ocean Spray Fruit Snacks

Tell Me Thursday - Band

Wordless Wednesday - Band

Disney on Ice - Toy Story - Phoenix - GIVEAWAY

2011 Meme

Doll Hair Rescue

Chex Party Mix Parties! (Giveaway)

Disney on Ice - Phoenix - Discount Code!

Wordless Wednesday -- Tradition

Random Acts of Zhu -- Christmas Donation

Disney on Ice: Toy Story Coming to Phoenix!

Sponsored: What's for Dinner? (Giveaway)

Wordless Wednesday -- random texts

Review: Punchbowl Party Planning Site

NaNoWriMo Wrap Up

Wordless Wednesday -- Happy Thanksgiving

He Can't Be 11

Shutterfly Holiday Cards

Wordless Wednesday -- Gift

Review: 1-800-Specs