Christmas book to warm the soul

Guest post written by Kendra Blankenship

It's not like I have a whole lot of extra time during the holidays to set aside just for reading a book. It's probably the opposite. But, I really do love reading and I always try to make a special effort to read a fun and/or heartwarming Christmas novel during the holidays. I started doing it a few years ago. I used to judge those books because I thought that those were way too cheesy. Well they are cheesy, but I still love them.

I was online with my CLEAR WIMAX a few weeks ago trying to track down the perfect cheesy Christmas book. I had looked at my local library and there just weren't any there that I hadn't read and really appealed to me.

Well, I tracked down this really great holiday book and I've been enjoying it. I'm not entirely sure if I'll finish it before Christmas but I think that I'll wrap it up before New Year's. I've had to do that before and I'm not going to stop reading a book just because it isn't Christmas anymore.

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Busy

Do you hear that word a lot this time of year? I know I do. I'm also one that is saying it. There are so many things to get done in such a short time. It always seems to work out however, which is great! We're only days away from Christmas now and I think we'll be ready. The kids are excited to be celebrating Jesus Birthday!

Buy Gold Bullion

For centuries gold has been known for it's beauty and value. With the economy wavering like it has for the past two years, many are searching for new ways to invest. Now with the United States Gold Bureau you can buy gold bullion, silver and other precious metals. They have arranged for immediate and safe delivery to the bank or depository of your choosing. Gold and silver can be bought in ingot form. This is a more conveniently made size and shape for storing. An ingot is a pure bullion cast. Browse this site for yourself. It may be the way of rebuilding your losses.

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My Sweeties

We recently had our children's 1 yr and 3 yr pictures taken. They are the best. Kaelyn loved putting on her picture face (as she calls it) and Kaden loves to smile. It was wonderful!

Why

Thanks for the post, Vernon Lowe

When you think of it, there really aren't that many fantastic, non-animated Christmas shows or specials. But one of the very best is "Miracle on 34th Street." Every year, around Christmas time, I watch this show on satellite television that I got after seeing these DirectTV comparisons.

What I like about it most is the scene when the little girl is sitting on Santa's lap and she asks him if he's really Santa Claus. It's a funny scene that makes the special so memorable. She doesn't believe that Santa really exists and nothing Santa can say makes her change her mind. I watch this with my two uncles, my two aunts, my first cousin, and my brothers and sisters. We sit next to the Christmas tree and turn on the TV, and we all eat popcorn and drink cokes. The special lasts about two hours. The real message of the story is that it's okay to believe in Santa even if you have some doubts. It conveys the fact that it's a "miracle" to be a true believer, but if you are, you can accomplish great things in your life.

It's really much better than most animated Christmas specials because of the intelligent message and story. There have been many versions of this special, but perhaps the best one was made back when actress Natalie Woods played the little, doubting girl. She was an excellent actress for her age.

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My Parents

The months of Nov and Dec my family celebrates many birthdays! My parents took a moment for a picture at one of the parties. We are thankful that they live close and can be a part of our celebrations!

Buying Gold Coins

I don't know about you, but with the economy in the state it is, I have been very tempted to purchase precious metals and invest. I am not sure if we will or not yet, but it's definitely something we've talked about. I have been searching through the United States Gold Bureau website and so far, am very impressed with all they have to offer. They make it easy for people to purchase precious metals and best of all...now is a great time to buy! I don't know if we'll buy gold coins, or silver...either way though, I think we'll be looking into US Gold Bureau more.

Gold

The United States Gold Bureau makes it easy for you and me to purchase silver, gold and other precious metals and coins. The best part is, they make it super simple to arrange for immediately personal delivery or have it taken to a place of safe storage for you. how neat is that?!

The world demand for silver now exceeds annual production, so now is the time to buy. I am definitely interested in learning more about this and possibly making a purchase at some point. By the sounds of it, the United states Gold Bureau is a great place to do that too. If you want to learn more about how to buy gold bullion or silver, you can visit their site.

SEC Championship Game - Tigers vs. Gamecocks

Contribution by Terrance Kirby

When the Auburn Tigers and South Carolina Gamecocks meet up in Atlanta on December 4 to decide the SEC Championship , one of Auburn's biggest fans will not be in the stands. That's because I just can't bring myself to travel for another college football game.

I love going to Auburn games and any time I'm back home in Alabama and can make it to a game, I go. Going back to seeing the campus is a special thing for me. But games like this that are played at a neutral site just aren't worth the trouble. I'm just better off watching the game on satellite tv in the comfort of my own living room.

At least when I go to a Tiger game in Auburn, I know I'm going to be sitting around other Auburn fans. When you go to a neutral site, there are no guarantees no matter what your ticket broker says.

A few years ago I went to the Colorado/Colorado State game in Denver with my brother in law. He's a huge Buffalo fan and was certain we were going to be sitting with other CU fans.

Turns out we were right in the middle of the CSU section. I thought for certain there was going to be a fight. I'm just too old for all that stuff.

I'll be watching the game at home and when Auburn wins I'll stand on my porch and yell like a maniac. I'm definitely not too old for that.

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Grammy

Grammy came to visit us the other day. She had so much fun with my kids! They decided to sit down and watch Santa Paws together. What a cute movie. :) They always have a great time together!

Bulletin board for my home office

Guest post written by Kathleen Cook

I work from home, so my home office is somewhere where I spend a whole lot of my time. Because of that though, i like to keep it looking nice and put a lot of thought into when I redecorated it just a few months ago. I didn't do it all at once though, I kind of did it gradually so I'd still be able to work there during the redecorating. But there was still one thing that I needed for it, a bulletin board.

I wanted some kind of bulletin board that looked a little typical and didn't look like it should be in an office. I mean, it is my home so it should still reflect my taste, even it doesn't look like it should be in an office. While I was looking for that perfect kind of DIY bulletin board, I came across some Wilmington clear wireless internet offers that I liked the look of and after I researched them a little bit more, I changed over my internet access to it.

The DIY bulletin board that I settled on making for my home office was a nailhead bulletin board and I just finished it up last weekend.

"I have been paid for this post."

Fall Fun!

This Fall we went to an Apple Orchard with my parents. We had such a great time! The weather was warm and the sun was shinning. There was a small issue of no see um insects. Besides that it was all fun!

Bringing Home Our Christmas Tree

Contribution by Stevie Kirby

It's that time of the year again. The corner of the family room is cleaned out. The decorations are out of the attic. Now all we need is the Christmas tree. The whole family is bundled up and ready to go.

The lot where we get our tree is about ten minutes away. The trees there are always fresh-cut so the needles won't fall off as soon. This year we decided to get a five-footer. Last year's six-footer was just too high to reach the top without knocking the whole tree over. We still haven't decided between a blue spruce and a Douglas fir. I don't really care which one we get as long as the branches are full and it isn't lopsided. A lot of our friends have artificial trees, but it just won't feel like Christmas to me without the fresh pine scent and sweeping up the needles. Come to think of it, I am voting for the spruce. The needles are shorter and easier for the vacuum to pick up.

We won't be gone long, but Christmas time brings burglaries along with the joy and excitement. The last thing we'll do before we leave is turn on our home security alarm from AllHomeSecurity.com.

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Sweet Angels!

My sweet little angels are growing up. Time goes by so quickly. They are such a blessing. We enjoy our days together!

Audrey Meadows

Thanks for the article from Robin Woodard

One of my all time favorite actresses is Audrey Meadows. She is best known for her role as Alice in the hit television series The Honeymooners. I absolutely love the character she plays in the show. For anyone not in the know, The Honeymooners is based on a young couple who live in an old, run down apartment. The entire series takes place in this apartment and basically showcases the hard times that the couple goes through. The plumbing leaks, the walls are falling apart, and the neighbors are loud. It's really a fantastic series and one that you rarely see today. The last time I watched the show was on my satellite television frin http://www.bestchoicetv.com/movies.html.

The reason Audrey Meadows is such a big hit for me is because she was one of the first female liberators of her time. Keep in mind that the show was made in the 1950's, and back then women were just known for being loyal housewives. But in Alice's case, she tells her husband off in each episode when he tries to say something rude to Alice or do something without first telling her. Because of her strong willed character, you can't help but love Alice. I'm already planning on relaxing on my day off to watch some good old fashioned Honeymooners. I can't wait for the next marathon of it to come on television.

"I have been paid for this guest post."

Zoe

My parents have a bichon. Her name is Zoe. If you were to ask my daughter if she has a dog, she will tell you yes and her name is Zoe. We take care of her when my parents are traveling. She's a very good dog.

Sucker Punch

Guest post by Jewel Cole

A new movie that is coming out in 2011 is the movie Sucker Punch. This particular film is set to be a huge hit and I just can not wait to go see it. I may go see it in the movie theaters or wait for it to come on my Direct TV HD DVR. The people who made the movie 300 are back and making another great movie that is sure to bring audiences from around the world. The movie seems to have a really good premise and it has a lot of girl power packed into a few hours of pure action bliss.

The movie is based on a girl that gets sent to a mental institution. The graphics are wonderful, and you can't help but feel like you're actually there as you watch one of the many movie trailers for the film. Apparently, the girl is very delusional and actually begins to imagine a world in her mind where she is a samurai warrior. The entire movie takes place in the girls mind as she stays in the hospital for the mentally insane. A group of girls that are also in the hospital buddy up with her and join her in her fight for freedom from the world in which she lives inside her mind. The film promises to be really great and hold some fantastic action scenes. I can not wait for its release in March!

"I have been paid for this guest post."

Family

We had such a great time last night! My parents came up and my dad and Scott went shopping for a new vehicle. Well, they found one. It's a Mountaineer and is in fabulous shape. Not a scratch on it. I think we're going to love it. My parents have had theirs for a year now and they really like it! I'm so excited!

Girls Ruined Hockey

Girls Ruined Hockey

Thanks to Erich Emerson

When I was a kid, I could hardly find another kid who would play hockey. It is a tough sport. There are some long moments of time that pass in baseball and football where a player can catch his breath. Hockey is a game that requires top physical conditioning to play. Not only is it played on rock solid ice instead of soft grass, but there are huge sticks and a puck that can break bones as it travels along over a hundred miles per hour. Back then, no girl was interested in a guy with missing teeth because of his affection for playing hockey.

Then when I was about 20 the fan base changed. All of a sudden there were hordes of women who were buying up the tickets to the games and all of the fan merchandise. I saw a black SUV the other day all decked out in Pittsburgh Penguin logo stuff. A middle-aged blonde woman got in the driver's seat as I was walking into the store. Here I thought it might have been owned by a crusty old coal miner like me. The blonde lady was even wearing a Crosby jersey.

I followed the Penguins all the way back to when Michel Brière died from injuries he received in a vehicle accident after the 1970 playoffs. I was ten years-old. Brière endured for a year before passing away. His number 21 jersey is one of two that were retired. Mario Lemieux's number 66 was retired too. I ended up marrying that blonde who was driving the SUV. We are both fifty now and watch most of the games on our satellite TV that we got after researching Cable TV vs satalite tv.

Busy Busy

Can you believe that tomorrow starts the month of December already? It hardly seems possible. In fact, I'm not even sure where the last month or two went. It's all a blur. This time of year is always fun, but very busy. I find myself looking forward to the holidays, but also January and February which are months that are less hectic around here. The one thing I'm not looking forward to is the snow and cold though. That's never enjoyable!

Giving Thanks

Guest post written by Olive Henderson

The other day I went downtown to look for a new pair of Miracle Ear Digital Hearing Aids when it dawned on me that Thanksgiving is literally just around the corner. Thanksgiving is one of my absolute favorite holidays because it has such a good message with it. A lot of holidays are very commercial, and Thanksgiving certainly has a commercial aspect to it, but there a great story behind it. The holiday promotes a spirit of thankfulness for one's family and for all the good things in one's life and I feel that is extremely important. If you aren't thankful for what you have, you go through life not really appreciating the blessing and good fortune.

And even better: great to have food in great abundance on Thanksgiving, but the most important part of it to me is sharing it with a group of people you love. In life, work and responsibility often makes it to where you can't see your family very often, but Thanksgiving has always given my family and me a day to all pool together and enjoy each other's company. I am always thankful for Thanksgiving.

I have been paid for this guest post.

Cookies

My sister-in-law has started to make cookies for people. She is quite talented and does an awesome job! She made a Iphone and apple shaped cookie for my brother who loves anything to do with Apple. They were very cute!

Going to the County Fair

Guest written by our friend Hipolito Hickman

I love going to the county fair. I have been going to the county fair since I was a little boy. I remember being little and having the time of my life riding the ponies and eating the cotton candy. Now I take my kids and watch them have fun. I still love to play the games. Me and my children love to take turns trying to win the prizes.

The food is just as good as ever. My favorite county fair food are the elephant ears. They are just delicious and I get anxious every year when it's time for the county fair. My kids love the funnel cakes and Italian sausage sandwiches. We always buy enough food for us to take home and have the next day.

The rides are fun also. The one thing we never miss the demolition derby. The cars crashing into each other is pretty fun. We get to the fair early and we leave late. After a day at the fair we come home and eat some more of that good county fair food and watch our satellite television from http://www.bestchoicetv.com/. The only bad thing about the county fair is it only comes around once a year.

" I have been paid for this guest post. "

Another Fun Weekend

Our little boy is turning one this week. We had a big family celebration for him today. Kaden is such a sweet little guy. Every time someone sang Happy Birthday to him he would smile from ear to ear. He loved it! The older kids enjoyed helping him open his gifts. They had just as much fun. Isn't family wonderful?!

Enjoying "Stranger in a Strange Land," One of My All-Time Favorite Books

Content by Faustino Fuentes

One of my all time favorite books is definitely "Stranger in a Strange Land" by Robert Heinlein, and this weekend, I went to the bookstore to pick up a copy of it. I had lost mine when I moved here, so I was pretty eager to get a new copy and sit down to reading.

Heinlein was one of the most influential authors in the science fiction genre, and a very prolific author. "Stranger in a Strange Land" focuses on the tale of a man named Michael Valentine Smith, who was also known as The Man from Mars. Smith was born to two scientists who had traveled to Mars on a space expedition, and after the other members of the crew died, he was raised by Martians until he was an adult. Many years later, Americans made another voyage to Mars where they found him, and then brought him back to Earth. The book tells the story of his life on Earth and how he adjusted, as well as the many lessons he was able to teach his friends based from his Martian experiences.

I had only gotten about halfway through when my boyfriend arrived at my apartment for our regular Saturday night, so we sat down and had dinner while we watched directtv. I'm really excited to read the second half later tonight.
"I was paid for this guest post."

Pictures and Cake

What a day! It was productive and quite successful! Scott and I spent last night trying to figure out how to make a nice color of brown for frosting Kaden's Birthday cake. We finally gave up and went to bed. Today we woke up refreshed and started out the day taking the kids for their yearly pictures. They turned out so cute. They both smiled and set so well. Then we came home and started in on the cake again. I think it turned out pretty cute. :) Tomorrow's party should be a lot of fun!

A different kind of salad for Thanksgiving

Guest post written by Danielle Truman
Every time that we all get together for a family meal and I bring something to eat my younger brother always teases me that it's going to be some type of salad. I guess that I am kind of crazy about different kind of salads, but the thing about that is you can throw all kinds of stuff together and call it a salad. It's just really easy and most of the time doesn't require as much work as cooking a dish or a casserole or something like that. So I'm obviously a fan of salads.
But that makes me want to bring even more salads, so I tried to find something with my bundle clear internet that will be a salad that even he'll like and eat.
In the past he's turned up his nose at all kinds of stuff that I've fixed like fruit salads I've made with jello and stuff like that. But I think I'll make him green bean salad because he's always had a thing for green beans.

"I have been paid for this guest post."

Birthday Girl!

Our daughter Kaelyn just turned 3! I can't believe how fast that time has gone. I always hear others talk of time flying, but now I am experiencing it myself.
We had a wonderful turn out for Kaelyn and she had such a good time! She was all smiles!

New York Knicks Look Good

The article written by Victor Flowers

My favorite basketball team is the New York Knicks. I love watching the Knicks play basketball. I normally loathed any team that is from New York but the Knicks are the exception. I am so excited that basketball season is here. I was able to watch preseason NBA basketball on satellite TV from http://www.directstartv.com/localchannels/Colorado/F/Ft-Collins/.

The preseason is a great time to watch basketball. During the preseason we can learn about how the players seem to be meshing together. The preseason is exciting because teams will tend to experiment with new plays that they have not normally used in the past. If the plays seem to work then they will keep them for the regular season.

The preseason also gives us a chance to see some of the bench warmers get some playing time. Many of these players that do not get very much playing time are actually very great basketball players. I enjoy seeing professional basketball players play who normally don't get much action.

My beloved New York Knocks are getting a lot of rebounds each game and that is great news. Rebounds are typically the key to many close games so I hope this is a sign that the Knicks will have a great season and be able to make it into the play-offs. I would love for the New York Knicks to be able to win a championship this year, but I will settle for them simply making it into the play-offs.

"I was paid for this guest post."

Ipad

Isn't it amazing how children can find their way around a computer. They are getting younger and younger. This is my nephew showing Kaelyn how to play games on the Ipad. They love it!

Some new romance reading

Guest post written by Kelly Brithaven

I'm all about reading some romance books, but I like ones that are a little funny and quirky instead of the ones that have really risque and dirty stuff. That is definitely not the kind of romance novels that I like to read. I also like romantic comedies, so that's probably why I love books that I like the novel equivalents of those.

I was online trying to find out about some new romance novel authors that I could read their books when I saw the site www.clearwirelessinternet4g.com and read through it. After consulting with my husband some, we decided to switch over our internet company to it.

I had heard some good things about her when I was browsing around online, so I bought some Nora Roberts books and am a few chapters into the first one of them. I recognized her name and some of the book covers from the times IÕve been browsing the romance section in Barnes and Noble and now I get why I always see her books there. TheyÕre really good!

1st Birthday

Can you believe it's the middle of November already? It's hard to believe that in 6 short days my baby will turn 1! We brought him home from the hospital last Thanksgiving and I know all parents say it...but it seems like just yesterday. Now he's saying a couple words, almost walking, and has brought so much joy into our family from the moment he was born. Every stage is fun, but it's sad to see each one go.

Octopus Habitat Here We Come

Author: Valentine Pratt
Our family visited the aquarium this weekend. My husband and I always discuss whether or not we remembered to set the adt security alarm after we get into the car and, as a result, our youngest son has grown quite curious as to why we are so concerned about setting it. We explained that an alarm keeps people from taking our valuables.
At the aquarium, our first stop was at the new octopus habitat. It was amazing! Then we enjoyed a picnic lunch outside on the beach. The kids picked up shells and some neat rocks for their collection.
After lunch we went to the kids' area. Every month the aquarium has a new activity for the kids to enjoy. This month they were making jewelry from freshwater pearls. The kids were allowed to pick their own oyster. If there was no pearl inside, they were allowed to pick another. The kids were amazed to learn that pearls were made by oysters. They briefly discussed how they could become "kazillionaires" if they lived at the beach. But the funniest comment of all was when my son looked at his oyster being pryed open and said, "Sorry little guy. You should have set the alarm."

"I have been paid for this guest post."

CSI

I have watched CSI for many years now. It seems to keep my interest. My husband and I started to watch CSI Miami, but it just didn't stick for us. We do watch CSI New York some. It's pretty good also. It's tough to find the time however.

The Blair Chuck tornado

Guest post written by Brooke Smith

There's something that any good drama TV show needs, well drama. But there's something that only a great drama TV show has, a couple that's kind of evil and stirs up trouble but not quite enough to where you hate them for it. That's why I love Gossip Girl, because for a great part of the show so far they've been stirring up all kinds of trouble and making it even better.

A few days ago when I was on the internet with my CLEAR internet Wimax I got to thinking about them when I was buying some DVDs of old seasons of Gossip Girl and realized that even though they've started trouble for a lot of different people on the show, other people have started a lot of trouble for them.

For example, Chuck's uncle started all kinds of trouble for teh couple last season and also compromised the ownership of Chuck's hotel empire. Even though they may not be in a perfect state right now, I'm pulling for Gossip Girl Blair and Chuck to pull through together in the end.

This was a paid guest post.

iPad

I know several people who own iPads. They are quite fun to use but I am so used to my computer that I don't think I will get an iPad just yet. My brother has one and his little boy watches videos that are made for kids his age. He navigates around the thing quite well for being three years old. It seems that technology has changed so fast in the past couple years. What will they think of next?

The Backyardigans are fun to watch

Contribution by German Flowers

I have to admit that I am hooked on my daughter's favorite show the Backyardigans. I love everything from the music to the story telling. My daughter loves it more than I do. Of course she does, she is the one that introduced me to it and has me buying her all the toys. Everyday my daughter and I watch the Backyardigans on our cable tv hd dvr. We haven't missed an episode.

In every episode the Backyardigans use their imagination to have an adventure in their backyards. It can be anything from being vikings to being pirates. They could also be cowboys in the wild, wild, west or knights in the dark ages. Their imagination seems to be unlimited and that's what my daughter and I love about the show. You never know what they are going to do. It shows my daughter the power of having an active imagination and takes me back to the days of my childhood and how me and my friends used to play in our backyards.

I love the show and I recommend it for any parent that wants to watch a great show with their children.

This was a paid guest post.

Great Movies

I know that everyone has their own idea of what movies are great and those that are duds. We haven't been to a movie for quite some time but have seen some on DVD at home. My dad and mom enjoy action movies and I have cousins that are totally in to the scary ones. It is probably good that there are so many types of movies since we are all so different.

Buy Gold Coins

If you are like me you have been watching the stock market over the past months and are finding that it has not been kind. I know of people personally that have had to delay their retirement due to loses they have suffered. Now the United States Gold Bureau has a large and dedicated staff that are ready to assist you in possibly making some investments of silver, gold and other precious metals. you can buy gold coins or gold in the form of ingots. Ingots are a pure bullion cast in a convenient size and shape for storage. The Bureau is America's best dealer with the market and competitive pricing. Delivery is made safe and immediate to the bank or depository of your choosing. Click in and see for yourself.
**I was paid for this post. My honest opinion was given and not swayed in any way.**

White Squirrel

Have you ever seen a white squirrel? We have had one in our yard the past couple years. It is kind of an aggressive animal and chases the other squirrels. I think it is the same one but there could be more of them. I have also seen a black one in town. As I was growing up the only squirrels that I had seen were red and gray.

Costumes

During trick or treating we saw so many different costumes. Our daughter was dressed as Dorothy from the 'Wizard of Oz' and our son was a lion. They were so cute. Several people made comments on how cute they looked. We saw other little cuties ourselves. One little girl was dressed as a bride. I had never seen a costume like that before. My nephews were dressed as an army guy and the other was a park ranger. They were very cute. We had lots of fun.

Buying Silver

The United States Gold Bureau is something I've been looking into more and more. I like the idea of being able to purchase silver, gold bars and other precious metals and coins directly from them and then have them deliver it right to me or a safe place of storage. Although we haven't decided 100% yet, we're definitely looking into the idea of purchasing silver. Now is the time since the world demand for it exceeds annual production. I am not really sure what we'll end up doing, but thankfully United States Gold Bureau has a lot of helpful information on their site and I know will help make the decision easier for us when the time comes.

Birthday Girl

Kaelyn's 3rd birthday is on Monday. Since it's on a weekday, we're doing all of our celebrating this weekend. We had a big birthday party for her when she turned one (and will do the same for Kaden this year), but last year and this year we've decided to not plan anything formal and let her spend a day with each of her grandparents on a day that works for them. I think it makes it really special when she gets that separate time with them, and it's great for them not having to fight for her attention on her birthday with 20 other people around. I have a feeling it's going to be a great weekend!

Fall Weather

Wow is it every windy and cold here. We went from having summer like weather just last week to freezing cold weather and wind that has been causing damage around town. I don't mind fall, but I don't like the weather like this. We haven't been able to even get outside much lately. No fun! I hope it gets nicer this weekend, as it would be great to have a a few more days left of some warmth.

United States Gold Bureau

The United States Gold Bureau helps people like you and me purchase silver, gold coin and other precious metals and coins. What I love about them is that they can arrange for immediate delivery or take it to a safe place of storage for you. Pretty great, right?! Their site is full of helpful information. I was shocked when I first came across it. Thanks to everything, I am more educated and now Scott and I are thinking about purchasing gold or silver. Silver would be a really good one by the sounds of things, but we haven't decided yet.

House

The week hasn't even started and I'm already looking forward to next weekend. My brother and his family bought a new house and we get to go help them move in. It should be a busy weekend, but fun! We're looking forward to it. We hav en't seen their place yet, so that will be fun too. Speaking of houses, we're still trying to sell ours too. Hopefully soon we'll find the right buyer. Until then, we'll just keep trusting in God. His plan is always the best plan!

Busy Weekend

What a busy weekend. Scott had to work some of it, and we were busy cleaning around the house. It was fun though too. Scott's sister came to visit us which is always nice. We also got to go to church and watch the Minnesota Vikings WIN! YAY! The only sad part is that it's gone too fast and tomorrow is Monday already. I hope this week goes just as quickly.

US Gold Bureau

The United States Gold Bureau is something I've become more familiar with recently. It's a place where you can purchase silver, gold coins, and other precious metals and coins for immediate personal delivery. It sounds very easy and convenient which is why Scott and I are seriously discussing working with them on buying some silver. We've been told that right now is the best time to buy silver bullion because the World demand for it is higher than annual production. With the economy the way it is, I imagine this might be a popular topic and United States Gold Bureau may be something you will want to look into.

Lovin' my new Camera!

A couple weeks ago I got a new camera. It is a Canon Powershot SX20is, and it takes the best pictures, for a point and shoot camera. I love all the different features that it has which allows me to get creative with my pictures. If you are looking for a new camera, I highly recommend this one.

Children are a blessing

I love being blessed with a husband that has such a great job that it allows me to stay home with our kids. I get to see how much they learn every day. From Kaelyn learning how to color to Kaden learning his first phrase "uh-oh". I love my family and love watching them grow!

United States Gold Bureau

Are you familiar with the United States Gold Bureau? I have been researching it more now that Scott and I have been talking about buy gold bullion now. They make it possible for you to purchase silver and other precious metals as well. It's actually very interesting. It's a great way to conveniently get your purchase either delivered right to you or a safe storage place. We have considered silver as well. It's actually a great time to purchase silver bullion because the world demand exceeds annual production. That's pretty amazing. I'm definitely glad I came across their website!

Beautiful Fall Day

I love Sunday's, when the kids are down for nap and the sun is shining. Scott is usually watching football and I get to work on everything and anything I want. I love this warm fall weather and how it makes me happy!

Kaelyn's first Dentist appointment

Tomorrow I am taking Kaelyn to the dentist for the first time. My Mom works at the dentist office, so it will be nice to see her and everyone that she works with. I always here from my Mom how they all want to see the kids in person, because all the have seen so far are pictures. I hope she does alright!

DePuy Orthapaedics Recall

In August of this year, DePuy Orthapaedics, Inc. announced a big recall you may have heard of. They recalled 93,000 hip replacement systems due to a higher than expected number of people who were experiencing pain and swelling so that a second hip replacement surgery became necessary. A pretty big problem. At O'hanlon, McCollum & Demerath, their attorneys understand that these hip injuries may not be your fault and possibly due to the implant. That's why they want to hear from you so they can share their expertise and experience to help. I would definitely suggest learning more about the DePuy Hip Replacement lawsuit.

Tired

I don't know why, but I am sure tired. It's been a long week and I'm looking forward to hopefully sleeping in tomorrow. I hope the kids agree. It would be nice to get rested and just hang out before the wedding we have tomorrow night. My parents will be up to watch the kids while we're gone. It should be a good day. Hopefully we'll find some time to relax at least. Maybe Sunday.

9 months old

Tomorrow Kaden has his 9 month pictures. I can't believe he's that old already! It's crazy to think in a couple of months he will be 1 year old. I feel like the time is going faster with him than it did with Kaelyn. I wish it would slow down a bit. My babies are growing way too quickly. I have to admit though, watching them learn new things and watching each stage is a lot of fun.

Buying Gold

I'm sure like me, many people have thought about purchasing gold or silver. Coins like this are not only beautiful, but also very valuable. With the economy the way it is, I think it's worth looking into. I've been doing a little research and came across the United States Gold Bureau. They seem like a great company to purchase silver, gold and other precious metals from...as they even arrange for personal delivery or to a safe storage place.

With the world demand for silver exceeding the annual production of silver, it's definitely a great time to be doing this. I'm not sure what we'll decide to do, but it seems like a great possibility. How about you? have you ever considered buy gold bars or silver coins?

New Camera

What kind of camera do you use? We have gone through several cameras over the years, and so far have not really come up with one that we love. We need something that will take great pictures, but isn't really difficult to use. We're by no means photographers and would rather not have to deal with different modes and functions. We know there are some things we need to do, but within reason. I'd love a good quality point and shoot camera, but just don't know where to begin.

Stressful

This whole selling and buying a home can sure be stressful at times! Wow...I did not realize how much time or money it takes to do it. How do people sell and buy homes all the time. I can't imagine! I'm just looking forward to the day that we sell this wonderful home (I truly do love it and wish we didn't have to move) and are in our new home (wherever that might be). I know it's all in God's hands and that we just need to have Faith and trust in Him. His plan is always the best plan.

Gold Coins

The thought has crossed my mind to purchase gold or silver. It wasn't until recently though, that I began learning more and about it and really becoming interested. With United States Gold Bureau you can purchase silver gold bar and other precious metals and then arrange for it to be delivered right to you or to a safe place of storage. From what I've read, silver is actually a great thing to buy right now. With the world demand exceeding annual production it's wise to look into purchasing right now. I may just have to do that. How about you? Is this something you've ever thought about?

Loving this weather!

The weather has sure been nice lately. Having the cooler temps has really made it a lot more enjoyable to be outside these days. Not having 100 degree temps and all the mosquitoes means that we enjoy the park and walks more. I am hoping this weather lasts a while and the snow and bitter temps hold off. I'd love to enjoy more time outdoors with the kids!

Selling Our home

Wow have we been busy lately. We have our house on the market and have had a lot of showings lately. It's a good thing, just makes it tough to get anything done at home. Also difficult to keep the house perfect every day with two little ones. I'm really lookin gforward to sellin git and moving so we don't have to deal with all this selling stuff. It's no fun. Hopefully a buyer will come sooner than later.

Military Degree

Did you know you can earn a degree while serving our country? I really wasn't aware of this until I learned about MilitaryDegree.com. Whether it's to advance your military career or prepare for an exite, this can be a great thing for people in all walks of life. The online military degrees are tailored to U.S. Military personnel and their families. Education benefits earned from being in the military can be used for tuition, and some schools even offer discounts for active duty and veterans. It actually all sounds very interesting which is why I wanted to pass it along.

Relaxing Weekend

Scott has had one day off this week and has another off tomorrow. You'd think that would make this week go by more quickly, but this week has felt like it's taken forever! We've been so busy and are looking forward to a weekend to enjoy relaxing and spending some time together as a family. Scott's birthday is tomorrow so it will be fun to hang out all day as a family and hopefully just have time to have fun and relax. It's rare that we get a weekend like that, so it will be really nice.

Kaden

I can't believe how big Kaden is getting. He is almost 9 months old and crawling all over the place. he's pulling up on everything and even trying to let go and stand on his own. I don't know if he'll be an early walker or not, but he sure is trying hard. He is the sweetest little boy and loves to cuddle. I hope as he gets older he stays that way. It's so sweet and I love it!

Regency

Having lived in the Midwest my whole life, I have heard of Regency before. Have you? They were founded more than 50 years ago in Minneapolis and are the fastest growing beauty school in the country! They have since expanded from two Minnesota schools in 2002 to almost 30 campuses across nine states. That's pretty impressive if you ask me!

What I find so intriguing about Regency is that they offer a unique approach to cosmetology education by having campuses actually mirror upscale salons to provide a hands on experience for students. This is definitely beneficial and provides high-quality, discounted salon services to the public. Very cool! Check them out if you are interested in pursuing a career in cosmetology. They even have hair schools in Wichita!

Time with family

It's already wednesday and I'm very excited. I don't think we have any plans this weekend to be away from home, we'll hopefully get some time to relax and enjoy the nice weather (if this rain ever stops!). Our house is on the market so we're always trying to keep it tidy and clean...our weekends usually consist of doing that and laundry too. As soon as wed. rolls around I know the weekend will be here soon. I just love my time with family.

Birthdays

Is it weird that I'm already starting to think (and stress a little) about my kids' birthdays and they're still 3 months away?! I think it's coming to mind because I know that this time of year always flies by. Their birthdays are around halloween and thanksgiving...so it's a busy time for everyone. I always want to make sure we see all the family and that the kids have a cake. There's just a lot to consider and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. I'd like to start thinking about it now though, and not hold off until last minute. That would be even worse.

Purchasing Gold Coins

Have you ever considered investing in silver or gold coins? Maybe even other precious metals? I know I have, especially now with the economy the way it is. I have not been quick to do anything yet, as I want to learn more about it. But...from what I've found so far, the United States Gold Bureau would be a great choice to go with. They make it easy to purchase precious metal and coins and even arrange for immediate personal delivery or convenient storage. I'm still looking into it, but am definitely considering it the more I learn....especially knowing that now is the time to do it since the demand for silver exceeds annual production. What about you? Have you ever considered purchasing coins before?

Conversations with Kaelyn

Kaelyn has been talking in sentences since she was around 12 months old. She was any early talker, so I thought for sure she would either hit the 'why stage' early, or not at all. She's nearing three years old now, and all of a sudden is asking us 'why' for everything. I have worked with hundreds of 2 year olds in the past and know this is something many of them do. I was just surprised after all this time that she decided to start doing it now. She is very inquisitive and wants to figure out exactly what we're saying and what it means. I love having conversations with her. So fun!

Playing

I love capturing photos of my kids. I think i have my camera on me almost all the time. You just never know when you're going to need it. Lately Kaden has been crawling all over the place and pulling up on everything. He is even letting go once he is standing and stands there for a few seconds. He seems to have very good balance which is great. I have noticed as he becomes more confident in doing things large motor wise, that he is playing while sitting on his knees. Most would not think of this as being a big deal...but it's oh so cute to watch. Just look at those little toes! :)

United States Gold Bureau

Thanks to the United States Gold Bureau you can purchase silver, gold bullion an other precious metals. I don't know about you, but I've always been interested in investing. I know people who have done this with coins and have been very thankful they did. As I look into the United States God Bureau, I'm very impressed. They make it possible for you to arrange for immediate personal delivery or convenient and safe storage...whichever you'd prefer.

I would highly recommend checking it out if you are at all interested. There may never be a better time to buy silver bullion than right now because the world demand for it now exceeds annual production. This has got me wanting to do something soon. It's definitely worth looking into anyways.

Crockpot Suppers

I just love the crockpot. It makes mealtime much easier for me many nights. Tonight we meet with our Realtor and it's going to be right around supper time. I knew we'd need to have something ready to eat when he leaves. Not having time to make anything beforehand...I decided that we'll have chili in the crockpot. You can't get much easier than that...and yet, it's oh so yummy! Can't wait! I know it's the middle of summer, but chili is god any time, right?

The Florist in My Neighborhood

Guest post written by Joseph Finch

I was ready to plan my wedding as soon as my fiance proposed to me. I had been wanting to get married since I was a little girl so it's no surprise that I already had ideas of what I wanted. I first started to look at places in town. I was driving around trying to find a florist and the caterer and it was just taking me forever!

My honey suggested we get huges net satellite internet service so I could go online. Boy what I glad when he suggested that! Once hughes net new york installed I was able to cut my search time into a fraction of what I had been doing. I was able to find a ton more options as well. When I was running around town I thought finding a good florist was going to be impossible! After using houghes net though I was able to find out about a few little known places and even people that did this stuff on their own. I ended up picking this woman who lived a couple blocks away from me as my florist. She had such an artistic eye for this thing. I absolutely fell in love with the bouquet she made me!

Feeling Better

What a weekend. Thursday we went to look at a house (since we're still in the process of trying to sell ours). I knew something was up...I was achey, freezing (then hot)...but didn't put two and two together until the day slowed down a bit. I finally took my temp and I had a fever. The next day and a half were pretty miserable. Thankfully my hubby was here to help take care of me. By saturday afternoon i was feeling much better and have been without a fever ever since. It must have been viral, but was still no fun. I'm thankful I'm feeling better.

A Better Way To Invest

With the stock market, housing market, and job market all in shambles, it is a great time for those who can invest, to invest. There are many different choices, stocks, bonds, CD's, IRA's, but I think the most overlooked one would be Gold and precious metals. Gold is such a hot item right now because it's strength around the world is almost it's own currency. Many people are encouraged to buy gold eagle coins, for example, as way to invest and be ready for when the markets to turn around and we see a drastic rise in the gold market. People could see their money double, even triple if they play the market right and choose the right time to sell. Would you like to be the one to cash in and take advantage of our down economy, if so, this is the opportunity you can't pass up!

Selling our home

We have our house on the market...what a stressful time it can be. I don't want to complain, as we've had many showings and only positive feedback. The thing is....we've had no offers yet. :( I try not to get discouraged and not it will all happen when the time is right...but it's hard to be patient sometimes. Oh well...at least we love the house we're in and aren't being forced to move or anything. God knows the right timing...we just need to lean on that and Trust Him!

Samantha Brown, tour guide

Guest post written by Brenda Lowell

I’ve been using Samantha Brown (well, her show) to tell me where to go on vacation for years.

The spunky traveler seems so passionate and excited about where she’s going. But, if I had to go trek around the world instead of heading into the office every day, I’d probably be that excited too. She always seems so eager and open to experiencing things like the locals do, no matter how daring the customs and traditions are in comparison to those in American culture.

When I saw her episode about Barcelona, I started looking up ideas for activities immediately. I had just researched wild blue internet packages and switched my Internet service over to wildblue the week before so I watched other videos about Barcelona online and got even more excited.

My trip was great and I hit a lot of the spots that she did like La Sagrada Familia and the Gothic Quarter, along with some yummy local restaurants.

I’m kind of hoping that when she retires, the people at the Travel Channel will call me up to replace her.

Needing Sleep

Wow..I've just been exhausted lately. I know this probably sounds bad, but ever since the 4th o July I feel like I can't catch up on work around the house or sleep. I'm not sure why...but I feel like I Get further and further behind on both. Part of it is that Kaden is now crawling. That is keeping me MUCH mroe busy! I'm excited for the day when he can entertain himself more. He does some, but also is still very much attached to me. I love it, but it makes it hard to get things done sometimes too.

United States Gold Bureau

You can purchase silver, gold and other precious metals and coins through the United States Gold Bureau. Your purchase can be arranged for immediate personal deliver or convenient and safe storage if you like. For anyone interested in investing, it is definitely the time to consider it. Buying gold has been recognized for centuries and is one of the best ways to preserve one's wealth and purchasing power. Scott and I have always talked about doing this, and after reading more about what a great idea it can be...we may just have to do so soon. What about you? Have you ever had an interest in investing in gold before? You check out more about how to buy gold bullion, here.

8 Months Old

Yesterday my baby boy turned 8 months old. Why does the time have to go by so quickly. He is starting to 'talk' more, is crawling all over the place, and most recently has been pulling up on things and standing. I love watching each new stage...but wish that it would slow down a bit. I want to be able to enjoy and cherish each and every moment while my kids are young. The time just goes by way too fast, don't you think?!

Moms Can Get An Education Too!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Ashworth College. All opinions are 100% mine.

It's summer time which means we moms are often quite busy. The thing we have to remember though, is that there's more to us than packing lunches and pooling our kids around. Maintaining a personal identity is also key and very important. That's why I believe strongly in pursuing an education. It's a great way to set an example for our kids, prepare to re-enter the workforce once our kids are older, transition to a work at home career....the benefits are endless.

Distance education is a family-friendly way to help moms get the education we've always wanted and deserve...easily, affordable, and from the comfort of your own home. Some things I really like about Ashworth is that tuition is 50% less than the average accredited online school, it's flexible which is important for stay at home moms and working adults who want to get an Online degree, offers zero-interest financing plus a low monthly payment plan, 75% of credits earned at other schools can be transferred and so much more!

No matter if you're looking to get your associate degree, bachelors degree or even a master's degree...this is definitely something worth looking into. You can be well on your way to attaining a popular career in Medical Billing, Web Design, Bridal Consulting, Interior Decorating, Human Resources, Marketing, Early Childhood Education, etc.

Boudreaux's Butt Paste

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Boudreaux's Butt Paste. All opinions are 100% mine.

I don't know about you, but I am VERY picky when it comes to the products I use with my kids. It seems there are many baby products out there, but very few do the job their intended to do very well. That's why I like Boudreaux's Butt Paste. Diaper Rash is one of the most uncomfortable things for a baby, and something many of them deal with at some point. As a parent, it's my responsibility to help make my kids as comfortable as possible and get rid of things like this. Thanks to Boudreaux's Butt Paste, I can!

We've used this product and are really happy with how well it works. Unlike other products like it, Boudreaux's works quickly without stinging or putting my kids in more pain. It was specifically formulated by a pharmacist with direction from a respected pediatrician to provide effective diaper rash care...and in my experience, it does just that! Somethings I really like about it are:

• Pediatrician recommended
• Goes on and cleans off easily
• Available in convenient sizes
• Flip top cap (tubes)
• Handy travel size (convenient sizes - 1oz, 2oz, 3oz and 4oz tubes, 16oz jar)
• Pleasant scent
• Skin protectant

How about you? Have you ever tried Boudreaux's Butt Paste? What are your experiences? I'm sure many of you have heard of (and even tried it), as it's been featured on shows like Oprah, Tonight Show, Today Show, ESPN and even in People Magazine!

If you love Boudreaux's Butt Paste like we do, or want to try it for yourself with your kids...visit their site to receive your own free sample today!

Wedding Day!

Today is a big day! My hubby's sister is getting married and Kaelyn is a flower girl. She's very excited to wear her 'princess dress' as she calls it and I know she'll do great. Her cousin is walking down with her, so I think she'll just follow her lead. It should be a great day with family and friends. We've enjoyed the past week. It's been a busy one, but we've been able to spend time with a lot of family we're not able to see very often. Anyways...I suppose I better get things ready to go...we have to be there early. I will post pics later though!

The online gaming possibilities

Guest post written by Kimberlee Williams

My brother is so obsessed with online gaming that he’ll stay up late at night playing Xbox LIVE or other games, screaming inside jokes through his headset.

It’s pretty obnoxious while I’m home from college, especially because his computer and my bed’s headboard are along the same wall. He doesn’t realize he’s being so loud because our parents’ bedroom is upstairs and they can’t hear his yelling and jokes from that far away.

I would blame my parents for getting wild blue satellite UT so he never has any glitches or problems but I sometimes stream movies from Netflix Instant Watch on his Xbox so I also benefit. I guess that’s the burden of blue internet that I have to deal with.

I used to play a lot of video games with him but that was before he played games with other people on wildblue internet and we only had each other to talk to and taunt while competing in games like Mario Kart.

Maybe this is a habit my brother will outgrow, but as for now I’ll just try to fall asleep to my mp3 player to block it out.

Bright Beginnings Infant Formula

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

We have never chosen to use formula with either of our kids, but I know there are many parent's who do. Thankfully, those like Bright Beginnings are made with your child's best interest in mind. Bright Beginnings formula provides the benefits of the lipids DHA and ARA, nutrients naturally found in breast milk essential for babies' mental and visual development. It also contains a vegetarian blend of fats similar to breast milk which aids in the absorption of calcium.

Although we don't use formula, I'm familiar with the different brands and what their cans look like. That's why I was interested to learn that Bright Beginnings has a new can design. I headed over to Diapers.com, which is where you can purchase Bright Beginnings formula, and checked out the new design. I really like it. It's fun and something that definitely makes it stand out as different form other brands. I personally like it when companies make it a point to stand out and grab the attention of customers.

Again, you'll find Bright Beginnings available at diapers.com and it can be purchased directly from there.

House For Sale

Our house is on the market again, which means we are trying very hard to keep it as clean and picked up as possible. We never know when we might get a call for a showing, so having things in place is important. I'm finding it difficult though. With two kids there are always toys all over and sometimes I don't get to the dishes until they are napping. It's been stressful and I'm looking very forward to our house selling...hopefully soon!

VitaDigest

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of VitaDigest. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you take vitamins? I hate to admit that I'm not the best at taking vitamins. The main time I'm really good about i is when I'm pregnant or nursing. Usually I try to take some sort of a multivitamin at those times that have enough calcium and iron. I have found looking for vitamins to be a little overwhelming though. Thanks to VitaDigest, it no longer has to be!

VitaDigest offers a large selection of vitamins and supplements. In fact, they actually offer over 13,000 vitamins, supplements and other health products! That is a large selection and it's fantastic to be able to find all this in one location. Nothing is more frustrating than looking for something and not being able to find it. I thought it was also impressive that they have been awarded INC5000 for 2009 as top 5000 Fastest growing companies!

I have spent quite some time visiting their website and think the Brainstorm 2 capsules look very interesting. They offer 90 veggie capsules which promote mental concentration. Pretty cool!

If you're looking to purchase vitamins or supplements, I would highly recommend checking out VitaDigest! They are currently offering an exclusive 10% off coupon with coupon code 'izb10jan' through the end of February! They also offer FREE shipping on all orders over $100.

Fun Weekend!

We had such a great weekend with family! It has been a while since we had so many days off work and available to relax and spend with family. Kaelyn and Kaden especially enjoyed their time with cousins and at the pool. It wasn't an extremely nice weekend, however we did get some windows of sun where we could spend some time outdoors. I was bummed that the weekend went by so quickly, but am happy that tomorrow is already Wednesday! YAY! Hopefully the next few days go by quickly too.

Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hampton Hotels. All opinions are 100% mine.

This is the time of year that many of us are planning getaways with family and friends. That's why I was excited when I learned about the Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes. This summer they are offering a great way for you to reconnect with friends. There is a daily giveaway for a free weekend stay at any Hampton Hotel! I don't know about you, but this is a very appealing thought this time of year. I'm always telling my hubby that even a weekend vacation would be great. I think weekend vacations are a great way to refresh and relax. It's important to travel with friends and family, and that's why I appreciate the whole idea behind the Chain of Friends Sweepstakes. What a great way to reconnect with those who are important to you.

If I happened to win, I think my hubby and I would go to Las Vegas and stay in the Hampton Hotel there. We've always talked about going there and think it would be a terrific weekend getaway.

What I love about this contest, is that entering couldn't be easier. By simply visiting the Hampton website, you can click on the 'enter now' button and enter the Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes for your very own chance to win! Be sure to check it out and enter if you haven't already! It's a terrific chance to win a fun getaway this summer.

Summer Time!

Can you believe we're already into July?! Why is it that winter seems to last forever, but once summer arrives it flies by? I love this time of year and that's why my family and I try to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Unfortunately the rain and mosquitoes have ruined that some for us this year..but we're definitely looking forward to it getting nicer...hopefully! The kids really enjoy their time spent outdoors as well!

Mission Menus Challenge

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Mission Foods. All opinions are 100% mine.

If there is one food I am always sure to have in my house, it's tortillas. No matter what mood your in, the meals you can make with tortillas are absolutely endless! Over the years we've learned there are good tortillas and not so good tortillas. One of our favorites is Mission Flour Tortillas!

Mission Flour Tortillas are great for meal preparation! They are versatile, soft and delicious, kid-friendly, super convenient and have the most amazing freshly-baked taste! We have come up with some pretty amazing recipes using Mission Flour Tortillas in the past, but I'm always looking for new, budget friendly ideas to try. That's why I really appreciate MissionMenus.com and their many examples of quick & easy, affordable meals for $10 using Mission Flour Tortillas. The Buffalo Chicken Tacos and Sunrise Breakfast Burrito look especially good! Yum!

One thing I love about Mission Flour Tortillas is that they contain 0 grams Trans fat per serving and are cholesterol free. They are also available in convenient sizes: small (6"), medium (8") and large (10”) sizes and can be found in major grocery stores nationwide! That means no matter where I'm at, I'm able to find them almost anywhere.

Do you enjoy meals with tortillas? Do you have some amazing recipes you've created? If so, you'll be interested in knowing that Mission Foods has a new Mission Menus Challenge currently running.

Beginning June 28, 2010 and continuing until August 9th, consumers can submit their budget-friendly recipes to Mission at www.MissionMenusChallenge.com for a chance to compete in a cook-off in Los Angeles and win a $10,000 dream kitchen makeover as well as a host of weekly prizes! The grand prize winner will win round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations for two to the Mission Menus Challenge Cook-off on September 10, 2010 at the Hard Rock Cafe in Los Angeles.

All recipes must:
• Must include Mission Flour Tortillas
• Be original
• Feed a family of five for $10 or less

I love a company that supports great causes. Mission Foods is one of those companies! They are proud to support Share Our Strength, the leading national organization committed to ending childhood hunger in America. If you'd like to help or learn more, you can visit MissionMenusChallenge.com.

My Two Kids

My baby is 7 months old today! WOW! I thought time went fast with our daughter, and now with our second baby it's going even faster. I can't believe it's been 7 months since we brought him home from the hospital...where does the time go?! In just a few short months he will be 1 and our daughter will be 3. It's hard to believe, but at the same time, is very exciting! I love nothing more than watching them grow and hit new milestones all the time.

Kaelyn is still talking up a storm and loves to strike a conversation with anyone she meets. Scott and I always say she'll have no problem making friends when she enters school. She's mommy's little helper and LOVES her little brother to pieces.

Kaden is SO close to crawling. He gets up on his hands and knees and has even gone forward a little bit. He gets frustrated though, and falls to his tummy. Within no time he'll be all over the place I'm sure. He's also starting to babble which is so cute. He loves to try and copy what we do and say.

I love my two kids to pieces. I feel very blessed to be their mom.

iCarly

This is a guest post by Marian Garland

One of the best shows available for children right now is " iCarly ." This show depicts the life of Carly, the main character on the program with her own television program. Carly and her best friend run their own television show. I love watching this program on direct tv with my kids, because it teaches them that great success can come with hard work.

What I also like about this program is how it teaches children to have an entrepreneurial spirit. This program inspires kids to be bold and daring. I also like this show, because as a parent, it inspires me to adapt to technology. The main characters are always using technology, like online videos and websites, to relate to the community. As a parent, I am inspired to also try to use technology in positive ways like Carly and her friends. Parents will enjoy watching this show with children for what they can also take away from the program.

Another reason this show is great for children is because it does not rush kids to grow up too fast. I think this program is great for kids ages 8-14. The show does not pressure kids to engage in bad behaviors, but rather reinforces how good it can feel to do the right thing. Overall, I highly recommend "iCarly."

Father's Day

We had such a wonderful weekend! Scott got to go golfing with my dad for father's day which is something they both really enjoy. Then Sunday we just relaxed...all took naps and enjoyed the day as a family. We don't get too many weekends where we can just relax, so it was nice that we finally did. Father's Day was wonderful and a day I hope Scott really enjoyed too. He deserves it...he's a terrific dad!

Dream Family Vacation to Kissimmee

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Kissimmee Tourism. All opinions are 100% mine.

After such a long and cold winter, hubby and I have been seriously discussing going on a great family vacation. I'm the only one out of the family who has been to Florida, so that's top on our list. In researching places and things to do...I came across Kissimmee. As a child, I was able to visit the Kissimmee area several times and just loved it. It's known as the heart of Florida and being right next to Orlando...you're sure to have plenty to do between the beaches, theme parks and more!

What makes Kissimmee the ideal vacation spot, is that it's close to everything! Whether you're looking to spend a day at the beach or go to Florida's amazing theme parks...you'll find a little of everything. In just the short time I've been planning our vacation so far, I've already come up with an itinerary of things I would definitely want to do while we were there.

I'd love to visit Walt Disney World again for sure! It's such a magical place for young children and one I know my kids would absolutely love! There's so much to do there, and it's certainly a vacation memory that would last for years to come.

I'd also want enjoy a little shopping and eating in Celebration. I've been there once and loved the feel of this place. I think my hubby would just love it!

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is also a place I think would be great to take the kids!

As far as a place to stay, I haven't quite decided, but think it would be great to stay at the Radisson Orlando Celebration Resort! It looks beautiful, is close to a lot of things and has a lot of great features.

I am really looking forward to the possibility of making this dream vacation a reality! The things to do and the places to stay are absolutely endless. It will be a vacation to remember always...that's for sure! If you'd like to plan your dream vacation to Kissimmee, visit here today!

6 Months Old!

Is it really possible that my baby is 6 months old already? We took him to get his 6 month pictures last week and it sunk in just how fast the time is going. In 6 months he will be 1 year old already (and Kaelyn will be 3!). WOW! His pictures went fantastic...he's such a smiley little guy! I love where we go to have them done, because they give us a CD with all the pictures and a full copyright release so we can use/share them as we wish.

Summer Time!

Finally...the weather is feeling more and more like spring lately! I've enjoyed being able to get the kids outdoors more...especially after being cooped up in the house ALL winter long. Seeing how summer doesn't last long, we're going to try and get out as much as possible. I'm glad that both of them seem to enjoy it so much! It's going to be a great summer. I look forward to all the fun times we will have. Hopefully we'll get to the zoo one of these weekends too!

4 Months Old

I can't believe Kaden is 4 months old already! Where does the time go? He's growing so quickly. It seems that little baby stage didn't last long at all! He's an incredibly happy and content baby....very easy to going! He loves his sister to pieces and enjoys playing with her whenever possible. We feel truly blessed to have Kaden as the newest addition to our growing family...he is such a joy! I look forward to watching him grow and learn new things over the coming months.

Gold Bullion

I have some interesting information I wanted to share with you. Thanks to The Capital Market Supervisory Boards, the Gold exhange-traded funds will soon be hitting the Thailand stock market. Isn't that great? The Capital Market Supervisory Board looks after the rule making for the Thai capital market and they recently agreed to permit two types of gold exchange-traded funds into their market. I really didn't know a whole lot about this, but had the opportunity to learn more and was very glad I did. I enjoy learning new things like this about where to buy gold bullion.

DVR

We recently got a DVR. We have never had one before, so it's pretty fun. We love being able to record all of our favorite shows and watch them when we have time, rather than missing them during the week. I have a feeling we're going to be getting quite attached to it, and if we ever decide to get rid of it we'll definitely miss it. I think we're going to get quite spoiled. If you don't have DVR though, I would definitely recommend it.

Time flies

Wow...is it already February? I feel like Christmas was just yesterday. It's crazy how fast this year is going already. Our little guy is going to be three months old this month. He's growing like a weed. I can't believe it. It seems like 2010 will just fly by as I think of the coming months and how busy we'll be. The years just keep passing by and our kids keep growing way too quickly. Sometimes I wish time would just slow down a bit....so we can take every moment in and enjoy them to the fullest.

Jewelry

I am a girl who loves jewelry and one who has a hubby that enjoys buying it! He's very good at it too. Recently he got me some diamond earrings, but was also saying how he'd like to get me sapphires at some point too. I did a little looking on my own and found some amazing cubic zirconia earrings from Holsted Jewelers.

Holsted Jewelers offers fashionable and affordable merchandise for tastes of all kinds. I love that they have a wide assortment of great designs and styles. I like to have jewelry that not everyone else has and that's why the one of a kind jewelry found here is great for me. They are known for their service and their high standards which is just another reason of many that I'd love to do business with them.

Cousins

I have a twin brother and we have quite a bit in common. We've kind of followed the same path in life, and many find our story to be quite interesting. We grew up obviously going to the same school with the same friends. We graduated at the same time, shared/share all of our birthdays and even went to the same college and graduated from there at the same time as well. The story gets more interesting after that though. We were married just 8 days apart and had our first children just 12 days apart. Last March we got a call from them that they were expecting their second baby...little did they know, we were too! Now we both have our second children and guess what...they were born just 12 days apart. Isn't that crazy?! We enjoy telling the story, it's pretty neat. I'm glad our kids will grow up so close in age.

Here's a picture of Kaelyn and her cousin Emry on their first Christmas together (2 years ago) and then Kaden and his cousin Israel on their first Christmas together (this year). Kinda fun to compare. My how time has flown.

Our Blessings!

Our little man is already over a month old...where does the time go? I found myself saying the same thing with Kaelyn too...but it's just so true. I can't believe that he is now officially out of newborn diapers, out of newborn clothes and already gained almost 4 pounds! He's becoming quite the big boy and is even rolling over. They are at that tiny stage for far too little of time. I miss it already. It is fun to see him growing and learning new things though. Recently he just started cooing more and smiling some...so cute! Here's a pic of Kaelyn and Kaden from Christmas....