Christmas Present Idea- For Your Girlfriends

Oh, I love momAgenda! (click on graphic to check them out!)

I have the Kitchen Folio and it's just darling- I've printed out all the free downloads and filled them in with all the Sasha family info and have it by the phone in the kitchen- perfect for the babysitter, or for Mr. Sasha- who never seems to know where to find stuff.

Be sure and check out their new holiday downloads too- cards sent/received, gifts purchased, etc. Just what us busy moms need.

Dessert Contest: Final Decision

I gave Slim some power and let her help me decide what to make.

Her vote is for the Chocolate Cavity Maker Cake that Jenny suggested.

Now Slim, do you have a bundt pan I can borrow?

Dessert Contest Idea: Opinions Needed

The following recipe was posted on the bargain board today and with the crazy week I've got, this might be the easiest, as I have all the ingredients on hand. What do you think?

SUPER-DUPER APPLE CAKE

Cake:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 1 1/2 cups applesauce

Icing:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup of milk

For Cake: Mix white cake mix with applesauce until smooth. May take more or less applesauce. Use at own discretion.

Pour mixture into a 9X9 inch baking pan sprayed with cooking spray.

Bake at 350°F in a conventional oven for 30 to 45 minutes or until cake tests done.

For Icing: Melt butter in a sauce pan. Add the remaining ingredients for the icing, stirring rapidly with a wire whisk until smooth. Pour over warm cake.

Here were some additional notes:

• The cake mix powder is mixed with applesauce ONLY, do not prepare the cake according to the directions on the box!
• Many people poked holes in the baked cake before adding the topping. It tastes a bit different, but is not necessary.
• The 'icing' is VERY runny, but don't worry, it's supposed to be!
• Some posters added cinnamon to the cake or the icing. Again, not necessary.
• The recipe calls for a 9x9 pan, but you can use an 8x8, 9x13 and 11x7 and it will worked fine every time.

Does this sound prize-winning? I love all the suggestions I've gotten, and remember I still have the Christmas dessert contest I can use them for. With WC's appointment tomorrow I'm going to be short on time this week and the contest is Thursday.

The Bandage is Off

Well, the bandage is off. Mr. Sasha found it on the floor in the living room on Saturday afternoon.

So we've gone from this:

To this:

I'm still not convinced that all her thrashing around in the recovery room didn't mess up the dermabond. But we're going to see the doctor tomorrow so we shall see what he says. Tomorrow we'll discuss scar care and I'm sure they have us do something to minimize scarring.

Either way, looks like we'll be doing another surgery to remove the remaining scar tissue. I can't imagine not finishing what we started.

It is amazing to me to see how much they removed.

I'll update tomorrow night!

C25K Button

Hey girlies! I know quite a few of you have the C25K button on your sidebar.

Would you switch it out with this code so it will link back to my original C25K post?

<br /><a href="http://www.sashasays.com/2008/01/run-like-wind.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g241/Sasha2599/button2.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Thanks so much!

If you do so, leave me a comment and let me know! I can add you to the C25K Blogroll!

A Little Background on WC's SPD/SID

You know, I'm often asked how I knew that WC's had a problem. How I knew that something was off.

When I picked up The Out-of-Sync Child from the library the other day, I flipped through it on my way out the door. After a few seconds of flipping, I felt my eyes fill up with tears and I moved towards the wall so I could lean against it for a second.

I found it. I found a paragraph that I should print out and give to everyone that knows WC.

From page 193:

A mother wrote me this letter: "By the time Rob was two, I felt he had a special need, but I couldn't figure out what it was. He required constant attention. Time-outs didn't work because I couldn't contain him. He was defiant, disobedient, disrespectful, and demanding. He was always busy, always talking (great verbal skills!), strong willed, contrary, and easily frustrated. I felt blessed to have Rob, and wouldn't trade him for the world, of course, but he constantly tested and rejected me."

And more on the next page.

"What was the reason for his behavior? How could I regain control? What method of discipline would get through to him? If his behavior was an attempt to get my attention, how could I supply it in a way that would satisfy him? How could I help a high-energy child channel his energy in a positive direction? I was desperate for answers."

If you replaced Rob's name with WC's and switched out them hes and hims for shes and hers, I could have written that, word for word.

You don't know how good it feels to know that you are not alone.

WC's Sensory Diet

My Mid Mid-Life Crisis writes: Sasha, I teach children who need some sensory stimulation to help cope with their disabilities. Any suggestions about things you use at home to give your child a "sensory diet"? I have some things I am currently using, but I'm always looking for more suggestions!

That's a great question! I'm currently reading this book and came upon a great section on Sensory Diets.

The Out-of-Sync Child

From page 229 "Just as the main food groups provide daily nutritional requirements, a daily sensory diet fulfills physical and emotional needs. The out-of-sync child needs an individualized diet of tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive nourishment more than most not doesn't know how to get it. So, we must and can help.

A sensory diet includes a combination of alerting, organizing, and calming activities."

Here are some of the things I've found help WC. Some of these came from our OT, and some WC was already seeking herself (smart little thing).

Alerting- benefit the underresponsive child, who needs a boost to become effectively aroused

• Crunchy food- she loves and asks for cereal, popcorn, chips, crackers, pretzels, and ice
• Jumping up and down on a mattress or trampoline- we got a mini tramp at the suggestion of the CDS and WC sometimes seeks it out on her own
• Drinking large amounts of Crystal Light Raspberry Lemonade- WC practically begs for this, and the OT realized that she was "seeking" oral stimulation because this is pretty tart!
• She also loves lots of spicy food- Hot Mustard from McDonald's, salsa, spicy chips- the spicier the better

Organizing- help regulate the child's responses

• Chewy foods- including granola bars, fruit bars, chewy fruit snacks, cheese sticks
• Play dough and coloring
• At OT, she loves that yucky goo that has bugs in it- she loves getting the bugs out

Calming- help decrease sensory overload

• Getting massages- she'll say "I need a massage"- we concentrate on one body part at a time and do sort of a deep-tissue massage
• She insists on us rocking her in the rocking chair before bed- she knows she needs this transition time and rocking helps her relax
• Popsicles- the sucking activity is calming
• We use a white-noise machine in her room at night and she finds it calming

WC's main issue is "regulation" which means she has trouble modulating (adjusting) her mood and senses. Because of this, she needs a sensory diet that includes all of the above since she can go from being understimulated (sensory-seeking) to overstimulated in 60 seconds. Transitions are rough and she can basically be described as uneven. But we have seen great improvement from OT and from simply being more aware of how her system works.
If you don't mind sharing, I'd love to hear what items you include in the sensory diets of your students!

New Avon Limited Edition Pro-To-Go Lippies

Last week my favorite Avon consultant, Valeri, sent me one of the new PRO-TO-Go Limited Edition shades to try! She knows how much I love this highly pigmented lipstick that's sort of like a balm (it's very moisturizing!) and thought I might like to try Party Rouge.

Well, she was right! What a great color! And I love the silver case they are using for the limited edition colors. I just put in an order for Beaming Berry and Shimmering Red because I'm sure I'll like them just as much.

Valerie has offered up a free shipping code for Sasha Says readers to use! And of course, you'll need to go through ebates to get 5% back.

Follow these steps to ensure you get your free shipping AND your ebates rebates.

1. Visit Valerie's site to make her your default rep

2. Log into ebates to get 5% back and go through them to get to the Avon site

3. Once the Avon site pulls up again, you should see Valeri's name near the top of the site

4. Choose your products (don't forget about trying the Magix primer!- it's BOGO half off- so 2 for $15) and then use code FSANY to get free shipping

5. Post here and tell me what you ordered since I'm a makeup junkie and also quite nosy!

Happy Shopping!

Gap Coupon

Click here for a printable for 30% off at Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy valid from Nov 13-16 (in stores only).

OPI Minis

Yesterday I finally got the chance to go to Ulta in an effort to pick up the holiday OPI minis for the bargain price of $5! I love these little bottles and get them every year.

Only I wasn't fast enough! Turns out they sold out on Sunday. Was it you? Did you clean them out? Did you pick up one for me?

If you are local, they said they would get more in Thursday, so I'll be calling to see when they have them out and I'll you know.

Cause it's just that good of a deal!

The Nurse Practitioner Responded

and said not too worry. I hate to quote her without her knowing it, but she basically said if it wasn't oozing, they weren't worried at all and we'd be amazing at how much better it will look with time. Something about if they made it perfect now, the skin would stretch as it heals and it wouldn't be perfect anymore. Now, with a small amount of bunching, it will have room to stretch as it heals. Or something like that.

So we will see them in person next Tuesday and get our scar management plan- I assume it will involve some vitamin E oil or Mederma or those scar sheets or something. I'm on board with whatever they say!

New MomAgenda printables!

New printables at Mom Agenda! Love this stuff! How very Monica!

Change of Plans

Well, we were supposed to be headed south today for our post-op visit to discuss scar care, but since poor WC woke up throwing up in her bed yesterday morning, we've rescheduled for next Tuesday.

I'm getting worried as the bandage wears off though. Click on the pic to make it bigger- see that red raised area on the top part of the wound? That doesn't look right to me.

I've emailed the nurse practitioner to get her opinion. I'm pretty much convinced that when WC was having her devil-possessed drug-induced fit after surgery, she messed up their work. They did internal dissolving stitches and Dermabond on the top layer- and I'm no expert, but what if her thrashing around messed up the part they did the Dermabond on?

I'm crestfallen.... Now I am thinking surgery #2 is definitely in our future and I was really hoping we were done.

What do you guys think? Any experience with post-surgery wounds?

I'm Thankful For

The Politician and The Wild Child

I've been thinking a lot about the holidays and how it's really over-commercialized these days.

I really want to concentrate this year on making it about family, and being thankful for the blessings we've been given.

P and WC, you make it all worthwhile.

What did I do before you? What made my life complete back then?

How did I get so lucky as to be your mom?

GDA: Sephora Inside JCPenney

Thanks to Elaine for sharing!

Good Deal Alert: Glade Holiday Candles at Target

There's a fabulous deal at Target right now on the Glade 4 oz holiday candles. A few of the scents are pictured above- I think there are five holiday scents in total, but the Apple Cinnamon and Cinnamon Gingerbread are my two faves, and since I have my finger on the pulse of the brains of moms everywhere , they'll be your favorites too.

If you purchase 4 of the candles at $2.50 each (total of $10), you'll get a $5 Target giftcard. To make the deal sweeter, you can use two of the coupons that are $1.50 off two candles (11-2 Smart Source insert). So you'll get 4 candles for $2! I'm planning on doing this deal a few times to use as part of my teacher gifts.

New Drink Find

Sierra Mist Free Cranberry Splash tastes a little bit like an alcoholic drink.

That's just what I need right now, so it's really hitting the spot. I've got a cranky copier and 25 copies of a very large document to print.

Good Deal Alert- Free 8X10 at Walgreens

Giveaway!

My FIMH (Friend In My Head) Lyndsay at I Used to Be Witty is having a neat giveaway of Method Baby Bubble Bath.

Go visit, enter, and tell her Sasha sent you!

Dessert Contest Help Needed!

The annual Sasha's Work Thanksgiving Dessert Contest is coming up and I need your help.

Previously, I've won third place twice (read about it here and here) so I need to step up this year!

What's your no-fail recipe that will guarantee me a first place win?

More Sensory Books

I had a question about the prior book and if it had info about children who are sensitive to sound.

I think that book is really more of an "overview" and I don't remember anything specific like that. The two books below, the first in particular, have come highly recommended to me and I have them coming to me.

Too Loud Too Bright Too Fast Too Tight

The Out-of-Sync Child

Recipe: Taco Cornbread Pizza

Last night I was really craving cornbread, so I made the Sasha Family Favorite, Taco Cornbread Pizza from the Kraft website.

I modify slightly, so here's how I do it.

What you'll need:

• 1 pkg. (8.5 oz.) corn muffin mix (I ONLY use Jiffy! 44 cents!)
• 1 egg
• skim milk
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 pkg. taco seasoning mix (I typically get the low sodium McCormick)
• shredded cheese

Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare corn muffin batter as directed on package using egg and skim milk; spread into well-greased 12-inch pizza pan. Bake 8 to 10 min. or until lightly browned.

Meanwhile, cook meat with seasoning mix as directed on package.

Spread meat mixture over the crust and sprinkle with cheese.

Bake an additional 4 to 5 min. or until cheese is melted. Top as desired with lettuce, tomato, sour cream, etc.

There's just something about taco meat and cornbread together that is so yummy!

Christmas Shopping- Post 1

I'm starting to pick up some things for Christmas if I see good deals, which I'm glad to share.

Over the weekend I was telling Mr. Sasha that I really hate the over-commercialization of the holiday season, and I told him I'd heard about doing a "Wise Man Christmas", which, if I understand right, involves giving 3 presents and relating it to the gifts the wise men brought Baby Jesus. Anyone know anything about this idea?

Anyway, I found what I consider to be a good deal on some character Crocs for the kids- regular price $29.99, and they are on sale for $16.99. Remember to use free shipping code crocsavp08.

Cars Crocs

Dora Crocs

Out of the Mouth of WC

Lately, in the car on the way home from school, the kids have been talking on top of each other trying to monopolize my attention.

Yesterday WC got especially frustrated and said, "Mommy, Bubba is messing up my talking!"

Dear Joy Johnson,

You are my hero.

I hope I can be like you when I grow up.

Kudos to you.

Fun Survey Site

Are We Sure It's November?

Last night was a night game, and I had purchased a red cord jacket that I hoped to wear to the game that was sure to make me the best dressed gal in the land.

However, it was 83 degrees at 3 pm yesterday!

So I wore a t shirt, shorts, and flip flops.

In November.

Crazy weather.

Sephora $10 code for the first to take it!

Here's a Sephora code I won't be able to use tonight......

code is YQ7U8UCG

Post in the comments if you've used it so no one else tries it!

All's Well That Ends Well

We are home. And the surgery went great. Here's what her arm currently looks like. They told us this bandage will come off on it's own in a few days.

I'm not going to bore you with all the crazy details of the day, but here are some highlights:

• WC threw up not once, but twice, in her carseat on the way there- evidentally she doesn't do well with orange Gatorade on an empty stomach
• WC can never ever again have Versed because she turns into the devil- hitting, kicking, biting, spitting, basically thrashing around trying to hurt herself and everyone around her
• In fact, after 45 minutes of her beating us up, they had to give her hydrocodone in the recovery room to knock her out so we could get her to calm down so we could start home
• And upon arriving home, we had two flat tires

Mr. Sasha and I appreciate all your thoughts and prayers. We are glad that the procedure went well and anxious for the bandage to come off so we can see it. We may or may not have another procedure done in six months or so to remove the rest of the scar tissue. If it look pretty good, we may just call it done. I needed a beer after all that was over and I'm not sure I want to do it again.

Good Deal Alert: Crocs Pelican Toddler Shoes

Remember how much I love the Crocs Pelican???? Well now you can score a pair for $12.99 with free shipping! The free shipping code is crocsavp08. They have navy for boys, and two different colors for girls.

Now, these only go up to size toddler 8/9, which is what WC wears right now. She's got quite a bit of room left in the lilac , so I ordered the pink ones because I am weak and I cannot resist. Mr. Sasha may be mad at me, but they are only $12.99!

Edited to add: They now have the toddler 10/11 on there in lilac! Don't think I didn't order those too! Mr. Sasha, calm down. They are for next spring.....

Ice Ice Baby

Well, we haven't left yet. Turns out WC's surgery isn't scheduled until 12:30 tomorrow, so we'll just drive down in the AM and save ourselves a hotel stay.
So my main problem right now is how to keep her happy before the surgery tomorrow morning since she can't eat anything after midnight tonight. She can have water and gatorade until 9 am tomorrow though. I got a fabulous tip from a friend to get her some Sonic ice and let her "eat" that on the drive down tomorrow. I think once we get to the surgery center at 10:30 and start doing pre-op stuff, we can keep her distracted.
But I am open to tips and suggestions. I am packing lots of toys and books, including Aquadoodle stuff and coloring books and crayons. Lots of movies too since we have a portable DVD player.
Any ideas?

Where's Sasha?????

Just wanted to let you guys know I'll probably be a bit MIA for the rest of the week.

We're headed south tomorrow to spend the night in a hotel since WC's hemangioma scar revision surgery is scheduled for Thursday morning. Assuming all goes well, we'll be headed home sometime Thursday afternoon since it's an outpatient surgery.

This is also one of my busiest times at work, so I'm trying to get quite a bit done before we leave tomorrow.

We'd appreciate your thoughts or prayers for a safe trip and an uneventful, successful surgery.

Pre-Halloween

Small step backwards.

I thought that The Politician was all set to wear last year's Halloween costume, but at the last minute he vetoed the fireman jacket and chose to wear the Indiana Jones accessories he acquired at a birthday party on Saturday. We couldn't talk him into changing shirts. I do think the baseball T confused some people at the church festival. Someone asked if he was a hobo.

The Wild Child loved her costume. It was a little big and involved some last minute sewing (yes, I can thread a needle!) but it turned out fine.

Now we'll see how Friday goes. Will he be Indiana again, or wear the fireman jacket?

I Can't Wait for November!

Because Hostess is coming out with 100 Calorie Pack Twinkies!!!!!

Yay!

(Can you see the pic? I think my IT dept is on to me and all of the sudden I can't upload pics to blogger, so I tried tinypic, but now I can't see it!!!!)

Woo woo!

Guess what I won as a door prize at my accounting conference today????

$100!

What shall I spend it on?????? I did get an email from Sephora today with a code for $10 off $50.....

Ideas please?

Do You Remember

Mrs. Beasley? This is me in my Mrs. Beasley doll's glasses as a child.

Workin' On My Fitness

Lipstick asks: ......what is your running/workout schedule? Do like mornings, evenings, run around your neighborhood, treadmill?

Well, Lipstick. My schedule is pretty much "fit it in where I can". Weekday mornings are out since I'm already getting up at 5:45.... I simply can't make myself get up any earlier than that! I've also pretty much cut out organizations with weeknight activities-- like being a sorority advisor and Junior League. I really just need the weeknights to spend time with my family and take care of myself. (Although sometimes I do make exceptions for meetings with beer involved, like PTO or a miscellaneous girls night.)

Mon: I pick up kids and Mr. Sasha works out after work
Tues: Mr. Sasha picks up the kids and I work out after work
Wed: I pick up kids and Mr. Sasha works out after work
Thurs: Mr. Sasha picks up the kids and I work out after work
Sat: I meet a friend to run at 7:30 am
Sun: try to fit a run in if possible

We typically share dinner responsibilities and try to eat around 6:00 Monday-Thursday. Neither of us typically exercise on Fridays, as beer is usually in our future.

On Mondays and Wednesdays, if it's a nice night, I'll sometimes try to run outside after dinner.

As for where..... that all depends on the temperature! I'm super hot-natured and hate getting too hot- it makes me feel sick. If it's nice outside (read: cooler than 70) I'll try to run outside, listening to an audio book (currently: Sophie Kinsella's Can You Keep a Secret?). If it's too hot or too cold or rainy, I'm all about the treadmill with a fan on my face! I've got tons of good TV on my Tivo I can watch while I run.

I'm trying to work in some strength stuff, but honestly, running is my true love. I get bored of Minna or Kathy Smith or the Firm gals. They just don't hold my attention. I'm not tired of Jillian yet, but she's only 20 minutes long......

So how do you all fit it in?

Lookybook

You guys with kids should definitely check out Lookybook. It's a site to view entire children's books online before you buy! Very cool! I haven't found a way to search by age, so if you figure that out, let me know!

Shoe Find

What do you think of these?

Women's Mossimo® Irene Peep-Toe Dress Shoes - Red

$22.50 at Target!

Aren't those precious?

I am pretty sure I need them.

MGD 64

Have you tried MGD 64 yet?

I saw a spot for it on the shelf at SuperTarget on Friday, but they were gone.

Dying to know how it tastes!

Punky Kids

At least, that's who I'm assuming did it.

Last week we took the kids to our church's pumpkin patch and let them pick out some pumpkins of various sizes. Mr. Sasha also got three bales of hay and some mums and made the cutest Halloween decoration in our yard.

Yesterday morning we noticed that about half of our pumpkins had been stolen.

Stupid kids. Pisses me off.

Today

I may run to Ulta to get

I saw it in the Nov 2008 Glamour, and here's what they said:

This polish looks dark in the bottle but goes on sheer. I like that it's not too vampy.

Doesn't that sound pretty?

Bloggy Hint: Favicon

I've gotten several comments today on my new Favicon- that's the cute pink S up in address bar you'll see when you are at my site.

First, I created my little S graphic. Now I don't have a fancy graphics program, so I use Paint- otherwise known as the PMPS (Poor Man's PhotoShop). I just created a text box and made a cute pink S and cropped it down to a square.

Then I followed the instructions at Dummies' Guide to Google Blogger to add the Favicon to my template.

Super easy! If you don't have Paint and would like some help creating the graphic, let me know and I'll be glad to do it for you.

Dear Team Trademark,

The Real Estate Pros

I'm missing you guys.

What's up with you?

Richard, are you and Ginger still pretending you don't have a relationship?

Ginger, do you still have a million dogs you bring to work?

How are the Apontes doing? Still pulling all-nighters?

A Trip to the Zoo

The past two Sunday afternoons, after naps, we've headed up to the zoo. The gates close at 5:00, but you can actually stay until dusk. There's practically no one there, and we've taken picnic dinners and had a fabulous time.

Right now we have two baby snow leopards, and they are precious.

But every single time I try to get a picture of the kids together, this is what happens.


The can't sit still long enough for me to even snap the pic. And I've got a Rebel, so there's no shutter lag time.

See? Still moving.

This one is funny because you can see WC in the background getting ready to pounce on P.

Yesterday I entered the kids in the Gap Casting Call. Now we've talked about this before-- don't go entering you own gorgeous kids and beating mine. Now, this isn't the pic of P that I entered since any pic you submit cannot have been "exhibited or displayed publicly through any means previously."

And yes, I know he needs a haircut. Can you come over and do it for me? I just don't have the energy for a greased pig contest.

Are You Watching?

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Making the Team?

Ridicule me if you must, but in this part of the country, drill team and football go hand in hand.

When I was growing up, all young boys had an autographed DCC picture on their wall.

I love this show and am so excited it's back on! (Even Mr. Sasha will sneak a watch, although that may have something to do with the skimpy uniforms.)

I have drill team in my blood. Back in the day I dreamed of being a DCC or a Kilgore Rangerette and damn, I had some good high kicks. Alas, I had to get a job in college and there was no time to be on a drill team anymore.

But I digress. It's really a great watch. Who's with me?

Missing Running Blogroll

Well, I think my Running Revolution blogroll is lost forever.......

So let's start again!

If you'd like to be on the Running Revolution blogroll, let me a comment with a post to your blog.

Dear ESPN,

I need to tell you a little something. Just so you'll know.

This is why the ladies watch GameDay:

Kirk Herbstreit

Mr. Sasha knows all about my not-so-secret crush and even took me half way across the TX state fair so I could catch a view of him in person.

Too cute.

So that's why I don't mind if GameDay takes over the TV each Saturday morning. Not one little bit.

New Beer Find!!!!

Lindemans Framboise

Sweet niblets, this is the best drink I have EVER had. A sweet little waitress suggested this at BJ's last night, where we were having our PTO meeting (we like to drink beer at our meetings).

It looks like wine, pours like a beer with a little foam, and goes down so easy with no bitter aftertaste. Oh how I love thee.

I can't imagine I'll ever drink anything else, that's how much I loved this.

I am going to a liquor store today to get some. (Cause in our state, that's where you have to buy stuff like this.)

So if you come over anytime soon (Slim, to watch FNL?) you are going to have to try some!

Have You Heard About?

The Love Dare

I saw this at Sam's yesterday and picked it up.

I know, I know. You want to say, "Sasha, you always have grand plans for things that are 'projects'. You often buy things like this, read a few chapters, then get busy and they get pushed to the side. Remember 100 Pushups?????"

Yeah, yeah. Don't you judge me! I totally finished the Couch to 5K Plan!

And I think this is different. This looks cool. It's a 40 day program and the back of the book says "The Love Dare is a journey you need to take. It's time to learn they keys to finding true intimacy and developing a dynamic marriage. Take the dare!"

So I think I will. I think Mr. Sasha and I have a great relationship, but life is crazy these days with Mr. Sasha's biz, my job, two small children, and countless other things. I think I could use some reminders to put things in perspective and make our marriage "Fireproof".

It's about 2 pages per day to read, complete with relevant scripture and a dare. Today's dare: "For the next day, resolve to demonstrate patience and to say nothing negative to your spouse at all. If the temptation arises, choose not to say anything."

Want to join in?

If You Are A Boy

Don't read this post. This one's for the girls.

Girlies, I don't know if you are built like me, but I have no shoulders at all so I have to wear T-back bras to keep the straps up.

A friend here at work suggested Maidenform and said they have some great T-back bras, so I placed an order last week, and I love them! There's about 3 to choose from.

Anyway, I wanted to share the deal with you.

Right now, if you order $75, it's free shipping. And going through ebates.com will get you 6% back. Plus I found the code brafit0808 at RetailMeNot and got 20% off! So I got 4 bras shipped for $73.50 and I'll get $4.41 back from ebates.

Heck of a deal.

Have You Followed My Instructions Yet?

and purchased Max Factor's Lash Perfection Volume Couture Mascara?

In my town, Wal-Mart seems to be the only place that carries it. My friend Amanda and I found it there last week and she picked one up and used a $2 coupon I gave her. (She told me last night that she LOVES this mascara! Told ya!)

It just so happens that I have some more $2 coupons that BzzAgent gave me to give to my friends! So if you are local and would like one, just let me know!

Phew! I Did Something Right!

Remember last year's Thomas Debacle?

Well, I got the right day this year!!!!!! Yay for Sasha!

The Politician and his friend C has an absolute blast at Day Out With Thomas! These days C is into saying "Cheese" the entire time you are shooting his pic. That's what he's saying in the pic above.

Fun stuff!

Hot Damn

Lookie what I did- all by myself! A 3 column template!

Actually, I followed the step-by-step guide at The Blogger Guide and made changes to the html and it worked! Modifying your current html code insures you don't lose your widgets. (Although my Running Revolution blogroll seems to have gone missing....)

Off to tweak!

Winner of Parents Magazine Subscription

Comment 21 was left by purango!

I'll be emailing you later this weekend to get your mailing info.

Congrats!

Revelation

I am pretty sure I run better if I've had a few beers the night before- my best time ever was after a girl's night out and 5 beers. I've only had 2 so far, and it's already 10:05, but I think I'll have one more and see if my theory is correct.

Contest: 1 Year Subscription to Parents Magazine

I'm about to renew my Parents Magazine subscription, and it looks like I can give a 1 year gift to someone for free!

If you'd like to enter my contest, leave me a comment before 9 pm CTS on Friday and I'll chose a winner!

Contest is closed, winner announced above! Thanks for participating!

Oh, This Is Just Wonderful

Front of note

Please take notice of the circled area

and what was taped to her daily sheet today

If you are not sure what this is, this should clear it up for you

Back of note

TG for good nose-blowing skills

Also, why are they singing Jingle Bells on October 1st??????

3 Column Template?

I think I would like to have a 3 column template.

Any ideas on good places to get one? I would like something simple like what I have now. No busy background or patterns- just a solid color.

I am finding some stuff on modifying the html myself, and I may give that a shot. Unless of course, someone has a simpler idea.