a glimpse into my world

i wish i could play this for him 24hours a day

2011-01-27T09:01:00.002-06:00

the hubs comes home from work, goes to the kids open house, lets me get some work done in silence.. im sure he is beat..

the he comes up behind me hands me an "US WEEKLY" (my favorite thing to unwind) and a piece of coconut cream pie.. and says i love you hunnie.. i just want things to be easy for you..

seriously.. he is amazing i adore him..
this song totally describes everything i want to say to him!

does anyone know how to bottle this up..

2011-01-25T16:03:00.000-06:00

i just want to keep her like this forever...

cheap cheap vday decor...

2011-01-25T15:59:00.000-06:00

so i wanted some valentines decorations.. but not that "kitchy" stuff you see in the stores.. but i had to do it on the tinest budget EVER... well basically bc there was no money allowed to even have a budget...

so i search and search the internet for ideas... and then search and look in closets in the house to see what i can make things out of..

and well...
I DID IT!!!!

made some of my own printables and framed them

i took a pizza box.. cut a heart out of it.. found some ribbon left over from moo's bedroom project 2 years ago.. viola..
a gorgeous little heart

a little left over xmas scrapbooking paper..
and what do you know.. its my favorite thing

took some wrapping paper... from target's xmas 90% clearance.. and wrapped my large canvas and then inlayed it in the glass of my tv unit..

went to garden ridge.. and holy amazing christmas clearance.. i found this strand of beads for .29 and this red ornament for .10... viola.. a made over chandelier!

and then.. lucky me.. as im decorating.. my bff comes over and makes it my favorite day ever... she came in hand with a caribou coffee.. some cookies.. and then ups man came and delivered me the most gorgeous new.. BUT FREE canvas ever!!!

all and all.. it was kind of a FAB day!
ahhhhhhhhhh
the simple little things in life that make life a lil bit happier

can i do a pathetic pleade...

2011-01-18T09:12:00.000-06:00

would you be a doll..

and please vote for Miss Moo..

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

irony..

2011-01-13T19:28:00.000-06:00

go back 11 years on valentines day...
my parents, sisters and family wanted nothing to do with me..
they were disappointed to the highest degree..

why...
well i was 19 adam was 17 and i was pregnant..

we were sad.. not disappointed.. but i was still a teen.. having the time of my life.. with some great friends.. i didn't want that all to end.. but i did not hang with the best crowd.. and it had to end..

i knew that there were friends that i spent some very emotional times with and i knew that no matter what we would be friends...

but...
we drifted.. we grew up FAST.. very fast..
it was a hard pregnancy.. hard long 9 months trying to get adam to graduate.. hard time figuring out how life would pan out.. but one thing we always knew was we would be together and we would make it work and make it work out better than anyone else could...

fast forward.. to today 1/13/2011
i was just told the BEST thing adam and i could have ever done was getting pregnant..

well yea.. i could have told you that...
wanna know why that was said...

well try having 3 friends in less than 7months be buried..
they never grew up..
that never had the opportunity to grow and feel a love as grand as i felt..
makes me so sad..

but at the same time...
i am so thankful for everything i have and everything my husband and i have done..

how do i explain it... i just LOVE, love...

2011-01-12T21:31:00.000-06:00

i love everything about love...
i love being in love
i love loving others
i love the way people act when they are in love
i love seeing siblings love eachother
i love to see a child show their love to their parent with a hug
i love to show others i love them

i just love LOVE!!!!

therefore..
YES
valentines day is my most favorite holiday EVER!!!!
tomorrow i will be decorating so i will post some pictures
but in the meantime..
a few of my favorites pictures

10 months to plan... i dont think i can do this

2011-01-10T09:27:00.001-06:00

oh my word.. 10months... 10 months... 10months to plan one kick a** party...
on 11/11/11 adam and i will be celebrating our 11 year anniversary..

we want to throw one amazing party.. but a party on a budget but an amazing party.. complete with great band.. great friends.. some amazing decor... and even better memories...

this is my dream... will it happen.. prob not.. would i love for it to happen.. YES... YES... YES..

so any ideas.. please help me figure a way to make my dream come true..

just when you think...

2011-01-10T08:35:00.000-06:00

you start thinking.. wow. D is doing so great.. i am so proud.. wow huge strides have come his way...

one lil thing.. comes up.. and you see wow... that affected him so differently than any other child... and you sit back and remember wow i do have to take things slightly different.. i will always have to remember that.. and its so hard to remind myself sometimes... i feel like i give in.. so then i am a little harder on him than i should be... i turn around and see how it affects him and my heart melts..

he is taking allot of things personally.. say a friend was supposed to come over.. we set the date.. dylan starts asking from the moment he wakes up.. the friend never comes over or calls or answers the phone.. dylan then proceeds to come up with why its his fault.. and how terrible of a person he is and then becomes self violent...

how to you avoid that... its the hardest thing to see my baby take such a negative approach with himself...

school is starting today after a 3 week break.. i hope it helps him a little.. he has been so down..

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everyone has picture..

2011-01-07T10:34:00.000-06:00

and everyone likes something free..
FREE 8x8 book from shutterfly!
enter code: 9BFC-EDWF-3WJ0-0PMHM6

http://www.shutterfly.com

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want a chance to win this adorable set...

2011-01-04T10:43:00.000-06:00

do you have facebook? if so.. go over here to "my own threads clothing" LIKE them.. and tell them Sam. P. sent you.. and you will be put into a drawing.. how freakin adorable.. the PERFECT valentine's outfit!!!

freebies...calendars... love them

2011-01-04T10:21:00.000-06:00

my favorite monthly downloadable desktop calendars by leelou blogs

and free printable calendars by tomkat studios

a very important message while heading into the new year...

2010-12-28T10:21:00.000-06:00

Let me first say... Happy New Year..

Secondly I wanted to bring attention to an important cause in my life. Last year I started an organization to help children with neurological disorders.. these disorders can range anywhere from downs syndrome, autism, tourettes, epilepsy, huntingtons disease, brain tumors and many others.

As we all know medical care is hard to get let alone it is very expensive.. tons of care equipment and medical bills are not covered by insurance. Which is where the organization comes into play.

Last year we honored 7 amazing young men all with autism. This year we are cutting the numbers down to help them greater... we are choosing 5 children. We are currently accepting nomination letters. Letters are to be a max of 500 words and must include the childs name, disorder, why they deserve to be chosen along with a contact number and email address of the parents of the nominee. Letters must be turned in by Feb. 1st 2011.

If you are also interested in becoming part of the team that will help organize this years event please feel free to email me also.
We are always in desperate need of donations for the raffles and silent auctions.

If you would like to see more of what we did last year please visit the website: http://benefit4neurodiversity.blogspot.com/

and also please "like" us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Celebrating-Neuro-Diversity/129670580429404

Thank you so much for your time... and I hope that you can pass this letter around so we can open up the eyes and hearts of others!

Sam Provenzano
puddlejumpersphotography@gmail.com

Happy Everything

2010-12-22T18:20:00.000-06:00

from my family to yours!

cookie party

2010-12-18T13:49:00.001-06:00

some of our oldest friends came over for a mommy & daughter cookie decorating party

we premade some cookies and frosting and let the girls go at it..

i even let them get a sneak peak at the cake ball recipe and technique

it was a great time to spend with my girls and our friends

i think we found a christmas tradtion the perfect way to start the season!

lucky me again

2010-12-17T18:10:00.000-06:00

this year i was so lucky to stick to my guns and do more of these little hero's pictures..

ryan is a special one...

reminds me of my dylan..

his mom and i were friends in high school

we lost touch and found eachother again

we started talking and had so much in common

then we find out we have blondies the same age..

as time goes on we find out that our lil men not only look alike

they both have autism...

my heart broke as she told me the news.. but i knew all would be ok..

and thankfully our paths crossed and i was able to meet mr. ryan..

and even though supposedly he didn't like to have his picture taken (wink wink)

he did an amazing job!!!

so please sit back.. turn those speakers on and meet ryan!

meet super jack

2010-12-17T16:23:00.000-06:00

i still get to do my favorite thing and volunteer and provide free photography for children who has a number of different kinds of medical conditions..

i was destined to meet super jack.. comes to find out the world is smaller than we know and that we have too many connections its so odd that our paths never crossed before..

but for those of you who may not know super jack.. he is an amazing 5yr old who has lukemia.. but he is kicking it in the butt.. and doing it with the best personality.. along with his twin sister they take on the world..

take a second turn your speakers on and meet JACK.. my newest favorite lil man

thanksgiving day pictures

2010-12-17T16:02:00.001-06:00

got nothing good to put.. lol..
it was just one of those days..
was at the RMH all day before volunteering... so it was a nice quiet relaxing day at my sisters..
kids love dressing up..
d got a tie
si got a new dress

(score on both of them i think i got both at old navy for a total of 7.50 during one of their super mega sales)

and moo had to wear her famous turkey dress that she had modeled for "pickles & co."

enjoy.. aren't they getting HUGE!!!

Ronald McDonald House - WishList Drive & Children's Memorial Hero's Drive

2010-12-17T15:51:00.000-06:00

everyone knows my passion lies in giving back.. i know i don't have the funds to give everything in the world.. but i do have my time and my drive...

every year i have chosen a charity and have either collected money, did a silent auction or raised awareness to different non-profits. last year i found the ronald mcdonald house of lincoln park. i adore children's memorial and all that they do and i wanted to do something that was connected to them but was in the back burner..

last year was so amazing that we did it again this year.. my goal was to make it bigger and better.. and well with the help of my friends (who are pretty damn amazing) we were able to make it HUGE.. we had 3 schools involved, a daisy troop, local neighbors, coworkers and buisnesses were all involved..

and we added a CHILDRENS MEMORIAL HEROS DRIVE - we collected toys, books and music.. along with hats, bows and headbands for the kids on the hemo (cancer floor) we also had a ton of amazing people come through and SEW, KNIT, MAKE & BUY blankets for the kids who are going through chemo and become a bit cold during the process..

it was such an overhwleming experience we were able to give so much... people's jaws were dropping to the floor.. such a great moment..just made me start thinking about next year and what we can do to make it BIGGER and BETTER again...

missed you......

2010-12-17T15:33:00.000-06:00

sorry.. im such a bad blogger.. i always tell myself get back to it.. it helps you remember who you are..
well the rush of life has slowed down just in time for me to kick back and relax and ENJOY the holiday season!

lots of change has been happening here..
but i am hoping in the long run it may turn out for the better..
but as of right now it causes nothing but stress.. and stress = sam who doesnt want to talk

but adam is starting a new job... a new job that should have a better chance of him getting closer to home.. but not for a year or so.. and better chance at advancement.. but for now he is working a little more than an hour or so and working second shift 3-11pm... which means he will not see the kids most weekdays... but in the summer atleast he will have some good time with him.

so thats whats new with me.. whats new with you.. ill update in pictures soon... for right now its friday night.. and during the holidays that means baking and crafting night..

wanna know another secret... well this is for the kids

2010-10-01T15:25:00.000-05:00

the latest coolest thing to have.. are these customized pieces by: stacey m designs she can customiz and make notecards, stationary, christmas cards, placemats, chore charts.. and my favorite.. SCHOOL MONEY ENVELOPES

once again... LUCKY ME.. because she is a local artists.. but I dont have to be the only lucky one anymore.. she is online HERE and is in a few boutiques around the US... take a look... get some great holiday gift.. what kid doesn't love things personalized it makes it feel even more special!!

i have to tell you a new secret of mine...

2010-10-01T12:02:00.000-05:00

i have found a new love..
and her name is hazel brown...

don't believe me???

have you seen this stuff

her clothing.. her handbags.. are all TO DIE FOR.. she is a local mom in my town.. how lucky am i?!!? BUT you can order online she has an amazing website and etsy shop that you can purchase from..

head on over.. check it out.. and dare to tell me you dont want it all

marley's minnie mouse birthday

2010-10-01T09:42:00.000-05:00

so i finally have a free minute...

life has been chaotic but in a great way.. keeping busy never hurt anyone..

in the meantime.. it was moo's 4th bday... and we had a minnie

mouse blowout.. she was sick.. booooooooo

but i hope she enjoyed it

i did minnie mouse cake pops.. a la bakerella.. however i tripped and broke 36 of them on the ground the night before.. i had minnie & mickey cookie favors.. a candy bar.. and tons of other little details..

marley needs your help!!!

2010-06-28T14:10:00.000-05:00

marley was entered into a beautiful baby contest..
but she needs your votes!!

if you could help... we would love it.. it takes one minute and you can do it every day for the next 2 weeks!

this is the picture that was entered...
click here to vote!
i may be bias but i have never seen a more gorgeous baby in my life!

something near and dear to me..

2010-04-22T10:13:00.000-05:00

now i know today is EARTH DAY... but something i have always believed in so strongly is the earth... even as a kid.. i was president and founder of a club called "HOPE" (help our planet earth... i swear i was born with this crazy gene in me that all i wanted to do is help) i then was set to go to school for marine biology in hawaii (unfortunate circumstances occurred and that dream was put on hold)

when i watched this documentary.. my heart jumped and my dreams of helping the oceans and marine life were at full force again..

please take a minute to watch this video here

and download the FREE digital copy of the DOCUMENTARY THE COVE HERE

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calling all BRIDES amazing giveaway.. i feel silly calling that.. because it is more than that

2010-04-19T21:43:00.000-05:00

it's the wedding of your dreams!!! you heard that right.. calling all brides in the chicagoland area...

ELEVEN ELEVEN WEDDING
"We have gathered a group of Chicago’s premier wedding professionals to create this incredible all-inclusive wedding. The lucky winners will receive a wedding valued at over $60,000!!"

follow this link to the Eleven Eleven Wedding Giveaway website to learn more about the amazing event and to apply.

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M.I.A ?!?!? kinda.. not really just on another page for a lil bit

2010-03-24T08:21:00.003-05:00

well.... have you visited where i have been??
oh my word.. this has been an amazing task.. and labor of love.. its almost here.. and im getting the last minute flutters... but i have 110% confidence that this will be an amazing night

http://benefit4neurodiversity.blogspot.com/

3 words.. DORA THE EXPLORER

2010-02-25T16:34:00.000-06:00

marley met her today.. and well i think the pictures speak for the themselves... i have never seen in her such awe!!!

the positive side..

2010-02-25T08:18:00.000-06:00

so many times you hear the hardships of having a child with "special needs"... and im tired of going that route.. yes life is hard.. we each have our own lil thing that we wish wasn't there.. but then you couldn't imagine your life any different... its those things that help define who we are as people and without those things... life would be to easy.. making us less strong, less knowledgeable, less commited to making a difference... and i am all for all of those...

but i will tell you my most favorite things about dylan's autism and sensory issues:

1.) he is gives the strongest most amazing hugs EVER
2.) he does not like a mess.. therefore i have to try and keep the house as clean as possible so that he will actual play and function and not just sit in a chair and watch tv... this is adams favorite thing.. they all LOVE a clean house
3.) thanks to his ocd cleaning habits as i like to call it.. i never EVER have to clean his room he does it every day.. and MAKES HIS BED EVERY MORNING
4.) we have met some of the most amazing people.. i would have never had the opportunity to meet
5.) he has the best manners... he is a rule follower to the T.. please, thank you, no thank you, yes sir, yes ma'am
6.) he adores puzzles... to me its one of the greatest toys.. he uses his brain... not to mention its kind of time consuming so when i need an extra minute to breathe i just ask him to go and do a puzzle
7.) he loves to go sledding bc the bumps in the snow feel goo to him on his belly -- this is something new we just found out and have been taking advantage of this winter
8.) i am his go to person and for as many times as being his go to person means i get a ton most of the punishment (ie. punching, hitting, kicking, yelling at when he is overwhelmed bc he doesn't know what to do) i think of them as LOVE TAPS.. and i will take those taps from him.. knowing that it makes him feel better.. and that I CAN HELP HIM

thats just a handful of them.. i could go on for hours.. just like i could go on for hours about the girls... these "things" are what make him part of who he is.. and part of who we are as a family...

so maybe today each one of us should try not to dwell on the negative.. and look at the positive side..

i know it just made my day a little brighter!

sometimes you just need a little note to pick you up..

2010-02-23T08:45:00.003-06:00

so in a post about me boohooing about what life has thrown at my family.. i received some wonderful pick me up notes.. about not worrying about how presents do not matter.. and its what the heart gives.. and with that.. i simply re-evaluated my thoughts.. looked deep inside put my own pride on the side.. and realized that it was true... and this weekend.. we had 2 parties that we were not going to go to.. well simply bc.. we could not show up empty handed...

i thought about whats my talent.. what can my heart give to them...
and i busted out my old rusty sewing machine... and started going to town..
i loved the way the presents turned out.. i tried to personalize them.. and i will admit i put more thought and HEART into these presents than any other present i have purchased at target or anything like that.. i hope they love them as much as i do... and to you lil lady who changed my thought process... THANK YOU... from the bottom of my heart!

oh einstein bagles.. how i love thee

2010-02-16T07:54:00.004-06:00

and not to mention their coupons...
ahhhhhhh
click on the picture and print.. then go get some bagels.. and go now.. bc you know that silly place closes so early!

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what do you want to do before you die

2010-02-15T21:28:00.002-06:00

have you ever seen the buried life on mtv?
if you haven't its a story of a group of boys who travel the states in a purple bus crossing off the top 100 things off of their bucket list. everytime they cross something off their list... the help another random stranger cross something off of their list...

i have seen them... help deliver a baby, ask out the girl of their dreams, make a toast at a strangers wedding...
and they have help strangers by...helping a dad find his long lost son, help a teacher help his school get their first working computer

it got me to thinking...
what do you want to do before you die..

honestly..
my #1 would be.. to watch my children go through life without having to worry about "can we afford it"... life has been so full of ups and downs.. and we find ourselves every day saying "hunnie... we can't.. we don't have the money" and this is very honest and raw..."babe, im sorry we cannot go to so and so's bday party bc we can't buy a present"... i cannot see us changing that phrase in a long time... and the day my kids never have to worry about any of that.. is a day where i feel like i can breathe.. and maybe go onto the next item on my bucket list.. but until then.. i strive to cross that off...

SOOOOOO what do you want to do before you die?!?!

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i can always count on her

2010-02-11T15:20:00.004-06:00

being big sister to dylan is HARD work i tell ya..
really hard work.. you have to be 100% understanding... you have to be able to help your momma out... you have to know what it takes to calm down your big brother.. and you also have to know how to protect your little sister from big brother dylan at times.

and the one who has stepped up to the plate.. and sometimes i forget to thank her.. is miss sierra...

and well this past weekend she surprised me again...
the kids received tickets to disney on ice from their pipa for their christmas present... the minute we walked in dylan "shut down"
he wanted nothing to do with the place..
the first 15minutes while waiting for the show to start dylan and daddy stayed at the top of the stairs by the usher.. i then went over to him when the show started and daddy went back by the girls...

well 2minutes into the lights being shut off and we were kicked out by the security... so then we were told we needed to find the head of ticket sales..
IT TOOK 15minutes to find one... then they lead us to the side of the theater.. where you cannot see anything and said you can sit here.. i thought it would be fine.. DARK, NO ONE AROUND.... was i wrong.. dylan spent the whole first half laying limp on me...

HE DIDN'T SEE ANY OF THE 1ST HALF.. neither did i...
at intermission daddy and i switched...

and sierra proceeds to tell me.. mommy i took your camera and took pictures bc i figured you didn't see any of it.. and i really know how much you love the princesses..

what a loving, smart, kind and amazing soul.. she thought of me before she thought of herself... and so thanks to her i have memories of what she saw through her eyes.. and that brings the biggest smile to my face!!!

she's a special girl... and i should really remind her more often of how much i appreciate her!

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seriously folk....

2010-02-11T14:27:00.004-06:00

how does this man melt my heart the way he does...

scenario:
i am doing laundry and all of a sudden i hear the loud clang of tons of CHANGE... i say.. "dylan did you get in your bank"... there is silence.. then marley comes running down "mommy dylan get his money out ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL... of it"

normally i would be a little frustrated.. just because it takes forever to put away..
well i take my time.. and head back up..

and dylan says "look mommy a picture for you... its me hugging you"

ok.. bring out the waterworks..

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freebie alert

2010-02-11T13:55:00.006-06:00

so now being a full-time stay at home mommy... i am extremely thriftier than i was before if that is even a possibility..

anywho.. lucky for you.. i love sharing my great finds..
so walgreens.. TOMORROW ONLY
print this coupon and receive 15% off for FAMILY and FRIENDS

also use coupon code VDAY online to make a FREE 8x10 collage

AND use coupon code LOVE10 to receive 25 FREE 4x6 when you purchase 25 images

come on.. sounds like this can be a REALLY good valentine's day!

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whoa dude.. did you feel that...

2010-02-10T07:55:00.001-06:00

so strange.. an earthquake in illinois..
4am we woke up to the house... the windows.. and the bed shaking along with a dog going crazy... my husband jumps up and says holy cow that was an earthquake.. i said NOOOO.. it must have been a snowplow (considering we just had a foot of snow dumped on us) but i open up the windows.. and wow there are atleast 12houses with their lights on.. did we all hear the snow plow... so now im awake i turn on the news.. and YUP

a 4.3 earthquake in the western suburbs.. well that would explain it all!!!

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one more great valentine post

2010-02-09T08:55:00.002-06:00

here is such a great printable valentine idea also...
for the older tween in your life...

CLICK HERE for the download
thanks to stylecrush

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happy national bagel day!

2010-02-09T08:10:00.002-06:00

and in honor of that.. eisntein bros bagels is giving away B1G1 FREE bagels...
you have to become of FAN OF EINSTEIN BROS BAGELS on FACEBOOK... then click the BAGEL DAY tab on top.. coupons are good till 9/16...

HAPPY BAGEL EVERYONE!

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do your kids want to give out something different for vday this year?

2010-02-08T19:10:00.005-06:00

sadly.. mine no longer want me to take a picture and print it out thing and pass those out with suckers attached... and im not a fan of those whole cardboard valentines.. i always like to do something different... and since we are trying to opt out of too much sugar this year.. look at what i found!

chuck e cheese.. is offering these FREE valentine's that are also a GIFT.. 5 FREE TOKENS.. all i can say is sierra and dylan are SOOOOOOOOOO excited to be passing them out this year!

click here to get your valentines

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tell me im not the only one who loves to do this

2010-02-08T17:18:00.004-06:00

everyone knows my favorite place on earth is IKEA..
and not like i shop the entire store.. sometimes i love to just go look around at the displays and get decorating ideas... and get my brain moving..
and well its also nice bc... I GET TO SPEND TIME ALONE WITH THE HUBBY... so 2 of my favorite things.. time with the man.. and window shopping... you ask how... i do that.. well they have the best FREE childcare play area there.. I LOVE IT.. 1hr of silence is amazing... well this weekend its even better bc ON TOP OF FREE WINDOW SHOPPING.. and FREE CHILDCARE... KIDS EAT FREE!!!!!!! ahhhhhhh i am all for
FREE FUN!!!

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what are you doing tuesday night?

2010-02-08T17:13:00.004-06:00

if you are like me.. and LOVE valentine's day, especially the fun little crafts projects.. you are going to head over at 6-8PM to your local MICHAEL'S CRAFT STORE... to let your kids make these fun valentine's gift bags... .79cents for a FUN night.. i'm all for that..

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my babies.. big girl room

2010-02-05T17:37:00.010-06:00

i have been avoiding fixing it up after big sister sierra got her own room.. why.. well simply bc that officially means she is a big girl...
but she LOVES it.. I LOVE IT...

I ADORE a clean pretty room... when its a mess i cannot even look at the room... today i found myself laying on her floor looking up at the ceiling when no one else was in there... ahh the simple joys in life..

next is to tackle the little man's room.. and then attempt to clean the TWEENS room

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oh how i love to bake

2010-02-04T11:24:00.004-06:00

and when Kate at the Gaines Gang.. showed me the recipe for STRAWBERRY BREAD & STRAWBERRY BUTTER.. I could not wait to get the oven warmed..and well Miss Marley could not wait to eat it!

here is the recipe

BREAD
1. Mix together

a. 2 10oz. frozen strawberries, thawed
b. 4 eggs
c. 1 ½ cup veg. oil
2. Sift together
a. 3 Cups flour
b. 2 Cups Sugar
c. 1 tsp. baking soda
d. 1 tsp salt
e. 1 tsp cinnamon
3. Combine
a. Strawberry mixture and flour mixture. Stir until dry ingredients are moist- Don’t over mix
4. Pour
a. Into greased and floured 2 9x5
5. Bake at 350* 1 hour until toothpick comes clean

BUTTER
1 10oz frozen strawberries, thawed
1 Cup unsalted butter, softened
1 Cup powdered sugar

WARNING... this is um... how do you say it... hmmm... well not the nicest thing on the planet for your waistline.. however... i think your stomach will forever love you!!

The critics agree... THIS IS A KEEPER!!!

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12years of friendship, 2 weddings & now 6 kids

2010-02-03T19:01:00.004-06:00

and we still manage to be there for eachother...
so my bestie had her 3rd baby!! yay... and now im not the only one with 3 kids...
oh miss laila is so gorgeous in all her tiny glory..
big sister leah and big brother logan are so good with her..
but most of all mommy and daddy are in love..
and i get my BABY FIX!!!!!

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feb freebie

2010-02-03T18:49:00.003-06:00

i love every month thanks to LELOU BLOGS i get to change my desktop...

so CLICK HERE and get your valentine's day desktop!

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a christmas present turned.. feel better gift

2010-01-30T15:12:00.009-06:00

well i was too sick over christmas to finish all of my kids gifts... i finally got sierra and dylan's done.. however poor moo didn't have anything but thankfully she is still to young to understand..

i had it in my mind that i would give it to her for valentine's day..
well lil miss has been sick for a week.. so big brother and i decided to make her a "feel better" gift..

we started off with a free OLD nightstand.. and made her a mini-kitchen..
not only did i decide to do this so that it would be a frugal gift (i think maybe $8.00 worth of materials) but IT MATCHES HER ROOM...

come on now.. you think i would put some tacky colored plastic kitchen in her very well coordinated room.. I THINK NOT... thats my downfall... if it doesn't match it cannot go in your room..

well i think she loves it.. poor thing tried to smile.. but coughed instead and went back to laying on the couch... i will update more pictures once i finish her room

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nothing says i love you like

2010-01-29T13:16:00.010-06:00

a little homemade package of yummieness

so i needed to get out of this funk i am in...
so what do i need to do.. bake!!

how freakin cute are these

ingredients:
your favorite pie crust
rasberry jam (or any kind of jam you like)
powder sugar
regular sugar (optional)
small bowl of water

directions:
pre-heat over to 425
flour your work surface
roll out your dough

cut out heart shape place on pan

place 1tsp of jam filling onto heart

put a small amount of water on the outside lip of the bottom heart
place the top heart on..
use fork to pinch together
(optional if you choose not to use powder sugar slightly dampen top heart with water and sprinkle with sugar)
cook for 8-9minutes
place on cooling rack and sprinkle with powder sugar..

can't get much easier!

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zoe... has made it home with a new set of wings

2010-01-28T08:34:00.004-06:00

some of my followers will remember zoe... I met her in early 2008 here is her story.. she wasn't supposed to make it few days.. let alone.. almost 2 years... zoe bless you and thank you.. for all that you have given and taught to all of us... i have not many words.. as there are too many and i cannot pick the right ones to say...

This is Baby Zoe and her amazing family.. I was given the honor of being able to walk into the front door of the Batiansila household.. and experiencing something wonderful... so very hard to explain.. but amazing at that. Zoe has trisomy18.. her story can be followed on her family blog http://batiansila.blogspot.com/

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CELEBRATING NEURO-DIVERSITY BENEFIT

2010-01-20T11:45:00.004-06:00

this is a labor of love.. but something i am very passionate about..
click HERE for more information

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blasphamey i tell ya...

2010-01-19T17:52:00.001-06:00

on april 3, 2010...
you will have the only chance to win a session with me. i am coming out of retirment for one special event... more 411 to follow... but all of my clients.. you begged and one day i am coming out...

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in 3 months

2010-01-15T08:49:00.002-06:00

something big and very exciting will be happening.. i am so excited to finally get this a rolling.. its been in my mind for over a year.. but now i can do this!!!

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haiti...

2010-01-14T09:24:00.002-06:00

are you at a loss... do you feel completely helpless...

i know i am.. i have many friends that have family and friends in haiti and the unknown... i cannot imagine..

i know the US is not sending actual volunteers down their yet relying on the local aid and donating the money to help in their aides and help there

but now the AMERICAN RED CROSS IS OUT OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES DOWN IN HAITI

what can we do to help?!?!
-You can text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross relief for Haiti.

something so little can make such an impact.. there are too many still left with the feelings of unknown, medical supplies, clean water, proper burials for those who fell victim, and then the rebuilding process...

please do something as little as a fast text..
TIA

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the most amazing

2010-01-12T12:54:00.001-06:00

short film over..

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begging...

2010-01-08T08:43:00.001-06:00

if you got any spare positive vibes, prayers, wishes.. anything please send them our way... we need them today and in the following week!!!

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thanks mr. weatherman

2010-01-07T14:56:00.003-06:00

its looking like its going to be a STAY IN NIGHT for the next few nights with all of this cold...

so why not go and get yourself a movie..
and why not a FREE movie to boot..

here are some free coupon codes for REDBOX
Get a free rental at The Redbox with these codes:

SNSV25 – good anywhere

DVDATWAG – only good at Walgreens

BREAKROOM – good anywhere

Remember these codes are limit 1 per credit card. Movies are due by 9 pm the following day to avoid having to pay an additional $1 to rent the movie another 24 hours.

Go here to find a Redbox near you.

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so how many pictures did YOU take this holiday season?

2010-01-06T08:38:00.002-06:00

well if you are like me.. i unfortunately did not take ANY :(
it makes me so sad.. but i was so sick and the camera doesn't work from the bed. but if you were like me in the past.. you took SOOOOOO many and just have them all on your computer still. well its a new year.. get your tush to the computer and start uploading and printing them... and you have no excuse.. here is a list of sites for FREE pictures..

Here are more than a few places you can find them:

* Arts Cow gives new members 100 4×6s and 50 5×7s FREE every month!

* Shutterfly offers 50 4×6 prints FREE when you register, and they also have options for you to view and share your albums with family and friends online.

* Winkflash will send you 50 4×6 prints FREE with just $0.99 shipping. Use coupon code WF95WF27 at checkout.

* Snapfish.com is offering their members 50 4×6 prints for 50 pennies until January 7, 2010 when you use coupon code NEWYEAR50.

* CVS Photo is offering their new members 50 4×6 prints FREE, and you can forgo shipping by picking them up at your local CVS.

* Kodak Gallery is presently offering 50 4×6 prints FREE when you register.

* SeeHere will send you 100 4×6 prints FREE when you enter promo code prints at the register.

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medical vent time... need advice

2010-01-05T10:09:00.002-06:00

so what comes with a new job? great opportunity and great perfect new hours.. but insurance issues. we are switching from an ppo to an hmo and that is making it all the more difficult... they said after 90days you are eligible for insurance.. well lucky us.. 90days came and went but open enrollment was closed till the first of the year. insurance cards were to be in our hands before the first and start on the 1st... well its now the 5th and no insurance cards... and the HR person at his job is on vacation... so that leave us without insurance still... usually not that big of a deal..

HOWEVER..

dylan is set to have a neurologist appointment on friday that usually takes 3months to get into his doctor... sure no biggie lets wait and pray for friday they will be here.. WRONG..

we have to get a referral from his pediatrician... who accepts HMO but only certain group #'s... which we do not have access to bc of the NO cards and the NO HR...

so i call to reschedule and the next appointment opening isn't till FEB 19th...
do i just reschedule that... or what?!?!?

i need some guidance and some help... UGH...

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s'getti day party

2010-01-04T19:49:00.005-06:00

with the kids back in school... no work for me... and having fun being a mom again... i decided what better way to celebrate "National Spaghetti Day" than with a good old fashion party!

we picked out our pasta and the kids made decorations

daddy came home and the grub was ready for an eating..

dylan couldn't quiet get the noodles in his mouth today.. which had sierra on the floor laughing

but c'mon now it would not be a party without CAKE

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make a difference for a sick child by supporting Chris

2010-01-04T11:51:00.006-06:00

this is a guest post from a dear friend Ev. I met Ev and her beautiful family last year in February where i was welcomed into their home and did a "littlest heros project" shoot for them. here is her story.. please take the time to learn about something you have not and if you can please support Chris and his goal at the disney marathon

Our daughter Allison was diagnosed at 9 ½ weeks old with Acute Lymphocitic Leukemia (ALL) and bravely fought cancer for months, enduring endless chemo, radiation and a stem cell transplant. All of her treatment was completed by the summer and we were so fortunate have a wonderful, normal summer with our daughter. We feel so blessed to have an entire summer without treatment or hospital stays. Allison was able to have a summer filled with sprinklers, sunshine & ice cream. The horrible cancer returned by fall and we lost our sweet Allison on her first birthday.

What we appreciate about Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall camps is that kids who are fighting cancer don’t get to do many “normal” things while undergoing treatment--and the camp offers an opportunity to do just that! My husband Chris is running the Disney Marathon this weekend in honor of Allison, on Team Hole in the Wall.

Please join us in supporting such an amazing origination, where the best gift you can give a child going through such a tough road, is the opportunity to be just a kid!
http://www.teamholeinthewall.org//chrismeade

Thank you!
Chris, Evelyn and Mackenzie Meade

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happy national spaghetti day

2010-01-04T11:19:00.002-06:00

so did i solve your dinner dilemma?
we are having a pasta party at home tonight.. complete with happy spaghetti cake and we are going to attempt to make fondant spaghetti... oh lord help me or wish me tons of luck...

but if all else fails i guess i can use this coupon... you can too.. great deal...

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results of the ronald mcdonald house wishlist drive

2010-01-04T08:54:00.005-06:00

so of you may remember those of you who are new to my blog may not. Back in the fall my family and I hosted a wishlist drive for the Ronald McDonald House of Chicago next to Childrens Memorial Hospital. with donations in general to the house down due to the economy.. i know this was the perfect charity for this year. and boy were we right...

family, friends, strangers, coworkers.. soooooo many people came through to help this amazing place. when we arrived we were not sure exactly what we would encounter... we walk into their food pantry and all that was in there were some old dried goods and few rolls of paper towels. by the time my husband emptied out the van.. the food pantry was overflowed and people were coming up to us left and right asking how we did this... and my answer "we know some pretty amazing people"

not only was our goal to do the drive.. but we wanted to cook a thanksgiving dinner for them as well...unfortunately all of our helpers came down with the flu (tis the season) and it was just me and the hubster.. but we did not let that get in our way... instead of thanksgiving we catered portilios and made some side salads and stuff.. which was still quiet the time consuming task figuring it was the 2 of us getting everything ready for 30+ people at dinner time.

we had some great donations for the dinner too... the amazing Richelle Minor of "My Rich Creations" came through once again with an AMAZING cake for the families to lift their spirits all of them were oohing and ahhing over it and could not believe that in words of one of the moms "you did this just because?!? i cant thank you enough"

another wonderful donation was given by Banger Bake Shop she donated 40 cupcakes in a jar for the house members, staff, volunteers so they could have a sweet treat throughout the days.

sorry for the lack of pictures it was initially my goal to capture everything.. but within an hour of getting to the house and starting the food.. their was a leak in the ceiling... and it was the night before thanksgiving the maintance staff went home early.. thankfully my husband is a mechanic.. and he spent some time with the house manager trying to fix and clean up the mess... so needless to say cooking, cleaning and photography all could not happen at once.

once again i want to personally thank all of the people who helped, donated and went above and beyond! i am sooooooo lucky to know so many amazing people!

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we all like something free

2010-01-03T13:52:00.002-06:00

here is a great free desktop theme thanks to LeeLou Blogs

Click here to download and then install it as your desktop wallpaper

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small master bedroom redo on a $50.00 budget

2010-01-03T12:46:00.004-06:00

finally after 9months of being here.. i decided it was time to redo our "master" bedroom. with my quitting work my budget was even tighter than normal, but that is the fun of it.. for a few months my friend and i went junkin on sunday nights and hitting goodwill.

we found so many amazing things it was crazy...
*street finds FREE:
-dresser
-mirror

*ikea as is section:
-headboard (it is actually 2 large cabinet doors screwed together and put on my
old bed) $18.00
-bedside table $4.00
-drape rod and hooks $1.99
-frame $1.00
-silver tray $.50
-under bed storage $5.99

*goodwill
-pottery barn linen drape (I cut in half and made 2 dummie panels)$3.99
-NIP black/cream gingham napkins (i sewed together and made 2 throw pillows)
-3 pottery barn brushed nickle candle stick $9.99
-pottery barn brushed nickle vase $1.99
-cute little flower decor $1.99
-brass standing lamp that i spray painted to a brush nickle $4.99

*garage sale
-white queen size NEW white comforter $5.00

everything else i already had in other rooms (vintage suitcases, sheets, spray paint)i spent a few dollars and a few hours and painted the stripes and when all was said and done suprised my husband for our anniversary.

finally an adult room COMPLETE with our wedding picture and not a college dorm room with only a bed and a broken dresser.

what do you think?

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not too late

2010-01-03T10:17:00.002-06:00

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late review - marley's 3rd bday extravaganza

2010-01-03T09:18:00.005-06:00

my baby turned 3 and it was her "golden birthday" so what is an overzelous momma to do... well spend 3months planning, designing, eat, sleep a massive birthday party for her. complete with a sweet shoppe, singer and amazing cake... click on the pictures to enlarge. for those of you in the illinois area.. i cannot recommend the following 2 people more.. MINDY HESTER and RICHELLE MINOR... both are amazing people, are passionate about their work and ROCK it!

new year... new goals.. new me...

2010-01-02T22:54:00.003-06:00

never have i set a goal with new years.. but i figured what a better way for a clean sheet this year. my life is changing... and this is my way of keeping with it...
so here is our family goals:

*game night wednesday
*childrens museum atleast 1x/month
*library atleast 2x's/month
*start dance/sport/music class
*everyone cleans house from 8:30am - 9:30am on saturday mornings
*mom/dad date night atleast 1x/month

my personal goals
*to get healthy.. and not necessarily weight wise... i have been physically sick more in 2009 than i can ever remember, I was violently ill over christmas break and that was the final straw I was unable to have christmas with my family and it just broke my heart.. and i vowed to them if i can ever prevent that again i will
*get back to basics.. the basics of my love.. my family, my arts, finding me
*start preparing to homeschool miss marley moo for preschool
*be the best wife/mom ever

i think all of those are very doable.. so if you have any tips to help me along the way.. please start posting and help a girl out..

sidenote.. totally missed showing all of my kids birthday pictures.. i will be sure to recap all of those maybe midweek... im still trying to figure out this blog.. wish me luck on that!

please excuse the dust

2010-01-02T22:17:00.001-06:00

as part of my new years resolution i am back to blogging.. however i am trying a new layout and cannot quiet grasp it... so please be patient! :)

but it feels good to be back.

this first gift i am buying this year.. and hope you are too!!!

2009-11-13T13:08:00.008-06:00

The first gift I'm buying this year.
As I sit and write this, in front of my beautiful computer,
a diet coke next to me, in my safe, big new home,
mothers are burying their babies.

This is not okay.

I know too many families who have lost precious children. And if they could have prevented it/ if I could have prevented it/ if you could have you WOULD HAVE!!!!

But we do have the power to save lives.

To change the world.

With water.

Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation cause 80%
of all sickness and disease, and kill more people every
year than all forms of violence, including war.

Yet for only $10 you can provide one person
in Africa with clean water for ten years.

Ten. Years.

Today I do not care about anything else.
Today I am buying water.
Because I can do something.
I can change something.
I can save a mother from the agony of losing her precious child.

$10 is hardly a sacrifice for me.
But I know with all of my heart, that $10 will be
by far the best money that I will spend this Christmas season.

Join me.
Blog about it.
Tweet about it.
Update your Facebook status.

Today is about water.
Today is about saving lives.
Today is about something bigger than ourselves.

Donate here.
100% percent of your donation will buy water for Christmas.

Every single penny.

Fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House

2009-10-06T13:09:00.001-05:00

Each year.. I donate a either my sitting fees and portions of my profit to a specific charity...

in the past it has been the Autism Society of America, Little Friends, Inc., and the Y-Me Race in Chicago..

also last year we had a silent auction for a family that had an extremely hard year behind them...

This year.. I want to do something a little different..

I am hosting a gift drive and money donations for The Ronald McDonald House of Chicago... look below for more details

This fundraiser.. is open to all but I am personally asking my clients for help.

The Ronald McDonald House provides a “home away from home” to keep families together while their child is receiving medical treatment far from home. Located near , Children’s Memorial Hospital, the House provide comfortable & private rooms, opportunities to bond with other families going through similar situations, and delicious meals prepared by giving volunteers for a suggested donation of $10 per night.

Here is our wish list the house manager told me they need:

*Easy Mac
*Soup
*Frozen Meals
*Canned pasta
*Cereals
*Snack Items
*Lysol Spray
*C-Fold towels
*Paper Towels
*Kleenex
*Clorox wipes
*Travel size shampoo and conditioner
* Aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and plastic sandwich bags
* Laundry detergent and fabric softener
* Cleaning products (scrub pads, sponges, dish washing liquid, dishwasher detergent)
* Bath and bedroom items (sheets, pillow cases, towels, shower curtains)
* Trial size personal care products (deodorant, tooth paste, bath soap, shampoo, conditioner)
* Entertainment products (new toys, games, DVDs, books)
* Food (canned goods and non-perishables)

-Since I will be delivery this the day after Thanksgiving.. she also said families that are there during the holiday's they like to give them a little something (they get plenty of childrens toys but the adults and older children there is nothing to give to them) so they are looking for small increment gift cards to walgreens, chipotle, barnes and nobles, mcdonalds, bp gas.. etc.

-Also..if anyone wants to donate money they can do that.. I am going to be taking pictures of the families that are there and giving them a CD of their shoots and I am going to try if we get enough money try to cater a dinner for them from Portillo's.

I hope anyone and everyone can try to help out a little, I know times are hard.. but I cannot imagine going through these hard times in America along with being away from home and having a sick child in the hospital.

Please feel free to email me: yesitssam@juno.com or message me for more details on where to drop off or collect!!!

boohoo..

2009-07-28T23:36:00.005-05:00

this made me so happy and so sad at the same time..
i had to do miss marley's 3rd b-day shoot..

oh man alive can this thing be any cuter...she just melts my heart, but it makes me so sad seeing my baby so grown..

but how can one be sad when you look at these pictures!!!

how does one....

2009-07-19T20:14:00.000-05:00

remember to breathe...

i really need to listen to myself.. and take some time...
i will..
right?!?!
i have to..

well for now.. doing this little entry is my "breathing" time... im so busy with work.. that i have neglected the one thing that lets me take a break, time to breathe and reflect...

ok..
enough of that.. now back to the daily grind

Step Up To Autism Walk - June 28, 2009

2009-07-09T21:28:00.005-05:00

Sorry for the delay in post.. I just wanted to post when I had all facts in order and pictures up..

once again..
THANK YOU ALL WHO SUPPORTED US/WALKED/DONATED

Recap:
One Sunday June 28th we walked in honor of my little man Dylan... we created a team called "TEAM BIG D" the walk was for supporting "Little Friends" a school for children with special needs, especially Autism.

As a team.. TEAM BIG D raised $1600.00 for "Little Friends"
and after the walk we had a bbq/fundraiser at our house... to thank everyone and to get a few more for all of the amazing outlets out there for the support in Autism.

At our "little" (i say that delicately) bbq we raised an additonal $500.00 for the ASA "Autism Sociecty of America"

We had such a great team of walkers.. it was a beautiful day.. and we could not have done it without any of the help and support of our family and friends..

A special thanks so LORI from "Lori's Place, Gourmet Delights" she came through with some AMAZING donations... she donated 100cookies for our guests as their "thank you presents" and they turned out... well lets just say I cried when I opened the box.. they were perfect and they had such meaning to them. She made puzzle pieces with words of inspiration on them... for those of you who know.. the PUZZLE PIECE is the symbol for Autism Awareness.. and the words of "hope" "dream" & "inspiration" all embody everything that children with autism stand for! She also made hand*prints with hearts on them.. a sign of advocacy..

A LOT of time and effort.. and mostly HEART went into these cookies.. and I cannot thank her enough... so one way.. I figured we can thank her.. is by telling all of you.. not only about her wonderful heart.. but HOW AMAZING of a baker she is..
please visit her online bakery here: LORIS PLACE

Below are some pictures from the walk... we had a team of 30 walkers.. followed by 100 friends and family throughout the day.. all in all.. SIMPLY AN AMAZING AND MEMORABLE DAY!!!

I cannot tell you how much it means that you all came out in support of Dylan... its been a long uphill battle.. and he has grown so much.. but honestly we as a family could not get through all of these challenges that we face on a day to day basis if it was not for the love and support and backbone of our family and friends.. so thank you thank you thank you.. i love each and every one of you!

so you wanna see how my days have been spent...

2009-07-03T09:10:00.003-05:00

we have been attacked by a killer stomach bug.. we have been confined to our house.. and thats it.. i have a bottle of tissue and a garbage bag in one hand and a bottle of lysol in the other at all times its seems...

my kids are such opposites when they are sick.. marley hides and goes on the couch upstairs... dylan likes to lay on the hard floor and snuggle with tons of blankets.. while sierra.. she likes to write stories.. (i think she is secretly writing her life memoirs)

<

wahhhh.... my baby.. my baby... why is she growing up?

2009-07-02T17:44:00.004-05:00

i've been a little in denial lately.. my baby is growing up and its totally killing me..

in 2days she went from pure baby: diapers, pacifier and letting me hold her to go to sleep... to....... a big girl with no pacifier and no diapers...

whats a girl to do...

remember this is how my days were filled and i ate up every second of it:

and well this is now how my days are spent (i will prob. get in trouble from her in a few years for posting it.. but oh well.. ill deal with that at the time):

nothing a little water won't wash away

2009-07-02T16:43:00.005-05:00

that's all i kept telling myself as i let the kids paint adam's father's day present...
but OOPS... well water didn't take it off of the cement patio.. and our gift was found out by adam when we had to explain why there were little green handprints on the patio..

but he LOVED his present so much that he forgave us! and you ask what were we painting... well we bought him finally a set of "bags" and it not only turned out to be a great gift.. but it turned out to be a great time for my kids!

SHE CUT HER HAIR

2009-06-25T19:40:00.002-05:00

its been about 3weeks and im starting to finally get over the grieving period.. so i guess i should blog about it...

miss marley ann took the scissors to the front of her hair.. and did her very first hair cut...

thankfully she has dark hair and with it growing back in you cannot really tell.. but for a while there she had a receding hairline!

ahhhhhhhhh...

2009-06-01T11:13:00.001-05:00

well.. i have a nice little break till next week..
not really a break.. but i have no clients this week.. bc i have to do some major work around the house..

but to treat myself i went to barnes and nobles and bought a book.. and some dove chocolate..

and can i tell you its been a perfect morning!!!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-23T09:22:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone is going to enjoy the beautiful weekend, remember those that have protected and served us.. and welcome summer with a smile!

well its beginning to look like something i can actually enjoy

2009-05-22T17:26:00.004-05:00

yes my backyard overhaul is coming close to an end...

so we all remember this scary monstrosity.. correct?!? if not i will remind you.. try not to get to scared

well... 3 days straight of some horrid backbreaking work.. and this happened

and well now let the fun begin... time to decorate... im totally going out of my element of neutrals and going for a color, fun, whimsy eclectic look..
so here's your sneak..

update on the adam-ski..

2009-05-21T14:43:00.001-05:00

all is well.. cleaned and stitched..
funny how the bite doesn't hurt as much as the tetnus shot he said...

its starting to get some nasty colors too it.. but hey im happy it could have been a ton worse..

thanks for all of the thoughts and concern.. you people are awesome!

btw... is everyone else overjoyed that kris allen won... i mean adam is amazing.. but amazing at the one thing he does.. he's very showey (is that a word) but im a laid back music girl.. i love jack johnson, jason mraz, john mayer, josh kelly.. and now i can see myself being a kris allen type of girl

oh and it doesn't hurt that he just about stole my heart when he broke down in his wifes arms.. i love a good hubby!!!

oh summer how i love thee!

2009-05-19T10:26:00.005-05:00

sorry its been a long week
and i have not been by the computer

do you blame me... this weather in unreal.. i LOVE it!!!
I really should get back to blogging.. bc there are some great things out there that I would love to talk about..

so maybe this post will making me come back..

here are some nature "pretties" i have taken while outside enjoying the sun..
i am thinking of offering these in an etsy shop.. but not sure if the need or want is out there.. thoughts anyone?

I know im blowing some of the tulips up for a bathroom makeover in my house!

calling all designers.. I NEED HELP

2009-05-07T12:08:00.002-05:00

the "master" bedroom (if you can call it that) is always the last on my priority list.. but i think its time that i get it done... i finally found bedding that adam agrees to and actually loves.

so now what.. what color walls? what color should i paint the bed? should i make a huge headboard? if so with what..

i know the bedding is more modern but i would also like to approach it with some vintage flair.. can someone lead me in the right direction..

im seriously confused.. we are in need of new dressers and bedside tables too.. so lets just say its a complete overhaul

but just remember its probally in a room smaller than your children's bedroom.

dont be frightened!

2009-05-06T20:45:00.003-05:00

well... maybe you should because I am...
warning.. this mess is quiet scary!! not for the faint at heart

:WARNING: this is after 3weeks straight of cleanup!

this is where i have been spending all of my life lately..
anyone wanna help a girl out and give me some ideas on what to do..
seems like the previous owners just dumped all of their trash in the backyard and left it... i have been pulling out laundry detergent, plastic bags, old broken toys.. you name it.. its there.. and now i have a bunny nest in the planter.. so i dont want to dig out the lily's but i think im going to have to. I have taken down the majority of the dead weed wines but not im at a standstill and do not know which direction to go next.

I NEED HELP!!!

sorry ive been MIA.. ive been working on my garden

2009-05-06T08:55:00.002-05:00

well ok.. TRYING... lets just say i have complained about it before..
but man alive it is hard work

but my goal is to do it all for free!!

I AM NOT PAYING FOR A SINGLE PLANT

i will take pics and do a post about frugal gardening! its such a great idea.. do not know why i never thought of it before i moved here..

lets just say.. look over all of your friends and families gardens this week... and i will be back and we shall discuss more!

freebie wednesday is what it seems

2009-05-06T08:34:00.002-05:00

who can pass up a good deal..

here's some freebies just for today..

get a free 8x10 at walgreens using code "MOTHER" only good today..

then stop by arby's and get your FREE iced tea but here's the kicker you must say "IM PARCHED FRUIT TEA ME!" hahahah who in the world talks like that.. i wonder how many workers will be laughing behind the counters at all the weirdos saying IM PARCHED!

and before you get home stop and pick up your free dinner from KFC but first you must print this coupon... AS SEEN ON OPRAH.. but act quick all of these end today!

and the winner of the final giveaway is..........

2009-04-30T19:56:00.002-05:00

talk to me thursdays.. featuring my 2nd guest Danielle

2009-04-30T08:15:00.004-05:00

This "Talk to me Thursday" hits home with me...Danielle and I have "known" each other for 4 year + years now... do we know each other in person?!?!? NO...but does she probably know more about my inside struggles and fights with being a mom of a son who you know needs help, the struggle it takes on who you are as a mother/wife, the way people look at you in public, the strain it can put on your other children and marriage.. she knows how it feels to feel so helpless that you cannot fix it. YES... we met on a mom's board when our sons were both newborns... we followed each others his & lows, milestones, birthdays... then.. around the same time we both noticed struggles.. kind of silent in our noticing.. bc while watching and learning about other children there was just something.. NOT RIGHT. Danielle's son was diagnosed autistic before, Dylan. Therefore, I looked toward her as my mentor, my guide, my light at the end of the tunnel. She always was the TRUE advocate for her son.. and I knew that is what I had to do also to get them the proper care they needed so they could fight this horrible thing called "AUTISTIM" and since she showed me how to persevere and never give up.. both of our sons are doing AMAZING!!!

Here's is Danielle's story... its a fabulous one.. and a GREAT way to round up APRIL AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

"My son Xander is a wonderful, silly, beautiful, loving four year old. He also
happens to have autism. Xander was born in October. By Christmas that year it was apparent he was different at quirky if you will. We went home for Christmas and my whole family commented on how "serious" he was; he would sit in his car seat and people watch, he wouldn't look into your face and coo or smile. He was very "intense"for an infant. He also had to be held close at all times, including when he slept, which got a little tiring, but as a new mom I learned to cope and love the snuggles. My family, my mom in particular, thought I was being ridiculous and "spoiling" him, so I learned very quickly not to talk to anyone about our issues.
Xander developed normally, and met all of his milestones, until he was a year old. He continued to be quirky and intense, with an amazing attention span. One time when he was not yet a year he crawled his funky one-legged crawl into his room and started to play with Legos. When I tried to go into his room to play with him or make sure he was okay, he pushed me out and closed the door. He sat in there for 45 minutes, absorbed in his play. I knew this wasn't "normal" but chalked it up to his personality.

The first time I mentioned to anyone that I had concerns was at Xander's one year well child checkup. I talked to his pediatrician about the fact that he didn't have any words, including mama. He babbled but didn't use any useful communication. His pediatrician had us get his hearing checked, and due to ear infections he had some hearing loss from the fluid in his ear, and his doctor figured that was the problem, and all we had to do was wait it out. After a few months of no improvement I was still concerned so I took matters into my own hands and called Early Intervention, who set up an evaluation for me. He was 15 months old when we started speech therapy as he was not communicating in any way, could not follow directions, and seemed to have almost no receptive communication.

When he was 20 months old we had a new addition to the family, his little brother
Gabriel. Xander loved his brother from the beginning, hugging and kissing him
constantly. A month before his second birthday he said his first word,
"ball". I was so excited (and sleep deprived) that I cried (full disclosure; I had a four month old, almost everything made me cry). He continued to make progress with his speech therapy, learning to use words to get what he needed, but he never used them to communicate. He would just say a word, or use a sign, he would never look for a communication partner to help him, he would just stand in a room alone signing "help" over and over until hear his little fist slapping his other hand and came to help him. He didn't play with me or with other kids, he didn't show me stuff he liked. As I saw Gabriel begin to develop I could see what Xander didn't do, and I felt more and more sad for him.When Xander was 30 months old his speech therapist suggested we see a neurologist and have him evaluated for autism. This was the first time anyone said that word to me, though of course afterwards many people said "I kind of thought he might have it, but didn't want to say anything." I cried off and on for days, then sat and waited for 5 months to get the neurology appointment. By the time we saw the doctor I had done enough
research that I wasn't surprised when I was told he had autism. The good news was that he now qualified for extra services through the school district, just by having that word attached to his name.

At this point Xander didn't use his words to communicate, but they were his self stimulatory actions, he repeated everything anyone said (echolalia) and he scripted, meaning he would sit and quote a Thomas the Train movie for hours. Like many three year old boys he was obsessed with Thomas, but it was a little more intense. He had to always be carrying 3-5 trains. He had to always be wearing a shirt with Thomas on it. I had to find some way of relating his pants to Thomas ie., they were blue like him. He also had sensory processing issues and to this day overreacts to stimuli, which leads to a lot of anxiety for him.When he turned three Xander started preschool through our district in the afternoons, and in the mornings he went to a special smaller class that had four kids on the spectrum and two teachers. They worked intensively on issues that pertained to them all. By Christmas he was putting two words together on his own and using them to communicate. By the end of the school year he was stringing together sentences. They did some amazing things with him.

This past year we moved him from his autism class into a social skills class the district offers to higher functioning kids. When the school year started we saw almost immediate regression, because he was still in the other class and he was regressing back down to their level, once we put him into the class with the higher functioning kids he rebounded almost immediately. He still gets speech therapy through the school but we stopped private speech therapy in lieu of a private social skills class. I also watch what he eats very carefully, as he regresses when he gets artificial dyes and preservatives, and high fructose corn syrup. It's a delicate balancing act, keeping him at the high functioning level he's attained, but it's worth it. He has a lot of behavioral issues and it just breaks my heart to see him acting out like he does, because I know it's because he's hurting and anxious and scared. His little brother Gabriel is one of the best things to happen to him, he is so understanding and helpful to him, he adores and looks up to him and would do anything for him. I feel like it puts a lot of pressure on Gabriel, and that he's always going to have to watch after and look out for his big brother, but he is so patient and loving with him.

Having children is hard on any marriage, especially when one has special needs, but it can also bring you closer together. Learning new ways to parent and exploring your child's needs together causes some strife, but in the end if you can make it through all the challenging behavior and find something that works for your kid, it's almost like a crisis, it brings you closer together. Parenting a child with autism is not like parenting a child without, I call it "creative parenting". Every day I have to come up with a new way to deal with meltdowns, to get Xander to want to do what I want him to (because if he doesn't want to do it, it won't be done!), everything from peeing on the potty (we're still working on potty training) to eating dinner (I have to feed him), to not hurting himself or one of us in one of his outbursts (often achieved by physically restraining him in my arms until hes calm enough to let go). But being a parent is tough for everyone, and each child has their own struggles. One of the worst parts is the judgment other people pass on us, and I have to admit it often keeps us at home instead of going out. I'm always a little scared to go out alone with both boys, afraid of a meltdown, afraid that this might be the time Gabriel gets upset and I can't control both of them at once, and always a little afraid of those stares from strangers as I sit crying with my beautiful baby boy in my lap, restraining him as he thrashes around screaming, waiting for this outburst to pass.

i feel like someone stole my mojo...

2009-04-27T08:16:00.003-05:00

and that persons name would be "RAIN"..
the rain has kept me from working for the past 3 weeks now.. and it just saddens me to so much... I get so pumped and excited to do the sessions and 2hours before BOOM... the clouds come rolling in..

well I was hoping.. really hoping this weekend would be different..
so we attempted..
drove an hour to the location
opened the door.. to the most precious blue-eyed girl was so excited to get my grubby little paws on her...

we get outside.. get everything setup..
2minutes into it..
the SKIES opened up..

so once again.. RAIN you stole my mojo.. lets hope you decide to give it back to me pretty soon.. bc I am getting kind of bored over here!

BUT
look at this little trooper.. can you see why I was so excited to work with her. I can't wait to see you again Miss Delainey!

<

and the winner of the fourth giveaway is..........

2009-04-27T08:14:00.001-05:00

Picked from a random computer program.. Nik is the 11th comment.. therefore the WINNER.. Nik please contact me if I do not get ahold of you first!

and congrats! Remember people... there are ton more giveaway you could still win.. SO go and fill them out!

and the winner of the third giveaway is..........

2009-04-26T07:51:00.002-05:00

Picked from a random computer program.. Tanya is the 11th comment.. therefore the WINNER.. Tanya please contact me if I do not get ahold of you first!

and congrats! Remember people... there are ton more giveaway you could still win.. SO go and fill them out!

and the winner of the second giveaway is..........

2009-04-26T07:44:00.002-05:00

Picked from a random computer program.. Catherine is the 4th comment.. therefore the WINNER.. Catherine please contact me if I do not get ahold of you first!

and congrats! Remember people... there are ton more giveaway you could still win.. SO go and fill them out!

don't know what to do with your kids today?

2009-04-25T08:08:00.003-05:00

well here in the chicagoland area it is GLOOMY to say the least.. and well the weather is being quiet unpredictable.

so here is a great option
TOYS R US is having a Thomas the Train day..
activities, character greetings, and story time.

if you little ones love thomas they will surely love this

OMG..

2009-04-25T07:55:00.002-05:00

as im sitting here.. its one of those moments that make you feel so complete as a mom!
my office is right next to playroom.. but seperated enough that they do not realize when i am listening to them play. now if i go and peek at them they will stop.

so here is the scenario..
they are playing house..
sierra and marley are playing baby and dylan is playing daddy..
i hear dylan say
"ok babies are you done with your food"
babies reply "yay!!!"
babies start to cry
dylan starts walking up the stairs
babies get louder
dylan says "BABIES I GOING TO WORK"
babies cry and say don't go
dylan comes back down and starts singing
"lullaby, nighty night lullaby, i love you babies"

OMG.... music to my ears... he is so sweet.. and really is going to make the best daddy ever!!!

and the winner of the first giveaway is..........

2009-04-25T07:32:00.009-05:00

Picked from a random computer program.. Kristin is the 63rd comment.. therefore the WINNER.. Kristin please contact me if I do not get ahold of you first!

and congrats! Remember people... there are ton more giveaway you could still win.. SO go and fill them out!

*NOTE KRISTIN PLEASE CONTACT ME.. YOU DID NOT LEAVE CONTACT 411 nor BLOG 411 if I do not hear from you by Midnight Sunday I will have to redraw!*

continuing to give...

2009-04-24T19:35:00.003-05:00

for me.. to continue to give to others is to continue to breath..

I will do as much as I can for others until I can no longer.. its just what keeps me going.. especially when it envolves the lives of innocent children.

This is why I would love to open all of your eyes to this amazing new organization
"PICTURES OF HOPE"

The Pictures of Hope Foundation (POH) is a charitable organization, comprised of professional photographers from all over the United States , that provides an opportunity for professional photographers to give back in their community. Members of Pictures of Hope, offer complimentary, documentary-style, photography services to families with a child in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

The minute I saw this orgnaiztion I knew it would be perfect for me. If any of you know anyone who may need these services please feel go to the website.

GIVEAWAY #5 - from MOI

2009-04-24T18:15:00.007-05:00

so im doing my part...
im doing a giveaway.. why
well bc we all know how much i love all of my mom's!
you guys are so good to me... i dont know where i would be without all of the knowledge, support, strength i gain from my real-life moms, my mommy clients, my computer moms, and my blogger moms..

seriously we all deserve to be celebrated more often than one day a year.

My giveaway is something near and dear to me..
last year i finally was able to go to the "TULIP FESTIVAL" in Holland, MI...
it has been a dream.. if i could be surrounded by tulips all day every day I would.. I find them so simple, so perfect so beautiful.

so my gift is:

3 5x7 images double matted and framed in 8x10 frames. All images I have taken at the tulip festival in Holland, MI last mother's day... I would love to go there again this year.. but unfortunately I cannot.. but hopefully you can experience the beauty through these images.

WANT TO WIN THESE PICTURES?!? YOU CAN DO A FEW THINGS..
1.) leave me a comment about your favorite thing on my blog
2.) you can either twitter or FB about the giveaway and post a link
3.) you can donate to a cause near and dear to this momma for the "STEP UP TO AUTISM WALK" in honor of my lil man Dylan.. we are walking in "TEAM BIG D" click here to donate!

**add a comment for each additional entry telling me what you did**
Comments close Monday April 27th, 2009 at 11:59PM

GIVEAWAY #4 - from CARDS BY DEB

2009-04-24T17:55:00.005-05:00

with mother's day approaching right around the corner.. what mommy wouldn't LOVE and ADORE a custom handmade card... its that extra special touch..

Debbie from CARDS BY DEB is such an amazing artist, I wish I could even come close to the patience and detail that she does!

Here are some words from Deb
"Why do I think your readers would like to win my product? Who doesn't have a need for a greeting card? And how often can you walk into a Hallmark store and find a card that not only has your favorite colors, but also the perfect quote, and to top it off, the name of the person you are giving it to printed on front?"

The Winner of this giveaway gets the following options:
I would like to offer two free cards with free shipping. The first card can be anything that I have for sale at the time at my Etsy shop. The second card can be a custom creation. Whatever the winner would like, I will create it for them. They choose the event, the colors, a quote to put inside, etc.

Want to win these awesome cards:
ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS LEAVE A COMMENT TELLING ME WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE ON THIS BLOG... ideas, decorating, deals, photography, stories.. you tell me!

comments will be closing on Sundy April 26, 2009 at 11:59 PM

GIVEAWAY #3 - from LORI'S PLACE GOURMET DELIGHTS

2009-04-23T08:17:00.004-05:00

ONE WORD.... YUMMMMMMMMMM
look at how perfect these look too good to eat.. NAH.. hello they are cookies..we MUST EAT THEM!!!

Lori from "LORI'S PLACE GOURMET DELIGHTS" has offered this wonderful prize!
Please visit her etsy store and be WOWED by her amazing talent.. who ever wins these... I WANT JUST ONE.. PLEASE :)

Welcome to Lori's Place, where "Grandma's Goodness" comes through. Family recipes with a twist!
"One Bite" and you'll be "HOOKED"!
I use the "BEST" ingredients, "NO PRESERVATIVES"
& Caribbean Extracts for more intense, and delightful flavors.

OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS OF ALMOST 6 YEARS....SAY THEY'RE THE BEST!
GIVE US A TRY...I PROMISE YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!!

Please be sure to read our Policies on storing your extra baked goods, and refunds!

Show MOM just how much you love her with your HEART!

Made with our "Signature Shortbread" dough!
These cookies are Hand Cut and Decorated!
Ready for Mom to enjoy!
4" & 3" in size..a perfect size cookie with her Tea!

Each cookie comes individually packaged......
Tied with matching ribbon.......
And nestled in a nice box ready for Mm to receive!

WANT TO WIN THESE.. THE MORE YOU DO THE MORE CHANCES YOU CAN WIN!!!
1.) leave a comment about your favorite kind of cookie and why
2.) put a link on your blog about this giveaway
3.) put a link on your facebook status about this giveaway

**add a comment for each additional entry telling me what you did**
Comments close Sat April 25th, 2009 at 11:59PM

tip #5 for earth week... going green in different ways

2009-04-22T18:40:00.003-05:00

think about every meal you eat... do you use a napkin, or a few sheets of paper towels? I can vouch that my family on the right day can probally go through an entire roll of paper towels..

NOT VERY GREEN or money concious at that... I also watched Oprah today.. if you did not get a chance to see it this morning.. i strongly suggest that you watch it tonight.. very moving.. not like she gave us any new tips than most of us know.. but she opened my eyes to all of the saddness going on around the world..

did you know there is a GARBAGE SWIRL in the middle of the OCEAN... TWICE the size of TEXAS... it made my heart break in 2.. especially since the ocean is something that touches me near and dear as I was going to school for Marine Biology back in the day...

so...on to the tip

MAKE YOUR OWN CLOTH NAPKINS

-i think this is a great option.. I think my kids will get a kick out of fun fabrics (I know you can get some great deals at walmart for a 1.00/yard) I myself currently have TONS of stock fabrics Im going to make some for meals.. and I am going to stock up on wash cloths for more significant spills and pet messes (target always has a stack of 6 on clearnace every 6 weeks)

so here is a tutorial if you aren't to aware of how to sew a napkin..

tip #4 for earth week... going green in different ways

2009-04-22T08:01:00.003-05:00

Green cleaning products are fabulous way to start in the right direction of going green. If you do nothing else other than switch your cleaning products you can make a huge difference, esp when using a concentrate!

The Beauty of Concentrates!

One of the easiest, most environmentally friendly and economical things you can do is to buy concentrates.

Think about it. You may not have considered how much you are paying for water in a bottle of cleaner. Water in cleaners is the MOST EXPENSIVE WATER you can buy! Not only are you paying a high price for this basic first ingredient, you are also paying to

* ship the water,
* package the water and
* store the water.

a fun link for kids going green

GIVEAWAY #2 - from COZY BEANS

2009-04-21T20:45:00.006-05:00

I simply love these little cozies they are so useful, great for the earth, and just simply make any cup look cute on the run!

Christy from COZY BEANS has so many fun and different cozies.. visit her ETSY SHOP HERE

Here are a few words from Christy:

One of my favorite items is the Sweet Jasmine Cup Cozy. It will fit on a variety of size cups, and we have found several different uses for it. I use it when visiting my favorite coffee shops (for my Chai), my daughter, age 7, uses it when we are out and about and stop for a quick drink, my son, 17 months, uses it so he doesn't poke holes in the styrofoam that some places use for kid drinks, and my husband recently used his when he got a milkshake and did not want to hold the COLD drink!! It is one item that I have found works for our entire family!!

This cup cozy is an eco friendly way to hold your steaming hot drink without burning your hand. Use it instead of the cardboard ones offered at coffee shops.

Not only is it great for hot cups, but also soaks up condensation from your cold drinks.

Made w/ Amy Butler Sweet Jasmine Brown & Michael Miller Pink/Brown Dumb Dots fabrics, your cozy can be reversed. Each cozy has a layer of Insul-Brite to absorb the heat & moisture. It fastens with 2 elastic loops & buttons on each side. It's machine washable.

WANT TO KNOW HOW THIS CAN BE YOURS?!?!?

all you need to do is leave a comment with
YOUR BEST MOTHERLY ADVICE..
or
THE ONE THING YOU THINK ALL MOTHERS SHOULD KNOW!

comments will close Saturday April 25, 2008 @ 11:59pm