CrAzY Working Mom

Looking @ The Sky on Friday

2010-09-02T18:00:00.000-05:00

This was the view from my back yard this morning as the sun was rising! It was a beautiful morning with a bit of an overcast sky creeping in, so I was glad to be able to capture this image. It's getting to the time of the year where the weather is pleasant and one can stand to be outside and snap photographs! I am getting excited about fall! Hope you are too. Can't wait to see what you all come up with for your LATSOF entries!

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Happy Birthday Emily

2010-09-02T11:36:00.002-05:00

Two years ago today my third child was born. Emily Grace has truly been a gift from God. We thought our family was complete after our second child. Thankfully our plans were not the same as the divine plan God had for us. He blessed us with sweet little Emily and I can't imagine our family without her!

Emily's new ride: Princess 4 Wheeler

I remember when I was pregnant people would ask me what I wanted to have and I thought that I would like to have a boy since Tyler would be closest in age to the new one. As it turns out God gave me what I wanted only in another girl! Emily is what you'd call a "Tom" boy. She loves to play with cars. In fact we got my nephew a monster truck for his birthday and she insisted that I open it because she thought it was hers!

The truck chants: "Big Foot, Big Foot" - so she danced!

She's so sweet and she's such a talker. She loves her big brother and sister and she's quite the daddy's girl. I can't imagine our family without her. What a joy she's been in our lives. We are going to celebrate her birthday on Saturday with her cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Happy Birthday sweet Emily Grace. We love you to pieces!

Age Doesn't Make You Forgetful, Does It?!?!

2010-09-01T12:13:00.001-05:00

Should I be worried that I am 32 years old and I've lost my car twice this week in the Wal-Mart parking lot?!?! Seriously, I am not talking about just walking out and being in the wrong aisle only to realize that I was one aisle over. I am talking about walking around on the hot asphalt with the sun beaming down full force almost in tears using my key ring "clicker" to hear my van or see the flashing lights!!

Today it happened and I began by chuckling when a few folks laughed and asked, "Did you lose your car?". At first, I just laughed and remembered that I was on the phone with my sister when I pulled up and I must have just forgotten where I parked. I knew I had a fairly close spot, because I was excited about being by the door. I had to go to the restroom, so I kept thinking that I went in on the side where the restrooms were closest. Unfortunately, after about 15 minutes of endless, frantic searching I realized that it clearly wasn't the case!

Finally after searching every aisle on that side, I went to the other and there it was! I think that a light shone down from heaven with a big arrow pointing me to the van when I finally saw it! I could hear trumpets sound and all was well. Of course I was still hot, sticky, and completely embarrassed! I am serious when I say that I was almost in tears thing that someone had stolen my mini-van! Why on earth would someone want to steal a mini-van?! I have no idea, but surely a 32 year old mother of three would not just lose it, right?!?!

Earlier in the week I did the same thing. Only I was on the right side, just wasn't walking down far enough. Oh, and then there was a few weeks ago when the entire family (hubby drove) went to Wal-Mart and when we started out I reminded him that we were on the other side. There's no sense in walking around in the heat anymore than we have to, so we walked out and there was NO van. Finally hubby chimed in that we were on the other side. I argued a bit that he was wrong and then decided to flatter him because by this time I think that I'd lost 10lbs in sweat. When we found the van, he was beaming from ear to ear because he was right and I was wrong. I couldn't be angry, because I was never so happy to see an air conditioned vehicle!

Now, this leads me to my concern. I mentioned that I am still fairly young. Forgetting where I left my keys, shoes, purse, etc...that's one thing, but forgetting where I left my vehicle, I would place that in a slightly larger category of things that one should not misplace!! Thankfully, all three kids are accounted for (I think!!) and I haven't lost one yet. But, I'm not making any promises with this mind of mine. It is CrAzY ya know!!! In the meantime I'm contacting "The Hoff" to inquire purchasing KIT, the talking car so when I am ready to go he can meet me at the door! ;)

Disney Hosts Outdoor World Premiere of Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue!!

2010-09-01T08:49:00.025-05:00

WALT DISNEY STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT HOSTS A VERY SPECIAL
“PICNIC-IN-THE-PARK” WORLD PREMIERE OF

Tinker Bell, Rosetta, Iridessa and Fawn were there live to greet all of their fairy friends. They were joined by film talent Mae Whitman (voice of Tinker Bell), Raven-Symonѐ, Michael Sheen, Pamela Adlon, Rob Paulsen, Dominika Paleta, director Brad Raymond & producer Helen Kalafatic as well as Jason Earles (Hannah Montana), Billy Bush, Gilles Marini (Brothers & Sisters), Chris Cornell (Soundgarden), Mark Feuerstein (Royal Pains), Ariel Winter (Modern Family), Rick Fox (Ugly Betty), Zendaya Coleman (Shake It Up!), Roshon Fegan (Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam) and Landon Pigg.

The very special outdoor premiere of Disney’s All-New Movie Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue was screened for more than 1,000 families in the local Los Angeles area. The event featured a dozen of L.A.’s most popular food trucks, including Top Chef alum Brian Hill’s gourmet food truck, along with a bevy of activity stations for the kids – including face painting, Tink tattoos, coloring stations and Radio Disney, who emceed the event. All fairy attendees received Tinker Bell blankets, Tinker Bell glow sticks, Fairy wings and enjoyed many Fairy activities.

Tinker Bell, the world’s favorite fairy, will be spreading her magic for audiences of all ages, as the worlds of fairies and humans converge for the very first time in Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue. An all-new original full-length CG animated film featuring breathtaking animation, spectacular music and an all-star cast of voice talents debuts September 21st on Blu-ray Combo Pack (includes Blu-ray and bonus DVD of the film and movie download) and DVD.

Wish I could've gone...check out the video! What fun this must have been!!!

Sleep Comes Easy For A 5 Year Old!

2010-08-31T10:51:00.000-05:00

Tyler has fallen asleep in some awkward positions in all of his 5 years. I guess every child has fallen asleep at the table at some point. Tyler fell asleep a few months back when he was eating. Although we chose to have dinner in the living room that night because we'd drove through a fast food joint on the way home late one evening, he fell asleep before he'd taken the first bite of fries on this night.

He's fallen asleep while in the car, too many times to count. I have never seen a kid sleep so sound in such odd places and positions!

But, last night definitely takes the cake on sleep positions! He was in trouble and forced by his dad to sit on the couch. He was of course angry that he was made to sit down but also so tired he could hardly stand it. Brien said that one minute he was thrashing around and crying to get up and the next minute he was quiet. He had fallen asleep just like this:

Now, I have to mention that he stayed like this for a good 20-30 minutes before he finally bent his legs and sat on the floor. Never fully waking, he rubbed his eyes a bit and looked around then just laid on the floor and was again fast asleep!

Mom Bloggers Needed to Test Products ASAP

2010-08-31T08:50:00.001-05:00

Mom Blog Testers Still Needed - Help Spread the Word

We Need 1000 Mom Bloggers to test and review a health product on their blog.
(US Only)

Sign up to test this health product HERE

How Do You Get Gum Out Of Hair?

2010-08-30T06:56:00.000-05:00

Saturday morning I had the opportunity to get out of the house without any children. As a busy mother of three, I rarely have that kind of time..."ME" time! On this day, I got to enjoy my time shopping. No, not the kind of shopping you might think. I didn't get to pick out a cute new outfit with matching shoes. I got to go grocery shopping! Is it sad that I get excited because I get to go to Wal-Mart alone?! That's exactly how exciting my life really is.

While I was at Wal-Mart, my husband kept all three of the kids. I don't think I had been gone for 20 minutes before I got a phone call from him asking:

"How do you get gum out of hair?"

Yes, of course I told him to try peanut butter and ice. I finished my shopping wondering how bad the gum was and whether or not he'd gotten it out.

When I returned home, I think Shelby had a half a jar of peanut butter on her head. The good thing is that most of the gum is out of her hair. Apparently her brother was trying to blow a bubble and he blew the gum into her hair. It was that shredded gum,, the "baseball" gum given to him by someone...the same someone who gave the kids ducks and chickens at Easter. Needless to say, she no longer has gum in her hair and Tyler no longer has a pack of birthday gum.

Just How Old is Old?!

2010-08-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

Emily Grace being herself - SILLY!

Next week my little Emily will turn 2! Can you believe it?! It seems like just yesterday I was shocked to discover that we were having baby number three!! She has been such a joy to our lives and I didn't realize how incomplete our family was without her. The kids and I were talking this morning about Emily's birthday. Tyler just turned 5. Nine days after his 5th birthday, Brien had a birthday. He kept asking when his daddy's party was going to be. Tyler's birthday was on a Monday so he had a birthday party the following Saturday. I explained to him that when you get older you don't really have birthday parties.

When we were talking about Emily's birthday this morning and Tyler again asked when Daddy's party was going to be.

Shelby replied: "Daddy doesn't have a party 'cause he's older."

Tyler: "Daddy is not old, Memaw and Papaw are old. Daddy is just BIG, not little like us, but he's not old like Memaw and Papaw!"

Shelby: "I just mean that when you're not a little kid, then you don't get that many presents or a cake. That means you're old."

You don't have to disclose your age. You may be old (32) like me or even older (33) like my husband. But, what do you think makes you old...or young!

Looking @ The Sky on Friday

2010-08-26T18:00:00.002-05:00

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Fall is on it's way!

2010-08-26T13:05:00.000-05:00

Temperatures this morning were in the 60s when we went outside to load up and head to school, daycare, and work! It is absolutely beautiful today!!! In fact, the rest of the week is looking to be awesome! I am so ready for fall. Not only for the cooler temperatures, but the fun things you get to do in the fall. It is one of my favorite times of the year.

There's beautiful, changing scenery with vibrant colors, pumpkin carving, Fall Festivals, big piles of leaves to jump in, apple pie, pumpkin pie, turkey and dressing!!! What is your favorite thing about fall?! Do you like to see it come or would you rather see it go?!

I am so blessed to live in this beautiful world created by the master whom I love. His miracles never cease to amaze me and I am forever grateful for his power and mercy!

Coming to Theaters - The Secretariat

2010-08-26T12:55:00.002-05:00

Saw the trailer for this one and I must say I am super excited about seeing it!

Based on the remarkable true story, “Secretariat” chronicles the spectacular journey of the 1973 Triple Crown winner. Housewife and mother Penny Chenery (Diane Lane) agrees to take over her ailing father’s Virginia-based Meadow Stables, despite her lack of horse-racing knowledge. Against all odds, Chenery—with the help of veteran trainer Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich)—manages to navigate the male-dominated business, ultimately fostering the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years and what may be the greatest racehorse of all time.

Notes:

In 1973, Secretariat became the first U.S. Triple Crown champion in 25 years, setting race records that still stand today in the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes.
Penny Chenery, now 87, is an integral resource in the making of the film. She also appears as an extra in one of the film’s scenes.
In 1973, Secretariat graced the covers of three magazines the same week: Time, Newsweek and Sports Illustrated.
Director Randall Wallace, whose directorial credits include “We Were Soldiers,” is the Oscar®- and Golden Globe®-nominated screenwriter of “Braveheart.”
In 1999, the U.S. Postal Service unveiled a 33-cent postage stamp with Secretariat’s image.

Coming to Theaters October 8, 2010
Here's your sneak peek!!

Become a fan on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyBacklot

Before She Eats

2010-08-25T09:15:00.002-05:00

In my previous post, I touched a little bit on healthy eating. It's a daily struggle for myself and my family to stay on the right track and eat healthy because we live such busy lives. It's difficult to buy healthy foods when you're on the go so much but we try. It's just easier to pack up some fruit snacks in the diaper bag than actual fresh fruit.

Weight loss (or lack thereof) is a constant struggle for me. I yo-yo so much on my weight and I know that is not healthy. But, it seems like I'm either dieting real hard or NONE at all. It's something I need to gain control of. I can sit around and talk about it all day, but actually setting goals and sticking to them is my downfall. I have to take the reins and get back to the healthy lifestyle. Not only can I feel it in the waistline but I also feel it emotionally and physically. Being fatigued is no fun and it makes it even worse when you're eating things that aren't good for your body or your energy level!

I came across this video today and it reminded me so much of myself I wanted to post it here for you to see. Anita Renfroe is so funny and if you haven't heard her comedy, you're in for a real treat when you do! Sit back, relax and have a laugh! Then go grab a carrot stick and a glass of water. ;)

Frugal Living and Healthy Habits

2010-08-25T06:03:00.000-05:00

It's been a tough year for us financially. Many of you know that we own our own business. My husband is a plumber (Brien Black Plumbing 501-368-0099 "A leaky flush or a basement gush, we do it all give us a call"). We've been looking in to many ways to save money. We're creating budgets for ourselves, setting spending limits, and trying to cut costs in any way we can at home and at the office. From using HP coupons to
sony promo codes a penny saved is a penny earned.

What are you doing to save money during this down turned economy? Share some of your money saving tips with myself as well as the readers of CrAzY Working Mom. I would love to know how other families are cutting corners to make ends meet? Are you using Home Depot coupons or just not shopping there altogether? Eating out less, or not eating out at all?

Since the kids are back in school, I am bringing lunch with me to the office and that is saving a significant amount there as well as keeping me a bit healthier and in check. I've noticed that over the summer, not only were we eating out more but eating less healthy and I have packed on a few of those pounds I worked so hard to shed before the summer began.

Now it begins all over...the healthy lifestyle that is. I'm ready to work hard and eat less!

This post was brought to you in part by the folks at Savings.Com.

Mistaken Identity -Tish vs Trish

2010-08-24T12:26:00.001-05:00

Today when I dropped Tyler off at school he did great! There were actually NO tears. That was such a blessing. I volunteer at the school on Tuesday mornings and he was excited that I was going to be helping out his teacher. As we walked into school this morning someone said to him, "Hey Taylor!" He just waved at them and then I laughed and asked him if that kid called him by the wrong name. He chuckled and confirmed that indeed he did.

I told him that when someone calls him by the wrong name he should correct them. My name is Tisha (well, actually Latichia but I go by Tisha for short) and people are all the time calling me T-R-isha. There is NO R but folks all of the time insist on adding that R. Their excuse 90% of the time is that they know a "Trisha" so that name just comes out. Most of the time I do not correct them either. I realized that I told him to do something that I, myself do not do most of the time! So, I've decided that I would like to make a conscious effort to correct people when they call me "Trish".

I remember being out with my sister one time and someone whom I had known for a long time called me Trish and I did not correct them. My sister asked me why and I just shrugged my shoulders and said that they had always called me the wrong name and I had just learned to live with it. By now if I correct them they would still probably not call me the right name anyhow!

Although I know it will make for an awkward situation for those who have mistakenly called me by the wrong name for a long time I want to live by my own rules, so if I tell Tyler (NOT Taylor) to do something, I should expect to do it myself, right? Right!

So, what names have you been mistakenly called?

17th Annual Susan G Komen Race For The Cure - Arkansas

2010-08-24T06:40:00.000-05:00

My reasons for walking! What's yours?!

Hey friends! I have put together a team for the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure that will take place on Saturday, October 16, 2010. We are team CrAzY For A Cure! I can't wait to walk. We're still forming a team, so I am reaching out to my local readers to let you know that if you want to walk with us you can sign up HERE. We are a team of mothers walking with young daughters, teachers, friends, etc. If you don't have anyone else to walk with, won't you join us?!

The race route is pretty long so you're likely to see lots of film posters and thousands of men lined up along the race route for the 3 Miles of Men campaign that has been such a huge success in the past!

You will see lots of customized tshirts with the logo for the 2010 race as well as an awesome array of team shirts!

I can assure you that you won't be getting any Rotten Tomatoes thrown at you along the way, no matter how slow you walk. It's all about breast cancer awareness, friendship, and raising money for a great cause!

Click over to Cafe Press for all of your printing needs. This post was brought to you in part by those fine folks!

What Mother's Do

2010-08-23T08:56:00.001-05:00

I came across this today and I wanted to post it here. I have always enjoyed Steve Hartman's stories. Being a mother, this one really tugged at my heart strings. I think that as humans, we tend to overlook the needs of others more often than we care to admit. But, as a Mom if I see a child hurting or in need no matter if they are my own or not I hurt as well. Why do animals show so much compassion for one another? This instinct is so deeply embedded into a mother's soul that it's just "what we do". As you enjoy what these "mothers" do, I am going to go enjoy what I do and get the house cleaned up while the kiddos are gone to school! ;)

Kindergarten Day 2

2010-08-20T09:18:00.001-05:00

Drop off this morning wasn't much better than it was yesterday. In fact, I will go out on a limb and say it was a bit worse. Yesterday he didn't start crying until he got in the classroom. This morning, he started crying as soon as we got in line to go inside. He tried bargaining with me. He wanted me to come pick him up early and he'd stop crying. I assured him that I would be there waiting on him when he got out of class but I was not going to pick him up early. He then asked me if I would go in his class and stand by the door. If I would do that he'd stop crying. I knew that bargaining with him would only make matters worse and he'd end up doing this every day. So, I stood firm that he was going to be okay there and his teacher would take care of him and he'd have fun but I could not stay. I did not go in the classroom today because I knew that was only prolonging the inevitable by doing so. He was crying and he would not stop as long as I was there. So, when the teacher took his hand from mine, I turned and walked away leaving a sobbing little boy. Inside I was falling apart but on the outside I was as cold as ice. I could not let him see me upset. I think that is what made things harder for him yesterday. I had broken down when I dropped Emily off at the daycare and he went in to say goodbye to his (former) teachers. But today he would not see me cry. He'd only see me walk away with a promise that I would be there waiting on him this afternoon when he gets out.

This is a picture his teacher sent me via text message telling me that he was fine (and smiling) about 8:30 so he didn't cry as long as he did yesterday (until 9).

He didn't speak much about his day yesterday only that nap time was okay because it wasn't very long. They didn't nap as long there as they did at daycare so he was okay with it. He made some friends on the playground and had a great time!

Shelby LOVES her 2nd grade teacher. She went on and on about how much they had in common. They both like to sing, dance, and read! She loves the classroom which is set up like a circus. There's even a tent that you can go into to read. I am really excited about this year and I think that Shelby's enthusiasm will show in her grades! I can't wait to see how much fun she has in class throughout the year.

Looking at the Sky on Friday

2010-08-19T18:51:00.001-05:00

Although the focal point of this photo is obviously not the sky I have not had much time to do sky photographing as of late and even if I did who wants to go out in the heat to do so?! This photo was taken by my father in law while he and Tyler were on a trail ride and I liked the shot. Since there was a piece of the sky, I thought I'd post it here rather than putting nothing.

School started back on Thursday and it's been a busy week here. I'm hoping that things will get back to "normal" real soon. If you're curious how Tyler's first day of kindergarten went, scroll down one post and read all about the horrific experience! *sniff* I'm STILL crying...

Interested in joining us? For information on Looking at the Sky on Friday, including graphics click here.

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First Day of School

2010-08-19T10:40:00.002-05:00

Today was the day I've been waiting on all summer long! Today was the first day of school. It was bitter sweet for me. Shelby started 2nd grade this morning. We really like her teacher. She is a young teacher, full of energy and new ideas. She is very well organized (which I LOVE!). Shelby said, "She seems really nice. Not the kind of nice that is just nice when the parents are there, but really nice...even to the kids."
We were lucky enough for Tyler to get a teacher that we know and she's a great person so we were all very excited about that. She is also young and enthusiastic and have high hopes that she will be a great fit for Tyler.

This morning, Shelby woke up with excitement and ready to see her old friends and very thrilled that she is in the same class room as her cousin (my sister's daughter) Katie! She was up and dressed in no time flat. We had her back pack full of all of that first day of school paperwork that you have to fill out. She had a drink and snack and was ready for the day!

Tyler, on the other hand was not as enthusiastic about starting Kindergarten. He got up, but not as thrilled as his 2nd grade sister. He knows no one in his class. Sure, there are kids in the school that he knows from daycare but as far as in his classroom, there is not one familiar face.

Since there are two different driveways, naturally my children have to wait in separate places. They line up according to which side of the building their classroom is located. We parked in the big driveway where Tyler will wait on the sidewalk out front for the morning bell. We walked Shelby through the school to her driveway. Since she's an old pro at this, we left her in good hands waiting with my sister and her daughter since they are in the same class. She was very excited and not a bit nervous!

Tyler was nervous and you could see the fear in his eyes. The poor guy was terrified. As he waited in line and all of the parents surrounded their children snapping photos, Tyler stood in the sea of Kindergartners with a lost puppy dog look on his face. As the line began to move and the kids headed to the classroom, Tyler looked back at us one last time and then headed that way. He wasn't crying and seemed okay, so I turned and walked away. I was teary eyed and afraid that if he saw me crying that he would get upset. Brien asked if we were going to go in and I told him I didn't think it was a good idea.

So, we headed out and I was of course an emotional wreck. Yes, all summer I have prayed to get those kids in school and find some peace and sanity, but as I left my baby boy in Kindergarten all I really wanted to do was go in and grab him up and hug him, take him home and tell him that he can't grow anymore!!!

As I got ready to leave, my sister called me to tell me that she got Katie and Shelby in class okay and that they were doing fine when she left. She poked her head in to check on Tyler on her way out and that he was crying. She assumed that we knew he was upset and that I was upset as well. I had no idea he was upset. When we left, he was fine. Of course the mothering instinct kicked in and I wanted to go comfort him. I got out and started walking in and half way through I stopped and thought to myself that it could be a bad idea to go in there...

What's a mom to do?! Do I go in and risk the possibility of him getting REALLY upset when he sees me and wants to go with him or do I just leave and let him cry thinking his mother has abandoned him? Well, of course I couldn't just leave. When I approached the classroom I felt my knees get weak and I just told myself to be strong and not get upset with him! When I saw his little face and how upset it was, it broke my heart! He was red faced and gasping for air because he was crying so hard he could not catch his breath. I went in the class and walked over to him and immediately he latched on to me and held on for dear life pleading with me to take him home and let him miss "just one day of school". I tried reasoning with him that he had to stay at school. It's not like daycare where you can go when you want. He was so upset by this time that there was no reasoning with him.

His teacher was so gracious, she went on about classroom procedures telling the children to empty their back packs and lay the papers on their desk and such. Tyler was the only child crying so she was trying not to make a spectacle out of him. In the same token, there was a man in there with a camera. I'm assuming that he's from the local paper. He kept snapping photos of me comforting Tyler and I wanted to go shove that camera where the sun don't shine. But, I kept my class about me. Can't you see the headlines? CrAzY Working Mom sends photographer with his most prized possession lodged in...well you get the picture! Can't have that on my resume. So, anyhow he pleaded with me for a little bit but obviously we were getting nowhere fast and he was only getting more upset.

He spotted his daddy waiting by the door and I assume that he realized that he was not going to melt my cold as ice heart into letting him leave, so he wanted to work on his dad. He asked me if his daddy could come give him a hug before we left. I told him if he would make me a promise that he would stop crying he could. He straightened his back, loosened his grip of me and wiped his eyes. I thought to myself that I might have gotten through to him and he was going to be okay.

WRONG! When his daddy got over there he started the same song and dance with him. Finally, we told him goodbye and just left him to cry. The poor little guy was so upset. Of course, I was right there with him once I got out of the classroom, hating to leave him so frazzled. Fortunately he has a great teacher, and she gave me her phone number and told me to text her after while and she'd report back.

I am happy to say that she texted me and told me that he was doing fine. Of course I knew he would, but it was the initial leaving him that was so hard knowing how scared he was!

I am anxious to find out how their day has gone. Mine has been okay. I've had lots of traffic in and out of the office, so not much peace and quiet as I had hoped for, but none the less I'm managing.

What kind of back to school horror stories do you have?! Do you have a "Tyler-like" story? Let me know in the comments! I'd love to hear them.

Tyler's Birthday Party

2010-08-17T13:37:00.000-05:00

A great time was had by all on Saturday for Tyler's Pirate Pool Party in celebration of his 5th birthday! Of course the cake was made by my fabulous mother-in-law. It was pirate, and when they carried it in the house, I realized that she must have used one of the kids as a model for the cake. It spanned the width of my kitchen table!!! She said that once she started it just kept getting bigger and bigger. I think that easily happens when making a salad or Thanksgiving dinner plate, but a cake?! Anyhow, we did not have enough guests to consume this monstrous cake but it made for a great conversation piece and will forever remain on our minds as the most "awesomest" cake EVER!

The kids had a great time with their pirate attire. Instead of party hats and blow outs, we purchased bandannas and eye patches.

Of course there was lots of swimming on the agenda but we also had a fun time whacking the pinata. I was a casualty of standing a bit too close when it burst open, a pack of sweet tarts popped open and hit me, but it made for a great "action shot"!

Tyler got lots of awesome gifts, like a new beta fish and tank. Of course this came from the uncle who always brings something to feed for every occasion. Remember the dreaded baby chicks from Easter?!

He got a Nintendo DS that he'd been asking for and was very excited about that.

He also ended up with $40 that he spent yesterday on handcuffs, (another!) play gun, and a truck and trailer with some sort of construction equipment on the back, a trackhoe, backhoe, or something of the sort.

All in all he had a wonderful time. We didn't have as many guests as we normally do, which I'm sure might have had something to do with the 110+° temps but we still had a beautiful time! Thanks to those of you who braved the heat and celebrated his special occasion.

The Last Song on DVD and Blu-Ray

2010-08-17T13:27:00.002-05:00

Available today on Blu-ray™ Hi-Def Combo Pack and DVD from Touchstone Home
Entertainment: The Last Song starring Disney's very own Miley Cyrus, A/K/A Hannah Montana and Greg Kinnear (Oscar®
nominee, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, As Good As It Gets, 1997, Little Miss Sunshine, You've Got Mail). If you're raising a teenage daughter, knows someone who is raising a teenage daughter, or face raising a teenage daughter in your future I would highly recommend this one! It is an emotional roller coaster. As the movie begins, Miley's character Ronnie is a complete and total spoiled brat who back talks her father and is mean to just about every single person she comes across. She's harsh and rude. As events unfold in the movie we learn why she has hardened her heart just as it begins to soften up. It is a great "coming of age" movie, to be very cliche. It will probably make you cry...well, it made ME cry. It is an awesome movie. I have not read the book, so before you ask me how different it was, I cannot say. The screen play was written by best selling novelist and screen writer Nicolas Sparks who also wrote The Notebook!

Bonus Features for The Last Song:
• Set Tour with Bobby Coleman – Audiences will have an all access pass to see how a
film is made through the eyes of the new up-and comer and star of The Last Song,
Bobby Coleman. This rambunctious eight-year old will bring his fans along as he
does everything from interview Adam Shankman and Miley’s security team, to
going on a seashell scavenger hunt.

• Making of the Music Video, “When I Look At You” with Miley Cyrus – Go behind-
the-scenes of the music video, “When I Look At You”. It will feature recording studio
footage, b-roll from the set, interviews with Miley and crew, clips from the film and music
video. Audiences will learn how the film’s motif, southern summer romance, is
incorporated into feel and theme of the music video.
• Miley Cyrus Music Video: “When I Look At You”

Blu-Ray Exclusive
• Alternate Opening Sequence: The Church Fire (With optional commentary by
director)
• Deleted Scenes (With optional commentary by director)
o Ronnie At The Piano
o Steve & Ronnie At The Beach
o Hospital Montage
o Vegan Cookies
o Juggling On The Pier
• Audio Commentary– with Director Julie Anne Robinson and Co-Producer Jennifer
Gibgot.

This titles hit the shelves today, so go grab some popcorn and junior mints (Hey, don't knock it 'till you try it!) and don't forget the tissue. Enjoy!

* I received a review copy of this DVD in exchange for my opinion of the movie. No other form of compensation has been received and the opinions stated above are my own. To read my full disclosure policy, please click here.

Looking @ The Sky on Friday

2010-08-12T18:00:00.000-05:00

Interested in joining us? For information on Looking at the Sky on Friday, including graphics click here.

To find out why Looking at the Sky on Friday was created, click here and here.

Happy Birthday, Ty-Man!

2010-08-09T10:21:00.000-05:00

Today is the birthday of my middle child and my only son, Tyler. He is five years old today.

Five years ago today, I was blessed with this wonderful gift:

Tyler Matthew Black was born at 10:58 AM

He weiged in at a whopping 8lbs and 2oz and 20 3/4" long.

It was love at first sight for all involved!

Happy 4th birthday, Tyler.

We love you,

Mommy & Daddy,

Shelby & Emily!

♥

Looking @ The Sky on Friday

2010-08-05T18:00:00.001-05:00

So, how's the weather in your neck of the woods?! It's been so HOT here this last week. Temperatures have been 105°+ and that's just the temperature, not what it actually FEELS LIKE with the humidity, also known as the heat index. That brings us on up into the 120s and higher! It's just downright miserable. It's too hot to do just about anything other than sit in the house and praise the Lord that the Air Conditioner is working. Hope you're staying cool!

Interested in joining us? For information on Looking at the Sky on Friday, including graphics click here.

To find out why Looking at the Sky on Friday was created, click here and here.

Technology, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

2010-08-05T05:53:00.000-05:00

Less than three months ago, I upgraded from a Blackberry to an Iphone. I was so excited to have the latest and greatest in technology, I am a proud "smart phone" owner. I never leave home without it. It is otherwise known as my brain. It's a shame that my phone is "smarter" than myself! It contains phone numbers of close family members that of course I never dial so I cannot remember as well as appointments for myself and the other 4 members of my family, birthdays, events, etc. I never write these things down anymore. I whip out my phone and type it in. It's quick and easy, I set a reminder and feel secure that I won't forget about it because, as I said before I never leave home without it.

Right! Right?

That is until something dreadful happens!

Last week the kids and I were going to take a swim in the pool and I took my phone outside and set it on the poolside tray as I have done many days before. Sometimes I'll snap a photo in the pool, but mostly I just have it there to keep track of the time while we're outside. Yes, I have a watch. That is the same thing my husband said!!! I was on the other side of the pool from the phone floating on a raft. I looked over at Emily and she and my phone were swimming around in the pool! Aaaaack!!!

As I rushed to the other side of the pool, things seemed to go in slow motion. I jumped out of the pool and began to remove the "otter box", the outside protective casing, from the phone. Unfortunately it would not power on. I brought it inside and put it in a ziploc bag full of rice where it has sat for almost a week now. There is still no life from my Iphone. Unfortunately to buy one out of contract would cost $500. Since my money tree out back dried up and died due to high temperatures and lack of rain I am once again using my Blackberry.

I have very few phone numbers, only the ones that were saved onto the Blackberry itself, or numbers that my husband and I had in common. I have been messaging folks on Facebook and every way possible, but there are many members of my family who are not on Facebook that I have no way of contacting and I don't know their numbers so it's just frustrating!

I have become so dependent on technology these days that it's hard to imagine life without it. I went for four days without my cell phone hoping that my Iphone would dry out. Eventually I remembered that I had a Blackberry that I could use. I have decided that I am going to get a day planner that I can keep in my purse to keep appointments, birthdays, and phone numbers in so that I am not SO dependent on technology that can be easily lost.

What are your thoughts on technology? How dependent are YOU on it? Not just cell phones, but computers, television, microwaves, etc? What is something you cannot live without?