My house and car look like fundraising central. Today I helped set up for a Gift Auction and my car has been full of gift baskets. (I can't wait to go tonight. Wish me luck....I hope my tickets get pulled and I bring home some great gifts!) Back on the homefront my dining room has been taken over by a soccer fundraiser.
It got me to thinking, in the past 1 1/2 months I've set up and run 3 fundraisers and participated in many more. Do you think I'm a glutton for punishment? I must be. Because I keep agreeing to run things. (even after I have vowed never to volunteer again!)
If you have any good fundraising ideas send them my way! I'm always looking for something new. (preferably easy!)
Don't forget to enter for your chance to win Breyers YoCrunch yougurt
Time is running out to gain extra entries into my May is for Mom Giveaway Party
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Birthday Wishes
Today is The Middle Child's 8th birthday. His birthday was bittersweet. I was so excited by his arrival and my labor was only a few hours long. After our initial bonding and nursing they took him to the nursery for all of his checks and observation with the promise they'd bring him to my room a little later. Instead of the baby, a doctor I didn't know arrived. He was there to tell me there were problems with my brand new son. He was having trouble breathing and they needed to move him into the Special Care Nursery. He was hooked up to all sorts of machines and IV's; xrays and tests were done. My heart was broken and I was so nervous and worried for my little man. Two days later I was discharged and had to leave my new baby behind. That was the hardest thing I have ever done.
However, all ended well. Eight days later he was healthy enough to come home with us and we were finally united as a family of 4. New challenges reared their ugly head but we overcame those as well. Fast forward 8 years and what we have is an active boy who is smart as a whip.
Dear Middle Child,
Each and every day you challenge my patience. You know how to push my buttons and keep me on my toes. But you have one special gift that nobody else has. You have the ability to make me laugh like no other. Whether it is a funny come back, a whitty remark or announcing your new official sick day outfit (see pic), you make me find the lighter side of life.
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You continually make me proud. Through your school work, your new stripe at karate, or your persistance on the baseball field, you give me new ways to make me want to say "that is my kid".
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Middle Child, I love you dearly and I wish for you the happiest of birthdays and the brightest of futures.
However, all ended well. Eight days later he was healthy enough to come home with us and we were finally united as a family of 4. New challenges reared their ugly head but we overcame those as well. Fast forward 8 years and what we have is an active boy who is smart as a whip.
Dear Middle Child,
Each and every day you challenge my patience. You know how to push my buttons and keep me on my toes. But you have one special gift that nobody else has. You have the ability to make me laugh like no other. Whether it is a funny come back, a whitty remark or announcing your new official sick day outfit (see pic), you make me find the lighter side of life.
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Monday, April 26, 2010
May is for Mom!
Mothers Day is right around the corner, and I've teamed up with Chrissy from Life as a CEO {and several generous Etsy shop owners} to present you with a weeks worth of giveaways "just for mom!"
The party starts on May 1st--a new giveaway will be featured each day from May 1st-May 7th on both my blog and Chrissy's blog--that's a total of 14 fantastic giveaways that you have the chance to win! All winners will be announced on Mothers Day, Sunday May 9th!
If you'd like a chance at some extra entries before the fun begins, here is how you can get them:
~ Grab our button and post it on your blog {make sure you tell us where to find it!} - 2 extra entries per giveaway you enter
~ Tell your readers about this giveaway party BEFORE May 1st {link to your post in your comment} - 2 extra entries per giveaway you enter!
JOIN the PARTY:
copy/paste:
Don't forget to enter to win a pack of YoCrunch Yogurt
The party starts on May 1st--a new giveaway will be featured each day from May 1st-May 7th on both my blog and Chrissy's blog--that's a total of 14 fantastic giveaways that you have the chance to win! All winners will be announced on Mothers Day, Sunday May 9th!
If you'd like a chance at some extra entries before the fun begins, here is how you can get them:
~ Grab our button and post it on your blog {make sure you tell us where to find it!} - 2 extra entries per giveaway you enter
~ Tell your readers about this giveaway party BEFORE May 1st {link to your post in your comment} - 2 extra entries per giveaway you enter!
JOIN the PARTY:
copy/paste:
Don't forget to enter to win a pack of YoCrunch Yogurt
YoCrunch....mmmmm....Giveaway
I'd like to introduce you all to....
YoCrunch® 100 Calorie Packs are the first yogurt products to be naturally sweetened with Truvia™ rebiana.
• YoCrunch® 100 Calorie Packs are the only calorie-controlled yogurt products that are naturally sweetened, providing all the taste of full-calorie low-fat yogurt but without all the calories and sugar.
• YoCrunch® 100 Calorie Packs offer a satisfying smooth and crunchy yogurt experience in convenient 100-calorie portions that kids and moms will love.
• Available in five great flavors, YoCrunch® 100 Calorie Packs are made with nonfat yogurt and are perfect as a healthy snack or dessert for those craving a nutritious yet decadent sweet treat.
o Cheesecake Yogurt with Graham Cookie Pieces
o Strawberry Yogurt with 100% Natural Low Fat Granola
o Vanilla Yogurt with Chocolate Chip Cookie Pieces
o Vanilla Yogurt with Chocolate Crème Cookie Pieces
o Vanilla Yogurt with Nestle® Buncha Crunch™ Candy Pieces
• Made with no artificial sweeteners, YoCrunch® 100 Calorie Packs have added Vitamin A and D, and are a good source of calcium and protein for women and kids.
• YoCrunch® 100 Calorie Packs are available at leading grocery, health food and specialty stores nationwide at a suggested retail price of $2.99 - $3.19 for each four-pack container.
My Take:
I was sent a pack of Vanilla Yogurt with Chocolate Chip Cookie Pieces to try. Now, I have to tell you that vanilla isn't my favorite flavor of yogurt and I'm funny about mixing textures so I was skeptical about mixing crunchy cookies in with my yogurt. But you know what? It was good. Really good. Then I had to wonder why I've never thought to crumble a cookie in my yogurt before!
I gave my husband and my oldest son some to try as well and they liked it too. In fact my son said "this is the best yogurt I've ever eaten!". (and he eats yogurt every day!) He REALLY liked that there was cookie mixed in.
Now it is your turn to try it! I've got 10 coupons for free YoCrunch® 100 Calorie Packs to give to you. It's easy to win one....just leave me a comment telling me what flavor you'd like to try! Please leave me your email so I can contact the winners. I will randomly choose winners on May 8.
Coupons good in US only.
Disclosure: I was sent a YoCrunch 100 Calorie Pack to try. No compensation was received for this review. All opinions expressed are mine based on my experience from trying this product.
YoCrunch® 100 Calorie Packs are the first yogurt products to be naturally sweetened with Truvia™ rebiana.
• YoCrunch® 100 Calorie Packs are the only calorie-controlled yogurt products that are naturally sweetened, providing all the taste of full-calorie low-fat yogurt but without all the calories and sugar.
• YoCrunch® 100 Calorie Packs offer a satisfying smooth and crunchy yogurt experience in convenient 100-calorie portions that kids and moms will love.
• Available in five great flavors, YoCrunch® 100 Calorie Packs are made with nonfat yogurt and are perfect as a healthy snack or dessert for those craving a nutritious yet decadent sweet treat.
o Cheesecake Yogurt with Graham Cookie Pieces
o Strawberry Yogurt with 100% Natural Low Fat Granola
o Vanilla Yogurt with Chocolate Chip Cookie Pieces
o Vanilla Yogurt with Chocolate Crème Cookie Pieces
o Vanilla Yogurt with Nestle® Buncha Crunch™ Candy Pieces
• Made with no artificial sweeteners, YoCrunch® 100 Calorie Packs have added Vitamin A and D, and are a good source of calcium and protein for women and kids.
• YoCrunch® 100 Calorie Packs are available at leading grocery, health food and specialty stores nationwide at a suggested retail price of $2.99 - $3.19 for each four-pack container.
Score a coupon by visiting here
My Take:
I was sent a pack of Vanilla Yogurt with Chocolate Chip Cookie Pieces to try. Now, I have to tell you that vanilla isn't my favorite flavor of yogurt and I'm funny about mixing textures so I was skeptical about mixing crunchy cookies in with my yogurt. But you know what? It was good. Really good. Then I had to wonder why I've never thought to crumble a cookie in my yogurt before!
I gave my husband and my oldest son some to try as well and they liked it too. In fact my son said "this is the best yogurt I've ever eaten!". (and he eats yogurt every day!) He REALLY liked that there was cookie mixed in.
Now it is your turn to try it! I've got 10 coupons for free YoCrunch® 100 Calorie Packs to give to you. It's easy to win one....just leave me a comment telling me what flavor you'd like to try! Please leave me your email so I can contact the winners. I will randomly choose winners on May 8.
Coupons good in US only.
Disclosure: I was sent a YoCrunch 100 Calorie Pack to try. No compensation was received for this review. All opinions expressed are mine based on my experience from trying this product.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
A Blessed Day
Today was one of those days you end realizing how blessed you are. It was raining all day yet it was truely a beautiful day.
The Middle Child made his First Holy Communion today. The mass was really very lovely. The priest addressed the first communicants and made his sermon something they could relate to. All the boys looked so handsome and grown up in their suits and the girls looked beautiful in their pure white dresses as they approached the altar. As Father Leon said "today is the one day you will look like an angel".
We returned to our house with our family where we ate, relaxed and enjoyed each other's company. Everyone lingered for hours, no one was in a rush to go. My kids played with their cousins, my husband bonded with his brothers, and I just took it all in.
While I would have loved for the sun to be shining so we could have extended our celebration to outside on the deck, we didn't need the sunshine for the warmth to shine on us. And I also know there is an angel in heaven, whose birthday happens to be today, who was watching over us.
The Middle Child made his First Holy Communion today. The mass was really very lovely. The priest addressed the first communicants and made his sermon something they could relate to. All the boys looked so handsome and grown up in their suits and the girls looked beautiful in their pure white dresses as they approached the altar. As Father Leon said "today is the one day you will look like an angel".
We returned to our house with our family where we ate, relaxed and enjoyed each other's company. Everyone lingered for hours, no one was in a rush to go. My kids played with their cousins, my husband bonded with his brothers, and I just took it all in.
While I would have loved for the sun to be shining so we could have extended our celebration to outside on the deck, we didn't need the sunshine for the warmth to shine on us. And I also know there is an angel in heaven, whose birthday happens to be today, who was watching over us.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Pet Peeves
I've been in a bit of a slump lately both here on my blog and in life in general. While sitting around ruminating in some of my foul moods it has given me time to think of some of my pet peeves. I thought I'd share some with you....but beware, it is actually quite a few!
Pet owners who don't pick up after their pets. If you are going to own a dog and he is going to leave your property, for the love of God, CLEAN UP THE DOG SH** after it goes! It is disgusting. Don't own a pet if you are too lazy to pick up after them. I live on a corner lot and can you tell I get a lot of presents left behind?
Exercise DVD's that don't allow you to fast forward through the intro. I despise excercise as you can read more about here. But every once in a while I attempt to give it a go and when I do, I just want to start the workout. Some of the new DVD's I have don't let me skip through the beginning part where it explains the whole video that is to come without it missing some of the workout (VCR's are so much better for this reason!). I only need to see that once....let me get to the workout before I change my mind!
Drivers that don't use their turn signals. Especially when those drivers decide to make a left hand turn at the last minute at a particularly busy intersection and I can't get around them!
Celebrities that ask for monetary donations for all their causes of the moment. Don't get me wrong, I believe in donating to worthy causes. But when you make multi -millions per film, don't use your celebrity status to try and guilt me into donating. If these celebrities donated their salaries and lived on an income that the rest of us do they could single handedly end world poverty. I can't even afford to take my family to see their movie in the theater.
Grown adults who don't chew with their mouths closed. Seriously people? Haven't you learned a few manners in your years here on earth?
Parents who continually use "I don't have time" as an excuse. Funny, the rest of us find time to volunteer for your kid....it would be nice if you chipped in once in a while. We are ALL busy. It's about making the time.
Parents who throw bigger tantrums than their kids. When I'm in a store and I hear the parent screaming and carrying on worse than the kid they are frustrated with I just want to go over and suggest they put themselves in time out. My favorite? I was in Target and this lady was gabbing on the phone and her toddler was in the cart trying to get her attention. She started SCREAMING at him quite loudly to stop bothering her because she was trying to talk. She didn't even take the phone away from her mouth when she was screaming at him.....I'm sure the person on the other end of the line just loved that!
People who give you license to "do what you want as long as it gets done"...and of course doesn't want to help....but then says "no, but not that". I've been trying to plan a lot of fundraisers. It has been headache inducing.
Other people's revolutions. I'm happy for you that you are passionate about something but that doesn't mean the rest of us want to jump on board.
People who don't think rules/deadlines apply to them. Really....you aren't special. It applies to you just like it applies to the rest of us.
Blog posts that should really be separate posts. I really enjoy visiting everyone's blogs and keeping up with their posts. However, if you participate in 18 different memes please don't put them ALL in the same post...create different posts.
Okay, I think that wraps up the list for now. I know I have other issues but that will do for now, I wouldn't want to scare you away.
Now tell me....What is YOUR biggest pet peeve?
Pet owners who don't pick up after their pets. If you are going to own a dog and he is going to leave your property, for the love of God, CLEAN UP THE DOG SH** after it goes! It is disgusting. Don't own a pet if you are too lazy to pick up after them. I live on a corner lot and can you tell I get a lot of presents left behind?
Exercise DVD's that don't allow you to fast forward through the intro. I despise excercise as you can read more about here. But every once in a while I attempt to give it a go and when I do, I just want to start the workout. Some of the new DVD's I have don't let me skip through the beginning part where it explains the whole video that is to come without it missing some of the workout (VCR's are so much better for this reason!). I only need to see that once....let me get to the workout before I change my mind!
Drivers that don't use their turn signals. Especially when those drivers decide to make a left hand turn at the last minute at a particularly busy intersection and I can't get around them!
Celebrities that ask for monetary donations for all their causes of the moment. Don't get me wrong, I believe in donating to worthy causes. But when you make multi -millions per film, don't use your celebrity status to try and guilt me into donating. If these celebrities donated their salaries and lived on an income that the rest of us do they could single handedly end world poverty. I can't even afford to take my family to see their movie in the theater.
Grown adults who don't chew with their mouths closed. Seriously people? Haven't you learned a few manners in your years here on earth?
Parents who continually use "I don't have time" as an excuse. Funny, the rest of us find time to volunteer for your kid....it would be nice if you chipped in once in a while. We are ALL busy. It's about making the time.
Parents who throw bigger tantrums than their kids. When I'm in a store and I hear the parent screaming and carrying on worse than the kid they are frustrated with I just want to go over and suggest they put themselves in time out. My favorite? I was in Target and this lady was gabbing on the phone and her toddler was in the cart trying to get her attention. She started SCREAMING at him quite loudly to stop bothering her because she was trying to talk. She didn't even take the phone away from her mouth when she was screaming at him.....I'm sure the person on the other end of the line just loved that!
People who give you license to "do what you want as long as it gets done"...and of course doesn't want to help....but then says "no, but not that". I've been trying to plan a lot of fundraisers. It has been headache inducing.
Other people's revolutions. I'm happy for you that you are passionate about something but that doesn't mean the rest of us want to jump on board.
People who don't think rules/deadlines apply to them. Really....you aren't special. It applies to you just like it applies to the rest of us.
Blog posts that should really be separate posts. I really enjoy visiting everyone's blogs and keeping up with their posts. However, if you participate in 18 different memes please don't put them ALL in the same post...create different posts.
Okay, I think that wraps up the list for now. I know I have other issues but that will do for now, I wouldn't want to scare you away.
Now tell me....What is YOUR biggest pet peeve?
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
I've got nothing
Sorry folks, I've been in a real slump and I'm afraid I've still got nothing for you! Every time I log in to post I stare at the blank screen before me and my mind goes blank. I've had a tough couple of weeks and it seems to have sucked all the inspiration from me!
Monday, April 19, 2010
And the Goddess Is....
I'm kicking off the week my announcing the winner of the Nourish Your Inner Goddess giveaway. The winner was randomly chosen to be:
thaeter7 who said...
I follow on google friends
Congratulations! I hope you enjoy pampering yourself!
I will be contacting you via email and you will have 48 hours to respond with your contact information.
thaeter7 who said...
I follow on google friends
Congratulations! I hope you enjoy pampering yourself!
I will be contacting you via email and you will have 48 hours to respond with your contact information.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Should I be insulted?
I'm still trying to figure out if I should be insulted or not so let me share a short tale with you and you can help me decide.
My husband has Friday's off and today we were out doing errands together. We were wandering through Target making our way towards the register when I said "Losing weight is expensive. I don't have any clothes that fit me and I need all new things." Would you like to know what his response was? Go ahead guess.
Bet you'd never guess this is what came out of his mouth: "well you can always wait until you get fat again."
So tell me. Just what would YOUR reaction be?
My husband has Friday's off and today we were out doing errands together. We were wandering through Target making our way towards the register when I said "Losing weight is expensive. I don't have any clothes that fit me and I need all new things." Would you like to know what his response was? Go ahead guess.
Bet you'd never guess this is what came out of his mouth: "well you can always wait until you get fat again."
So tell me. Just what would YOUR reaction be?
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Nourish Your Inner Goddess Giveaway
With 12 grams of protein -- twice that found in leading yogurts-- new Yoplait Greek nourishes from the inside out. Available in four delicious flavors, Strawberry, Blueberry, Honey Vanilla and Plain, the brand´s newest offering has a unique thick and creamy texture with the unmatched taste expected of Yoplait.
Click here for a coupon towards one cup of new Yoplait Greek!
To celebrate its new Greek yogurt and to encourage women to nourish their inner goddess, Yoplait has teamed up with actress Izabella Miko, who plays Greek Goddess Athena in the epic adventure new Warner Bros. Pictures´ and Legendary Pictures´ film "Clash of the Titans," in theatres April 2 in 3D. You can check out the trailer for the "Clash of the Titans" movie today.
Win It!
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You could win the pictured prize package to help you
nourish your inner goddess!
Pamper the outside with some great spa items as well as the inside
with
VIP coupons for free Yoplait Greek Yogurt
To Enter:
Please be sure to leave an email address so I can easily contact the winner.
Winners will be chosen by Random.org on Sunday, April 18
Tell me what flavor of the new Yoplait Greek Yogurt you would like to try!
Follow Life in the BAT Cave. If you already do, tell me.
Follow me on Twitter and tweet this giveaway.
Blog about this giveaway. Be sure to leave me a link.
Disclosure: I was provided the pictured gift pack and VIP coupons redeemable for free yogurt. This and all the information contained in this post was provided by Yoplait through MyBlogSpark. No other compensation was received.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Friday Fragments
I haven't participated in a Friday Fragments in a few weeks and I've been ignoring my blog lately so let's jump right in, shall we?
*Forgive me for not writing last week. My kids were home on Spring Break and we had a great week! We were busy and the time flew by.
*My allergies are in such overdrive I can't stand it. My head feels like it is going to explode, my nose is like a faucet, my skin is itchy. I can't breathe so I can't sleep so I take a decongestant which also keeps me up. I'm a little cranky. Ok, I'll stop whining now.
*My husband is home this week. I'd like to say we were enjoying the week together but he is getting a lot of yard work and chores done and I've been slumping around like a miserable lump not feeling well.
*My oldest came home with a school project this week. I really wish the teachers would stop assigning these....who do they think is really doing them anyway??
*I'm in the middle of making a heart-wrenching decision that affects my family. Even though in my heart I know I'm making the right choice it doesn't make it any easier. There have been a lot of tears shed in the past week, mostly by me.
*We went from complaining about the cold and the rain to finding ourselves in a heat wave! All of a sudden it is 90 out there! I missed the news flash on the first day and so my kids went to school over dressed and came home miserable. Since we refuse to turn on the AC in April my house is hot and stuffy. I really think Mother Nature has a serious bug up her butt this year.
*Would I be a terrible mom/scout leader if I don't take my kids on at least one of the Cub Scout camping trips? We were presented with the sign up lists. Camping just isn't my first choice of activities. Can't we go to a hotel?
*Forgive me for not writing last week. My kids were home on Spring Break and we had a great week! We were busy and the time flew by.
*My allergies are in such overdrive I can't stand it. My head feels like it is going to explode, my nose is like a faucet, my skin is itchy. I can't breathe so I can't sleep so I take a decongestant which also keeps me up. I'm a little cranky. Ok, I'll stop whining now.
*My husband is home this week. I'd like to say we were enjoying the week together but he is getting a lot of yard work and chores done and I've been slumping around like a miserable lump not feeling well.
*My oldest came home with a school project this week. I really wish the teachers would stop assigning these....who do they think is really doing them anyway??
*I'm in the middle of making a heart-wrenching decision that affects my family. Even though in my heart I know I'm making the right choice it doesn't make it any easier. There have been a lot of tears shed in the past week, mostly by me.
*We went from complaining about the cold and the rain to finding ourselves in a heat wave! All of a sudden it is 90 out there! I missed the news flash on the first day and so my kids went to school over dressed and came home miserable. Since we refuse to turn on the AC in April my house is hot and stuffy. I really think Mother Nature has a serious bug up her butt this year.
*Would I be a terrible mom/scout leader if I don't take my kids on at least one of the Cub Scout camping trips? We were presented with the sign up lists. Camping just isn't my first choice of activities. Can't we go to a hotel?
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Hand of Fate Book Review
Hand of Fate is a thriller that takes us on a journey to find the killer of controversial radio talk show host, Jim Fate. The book opens to the radio show The Hand of Fate. During a break, the host opens a package addressed to him. When he opens it, he quickly realizes it is no ordinary package...when he rips it open he activates a canister that releases a deadly aerosol, thus killing him.
We quickly learn that the list of potential enemies and thus killers is very long. The investigators begin to think it would be easier to make a list of those who wouldn't be suspects. Jim thrived on his controversial topics and stances and was not afraid to offend or challenge people. Because of this he angered a lot of people along the way.
We meet the three women who are key to solving this murder: Cassidy, a news broadcaster for a local TV station, Allison, a Federal Prosecutor, and Nicole, and FBI agent. We get a glimpse inside of their personal lives, their friendship, and what makes them so good in their professional lives. They have dubbed themselves The Triple Threat Club.
As we go along on the journey we see many possible killers and their motives. Will you be able to solve the murder before the end of the book? Or, will the killer be a surprise to you?
My Take:
The book caught my attention from the beginning, which is an important aspect of a book for me! It was easy to read and kept me turning the pages. One thing that stood out to me about half way through the book was that there was no vulgar language and no explicit sex scenes, proving you could have a wonderful book with good content without the shock value of these things! The story was believable and it kept me interested. It was easy to follow along and not get confused in mundane details of who is who and what is going on. Even though this is the second novel featuring the Triple Threat ladies, it stood on its own with no need to have read the first book previously. However, I enjoyed this book enough that I will be seeking out the first novel to add to my reading list!
Disclaimer: Thomas Nelson provided me with an advanced copy of this book to review. The review is based on my opions of the book and I was not compensated in any way.
Curious Chef Winner
I'm happy to announce the winner of this great kitchen timer by Curious Chef!
The winner was chosen by random.org and the winner is.....#26
Traci said... I entered The Buzz giveaway
Congratulations!
You have been contacted by email and will have 48 hours to contact me.
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