tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36881320609695592882024-03-13T19:53:58.390-07:003 Sweet BirdsFamily Adventures, Fantastic Findings & Other Ramblings3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.comBlogger291125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-1803153916519068382017-06-03T06:43:00.002-07:002017-06-03T06:43:55.795-07:00Getting back from a break<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Life got busy. Between three kids and all their activities, nabbing a few off season hours and babysitting and just stuff in general - life got busy. </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Recently we lost our dear, kind dog to old age. She was my first babe. In fact she was my warm, snugly companion while the Hubs was at work for 10hr shifts. She kept me company and made me laugh. She did this funny little thing called a Bichon Blitz where she ran around in a figure eight. She wouldnt go for a treat unless I said "okay" and couldn't be tricked when I "Oklahoma" or "Okinawa". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I knew it would hurt and be sad but I wasn't fully prepared for just how sad it was going to be. Even as she grew older and slowed down I would say "hey" as I passed by with the laundry as she laid in the morning sun by the front window. I'd see her on the love seat with her nose stuffed between the cushions once the sun passed and I had to switch over the laundry. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This house feels huge now that she's passed and I'm putzing around with the kids at school - which is only 2 hours because my youngest is in UPK but come September it will be much longer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Ironically we chose her to combat the quietness of the apartment and now I will have quietness once more with all three kids going to school in the Fall. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The kids are doing well. It's been a few days and there have been plenty of tears and cries from everyone. She made a home in all of our hearts and just curled up in there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> When someone we love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure and she will forever remain a treasure to us all.</span></div>
3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-36762467076749803482016-04-18T11:53:00.003-07:002016-04-18T11:53:52.737-07:00A real Spring time weekend<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Finally! We finally got a break from the icky weather and had a beautiful weekend full of sun and warmth. It was perfect!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Friday night we let our 8 year old have a friend sleep over. It's not that I am against it, it's just that I have three young kids. Luckily the younger two were okay to go to open swim with the Hubs so that left a window open for Lu to have a friend over without the others in their space. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> It went pretty good for the most part until the next day around noon time. The sleep deprived, moody 8 year old showed up and was so tired she cried at everything. EVERYTHING!!! The softness of the blanket, her tablet being at 64%, not having enough food on her plate to having too much food on her plate. Oy! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> TW had his first friend's birthday party too! He was so shy and it was adorable! He was so proud of the gift he picked out and that his friend opened his first. I told him I was going to stay the whole time but once he warmed up I told him I was going to duck out for a little bit. All was well and he survived. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> On Sunday Lu ran in the Dolphin Dash 5K. She has had her eye on this 5K for over a year and kept on me this season for when registration was opened. Her age group was 17 and under (eeps!). She placed 7 out of 15 in that age group. If the group breakdown had been 10 and under she would have been first. Who knows, maybe they'll break it down more for next year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> While she didn't place top, she did beat her current 2016 PR by .01 so that's a small win right? She also got to meet and chat with the girl that started this whole 5K up three years ago, which is a rock star in her world. Save the dolphins! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We all enjoyed some time at the zoo afterward, even Baba and Dzia Joe. One of the perks of a zoo membership is that you can always come back when its less crowded, and boy was the zoo crowded that day! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Came home to start relaxing before the weekend came to a close and found out the neighbor lady next door had a health scare but is in recovery. We all decided it would brighten her day if we dropped of flowers and a homemade card so the kids worked together on a cheerful card and the Hubs dropped it off with some tulips. LOVE that the idea of doing good and being the good is rocking steady in my kiddos worlds. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> What was your weekend like? Sun? Rain? Snow?? </span>3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-80048373961315524542016-04-12T09:17:00.003-07:002016-04-12T09:17:58.976-07:00Hello again!! <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's kind of funny. I haven't forgotten about this blog. I think about a few times a week and how I should sit down jot a paragraph or two of what we've been up to but then something gets bumped up in front of it and then that thought is gone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I vaguely remember starting this as a way for me to just write and share things. It was at a huge transitional time in my life and I just wanted to write. My husband switched jobs and with that I became more or less a sahm putting me in a position that for the first time since I could remember I wasn't working outside the house. That was a tough pill to swallow then and some days, it still is hard to process. I don't know why. It's just that drive in me. I fully recognize that I am doing tremendous work around the house and with the kids but its just something about having that outside job, responsibility and pay check that appeals to me and I don't think I will ever loose that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Let's not forget that I had had a rib injury that pretty much sunk me into a dark place and until last year left me scared to move or push myself physically in fear that I would fall back in recovery. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Basically I just needed some place to talk and this was it. I had a blast with our postings of things we were doing, things we learned, new things we discovered and more! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I want to get back to that all - and as you can imagine we have been very busy. We have been doing new things. We have been learning new things and so much other stuff. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I want to share with you the things that I'm learning with Bear as I have spent the most time with her growing up than the other two since staying home. I want to share the struggle of TW taking on Kindergarten but also his passion for being on the go all the time. I want to share with you the wonder of Lu who is driven to run! At 8 years old she has run more than I will ever in my life and she loves it! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We'll get back on track - and with that I'd like to say - Hello again!!</span>3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-23545462788269676682015-08-09T05:44:00.002-07:002015-08-09T05:54:50.690-07:00And just like that - it was nearly done <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Where did Summer go? I swear the kids just came home from school on their last day - my goodness! These past few weeks have flown by.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> June was a busy month with TW's graduation from PreK, Bear's Third Birthday and the start of Liv's race season. We also were able to get in a bit of outside play time before the heat wave hit us. </span><br />
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Shaving cream table play? You betcha!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> July didn't slow down at all - we had a family reunion that took us on a 13hr road trip with the kiddos to the beach, followed by more races for Liv and the start of T-ball season for TW. Also discovered Bear's passion for painting! </span><br />
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One of Bear's earlier masterpieces</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> August is still going strong with a few more races, art camp and the wrapping up Rec Track and T-ball. Oh! And the Hub's was offered another expansion on his territory for work so soon he'll be saying hello to Maine and New Hampshire! </span><br />
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This girlie has track! </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Aside from our weekly visits to the library, we have been spending more and more time outside hiking around our local parks on nature trails with the decline of crazy hot temps. I am genuinely surprised at how much the kids are enjoying just walking on the trails. I have also invested in some "cheapie" art kits that are light enough to pack three in a backpack so when we come to a point of interest we take a water/art break.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The kids and I are still creating and taking on kitchen challenges - in fact today we'll be working on a crockpot meal so get prepared to rock that crock!! There's just something about having a little kitchen co-pilot or two that sends a gentle reminder to take things in the moment - especially when one co-pilot likes to try a little taste of every ingredient (that would be TW - lol).</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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We tried our hand at "french toasting" some pecan rolls - yum!!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> On Friday the kids received their teacher assignments reminding us that in a few more weeks they will be returning to school - Liv is in second grade and TW will be starting up in Kindergarten. Bear will be attending a 3yr program at the PreK center twice a week - which will be a nice break for yours truly to come home....., and clean the house without kids around! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Parenting life - gotta love it!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-89811715509623385522015-05-22T09:00:00.000-07:002015-05-25T07:30:57.894-07:00Encourage Summer Reading <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My oldest daughter, Lulu, LOVES to read. She has always enjoyed being read to, was very eager to learn to read and continues to grow her reading skills. My son on the other hand is not as interested. He has expressed that he would like to read but doesn't really want to. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> At his Kindergarten screening my son received a packet that encourages the students of the Elementary school he will be attending to read during the Summer. I LOVE this packet! It was a great boost for Summer reading when Lulu was starting. A perfect motivator for when that middle of the Summer wall starts to drag down momentum. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> So whats in the packet??!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The first is a <b>Reading Log</b> - it has 50 spaces to write either the book or chapter title down. That paper goes to school with them on the first day that get collected for a chance to win a ride to school on a fire truck with one winner per grade. How cool is that??!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> A <b>Barnes and Noble Reading log</b>. A great reading motivator!! Once eight books are read and reviewed take this log to any Barnes & Noble to receive a free book from the selected list. Lulu loved this and last year chose <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sideways-stories-from-wayside-school-louis-sachar/1101944450?ean=9780380698714" target="_blank">Sideways Stories from Wayside School</a>. You can learn more about that program <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/summer-reading/379003570/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <b>Chuck E. Cheese's Reading Rewards Calendar</b>. Read each day for two weeks, marking the calendar with a sticker or doodle then take to any location to earn 10 free tokens. More information can be found <a href="http://www.chuckecheese.com/activities/rewards-calendars" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> An <b>Applebee's Reading Log</b>. Kids can earn a free Kid's meal after reading ten books. Valid at participating upstate NY and CT locations and is valid for children under 10 years of age. Download card and information <a href="http://www.tlcneighborhood.com/page.php?id=1" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> There are a few other pages in the packet that are tips on how to keep up with the Summer reading and encouraging your children to read. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Another program is discovered last Summer was the <b>Pizza Hut Book It! Summer Reading Challenge</b>. Between June 22 - August 15 kids can earn chances at winning Book It! prizes. <a href="http://www.bookitprogram.com/" target="_blank">Log on</a> for details and to keep track!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Check out your <b>local libraries</b> to see if they offer a reading incentive program as well! Our library has different prizes - mostly crappy plastic toys BUT the kids have a ball standing at that cardboard treasure chest for what feels like eons to pick out that one piece of plastic that looks the coolest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> There are many more reading incentive programs! Lots of them out there! These are just the handful that I was able to find available to us in the Northeast. You just have to ask around, maybe perhaps ask a teacher if they know of any local programs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We'll be starting off our reading with some Lyle the Crocodile - that is his new favorite character (sorry Skippy Jon Jones) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-21751091085741035802015-05-21T11:21:00.001-07:002015-05-21T11:21:21.647-07:00A Full Schedule<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Hello there!! It's been a while, I know but things have been filling up on our daily schedule. The Hub's had another territory expansion so he has been away on and off introducing himself to the new dealers. It's an exciting yet hectic time for our family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> TW was just screened for Kindergarten yesterday and today he took his PreK Graduation pictures! Lulu is doing great as she has been wrapping up her studies and even had her last spelling test of the first grade. Bear is just Bear and knows her birthday is in a few weeks. She'll be the big three!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I have been working on figuring out what I plan to do with all three kids home for the Summer vacation, while still trying to sort this house. I know we moved about two years ago but it still feels crazy messy in the basement. Then again we did move from a house that had a full basement to one that has half the basement size. Gotta love split level ranches! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Running season has also started for us - Lulu has done the Disney runs and just did one on Mother's Day. She missed her PB by 12 seconds. (I think it was a show at the end where we were all standing cheering her on) She still amazes me with her passion for running. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I'll start setting aside some time during our household quiet time to jot down a ditty or two on the blog here. Lots of fun activities and baking attempts are in cue for the Summer!! Maybe even a trip or two.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> What are you looking forward to doing this Summer with your kiddo(s)? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-53708731053401490412015-04-08T06:39:00.003-07:002015-04-08T06:39:54.106-07:00(Almost) Back to Your Regular Scheduled Program <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just popped on briefly to let ya'll know I'll be back in full gear soon. Big changes have been going on and we have been learning how to adjust to them. Good changes - just very influential. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> How does your family handle big changes like a move? Or a change in job requirements? Upcoming school adventures? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-83606147805134126812015-03-02T12:39:00.001-08:002015-03-02T12:40:34.873-08:00I Blew a Classroom Birthday Off <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I blew a classroom birthday party off but in my defense, this one was a total accident!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Last week our school district had February break. It was a week long break and part of it was enjoyed all the way down in Florida. My mum took Liv and I to Disney World so that they could run in the Princess 5K and also the Kid's Fun Run. They both did awesome and rocked it, despite the unseasonably chilly temps. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The Friday prior to the break the school district called in another snow day due to the negative wind chills. Neither one of my older kids were able to celebrate Valentines day at their schools. I wasn't terribly heart broken since I wouldn't have been able to attend either of them with the youngest kiddo. Last year when she was in Kindergarten it was so much easier, especially before the younger two were pulled out of daycare. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I'll never be a classroom parent. I don't have the availability it deserves to have. I wont have that time until Bear is in school. Forget having me on the PTO until then too. Classroom parties can be added there too, unless by some lucky chance the Hubs has an office day and can spare an hour or so watching the youngest kid(s). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Where am I going with this post? Well, its taking me some time to go through all my messages and get back into the swing of things from the week long break. I came across an email message from a classroom parent inviting Liv to her daughter's birthday party - that was yesterday. Uhg! My heart sank. I suck. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Not only did I not RSVP, I took away this moment from my daughter's childhood. She doesn't officially know that but I do and I feel like crap. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Truth be told, I don't mind classroom kid birthday parties. We've attended a tiny handful. Others we have not. One she got sick the morning of and since it was at a gymnastics place we decided it wasn't in her best interest to stay the entire time but she showed up with gift in hand for a little bit before she wanted to leave to lay down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I wrote the mum an email back apologizing for the delay in my response and I hope that her daughter had had a wonderful day. Hopefully that will save some grace for us. I haven't had the privilege of going through a classroom invited birthday party yet and I'm not sure when I'm going to feel comfortable to do that. Having one or two kids isn't too bad to be able to plan something like that out but having three young kids makes even brushing my teeth incredibly trying and difficult. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Do you do classroom invited birthday parties? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Do you go to all the ones your child is invited to? Or just select ones? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-36730235916836709312015-02-15T17:34:00.001-08:002015-02-15T17:34:22.556-08:00Up High Like a Bird <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Come the early alarm on Wednesday, I'll be making my way to the airport with my oldest in tow. She doesn't know where we will be going. She just knows we "may" be taking a little three generation trip, so long as my mum is "able to get off of work". Truth be told, she can and she is. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We'll be making our way to Florida. Sunny, warm Florida!! After today being in the negatives with the snow and icy cold winds, I would gladly take anything over 50 degrees so long as I didn't have to bundle up in three layers and look at grey, icky snow mounds. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> My daughter is going to go BANANAS when she finds out we'll be at Disney World. She is all signed up to run her first 5K of 2015. She has been talking about saving up to go to Disney and what she remembers when we went three years ago. (Wow! That's so long ago. It's been too long!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I can't wait to see her face and share in her excitement!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Have you ever planned a big surprise trip or event for your kiddo(s)? Did they just loose their minds? Do they still talk about it??! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There she is three years ago getting her medal for the Kids Run.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week, she'll score two! </span></div>
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3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-89399874577511683122015-01-05T16:31:00.002-08:002015-01-05T16:48:32.889-08:00New Year = New Goals <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We're five days in the New Year - five days!! I hate the idea of resolutions and promises. I prefer more of an aim or goal, would even settle for a focus. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I made a focus for myself to take time once a month to do something just for me. That's a tall glass to drink when you're a mom of three young ones, or at least for me. It's hard to remember to take care of myself even if its just for a half hour. Given $20 and I'll go out and stretch that on items for the kids. We all do it as parents. But I'm going to start making it an aim to focus on me at least once a month.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Something that Liv and I are going to start focusing on is paying it forward at least once a month. To a soon to be seven year old, asking her to do something out of the kindness of her heart and not expect anything in return is a hefty task to ask but I know she can do it. She's been showing signs of understanding things like that and now I want to see her in action. She'll be seven at the end of the month. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> For Christmas she received a thread knitter that makes bracelets and it just so happens that two lovely ladies from my past are interested in one each. Liv and I were joking about possibly selling these bracelets to earn money to put towards her 5K and Mile run entry fees but this interest posed a perfect launch into our "PIF-ing" </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ji1TR9Pu54U/VKssJYSMYbI/AAAAAAAACaM/YoJCmBun8XI/s1600/bracelets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ji1TR9Pu54U/VKssJYSMYbI/AAAAAAAACaM/YoJCmBun8XI/s1600/bracelets.JPG" height="315" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> As I write this post Liv is working on a note-card to enclose the bracelets in. She is telling them to enjoy their bracelets and have fun wearing them and to simply "Pay It Forward". I am beyond excited and thrilled that she is doing this. Maybe I'll have to see about selling these bracelets in a local craft show or online. They're super cute and the color combos are endless, which is half the fun!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Have you made any focuses or aims for the New Year? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> What do you hope to achieve? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Do you "Pay it Forward"? </span><br />
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PS. Request to follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/3sweetbirds/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> to see all our adventures and daily musings!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-36906557870772847392014-12-15T10:31:00.001-08:002014-12-15T10:37:18.268-08:00Unplugged but here <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll admit it - I've been a bad blogger. I haven't been online in weeks! I have been unplugged but still around. I pop online every now and then but for the most part I've been off my laptop. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> If you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/3sweetbirds/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> you'll know that as a personal challenge I took up a seasonal part time stocking position. Compared to my lack of mobility last year due to a rib injuiry I am celebrating and challenging myself with a very physical position for a few weeks. And let me tell you, it's quiet physical. I swear I walk over 10 miles per shift! I'm lifting up boxes, pulling, pushing and so much more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I've never worked that part of retail before. I've always had a desk job but never hesitated if someone needed help moving or setting up anything. I'd like to consider myself a hard worker. I consider being at work doing labor - if it wasn't that then it wouldn't be called work. (Relate-able side note - there are some pretty miserable, ungrateful people out there! Sheesh!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The shuffle and lack of sleep is hard to get use to but sometimes we just have to go with the flow of where we wander. And coffee doesn't hurt the least bit - lol. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I just wanted to let y'all know I'm still here and I haven't forgotten about you. My position is only for two more weeks then that is it. I'll be back to controlling the chaos of all three kiddos during Winter break and posting away! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> In the mean time, enjoy your holiday season and I'll be back after the break.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Cheers!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-31486783916248430872014-11-19T17:54:00.002-08:002014-11-19T17:54:47.534-08:00#WordlessWednesday <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SNOWED IN EDITION!!</span></div>
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3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-31178955310446153952014-11-03T10:01:00.003-08:002014-11-03T10:21:22.594-08:00I'm 90% ready for Christmas are you? <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll admit it. I shop year round for things with the intention of gifting it later. It's a fun habit I started after my first Christmas shopping for both sides of the family, which later progressed after having a kid and then kids. So basically for 7 or so years I've been doing this and perfecting my craft. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Not just preseason shop for gifts or baskets, but also clothing, leaving nothing out of prebuying consideration. With clothes it has become so much easier since my kids are in the "generic Toddler" sizes and now even "Big Kid" sizes so I no longer have to count months and anticipate big growth spurts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> But lets get back to the gifts. I have a huge gift closet in the basement that I keep stocked. I always have something on hand for a birthday party or an unexpected gift. I rotate the stock to make sure it stays current with toy trends and if I just want to start weeding out odds and ends. I recently just went through and had a massive purge. The rest of the purge will be donated when those toy tubs are out in the stores since everything is brand new in boxes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> My kids receive three gifts from Santa and a stocking full of fun goodies. Why three gifts? That's our way of keeping the "reason for the season" in the gift giving. The three kings brought baby Jesus three gifts so they get three gifts. The gifts range small, medium and large in value. It's just easier and keeps things on track for expenses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Wonder what my kids are getting this year? Here's what I have so far, although things may change. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <b><u>Bear - 2 years old </u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> A Mooska Sing around the Rosie doll like <a href="http://www.target.com/p/mooshka-sing-around-the-rosie-lera-doll/-/A-14597067?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=google_pla_df&LNM=14597067&CPNG=Toys&kpid=14597067&LID=34pgs&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=14597067&kpid=14597067&gclid=Cj0KEQiA7NyiBRCOhpuCm9Dq6b4BEiQA9D6qhQ7-SYPiJpgLAuug-Pz-8E1vf7qz1up6ub3xDFI7KZIaAnIA8P8HAQ" target="_blank">this one</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Ariel Duplo set (price matched at <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=17879896&prodFindSrc=search&cp=" target="_blank">TRU</a> - awesome!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A Minnie Mouse board book library set</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <u><b>TW - 4.5 years old</b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> A LeapBand (that I have to switch out blue for <a href="http://www.target.com/p/leapfrog-leapband-green/-/A-15291233#prodSlot=large_1_1&term=leap+band" target="_blank">green</a> now - of course)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> A Melissa & Doug wooden car kit </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> **Insert a Lego set here - not sure yet - maybe Batman)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <b><u>Lulu - 6.5 years old</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The Lego Heartlake Friends High School (price matched at </span><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=19249436&KPID=15170959&mr:trackingCode=2072AB40-F81E-E311-A497-90E2BA285E75&mr:referralID=NA&mr:filter=88272709486&camp=PLAPPC-_-PID15170959&mr:ad=53638022806&mr:device=c&mr:match=&mr:adType=pla_multichannel&cagpspn=plat_15170959&mr:keyword=&eESource=CAPLA_DF:19249436:TRUS" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">TRU</a> - <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">score!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Frozen Elsa trunk box (for her Legos)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=35244266&cp=&fd=%2410.00+-+%2420.00&fd=Toys&ff=StorePrice&ff=Taxonomy&fv=00001001~-~00002000&fv=2255956&fg=Price&fg=Category&parentPage=search" target="_blank">Rare </a>Little Live Pets Butterfly </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (on fence over this gift for her I might switch it over to a sibling gift) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The kids give each other sibling gifts - one gift from the other two. This year the girls are giving TW the limited Lego fire hall set (which was a sale freebie and is a Toys R Us exclusive from a few weeks ago). Not sure what the girls gifts are quiet yet. I have a few items in my gift arsenal for them that I keep going back and forth on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I've decided that next year I'll start having the siblings pick out books for each other and have that be the traditional sibling gift. Which reminds me of a traditional gift my cousin and I do for each other's kids - we gift silly socks every year. It's perfect because they're not super expensive and the kids all have a blast picking out fun socks for each other. Besides kids always need socks!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> It might seen weird to shop year round thinking of holidays and birthdays but that's what I've done and continue to do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> Do you shop year round for gifts? </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> Or wait for Black Friday and Cyber Monday?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> Do you always keep the holidays in mind or just birthdays? </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> What are some hot items on your list this year?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-39391176244302762512014-10-27T19:27:00.002-07:002014-10-27T19:27:39.003-07:00Woes of #PottyTraining the Last Kid <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The last kiddo is currently in the depths of potty training. Technically we were already there but then summer vacation hit us and with the older two kids home, who really wants to learn to go on the potty when you can play and run around? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> All summer long I tried to encourage her to continue. We were so close to nailing that routine. We had Minnie Mouse undies, mini M&Ms, the infamous little blue potty seat we got from Ikea when we potty trained Lu and fancy skirts to help her go potty easier. Nothing. The force is strong with this one. She is a train and she is on her own track. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Now we're back in the potty training lane and its going pretty well. I had it much more easier with the older two that is for sure! Now we have stairs and multi-levels of living space. We also have two bathrooms and if we're caught in between those levels its a guess which way to go. Ahh the joys of a split level house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Candy doesn't motivate her. She doesn't care for much clothing so the fun skirts are hardly worn. She doesn't care about the pretty undies we have a stack of in both bathrooms. She has had accidents where she is full blown wet and she doesn't care. Well, they don't seem to bother her too much enough to warrant crying.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> What she does care about is going #2 in those pretty undies of hers. She enjoys a great cheer and clap and fun little jaunt down the hall after she's gone. Sometimes I have puddles to mop up. 4 to 5 times out of 10 she has damp undies but not soaking wet. I basically have a little laundry basket in the corner of the downstairs bathroom for those to get tossed in and then do a load of laundry at the end of the day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Basically, the first two kids were super, SUPER easy to potty train. Like, really easy. I have had to deal with regression and learning how to motivate this galie. I went in with a confidence that I would nail this on the head and we'd go skipping through fields of buttercups and eat ice cream. Oy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I shouldn't be surprised. I have experienced so many things that I never had to experience with the older two kids. Bear is my greatest challenge yet! I should have known. It all started with my pregnancy test results with her. But that's another story for another time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Cheers to the flushes on Potty Training Lane!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-45969122770505344042014-10-08T06:46:00.003-07:002014-10-08T06:47:29.924-07:00#WordlessWednesday <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">#WordlessWednesday </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Apple picking edition</span></div>
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3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-22433583186879526572014-09-24T07:12:00.000-07:002014-09-24T07:12:44.646-07:00Home is where your family is - Right? Right.<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I'm a cautious buyer when it crosses the line from purchase to investment. I search and hunt for the best item for the best price and I take my time doing it. Often I take too much time and often I take so much time I end up missing out on an option. Sometimes I chalk it up to that old phrase "It just wasn't meant to be" and will take me a while to get over it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I don't know why I let things hover in my thoughts. Maybe hover isn't the right word, its more like play pong in my mind. Just as I think the idea has left my mind it hits the board and bounces back in my thoughts. Ps. This drives the Hubs nuts!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Wondering where I'm going with this? I've become instantly obsessed with the idea of a house that recently came on the market - notice how I said the idea of it since I have only seen pictures online and drove past it (that was a bad idea, I admit). Now I'm having second thoughts about our house - which I shouldn't but it just feels like some force is showing off. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We have lived in our new house for just over a year. And let's remember, all five of us fell in love with it when we walked in the door after looking at a few other houses. We convinced ourselves that we would and could make it work with a <a href="http://3sweetbirds.blogspot.com/2014/01/needs-vs-wants-home-improvement-style.html" target="_blank">few updates and adjustments</a>. For the most part it has and continues to work for us. The kids have their own rooms. The Hubs has some space for his office. The kitchen is nicely updated as well as the upstairs bathroom. I can't fester on the fact that the windows need to be replaced, the front door needs to be redone and we now rock base board heaters instead of forced air so there is larger areas to avoid putting furniture with no option to install an a/c unit, or the cutback of land we took choosing this house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://3sweetbirds.blogspot.com/2014/01/postmove-depression.html" target="_blank"> I've also had a hard time adjusting</a> to the feeling of this house being our home and not a rental. It's weird. It's like the house and I bonded before we signed the papers and then when we did and starting moving in, we became distant relatives. I get the occasional blurb of feeling at home but that flees shortly afterwards. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I know I shouldn't dwell on the fact that the house and land that we were originally looking for has come on the market around the corner from us. I really cant dwell that the front porch is that classic, dreamy porch that is coffee sipping on a glider friendly, there is a separate entrance for the upstairs office area that the hubs would love, a double garage, a slightly bigger basement or the wooded land behind the main back yard all still within the school district that we wanted to stay in and within our looking price range. There is absolutely nothing that we can or will do. I know we wont sell and move over there. I know we can't sell and move over there. But come on - what the heck?! Is this just a big test for me to be 100% true to myself grateful for the house we have and make it really feel like home??! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> That has to be the case. This is a test. This is a challenge for me to overcome and open my eyes and heart to. I have to look past what that house has and what our house doesn't have. Instead I have to look at what OUR house has and right now OUR house has my family in and my family is my everything. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This was the picture that Lulu drew of our house before our move</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">- each kiddo is waving out a window. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-9550699481999170342014-09-21T05:09:00.002-07:002014-09-21T05:09:25.841-07:00Play and Grow!! #RSVPplayDate<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Toys! What kid doesn't want to come over to play with new toys? We were given an awesome opportunity to play! That's right, I said play!! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.vocalpoint.com/" target="_blank">Vocalpoint</a> sent us a Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Chair and a Laugh & Learn Puppy's Smart Stages Train to play and review at a #RSVPplaydate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We welcomed our party guests to a "create your own snack" bar with some very nifty <a href="http://www.fisher-price.com/en_US/brands/toddlerfeeding/products/74663" target="_blank">tote along snackers</a> that were sent to us. We also made sure that the crew of kiddos had their liquid refreshments set in some unique <a href="http://www.fisher-price.com/en_US/brands/toddlerfeeding/products/74643" target="_blank">travel sippy cups</a> from Fisher Price before venturing over to play at the play mat. (Unfortunately, this is as far as two of our little guests got as one of the girls had a upset tummy still lingering from the day before..., so sad to see such cute little faces have to leave the fun but tis flu season starting. Luckily, I was able to arrange for them to check out the toys after the party at their house so they still got their "play on"- whoop whoop Clorox wipes!!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Our remaining crew finished loading up their snackers and we gathered on the incredibly sweet play mat that Vocal Point sent us. I introduced the "fun, yellow party chair" highlighting a few features and we set it to our 18mo guest. Wondering what I mean by "set it"? The <a href="http://www.fisher-price.com/en_US/brands/babytoys/products/82752" target="_blank">Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Chair</a> features a new technology that adjusts with your child's developmental stages. Below is from the Fisher Price website to further explain the differences in the stages:</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Smart Stagesâ„¢ Technology </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Level 1 – Explore – 12M+ First words and sounds spark baby’s curiosity </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Level 2 - Encourage – 18M+ Prompt baby though questions and simple </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> directions </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Level 3 – Pretend – 24M+ Imaginative fun and early role play</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The kids checked the chair out. They liked the songs and the flip of the seat. Our 18mo was a bit too big for the chair (she's in the higher percentile) and our 3mo was a bit too small for the chair - talk about Goldilocks and the Three Bears! The green leaver on the side was a tab perplexing since it didn't cue any songs or commands but overall it's a fun chair that can be played with for 2+ years. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ipaSnydCtUc/VB6-ELXtUCI/AAAAAAAACV0/zXyG45ryGLc/s1600/IMG_0286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ipaSnydCtUc/VB6-ELXtUCI/AAAAAAAACV0/zXyG45ryGLc/s1600/IMG_0286.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I then introduced the "party train and crew" aka the <a href="http://www.fisher-price.com/en_US/brands/babytoys/products/82557" target="_blank">Laugh & Learn Puppy's Smart Stages Train</a> and it became the instant life of the party! This train has it all! Puppy, Monkey and Frog are all aboard for some fun. </span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This one again, has the Smart Stages Technology and expands and grows with your kiddo. The numerous songs and interactions cues were a blast for all the kids, even our little 3mo party go-er. One feature that all the parents liked was it's switch to keep the train stationary or to activate it's motion. </span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We had a little dance party and some more snacks and play time then called it a play date! Our littlest party go-er was all tuckered out. How adorable is this??!! Play hard, sleep hard!! (And look at those Cookie Monster socks!)</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c1BAPxJ8GC4/VB6-F0iR-qI/AAAAAAAACWc/08pUS5Duv6w/s1600/IMG_0361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c1BAPxJ8GC4/VB6-F0iR-qI/AAAAAAAACWc/08pUS5Duv6w/s1600/IMG_0361.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"> Many thanks again to </span><a href="https://www.vocalpoint.com/cms/" style="line-height: 16px;" target="_blank">Vocalpoint</a><span style="line-height: 16px;"> for choosing us to host a super fun #RSVPplaydate! The adults and kids all had a blast and we definitely know a few kiddos that have a train on their Christmas list this year.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">PS - How about a little pre-playdate blooper? How cute is this? I still giggle seeing Daddio's assembling kid toys. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"> The Not So Fine Print - we were sent the toys to play and review. All opinions are our own. </span></span>3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-57964595360709122732014-09-16T10:29:00.000-07:002014-09-29T19:26:41.482-07:00Falling in love with Fall and #Starbucks #FallBlend <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My favorite season is Fall. The colors, the temperatures, the scents, the local attractions, everything - well everything but the occasional sleeting rain. There is just something about being outside bundled in a soft sweater that makes me feel happy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Another thing that is perfect during this cool weather is curling up under a homemade afghan with a fresh brewed cup of coffee. Pressing the cup against your chest as it cools warms the soul and livens the senses. A peaceful cup of coffee is a great way to wake up for the day!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Many thanks to <a href="http://www.modernmom.com/" target="_blank">Modern Mom</a> and <a href="http://www.starbucks.com/coffee/seasonal-favorites/fall-blend-2014" target="_blank">Starbucks </a> for sending me some 2014 Fall Blend coffee and I truly mean it - many, many, many thanks!! This is by far the best blend of coffee I have ever had! It is a warm and rich blend of three coffees that fill this medium roast in flavor. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> How can you not enjoy the start of the Fall season with a delish cup of warm, amazing coffee?? Especially when Fall means its Back to School time!! </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4gj-DCHG6FU/VBhx7tTzm9I/AAAAAAAACUg/NUwZd-3DTbc/s1600/9-3-14%2B156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4gj-DCHG6FU/VBhx7tTzm9I/AAAAAAAACUg/NUwZd-3DTbc/s1600/9-3-14%2B156.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Starbucks did a great job selecting this blend for sure! Sumatran beans bring warm spice notes to the bright citrus Kenya beans both blended with a subtle nuttiness of Peru beans. A serious full-bodied, medium roast. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> You can pick up a bag or two or three at major grocery stores for $8.99 per 10oz. package. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hurry up though before they're all gone. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-njLEtDDlo4k/VBhysT8IqzI/AAAAAAAACUw/FIhK5MKcg7k/s1600/starbucks1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-njLEtDDlo4k/VBhysT8IqzI/AAAAAAAACUw/FIhK5MKcg7k/s1600/starbucks1.JPG" height="318" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Are you a savvy shopper? Visit <a href="http://www.celebratewithstarbucks.com/fall/" target="_blank">Starbucks here</a> and click on the top of the screen for a special savings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Want to see more pics? Join me on <a href="http://instagram.com/3sweetbirds" target="_blank">Instagram</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Not so fine print - Many thanks again to Modern Mom for the coffee - All opinions are my own and I really do mean it - this Fall Blend is awesome!!</span>3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-87997872859952598502014-09-09T18:24:00.001-07:002014-09-09T18:28:34.213-07:00Beautiful, Strong and Amazing<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I want to share a story about a strong, beautiful woman I am so fortunate to have in my life. It's my cousin. We joke that she's the younger sister I never wanted but truth is she is the younger sister I really did want. My brother and I sure put her through the ringer growing up but what did we know? We might made her scared to use aloe-vera gel telling her it was Slimer from Ghost Busters but she was an only child so we gave her experiences only kids with siblings could get. (In all honesty I am sorry but we were kids.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> She is so incredibly strong, much stronger than I will ever be. She is beautiful and kind and thoughtful and simply amazing!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Over the past few years she has traveled beyond her path and her shoes are worn, her soul and heart have been tested, pushed to the limit and she has stood tall and strong. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Two years ago she found out she was expecting her second child which they found through a series of tests had a terminal condition. Through a network of bereaved parents they were given a recorder to capture their daughter's heartbeat forever. They later put that recording device in a bunny as a keepsake. And as those who have been pregnant know, hearing your baby's heartbeat is one of the most treasured sounds that will grace your ears in your entire life! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Her baby was born and while some may think the nine days she spent on Earth were too short, she will forever carry live on in our hearts. She was just like her mama - beautiful, strong and a fighter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Over this past weekend my cousin held a bike run to raise money and awareness for the organization that gave them the recording device so that others can have this piece of their baby with them. She did an awesome job for a first annual event and raised over $1000! And I am so thankful that I was there to help. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I'm hoping I can talk her into having a dedicated page or two on social media so that we can raise awareness and even fund-raise year round. When that happens I will post any and all links here as well as on my social media accounts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I am happy to finish up this post with letting you know she did end up having a wonderful "rainbow" baby who is just as beautiful as her sister and mother. </span></div>
3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-51441906928839874072014-09-08T18:48:00.003-07:002014-09-08T18:48:46.354-07:00We can because we can - Its #canningseason<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> You read that right, it's canning season. My mother-in-law cans peaches and tomatoes that they get at a farm up where Great, Great Grandpa use to live. I have yet to tag along on a peach canning day but this is my second tomato canning afternoon since being with my Hubs.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Lulu and I drove out to her house where she was already blanching and peeling away. Once we washed our hands, we dove right in. After a few batches and lunch we started picking up and I asked her what happens to the skins. She kind of look at me weird and said she just tosses them out. For some reason I felt like there was just something that could be done with them so I took them home with me (Lulu stayed to play while the jars cooled and the MIL would drive them both over before dinner.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I got home I started in on my search and found that many people dry the skins, grind them up and use them a lot of different ways. So TW and I started sorting our bag of left over tomato parts and pieces. I pulled out the skins, flattening them on parchment paper and scrapped away any extra meat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TW had a blast until his belly was full. </span></div>
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My little kitchen co-pilot </div>
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(He found a tiny tomato that slipped past the cans)</div>
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Separating the skin from the rest of the left overs</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Once I had three trays full they went into my convection oven at 200 degrees for about three hours. In the mean time TW and I continued to sort through the bag of skins and parts. I put all the extra parts in a pot and boiled it up for maybe about an hour or so then ran it all through a sifter creating tomato juice (the Hubs was happy). </span></div>
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How purdy is that??!</div>
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Dried tomato skins are delish as is - like fancy tomato chips - lol</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> When my MIL came I shared with her what I found and she was over the moon. All these years she's been tossing out all of that thinking it was just waste. Looks like I may have updated the family canning process for the better. Use it all up! </span></div>
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That's all that's left when I was done - into the compost it goes!</div>
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Ran it through my herb grinder and voila! </div>
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Tomato skin powder</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Wondering what you can do with dried tomato powder? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> ~ Make a paste using a one part water, one part powder ratio. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> ~ Need a soup base? Use a two part water, one part powder ratio</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> ~ Add to marinades, dips, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> ~ Lots more!!</span></div>
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3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-40379414012434116122014-08-31T18:14:00.000-07:002014-09-08T18:19:21.270-07:00Getting my #flawlessfinish on with Sheer Cover Studio<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I've been unplugged from most social media and online with all the recent events that have popped up over the past few weeks, but things have settled down and I'm back! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> As many know I am a mom of three beautiful children and for a year now I have been a stay-at-home mom to three beautiful children. What a job that is! Some mornings its rough to survive until the coffee hits the system and those are the days that I wear pajamas or yoga pants or lounge wear or whatever you call it all day long. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Thanks to running around and making sure things go smoothly, everyone is dressed and everyone has everything they need I often forget about myself and will just toss something on and tie my hair back. Shower? That would be nice. Blow dry? Nope. Nail polish? Whatever is left on from a few months ago. Makeup? If lip gloss counts then sure. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Guess what? Not any more! Before it was just a thought to pamper myself or fuss with how I look but now I'm taking my time. The kids are getting older and I've come to the bridge where if they forget something they'll learn for the next time. (Of course I'll still check on the important stuff like lunches, letters and homework but show-n-tell things are on their own). I have to show my face at two schools daily and I don't want to look tired and worn down. I don't want to showcase my wrinkles, bags and uneven skin tones. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I was recently given the amazing opportunity by <a href="http://www.modernmom.com/" target="_blank">Modern Mom</a> to try out the <a href="http://www.sheercover.com/?uci=ous112&s_kwcid=TC|1026597|sheer%20cover||S|e|48190441839&cid=cov196p40632s-c" target="_blank">Sheer Cover Studio</a> system and it is heaven sent. At first it was a bit intimidating but it really is easy to use. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wEv7w6gNY7o/VA5SV6DzGMI/AAAAAAAACS0/P3V4kBSWTlc/s1600/9-8-14%2B057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wEv7w6gNY7o/VA5SV6DzGMI/AAAAAAAACS0/P3V4kBSWTlc/s1600/9-8-14%2B057.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Sheer Cover System - 5 steps to a beautious face</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wQiEhmBUv7A/VA5SVkxJPqI/AAAAAAAACSs/zW4NjDk22F8/s1600/9-8-14%2B053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wQiEhmBUv7A/VA5SVkxJPqI/AAAAAAAACSs/zW4NjDk22F8/s1600/9-8-14%2B053.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The super to easy follow guide aka the Sheer Cover Bible </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Armed with my guide and all the pieces of the system I locked myself in the bathroom to experiment and play around. Digging the base perfector primer. I applied after I washed and moisturized. The concealer took a bit for me to master but wasn't too bad. I like the brightener and could see the difference between my eyes. Cover up and illuminating were fun with the blush brush but my favorite part of the system right now is the eye lash mascara and fibers. My lashes are so lush and plump and it only took three "sch-wipes". </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PuSg923OrOI/VA5S-4Z2PoI/AAAAAAAACTA/PGtCCdE2iek/s1600/9-8-14%2B078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PuSg923OrOI/VA5S-4Z2PoI/AAAAAAAACTA/PGtCCdE2iek/s1600/9-8-14%2B078.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Can you see the difference between the left side and the right side? </div>
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My right (your left) has the makeup and mascara on - much more even.</div>
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Check out those lashes there!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I want to also note that the real stories that came in the literature are amazing! This makeup system is awesome. It doesn't feel like I am wearing makeup. It is smooth and light. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Many, many thanks to Modern Mom and Sheer Cover Studio. This mama is definitely going to be taking more time for herself before getting in the car to shuffle off to a school for a kiddo or two.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: white;">Win a year's supply of </span><a href="http://www.modernmom.com/contests/sheergiveaway/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">Sheer Cover</span><span style="background-color: white;"> Studio #FlawlessFinish.</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-2653652345259531112014-08-22T13:37:00.003-07:002014-08-22T13:42:55.716-07:00Mom Confession #35448 - Selling NIB toys <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Normally I space out gifts that the kids have received from Christmas and Birthdays but lately I've been selling them. It's true. They haven't asked so I'm not going to offer up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> My eldest usually recalls gifts that she has picked out to tuck away but the entire Summer vacation just passed and she did not ask once for one of her toys. Not once. So I grouped them all up and took pics, listed them and sold them. One of my selling features is that "its not too early to get ready for Christmas!!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> So what have I been doing with the money? I'm splitting it. Half has gone to clothes and school supplies. The other half has gone into envelopes to put towards their big Christmas gift. If they ask me for a toy that was sold I'll just tell them it was sold to someone who really, really wanted to play with it now. It's cool.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Do you space out opening gifts or let them have them all?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Do you regift any of them? (I'm guilty - I've done that a few times) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SOLD, SOLD, SOLD and SOLD </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-14301834972525793122014-08-20T06:47:00.002-07:002014-08-20T06:48:02.922-07:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not bad for first time bowlers and rusty old bowlers </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you follow me on Instagram yet? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Send me a request! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://instagram.com/3sweetbirds">http://instagram.com/3sweetbirds</a></span></div>
<br />3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-24906479594511367522014-08-19T06:15:00.002-07:002014-08-19T06:15:35.926-07:00Community supplies at school? I say Bah! <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">35 sticks of glue, 24 pencils that are sharpened, 5 boxes of Crayola branded crayons as per supply list, 3 boxes of Crayola branded markers (again as stated on the supply list), 4 boxes of tissues, 1 Sharpie (really? just one? the list is already outrageous why stop at 1?), 5 bold colored dry erase markers (Dear Teacher, did you know these come in backs of 4 and you want 5??! Guess you're getting 4), 3 pocket folders and 1 colorful folder, a pencil case and oh yeah.., 1 composition notebook to be decorated with anything sparkly or shiny to be the poetry notebook for the school year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Is anyone else's supply list a bit out of hand? I mean come on, this community bank of supplies in the classroom is nice but ultimately stinks in my opinion. There is no way my child is going to use 35 sticks of glue. I've seen her in action, she's all about making her glue sticks stretch. So I guess while she is working with her first glue stick, Little Jimmy will be covered with another glue stick after he eats his? Yeah, that's a stretch but you know what I mean. I remember (<i>yes here is a back in my day speech</i>) I had a supply box with all my items labelled. They were ALL mine and no one else's. It was my responsibility to care for my supplies and make them last. When did schools start doing community supply banks? Do they keep track who uses what? Where is the lesson in preserving and being responsible for your supplies? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I am sure I sound harsh and "old school" and maybe even bitter that now I have to be a deal seeker on obtaining 35 sticks of glue for under $2 to maintain a back to school budget that isn't blown on supplies but I also think we're missing out on a lesson of taking care of supplies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> To leave this post on a positive note - I do "donate" crafty stuff throughout the year like stickers, seasonal cut outs from my Cricut, odd little things like cotton balls or even fabric scraps. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> What are your supply lists like? Does your teacher have a community supply or is your child responsible for their own supplies? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3688132060969559288.post-87007299462115778042014-08-11T19:48:00.001-07:002014-08-11T19:48:39.278-07:00Aunt has a nice ring to it<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Did I share with y'all that I am a real Aunt??!! How awesome is that? I'm finally an official real live Aunt. I have a few cousins who their kid's call me Aunt which is awesome but now I'm an official Aunt by blood.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The kids were ecstatic when we went to their house to visit them - well the kids visited I brought over a crock pot dinner to prep and ended up doing some cleaning around the house - you know the normal like the dishes and putting away Easter decorations in July when he was born the last week of June (my ocd kind of kicked in and luckily my mouth kept it on lock down - lol)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> My three kiddos would have eaten his cuteness up if I hadn't taken them home when I did that day. I cant stop hearing how adorable he is - and he is but I'm biased as an Aunt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I can't wait to spoil this little boy! Just love him to pieces!!</span></div>
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Hello Little Man!! Welcome to the world!!</div>
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So tiny!!</div>
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Lulu and Bear loving their baby cousin</div>
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TW - so gentle</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So tell me - what would you get a new nephew to spoil him?? </span></div>
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3SweetBirdshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532226843102235745noreply@blogger.com0