Daddy and Son day at the Pensacola Lighthouse

Daddy and son Day Tripping!

Pensacola LightHouse

Scratch and sniff computer screens!

My dear dear friend Laura E. Baked our daughter a pan of stuffed cheese shells. Why? Because she LOVES our daughter and just wanted to do something sweet and nice for her! How totally thoughtful! Thank You Laura for taking care and looking out for our daughter for us! You are the best! Am I wishing for a scratch and sniff screen? Of course I am! Yumm Delish! Enjoy!

Winner:$50 gift card to samsfuncity.com!

DJ and I went to a friend's birthday party last month at Sam's Fun City.  

On the way out the door, there was a raffle box to enter for a $50 gift card.  

I entered (are you surprised?) and well, the rest is history.  

I WON!  I WON! I WON!

Ms. Pacman game here I come!

I am planning to treat my family to the Family Fun Night!

SCORE!!!

ONLY BOYS!!!--This is becoming a ritual.

Today is ONLY BOYS day.  They're on a mission!

Waffle House! Barnes & Noble, Jump House park & more! Fun Times!

I am so proud of DJ's handwriting.  He is learning to sound out words and put letters together.   Have fun on the ONLY BOYS day!!!!

I am Morbidly Obese.

I saw a weight scale in front of the GNC place at the mall. 50cents to get a printout of your weight and analysis. Extra 25cents to inform you of how many calories you're intaking and suggestions of calories you should be intaking. Let's just say the scale told me a few things that alarmed me. You know when you're in something, you're not aware of how "serious" it is until someone or something on the outside slaps you in the face with a dose of reality. According to the printout, I am 56 pounds overweight and intaking well over an extra 500-800 daily calories! 

WOW! What the hell am I eating? I took my sentence and walked around the mall in a daze. I know that I don't exercise, I don't watch my calorie intake, I am an emotional eater and put on some extra pounds but, I had no idea I am actually the equivalent of a preschooler in the overweight department. There's no excuse that I am going to use. I will just look at the facts and take it from there.

Now what? Well, my first question is: What do you do when you don't know what to do? I feel defeated and lost. I had to use the bathroom and when I went to wash my hands, I decided to snap a photo of myself. Overweightness and all. This is my first step.

Welcome to the 40's. Funny how I am still able to smile after receiving such awful and depressing news!

Babies are people too!

Take time to clean kid(s) face & clothes BEFORE leaving house. NEVER a good idea to bring them out looking a mess!

Rolling Wheel Formation!

Why is daddy explaining the technical and official terms for fighting?
All DJ wants to do is FIGHT.
Daddy: Let's go!
Mandarin Frog, Alpha, Bravo, Charlie fighting team!
DJ: Hold your fire! Hold your fire! I am the GOOD guy.
Daddy: This is war. Come prepared OR.....You're going DOWN!!!

Has anyone ever hosted an official FREE House Party™ ???

Has anyone ever hosted an official FREE House Party^™ ??? 

^{Who doesn't LOVE a FREE party?  -----From the website: A House Party™ is thousands of parties across the country, hosted by people like you. Each event is sponsored by a leading brand and focuses on something cool that the sponsor wants its best fans to experience firsthand and share with their friends.}  

^{If you have NEVER hosted an official House Party™, this is a really fun way to host a party with NO expense to YOU or to YOUR guests.  There's no awkward feeling of not being able to afford to buy anything at one of those 'selling stuff' type of events.}

^{I have hosted a few House Party™ events myself and they were all a hit. The best part, EACH guest (10-15 people) will go home with gifts and FREE STUFF.}  

If you have NEVER heard or tried the House Party^{™ brand, go to the site, check it out and if you like what you see, sign up for the upcoming parties.}   

^{Who doesn't LOVE a FREE party?}

^{Note: I am crossing my fingers to get the LADIES who LAUGH party on April 10, 2010.} 

From the website: Here are recently added events.

Click HERE to join and apply for any or all of these upcoming events.ull listing

Ladies Who Laugh House Party
Sponsored by Poise
April 10, 2010
APPLY NOW

DIGIORNO Champions House Party
Sponsored by DiGiorno
March 20, 2010
APPLY NOW

Child Hunger Ends Here℠ House Party™
Sponsored by ConAgra Foods
Spring 2010
APPLY NOW

Green Works® Kids Gear Swap House Party
Sponsored by Green Works®
April 10, 2010
APPLY NOW

Would YOU allow YOUR visibly pregnant teen attend her 8th grade dance OR prom? Yes or No. Please, explain. Thanks.

Teacher just informed us that DJ is a great student. He's very smart, volunteers to help, polite, plays well with others & an overall joy to have in class. <3

What time do you think a child under the age of 18 should have curfew? Please explain your answer. Thanks.

Funny!

My son is trained to go straight to clearance rack! He found this orig. 12.96 shirt marked down to $5!! He loves Mario Kart for his DS so this is perfect!!! GO DJ my super bargain finder :)

Let's kick some butt!

In the waiting room, Sponge Bob is on. This episode is saying "KICKING BUTT" over & over. I asked for channel to be changed. I've heard enough. This show isn't educational and doesn't promote respect. Besides my son yelling "ohhh they said a bad word" 50-11 times isn't helping one bit. I am sure kicking butt isn't a curse or bad word. I just feel this type of language isn't appropriate for kids under 17.

Top 10 Dirtiest Jokes on Spongebob!

The apple falling from the tree

My husband's uncle sent this photo of some of the men in their family.

NO WONDER my husband is so handsome.  

Good Looks run DEEP!

So sweet!

Time to Celebrate!  Big Brother is HOME from school.  Gracen couldn't contain her excitement.  She just kept rubbing his head.  It was so cute and very funny because she's really learning so many cute and new things everyday.

Free Hallmark Cards!

Deal: Three 99 cent cards for $1.00 and 

a FREE Kids Collection card all in one transaction!  SCORE!

Hallmark has a great special for FREE greeting cards.

The Hallmark kids collection (9 designs) usually located at the top section. 

(Reg. Price $1.99) free until Sunday, March 14, 2010.

  

DJ picked out a card to send to his big sister! 

Click HERE to view the FREE card selections.

Be sure to sign up HERE for Hallmark Crown Rewards.

Bonus:  These mini calendars are available at the front counter and the inside front cover contains a coupon to purchase 3 of the 99 cent cards (from any selection) for $1.00 with coupon. Promotion ends 6/30/2010

Deal: Three 99 cent cards for $1.00 and a FREE Kids Collection card all in one transaction!  SCORE!

Losing my marbles!

I jotted down a few things we needed for tonight's dinner.
Once I arrived at the store, I couldn't find my list.  I knew that I was going to make a pot roast and needed a few other things.  For the life of me, I couldn't remember what was on the list.  Yes, the list that I WROTE down myself, I couldn't remember.  UGH.  So frustrating.
I went to check the mailbox and look what was inside!
How in the world did my shopping list end up in the mailbox?
Clearly, I am doing way too much and need to slow down.

Dedication!

It is pouring down raining here! He is running in the rain! This is what I call dedication. Love it.

Baby see, Baby do!

Gracen watches her brother write and wipe the slate clean! 

Check her out!
Babies are learning every single day.

FREE Breakfast Tuesdays in February at Chick-Fil-A

FREE Breakfast Tuesdays in February at Chick-Fil-A

Click HERE to find a location near you.

Census 2010

GOOD INFORMATION TO PASS ON TO EVERYBODY THAT YOU KNOW:
2010 Census to Begin
WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau
Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers by Susan Johnson
With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau
(BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a
victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census
is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households
across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will
count every person in the United States and will gather information about
every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and
other relevant data.
The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census
worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:
** If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a
handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice.
Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their
questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your
home.
** Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address
information.
Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information
to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. . Census.
REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW
MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS..
While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a
salary range,
YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION.
The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit
card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that
information is NOT with the Census Bureau.
AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON
GATHERING THIS INFORMATION.. No Acorn worker should approach you saying
he/she is with the Census Bureau.
Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person
at home. However, the
Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email
scams impersonating the Census.Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are
supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFO WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

"Recognizing numbers, letters, rhyming & wordplay are all skills that are learned when parents spend time reading to their kids"-Parenting, March 2010

Unexpected Savings and Discounts!

It's NO secret, I love the clearance racks! I am a clearance rack snob and refuse to pay over $5 for an item unless it is a super-super bargain! My recent visit to the Red Dot Boutique was outstanding!

There were 18 month tops on sale for $2.80. Personally, I didn't feel this price was a good bargain* so I decided to just push my luck and winning streak and grabbed a few of the items and use the price checker located on the wall in the clothing section.

You would not believe this! The tops were $1.00. I grabbed a top in each color (total of 3) purple, green and pink! These tops are regularly priced at $4.00! I was so happy, I couldn't contain my excitement!

My husband never understands the thrill of these great bargains, so I have to come and blog about it because I know all of my readers can relate to the excitement of getting a super great bargain!

*=clearance should be at least 50% off for me to get excited!

Question:  What was the latest and greatest bargain you received recently?

Daddy is home from the gym!

Yeahhh!!! This has been the highlight of DJ's day! Every Saturday morning, daddy goes for a run or to the gym! He sat at the window playing with his army men waiting for Daddy to get home!

Pantry eating fail

I decided to go on a pantry eating mission. To avoid multiplying our food supply, I decided to not go food shopping until the food in the pantry and freezer dwindled down. I failed big time because what I didn't plan for was the "storm" and inclement shut in weather which has limited our outside time since Thursday. Today is Sunday.  I really have to go to store tomorrow.   How did this happen?  We ran out of milk and down to the last few pieces of bread.  That is unheard of in this house.   DJ wanted a PBJ sandwich panic set in.   Since we didn't have any regular milk.  So, I did the next best thing.  I made a cup of milk using evaporated milk.  One taste and he said, NO WAY this isn't real milk!  He was right.   #Fail.

Enjoy the ride!

If you like saving money, prizes and coupons, then you should sign up for Huggies Enjoy the ride rewards! Enjoytheriderewards.com. Use the following code to gain 5 bonus points!
Each and everytime ypou purchase a huggies product, there's a code on or inside the product to enter on the site to gain point to redeem for prizes and more. There's even a chance to donate to the relief efforts in Haiti. How cool is that? I have received coupons in the mail (from my friend Believer too) and have played the instant win games on the site and won a gift card to applebees. No purchase necessary to join. If you decide to join, you will not be disappointed. To maximize your savings, follow the penny pinching diva and baby cheapskate to be informed of the best diaper deals in your town! Have fun!
Disclosure: I was not compensated to write this post. I have enjoyed these sites and wanted to share my excitement with my readers!

Jacqueline Harris Preparatory Academy and the runaway boy!

As parents I would like to believe we have a basic trust in the schools we are sending our children.  Imagine if you will for a moment.  Your 6 year old child asks the teacher to go to the restroom and instead of going to the restroom, the little boy bolts out of the building on a mission to find his grandmother's house.

This little boy, a student at Jacqueline Harris Preparatory Academy, wandered through the very busy streets of Pensacola.  The Director of the school comes across very DEFENSIVE in THIS VIDEO... While we can all understand it was a very unfortunate incident, it would have been nice to see the director show some sincere interest in how and why it happened.  She's probably very upset and distraught over this entire incident but, this video didn't show much of that side of her reaction.

She just wanted to keep going back to "we didn't LOSE a CHILD" HELLOOOOOOOOO you did LOSE the child and neglected to alert authorities because you thought he was in the building.  She said the little boy was having problems at home.  How about calling to say we have a feeling he is here but, want to be sure he isn't out wandering around town.  Please, HELP!

I wonder how long will it take to install alarms on the doors.  Thankfully the anonymous caller alerted the authorities.  I probably would have followed the little boy until authorities showed up.  He asked to use the bathroom and then made a quick dash for it?  I take it there aren't any hall monitors or security guards there?

CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO!!!

Splish Splash!

Big brother has been really helpful.  He loves to help when it's time to give his baby sister a bath.

Baby Playdates

Gracen had her first playdate today! This gadget she's sitting in was a hit. I am on a mission to see if I can find one for her. She LOVED it. Met a lot of nice ladies at the coffee shop. I guess I am starting to get used to the area and venturing out to meet other moms in the area.

Old Spice Commercial-Look at your man! LOL

Stall tactics!!

Whenever it's time for bed, My son will do everything in his power to come up with a stall tactic. Tonight was too funny! He said I really have to finish building my blocks now!

Tommee Tippee Review

As caregivers, it's always fun looking for new products to simplify your life.  The Tommee Tippee company from Great Britain has launched a full line of Closer To Nature and Explora BPA free products.


I received the 9 oz. Slow Flow Nipple Baby Bottle.
I made the nipple a little larger to allow more fluid to come at a more rapid pace. 
Suggestion for improvement: It would be more helpful if the picture of nipple flow were displayed on the front of the box so that a quick glance on the store shelf, I am able to make a determination of what type of bottle/nipple flow is available.  This description is available on the back but, it would be more helpful if it were displayed on the front.
I like the option of a 9oz. bottle for those days when my baby girl needs a little bit 
more fluid in her bottle.

I received the Explora ® truly spill proof sippy cup x 2 - purple / pink

2-pack Truly Spill-proof sippy cups* (the girly designs)
The best part of the Sippy Cup were the Side Grip Grooves and  
Replaceable top (connected to top) to avoid spillage and exposure to germs when not in use

*First Sipping to grown up drinking-
Available in Trainer, Sippy, Straw, Water, Drinking
Various Colors and Designs for boys and girls.


Be sure to read the directions on cleaning and use BEFORE using these products. The main suggestion is to NOT use brushes during the cleaning process.


Unlike other valve systems, the Active Sensor valve is designed by a physics to be both so sensitive that liquid flows on demand, yet truly spill and leak proof.


Overall, I was quite pleased with the products and will definitely use them when feeding my baby girl.  


If you're interested in Tommee Tippee and want to know where you can purchase their products, Please take a moment to check out all of the Tommee Tippee Products.  

Become a fan (now until March 25) of Tommee Tippee on Facebook for a chance to win (free products, gift cards and more) prizes galore!  Check it out: http://www.facebook.com/tommeetippeeus?ref=ts#!/tommeetippeeus?v=app_28134323652&ref=ts

Disclosure: I am a product reviewer for the Mom Bloggers Club and received the Tommee Tippee products to facilitate my review. I have not received any monetary compensation for this project.

How to keep kids busy while mom vacs van!

It's all fun and games until the balloon pops!!!!

**Winner Announced**Banquet “Thanks a Million” Blog Tour

***Congratulations to Jennifer T!
You are the lucky winner of the Banquet Meals!***
 ---------------------------------
What's for Dinner?  That's the question in many households around the world.  In an effort to help families with getting affordable meals on the dinner table, Banquet brands is sponsoring a Thanks  a Million campaign.  I received gift certificates to try out the Banquet “Thanks a Million” promotion meals.   The best part, there's a chance to win* cash and prizes inside each package.


Banquet brand began in 1953 with the introduction of frozen meat pies.  They've added to their brand offerings with fried chicken, homestyle and bakery meals.  Banquet offers a wide variety of frozen dinners which include pot pies, chicken nuggets, tender, patties, wings, crock-pot® classics and more. 

For a complete list of available meals click HERE.


The best part, they are very affordable and you can purchase Banquet Single Serve Meals available for under $5.00.  


I am giving away a coupon** to 1 lucky reader to try out a Banquet Meal of your choice.   


Go to the Banquet website HERE and tell me what meal you would purchase with your gift certificate.


For extra entries (optional)
Promote this giveaway in the following ways:


1. Tweet 
2. Blog
3. Follow my blog
4. Grab my blog button
5. Facebook 


Giveaway ends March 3.


From the website: Now the brand that families love wants to give back to their loyal customers by giving away more than 16,000 cash prizes totaling $1 million! Look for specially marked Banquet single-serve dinner meals in your grocer's freezer during the month of February to see if you are a winner!


“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Banquet and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate in the Banquet Thanks a Million Blog Tour Campaign."


 *No purchase necessary.  If you would like to enter the sweepstakes without a purchase, check out the website for further details.
**Coupon good for one Banquet Meal item up to $5.00

It didn't snow!

DJ heard on the radio there was a chance snow in our area! He was so excited and couldn't wait to play in the snow in the morning! I told him not to get his hopes up too high. It just might NOT snow. Of course after I said that it seemed that I hurt his little feelings because he started to whine that he wanted snow, he wanted snow. Ok, fine when we get up in the morning, look outside to see if it has snowed. Needless to say, here's what he saw!
Then the crying began....

Don't hold or rock your baby to sleep!

Who came up with this advice?

Don't hold or rock your baby to sleep!

My response: Yeah RIGHT!

This is the highlight of my day.  She is so sweet and I love holding and rocking my sweet baby girl.

NOOOOO she will not get spoiled.  

Hard hats aren't just for boys!

He loves his baby sister so much.  

I would like to think when you're 56, you should KNOW BETTER!

Source:  PNJ.com

Miss. man traveled to have sex with 16-year-old girl in Pensacola

This morning I read an article that really disturbed me to the point of silence.  I can't even begin to imagine what I would do if I were the mother in this situation and this happened to one of my children.  

The summary of the story is this: A 56-year old man traveled from Mississippi to Pensacola Florida to have sex with a 16 year old female he formed a 'friendship' with on Myspace.  Now, before anyone begins to blame any of these social networking sites on anything, please allow me to STOP you right there.  


The social networking sites are NOT TO BLAME and are NEVER TO BLAME.  It's all about the CHOICES that people are making to use these sites in direct opposition of what they were created for. I would like to believe the people that created these sites were not sitting in their think tanks devising a plan to come up with sites that would ultimately create so much havoc and destruction in this world.


I read the article this morning and of course I was shaking the paper and screaming like WHY? WHY? WHY? Why was this OLD man seducing and manipulating this YOUNG lady.  What could he possibly say or do to get this young lady to believe that it was OK to meet him in Pensacola and have sex with him on more than one occasion. 



This really breaks my heart.  These stories are coming out of the woodwork.  Female teachers seducing young boys, and more!  YUCK and DISGRACEFUL!
There's a sickness that's clouding our future generation and we must take a stand and say ENOUGH is ENOUGH.


The 16 year old's MOTHER had access to her son and daughter's myspace page.  She stated that she monitored their online activity very closely and somehow MISSED these explicit conversations between her daughter and this man.    Her 25 year old son alerted her about the messages.


The convicted child molesters on the Oprah show said it plain and clear.  
The way that they are able to get close to these children most often is because there's possibly a LACK of parental supervision and attention.   The children are seeking love, affection or attention in a lot of the cases.  I am not saying ALL of the cases.  


Honestly speaking, there is NO way in the opposite of heaven this man would have been able to get close enough to this young lady if the parent(s) would have listened to the little birdie (conscience and your gut feeling)... the fact that the mother felt the need to monitor her daughter's myspace and all that was a clear indication that there would be a possibility of inappropriate behavior.  



Let the record show, if I feel that my child(ren) are at risk or in harms way, I am going to do every single thing in my power to PROTECT them.  Even if this means locking my child up in the basement and guarding their door with a bat to keep them safe from harm, then that's what I am willing to do.  Hopefully it will never have to come to this because I am going to do everything in my power to make it plain and clear to my children that they can trust in us and can come to us with any and everything.



I cannot trust myself to react in a calm and rational manner if something like this were to happen to my child.  As a parent you have to feel some sort of blame on yourself that this was allowed to take place.  If I have a feeling something's WRONG then you better believe 9 times out of 10, there's something wrong.