Last Chance To Grab American Girl's 2016 Girl of the Year!

Enter to win American Girl's 2016 Girl of the Year Lea Clark

If you have a young child in your life you're going to want to enter this giveaway today. My blogging friends and I are joining together to give away an American Girl doll, just in time for the holiday season. All of these simple entries can help you win the one big gift to go under your tree, sit by the candles, and simply shock your little one into disbelief.

My daughter has been blessed and received several American Girl dolls over the years - my mom is a big fan and enjoys surprising my daughter with them as presents for big occasions. We're truly lucky to have her make our holidays and birthdays such fun - and I'm really excited to be doing the same for one lucky little kid out there who might be dreaming of finding Lea Clark under the tree (or wherever you hide your holiday presents!).

Keep reading to find out more about which doll we're giving away, my co-sponsors, and how you can enter to win.

Good luck, y'all. I'm rooting for you!

Lea Clark™, the 2016 Girl of the Year, dives in to new adventures and explores what’s in her heart. 

The 18" Lea doll is only available until 12/31/16, or while supplies last. This American Girl Doll giveaway is for a Lea Clark American Girl Doll, Lea's Exclusive Collection, and her book Lea Dives In–written by Lisa Yee, valued at $180. Giveaway ends on December 11, 2016 at 11:59 pm. Shipping just in time for the holidays!

Meet Lea, the 2016 Girl of the Year™! The 18" Lea doll has warm hazel eyes that open and close, and long, light-brown wavy hair with sun-kissed highlights. She has a huggable cloth body, and her movable head and limbs are made of smooth vinyl.

Lea and her bundled starter set ($180 value!) comes with:

• Brazilian festival outfit: A bright, multicolored dress, featuring an attached braided belt and braided trim on the straps
• Sandals with crisscrossed laces
• Underwear
• An embroidered canvas messenger bag with colorful woven straps
• A pretend compass necklace
• Lea Dives In paperback book
• Lea’s Beach Dress (available only in this collection): A tie-dye-print dress with bows at the shoulders
• Green flip-flop sandals
• Matching sunglasses
• A pretty butterfly hair clip

American Girl Doll Giveaway – Lea Clark 2016 Girl of the Year

Sponsored by:

Life of a Ginger

Good Girl Gone Redneck

Sunny with a Chance of Sprinkles

It's me, debcb!

Beauty in the Mess

Merlot Mommy

Emmy Mom

Penney Lane

Amber Nicole

Embellishmints

Kiss My Tulle

Simply {Darr}ling

Adventures In Familyhood

Mama Mommy Mom

A Madison Mom

The Best Crowe's Nest

 

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Entry-Form

Terms and Conditions:
This American Girl Doll Giveaway is open to US Residents 18 years of age or older. Giveaway ends December 11th at 11:59 PM ET. Winner will be chosen by random drawing. Winner will have 48 hours to reply via email to accept the prize or another winner will be chosen. All entries will be validated. Sponsors reserve the right to invalidate any entry at their discretion. Entering will add your email to our mailing lists. We NEVER share our contacts.

 This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with American Girl, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or Pinterest.

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The Laurie Berkner Band Visits the Triangle!

* The Laurie Berkner Band has sponsored this giveaway to enable me to invite one of my readers to attend this event in Raleigh, NC on February 28th. Full disclaimer is posted below. *

If you're a parent anywhere you have to know who Laurie Berkner is.

And if you don't? I'm going to introduce you right now. Watch.

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Some great holiday gift ideas for your kids!

* Disclaimer: I was given a compensated opportunity to check out Stone's Education Superstore in Raleigh recently. All observations and opinions expressed here come from me or my 7-year-old daughter. Compensation ultimately led to some shopping on-site. That's how cool this store is. *

Stone's Education Superstore has a new location these days, and when you pull up into the shopping center where it is located you're in for a shock - honestly - at least you were if you were me. 

This store is HUGE. 

There is no other word to describe the first impression. It's gigantic. 

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School's (not quite) out for summer.

Summer is so beautiful around here. We get out on the lake a LOT and it's so much fun. Just the fresh air and the water and the sun shining, it's pretty great, honestly. It's a rough life when I think about it - the weekends - anyway. Wanna see?

Gorgeous, right?

I know - I know it is. And how I wish we could be out there all day every day. But summer isn't like that and my husband kind of has to work. I mean - he could skip out - but then we'd have a problem, I'm sure. Or maybe a few ...

But summer is awesome in so many ways. And kind of scary in others.

And so I can't decide if I'm more excited for school to be over than my daughter is ... but I do know that I just might be more terrified.

Here's a little bit about why:

Pro:

NO. MORE. HOMEWORK.

Hallelujah.

Con:

Nothing. I got nothing.

Pro:

Sleeping in!

Con:

Nope. None here, either. Though I probably won't sleep in all that much. We do have two dogs and all. I should probably help my husband with them in the mornings, right?

So, these two things seem pretty awesome, don't they? They totally would mean every and anything to any sane parent and should outweigh any not-so-great things we might have to deal with, sure. I mean - what IS my problem, you might ask. Stay with me. It's coming.

Pro:

No more creating enticing portable lunches!

Con:

EVERY.SINGLE.MEAL. Of the day. At home. And snacks.

Pro:

No more "required" reading.

Con:

Right now I've been asking her for about forty minutes to find a book and read it so she can do her homework assignment. Pick a book - ANY book.

She can't find one. In the possible hundreds of books she has in her room she wants to read Brown Bear, Brown Bear. Yes. I don't know why I have kept all the old books, either. They were sort of helpful when she first started really reading on her own. Gave her an accomplished feeling. And the nostalgia. That's there, too.

And fine. I'm a book addict. I just can't seem to give them away. So there. I said it.

Pro:

More time together. I'm really honestly looking forward to this. I am. I miss her in the not-quite-fall when school starts around here. I do. It's a tug at the heartstrings when she starts her next grade. And so I'm happy to have time together - where we can do whatever and have fun.

Con:

SO much time together. She's bored. She's hungry. She wants me to play tea party with water in little ceramic cups that taste awful and Nerds in a small cup for snack. Nerds from like two Halloweens ago, I'm pretty sure. I'm not always up for tea party, man. I'm just not.

Am I an awful mom for saying so? Nah. Just keepin' it real.

Saying these things doesn't make me a mean mom or a bad one. It doesn't mean I don't love my child. It *might* mean that I enjoy some quiet time where there isn't noise surrounding me or balloons being tossed about. Seriously, who invented balloons, people? Because I need to have a word with him. Yeah - I feel that it's a him. I just know it. Grrrr.

This summer my daughter will be spending some time away from me. I'm honestly terrified of that upcoming experience so I have decided not to talk about it at all right now. I'm sure it will be fine, but hush. Don't ask and let's just pretend I didn't say anything, okay?

She'll also be headed to day camp for a week. Maybe a second week, because I think with all of the time we have "free" I might just want to sign her up so she has more fun. Maybe. Possibly. We'll see.

Some might say I should consider year-round school. Nah. Not feelin' it. I'm a traditional calendar kinda' mom.

Even if it means I may have to talk to my doctor about upping my medication a little.

You probably laughed there. I did, too. And yet there's always some truth in jest, isn't there? Just a little?

I'm linking up with Shell over at Things I Can't Say today. Her Pour Your Heart Out post this week is pretty much the opposite of what I just wrote here, and I think that's interesting. Maybe it is entirely about the ages. Maybe it's because she has three and her kids can entertain one another? Maybe it's because I don't drive and that totally cramps my "entertain my kid" style?

And to wrap up my night, and my post, I've included my latest Instagram share.

Me.

Hours after this post first began.

After dinner - sort of.

After a small break - sort of.

And not quite completely after homework.

It was still going on when I took this selfie. STILL. GOING. ON.

So. Yeah. This is mommy's homework face.

Maybe summer won't be so bad after all ...

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New Solo Album: Genevieve Goings

* I am participating in this campaign via The Entertainment New Media Network. I am an influencer over at ENMN and will be compensated for this post. All expressed opinions are strictly my own. *

Genevieve Goings, star of Disney Junior's hit TV show Choo Choo Soul, is releasing her first solo album this June. The album, titled Do You Know? will be out on June 3rd, but the first single was released this week!

My Telephone Number Is is a fun song that teaches our little ones a fun way to memorize their phone number(s). Geared towards children aged 2-7, Goings has an entertaining beat running to encourage kids to sing along with their own phone numbers. I can guarantee that my own daughter will be singing the "doo doo doo" part instead for a bit. It's really catchy. And if I'm being honest ... it's kind of been running through my head since early this morning. But no matter - that's what a great kids' song does to a parent! * Let it go, anyone? * 

I have not been lucky enough to meet Genevieve yet, but several of my friends have (at a variety of blog conference events). And I'm pleased to report that word on the street says she's as genuine as she seems. A down to earth and real person? Entertaining our children? Sign me up!

Here's a peek at the video:

See how cute it is? And you can order the single now: My Telephone Number Is... - Single

Genevieve also has an app on iTunes called Sing with Genevieve and you can download it for free today!

You can also find Genevieve on all aspects of social media:

@ChooChooGirl on Twitter, and at GenevieveGoings on Facebook and Instagram.

* I am participating in this campaign via The Entertainment New Media Network. I am an influencer over at ENMN and will be compensated for this post. All expressed opinions are strictly my own. There are affiliate links throughout this post that might toss me a few pennies if you buy this music! *

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AMF Summer Steals!

#ad: I am participating in the One2One Network's ad campaign for AMF Unplugged/Summer Pass programs again this year. I'm not being compensated in any way but am eligible to receive a prize. Honestly, I love this freebie so much I figured why not volunteer? I share the info every year and if it helps SOMEONE on one extremely hot day this summer? Well ... that'll be worth it. Honest. It's freakin' hot out there!

It's summertime, and you know what that means, right? 

AMF's Summer Unplugged and Summer Pass programs are up and running again!

Summer Unplugged is their awesome program where kids bowl free daily until 8pm. 

Yes. DAILY. 

TWO games. EVERY SINGLE DAY. 

If your kids are like mine and like to do the same thing over and over and over again? This is even more awesome for you, seriously. 

Bowling for free. This summer. Every day. Two games. Bring the kids. Get your friends to bring their kids. Give the lil ones a ball and let 'em roll. Seriously. Do it. 

It's so easy to register, too. Just head on over to the Summer Unplugged info page and you'll find quick and simple step-by-step instructions. You register, you'll get email info and you're good to go. 

The program is already underway and runs through early September, so you'll be set through the whole summer and finish up right as school starts (for some) or shortly thereafter. 

And they've tweaked their program this year so you don't have to print out new coupons or emails every week. All you need to do is have your membership card on-hand and be ready to go! AND ...

Find that two games aren't enough for your crew? 

Spend an extra $1.49 and you're covered for another game. It's their Stay and Play option, and for a few extra bucks it might be worth it to beat the heat. 

AMF also has a great deal on summer passes for adults right now that covers the same timeframe as their Unplugged program!

Spend $34.95 and you're covering two games for yourself (as the pass owner) and THREE GUESTS (age 16+)! What? That's crazy!!! I might have to consider that for myself this season!

Not sure if there is an AMF location near you? Head on over to check out the AMF Centers info today and find out.

Reminder: I am participating in the One2One Network's ad campaign for AMF Unplugged/Summer Pass programs again this year. I'm not being compensated in any way but am eligible to receive a prize. I just like the program so much that I want to share the details. And I promise, it's worth it, even if you only use it once, what's it harm you to fill out the form and get this freebie? Nada. Nothing. No worries at all. So go on. Do it. And enjoy!

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Moments of Motherhood: Firsts

So many thoughts. 

So many things we did this weekend. 

The Overdue Recap gets you through Saturday. I was soooo exhausted. Whew. 

Sunday was different. 

The husband and I did something incredibly enjoyable. 

And for the very first time. 

EVER.

You know you're a mom when going to the movies with your husband while your child is at a drop-in childcare place is a monumental event. 

I mean it. 

The child turned six but a week ago. 

We had NEVER EVER done that before. 

We went to the movies. 

DURING THE DAY.

On a SUNDAY afternoon, people. 

WITHOUT OUR DAUGHTER. 

This is HUGE. 

I CAN'T STOP USING CAPS. 

THAT HUGE.

We dropped her off. She cried. She cries at nothing like this ever. I think she was over-tired. Exhausted. Read that recap again. See how much this kid did on Saturday? You'd be tired, too. And you'd have a sugar crash like nobody's business. 

So we dropped her off and she teared up some, but it was still awesome. She enjoyed herself and after the movie we hit the bookstore for a short bit and went our separate ways and neither of us had to go to the children's section or the train or Lego area or anywhere we didn't want to go. AT ALL! 

When we went to pick her up my husband was feeling guilty. 

Me? I was thinking ahead and trying to figure out when we can do it again. 

Oops. 

It helped that she really didn't want to leave. To the point that she held onto the pole outside of the location for a few minutes, pulling an over-exaggerated 6-yo routine. 

She was whiny and cranky at dinner, which we did early and out, and I enjoyed A LOT, even with her crankiness. It's amazing what a few hours of Die Hard #900 can do for you when you're watching sh*t blow up and stuff and not fighting for the popcorn. 

So I went to the movies with my husband. Without my kid. 

And we had a good time. 

Consider linking up with me today to share some of your own moments of motherhood. Good, bad, in-between ... we all have those you know you're a mom when moments. What are yours?

** Note, I've been having some trouble with linkytools, so today I'm trying the thumbnail linky approach. If you don't see your link after submitting feel free to message me via email/FB/Twitter so I can check it out! **

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Playdates ... @ShotatLife

Isn't it easy and fun for us to plan a playdate in today's world?

All we have to do is text a mom-friend, call them, find them on Facebook or any other online social media method of connecting and we set something up in no time at all.

Our kids are healthy. Playdates spread germs. It's not the worst thing. A snotty nose? Yeah - us, too. Is it clear? Yep. Alright - let's get together.

Hit the park? Playground? Sure - I'll bring the wipes. Antibacterial hand sanitizer. We'll head to the splash-grounds after. Run home and pop them into the bath or shower. Easy clean-up.

See this little boy? See his runny nose? He's adorable, and he's happy, but is he healthy? Is he healthy enough that you'd let your little ones run around and play with him?

I'd love to think that we'd all say yes, of course! But ...

1 in 5 children around the world lack access to life-saving vaccines. 

Your typical playdate in other areas of the world?  Surely different than those we have here.

And yet ... look at these children.

They're happy. You can see how happy they are. 

But how well are they? 

How much disease is being spread from child to child across these kinds of playdates? 

Every year, 1.5 million children die from vaccine-preventable diseases in developing countries. 

Why are these children not vaccinated? 

What can we do to help? 

How can we ensure that children all across the world have a Shot At Life? 

A shot at ...

Their first baseball game.
Their first school trip.
Their first ice cream cone.
Their first airplane ride.
Their first swim with dolphins.

Trip to Disney. High School prom. Training bras. Basketball games. Bus rides. Baking a cake. Licking the frosting. Cookie cutters. Running barefoot through the grass. Finger painting. Kiss from a dog.

The first time someone holds their hand.

Looks into their eyes.

Tells them they love them.

All of these things are amazing. Incredible. Emotional.

But what I really wish for for these kids?

Is a shot at their next birthday.

I am participating in a blogging carnival to promote awareness as coordinated by Shot@Life. I received no compensation for this post and am truly hoping to help educate and inform my readers - and myself - on all that is happening outside the immediate communities that surround us. And help support children all across this tremendous world. Because without us - what do many of them truly have? Please help.

All images were provided by Shot@Life. 

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Bowling freebies and great deals!

Last summer it was about 900 degrees every single day in North Carolina.

Seriously.

Especially on the weekends, when we were desperate for something to do with our daughter.

Seriously. I mean it. (I said about - right?)

So where would we want to go on days like those?

If you've answered anywhere with air conditioning, you're correct. Sort of. Because anywhere isn't good enough. We have to be sure to entertain our child. And ourselves. Otherwise the AC is a waste and we might as well stay home. Then we wouldn't have to step out into the heat to go to the car.

So, if you're looking for something to do with your kiddos, I have an affordable option for you. We took advantage of this last year, and plan to do so again this sweaty season.

AMF is offering their Summer Unplugged program again this year!

All you have to do is sign up here and pick the location that is closest and most convenient to you. There are over 250 locations so you're bound to find one that works for you!

It's really simple, too. Every week you'll get an email sent to you with your free games coupon and you'll be covered. Kids bowl free every day until 8PM. The program runs from May 14th through September 3rd. Can you imagine how many free games you can fit in during that time period? Even if you only take them once a week, you'd be good to go! They even have a deal for kids' meals at the bowling alley where it'll only cost you $3.29 to feed the munchkins. Or monsters. Whatever you prefer to call them is fine. They'll play for free and eat super cheap.

AMF also has a summer pass for the grown-ups (or the almost grown-ups, 16+) where you can spend $29.95 and get four games daily for the adults in your party. So every time you take your kiddos and you are required to play along, you're covered, too. Just one payment of under thirty bucks will cover you for the rest of the summer! (Shoe fees are not included, but come on - how cheap are they, right?)

If you want to check out the details of the Summer Pass just click <--that link! <--the one over there!

I can promise you that it's worth checking out. If anything, do the freebie, tell all your friends about it. I can tell you for certain that there will be that one day (it'll probably be more, but start slow, it's okay to be skeptical. It's okay to say you don't bowl. Don't worry ... it honestly doesn't matter much!) that you turn to your spouse, partner, boyfriend, girlfriend, fellow mom/dad/grandparent and say to yourself, what the HECK are we going to do with them today that doesn't include spending $100 on food, entertainment and drive us completely insane? And you'll be thanking me when that day comes - because you'll be so happy you signed up for this freebie bowling for your age 15 and under kids. Seriously. Just do it. Then I won't have to say I told you so.

btw - please feel free to let me know if you take advantage of this offer. I'd love to be able to let AMF know how many people they've helped get through the crazy hot days. And any other cool and comfortable family-friendly summer activity ideas that you might have that are cost-efficient are worth sharing, as well. 

Most importantly? Have fun out there (and stay cool - that's obviously really important to me, as well)!

* Thanks to the One2One Network for allowing me to participate in this campaign. In doing so and sharing this post I am eligible for a prize drawing. However, all expressed opinions are entirely my own, and I'm happy to say I actually participated in this freebie program last summer without any prompting or blog posting and truly appreciated what AMF is doing for parents everywhere! 

* For more information on AMF you can check them out on Twitter and Facebook.

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Being a kid ...

When I saw this prompt from Monday Listicles over at Rachel's place, I decided I had to participate to share something more upbeat about my child after yesterday's post. Cause she's an incredible, light-hearted, thoughtful, spunky and fun little one. And she's got it made, hasn't she?



This week is kid edition. List of ten reasons why being a child is great. Or why it is not. Up to you.

Top Ten Reasons Being a Kid is GREAT!

10. Eating without calories.
- I know that's not true. But it sure felt like it and seems like it for my kiddo!

9. Applause when you do something successfully.
- Who claps for me when I go potty? Oh, yeah. My kid used to.

8. TV at your demand.
- There was no "Can you rewind it?" or "Can you go to the beginning?" when I was growing up. When I was a kid I had to walk over to the television and change.the.CHANNEL!

7. Someone wipes your behind.
- Okay, so I don't really want that, but there are days ...

6. She likes doing the dishes.
- You know, I used to, also. Used to. Until they tripled. Or more. She also likes using about 3-4 spoons per yogurt. Who gets away with that as an adult?

5. The big people are at your disposal.
- They are. Even when they (we) tell you they're (we're) not. If you need us we are there. If you need something it is provided to you. Within reason, of course. But still. Who is at my disposal these days? Sigh. I need a few fairies around here.

4. Your heart hasn't yet been broken.
- Sure, sometimes it feels like it hurts. But you have not yet experienced true heartbreak. And I like it that way. I loved it that way for myself, too.

3. Trust is almost always a given.
- The innocence of childhood permits you to trust everyone. Your parents do the weeding out. The non-trusting. There is no violation of trust for you where you might suspect mis-deeds. It's a beautiful time. I miss it. Sometimes.

2. Everyone is your friend.
- Cousins, neighbors, fellow girl scouts, people you meet at Chick-fil-a. They're your friends. You remember them well. The openness is amazing. You're warm, you're embracing, you're pure and you're true.

1. Money doesn't matter.
- Why did I save that for last? I don't know. I should have moved #2 down, but I honestly felt it when I wrote it. It's not a big countdown of ideas here, people. I promise. It's just amazing how children can walk through Target (when they're not screaming their heads off) and think that it's entirely at their fingertips. They can have anything in the store because Mommy and Daddy can buy it. And I don't mean that she wants it all - though often she asks for it all - but she truly thinks we CAN buy it all. It's incredible to see her eyes light up at the toys and the games and the random things that one would never think she'd want. And it isn't an *I must have this now* kind of mentality. She honestly says, "For my next birthday - when I'm six," so she means well. But her eyes are SO big and wide, that she'd ask that whether it were a few Barbies, a LalaLoopsy or something a 2-yo might play with. She'd ask for a grown-up scooter, a piece of furniture or something for the dogs. I suppose it's the true innocence when it comes to wanting and understanding what CAN be had that made me put this last. It's pure. It's real. It's the same way when it comes to shopping for birthday gifts for her little friends. She'd spent $50 just as sure as she'd spend $5. And you know what? I hate curbing that - but a budget's a budget, people.

So - there you have it. My list of children's amazing things. Or my child's.

Oh, wait. I forgot two more.

ICE CREAM.
- It's like a food group.

Love your body.
- Only as a child can one run around the house buck nekkid or half-dressed and be 100% comfortable with who they are.

*You'd think those two would contradict one another but it's so amazing how they don't seem to do that until one is an understanding adult.

I first thought this would be a bunch of my own memories, but then I read the prompt and this suited today more. Happy Monday, all!

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Find your moments

For some reason this picture of my daughter has been haunting me since I took it last week. First, I took it with my phone and just keep looking at it in awe that my new phone captured such a great shot.

And then there is the non-technological aspect of the picture. Just look at her.


The hair. You can't miss the hair. These days I look at her, or I take her picture, and all I see is her incredible hair. And when I see that hair, I see myself. I see me of so many years ago. I see her smile, I see my own. I see her eyes and it's like a reflection.

I know she looks like her father. I know my husband was a part of this, too. Seriously, he was. No worries there! But looking at her, seeing her as a little girl who is growing up ... there is so much of me that I see. It reminds me of who I was. The parts of me I don't really remember being.

I'm amazed that I helped create this individual who is full of energy and fire. Full of emotion and intensity. Full of initiative and desire. This spitfire who doesn't stand still for a moment. My mom says that was me, too. That I climbed porches and ran up to people and did whatever was in my head and heart and I just had to do.

I wish for my daughter so many things. Too many to add to a photograph this small, (although I finally figured out I could do it on Picnik the same way I *mark* my photos, yay!) but I can whittle the list down to what is of the most importance for me - for her - for right now.


There is, however, one (or maybe two) thing missing from this, because Picnik decided to be non-cooperative, so I missed the line of our current favorite song.

She wears high heels, I wear sneakers.
She's cheer captain and I'm on the bleachers ...

And for that I say, Thank you, Taylor Swift!

So, what moments and memories are you trying to capture for your children? Your family? YOU?

I am linking up with Galit and Alison and their Memories Captured link up this week. If you'd like to do the same click either of their names above!

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This Magic Moment ...

... so different and so new.

Please tell me I'm not the only person in bloggy-land to know this song?

Have you checked over at Shell's place yet? She's got another incredible linky going on, and I'm definitely jumping in to play. It's about magic moments. Could you tell?

Here are a few of mine:

~ New love ~

~ First time at the beach ~

~ Strawberry Picking ~

~ First MLB game ~

~ A perfect kick ~

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You Know You're a Mom When ...

I haven't done one of these in a while, and as I sit here and it's nearly midnight, I think it's long overdue.

You know you're a mom when ...

... You can practically recite the words to entire episodes of Good Luck, Charlie.

... You can't fall asleep at night because the theme song to Shake It Up is rattling around your brain. Sh-sh-sh shake it up!

... You find yourself making Ovaltine "chocolate milk" at request several times a day.

... You've been summoned to play hide and seek for the fourth time in the past hour.

... The little person you are seeking has no problem using the same hiding place multiple times. In a ROW.

... She also TELLS you where she is hiding, so you have to pretend you don't know just so the game runs a bit longer and you get to go pee in peace! Seriously - don't tell me you haven't done it, too!

... You've watched the Phineas & Ferb movie about 15x in the past two weeks.

... And the crazy show Wipeout at least a dozen. In the last week. As in ONE week. Help me!

... You find yourself stepping on things that stick to your feet - like stickers, little bits of construction paper and f*cking Legos!

... Your couch has turned into a toy box.

... You find yourself asking if she wants to eat breakfast at the big table, or the little table. Which also means in front of the TV.

... Baking things can be fun and somewhat cathartic, except when little hands and bodies get in your way or under your feet. And then you lose it. Your mind. Your patience. And your sanity. Assuming you had any of that left to begin with.

... You wouldn't change having this little person in your life for anything in the world. Except maybe a little more sleep!

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Sharing Summer Fun!

I'm linking up today with Shell to share some of my family's summer fun memories from the year. Though summer isn't nearly over yet, we've already been pretty busy, and the kiddo seemed to enjoy herself no matter what we've been up to!

And if you're a little confused about the "property of" I actually have another blog going on where I'm chronicling our outdoor times and trying to recap our summer a bit, as best we can. You can check it out over at Our Fifteen Minutes and feel free to say hey.

And definitely head on over (click the pretty button above) to link up your Summer Fun for a chance to win prizes from Ubisoft!

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'Twas the Morning of Christmas Eve Day

With Mommy in the kitchen and Daddy at the lap (top),
The child settled in with a yelp and a clap!

What are you doing? she asked, sly as a fox.
Making pumpkin muffins, straight out of the box!

A box, you question, your eyes full of fright.
But the taste and the flavor was exceptionally light.

Muffins for breakfast, not one, two, but three.
Can we leave one for Santa when he comes to our tree?

For Santa? A muffin? Really? I said.
But of course, said the child, digging into the bread.

And cookies, too, with gingerbread lumps.
That we decorated yesterday, with fresh icing bumps.

Can we make more today? asked the child with glee.
But of course we can, honey, said the quite tired me.

And the errands we ran, as the morning progressed,
Then we came home to eat and to get a little rest.

And Daddy ran out, back to the store,
For stockings must be stuffed and that we can't ignore.

For tonight is Christmas Eve, and with the blessing of being a Jew
Daddy is in charge, not me and not you!

Of course somehow I end up being gift wrapper extraordinaire.
And shopper, and baker, and whatever I dare.

To myself I count the hours til you crawl into bed,
With visions of Santa Claus dancing in your head.
And I'll say to myself, Hey, what do you think?
And my answer shall be - my G-d, I need a drink!

So to all out there celebrating Christmas today,
Where the parents play Santa and kids hide away,
I suggest you pretend to hear Santa's sled,
So that your children shall hurry to bed,

And then as their eyes roll into their heads,
You can break into your own stash of cookies and bread!

And once you do that, well, what else do you think?
You should all pour YOURSELVES something to drink!

Cheers to all and a Merry Christmas!

And yadda yadda yadda ...

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Wordless Wednesday: Sneaky Kid!

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