Trick Or Treating Through Town

This was our motley crew doing the trick or treat thing on Friday. My little monster, for those who don't know, is the one with the pink hair. They had so much fun going from store to store, begging for treats. I was just glad it didn't rain.

I can't say the same about tonight, though.

Three More Months

I have been dreaming lately about moving. I know we have another couple of months to go, but I can't stop wondering where we will end up. I know where ever it is, it will be s lot nicer than where we are now.

I want beautiful accents, like this light fixture, which is minka item number 6723-355. I no longer want to live in an apartment where the paint on the ceiling is falling down, and I have to put out buckets whenever it rains to catch the leaks. I want better for myself.

I want better for my family.

Happy Halloween ~ Twilight Style!

I have been reading an "unofficial" Twilight related book. The version I am reading picks up five years after Edward left Bella in the woods (you know...the beginning of New Moon) just minus warewolves. IT is geared towards adults and not teens, and let me just say...I am not into those types of books, but OMG! I can't stop reading! If you are interested, I will send you the link, after asking my friend if I can.

Let's just say I haven't really slept the past two nights...and it's so worth it!

Do You Send Out Pictures In Your Christmas Cards?

How awesome is that Christmas card?

I love cards that are fun and original, and this fits both of those perfectly. I have never sent out personalized holiday cards before, but am seriously considering it this year.

I have to take a great picture of the kids to put inside the card, because last year I didn't send out pictures, and my sister yelled at me. She said that her favorite thing about getting Christmas cards is that she gets to see how big the kids have gotten in the last year. I told her if she visited more, she could see for herself.

I will send out pictures this year, though. It's just so hard getting a great picture of three kids. One of them is always doing something funky.

Flier...Take Two

At the suggestion of Elaine, I added the option of "custom message". I also put on there that all orders would be ready before Christmas. I am excited to be able to make one this weekend for my newest little niece or nephew that is going to be born in the morning.

Well, I'm off. I have lots to do the next couple of days, and I need to get some things done around here today.

Have a great Halloween!!!!

Australia, Here I Come. Maybe.

Do you have a dream vacation? Is there somewhere you would love to visit, but know deep down that it will never happen?

For me it is Australia. Not only is this where my future husband, Keith Urban, is from, but it is also the land of koala bears and beautiful beaches. Every time we go to our local zoo, I love visiting the koalas. I just want to reach into their enclosure and give them a squeeze. They remind me of stuffed animals, because they are so small and fluffy.

Don't worry...I also know they are wild animals, and therefor, unpredictable. So I would never actually hold one, or even touch one, but a girl can dream, right? Just like I know Keith isn't really going to be my future husband.

Unless I can find a way to get rid of that Nicole...

Anyway, the point of this post is travel, not my silly fantasies. I know I could never visit Australia because of my fear of flying. And that's a shame, because right now I could take advantage of Accor Hotels 3-Day Super Sale Asia Pacific. They have over one million rooms on sale starting at $30 a night. Rooms in Australia are going for $87 a night. That is an awesome price. You have to book between now and October 30, with stays between December 2009 and April 2010.

Maybe I could find a boat that travels from here to there, like in the olden days. Let's just hope the boat's name isn't Titanic. That might be a bad omen.

Flier

I made up a flier to show off some of my signs, and to set my prices for the auction.

I know they are a little high, but 20% of each sign I sell will be donated to Relay For Life.

Like I said before, I am not looking for a lot of sales, but a few would be nice.

I tried to show a variety of signs, so I picked some of my favorites.

What do you think? Any changes you would recommend?

Who's Calling?

Okay, this is the weirdest thing I have come upon in while. It's called www.CallerIDFaker.com. The point of this is to call your house using the phone number of the person you think your spouse is cheating on you with. Depending on how they answer the phone, you can tell if they are having an affair.

This is crazy. Using www.CallerIDFaker.com isn't going to put your mind at ease. I think it will just make you more suspicious. I can think of a lot of fun ways that you can use this site to play jokes on people, though.

If only I could find a way to get Robert Pattinson's name to come up on my sister's caller ID. I bet there is one in the phone book somewhere, and I could just borrow his phone number.

Now that would be funny!

Best Picture Of The Day

We were at the lake this morning, and I couldn't resist taking some shots of the trees in all their beautiful Fall colors. I love how I got the reflection in the water. This is going to be my screen saver for a while. I took a bunch of other shots, too, and will post them over the next few days.

LLBean Coupons

This past week, it has been cold. Our lows have been in the 30's. Going to the bus stop at 6:20 am has been a little chilly. I had the kids break out their winter coats, and luckily they all still fit. Brandi's is a little tight, which means she could use a new one. Missy gave us one that is blue, and Brandi loves it, but she is very fashion conscience and wants a "girlier" one to wear with dresses.

She is yet to wear a dress to school this year, but apparently plans on to during the winter months. how this makes sense, I do not know. I would wear dresses in the warmer months, but you can't argue with a seven year old. If she wants her legs to freeze, that's her business.

(I should probably say that I will not let her wear a dress on a day that is freezing...I do have some parental control)

It is now my mission to find her a nice, girly winter coat. I went online looking for free coupons, and found some LL Bean coupons. I checked out their website, and they have some pretty cute girl's coats. Brandi and I decided together that she should get this cute pink plush coat. It looks like it will keep her nice and warm.

I should also mention that although it has been in the 30's at night, during the day it gets up to the mid 70's. This is the kind of weather that's keeps us all sniffling and coughing. I will be happy when it's winter, and it's cold all the time. This fall weather is killing me.

My Bead Garden

Here are a few of my favorite things...an elephant, the color purple, and reading.

I found this bookmark at My Bead Garden. There are all kinds of little polymer clay treasures there. I found a few little Christmas things, and you all know how much I love all things Christmas.

Make sure you go check out all the goodies in the bead garden.

Who's Hosting Your Blog?

I made the decision several months ago to change this blog from a free domain name to a dot com. I had to do a lot of research before hand, because I was not sure what that entailed. Luckily I had a very good friend help me make the switch. She walked me through all the steps necessary to redirect my traffic, and I have been very happy ever since.

I was unsure who to use for my web hosting, and finally settled on GoDaddy, simply because it was the only one I knew about at the time. I wish I had found a site like Web Hosting Geeks, where they compare web hosting sites side by side and show you the positives and negatives of each. Based on several different factors, Go Daddy is number nine on their list. I, personally, only used them to purchase my domain name. I still use Blogger for my blogs, and I am happy this way. It took me too long to figure them out, and I have no desire to drive myself insane trying to figure out something different. I hate change, and am a creature of habit.

Now, if you are thinking about web hosting, make sure you check out Web Hosting geeks. Seeing the opinions of other users can help you make an informed decision about which web host is right for you.

My Beautiful Daughter Brandi Rose

I may be a little biased, but I think she is absolutely beautiful

Look at those blue eyes.

And those freckles.

I wish she was a sweet as her picture, but she is spoiled rotten.

She gives her Daddy a hard time every day, but it is just her way of showing him she loves him.

One Of The Best Places To Work

I have friends all over the country thanks to blogging. Like me, some of my friends are looking for employment. For those of you who live in the San Fernando Valley area in California should check out Cydcor. The San Fernando Valley Business Journal has named the company one of the best places to work in that area.

I wonder if they are hiring?

Faith And Brandi

This is Brandi's best friend Faith. Even though they are 3 years apart...can you believe she is only 4!...they get along great. I thought they looked so cute in their costumes last night. I just had to get a shot of their wings, too. Brandi put her's on about an hour before the party, and within 5 minutes they were broken. Luckily, Junior was able to fix them.

Educate Me, Please

I hate to admit it, but I am not very knowledgeable about the internet. I know the basics, so I get by, but the particulars can throw me for a loop. There are terms that other bloggers use, and I nod along so I look good (like the writers can really see me nodding...but whatever...it makes me feel better), but in reality, I don't have a clue.

For instance, I know there are several different search engines out there. Each one claims to do something different, but to be honest (again), I don't know the difference between them. For instance, I have no idea what torrents files are, but you can use torrents download to find games, music, and movies online.

If anyone can educate me a little on any of this, I am all ears.

Ryan's Birthday Cake

I didn't make this cake; my mom did. Isn't it adorable?

You can't see it good in the picture, but it has fondant leaves on top, and a snickers as the stem. The eyes, nose, and mouth are chocolate chips.

Let me tell you...not only did it look good, but it was DELICIOUS!

Thanks mom!

ISUN Organic Skin Care

I am always looking for skin care products that can help keep my skin looking healthy. I am not one to worry much about wrinkles, but I do like for my skin to be clear. I am prone to breakouts, though the past few months my skin has been looking pretty good.

I want to keep it that way.

I was reading about ISUN Organic Skin Care products, and am interested to see what they can do for me. They are made from natural, organic ingredients, and are featured in spas around the world. I don't like using products with harsh chemicals that are tough on my skin, so finding something that is 100% natural is worth trying. You can see for yourself at isunorganicskincare.com, and you can purchase these products online at purenaturaltouch.com. I really want to try their Blue-Green Algae Mask. It sounds heavenly.

Kasi's Trick Or Treat Bag

I finally finished Kasi's bag for Halloween.

I LOVE that I decided to put the almost furry ring around the top.

I think it looks awesome!

She wanted her name on it, like Boo's, but I just couldn't do it. Brandi's nickname fit with Halloween, Kasi's doesn't.

She saw it this morning and said she loves it.

That's what it's all about, folks. Making the kids happy.

Keeping Weight Off

I got on the scale this morning, and can not believe that I am holding steady at the same weight. Don't get me wrong, this is an awesome thing. It's just that in the past, whenever I lose weight, I always gain it back. These thirty pounds I've lost in the past few months seem determined to stay away.

Now I just need to work on losing 30 more, and then 30 more. I think I need to start exercising on a regular basis. I don't think I'll need Musashi Bodybuilding Supplements, because I am not out to be all muscular. I just want to be fit.

That's not asking too much, right?

Wasting Time

There are a ton of things I should be dong, yet here I sit. My migraine from yesterday is finally gone, which is awesome. I just don't have the umph to get up and get things done.

I need to shower and get ready for therapy, and maybe when we get back I can put the kids to work helping me.

That might get things done a little quicker.

I have also been posting some pictures on my other blog of the goodies I am making, so go check them out if you want.

Science Fair Time

This year, my kids are required to do a science fair project. The only good thing about this is that projects are my husband's thing. I do homework every night with the kids, and he helps with the occasional project.

I remember doing science fair projects when I was younger, and my favorites were always the ones that involved live animals, or things growing. I loved watching worms and ants burrow through the dirt, or whatever it is they do. I just didn't like touching them.

It should be interesting to see what Junior comes up with for Kasi's project. I was looking online for ideas, and found this Bird House. I know it is not suitable for her project, but I really, really want one.

It comes with suction cups, so I can hang it on my window. Then I can just sit back and hope the some type of birds will make it their home. Because of the clear back against the window, I can watch the birds build their nests, and if I am really lucky, maybe even lay some eggs. Now that would be extremely educational for the kids to watch the birth process of birds. I know I would enjoy it. These bird houses are made from natural wood and they are resistant to rotting and insects, which is nice because I would hate to watch bugs take over my bird house.

Lohasrus wants kids to interact and learn from nature. Their website, www.lohasrus.com, has games for kids to play, and contests to enter where they can win special gifts. I played a game called Ocean Matches, and it was just like Bejeweled. Of course, it has cute little animal faces, making it geared more towards kids, but I enjoyed it too. I am interested to see what else this site has to offer, and am going to have Brandi and Kasi check it out. They love playing games, and I like finding sites that are kid friendly. I think we are all winners with Lohasrus.

Colleen's Baby Blanket

I finally finished this baby blanket for my sister. She is having her baby the 30th, and I can not wait to find out what it is. I know this blanket looks a little girly, and that's because I am hoping for a new niece. If she has a boy, I will start a new blanket.

But let's all hope for a girl, 'kay?

Christmas Shopping

Are you thinking about Christmas shopping yet? I am not only thinking about it; I am starting to freak out about it. I have no idea where we are going to get the money this year, but I am sure we will figure out something. We always do.

If your kids want electronics, you can Click Here To Go Shopping With This $1000 Best Buy Gift Card! I don't want to mislead you, though. This is one of those "you must complete 13 sponsor offers" to get the gift card. If this is your thing, have at it. I'm sure $1000 can go a long way towards Christmas shopping.

Or, you could buy that new flat screen HD television you have been dreaming about.

Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods

I made these today. Last night I put peanut butter on the pretzels, and stuck them in the fridge to harden. This morning I put them in the molds and covered them with the chocolate. The only thing that stinks is that I didn't read the package, and this black chocolate is actually vanilla flavored, not chocolate. I tasted one, though, and they are still pretty good. They don't look pretty, but it's more important how they taste, right???

Being Bullied

Ryan was bullied at school again on Friday. Thankfully, the school's resource officer (cop) was standing behind the other kid, and he didn't know it. When he pushed Ryan, Ryan just stood there, because he saw the officer walking over, and he didn't want to get into trouble. We told him last year to always fight back, and he said he would have if the officer wasn't right there. But since he saw the whole thing, only the bully got into trouble. Apparently, he got into big trouble, because Ryan says he was begging the officer not to take him to the office, because last time they told him he would be expelled if he got into another fight.

I know Ryan knows the basics of how to defend himself. Junior and I think it might be a good idea, though, to have him take some karate classes or something, where he can learn more. I would have to invest in sparring gear, but it would be worth it for the peace of mind that comes with knowing that Ryan can defend himself if necessary.

I don't want him to become the bully, but i don't want the other kids thinking they can pick on him. It's a fine line, I think, but one he needs to be aware of.

Party Ideas

I found some really cute ideas for Ryan's party Friday night.

I experimented last night with my pumpkin mini cake pan, and made some brownies in it. They came out awesome! I wanted to get a picture, but they were gobbled up pretty quickly by my little monsters.

I am going to have a crazy week trying to get everything done, but it will be worth it in the end.

Trick Or Treat, Twitter Style

Halloween is just a few weeks away, and preparations are in full swing at our house. As I have mentioned before, we celebrate Ryan's birthday with a big Halloween party. Add that to all the candy the kids get when they actually trick or treat, and we are swimming in not so healthy junk food. I am seriously thinking of filling the party pinata with fruit snacks and crackers instead of chocolate and gummie candies. I was also reading about these pretty cool little shelf stable milks that can be given out to trick or treaters, and it's all part of Trick Or Treat Me, a program geared towards keeping kids healthy. That link also leads you to a bunch of cute lunch ideas for kids from Robin Miller.

On a somewhat related note, you can also help Tetra Pak make a $30,000 donation to the World Wildlife Fund by playing Trick Or Treat Me on Twitter. All you have to do is send a "trick" or a "treat" to a friend on Twitter, and for each Tweet you send, Tetra Pak will donate $.10, until they reach their $30,000 goal. I am not a big Tweeter. I haven't really taken the time to learn about it, so I am still pretty confused about the whole thing. But, sending these trick or treats is relatively easy, so I am pretty sure even someone like me can do it.

So tell me...do you deserve a trick or a treat?

Another Elephant

I stole this little zoo animal from Brandi's collection. I know, who's surprised???

I hope wherever we decide to move has some kind of shelf system like this apartment has. Otherwise, I have no idea where I am going to put all of my elephants.

And that is going to be a problem, lol!

Water Damage

Most people have home owners insurance, but most basic policies do not cover flood damage, at least not around here. You may not think that coverage is important, until you start looking to repair the damage. It's like anything else in life. If you have it, you will probably never need it, but as soon as you don't have it, your house floods. Getting the damage under control quickly is important, so let the water damage Orange County experts do it for you. They guarantee that they can get the damage under control faster and better than anyone else.

What have you got to loose?

Snowman Angel

I have a bunch of Christmas stuff that needs to be painted, so the other day while Brandi was painting her zoo, I painted this little snowman angel.

The picture isn't the best, but trust me, it came out really cute.

I used a glitter paint on top of the white to make the "snow" shine, and gave him gold a gold halo and wings.

I am thinking of giving it as a gift, and I know the perfect person to give it to.

Or maybe I'll just keep it for myself. It really is cute...

The Car Guy

Junior does a lot of car repairs. He has become known as the car guy at his work, because his co-workers are always getting him to fix their cars. We don't have a garage, so he has to do the work in our yard. This causes a problem when he has to jack up the car to get underneath it, because the jack sinks into the grass. I need to get him some outrigger pads that he can put under the jack, which would stop the sinking. Either that, or we need to move somewhere that has a garage where he can work.

I know he would love that.

Brandi's Zoo

Zebra. Hippo. Lion. Parrot. Tiger.
This is what little girls do when they are home sick from school.
I am going to take her to the doctor when Junior gets home.
She still has a fever, so another day home tomorrow.
I have a silly "24 hour fever free" rule before the kids can go back to school.

I'm hoping it's not strep.

Technology

There are so many new electronics on the market today, and it can be confusing to those of us who are technology challenged to make sense of it all. I, for example, can not tell you what the difference is between a mac book pro and a blackberry. I hear people talking all the time about how awesome their iPhones are, but to me, it is a scary looking contraption just waiting for me to mess it up. It took me months to figure out my simple cell phone, and that was with a lot of help from my son, who is 13. Why is it so easy for kids to figure these things out?

My Kind Of Art

This is something I would hang in my home. Surprised to see the purplish colors? You shouldn't be.

I love the simplicity, yet abstractness of this painting.

Yeah, I have no idea what that means, lol, but I just know that this painting speaks to me, and isn't that what it's all about?