What's My Rating?

Created by OnePlusYou - Free Dating Site

Good to know I am no longer rated R, but I did get bumped up to PG for one mention of the word "ass" Oh well... maybe I shouldn't be so vulgar, maybe that scared off all my readers ;)

Fun Photo Friday - Anything New?

Can you believe I have only 2 days of pictures from this month on my computer? I have been so lost without my camera and memory card reader. John has them with him in SC and I cannot wait to have them back in my hands. Hopefully I can find something I have not posted yet. Let's see... have y'all seen the pics from the Sand Gnats game? I think I posted them on Faceboook but not here. So enjoy!

GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!! Please Read!

OMG I am so so so sorry. I completely got wrapped up in the tragedy with my friend and I forgot all about sending your prizes.

If y'all could email me your addresses to bridinkas112 {at} hotmail {dot} com I will get those out by Friday, I promise!

Only The Good Die Young

Sarah Elizabeth Hill GREENSBORO — Miss Sarah Elizabeth Hill, 23, ran into the arms of Jesus on Friday, May 22, 2009, at St. Joseph's/Candler Hospital in Georgia.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, at Glenwood Friends Meeting. Interment will follow at Guilford Memorial Park.

Miss Hill was born in Guilford County on October 13, 1985. She graduated from Vandalia Christian School in 2004, attended Teen Mania Honor Academy in Texas and received her associates degree in graphic design from GTCC. She was currently a student in graphic design at SCAD and employed as a photographer in the portrait studio at Sears in Savannah, Georgia. She loved children and had a special love for Alex and Katena. Sarah was a loving and caring "people person" who was much loved and will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Marvin and Annie Mae Stack, and paternal grandparents, Dennis and Mafie K. Hill.

Sarah is survived by her parents, Dennis and Catherine Stack Hill of Greensboro; brothers, Benjamin and Ryan Hill; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

The family will receive friends from 7 until 9 p.m. on Monday, May 25 at Forbis & Dick Funeral Home in Pleasant Garden and other times at the home of her parents.

Memorials may be made to Glenwood Friends Meeting, 2400 Old Chapman Street, Greensboro, NC 27403.

Offer online condolences to http://www.forbisanddick.com/

"Fun" Photo Friday - Late Again

The reason I put fun in quotations is because this posting of pictures, while fun when they happened, now bring memories of a loved one lost.

Our prayers for Sarah may have been heard, but it was too late. She was already gone and it was just a matter of time before she made her way up the stairway to Heaven. Thursday night, just 2 hours after seeing her, her heart stopped beating. She is no longer in any pain.

I told my kids yesterday that their beloved Miss Sarah was no longer with us. I explained the situation to my older two and Lexi seemed ok, she wasn't as close to Sarah as the rest of the kids. Jacob asked why, and I explained the best I could. No one really knows why these things happen. I then told Kadie and Adam that we won't be able to see Miss Sarah anymore, she was now in Heaven. Kadie buried her head in my shoulder and gave me a big hug. Adam was the cutest of them all... he said, "I go to heaven too?" to which I replied, "Someday" and he shouted "Yay!" Later in the day when I was going up to Sears Portrait to see Victoria (we worked with Sarah), Adam wanted to go. I told him no I was going by myself to see Miss Victoria. He started to pout, put his head in my chest and whined, "No wanna see Miss Toria, me see Miss Sarah!" I wanted to cry. My poor baby! He really loved her. As we all did...

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Hear Our Prayers

I may not deserve to be heard... and I may not be any good at this... but that won't stop me from reaching out there and hoping to find a miracle.

Sarah is only 24 years old and she felt like her life could not be saved. Just last week she got her hair and nails done, she went out to dinner with a friend, and she talked about going back to work next week. All in all, she seemed like she was on the track to helping herself. If she wanted help from her family and friends, that was the first step.

Now here I sit today, thinking back on all the mean things I said. And even today thinking about how terrible of a friend I have been while she is going through her own hell. She is my friend. So much alike, we were like sisters. We even fought like we were but at the end of the day... we were still friends.

My friend, my sister, is now in a coma. Her brain has stopped functioning and her heart is slowing down. She cannot breathe on her own and her parents should not have to be thinking about making such a heartbreaking decision. She had her entire life ahead of her... she never got married, she never had children although she had plenty of love from mine and the children she nannied. She had friends that held her hair when she puked and gave her a kick in the ass when she needed it. She had family that would do anything for her at the drop of a hat. She was loved.

Only you can save her now. I am trusting in the power of prayer to get her through this. We need a miracle.

Wii Fitting It

I got on my Wii Fit for the first time in 12 days today, only the third time this month. Mr. Wii informed me this was my 283rd day. That means I have had the Wii Fit for almost an entire year. Want to venture a guess on how often I have actually used it?

As of today I have logged just over 8 hours! THAT. IS. IT!!! Wow! I really need to get my butt into gear. And this afternoon, I did just that.

I banked 1 hour on the Wii Fit (which actually took about longer than that with all the downtime between activities). I did every yoga pose. Some of them I hate, but I did them anyway. And then I did all the balance activities... there are 9, but I did beginner, advanced and even expert on every one that had it available. I did really well on a lot of them and only one I didn't do well on at all. I gave up after 3 tries. After finishing with the Fit, I went and did 10 pushups and 50 crunches. Later I plan on doing all the aerobics activities and the strength training on the Fit.

So butt, consider yourself in gear!

Happy Birthday!

Just want to shout out a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the best mother in law in the world!!! (before the day is over LoL)

Happy Birthday Mom W!!!! Wish we could be there to celebrate with you! XOXOX

Tuesday Review

My husband was right... I did watch a movie. We watched Billy Madison on Sunday night. I fell asleep before it was over but it's not like that was the first time I saw it. In fact, the first time was in junior high.

Billy Madison - Adam Sandler plays a privileged adult who's father paid off his teachers to give him good grades, his entire 12 years of school. His father decides to not give him the family company since he is not capable of handling it until Billy talks him into allowing him to go back to school to prove himself. Each grade, two weeks, or Eric (he works for the Madisons) will get the company. A lot of crude humor and language but all in all a funny movie. Not as funny now, to a mom of 5 with a higher appreciation for movies but definitely a Sandler classic. If you have never seen Billy Madison and you like Will Ferrell movies, this is a must see. My kids are allowed to watch almost anything, but I would not let them watch this. Too many sexual references. Back in junior high this would have received 5 stars, but I now give it a 3.75. Just not my type of movie anymore.

Movie Review Monday - Photos Instead

Hello readers! Fun Photo Friday is here! Yes, three days late, but you know what they say... better late than never, right? (Plus I have no movie to review, it was a crazy weekend).

Friday was an extremely busy day and the hubby had my memory card reader in SC with him so I couldn't get the pictures off my camera. Not quite sure what is on the memory card, I know there are some soccer pictures and since the season is over, it's only right to share it with all of you. Watch for a couple soccer videos, as well. I would have gotten them on here sooner but the entire weekend was just a bit crazy.


Hope you enjoy and forgive the delay :)

What Do They Win, Bob?

Well, Bri, everyone who reads your blog is a winner just for getting to know you and your amazing family through your writing. But the answer everyone is waiting for is, what prize have they won.

The winners can have their choice of a variety of items. A makeup gift bag (4), a book, or a CD. If none of those suit you feel free to say so. No one is going to twist your arm to take something you don't need or want. Bri is just glad to have you reading her rambling day in and day out.

The makeup bags include a variety of items but all include lipgloss. One bag is entirely made up of different shades of lipgloss. The book is called Stealing Faces by Michael Prescott and the CD is entitled Proud to be an American with a variety of Americana songs including Hero by Mariah Carey and the all too popular God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood.

Sandi gets the first pick and then it will be first come, first served here at Such Is My Life.

Oh, one more thing. The winner of the followers drawing is...

Follower #3 SASHA! Want to know what she wins? A digital photo keychain!

Congratulations to all the winners! I will contact you for your snail mail addy or you can just email it to me at bridinkas112 [at] hotmail [dot] com

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

coming! I am so sorry I did not post sooner. Yesterday was a crazy day and Thursday I was stressed out because a woman was supposed to come look at my house this morning. She didn't show but my house got a much needed cleaning. My bedroom hasn't been this clean in months... about 10 if we are counting :)

The winning comment goes to.... {drum roll}

SANDI! With a last minute comment for my unwanted stuff, she has won! What has she won, Bob? Stay tuned to find out!

But wait... what's that? Oh, only 5 other people commented... I think I have 5 more things I could part with. Who wants free stuff? That's right...

Tiffany! Beth! Stacie! Anna! Windy! You have all won too!

Come back later to see what it is that each of them has won. I am going to go through my back room and pull out something that I think each of you would like. Suggestions are always helpful. Do you like reading? Do you like makeup? How about Borax? I've got tons of that. Throw something out there and I just might be able to find it.

Thanks for being loyal readers ladies!

Tomorrow is Thursday

and it looks as if there won't be much of a drawing... hmmph. Guess I lost a lot of my readers when I went on hiatus.

Well in case you are still interested, head on over to Giveaway Mania and post a comment. Follow me for the bonus drawing.

Good luck, all 3 of you...

7 Years Strong

Romantic Snow Globes by WiddlyTinks.com

In a Nutshell

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Don't Forget!

Enter the Giveaway Mania by Thursday May 14th for your chance to win! Follow my blog for a bonus drawing. So far I only have 3 people that have commented and 17 followers that are already entered into the bonus drawing.

Would it help to know what you could win?

For this week I have a Proud to be an American CD (featuring Hero by Mariah Carey, God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood and 8 other songs) for the winning comment. For the follower chosen this week I am giving away 3 E.L.F. lip glosses!

Keep coming back, because the prizes will only get better. Make sure to follow me, so you can be in the final follower drawing which is a good one! (At least I think it is)

Movie Review Monday - Bridget Jones

While at Best Buy the other day I bought a 4 pack of movies for $20. It included Love Actually, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Notting Hill and About a Boy. All romantic comedies with Hugh Grant... coincidence? Probably not. Anyway, since I had never seen Bridget Jones' Diary I figured I better pick that up so I could see that before watching the second one. I have to admit though, after watching Bridget Jones, I am not looking forward to seeing the second installation.

Bridget Jones' Diary: Renee Zellweger plays a 30-something, single woman working in publishing and eating her troubles away. Her mom tries setting her up with a man at a Christmas party and she begins fantasizing about her boss. One thing leads to another with the boss and her life all of a sudden becomes complicated when she learns that the man from the Christmas party likes her and the two men have a sordid past. What this movie lacks in the humor department, it makes up for with typical love triangle problems. Both are jerks, both want her, both are involved with other women yet they are fighting for her. I had to continuously go back to see what I missed because the movie just did not hold my attention. If you are bored and have nothing better to do than to watch this movie... give it a shot. You may find it more interesting than I did. On a 5 star scale, this movie gets a 2 from me.

FREE STUFF!!

Don't forget to enter for you chance to win in the Giveaway Mania! I have tons of things I can give away...

Anyone use Borax? I have like 6 boxes of that stuff. I bought way more than I needed.

How about makeup? Brand new, unopened makeup from E.L.F. enough to give to at least two people!

Do you read? There are most likely books in there too. Not sure which ones though.

And TONS more odds and ends that I could send you if you win! But you can't win if you don't comment. So go here and leave a comment. Follow me for a bonus drawing that is solely for those that follow me.

Official Declaration

THE GIRL IS POTTY TRAINED!!!

Just one week after the potty training bootcamp, I ventured out of the house for more than 15 minutes with the three little ones. Sara was a champ. We went to Target and she said she had to potty. One trip to the bathroom and no success. I figured she just said that since I asked. We did our shopping then headed to Sam's Club for some meat. As we were getting in the car Sara said she had to potty so I told her to hold it like a big girl until we got home. I brought in the meat while Sara went on the potty. She did it all by herself! We then headed back out to go to Kroger for the rest of our groceries. As we were finishing up, she again said she had to potty. I wasn't surprised since I let them each get a chocolate milk from Starbucks. I told her to hold it like a big girl and she took that quite literally LoL She distracted herself talking to the cashier and bagger as we checked out. I would not have been surprised if she was wet when we got home, since she hasn't been potty trained but a few days. Thankfully she was dry and she came right in and went potty.

I am such a proud mommy! She made it through three stores, five car rides and four hours with no accidents! So I say it again,

SARA IS OFFICIALLY POTTY TRAINED!!! Go Sara! *and me* :)

Fun Photo Friday - A Day at the Beach

We had such a great time at the beach... except for Kadie being cranky about an hour into it and Jacob losing his glasses in the ocean about 10 minutes after getting there. Adam & Sara loved the water. I think this was Sara's first time going to the beach. As close as we live, we don't go but once a year, if that.

Giveaway Mania!

I have been doing some purging of things I no longer want. And there is A LOT! My back room is filling up quick with things to put in a yard sale that I had planned on having this weekend until I realized that I had way more work to do before actually holding it.

In the midst of my purging I thought, what better way to get rid of some unwanted, unopened, or slightly used items than to have a weekly giveaway. I will choose the winners every Thursday until June 11th. I will choose 2 winners each week. So here are the rules...

When I post the Thursday Giveaway Mania blog come and post a comment. Then post a link on your blog directing all your readers over here, email your friends, post it on your Facebook and on your Twitter for another chance to win, just let me know you did it. For everywhere you share my blog I will give you an extra entry up to a maximum of 5 chances to win. Follow me for a bonus drawing. If you already follow me, excellent, you are entered into the bonus drawing every week. That is 5 chances to win the main giveaway, and another chance to win the bonus giveaway just for following my blog.

So what are you waiting for? Get to commenting and sharing my amazing blog with all your friends. What do you have to lose? The first drawing will be held next Thursday, May 14th!

P.S. Make sure I have a way of contacting you if you win so I can get the prizes out as soon as possible.

How Deceiving?!

According to One Plus You my blog has the following rating...

Created by OnePlusYou - Free Dating Site

And why you may ask? I am assuming the website scans your blog for words that would be considered higher than a G rating. Apparently, talking about poop 4x, murder twice and saying suck once makes my blog unsuitable for those under 17. I do agree that my blog does use adult language at times, but POOP?! Seriously, that is total kid related talk LoL

I hope no one finds my blog offensive. :)

*Use this link to check your blog rating*

I'm A Dreamer

I have been known to have some pretty strange dreams... and if I didn't know better, I would think I was pregnant with the ones I have been having lately. The other night it involved torpedoes, high school, the SHS JROTC Drill Team, a lost cellphone and me looking for John. It seems I look for John in my dreams a lot... not sure what that means. In fact, I am big on wondering what my dreams mean. Are they just bits and pieces of everyday things bouncing around in my overactive brain, or do they have a deeper meaning?

This morning I decided to consult a dream dictionary I found online. Here is what it had to say about last night's dream...

Octopus
To see an octopus in your dream, signifies that you are entangled in some difficult matter or that some situation is clouded. Alternatively, the octopus indicates that you are overly possessive and too clingy in a relationship. (Definitely entangled in a difficult matter. I do not think I'm possessive or clingy at all)

Ice Cream
To see or eat ice cream in your dream, denotes pleasure and satisfaction with your life. You need to savor the moment and enjoy it. It is also indicative of good luck and success in love. Alternatively, the dream may suggest that you need to cool off and not let your temper get out of hand.
To dream that you are eating ice cream that is tasteless or sour, signifies sorrow, disillusionment, or betrayal.
To see ice cream melt in your dream, symbolizes failure to realize your hopes and desires. (I'm thinking my temper is way out of hand)

Toilet
To see a toilet in your dream, symbolizes a release of emotions or getting rid of something in your life that is useless. The dream may also be brought about by your full bladder and is attempting to get you up and go to the bathroom. If you are cleaning the toilet, then it means that you are starting to shed your shell or lose your inhibitions.
To see a clogged toilet in your dream, signifies that you are holding and keeping your feelings to yourself. Your emotions have been pent up too long and you need to let go of the negative feelings.
To see an overflowing or flooded toilet in your dream, denotes your desires to fully express your emotions. (The toilet was also broken, so for just the toilet, I would think the full bladder fits here)

Mother-In-Law
To see your mother-in-law in your dream, foretells that after much bitter disagreements, things will be resolved in a pleasant and amicable manner.
To dream that you are in a dispute with your mother-in-law, indicates that you will be greatly annoyed by callous and unfeeling people around you (Neither of these fit... I thought my MIL would be mad about something, but she hugged me instead. Probably more literal in that I don't want to disappoint her in things I do)

Fall
To dream that you fall and are not frightened, signifies that you will overcome your adversities with ease.
To dream that you fall and are frightened, indicates a lack of control, insecurity, and/or lack of support in your waking life. You may be experiencing some major struggle and/or overwhelming problem. It may denote that you have failed to achieve a goal that you have set forth for yourself.
To dream that you are free-falling through water, indicates that you are feeling overwhelmed with emotions. You may feel that it is easier to give up, then to try to stay afloat or prevent yourself from going under.
To dream of the fall season, indicates that something is about to come to an end and something new will begin. Alternatively, the dream is symbolic of the cycle of life. It is time to collect the benefits and rewards that you've worked so hard for. (I dreamt I fell into the bathtub and did not jump up, just sat there. I'm overwhelmed with the moving stuff and another situation in my life)

Wet
To dream that you are wet, suggests that you are drenched or overcome with your emotions. It also signifies a spiritual cleansing, rebirth or renewal. (Pretty easy to decipher)

Computer
To see a computer in your dream, symbolizes technology, information, and modern life. New areas of opportunities are being opened to you. Alternatively, computers also represent a lack of individuality and lack off emotions and feelings. Too often, you are just going along with the flow, without voicing your own opinions and views. You may also feel a depreciated sense of superiority.
To dream that your computer has a mind of its own, denotes anxiety about technology and loss of control. You are feeling overwhelmed and feel that you are at the mercy of another.
To dream that a computer has a virus or has crashed, suggests that something in your life that is out of control. It may parallel something in your life that has come to a crashing end. (It was a virus I got from someone I thought was a friend... real life may also have to do with a friendship)

Feces
To see or come in contact with feces, signifies aspects of yourself that are dirty and negative and which you believe to be undesirable and repulsive. You need to acknowledge and express these feelings, even though it may be shameful. Release the negativity in your life. Alternatively, it may also refer to someone who is anal retentive.
To dream that you are unable to dispose of the feces, suggests that you are unwilling to let go of your emotions. You have a tendency to hold in and keep your feelings to yourself.
According to Freud, feces is related to possession, pride, shame, money/financial matters, or aggressive acts. So to dream that you are playing with feces, symbolizes your anxiety over money matters and financial security. (I assure I was not playing with feces LoL I think it pertains to the negativity in my life)

Naked
To dream that you are naked, denotes the fear of being found out and exposed about your activities and misjudgment.
To dream that you suddenly discover your nudity and are trying to cover up, signifies your vulnerability to a situation.
To see a naked person in your dream and you are disgusted by it, signifies some anxiety about discovering the naked truth about that person or situation. It may also foretell of an illicit love affairs, loss of prestige and scandalous activities. On the other hand, if you are accepting about another's nudity, then it implies that you see through people and accept them for who and what they are. If you do not care about someone else's nudity, then it suggests that you need to learn not to be afraid of rejection. (Not sure what this one refers to)

Hugging
To dream that you are hugging someone, symbolizes your loving and caring nature. You are holding someone or something close to your heart. Alternatively, it may indicate your need to be more affectionate. (Pretty literal here)

Break
To dream that you break something, indicates that changes are ahead for you. You want to change the direction that your life is headed. Alternatively, it suggests that you need to take things slower.
To dream that objects around you are breaking, suggests that you are under tremendous stress. The dream could be a metaphor that you are literally at your breaking point. (I do want change the way my life is headed, and I am definitely under stress)

Compact Disc
To see a compact disc in your dream, represents a need for enjoyment or a distraction. It denotes opportunities and possibilities. Consider the type of music and the title of the compact disc. If you are giving away the CD, you may be trying to convey a message to that person within the songs.
Consider also if the initial "CD" have any additional significance to you. Perhaps it represents a person or may even be a pun on something that is "seedy". (There is someone that I feel isn't be completely honest)

Vacuum
To see a vacuum in your dream, suggests feelings of emptiness. You may be experiencing a void in your life. Alternatively, the dream indicates that you need to clean up your act and your attitude. It is time to rid yourself of your outdated ideas and negative habits.
To dream that you are vacuuming, signifies a loss of control. (A situation has me feeling out of control, and it is time for a change)

Cockroach
To see a cockroach in your dream, signifies your need for renewal, rejuvenation and self-cleansing of your psychological, emotional, or spiritual being. You need to reevaluate major aspects of your life. (I just told John the other day I needed therapy... and I always need rejuvenating)

Roaches
To see roaches in your dream, represents an undesirable aspect of yourself in which you need to confront. Alternatively, it may be a pun for smoking marijuana. On a positive note, roaches may also be symbolic of tenacity and longevity. (Could pertain to a comment made last night about pot)

Mess
To see a mess in your dream, symbolizes the state of your waking life. You need to get your life in order (now there is a literal translation)

I know those themes are here and there and everywhere. Like I said, I have been known to have some pretty crazy dreams but a lot of the themes seem to have a common link. They seem to be pointing to a particular situation in my life that is chaotic, out of control, and confusing.

So what do you think? Do dreams have meanings? What are some of your crazy dreams?

Movie Review Monday - Bad Movie Watcher

Wow! I've really been slacking in the movie watching area. Hmmm. John and Jacob went to see Wolverine on Saturday night. I never even asked how it was... oops. Apparently Jacob liked it since he came home and wanted to watch the other X-Men movies. I'm glad he didn't get scared. When I took him and his friend to see Iron Man, they both got scared and wanted to leave half way through the movie.

So since I haven't seen anything, I guess I can review "Bones Season 3". Starring Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz as Dr. Temperance Brennan and Special Agent Seeley Booth. "Bones" as Booth calls Brennan, is a forensic anthropologist working with the FBI to solve murder cases. If you like murder mystery then these are for you. The show is based on a real life forensic anthropologist named Kathy Reichs so it has that true crime feel to it. Season 3 has been amazing... dealing with the Gormagon serial killer and the therapy sessions with Booth & Bones. I just love the connection between the two of them (Booth & Bones) but Bones drives me crazy with her social ineptitude and always saying 'I don't know what that means.'

"Bones" is currently in season 4. You can watch full episodes at www.fox.com and if you have Netflix you can borrow the other three seasons. (Or you can borrow them from me, if I know you well enough to know I would get them back LoL). Anyway, it's a great show and I am glad that John got me hooked! Thanks baby!

8 Things

I was tagged by Anna over at Me & My Boys to post 8 things in random categories. It's kind of strange how I stumbled onto her post where she tagged me. I was clicking on my blogroll to read updates and as I was reading Starbucks Junkie I saw a post titled 8 Things. She didn't tag anyone specifically and I figured I would get to it later. Then I clicked on Duct Tape, Starbucks & Prozac and what do I see over there, but a link to Anna's blog. Wondering if it was the same Anna that I knew from BBC I clicked on her name. Sure enough it was! As I read through her blog I saw the same 8 Things post as Christina had but this one was longer and I was tagged at the bottom. So now I am doing it!

8 Things I'm looking forward to:
1. Finding a house

2. John getting home

3. Moving

4. Kadie going to Kindergarten

5. Sleeping in

6. Baseball game tomorrow with the whole family

7. Mother's Day/My 7th Wedding Anniversary

8. 10 year SHS reunion

8 Things I did yesterday:
1. Blogged

2. Lots of laundry

3. Watched Bones, Private Practice, Desperate Housewives & NCIS

4. Played with the blocks with Sara

5. Took some pictures of Sara with my phone

6. Told my sister I would trade her phones cause I hate mine

7. Called John

8. Got Taco Bell for dinner

8 Things I wish I could do:
1. Go back to Disney (hoping to in the fall)

2. Stop yelling all the time

3. Be pregnant again (surrogacy)

4. Move, now

5. Keep my house clean (never going to happen)

6. Homeschool (not enough patience)

7. Go to Australia (on a cruise)

8. Enjoy the fact that my 4yr old wants to be wherever I am, sit with me, cuddle with me, kiss me, hug me, be held by me ALL.THE.TIME.

8 Shows I watch:
1. Grey's Anatomy

2. Private Practice

3. Desperate Housewives

4. Brothers & Sisters

5. NCIS

6. Bones

7. Samantha Who?

8. LOST

8 Songs on my music player:
1. Picture to Burn - Taylor Swift

2. Hoedown Throwdown - Miley Cyrus

3. All American Girl - Carrie Underwood

4. Just Got Started Lovin' You - James Otto

5. Probably Wouldn't Be This Way - Leann Rimes

6. How to Save a Life - The Fray

7. Old Time Rock & Roll - Tribute to Bob Seger

8. So Much in Love - All 4 One

8 Favorite warm weather activities:
1. Watching the big kids play soccer

2. Watching the little kids play on the playground

3. Popsicles

4. Swimming

5. Going to Cedar Point

6. Driving with the top down

7. Taking walks

8. Chalking

8 Favorite Happy Things:
1. Sharing the bed

2. Listening to the kids reading

3. Watching the babies love on the dog

4. Seeing the kids' reaction when the dog licks their faces

5. Snuggling on the couch with my hubby

6. Ice cream, lots of ice cream

7. Baking with the kids

8. Dancing around the house to make the kids laugh

8 People I tag:

1. Tiffany

2. Callie

3. Sandi

4. Sasha

5. Josh

6. Lauren

7. Jarett

8. Anyone else that wants to do this

*and if you don't want to do it, that's ok too*

DTS&P Giveaway!!!

Head on over to Duct Tape, Starbucks & Prozac for a mystery giveway. Who knows what you could win!!! She always has awesome stuff too, and I bet it's good. So go, enter, NOW! Leave a comment on her blog and let her know Bri sent you. Also become a follower of her (and me while you're at it, if you aren't already), you will get an extra entry if you do! Winners will be announced on May 7th... so hurry. What are you still doing here?! GO!

Potty Training Bootcamp: Day 3, It's Over

Today was a big success, I think. Other than putting her to bed with a diaper and two accidents, I think today went just about perfectly.

Today's Totals
Wet the bed this morning
25+ trips to the potty
1 mess (in her defense, there was some potty drama that had us all flustered and she just couldn't hold it)
1 daily poop
AND
12 pees! (some of which ended up on the floor because she tries to watch LoL but all is good)

I am so proud of the progress we have made over these last three days. I did put her to bed in a pullup because I just do not want to change wet sheets again in the morning in case I don't get to her in time. All my other kids wore pullups and some still do, so I am not worried about night time training. Only having to buy 1 pack of pullups a month compared to 2+ boxes of diapers is fantastic.

Tomorrow will be the true test of our hardwork. We are off to a baseball game and thanks to the advice of a friend we will try her in undies and bring a change of clothes. If she is asking to go potty too much or has an accident we will resort to a pullup for the remainder of the game. It won't be the end of the world and I don't think she will revert either. Now I just wish her bladder wasn't the size of a peanut because 13 bathroom visits for her, plus my own, is a little exhausting LoL

Potty Training Bootcamp: Day 3, Novelty is Back

Sara woke up around 9 this morning but I didn't hear her. I heard a sneeze and figured she was just waking up and she was soaked. I changed her and her bedding and went about the morning. She has been in undies since, had two cups of watered down Gatorade and a yogurt for breakfast and has made 6 trips to the potty in the last two minutes.

It appears the novelty of going on the potty has returned, only she wants to go on the big potty. However, as I said the other day, she just will NOT go on the big potty. I tried having her face backwards to make her feel more stable but she just doesn't relax enough to go. Plus my bathroom seems to be distracting to her. Anyway, this is very annoying and I am getting frustrated. I know I shouldn't be... she is just learning, but I can't help it. She is being cranky, it's hot in the house, my 4yr old is being clingy and whiny, and Daddy is off at the Special Olympics and it is getting tiring jumping up every other second to run to the bathroom for her to turn around 3 seconds later and say she is done when she hasn't gone at all.

Today should be our last day of potty training but I am not so convinced. I didn't expect a miracle... had I paid for this, I would be upset, but I didn't. So no harm done, right?! If anything it has gotten her used to knowing when she has to go and to tell me when she feels it so that is a major step. I am worried about tomorrow though. We have a baseball game to go to and I am not running to the bathroom every 5 seconds for her. Is that selfish of me?! {Sigh} I am very proud of her but man, I am exhausted, frustrated and very impatient (which is why potty training everyone else was either done on their own or by daddy).

It's only 1030, so we have about 8 more hours for her to "get it" to fulfill the promise of the 3 day program. Hoping it works... but if not, that's ok too, she can be my baby for a little while longer :)

P.S. On trip number 6 to the big potty, I firmly insisted that she sit on her little potty right here next to me. Just as soon as she did she peed! Now, maybe she would have actually gone on the big potty but who knows. I'm just glad she actually went... now I can wait an hour or so before the every other second urges return {hopefully} LoL

Potty Training Bootcamp: Day 2, Exhausting

Today was nowhere near as exciting as yesterday was. I have had cranky kids and I am super tired. Trying to get Sara to drink when I want her to and not drink when I don't want her to has been extra challenging today. She didn't want anything all day when I offered but then wanted to drink EVERYTHING after 6pm. Sorry Charlie, too late for that.

She did wet the bed during nap today but I fully expected that. She had just had a juice box, remember. It didn't bother me to have to change the sheets. What bothered me was that I woke her up so we could go get some lunch and the girl threw an all out temper tantrum because I helped her off my bed. That sealed that deal... no going out for us.

The totals for today are not nearly as impressive as yesterday's totals but I am proud of her. Only three accidents, one being while she was sleeping so she couldn't help that one. The first one, I talked about earlier... with her peeing outside... and the last one, well I'll take the blame. She was supposed to be watching Dora in the den but instead she was sneaking drinks in the kitchen. I wasn't on top of her like I should have been so she peed all over the floor. And with only about 20 potty breaks today, I think the novelty is wearing off. Not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing.

I finally put her in bed at 730 and she was fine until 830. She started crying and I assumed she had an accident... but she didn't. She just wasn't ready for bed so I let her get up. She went on the potty one more time for a total of 3 pees and 1 poop today. Hopefully that will keep her from wetting the bed tonight. And now here it is another hour later and she is back in bed but NOT happy. I guess the nap was bad on more than one account (wet sheets and now she won't go to sleep).

She can tell when she has to go and I can tell by the tone in her voice if it is imminent or if she has to poop... there is a definite hint of fear. She also went in the bathroom on my coaxing and went on her potty all by herself. I was not there to supervise and she pulled her undies down and back up on her own! She came running out to tell me and I went in to check and sure enough, she went. So here's to day THREE!!! Keeping my fingers crossed!

Fun Photo Friday - Easter in May?!

Ok, so I never posted Easter pictures... I don't think. I better go back and check before I post this, huh? LoL So here they are now!

The Easter Bunny Did GOOD!

Buckeye checking out his goodies (or eyeing me evily?)

Sara had to open every last piece of her candy :)

Jacob LOVES Star Wars!

Sara found an egg!

Daddy had to show Adam where this one was...

Lexi needed mom's help with this one

Kadie found the last one for Sara

Candy time!

Breakfast was bunny shaped chocolate chip pancakes and corn fritters! Yumm!