Guilt Gifts

This doesn't happen that much in my house but I let it happen this time.  My hubby, he is a BIG GAMER and when I say big I mean we have a PlayStation 2, 2 Xbox's and now a PlayStation 3.  Both kids have DS's too.  I shake my head at all this because its not my doing and its a fight I choose not to argue about anymore.  Okay I might say something smarta** here and there but I tend to let this be Dad's domain. 

Granted my hubby does work very hard for his money (so do I LOL) and when he game home with the newest addition to this family (PS3) I was like really we really need that really!  Love all those really's!  But too see how happy he was to get this toy I was like okay whatever (rolling eyes).  He knew I was a bit annoyed so he made his move..."Baby why don't we buy a IPAD?"  My eyes and ears lit up real quick and I said "REALLY?" from that day I was on a mission.  Does it make me feel better about his new toy...SURE DOES!  Guilt Gift! 

We are not rolling in money by any means but we did get our income tax back and we always buy one cool item for the house and this year it is the IPAD. 

We tried everywhere by the way...Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Costco and NO LUCK!  Sold out everywhere and don't know when they will be back in stock.  I was a bit disappointed...why lie I was a lot disappointed!  I was moping around like someone took my favorite teddy bear away, it was quite pathetic! 

So after spending an afternoon looking and almost buying the Sprint Tablet (just because I wanted something) I decided to get onto Apple's website and see just how long it would be to get it from them.  I was quite impressed (even though it was a bit hard to find Ipad 1 info) and found an refurbished Ipad (64) for a nice price and it ships within 24hrs.  Woohoo hot damn so I bought it!  Now sometime this weekend I will be a new Ipad owner...oh wait this was for everyone right?  HAHAHA lets see who has it the most!

I love GUILT GIFTS....do you get guilt gifts??

ME TIME...yep I took some!

I sure did and I know in the mommy world that doesn't happen very often but it is NEEDED.

Last week was a rough one for me physically- I guess getting older means that monthly visit we get takes over my body and doesn't let go until its done.  I was in PAIN for 5 days straight before IT actually came and then it was a fricken roller coaster for everyone in the house.  I would say/do things and in my head yelling STOP because what was coming out of my mouth wasn't really me.  My family bless their heart for dealing with me and thank goodness each month isn't like this (just every 3 months).

Then the kids had a four day weekend.  They are 9 and 6 so they want to do everything.  It's like if we don't have plans for the day they go on protest and just make my life crazy!  They were actually pretty good.  We went shopping, birthday party, friends over (2 days), movies, so they we busy but by Monday afternoon I could tell they were done spending time with each other and they needed to go back to school.  I needed them to go back too...just being honest!

So yesterday when they went to school I looked at the house and said "I'll do it later" got my book and curled up in the comfy couch and READ for 4hrs.  Finished the book!  I did ignore all phones calls/emails and it felt good.  What's 4 hrs right....geez do you know how much blog reading, blog commenting, facebook/twitter time, talking on phone, and the list goes on that I could have done in that time...LOL!  But I know I need these breaks to keep me insane (opps I mean SANE LOL!).  Reading is a joy of mine and so that will always be my first choice of ME time.

What do you do on your ME TIME or do you even take ME TIME?

PinkGirl- Mini PinkMama

Introducing....PinkGirl :)  She is becoming her very own fashionista!  Her new thing is layering shirts, has to have long sleeves under other shirts.  I might be in trouble because she changes her clothes 2-4 times a day.  She will 7 next month but she is more like going on 17.  She has the rolling of the eyes down, pretty bossy, and everything has to be her way.  After typing that I had a WOW moment...she got those traits from me!  Oh noooooooooooo! 

Friday Blogging Fun

If you got a Facebook Page lets connect: http://www.facebook.com/pinkmamasplace

Want more Facebook fans??? Then join Facebook Friday


 

Another Awesome Facebook Link UP: http://thefrugalfreegal.com/2011/03/facebook-friday-link-up-your-facebook-fan-pages-and-follow-others-2/

Blog Hops:

Yoplait Greek Virtual Snack Break

Today is the virtual event ....real soon!  What cool items!  There is a daily meal planner that goes on fridge, cool shopping list holder, reusable grocery bag and the free coupon for a cup of Yoplait Greek.  If it wasn't storming out I would be heading to the store before the event starts in 30 minutes but its all good.  Ill let you know how it tastes in a couple days. 

L'Oreal Paris The One Sweep Eye Shadow and Double Extend Eye Illuminator Mascara BzzCampaign

Just arrived in the mail today.  So excited to do this campaign!  I will.post pictures later.   Woohoo BzzAgent for another fun product to review and let others know. 

T-shirts My Hubby Airbrushed for the Read-a-Thon

I might have mentioned once or twice my hubby is an airbrush artist so I asked him if he would be able to do t-shirts for the kids who read the most in each classroom , as their reward. 

I gave them out today and you should have seen the their smiles!  They gave me hugs and the excitement was wonderful.  I wish we could have done one for each kid. 

My hubby's website:  http://mrairbrushhands.com/ 
You can also LIKE him on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mrairbrushhands

The Fresh Air Fund is in need of Host Families

Please check out this wonderful summer program for kids in New York.

 You can change a kids life so please visit their site to see how you can  HOST A CHILD

"We made s'mores and hot dogs over the fire. I've never cooked outside before!"

Fresh Air children are boys and girls, six to 18 years old, who live in New York City. Children on first-time visits are six to 12 years old and stay for either one or two weeks. Youngsters who are re-invited by the same family may continue with The Fund through age 18, and many enjoy longer summertime visits, year after year. A visit to the home of a warm and loving volunteer host family can make all the difference in the world to an inner-city child. All it takes to create lifelong memories is laughing in the sunshine and making new friends.

The majority of Fresh Air children are from low-income communities. These are often families without the resources to send their children on summer vacations. Most inner-city youngsters grow up in towering apartment buildings without large, open, outdoor play spaces. Concrete playgrounds cannot replace the freedom of running barefoot through the grass or riding bikes down country lanes.

Fresh Air children are registered by more than 90 participating social service and community organizations located in disadvantaged neighborhoods in the five boroughs of New York City. These community-based agencies are in close contact with children in need of summer experiences in rural and suburban areas. Each agency is responsible for registering children for the program.

What do Fresh Air children enjoy?

• Playing in the backyard
• Laughing in the sunshine
• Catching fireflies
• Riding bicycles
• Learning to swim
• Running barefoot through the grass
• Gazing at the stars on moonlit nights
• Building sandcastles
• Making new friends
• Simple pleasures of life away from the inner-city

About The Fresh Air Fund:
THE FRESH AIR FUND, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. Nearly 10,000 New York City children enjoy free Fresh Air Fund programs annually. In 2010, close to 5,000 children visited volunteer host families in suburbs and small town communities across 13 states from Virginia to Maine and Canada. 3,000 children also attended five Fresh Air camps on a 2,300-acre site in Fishkill, New York. The Fund’s year-round camping program serves an additional 2,000 young people each year.


DONATE NOW

Thankful Tuesday!

The strangest thing happen this morning that had me speechless for a second.  My son got up and said "Mom I want to take a shower"  the key word is WANT! 

But the the strangest part was this would make it 2 days in a row.  That hasn't happen since he was maybe 4 and LOVED bathes.  When he turned 5 he was too old for bathes, he told me.  So from that day on showers it has been but for the past 2 years (he is 9 now) its like pulling fricken teeth to get this boy to even shower!!  We would have outright meltdowns in the morning/night and after so many of them I just gave up...he had to take at least 3 showers a week- no ands/if/buts dude!  That was our compromise to stop the meltdowns.  He got to pick the days- I know kind of a soft mom there but I wanted him to want to do this on his own instead of me threatening bodily harm (just kidding but you know I thought it).  I would let him know he was stinking and left reminders but this was his thing. 

So WOOHOO my boy took a shower 2 days in a row and I'm very thankful!  Now family and friends don't share to him that I posted this because I know he would be sooooo embarrassed but hey isn't that what moms are for :)

Do any other moms have such a hard time getting their son's to take baths/showers?

PTA/PTO BURNOUT!

Man I am burnt!!  DONE...well done if you ask!  I've been working real hard for a couple years now and I think (KNOW) its time to hang up my SUPER PARENT cape.  The parent participation at the school is not the greatest but we get things accomplished.  We just had a read-a-thon and raised $2400.  For our school that is BIG.  The sad part is all the money we raise is going towards a Music Program that was taken away last year. 

The problem now is NO OTHER PARENT is wanting to be the Chair, Co-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer for next year.  Our terms are 1 yr.  Last year I was Secretary and this year I was Co-Chair.  I've been involved with every event this year and I'm wiped out and we still have several more events to plan.  We have a Spring Bazaar, Book Fair, Raffle/BBQ, Teacher Appreciation Week and the list goes on. 

This is just my whine for the day.  Now need to get ready for our Parent Teacher Corp Meeting.

Have you ever experienced PTA/PTO burnout?

12K- WTH Did I Get Myself Into?

This is a question I've asked myself every day for the past month...REALLY PAM!  12k...I barley can walk a mile, just kidden but still!  I got pulled into this project by another parent that was super stoked about this and wanted to make money for the school and now he is moving leaving me with this in my lap.

A lil bit about the 12 K- every year San Francisco holds this event called Bay To Breakers and this year is its 100th race. Our school is going to use this has a fundraiser- each runner will get a sponsor/s for $150 ($50 to pay registration and $100 goes to the school) and the monies will go towards the school's MUSIC PROGRAM.  We have about a dozen people (parents/admin/teachers) that are willing to do this and so even though its not the biggest money maker we still are going to do it!  Our goal was to get 50 people but it just didn't work out.  Also I won't be running..this body only knows how to walk :)!

Our music program was CUT last year like almost every school and we have been having fundraisers (coupon books, cookie dough, holiday bazaar, and read-a-thon) all year long to help pay for a music program to return to our kids.  Well good news this week we got a music teacher but for only one day a week- better than nothing!! We have a couple more fundraisers left and I'm afraid it all goes towards the music program.  Even though a music program is what all the families want but its just sad that our efforts all year long have to pay for this- we can't do anything else for the school. 

This is our school: http://civicorpsk5.org/
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/civicorpsptc
Donation Page: http://civicorps-elementary.givezooks.com//events/team-ptc-of-civicorps-elementary (click the orange button if you care to donate- not the sponsorship button)

If you would like to donate,  I would be so elated and appreciate your kindness.


Now onto the real reason of this post...WTH to did I get myself into???? The person who hates to exercises. 

I have 2 months to get ready for this race and I kept telling myself March 15th is the DAY I start training.  That's TODAY! Now I've thought about it and what I would like to do but do I have anything planned out?  LOL...exercise is not my thing but it needs to be!  I went for a walk today and half way thru it starts raining, that was fun.  I have the Wii and a couple exercises games but I can't even do that.  I'm fighting against, myself and guess what I'm winning but not the right way.  Stubborn or just plain lazy- I say a little a both.  I've always hated physical stuff (except s*x) but this needs to stop!  I need to get in shape. Not just for this 12k run/walk but for ME and later in my life. 

Thanks for listening :)  BTW- just did spell check and misspelled EXERCISE each time LOL!

Could YOU Survive on SURVIVOR?

Well for me that would be a big FAT NO!!!  Ask my mom- she still gives me crap about camping and how much I hate it.  I wouldn't even last a day, just being honest.  Insects are the worst (for me) and to have them around me 24/7 that is so not happening. 

Reasons why I would SUCK as a survivor:

• HATE Insects...ewww
• Being outside all day..no I like my comfy house.
• Sleeping by people you really don't know...gross!
• I don't look good in a bathing suit AT ALL...I would scare everyone.
• The GAME itself would be too stressful...people are mean on there.
• Did I mention Insects??? LOL
• I could probably go on and on but I guess you get the picture...I wouldn't be able to do Survivor so my hubby needs to stop asking me LOL!  Of course he thinks he is funny every time I watch the show he points out I couldn't do it...PLEASE I know this! 

I know a goofy post but it was next on my TO DO posts! 

My Son Turns 21 Today!

First off...Happy Birthday to Nick for turning 21! 

Now on to me....man I feel OLD!  I remember the first time holding my baby, it was such a rush but so scared too!  I remember all the smiles and love. When he was placed in my arms my life changed forever- for the better that's the day I got the title MOM! 

What a beautiful gift I got 21 yrs ago!!  He is now a dad and a good one too!

My Knock Me Down Shoes

These suckers are so hard to walk in...wow!  They are hella high though.  I've been wearing flip flops, tennis shoes, ugg boots for probably last 12 years.  I used to be a shoe lover when I was single and clubbing but that was a decade ago.  I need to practice more before I attempt to go out in public again....almost broke my neck the 1st day I got them. 

Why did I buy them you ask (or maybe you didn't but oh welll LOL)...I had a horrible Vday so I ordered me some shoes to make me feel better...LOL (got to love my reasoning) and Steve Madden was having a 50% off sale and that was I all needed to pull the credit card out.

I feel so sexy wearing them but they fricken hurt.  I guess the price of beauty huh!  I warned you all I was doing 2011 different...its about ME.  Also my hubby LOVED them, even texted me later in the day telling me all he could think about is me in the shoes.  Woohoo! 

Ronnell-Brass Monkey

My Lil Beastie Boy

Stork Brokers- New BzzAgent Campaign

NEW BzzAgent Campaign:



Forget the garage sale. Join StorkBrokers and get paid for your kids’ old toys, clothes, accessories and more right from your computer. Plus, when you sign up for up StorkBrokers your first three sales will be commission free.

Why else do we recommend joining StorkBrokers?

It’s a simpler way to find and sell the toys, clothes and accessories you and other parents are looking for — there’s no need to wade through unwanted kid-related content like you may on auction sites
Can’t find exactly what you’re looking for? You can request it!
As a BzzAgent, you’re among the first people to check out and try StorkBrokers — show them how you can help get the word out!
StorkBrokers isn’t just about selling and buying — it’s about learning, too. That’s why the site also offers tips and advice to help you grow as a parent within a community of other parents

Oxy Clinical Freebie

Today's freebie~ Oxy Clinical Freebie

Facebook Friday

I got mentioned on Chronicles of a Crazy Mom blog- woohoo!  Please go check out the other blogs/facebook pages she suggested we take a look at:



Now on to Facebook Friday Blog Hops:

Blogger Organization- How do you do it!

I'm not an expert at this at all so that is why I'm writing this post.  I feel like I'm all over the place- here and there and around that corner too!  I struggle with this day to day in just my life so thinking I would be an organized blogger is FUNNY! 

My search came up with these useful tools:

The Niche Blogger Blogging Organizer Workbook: Keep Track Of And Organize Your Blogs  WOW sounds like winner here. 
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Cool online ToDo list: http://todo.ly/
Easy to do and I set up some projects on it so lets see if this helps. Also you can color code it! So far I likey!   I got this info from http://www.bloggingot.com/blogging-tools/become-an-organized-blogger-with-todo-ly/.  Besides finding this cool site on there- Blogging OT is filled with some incredible info for bloggers.  Wow, looks like I might be spending some time on this site!  See this is why I don't get stuff done- distractions always get me.

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HOLD ON...found a really cool site that might work better than the above because I can get it sent to me by email: https://www.rememberthemilk.com/  It also has some bells and whistles that I'm loving.  The one thing I really like it has a weekly planner that can be printed...AWESOME! 
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During my search today I came across some great tips and some well I just didn't understand but hey I've only had one mocha today so maybe its not their fault.  Anyways this is what I learned:

1. Planning- list of topics, keywords, have a notebook just for blogging
2. Prepare- write blog post in advance (you know that day you have nothing going on but writing posts :) )
3. Schedule/Routine- calendar when/what/where (I have a couple blogs)

Well lets see if this works!  If you have any other suggestions please let me know. 

Wordless Wednesday-My Favorite Snack

Civicorps Elementary School - Bay to Breakers Fundraiser

Okay so this is yet ANOTHER event I got myself involved in for the school.  I've been trying real hard saying that word NO but its difficult when I know it will help my kids. 

Bay to Breakers is a BIG 12K RUN that is held in San Francisco and this year it is the 100th race.  A parent got a great idea to use this event as a fundraiser.  So we are asking each runner to get a sponsorship of $100 plus $45 to register for the event.  Our Music Program was axed last year because of lost funding.  The kids and parents really miss not having a music in their curriculum.   
Our Parent Teacher Corp (PTA) wants to support the school by helping with the funding for the music program.  We have held a holiday bazaar, read-a-thon, and now this event to help raise the money.  We got maybe 15 runners/walkers (hoping for more) but hey its fine because its better than NOTHING right! 

On a personal note...because of this event I learned how to set up a donation page, also a  FBML page on Facebook, and plus signed up to do the race myself.  Those are some cool skills to acquire. I will not be running because my body is made for walking the 12K!

If you would like to support me (the kids really) please go here to donate (orange button)- anything helps!
http://civicorps-elementary.givezooks.com/events/team-ptc-of-civicorps-elementary

Thanks for listening to yet another one of my projects!