Tillman4

Closed----Betty Crocker Greek Suddenly Salad mix Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

2010-06-25T08:35:00.012-05:00

Congrats to:

Whether it´s for an afternoon in the backyard with friends and family or a block party in the neighborhood or a family vacation, it´s time to start thinking about which delicious dish you´ll be adding to the side. Rather than bringing the usual potato salad or coleslaw, add excitement to your party plate by spicing up traditional summer salads with Betty Crocker´s Suddenly Salad® mixes.

With Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad mixes, you can whip up a delicious side dish in the time it takes to boil pasta. Each box of Suddenly Salad comes with ready-to-cook pasta and a seasoning packet. Put your own spin on it by adding your choice of mix-ins to create a one-of-a-kind pasta salad that will wow your guests. With seven different flavors, including new Greek, you´re sure to find a family pleasing favorite that no one will ever guess isn´t made from scratch!

I was sent the Betty Crocker Greek Suddenly Salad mix. YUMMO!!!! I brought it with us on our trip to Florida so that we could enjoy trying it at the condo with the smell of the beach and ocean!

We made the Betty Crocker Greek Suddenly Salad with our Ham sandwiches for lunch. We added some grape tomatoes to it and it really made the salad "POP" with freshness. We also divided it up and added ham to half and pepperoni to the other half. We also added real Olive Oil from Greece. This is a GREAT side to add to any meal!!! Get out there and try it!!!

*For great recipe ideas and to learn about the different varieties of Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad mixes, visit www.SuddenlySalad.com. There, you´ll find great recipes, including one for Greek Tossed Pasta Salad, using Suddenly Salad Caesar pasta salad mix, and Garden Ranch Pasta Salad, using Suddenly Salad ranch & bacon pasta salad mix.

Bettty Crocker and MyBlogSpark provided me with a "Suddenly Delicious" prize pack, which includes a sample of the newest variety, Suddenly Salad Greek, a storage container, a serving bowl and an insulated tote. They are providing me with a pack to give away to one of my readers.

Want to know how you can win this prize pack......

Mandatory entry- please leave me a comment on what your favorite salad to make is when you are enjoying a fun summer cookout.

(remember to leave your email so that I can contact you if you win.)

want extra entries???

-Tweet about this giveaway as many times as you want!

-follow my blog

-follow me on twitter @Tillman4

*Ends July 5th at 8pm*

(The product, gift pack, information, and giveaway were all provided by Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark.)

Simply... Go-Gurt Review and Giveaway

2010-06-10T09:38:00.004-05:00

DO you or kids LOVE yogurt???

JMAn does so we always have some in the house, and Go-Gurt is what we keep in the fridge. These are the best snacks for little ones.... you don't need a spoon all you have to do is tear of the top and you are ready to go!

Have you heard about

New Simply...Go-Gurt is made from simple ingredients moms look for and contains no high fructose corn syrup or artificial colors or flavors. Each convenient portable yogurt tube contains a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Go-Gurt is a good-for-you, low fat yogurt snack that you can feel good about giving to your kids.

New Simply...Go-Gurt is available in two kid-friendly flavors, Strawberry and Mixed Berry.

MyBlogSpark sent me a :

"Simplify Your Life" prize pack that included a coupon for a free box of Simply Go-Gurt, a pocket Etch a Sketch, weekly planner and a seat back organizer.

Guess what... You have a chance to win this cool "Simplify Your Life" prize pack too!!

Please leave me a comment on who in your household loves yogurt.

I love that JMan likes this as a before bed snack!!! I feel great giving this to him as a HEALTHY bedtime snack.

Give them a try I know you will Love them too!

*EXTRA ENTRIES*

Tweet about this giveaway (however much you want!)

This will end Sunday, June 13 at 8pm

Simply Go-Gurt prize pack, information and additional prize pack for the giveaway were all given to me from Yoplait through MyBlogSpark.

Pillsbury Pizza Crust Review and Giveaway.. Closed

2010-05-26T20:55:00.008-05:00

CONGRATS to

theluckyladybug

Does your family have PIZZA night??

Ours does and we LOVE to make it fun!

I was given the opportunity to try the Pillsbury Pizza Crust.... along with some other fun things, like cute pizza slice plates and game of Pictureka.

I was sent a coupon good for one of the

Pillsbury Pizza Crusts to choose from, they have two that you can choose from, the Classic Crust or the Thin Crust.

We choose the thin crust.

Doesn't it look yummo?

Pepperoni, Mushrooms, Black Olives and Cheese.

And the finished PIZZA:

Our Pizza turned out AWESOME!!

We cooked it on our indoor grill...

The finished PIZZA on the cute Pizza plates that were provided with the Family Pizza Party pack.

I guess we liked the pizza.. HA

The crust was still pretty thick for the size of pizza that we made so if you are making a small to medium pizza you will have a thicker crust even with the thin crust.

After enjoying the pizza we got to enjoy a game of Pictureka! How much more fun can you have? Pictureka is one of my 3 yr olds favorite games.

(Especially when he finds the horse with a toot cloud behind him)

LOL

Are you ready to make some family memories by having a fun Family Night.... Why not grab some pizza fixings and some Pillsbury Pizza Crust and start if off right!

Pillsbury provided me with the VIP coupons, information, and prize packs through MyBlogSparkTM

GUESS WHAT

You can win a Family Pizza Party pack too.

For your first entry please leave me a comment about the fun family nights that your family shares.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

Follow me on Twitter @Tillman4

Tweet about this giveaway...

As many times as you want!!!

it's a short one 3 days.....

Ends on Saturday, May 29th at 11:59pm

Don't forget to leave me your email so I can contact you if you win!

2010-04-23T22:15:00.005-05:00

Meet our

"NEW"

DAISY MAY!!!!

I have been watching the papers and searching online checking out puppies.. and along came this picture of a puppy named "PERDITA". She was listed on the Lab Rescue website. SO I looked for more info on her.. This is what I found:

Perdita is a PERFECT 9 week old lab puppy. She has not had 1 accident in the house. Of course she is in her crate if she is not supervised. She goes out about every 2 hours. She LOVES my kids and loves to play with our 1 year old Lab. She is very laid back for a little puppy. She goes right over to the dog pillow and lays down like a good girl. I've taught her to sit a few times. At night she goes right in her crate and sleeps until 6 AM, (doesn't even cry!!!) goes out, eats breakfast and goes back to sleep until 8 AM. My kids call her "Tinker" because her little booty shakes like a tinkerbell when she walks. HA. She is such a sweetheart. I'm really impressed with her. She would do well at ANY home with anyone.

So I had to check her out!

On Thursday April 15th I went ahead and filled out the application.. which was quite a process... it took almost a week to get all the info together and for Lab Rescue to check it all out!

I also saw another puppy that I were interesed in... So I started asking qustions about both of these puppies...

I found out that the other puppy would be at a meet and greet Lab Rescue on that Saturday, but "PERDITA" had not had her 2nd round of shot, so she would not be there. The kids and I went and meet the other puppy... it was a NO go.. she looked part Lab and part Pitt Bull.. SO NO WAY was I going to have a pup that had Pitt in it at my house!!!

After that Saturday I started asking more questions about Perdita. The more and more I found out.. I had to meet her!! I pushed and pushed to get more info then finally the next Thursday we were approved and my name info and email were passed on to Perdita's Foster mommy.. I heard back with in and hour of being approved.

Here is the info I got from her "foster" mommy:

I heard you are interested in the Lab puppy Perdita from Lab Rescue.

I am her foster mommy.

This little girl would make a wonderful family companion.

I have had her for 2 weeks now and she is a very good little girl.

She has only had 1 accident in the house.

She goes right outside to potty. My 5 year old daughter carries her around like a babydoll and the puppy doesn’t mind it at all.

She’s been playing a lot with our 1 year old lab.

I am very set on crate training until they are at least 3-4 months old. I did this with my Labby and although it was very hard to hear her cry at times, I am so thankful now.

Here is our basic layout of the day with her….

6 AM I let her out of her crate…she’s been crying every morning right at 6.

I feed her 1 cup of food and she goes back out approx. 30 minutes later to go poo.

She has a lot of energy in the mornings so this is the time I let her run around and play outside.

I work full time. She goes in her crate at 8:30 AM and I come home at 12 to let her out. She’s been holding it for approx 4 hours max at a time.

5 PM I get home, let her out, feed her ½ cup of food, go on walk with leash (she’s very good) and play.

She’s tuckered out by 9 PM and this is when she will let you snuggle her.

She has not chewed on anything (yet) except for her bones and chew toys. She loves the squeaky toys & the nylon bones.

I have been very impressed with her. She has not bitten anyone nor nipped. She is a bit timid towards my husband. I think it might be his deep voice.

She does love her crate very much. She feels safe in it. We’ve caught her a few times when she’s tired just walking right into the crate and laying down.

I haven’t noticed any “issues” with her. The only thing I would recommend is having her front dew claws removed when she is spayed.

They really scratch and are sharp.

Come out and meet this little girl. You will fall in love with her. I will be sad to see her go, but I want her to go to the best family possible.

You are more than welcome to come out to my house on Sat or Sun to meet her.

I noticed you are in Coweta? I am in Coweta every Thursday night at Gymnastics if you would rather meet me there to see the puppy. Let me know, and any questions please ask.

I did have a few questions and sent the to her..

here is what I heard back:

I was told by Lab Rescue that she does in fact have papers. I have not seen the papers, so I would be sure and ask them for sure. She looks full bred to me. Her little puppy face looks exactly like my full bred black female Lab.

The story I received was there was a guy who was breeding Labs and selling them. Perdita didn’t sell at 6 weeks old and through the grapevine a nearby neighbor hood the man was going to shoot her. So the neighbor took Perdita in when she was 6 weeks old and she called Lab Rescue.

I got her when she was 8 weeks old.

I know she went to the Vet the day before I got her and she checked out okay, had her 1^st round of shots & de-wormer.

She weighed 14 lbs at 8 weeks. My guess is she was the runt of the liter.

The lab we have was the runt of her liter and weighed the same as Perdita at that age. She now weighs right at 50 lbs.

As far as your 3 year old…I have a 3 year old son as well so Perdita is use to being around little ones. She is a puppy and jumps up when she’s excited. She loves him and licks both my kids all the time. I’ve been telling her “down” when she tries to jump up, but that just takes time & repetition and is usually resolved by the time they are 6-12 months. She’s not big enough to knock him down, but the dew claw on the front does scratch the little ones, so that is why I would for sure have it removed.

I will be at Gymnastics tonight from 6:15-7. You can meet me there at 6:30 or 7, whichever works for you and I can bring the puppy.

WOW are you kidding me .. she sounds PERFECT!!!! We got op meet her that night. She was perfect!!! I emailed the next day to Lab Rescue that we were very interested, but wanted Daddy to meet her too. So Saturday morning April 17 Daddy went and met her.. After some talking I was off in the pouring rain to sign papers to make her ours!! BUT----AWWW man I was told that we have to wait 2 weeks to get her.. I was so upset.. Anyway after doing a lot of talking and a little extra donation.. we had her home that night! I told the kids I was running to get a movie and came back with her! I am so happy to have adopted a Lab Rescue Lab and hope that more people will look into it too!!!

This was taken the night I brought her home!

It is now a week later and all is still GREAT!!!!

New Mirra Products Review and Giveaway CLOSED

2010-02-28T10:19:00.025-06:00

Mirra combines quality,
natural ingredients and the latest science

I was given the chance to try some of these great products out. The products I got to try out were the :

Smoothing Shampoo
Smoothing Conditioner
Daily STRONG sculpting gel
Renew Exfoliating & Detoxifying Cleanser
Renew eye cream
Renew Micro-Remodeling Cream
Hydrating Night Treatment

Here’s the scoop from the Kroger website:

Kroger is proud to introduce mirra, our easy to use, exclusive health and beauty care brand for family-focused women seeking effortless beauty. Mirra combines quality, natural ingredients with the latest science to meet 3 different needs: Daily – routine personal care; Renew – a rejuvenating time out; and Inspire – quick transformations for a night out.

Designed to make hair look and feel it’s best, mirra Daily shampoos and conditioners are professionally formulated to adapt to your hair’s unique needs: Smoothing, Volumizing, and Color Treated. Mirra products contain sunflower extract, soy protein, amino acids, and chicory root, along with other ingredients, to counteract the harsh effects of hard water and restore a healthy PH balance to your hair – allowing your hair to reach its full potential. Styling products provide moisture, shine, and hold.*
Mirra Renew skincare products feature exfoliating cleanser and assorted creams to hydrate, reduce appearance of wrinkles, accelerate skin renewal, firm and lift with ingredients such as aloe, green tea, pro-vitamin A, and apricot seeds.*
~They also carry a line of makeup brushes and body products. I did not get to review any of them but I hope to try them soon.~
Mirra Daily makeup brushes are made from quality natural hair and synthetic fibers for flawless application of color cosmetics.
In body care, mirra Renew offers Bamboo & Honey, Lemongrass & Ginger, Black Tea & Cracked Pepper, and Japanese Yuzu fragrances in foaming bath, body wash, body lotion, and body mist products for customers to layer as they nourish, strengthen, moisturize, and soothe their skin. Exciting mirra Inspire products are in creation for a later launch date. Mirra is perfect for the woman who wants effortless beauty.*

*Products may not be available in all stores. Please see your store for details.

What Women Want

Nature and science, no hassle beauty care

Cincinnati, OH – What do women want? According to recent survey results, women believe beauty products made with both natural ingredients and proven scientific technologies work best – and that’s what new beauty brand, mirra™ provides.

In addition to its own consumer research, mirra recently conducted an online survey of over 500 women asking a variety of questions about beauty care products and regimens. Here’s what women said:

· 77 percent said products that have both natural ingredients and proven technologies, work best. Only nine percent said products with all natural ingredients, alone, were best; and 14 percent said the same of science only products.

· 71 percent chose “Take 10” as the best description of their beauty style and routine. They said they don’t have a lot of time and don’t spend a lot of time on their beauty routine – 10 minutes at most. Other options included “soak and savor,” “60 minutes,” and “beat the clock.”

· Their description of a “bad hair day” was evenly split between “flat” (37 percent) and “frizzy” (35 percent). (15 percent said fly-away; 13 percent said oily).

Launching now, mirra products include shampoos and conditioners; hair styling products; body washes and mists; facial and skin care lotions, cleansers and cleansing cloths; eye firming and age defying creams; and cosmetic brushes.

mirra products are made with natural ingredients, such as olive oil, aloe leaf juice, and cranberry, bamboo, honey and chicory root extracts. Proven technologies are used for many of the products too. For example, the revolutionary oleosome emulsion technology is used in skin care products to deliver long lasting moisture that keeps protecting and nourishing skin long after application.

mirra products can be found in the beauty care aisles exclusively at all stores that are part of the Kroger Co. family. For a limited time, mirra is offering $5 off when you purchase any two mirra products.

Why mirra

“Women tell us they want products that enhance who they are and their natural beauty. They don’t want to disguise or cover up their true selves,” said Linda Severin, Vice President of Corporate Brands for The Kroger Co. “mirra uses the best of nature and science to provide women a beauty regimen that is both easy and effective.”

A Closer Look at mirra

The natural and scientific ingredients in mirra products are tested for effectiveness. For example, in mirra’s micro-remodeling cream, aloe and green tea team up with MATRIXL 3000 to reduce wrinkles, provide skin firmness, to sooth and deliver antioxidant properties. A study of MATRIXL 3000 was shown, in just two months, to significantly reduce wrinkle depth and skin roughness and improve skin tone.

*The online survey was conducted by the Consumer Research Department at The Kroger Co. in October 2009 among 502 women between the ages of 35 and 54.

About The Kroger Co.:

Kroger, the nation’s largest traditional grocery retailer, employs more than 326,000 associates who serve customers in 2,469 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s. The Company also operates 773 convenience stores, 392 fine jewelry stores, 850 supermarket fuel centers and 40 food processing plants in the U.S. Kroger, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, focuses its charitable efforts on supporting hunger relief, health and wellness initiatives, and local organizations in the communities it serves. For more information about Kroger, please visit www.kroger.com.

You can go to the Kroger website and check out these and other Mirra products.

Here is a picture of the products that I have received and been using

Mirra Daily Shampoos and Conditioners

I am going to start with the Smoothing Shampoo... 2 words.. LOVE IT!!! The smell is so refreshing. I was a little skeptical about the shampoo at first, it is a clear thick gel..... put a lot in my hand, I was sure it was not going to get foamy. BOY was I wrong! A little goes a long way. It lathered into foam really easily.

Smoothing Conditioner is nice and creamy , it is not too thick or thin. I had to use a little more than the usual amount.It leaves my hair shiny and smooth. 2 words once again....LOVE IT!!

The gel... well most of you know I do not fix my hair, it is just straight has no style to it. So I did not try the gel on myself, but I did try it on JMan. He usually is not into spiking his hair anymore but when he smelled it he wanted to use it. It stayed spiked and even after his nap we added a little water and POOF, we re-spiked it and did not have to use more.. it is not a thick gooey gel. I really liked how light it is!

Mirra Renew skincare products

Renew Exfoliating & Detoxifying Cleanser

Is a creamy cleanser. I have never used a cream cleaner until now. It has apricot and oxygenated derma-beads in the cleanser so it feels like you get a good exfoliation. ( but it has a very smooth exfoliation, not rough at all.)

The Renew eye cream

It is very light and non irritating. Most eye creams seem to bother my eyes and make them water. This did not bother me at all and I have noticed smoother skin around my eyes.

Renew Micro-Remodeling Cream

This face cream is a thicker face cream, I have only used very light face cream so it is taking a little getting use too. If you like a thicker face cream you will LOVE it! it has a very light fresh scent. It Firms, Smooths and Restores your skin to a younger state. This cream works at a intracellular level.

Hydrating Night Treatment

Once again the night cream is a thicker cream. This night cream hydrates the skin cells, firms and smooths the skin. When you apply it, it seems greasy but once it soaks in there is no greasy feel left to it. It has a very nice light relaxing scent to it.

I have really enjoyed trying theses products out. I have seen a difference in my hair and skin. It looks healthier and hydrated. I really like that the Mirra line has natural and scientific ingredients . I really think that you will like their products too!

GUESS WHAT!?!?!?!
I have another GIVEAWAY!!!

You too will be able to try out some of these products.

The giveaway is for a similar gift pack of products.
It will contains 5-6 products ranging from shampoo/conditioner, sculpting gel and facial cleanser to wrinkle reducing eye cream, body wash and body lotion.
(US entries only, please.)

For you main entry I want you to tell me what Mirra product you would like to try out and how you take care of your skin.

Remember : please leave your email like this (tillmanfour at gmail dot com) so bots can't spam you : )
or twitter name so I can get a hold of the winner..

You have to do the main entry for any additional entries to count.

1. Follow my blog

2. Follow me on Twitter

3. Tweet about this giveaway:
(as many times as you want)

" Tillman4 is at it again ... GIVEAWAY for Mirra products http://bit.ly/bRGZLe pls RT "

This giveaway will end on Friday, March 12 at 8pm central time.

I received these products courtesy of The Kroger Company for review

and giveaway as a part of the Global Influence Network.

Thanks guys!!

CONGRATS TOO!!!!!
Mtlgrl4evr said...

I would love to try the Renew Exfoliating & Detoxifying Cleanser! I really don't do much: cleanse and moisturize and the occasional mask.

March 10, 2010 8:22 AM

YUMM-O Chocolate Cheerios ended 2/28

2010-02-25T20:11:00.014-06:00

Have you seen the NEW Cheerios yet???
If you LOVE Cheerios and if you LOVE Chocolate then this is the cereal for you!

Your taste buds will be delighted with new Chocolate Cheerios-with a perfect balance of whole grain goodness and a delicious touch of chocolate taste in every bite.

I was sent a box of the Chocolate Cheerios to try.. one word YUM-O!!

Did you know.....

Chocolate Cheerios is low in fat, heart healthy*, has 100 calories per serving, it contains at least 8 grams of whole grain per serving (at least 48 grams recommended daily), and is a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Made with real cocoa, Chocolate Cheerios can help your family start the day off right with a delicious and nutritious breakfast.

I felt like I was a kid again.. Chocolate for breakfast, I couldn't believe it!!!
It was AWESOME!!

I love to snack through out the day and especially in the evening when I get that Chocolate craving... IT get's the "JOB DONE"!!!

As some of you know I work at an Aftercare program at our school so I thought that I would see what the kids had to say about the NEW Chocolate Cheerios..

Maggie says: It's REALLY Chocolaty and GOOD! It also is healthy if it's Cheerios.

Jamie: It is BUSTING with Chocolate flavor!

Gabby: It's got a GREAT Chocolate flavor and it's a Healthy snack.

Kyle: It's a GREAT snack.

Here are a few Recipes that you might wanna try:

Strawberry-Chocolate Cheerios® Parfaits

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Start to Finish: 15 Minutes

2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
4 containers (6 oz each) Yoplait® Light Fat Free strawberry yogurt
2 cups Chocolate Cheerios® cereal

In 4 parfait glasses or clear drinking glasses, layer half of the strawberries, half of the yogurt and half of the cereal. Repeat layers.

Serve immediately

Chocolate Cheerios® Marshmallow Hearts

Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Start to Finish: 1 Hour 45 Minutes

Crust
1 cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1 cup Chocolate Cheerios® cereal, crushed
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups miniature marshmallows
Topping
2/3 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 bag (11.5 ounces) milk chocolate chips
4 cups Chocolate Cheerios® cereal
Candy sprinkles, if desired

Heat oven to 350°F. Line bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with foil. In large bowl, mix all crust ingredients except marshmallows with electric mixer on low speed until crumbly. Press firmly into bottom of pan.

Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove from oven. Immediately sprinkle with marshmallows. Return to oven; bake an additional 1 to 2 minutes or until marshmallows just begin to puff. Cool while preparing topping.

In large saucepan, place all topping ingredients except cereal and sprinkles. Heat over medium-low heat just until chips are melted and mixture is smooth, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in 4 cups cereal. Immediately spoon warm topping over marshmallows; spread to cover. Sprinkle with candy sprinkles. Cool completely, at least 1 hour.

Using foil to lift, remove mixture from pan; remove foil. With deep 2 1/2-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out 18 hearts. Store loosely covered.

I HAVE A GIVEAWAY!!!!

I have had the opportunity to have my 1st giveaway!!!
You could win this Gift Pack that includes:

1 Box of Chocolate Cheerios
1BIG ceramic bowl to enjoy your cereal from
and
Chocolate Scented Spa Set

For your main entry I would like you to leave a comment about what your morning routine is:
please leave email ( tillmanfor at gmail dot com) so bots can't get you : )
or twitter name so I can get a hold of the winner..

For a 2nd entry follow me on Twitter @Tillman4 and tweet about this Giveaway.
" Check out @Tillman4's 1st blog giveaway, Chocolate Cheerios Gift pack http://bit.ly/ax0ync"
(one tweet per day)

For a 3rd entry follow my blog

I will be choosing a winner on February 28th at 8 pm central time by Random.org...
Thanks and good luck!

The product, prize pack, information, and giveaway have all been provided by Cheerios through MyBlogSpark.

*Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. Chocolate Cheerios cereal is low in fat, saturated fat free and naturally cholesterol free.

CONGRATS!! Here is the winner

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 4 Powered by RANDOM.org

Doodle741 said...

I am following your blog! :)

February 25, 2010 11:01 PM

Congrats!! DM me your info on twitter and I will get it to the sponsor that will be for filling the win!!! Congrats once again!!

The Ice, Snow Storm of 2010

2010-01-31T20:44:00.004-06:00

The ICE and SNOW storm of 2010

What a way to start the new year!!!!

Thank goodness there was no POWER outages around here. Kevin was gone to Florida for a Sales Meeting. (Go figure Florida) Gram came over to hang out with us while Kevin was gone. We got a lesson in using the Generator in case we needed it. The ICE came and went, thankfully not as bad as called for. On Thursday Jman's school was canceled and we picked Jbug up before the ice started. The ice started about 12:30pm. Friday school was canceled and in the am we got more ice.

Then about 10am the snow started to fall and fall and fall, all day long. We ended up with about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch of ice and about 7 inches of snow. Kevin was going to come home on Saturday and thankfully he made it home. The airport was shut down on Friday and we were worried that Saturday it would be too.
Gramps ventured over Saturday to stay the night and take Gram back home. Roads were clear.

Some cool pictures of Icicles on the back of the house

Now on to the FUN!!! Playing in the Snow.

Jbug as usually made a great little sledding area of the back yard! Perfect for the both of them. Jman just loves sledding.

Stay warm!!!

Ok enough with the COLD!!!

2010-01-06T10:55:00.004-06:00

This morning this was our week forecast...
Can you say BBBURRR!

And this is the snowman built on Monday Dec 28th... YES 9 days ago!!
It's too cold for him to melt...so he's still with us!

OKLAHOMA Redneck Sledding 2009

2009-12-28T18:41:00.003-06:00

Daddy brought JBug's 4 wheeler home today.

I guess this is how you sled when you have no hills around..

Jbug decided that Jman would want to do this too...

What big fun from the " OKLAHOMA BLIZZARD of 2009"

They even managed to build a little snowman!

They had to wait for the snow to melt a little so it would be packing snow!

2009-12-14T23:28:00.001-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Ruby Pinwheels Organic Baby and Kids product Review

2009-12-05T23:34:00.006-06:00

Ruby Pinwheels is a wonderful Organic website filled with Baby and Kids clothes, Gifts and Personal Care items.

They are a :

Please take a minute to visit their website and look around for some GREAT Christmas gifts. You could spend hours just looking around at all the cute clothes and wonderful gift items they carry.
Just click the link below:

http://www.rubypinwheels.com/

I got the chance to be on the Ruby Pinwheels Blog Tour, I was so excited!

I
have to say that I am not a total organic mom but I try to to buy some organic products. They are so much better for our families and the environment.

I got to pick out something from the personal items that they carry.

My choice was the "Aura Cacia Kids Foaming Body Wash"
it sells for $8.99

Aura Cacia Kids Foaming Body Wash

Click on this link to go to the page:

http://www.rubypinwheels.com/Aura_Cacia_Organic_Body_Wash_p/fc188257.htm

Sea Turtles count on damselfish and angelfish to clean their shells. They just swim up to a coral reef, and let their hard-working helpers do the rest! Now, Aura Cacia can't package damselfish (and, anyway, you don't want to have algae all over you) but they can do a little something to help you at bath time! Their great-smelling, foaming, 100% pure body wash is all about good, clean fun. 8 oz.
-This is GREAT smelling.. It has a wonderful citrus smell to it, Jman referred to it as smelling like his "oranges".

Tips

Apply to wet skin with a mesh sponge. Work into a rich lather. Rinse thoroughly.
- YES make sure to use a mesh sponge, Jman likes to just use his hands and it did not lather that much with just his hands, but once we used the mesh sponge there was lots of lather!

Paraben-free. Not tested on animals. Contains no SLS, MEA, DEA, TEA, synthetic fragrances or colors.

Jman loves to take a bath and wash all by himself.

Here are the Brands that they carry :
Alaffia
Aura Cacia
Awakening Organics
BabyBam Collection
BabyBear Shop
Baby Blend Tees
Badger
barley & birch
Earth Mama Angel Baby
Erbaorganics
Global Mamas
Green Babies
Happy Green Bee
Kee-Ka
little twig
Learning Tees
OBLI Organics
Positively Organic
Progressive Kid
Sckoon Organics
Scout
Seaside Naturals
Seedling Kids
Serendipity
Speesees
Sum-Bo-Shine
Tru Kid
Yellow Label Kids

They also have a great club:

Ruby Pinwheels Personal Care Club

We know you go through a lot of skin care products keeping your kids clean, soft, detangled and sun burn free! Buy those products from us and we'll reward you - how can you beat that? Buy 6 personal care products from Ruby Pinwheels and we'll give you the 7th one free (maximum $20 value/product). How do I join? No worries; we will keep track of your purchases and when the 6th item has been purchased the next one is free. What could be easier? Thanks for being members of our Personal Care Club.

-just a side note.. I did receive this product for free to review and I still LOVE IT!!

Remember to please take a minute to visit their website and look around for some GREAT Christmas gifts.
Just click the link below:

http://www.rubypinwheels.com/

You can also become a FAN on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ruby-Pinwheels/116385901930

And don't forget to Follow @RubyPinwheels on Twitter..

A "BIG" thanks to Ruby Pinwheels for letting me help them out out on this
"Ruby Pinwheels Blog Tour".

Crazy Neighbors!!!

2009-12-04T22:13:00.003-06:00

Gram has been with us for the past week, after 3 days in Duckville, Mo. for Thanksgiving. She came home with us and has been a GREAT help!!!

I got our Christmas lights put out.

3 weeks to Christmas
I can't wait, Jman has been talking about Christmas for at least a month already....oh it can't come soon enough !

We have been driving around looking at Christmas lights and we found this neighbors house.

Sorry it maybe kind quiet, but these are some of our neighbors..

Aunt E and Uncle A just wait you ain't seen nothin yet!!!

Vote for Monkey... Once again!

2009-11-09T20:55:00.007-06:00

Help me out and go to my Facebook and find my photo album marked Jman look at all 3 pictures and click the like button or leave a comment on just one or all three and you will help me get one step closer to winning a camera.
Then I can take pictures so that you can see more photos of my beautiful babies!!!
Here are the pictures you can choose from....

This is the link!!! Thanks

http://www.facebook.com/tapandtake?v=photos&so=255#/photo.php?pid=504385&op=18&o=global&view=global&subj=105794809876&id=1607498918&fbi...d=1199068149336

On facebook I am Carrie Strawn Tillman
Thanks for all your support!
and thanks to Missy too!!!!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-07T22:43:00.004-06:00

We had a wonderful Halloween this year as always with the Hallums. Daddy even got to come this year!!

The Hallum's Haunted House

JMan and JBug

Mommy and Scooby Doo

The Girls

Thanks Rach once again for the great pictures!!

I will be doing a review

2009-11-06T21:53:00.004-06:00

for
Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce and I will have 2 bottles to Giveaway!
Stay tuned!!!

Last night was a Twitter Xmas Bash

2009-11-06T18:40:00.004-06:00

Last night was was the Disney's A Christmas Carol IMAX Twitter party... And we were talking about family traditions... We started a new one about 5 years ago... JBug and Daddy (and now Jman) try to get Santa on camera every year. They set up the camera, put a string on it so that Santa will trip on it and snap his picture... Here a are some of the pictures we have gotten....so CLOSE but yet so FAR away!!

This is the BEST one so far, it was caught last year.

This was in 2006

This was 2004

I hope that you enjoyed these, and I hope to have a new one to post after this Christmas.

6th Grade

2009-11-02T20:03:00.004-06:00

JBugs Official
6th grade picture.

JBug's official Volleyball picture

6th Grade All Saints Blue team

Jman's 1st school performance

2009-10-29T11:37:00.002-05:00

Jman's Halloween School Program.

Getting ready

Jman's Song
I'm a little pumpkin
I'm a little pumpkin
Big and fat
Big and fat
Carved into a jack o lantern
Carved into a jack o lantern
Just like that
Just like that

After the program.... Even if he didn't sing, he still looked CUTE!!!

Five for Fighting, New Album Slice Review

2009-10-10T21:27:00.010-05:00

I was very excited to be able to be one of the chosen few to review this great new album!!!
You will defiantly want to check this out!!

I have to admit that I did not know a lot of songs by Five For Fighting but I think everyone knows “Superman” and "100 Years".
Check out their website:

http://www.fiveforfighting.com/

Five For Fighting is back!

Fall is a great time to update your personal playlist and the new Five For Fighting album should definitely grab a spot on your list.

Singer/songwriter John Ondrasik has spent the past decade writing deeply personal songs that include social messages, invoke the human spirit and make an emotional connection. This can be heard on the past five albums by Five For Fighting, the band name under which he records and performs.

Now John delivers a new album, Slice, featuring the song "Chances ", available October 13th.

Five For Fighting’s breakthrough came in 2001 with the Grammy Nominated song “Superman”, from the Platinum certified “America Town”. The song was climbing the charts upon release, and when 9/11 happened, it became a song of healing for the nation. They performed the song at the post 9/11 fundraiser The Concert for New York which paid tribute to all the firefighters, police officers & paramedics affected by the events of 9/11.

On the 2004 release, “The Battle For Everything”, the song “100 Years” followed in the footsteps of “Superman” as yet another inspiring reflective song.

And one of the things to love about John is that he is happily married and the father of two children whom he dotes on. His oldest actually made a debut in one of his videos as a newborn! (His other baby, his retro Ford Mustang, has made appearances in more than one album package and video.) He and his family reside in Los Angeles, CA.

ROAD TRIPPING

John will be hitting the road in October with An Acoustic Evening with Five For Fighting. The songs are great on record, even better live! Definitely a show worth seeing! To find out about how to get tickets in a market near you, go to his site.

18-Oct Toronto, ON El Mocambo

20-Oct New York, NY City Winery

22-Oct Bay Shore, NY (Long Island) YMCA Boulton Center

23-Oct Uncasville, CT The Wolf Den

24-Oct Washington, DC Jammin Java

26-Oct Boston, MA The Paradise

27-Oct Philadelphia, PA World Café Live (downstairs)

29-Oct Nashville, TN The Belcourt

30-Oct Chicago, IL Lakeshore

3-Nov Salt Lake City, UT The State Room

5-Nov Seattle, WA Crocodile

6-Nov Portland, OR Aladdin Theater

10-Nov San Francisco, CA Swedish American Hall

11-Nov Los Angeles, CA Largo at the Coronet

Tune in to check out their TV appearances:

10/10 CBS Saturday Morning

10/14 The View

10/16 The Today Show

Just last week:

Five For Fighting: Move That Bus!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

On Sunday, September 27th Five For Fighting performed "Chances" and "Superman" on the 2-hour season premiere of ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition.

My Zune now holds all of the Five for Fighting songs. I feel that these songs are written and full of HEART felt messages....I really enjoyed all of their new songs. But my favorites by far are "CHANCES" & "SLICE".
Please go to their website and check out their new songs, you will want to buy this CD.

Thanks One2OneNetwork for giving me the chance to write my 1st review

Out little artist

2009-10-08T12:53:00.004-05:00

Jman is now into painting....water color painting that is! Here are a few of his Trucks that he has painted.

What can I say the boy loves TIRES!!

For a 2 yr old I would say he stays in the lines pretty good.

Below is a Fire Truck that he painted at school. 6 Firemen and 2 Fire Trucks came to his school on Tuesday, October 6th. He got to sit in it and talk to the fire men. He had a blast.

WOO HOO

2009-10-07T22:00:00.005-05:00

Ok, everyone I get to do my 1st review!!!! So stay tuned and we will see how it goes. I am doing a review for Five for Fighting, their new album-Slice. Check back this weekend and let me know what you think.

PLEASE VOTE FOR OUR MONKEY!!!!!!

2009-10-03T00:32:00.005-05:00

Ok I need your votes!!!!! Go to:

http://community.momtv.com/_Creative-Vado-Contest-Entry-Please-Vote-For-my-MONKEY/photo/5354463/101589.html

you can copy and paste this address to get there.

Or just leave a comment here and they are suppose to count those too.

And vote for my Monkey to win the Cutest Kid contest!!!!! Common you can do it!!!

Few more picts of Volleyball 3rd game

2009-09-28T21:46:00.004-05:00

BUMP IT!!!!!

Overhand Serve!!!

At our 4th game tonight we won 1 of 3 !!!! We're getting there!!!!
Hopefully a movie and pictures soon to come.

Jbug helping Dad out

2009-09-26T14:54:00.002-05:00

Daddy let Jbug help him out mowing.. She did AWESOME!!!

And just a cute video of Monkey and his bear buddy.

The 1st 3 games of 09 Volleyball season

2009-09-25T23:45:00.005-05:00

Jamie serving at the first game of the season.

Grrrrrrrrr!

Nice Bump at the first game!

Jbug serving against Cascia Hall second game
1 pt

Jbug serving against Cascia Hall third game
3pts

Third game of the season

At least they were moving their feet.

Jman and School work

2009-09-13T21:33:00.002-05:00

JMan's Christian Lesson work

Jman is really liking school, it is just the drop off that goes a little rough!
Here is one of his Christian lesson papers.. He is very proud of this. I don't know if you can tell but he did a great job coloring the Bees. (the yellow did not show up on the scan very well.)

Jbug's 1st game of 09

2009-09-13T21:23:00.003-05:00

Jbug had her 1st Volleyball game on Sat.
Well all I can say is that she tried her hardest,
played her best
and most importantly she had
FUN!

She had the opportunity to go on a weekend trip with the Girl Scouts but when she found out she would have to miss a game she said " NO WAY! NOT IF I HAVE TO MISS A GAME... VOLLEYBALL IS MY LIFE"
I think there will be much improvement in her team this year!

Better late than never!!!!

2009-09-01T22:01:00.004-05:00

My BIG 6th grader!

My BIG 2 yr old Preschooler
(he picked out his clothes)

The 1st week of school for both kids is done... WOOT WOOT
JBug is excited, she has a new BFF this year. It is her 1st year at our school.
JMan's 1st day went pretty good, but as for the last 2 days drop off has been rough!!
This summer JMan got rid of his "Suckies" and is now in "BIG BOY" underwear!!!
All will work out I have FAITH! LOL

Sorry it has taken soo long to update the blog. I promise to do better now that I will have a little time on my hands.

Jbugs BIG trip to Buffalo, NY & some Navy info

2009-07-21T17:09:00.013-05:00

The USS Little Rock

Gramp's Guided Missile Cruiser

Gramps served on the USS Little Rock from November 1962 until June 1965.

Here he is on the left with his friend Tony that he still sees and plays music with.

He went on 2 tours to the Mediterranean, 3 tours to the Caribbean and 1 tour to the North Atlantic .
Gramps and some of the other sailors started a band called "The Little Rockers". Gramps played the drums. (We are in the process of finding a photo)

In 1963 while he served on the USS Little Rock he watched the Russians take missiles from Cuba at the end of the Cuban Missile Crises.
Gramps received "A BRONZE MAN" award which is a very rare award that is given out!
The Bronze Man Award was unique to the U.S.S. Little Rock.
Captain J. R. Payne will announce a procedure
whereby deserving men of the Little Rock will be recognized
for outstanding job performance." It seems that the award was
given out at the discretion of the Captain.Likewise it seems
that these awards were sometimes presented singly to only one
crew member,and at other times the award was presented to several
crew members at the same time.

Each award had a "Serial Number", and from that we know
that there were at least 35 Bronze Man awards made over
its life. Gramps award serial number is 33.

This is what his award was given to him for:

"For outstanding performance as a good will ambassador
and morale booster during the Mediterranean Deployment
from 1 December 1964 to l June 1965 on board the Guided
Missile Cruiser LITTLE ROCK (CLG 4). STRAWN has given
freely of his time and talent as a member of the ship's
band "LITTLE ROCKERS" to entertain both our own sailors
and the people of the countries that the ship has visited.
STRAWN has performed many times in each USO Club ashore
during our port visits and on board this ship while
underway, thus providing many hours of fine entertainment
to various units of the SIXTH Fleet. STRAWN has participated
in concerts ashore for various groups of foreign nationals,
creating an atmosphere of good will and friendship with our
friends in the Mediterranean through music and personal contact.
STRAWN'S performance and conduct ashore has been exemplary
and in keeping with the highest standards of excellence in
the United States Navy."
Signed by R. O. Middleton

Gramp's Guided Missile Cruiser

The USS Little Rock
It is now retired in a Navy & Military Park in Buffalo, NY

They have a USS Little Rock Reunion every year. Every other year it is in Buffalo.

Gramps and Gram invited Jbug to go with them this year, she was so excited.

The first day they were off to tour the ship and visit Old Fort Niagara.

This was one of 4 bunks that Gramps slept on.

What a fun time Jbug had. She got to be the "Powder Monkey" in the reenactment of the shooting of the cannons.

The second day they were of to the Maid of the Mist to see Niagara Falls.

Both sides of Niagara Falls

Jbug and Gram getting prepared for the boat ride.
The buildings in the back are in Canada

US Niagara Falls

Canadian Niagara Falls

The third and final day they went to a Memorial at the ship to honor all of the crew that have passed.

On that third evening they had a very nice banquet to attend.

Jamie and her Gramps before the banquet.

Gramps with his Girls

And of course miss "SASSY" in her little black sassy dress.

The guest speaker at the banquet ended up being the Secretaty of the Navy
The Honorable Raymond Edwin "Ray" Mabus
he also served on the USS Little Rock (1970-1972).

Jamie got her time in with
The Honorable Raymond Edwin "Ray" Mabus

And on one last note Jbug and Gram and Gramps got to see Edgar Winters ( the guys with white hair), who just happened to be behind them at security in the airport. Are you like me and don't know who this is??? Well here is a little bit about him.
Edgar has over 20 albums. Major national television and radio
relied on Edgar's music to advertise their products.

Edgar's music can be heard in film and
television, Air America, My Cousin Vinny, Encino Man, Son In Law, What's Love Got to
do With It, Wayne's World 2, Wag the Dog,Duets, Radio, The Simpsons.

2009-07-10T23:36:00.005-05:00

The Greatest thing on earth
"MY 4 WHEELER"
That is all that JMan can say these days!

JMan is so taken with this 4wheeler that even when he cannot ride it he is just sitting on it. He is very careful and thank goodness he does not like to go fast yet!!

The reason the little 4wheeler is on a leash is that it has a kill switch so JMan cannot get away from us!!!Thank goodness for little things!

Kevin and JBug figured out that they can follow JMan on his 4wheeler while riding on the big 4wheeler.

This is JBug having fun on the little 4wheeler.. She looks sooo big on it.
HAHAHA

My favorite Photo of JBug and me!

2009-07-10T23:30:00.005-05:00

This is my new favorite Photo of JBug and me.

This is at dinner before JBugs "BIG" first concert,
The Jonas Brothers.

I can not believe how fast time flies and how grown up JBug is... where does the time go?

Sad Day

2009-07-07T20:44:00.003-05:00

It's sad day , Daisy had to go back to Rach and Steve. She just did not mesh well with our family. She will always be special to us, as we got to see her be born. We are hopefully going to try and find another Daisy that will fit with out family. I will keep everyone updated.

Here she is!!!!

2009-07-01T22:05:00.002-05:00

We made it home from Texas and added a baby girl to our Family!

DAISY MAY

This is Jman and Daisy trying to get use to each other.

We wore her out!!

Just a cute picture of her sleeping!

Another cute sleeping picture!!

Ok for all the doubters..I did it I cleaned the Kennel and had her kennel during dinner (she kept attacking Jman's feet) then again while we swam and of course at 9:30 for bed. Each time less and less whinning and crying (Daisy not Kevin, HAHAHA). More picture and movies to come.

I think she will be HAPPY here with us!

Port A, Texas Trip 2009

2009-06-29T20:06:00.009-05:00

Here are the Strawn Kids

Me, JBug, Monkey, Uncle Andy & Cousin Nate

JBug Skim Boarding

Me and My Kids

Gram, Gramps ,JBug and Monkey

Go figure a Tourist Trap T-Shirt shop, it sells T's 4-$20, and they a not Factory Seconds
(really that's what the sign said).

I just love this picture!!!!
Monkey
with JBug and Gramps in the background.

This is what summer is all about!! Family time and Family trips!!

This is how you feel after a week long family trip!!!! HA
Love you guys!

More Summer Fun

2009-06-19T09:37:00.008-05:00

Remember the days we spent as kids playing out side all day long and finding stuff to keep us busy. I remember the Slip n Slides... We bought one yesterday for the kids to play with at Gram and Gramps. Boy did they have fun! We also had a Crazy Daisy and Jman seemed to like that the best. Here are some short videos of the kids having fun.

We bought a Pool today and put it on the deck at Gram and Gramps, will post videos later.

Summertime fun!!!

2009-06-17T19:55:00.003-05:00

Our friend Dman had soccer camp this week and every afternoon we hung out and played! I caught Jbug and Dman having summertime fun in the pool.
I hope that everyone has a fun and safe SUMMER!

JUST SOME CUTE PUPPY MOVIES

2009-06-17T18:03:00.004-05:00

The puppies enjoying some time outside

New Stuff soon

2009-06-16T23:49:00.001-05:00

I promise to get some new stuff on here. You know summer hit and there is now no time!!! We do have some new............. Our new baby girl black lab puppy's name will be.... DAISY .

few pictures and few movies

2009-06-04T08:13:00.004-05:00

Sweet Baby Girl

Just a funny picture

This is a movie of the Black baby boy puppy

Just a quick video of Baby
Girl

Puppies on May 30th

2009-05-31T19:18:00.002-05:00

We had not seen the puppies in about a week so we just had to go visit them!!! Here is a movie of how much they have changed. They will be 4 weeks old on Tuesday.
Make sure you have your sound on for the new great touch
I can add to movies... music, and you can still hear the loud puppies in the background!!!

Memorial Day 2009

2009-05-25T22:10:00.007-05:00

J Man's new doo!!!
He let me use the clippers to cut his hair.

J Man just like Gramps!!!

J Man and Bug!!

Of course Watermelon!!!

Gramps and J Man

I hope that everyone enjoyed their Memorial Weekend and a great big THANKS to all of the Service Men and Women!!!

Puppy movie

2009-05-24T13:46:00.003-05:00

The puppies are getting so big!
Here are the puppies walking around and making lots of noise.
(Hallums - I hope that you can still get some sleep.)

A Wonderful Wednesday!!!!

2009-05-20T22:41:00.002-05:00

A Great Day for the Park!!!!

The Terrific Threesome

J Man watching the "BIG " kids.

The "BIG" kids messing around.

Hanging out on the bridge checkin things out.

Puppies

2009-05-20T22:38:00.002-05:00

We have eyes!!!!
(2weeks and 1 day old)

Sweet Baby Girl

2009-05-19T10:35:00.003-05:00

This is the baby girl taking a snooze

(Wed, May 13th)

Wow what a week! Already

2009-05-19T10:18:00.006-05:00

First off
I LOVE THE SUNSHINE!!!!

Oh my what a week.
We only have 3 days of school left, where did the school year go????
I will now have a middle Schooler!
AUGHHHHHHH
Gram and Gramps stopped by last night on their way home from Texas and stayed the night with us. J Man and I took them to see the baby puppies.... I will get new pictures this afternoon. They are up on all fours (not making it too far) and trying to walk... The black girl and yellow male now have their eyes partly open... WOW what a change in their 2 weeks of life.

Last of all

I can not deal with 22 more days of rain!

J's Photo business

2009-05-14T20:18:00.004-05:00

J's Jammin Photo's

This summer when J is around she would love to take photo's for you. She also enjoys enhancing them. She is a photo bug!!!!! Please let us know if you are interested in having her take a picture for you.
Thanks
J & Carrie

Puppy pictures and videos

2009-05-11T11:46:00.006-05:00

Justin is just learning all sorts of things!!!!

Baby Girl 5 days old

Baby Girl 4 days old

Just a cute video of Justin and Baby Girl

Movies and pictures of the BABIES

2009-05-07T13:16:00.004-05:00

This is Sadie's 1st baby.. Black Girl
Jamie, Justin and I were there for the birth of her.
WOW
Justin now checks Sadie's rear and asks "more puppies come out?"

Jamie and Justin Wednesday, 1 day old

Jamie in LOVE!!!!

Thursday 2 days old.
Both boys snuggled up and Baby girl is under Sadie's chest.
(you can see her tail )

Baby Girl

Both Boys

Here are the kids on Thursday.
Baby girl is very active!!
(2 days old)

The New Babies!!!!!

2009-05-06T14:50:00.002-05:00

1 Black Female
1 Yellow Male
1 Black Female

There will be more pictures to come and some videos.

2009-04-16T09:28:00.004-05:00

Way to go Kevin!!!

Last night (Wed) was the Award Ceremony. Great food, (Fillet and Shrimp) and great enterainment, Mexican Hat Dancers. We were placed at table 3. There were 10-3 year consecutive winner, 2-4 year consecutive winners and Kevin was the only 5 year winner so he was the top WINNER with 5 years consecutive. What a great honor. We ever were rubbing elbows with the President of the whole Sherwin Williams. Yes we and the 4 year winners were sitting at the table with Steve Oberfeld. Here are a few pictures.

The Mexican Hat Dancers

Kevin, Steve and the Mexican Hat Dancers

Pete, Kevin, Me and Steve

More Sammy

2009-04-16T09:21:00.002-05:00

Here's my man!!

Yeah Baby check this out!

SAMMY BOY

2009-04-14T14:49:00.004-05:00

Sunday night we were told at CABO WABO that Sammy Hagar would be there tomorrow night(MONDAY NIGHT) yeah right we thought, so anyway - with a few intoxicated men we piled into a bus and unloaded like a bunch of Mexicans ( about 20 people in a 12 passanger van). And low and behold 45min after we arrived SAMMY showed up. We enjoyed about a 30 min show from him.I have some video, it is a little distored but it still is something to see.
Also here is a picture from last night. SAMMY WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!

CABO

2009-04-13T12:44:00.006-05:00

We arrived in CABO yesterday, just 3 hours late. That's Ok because right now I am sitting a the pool watching the Cortez sea and enjoying a nice cold adult beverage!!!! A few pictures from yesterday and last night.

This a photo from the lunch place at our hotel.

The Cortez Sea

The Cortez Sea

Me at dinner before the 1st Shot of Tequillia.

I have no idea what this was but they put some goffy hat o you and pour two shots down you!!
This is at the" Giggling Marlin".

This is Kevin and Jake at CABO WABO, the resturant that Sammy Hagar owns.

More updates to come!!!!!!

Snow Dayz

2009-03-29T21:19:00.004-05:00

Our 1st Snow of March
Just a light dusting

March 12th

Our 2nd snow of March
6 & 1/2 inches of very wet snow

March 28th

Well the kids got to play in the snow today. Yesterday we got 6 1/2 inches of very wet snow. I was begged and sweet talked, but I held my ground and did not let them play in the wet snow. ( I did not want to deal with a very wet and frozen 11 and 2 year old.) So I held out until this morning at 9am. Alot better and worth the wait. The wet snow has frozen and was great for sledding on. here are a few movies of the kids having fun.

I think the only thing that stopped was Jamie hitting a wet, grass sink hole in the yard.

Justin was a little unsure of this at first but then he decided that he liked it and said "more, more".

Spring Break

2009-03-23T21:37:00.004-05:00

I have yet to decide if Spring Break is TOO long or NOT long enough?!?! Am I the only one who wonders this??

Jamie found some time to spend with Justin. She is reading one of his new favorite books...I STINK, it is about a garbage truck and it is sooo cute! It was a birthday present from Uncle Andy, Aunt Ellen and Nate.

One of Jamie's favorite things to do at Gram and Gramps is to get scratch off lottery tickets.. to end Spring Break, Jamie won $12 on a $1 ticket!! She only bought 2 more tickets to try to win more... guess what happened!!

2009-03-18T21:08:00.009-05:00

Still havin lots of "FUN"

It was a beautiful 79 degrees.

This morning Mom took Jamie and Me into town to workout at her new workout center. Gramps and Justin got to have a boys morning. They went and had coffee at the Junction cafe with Bill and Loyd. Justin got to visit Loyd's sawmill and ride in Bill's white truck. We came home to find the boys riding the 4wheeler in the north 40.

Ok, so Justin's helmet is pink, it is recycled from sister.

Jamie and Gramps had an adventure into town in the Model T, It's a 1915.
After coming home they took Justin for a little ride.

Jamie has had fun target shooting and balloon shooting.
This was Tuesday morning.

We may be heading to Arkansas for a short road trip tomorrow to ride the ferry and visit Mt. home. Cold front is suppose to be heading in tonight. Well see what tomorrow holds.....
More to come soon.

Spring Break

2009-03-16T10:07:00.003-05:00

We left Friday and stopped at Willie and Sue's for the night. We had a nice visit and got to eat at "Pasta House" our favorite place to eat!! Thanks Willie and Sue.
Saturday morning we headed to Mom and Dad's and mostly messed around the house, we ran to Walmart.. which is about the only place to go in Mt. Grove where they live.
Sunday we went to a family friends 80th surprise party.
We chased a train home so that we could get to a crossing before it got there so that Justin could see the train a little closer..boy was it LOUD!!!!
Today, Monday, Jamie and Gramps have headed to Ava to go to the
recycle place and have some lunch.

Jamie and Justin have already had lots of fun on the 4 wheelers and golf cart.

Gramps is having fun too!

Justin has also had alot of fun on Uncle Andy's old bouncy horse.

More pictures to come as the week goes on!!

The BIG 2

2009-03-07T17:34:00.001-06:00

These are pictures of me the night before Justin was born.

These are the morning of Justin's Birthday.

Wow how fast 2 years go by!!!! CRAZY!
This is at 7:16am
7lbs 2oz

IN LOVE!!!

We had a wonderful 2nd Birthday party for Justin today. Here are a few pictures from the party.

Look at all this loot!!!!

Thanks ShaRhonda for the picture.

More pictures to come.

My husband "ROCKS"!!!!

2009-03-07T17:16:00.005-06:00

My Husband Rocks!!!!
Kevin got on the computer this morning @ 10 am and got tickets for
this concert on August 22nd at the BOK center!!!! I am SO excited.
We will be joined by Steve and Rachel.

2 Years ago

2009-03-04T08:18:00.003-06:00

This is how uncomfortable I was 2 years ago!!! I could not wait for little Justin to come join our Family!! He was scheduled for a C-section on March 8th, we had to be at the hospital at 5:00 am for a 7am C-section.

Come back on Sunday for Birth-Day pictures!!!!

Birthday Weekend

2009-03-01T16:43:00.004-06:00

We had a wonderful visit with Papaw and Memaw this weekend. They came over Friday evening and we went to Tokyo Garden for the February and March Birthday's which were:

Kevin Feb 4
Memaw Feb 5
Jamie Feb 16
Justin March 8
Papaw March 16

If anyone was keeping track, that's everyone's B-day that was here except me. Anyway we had a wonderful time and "VERY" full bellies.

Sat for lunch we went to the new Dave and Buster's (which is one of Jamie and Daddy's favorite places in Florida). We had a blast and earned 4500 tickets.
Saturday we had a big game of
"MONOPOLY"
A nice Homemade pizza and salad dinner. Followed by family movie nite, which we watched "DADDY DAYCARE" a very funny movie for those of you that have not seen it.

Big Guys' new Haircut

2009-02-24T21:05:00.007-06:00

Today I saw the opportunity to give Justin a haircut. I have found that while he is playing in the bath, he is preoccupied and I can cut his hair.

Here is Jamie's Family Birthday Cupcake Cake.

We made Jamie a Mardi Gras mask to wear at her party today.

We're off to the TRACK!!!!

2009-02-18T20:50:00.008-06:00

We are heading out this weekend for a wonderful relaxing "GROWN-UP WEEKEND" with friends of ours, for the 4th year. This is a break that we all deserve. Some people do not think that a stay at home does much but let me tell you...I have been at home and running to the Dr.'s office for two weeks, with two throw up episodes (one with each kid) RSV and now double yes that's DOUBLE ear infections!!! Oh don't the drug companies love us!!! Thanks God for insurance!! In the craziness of all the sickness some stupid lady rear ended me and the kids yesterday after school. I'm still on awe that she did not receive a ticket and the police did not write up a police report... what is up with that? NO damage done to my Tahoe, but she got a huge whole in her bumper from my trailer hitch! HAHA serves her right!!!
Anyway I hope that I will be able to report winnings when we arrive back.

Newest Blog Award!

2009-02-17T22:18:00.005-06:00

I have accepted an award from The 4-Crow's! Thank You ShaRhonda for noting me!
This award acknowledges the values that every blogger shows in his/her effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary and personal values every day.The rules to follow are:
1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person that has granted the award and his or her blog link.
2) Pass the award to another 15 blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgment. Remember to contact each of them to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I now pass it on to the following:

Clogger-Girl
Traveling2some

OK, I only Have 2 to pass on to, ShaRhonda you know and Tagged the people that I know.

11 YEARS AGO

2009-02-16T14:54:00.004-06:00

Where does the time go????
This is 11 years ago.

I could not believe what I was just given.... a beautiful baby girl.

3:39pm
8 lbs
20 inches

Baby feet are sooo sweet!!!

This is her "BUCKET" marker from the nursery.
I also have the three hospital bands that I wore, Kevin's hospital band and both of Jamie's bands.
(her ankle band and wrist band)

after looking at Jamie's Baby book I decided to enter a some of Jamie's "FIRSTS".
1st Tooth November 17th, 1998
1st Smile March 27th, 1998
Rolls Tummy to Back June 22nd, 1998
Rolls Back to Tummy October 9th, 1998
1st Giggle June 1st, 1998
1st Laugh June 8th, 1998
Sits up August 8th, 1998
Pulled up October 25th, 1998
Clapped hands August 24th, 1998
Waves Bye-Bye August 20th, 1998
1st Snow March 8th, 1998

The "SPRINGFIELD NEWS LEADER"

The sweetest Birth Announcements that I could find!!!

I hope that you enjoyed the little trip down memory lane, I know I did and I am still in shock that it has already been 11 years!!!!

I may just enter some more memories tonight... Check Back

Sweet Justin

2009-02-13T20:35:00.003-06:00

My sweet baby boy has "RSV" Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus. I had this when I was 8 months pregnant with Jamie (very rare for adult to get it, but maybe this makes Jamie immune to it- I wish). It is a very contagious Respiratory Virus. Justin was at the Doctors office today and was diagnosed with it. They did breathing treatments on him and sent us home with a "nebulizer" and a prescription for Albuterol. So we have to do these breathing treatments at home until Tues when we go in for a recheck. Here are some pictures of Justin getting his breathing treatment.

This is when Justin is occupied and is not thinking about what I am doing to him....like watching Disney CARS.

This is what he looks like when he remembers what I am doing to him..HAHAHA

Blah Blah

2009-02-11T23:01:00.008-06:00

Justin is finally on the mend. We went to the Dr. on Monday and Justin was put on: A Steroid, Antibiotic and Cough Medicine. I think that he is finally feeling better, we got a whole night sleep last and hope for another full night.

On a different note "A BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY" to all of my family :

Kevin Feb 4
Memaw Sue Feb 5
Gramps-Dad Feb 14
Jamie Feb 16

I am going to try to do a post on Monday for Jamie's 11th b-day so that you all can see how much my little baby is changing into a beautiful young girl...OMG almost a teen!!!!!!! HELP

I just thought these pictures were funny!!

Sick kids

2009-02-08T19:54:00.008-06:00

Poor baby Justin has been sick for 5 days now!

This is Justin, Wednesday night after an evening of throwing up......

This is Justin on Friday, enjoying Cars movie and not throwing up....

BUT THEN

Jamie ended up with Justin's bug Friday night....

So Saturday, Daddy got the kids out so that they could get some fresh air...

This is Justin Sunday morning after his humid bath/shower to open up this congestion....He was not ready to get dressed but he wanted his HELMET.
He now seems to have croup...
the drama:
To be continued.......

This is just a cute video from our last trip to Springfield, to one of our favorite restaurants:
PASTA HOUSE

I hope that everyone is well!!!

Just alittle note

2009-02-07T14:10:00.003-06:00

There are many ways to tell a child how great they are but I love this:
101 ways to encourage a child

WOW • WAY TO GO • SUPER • YOU'RE SPECIAL • OUTSTANDING • EXCELLENT •
GREAT• GOOD • NEAT • WELL DONE • REMARKABLE • I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT • I'M PROUD OF YOU • FANTASTIC • SUPER STAR • NICE WORK • LOOKING GOOD • YOU'RE ON TOP OF IT • BEAUTIFUL • NOW YOU'RE FLYING • YOU'RE CATCHING ON • NOW YOU'VE GOT IT • YOU'RE INCREDIBLE • BRAVO • YOU'RE FANTASTIC • HURRAY FOR YOU • YOU'RE ON TARGET • YOU'RE ON YOUR WAY • HOW NICE • HOW SMART • GOOD JOB • THAT'S INCREDIBLE • HOT DOG • DYNAMITE • YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL • YOU'RE UNIQUE • NOTHING CAN STOP YOU NOW • GOOD FOR YOU • I LIKE YOU YOU'RE A WINNER • REMARKABLE JOB • BEAUTIFUL WORK • SPECTACULAR • YOU'RE SPECTACULAR • YOU'RE DARLING • YOU'RE PRECIOUS • GREAT DISCOVERY • YOU'VE DISCOVERED THE SECRET • YOU FIGURED IT OUT • FANTASTIC JOB • HIP, HIP, HURRAY • BINGO • MAGNIFICENT • MARVELOUS • TERRIFIC • YOU'RE IMPORTANT • PHENOMENAL • YOU'RE SENSATIONAL • SUPER WORK • CREATIVE JOB • SUPER JOB • FANTASTIC JOB • EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE • YOU'RE A REAL TROOPER • YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE • YOU ARE EXCITING • YOU LEARNED IT RIGHT • WHAT AN IMAGINATION •WHAT A GOOD LISTENER • YOU ARE FUN • YOU'RE GROWING UP • YOU TRIED HARD • YOU CARE • BEAUTIFUL SHARING • OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE • YOU'RE A GOOD FRIEND • I TRUST YOU • YOU'RE IMPORTANT • YOU MEAN A LOT TO ME • YOU MAKE ME HAPPY • YOU BELONG • YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND • YOU MAKE ME LAUGH • YOU BRIGHTEN MY DAY • I RESPECT YOU • YOU MEAN THE WORLD TO ME • THAT'S CORRECT • YOU'RE A JOY • YOU'RE A TREASURE • YOU'RE WONDERFUL • YOU'RE PERFECT • AWESOME • A+ JOB • YOU'RE A-OK MY BUDDY • YOU MADE MY DAY • THAT'S THE BEST • A BIG HUG • A BIG KISS • SAY I LOVE YOU!

But always remember
"A smile is worth a thousand words"

Woo Hoo

2009-01-30T21:45:00.003-06:00

My baby boy is amazing... at the age of 1 year and 10 months he stayed dry all day. Gram has been here all week with us. We did not get to do much running around because of this icy weather. So we caught up today. Our day started out about 9:00am when we got Justin dressed. Around 9:30 am we headed into town to meet some friends to play at BOUNCE U. We played there from 10:00am until around 11:00am and then headed to McAlisters for lunch. When we arrived at Mc Alisters, Justin told me that he needed to "pee pee" so off to the bathroom we went and to my suprise, Justin was still dry. He did pee in the potty there. After lunch we went to Stien Mart and shopped for awhile(while Justin slept). We had to leave about 1:30pm to get to a Dr. Appt for Justin. When we arrived there and finally got into the exam room he told me "pee pee" so off we went again, and to my suprise....he was still dry!!!!! He pee peeed in the potty again. We arrive home about 2:45pm just in time to grab a few things and head back out to pick up Jamie. We next went to Kohl's and shopped alittle, then it was off to Target. We finally got home about 5:45pm and to my suprise Justin was still dry!Anyway enoguh is enough so finally at 7:45pm while getting ready for bed - he was still dry. Only a One diaper day! WOOOOO HOOOO

Back to School

2009-01-29T13:33:00.006-06:00

Well we are back to school today!!! The main roads are just fine, it's the neighborhood roads that are yucky. Here are a few more pictures and a movie clip of playing in the snow and ice.

Ice Days

2009-01-27T16:27:00.004-06:00

School's out again tomorrow..Here is what the day consisted of for us. Jamie freezing her tail off to amuse her brother.

It's Here

2009-01-26T20:25:00.005-06:00

Broken Arrow is now frozen solid!!! School was canceled by 6:15. At least we still have power!!!!

This is a Radar map at 8:30pm

Oh No

2009-01-26T08:48:00.002-06:00

ICE..... what the heck is going on? Last Thursday it was 72 degrees and today it is 23 degrees and we are waiting for the ICE to hit!Kevin is out of town for the week and mom is here,I just hope that if/when we need the generator that I remember how to use it! Well on a good note so far they say this Saturday it is suppose to be around 60 degrees. What the heck!!!!!

WOW what a beautiful day

2009-01-22T21:29:00.004-06:00

Today was a beautiful day....72 degrees on January 22, 2009, that's just nuts. Today after school Jamie, Justin and I went to the park before taking Jamie to dance.

It was so nice today that while Jamie was at dance, Justin and I cleaned up the car. I'm sure that was quite a sight! But it was just too nice not to roll the windows down and use the Dustbuster to clean up the car.The windows got a good wipe down with Windex and the dashboard got a good wipe down with baby wipes!!! Who said that baby wipes only cleaned baby butts. HAHAHAHA

My Dancing kids

2009-01-20T19:08:00.005-06:00

Jamie loves to find songs to dance to that go with her clogging routine.This is a dance that she put to - Alvin and the Chipmunks,Undeniable.

Jamie is now in her 3rd year of Clogging ( 1st year basics 2nd year of Competition). Justin has picked up on a few things and we got him some "CAMO" clogging shoes. Justin looks up to his big sister and LOVES TO CLOG. I caught some of his dancing tonight on tape, so here it is.( He dances a lot more when I don't have a camera on him.)

Finally adult time.

2009-01-17T19:34:00.008-06:00

Gram and Gramps got here yesterday after a 1 month long 5th wheel trip down to Texas. They had a wonderful time with Nathan and Andy and Ellen.

When they got to Tulsa they left the 5th wheel at the campground and came to the house.

We picked up Jamie and then had to take her to meet her Girl Scout Troop for a sleep over at the Aquarium. They got to sleep in the tunnel of the shark tank. She had a blast, I had to pick her up at 7:45 this morning.

While Jamie was at her sleep over Gram got her time in with Justin. Kevin, Dad and I went to a Tulsa Oilers Hockey game at the new BOK center. Thanks to Rachel and Oneok we had the best seats. 5th row up, 1st four seats right behind the penalty box. Well the beer, crown and coke were good but pricey. Kevin had a Pretzel that he said tasted a few years old. HAHAHA

Anyway we lost by 1, but we had fun and Kevin has discovered that he likes Hockey. Today Kevin and I headed to Fair Meadows Simulcast horse races and practiced up for the Hot Springs trip in February.

Jamie's 1st Dance Competition 2008

2009-01-15T23:02:00.004-06:00

Jamie's first clogging competition was held in Grove, Oklahoma in June. She was entered in 5 competitions- 3 group and 2 solo. They won 1st place all 3 group competitions and Jamie took 1st in one of the solo competitions (it was in traditional clogging). Way to go Jamie!!!!!!

Jamie's Big Branson Trip

2009-01-15T22:17:00.007-06:00

Jamie had a wonderful summer of 2008 filled with all sorts of fun things. One of the two biggest things that happened this last summer was Jamie performed in BRANSON at 3 different shows. The first show was at The Chinese Acrobat Theater. The second was at The Dutton's Family theater. The third was at The Dixie Stampede. We have an absolute blast. Gram and Gramps met us and stayed down there with us. Memaw and Papaw came to Branson and joined us for all three shows. Here are some of the pictures that we have from our wonderful weekend in Branson.