OH New Years...What Resolution (s) Shall I Pick This Year?

A new year!  New perspective perhaps?  A Fresh Start in 2011!  Out with the OLD and in with the NEW!  You know...all those lovely sayings!   

Does the New Year always bring RESOLUTIONS for you & your family members?

Perhaps it's something about your eating (like trying to eat healthy, cut back on how much you eat, etc.)?  Maybe it's getting into shape in the "New" year?

Want to know One Bored Mommy's NEW YEAR's RESOLUTIONS?

This year, 2011, I am excited to "RESOLVE" to yell less, smile more, have more faith, read my bible more often, pray more often, eat healthier, find a workout program I will stick to, tell my family I love them more, be more charitable, spend less time on the computer (yes, I said that) and more time in the real world with my family, where it really COUNTS. 

Wow!  That was a mouthful! 

So we'll see...I would love to be able to stick to them all if I can!  How great would it be, for me to be able to report back (or have my family report back) that I learned how to handle things without yelling & screaming about everything, that they never saw me frown or scowl, they saw me with my head in my bible or with my eyes shut in conversation with my Lord a lot more often, eating lots of salads, fruits & a healthier diet, doing ZUMBA at least three times a week (cause I think I might like that), that every family member knows (without a doubt) that I love them, that I gave more of myself and my talents, and yes...that I spent less time typing on the computer keys and more time chatting & loving on my kids (since soon they will be all grown up and moved on).

I would feel great about accomplishing each and every one of those things!  Some I am actually pretty good at already (but could still use more effort) and others I really need to start TRYING HARDER.

Pray for me & I'll pray for you!  Let's stick to our NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS this year!

Good Bye 2010! It's Been Nice Knowing You!!

When you think back on this year, has a lot happened for you? 

Hopefully most of it has been positive! 

I know, for our family, this year has been busy, productive and has flown by faster than 2009.  You know that old saying, "time flies when you're having fun". 

I truly am a believer of that now! 

So, I am saying, "GOODBYE 2010!"  It's been really  nice knowing you! 

Hello (almost) 2011! 
Can't wait to see what adventures & good times this New Year holds!

This Year's HGTV "Dream Home" Is In...

VERMONT! 

And it's just as amazing, if not more amazing than last years!  It's funny...this DREAM HOME contest has been one that I have been entering to win for about 7 years now.  I get excited every year, entering everyday in hopes that they will be knocking on my door, with cameras in hand...to announce that our family is the winner! 

CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEOS OF THE INTERIOR & EXTERIOR!

I mean...who wouldn't want to win this amazing home and all the prizes that go along with it...like: CLICK HERE to see the list

So, just a heads up...I will be entering this giveaway daily and praying that maybe...this will be the year that all my hard work (entering) will pay off! We'll see...maybe it will be you instead!

This giveaway starts on January 1, 2011 and will end on February 18, 2011.

I was not paid to feature this post! I was not compensated in any way!

Extremely Thankful For Electricity, A Working Heater And Shelter From The Storm...

Well, the blizzard continues and the winds have seriously "ROARED" all night long.  The snow is still coming down and because of the wind, makes it almost completely white outside.  It's currently 18 degrees outside, but feels like 3.  YES...3!  We have also received an estimated 12 inches of snow so far!  Brr...baby it's cold & snowy outside!

I have to tell you, as my hubby and I were talking and watching t.v. last night, the power flickered, we heard a really loud buzzing sound and then everything was okay again.  I was terrified we were loosing power.   Yes, I am a terrible wuss about storms!   I even ran and got the flashlights at hand, so we wouldn't be left in the dark in case it did go out.  I updated my facebook status, to find that a friend that lives a couple miles over had lost power.  Thankfully, they have a wood burning fireplace in their house, so they ( I am praying) managed to stay warm all night last night.  I did offer for them to come stay with us.

So, I crawled into bed listening to the winds whistle and howl and praying that GOD would keep our electricity on all night.  I couldn't imagine waking up in the freezing cold to find that the power had gone out and we were without heat...and thankfully GOD answered my prayers.

I have to feel for those who have no home.  How they survive living outside in conditions like these is beyond me?  I am so thankful for all GOD has provided our family.  For a hardworking husband who makes the money, so we can pay our electricity bill, fill up our oil tank, keep our heater warm so our kids & I stay warm and can pay the rent so we have shelter over our heads in storms like such...and all the time for that matter.  We are so blessed!  I think to many times I take it for granted and it was revealed to me, through the storm, that I have nothing to complain about ever! 

We are provided for...and for that I am so thankful!

If Only I Shared Their Enthusiasm...

If you read the blog yesterday, you saw that a BLIZZARD (yes...a real blizzard) hit the tri-state area.  At about 10:00 this morning, the snow started falling lightly on the ground and because it was so cold, it immediately started sticking (not melting)...so by about 1:00ish, there was substantial snow on the ground.  The winds were blowing and the air was so cold, it went straight through your layers of clothes to your bones...TRUST ME...I know from experience.

Doesn't he look excited to be outside in the snow? 

And her...she threw herself on the ground and started making a beautiful snow angel.

If only I shared their enthusiasm.  Instead...I felt kind of like her...but even more severe!  And this was just the start. It has continued to snow, even more steadily and fiercely down, as the winds blow.  The mayors office was warning of power outages (which makes me freak out...cause I can't survive without a heater cranked to 72 degrees) and severe driving conditions.  YIKES!  It's kind of scary.  Some people think it's beautiful, but it frightens this California girl.  I'm not ashamed to say so.  I would be the first to pack overnight bags for everyone and head straight to the hotel down the street...so we don't have to freeze.  We don't even have a fireplace in our house, so with no electricity, that means NO HEAT AT ALL!  Brrr...

We'll see what the house looks like tomorrow, but at around 3:00 today, the ground was totally covered and the snow is still falling, it's suppose to continue all through the night tonight and even into tomorrow.  YUCK!  We'll survive...but thanks for letting me vent my frustration at MOTHER NATURE for bringing the first substantial snow fall in the shape & form of a BLIZZARD instead of a light dusting of snow. 

OH SHOPPERS...Where's The Best "After Christmas" Sales This Year?

I know I won't be one who is out scouring store shelves for bargains and super duper discounts the day after Christmas.  I mean, a blizzard is coming for heaven sakes!  But that doesn't mean that I can't shop online for great deals!  You've just got to love technology!

You guys know I love my online shopping...

Yahoo has a great list of sales for today: CLICK HERE to check it out!

Let me know if you know of any others!  Not only I could benefit from knowing, but our other readers (cause you know there are thousands of them) will love the advice too!

Happy Shopping...and I hope you really get some great bargains today!  Perhaps you can get all your Christmas Shopping for 2011 done today?  I know some people make that their goal!  I, of course, am not one of them...but kudos to those that can!

A Blizzard Is Coming! A Blizzard Is Coming!

I know..the previous blog explained that we are going out of town...but out trip got pushed back a bit because of my husband's work!  It was a little disappointing, because we were truly looking forward to a vacation in OHIO with our family during the holidays and now it looks more like we will be going for only a few days (if at all) because of our late start leaving.  Oh well, at least we will get to ring in the New Year with our loved ones!

So, because we didn't leave yesterday afternoon (after all the presents and celebration were over), I was at home last night...watching t.v. and drinking green tea to relax from all the excitement.  Across the top of the t.v. screen flashed the WARNING that I dread seeing at this time of the year.  Though I can't complain so far this year, because we haven't had any substantial snow at all, I'd be OK if Connecticut had a very dry winter.  IT SAID, "WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT!"  "Blizzard conditions bringing 11-16 inches of snow".  OH MY GOSH!  Sounds like we are going to be stuck at home for the next couple days! 

The snow blower is ready for work...all gassed up and the oil level checked.  Thank goodness for it!  Our first year living here, we got an exceptional amount of snow and only had a silly shovel!  Boy was that a bad way to break us into living in the snow again!  Made me want to run, in tears, back to California where they long for snow...but never get it!

I came across this picture and I have to say...they have the right idea...and if we live in snowy weather states much longer...I know what I will be asking Santa for in a few years!  Isn't this awesome?  It's a golf cart with a snow plow attached to the front...but the best part, the canopy. So you aren't snowed on and absolutely frozen to the bone when you're done plowing!  AWESOME!!

So pray for us please...for the weather to clear in time for us to make it to OHIO for a few years to see our family before 2011.  That the weather man is wrong and we only get a coupe inches of snow.  That I find the stamina to get the driveway plowed and keep a positive attitude while I do it.  Thanks guys!

In Case You're Wondering Where I Went...

We're headed to OHIO to visit Grandma & Papa, Aunts, Uncles & Cousins for Christmas/New Years!  Please, pray for safety as we travel and protection over our family while we visit!  I would love for us to not have any hospital visits while we are there. 

Don't forget to keep reading...and entering the giveaways! 

CLICK HERE FOR THE LIST!!

There are some great ones to enter and I'll be back in the NEW YEAR to chat & share with you guys some more!

I'll miss you guys (and I hope you'll miss me too)...but we are going to have an awesome NEW YEAR on the One Bored Mommy Blogspot! So don't forget about me while I'm gone...OK?  Feel free to leave a comment if you'd like!  That always makes me feel loved!

My Husband Gave Me A Christmas Surprise This Morning...I Should Be Called "ONE SPOILED MOMMY" Instead!

Our family is so blessed!  Our kids went to bed last night...so excited about waking up to find a tree full of presents (like they do every year) and without fail...that's exactly what they found. Our oldest daughter and our youngest son woke early (at 5:30 am) and made their way down the stairs (which woke me up) to find Santa had not only visited, but had left some amazing gifts for each of them and stockings filled with lovely goodies too.  SPOILED KIDS!

However, I can't really talk.  Every year at Christmas, my husband does me right by buying me clothing and shoes, new sexy panties (I added that for my parents) and beautiful things.  This year, I had asked for a laptop.  I normally don't ask for anything...because I know he's not going to pick out something I won't love.  In the almost nine years that we've been married, I've only had to take 3 things back (because it didn't fit or was something I didn't like).  Out of the hundreds of things he's purchased me...that's pretty good odds. 

Anyway, after everyone was awake, we went about our present unwrapping...taking turns by age and my husband found me some beautiful presents again this year.  The only thing missing under the tree?  The laptop that I had "specifically" asked for.  I thought to myself, "well, maybe it was to much of an expense to ask for, for Christmas".  So, I tossed the disappointed feelings over my shoulder (cause I definitely didn't want to let it ruin our birthday celebration) as he proceeded to put on his boots, jacket and head outside.  He comes back in carrying another present...MY LAPTOP.  It was all wrapped and pretty, but the present inside made my face smile immediately! 

 I am just as spoiled as my kids...but I do work really hard as their mommy and sometimes deserve a treat too, right?

So, this is my first "OFFICIAL" blog post from my new laptop.  What do you think?  I am having to get used to a mouse pad, instead of an actual mouse, but so far...I really like it!  I love that it's portable..as I am sitting on our fombag right now, watching the kids play with their Christmas toys together and I am not cooped up in our office...this is going to be such a blessing to me!

Thank you John!  I love my Christmas present!  You're awesome...and having you as my husband makes me feel like the QUEEN of the Castle!  I LOVE YOU!

~Merry Christmas~ Feliz Navidad~Joyeux Noel~Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan~

Doesn't matter what language you say it in...it means the same thing:

MERRY CHRISTMAS Friends!

Because This Is The Reason We Celebrate Christmas...

Here is the ESV Bible Version:  Luke 2:1-20 for the "REAL" reason we celebrate Christmas!

The Birth of Jesus Christ

2:1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when [1] Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, [2] who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” [3]

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Fabulous Fashionable Friday -Highlight on "Not Your Daughter's Jeans"

Mommies bodies are different than they were before we were a mommy, right?  Our bodies go through re-shaping during the pregnancy process and most times, never return back (completely) to our pre-pregnancy size or shape.  Therefore, we might require different styles of clothing than we wore pre-baby...right?

I came across this next company and the name cracked me up!  But after I started really checking out their product, I really hope I am able to do a review of them this year...they look amazing!  Plus, they were one of Oprah's "PICKS" and won the GOOD HOUSEKEEPING "Seal of Approval".

I'd love for my "backside" to look this great in a pair of jeans again!  That's HOT!

CLICK HERE to be entered in their monthly drawing (10 winners a month) where you can win a pair of these amazing "revolutionary" jeans made just for mommies!

I was not paid to feature this post!  I was not compensated in any way!

This Winner Will Enjoy A Relaxing Massage On Me...

The winner of the 1-hour Massage Session Giveaway is:

victoria99 said... 61

I've never had a massage before.

Congrats!  You now have 48 hours to claim your prize!  Thank you to everyone who entered to win this giveaway!

I Tried To Warn You Guys - A Company To STEER Completely Clear Of...

Remember...I gave you guys fair warning about:

CLICK HERE TO READ the message from the CEO

CLICK HERE TO READ my final straw being broke

and yet it seems the comments (if you don't believe me, then read them for yourself) are still rolling in on these posts and I feel like I need to voice it once again!  Don't you guys listen?  I was telling you the truth!

BE WARNED IF YOU ORDER OR CONSIDER ORDERING FROM TOTSY.COM!

Of course, if you weren't aware of this fabulous blogspot ahead of time, you may have found yourself in a conundrum when your products you purchased for specific members of your family never arrived...and yet you were still billed.  When you were not able to get ahold of any customer service reps or they didn't give you the resolution you were looking for.

This company has issues & they obviously don't seem to be getting resolved like a reputable business should handle them!  Issues that I am warning my readers to be aware of before they give their credit card information out and put hope in a company that will actually have the product they paid for shipped to them, in time for gift giving!

SO HEADS UP...TOTSY has a BBB ranking of F: CLICK HERE TO SEE FOR YOURSELF!  That should be warning enough! 

My suggestion...go to ZULILY and fall in love with that site!  I have personally ordered lots product from them, though the shipping times are slow, the prices are awesome and you will receive the product you purchased!

Feel free to share this blogspot feature with your friends!  You'd feel bad to find out that they went through a bad experience when you could have warned them...right?  I know I would!

I was not paid to feature this post!  I was not compensated in anyway!

A Tip To Saving Your Family 100's of $$ In The New Year!

Having three boys who need hair cuts every 4-6 weeks can be a rather expensive monthly EXPENSE.  If you figure $15 per haircut, times (3) of them (plus a tip)...that can average around $55 a month.  That equals out to $660 a year!  YIKES!  Just have having our guy's hair cut once a month.

Have you ever thought about cutting their hair at home?  That's right...purchasing a set of clippers (electric hair cutters) and doing it yourself at home.  These electric hair clippers come with several different combs, a comb, sometimes a cape & scissors, etc.  In fact, I just picked up new ones yesterday at Target for $14.99 and it came with all the above and a great carrying case to keep it all organized in.  SERIOUSLY...a $14.99 investment that will save me hundreds of dollars.

My two boys have never (ok...our oldest son went for his very first hair cut) been to a salon to have their hair cut.  I do it for them.  We've styled their hair lots of different (in my opinion TRENDY) ways & had so much fun with it.  Yes, I have messed up on occasion, but the best part with boys is...their hair grows back fast and you can always shave it off and they will still look sharp!  I do shave my husband's head too...and therefore means that at least the free of them are basically free (hair cut wise) all year round.

As far as the girls go...I cut their hair too!  YEP, believe it or not (maybe you do believe it if you've seen them), neither of my girls have ever...I MEAN EVER, had their hair cut professionally.  It's been all mommy, all the time.  With a family the size of ours...that's an awesome savings and all they need for the most part is a simple trim (which costs the same amount as the boy's typical hair cuts).

I just thought I'd mention it.  Not sure if you've ever thought about it before, if you already do the "at home" hair salon...but it really does save our family a GRIP of $$ every year!

Christmas Is A Time For Family...Can I Ask You To Pray For Mine?

My Grandparents live in Missouri, very close to my Aunt (who has been graciously taking care of them now for a couple years, since they moved from AZ).  My Grandpa has severe Alzheimer's has been gradually fading away!  It's horrible to know that a disease like that, can delete all memories from such an amazing man...making him feel stupid and worthless.  He knows that there is something wrong with him, says quite often, "I used to be a smart man, I just don't know what's wrong with me!"  He has also been the strongest Christian man I have ever met!  A man of GOD, even during his military days as a fighter pilot in WWII.  He is someone I look up to & I know will be seated close to the feet of Christ when he finally arrives in Heaven.  GOD will say, "Well done good and faithful servant!"

Anyway, my grandparents have an adorable little white fluff ball that lives with them.  I really think that "Misty" has been a great pet for both of them.  She offers comfort to my Grandpa...sitting on his lap, and companionship to my Grandma...giving her someone to talk with when my Grandpa is sleeping or non-interactive.

So, with that background...you know a little about them.

In my Grandparents frailty, my Grandma fell the other morning picking up the dog to get her off the bed.  They thought she had re-broke her hip, but thankfully the titanium that they put in her with her first hip break was strong enough to withstand the fall.  However, she was bruised up and pretty sore.   Two days later, she fell again...doing the same thing (taking the dog off the bed in the morning).  My aunt talked with her, my dad talked with her, I talked with her about not doing it anymore.  They even tried to train the spoiled dog to do it on her own.  However...she continued to take the dog off the bed and somehow managed to break some vertebrae in her back.  She's in the hospital now and in some major pain.  The doctor's said that because her bones are in such bad shape (osteoporosis), they cannot operate on her.  So she will probably be wheel chair bound for the rest of her life.  This is a big deal...cause my Grandma is feisty and full of spirit and being stuck in a chair is going to bring her really down.

Having my Grandma in the hospital is also upsetting my Grandpa really badly.  She is the only security (besides the dog) that he has.  Because he knows she's his wife, even if sometimes he forgets details about her.  He knows that she loves him and takes care of him.  My Aunt is staying with him and  neither of them are getting any sleep.  In fact, he's been sitting up at night, praying that Jesus would just take him home.  This makes me so super sad!

So, can I ask you guys...my fabulous readers if you'll pray for my Grandparents today.  I mean...really pray for peace and the doctor's guidance in what should happen next with both of them.  With my Grandma being chair bound, this might mean that a "facility" be involved in their daily living and again, their lives are going to change in a drastic way.  Every big change causes my Grandpa to slip away even more...because of the stress.  It breaks my heart that I can't be there to help them.  To comfort them and tell them that they are loved ,even if they are hurting or upset.  But I know my Aunt is doing what she can & I am so thankful for her willingness to serve her parents in such a loving way.  The holidays are sometimes emotional enough, but having them in this condition makes the holidays even more emotional! 

May GOD bring HIS peace to our family (and yours too), as my Grandparents transition to their next stages in life...whatever that might be!

This Winner Gets To EXPERIENCE The 80's Over Again...

The winner of the Glory Daze "80's" Prize Package Giveaway is

Melissa said... 21

Twitter follower of tntweknowdrama @Lisa4Christ

Congrats!  You now have 48 hours to claim your prize!  Thank you to Glory Daze for sponsoring this great prize package giveaway!  Thanks to everyone who entered to win!

My Little Mini-Me...Check Out Her New Hair Style!

My seven year old is my clone child.  I swear!  Some days it really scares me how much she's like me!  That can be taken positively or negatively...depends on how you know me! 

Anyway, since I got my new hair cut (last week), she's been diligently begging me for bangs, just like mine.  We've always done the same length hair, all around their head, for both the girls.  So I was a little nervous about having bangs cut...but we did it!

And she loves them!  She's excited to go to her last day of school this year with her new stylish hair style!  To cute!  I love my little mini-me!

Chris Rice Shares The Message Of The Birth With This Song...

I will be one of the first to admit that I wish I could have been there...that night...so many years ago when that sweet precious baby was born in a cold and lowly stable.  Though that is impossible (for me to be there), I can relieve that night through the music that celebrates that beautiful moment...and then brings it into the current times!

I've always been a fan of Chris Rice...but I think he really "gets it" with this song! 

Listen to the words and tell me what you think!  I love this song!

I was not paid or compensated to post this feature!  I did it on my own accord!

These Winners Will Soon Be Decorating Their Walls...

The winners of the Accent Studios $25 & $10 GC Giveaways are:

$25 GC goes to:

Dusty said... 26

I would get the Such a Big Miracle or perhaps a tree decal for our daughters room!

$10 GC goes to:

Natasha H said... 18

I follow you on twitter.

Congrats winners!  Now you have 48 hours to claim your prize!  Thank you to Accent Studios for sponsoring this giveaway!  Thank you to everyone who entered to win!

My First Car ~ A Life Lesson In $$, Pride And A Car That Wouldn't Die!

Everyone has memories of their "first" car.  Maybe it was your parents old vehicle, maybe it was a brand new car that was presented to you on your 16th birthday with a big bow on top.  For me...my "first" car experience was something I truly treasure!  Let me tell you more!

My parents were very good about teaching my sister & I about saving our money.  We were allowed to spend very little birthday or Christmas present money.  Most of the money we were given was placed safely in our savings accounts, because they knew that, we would be needing that money sometime in the future...for things like "first" cars.  I am so glad that they did that!

I was fifteen and a half and I remember the day like it was yesterday!  My dad, mom and I went to an auction.  We walked around and checked out several different "pre-owned" and some in "not so great of shape" vehicles.  I laid eyes on a red, two door car.  Though I didn't even know what kind it was...I was very interested in something flashy, fast and little (like me).  It was a 1984 Pontiac Fiero.

The bidding started on that car and I remember my heart pounding.  I am pretty sure we had to make a couple offers on it and when all was said and done...the auctioneer said, "SOLD" and called out our number.  I screamed!  We bought it for $1600.  The deal was, my parents would pay for half of my first car...which meant that $800 of the money I had been saving my entire life went towards paying for that vehicle.  I remember sitting in it, that day and praying it would start, & not fall apart the second my dad drove it off the lot.  Thankfully...it actually ran really good and only needed a few little fixes to be in running order for me to drive at 16.

I was so excited to drive that cute little car into school, on the first day of my Junior year of high school.  I figured everyone would be impressed with my cute, "new to me" car and compliments would fly all around.  Of course, that wasn't the case.  When I drove in the parking lot...I was astonished to find that a large group of our girl's varsity volleyball team had received brand new (literally) Ford Mustangs.  My thunder was shot down immediately and I was a tad embarrassed having been so excited about my little $1600 car.

But, I have to admit, after the first few weeks of school came and went, and half the cars in that fleet of volleyball player group were totalled or crashed, I started feeling pretty good about my investment in my little Fiero.  It ran great, it got my sister & I back and forth to school (it only had AM radio, but we didn't seem to mind), my sister even bought me awesome seat covers to spruce it up a little more.  To me, that car was a statement of my life's savings to that point and I realized that, no matter what others had...I could be extremely proud of my little car.  Oh the memories in that little car!  So many that still make me smile now!

That car was literally driven into the ground, when I finally traded it in (at 18) and received $300 credit towards my newer car purchase.  It's funny to think that I got so much pleasure out of driving such an inexpensive car...but I think the true treasure came from knowing that I helped buy it and it was MINE!  It wasn't a gift that I didn't weigh as unimportant, it wasn't passed to me from my parents...I helped buy that car and I also helped pay for the repairs to keep it running and all the insurance, gas and it was my elbow grease that went into the car washes & waxing.  I even learned to change the oil on that car with my daddy.

So, what's the lesson here?  Sometimes when you have to put your money, time and effort into getting something...like a car, you take better care of it, are more appreciative of having it and in the end, it can turn out to be a stepping stone for future opportunities in life.

What was your first car?  Do you cherish the memories around that car?  Do you want your kids to cherish theirs?  Think about it when it comes time to buy their first car!  The choice that you help them make today will mold them for decisions they will make in the future, and how they will handle things!

I Go Through Labor And Birthing A Baby...Virtually Everyday!

That's right...at least I feel like I do... 

Typically, my 4 year old's "1 hour of computer time" falls right in line with my daily viewing of TLC's "A Baby Story".  I know I have talked about it before, but there is something I absolutely adore about that show.  I wish sometimes, that I could have had one of my birth stories shared on there! 

Anyway, I was noticing today, as I watched...that as the mom was working hard to push the baby out...I too was pushing and bearing down.  Such a weird thing, since I am truly not even pregnant.  I find myself wishing I could be there to do the labor and delivery for her.  Going through the motions of getting that baby to emerge!  It grosses my husband out, but to me it's something that GOD magically designed...and it's truly amazing!

I guess I got lucky (and had good anesthesiologists with three of the four labors) and really had no difficulty with the labor or delivery.  In fact, I found it liberating to finally be able to push, when the time came.  After all that waiting and anticipation...just a few hard & concentrated pushes and that baby is out in plain site.  No more pushing or prodding around in your uterus...you get to be face to face with your beautiful (and sometimes momentarily bloody or cheesy) new baby son or daughter. 

Such a beautiful thing!

I was not paid to feature this post!  I was not compensated in any way!

I Give the Utmost Respect To This Man And His Life Long Mission...What Christmas Means to Billy Graham!

I walked into our bedroom tonight to get in bed and noticed the t.v. on.  My husband loves to listen to the news as he falls asleep and FOX was on with "On The Record" with Greta Van Susteren.  She was interviewing the inspiring Rev. Billy Graham.  What an amazing man & example of a "true" follower of Christ.  I have so much respect for him and know that when he does pass away, the LORD is going to greet him with open arms.

Anyway, I couldn't help but listen to him speak...even at his fragile age (92), the man still has a mission to preach the WORD and tell the GOOD NEWS to everyone he talks with.  His family can be so proud in him...have a look:

Merry Christmas Billy Graham. You keep preaching & teaching and offering all you can to the LORD! I can't wait to meet you in heaven someday!

GOD BLESS YOU!

Pork Isn't Boring Or Predictable With This Fabulous "Pork's Perfect Pairing Holiday Giveaway" And Recipes From Chef Michael Symon

When you think of pork...what thoughts come to mind?  Do you think of traditional breaded pork chops?  Do you think of boring old bacon?  How about an amazing non-traditional "HOLIDAY" feast? 

I have new insight and inspiration about PORK thanks to an amazing gift package I received (sent to me free of charge) that included an amazing "signed" cookbook from Chef Michael Symon (from the Food Network) and $25 worth of pork cuts of my choosing from the National Pork Board.

Did you know that 54% of Americans polled agree that the food served at their "family holiday meal" is the same, or nearly the same every year!  Wouldn't it be fun to mix it up a little bit?  Add some new favors, colors or textures to your holiday meal. 

Did you also know that 26% of Americans polled thought that Cranberry flavors would be the perfect pairing for pork.  Would you agree to that?

CLICK HERE to watch Chef Michael Symon talk about some of his newly inspired pork recipes.

Doesn't this Coriander and Cumin Roasted Rack of Pork with Five Spice Pumpkin Puree and a Chile, Pumpkin Seed and Cilantro Salad (click on the picture for the recipe) look absolutely mouth watering?

How about this Ginger-Crusted Pork Cutlets with a Cinnamon Orange-Cranberry Chutney and Wilted Arugula (click on the picture for the recipe)?  Looks lip smacking good to me...and I know there would be no grumbles at our dinner table if this was served in place of traditional ham on Christmas.  In fact, people in the family might even be delighted to have their taste buds pleasured in a different way!

Would you be interested in winning the same gift package I received? 

This includes: A $25 gift card to conveniently purchase your favorite pork cuts online, a large assortment of seasonal spices to inspire flavor-rich holiday pairings, a chic holiday serving platter to reinvigorate your holiday dinner style, a signed copy of Michael Symon’s new cookbook, two festive aprons to prepare your holiday feasts, a digital meat thermometer to ensure that your holiday meals are delicious yet safe, and a copy of our "Holiday Table Trends 2010" survey for you to poll your readers on their favorite holiday flavors.

(1) Lucky Winner will receive all mentioned above!

(even though it won't arrive in time for the holidays, you can still pull off an extraordinary dinner party with an amazing PORK dish)

To enter this giveaway: (you must do the first and then one or all of the following):

1st - Tell me if you've ever considered PORK as a main dish for your holiday gathering

2nd - Tell me if you think your family would be excited and acceptable of such a change to the typical "holiday" meal

3rd - Tell me what flavor you think would work best with pork

4th - "LIKE" them on Facebook: CLICK HERE & comment that you do

5th - Follow them on Twitter: CLICK HERE & comment that you do

6th - Follow this blogspot & comment that you do

7th - "LIKE" this blogspot on Facebook : CLICK HERE & comment that you do

8th - Follow this blogspot on Twitter: CLICK HERE & comment that you do

9th - Tweet about this giveaway & comment that you did (you may do this twice daily)

10th - Blog about this giveaway & comment that you did, with a link, so we can read about it

11th - Enter one of the other giveaways & comment which ones you entered (you may do this once per giveaway entered)

This giveaway will end on January 3rd, 2010 and is opened to US Residents only!  Be sure to leave your e-mail address with each entry and leave separate comments for each entry!

Thanks again to Chef Symon and also the National Pork Board for offering our family new inspiration for "stepping out of the box" during our holidays and trying a new dish with PORK.

I was not paid to feature this post!  I was compensated only by the product sent for review/feature!  The National Pork Board is not sponsoring the giveaway promotion, but rather supplying the prize pool for this giveaway.

Last Minute Gift Shopping - The Nate Berkus Show Tells Us The Best Days This Week To Shop For Specific Items!

You know, I have a love for the Nate Berkus Show...

Today they have a resourceful segment on finishing up your Christmas shopping this week, offering which days are the best to shop for certain items, so you can save time & money.  They also offer website suggestions, to save you some footwork for those last minute gifts.  This was to valuable not to share with you guys (in my opinion), because I know some of you haven't finished and if I can save you a few $$'s, I am doing my job well:

I was not paid to feature this post! I was not compensated in anyway!

A Stretch Mark CREAM That Really Works! This Is Huge In My Opinion...

Isn't it funny how some women are lucky enough not to get a single stretch mark during pregnancy?  I envy those women!  Why?  After having four kids, I have horrible road maps all over my lower abdomen.  SERIOUSLY DEEP & HIDEOUS stretch marks that sometimes leave me looking in the mirror with a feeling of sadness.  I know that it's just "proof" that I carried them and it's part of being a mommy...but I long for my smooth (stretch mark less) tummy I had before children.  How about you?

I have tried several different things to lighten up my stretch marks. 

Nothing worked...until now!

I am serious when I say this...I was very doubtful that this product I am going to tell you about would make any difference in the appearance of my stretch marks.  Especially since some of them are 9+ years old.  However, I have been blown away, so far, by the results I am already getting from applying it twice a day!

The product is...

I am going to buy stock in this product (since I only got a sample size in the kit I won from http://www.endlessbeauty.com/)!!  I am seriously impressed with the positive changes in my stretch marks already and I've only been using the product for 1 week so far.  Though it's kind of expensive ($135 a bottle), it's way cheaper than getting a tummy tuck to remove the stretch marks permanently.  Plus, I don't have to worry about going "under the knife".  Just using the product twice a day on the area you're wanting to fix and it starts to bring these marks closer to the surface...mine have already improved tremendously!  I am SO EXCITED about this product!!  SO, SO EXCITED!!  I wouldn't be sharing it with you if it wasn't impressing me as much as it is!  I love to shout it from the roof tops when I find a product that really does what it claims it will do!

P.S.  I would take pictures to prove it to you, but I would probably scar you for life if you saw my tummy full of stretch marks!  So, I'll save you the trauma and you can take my word for it!

I was not paid to feature this post!  I won the trial product through a contest www.endlessbeauty.com was sponsoring.  I was not compensated in anyway by posting this feature!

Start The New Year Out Right...A $50 GC Giveaway From One Bored Mommy Will Do The Trick!

I know how HEAVY...the financial results of Christmas can be on families!  This definitely includes our family!  We tend to over spend, to get our kids "all" that their hearts desire and then find...a large credit card receipt to haunt us from our Christmas spending!  Are we alone?  Do you tend to "over spend" during the holidays?

Well, because I know (without a doubt) that we are not the only family in the US that does...I wanted to do something to lighten the load of at least one of my readers!  You guys faithfully read (guilt trip if you don't) my blog daily and I want to do something to show my appreciation for making the One Bored Mommy Blogspot a trusted MOMMY BLOG.

So...here's the part you were waiting for...

I am going to offer (1) Lucky One Bored Mommy Reader the chance to win a $50 Gift Certificate to wherever their heart desires.  Maybe you have necessities you want to buy at Target or Walmart, but the money is tight in January because of Holiday spending.  No problem...I'll get the card for you there.  The only catch...it has to be a place that I can purchase the gift card online to send to the winner.  So SKIES the limit!  Let your creative juices start flowing...

To Enter This Giveaway (you must do the first and then one or all of the following):

1st - Promise that you will visit this blogspot everyday (or as best you can) in this NEW YEAR! (Just bookmark it and make it your first stop every morning).  A PROMISE IS A PROMISE!

2nd - Tell me where you would like me to buy the gift card for you, when you win this giveaway

3rd - Tell me how long you've been a reader of this blogspot and what you like best about it

4th - Follow this blogspot on Twitter: CLICK HERE & comment that you do

5th - "LIKE" us on Facebook: CLICK HERE & comment that you do

6th - Tweet about this giveaway & comment that you did (you may do this 2 times a day)

7th - Blog about this giveaway & comment that you did, with a link, so we can read about it

8th - Enter one of the other giveaways & comment that you did (you may do this once per giveaway entered)

This giveaway will end on January 1st, 2011 and is opened to US Residents only!  Be sure to leave your e-mail address with each entry and leave separate comments for each entry!

Thank you, again, for being a part of the One Bored Mommy Blogspot!  You guys make my job, as a mommy blogger, a pleasure!  I look forward to this new year, to the opportunities we will have to share together, and hopefully for continued success in the NEW YEAR!

I was not paid to feature this post!  I was not compensated in any way!  The gift card will be purchased directly from me at the winner's chosen retailer!

The Bubble Guppies! Will Obviously Be My Son's Newest FAVORITE Show of 2011

What are Bubble Guppies, you ask?  They are Nick Jr's newest animated pre-school cartoon series and your toddlers & pre-schoolers are going to love them.  No only do they have the cutest little faces and engaging personalities...but these little "Bubble Guppies" will take your kids on an underwater adventure, as they discover their world.

We got the pleasure of previewing their episode called "Call a Clambulance", which teaches kids about injuries, gives them reassurance about hospitals, doctors, ambulances, etc.  It also teaches them about their bones...as they proceed to piece together an x-ray of Oona.  WE LOVED IT! 

The music, the story lines, the characters are all very appealing not only to our son, but it's something that I won't mind watching with him and experiencing the adventures too.

CLICK the above to watch a few videos of the upcoming show.

CLICK HERE to print out activities and coloring pages for your child, introducing them to the characters before the show launches!

Be on the look out...Bubble Guppies! makes it's official "SPLASH" on Monday, January 24th, at 11:00 am.  You're going to want to DVR it and your child will want to watch it over and over again!  Trust me, Bubble Guppies! just might become your child's favorite new show of 2011 too.

I was not paid to feature this post!  I was not compensated in any way!