Reflecting on 2006
2006 was a big year for me. So many things have happened that has shaped me and changed me into who I am now. This year was a big year for personal growth as well as professional growth. A series of happy, sad, life-altering, stressful and introspective things have happened to me this year but mostly happiness and for that I am thankful. In 2006, I turned 30, a big event in a girl's life. ;) I created several new websites and doubled(almost tripled) my business income from the previous year. I mourned the death of a family member. I celebrated my 8th anniversary with my husband on December 26,2006. This blog became a special place for me to let others into the most personal parts of my life. And I enjoyed it. It( and all my blog readers comments & the friends I have made online) helped me. Ultimately, this year has profoundly changed me and made me realize what is so important in life. It has made me realize how lucky I am and how thankful I should be. And, that without my wonderfully-thoughtful-supportive-geeky yet hot other half, and my two precious young boys who keep me on my toes, this year would not have been what it was. I think 2006 has been one of the most wonderful years of my life (even if I was really busy& it seemed like it flew by) and I am filled with hope that 2007 will be even better. Happy New Year To Each of You. I hope all of your wishes come true in 2007. And, I hope you will join me here as I blog away another year. :) *And if you didnt get a chance to see them already my new years resolutions are here.
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The REAL Doodle Monster
Since our 2 year old son loves to draw so much I thought he'd like the Doodle Monster. You know, the doll that you can draw on with markers over and over again. Well, last night, he decided to draw on himself rather than the monster. More proof that all this child does is draw on EVERYTHING in sight including himself. Maybe this doodle monster wasn't such a good idea?    Don't forget to read my latest review over at amomsreview.com Who else loves the Japanese Cherry Blossom Body Spray? I also wanted to let all of you know that today is the last day to enter the 2006 Holiday Sweepstakes at ContestForMoms.com. We've had hundreds of entries already. Get yours in today. Go HERE to enter now. You could win a Choose Your Own Adventure DVD from Lean Forward Media.
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Playing With The Toys Too...
I've played 10 games of Spongebob UNO I've played 2 Games of Spongebob Life I've drawn tractors and trucks way too many times to count on my toddlers new doodle pro I've played the terrordactyl track 5 times I've played 1 game of Operation ( and I must add that I SUCK at it. Seriously.) I've played 9 or 10 games of Trouble I've slept in a Disney Cars Tent I've played a couple xbox games Ok. I think you get the picture. So, tell me, dear mommas out there, who else is doing this too? Do you all play this much with your kids and their toys? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I want to also add that there is a new job list and a specific company that wants to hire a mom over at JOBS FOR STAY AT HOME MOMS this week. Oh, and more new reviews over at Mom Reviews. I'd love for you to tell others about this site. Feel free to contribute by leaving a comment or send me your own review of a product.
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New Years Resolutions for 2007
2007 is quickly approaching. Everyone makes resolutions. Some people stick to them. Most of us don't. What are some of your new years resolutions? Or do you think New Years resolutions stink? Here are a few of mine: During this time of year I am always filled with such optimism and posibilities. I hope it carries over throughout the whole year. 1.) Become more successful in my online businesses. My goal is to double my income from this past year. Create more valuable sites. Network more. Help more. 2.) Be happier. Of course I am naturally a happy go-lucky type of person. I am the low stress person that most are not. Even with that, life sometimes throws things at as us that aren't so happy and can cause stress. Every day routines do just that. So even when things arent going my way, I'm going to try and stay positive because only I can make myself happy. No one else but you can make you feel the way you do atleast in theory and I'm sticking to this one. 3.) Become healthier for myself and for my family. 4.) Try new things. 5.) Be more open-minded. 6.) Take a few risks. 7.) Choose the road less traveled... 8.) Make my own luck and create my own opportunities 9. ) Live life for ME, my husband, and our two precious boys. 10.) Spend more time laughing with and truly enjoying all of my family members & friends. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PS. Check out Mom Reviews at AMomsReview.com - We have some new reviews up. Share Your opinions. Contribute. Be a part of a new community for mothers.
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A Very Merry Christmas 2006 In Photos
We had a great Christmas! Fun. Food. Family. Those three words sum it up just perfectly. I hope to have many many more just like it... Here are a few photos. More can be viewed HERE on flickr. Hey Mom, Can We Stop Taking Pictures Now? We're getting tired...  The Night Before Xmas In Our Home 
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Back To Our Regularly Scheduled Program...
Alas, Christmas is over. All that anticipation, excitement, and holiday cheer...GONE...for another ENTIRE year. Well, atleast we have the new year and all those resolutions and goals to look forward too, don't we? I'm one of those people that truly get excited about resolutions and goals for the New Year even if that excitement doesn't last over a few days. I'm hoping that this year will be a bit different. I'm hoping that I can maintain my business and health ( no dieting included) goals for my family. How about you, are you excited about the prospects of what the new year will bring or what you can do in the new year? Need Motivation and ideas? Go to New Years Ideas For Moms Planning a party that includes kids? Go to New Years Eve Party For KidsChristmas Photos Coming Up NEXT...
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Merry Christmas To My Readers...
 Merry Christmas to all of my readers. Like many of you, I'm getting to ready to go out the door,get in the car with 2 hyped-up children ready for food & presents, and traveling 2 + hours south to celebrate the holidays with the family (Well, the in-laws-which are great BTW). Then come back home for another family get together and then anticipate the arrival of Santa. I wanted to say Merry Christmas early or Merry/Happy whatever you celebrate that I don't because from here on out it will be total chaos (with some fun mixed in) until around the 27th of December. *I also wanted to mention that I am also currently reading "Babyproofing Your Marriage" and I insist that you read it. You have to and you will thank me later for reading it. I will be posting a full review upon my return from our 4 day long Christmas celebration. Oh, and go read some new mom reviews.
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What do you really want for Christmas?
Christmas is only a few days away. Official Winter will be here tomorrow. Our shopping is done and we are gearing up for our usual holiday traveling on Friday and Saturday then back home by Sunday afternoon. Anyway, during this time of year everyone's focus is on presents! What to get others, what you tell people to get you,what to get your kids, blah, blah, blah, and so on. You may also be surrounded by those people that specifically tell you what to get them and they will accept no less. How's that for a stressful-supposed-to-be-cheerful holiday season? So, in the spirit of the holiday season, I'm asking you what you want for Christmas...what you REALLY want? (not what you tell everybody). Maybe something that doesn't involve real presents or a store to get it from. If you are like most moms, it's not a gift that you want anyway... I know what I want for Christmas this year. I want some extra time for myself, for my husband (a date night atleast once every weeks would be great) and for my children. Above all, I want more happiness and laughter in everyone I know and love. I hope I'm not asking for too much. ;) Who's next?
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I Wanted A Different Look...
And I got it. If you didn't already know from my flickr photos, I got my hair highlighted last week. I'm not completely used to my new colors yet. There is honey blonde and a little red in there. I wanted to go with something different and I hadnt colored my hair in almost 3 years. It was obviously time for a change and a less mommyish look.  What things do you do (color, new makeup, cute clothes) to feel like an attractive mom?
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If You Are Ever Wondering What I'm Up To...
It's most likely another business adventure... (that hopefully becomes a success). Take a peek at my new site, AMomsReview.com, all about mom reviews. The site is still in its infancy so there isn't much there yet. I'm sure I'll get plenty of chances to add to it over the course of the next few weeks with all the new toys & products coming in our home. If you'd ever like to contribute your own review let me know.
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Holiday Causes
Around the holidays I usually give to atleast one charity but this year I decided to split my money up for a couple different causes. I think I've been more generous in all aspects of my life because I want to and not just because its the holidays. Last night I came across Carols For A Cause. When you make a donation you get to hear Christmas Carols being sung by a group of well known Work At Home Moms. I think this is great fundraiser and I truly enjoyed listening to all of the songs. Had I known sooner, I would have submitted my own song. All donations go to the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. This fundraiser is going on until Christmas day. I hope you will get a chance to check it out. I've also given to the salvation army and helped out a few other organizations with purchases I have made throughout the holiday season. A recent fundraiser came to my attention, HerBadAuction, and I wanted to let the rest of my readers know about it just in case you hadn't already heard. Kristen of Motherhood Unsensored put this together for HerBadMother and her nephew Tanner who has Muscular Dystrophy. Even though the auction is already closed (sorry I'm late) you can still donate money in Tanner's name as well as write a letter to him which is just as special. Please go to the link above for all the information. The last cause I wanted to mention is for my own son who was recently diagnosed with an Eosinophilic Disorder. These disorders are rare and can occur in the blood vessels, esophagus, and stomach. Since this disorder is so rare a whole lot is not known about it. I plan on becoming acitivily involved in the New Year with APFED. Although, this disorder is not as serious and life threatining as some other disorders/diseases, it is life changing. It wreaks havoc on a child's body and the entire family's daily life. Consider making a donation. A portion of your money goes to APFED when you purchase through their Amazon link as well as if you buy through Igive.com or buyforcharity.com APFED also has different fundraisers throughout the year. I hope you will join me in supporting research for these rare disorders.
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Days Like These...
Today is one of those days where I'm just going to have to sit down and hold him all day...  Sometimes we have no other options. :) And, one of these days he won't be needing me too so I better embrace it while I can.
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Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas
I know I just previously said I wasn't going to share much personal stuff anymore but that doesn't mean I won't if I choose to share something. It just won't be as much and the things that I specifically will not be sharing as much of will basically revolve around my complaining, boring posts, and whining about being "mom". I guess because I don't want to come across as a boring mommy blogger who constantly complains about her life. When all is said and done, I love my life and I want everyone to know that. Just because I love my life and choose not to share all the gripes, up and downs much anymore doesn't mean that I sometimes don't experience them. It's just that I want to try and cut alot of that useless stuff out. You'll still get pictures and a peek into our lives atleast once a week just so you know that yes I'm still alive and yes I'm just like you except that I'm choosing to not to ramble on much about it anymore. Am I making any sense here? :) Anyway, on to my actual post, I remember watching this movie, Emmet Otters Jug Band Christmas, every Christmas season when I was a little girl. My younger sister and I really liked it. I was recently talking about this Christmas movie and I thought I'd see if I could find it on YouTube and I did. If you haven't seen it, here's a scene I'd like to share with you. A few of my other favorites are National Lampoons Christmas, Charlie Brown Christmas, and It's A Wonderful Life. If you have an old favorite Christmas movie share it with me here. I'll update this post with one of everyone's favorite Christmas movies and a link to your site.
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Helping You More...
I think it's time for me to change how I present myself on my blog. It's nice to be able to share a real side of me with you so that you know how life is like as a mom who works at home. At the same time, you get to read a whole lot of useless complaining and rambling. Something I don't see as productive and don't want to continue to do. So as the New Year comes along I will be doing less of the personal "mommyish" stuff/issues and more things to be helpful and useful from a mom's point of view. I hope that you will stick around as this blog takes a new direction. I'll still share pictures and a few things about myself as a mom and things about our boys but not so much on the complaining, rambling and boring bits. I don't want to come across that way and I feel like it wastes everyone's time. I want to make a difference in the new year and for years to come. I want to be able to help others and I think this is the way to do it. Let's hope it works out for the best.
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Working From Home
I've been getting lots of emails lately about working from home. Some questions that have come up are how do I make money? How do I know if its a scam? How long does it take to make money? How much time and money do I have to invest? Are there really jobs you can do in the comfort of your own home? Since receiving all of these emails and a continual stream of them, I'm thinking of writing an e-book to answer your questions. Don't worry, you will be able to afford it because it's going to be FREE. I want to help all the moms out there that I can to fulfill their dream of staying at home with their children by working from home. At first I didn't think I had what it took to write an e-book but I realize that I do and I want to share my journey of working from home with you and the exact steps on how you can start too. Go on over to Jobs For Stay At Home Moms today and read my long answer to one of the recent emails sent my way. I hope it answers some questions for you. If not, send yours my way.
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"They" Say Bad Things Come In Threes
Well, how about fours and fives??? Seriously, my dear readers, how much bad luck can one person experience in the course of a week and its only wednesday. Have I done something bad? Honestly, I can't think of anything. If anything I have been more giving of my time, my love, and my knowledge and I get this for it? So, let's run down my list of bad things which are more than three...more like five bad things. Basically my list of bad things that come in fives are in three distinct categories: our rental house, my online shopping experiences, and our son's biopsy results. 1.) Our water pipe busted in our bathroom and our shower has yet to be fixed by our landlord's repair person. We have a wall missing in our shower, and it smells. Nice! The bad part about this is that we will be having lots of family visiting this weekend because my husband graduates grad school. I'm sure that will deter anyone from wanting to stay overnight. 2.) I received my first online Christmas order in the mail. A gift was missing. Enough said. 3.) I received my second online Christmas order in the mail. Another gift was missing. Do people no longer communicate? How about asking me if I want a replacement or tell me something is out of stock instead of just not include it. Do these companies not know that the majority of our purchases are Christmas gifts? 4.) The BIG ONE: We got our 2 year old son's biopsy results from his endoscopy and he has Eosinophilic esophagitis disorder. This is a rare disorder where an allergic reaction to foods occurrs in the esophagus. Alot of research is lacking on this rare disorder and there is no cure. He goes for more testing in January. I know in the bigger scheme of things this by far outweighs my online shopping problems in importance. And, really, I should be thankful that after 2 years we have finally gotten an answer and also thankful that it's not something worse so just bear with me as I complain, please?
5.) I received a part of my third online Christmas order in the mail this morning and I got the wrong kid on a photo gift. You have got to be kidding me? I received someone else's photo gift. So, who's got my kid's photo on a gift out there? I spent a half hour on the phone with this open-24-hour-store-that-we-all-know-to-well for them to tell me they are having technical problems and cannot access my account. And, you know what I havent even gotten half of my order which are Christmas photo gifts for most of my family specifically my Mother and Mother-in-law. What if they screw these up too? I am at a loss as to what to do but don't you think they owe me atleast free expedited shipping on what THEY messed up? It was their mistake. And, not only is it a mistake but a breach in someone's privacy. I have someone else's kid's photo on a gift here and it's freaking me out knowing that someone else most likely has mine. Anyone want to fess up here? Ideas on what I should do? I was very polite, even laughing, when I first talked to them but I don't think I'll be that nice when I call back and I know it's not the person's fault that I am talking to but still I'm having some major issues with this.
Ok, so that's my bad things come in fives except that one of those was resolved recently, #2. Luckily, I have found a wonderul mom-owned online jewelry store that cares about her customers and I am so very satisfied with her service and quick help. So I guess I am really down to four bad things and number five is probably the rest of my order from that store that starts with a W. Something's gotta give here. Something great is coming my way, right?
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No White Christmas In Kentucky?
Weather in Kentucky is always changing. Last week we experienced record low temperatures and in the single digits. Last Friday morning I looked at the thermometer on our window and it read 0 degrees. And a few days later, right now, it's already in the 60's with the rest of the week being this warm too. Wow, I guess it's probably safe to say that we will not have a White Christmas. However, I am keeping my fingers crossed (for some snow) and checking in daily with this Kentucky Weather Blog. If you need some kind of Christmas cheer/spirit/help other than how to make it snow so it all feels Christmasy, go to our Christmas for Moms section. And, read this new article posted, Holiday Sanity Saver Tips For Moms
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I Think I Failed Miserably...
I was given the opportunity to speak with a small group of graduate students/hopeful entrepreneurs yesterday evening about how to start an online content business. Even with all of the stuff that I do know, I feel like I failed at pointing them in the right direction on where and how to start. It's not easy to try and teach someone how to start a business in 2 hours. Hopefully I will get to work with them some more. There are so many things one needs to learn in order to really be successful at creating information websites supported via advertising. It took me a long time to really get it right and I am continually learning as SEO is constantly changing. So you could say I am a work in progress at all times. Anyway, I really want this group to succeed, and not just because my husband is a part of this group. I'd love to see them be able to do something they really love and make money at it. I'd like to think that I can really help them do that even if sometimes I am unorganized,unprepared, and scatter-brained (something that happens when you become a parent). If any of you from the group are reading this, I've been thinking of ideas and George, I'm really trying to figure out something that will work for you. :) If anyone else out there wants to learn how to work from home and really make money at home, I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. Helping others online and writing how to work from home is so much easier than speaking about the topic in front of a group of people. Somehow, I feel less accountable in this online platform. Ack! Atleast I am being truthful... ;)
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Proof From My Promising Artist.
 So yesterday my 2 year old got his hands on a permanent red marker without me knowing. I discovered him with it a few minutes after he had marked up a few of my treasured cat trinkets. Oh, I know what you are saying. The marker shouldn't have been within his reach. Well, you can blame that one on the hubs. He has a weird obsession with sharpies and he just so happened to leave one lying around. The red will NOT come off ever but I'll keep them in their places anyway. I was reading about artists on the Internet (where else?) and a Princeton definition says that an artist is a person whose creative work shows sensitivity and imagination. Well, my toddler has the imagination part but he's going to have to work on the sensitivity part considering he chose one of my favorite pieces of junk to draw on...
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For The Love of Chalkboards...
 My 2 year old son seems quite obsessed with chalkboards lately and just about anything else that one can draw with. I've been drawing at his request for hours upon hours for the past week or so. If he finds a book then I have to draw every picture in it. It really is the cutest thing even if I do have to sit for hours and just draw with him. It's actually great one on one bonding time with him. We have a big stand up chalkboard and smaller one that he can just carry around. It usually starts with him dragging the chalkboard to me then him saying, "Sit!". He then sits in my lap while I draw and he erases. He loves doing all the erasing so maybe he loves the eraser more than he loves the drawing. He also loves the aquadoodle that we got our older son a couple of years ago and of course he loves all things that draw like crayons and markers. I found him drawing on our house door yesterday with a RED marker. Yep, that one was fun to clean up... It looks like he is going to be a regular picasso or something like that...
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Get A Celestial Seasonings Herbal Expedition Kit FREE
 I was pleasantly surprised when I got my mail yesterday. A box from fedex was sitting on my door step. When I opened the box I was surprised to see 2 different kinds of teas and herbs as well as an herb snipper and tea squeezer from Celestial Seasonings. You see, I recently found out about the Celestial Seasonings Herbal Expedition program and was given a free kit to try out. I didn't expect this free kit to be so generous but it is. If you like tea and fresh herbs and want to live a more healthy lifestyle then you should go get your free kit too. A limited number of kits are available here so mamas hurry up and sign up right now to get your free kit as well as access to recipes and health information. You'll be glad you did. And, now I'm off to learn more about growing my own indoor herb garden which is something I've always wanted to do. I'll keep everyone posted on how it goes. I'm also going to try out those tasty teas. Yum! Edited to add: Here is the specific link directly to the free kit. Also, I wanted to let everyone know that the free kit you will be signing up for, unfortunately, will not include the snippers and tea squeezer. However, you will get the rest and it's still a great deal since it's free and we all love FREE, right? Enjoy!
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First Snow Photos
So, it snowed. And, I've got some photos to share.   We went out in the snow even though we only got about 1/2 inch or less. Since the wind was unbearable we didn't stay out very long at all. My 5 1/2 year old insisted upon tasting the snow and we all know that if I had said, "No it's too cold" that he would sadly be sitting by the window all day pitifully looking at the snow and I can't handle that face during the holiday season. Well, I guess you could say that I can rarely handle that pitiful look. It works on me everytime. Besides, my children are the boss of me. And, speaking of children being the boss of their parents you should check out this humorous Christmas music story by RockStar Mommy. I promise it will make you laugh and if it doesn't then there's something wrong with you. Umm, I think...
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Christmas TV Special List
 Alot of my Christmas memories involve watching tv shows such as A Christmas Story, Rudolph, Frosty, It's a Wonderful Life, and the Charlie Brown Christmas cartoon. Even if it is watching tv, those memories mean a lot to me and I am passing that tradition of watching those specific shows as well as any good new ones such as the Polar Express down to my children. After all, I don't think watching lots of Christmas tv filled with kindness and cheer is going to hurt anyone. If anything it shows them more of the true meaning of Christmas which is something we all need a little more of, in my opinion. I found a list ( or well my sister found this list and mentioned it to me) of Christmas movies & cartoons tv specials. It is quite a decent & comprehensive list filled with tons of Christmas shows and all the traditional ones by date and tv station. It's been helpful to me so I figured I'd pass it on to all of you. Happy tv watching! The Christmas Holiday TV Specials List (updated for 2007) I also wanted to mention a few new articles up in the Christmas For Moms section at ContestForMoms.com that you may want to check out. Lead Free Christmas ToysChristmas For KidsFun Santa Craft IdeasLove For ChristmasChristmas Gifts For A New BabyOh, and we'd love to post your letters to Santa or your child's letter to Santa on our site. Send them in today (more info below). Write Your letters to Santa then email them to us and we will put them up on our site for you, your family, your kids, and Santa to see. All you have to do is send your Santa letter in the form of an email and we will post it on the site. You can also submit a photo with your letter to be posted. Your kids will enjoy seeing their letter and photo on our site. And, it's free. Send your letter and/or photo via email to websiteadmin@contestformoms.com
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Snow Sure Brings The Christmas Spirit & Cheer
Living in Kentucky you get a taste of all 4 seasons. Some Snow being a part of it. Every year my husband asks me if I want to move south as in South Carolina, Georgia or Florida but thinking about it always makes me uneasy. Although I love the beach and the warm weather, I'd surely miss the snow and without snow the holidays just wouldn't be the same for me. Snow is in our forecast for tonight and tomorrow and that sure would help put me in a more festive mood, as if I'm not ALREADY happy enough. I think the snow would put me on cheery overload. And, that cheery overload may help me get the rest of my christmas cards, homemade ornaments, and goodie bags all fixed up and ready to be delivered. And, maybe I'll get a new Christmasy logo up there too. Hey, I need some kind of movitation to help it kick in that Christmas is only 19 days away, don't I? Did you know we only have 19 days till Christmas? I'm so glad I got almost all my shopping done early. sigh... So, if we get the snow, there will most definitely be pictures and if not then I'll figure something else out. Got any ideas of photos you'd like to see here?
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Can't Get That Christmas Card Just Right?
I've taken a plethora of photos for our family holiday card but we can't seem to get the shot just right so the one below will have to do. I can't seem to get our boys to take a decent photo together but I have tons of photos of them individually that are just perfect. And, Christmas is quickly approaching so I better get to work on those cards...  Oh, (shameless promotion once again) don't forget to enter our Christmas Giveaway at ContestForMoms.com
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Time To Take Out The Garbage...Literally...
I'm one of those people that rarely get stressed out. I'm usually happy go lucky and my husband says I'm too happy and that I should be singing and skipping through the house because in his words I'm just too freakin' happy all the time. But we all have our moments. You would know that for sure if you were a regular here. I really do have my moments although not often... Well, that's just me EXCEPT when someone forgets to take out the garbage the night before and I wake up at 6am and have to go out in 18 degree weather with flurries that felt like ice striking my face and drag a dumpster bigger than me so the garbage truck can pick it up. ( side note: No one forced me to do this obviously but my OCD-like behavior kicked in and I felt compelled to). Would you just have left the garbage until next week? What would you have done because apparently I'm insane for going outside in the cold JUST for garbage? Is anyone else obsessive about garbage pickup time? Or is just me? Ok, on to better things and back to my cheery self now... Don't forget to enter our Christmas Giveaway. We are giving away 5 Choose Your Own Adventure DVD's from ChooseMovie.com. Your kids will love these and you might too! To enter all you have to do is go to the giveaway page and send us an email with the information requested. It's simple!
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