tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89441802023-11-16T09:38:23.868-06:00One Brick ShyAmanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-87644205143564300612012-10-28T20:21:00.000-05:002012-10-28T20:21:16.929-05:00Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast Bars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSFa0rbu7g_u_cFV4HKzSiUYjhleiC6QLZYUQWy26r_IR996Cf_48tWLAajNNxvz6YgD70DuSD2aGUMO8izbDdvy_duF8BNwiBMayc9s_7HHZT4gouFYtcsDFIcTDMBFwn7pw2Q/s1600/Oatmeal+Raisin+Bars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSFa0rbu7g_u_cFV4HKzSiUYjhleiC6QLZYUQWy26r_IR996Cf_48tWLAajNNxvz6YgD70DuSD2aGUMO8izbDdvy_duF8BNwiBMayc9s_7HHZT4gouFYtcsDFIcTDMBFwn7pw2Q/s320/Oatmeal+Raisin+Bars.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast Bars<br />
<br />
<br />
1 cup all purpose flour<br />
1/2 cup sugar<br />
1/2 cup brown sugar<br />
1/2 tsp baking soda<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon<br />
1/4 tsp nutmeg<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
1 large egg<br />
1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled<br />
2 cups quick cooking (not instant) oats<br />
1 1/2 cups raisins (or add cranberries, chocolate chips etc..)<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350F. Whisk together flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt and spices in a large bowl.<br />
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and stir in vanilla, egg and melted butter until smooth. Stir in oats and raisins until they are evenly distributed.<br />
Use large scoop and put one scoop into each well of the brownie pan. Push down with your fingers to flatten.<br />
Bake for 10-12 minutes, let cool a few minutes before turning pan over onto cooling rack. Makes about 21 squares.<br />
Amanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-13220513563167157692009-12-23T00:12:00.002-06:002009-12-23T00:18:24.996-06:00Wordless Wednesday-Ho Ho Ho...No No No...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmrO02FAQieiGwIV5RAU0Y5ihNCRoqDp6_KYiBNW1npSRmWafQ_26zG04Bsp5Jx0qNNNq2gPkSwjCL6_g22-A1NsGahWNjbrxG4LhxyfdXiNqXQj0t6wDc4nzRg7pdTgBnCA4uw/s1600-h/Santa.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmrO02FAQieiGwIV5RAU0Y5ihNCRoqDp6_KYiBNW1npSRmWafQ_26zG04Bsp5Jx0qNNNq2gPkSwjCL6_g22-A1NsGahWNjbrxG4LhxyfdXiNqXQj0t6wDc4nzRg7pdTgBnCA4uw/s400/Santa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418310969954432178" border="0" /></a><br />For more Wordless Wednesday head over to <a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/14330/wordless-wednesday-a-boy-and-his-dog/">5 Minutes for Mom</a>.<br /></div>Amanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-82872435007982373032009-11-24T23:19:00.002-06:002009-11-24T23:38:37.045-06:00So This Is What A Heart Attack Feels Like!I came very close to having a heart attack this morning. It started shortly after 7 this morning when I heard Zoe wake up and start talking to herself through the baby monitor. I usually let her play in her crib for awhile and get her when she starts to get restless. So I was dozing off and on when around 7:30 her sound machine turned off. Now her sound machine is clear on the other side of her room, so I knew she hadn't turned it off. I shot out of bed because the only other explanation was that someone was in my house. As I ran out of my room I noticed her bedroom door was open (it is always closed) and full panic set in. Just then Jarod walked out of her room holding her. I nearly dropped to the floor because in the space of a few seconds I went from feeling shear terror and anger when I heard someone coming out of her room to absolute relief when I realized it was Jarod. <br /><br />I squeaked out "What are you doing?" as I was clutching my chest. His reply..."Taking care of Zoe." I am sure the "duh" was fully implied since at this point he had no idea what I was upset about. In fact he thought I had heard him through the monitor. Um, nope.<br /><br />I know what you are saying, "She should have known it was Jarod!" Well normally I would agree, but Jarod was suppose to be at work. Even though it was raining they usually stay until 9 to make sure it doesn't stop, but today when he got to the show-up his foreman told him that since it was suppose to rain all day he could just go home then. So I wasn't expecting him home until 9:30. Now you are asking, "Why didn't you hear him come in?" Well remember I said I had been dozing off and on, plus Jarod said he tried to come in quietly so he wouldn't wake us. Worked on me. <br /><br />The best thing about this morning was after almost giving me a heart attack he made it up to me by sending me back to bed for a little more sleep. What a great guy I have!!Amanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-20692065455261131712009-10-30T08:33:00.003-05:002009-10-30T08:50:47.465-05:00All I Want For Christmas......is the <a href="http://www.step2.com/product.cfm?product_id=1218">Step2 LifeStyle Deluxe Kitchen</a>. Ok, so I really want it for Zoe. Jarod and I had already decided to get her a kitchen playset for Christmas. I have been comparing them in the stores and online. With our budget the way it is we had decided on a $45 dollar one from Wal-Mart. I figured this would be fine for a 2 year old. Later on if she out grew it, we would invest in a better one.<br /><br />Well, that plan will hopefully change thanks to <a href="http://mommymandy.com/">MommyMandy</a>. She is giving away the Step2 LifeStyle Deluxe Kitchen on her blog. So of course I am going to enter!! I would be insane not too! If I win, then we will have more money in our budget for play food and accessories.<br /><br />If you would like a chance to win as well, then here is the link to her <a href="http://mommymandy.com/step2-lifestyle-deluxe-kitchen-giveaway/">giveaway</a>!!Amanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-19320166864555767542009-10-30T00:01:00.004-05:002009-10-30T08:31:20.319-05:008 Weeks Until Christmas...WOW!! That is a scary thought! Hopefully with a little planning it won't also be an extremely stressful thought as well. So far I have made a list of all the people I need gifts for. I also wrote down any ideas I have or have been given for each person. My goal is to budget for and then go ahead and buy a few gifts each week. That way I am not having to come up with the money all at the end. That is when my stress really kicks in. I am doing very well with this. In fact I already have 2 people checked off my list. I have also been checking the ads every Sunday and buying all my gifts on sale. I guess it also helps that Jarod and I will not be getting each other anything this year since we are going to Alabama in November and Las Vegas in January. Hopefully by the week of Christmas my shopping will have long been done and all I will have to worry about is getting Jarod to wrap all the gifts, since I don't wrap!!Amanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-7528811892233700142009-10-27T17:24:00.000-05:002009-10-27T17:24:33.568-05:00I LOVE Swagbucks!<div align="”center”"><a target="_top" href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/ajbeede"><img alt="Search & Win" title="Search & Win" src="http://prodegebanners.sitegrip.com/images/swagbucks-468x60Alt4.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br />Who likes to get free stuff? I am going to go out on a limb and say everyone. Ok, now how many of you do internet searches? Once again I am going to say most everyone. How would you like those searches to add up to free stuff? Well if you said yes then <a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/ajbeede">Swagbucks</a> is for you!! I joined about two months ago and I already redeemed my points for an Amazon gift card. In fact I already have enough points to get two more if I wanted to. It is totally free and extremely easy to get going. I even have my mom signed up and using it! To join you can do one of three things, click on the header at the top of this post, click the sign up button on the widget at the very bottom of this blog, or just click <a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/ajbeede">here</a>. Any of those methods will take you where you need to go. You even get 3 Swagbucks to get you started. So hurry on over to sign up and start earning free stuff today!!Amanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-76610819617266873802009-10-21T19:48:00.003-05:002009-10-21T21:04:03.303-05:00H1N1 And The PresidentSo did you hear the EXCITING news? The President got his yearly flu shot today! Well yipee...LOL! I really couldn't believe that they were covering that on the news. Then what the news anchor said next caught my attention and got me to thinking. The anchor said that he did NOT get the H1N1 shot today. It was explained that he was going to wait in line like everyone else. What a bunch of bull!!!<br /><br />What I really got from it is that he doesn't trust the H1N1 vaccine either. After all many doctors have been on all sorts of news programs touting how harmless and beneficial the vaccine is because many Americans (myself and my family included) don't trust the vaccine. They rushed the manufacturing of it and rushing it went sooooo well in 1976. The CDC has a great article about it <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol12no01/05-1007.htm">here</a> and I found another article about it <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ybenjamin/detail?entry_id=48800">here</a>. Did you know that in June the Government passed a law that grants immunity to the pharmaceutical companies that produce the H1N1 vaccine. That means if you do have an "adverse" reaction you cannot sue them over it. Kinda fishy to me. <br /><br />Now back to the President. It would seem to me that if the government REALLY wants to assure the American people, wouldn't they use their golden boy as a symbol of trust and faith in the vaccine? Seems pretty straight forward to me. In my humble opinion, I believe he is waiting to see what side affects the vaccine has. So we must be his own little field of guinea pigs.<br /><br />Ok, I am now getting down off my soapbox. I will leave you with this, I am not telling anyone that they should or should not get the vaccine, but I hope you will do your research before blindly following along!Amanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-74687095027803474622009-09-29T23:00:00.000-05:002009-09-29T23:05:40.852-05:00Wordless Wednesday-Strike A Pose<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGdHzF7KZOCKpPjPPNgUmFSs7WESVOx2B2fcw5AcPvKVAlafZPP47be9xoBKbOvf2lkdC1daPs9mEvbI0nFjwPXW665FJQdTM6asimgerFNrDICseWwnb0BxadMUGw_tc37NGmg/s1600-h/strike+a+pose.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382568774302251026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 345px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGdHzF7KZOCKpPjPPNgUmFSs7WESVOx2B2fcw5AcPvKVAlafZPP47be9xoBKbOvf2lkdC1daPs9mEvbI0nFjwPXW665FJQdTM6asimgerFNrDICseWwnb0BxadMUGw_tc37NGmg/s400/strike+a+pose.jpg" border="0" /></a> For more Wordless Wednesday head over to <a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/8470/wordless-wednesday-italian-town/">5 Minutes for Mom</a>. </div>Amanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-18297244571406097542009-09-24T14:25:00.005-05:002009-09-24T23:37:35.888-05:00Harry Connick Jr.'s New CD "Your Songs"--Review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEOqHnWlbaunenjL2OlX4qsSSpdjLyqoYr6kkGjfxvNBhuE5Xhv4NeZGzjV7iczbznrlTIH2ROW_WCnXv8TdKHX1NFVCViyQ1xLnCbsjn3SlJyJO1kw8u1c64yA5ip3V4GS6T_g/s1600-h/Harry.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEOqHnWlbaunenjL2OlX4qsSSpdjLyqoYr6kkGjfxvNBhuE5Xhv4NeZGzjV7iczbznrlTIH2ROW_WCnXv8TdKHX1NFVCViyQ1xLnCbsjn3SlJyJO1kw8u1c64yA5ip3V4GS6T_g/s320/Harry.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385240308782484034" border="0" /></a><div>I was recently given the opportunity to review <a href="http://www.harryconnickjr.com/">Harry Connick Jr.'s</a> new Cd "Your Songs." I was VERY excited about this because I am a HUGE Harry Connick Jr. fan. His music always seems to put a smile on my face. This CD was no exception. I was smiling within moments of putting it in my player. Zoe even liked it. I like the fact that I am able to play his music with her in the car and not be afraid of her picking up "bad" words. Since I am a huge Beatles fan as well, it is no surprise that my favorite song on the CD is "And I Love Her". "Smile" is a very close second. This CD is so good that I see myself enjoying it with candles and a nice long bubble bath!<br /><br />Harry's new CD is filled with classic songs remade in his New Orleans Big Band/Jazz style. He definitely took on some big names as well. Here is a list of the songs along with the original artists:<br /><br /><div align="”center”"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Album Tracklisting</span> (Originally performed by):</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">All The Way (Frank Sinatra)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Can’t Help Falling In Love With You (Elvis Presley)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">And I Love Her (The Beatles)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">(They Long To Be) Close To You (The Carpenters)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Besame Mucho</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">The Way You Look Tonight</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Roberta Flack)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Your Song (Elton John)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Some Enchanted Evening</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">And I Love You So (Don McLean)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Who Can I Turn To? (Tony Bennett)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Smile (Charlie Chaplin)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Mona Lisa (Nat King Cole)</span><br /></div><br />Great songs, huh?!? If you find yourself humming some of these songs after reading the titles, I would suggest buying this CD. If you are craving some Harry Connick Jr. face-time then I would suggest checking out his upcoming TV appearances. I have seen him on several shows in the past, and he always makes me laugh. Here is the list of those appearances:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Harry’s Upcoming TV Appearances:</span><br /><br />9/25 – Oprah “Live Friday”<br />9/28 – Today Show<br />9/29 – The View<br />9/30 – Imus in the Morning<br />9/30 – Letterman<br />10/1 – Today Show<br />Week of 10/5 – Rachael Ray<br /></div><br />For even more Harry you can checkout his <a href="http://www.facebook.com/harryconnickjr">Facebook page</a> or a <a href="http://bit.ly/HCJrVideo">Behind the Scene look</a> at the making of his album.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:85%;" >This post is courtesy of</span><br /><br /><div align="”center”"><a href="http://www.one2onenetwork.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/Percivale25/O2O-Logowtagline-125-1.gif" alt="One2One_Network_Main" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div>Amanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-91029055719727478572009-09-17T18:59:00.004-05:002009-09-23T22:33:37.111-05:00Free Kenny Loggins Downloads<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGo8xswmQK1q4jdO3HfhxdBpYPu6L1FR2_8z3qi5g0foVxhqPBp0hMR7_a_jAhO_rP4kVY3DptdnEwnZrvJHDXaZcn-RpRhb2n6eRTJEjS3JiegqUxZ0ulyjFK1EyOGdfJgCaP_Q/s1600-h/329771e86b474ffb94d5288d03159c28.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGo8xswmQK1q4jdO3HfhxdBpYPu6L1FR2_8z3qi5g0foVxhqPBp0hMR7_a_jAhO_rP4kVY3DptdnEwnZrvJHDXaZcn-RpRhb2n6eRTJEjS3JiegqUxZ0ulyjFK1EyOGdfJgCaP_Q/s320/329771e86b474ffb94d5288d03159c28.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384871932560316930" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>A few weeks ago I was approached to preview Kenny <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Loggins</span>' new children's CD, "All Join In." After listening to the CD my first impression was that this isn't a children's CD. I would actually call it a family CD because my husband and I enjoyed it right along with our 20 month old daughter. I am constantly finding myself singing "First There Is a Mountain" at odd moments. It is just so catchy!! And for all you Toy Story fans, there is a rendition of You've Got a Friend In Me."<br /><br />Would you like to download 4 of the songs off his new album for free? Well all you have to do is go to <a href="http://wdig.vo.llnwd.net/d1/walt_disney_records/Kenny_Loggins/Microsite%202/">this site</a>. Then you just listen to the 4 songs on the player, answer a few questions and then download the songs! Enjoy!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This post courtesy of<br /><br /><div align="”center”"><a href="http://www.one2onenetwork.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/Percivale25/O2O-Logowtagline-125-1.gif" alt="One2One_Network_Main" border="0" /></a></div></div>Amanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-68659062167091282972009-09-16T18:22:00.003-05:002009-09-16T18:32:05.933-05:00Goodbye Gallbladder...Dear Gallbladder,<br /><br />I am really tired of the back pain and burning under my rib cage that you have been causing the last 3 months. I am really angry about having to spend over 3 hours in the emergency room last week. It also didn't help that it was one in the morning!! Thanks to you I got to find out the hard way that I am allergic to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dilaudid</span>.<br /><br />Due to all these issues I have decided that our relationship can no longer continue. That is why on Monday September 28<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> I am going in to have you surgically removed. I hope there are no hard feelings so that we can make this break-up go as smoothly as possible.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />AmandaAmanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-40224445673520168862009-09-11T13:27:00.005-05:002009-09-11T22:50:20.677-05:00Fruit2O--Review and Contest<div>I have been working on losing weight for about the past 5 months. So far I am down 27 pounds and would like to lose quite a bit more. I am constantly tying to find ways to cut calories out of my diet without cutting flavor. I know that water is essential when losing weight, but I am terrible about drinking it because I need flavor. So when I was contacted about trying <a href="http://www.fruit2o.com/Our_Waters-Essentials.aspx">Fruit2O Essentials</a> I jumped on it!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncawVseUDg71KBSN7mFb74maWqCOKiuxJysOfGCDtiFC9jzgZUqe-Pj6I6Ye86rU32zlqsnSd6u2RcHuHhyphenhyphendspk45-pKuZdiqzOp2iE96XeqMCciLIUxeA87WQxFahkE8JuZIBg/s1600-h/Fruit2O.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 152px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380285328206855986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncawVseUDg71KBSN7mFb74maWqCOKiuxJysOfGCDtiFC9jzgZUqe-Pj6I6Ye86rU32zlqsnSd6u2RcHuHhyphenhyphendspk45-pKuZdiqzOp2iE96XeqMCciLIUxeA87WQxFahkE8JuZIBg/s200/Fruit2O.jpg" /></a></div><div></div><br /><div>Here's a peek at what I received. LOVE the tote!!</div><div></div><br /><div>One of the first things I noticed was the great flavor combinations: Cranberry/Raspberry, Strawberry/Kiwi, Peach/Mango, Citrus, Blueberry/Pomegranate, and Cherry/Acai. Then I noticed that Fruit2O Essentials provide the same nutrients that you find in 2 servings of fruit. So not only do you get a calorie and sugar free flavored drink, but it is really good for you as well!</div><div></div><br /><div>I really enjoyed this water overall. The different flavors all had different intensities to them. My favorite was the Blueberry/Pomegranate and I will be buying this one in the future!! The Citrus and Strawberry/Kiwi flavors were the most mild for me, but still very good. I do have to say that I found the Cranberry/Raspberry flavor to be too overpowering and to syrupy for me. Of course I am not a huge fan of Cranberries. So I had my husband try it. He thought the flavor was strong as well, but he liked it. </div><br /><div></div><div>Now for the contest. From now until October 17th you can enter every day at <a href="http://www.fruit2o.com/Sweeps-Form.aspx">Fruit2O</a> to win a $5000 <a href="http://www.spafinder.com/Catalog/spagiftcertificates.jsp?cmpID=AFC-MV5304863502">Spafinder.com</a> gift certificate that you can use at over 5000 spas in the US and a $900 travel voucher. I don't know about you , but I could use a great spa vacation! Of course if you don't win the grand prize, they are also giving away 23 $100 Spafinder gift cards as well. </div><br /><div></div><div>While you are there, be sure to <a href="http://www.fruit2o.com/Special_Offers.aspx">snag the coupon </a>for $0.55 off a six-pack of Fruit2O as well as the coupon for $1.00 off of two 18oz. bottles of Fruit2O Essentials. Then you can try this yummy water for yourself.</div>Amanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-10291577261971203172009-08-23T16:37:00.010-05:002009-08-23T17:58:22.836-05:00Iowa State Fair 2009<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373292752923863186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1HO2bOTWc0trJvHx9m65P331hqUgMk8cFHkkboblPlrjRaq1bBLByB3ISyRjEZ8Gp5Z-l18ENaRVrHr5OzJckpRl6HtBxOgA2weYhHXpT9gMoT7EHLrfnWo4CcvcGa7oYZkVvA/s320/State+Fair+4.jpg" /> <div><div><div>Since it has been a week since we went to the <a href="http://www.iowastatefair.org/">Iowa State Fair </a>I decided I should probably get my post up. We went last Sunday. Jarod's Dad joined us for the trip. We got their around 10:00 am and met up with SIL Jody (<a href="http://iowageekonline.com/">Iowa Geek</a>), BIL Doug and their 2 girls as well as Jarod's Mom.<br /><br />We started off at the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center. Lots of newly born baby animals to see and pet. Zoe really liked the baby lambs and goats. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373295918823469762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyILBVIL_rr9DPpANu-sO616xKEg14ODOjGWyNW62XyZ2hUHsvC4cp6TAh8uzFvtfagUdZQWvNWkkDeFwfqJDPX6_mkysCqerTST6ZKR6BIuQfkmg1YuXt7GQHNlPXJUeQ8CgiQ/s320/State+Fair+1.jpg" /></div><div>As you can see by the pictures, we also visited the Horse Barn. I thought Zoe might be afraid of the big horses, but she proved me wrong. She LOVED them. She was constantly reaching for them so she could pet them. Of course, the miniature horses made me a little less nervous. The first picture in the collage is from Perry's Petting Zoo, which we visited towards the end of our day.</div><div></div><div><br />We stopped for some lunch at the Cattleman's Beef Quarters. I had the Hot Beef Sundae--Mashed Potatoes, Roast Beef in Gravy, Shredded Cheese and a Cherry Tomato on top--YUMMY!! Because it was so good, I think it will become a new fair-going staple.<br /></div><div><br />Then it was off to the Giant Slide. Jarod was couldn't wait to take Zoe down it. They ended up going down twice. Jarod said Zoe held on for dear life the first time, but leaned back and enjoyed it the second time.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373290305163091634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHCRJFcJ69LD_O1ZKnvt-fJDB7zMsbqnGgj3fXW9yJ45NVfiIFZh8g-XwZ_8l-ZJJL2D-BrgvpsGQ7EsOSC9ohd7oYcRiZx8Aa3TtsHbAWwrWdy5O9ctk1jFrBpeXuMRYzH9F_A/s320/State+Fair+3.jpg" />These pictures were from the second time they went down. </div><div></div><div><br />After that we braved the Various Industry Building. I HATE crowds so this can be torture for me, but the cup 'o chocolate chip cookies makes it all better. Zoe must not like crowds either because she decided it was a great place to take a nap. Because she was napping, she missed her chance to play on the new playground equipment at the Hy-Vee Fun Forest. But she will have plenty of chances in the future.<br /><br /><p>Once the heat and humidity kicked in we decided it was time to hit the fountains at the Pella Plaza. We made sure to bring along her swimming gear so that she could get nice and wet. She wasn't real thrilled at first, but then she discovered the puddles and then the fun began.</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 103px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373292148558937314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiVML6hgwoHF6G7gHY5E-C8DeFy9G7tPdbNNl4TTMRL4HqYP_xTg17Cl4S37TgAMRmV-mpD3Uhwy90rUZksUCohkCALFoVsTwiyvLC4XY2Da4C_TXpj3_drkimCPEoIFytriGSA/s400/State+Fair+2.jpg" />We did eventually split off from the rest of the group to visit the shops under the grandstands. We always stop there to get some Nitro ice cream. Then we headed up the hill to Pioneer Hall so that I could look at the antiques for sale and so that Jarod and his dad could look at the small gas engines and the antique cars. We also made a stop at Grandfather's Farm to sample some wine. On our way back down the hill to get our yearly sarsaparilla and Pirtley's Pickle. Zoe LOVED the pickle.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373295159813609954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKiKT3lOcfRo8HXBiSSkrWWEBuh7KPnv9erKcsgx50sqUFEnfE7OchyP4qRA9Rd10yttm9wFcNR1Y74p9coA4ZbaXM9BHmDwxnKk_vFSKP-zHeHOVxDHs03P1D1zP-Mbd58IOZA/s320/State+Fair+5.jpg" /> So after 10 hours of fun we finally made back home. Can't wait for next year!!</div></div>Amanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-1571387731339134882009-08-20T20:10:00.002-05:002009-08-20T20:16:51.771-05:00Loooong AbsenceSo I haven't posted for awhile. I guess I got into a rut plus I'm not real sure which direction I want my blog to take. I am still dealing with the main content...but I am going to try and get out of my rut. My new goal is to post at least once a week while I figure things out. So keep an eye out for more to come...I hope.Amanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-80505397087989241972009-07-22T12:28:00.003-05:002009-07-22T13:07:50.421-05:00Babies and DogsI often think about getting a dog. That is until I think about having to clean up all the messes in the yard and having to board the dog when we leave town (which we do often). Then I am thankful that I have my 3 cats. Don't get me wrong, they can be a pain in the neck as well, but at least we can leave town and not worry about them as much.<br /><br />When Zoe came along we didn't worry about the cats all that much. The only baby/cat proofing we did was to keep the cats out of her room by always keeping her door shut. They are still not allowed in her room. We had no jealousy issues either. In fact our youngest cat is absolutely in love with Zoe. They play together all the time.<br /><br />Now dogs, as I understand it, take a bit more prep work. Some of the tips I have come across are:<br /><br /><ul><li>NEVER leave the baby alone with your pet (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span> that is a no-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">brainer</span> for me).</li><li>If the dog is attached to the Mother, have other <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">members</span> of the family show the dog more attention to lessen the jealousy. </li><li>Play recordings of baby's crying to get the dog use to the new sounds.</li><li>Wear baby oil or baby powder to get the dog use to the new smells</li><li>Bring home an article of clothing that the baby wore in the hospital so that the dog gets use to the baby's scent before the baby comes home.</li><li>Replace the nursery door with a screen door so that the dog can't get into the room but can still see what is happening (not sure about that one...but I don't have a dog...<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>).</li></ul><p></p><p><br /><br />I have often thought that people were being over cautious when it came from pets and babies. After all if you are just paying attention, what could happen? Well I thought that until earlier today when I saw <a href="http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/index.php?cl=14677631">this video</a> about a 65lb. dog dragging a newborn from his crib. These poor parents already had to deal with the baby being 3 weeks premature. Then the day after they brought him home, this happened. *Warning: If you are a crier like I am...have <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Kleenex</span> ready*</p><p><br /><br />Now before all the dog lovers out there start telling me that this is a very rare <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">occurrence</span> and that dogs and kids are great together, I agree. My BIL and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">SIL</span> have a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">HUMONGOUS</span> dog named Toby. He is a total cream puff. My <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">SIL</span> Jody (<a href="http://iowageekonline.com/">Iowa Geek</a>) had him before she got married so they had him around when both of their daughters were born. He is GREAT with kids but Jody and Doug still took <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">precautions</span>. I know that they brought home the hats that their daughters wore after they were born for Toby to sniff, so I am sure they did even more. Here is a link to one of Jody's posts with a <a href="http://www.iowageekonline.com/index.php/2009/07/09/family-fun/just-walkin-the-dog/">picture of Toby</a> in it to prove how big he is.</p><p><br /><br />So I guess the moral to this story is that if you have dogs, cats, birds...etc. make sure you do your homework on how to keep your new little one safe!! </p>Amanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-89820682642609381862009-07-08T21:12:00.002-05:002009-07-08T21:26:35.522-05:00Wanna Win A Head Snuggler?Yes you do...and so do I!! If you have a child then you know all about the drooping head syndrome in the car seat. When Zoe falls asleep in her car seat she looks like a contortionist..lol. Now there is a solution...the Head Snuggler!!<br /><br />Head on over to <a href="http://blog.havekidwilltravel.com/2009/07/head-snuggler-puts-and-end-to-drooping.html">Have Kid Will Travel</a> to read Jody's review and enter for a chance to win one for yourself.Amanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-55992784029806911892009-06-17T20:54:00.015-05:002009-06-19T11:25:25.216-05:00An Opportunity From Roberts DairyWhen I first talked about getting into blogging my SIL Jody (<a href="http://iowageekonline.com/">Iowa Geek</a>) recommended that I sign up for <a href="http://www.momselect.com/">Mom Select</a>. I am really glad that I did. I have gotten some good opportunities through them. My most recent one was to try out some products from <a href="http://robertsdairy.com/green">Roberts Dairy</a>. I jumped at the chance. I really enjoy their products so I was very excited when I found out I was selected.<br /><br />When my package arrived it contained coupons for free product and some yummy recipes to try. I made one of the recipes for my family the other night and will share it with you at the end of this post. Roberts has great <a href="http://robertsdairy.com/coupons">coupons</a> on their website and are always adding more. They also have a <a href="http://robertsdairy.com/recipes">site full of yummy recipes</a>. You can find Roberts Dairy products in Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas and parts of Colorado, Illinois and South Dakota. So go check them out.<br /><br />The recipe I chose to make for my family was the Chicken Enchiladas with Cottage Cheese. The cottage cheese in the recipe had my husband and I worried and after they came out of the oven they looked really wet. Well, they were wonderful!! They had a great texture and weren't wet at all. And the cottage cheese added a great extra layer of flavor. I HIGHLY recommend these! Here is the recipe:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349073103711897730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVT1GFdJ6k6VhZknXO45NCeKOyP-7FJ6pL2nKvpzcd58G1czSlNA9L6Bj08cuQh_zBdzS9pOpnMkkvGG3ACuZMYNYqF4VBZq2h-_TGYDgRrDB0foovcKTvPPBedE_ch-wRH4LJg/s320/Enchiladas.jpg" /><br /><br />Chicken Enchiladas with Cottage Cheese<br /><br /><strong>Ingredients:</strong></p><ul><li>1 tablespoon vegetable oil (I used extra-virgin olive oil)</li><li>2 boiled and shredded skinless, boneless chicken breast halves</li><li>1/2 cup chopped onion</li><li>1 7-ounce can chopped green chile peppers</li><li>1 1-ounce package taco seasoning mix</li><li>1/2 cup <strong>ROBERTS SOUR CREAM</strong></li><li>2 cups <strong>ROBERTS COTTAGE CHEESE </strong>(I used the 1% cottage cheese)</li><li>1 pinch ground black pepper</li><li>12 6-inch corn tortillas</li><li>2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese</li><li>1 10-ounce red enchilada sauce</li></ul><br /><p><strong>Preparation:</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong><br /><br /></p><p>For meat mixture, heat oil in medium skillet over high heat. Add chicken, onion and green chile peppers and saute until browned. Then add taco seasoning and prepare meat mixture according to package instructions.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p>For cheese mixture, mix sour cream with cottage cheese in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper and stir until well blended.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p>Preheat oven to 350 degrees.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p>To make enchiladas, heat tortillas until soft and place a spoonful of meat mixture, a spoonful of cheese mixture and a small amount of shredded cheese in each tortilla. Roll tortillas and place in a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with any remaining meat and cheese mixture, enchilada sauce and remaining shredded cheese.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p>Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000099;"></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000099;">This post courtesy of</span></em><br /><a href="http://www.momselect.com/"><img title="Mom Select" border="0" alt="Mom Select - Bringing Companies and Moms Together" src="http://www.momselect.com/images/banner.jpg" /></a></div>Amanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-58858185613708754422009-06-09T13:19:00.003-05:002009-06-09T15:19:35.641-05:00Everything I Know I Learned From Sesame Street.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZo9jb0ax4xRy7rUr2ecQZY1RFcFYYs-98ixL0bTkzYQ5dPjv2wZABPDab5G7Yiu6psnOWWxxI-seeaIP2YvYrGs4GYlp65VZkuBn00-932kSst6WhQfr2GyFZFRCx3LFdXqJ5ng/s1600-h/SesameStreet.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 207px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345424836554522194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZo9jb0ax4xRy7rUr2ecQZY1RFcFYYs-98ixL0bTkzYQ5dPjv2wZABPDab5G7Yiu6psnOWWxxI-seeaIP2YvYrGs4GYlp65VZkuBn00-932kSst6WhQfr2GyFZFRCx3LFdXqJ5ng/s320/SesameStreet.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 10:00 am. our TV is turned to one thing....<a href="http://pbskids.org/sesame/">Sesame Street</a>. Other than clapping and cheering occasionally during <a href="http://www.cbs.com/daytime/the_price_is_right//">The Price Is Right</a> and dancing with Ellen during <a href="http://ellen.warnerbros.com/">The Ellen DeGeneres Show</a>, Zoe really could care less about TV. That is until that fateful day about two months ago when I turned the TV to Sesame Street. She was GLUED!! </div><br /><div></div><div>I am not a big fan of sticking kids in front of the TV so I never minded that she didn't watch. But I really don't mind Sesame Street because of how educational it is. I know that I loved watching it as a child and I am glad I get to share it with Zoe! We found out how educational it was the other day.</div><div></div><br /><div>Lately Zoe has been saying two word over and over again. But we couldn't figure out what they were? We knew she was saying something and wasn't just babbling because it was rhythmic and the same every time. We were stumped and then Jarod said that he thought she was counting. So I started counting..."1,2,3,4". And sure enough she said back..."Wah, Two, Eee". We were shocked! We were even more surprised that she said Three (Eee). </div><br /><div></div><div>Where in the world did our 16 month old learn to count to three? We kept racking our brains because even though I read to her a lot I haven't really counted with her. Jarod suggested Sesame Street because they count on there...but I didn't think so because her counting was so rhythmic. Then yesterday while we were watching Zoe's favorite part of SS (Elmo's World) I realized that Jarod was right. Elmo always counts something during Elmo's World and it is rhythmic! So mystery solved! We will definitely keep watching Sesame Street.</div>Amanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-33626860750375782202009-06-04T22:45:00.008-05:002009-06-04T23:40:17.336-05:00Sometimes $20 Does Go Far!Jarod and I decided we wanted to hit up some garage sales today. So we got onto <a href="http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites">Craigslist</a> and clicked on their garage sale link. We weren't sure if we would find too many on a Thursday, but we were in luck and found three that we wanted to check out. Our goal was to find 12 month summer clothes and 18 month fall/winter clothes for Zoe.<br /><br />First sale we hit was kinda close to us...as in still on the south side of Des Moines. Unfortunately the clothes in her size were the wrong seasons. I did manage to find one 12 month skirt and one 18 month long sleeved onesie.<br /><br />For the second sale we drove to Grimes which is about 30 minutes north of us. This one was a HUGE neighborhood sale. There was about ten sales on this block. We found a lot of good stuff at these!!!<br /><br />The last one was in Ankeny. It took us about 15 minutes to drive to Ankeny. This one had a lot of nice furniture (which we don't need), lots of knick-knacks (REALLY don't need) and a few antique items. A bit of a let down since they advertised kids clothes. However, just as we were leaving a car pulled up. The family that got out grabbed a card table out of their car and I instantly wondered if the goodies may have arrived. I did notice that a little boy had gotten out of the car, so my hopes for girl' clothes were fading. Then the father got a little girl (who was older than Zoe) out of the car. So Jarod hopped out to see if they had girl clothes in the sizes we were looking for. They did!! I snagged several items. The best part....she wanted everything gone so it was all a quarter each!! One of the quarter items was a brand new looking jean coat!! SWEET!!<br /><br />So how much did we spend total? $20!! What did we get for that $20? Well, here is a list. I am also going to post a couple of pics at the end of the list of a few of the best items!<br /><br /><br />5 Shirts<br />5 Pairs of jeans<br />1 Pair of shoes<br />1 Pair of shorts<br />2 Skirts<br />3 Sets of PJ's<br />1 Dress<br />1 Hooded Sweatshirt<br />1 Jean Jacket<br />A set of Baby Einstein CD's (6 CD's and a board book)<br />3 Books (2 of them were Eric Carle board books for only a dollar each...SCORE)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YVoQDveYoghaBrgnWMNLt7d-wc25DseE7zgF0S3dvb5Es0ou2U1ezCAETaMOuBBbAyTz-r7QvzUCmjH_0pWJD2ko2aXnwqsPR-eIgpl-vJzS22_UJILxN2Oz0sCkcnueLIaBLA/s1600-h/101_3715.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343696973664958450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YVoQDveYoghaBrgnWMNLt7d-wc25DseE7zgF0S3dvb5Es0ou2U1ezCAETaMOuBBbAyTz-r7QvzUCmjH_0pWJD2ko2aXnwqsPR-eIgpl-vJzS22_UJILxN2Oz0sCkcnueLIaBLA/s320/101_3715.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwvkKMRc3_zVWZbvX2zr98zSOe5IJNBJ5OSAa_a1Flae5WB11-SHGgRnwXU_69FXgFzNcAq09BgozRgHzEYO_NlxXitJ7z5b4YDY8AJmRNi-EMhIvNoTYaQWLP5ecn5e4iEo4Yg/s1600-h/101_3711.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343696581310522850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwvkKMRc3_zVWZbvX2zr98zSOe5IJNBJ5OSAa_a1Flae5WB11-SHGgRnwXU_69FXgFzNcAq09BgozRgHzEYO_NlxXitJ7z5b4YDY8AJmRNi-EMhIvNoTYaQWLP5ecn5e4iEo4Yg/s320/101_3711.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><div> </div>Amanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-33158359728999116152009-05-27T09:47:00.003-05:002009-05-27T11:08:25.893-05:00How Do You Do That Voodoo That You Do So Well?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyXLL0Emqfm9pOz9_RKS0mSfrbkEZYYTL842FHvpWqoLfQLWgHcvMzoa-RpAuzYhcUVlY-mugpbVNxvArmi65v3SeZaCcuSF7K7cDKH7fiY9Z9ugHUyg3IEHWkG2KDKfN2WrwIA/s1600-h/EyeofHorusCircle.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 130px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340536116181215810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyXLL0Emqfm9pOz9_RKS0mSfrbkEZYYTL842FHvpWqoLfQLWgHcvMzoa-RpAuzYhcUVlY-mugpbVNxvArmi65v3SeZaCcuSF7K7cDKH7fiY9Z9ugHUyg3IEHWkG2KDKfN2WrwIA/s320/EyeofHorusCircle.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div><div>So last night I kinda freaked out my hubby a little. I seem to have episodes of precognition from time to time. Last night was one of them. We had checked out some books from the library on Friday. Four for me and two for him. I am on my third book and he is still on the first one, so of course I have been teasing him. Well, last night we had been reading in bed for awhile, and I was getting tired. So, I finished my chapter and put my book up. A few minutes later Jarod decided he was done as well. </div><div></div><br /><div>As he was putting his book away I decided to tease him. I grabbed my book and said "How far am I.....hmmmm page 108. He replied that it is not a race. I laughed as I turned the lights off.</div><div></div><br /><div>After a few seconds he said "I'd be lucky if I was on page 108." </div><div></div><br /><div>I said "I'm sure you are farther than that." He decided he wanted to see, so I turned the light back on for him to find his book.</div><div></div><br /><div>As he was reaching for the book I said, "I bet you are on page 130....2....132." He opened the book then said, "132 lucky guess."</div><div></div><br /><div>No way!! I told him he had to be joking. But, he showed me that he was ready to start a new chapter and the first page of that chapter was 132. He said it freaked him out a bit. LOL! I know this sounds minor, but when you put it together with other episodes I have had...it is a bit spooky.</div><div></div><br /><div>I have had many minor episodes since I was little. But I can remember 2 major ones. The first one happened when I was around 2. My mom said I was playing and the phone started to ring. I sat up and told her it was my aunt on the phone and I told her what my aunt was calling about. My Mom answered the phone, it was my aunt, and she told her all the same things I had just said. Mom asked her if she had talked to me recently and had told me any of that. She said that she hadn't talked to me for a couple of days and had just thought of what she needed to call about right before she called. Mom said it freaked her out.</div><div></div><br /><div>Then when I was older, my dad and I were watching a lottery show. I think it was for the Illinois lottery. On the show they had 4 different lottery games, a 3 number, 4 number, 5 number and a 7 number one. The model moved to the 3 number game and the balls started spinning. I called out a number right before it was pulled up the tube and I was right. Next number...same thing...called it out and was right. I finished off the 3 number game 3 for 3. 4 number game...same thing 4 for 4. 5 number game....5 for 5. Each time I called the number before it was in the tube so I couldn't have even seen a bit of the number to guess. 7 number game was next.....I got the first 6 right...and then I got cocky. I made a smart comment to my dad and I guess broke my concentration because I got the last number wrong. I just remember the awestruck look on my dad's face. He couldn't believe I had done that.</div><div></div><br /><div>Now I know...everyone is going to wonder why I haven't won the lottery yet. Well, it seems that my precog abilities (or something to that effect) are very near sighted. I can only do that right before the number or conversation is revealed. I can't control it because I have no idea when it is going to happen and it does not seem to happen that often anymore. </div><div></div><br /><div>Ok....now that I have freaked you all out...or just proven what a freak I am....I will let you all go without telling you that I also believe ghosts are real and about all the personal experiences I have had. I can't give away all the skeletons in my closet in one post, now can I?</div></div></div>Amanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-53815244733035501202009-05-12T23:16:00.004-05:002009-05-12T23:43:41.578-05:00Wordless Wednesday-First Trip To The Zoo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBSMp7hrAkMruvaOWZGPLknIlWTQi782gbg6yPlHUt5MM3D04T1_9wFZpGbUinmleUX2G8R7CO4vGu3tpv9x4qjPygYQFyagRF8BbpgeuOETj8U2OB6-RFDSoIqxnzJj2t8VJmA/s1600-h/Feeding+the+goat.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335164495621006034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBSMp7hrAkMruvaOWZGPLknIlWTQi782gbg6yPlHUt5MM3D04T1_9wFZpGbUinmleUX2G8R7CO4vGu3tpv9x4qjPygYQFyagRF8BbpgeuOETj8U2OB6-RFDSoIqxnzJj2t8VJmA/s320/Feeding+the+goat.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzBeB7p_9Nvi9sY_-vcLqH7AMxNtpGe7qEWj0S1d6O9fiHA5r15e_jX1CmrQiYlJAaZcKJxxJE3WUAmXNhT13lVxVMflIWh7fFF2T7OUZm7p50ybaasZoc-UO_adHjMsTeVH0OQ/s1600-h/Looking+at+the+prairie+dogs.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335164299195640226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzBeB7p_9Nvi9sY_-vcLqH7AMxNtpGe7qEWj0S1d6O9fiHA5r15e_jX1CmrQiYlJAaZcKJxxJE3WUAmXNhT13lVxVMflIWh7fFF2T7OUZm7p50ybaasZoc-UO_adHjMsTeVH0OQ/s320/Looking+at+the+prairie+dogs.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeTTNosMIleqHyZsWHVPhP5rMOhpaxKK59AZy1pXOj2un4KQFnYLmvhrPHAqiasnk4XjnSE3EEp9w9HaFZp_K3zoxPgYZ3NdFFOzLfQUcZMu5OR1pHCEWZJnW-4gyGcT7yRcv1g/s1600-h/Running+at+Zoo.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335164055770758098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeTTNosMIleqHyZsWHVPhP5rMOhpaxKK59AZy1pXOj2un4KQFnYLmvhrPHAqiasnk4XjnSE3EEp9w9HaFZp_K3zoxPgYZ3NdFFOzLfQUcZMu5OR1pHCEWZJnW-4gyGcT7yRcv1g/s400/Running+at+Zoo.jpg" /></a> For more Wordless Wednesday head over to <a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/6232/wordless-wednesday-birthday-wishes/">5 Minutes For Mom</a>.</div></div>Amanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-89895256397127640472009-05-04T22:30:00.004-05:002009-05-06T08:17:46.202-05:00Wordless Wednesday-My Monkey Girl<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YbyYWPUNpGlErVE_XSxg0Q2emmuBsqSUBfQtHe8mefQFfmjg_d6BuyQdAocXkE1fyLwgWBDJCHfhDVOULEmBrq-lOQP8J4SrrNn8kuwE0URK6MQk6xfITV8PAFsXHkrl0UVcIw/s1600-h/Climbing.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332179534654970002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YbyYWPUNpGlErVE_XSxg0Q2emmuBsqSUBfQtHe8mefQFfmjg_d6BuyQdAocXkE1fyLwgWBDJCHfhDVOULEmBrq-lOQP8J4SrrNn8kuwE0URK6MQk6xfITV8PAFsXHkrl0UVcIw/s400/Climbing.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYvUxE27DpI_VmIG8cYWZ13zrMzOy-opVcrPHjaO1wibpmTB_SRbgb-culzyRnjGWPEk8agLjA2Ibxc3MyQmO5GDr6EJY-fwNJe5urrc3JxPxS5yk2w1wFbWzngxi65RarFJIeA/s1600-h/Climbing+Higher.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332179351406002978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYvUxE27DpI_VmIG8cYWZ13zrMzOy-opVcrPHjaO1wibpmTB_SRbgb-culzyRnjGWPEk8agLjA2Ibxc3MyQmO5GDr6EJY-fwNJe5urrc3JxPxS5yk2w1wFbWzngxi65RarFJIeA/s400/Climbing+Higher.jpg" /></a><br /><div>For more Wordless Wednesday head over to <a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/6167/wordless-wednesday-getting-dirty/">5 Minutes For Mom</a>.</div></div>Amanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-45012771190654757362009-05-04T17:28:00.004-05:002009-05-04T17:35:06.331-05:00Now This Is What I Call Common Sense!My uncle sent this to me and I decided to pass it on.<br /><br /><br /><blockquote><span style="color:#330099;">The St. Petersburg Times Newspaper asked readers for ideas on "How Would You Fix the Economy?"</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">I think this guy nailed it!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#330099;">Dear Mr. President:<br />Please find below my suggestion for fixing America 's economy.<br /><br />Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan.<br /><br />You can call it the Patriotic Retirement Plan:<br /><br /><br />There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force.<br /><br />Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations:<br /><br /><br /><br />1) They MUST retire. Forty million job openings -<br /><br />Unemployment fixed.<br /><br /><br /><br />2) They MUST buy a new American CAR. Forty million cars ordered-<br /><br />Auto Industry fixed.<br /><br /><br /><br />3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage<br /><br />Housing Crisis fixed.<br /><br /><br />It can't get any easier than that!<br /><br />If more money is needed, have all members of Congress and their constituents pay their taxes.. </span></blockquote>Amanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-33419520441167746592009-05-03T22:38:00.001-05:002009-05-03T22:41:04.625-05:00Do you want a Poken?Well I do!! And lucky for me Jody over at <a href="http://reviews.iowageekonline.com/2009/04/can-i-poken-you-giveaway.html">Iowa Geek Reviews</a> is giving one away. Head on over and enter. Be sure to tell her I sent ya!Amanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944180.post-34555652040060176622009-04-23T16:35:00.005-05:002009-04-30T21:16:03.341-05:00Iowa Mom's Night Out!!!<div align="center"><a href="http://www.momsniteout.com/"><img title="I am Celebrating National Mom’s Nite Out: the Ultimate Celebration of Motherhood" alt="I am Celebrating National Mom’s Nite Out: the Ultimate Celebration of Motherhood" src="http://www.momsniteout.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/celebrating.png" width="164" height="191" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="left">Do you live in Des Moines or surrounding area? Are you a Mom? Do you have any plans for Thursday May 7th? Well you do now because May 7th is National Mom's Nite Out. My SIL Jody from <a href="http://www.iowageekonline.com/">Iowa Geek</a> as well as <a href="http://www.havekidwilltravel.com/">Have Kid Will Travel</a> and Paula from <a href="http://boogersandburps.blogspot.com/">Boogers and Burps</a> are cohosting the local event. Here is the quick info on the event:<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#3366ff;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#3366ff;">Des Moines National Mom's Nite Out<br />Thursday, May 7, 7-10 pm<br />At All Play (formerly In Play) 615 3rd St., Des Moines<br /><br /></div></span><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">They have a lot of great things planned for the evening. Giveaways, goodies and Godiva Chocolate and assorted vendors.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />For the whole scoop click </span><a href="http://www.iowageekonline.com/2009/04/more-great-stuff-happening-at-des.html"><span style="font-size:130%;">here</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> and </span><a href="http://boogersandburps.blogspot.com/2009/04/im-co-hosting-event-for-des-moines-moms.html"><span style="font-size:130%;">here</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">.</span> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /><br />They are trying to reach out to as many Des Moines moms as they can...so feel free to put the word out on your blog, Twitter, Facebook or anywhere else you can think of!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /><br />Hope to see you there!!! </div><br /><div align="center"></div>Amanda B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09200695961437692390noreply@blogger.com0