Its my Birthday!

Come have a piece of cake with me! Its my birthday!! And just like last year, all I want is comments. Lets see if I can top the number of comments(31) that I got last year....ok?

Caution....whining ahead

If you dont want to read a boo-hoo post then you should move along and come back another day. Because today I am whining. I don't feel well. I am coming down with a cold. I know, that isnt a big deal. Any mom can handle her everyday things while she has a cold. I used to be one of those moms who could too. But not now. Because I have fibromyalgia. And Fibro looks for any and all reasons to flare. My cold has fueled it into a big giant ugly flare. Stupid Fibro. Stupid, stupid Fibro. I feel like a truck ran over me. And maybe backed up to run over me again.

Did I mention that I hate fibromyalgia?


So my morning is being spent on the couch, taking pain meds and hoping I can move better this afternoon. Amy and I have tickets to see New Moon. And even if I have to crawl....I AM GOING!

If you would, could you please say a prayer for me today? Im needing some extras so I can function. And tomorrow is my birthday and NOBODY wants to feel crappy on their birthday, right?!?
Thanks!!

Fairytale Brownies

Yes, Fairytales DO come true. Especially if what you wish for is fudgy, chocolatey goodness. And we all know how much I LOVE fudgy, chocolatley goodness! I received a Christmas dozen so I was able to review all 12 flavors available at Fairytale Brownies, and yes I shared. A little. Here are the flavors (you can start drooling now)
Original
Caramel
Chocolate Chip
Espresso Nib
Cream Cheese
Mint Chocolate
Peanut Butter
Pecan
Walnut
White Chocolate
Toffee Crunch
Raspberry Swirl


My favorites were the Raspberry Swirl and the Cream Cheese. The Raspberry had an awesome sweet-tart flavor that was just like eating fresh Raspberries. It was SO good! The Cream Cheese brownie was great too.....and had just the right amount of Cream cheese topping that tasted like cheesecake mixed in a brownie. YUM! The other flavors were good...and I really liked how moist and fudgie (fudgey?) the brownies were. Just like how I bake them at home. But without the mixing and cleaning up afterwards. How awesome is that?! I also want to point out that the walnuts and pecans used on the nut brownies were big and plump, which made the brownies even better. I love nuts in brownies!
My oldest son C, went crazy over the espresso nib (which is covered in crushed espresso beans) brownie. I thought it was tasty, but he loved it. He also loves to eat those chocolate covered espresso beans, so I knew that would be a good one to share with him.


To be fair I want to list a few things that weren't my favorites....the tops of the Original and Chocolate chip were flaky. Not something I expected on a fudgy brownie. But this wasn't the first or last time I will get crumbs on my shirt. The other thing I wanted to mention was that the Mint Chocolate Brownie was too minty for me. Not that it was bad, just too much. But I know some people love it that way and it would be great for them.


For anyone not familiar with Fairytale Brownies, they are a mail-order company based in AZ. The company was started by childhood friends Eileen Spitalny and David Kravetz. They both had a love for chocolate and brownies and wanted to share that with the world. ALONG with making great brownies they also support KaBOOM! which is a non-profit organization dedicated to building playgrounds around the country. Their hope is to build playgrounds within walking distance of every child in the USA. There are several ways to help KaBOOM! to achieve this goal, and one way is to purchase brownies with special occasion bands (the donate .25 cents for each Thank You, Congratulations, Happy Birthday and Thinking of You Band). You can also opt to donate $1 to any purchase made on their website.

Now on to the BEST news....Fairytale Brownies is offering FREE SHIPPING on orders of $30 or more. Click HERE to visit their website and use the code MOMBLOG for the free shipping. I think everyone should consider giving brownies for Christmas this year! Who wouldn't love a big box of brownies....even Santa himself would love to have brownies and milk instead of cookies and milk this year!


Thank you to Fairytale Brownies (and Alyssa in the PR department) for sending me this wonderful box of brownies.

Thankful

I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! I also wanted to list some things I am thankful for....

-Jesus
-My family
-My home
-My friends, including all the wonderful blog friends that I have (I LOVE you guys!!)
-A mother in law who cooks every holiday
-Hubby still having a job, even if it is only 3 days a week right now
-My new church
-Chocolate
-things going well with my new Scentsy business
-plans to go see New Moon with Amy on Sunday
-Rain. Ok, I am not thankful for the rain but I AM thankful it is rain and not snow!
-Amy....yep, she falls into the thankful for friends category but she TOTALLY deserves her own thankful spot. She is one of the best friends I have ever had and has been here for me more times than I can count. I LOVE you Amy!!!
-Facebook. Because I am now back in touch with so many great friends from my years ago.
-the entire Blogging community. We all share and support each other and how great is that?!?
-Thanksgiving....my FAVORITE holiday.

Have a great day tomorrow and I hope you get tons of great shopping deals on Friday!

If I have to listen to this all morning....SO DO YOU!

Ugh.

A small Rant about Rudeness

I hope I don't offend anyone with this post. And if I do, I apologize BUT I need to vent about this. WHY don't people RSVP anymore? Today is J's birthday party. We were allowed 12 children, 2 of which are mine. There are 10 kids in his class and many more that he wanted to invite but couldn't. IF more people would have RSVP'ed (either way....yes or no) then we could have invited more kids. I wanted my neighbors children to come but because I have no clue how many kids are showing up today, I couldn't invite them. Grrrrrrrr

So anyway...that is my complain for this morning. We are heading out in a half hour to spend 2 hours bowling with the 6 and under crowd. Yes.....I am taking Advil with me.

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend AND PLEASE! if your child comes home with an invitation, call and RSVP. Otherwise it is just rude.

Happy Birthday J !!!!

Grab a new Myspace 2.0 Layout

Six years ago today I was in serious labor and pushed out a beautiful 9 lb 10 oz baby boy. I can't believe it has been six years already. Times flys!

Happy Birthday J

You make Mommy so happy!

He Loves Me.....

Most men give their significant others Roses. My Hubby has always given me Rose bushes.


This means that instead of enjoying a vase of Roses for a week or so...

I get to see the Rose bushes bloom and bloom and bloom....

Each time (several times a year!!) it reminds me of how much he loves me, and of all the great holidays and special moments we have had in the past

Even though we have had colder weather lately, my beautiful Roses are still blooming

And how can you go outside, see these and still be grumpy??

I love you Hubby!!!

Weekend updates and a WINNER

This weekend was a busy one. Saturday we went shopping at Walmart and Aldi and then I had to pick up my Scenty Basket. This was my first order and I was hoping for a big one! I was pleasantly surprised and happy at the amount that my first Hostess was able to sell. Today I went to Sunday School and Church, then dropped the boys off at the Farm. I spent the afternoon at Amy's doing my first House party. She had wine, cheese and crackers and invited her closest friends. We had a blast! Thanks again Amy for hosting and for letting me "practice" on your friends.

Tonight I went to Random.org and chose a winner for the White Picket Fences.......#10 Ginny said...
HI, I'd love a chance at winning. Thanks!
November 12, 2009 4:11 PM

Congrats Ginny!

The upcoming week is a busy one for me. I have things to do just about everyday.On top of that I am not feeling well. I have that nagging feeling like I am coming down with a cold and I have a stomach ache. PLUS J is turning 6 on Wednesday and his party is next Saturday. Wish me luck on getting it all done!

White Picket Fences- Review and Giveaway

White Picket Fences

By Susan Meissner

Summary: Amanda Janvier’s idyllic home seems the perfect place for her niece Tally to stay while her vagabond brother is in Europe, but the white picket fence life Amanda wants to provide is a mere illusion. Amanda’s husband Neil refuses to admit their teenage son Chase, is haunted by the horrific fire he survived when he was four, and their marriage is crumbling while each looks the other way. Tally and Chase bond as they interview two Holocaust survivors for a sociology project, and become startlingly aware that the whole family is grappling with hidden secrets, with the echoes of the past, and with the realization that ignoring tragic situations won’t make them go away. Readers of emotional dramas that are willing to explore the lies that families tell each other for protection and comfort will love White Picket Fences. The novel is ideal for those who appreciate exploring questions like: what type of honesty do children need from their parents, or how can one move beyond a past that isn’t acknowledged or understood? Is there hope and forgiveness for the tragedies of our past and a way to abundant grace?

Ok, so let me just say that this wasn't my favorite book. It isn't that is wasn't good, but I just had issues with how the author finished up the book. She took her time to build the characters and the story line. She intertwined them in great ways. I'm not going to give away anything from the ending, but I will say that it felt like the ending was rushed. That being said, I did like the rest of the book. The main characters are Tally and Chase, who are cousins who are thrown together due to unusual circumstances. They come from completely different backgrounds, and are practically strangers. Tally comes to live with Chase and his family when her Father disappears in Europe. Chase is dealing with memories of a house fire from years ago and Tally helps him through when he feels like his family can't or won't. At the same time, his parents are drifting apart because of the refusal to deal with issues surrounding the fire. There are secrets all around in this family and they are all destructive. It isn't until they all start to let go of the secrets that they find what they are looking for. I do recommend this book, just don't be surprised at the rushed ending.

I have one copy available to give away. Please leave a comment if you want to enter to win. I will be using Random.org to pick a winner on Sunday.

If you would like to learn more about this book or to purchase the book, go HERE.

Thank you Waterbrook Press for both copies of White Picket Fences. If you are a blogger who loves to read, click HERE.

Happy Veterans Day!

Happy Veteran's Day to all who served our Country. THANK YOU!

And Happy Veterans Day to my Favorite Veteran of All
My Poppop

Random stuff

Hello and Happy Tuesday.

It is Tuesday, right? yeah, I think so. J went back to school today after a 5 1/2 day break. It was nice because Hubby was off too and we spent the weekend "camping" in the back yard.

I started writing out my Christmas list but it only took a second because it only has the names of my 3 boys on it. Money is tight and is about to get MUCH tighter. Hubby's work did some big cutbacks last month and they are about to do more. They are shutting down the entire week of Thanksgiving, cutting back to 3 days a week for the month of December AND December 18th will be the last day of work this year. WHAT?!? I am praying Hubby will be eligible for temporary unemployment benefits for the remainder of December.

That being said, I am thankful that Hubby still has a job. So many of the workers were laid off last month. I pray for all of them.

Amy and I are counting down the days until New Moon premiers. I'm not so sure we will be going the first weekend.....but we are going to TRY!

I put the boys to bed an hour early tonight. Don't judge. J woke up and started arguing with me right away. He argued over everything right up until the bus came and started as soon as he got off the bus this afternoon. Sounds like a tired 5 year old to me! Off to bed!!

I need to dye my roots. Soon. I HATE dyeing my hair. Sitting alone in the bathroom.....UGH. Stupid Roots!

Back on the subject of Christmas.....as long as J and R don't change their minds between now and when we see Santa then we should be OK. I added up what is on our little list and it came to $140....that is $70 a kid. Not too bad, right? I think we can manage that without needing to sell a kidney or anything.


One last thing I want to share.....

The Lord will protect you from all dangers, he will guard your life.
The Lord will guard you as you come and go, both now and forever. Psalm 121:7-8

MOPS and Operation Christmas Child

My MOPS group is donating boxes to Operation Christmas Child. It is a program run by Samaritans Purse that sends Shoebox filled with goodies to kids around the world. We get to choose a boy or girl and a specific age range. That way you know what would be the best things to put in the box. I am taking my boys shopping on day this week to fill our box with toys, socks, toiletries, etc. I am hoping that it passes a message on to them that even when things are tight you still need to give to others.

Please visit the Operation Christmas Child site and consider donating to this great cause. There are many drop off locations or you can donate online.

Thanks!!

I think childbirth was easier....

Today we took the boys to Build-a-Bear to use their gift cards. YES! I know, I know...we shouldn't have made them wait this long to use gift cards that they got for Christmas last year, but we did. Get over it! LOL

Anyhow, this was our first time to BAB and I was just as excited as the boys were. J picked out a Camouflage Bear that he named "BestFriend" and R picked out a Puppy and named him "Scruffy". Next they stuffed the bears. Those poor, poor bears. Have you ever watched them stuff the bears? Seriously, that looks painful! I know that they aren't real but what if.....ugh. I immediately thought that pushing a child out seemed way less painful that if someone was shoving my body on that tube and forcing fluff into my extremities.
Does that make me a disturbed person? LOL
Here is a picture of their masterpieces!


After we left BAB we walked past Godiva Chocolate and I made Hubby detour through the store AND I asked for free samples. ASK and you shall recieve. Each of us got a Black Raspberry/White Chocolate Truffle. YUM!
I Heart you Godiva Worker!!!

As you can tell, we had a great time and then followed it up with NAPS. I wish everyday could be just like today!!

Ladybug, Ladybug....Fly away home

(this is NOT a picture from my house)


Our house is overrun with Ladybugs. Sure, they are cute but come on! One or two would be ok but we have HUNDREDS. And last night we slept in our camper in the back yard and it was full of Ladybugs too! Did you know that Ladybugs put off a stinky smell if you scare them (or smoosh them)? Maybe it is Ladybug pee? I don't know....but I AM tired of Ladybugs.



Go Home Ladybugs!!!




On another note.....Hubby took the boys to Walmart yesterday and came home with these kits to make Pumpkin faces. The are just like using parts from a Mr. Potato Head. Just pick your parts and push them in....and they are so Cute!!

Leaving Carolina -Book Review

Everyone has a past. I do. You do. And so does Piper Wick. Unfortunately all the work that Piper has done to forget her past is about to come undone. Piper grew up Piper Pickwick in the small southern town of Pickwick, North Carolina. Her family was both influential and unscrupulous. Little Piper, and her mother, were both hurt by the family over and over until they finally picked up and left town. Years later, when Piper is grown and has altered her identity to become Piper Wick, is when the story starts. She is living in LA and has become a high profile PR agent who handles all the sticky situations that famous people get themselves into. Piper is great at smoothing things over and saving the image of her clients. When she receives a call from her Great Uncle Obadiah's lawyer that her PR skills are needed back in Pickwick, she decides that it might be in her best interest to go home again. Her Great Uncle has grown tired of all the misdeeds that the family has done, and wants to make things right again......including making restitution to all the victims who suffered from the Pickwicks actions. The family, of course, wants Uncle Obadiah to hush up and pass the money down to them. Pipers plan is to fly in and fly out, sweeping the Pickwick problems under the family rug, especially since her uncle plans to make restitution for a stunt that she herself is guilty of doing. One of the best story lines is between Piper and Axel, her uncle's Godson and gardener. Axel has a very big influence on Uncle Obadiah's faith and why he plans to make things right with the town of Pickwick. During Piper's long visit home, Axel causes her to examine her own life a little deeper than she is used to doing. An uncomfortable situation leads to a friendship and attraction which stand in way of the original plan to get in and get out quickly.

Pipers visit home includes many lessons on forgiveness, honesty, and doing what is right. And don't forget a little romance thrown in for good measure.

I have to say that this has to be one of the best books I have read this year. Every chapter left me wanting more. I was THRILLED to see an extra chapter at the end of the book from an upcoming book about Piper's cousin. YAY! I can't wait to read more about the Pickwick Family.

If you would like to buy a copy of Leaving Carolina by Tamara Leigh click HERE.

This book was provided to me by Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book. If you are a blogger interested in reviewing books, click HERE.

Ft. Hood

I am offering my prayers and condolences to the families and friends of the victims of todays senseless shooting at Ft. Hood, TX.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted

Matthew 5:4

Dropping by....

Hellooooooooooooooooooo!
This past week has been crazy. Not crazy bad, not crazy good....just plain crazy. My To-do list is bottomless and my head is spinning. But I THINK I see a light at the end of the tunnel and hopefully will be back to reading, commenting and writing blogs by next week. I do have a book review to post by Friday but other than that, I will probably be MIA.

Okie Dokie....I need to get back to that bottomless To-Do list......

See you soon!

Rapelli Game Review

I was lucky to get an opportunity to try and review a new game called Rapelli (Available at Timberdoodle). When I received the game the first thing I noticed was how nicely made it was, and how it was made entirely of natural products. Most toys nowadays are made of plastic and are flimsy, but not this game. It is made almost entirely of Bamboo wood. It is sturdy and also looks great. To play the game we had to build the bamboo stalk, then push the caterpillars into the holes on the bamboo stalk.

We took turns rolling the dice (which are also made of wood) to find out what color caterpillar to move and how many "sections" to move them out or in. The first player to collect all of his colored caterpillars out of the bamboo wins the game.

I really loved that this game reinforces learning colors, direction and counting. My 4 year old son was so happy when he played this game, mostly because it was on his level, and he could figure it all out by himself. When my 5 (almost 6) year old son came home from school he played the game too and also loved it. Even though it is meant for the younger crowd, he still had a great time. I played several games with the boys and they even played a game without me. Which makes it an even better game, since it allows them to play without constant help.

This game is available at Timberdoodle for the current price of $21.50.....click HERE for more information.

This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by Timberdoodle for this review.