It is Baby Shower Time!

I just finished my third baby shower for this weekend! One, yesterday, was for Smart Mom Kim. She lives two hours away from me, so I drove over to the shower, did some shopping, and came home. This morning at church, we had another- all I had to do was bring some food and a gift. This afternoon, I hosted a shower for my dear friend Kate. Loved it! I bought most of the food pre-made so it was super easy. My dear hubby helped vacuum and clean the house. Now the house (at least the visible parts) are clean, the showers are over, and it is back to work tomorrow.

Joy though, we have a four day weekend next weekend! :)

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Tips for Work at Home Moms

I am participating in the Smart Moms Tips for Work at Home Moms blog carnival.

I love working at home. Even though I also work outside the home, my internet businesses bring in a little income each month. It is so gratifying to see the progress I have made over the months with the Smart Moms.

My tip for work at home moms is to watch your time on the computer. It is easy to neglect housework, children, and a husband when you are having to accomplish so many things on the computer. Beware of your time and be sure it is not taking over your time with your family. Set business hours and stick to them! Be thankful for the opportunity to work from home and do not take the rest of the family for granite!

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Getting out of making dinner

Tonight, I called my friend to see if she and her husband wanted to run out to get something for dinner. Of course, she was prepared, and had already started dinner. Then, SHE INVITED US FOR DINNER! She had made meatloaf, which was more than the two of them eat. I brought the potatoes (Orida from the frozen section- buy one get one free the other day!), and we had dinner together!

This is why women like communes. To have someone make the dinner the nights you don't feel like cooking would put the fast food restaurants out of business!

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Clean Your Dishwasher- PLEASE!

I recently purchased Real Simple: Cleaning.. I decided to clean my dishwasher like it stated, with vinegar, and decided to add in some baking soda because I saw some gunk under the door. OH MY GOSH! I was disgusted by what emerged. Gross, gross, and gross! You would think a dishwasher that washes each and every day would be clean. But no, think again. Please clean your dishwasher!
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Miss American- Did they change reality?

I watched TLC's short reality show, Miss American: Reality Check for the past few weeks. I am a reality TV junkie, but I usually record it to my DVR and then quickly skim through all the commercials and unimportant conversations to decrease my time on these meaningless, but interesting, shows. The premise was they were going to change the face of Miss American for a younger crowd by changing the way they walk, look, and dress. They never even identified the women by name, which was strange. However, the ones they highlighted on the show that made the most transformation did not even win the Miss American pageant! The short clip provided from Yahoo shows that the woman selected, Miss Michigan, appears to look exactly like every other Miss America. So it makes you think, do the women that choose to change regret that they gave away everything they had learned and possibly threw out their chances at winning?

And my favorite was Miss Utah, Jill Stevens, former Army sergeant that served in Afghanistan. It is a little strange that she was even in the pageant- she is beautiful and funny, but very unlike the rest of those women. Go Jill! She was voted America's Choice in the pageant- I am not alone in my thinking!

Tips for Smart Shopping

Today on yahoo.com, one of the main stories was how stores get you to buy more than you think you are buying with special wording, product placement, and "sales". I think that this information is so prevalent for moms, since we try us best to get our money's worth. As a Smart Mom, I try hard to keep expenses at a minimum and be a smart shopper. For some of my ideas on smart internet shopping, visit the Smart Mom site for tips and details.

Thankful Tuesday's

Joining Betsy today, I am thankful also! I am thankful my husband did not burn down the house while I was at a meeting tonight. I left the plasticy cutting board on the stove, turned off, after dinner was cooked and ready to eat. He decided to make our son some pasta and turned on the wrong burner. According to his account, when he realized his error from the funny smell, he lifted the cutting board and there was actual fire under the board. Not to mention, the plastic component of the board was on the glass top stove. He is now committed to cleaning off the counters so I have a place to put the cutting board besides on the stove. And I will do my best! We would hate to have to lose the house over a request for pasta!

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Chewy Granola Bars

My friend Amber at Homeschool Diva gave me this recipe for chewy granola bars:
3 cups oats
1 cup flour
1 t. baking soda
2 t. vanilla
2/3 cup butter, softened
½ cup honey
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 cup mini chocolate chips or M&Ms
Optional: raisins, dried fruit, sunflower seeds, chopped nuts

In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, and baking soda. In another bowl, combine vanilla, butter, honey, and brown sugar; add to oat mixture and stir until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips and pour into a lightly greased 9x13 pan. Lightly press mixture into the pan with the back of your spoon. Bake at 325 for 22 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes then cut into bars. Let bars cool completely in pan before removing or serving.

You can also mix molasses and the honey to give it a different taste. I used whole wheat flour too.

A nutritious healthful snack!

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Newberry Winners for 2008!

They announced the Newberry Award Winner for 2008...

I had recommended two Newberry considerations of the Honors Books previously- I have read The Wednesday Wars and Feathers and loved them! Here are the Honors winners:

I am amazed at the great literature that is emerging each and every year. Take the time to read these books and some other new fiction and non fiction for yourselves or with your children. You will not be disappointed.

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Christian Loan Matching Service

Christian Faith Financial is a online loan service that offers payday loans and cash advances. They want to help families with Christian financial assistance to get money for anything, vacations, bills, rent or emergencies. They have a simple application right on the main page of the site. Complete it, and they will match you to the loan that best suits your needs. They help the Christian way.

This time of year, some of us realize just how much we spent over the holidays. If you need help, this is a good place to start.

Happy early Birthday! A Kitchen Aid!

My husband got me a Kitchen Aid Artisan Mixer for my birthday. I usually have a "no appliance" rule, but I did ask! I have not turned it on yet, but it looks great on my counter!

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A Great Idea for Vitamins!

This is not a paid advertisement, just great information. I found Vuru through a ezine I get daily. It is a vitamin and supplement company that packages daily packs of vitamins for you. You select from a variety of companies and products they have and they ship them to you in nice, pretty daily packs. So simple and so easy. I selected a women's formula, a brain formula to boost memory, a veggie type supplement, and a skin and hair supplement. In the morning, I open my pack with breakfast and take all of them at once. I don't have to sort my own in containers and I don't have to open one million bottles! And, they will all run out at the same time!

Love it! If you are interested in helping me out with referrals, leave your email in the comment section and I will send you a special invitation from Vuru- and if you choose to stock up, I will get $20- you know my moto- MULTIPLE STREAMS OF INCOME!

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Recycling For The New Year

One of our family's new year goals was to recycle more. We started with the newspaper a few months ago, but our county offers recycling for aluminum and plastic too. So we bought new bins for the garage and are recycling all three. It is amazing what we have been throwing away instead of recycling! The amount of plastics we use is astounding, from milk cartons, juice bottles, soda bottles, and water bottles. We are proud of our efforts and know we are now doing our part. The kids can even help to sort since the bins are easily accessible to each of them. It is a great goal for the new year and one we will stick with forever. It is amazing how buying some $7 bins can make such a difference in a household habit!

We are also making an effort to use less, like reusable grocery bags and less water bottles. Some things are hard to cut out, but over time, we should be successful!

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Potty Training Fun!

We are in the middle of potty training with our two year old. She definitely has caught on to going "pee-pee in the potty" quickly. She wears her panties proudly and runs around naked the rest of the time at home. At school, she is doing well, with a few accidents. She is not making it to the bathroom quick enough to get her clothes off! Having a first year preschool teacher that has a young child (that pretty much potty trained herself), but she has very little experience with the entire process. I think she sent my daughter to the bathroom, located in the same room, instead of taking her. Since my daughter cannot get her pants down fast on her own, it has been hit or miss. My new potty training tool- CROCS- if they have an accident, they clean right up! Not like the sneakers she wore the first day. Such a joy to experience with the end result being freedom from diapers- that will save about $30 a month! (FYI- I buy White Cloud diapers at Walmart- what a deal- 50 pull ups for $14.00- so much cheaper than Pampers.)

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BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH- will be the death of me!

For months, we have been battling with the Blue Screen of Death with Windows XP. I am not a computer tech, but I can find logical patterns in things. Anything I search on the internet for possible causes does come up, meaning that there are many things that have caused the BSOD! I have taken the computer to a computer repair shop, paid for a new power source to be installed (not the problem), returned when it blue screened again, they did not detect a problem. We brought it home, turned it on, and it did it again! Now, I think the problem is the wireless, since that keeps disabling, and have no idea how to fit it. My computer friend will be here tonight so I am going to share my insight with him. But what to do about a computer repair company that does not actually repair the problem $90 later!? Computers- got to have them, especially with an online business, but you have to hate them sometimes too!

If you have had the same problems, share them with me so I can appreciate the camaraderie of computer problems!

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Find Great Rates on Health Insurance

When I stayed at home, it was going to be very expensive to be added to my husband's company health insurance. I had to do some research, because you cannot be without health insurance! I read an article by Suzy Ormond that recommended FREE Health Insurance Price Comparisons for Individuals and Families. We started out with a lower deductible in mind, but with the price comparison, I was able to see what we needed and what we could afford with a company that had our doctor's on the plan. It is a smart idea to check with a company that can provide you with a large selection of health plans that allow you to compare online. If you are in need of health insurance, don't let another day go by without checking into the affordable options that are available.

eHealthInsurance - FREE Instant Quotes!

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Farewell 2007!

What a year! I began my journey with an online business, including this blog plus two more, my husband was in the hospital 5 times, I went back to work, and I have learned lots! This year has been full of successes, failures, and all learning experiences! I have not meet many of the goals I set back in the beginning of the year, but we cannot determine what God will give us. I am thankful for all I learned in business, in health, and as a mom. I know that 2008 will be a year of more experiences in all areas of my life and I thank God for them in advanced. Happy New Year! Pray that God will teach you some new things this coming year.
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NORAD Tracks Santa

Complete with updated radar imagery of Rudolph's nose and YouTube video, track Santa all day and through tomorrow. Merry Christmas!


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Reusable Grocery Bags

My friend and Smart Mom Kim posted a few weeks ago about reusable shopping bags. It encouraged me to do some investigating. I search online and found Baggu bags. I received them last week and love them! I got 6 bags in my choice of colors. They fold up nicely in the provided pouch and can fit right into my purse. I have used them at the grocery store and at KMart for purchases. They are supper big and very durable. I had two six packs of root beer in one and carried it without a problem. They are too cool. I will take a pic soon, but you can see them on the website. And they are around $6 a bag. To save on average 16 throw away plastic bags a week, it is worth it... plus, the won't rip and spread your groceries all over the place!

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Cancer Free

A wonderful post for my 200th post! My husband's PET scan came back cancer free! He is done with chemo and hospital visits! He will go back for a scan in 2 months and regularly after that to make sure all is clear. Praise God!

And 200 posts later, I am still here. Hope you will be here at 300.

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Clean House Challenge!

Nothing encourages me more to get the house clean that company coming for a visit. I have a Christmas Eve party coming soon and need this house spic and span. I have mentioned many times on my lack of desire to clean the house. I am not a neat freak. We are a cluttered household with a need for a deep cleaning every once in a while. So my challenge to myself is my one room a day challenge. If I get through my house one room at a time in one week, I am good to go for the upcoming party, without the stress of having to clean all in one day. I am fortunate, my husband helps too. So take up this challenge for your holiday company- clean the house this week! Keep us posted on how it is going!
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Thankful Tuesday's

A day late, but I am participating with Betsy and her Thankful Tuesday post.
I am thankful because yesterday was my husband's PET scan. He has a final treatment left on his chemo series and then we should be done! His blood work has come back favorably so far, so we are hopeful that he is cancer free! We know God is good! I am thankful for the progress and thankful for my husband's strength and bravery.
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Read Seasonal Books for Christmas

There are many special books to read with your children during the Christmas season. Make sure you find one that is appropriate for your family. You can also include the Christmas story straight from the Bible in Luke. Otherwise, here are some Christmas classics recommended by my friend Amber.
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A Marriage Breakup

I know a dear couple that are friends that have decided to divorce. I am so startled by the decision, yet I know I do not know all the circumstances involved. Having come from a divorced family, I know how hard things can be. Having not been a divorced mom, I cannot imagine what is in store for my friend. It has to be an extremely hard job and dealing with your other spouse. While I believe that marriage is a union through God and very little should break that union, I also know sometimes there are things that cannot be fixed. Believe it or not, divorce rates have gone down over the past few years! But, marriage rates have gone down too!
Please pray for this family that the decision is made with prayer and great consideration.

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No Internet... not really!

I have been off the computer for days thinking that my internet service provider cancalled my service for their lack of customer service. It turns out, I forgot to plug the phone line!
Mommy brain completely!

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International Bacculaureate Program... Any Testimonials?

It seems strange, but my involvement in our counties investigation of the International Baccalaureate Program actually has an effect on my preschooler. Our county is a smaller rural county and has began a pre-investigation of the dipolma program. Also available through IB is a elemntary and middle years program. That means, if my school board gets the diploma program, either my son may benefit in the years to come, or it expands to the younger years and he benefits sooner. I am looking for people that have had experience with the IB program and would be willing to share their experiences. If you have a story, please share!

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Cancer Celebrations

My husband will complete his last full week of chemo treatment today! Yeah! He will have two short treatments over the next two weeks and then a PET scan. So far, the blood work looks good. This is a cause for celebration! We are almost at the end of the tunnel. He has felt good, but has a severe smelling issue and an aversion to the hospital food he could once tolerate. Someone has had to bring him meals for lunch and dinner each night! We are praying for good health in the coming week since he would like to return to work after 5 weeks away. We know that this is all part of God's plan and we will make it to the end.

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How do single moms do it!

For the third week in three months, I am a single mom. My husband is in the hospital for the third and last time for his chemo treatments. I am on my own... and I am already tired!
I don't know how single moms or moms with husbands that are not around (service men, police men, night shift workers, etc.) do it! I have so much more respect for moms that do it all. I only do this part for a week (although he can't do much when he gets home) and I cannot manage getting to work on time most days. You have my respect!

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Fun, New, Photo Based Product

Photo gifts are very popular during the holidays. If you are looking for a unique photo gift to give, you should check out FotoBed.com. Not only can you make a Photo Blanket or pillow case, you can also make a duvet, throw pillow, or shower curtain with your favorite photo. The site is easy to navigate and 100% custom. You can even include custom text. And this is the only site to create custom shower curtains with a photo.

Think of this as a great gift for new parents, your children, or grandparents. It is an interesting way to give a great photo gift.

And best of all, they are offering free shipping! Who can give this wonderful gift to this holiday season?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Get a little laugh after the holiday stress from this YouTube Video- it is stop motion- the talent!



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Black Friday Online Shopping Deals

If you are doing more shopping online this year, I have some deals for you for Black Friday. Some of these are deals for the holidays so check all of them even if you missed Black Friday!

Black Friday Product Deals from Overstock.com! Valid 11.22.07 to 11.25.07

Thanksgiving Weekend Sale - get an extra 20% off clearance items at BareNecessities.com. 5 days only! Sale ends 11.26.07.



eToys: FREE Shipping when you Spend $99+ on Qualifying Orders (see details, ends 11.26)




Netflix - Only $4.99 a month. No Late Fees. Try it for Free!













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The Biggest Loser Thanksgiving Tips

I am a big fan of The Biggest Loser. This season seems to be a kinder, more encouraging group, except for one, Amy, that was finally voted off. Last night on the show, they had tips on Thanksgiving. One was that it takes 3 hours of walking to burn the calories from one serving of mashed potatoes and gravy! Also, pecan pie, my favorite, is 500 calories a slice! WOW! That encouraged me to rethink how I will eat tomorrow. I am still hanging on to 6-8 pounds that I have gained since the beginning of our medical problems. No excuses, but that is truly when it started. I never thought I was an emotional eater, but I now think I am! Thanksgiving has some of my favorite foods, except the turkey which is my least favorite. But I can see how you can eat a ton of calories and never even notice!
Here are The Biggest Loser Holiday Dieting Tips for you to check out. There are some great tips to keep going over the holidays- so at the end, I still have 6-8 pounds to lose!


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Buy Nothing Day!

I am a lover of Black Friday. I love the excitement of people rushing out to buy the greatest deal ever. Last year, as people were swarming into Target to fight of the three electronic items that were available, I got in the shortest line ever... Starbucks. No one wanted coffee, they wanted the deal.

So now, in opposition to Black Friday, there is Buy Nothing Day. On November 23, people are to ban together to buy nothing. There are even some cute ideas, like cut up your credit card protest and buy nothing samples. The purpose is to stop shopping and go green. It is for people to "escape from the marketing mind games and frantic consumerism that have come to characterize modern life."

But do they go shopping on Saturday?

The other interesting thing is this coincides with the biggest shopping day in the US- Black Friday- but takes place in the UK and Canada... they don't celebrate our Thanksgiving- so is it Black Friday in other countries too? Actually, the North American date is November 23. Internationally, the date is November 24.

I am not going shopping this Friday, but I may shop. The Buy Nothing Day is a great idea, but I want to get the kiddos gifts and the deals are good.

I will consider it.
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