Handmade Christmas Cards!

**DISCLAIMER: If you are a member of LaughingPlace.com and are participating in the swap, be prepared to have the surprise spoiled if you continue reading. Please, only positive comments on my cards, as well.**

This year, I am participating in the LaughingPlace.com Christmas Card Swap. The premise is you make cards for everyone who signed up and send them to the Hostess. Then she distributes each of the cards to the other participants, then you end up with a different card. This year, it should be 22. :)

So I ran to Michael's and could NOT find what I was looking for. Of course, I have to have them mailed out this week, so I am kind of pressed for time. I bought some pre-folded cards in a "Winter" color scheme (blues and silver) and blue and white stamp ink pads. I also bought a snowflake stamp and a "Season's Greetings" stamp. Also purchased was some jeweled snowflake stickers and some jeweled Mickey silhouette stickers. I also bought some Christmas Quotes Vellum, but ended up deciding not to use it.

Here are the pictures of my generic-looking but cute hand-made cards:

Dark blue paper with white ink.

This was the reject. Not enough "snow" themed quotes. Had I not made this, I could have returned the vellum and the sticky dots.

Grey/Silver paper and blue ink. Each card had a Mickey on it, because LaughingPlace.com is a Disney Fan Site. The BEST one, in my opinion! :)

Winner of the $20 Gift Card (CHOC)

Last weekend, October 17, the girls and I walked for the Children's Hospital Orange County. I ended up raising $55 and Big Sis raised $50. I signed Little Sis up at the last minute to walk with us, and I donated $25 to her name, and Disneyland Resort matched that. We walked for the Disney VoluntEars, and we had a great time!

I had 6 people donate to me, and of those 6, 4 also donated to Alex. So I had a total of 10 entries, which were given random numbers. Here's how it worked:

Robert A. 1, 7
Brooke F. 2, 8
Wendy C. 3
Liz K. 4, 9
Barbara M. 5, 10
Robbin M. 6

And the winner is.... Number 3!!!! Congrats, Wendy! You get a $20 gift card from Amazon, Starbucks, or, as an added bonus, Disney! :) Let me know what you choose, and it'll go out by November 1!

Congrats again to Wendy, and thank you to everyone who donated to CHOC! :) (Pictures will follow soon!)

My 365 Challenge

So back in January, I started a 365 Project. I went almost 2 weeks, then got busy and stopped posting.

So, I'm going to start up again in January. You can find the link at 365 in 2011. I have even updated the graphics already.

Oh, and what should I be doing right now? My homework, but instead I'm playing on my blog.

Sponsor and WIN! $20 Starbucks OR Barnes & Noble GC (ends 10-16-10)

So, I'm really lacking on sponsors for the 2010 CHOC Walk, which happens at Disneyland Park on October 17, 2010. So far, I have ONE sponsor at $10 (Thank you, Barbara Murray!!)

So, to spice things up a bit, and to get as many sponsors as I can, I'm going to offer an incentive.

Sponsor me, and you can win EITHER a $20 Starbucks gift card OR a $20 Barnes & Noble gift card (winner's choice).

Here's how to enter:

For one entry, click on my sponsor link: http://www.chocwalk.net/justaddlaughter and donate at least $1.

For a second entry, click on Big Sis' sponsor link: http://www.chocwalk.net/alex2001 and donate at least $1.

For a third entry, leave me a comment telling me you've sponsored. For bonus kudos, guess how long it will take me to finish the 5K (which is 3.1 miles). If you guess right, I'll post your blog or website's button or ad for 30 days at the top of my blog, right below the CHOC Walk logo.

For more entries, if you tell someone about my contest, and they donate, you will get one additional entry for each person (they must donate to at least one of either myself or my daughter,  and tell me you sent them).

Only one entry per person per requirement (donating $1 ten times will only get you one entry). Remember, this is for an excellent cause. The Children's Hospital Orange County helps 200,000 children each year, and they need our help to continue offering exceptional care. Big Sis and I both need $100 to be able to participate in the walk.

Contest ends on October 16, 2010, which is the day before the CHOC Walk.

Winners will be notified on October 18.

You can read my first entry about the CHOC Walk by clicking here.

One week ago...

On August 19, 2010, my girls went back to school. I had been working since the 16th, and they were at Grandma's. I picked them up Wednesday night, and everything went smoothly on Thursday morning.

Big Sis started 4th grade. She's very excited. She got her flute today, and will be in the GATE Science program after school. She's also continuing Karate and will be doing a dance class. She is also going to be taking Japanese, which is being offered after school as well. Who knew we attend a small school district with only 220 students at the Elementary School?? She'll be doing a California Indian project as well as the California Mission Project. I've already told her teacher I want to go on the field trip to the Mission, which is usually in January. Once we know what Mission she'll be building, I'm going to try and plan a trip to visit it.

Little Sis is now in 1st grade. She is still in the Spanish Dual Immersion program. Her teacher had a pre-Curriculum Nigh meeting on Tuesday, and we got to hear a bit about how their day goes. I'm very excited. She's getting more independent and I'm thankful. It lets me focus on my job. She's currently in the after school swimming program and she started Karate as well. She even has her uniform! I'm hoping to get her into some fun after school classes as well as some academic ones to help her with her Spanish reading and writing.








Both girls are getting into th routine. Little Sis is in bed by 8, and Big Sis is allowed to stay up until 8:30. But because Wipeout and Minute to Win It are an hour (we love those shows), she's been staying up until 9. However, she's not giving me any problems in the mornings, so I'm comfortable letting her stay up. Once she starts telling me she doesn't want to get up, it's back to 8:30 sharp.

The week before school started, I took apart their bunk beds, and now they're in their own twin beds. It's cramped in the tiny bedroom, but now they can make their own beds. Also, I can snuggle with Little Sis a little easier and tuck Big Sis into bed (which is hard when she's on the top bunk).

So, back to another year of school. I am working the after school swimming program as well as my 6.5 hours at the elementary school. I am also finishing up my first term at Kaplan University. I have 2 weeks left, then a week off, then I start my next term. I'm looking forward to the Crossroads Church Women's Ministry Retreat in mid-September and a trip to the San Francisco Bay Area in November so my kids can see their dad and I can visit some friends. We've got Girl Scouts as well, as Big Sis is now a Junior. We're still in the discussion phase as to whether or not the Daisies (Little Sis) will become Brownies or not. The other 2 moms and I think the Daisies should stay Daisies for another year. Because of our small community, finding the girls and the parents to help can get challenging, so we are sticking with our small group of 3 Daisies, 3 Brownies, and now 6 Juniors (Big Sis and her BFF were Brownies last year).

Here's to a busy and healthy year!

CHOC Walk -- October 17, 2010

Every year, I try to support a good cause. For the past few years, it's been Walk Now for Autism, and in the last 2 years, I've also volunteered for Royal Family Kids Camp.

This year, I've decided to walk for Children's Hospital Orange County. On October 17, 2010, thousands of participants will get the privilege of walking through Disneyland Resort to raise money for CHOC.

Most of my readers know how much I love Disneyland, and I've wanted to participate for several years. I have many friends walking as well for the team Disney VoluntEARS.

If you would like to donate, click on the link to my Donation Page. There's also a link at the top of my blog next to the fundraiser counter. (Don't get it confused with the RFKC Donation button, although you can always contribute to that, too!!)

Thank you for any donation you can make. If you cannot donate, please pray that the walk will be a success, both for my donations, team donations, and overall money raised.

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

When I bought this book, I didn't even know it existed. I was in line at Costco, and the lady behind me had it. I ran to get it because, let's face it, it was a Twilight book.

I started reading this book on Sunday, and was about half way done by the time I went to see "Eclipse" on Wednesday (I don't have too much time to read). I'm glad I did, and was also wishing I had finished it, because it made the battle scene so much more enjoyable.

If you enjoyed the Twilight Saga, you'll enjoy this book. It offers a look into the life of one of the Newborns, one with feelings and a conscience. I just wish it had all turned out different for Bree.

RFKC Walk-a-Thon

Today I walked for Royal Family Kids Camp.

I arrived at Rancho Community Church in Temecula, California at 7:45am. I checked in with my donation packet, and got my lap counter tickets. 16 laps I was told was 3.5 miles.

My friend Rose and I walked together. At one point, I got distracted by my sister and her dog so I ran half a lap to catch up with my walking buddy.

We finished all 16 laps in about one hour and ten minutes. Later, I learned it was more like over four miles.

I was doing great while I walked. I was a little sore after while Rose and I were sitting at Starbucks, but once I got home and took a FOUR HOUR nap, I started feeling the muscles tightening and spasming.

It was for a great cause, though, and if I were to train properly, I could do a 5K in under an hour!!

We still need donations! Click the RFKC logo or the Donate button above to help us send 52 kids to summer camp!!

Wordless Wednesday 4-21

April 17, 2010

Tidelands Park, Coronado (San Diego)

Dash For Cash!! (Fundraiser)

I am raising money to help abused and neglected kids attend a free (and wonderful) camp this summer. Royal Family Kids Camp - check them out online. (http://temecula.rfkc.org)

My goal is $500 and You can help:

If each of you would mail me $2, just $2! I would reach my goal. Of course you are welcome to send more if you see the need and are able....

Every bit helps! Thank you ahead of time!!

Send to:

RFKC
c/o Jaime Heath
PO Box 114
Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Checks payable to RFKC.


Or click on the Royal Family Kids Camp logo or "Donate" button on the left to donate using Paypal. 


I will be walking on Saturday, April 24 at Rancho Community Church in Temecula for RFKC as well!!

If you cannot contribute financially, please pray for us. Pray for the camp, the campers, the volunteers, and others who are giving. It's a 5 day camp, and we counselors put our blood, sweat, and tears (and heart and soul) into this camp. Every little bit counts, and contributions are tax deductible.

Thank you, and God Bless

1/12 - Very Cool License Plate Frame

Something I saw recently that I haven't shared yet.

1/11 - Baby pics

Here is a picture of me as a baby. Again, I have no idea how old I am...maybe 6 months or so?Here's a picture of Big Sis (before she was a Big Sis) at about 4-6 months old. I would have to check the original pic for a date. Can anyone see a resemblance??

1/10 - Another flashback...waaay back!

I may have posted this before over at Just Add Laughter, but I thought I'd add it here. People on Facebook are changing their profile pics in "wayback week."

I have no idea how old I am...I would guess about 2 or 3. I'm wearing my grandma's heels, too. :) Don't you love the SHAG carpet??

Tomorrow, I'll post another one of me as a baby...and one of Big Sis as well. You'll get a 2-for-1!!

1/9 - Another beautiful sunset (from Ranchita, CA)

Jaime
-- Sent from my Palm Pixi

1/8 - Desert sunset

Isn't it gorgeous? A photo just doesn't do it justice.

Jaime
-- Sent from my Palm Pixi

Friday Fill In 1/8/2010

1. There are places I'd really rather be.


2. Desert winds blow those clouds away.

3. Standing in the desert at night can make one cold.

4. Mickey says:  oh boy.

5. He went out tiger hunting ... they're greeeaaaat.

6. Not much keeps my mind from wandering .

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to one more night kid free, tomorrow my plans include the last of the training and then driving to Hemet and Sunday, I want to go to church and see my family that I haven't seen since before Christmas!!!

1/7 - Snow capped Mountains

So here is what that winter storm did. This is a picture of the mountains to the west of Borrego Springs. On the other side is highway 79, which takes a person into Julian and then into Riverside County to Temecula and I-15.

So far this winter, we haven't had much snow. There was one day on which is snowed, but the snow didn't linger long enough for anyone to enjoy it.

I hope it does snow in the mountains and rain in the valley soon...we want some wildflowers!!!

1/6 - Flashback

Since my kids aren't home, I'm finding I'm not taking pics of anything. So here's a picture from last Winter.

This was taking mid-December 2008. I was driving from Hemet to Borrego Springs, and it started snowing. When I reached Ranchita, which is about 4500 feet, it was snowing pretty bad, and I couldn't make it down the mountain.

Luckily, I had a friend who lives in Ranchita, so we (the girls and I) stayed there to wait out the storm. We ended up being there for about 30 hours. Once I got out of their 3/4 mile long driveway, I went back home to Hemet. Come back tomorrow for what this looked like from the Borrego Valley floor...

1/5 - Flashback

So I sat in training all day today, so I really didn't have a chance to take any pictures.

So, here's a flashback pic.

I love it when my girls are goofy and getting along. Very rarely will I get two honest-to-goodness smiles from my girls in the same picture.

This is one of my favorite pics (I have many many favorites). I can't remember what was going on, I just know that we were having a good time!!

1/4 - One last look...

I'm going to be taking it down tonight. I am finally home today after being gone for 2 weeks. So the tree will be first tonight, so I can make room for my DVD tower and make a corner for the puppy.

Bye-bye, tree. See you in 10 and a half months!!

Jaime
-- Sent from my Palm Pixi

1/3 - Disneyland Today...

Today, Big Sis and I went to Disneyland to celebrate her getting to the 100 Point Club.

We started by having Breakfast at Plaza Inn's Minnie and Friends Breakfast. Then we had a fun filled day, including a ride on Tower of Terror.

Check My Disneyland Vacation this week for a full trip report!!

Jaime
-- Sent from my Palm Pixi

Disneyland tomorrow!

Big Sis and I are leaving tomorrow morning at 5am.

I hadn't originally planned on leaving that early, but I made Priority Seating arrangements for the Plaza Inn Character Breakfast for tomorrow morning at 7:10am. This is during Magic Morning, so we won't miss much park time.

Our ultimate goal tomorrow is to see (and participate in) Tiana's Showboat Jubilee. I also want to take one last ride on Small World Holiday for this season. AND...Honey, I Shrunk the Audience is closing on January 4 to make way for Captain EO's return, so I'd like to see that one last time.

She also wants to ride Indy, since we haven't ridden that in a while, and since we won't have Little Sis with us, it's a great time to ride!

Come back for pics!

1/2 - Playing nice

My girls playing Candyland. Little Sis threw a toy car at Big Sis' head today. Then later, while they were riding the scooter, Little Sis bit Big Sis on the back. Left a bruise, too.

It's nice to see and hear them playing nice.

Jaime
-- Sent from my Palm Pixi

Princess Lessons (Meg Cabot)

Last night, I finished "Princess Lessons" by Meg Cabot. This is one of her Princess Diaries books, but it's not part of the series, per se.

Technically, it's written by Princess Mia, her grandmother, her bodyguard, and her friends. It basically teaches a young lady about how to act like a Princess, even if she wasn't born one.

This would be a perfect gift for a pre-teen. It gives fun, age-appropriate, real-life advice about how to treat people, how to act, and even a few tips on how to dress from Princess Mia's hair stylist and fashion designer. Princess Mia gives her opinion on everything, telling the reader that she should just be herself, too.

As a special feature for this blog, I am going to list the Accelerated Reader (AR) reading level and points for each book that has one. My daughter's school uses this program, and since I'm reading Young Adult books as one of my 2010 Challenges, I thought I'd add this onto my reviews.

So, Princess Lessons by Meg Cabot has an AR level of 6.8 (upper 6th grade reading level), with 2.0 points available.

1/1 - Happy New Year!!

We were supposed to meet up with a friend at the McD's in Walmart to have dinner and go baby shopping (she is due on the 11th). But, I ended up not being able to get ahold of her. So I brought the girls anyway. We're eating and will get ice cream after. Then we'll go browsing for a bit.

Jaime
-- Sent from my Palm Pixi