Momma Amma

A Final Farewell

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 21:05:00 +0000

I began blogging in 2008 as a way to connect with family and let them know what's going on in our lives. Through blogging I've found an amazing network of women, mothers and friends. More than posting myself, I enjoy reading your posts, what's happening in your life. I find humor in your family circus, inspiration in your faith in God through hard times, endurance during trying times.

Since the beginning I said when I'm done I'd create a book of my blog posts. Now is the time to do that. I've been moved to stop because a couple of much loved bloggers also stopped feeling guilty for this that and the other. They are too busy to blog. Other things in life are too important and deserve that time. I never spend family time posting. But I spend hubby time. Study time. Cleaning time. Reading time. Please-for-the-love-give-yourself-a-pedicure time. I'm taking back that time (even though you can see I haven't spent much time or thought lately). I'd like to create a catalogue of memories in photo books, not a public website. Something tangible and tactile that we can enjoy as a family.

For those family members that might feel like you'll lose touch, let's not. Let's visit more, email, call, send snail mail, whatever it takes. For my bloggy friends, thanks so much for coming back for so long. I've really appreciated the sense of community you've provided me. I'll continue reading blogs I enjoy.

Thank you all so much for your support and encouragement to keep going. It's been a real joy. I'm very excited to spend this time doing things I may value as much. And I'm a little flakey and indecisive, you know, I may come back. For now...farewell.

5QF - Clean Freak

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:09:00 +0000

It's Five Question Friday time and as always I love it, I love that it's Friday but today...today I have a dental appointment. And I'm scared of the dentist. Not because of what she said. I really like her and she helps me feel comfortable but eihhh, the needle, the pointy things in my mouth, the gagging feeling. I dread it. I'm also reading to B's class directly after which should be funny since half my face might still be numb. I'll be a hit with the kindergartner set. Then on to B's skating party tonight. That should be tons of fun since I wiped out last night and hurt every part of my body. Did you know I'm accident prone? I totally am. Anyway, onto the show! And here's your warning, I'm talkative today! If you want to link up head on over to My Little Life and give Mama M a shout out for me!

1. Have you worn the same outfit more than one day in a row?
Guilty. When I buy something new (under garments aside) I don't wash them at first. I wear it a couple times and if I really really feel good in it, those times are on consecutive days. Then I wash it. You know it never fits the same after a wash. Especially for someone like me with long gorilla arms.

2. If you had to choose any LARGE city to live in, which would it be?
Well I kind of live in one don't I? I pick Kansas City. It has everything for a family. There are 50 communities united as one so we don't have to live "in the city". There are so many activities, festivals, museums, restaurants, and venues for the arts that it really can't be beat. I can get anywhere in 20 minutes or less, traffic isn't hideous and some smart fella planned the roads out to run north/south/east/west so no winding freeways, confusion and chaos I've seen in other cities. Now if we can get Nip's family to move here! T'would be really perfect!

3. Fly or drive with the kids on vacation?
I used to scream from the top of my lungs FLY! But now that Bitty is a little older I'm not sure I could handle that. She's a wonderful baby but very busy so I'm not sure I could entertain her. And she doesn't watch tv so I couldn't distract her with that. I think I want to drive to Colorado for spring break. Ten + hours? Well living in Louisville we drove the 11 hours to KC and back once a month so I think we could handle it. And I've never seen the other side of Kansas which I hear is nothing to see but I've also heard God cleared the path so we can see clearly there. I like the thought of that.

4. What is your idea of "spring cleaning"?
Ewwww (excited squeals) I just love spring cleaning. It's a fresh start, it ushers in the daffodils and warmer days. I've already started actually. It's a several week process around here. I cleaned my car, had it detailed, put things up, cleared out toys to toss and give away (they are everywhere!), when I do my regular cleaning I also get the baseboards, dust around the upper corners of the rooms, ceiling fans, blinds, picture frames, lamp shades, move the furniture and vacuum there, toss old food, clear out clothes (more on this later as I'm participating in my 1st consignment sale at the trade center soon-any suggestions or helpful hints please???), I strip the beds of wintry linens and put down nice light spring ones, buy fresh flowers, dust off my shoes (yeah, I know) and clean up the yard. Mmm, I love me some cleaning! Call me Monica Gellar.

5. What is the best book you have ever read?
I wish I had more time to read but I just don't. And honestly, the books that give me the best memories are those I read to my kiddos. So I love You Can Do It Sam, Mama Llama series and Oh My Baby, Little One but my favorite? Guess How Much I Love You.

Who Likes VD?

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:27:00 +0000

I'm a day late linking up with the RHOK but here I am. Baloney told me to. I do what people tell me.

The ladies ask how I celebrate Valentines Day. This is one of my favorite days of the year. Not my favorite holiday. I don't consider it a holiday, just a very special day. But I love it. It's a day for love, paper valentines, candy, flowers, pink and red and white, hearts and glitter, cookies, strawberries, a fine meal and decadent dessert.

Usually we go out for a nice date close to the day. Last weekend when Nip's parents were up visiting we went to Garozzo's, our favorite Italian restaurant in KC and saw True Grit at the movies. Apparently we don't get out much because the theater has gone gourmet. I had caramel popcorn covered in three types of chocolate drizzle, caramel and chocolate chips. I have craved them since. It was a nice night to throw on a skirt and some heels. I don't get to do that very often.

I'm a sucker and can't wait until the day of to give someone their gift so I gave Nip his gift Friday night. Yesterday I took B to school then set about making 2 dozen sugar cookies for his class to decorate during their party. I split all the non perils, sparkles and sprinkles in different cupcake liners, cut 2 pounds of strawberries and gathered the stuff for the games. His party was really great, much better than Halloween so I guess I'm learning.

After school B and I played out in the wonderful weather a while and a dozen roses were delivered to me. Nip got off work, grabbed our baby girl from daycare and stopped off at Carraba's for some carry out. It was a wonderful low key evening with valentine cards for each other and my gift. I thought it was strange I got Nip a funny card and he got me such a sweet one. I guess that's who we are. I couldn't believe I received a card, flowers and a present. Too much! But I'll take it and love it!

My Gift

And now that I've bored you to sleep I'll lull you a little more. Our first Valentines occurred only a month or so into our relationship. It was so weird and uncomfortable for me. I make a big deal out of this day but I didn't want to scare him off by going overboard. So I did what any crafty girl would do. I bought him a heart shaped box and filled it with his favorite candy. Then I made dinner. A stuffed steak with roasted potatoes and asparagus. It was amazing. It hooked him. Little did he know it cost my entire month's grocery budget to make. I was a single mom after all. No no B didn't starve. I just ate spaghetti for a month. It was so worth it because it worked! And I haven't made that meal since.

Red Roots

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:48:00 +0000

Today, in honor of Valentine's Day I'm rocking red roots in my hair. No, no, not a full head of lusciously beautiful red hair. Just red roots. You see, my sister suggested I use some root touch up stuff to extend my visits to the salon. The price and amount of time it takes is getting to be a lot and apparently my hair is growing like I'm pregnant again (I'm so not) so it's only been 6 weeks since my last visit. So I put the stuff in, kept it on longer like she said, rinsed, let dry and oh my! Red roots. My sister must be a chemist because this isn't anywhere near the dark blonde/ash brown the box showed.

Have you ever done this?

Luckily I have an appointment this week to get that fixed right up. Good thing I didn't cancel that appointment before I tried this stuff because my girl books up 6-8 weeks in advance! SO, as room mom I'll be at B's school party today and all the other mom's can gawk at my red roots. But I'm going with the excuse that it's part of the theme.

5QF - Now I Want Chips Dipped in Chocolate

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:19:00 +0000

It's Friday again! I love how predictable it is. I love it. Love. Well since I've been so busy enjoying life these are my favorite posts because I don't have to be creative. I just lay it out there for you. If you want to join head over to My Little Life and link up!

1. Would you rather be on ABC's Extreme Home MakeOver or TLC's What not to Wear?
Really? Really??? Do you know how much I love Clinton Kelly!?! I will keep my opinion of Stacy London to myself. I'm sure we agree though. And I could use some help. I feel like I have a few stylish pieces but I can't put stuff together. I can't accessorize to save my life. So I would feel happy to have their help. I just wouldn't throw all my clothes away for it. It's not like my closet is chock full o' vinyl crop tops and mesh skirts. On a side note, I would absolutely love to be on Extreme Home Make Over. Not a recipient because I'm so undeserving of something like that. I want to work with the kiddos and create a room beyond their dreams.

2. Do you have any tattoos?
Okay, I always skirt this issue but you know what that means. When I was 18 I got one. It's not small, it's not pretty. I'm ashamed of it and some day I'd like it removed. I've already told B in graphic detail how a tattoo is done. I think I've scared him enough that he won't ever get one. And I'd share the SNL skit with you about the mini van mommy tramp stamp because it's so funny and so true but I can't find it and as a matter of fact the only things you find when searching that are VERY dirty. That makes me feel even worse. If anyone spots it, I'm mortified. So listen to me kiddies, don't get one! It really is forever!

3. Do you tell your kids about things you did growing up?
I have but they have been mild so far since it's mostly about sharing, making friends and bullies. But in the future when it gets more serious I do plan on being open with my kids. I want them to trust me and communicate with me and I think being open and honest is the only way a family can succeed.

4. If the traffic signal turns yellow, do you stop or speed up?
Well it depends how close I am to the cross-walk and if there's a car behind me. Say I'm 5 feet away and there's a car 20 feet behind me, I'm going to speed up and get through it instead of slamming on my breaks. But in our area we have some HUGE intersections, seriously, like 10 lane intersections so in those I stop if I sense the light will turn yellow. I'm not playing chicken with my babies in the car!

5. What's your preference: chocolate or chips?
Haven't you seen the chocolate dipped Ruffles? Mmmm. Why choose. Salty and sweet are a heavenly pair.

Wordless Wednesday - To Get You Thinking

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 12:39:00 +0000

Improper Grammar

Bad Attempt at Team Building

Tiny Photographer

A Few Things on My Girl

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:30:00 +0000

She's always a lady.

Last weekend I was able to spend a lot of quality time with my baby girl. My favorite part of the day is walking into her room and seeing her smile and kicky legs when I pull her out of her crib. Or when I drink coffee and she has her milk and we mill around lazily. Or getting dressed up and going shopping as she points to pretty things. Or sharing a meal with her and being mesmerized by just how big and cute she is. Or maybe when I rock her a little at night while she fingers my lips and twirls my hair before she softly falls to sleep. I guess my point is, every minute with this girl is like heaven.

She came into this world while I was reading her Aunt Lyssie's blog on my iPhone. All was calm then she intervened and made her presence known. She ate a whole bottle right away and slept like a baby (if that analogy weren't true before, she made it true). I could tell she'd be a lot like her Aunt Lyssie. Now she's 15 months old and tall tall tall. So much in fact that I was planning on getting her a daybed as her big girl bed next year but I don't think it will have much longevity because she may be too tall for it before she's even out of elementary school. And she's lean lean lean. One size is 4 inches too short on her but the next size up is 4 inches too wide for her. Seriously. And she has a full head of beautiful blond hair. And she loves my patent leather heels.

My girl brightens like the stars when I take my necklace off and put it on her. She carries any bag around like it's a purse and she has places to be. She wants to eat off other people's plates because she doesn't believe her pre-cut food is the same thing. She loves to take something she shouldn't have and run away giggling. She loves sitting her diaper on her daddies face while she cuddles him as he lay on the floor. She doesn't let her brother take a toy away without a fight and the evil eye (she gets it from me).

This baby loves taking rides in her little pink coupe. She enjoys removing all her clothes from her dresser then putting them back. Then taking them out then putting them back. Her favorite toys are kitties and doggies. And she is very good at passing kisses out to each of us. Even her pucker is getting more pucker-like.

Seeing her grow into her own person is amazingly gratifying. I love that she is confident and caring. I love seeing bits of each of us in her as well as things she brings to our world all by herself. She makes me so happy every day in every single way. We couldn't be more blessed.

She's always stylish.

Wordless Wednesday - B Fun

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 19:42:00 +0000

I'm sorry I ruin Wordless Wednesday with, you know, words. But I am who I am. It's been a busy month and I haven't posted much. Not that there hasn't been a lot of activity. It's been a great month! During Christmas break B and I had a day to ourselves so we went ice skating for the first time ever (I was always too scared but whoever told me it's nothing like roller skating was so wrong! I can even twirl!), we played at the toy store, played on the outdoor Christmas display at Crown Center (hence the pic of B in a spaceship below), ate lunch with Nip and took in the play Alexander and Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. During his birthday week we went out to dinner as a family, then on his day went to Chuck E Cheese with my family for an impromptu party and on that Saturday had a pool party in which 75% of his class came. Either he is really popular or the moms wanted their kids OUT OF THE HOUSE!!!! I get it. But it was a ton of fun and looking back at the photos (yes, today's the first day I've taken a minute to do so) I see how much joy we brought to B. His big giant smile shown through all the pictures this month and I'm so happy we make special memories as a family. There's nothing better.

A New Look

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:43:00 +0000

Last week my Blogger account went all wonky on me. I'm not sure what happened but it was time for a change. I hope you like it! Maybe today I'm just feeling a little feminine or plain, I don't know. In the future I'd like to order a custom header and signature but that's not a priority.

Clearly, I barely have time to post on a regular basis. With snow days, work and now taking two classes this semester I'm busy living life. The other day I realized the best days are when you live your life and don't have time to blog or Facebook. Our family embraced each other, played on the floor, ate at the table, slowed down. So in these cold winter months that's my priority. When my hands dethaw and I can wrap my claws around a camera and maybe even head outside, I'll be posting a lot more!

It Happened Late One Night

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 20:12:00 +0000

I'll have to take a break from talking about my family and the puppy and life in general for an adult monologue. Family, please close your browser now.

Last night I was refilling my weekly pill case with vitamins and such when I went to refill the ever important birth control pill. I couldn't find the pack anywhere. I know I just bought it a week ago. I looked in the nightstand, under the nightstand, under the bed, on my vanity, everywhere I could think. It disappeared. Is this a joke? I panicked. No no, not because I was getting frisky. No no, not because I hate babies. But if I miss one single pill that evil, terrible, no good, ruthless visitor comes within 24 hours. Like clock-work.

So what's a girl to do? A girl with a creepy photographic memory closes her eyes and realizes she threw it in the trash. The trash that was dumped in the bigger trash. And then the food trash was dumped on top of that. So I batted my eyelashes at my sweet husband who was already warm in bed and he went down and dug through the trash and brought me the bag. I looked in it for a second and realized it's the wrong bag. Then he went back down and brought me another bag. I sifted through Kleenex and empty conditioner bottles and EUREKA! I found them. I hugged them. I relaxed. I took one. I hugged and kissed Nip. Then rolled over and fell asleep.

I just find it odd something could cause such a panic. Clearly, the monthly and I are not pals. But for a brief moment last night I felt ridiculous. Like Elaine on Seinfeld trying to get her mitts on the last of the diaphragms (or sponges or whatever that was). I know one thing. That will NEVER happen again!

5QF - Peeves and Panties

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:10:00 +0000

It's Friday and I haven't participated in a Five Question Friday in quite a while so here I am. If you want to join in head over to My Little Life and link up!

1. What movie could you watch over and over again and not get tired of?

Oh there are plenty! Let's see here: Scent of a Woman, The Holiday, any Brat Pack movie, The Proposal, and (don't tell Nip) Semi-Pro.

2. What's your biggest pet peeve right now?
Always my pet peeve - people who don't say thank you. Not just thanking me but when I see anyone being polite and the other person doesn't say thank you. It's simple and easy and takes half a second. I love that pass it on type commercial where one good deed turns in to thousands but wen someone doesn't say thank you, you know the deed stopped there with that person.

3. If you had to describe your best friend in five words or less, what would you say?
Smart, witty, tiny, passionate and unstoppable. That's my sister and my best friend. She's amazing and no one compares.

4. If you did not have to worry about money or go to school what would you do for a living?
Ironically, if I didn't have to worry about money I'd go to school full time! I'd still want to be in pharmacy and I'd also want to help people in any way I can aside from my career. Little things like Meals On Wheels, Ronald McDonald House, Hope House, I'd volunteer like crazy if I had the time but for me time is money and I have to work.

5. What is your one "splurge" item, that you will always buy, no matter the cost?
This is a tough one. I'm going to say nice bras. No discount store variety for me. Quite frankly I need lift, I need separation and I need something pretty and comfortable. I love Calvin Klein so it's not like I have 80 La Perla bras but still, they are more money than a lot of other ones out there. But so worth it.

There you have it. Have a great weekend everyone!

Awesome

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:53:00 +0000

I'll keep this a short rambling if possible. I haven't blogged all week. As with many of you, the kids were home with snow days. And Bitty has been home since last Friday with an ear infection. She had pooey problems so she also has to drink soy milk, take ear drops, take the pink stuff, Tylenol, and probiotics in her food. It's awesome.

Naturally the work backed up, the house got trashed, there was 8" of snow to shovel off our driveway that now seems a mile long, the puppy continues to drive me INSANE by ruining our woodwork, paint, cabinets and hardwoods. It's awesome.

And all that work and house and puppy has left me packing it all into the last couple days leaving me exhausted. And let me tell you, I've been working with some real ~~nut jobs~~ pieces of ~~dirt~~ work this week. It's awesome.

I had to bail on volunteering in B's class and I know his teacher could use the support. She's a total sweetheart and is going through a lot with family health right now. You know nothing about her but a little prayer would be...awesome.

B's report card came home and he's still a couple grade levels ahead academically but is having a real problem listening, following directions and taking his time on his work (still). I'm not sure what to do with him. I plan on taking the pup to training classes but what oh what do you do for a very bright and energetic (and probably bored) 6 year old? Awesome.

Nip has helped around the house and with the kids a ton this week, he let me fall asleep at 5:30 Tuesday (not kidding), he indulges me by playing a quick game of Scrabble on the iPad with me every night, I get bubble baths and once he's home I'm off dog duty. Tonight he brought dinner home so I wouldn't have to cook. And he picked my favorite pizza place. Not his, mine. Now he is AWESOME!

There you have it. We are all in the same boat. Some of us don't need to say it. Some do! Thanks for listening. I always enjoy reading and relating to you!

I Have a Goat

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 20:55:00 +0000

I always knew Labs chew and chew and chew. But really? Really??? I don't have a photo of the damage our new girl has done but here's a list of the worst:

Gnawed the corner off 2 window frames
Made bite marks in several wooden slat blinds around our house
Ate all Nip's benefit contracts (before they were submitted)
Ate an entire roll of Scotch tape, including roll.
Destroyed several of the kids toys
Ate 3 of our solar lights in the backyard
Ate an entire roll of tp
Destroyed my sweater boots
Scratched the wall in our eat-in area as well as several doors
Ate ALL the childproofing plugs (including getting them out of the socket first) HOW????

But don't get me wrong. I love this girl. Luckily, as parents, we've learned patience. We are good with redirecting and time out. We offer lots of toys, go on walks, give lots of love. So now we're just waiting for this puppyhood to pass and we might miss it (just a tiny bit) when it's gone.

Happy Birthday My Little Man

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0000

I can hardly believe six years ago today I welcomed my baby boy into this world. It was icy and cold. But the sun made everything sparkle. And ever since, B has made everything in my life sparkle.

B steals my heart every day in a million ways. He is funny and smart, he's curious and timid, he's a good friend and the best big brother, he has his own convictions and wants everyone to play nice. His favorite color is red. He wants to be a fire captain. But I'm sure he'd settle for any job as long as he's calling the shots. He loves the ladies. His dancing makes his sister laugh so he does it often. He laughs so hard there is no sound. He can transform into anything at any moment-a pirate, a soldier, a wrestler, a Transformer, Iron Man, a Star Wars character, a knight in shining armor. His imagination runs free. He has big blue eyes and eyelashes that look like sweeping waves.Now that he reads, he cannot be duped. He doesn't forget a thing. His feelings run deep. I love this little man with all my heart.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

At two weeks old, he was a big boy!

At 3 months old with lots of chubby snuggles.

At one year old, the height of his eczema. Only the beginning of severe allergies.

A dapper man at two years old.

A rather rebellious age 3, and what better tool than this face to get you out of trouble.

Looking more like a man at age 4. This photo breaks my heart. I know some day his graduation photo will look quite the same.

At age 5 with his beloved Johnny Poppers on his feet. After two years of rough play, they've gone to the memory trunk.

**Side note: While typing this I can literally feel my pacemaker going off. So either he stops my heart or his getting bigger breaks my heart. Good thing I run off a generator.

Wordless Wednesday - Thirty Flirty and Thriving

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 16:49:00 +0000

Hello I say to myself in the mirror. BLAHHH the crows feet snarl back. EEEK the white kinky hairs clamor. Today I can no longer say I'm in my 20's. It comes with mixed feelings. I see the signs of aging. I'm done having babies. I haven't accomplished all my goals. But Jenna Rink dreamed of being "thirty, flirty and thriving" and in this month's Glamour Reese Witherspoon goes on and on about how good it feels to be in her 30's. And I've always felt like it's a time for me to be settled and comfortable. Reese feeling more sexy than ever gives me some hope that that may come, maybe next month. But not today.

Today I will be at the spa. All.Day.Long! I will have a glass of wine, have my hair done, my scalp massaged, a glass of wine, a sea salt scrub, a whole body massage (minus the tids and bits), a vichy shower, a glass of wine, a steam shower and a glass of wine. Then my darling husband will provide dinner and dessert (psst, don't forget dessert Nip!). And wine. And maybe I'll watch 13 Going on 30. Maybe I'll watch Cocoon. But today will be a good day!

For a very special Wordless/Wordful Wednesday I present you with a little humor at my expense.

New

1 and sharing my sisters 10th (our days are 5 apart). Notice my wardrobe malfunction? Some things never change.

3 with my favorite style birthday cake. I've always been odd.

5 and hideous. I'll never cut my daughter's hair short. Be it round brushes or gum or tar stuck in there, never cutting it!

Holly Hobby quilt? Check. NKOTB posters? Check. Best friend necklace? Check. Friendship bracelets? Check. Acid washed jeans? Too too far.

We'll skip the teen years. Partly because I couldn't find the photos but mostly because it consisted of wearing big baggy clothes, painted on eyebrows and other embarrassing things that happen when you don't have a mom telling you what's right and what's just plain wrong.

My 1st born, big 10 pound boy and the last time I saw my girls.

The first time ever I saw the ocean. York Beach, New Hampshire.

My last born, my sweet baby girl.

A little living in Kentucky. We'll call this a bad detour in life.

My first Mother's Day with all my children. That's right. One boy. One girl. Perfection!

Are YOU an Amazingly Energized Woman?

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 13:36:00 +0000

Yesterday I wrote on and on about what a busy week I had and will have coming up. What I love about all my bloggy friends is that we are all in the same boat. You get it, you don't judge, you don't point and laugh. You live the same busy life, if not busier. And you probably do it with finesse. So today do something for yourself or one of your girlfriends, a teacher at your kids school, your sister (like I did) and put in a nomination for that amazing lady (yes, I'm talking about you!)

This holiday season the makers of Centrum® and Molly Shannon are looking for that woman and they need your help! They are inviting you to nominate someone who lives life to the fullest, loves it and does it while staying healthy, even through the hurdles of the holidays.

Just go to LoveFeelingHealthy.com and in 300 words or less give a nomination for that amazing woman you know that does it all. But do it by the January 3rd deadline! Then a panel of judges will pick 5 finalist and the public will cast votes for America's Most Amazingly Energized Woman! There are some great prizes that fit perfectly for the type of woman you would nominate. Including:

Grand Prize: $3,000 XPERIENCE DAYS Gift Certificate

Four (4) Runner-Up Prizes: $400 XPERIENCE DAYS Gift Certificate

While you are at LoveLivingHealthy.com be sure to download your $3.00 coupon for Centrum® Women's or Centrum® Men's to help you and your hubs achieve better health during the holiday season. (See my disclaimer for my opinion on the product which I'm pretty sure it says I won't do but I did it. I've got to be me!

And who doesn't love Molly Shannon? On the site, she shares how to get the most joy out of the holidays by living to the fullest!

And what's a contest without some of this:
While all opinions are (abundant and) my own, I am a member of One2One Network and by publishing this post I am eligible to win prizing. I make no claims about Centrum® as a product or it's effectiveness. (But seriously, back to my "all opinions are my own" bit, I was using an off brand and switched to Centrum® a little over a month ago and I can tell my metabolism has increased and I have not gained a pound over the holidays. And I ate a box of crackers. And a half pound cheese ball. Just being honest here.)

Ho Ho Holiday Week in Review

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 12:04:00 +0000

Whew! What a week it has been. The kids were out of school, in daycare here and there between being sent home sick a time or two (there's a virus around here which comes and goes but doesn't seem to want to go away for good), I was wrapping up a lot of year-end work before taking a week off, there was cleaning and shopping, wrapping and hiding, planning and cooking and good ol fashioned fun. I couldn't possibly tell you all about it but it was truly a wonderful week.

Baking sugar cookies with my babies.

On Christmas Eve I hosted my family. Since everyone was on call and had busy schedules I opted for an hor d'oeuvres spread which worked out well. The big hit was the thing I was most unsure of. It was gone in a flash. Here's the recipe (if you want to call it that, it was so simple!):

Gruyere Apple Cups

12 slices Canadian bacon
2 granny smith apples
2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon thyme

1/2 cup freshly grated Gruyere

Melt the butter, add diced apples and thyme. Cook for 4 minutes or until soft. Spray cooking spray in muffin tins and form cups with the Canadian bacon. Put the apples in each cup, top with cheese and bake at 350 for 15 minutes. See? Super easy.

It was great visiting with my brother and sister and three of my teen nephews. Sadly, one was sick and stayed home and his mom wasn't able to make it either. Then there's the brother that never responded and didn't show up. Most people have one of *these*. I could go on and on but chances are, you've been there, you know that. I had sweet quality time with my loved ones.

We went to the Christmas Eve service which was just beautiful. I love the hand bell quartet and the candle lit Silent Night. B was such a good boy through it and sang from the hymnal. He looked pretty grown up. Bitty got all dolled up but we ended up putting her in the nursery because she was so sleep from the day's events. At home we let B open the gift from us (since it's an alarm clock and he'll know not to wake us up at 5am. I'm half genius/half evil momma).

Priceless smiles abound this time of year.

He was really concerned he was on the naughty list.

B woke up on Christmas morning and to his delight Santa came, ate cookies, dropped a carrot on his way up the chimney and left plenty of gifts. Bitty woke up quite a bit later and was a little confused. B showed her how to open gifts and what was in her stocking. She quickly caught on, played with each toy, ate a cinnamon roll and went back to bed. Is she a teenager? Nip and I exchanged gifts and I must say, he gets better every year but now I don't know if he can out-do himself. We also opened the gifts Nip's mom sent all of us. That woman is the gift whisperer! I wish I had an ounce of a) her shopping skill, b) her thoughtfulness when picking out gifts and c) her ability to wrap a beautiful present. We stayed in pj's all day, I made a spiral ham, potatoes, green bean casserole, corn casserole and rolls. Healthy huh? And I drank wine in my pj's for the first time in my life. Weird observation.

B showing Bitty her first Barbie.

I love this photo. She's like her Momma in the morning!

And on Sunday I woke up early to shop the sales for the first time. It was odd watching ladies claw for .50 ribbon and tags. But I managed to get out with new ornaments, ribbons and even stocking stuffers for next year. And amazingly, I wasn't hurt. I also ordered an artificial tree online for $60! I just can't handle the live tree, sap, needles, needles and needles one more year. I even took the tree down in record time today. I vacuumed for two hours. I still have one tree to take down as well as the outside stuff (which we all know I'll bat my eyelashes at Nip until he does that).

I'm taking the week off to spend time with the kids, paint my living room, love on my new iPad that's coming Tuesday (thanks to my boss who really knows how to show a girl she's appreciated), ~~drink/cry/throw a fit over saying goodbye to a decade~~ say hello to my most amazing decade yet, create my 2009 and 2010 photo books (yeah I'm a bit behind), spend time with my bestie, figure out what to do with a bunch of clothes and toys that we need to purge, finish planning B's birthday party which is coming up on the 8th, have a few great meals and ring in the new year. Yep. This time next week I'll be saying WHEW. Again.

Christmas Card Failure - Scene 3

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:46:00 +0000

I had both kids in this shot and by the time it took one was gone and the other blurry.

Would work but there isn't one of Bitty with the same tone to it.

Really pretty but the color is all faded/weird. Again, I need to take a class.

It looks like she has a flesh eating disease and again with the color. I did this and the other using that sport shot thing because she never sits still!

Weird smile but I'd take it if I had another with Bitty that had the same tone.

I could make do but I'd prefer to see her whole face, hair not a mess and less drool. I'm asking for too much from a one year old!

We're still working on getting the perfect shot. We'll let you know if these turn out to be Valentine or St. Pat's cards!

Christmas Card Failure - Scene 2

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 12:41:00 +0000

Hey Guys,

B turn around

B, smile. Bitty, look at momma!

Bitty!

Silly kiddos.

Christmas Card Failure - Scene 1

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:37:00 +0000

It's okay Bitty!

Smile baby girl!

Don't whack your brother!

I would settle for this one but the color is off and there's a man gripping my baby's arm. I need to take some photog classes!

Shutterfly for Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 21:34:00 +0000

Well it's Christmas time and I've snapped as many pictures as the children would let me in the hopes that I could make a fantastic card to send to family and friends. Shutterfly is offering a spectacular deal of 50 free Christmas cards for blogging about my faves.

I love this classic preppy look

I also love this modern style

And I also adore this card because rather than writing out a newsletter you can sum it up right on your card!

Shutterfly is super easy to use and there are so many options for any style you fancy. Since that *perfect photo* never happened I'll be making a 4 photo card of the same scene with the kids being uncooperative. I think it's cute and honest.

While browsing the site I found this mug which make a great gift for Christmas, my birthday, Mother's Day or just because. HINT!

I often use a notebook in my office to keep little notes on things I need to refer back to. I'm definitely going to order one of these notebooks so I can smile amidst my days of eye rolling.

And hmm, which picture shall I ever choose for the cover?

Hint:

Yeah baby girl, sometimes I feel the same way too!

And I read on another blog of a way to organize family photos. It's hard to find a quality photo album anymore and they are so bulky then there's the work of organizing your photos and having proper enough handwriting for captions. The blogger (would give credit if I could just remember who said it) suggested making a photo book every year. I made one for B when he was 2-3 but now that our family has grown I love this idea. You can fit in holidays, birthdays, vacations, the kids activities and shots of their favorite toys or clothes so when you look back, you've catalogued the year in review. I love it! I'm taking a week off at the end of the year and this is on my list. I need to make one for 2009 and 2010. Then I'll happily keep up with it. With so many cover styles but all in the same dimensions this will look great on a coffee table or book shelf. I'm sure we'll treasure them for years.

Maybe I've given you some ideas of your own? Dreading picking Christmas cards? Stay cozy right at home and go to Shutterfly to take care of business.

Festival of Lights - Christmas Style

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:05:00 +0000

One of our favorite traditions is driving through the Christmas in the Park in our area. We go eat dinner, wait in the car for an hour and drive around the loop for 10 fabulous minutes. B gets out of his booster and this year Bitty really enjoyed the show too. It's one of those things where each of us look forward to our favorite display year after year. If you have one in your town I highly recommend going. Especially if it benefits a charity. Last year in Louisville they had one that went through a cave. A privately owned cave. And it cost something like $40 to drive through. This year we are reminded in each and every way that we are home.

NBC's Community Christmas Special - A Review

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Today I had the opportunity to preview the very special Christmas episode of Community which airs tonight. First, I must admit I've never seen an episode of Community but I've learned its about a bunch of adults going to a community college and they've joined this study group to help out Jeff (Joel McHale, my sister's lovely dovey crush), a lawyer whose degree has been revoked. It's quite the potpourri of characters including Chuck (Chevy Chase, my husband's Christmas-time crush) as the wise one, a middle aged divorcee, a 20 something drop out, a pop culture geek of sorts, an ex football player. You get the idea. No one wants to be at a juco but sometimes that's just what life gives you. And since I insist on associating myself with someone on each show (Angela from The Office?) I'm going with Annie (Allison Brie from Mad Men) on this one. And not just because she happens to be wearing a ballerina outfit. I rarely do that.

So the thing that makes this Christmas special soooo special is that it is stop-motion animated. You know it as Claymation!!! First off, this has always creeped me out. I love watching it but it still creeps me out. But oh how I love seeing real people as clay or silicone or whatever; they explain it a little right in the episode so for that alone you should watch. This is the adult version of a Christmas special. Abed is searching for the meaning of Christmas and all his friends are there to help. How sweet! And it gets quite cheeky with all the jabs at the liberal crap surrounding the holidays anymore. That's my take on it anyway. Yay for freedom!

Okay, back to the review. It was laugh out loud on several occasions. Troy the soldier has a lot of jokes and Baby Doll Shirley is by far the creepiest but I love it. It kind of reminds me of those baby dolls we got when we were little that someone had croqueted a dress onto. Except this baby doll is naked.

So put down the to-do lists, stop cleaning, stop planning, stop stressing and sit down to watch this episode! If your babies are still up then dvr it and watch it after they go to sleep. It's just plain cute! And now I'm hooked and eager to see the series from the beginning.

THE FACTS

When: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9th, 8/7 CST (So to 90% of you that means 7pm and for the record, I'm against time zones!)

Where: NBC

Disclaimer: As always, all opinions are (abundant and) my very own. By posting this review I am eligible to win season 1 of "Community" on DVD and a Sony Bloggie HD Camera or a $50 gift card courtesy of One2One Network.

Ay Ay Ay! I Need a Break!

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:35:00 +0000

I've been feeling a little guilty lately. I've been a bad bad bloggy friend. I assure you I've read your blog but from my phone since I'm always on the go and my phone rarely lets me comment on your blog. I haven't replied to many comments you leave here either. I think I have so many messages coming in for this and that and I just loose track. I'm usually not like this. I'm usually very organized. So as you can see this is eating me up.

And then there's the not posting frequently. I had this plan to post something everyday until my birthday since I'm coming to grips with saying goodbye to a decade. But there's no time for that. Or focus. Or creativity.

I'm sure you hate reading posts about how I'm too busy to post but that's all I've got. Here's my list for the week:

Pass out PJ's, unds and socks at the clothing closet
Go buy and set up a Christmas tree
Drive to Topeka for a news shoot with the Girl Scouts (this might produce a post)
Get a mani for said news shoot and let go of the fact I have roots because I know I don't have 4 hours to sit in the salon
Decorate the Christmas tree after the branches fall
Study daily for my final in the first class I've taken in 8 years
Volunteer in B's class
Pick B up from his dad's
Bake 2 dozen Kiss cookies for Teacher Appreciation Week
Order B's birthday party invites
Take the kids to visit the guy in red which always includes playing and dinner (yay, another post for this one!)
Oh and then there's that "work 10 hours a day at your full time job" bit

This is all on top of the cleaning, cooking, taking little ones to and from school, trips to Target, the grocery store, pharmacy, dry cleaner, car wash (this WILL be the week my car gets cleaned out!). Ay ay ay!

The good news is that this weekend my only plan is to wrap up some Christmas shopping (in record time), order Christmas cards (if the pictures come out ok), and take my final (I figured out that I could get a 75% and still get a strong A in the class, so that reduces some stress!)

I can't tell you how excited I am to get that stuff out of the way. I'm also taking the last week of the year off to spend time with A and B while he's out of school. We have some very special things planned! It's always good to look for the light. This is going to be a beautiful holiday season!

5QF - Tis the Season

noreply@blogger.com (MommaAmma) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:50:00 +0000

If you haven't noticed, I haven't been around much this week. I've been very sick, Nip has been very sick, B was sent home for pink eye even though I told the nurse he has allergies and a new dog and there was no drainage but she said there was drainage and I said that's a tear because you are making him go home instead of going to gym (okay, I didn't really tell her that last part but that's what it turned out to be), and Bitty was sent home for diarrhea which we never saw. What's with these schools freaking out and kicking kids out. Way to teach them to stick with it and manage their woes. We're raising a bunch of pansies I tell you! Whew, got that out of the way.

I'm glad it's the weekend. I'll miss B but I'll be studying, going to dinner with my husband and baby girl tonight at my favorite Cajun restaurant and I have a day full o fun planned tomorrow with my best friend for her birthday. Shopping, a movie, dining and people watching on the Plaza. Don't know about that Plaza? You must live REALLY far away. It's one of the best places around, especially at Christmas time. And of course I have class Sunday which is second to last for this semester, thank goodness!

Okay, like I said and like you know, it's Friday. That means you can go link up for Five Question Friday over at My Little Life.

1. What's on the top of your holiday wish list and why?!

Oh I don't know. I like lots of things. I love everything I get too. I would like some new earrings. More about that in like 2 seconds. I also like to get crop work-out pants because I don't like to shop for them for some reason. I get distracted by the pretty clothes that don't have anything to do with sweating.

2. What is your favorite Christmas gift from the past?
At our first Christmas Nip gave me my first diamond earrings. You know, the ones that have a screw on back. You know somethings fancy when you need extra reinforcement behind your ear. But guess what? I lost one. For good. It made me cry. It was almost a year ago. I'm still devastated. It was just an item but still it's hard for me. It was a very special gift to me. Now I've learned my next pair will be bigger. And less diamondy and more cubic zirconiay (with white gold studs though because fake stuff makes my ears swell up, looks like keloids. Nasty!)

Oh, and when I was 6 I received an English doll carriage. It was fancy. So fancy, big wheels, blue linen canopy. Oh I loved that thing and I can't wait to get one for my baby girl. She just needs to grow tall enough to reach the handle.

3. If you had life to do over, what would you be when you grow up?
Funny how sometimes God reminds you that this life isn't over yet and you can change every day. After being laid off almost 2 years ago and now running my own business I've had some time to reflect on things and so I decided to go back to pharmacy school. I was half way done 10 years ago but quit because of the pressure of bills and work and other such things. I knew I would regret it and I have since. So now I'm back at it, taking some refresher courses and I'm hopefully going to be enrolled full time in about a year and a half. Yeah, I know I'm going to be the oldest one there but I don't mind. I'd rather do that than go on another 30 years in a job I don't feel good about.

4. When do you put up your tree?
We don't have a set time for this. This year we're going next week to buy one. We really want to go cut one down but our schedules just aren't jiving with that. Maybe with a little more planning we can do that next year.

5. What is your favorite Holiday?
Christmas is the most important Holiday (and Easter of course) in my family. Sure we love all the traditions but what they lead to is so important. The carols and advent calendar, the nativity scene and cards. Christ is born. We have so many good feelings this time of year. All the stress goes away when we think of how blessed we really are. I also have to say I love Valentines Day. It's about love so what's not to love!?!