Purex 3 in 1 Complete Laundry Sheets

If you know me, you know that I LOVE doing laundry. Seriously. There is something magical about the process of taking something filthy and transforming it into a clean, fresh smelling, beautiful item again.

A while back I signed up to be a Purex Insider. I'd nearly forgotten about it when Federal Express delivered a "Top Secret" package. I was one of 200 folks across the country selected to try and give my review on the new Purex 3 in 1 laundry sheets.
Immediately upon opening the package, the smell become a conversation piece with my children. "Something smells REALLY good!" They shouted, eager to be the first to call "dibbs" on what was inside.

I have to admit, when I opened the package and found the laundry sheets, I was amused. They are truly fun and flirty and made me giggle. We "oh'd" and "ah'd" at the clever shape and inspected the sheet to determine how they worked.

Here's what they look like:

Cool! I know. I thought the same thing.

Here's how the little laundry sheet works it's awesomeness.

The blue part is the detergent and it contains a delicious smelling fabric softener. The white part, with the green strip...that right there is your anti-static dryer softening sheet.

Of course, I had to know if this really worked. I've been sucked into fads too many times. I found two of my husbands work hats. They were gross with dirt. Looked like the perfect "test item".

After taking the picture, I chucked the caps in with a load of laundry:
The Purex 3 in 1 laundry sheet was impressive from the get go. First the fun and flirty look. Now there is no meauring, no pouring, just simple toss it in. I love it already!

When the washer was done washing, I took a picture of the hats. I think it is impressive.


The kiddos kept sneaking into the laundry room to sniff the Purex sheets. When the load came out of the dryer they were eager to help me fold the clothing because, "The smell sooooo good!"

Purex 3-in-1 is hitting shelves this month with a suggested retail price of $6.49...I'm switching to this simplified, efficient way because afterall, it's summer and as much as I love doing laundry, the great outdoors call!

Looking to Buy a House in Brooklyn? Here's One You MUST See!

Here's th e bedroom. It comes with a Murphy bed, which is a necessity in such a space. This is what it looks like with the Murphy Bed down. And here the bedroom with the Murphy Bed retracted: < You also get some patio space out back. Here it is, looking towards the front of the house: And here's the patio looking towards the back: Here are the home's 'Listed Features': * Completely re-done top-to-bottom, front-to-back! * Tumbled stone entrance walk * Renovated Bath * Renovated Kitchen with newer stove, new cabinets and new stacked washer/dryer * Bedroom with Murphy Bedd + 'Built-Ins' ... (doubles as a den)! * Walk-out to fenced patio * 100 Amp service * 2 Satellite Dishes and Receiver * Window Air Conditioner Available THE PRICE ? ? ? You get all this for ONLY $179,900.00!

Enter to Win an Entire Suite of Frigidaire Appliances

This month Frigidaire rolls out a brilliant new collection with more than 250 kitchen and laundry appliances, just in time for Mother's Day! They designed these high-performance products with easy-to-use, time-saving features to give Moms more free time away from the kitchen and laundry room.

Frigidaire recently conducted a survey to show just how much time Moms spend doing chores - and how little time we spend on our families. This survey revealed that Moms log more overtime than most Americans. The index found that we spend most of our waking lives - 200 hours each month, in fact - doing the activities we least enjoy rather than the things we love. And yet the majority of us say we "rarely" or "never" feel caught up on our household tasks! Frigidaire kept all of this in mind when designing their new appliances. With new features such as a six-minute PowerPlus™ preheat time on their ovens, a Quick Clean dishwashing cycle that cuts dishwashing time in half, the Fits-More™ Dryer that allows us to dry the whole family's clothes at once, and TimeWise™ technology to make the dryer and washing cycle equal, we can have enough time to watch our favorite shows or, even better, get a manicure!

Frigidaire has so much confidence in the efficiency of these products that they are offering a "More Me-Time" Guarantee: Moms will reduce the amount of time they typically spend on housework by at least 8 hours a month using a combination of three or more select Frigidaire appliances or they can return the appliances to their place of purchase within 30 days and get their money back!

Frigidaire also wants to know what you would do if you had an extra hour of blissful "me time." Starting today, moms can go to Frigidaire.com to report the five things they would do with an extra hour each day. All participants will be entered for a chance to win an entire suite of Frigidaire appliances. Plus, check out other prizes you can win - like a gorgeous new Frigidaire Affinity washer/dryer. Also, if you are on Facebook, visit Frigidaire's fanpage at www.facebook.com/frigidaire, where you can learn more about the appliances and contests and connect with other Frigidaire moms!

Turning 40...Thank Goodness for Bon Jovi

I'm not going to lie. Six days ago it happened. I turned 40.

If only it was THAT simple.

If you know me, you also know that my birthday is a BIG deal. I countdown. I remind you periodically that my birthday is coming. It's typically a week before, the day of and a week after of celebration. After all, it's about ME.

It started innocently enough. My routine was not even the slightest bit disrupted. The countdown had begun! This was a momentous year. One of those years you look forward to like 16, 21, 30...there was a giddiness in me and a bounce to my stride.

Then. About 4 hours before the minute of my birth was to be reached, I heard Forty screaming for me to join the "Dark Side". I kid you not. Even the heavy breathing...oh, wait! That quite possibly could have been me reaching the top of the stairs.

Why it happened? I have no clue. Suddenly my parade of celebration was a death march. Seriously? This was forty?

My life flashed before me. I am not who I was suppose to be...not anywhere close to what that 16 year old girl thought she would become! My to-do list still had hoards of crap to cross off.

I remembered being 17 and throwing a 40th Birthday party for my Dad...good grief, he was ancient back then. How did I get here?

And so the panic set in and finally 45 minutes before the clock struck, I hit my bed hoping the world would end before I had to admit I had turned 40!

No such luck. I woke up to kiddos shouting, "Happy Birthday, Mom!"

One look in the mirror and I realized 40 was the Second Coming of puberty as my face was a speckled face of breakouts!

My five year old and three year old wanted to make me a cake. I talked them into cupcakes. As the mixer was going and I was dazed and confused as to how this 40 thing had come to be ME, my three year old asked, "How many is you?"

Before I could answer...40 made me lethargic...my five year old says, "Mom is 40, Buddy."

Oh, good heavens! She had said it. "Mom is 40!"

It was like a shards of bamboo splinters being jammed under my fingernails!

Then my three year old exclaimed, "Oh. No. We have a problem. The store doesn't have THAT many candles!" Yes, clearly life was over. Not even Albertson's was equipped for my age.

As if that wasn't enough punishment, my five year old, matter-of-factly adds, "The store DOES have that many candles, Little Man..."

Maybe my life wasn't over...maybe death had not yet found me....

"....it's just that you can't light that many candles at once or you'll catch the house on fire. That's why we're making cupcakes, so Mom can just blow out ONE candle."

Oh, gracious! It WAS true...I was of prehistoric proportions! Forty candles would catch my house on fire if they were all lit at once!

I moped around to the sounds of gleeful children celebrating my new decade. I cried. I cried all day. I never wanted to go outside again.

Then my five year old presented me with this plate of cupcakes....

Just in case you want to see those cupcakes up close!

Yeah, I don't care who you are, 40 is HOT. It's about the journey. My regrets were long before this big number I claim, hesitantly, as my age. It's about a three and five year old who have no concept of how many 40 really is...it's about cutting out all my Bon Jovi pictures to create a masterpiece worthy of a Queen. It's about the smile on my daughter's face, so proud to give me "what I always wanted".

I'm still 40. I still am not thrilled about it. I'm 40 and six days. I survived it...thanks to Bon Jovi.

Received SAM-e Complete Today

Today, I woke up in a terrible mood. Maybe it is that I just turned 40 five days ago, or I have two small children who seem to march to their own drummer, or these blasted allergies that have my head congested my sinus' not knowing whether to run or stuff themselves, or maybe...just maybe it's just who I am.

Mail Call. I received my box of SAM-e Complete today.

I am excited to be a reviewer for the supplement SAM E COMPLETE. The package contained 36 tablets of 400 mg supplement. It instructs me to take one tablet on an empty stomach preferably 30-minutes before eating.

I have no allergies to food or medicine (just whatever is currently in the air outside!). I take no medication. I take no other herbal/health supplement. I did not consult my health care professional prior to taking this supplement.

Tomorrow I will take my first suggested dosage and keep you posted on how this product works.

Reflections as My Zac Turns Sixteen

Oh, Son, where has the time gone? You seemed so little just yesterday and today, you're finishing driver's education so you can cruise in that groovy Oldsmobile!

Here are some reflections of your first year....some of the people who influenced our life...it's all about YOU, as you came into our life and brought great joy!

You were our second and somethings I'm sure I neglected...this is not evidence that I loved you any less than Jake. My hands were just fuller and my knowledge was greater--babies grow up!

Your FIRST picture (Nov. 19, 1992)

No one was MORE excited than Jake. Here is poses in front of your crib with the layette Mommy made just for you.

Your birth announcement.
Your name means: Jehovah has remembered A Gift from God

At 7:30 am I began having minor contractions that were 30-40 seconds long. We called Grandma Ann and she said we needed to be on our way. I told her we'd "be there in a while."

I packed snacks for Jake (Kudos bars, "Cockaloos" (cornflakes), Waldo Spaghetti-o's and grapes). I got his church clothes together while Dad made some bacon.

Daddy woke Jake up and told him his baby was coming and Jake said, "My baby's coming right now?"

At 8:15am we called Grandma Ann and told her to meet us in front of the Pineapple at Baptist Hospital.

At 8:21 we left for the hospital.

At 8:32am my contractions were one minutes apart.

At 8:45am we arrive at Baptist Hospital. Daddy drove 95 mph. I was telling Daddy to slow down. When we got off the exit for the hospital Jake said, "I think you're driving like a race car!"

Grandma Ann arrived at Baptist Hospital three minutes AFTER us.

At 8:52am you arrived. It was SUNDAY, May 2, 1993.

You had the cord wrapped around your neck THREE times. You were blue and your heart beat dropped to 46bpm. Your little hand was tucked under the cords pulling it away from your neck.

Your head circumference was 13.5"
Your chest 12.25"
You were 21" long and weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz.

You arrived 12 days early.

It was a joyous time, that by 2:00pm turned to darkness. Mommy had been waiting in her room to see you, but the nurse said you "weren't behaving". I thought this meant you were crying. What it meant, instead, was that you weren't showing reflexes and were "acting limp" .

By 2:30pm you were in High Risk. You were under 31% oxygen and had monitors all over your body.

The FIRST "real" picture of you in High Risk ICU

On May 4, after CAT scans and numerous other tests, they said we could bring you home. At 4pm we left the hospital Jake asked if he could "pet his baby" and stroked you so gently and then said, "My name is Jacob and you're Zac."

This is Jake holding you. Notice how exhausted he looks! He was so doting over you!

In the bath: May 8, 1993

Your hand at one week old, May 9, 1993 (Mother's Day)

You at two weeks on the quilt Grandma Terry and Aunt Natalie quilted by hand for you.

Jake buried you in his stuff animals...

Jake, Mom and you at Grandma Terry's house when you were four months old.

You, Jake and Aunt Natalie.

You LOVED riding in the car.

At six months old...you were so rolly poly!

Jake picked out your FIRST Halloween Costume...Spiderman!!!

You have the MOST beautiful eyes and I'm such a sucker for your eyelashes!

Solid Foods...introducing BANANAS!!!!

Seven months here Jake poses with you, "the great pumpkin"

Oh...remember Barney?

Look how "FAT" you were a week shy of nine months! Ay yi yi!

Jake loved when the two of you "matched"

You were the HAPPIEST baby! This is you waking up from a nap!

Get a load of that shiner! It all started when Jake appointed you to be Dr. Doom...from there it was a battle...pretty sure, from the looks of it Spidey won!

We drove 40 minutes in the HEAT of Miami with NO air conditioning. This picture was taken within minutes (8:52am) of you being ONE YEAR OLD. You were "sweaty" from the car.

Removing the candle from your birthday cake.

You ate like such a li'l gentleman...

There's a recap of your first year.

Our family has grown and you have many siblings who look up to you...

Jake, Abi, Will and MacKenzie

It's true, Zac, I'm NOT the "skinny mom". I've made a lot of mistakes. I'm sure there's things I've overlooked in teaching you. The fact is, I'm PROUD OF YOU.

May today and this year contain all the love and joy you have brought me over the course of the last 16 years!

You are an amazing artist, writer, dreamer, BIG brother, Little Brother, grandson, and Son.

I LOVE YOU....HAPPY 16th BIRTHDAY, Son!

The Violin Solo

Abi plays her violin

It's been an eventful day...a 16th birthday and a 6 year old's violin performance. A rainy day tends to brings excitement I suppose.

We got ready...

One of us was the Diva:

The Diva, MacKenzie

One of us was Indiana Jones' father, Henry:

Will disguised as "Henry Jones"

and then there was this handsome feller, my Rock Star!

The ever handsome, Jake

We arrived an hour early. Grandpa thought it would be a treat to go get coffee and maybe something to eat. We found a Burger King and took a seat.

I mentioned to William and MacKenzie not to let the maple syrup get them sticky as they were dipping away those tasty french toast sticks. Turns out, that was NOT what I should have been concerned with as William announces he needed to use the restroom.

I think his chronological sequencing was a little off kelter because there in that seat, his pants, front and back were SOAKED! We cleared our table. I took William to the restroom, then we loaded into the car and headed across the street to K-Mart.

Five minutes later, I returned to the car with a package of Marvel Underwear and new khaki dress pants and we were headed back to the Covey Center to witness our Abi's violin solo.

Out of our soggy clothes and into our clean, smelling much better clothes!

Wouldn't you know the front doors were locked and we had to enter through the South entrance...back to the car...around the block...finally there.

We're probably the only people who can arrive an hour early for an event and show up "late". Gotta love us for that!

The first solo had already performed, the second was in progress...there were NO seats...we separated and took what we could find. Jake, me and William together. MacKenzie and Grandpa Joe together across the room.

Abi comes to the stage, takes her place. Her bow glided across the strings. Her face contorted. Beautiful music filled the air. Okay, she's no Kyoko Takezawa...but she's six and she's been playing almost three years and I think she might just be my favorite violinist of all time!

Abi's solo performance.

Her violin solo complete, she takes a bow:

The quick (hence, blurry) bow!

It won't be too long before Abi performs in a Symphony near you!

Note: Shortly after Abi's performance, well into another violinist's performance, William fell asleep and awoke upon hearing the THUD of his own body hitting the floor! Maybe Classical Music just isn't for him.

Free Preschool Sample Activity Pack--Letter M

Fun and Educational Hands-On Preschool Activity Packets for Child Care Providers or Even JUST MOMs.

1-2-3 Preschool Projects is a professionally designed preschool curriculum that offers a variety of textual materials that encourages the love of learning for the young child.

The monthly packets are full of theme based activities that encourage learning in the areas of the fine motor, gross motor, cognitive, language, math, drama, science and textures for children ages 2-5 years old.

Click HERE for your FREE Sample Activity Pack about the LETTER M.

True Lemon, True Lime and True Orange--FREE SAMPLES

This stuff is seriously nummy! I love adding it to my tea or water for a great refreshing taste anytime! It's convenient enough to carry in your purse to add while on the go!

Visit HERE to request your FREE sample!

True Lemon, True Lime and True Orange, we're giving away free samples!

People love using True products for flavoring water (as alternatives to sweetened water enhancers, flavored waters, diet sodas or sweetened drinks) as well as for adding to their hot/iced teas, beverages or drinks. They're also great to season food with (especially for those following low-carb, low-fat and low-sodium diets), and for any recipe that calls for lemon or lime juice. Made with 100% all-natural ingredients, each packet has:

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Register today (and also receive our free monthly online newsletter full of great uses, delicious recipes, special promotions, useful health information and more). And visit our store locator to find out which of the 10,000 nationwide grocery stores near you carry our product!

Snails and Vampire Worms

There is no chance that anyone would ever say my house is "boring". I kid you not. We are a menagerie of adventures. Take yesterday for example. It was a sunny day...birds chirping...mellow breeze..children laughing.

Then it grew quiet. NOT a good sign. I hollered the kiddos' names and there was no reply.

Okay, so let's flashback to the LAST time this happened...I took a short stroll to the mailbox. I can see the steps leading to my door from the mailbox. It took all of three minutes and as I'm approaching the front door my then four year old, announces that my then two year old is "gone".

"What do you mean he's GONE? Where did he go?" ...and that became the topic for the next 25 minutes. I FRANTICALLY ran up and down the street SCREAMING his name. No reply. I searched the bushes, knocked on doors and stopped pedestrians asking if they had seen him or any crazy driven cars.

After 15 minutes of horrified INSANITY, I called 9-1-1. I'd like to say I was calm...I was in giving my address to the dispatcher, however, following every number in my address was the hysterical sound of me calling my child's name. NO REPLY.

Five minutes after I hung up the phone with 9-1-1 MY child WALKS out of a bush (one I had checked SEVERAL times) a muddy mess from where he BURROWED his little self into the dirt, with a big grin and says, "SURPRISE!"

I'm not going to lie, my first instinct was to beat the kid to a bloody pulp! Thankfully, common sense kicked in because a few moments after "Surprise".... officers stormed my porch.

Okay, back to yesterday and the NO reply.

I went outside and on the sidewalk, basking in the sun are my children. In front of them is a very large rock they rolled out of the planting area. "Check it out, Mom. We have a new pet. His name is "Slug".

Kiddos and their new "pet"

As I walked closer I saw what they had found...a Snail! YUCK!

They were perfectly content, bellies on the pavement, watching "Slug" move his head and antennas.

Meet "Slug"

I laid out on the sidewalk with them. My three year old even pointed out that "Slug" had a green caterpillar on his neck. "He has a vampire worm who is sucking his blood." His sister corrected him and said, "Slug" is a girl so you have to say, "SHE"!" ...oh, yeah...because that part about the vampire worm is TOTALLY accurate!

...and there you have it another adventure from the Morrison home.

Coffee...Just Some Interesting Facts.

Fifty-seven percent of all coffee is consumed at breakfast. Thirty-four percent is consumed between meals, while thirteen percent is consumed at all other meals.

During World War II, Nescafé became so popular that the entire production of its U.S. plant (about 1 million cases a year) was reserved for military use only.

Bach composed the Coffee Cantata in honor of the drink. Beethoven was also an avid coffee drinker, preferring a blend made from 60 beans per cup.

In the 1700’s, a French naval officer, Gabriel Mathieu de Clieu, stole a cutting from the King’s coffee tree, in Jardin des Plantes, in Paris, and took it to the Caribbean island of Martinique. Fifty years later, there were an estimated 18 million coffee trees there.

In 1997, no less than 100 billion cups of Nescafé were drunk worldwide. That’s an average of more than 3,000 cups per second.

It takes about 6 years for a coffee tree to produce its first “cherries.” The beans themselves are the stones of the coffee cherries.

The word ‘coffee’ originates from the Arabic word ‘kaweh,’ meaning strength and vigor.

Thirty seven percent of coffee drinkers drink their coffee black, while 63% add a sweetener and/or creaming agent.

Once in Europe, coffee fell under harsh criticism from the Catholic church. Many felt the Pope should ban this new beverage, calling it the drink of the devil. To their surprise, the Pope, already a coffee drinker blessed coffee declaring it a truly Christian beverage.

A key component to determining the grade and quality of coffee is a process called cupping, where each batch of coffee is tasted, and scrupulously judged for acidity, aroma, body, and overall flavor. And yes, cuppers take coffee breaks.

On a typical day, approximately 49% of the U.S. population drinks coffee.

In Brazil alone, over 6 million people are employed in the cultivation and harvesting of over 3 billion coffee plants.

The Problem with Green

My fifteen year old is always "after" me about living "GREEN". I'm proud of him for encouraging me. While I support Mother Earth and want her to be safe and happy, I have a problem with being "GREEN".

Bash me if you must, but here's my "life" experience on this subject.

Back in the 1990s I was absolutely Green...I used cloth diapers, I boycotted the companies that were harming "Mother Earth" by cutting down the Rain Forest and doing all those "mean" things to Planet Earth. I used glass bottles. I cleaned with vinegar, eliminated bleach, carried refillable water bottles, mended the same pair of jeans until there was nothing "original" about them. I followed the kiddos and hubby around turning off the lights; we walked as often as we could. We used the reusable cloth bags when shopping. I volunteered to clean up highways. When my mother called and said we weren't using shampoo with polypropylene glycol I spent HOURS in the grocery store looking at labels (you have no idea how HARD it was to FIND shampoo without that..but I did.) I was GREEN. Though I will admit when she said we were boycotting Tide Detergent, I put my foot down.

Here we are sixteen years later and I'm hearing it did nothing. Seriously?

So where is this thinking coming from now? Well, aside from the news...let's talk about a couple of weeks ago when we took the kiddos out to the Great Salt Lake. I hadn't been there for ages!! There were plastic pop rings, shoes (I mean seriously, you'd think you'd notice right away that you've lost your shoe.) and Styrofoam littering the "beach". Yuck!

Over the weekend, the kiddos and I went for a walk. There were cigarette butts littering the walk way, broken beer bottles with shards of glass scattered. Plastic bags against fences, let's all wish for Planet Earth to be more beautiful and then deposit the kid's dirty diapers where we changed him!

Animal Rights? I hear you...but um, you forgot to pick up the poopie that valuable family member deposited alongside the trail. The human part of that relationship has to have some responsibility!

I bet that picnic you had was a blast! And I know you worked hard at lugging the cooler and its contents and all the nummies for your feast back into this secluded area, but you had fun, and even though you were stinkin' tired from all the AWESOMENESS with your loved ones, you were suppose to haul it BACK to the car when you were done. I know. I hear you. I've said it too..."Someone get that!"...but SOMEONE in your group didn't and blasted! I didn't get to have the fun!

As for the prophylactics, yeah, thanks, I've been meaning to have that "Birds and Bees" conversation with my children. How nice of you to leave behind the messy reminder!

No one loves an ice cold Coca Cola more than me, and jinkies! I know aluminum is only 16 cents a pound right now, but that's no reason to just toss your used can out the window!

So the kiddos and I "cleaned up". We hauled a garbage bag back from our walk. No souvenirs that read "I walked 2 miles"...just trash...someone else's trash.

Oh, but wait...here's the problem with GREEN...this morning we went for a walk...yeah, that's right, in that same spot we cleaned only three days ago...and guess what? It's polluted again with TRASH!

Yancy's Fancy Cheese? YES! Please!

Today I was in the mood for something different. Something out of the everyday norm in our home. I happened to stumble upon Yancy's Fancy Cheese Horseradish and Great Cheese! It's delicious!!!

I'm, by birth, a lover of horseradish. It compliments so many things: prime rib, sandwiches, roast beef, potato salad, mustard, eaten from the jar...it's just the perfect condiment.

Those clever folks at Yancy's Fancy Cheese were one step ahead of me...they put it in cheese! Think of the simplicity now...prime rib sandwiches enhanced with this delectable cheese, lightly melted, to hold the bread in place, and the perfect blend of tastes. Yeah. I'm eating one right now! I'm dreaming of homemade macaroni and cheese made with this Yancy's Fancy Horseradish cheese. There's also a delicious Wisconsin Cheese soup I made, that I think will now be called, "Yancy's Fancy Cheese Soup"...it's that good!

Oh, I also found Yancy's Fancy Peppadew Cheese...a delicate cheddar enhanced with sweet roasted peppers. It's explosive and compliments crackers incredibly well. ;)

So next time you're at the market, pick up some Yancy's Fancy Cheese...it will transform your taste into something EXTRAORDINARY!!!

Burt's Bees is Celebrating 25 Years with a BURT Day Party...Lots of Giveaways

Burt's Bees BURT Day Party--Giveaways Starts May 27 Burt's Bees is celebrating 25 Years. To commemorate this event they are hosting a "BURT Day Party"

This is from their Facebook Profile:

This event is planned to start at 12:00 am on May 27, 2009 at location: http://www.burtsbees.com.
(Burt's Bees) is giving away 25,000 LIP BALMS!! April Fools? No, really. We are. It’s all in celebration of our 25th birthday beginning on May 27th. Be sure to RSVP!

Additional Information found on their Facebook Page:

"We're turning 25 and ready to celebrate but it wouldn't be a party without you, our loyal fans!

The fun begins on May 27th! Join us for special (i.e. BIG) giveaways, celebrity messages, fun facts about our history and much more.

It'll be a blast, naturally!"

Make a Story Book...You Might Win a $10,000 Scholarship for Your Child!

The great stuff from Fishful Thinking just keeps getting better...parenting advice, activities and the opportunity to raise more optimistic and confident children. Now, they introduce their STORY MAKER. It's AWESOME!

Storybook Maker is a place to make a customized storybook about your child, using your OWN pictures and your OWN words. My kiddos and I played with this today for a long time. It was great quality time and they sure enjoyed "reading" their books tonight before bed.

The best part, by creating a Storybook, you are entered in a sweepstakes to win a $10,000 college scholarship for your child. Isn't that fabulous?

Click on the blue book to get started on your storybook.

The Goldfish Guide to Raising Confident Children

The Story of Pretty Boy Floyd

Today was our visit with Charlotte the Great.

Her question today was: "Charlotte the Great, what is the most memorable historic event of your life?"

The children gathered around...we've been talking about inventions..would it be the automobile, the television, computers?

"I'm going to tell you a story..." she began "about me in the third grade. The image is so clear in my mind. I was coming into the school and my hand is on the doorknob. An automobile comes down the road and it had a big speakerphone. Over the speakerphone someone was saying, "Pretty Boy Floyd is Dead! Pretty Boy Floyd is dead!"

Sad faces to hear about the death of "Pretty Boy" Floyd.

"Who is Pretty Boy Floyd?" asked my five year old.

"He was a famous outlaw!" Charlotte the Great explained. "He robbed banks and killed people."

Robbed Banks and Killed People?!

"There were a lot of people who thought this was good news. It was a shoot out and they had killed their man!" Charlotte the Great's voice was villainous.

Happy to hear the good news, "Pretty Boy Floyd is Dead!"

I asked, "That is your most memorable historical moment?" Truly I was amazed...there had been a World War, she was a tot through the Depression. A President had been assassinated and she remembers an outlaw? I found it hard to believe!!

"I was a small girl in Third Grade and that image of the car driving up and down the street with that speakerphone, shouting out that "Pretty Boy Floyd" was dead stuck with me. Then, when I grew up, I told my new mother-in-law the story and she was EMBARRASSED because Pretty Boy Floyd was her FIRST COUSIN!"What a silly, but TRUE, ending!

and there you have it...the MOST memorable HISTORICAL event of my 82 year old Grandma!

MoodMusic ROCKS!

Another Fishful Thinking Activity that ROCKS!


What a perfect day for a new activity. It is snowing outside and the children have been inside claiming to be fighting off boredom. I announced that we were going to be FISHFUL THINKING and enthusiasm TKO'd our "boring day".

I made a sign for our activity...

My stellar sign!

Then we talked about music. WE love music at our house! I used the radio and CD Player to play several songs and we talked about how they made us feel...
1.) Polly Put the Kettle On--made them feel like they should do something.
2.) Johnny Android, "Ball Jar", made them feel happy and miss their brother.
3.) Michael Buble, "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" made them feel happy and like they wanted to get up and dance.
4.) Bon Jovi, "Wanted Dead or Alive" brought sadness.
5.) Elvis Presley, "Jailhouse Rock" made them feel "energy"
6.) George Winston's Thunderstorm brought yawns of tiredness.

I suggested we start a band and write our own music! They were ALL about this so we dug out pots and pans, spoons, lids, a washboard, a comb, a jug, keys and a wok with marbles. Can you believe they are natural musicians and knew how to play ALL the instruments! Whew!

We named our band the "Mood Musicians" and set out to creating our number one hits.

"A Happy Tune"

Here we play a "Happy Tune". This song features some upbeat, knee slappin', boogie accompanied by a washboard and kettles and LOTS of giggles.

"Anger Collides"

Our second track we called "Anger Collides". It's LOUD. It is symbols crashing and some SERIOUS tears!

"Eat Your Heart Out, Gene Simmons!"

For our encore performance, the only male member of our band shouted out, "I feel like Rockin' and Rollin'" It has SEVERAL pot and pan solos, and a great impersonation of Gene Simmons' tongue!

My Little Conductor

Then we left our stage and entered the Symphony. We listed to Pachabel's Canon in D and took turns being the conductor. We moved our arms to the music. "It feels relaxing" they announced.

We love our new band. We're looking forward to performing in our "HOME" stadium throughout the week. While the show is gratis, it's definitely a performance that will have you pulling faces and feeling the beat!

How I Gained Weight Last Week

This morning I was on the phone and mentioned that I had gained several pounds in the course of a week. The friend on the other end said, "How exactly does that happen?"
Hmmm....seriously? Here is EXACTLY how it happened to me...

First...
You must tuck the children in for a nap.

All tucked in...

This is important because otherwise, you have to hide in the closet...I'm not big on sharing.

Next, remember we're suppose to "read labels" for a healthier lifestyle.

I've provided "Label Reading for Dummies" here, just in case you're new to this....

Reading the Label

Okay, with that out of the way, you can now scoop the ice cream into your bowl. Last week I was a fan of Haagen Dazs.

MMMMmmmm...

Dig in and eat...I know we've been working on savoring at our house, but there is always the exception...

When you're done, so you don't leave any "clues" about your Secret Indulgence, you'll need to remember to clean up after yourself....

It's true...shame goes out the window

Repeat Steps 1-4 several times a day throughout the week.

There you have it...EXACTLY how I gained weight last week....

Pausing for the Positive--Fishful Thinking

Posing with "Cheddar"

As you all know, I'm an Ambassador, through RepNation, for the Fishful Thinking Program.

One week ago, I made a fleece Goldfish and explained to my family that we needed a name for our new "fish"...everyone contributed and then we voted and the winning name was "Cheddar".

Everyone wanted to know why Cheddar had been created and I shared with my family that I had read an article from the Fishful Thinking website on Pausing for the Positive and it inspired me to create an activity for our family.

"Starting tonight Cheddar is going to be looking for positive things he can help you do. Maybe William left his matchbox cars in the middle of the floor, whomever has Cheddar might want to pick up the cars for William secretly and leave Cheddar on top of his car case. Then William and Cheddar will start their adventure on finding something positive to do for someone else. Then at the end of each day, we'll talk about Cheddar's Good Deeds. We'll talk about what the best part of finding him and giving him was? What inspired you to think of doing that? What surprised you most about getting him? How did you feel?"

Everyone wanted Cheddar first so we had to have a name drawing and my 6 year old was selected to be the keeper and sender of Cheddar. It wasn't long before Cheddar had found his way to helping a folded laundry pile find it's way to my 15 year old son's bed. From there Cheddar found his way to picking up toys in the girls room. His adventure continued...

The next night at dinner, Cheddar was the star of the conversation..and he has been ever since. My three year old said, "It makes me happy to see Cheddar."

Our Treasure Box is also growing because, through Cheddar, my children are seeing the positive and good that surrounds them...sometimes waiting for them to pass it along.

The bickering is minimal. It's far more fun to have Cheddar and plan out the Good Deed of picking up a soggy towel, or taking out the trash, than whining about how it isn't fair and how this person never does his share.

The best parts of Cheddar have been:

• "I was late from band practice and didn't want to get in trouble for not raking the leaves, but when I got home, Cheddar was on the rake."
• "Today I had a migraine and I appreciated Cheddar putting my textbooks in my backpack."
• "Finding my lunch was made for tomorrow was great!"
• "I liked when he made my bed".

Night time now includes a tucking in conversation about what tomorrow's plan includes with Cheddar, "I hope I get him so I can ________ for _______"

As we were laying in bed last night, my husband said, "I thought I had outgrown that feeling you get when someone picks you." and well, my 19 year old gave me a big hug and said, "Thanks, Mom. This is fun. Hey, wait! Are we learning something?"

Indeed we are!

Johnny Android Giveaway!!!

Hear Johnny Android Here

Johnny Android formed in 2008 and was named for a love of robots and the 1950's. Starting as a Folk/Pop band, guitarist Jake Macias and keyboardist-vocalist Becky Liebing enlisted their friend Maygan Gowers to play drums in July. Gowers, in turn, brought Courtney Dallon to take up the bass and the Johnny Android line-up was complete. "We like fun music," says Liebing. "So we write music that we'd want to listen to."

Members of Johnny Android are most likely to classify their sound as Indie/Rock/Punk/Pop/Folk. With the motto of "We write the songs you're singing in the shower," they bring a mesh of styles and lyrics that keep your toes tapping and your mouth smiling.

Johnny Android has been working on a simple demo using Garage Band and these recordings are available at myspace.com/johnandroid. For booking, please email Courtney Dallon at quortdal@hotmail.com

I'm giving away one Johnny Android Demo CD, which includes four songs: Mego, Ima Turtle, Polka Dot Pinup and Ball Jar. To enter, listen to at least one song recorded by Johnny Android and leave a comment below about what you liked, or didn't like about the song. Contest ends April 30th. You can earn 2 additional entries by joining their group on Facebook here (be sure to leave in the comments here you joined).

got2b Smoothing Lustre Lotion

After I wash my hair I tend to have "frizz"...it's consuming really...I resemble Mufasa. I tried the got2b Smooth Operating Lotion and va-va-voom it is one amazing product. First off, it is packaged in a fun bottle with cute charms dangling from it...definite girl appeal!

Secondly, the smell...it might be the best smelling hair product EVER! It has a smell that's maybe...fruity. Even my kids go gaga over the smell!

From there the product just keeps getting better....you can use it on your hair wet OR dry...how cool is that!?
So..if time permits, I'm a full running shower, towel dry and blow dry gal with a round brush for "tucking"...if not, I'm a dry on the run and then flat iron away after my hair is air dried. Either way, the results with got2b are delicious! My hair LOOKS smooth, feels fabulous and it lasts!

Oh, and one more thing...this product protects your hair from those blasted UV rays...yup..sunscreen for your hair without the sunscreen odor!

The Wedding

Her name is Katie Kirkpatrick, 21 years old. Next to her is her fianee, Nick, 23.

This picture was taken prior to their wedding January 11th, 2005 . Katie has terminal cancer and spends hours in chemotherapy.
Here Nick awaits while she finishes one of the sessions...


Even in pain and dealing with her organs shutting down, with the help of morphine, Katie took care of every single wedding planning.
Her dress had to be adjusted several times due to Katie's constant weight loss.


An expected guest was her oxygen tank. Katie had to use it during the ceremony and reception.
The other couple in this picture are Nick's parents, very emotional with the wedding and of course to see their son marrying the girl he fell in love when he was an adolescent.


Katie, in a wheel chair listening to her husband and friends singing to her.

In the middle of the party Katie had to rest for a bit and catch her breath. The pain doesn't allow her to stand for long period of time.


Katie died 5 days after her wedding. To see a fragile woman dress as bride with a beautiful smile makes you think... happiness is always there within reach, no matter how long it lasts.....lets enjoy life and don't live a complicated life. Life is too short.

Work as if it was your first day

Forgive as soon as possible

Love without boundaries

Laugh without control

and never stop smiling
even if you don't know the reason.

National Mom's Nite Out

As you might have heard, MomSelect is proudly planning the National Mom's Nite Out, the first nationally organized celebration of motherhood intended to bring together today's moms, physically and virtually.

National Mom's Nite Out event is growing every day, as more and more companies and moms opt to join in the national celebration of motherhood. May 7th will be an evening to remember.

More information coming soon!

Treasure Box

The Week 3. Challenge of Pepperidge Farm's Fishful Thinking Program was to work with your child to decorate a box that is kept on the table you eat at regularly. Keep a stack of index cards and crayons and markers next to the box. Two or three times a week, ask your child to write down or draw something good that happened, something good they saw or heard, remembered or accomplished. During a meal once a week, take turns pulling a treasure from the box and reading it aloud.

Today was the perfect day for this...the weather could not decide if it wanted to be winter by sending falling snow, or to just be cold. Either way it was too muddy or too cold to play outside, so we talked about the things in our day and our life that were "good". Things like the smell of the cookies baking. When family comes to visit. Playing outside and a friend comes to join the fun. Our family. There is certainly an abundance of "good" in our lives.

We searched the garage for a box that was worthy of the title "Treasure Box". To a five year old the qualifications were simple...it couldn't be too big, but still it had to have plenty of room for stickers...LOTS of stickers! We discovered the perfect one. It was Daddy's fishing reel box, but certainly he won't mind when he sees the "make over"!

With box in hand, we searched through hoards of scrapbooking paper. The decisions! She considered Barbie, but that "maybe would make the boys in our family feel it wasn't for them." We found some hot pink with white "swirls"--tossed aside as it was "WAY too much pink!" (she's a die-hard purple girl). After 20 minutes of "maybe this one" and "this might be good" she decided on a white paper with pastel asterisk looking flowers.

We wrapped Dad's fishing reel box with the perfect paper and then took it to the Creation Station where stickers were lovingly placed in the perfect spot to give it some flair. I was impressed by her meticulous selection of the stickers--"this is really important"--she said as her tongue licked the corner of her mouth with a pause.

As her 3 year old brother, tacked sticker after sticker to his "Happy Page" she explained, with enduring love, how "This Treasure Box is going to be a guest for dinner every night. Whenever you know about something good, you tell me and I'll help you write it down on paper and put it in this box. Okay, Little Buddy?" He grunted an "Okay" and continued to slap stickers on his page.

After the passing of quite a span of time, the Treasure Box was complete. Truly a beautiful expression of artwork. She paused briefly for a photo and then set about telling us all how the Treasure Box works.



She walks by every few minutes and gently shakes the Treasure Box to see if anyone has added "Good Things" to its soul. The sound of papers inside light up her eyes and she whispers to herself, "This is amazing!"

We'll open it tomorrow night at dinner. It is a welcome guest at our table!

Jack and Lily Shoe Giveaway @ A Family Completed

Here's a chance to win some Jack and Lily shoes...maybe for your little one or the perfect baby shower gift! Jack and Lily shoes have original and traditional designs.

My favorite are the Anchor/White...wouldn't those just make adorable Easter feet?!

Of course, every "Princess" needs the soft comfort of Jack and Lily shoes also and here is my choice:


For complete contest details and your chance to win enter over at A Family Completed for your chance to win - ends the 9th of April!

My Beauty Detour

My life is a chaotic comedy.

There are days I wonder if the ride ever stops?

Today I made time for me. I decided to take a "Beauty Detour". No..lol...it wasn't a pampering at a spa, but just a few minutes for me to reflect on something inspiring. Something beautiful. Something that was just amazing.

My moment of peace took my detour to be about my children (perhaps because they were fighting in the other room!).

My 19 year old, he wants to influence the world with his music. It's his passion. He is content "hiding behind" the guitar and letting someone else lead. His face is animated when he plays sculpting into distorted figures of pain when he plays a soulful blues and then transforms into raised eyebrows, a smile that lights up the stage and stars in his eyes when he plays his favorite upbeat song.

I have a soon to be 16 year old son. He is random. His likes and dislikes change like the day into night. He is going to be a Director, or it's his dream today anyway. I am impressed as he records his imagination and thoughts into words of poetry and artwork that makes me think perhaps being left-handed isn't a curse, really.

My Beauty Queen comes to mind. Thoughts of her in front of the mirror in her plastic high-heels, waist laden with tulle and draped with satin fabrics, accessorized with gaudy, cheap, plastic jewelery. Her hair "big" and her lips shimmering with an abundance of lipstick! She lives today for fashion runways but when the make up is washed off and her hair combed down she says, "I'm going to be a doctor someday".

A five year old delights me with her large vocabulary. Her ability to share...even if it means it will leave none for her. She wants long hair like her sister, but hates the thought of it having to be done. Her hand shakes as she draws portraits of our family splattered with hearts.

The silence of my detour is broken by my three year old hollering, "I love you, Mommy-O"--his way of "checking in". He is a simple creature...Lego Indiana on the Xbox360, matchbox race cars zipping in circles while he shouts, "Go! Harvey! Go!" and routine. He cannot function if he doesn't have cereal for breakfast and in the car, if we turn to the left instead of the right when leaving the driveway, he demands to know why?

It has been a peaceful few moments. Reflecting on the beauty in my life. These five children who mesmerize me. They are the foundation for all things good and the pillars of my heart.

"Wat-CHA!" is being chanted as the house shakes from a re-enactment from an Indiana Jones movie and screams bellow from the recipients of the whips crack. "MOM!" they all shout simultaneously taking me from my "Beauty Detour" back into the chaotic comedy of my life. It's amazing!

Learn about "Beauty Detour" here

A Blustery Day Leads to A Lesson in Goal Setting and Empowerment.

I'm always amazed at how rapidly Cabin Fever sets in after a few delectable days of Spring are followed by the falling of fluffy white misery. This morning we awoke to SNOW! It's Spring Break and there were moans from my 5 and 3 year olds who had thought playing outside with friends was on the agenda.

As they sat, mopey in slumps of sadness staring out the window. I suggested they suit up and head outside to build a snowman. Immediately, my five year old set in on how "hard" it was and hers "always fall down".

I remembered reading about the Block Building exercise on the Fishful Thinking website and immediately said, "I will help you and if you promise to put forth the effort I know you can help make an amazing snowman."

We suited up and went outside. It was cold, but we were a team with a mission..build a snowman. I packed three snowballs and showed each one how to roll and pack their ball. After a few minutes my five year old stomped her feet, folded her arms and marched off declaring, "I can't do it!"

Kneeling on her level I asked, "What can't you do?" She answered pitifully, "Make my ball get bigger. It keeps breaking."
I suggested I watch her and see if maybe we could find the solution, but in order to do this I needed to know what she hoped her snowball would become. "I want to make the belly. It needs to get this big (and she held her arms out indicating a large tummy)." I clarified, "So we need to make this little snowball into a belly ball this big?" I exaggerated my hand movements. "Yes".

Together we rolled and discovered she was pressing to hard while packing. I suggested she make a mantra, "I can do anything because my name is ___________" and she loved it. Over and over she repeated her mantra. Slowly, her snowball was becoming larger and larger until she jumped up and down and said, "I did it, Mom! I made a ginormous belly ball."

We put our snowman together using each of the balls everyone contributed. We danced around the snowman to bring it to life and as my five year old put the hat on our new friend, she leaned into him and said, "When it stops snowing and it gets to be a sunny day, just keep saying, "I can do anything because my name is Frosty" and great things will happen!"

Our afternoon has been influenced by making that goal to make a small snowball transform into a huge belly ball. Making a goal to take something ordinary and transform it into something inspiring has lead to a delightful day where we suddenly feel empowered. There is nothing we can't achieve, and should we for even a moment, hesitate to believe this, we just remember we can do ANYTHING because of who we ARE!

Fishful Thinking

Recently I discovered a site called Fishful Thinking. It's purpose: to confidently raise kids who are optimistic and can confidently take on life's challenges, effective problem solving, positive communication and develop confidence.

The premise of this program is to help arm parents with activities and tools for positive parenting skills and to help foster healthy optimism in their children. I personally LOVE this program. I have tried many of the activities with my own children, and they've truly made a difference - the program is centered around five "ingredients": Optimism, Emotional Awareness, Goal Setting/Hope, Resilience and Empowerment. I might just be benefiting as much as the kiddos!

You can visit Fishful Thinking here:

If you like what you see there, why not become a Fishful Thinking Ambassador?!!! If you are interested and have kids between the ages of 4 and 12, Pepperidge Farm is looking for more mom ambassadors to work with them on the Fishful Thinking program. I am currently an Ambassador and love sharing the site and communicating with others who have found value in this program. Leave me a comment and I'll get you the information to sign up!

Who is Dr. Karen Reivich?

You may recognize Dr. Karen Reivich from publications like USA Today and the New York Times. She has established herself as a leader in the field of Positive Psychology and depression prevention through her extensive research, teaching, workshops, and writings. Read more aobut Dr. Karen Reivich.

Ballas Hough Band Shines as Musicians

You know their names, Ballas and Hough, from Dancing with the Stars...Mark Ballas was Season 6 Champion with Kristi Yamaguchi and is currently dancing with Olympic Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson...Derek Hough was last season's DWTS Champion paired with Brooke Burke, and now they up their talent with a new a CD!

While the CD isn't a unique sound...it emmulates the sound of the Boy Bands like NSYNC and Back Street Boys and then catches the flavors of the 80s Michael Jackson and Prince, it's a great album.

My favorite song is "Longing" (Track 5)...it is a love ballad that captures the words every person in love wants to hear: "...wanna be the reason you breathe...dream, etc." It's romantic and a slower song in comparison to the other tracks on this album.

American Idol fans might enjoy "Do It For You" (Track 8) as it was written by Idol Judge Kara DioGuardi.

Track 4 has "Billie Jean" flavor. The beat was familiar but the words weren't as memorable.

"Birthday" (Track 6) brought back memories of Prince with the beat.

My least favorite track was "Fall (Track 7)...it was just a little too noisy.

It's a diverse album that captures the best sounds of Boy Bands and 80s icons, Prince and Michael Jackson. Many of the tracks were written by Ballas and Hough and I admire that in an artist.

This might be the album that hangs up those dancing shoes and puts them on the charts as musicians.
Special thanks to the One2One Network for this opportunity to review the Ballas Hough Band CD.

DQ--They're NEW Sweet Deals

Roll back to 1985...I just got my driver's license and with my dad, and a blue saab we lived our Summer headed for the East Coast...it was a time of bonding, a time of learning who this man really was...a time of just discovering that all roads lead somewhere. Turns out, we had a lot in common.

Number one on the commonality list: Dairy Queen Blizzards.

The highlight of that trip was driving across our great country, the wind tangled in my hair as it whipped through the sunroof, Bon Jovi blaring through the speakers, reading Peter Jenkins "Walk Across America and stopping at EVERY DQ we saw for one delicious Blizzard after another...I loved the Turtle Blizzard best...he was more an M&M kinda guy.

Occassionally, while on our Blizzard High, we settled in at a DQ table for a cheeseburger and onion rings. I can smell them even now. Exhausted and yet exhilerated, wanting the trip to never end.

Now DQ announces they are launching their first-ever permanent value menu--it even has a catchy name: DQ Sweet Deals.

Just in case you haven’t heard yet, here’s the deal: You can mix and match nine menu items, choosing two for $3, three for $4 or four for $5. You have the freedom of choice with more than 20,000 combinations.

Menu items include the famous Dairy Queen® cheeseburger, classic all-beef hot dog, new chicken wrap, yummy French fries, crispy onion rings, fresh salad, beverage and an irresistible sundae or cone made with the signature DQ soft serve with the curl on top.

Fast forward to the present...getting up on the big 4-0...someday I'm going to drive with my children, one at a time, across the country. The sound of car tires rotating puts me to sleep now, my children are more musically apt to appreciate Ella Fitzgerald and Wheezer than they are Bon Jovi...and yet there is something peaceful about listening to their dreams, giving them hope and being inspired by their enthusiasm for their life....

....and DQ is going to be there, just as she was for me.

In the meantime, I'll take a sundae with the signature DQ cone and one of those cheeseburgers, please.....

Swag Bucks

Sometime last month, someone told me about swagbucks. I signed up but didn't really do anything with it. A few "gentle" reminders encouraged me to "give it a go"...within six days I had enough (45) Swagbucks to redeem for a $5 Amazon.com gift card! The best part? I didn't do anything...just used their toolbar to search the internet (Swagbucks uses Google and Ask.com). Yup...while searching those swagbucks just randomly appear! It's too awesome.

If you'd like to earn amazon.com, starbucks giftcards, cool collectibles and other great rewards for doing absolutely nothing more than searching the web, follow this link: http://swagbucks.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=291005

What are you waiting for?

Yanni Voices

There is something familiar about Yanni. His voice erases the stress and takes you to wherever it is you consider "paradise".

Yanni Voices introduces some amazing talent through the voices of Nathan Pacheco, Chloe, Ender Thomas and Leslie Mills. They compliment the music and harmonize perfectly yielding a romantic, peaceful and tranquil album.

My favorite song is "Before the Night Ends". The opening is just beautiful and the words touched my heart the first time and continue to each time I hear it.

For more information on Yanni Voices feel free to follow these links:

Website: http://www​.yanni.com​/voices/

Video: http://www.yanni.com/Events/

PBS Special Air Dates: http://www​.yanni.com​/Events/pb​s_schedule​.aspx

Tour Info: http://yanni.com/Tour.aspx

Images: http://www.one2onenetwork.com/content.cfm?cntid=45

Linda Eder Give Away Winner

The random number generator selected number 1...Congratulations, Zany.
Please contact me with your name and address so I can notify One2One Network and your prize pack can be shipped.

Linda Eder Giveaway

Another great give-away sponsored by my favorite: One2One Network!

This giveaway is for an autographed Linda Eder CD, "The Other Side of Me", which features a brand new band with guitars, fiddle, plenty of grooves and vocal harmonies, and even has Eder playing her own guitar...also included in the prize package is an autographed hat.

You can listen to a few of the songs here. Her newest album, "The Other Side of Me" is also available through Barnes and Noble Books who is also offering an exclusive track “Everything Comes and Goes.”

Just leave a comment...any comment...enter as many times as you like! Only requirement, have fun!

*This contest will be open to US Addresses ONLY!!!!!**This contest will end at Midnight on October 30th!!***The winner will be picked with the random number generator!!!****Thanks so much for entering**

God Speed, Granny Franny

God Speed Granny Franny
My mom called today to deliver the news that Grandma Fran passed away. Her health had been failing, she recently went to a nursing home...she had a good life.At the age of 13, she became my Grandma. She didn't like children and didn't hesitate to remind us, yet she took us in her heart and loved us...completely.My parents worked fairs and traveled much of my youth. We moved to North Carolina when I was 13 and so began my relationship with this remarkable woman.She was brilliant. She worked for Taylor and while there invented the mercury substitute for thermometers...no kidding...pretty brainy!We toured the Biltmore Home and then went to visit Grandma Fran who told us wonderful stories of being raised by the Henry Ford family and playing with the Vanderbilt child...hiding in the Halloween Room in a game of hide-n-go-seek. It was mesmerizing and I never grew tired of hearing her story.She drove a powder blue camero. I know, totally cool! I agree. One weekend she was responsible for us, we...my two sisters and brother, piled into her camaro and wound our way through the mountains. My sister screamed, "STOP!" and Grandma Fran slammed on the brakes...coming to a near immediate stop. "Good Heaven's, Child! What ever is the matter?" she said nearly losing her breath. "You almost hit that squirrel." was my sister's answer."I appreciate your concern for the wild critters. I really do, and while I agree his life is important, you simply cannot...cannot demand we stop for every critter crossing the road. It just isn't safe for any of us." She explained.That winding road led the way to a petting zoo. There Grandma Fran explained to us about llamas. We were pupils and she our teacher. She knew a great deal about them, including that when they feel threatened, they spit. I guess she wanted to illustrate that fact because as we entered the petting area, a wooly white llama approached Grandma Fran and began chasing her through the fenced area...spitting at her. At first we were stunned. We'd never seen anything quite like this...then we gave way to laughter while the petting zoo employees chased the llama chasing Grandma Fran. When the chase ceased, Grandma Fran stood before us, out of breath with hair matted with llama spit and standing on end. The first time we spent the night at Grandma Fran's she picked us up from home after school. Wouldn't you know it was the very day we all came home with notes stating that our school had lice (we, to this day, blame this on my baby sister who played in the dirt at recess head to head with her little friends). Poor Grandma Fran...a dislike for children in general and yet the woman washed our hair with that lice shampoo and then with the patience of a saint combed through my sister and my hair...thick and down to our waists...with that tiny comb. She didn't complain. Not a bit.On a journey from Asheville home, just Grandma Fran and me, in the powdered blue camaro, she talked about the Lindenberg baby. The subject changed in the middle and I remember saying, "So? Whatever happened to the Lindenberg baby?" She was stunned that I didn't know a thing about this and set forth in getting my facts straight.She was an amazing woman...cooking four starving children her delicious southern fried chicken...a pain-staking process as she was accustomed to cooking for two...and so with grumbling bellies, our mouths watered as one piece at a time she cooked the chicken. It was worth the wait, but we were happy to have a mom who understood you could cook for an entire family all at once...it seemed much faster.Her love of rocks was intoxicating. Specimens of raw sapphires and emeralds lined her windows..on occassion she would select one and take us to the garage where she would cut it, polish it and leave it for us to be amazed.Sadly, for those of us still here, this wonderful, brilliant and very loved woman has parted with her earthly ties. She will be missed and treasured.God Speed, Grandma Fran....peace and comfort to those who love you!

Melee Give Away

My special thanks to One2One Network for selecting me to sponsor this great contest.


Melee is an amazing group and after hearing their album Devils & Angels, I was impressed at how smooth their voices blended and how power packed their lyrics are song after song.

For this contest, all you have to do is leave a comment about your absolute favorite song and why.

What will ONE winner (drawn at random by the random number generator) win?

Glad you asked: * Devils & Angels album & Tote ($28.99 value)

Hurry! This giveaway ends at 12:00am Mountain Time on Saturday, October 4, 2008!!!




A band that started while in high school in Orange County and passionately persued in college realized their dream with Hopeless Records signed them and released an EP in 2003, Against the Tide. From there a full-length album in conjumction with indie label Sub City, Everyday Behavior in 2004, reflecting their early love of power pop and late-'90s ska - sold 15,000 copies and led to a major-label bidding war for their talents. Mêlée signed with Warner Bros. Records in September 2005.

Since then, they have appeared on the Warped Tour, the Take Action! Tour, where they performed alongside The Donnas, Sugarcult, and Motion City Soundtrack, and hit the road with Bowling For Soup, Bayside, and The Junior Varsity, among others. In March and April, they will tour with The Early November and The Rocket Summer in support of Devils & Angels. *from the Melee website

Take the Time to Register to Vote...YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU

It only takes a moment. Please take the time to Register to Vote for the 2008 elections.

See you at the POLLS!

Idina Menzel, "I Stand"

I truly had no idea who Idina Menzel was when I first heard the name. Then my 15-year old son pointed out I did know her from the Disney Movie, Enchanted. Hmmm...now I had a face. Then he added she was on Broadway and had performed in Wicked and Rent. Suddenly, there was a voice. The album, I Stand, followed and I must admit, I was taken by the power in the voice and the lyrics.
Idina Menzel will leave you in awe at her voice range and the emotion with which she sings. I Stand is an album that will have you coming back for more and each time discovering something new in the message. There are ten songs that will leave you wanting more.
I was surprised to discover that in addition to her great voice, she also wrote the songs on this album, which was produced by Glen Ballard--you know the name from Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill and most recent album, Flavors of Entanglement.
I Stand is an album that appeals to everyone. My children ages 2-18 enjoy the music and are starting to sing along, we've listened to it so often. Definately a "must have" for any music collection.
Tracklist:
I Stand
Better To Have Loved
Brave
Gorgeous
Where Do I Begin?
Don’t Let Me Down
I Feel Everything
Forever
Enemy
Perfume And Promises
I Stand (Acoustic)
Let Me Fall (unreleased)

Winner of the Missy Higgins Give Away

I used a random number generator.
Entered the numbers 1-8 for the number of comments.
The generator selected #4.
Congratulations to GLORI for winning this great give-away.
Glori, please contact me with your name and address so I can have One2One Network get your prize pack out to you!

Congratulations.

Missy Higgins "On A Clear Night" Give Away

Okay, you know I love her voice.



You've heard her on So You Think You Can Dance...twice!



She's on tour with Indigo.



She performed on Late Night with Conan O'Brien.



And her album, "On a Clear Night" is currently Top 20 on Itunes.







Now, thanks to One2One Network, we've got a hot Missy Higgins Giveaway.







Here's your chance to win all this:

Autographed On A Clear Night CD

The Missy Higgins EP

The Special Two Tote

All you have to do, is post a comment telling me something about yourself.

One winner will be selected using a random number generator on August 16.

The prize package will be sent by One2One Network.

Go ahead, tell me about yourself!

September Issue of Family Fun

I always wanted to write.
To be a travel journalist, live like a resident, see it like a tourist.
It hasn't worked out that way so far...

Someday...

In the meantime, check out page 80 in the September issue of Family Fun Magazine. In the box in the lower left hand side of the page is my idea!

I love Family Fun Magazine. We have subscribed to it since my second child was born, some fifteen years ago. It's changed some, and some not. It has excellent articles and they are all geared towards being a family...I love that! My favorite section is the cooking articles. I love to try new recipes and FF gears theirs so I can actually cook a great recipe with simplicity so the kiddos can do most of the work!

Again, page 80...check it out!

Winner of the Idina Menzel "I Stand" Give Away!!

I used the Random Number generator.
I used the numbers 1-8 and it selected #5.
I then counted down 5 comments and....

C*O*N*G*R*A*T*U*L*A*T*I*O*N*S
HOWIE

howie said...
I stand for my husband and children. But my walk with Jesus Christ has made it all possible! I also love my wonderful friends!
Wed Jul 30, 02:31:00 PM MDT

*Howie, please contact me with your name and address so I can let the sponsor, One2One Network know to get your prize pack out to you!

The Best Reunion Story Out There

Forgive me if you were a "Morrison Monster" and have to endure this story here again. It is one that deserves repeat. Simply put, it's the best reunion story out there.

Last year, I attended my 20 Year High School Reunion. I had mixed feelings. First off, it was extremely over-priced. Y'know, one of my classmates scored the big time, took out a membership at the ritzy country club and took advantage of the rest of us! Secondly, I was sort of a big deal in high school...editor in chief, staff member of the school literary magazine--where I won first, second and third place in nearly every category...thank you...I belonged to as much as I could possibly squeeze into my Senior Year. I loved it!

Well, except for how this particular story started.

It was Sadie Hawkins, y'know, girl asks guy...buys the cutsie matching shirt/sweater and plays divine goddess host for the evening. My first pick (see "Best Friend" post below) didn't get back to me...so, I asked the Student Body President. I know...if you're gonna give up your first choice, you might as well start at the top!

I spent days making this enormous poster of butcher paper, magic marker, paint and of course writing some cheesy poem, which escapes my memory. My mom, whom I hadn't seen in two years flew out to visit, and it was a moment of bonding....I drove her to his house and she delivered the giant, rolled "invitations". Mr. SB Pres. was not at home, so we left it with his brother.

It took a couple days, but he said, "Yes". I don't recall the details of that moment either.

I saved my weekend Nanny money, and bought these crimson and grey sweaters...hey, I was loyal to my school and her colors!

So...quirky invitation...check
Answer...affirmative
Matching tacky shirts: check

I made the plans for dinner and the hair appointment to look "foxy". I bought the tickets, and had money set aside for pictures. It was going to be amazing.

The Wednesday before the dance, Mr. Pres. said he would rather go with this "other" girl who had recently asked him and would that be okay.

I know what you're thinking.

I was, however, polite and concerned about other's feelings and so I smiled and said, "Sure. I think that would be great! I hope you have a good time." I suppose I sincerely meant it...I mean why would I want to go with someone who didn't want to be there?

He gave me back the sweater, I cancelled my dinner plans and hair appointment. He went to the dance and I stayed home. Good times!

So...September 2007, twenty years later I'm going to the reunion. I have decided I'm going to tell Mr. Pres. just what a schmuck he was.

I sit through the uneventful night looking for him, but cannot seem to identify him. Hmmm...perhaps he didn't come?

There is a drawing for prizes and they call his name...wait...ah, yes! There he is...I excuse myself and go up to the front of the Reunion and wait as someone else has acquired his attention.

I wait...and wait...and finally, decide I look stupid standing there alone and so I go and sit back down.

A little while later, I see he has returned to his table and so I excuse myself again. I rehearse what I'm going to say on the walk to the table. With big grin I say, "Mr. President (okay, I used his real name, but you get the picture), how the heck are you?"

He turned and said, "Hello, Jonbonjovious (again, he used my real name)"

"I'm surprised you remember my name." Okay, there was a tad bit of bitterness in my voice.

"I remember you. I have thought about you through the years and what I did to you. It is the one thing I regret. It's not that I thought about it every minute, every day, every week or every month, but I thought about it. I am very sorry for what I did."

Tears started to swell and I choked up.

"I told my family, my children I am sorry."

I replied, "I told my children too. They know that even if the fat, ugly girl asks them first and they say, "Yes", they are taking her."

He introduced me to his wife. She said, "Oh, memories! Good or bad?"

He answered, "This is jonbonjovious."

"Oh, bad." she said, "he told me the story and he is so sorry. Tell her your sorry."

"I already did. I am sorry."

I asked his wife, "Would you mind taking that Sadie Hawkins picture for me now?"

She smiled and he stepped closer, put his arm around me and we took our picture.

Upon leaving him I said, "Mr. President, I knew you as a boy...I will remember you as a man."

I went back to my table and my DH asked, "Well, what happened?" I told him and he said, "You're lying."

"I'm not."

I was ready to go home. I came and that apology put me at peace. When I got home, my boys asked, "Did you see Mr. President?" I said, "Yes" and told them the story, to which my eighteen year old replied, "I'm so glad I always took the girl, that would be a terrible thing to have to carry around for twenty years!"

Indeed it would.

I would also like to add that a week later, I sent Mr. President an email and told him "Thank You" that his apology meant a lot.

His reply:

Oct. 4, 2007

Jonbonjovious;

You should be very proud of yourself for having the willpower and fortitude to do the things that you were able to do at such a young age. I am very sorry for what I did to you in high school. That is the only thing that I did that has bothered me through the years. Thank You for the opportunity to say that I am sorry at the reunion. It was a great load off of my shoulders; I hope that you can truly forgive me. I'm happy to know that you are doing well and have such a big family. I'm sure that you have a great husband and kids and a wonderful life. You mentioned at the reunion you were surprised that I remembered you after all these years; I just want to let you know that I will never forget you. You are a wonderful person. It was very nice to see you at the reunion.

Thank you,

Mr. President

I keep that letter folded in my purse. I take it out on occassion to remind me that I deserve great things. That even after 20 years, I am remembered and I have value.

Best Friends

It had been a long, long time. Unbelievably, time did NOT stand still. People came and went in our lives. It had been fourteen years since I last saw the person who forever will be known as "MY BEST FRIEND".

There's no need to hide anything. I was nervous. Those five tenants that rented my uterus were less than friendly on my body. Not that it should matter, he saw my best and worst side for two years and now should be no different.

Saturday time DID stand still. It seemed to drag on and on. I was introduced to his son. It was like looking through an time machine...he had the same hands, fingers and finger nails as his dad, his bottom lip matches his; They have the same neck and the shape of their eyes. Wow! Genes are pretty amazing!

Then, finally in that 10 o'clock evening hour, the gates opened and I was face to face with him! The gap of years closed in and it was like I had never been away from this person. It was like someone hit "rewind", his secrets were whispered again, his dreams...some now a reality, and that sense of "home".

I ran to hug him and the world disappeared! Our visit was brief, he's a busy man!!! I hope we will continue this journey from our present into our future....this time together as the friends we became in the past. I have missed him...

Idina Menzel

Her voice will carry you away!

Idina Menzel, "I Stand" Give Away!

I am thankful to the One2One Network for the opportunity to host this Idina Menzel "I Stand" Giveaway.

If you're already a fan, or just want to get acquainted with Idina Menzel, the contest is simple, JUST LEAVE A COMMENT TO FILL IN THE BLANK BELOW (not the actual lyric, but what YOU stand for).

On August 5, I'll use a Random Number Generator to select one winner.

It's a fun prize pack, the "I Stand" CD and Idina Menzel Tote. (Prize will be shipped by the sponsor, One2One Network.)

"When you ask me, who I am…
What is my vision? And do I have a plan?
Where is my strength?
Have I nothing to say?
I hear the words in my head, but I push them away.
'Cause I stand for __(Leave a comment to complete this sentence)_____________"

Who is Idina Menzel? I had to ask myself the same question, the name just didn't ring any bells.

"No. Do I?"

"She was Elphaba in WICKED, she was Maureen Johnson in RENT and I know you know her from ENCHANTED! She was Nancy Tremaine."

...and suddenly I knew her.

By the way, she has also done the soundtrack for The Other Sister and Desperate Housewives and she appeared on the Beowulf soundtrack, singing the end credits song, "A Hero Comes Home".

If you're still uncertain or just want to hear her amazing voice click here.

I listened to her third and newest album, "I Stand" and it is truly a collection of talent, HER talent, not the talent of the producer or the studio. Her voice is powerful and amazing.

For Tour Dates you can go here.

On Being a Mom

Gosh, the more I experience mommy-dom, the more I find I love it.

This past month we celebrated a birthday. The Princess is the mighty SIX! She was beauty queen for the day. She went to the beauty parlor for an "Up-DO", then Charlotte the Great added a splash of "Princess" with a sequined baby blue dress. She wore a crown and enjoyed a pinata and barbeque with her family.

My little man when asked "Are you a big boy?" replied, "Like Daddy." Then after a moment of thought, raised his arms above his head and announced, "I huge!" Indeed he is.

My other little beauty queen tells me she loves me "infinity squared" and I'm her "best mom".

My oldest has followed through on getting a "grown up" job and doing well. He tells me he's had "no attendance issues". Whew!

The actor is busy enjoying summer and making friends as he prepares to enter HIGH SCHOOL!

There is no greater joy than to watch a child grow from someone so incapable to someone with determination and in pursuit of their dreams. To witness the learning process...holding up their head, coordinating their limb movement, discovering their hands, their feet...those first steps, first words, first sentences. Dreaming of movie stardom or Beauty Queen. Developing social skills and just living life.

I've been a mom for 18 years and I am still inspired with awe at the miracle. I look at my oldest and am just fascinated at the transition from infant to "man". I cry when I see him driving a car. It is the most incredible emotion and sense of being one can ever experience.

I love being a mom!

WINNER of the Alanis Morissette Flavors of Entanglement Giveaway!

Congratulations "HOBBITJEAN"!!!

I used a random number generator

I entered the number of comments (1-15) then clicked "Enter". It generated the number 4.

I counted down 4 comments and came to "HobbitJean".

Congratulations, Hobbitjean!

Hobbit Jean

, please email me with your name, address and email so I can have the sponsor (One2One Network) get your prizes to you. (Please contact me by June 24, or a new winner will be selected using the same process.)

***Please add me to your favorites and keep checking back for more great give-aways!***

Flavors of Entanglement Contest

I'm thankful to the One2One Network for the opportunity to host this great Flavors of Entanglement Giveaway!

Are you ready for the SEVENTH studio album by Alanis Morissette?

Ever wanted THE COLLECTION of her greatest hits?

Get Ready to sit back with your favorite pint of Ben and Jerry's because it's all right here:

TO ENTER:

Simply leave a comment stating who Alanis is named after

and one line to your favorite Alanis song.

The winner will receive:

Flavors of Entanglement CD (set to hit stores June 10)

The Collection CD

and

Ben and Jerry's "Free" Pint Ice Cream Coupon

Flavors of Entanglement is set to hit stores on June 10!

You can buy this album through Amazon.com

A tribute to her personal conflicts, the album captures a little bit of everything in which she as a musical interest, including hip hop beats.

The Track List:

"Citizen of The Planet"

"Underneath"

Watch the video here.

Watch the making of the video here.

"Straitjacket"

"Versions of Violence"

"Not As We"
"In Praise of The Vulnerable Man"

"Moratorium"
"Torch"

"Giggling Again For No Reason"
"Tapes"

"Incomplete"

The Collection

Alanis' Greatest Hits from 1995-2005.

Available here through Amazon.com

AND

A Ben and Jerry's "Free" Pint Ice Cream Coupon

Contest runs from June 10 until Midnight (MST) June 17

Winner will be selected using a random number generator and posted on this blog the following day.

Prizes will be sent out by the sponsor.

Alanis Morissette's Flavors of Entanglement is Flavorful

I first became addicted to Alanis Morissette with "Jagged Little Pill", now her seventh studio album, "Flavors of Entanglement" has me hooked again.

Alanis' song writing is superb on this album. I was impressed with the wit that conveyed such conflict. The lyrics weave such a vibrant picture and her voice just resounds the pain/triumphant.

I was touched by the song "Moratorium". It is a reflection of what we all struggle with, "do I give up". It's about moving on and accepting it's okay to "die" so you can live again.

The song, "Underneath" has the familiar rhythm Alanis' music has had in the past and has us inside looking out with potent lyrics like: "Look at us break our bonds in this kitchen; Look at us rallying all our defenses; Look at us waging war in our bedroom; Look at us jumping ship in our dialogues."

Never before has Alanis Morissette created such a tribute to the emotions of humanity, our struggles within ourselves, our homes and our world.

The music is a little bit of everything...hip hop to folk and pure Alanis.

This album will put Alanis back on the charts with every song having the potential to stand on it's own.

It's definately going to be one album you won't replace in your cd player anytime soon!

Watch for the September Issue of Family Fun

About a month ago I received a phone call from Family Fun saying they really liked my submission and they wanted to use it in their upcoming magazine. I wasn't to say anything (you know how those editorial rights go...ten pages become a paragraph).

I admit, I was excited. I did tell my grandma, my mom and my husband.

Today, I received an email saying they were going to use my submission.

I can't tell you much about it..I wouldn't want to ruin the excitement of anticipation, but I can tell you...it's going to be in the September issue of Family Fun.

How cool is that!?

Collarbone Crack!

I told him it would happen. I told both my boys. And, it happened. Jake broke his collarbone while in Colorado this past weekend. He was riding a dirtbike, hit a rock, found a tree. The bike came down with him under it and his helmet hit his shoulder. It's a hairline fracture and I'm gathering quite painful.

Jake has a sling to stabilize it and it's expected to heal within four weeks.

I cried. I know it's pathetic and I'm an emotional wreck. I hear you. But Jake's my baby...he was my first and well, we just saw him graduate.

As Jake relayed the incident, there was some good come from it, "It's the last time I'll ever get on one (a dirt bike)".

Amd so, with the help of a dirt bike and a terribly painful lesson, my recent graduate starts his life off with a broken collarbone!

My First Graduate

On May 28, my oldest, Jake, graduated from High School.

It was a day packed with emotion. I was overwhelmed with joy. I mean, those first few minutes I held him 18 years ago, high school graduation was something I wanted for him. As I've experienced motherhood, I'm not sure why I needed to dream it, there really was no other option.

So we have it, a highlight in his life.

He says it was "a cake walk". He has always been brilliant. He just never applied himself whole-heartedly. He certainly isn't an over-achiever. None the less, I'm proud of him.

I'm also scared. I hope he listened to all my "rants". I hope he took heed at my "mistakes". I hope he understood the "lessons" he was suppose to learn. I hope he will make choices that will help him grow and become the man I know he is capable of becoming.

He'll start college in the fall.

He wants to be a rockstar!

Alanis Morissette's New Album Hits Stores June 10!!

WINNER of the Sex and the City/Fandango Movie Certificate

Congratulations to:

To determine the winner, I used a random number generator and entered the number of comments (1 to 25). I then selected "enter" and let the generator pick the number (14).

I counted down 14 comments and came to "Molly".

Congratulations, Molly!

Molly, please email me with your name, address and email so I can have the sponsor (One2One Network) get your prizes to you.

***Please add me to your favorites and keep checking back for more great give-aways!***

Sex and the City Soundtrack Review

Enter to win the Sex and the City Soundtrack and $25.00 Fandango Movie Certificate Below

Sex and the City Soundtrack

It's been years since those four fabulous Divas have come into our homes through HBO and given us something to talk about around the water cooler.
May 27th was the release date for the new Sex and the City Movie Soundtrack. The fourteen tracks offer a diverse genre of music and has something for everyone. It's witty, sexy and fun just like our four favorite women: Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda.

1.) Fergie: "Labels or Love"
Fergie continues her infectious upbeat vocals on the song, "Labels or Love". It depicts the storyline of seven seasons of "SATC" and describes its purpose. Carrie Bradshaw moved to New York for "Labels and Love" and Fergie captures great moments with this song's lyrics name dropping designer brands like: "Gucci, Fendi, Prada purses, purchasing them finer things ...Men they come a dime a dozen, just give me them diamond rings...I'm into a lot of bling, Cadallic, Chanel and Coach" as the song moves into a wannabe rap adventure...but how can you not help but get caught up in the song when it flirts "Love is a run way...."

2.)Jennifer Hudson: "All Dressed In Love"
You may remember her from American Idol, however, this Jennifer is all grown up...maybe too grown up. This song showcases her singing ability and has you looking to hear more. The movie features Ms. Hudson as Carrie's new assistant, Louise from St. Louis.

3.) Nina Simone: "The Look of Love"
From the move and groove of Fergie, the soundtrack moves to a more soft jazzy tune by Nina Simone, "The Look of Love". This Madison Park/Lenny remix will have you believing in love all over again as the music awakens something deep within you.4.) Morningwood: "New York Girls"
Relatively new and a little too "hard rock" for my taste, I found myself hanging on to this song. Maybe I could hear Samanta in the lyrics: "In your tight black jeans...And my high heeled shoes ...God, I think you're hot...I got to get with you "

5.) The Weepies: "All This Beauty"
Don't let the title mislead you, this is soon to be the biggest must listen to break up song yet. With lyrics like: "We traveled all night, we drank the ocean dry and watched the sun rise...Let me assure you, friend, every day is ice cream and chocolate cake...I try to be honest, I try to be kind, and honestly leave when I know that it's time."
It depicts the emotions of confusion and at the same time discovery.

6.) Kaskade: "I Like The Way"
How can I not appreciate Kaskade, who moved to Salt Lake City, my hometown and then on to San Francisco, my favorite city!? The lyrics express love:"I like the way we move...From left to right...I like the way we move ...You here by my side."

7. Jem: "It's Amazing"
We haven't heard from this artist in four years and her comeback couldn't be better with "It's Amazing"...the title is pretty self-explanatory!

8. The Bird & The Bee: "How Deep Is Your Love"
There's no questions the lyrics are perfect, they are the same ones that came to life through the Bee Gees. That being said, sometimes you can't improve on the original.

9. India Arie: "The Heart Of The Matter"
This is one of my most favorite songs on the soundtrack. It has heartfelt lyrics that make you revisit those in your life where you need to extend some forgiveness.

10: Mairi Campbell and Dave Francis: "Auld Lang Syne"
It's a familiar song and Mairi Campbell's voice makes it seem suddenly new and fresh. Dave Francis plays acoustic guitar lending chords that accompany the lyrics and voice perfectly!

11: Bliss: "Kissing"
A beautiful ballad that moves you to those feelings you experience beyond the first kiss.

12: Al Green with Joss Stone: "How Can you Mend a Broken Heart"
This song takes you down memory lane, but really did not do much for me.

13: Run D.M.C. with Stephen Tyler and Joe Perry: "Walk this Way"
I'm an 80s girl. I LOVE this song! It had me getting up and dance and struttin' my stuff...a little bit of rock with some rap...my absolute FAVORITE song on the soundtrack!

14: The pfiefer Broz. Orchestra: "Sex and the City Theme"
It's the original SATC Theme song on steroids and it is HOT! I love that they beefed the theme song up and still kept the feel of SATC!

There's plenty of variety in this soundtrack, something for everyone, and while I liked it on first "hear", after seeing the movie, I can tell you it really is a great soundtrack!

Sex And The City Blog Candy Contest and the Anticipation of the Divas' Return!

I am very excited to be able to host this giveaway that is being sponsored by one2onenetwork.com

There's something about Sex and the City that just appeals to women. Perhaps it's the girls' friendship, fashion or their adventures in love and relationships.

To celebrate the release of the SATC soundtrack (buy now) which comes out on Tuesday, May 27 and features songs from Fergie, Jennifer Hudson (who appears in the movie as Carrie's Personal Assistant), Duffy and Jem - as well as India Arie, Al Green and Joss Stone.

AND

the much anticipated SATC Movie, scheduled in a theater near you for Friday, May 30!!

I'm offering SATC BLOG CANDY.......

One SATC soundtrack and one $25 Fandango Movie Gift Certificate.

Simply leave a comment with the correct answer to one trivia question and tell me who you'd rather have as a best friend and why.

The contest runs from Friday, May 23 thru midnight Friday, May 30. I will randomly draw one person, and notify you via email that you have won! The winner will be posted here on Saturday, May 31.

Please, only one entry per person.

Okay, on to the contest:

1.) Which musical celebrity guest stars did Carrie kiss in the series?
A. Alanis Morissette
B. Jon Bon Jovi
C. Melissa Ethridge
D. Lyle Lovett

2.) Who would you rather have as a best friend, and why?
A. Carrie
B. Samantha
C. Miranda
D. Charlotte

SATC Movie Soundtrack:
1. Labels or Love (Fergie)
2. All Dressed In Love (Jennifer Hudson)
3. The Look Of Love -Madison Park vs Lenny B Remix (Nina Simone)
4. New York Girls (Morningwood)
5. All This Beauty (The Weepies)
6. I Like The Way (Kaskade)
7. It's Amazing (Jem)
8. How Deep Is Your Love (The Bird & The Bee)
9. The Heart Of The Matter (India.Arie)
10. Auld Lang Syne (Mairi Campbell & Dave Francis)
11. Kissing (Bliss)
12. . How Can You Mend A Broken Heart (Al Green featuring Joss Stone)
13. Walk This Way (Run-D.M.C. featuring Steve Tyler and Joe Perry ofAerosmith)
14. Sex and the City Movie Theme (The Pfeifer Broz. Orchestra)

The Girls are Back!

Oh, it's been awhile. I've missed those nights with Carrie, my witty author and "in fashion" gal pal. Is it possible she has truly found love...we all know she discovered the fashion labels!

May 30th is the day we alll find out what Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha have doene with the time we've been apart..living our lives, coping with the day to day boggle of careers and girlfriends.

High School Musical 3...and the mini-superstar!

Today was the big day. My second child was selected as an "extra" in the filming of High School Musical 3. Oh, he was excited.
He took forever getting ready. Shower, then an extra long facial, followed by hair gel, hair spray and my guess, cologne as well. He put on his brown cargo pants and Abercrombie and Fitch shirt and loaded his backback with his change of clothes. And then, at 8:30am he stood in the kitchen all gussied up with backpack on and ready.
We had to tell him that check in wasn't for 2-hours and settle in. I think he was sure the clocks had stopped. The excitment was killing him.
Finally, it was time to go. As my husband covered instructions with him, what the money was for, where to meet for pick up, where the pay phone was, here's your lunch, blah, blah, blah....my son's only response was, "Can I go now?!"
It's a 12 hour day for the 15 year old. He's doing something he thinks he loves. I hope when his day ends he is as excited and thrilled as he was this morning.
...and ready to do it all again tomorrow!

High School Musical 3, creates a STAR at our house

My 15 year old dreams of being famous. He has since he was too young to talk. He doesn't care what it is that makes him a household name, he just wants to have SUPERSTAR attached at the beginning or ending of his name.

So for his birthday two weeks ago we paid for a membership to a movie extra site in our local area. It wasn't anything extravagant, but it was well worth the dreams that filled our boy's head. Endless ideas on their calling. His accepting. Yada, yada, yada.

Well, it happened. They called him. High School Musical 3. It was glorious. Truly it was. He printed the consent form. Got right to work on deciding what he would wear. When he decided on a Holister shirt he stressed that perhaps "they" would be mad because it was a brand name. Then we fussed over our hair...combed to the side? like we just got out of bed? faux mohawk? parted down the center? OH, my!

As added glitter they asked him to come Saturday AND Sunday. A two for one deal.

He is too excited. Infact, if he doesn't stop jumping up and down and trying on clothes and hair styles, he may show up in rags and bald.

Let the countdown begin to his moment of fame and may it be all he hopes it is!

Sometimes Waiting Isn't the Worst Thing

My grandma called this morning around 11am. She had some errands to run and then she'd be by to visit. She comes over once a week. I usually do her hair and we drink coffee and enjoy being women.

My two smaller children were so excited. They refused to nap exclaiming they were waiting for "Charlotte the Great"! By Noon, they were wired from their sleepiness and in need of a nap. So, I promised when Charlotte the Great came, I'd wake them up.

By 1pm I was restless. Where was she. My stomach was upset, I contributed this to the six pieces of Hershey's Bliss I'd devoured while waiting. And still...I waited.

I really had no place to go, but by 1:30pm I was feeling like I was late. Like I needed to be somewhere. I think I was just bored and looking forward to "girl time" had me anxious.

Then it happened. About 1:57pm the phone rang. My Grandma on the other end said, "I'm not coming over. I was in an accident." My stomach jumped to my throat. "Are you okay?" She said she was. She ran a red light crossing a highway and was hit on her side. It broke her car's axel and twisted it all up. She said she didn't know where she was it disoriented her so badly. All I could say was, "Are you sure you're all right?" To which she said she was. Then, what sounded like tears were approaching, she said, "I'm sorry."

"There's no need to be sorry, Grandma. I"m just so glad you're okay."

I may not see my Grandma today, but I am thankful someone was looking after her today so I can visit with her again soon!

No shame in Celine Dion...Not here anyway

I had this posted awhile back. I didn't like it's placement and so I moved it...here. Y'know a lot of folks make fun of Celine Dion. I can't be the only one who loves her voice and the lyrics to her song. She sings with such passion...it really brings the emotion to your core.

There have been a few interviews with her I've watched. She has a great sense of humor and I love how devoted she is to her husband, Rene.

I never got down to Vegas to see her show. Perhaps I can catch her on her tour.

Missy Higgins is coming to Salt Lake City

I just heard about Missy Higgins a week or so ago. Now I am intrigued by her. Her lyrics are simple (very simple) and yet they seem to express life--it's trials, relationships and events. My favorite song on her new album, "On a Clear Night" is "Peachy". It just appeals to me.

Her voice is sultry. It's sexy. It warms my soul and makes me want to listen. I find myself humming along now and just relaxing.

I hadn't heard of Missy Higgins until about a week ago. Now, she is all that I play while driving or just relaxing. Her "On A Clear Night" is an amazing tribute to her voice.

The CD was recorded in Los Angeles with famed producer Mitchell Froom, who has worked with such legendary artists as Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow and Crowded House.

Neil Finn of "Crowded House" plays guitar on "Peachy" and provdes backup vocals on Ms. Higgins song, "Going North".

"Peachy" is upbeat and will have you movin'. I love the sarcastic lyrics. Her voice is strong and I find myself belting out the "of course you don'ts" right along with Ms. Higgins.

"Warm Whispers" is soft and nearly haunting. The sound of this song is calm and feels as if you are being told a grand secret and seems to capture time in a bottle.

Missy Higgins has a unique voice that I have yet to grow tired of. "Where I Stood". Is my favorite song on the album. I can relate to its lyrics. Her voice is sexy, strong and sultry.

This is a must have album!

P.S. Missy is a celebrity who actually lives the life of being "Green". She recently moved to Silverlake, California to reduce her carbon footprint in commuting between her native home, Australia, and the US. She also rides bike rather than drive a car whenever possible.


I would recommend this artist and her music to anyone.