Nintendo DS Lite PINK  Finally made it to our house.  Girl2004 was soooooo excited!  She’s been waiting since August to get her own and boy was it worth it.  In the excitement we put the extra stylus pen down and Smokey (the dog) chewed it to death. 

I am so impressed with Girl 2004.  She’s being really careful with it and she looves playing the mini games against Boy 2001 which has become an unexpected gift for all of us!
Petz Dogz Fashion is pretty good, this is VERY reading intensive and you have to go through these weird dialogues with “Mr. Bear”.   He enters the girls home and asks if her parents are home, it’s a bit creepy to me but I don’t want to make a big thing about it, just my opinion.  Girl2004 is ok with the mini games but it’s not a favorite – at least not yet.

 Cooking Mama is a delightful hostess!  Boy2001 has downloaded this several times but we haven’t figured out if we can play against eachother.  He can download it and play independently though.  Girl2004 really loves it, she’s very good at chopping and flipping things but there’s a little hold up with the games that you need to read for.  I’m going to create flashcards for the words she’ll need to know… low, med, high, blow, etc…

Care Bears Hide & Seek Secret Bear is a new Care Bear Family member.  She’s been a sweetheart so far.  Very pleasant but the kids are more into the DS still.  She’s patiently waiting with the others on Girl 2004′s bed. 

Care Bears Heart of Gold *Brown Bear* with DVD is a sweetie.  I’m not sure what episode is on the DVD (I fell asleep) but I know they like it.  This little guy is too cute, Girl2004′s been sure to hug him goodnight because he’s new.  It was so cute when she brought him to her room, she introduced each one to Heart of Gold, awww…

That wraps up Girl2004′s Christmas Gift Memories.  Make sure to check out Girl 2006′s and Boy 2001′s presents.

Merry Christmas everyone!  I got in the spirit a little late so I’ve been in high gear getting the house decorated, shopping, wrapping!  The best thing so far has been making a gingerbread village.

sooo cute, I’ll have pics tomorrow night!

Don’t miss the Mom Central Gift Guide!  It is an amazing resource for all women but especially MOMS!

Not sure what the kid’s would like?  consult the gift guide that has everything well organized and specific to the age you’re looking for! 

Look for Baby/Toddler, Kids, Teens, Tweens, His / Hers and even Pets!  At the top of each section look at the pricing guide, Under $50, Under $100, Over $100.

There are some great (an unexpected ideas) but I can’t divulge them here, you HAVE to visit to find out.  There are last minute ideas that you can buy locally!

NewsFlash: Everyday expenses are on the rise.  Of course that’s not news to moms who often do the bulk of the shopping for the household. 

We’ve been paying more for the ingredients of modern life: groceries, gas and more. In addition to that, holiday gift-giving and travel are putting a strain on already tight budgets.

That’s why Safeway and it’s family of stores (Vons, Dominick’s, Tom Thumb, Randalls, Pavilions, Carrs and Genuardi’s) has made a commitment to help!  Earn double PowerPump Rewards with every $100 purchase of gift cards this holiday season!  Go to the link to find stores that are participating in your area.

Use the gift cards for family and friends, I love getting gift cards because I can get exactly what I want.  Gift cards are also wonderful for people you want to gift but don’t know on a personal level.  I’m thinking the mailman, newspaper carriers, daycare workers, etc… 

Gift cards are available in a variety of categories, dining, fashion, electronics, groceries, sports and tickets covering 300 different retailers.  Best Buy, Staples, Toys R Us, Subway, Jet Blue and Blockbuster just to name a few! 

Hurry in and take advantage of this wonderful offer, now through 12/25/2008.  All you need is your Safeway Club Card. Get more great information for moms on MomCentral.

Just in time for your holiday!  Polliwalks has something fishy on your kids feet this Spring/Summer season.  Show off your darlings pedicure with these adorable sandals. You already know about the darling shoes but I thought this would be timely for all the people living in warm climates or those lucky folks that are traveling to somewhere very warm.

The summer line includes Polliwalks Fish Lips and Polliwalks Firefly.  The firefly pair are sure to light up your kids life.  Be sure to give these pairs a try.  These would make a fun and functional gift.

The fish lip change colors in the sun! I love that these sandals have nice comfy straps.  Often times sandals have too thin straps.  These are comfortable for kids and are incredibly cute at the same time.

The two spring/summer styles are available exclusively through select Dillard’s stores and online at zappos.com  In addition to www.polliwalks.com

Check out the FRN for more family friendly reviews.

I won something!!  A few weeks ago actually and I’m just NOW getting here to blog about it!  The Mom Blogs graciously sent me Diego Magical Missions. 

Girl2004 and Girl2006 have watched it at least 20 times.  There are 4 episodes on the DVD.  The second episode has become a favorite.  Abuelito’s farm is blown away and a Green Iguana comes to save the day by “recycling” strawberry seeds.

We do a lot of gardening and just compiled our winter compost heap so the girls understand the concept of fertilization.  School vacation is coming up so think ahead and consider this DVD for the little ones.

PBN has done it again!  throwing hints around about us parent bloggers not having our acts together and such!  Ok, I’m over it.

It’s the truth, 2008 has been THE most stressful year of my life.  2009 can be a wonderful, carefree one but I’ll have to hold off on that announcement.  I am taking personal control of my life by…

drumroll please

Treating this SAHM stuff into a real JOB.  Yes, I’ve been a bit of a slacker the last three or four years.  After girl2004 and girl2006 everything seemed so overwhelming.  Going down to the basement to do laundry, getting to the store with three little ones and so much more. It wasn’t a problem at first but I’ll admit I lost my way a bit.

My plan is to budget time for things.  I am starting to write up a comprehensive schedule of all our activities.  I’ve organized my coupons, store cards and more.  I’ve made lists of things that need to get done.  I have purchased a calendar!! HUGE!  I plan to write in blog business in it with dates and responsibilities, it’s just a temporary solution until I get a smart phone of some kind. I’m really hoping I can get one within the next few weeks.  Big Tent has played a big part in thinking about all this!

I know 2009 is going to be great, I just can’t wait to get into it! 

Ghiradelli Peanut Butter Squares are so delicious.  Refined peanut butter/chocolate treats!  I was lucky to get 10 $1 off coupons and they were on sale last week 2 bags for $5.  A $1.50 a bag is a great deal, so I stocked up!  I’m desperately trying to ration them but it’s soooo hard because they are soooo good.

Many of you expressed interest in Green Irene during a recent contest so I thought it was fitting to mention the eco-consultant opportunity.

Get training through web-based video, it takes about 16 hours to complete at your own pace.  Then you’re free to build your profitable direct sales business. 

The overhead can be as low as you like, appointments are passed through Green Irene to eco-consultants but it doesn’t hurt to become an expert in your local area… a go-to person for all things eco-friendly.

You’ll be selling services like the flagship product, the $99 Green Home Makeover.  A makeover takes 60-90 minutes and helps clients identify energy improvements.

• energy efficient lighting replacements
• water conservation tools
• improving indoor air quality
• reducing harmful chemicals in the home

After the consultation, recommend products and practices that will make the house better the families that live in them.  Find out more about Green Irene @  http://www.BeAGreenIrene.com

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

35

Timestamp: 2008-12-13 06:06:46 UTC

TheANGELForever from www.theangelforever.com  won with a stumble!!  thanks so much, you have 48 hours to claim your prize.