The Life of a Home Mom

Wordless Wednesday: Boy & his Puppy

2009-11-25T17:06:00.002-06:00

Little A got this is in the mail from IKEA, you can win one if you head over to Babylune and enter the IKEA Soft Toy Giveaway. Ends Dec 5, 2009. HURRY!! Happy Wordless Wednesday!

5 Holidays Activities To Do with Your Kids

2009-11-24T06:57:00.004-06:00

Oh I love the holidays, especially the ones in fall and yes I do mean from Halloween on. It seems like such a magical time of year. Doesn't it? Twittermoms and Nickelodeon want to know what are some of your 5 activities you do for the Holidays with your kids. The contest, for those that want to take part is part of the Dora Christmas Carol Contest. Got any special traditions?

1. Get a form of holiday pictures, I don't care if it is taken at a store or some picture of the family around the Christmas tree. I want something where the kids are all together and smiling and not fighting.

2. Decorating the Christmas tree. This is normally done the day after Thanksgiving, however this year the tree is already up in the living room. The only thing it is missing is decorations so we still may just keep our holiday traditions. Each year the youngest has always got to pick out the Christmas ornament for that year. This year Little A picked out Santa carrying a shotgun, I couldn't help but laugh.

3. Making those holiday arts & Crafts that they get to hang everywhere around the house, this includes the countdown chain, toilet paper santas, candy cane reindeer, etc. Oh and never, ever forget the cookies we bake at least once a week.

4. A few days before Christmas we begin opening presents, each night the kids get to open one (only one each) gift until Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve all gifts must be opened because Santa comes that night. This began with our oldest because back then we just couldn't wait for him to open them, well it became a tradition. This is begun on Winter Soltice. (sp)

5. The first real day is snows we must all have hot chocolate and sit in the living room together watching Christmas movies, that is after the kids get to play in the snow a bit.

6. (yes I know I past 5) Christmas Eve we must make Christmas cookies for Santa, leave a glass of milk and of course carrots for the reindeer. That night the kids will sprinkle their Reindeer food out front, but by morning it is gone.

What do you do? For those that want to take part in the Dora Christmas Carol contest hurry over, the first 30 get nice prizes, including the Dora DVD. For those that have television the Christmas special will be on Nickelodeon on 12/6 at 8 pm EST.

Watch Dora's Christmas Carol Adventure Dec. 6 on Nickelodeon

Favorite Holiday Activities with Kids

The YoBaby Winner is...

2009-11-23T20:22:00.002-06:00

I used the random.org to pick my number and the winner is.......#9.....

When my son was six months old, the entrie car of people had to sing
"Bingo" nonstop on a four-hour car ride. Every time we stopped, he cried!
#
posted by JulieMoe : 7:11 PM

Congratulations Julie, I'll be emailing you in just a moment please watch for homemom3@gmail.com

Build-a-Bear: Frosty the Snowman Giveaway

2009-11-23T15:21:00.011-06:00

I have always loved watching the old classic Christmas Cartoon, "Frosty the Snowman." You know where the kids are all building a snowman and find that black hat and placed it on top of the snowman and he came to life shouting, "Happy Birthday!" Remember it? I have that movie now and every year (currently every day) my kids watch it, some even cry during parts because I have a few that are really sensitive. :) Course now my kids get to watch the beloved movie with the Frosty the Snowman Build a Bear. Well today, with the help of Build-a-Bear I get to give away one FROSTY the SNOWMAN Build a bear.

Frosty is not the only Build-a-bear available for the holidays, there are many other Christmas Characters to choose from: There's a Holiday Elf or Bear, Holly and Hal Moose and many others.

GIVEAWAY:
PRIZE: (1 lucky winner) Happy Holidays Frosty the Snowman.

You will get the Happy Holidays Frosty the Snowman doll, the pipe, the broom (my 2 year old pretends to sweep with it) and of course his scarf and hat. When the hat is opened and then closed it will light up and make a magical sound for you.

RULES:

1. Visit the Build-A-Bear and tell me another product your child would love this holiday season!

Additional entries

2. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Life of a Home Mom.

3. Follow me (@homemom3) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway.

4. Subscribe to my blog.

5. Become a Build-A-Bear on Facebook.

Deadline: December 5, 2009, winner will be announced that night and they will have 24 hours to respond to my email.

Disclosure: Buildabear did send me the Frosty the Snowman to review and keep, they will also be sending out one to a lucky winner.

Weekend Round-up

2009-11-22T15:26:00.006-06:00

Went Out Drinking
Okay first, the hubby and I went out Friday night to a local bar and I must say we rather enjoyed ourselves. It's a quiet little place that doesn't hold very many people and most of those that go seem to be the older crowd so you don't get a bunch of loud people. The music they had there was country, which fits me perfectly. I had two beers and a white russian, but I noticed a new drink he was making for another woman I may try next time. We decided that since kids were sleeping and the oldest is at babysitting age he could play on facebook as we went out. Perfect remedy and he loved it. We also did a bit of shopping and grabbed some presents.

Still sick:
Some have asked and yes I am still sick, however I no longer have the constant fever that went along with it or the night sweats. I have a very bad cough that has seemed to stay with me and a hard time breathing. I'm using my Vick's humidifier every night and trying to get better, but I noticed Little A now has the cough. I'm hating this season already and it has only snowed one time. Keep good thoughts headed our way that the bad germs leave and only good come into this house.

Deals, Deals, Deals:

Did a bit of shopping Friday at Hy-Vee and was very proud that I used $12 in coupons. Now to actually break down the grocery bill in half, that's the goal anyways. I recently got a book to review in the mail called, "The Coupon Mom's Guide to Cutting Your Grocery Bills In Half by Stephanie Nelson (aka Couponmom.com) and I'll be reviewing it very shortly. I must say I have learned a little reading this book and have slowly started saving a bit more.

College Started Back up:
That's right, I'm back in yet another college class...this time it is accounting. Wish me luck, math has never been a strong suit of mine. Currently I have all A's in all my other classes and would like to see this continue.

Blogs:
Many of you already know I write at about a dozen blogs, okay not really I've cut it down by a lot since 451press went under. But I have started writing at a few others to write about celebrities and of course since MomGadget is back up I'm a reviewer once again for her too as well as my own site. Oh and the best one, to me at least, is my http://www.salesweekly.blogspot.com/ because it lists all the deals for the week. I'll begin posting all those black friday ones in the next few days so pay a visit and possibly drop a comment.

Giveaways:
I have a few giveaways going on and a few more to be posted:
- $35 Gift Card to Jiffy Lube
- Pampers Diaper Clutch

Will be announcing a VeggieTales, Build a Bear and a few other giveaways.

So what have you been up to lately? The round-up of those that comment here and a few others I follow:

- Elizabeth over at Table4five celebrated her little girl, Katelyn's birthday. It seems Elizabeth is going through something right now and it would probably be nice to see some friendly comments, head on over and tell her hi.

- OC Mom Activities is holding her very first giveaway where some lucky winner will get a PSP game called, "PES 2009 (Pro Evolution Soccer). Head on over and enter to win.

- Kris over at Quilted Simple has been knitting away this week, but I must say I just adore her quilted pillows. But she is one of those people that spots something she likes and makes it herself instead of having to buy it. WOW!

- Jerri Ann over at Blogalogues has not only been sick but having a bad tooth problem. Hopefully it will be better soon.

Jiffy Lube Gift Card Giveaway

2009-11-21T21:42:00.006-06:00

How many of you know what it is like to have something go wrong during a road trip or even just driving to the store when the weather has changed and become all snowy? I remember the first time moving out to North Carolina we went to visit family and of course we moved during Christmas time which meant hitting all types of snowy weather. We learned how NOT to put chains on a tire and there were different things people actually did put on tires.

We also learned how the snap of one of those tire things could throw the van into a spin and land us in a snow bank. We learned what it was like to drive in a "white out" and how when you finally found a place to pull over and camp so did about 100 other people.

Moving to Missouri was about just the same thing, except we did stop at more hotels and this time we planned it a bit more since I had a laptop. We still learned that you had to have a lot of windshield wiper fluid even if it wasn't snowing and how your wipers could freeze to the windows or worse your windshield would become too hard to see because it keeps freezing up. Got any stories for me?

GIVEAWAY:

PRIZE: (1) $35 Jiffy Lube Gift Card

RULES: Write in stories about breaking down during the winter, or your worst winter driving experiences (frozen wipers, doors frozen shut, heaters not working, etc.)

extra entries for those that come back here and show me a link if you:

stumble upon this post

tweet this post

blog this

DEADLINE: December 5, I'll announce the winner on December 6

US ONLY please

Bringing the Holidays Home

2009-11-19T15:17:00.003-06:00

Okay, it's officially winter and I don't care if anyone wants to argue it with me. We had our first sighting of snow, yes it actually snowed Sunday Night and blanketed the grounded, ever so lightly with snow on Monday morning. Even SoccerBoy went to Facebook and hoped/wished that they could have a snow day, course I was really hoping for NO SNOW DAY as I've been sick and trying to get caught up. Thankfully they had school, it would sprinkle snow off and on all day. Now it is simply cold and a chill is in the air.

So what goes with a chill in the air? Chili of course and I've never made any but finally decided I'd try my hand at it. My first experience was making White Chili beans and I think they turned out great, but it was a bit too spicy for the kids and hubby so next time I'll do less chilis. Yes, I used fresh chilis and I did 1 1/2 cups full as the Paula Dean recipe called for. But now I'm confident that I can make any chili and will try my hand at others that aren't so spicy. Course I know now that if I wanted to sign up for a chili cook off I could do it for the spicy type. hehe. But now I have a huge pot and only me to eat it.

We brought the Christmas tree up last night, now to decorate it and put up the lights. Kids are going to freak, we bought a few gifts already and I'm debating on putting them under the tree or waiting. I know we aren't the type that make the kids wait, that's why we begin opening gifts 5 days before Christmas, it just happened with SoccerBoy and we kept the tradition.

How do you bring the holidays home before they are here? Oh we are eating lots of pumpkin pie and apple crumb pie already too, with lots of cool whip. YUMMY.

3 Things I could Not Be Without While Sick

2009-11-17T16:40:00.006-06:00

Well I've been sick now for what 3 1/2 weeks, so what are the three things that I could not live without during this time? Simple answer: H2O, pillow and blanket. But lets get a little more specific than that.

Nestle Water to be exact and no I don't mean I mix Nestle chocolate or anything in it. There is just something about this bottled water though. I've been drinking water nonstop since I got sick, which I guess is also a good thing. But I have learned there are only a few bottled waters I will drink and many I won't. We normally buy a case of these from Walmart, so far this is the cheapest place we've found this brand at and as you know I won't drink anything else. Oh, the good news is I no longer drink soda pop.

Okay the next thing on my list is my very soft, yet firm Sleep Number Pillow. I got this pillow as a review product earlier this year. This is the same pillow that drove all the way down with me to Ohio when my Nanny passed away. It is so comfortable that it makes it comforting as well. I'll actually review this pillow in my next post because there is so much you should know about it, I swore I did this before but I can't seem to find the review. Knowing that time period I did write it up and saved it somewhere and it never went to publish post. But I tell you this pillow is the one thing that helps me go to sleep, not even the hubby will fight me on it while I'm sick. Oh yes he normally steals it from me any other time. Oh with these pillows you get to design the type you like. Take a look at the pics.

Finally, the last thing I can't be without while being sick is my Lands' End Sleeping bag. I can't seem to find it anymore on Lands' End, however I reviewed it for them last year and I can tell you it has went to everyone's room...until now. The inside is made of super soft cotton which makes it almost feel as if it were made of down. This is definitely a comfortable blanket/sleeping bag. I use it more as a sleeping bag by unzipping it and tossing it over the person. Lately it has been wrapped around me or Little A who just happened to end up with my cough. :( Poor thing.

So what are three things you desire when you are sick?

3-in-1 YoBaby Giveaway

2009-11-16T14:45:00.005-06:00

My son absolutely loves YoBaby, actually since that first time we reviewed a YoBaby he got hooked on them and now anytime we go down the yogurt aisle of Walmart we have to pick him up a few. So when I was asked to try the 3-in-1, well not me but Little A, so of course I said yes.

Now at first Walmart didn't carry the 3-in-1 so I had to wait until they had it in stock, finally they did so I took my coupon and got to use them. Of course he loved them too. He acted as if he didn't even noticed that it was more than just one flavor. See for those that don't know the 3-in-1 has yogurt in it, a veggie and a fruit, stir it together and you have a 3-in-1. I did try a taste and I couldn't taste the veggie in it.

GIVEAWAY:

PRIZE: (1 winner) YoBaby reusable bag, an organic YoBaby bib, a travel YoBaby bowl with lid and utensils, 5 FREE YoBaby Meal Coupons, and an Eric Carle Growth Chart.

RULES: Tell me one story about traveling with your child.

Extra entries: Stumble upon this, tweet this or blog it.

Deadline: Saturday, November 21, 2009 midnight. I'll announce the winner on the 22. The winner will have 24 hours to respond.

Loading up on Vitamins

2009-11-13T20:44:00.002-06:00

Well, I'm still sick and now we are going to try loading me up on vitamins and seeing if that does the trick. I'm guessing by now I should've been better even if it was that swine flu crap that I keep hearing about. Either way, this stuff sucks and makes it hard to breathe so we are going to try yet another method.

I tell you one thing, the moment I'm better I don't want to hear a single sniffle coming out of one of my kids.

Bring Home a Mr.Potatohead For Christmas

2009-11-11T18:56:00.005-06:00

This month Little A was sent two Mr.Potato Head's to review, one was the Mr Potato Head - Fryer Fighter and the other was the Mr. Potato Head Pirate Spud - Captain Potato Chips. I'll just say that Mr.Potato Head is definitely a toy that is still loved in this house and always will be. The Mr.Potato Head Captain had a bit of a hard time as there is a boot for the leg and it tends to be difficult to keep him upright. Other than that both Mr.Potato Heads were a ton of fun. I believe he liked it best because he could change his expression and make him right or silly.

Inside Fryer Fighter, they get a little fireman's helmet (red in color) and of course his little fire extinguisher. Hopefully you can tell them a little about how to use it if one was ever needed in that house. My little man just loves pretending it has water in it and shoots me with it.

In the Captain, you'll get the captain's hat, one boot, an eye patch because we know there is know captain (pirate) that has two eyes and of course his faithful parot.

Do you remember Mr.Potato head as a child? I remember having a ton of parts for mine and we use to love storing everything inside Mr.Potato. My son, he does not, in fact he gets mad when I try and then the butt doesn't close right. "Mom, butt broke." I will state these pieces will need to be played with a lot in order to get the wear and tear like when you were a chidl and the pieces would fit right in. These do take a bit of pushing in but only because they are so new. Thank you HASBRO for making yet another toy that'll make my kid's christmas wish list. He may have these two but I have seen there are plenty more where these two guys came from.

Mr.Potatohead sells for around $9.99.

(we were sent the toys for free and yes if you click my link and order it I'll get a few cents.)

Wordless Wednesday: Halloween 09

2009-11-11T14:18:00.006-06:00

This year I basically slept through Halloween, but the kids didn't. Here's a sneak peek at them: (little A is a hippo)

Cute Hippo right? Well the hippo got the witches hat and boy was she trying to get it back. Below is a pic of all four kids, that's Soccerboy slouching down and pushing the stroller. I was upstairs watching them all from my bedroom.
Happy WW and Halloween!!

Still Sick with an Update

2009-11-09T17:29:00.002-06:00

Well I am still sick, doc continues to give me tests and still states before they come back they'll be negative because basically I took too long to come in. Thankfully I have a box of movies that a PR lady sent my way a little while ago, which I'll be reviewing in the next few days.

I do have a bit of good news to pass on. Apparently while I have been sick I got on the Honor Roll for my As in college, now I did have to miss the dinner as I am currently sick but I thought it was too important not to mention to my fellow bloggers. See, us moms really can do it?

In the meantime I'm trying to save my sanity by not watching the same movie and find it hard to stay awake all day with a 2 year old. Medicines are not meant for moms with kids. Oh for those curious the doc is treating me for influenza, bronchitis, sore throat and a few other small things.

Sick and not Getting Better

2009-11-03T10:59:00.003-06:00

In case you hadn't noticed i've been a bit absent for a while, i was and still am sick. At first it started off with what i thought was a tummy thing this last two days, the third day i was tossing my cookies with a fever as the kids would call it. from then on i've had a figh fever from anywhere 100-104.

i didn't go in right away and apparently you really should withink 48 hours after your FIRST fever, otherwise they can't test what you have for anything or it comes back negative. but they are going to try treating me for bronchitis and influenza. ikkk. in the meantime i feel dizzy and weak but thankfully i've got a swell family helping me get through this and friends that continue to write guest posts for me to help me there. i'm staying awak emore today but i think that's because it is just me now and hubby is at work so i know there is no one for our young one to watch after. I'll probably make lunch, give him a small bath and send him for a nap before i take mine since they put me out. he sleeps for three hours, just in time for his brother to be home, just in case i need it.

just giving you an update where i've been.

Kiss Halloween Nails: Decorate Your Nails this Halloween

2009-10-26T18:49:00.010-05:00

Ya'll know how much I LOVE Halloween so it should be no surprise to you that when I was asked to review some Kiss Limited Edition Halloween Nails I jumped at the chance. They sent me three sets of nails to try out. Here's what I got:

- Kiss Limited Edition Halloween Nails: Spider webs in black and white with a silver spider

- Kiss Limited Edition Halloweenn Nails: Blood red nails with beautiful black swirls (my favorite)

- Kiss Limited Edition Halloween Nails: half/half white nails with black skull and cross bones, and black nails with white barbed wire going across.

Each box comes with 24 nails, 12 different sizes and of course the glue tabs. The back of each box has easy to follow instructions on how to prepare your nails, apply them and remove them. I will admit that they are easy to get off. Soaked in warm water they easily pop off.

Each set of nails are available between now and November 1 at Walgreens, CVS and Kmart. The set costs about $4.

Don't they look like a lot of fun? Now picture them on Halloween. The girls and I are planning on getting our nails all dolled up, course I think they'll be upset when they hear they can't wear them to school. But it'll sure be fun in the meantime. :)

Monday Begins Again

2009-10-26T13:25:00.003-05:00

Well just to update everyone, I'm still on my quest at a better, thinner, healthier and a happier me. I've actually lost at least 6 lbs since I have began, I have found it easier to drink water which at one time I absolutely hated and when I get hungry during the day to just grab a salad. I think it'll be easy to lose that first 20 pounds, but after that it sounds a bit harder. Over the weekend I walked 3.3 miles (this was with the whole family) and on Sunday I learned that it is actually 1 mile (a little over) to get that Sunday paper and back home. So I have my routes but won't do the 3 mile one by myself, it is too far a walk in an area that isn't the best places to go. Not to mention if you recall a few years ago I crashed my bike and really messed up my knee, well most of the time it is fine but that 3 mile walk swelled it up. So between the walking, healthier eating and Jillian videos I'm doing much better. I must admit that Fall is my favorite season and it helps that all these trees look so beautiful, only thing I don't like is the cool wind that blows through. (beautiful trees right?)

I know many of you have sent emails about my posting last week. I won't say everything has been resolved because it hasn't and I doubt it will. I have my belief and he has his. The following day I was told to get a real job before I complained about how he spent money. That didn't go very well and long story short when I said I would get a job on top of everything else he got upset. The issue has been once again swept under the carpet, not by me but it seems there will be no talk on it. The weekend was peaceful, there was no bickering as long as we stayed off all subjects dealing with money. We did get in a moment when I found out in the future when we move I will not have any animals. Remember that dream of having a farm? Well that is gone now. But the kids watched movies with daddy as I played online, I'm not much for anime. hehe. We did watch some funny shows later and even Barney. Friday night the two of us went shopping with the wee one while Soccerboy watched the two girls and he showed me what he'd like to get the kids for Christmas so we got to have a little fun there. I think SoccerBoy will love his gift.

But things are quiet and all seems well. Right this second my youngest is going through a box we just got to review...it is full of toys. Wait until you read the reviews, all I'm saying is he keeps clapping and shouting "I did it!" How was your weekend?

3 Holiday Gift Ideas

2009-10-25T18:48:00.008-05:00

This is for the 60 days until Christmas Countdown. Hope some of these will help you out.

Toddler:
My first recommendation is going to be the Playskool Busy Ball-Tivity Center from Playskool. Why? This was one of my son's favorite toys last year and he was about 18 months old. Even today he plays with this. He loves to watch the balls go round and round, and he has now learned that if he takes off the tree he can make the balls float up. This little toy is currently $26.49 at Amazon right now.
Tween:
Has your little tween started asking for a Gameboy or something along those lines? Well you could always get them the LeapFrog® Didj Custom Learning Gaming System. It looks just like a Gameboy but you (they) play educational games on it. Currently it is $50.97 at amazon.

Teen:
Oh with how popular "Twilight" has become I don't think you can go wrong if you purchase anything twilight, at least not when it comes to teen girls. My kids and I have always loved those Scene It DVD games and now they have the new Scene It? Twilight Deluxe Edition
. Currently it is at amazon for $29.73

60 Days Until Christmas....

2009-10-25T18:15:00.002-05:00

Are you ready? With only 60 days until Christmas I bet some of you are starting to really begin to feel the pressure of getting that perfect toy or even just any toy these days. For the next 60 days I plan on bringing you 3 toys per day to help you prepare, due to the fact I have four kids and one (at least) in each age range. Baby-Tween-Teen. Plus I'll even update the Top 10 toy lists from various toy stores/companies so stick around.

For those that need a reminder you can always go to the Christmas Countdown, it's Santa's official countdown location.

Winners of Child Safety Kit/book

2009-10-25T14:57:00.003-05:00

The winners for the Safety Guide for Parents and 4 winners (1 will be included in the grand prize) were all selected by the Random.org generator: 4, 10, 5, 9, 13

The winners are:

- IdentaKey Medical Records Storage would be very valuable to have.
# posted by ydsddd (GRAND PRIZE, meaning you'll get the book and child safety kit)

- I like the wean machine, for making your own baby food.
# posted by jlmk

- I like the CARES Kids Fly Safe Aviation Restraint.
# posted by Gabriel J.

- the CAR SEAT ORGANIZER, would be helpfull to keep everything in place
# posted by rb109972

- safety tip -- never leave your baby alone with the dog, no matter how sweet the dog seems. # posted by Shane

Congratulations!!! For those on this list please email me at homemom3@gmail.com with your mailing address.

Anger Envelops Her

2009-10-21T12:26:00.003-05:00

I wrote this post yesterday and wasn't going to post it but I think I need to do it, just so I can later look back and remember.

There are only some points in my life that I actually get on my blog and just rant about my feelings and this is going to be one of them once again. Do you remember earlier this year where I told everyone that life really likes to throw wrenches at you? Well I've learned that isn't the truth, the truth really is that you can change whatever it is you want to change. I thought earlier this year I was able to change everything in my life, things got better and everything seemed honky dorey (sp). Well I was wrong, the truth was everything got swept under that carpet and stayed there just out of sight.

For a while now I felt tension and I could tell that things weren't right but I blamed other things. Life was too calm, my weight might be an issue and yes the house was a mess. But all those things can be changed, so that wasn't it. What was it? Today I found out the one thing that could ever turn me completely around and throw me for a loop was staring me square in the face. I know this probably makes no sense but when you've vowed never to deal with something again because there is only one option you don't exactly what to know that it is back. Right?

Issues rose about the way I cleaned the house, course when I did clean I got to hear, "Wow, a first in 13 years," or something equally as bad. I gave up on the house when I started getting ignored or when he started hanging or leaving the house. Plus why should it always be me doing it. I have four kids, yes it is hard to keep a house but yes I'm a lazy housewife too. I also got tired of hearing that I was a nag every time he would spend money when bills needed to be paid. How many women like to hear: Nag, nag, nag? I don't think a single one would. I was told I don't ever want to hang out with him, course when we did actually get the son to watch the others and went to a bar there was no hand holding, standing by one another, etc. Instead he smoked outside, played one round of pool with me and hung out at the bar chatting with others. That wasn't what I had hoped for. I know he isn't a sentimental/romantic but I am and do like it from time to time. Those are just a few things, there are more but not going into everything. I won't lie I nag about money, I want things paid first. I had a coffee habit too but oh well that is gone now too.

It is back, that big issue between us and now I must decide exactly what it is I'm willing to do. For an entire year I lived in hell of worrying and uncertainty. I won't live like that again. I went to places I never thought I would, I daydreamed about things that I shouldn't and now it all comes back to hit me square in the face. I know now that avoided it or just saying something is dealt with (granted I thought it was) doesn't work. Decisions must be made, whether I'm ready for them or not.

One thing I know for sure is this:

I want to go back to a point where I was only happy, not worrying about things like I do. I know my own work will need to come first, the work I do online but also within myself. I need to totally focus on me and getting my weight back down for myself. Back to where it'll make me smile when I look into a mirror and to when I knew someone would be glad to hold my hand and walk through a park, zoo, amusement park or even just down the street with me. I refuse to go back to last year, absolutely will not have it. I want to live as a family, happy and together but I don't want to worry about having to wonder ever again.

Confession Time: When I Strip for Ya'll

2009-10-19T13:26:00.009-05:00

It is time that I be completely honest with all my readers and this post is truely doing just that, in a way I'm about to strip completely naked right here for you. No, I'm not going to show you a bunch of naked photos, for all those sicks that found this post through google you can now leave. Many moms have found themselves where I am today, many moms have done the very thing I am doing and now it is time for me to do it. Okay, so are ya'll ready? Here goes.....

I'm mad at myself! In the 13 years of marriage I have allowed myself to get to twice the weight I was when I got married. (just about twice anyways) No, don't think I'm telling you what my weight is just yet, I'm not that bold. But I've just did the one thing that no woman does and that is to even admit that. I know earlier this year I ranted about wanting to lose weight, that was during a very stressful time in my life and when I was ready to walk out the door here as it was. Things calmed, waters grew silent and I ate and sat around the house. It is now time to re-awake that part in my body again, I won't say waters are calm, in fact lately it has felt like a storm was brewing just above me waiting to explode but it won't. But that is besides the point. Right now my focus is me and me alone, no one else. I'm not here to blame anyone except myself, no the kids didn't do this and no the hubby wanting to eat out all the time didn't do this. I chose to eat snacks the kids left behind, I chose to go out with the family and eat salmon, shrimp, etc. I could've easily grabbed sticks of carrots or a salad when we went out.

So what am I going to do about it? First, I ordered 2 Jillian Michaels DVDs to start working out. I'll let you know right now....she kicks your but especially if you are out of shape. For those that don't know she's one of the trainers on that show "Biggest Loser" sorry I don't have cable so I don't know actual details. I started watching the shows on youtube though and man is she mean but she gets results and that is what I want. I want to be where I was 10 years ago and I wish I had a pic but haven't found one so I'll be looking so I can use it on my vision board. I plan on working out to Jillian's 30-day shred for the next month then I have one other, I eventually want all her videos. My sister heard about my quest and sent me the collection of Biggest Loser books: Cookbook, simple swaps, calorie counter and 30 day jump start. Expect a review on those soon, at least the cookbook. I won't be able to fully review the others until I know if this works.

So, I'm working out now, but I've also started counting calories. Calories should be about 1400 per day, I know some of you are thinking it doesn't sound like a lot but it really is. I mean a strawberry (small) is only 2 calories, medium is 4 so can you picture how many you could have? Exactly many fruits are like that. My issue is breads and pasta, my other is STARBUCKS and I need to really cut that out all together. Right now I'm limiting 1 every other day and then 1 a week and no more. I have noticed the more water I drink the less fraps I want. Oh and tea is free until you put sugar in it.

So there you have it, in total I want to lose about 65 pounds, I don't have to lose that much but that is my ideal weight. I can easily lose 50 and be fine or lose 80 and look awesome..maybe too thin though. I am included one picture of myself from about 8 years ago, which gives you an idea of how I looked, one how I looked 11 years ago and two current.

My biggest obstacle will be the willpower to see this through and ignore all those temptations around me. Remember just because you want to lose weight and get in shape not everyone does or can. So those tempting cupcakes the kids eat for school are off limits. :)

SoccerBoy's Mouse Mobile

2009-10-18T14:38:00.004-05:00

SoccerBoy is taking IT (Industrial technology) or wood shop like we probably called it as kids. Well it seems they created CO2 cars and he really loved it, he made his in the shape/color of a mouse. I found it really cute. What do you think?

The car didn't beat the rest of them but he said he had fun making it. He's upset that 7th graders only get to have a quarter of the class and must wait to take a full semester until 8th grade. He also brought home a key holder for us in the shape of a key. Oh and it does work and I haven't lost my keys in a week since he brought it home. Well it is time to play Operation so I better get going.

Child Safety Book Giveaway

2009-10-17T16:34:00.003-05:00

Kay over at My Precious Kid wanted to help everyone out and give one lucky "The Life of a Home Mom" reader a chance to win a "Child Safety Book." This book will include the following topics:

Childproofing
The safe crib
Safe baby sleeping
Safe infant products
Product Recalls
Car seat safety
Choking Hazards
Poison Hazards
Water hazards
Window Hazards

Definitely good topics to know about, I know some thinking placing duct tape on everything makes it child-proof but this book will explain how to make your home safe for your child and other things you should watch out for. This book is great for new parents or expecting parents and if you aren't one it would make a great gift to give upcoming parents. If you don't want to wait to see if you won you can order it online now for only $4, it is normally priced at $12.99.

COUPON CODE for 1st time users: 10FLL09 for 10% off their first order

GIVEAWAY TIME:

PRIZE: 1 Lucky winner will get the Child Safety Book
5 lucky winners will get a child safety ID Kit

RULES: Head on over to MyPreciousKid.com and tell me one other item you'd like to get.

Extra entries: - Tell me one safety tip for new moms
- stumbleupon this post
- tweet this post
- blog about this post

Deadline: October 24th, I'll announce the winner on October 25, you'll have 24 hours to respond. My email address is homemom3@gmail.com

The Balloon is Down

2009-10-15T14:37:00.002-05:00

The balloon is now down, the man running to it apparently stopped it and they are currently popping it to get the helium out. So far it seems like they can't find the door to the balloon. By the way the balloon looked more like a UFO. The sad news, there is no boy in the balloon. They are believing that he may have fallen out between the time it took off and landed.

6 Year Old Floats Away in Air Balloon

2009-10-15T14:21:00.002-05:00

Just a little while ago CNN broke news channels around the United States, sorry not sure if it went around the world. Truth be told I only know as I got a quick call to go to cnn.com and check it out. At first I laughed, a 6 year old in a hot air balloon. But then I thought, wait it's a 6 year old, by himself in an air balloon. What if he falls?

CNN reports:

Officials are trying to rescue a 6-year-old boy who climbed into a balloon-like experimental aircraft built by his parents and floated into the sky over eastern Colorado.

The boy's family had been building the experimental aircraft at their home on Fossil Ridge Road in Fort Collins, CNN affiliate KUSA reported.

Everyone knows I love little kids, so since I don't have cable I've enlisted friends to keep me informed. Basically the father is a weather chaser and was making this balloon-like thing. The little boy's brother reportedly saw him get in right as wind picked up, took the balloon and little man. So far some reports state he thought the little one fell out, but other reports are stating he is still in the balloon. Either way it is a very scary situation.

The fear is the boy (if he is in the thing) is so light that the balloon is becoming unsteady and going anywhere it pleases. They have re-routed airplanes, flights in order to make sure they don't smash into this little guy. Army National Guard has been out and it seemed that they deflated it some but not enough, they are now stating Black Hawk is 5 minutes away. Not exactly sure what they will do at that point.

Part of me is still hoping that little boy fell out before it took off and is just hiding somewhere in fear of getting in trouble. Unharmed. But due to how serious this is sounding he may be laying, curled up at the bottom of the balloon. Too scared to move.

CNN has just update, it seems the basket-like area is made of thin plywood, if the boy is in fact in it and it crashes it'll break apart. A friend tells me the balloon is only 100 feet now and in an open field, a man is running towards it.