Talking Politics

There aren't many things that can rile a person like the topics of religion and politics. Rightly so I suppose, it can hit at the very core of our being and each says a lot about who we are. I personally don't like to discuss politics much because I know how personal and divisive it can be and I don't like to even go there. Still, we have an election coming up so it's vital to be informed and know where you stand. I watched a video today that reminded me of how important it is to vote in accordance with your faith. If you call yourself a Christian, you have an obligation to choose a candidate that will uphold the morals of our country.
I'm going to post the video I saw because I think it's something everyone should see. It's from a person whom I love and respect very much. His name is Father Corapi and he is a Priest, Theologian, and Army (Special Forces) Veteran. He's amazing! He definitely says it like it is and we need MORE of people like him! Check it out here: Wake Up America

25 Days and Still Going Strong

I’m doing good on my New Year's resolution. My goal every year is to get more organized and slowly but surely I'm starting to come around! I really have to give credit to Nina from Mom Agenda. She is the creator of a great planner, specifically for moms. Last year Jim bought me the "desktop" and that was a big weapon in my fight against being flighty.:) It's got a slot for each child and keeps the entire family on the same page (literally). In addition to the desktop, I recently got the Kitchenfolio (pictured) and I LOVE it! It helps eliminated the dreaded paper piles that seem to stack up on the countertop. It has laminated pages to stash the lists, rosters, newsletters and all those things you need to save, but don't use every day. We had Nina on the show a few weeks ago and she said she created the idea after realizing she needed help herself!:) I am so glad she did, it's a great asset for organizationally-challenged moms (like me)! Check it out at: www.Momagenda.com

Sonny and Sheriff

Well, here is our little Western movie! It doesn't really make sense but that's beside the point! Lol:) In the middle of "filming" Grant started crying because he had too many lines so we cut a bunch out. This video is probably something only a mother could love, but I'm posting it anyway. The neat part is that we toyed with the video editing software and will be able to do some fun stuff in the future.
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=96ba72461cb1312c47a5

Physical Challenge!

Check it out and please, pretty please throw a vote my way!:) Earlier this week we challenged each other on the morning show to do something physical, out of our comfort zone. We had a great time executing the challenge but we also each have a competitive side too. So please read about it, watch the videos and vote!

http://wfhm.salemwebnetwork.com//subpage.asp?StationId=WFHM-FM&PageNo=697

Cowboys, Piano, and Sales Galore

A little eclectic mix today!:)


I love cowboys. Sure they look nice, but it's more about what they stand for! They were the good guys, the heroes of the old west. We are very much into that zone in our house these days. Over Christmas vacation we found a channel that plays all Westerns 24/7. The boys have found their new love! They are done with cartoons, have no interest in Shrek or animated movies (for now)...it's all about the cowboys! As a family we've really enjoyed watching those movies too because they just don't make films like that anymore! Some are a little over their head, others have the cheesy fake effects, but the message is the same: standing up for what's right, protecting others, and wrangling up the bad guys!:) So it's no wonder that has translated into a lot of role playing with Gabe and Grant. They have all the cowboy gear, guns, holsters, etc. and we have "cowboy rules" (always be responsible with your horse and your weapon, don't point it at innocent bystanders, etc). Last night Grant slept with his rifle under his pillow and my "cowboy boots" on. It's so funny! The other day Grant told Gabe to "stick em' up"! Gabriel said: "I ain't rolling over that easy", just like John Wayne in that slow, deliberate speech. I'm sure some people will think it's politically incorrect, but for us; we call it imagination and it's a great thing to see them use it.

On the total opposite end of the spectrum, Gabriel is starting piano lessons tomorrow! We've talked about it and researched it for about 2 months and found an excellent teacher nearby. According to a friend/piano teacher I know, 6 years old is the perfect age to start. We went to You Tube over the weekend and looked at some amazing videos of pianists and that really peaked Gabe's interest. He was excited before, but now he's chomping at the bit! Of course I had to stress the importance of PRACTICE to get so good, but at least he's ready to give it a try.



I have been spending way to much time checking out the incredible deals at Boston Proper. It's my favorite place to get clothes (so beautiful) but also way above our budget. I usually only browse and every once in a while I will buy something on sale. Well, a few weeks ago they put a ton of clothes in their $9.99 sales category! Wowzers! We are talking $150-$200 items for TEN DOLLARS! I already ordered 3 separate times now, I can't stop! Lol:) The hard part is knowing when to hit the page. At certain points of the day they only have like 20 items, then they will add a bunch but they get wiped out within seconds!! It's crazy! It's like Black Friday on the Internet. Anyway, check it out if you want some cute, spring clothes that are very flattering, check out www.BostonProper.com

Great Boy Book

A must-have for all young lads! A friend of ours bought this for the boys, including Jim and we LOVE this book! From the moment we opened the cover and read the introduction all of us were completely captivated. This book covers just about every topic all young boys should know and learn about. Everything from Morse Code and ciphers, to how to build a tree house, secret inks, the art of skipping rocks, Latin phrases every boys should know and a TON more! This book is by brothers Conn and Hal Iggulden and they sum it up perfectly in the introduction when they write: "Men and boys today are the same as they always were, and interested in the same things. They may conquer different world when they grow up, but they'll still want these stories for themselves and for their sons. We hope in years to come that this will be a book to dig out of the attic and give to a couple of kids staring at a pile of wood and wondering what to do with it. When you're a man, you realize that everything changes, but when you're a boy, you know different. The camp you make today will be there forever. "
It goes on, but I love that little excerpt; and the entire book is filled with things that every kid should experience and learn about. They also have a book for the young ladies called "The Daring Book for Girls". I don't know much about that one but if it's anything like the version for boys, it's definitely a worthwhile purchase!

By the way, I have the video review for the Shark Steam Mop up! It's on the Mom Squad page. Click on the link and take a look!http://www.themomsquad.blogspot.com/

Feeling Great in 2008!

Happy New Year! I wrote "2008" for the first time yesterday, time to get used to it! We spent the big night having a family Monopoly tournament. Fun times!:) I am also finally wrapping up vacation today (Wednesday). This might have been the most relaxing, enjoyable time off we've ever had! Ironically I think it's because we kind of took a vacation from going on vacation. We really didn't go anywhere this time. We drove up to MI for an overnight stay to see friends at their cabin, but that was it! Every other time I've been off we've either taken a big trip, moved, or I was having a baby!:) I was happy to discover how great it is to just lounge around together with no commitments.

Last week we went ice skating in Akron. What a memory that was! Jim is from Florida so he still hasn't done some of the traditional snow/winter activities like snowmobiling and downhill skiing. Getting him on the rink was a first along with the boys. We had a ball though and after Grant got over his fear of falling (actually terror would be a better word) it was great! Jim and I also saw a movie. I don't remember the last time we went to the theater on a date but that's another great perk about vacation! We saw National Treasure, it was good.

I am going to do a review of my new Shark Steam Mop soon (hopefully today). We also got the new Dyson vacuum too! I am one happy cleaning mom, what more could a girl ask for?!:) I LOVE the Dyson, it is a dream to operate and it's much easier to maneuver, and quieter than our old vac.

That's pretty much it I think. Enjoy the first week of 2008!