More Committments

So today marked the very last day of the 2011 Girl Scout Cookie Site/Booth Sales for our Girl Scout troop. YAY! I still have about 8 boxes left to sell, but I'm hoping to get rid of those tomorrow while we are out and about.

Today was also the Borrego Springs Health Fair. Big Sis dances with her Hip Hop/Jazz dance class first thing in the morning. Little Sis ended up dancing with the Mexican Dance class. She has not been going to class, but knew the dances the kids were performing. So she was dancing out in he crowd. Her teacher saw her and told her to get up there and join them. It was so cute, I was laughing so hard.

Big Sis also had her Elementary Ban debut. She plays the flute, and is the only flute in the elementary school. A couple of middle schoolers joined them, so she had another flute playing with her. They played 5 songs: Frere Jacques, BINGO, the Mexican Hat Dance, Minute Man March, and Climbing Stairs. (I think I remember playing the Minute Man March at one point in my musical career.)

While we were at the Fair, I also signed the girls up for Softball and T-Ball. I wasn't going to, but they really wanted to play, and since about half of the kids at the school are playing, I figured we may as well join in on the fun! I am hoping the weather doesn't get too hot, though. Looks like my Saturdays are packed until June!!

Into the arms of Jesus...

The girls and I got some very sad news today. A friend, who we have known for 2 years, was involved in a car accident this morning and passed away. We are very saddened, and are praying for her family, including her husband, sons, and 4-year old grandson.

Bambi has always been a ray of sunshine. We met her through the Methodist Church in Borrego, where the girls and I have been going to OaSis on Wednesday nights. Bambi was the sweetest, and, last year, was the OaSis "Comforter." When children were not showing the love of Jesus, whether they were tired, cranky, or hungry, she would swoop in like the angel she was and cheer them up right away! This year, she started as the Coordinator and was also the Cook, but stepped down to "only" Cook just a few weeks ago. This last Wednesday, it was "Diversity Night" and we had a rainbow of colors for dinner: baked chicken, rainbow pasta, and broccoli. We also had rainbow Jell-O for dessert: red at the bottom, then orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. When asked how she made it, she said "Magic." I wish I'd taken a picture, but it was very yummy.

Bambi will be greatly missed by everyone in the community of Borrego Springs. I know the kids especially will feel the hole she leaves at OaSis. But we can all take comfort in knowing she's in the arms of Jesus right now. Please pray for her husband, Brian, and her sons and grandson, Devon. I know they are hurting right now. Big Sis and Little Sis are, as well... Big Sis has known since I've known and has been crying off and on all day (as have I). Little Sis just found out not more than an hour before this is being written, and I hear herself whispering to herself "She's in the arms of Jesus" as she's crying and walking through the house.

We love you Bambi... We'll see you in Heaven!

1-13 Disney Junior & A Day at the Beach

Next month, Disney Junior is going to premier. My girls cannot wait! Heck, even I can't wait! I love all things Disney, which most of you all know.

Over at Disney Junior, there are having a photo contest. The top 6 photos (3 boys and 3 girls), will have their picture on Disney Junior during the premier week, starting February 14.

I have entered this picture of Little Sis in the photo contest. It's called "A Day at the Beach" and it's one of my favorite pictures.

So, if you could all be so kind as to head on over to Disney Junior (that's a direct link to the photo voting page) and vote for Little Sis. She would be so thrilled to see herself on the television.

Thanks so much in advance!

Disney Junior & A Day at the Beach

Next month, Disney Junior is going to premier. My girls cannot wait! Heck, even I can't wait! I love all things Disney, which most of you all know.

Over at Disney Junior, there are having a photo contest. The top 6 photos (3 boys and 3 girls), will have their picture on Disney Junior during the premier week, starting February 14.

I have entered this picture of Little Sis in the photo contest. It's called "A Day at the Beach" and it's one of my favorite pictures.

So, if you could all be so kind as to head on over to Disney Junior (that's a direct link to the photo voting page) and vote for Little Sis. She would be so thrilled to see herself on the television.

Thanks so much in advance!

1-8 Idyllwild road trip

The girls and I decided to take the "long way" to grandma's today and stopped at Idyllwild Park. They loved playing in the snow, and even went sledding a bit thanks to a few generous strangers.  It was a blast, but very cold and wet. We have plans to go camping there during the summer.

1-6 Finger Crocheting

This is something the girls learned during the after school program.  Little Sis made some scarves as Christmas presents. Big Sis is enjoying some quiet time with Mommy.

1-2 "Crazy Love"

Tonight we finished the book "Crazy Love" for Bible study. I love our small group from Crossroads Church in Temecula, California.

1-1 NYE at Dave & Busters

Since I was driving home all day on New Years Day, here is the last picture of me taken in 2010. I was at Dave & Busters with a friend, waiting for dinner.

Apparently, whatever was going on on my phone was really intense!

Happy New Year everyone!

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??