***OVER FOR ANOTHER YEAR!

I can't believe that Christmas is over already! What a great year and although we didn't have anywhere to go on Christmas day we stayed home and kept busy and the day flew by so fast before we knew it...it was 11:00pm and it was time for hubby and I to put up the Wii game and head off to bed. It was different not having family around to visit but we had a great time playing games with the kids and the toys and empty boxes were piled up everywhere...what a mess. Today we are going to the movie theatre to see "Alvin and the Chipmunks" and back home to get backed for our trip home to visit family.
I hope you all had a great Christmas with your families! All the best in the new year! :0)

IT'S CHRISTMAS EVE !

Well here we are the countdown is coming to an end as we all take some time to celebrate Christmas with our family and friends. The kids are excited and unfortunately for me I have to take the four kids out on a MP3 hunt....come on really something has to go wrong just before Christmas right....my daughters player (when we went to download music on it for her so that it would be ready Christmas morning) it doesn't work...So I will have to see what I can find to replace it at such short notice :0( I guess that's what I get for putting it off until the end. Wish me luck!

I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!

***2 DAYS 'TIL CHRISTMAS!

Only 2 days until Christmas and it's down to the wire. Are you ready? I am still working on getting the house clean there is no end to the house work, but I am determined to have it done today! Not much going on beside cleaning, Jay my oldest has his last night at Church youth group. They are having their Christmas party and I need to make something for pot luck! Tomorrow I will take Blake into Zellers (hubby's work) dressed in his little Santa suit so he can walk around and hand out candy canes. We are going to be there anyway so why not have some fun and put a smile on some peoples faces!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

3 DAYS 'TIL CHRISTMAS!

3 days until Christmas....Wow the day is already coming to an end and this is the first time I've sat at the computer all day and it will only be for a few minutes before I start getting the kids ready for bed. Speaking of the kids....OMG they are wild! The excitement of Christmas has really set in since I put some gifts under the tree, maybe I should have waited a bit longer for my own sanity. My hubby is working later tonight so I will get the kids off early and curl up in bed myself.

THE KIDS WITH SANTA AT THE KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO...

***4 DAYS 'TIL CHRISTMAS!

With now only 4 days left until Christmas and the kids home from school, I am happy to say that the shopping has come to an end...thank G*d because I ran out of money lol....I have a few things left to wrap and today I will slowly start bringing down some gifts to put under the tree. I don't know how long they will stay wrapped with Blake around (I know what happened to you Tammy with Aiden LOL) but we will see what happens. I have lots to do today but I will try my very best to do some blog hoppin'. If I don't get to your blog it's not because I wasn't thinking of you...Happy Holidays!

Gold Bullion

Something I have never stopped to think about is the fact that you can still buy gold and silver. You can purchase gold bullion through Monex Deposit Company along with silver and other precious metals and coins and arrange for immediate personal delivery or convenient and safe storage that will take place at a depository or at an independent bank. Buying gold has been recognized as one of the best ways to preserve one's wealth and purchasing power. Yes, Gold bullion is real honest money! Gold bullion comes in three convenient forms that is available from Monex. As an investment product, gold is available in ingot or coin form and gold bullion is a unique investment.

***HOP ON THE TRAIN...

CHOOO!!! CHOOO!!!

I was tagged by Darlene with this meme train....follow the rules below and see where this train takes you...Thanks Darlene!

The rule: When you get tagged, you have to add your name below the person who tagged you and by doing so you are letting the list grow.

Limadang.com
RamblingMoo.com
blogginginmypyjamas
Chinneeq
Dora-zooropazoo
Babyshern
HiPnCooLMoMMa
Rachel’s Soulful Thoughts
When Silence Speaks
Dancing in Midlife Tune
Underneath it All
I am DzoiHobbies and Suchmoms.....check nyo
Choc Mint Girl
Amel's Realm
My Thoughts
Rusin Roundup
Juliana's Site
MaxRooms of My Heart
Mariuca
A Great Pleasure
MondayMorningPower
LadyJava's Lounge
Colin aka CotojoNafaSGHanna
My Life My World
Mommy's Gibble Gabbles
Author's Sweet Life
Rantings of a Woman
Jabber Jaws

Tammy, Anna, Jenn, Mel and Ritchelle you have all been tagged! Enjoy the ride!

***5 DAYS 'TIL CHRISTMAS!

With only 5 days left until Christmas day we spent the day shopping, picking up the kids from school at lunch (last day) then shopping some more. Now we are finally home and I am going to spend my time on the computer. Unfortunately for me I now have to share my blogging time with my hubby...(I hope I get a laptop for Christmas) because his blog was approved for PPP and he's been the one with ppp opps today. Oh well as long as I get my blog hoppin' done for the day that will be fine...although the extra money is nice...(nothing today so nothing to worry about) Wow I can't believe that the big day is almost here...feel the excitement! Happy Holidays everyone!

BAKING MADE EASIER

I have been spending most of December getting ready for Christmas and this includes my Christmas baking and baking is not something I look forward to. I am always fighting with the hand mixer and feel it's not worth the time and effort, so off to the grocery store I go. Well after hearing about The Hamilton Beach® Eclectrics® Stand Mixer I knew that I had to have one to get back to the baking that I really enjoy doing and this would make it so much easier but deep down I thought this is something I would never own and my had mixer would have to do. So I thought until I WON my very own Hamilton Beach ® Mixer and I am telling you what a difference it makes with baking. Every kitchen should have a Hamilton beach® stand mixer!

So let me tell you about this fantastic all metal stand mixer and some of its great features that will have you wanting one of your own! You are sure to enjoy the hands free mixing with the professional 2 way rotating head, the high performance electronics ensures constant power and with 400 watts of power you can mix the toughest jobs of 4 one pound loaves of bread or my favorite, 9 dozen cookies. With having such a large family what cold be better than that. The Hamilton Beach® Eclectrics® Mixer was awarded Best Buy rating by 2 leading consumer magazines and I know it's rated my number one kitchen appliance that I won't do without. Check it out and get one for yourself with many different colors to choose from and have fun baking!

***6 DAYS 'TIL CHRISTMAS!

So today was the kids last full day of school before being off for Christmas break. Tomorrow they will be done school at noon so I will be taking the opportunity to get the rest of my shopping done without the kids tagging along. Lots of house cleaning needs to be done and the gifts organized for the big day.

Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer

Do you remember this video from about a month or so ago...It was a ppp opp I did for the Hamilton beach eclectrics stand mixer. We not only got paid $65 for doing this but I was one of the 10 winners...that's right...I have my very own Hamilton beach stand mixer and what a difference it makes when mixing cookie dough. So with doing that post and winning I now have the opportunity to do another video for part 2 of the mixer. I will have it posted later tonight or tomorrow morning. We had a great time doing the video and even have some bloopers. While checking to make sure that I had all the ingredients in the bowl, I turned my head for a second and Blake decided to turn the mixer on full. Now mind you I had just added the flour so you can only imagine...I was covered in flour and so was the kitchen...LOL Blake thought it was hilarious, I have to admit it was pretty funny. Now I have to admit I was a bit hestitant to whether I was going to keep it or let my mom have it but after paying the $70 shipping and the extras costs and of course falling in love with it. I thought I would keep it for myself...sorry mom, I'll let you borrow it...LOL Besides Blake would never forgive me if I did give it away. As he's been saying all day...I love it, I love it!
Watch for our video coming soon...

***JUST ONE WEEK 'TIL CHRISTMAS!

With only one week to go...Get the wrapping done, the baking finished and hang your stockings...it's Christmas time. With only one week to go this house is going crazy with excitement and the kids are spinning. Today I will get my last bit of baking done. I have been waiting for this day... baking will never be the same after today....Santa has come through and is bringing me an early Christmas gift...can't wait. Watch for the post later on tonight or maybe tomorrow. I love getting early Christmas presents...once again I'm a big kid I know. I don't think I will ever grow out of it...lol The snow if falling but today the kids are off to school and I'm looking forward to some peace and quiet...Like that is going to happen with my dear little Blake around. I guess I should go wait for my gift to arrive. How exciting!

WELCOME BACK MISTY! :0)

Happy Holidays!

***I'M CHRISTMAS.....WHAT ARE YOU?

You Are Christmas

More than most people, you are able to find magic in life's small moments. Traditions mean a lot to you, and you tend to be quite nostalgic. You are a giving, kind person who really understands the true meaning of holidays. You inspire others to be as altruistic and caring as you are. What makes you celebrate: Tradition and a generous spirit At holiday get togethers, you do best as: The storyteller. You like to recount memories with everyone. On a holiday, you're the one most likely to: Give a gift to everyone you know

What Holiday Are You?

***8 DAYS 'TIL CHRISTMAS!

8 days until Christmas...yippee! That means that one week from today is Christmas Eve...when all the fun begins! The messy weather has given the kids the day home from school. It snowed until about 3:00am then it turned to freezing rain then rain by this morning...and yes there was still snow left to shovel and boy was it heavy...I'm not really sure why they closed the schools today but I think it's suppose to turn cold this afternoon and the roads will freeze. Better safe than sorry :0)

FRIENDSHIP AWARD!

Tammy has given me another friendship award...Thank you Tammy you are one of the best, I know I've said this before but I mean it. I am thankful every day for making such great blogging friends. I am going to pass this award on to Mel, Jenn, Anne,Petula, Jocelyn,Darlene, Ritchelle,Anna, Juliana, Ellyn, and Hazel.

I have been tagged by Mel from Mel in a Nutshell.

For this meme you will need your iPod. I don't have an iPod but I do have lots of songs downloaded on the computer...mostly Christmas music right now...and my daughters favs...

It's a list of questions that you answer with the title of a random song. Hmmm, random...let's see how this turns out...and see how funny my answers are :0)

1. Would would describe your personality? Ordinary Miracle -Charlotte's Web

2. What do you like in a guy/girl? Don't laugh at me - Brad Paisley

3. How do you feel, today? Jesus take the wheel - carrie underwood
4. What's your life's purpose? Let them be little - Billy Dean

5. What is your motto? Big girls don't cry - Fergie

6. What do your friends think of you? all for one - High school musical 2
7. What do you think of your parents?hey now - hilary duff
8. What do you think about very often? Silent night - Bony M Christmas

9. What do you think of your best friend? Miracles happen - Myra, disney ice princess
10. What do you think of the person you like? bad day - Hannah montana
11. What is your life story? I am what I am - Jonas Brothers
12. What do you want to be when you grow up? You're beautiful - James Blunt
13. What do you think when you see the person you like?Dear God - Jonas Brothers

14. What do your parents think of you? In my daughters eyes - Martina Mcbride

15. What will be played at your funeral? Someone's watchin over me - Hilary duff (that one is too funny)

16.What is your hobby/interest? someday - nickleback

17. What is your biggest secret?I don't dance - High school musical 2

18. What do you think of your friends? angel - Sarah Mclaughlin

19. What should you post this as? on my own - Hedley
Some funny answers...this was fun...I was a bit worried at first...

Just remember a lot of these songs are the kids favs....

Jenn, Tammy, Jocelyn and Anna consider yourselves tagged and anyone else who wants to have some fun...

Just remember to let me know when it's done!

***9 DAYS 'TIL CHRISTMAS!

That's right....only 9 days to go...are you getting excited...I'm like a big kid when it comes to Christmas...I'm so excited I'm already having trouble sleeping LOL Christmas Eve I'm awake all night with excitement...The weekend is going by really fast...we are getting ready to go shopping :0) My hubby brought home a surprise gift for the 3 older kiddies and we need to get some accessories to go with the gifts...now the big question is how do we get some ideas from the kids without giving away the surprise...could be interesting but we always manage to pull it off.

***10 DAYS 'TIL CHRISTMAS!

With only 10 days until Christmas how will you be spending your weekend? I'm sure it will be a busy one....I am going to take it easy (or at least try) and get ready for a busy week. My hubby is working today until supper time and Jay is off to a friends house so it's just me and the other 3 kiddies and right now they are actually sitting together playing a game and what's that....it's quiet:0) The weather is suppose to get messy over the next 48 hours so we will see what it brings...shovelling no doubt. Monday I am hoping to get some more baking done and the gift wrapping finished. And before I know it the kids will be finished school for Christmas then look out this house will be wild...lol

***I WON MELS CONTEST...

A while back I entered a contest that Mel from Mel in a Nutshell was doing to help her build traffic to her site and I was her random winner of $50.00. I can really use the extra money especially this time of year with the added cost of Christmas shopping but it will have to go towards the shipping cost on another contest that I've won recently...yep a whopping $70 for the duty because the contest was in the US....I hope it's worth it...I will post about that contest later!

I have been really enjoying visiting Mel's blog and getting to more about her. She has a great blog, you should see it for yourself, stop by and say hello! You are sure to meet a great friend, I know I have.

Thank you so much Mel! Happy Holidays !

***11 DAYS 'TIL CHRISTMAS!

I have some wrapping to get done and some cleaning around the house then I will be back to update my blog...Have a great day!

***GIRLFRIEND AND SISTER WEEK !

This is Girlfriend and Sister Week ! Pass this along and let them know that you are thinking of them...I am passing this along to some good blogging friends...Here ya go girls!
Tammy
Anne
Petula
Misty
Jenn
Anna
Mel
Jocelyn
Kim
Darlene
JJ
Kitty

***12 DAYS 'TIL CHRISTMAS !

LAP BAND SURGERY

A few years ago I found myself starting to get overweight and I took control of my eating habits and managed to lose my weight without the need to look into one of the other more serious options out their to help with obesity. For a lot of people struggling with obesity they are left with the option of Lap Band Surgery. If you are considering this procedure check out lap band houston for your options and a great surgeon. Get your life back with the lap band surgery.

***SCHOOL CONCERT

I was a bit confuse last night...I thought I was taking Kohl to his school Christmas Concert but it seemed more like "Prom Night"! He was all dressed up and the girls had on very beautiful dresses and before the night was over he was handed a "love letter". The girls are fighting over him already....the picture is taken with his friend Abby, the letter is from Alisha and his dance partner was Summer. I am waiting to see how it all played out at school today LOL

TRUSTED TOURS eNEWSLETTER

I have been doing quite a bit of thinking and talking about going away on vacation. Our family is long overdue for a family get away and with travelling with four children where do you do? If you are finding yourself in the same situation as I am in, that is looking for ideas on what to do then check out Trusted Tours and Attractions and right now if you sign up for the Trusted Travel eNewsletter between now and December 31st, 2007 you will be entered to win their special holiday prize - an iPod Nano and will also be entered to win 4 Sightseeing Tour Tickets to one of their Trusted Tours cities. For us I'm thinking the kids would enjoy Orlando, Florida. This is somewhere they have been talking about for sometime now and I can use the information from this enewsletter to help make some decisions easier.

With the help from Trusted Tours and Attractions I found a great Go Orlando Card - 5 day attraction pass which will give us the most savings and fun with admission to over 50 of the best attractions, activities and tours. This is a great way to save money, time and would eliminate hassles on our Orlando vacation and hassles are something we can do without. Now with all the information we just have to sit down and figure out what we are going to do. One thing that I do know is that it's time to get away!

***13 DAYS 'TIL CHRISTMAS!

Less than two weeks until Christmas...The rush is on...will I be ready? I guess I will have to be. This week is so crazy busy that my head is spinning. Tammy asked me yesterday if I was panicking yet?!....You bet I am Tammy LOL! It didn't hit me until last night at the kids Christmas Concert. I have my work cut out for me the rest of this week but if I get the things done that need to be done I will be OK. Are you ready for Christmas?

LODGING SPECIALS

The winter months are here and the ground is covered with snow and the temperature is starting to drop. The driveway needs shovelled, the roads are slippery and it is just cold, cold, cold! I don't know about you but I am ready for something much warmer. Many people this time of year head off to a nice warm get away to escape the cold and I think it's my turn to follow.

I haven't been to Florida in many years and would love to go back. If you are planning on heading to Florida you should consider visiting America Island. Amelia Island was voted one of the top 10 islands in America and not only is it warm and sunny but Amelia Island has incredible restaurants, shopping, great golf courses and unlimited adventures and activities. Amelia Island combines both rich history and southern charm with Florida relaxation and a dose of adventure.

Start packing! You're in for a great vacation and now is the perfect time to get away! From now through February 29th, 2008 you can take advantage of this great Lodging Special where if you book 2 nights you will get your 3rd night free in Amelia Island. Choose from Hotel or Bed and Breakfast accommodations and enjoy your experience and warmth.

***ELVES IN TRAINING...

Looking for something fun to do this holiday season...If so join in on the fun and Elf Yourself. I got the idea from Tammy's blog and thought it would be something the kids would get a laugh from...I will show them in the morning.

To check out my elves in training click
HERE

***SCHOOL PICTURES !

Finally the kids school pictures have come in and just in time to get put in our Christmas cards. Oh how they are growing up too fast...is there anything I can do to slow down time???! Jay is in the 6th grade, Trinity is in the 2nd grade and Kohl is enjoying his first year in school. I scared if I blink one time to many they will be all grown up...

***TAG YOUR IT!

I was tagged by Anna from Beth and Cory's Mom for a Simple Game of Tag.

The rule:
When you get tagged, you name the person who tagged you then tag 5 others. Copy the entire list into your post, and let's see how big this can get!

Limadang.com
RamblingMoo.com
blogginginmypyjamas
StylewithPassion
Chinneeq
Dora-zooropazoo
Babyshern
HiPnCooLMoMMa
Rachel’s Soulful Thoughts
When Silence Speaks
Dancing in Midlife Tune
Underneath it All
I am Dzoi
Hobbies and Such
moms.....check nyo
Choc Mint Girl
Amel's Realm
My Thoughts
Rusin Roundup - Mel
MondayMorningPower
Comedy Plus
Mama Pajama
Beth & Cory's Mom
A Bit of Me
Cherished Moments with my 2 Angels
My Dogs Keep Me Sane
Skittles' Place
Rantings of a Woman

my tags are:
Tammy Mom Knows Everything
Jenn Enjoying the Ride
Petula It's a Woman's World
Misty My Dogs Keep Me Sane
Jocelyn Hip Mama Blog

OOOPS, Misty you are already on the list...sorry

Matt The Males Perspective give it a try...

***14 DAYS 'TIL CHRISTMAS!

That's right...two weeks from today is Christmas day, so if you aren't ready yet...get ready it's coming :0) and fast! This year is a new start to Christmas traditions since this will be our first Christmas at home without family so we have been brain storming trying to think of ways to make it fun for the kids with some new traditions. I think being home for the day and being able to play with their new toys will be fun enough for them. Usually they unwrap the gifts, pick out one toy and head off travelling to be with family and won't get to play with the other gifts for quite a few days...what fun it that. There are a couple of movies playing at the theatre that they would like to see and maybe if the weather permits we will find a sledding hill. We will be travelling to be with family on the 27th.

ONLINE FINANCE SERVICE

There is a good majority of people who are having trouble with their debt which in time can lead to poor credit. Well now you don't have to feel that there isn't help out there for you. I have found myself in that situation before and was able to find help with our financial needs through bad credit loans. At Best Leading Lenders you will find the help you need with no application fees, nationwide services and instant online processing for their loans including personal loans. It doesn't end there! Best Leading Lenders can also provide you with a Car Loan and you can get approved very quickly. Don't let your poor credit get you down. Best Leading Lenders is there to help!

***BUSY WEEK AHEAD...

This is the last full week of school for the kids before the Christmas break and every night is going to be a busy one. The week will be over before I know it which means Christmas will be here that much faster...eeks, got to get my Christmas letters in the mail ASAP. I have been working on them all morning and just have to get the addresses on the envelopes so I can get them in the mail. Dance class for Trinity tonight, school concert tomorrow night and Wednesday night, Thursday night is parent night at dance for Trinity and also Friday night for Trinity and Kohl's hip hop class. Wow. I would say that I am looking forward to the weekend but Matt has to work so there is no break for me :0( busy as always.

My parents and sisters were here on the weekend and we had a great visit and Saturday night the kids enjoyed the Christmas skating party with Matt's work. The weather was good and my parents made it home safe. Looking forward to seeing them at Christmas!

***15 DAYS 'TIL CHRISTMAS!

***16 DAYS 'TIL CHRISTMAS

BOSCH POWER TOOLS

Oh yes, power tools! How can you go wrong when buying power tools for your husband. I know that my husband looks forward to getting new tools every year and I have fun with the kids trying to find new tools that he doesn't already have. This year is going to be no different from any other year and with some home improvement projects on the go in the new year there are lots of tools to choose from to help him get the job done right. The only thing my husband asks of me when buying him tools is that I stick to the brand name that he likes and only purchase Bosch Power Tools.

While looking online for power tools I came across a great website that offers many different power tools to choose from. Ohio Power Tool focuses on tools and equipment for professionals, they are very familiar with and have great knowledge about their products and they also offer service and repair on everything they sell. Electric routers...definitely on my husbands list. Bosch Router have different models to choose from so stop by the site and find a Bosch power tool that is right for the job. So what does her really want for Christmas? Just remember, power tools do make the perfect gift for him and if you want some gift ideas check out Power Tool Authority, a blog website for Ohio Power Tool.