Something different as a holiday activity

While in my parent's condos, the kids were occupied with XBOX and various other activities (like swimming). My brother-in-law had various puzzles going during the week. I helped as I could, though I have to say the choices of puzzles were either addictive or annoying. Take your choice.

1500 piece butterflies (took 3 days)

1000 piece Cats

A fun holiday activity that I wouldn't have thought to do on my own, necessarily.

Geocaching in Celebration

My sister got a new GPS recently. I have one pretty much identical, so I was helping them figure out how to use theirs. In the process, I showed them geocaching. We found 2 caches in one day in the Celebration area. We found a Tracker Bug in one, which we'll take to GA.

We went caching again and found 4 more another day. My sister found a geocoin in one of them. My sister is taking that one back to AL to be put in a cache there. For a novice geocacher myself, it's fun showing someone else how to do it. It makes 11 since I started earlier this year.

Wordless Wednesday - House Show

One of the houses in my folks' community always has a light show for Christmas. We stopped one evening to watch the show.

Local resident

I saw this little guy at a pond atmy folk's condo. He's only about 3ft long and I was able to find his hidey hole too.

Lawrenceville Places to Check Out - Franco's/Nu 2U

This past Halloween I won a gift card to Franco's Pizza in Lawrenceville. Last week, we decided to use it to feed the kids and their friends. We didn't think to check the web site for more than menu and location, so we were a bit surprised to not find seating. No biggie, we explored the shopping center it was in while we waited.

The girls and I went in to Nu 2U. A thrift shop next door to Franco's. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by our finds. We came away with 2 fedoras (one for me, one for my daughter's best friend), a scarf for my daughter and 2 tops for me. All for $20. The tops are nice quality, as was the rest. The lady staffing the store was very friendly as well. Definitely a place I'll go back to when I get a chance.

The pizza was excellent as well. The kids snarfed theirs down very quickly. So, definitely if you're in the area, check these two out. Order your pizza (or sandwich) from Franco's and shop Nu2U while you wait.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and your family much Joy this holiday season.

Deceptive Peace

I caught the little one in a peaceful moment. He likes to steal the ornaments off of the tree and relocate them elsewhere. I've had to lock up the Christmas tree as a result. But he does look so cute in this moment.

For my Poke-Friends

Found on http://www.memebase.com

Wordless Wednesday - Santa's Watching

Give Aways - Ack

So, I finally ran my first give away/contest on my blog. It started on the 9th and I closed it with a drawing on the 13th. It was an interesting experience and not one I'm sure I'll repeat. It's not that it was "difficult" to do. The thing itself was simple. I'm given some thing to give away, I post the info on my blog. I then let the readers take over. I used random.org to pick a comment number and thus the winner. I let the winner know. Give away over as far as the blog side is concerned.

What bothers me is the detail. The rules that need to be lain out ahead of time. It's easy to get lost in the rules and keep wanting to add to them to make sure all the bases are covered. As a mom, I don't have time to evaluate all the rules. So, I think the next time, if there is one, I'll make sure whoever is giving me a prize gives me the rules too. That way, if it's not done to spec, they can't complain. (Not that they did this time, but still..)

Then there's the coordination of getting the prize to the winner. In theory, this can be easy. In reality, nothing ever is. Of course, timing is everything. If people have a time line to get the prize to folks, they need to make sure that they're on top of it as well. Of course, as the person running the give away, I have to make sure *I* have time to stay on top of it. Me? Time? REALLY?

At any rate, it was an interesting experience. I'll have to think harder about it before I do it again.

My favorite Christmas Song

Crazy Monday on Swagbucks

Swagbucks is going crazy on Monday, with more ways for you to earn reward points towards free stuff. First, they're having a Swag Code Extravaganza, which means a fun day where you can earn up to 70 Swag Bucks from 8 different codes throughout the day!

Second, there's a new set of Holiday Collector's Bills which you can only earn through search - get all five and you'll receive an instant 12 Swag Bucks bonus! The set starts at noon on Monday

Finally, for any referral you bring in today through the 19th, you'll not only get up to 1000 matching Swag Bucks from Search, but 1000 Matching Swag Bucks from everything they earn (not including codes) all day Monday - they're calling it Mega Match Monday!

Three big reasons to visit Swagbucks this Monday!
100 additional Swag Bucks for news users when applied during registration only - use code HOLIDSYSWAG.

GCA - Gingerbread House

Georgia Cyber Academy has been hosting Gingerbread house competitions around the state. Since I'm working at one as an employee, I suggested to my kids that they enter a house for show. They've always loved making them, but this time my daughter is insisting she get to eat it too. So, I took lots of pictures during the making, knowing that by end of week, it's not likely to be around any longer.

We started with a basic kit. I picked it up at Michael's on sale (with a coupon).

I did the basic assembly.

I included gingerbread trees for the fun of it.

The kids took over decorating the house. I did get to create the 'people' that we put in. The kids let me have that much of an effect on the design. This is the completed house from the back.

My kids got a little enthusiastic with some of the icing, but this is one of the completed sides.

The side with the trees.

And of course, the front.

After they were done with it, they dubbed it "Sugar Overload".

Wordless Wednesday - 1st Birthday

My nephew's first birthday. The expessions say it all.

Phineas and Ferb

It's a Phineas and Ferb kinda day/week. My giveaway ends today! Disney’s Phineas & Ferb: The Best LIVE Tour Ever! At Philips Arena on December 17th, 4PM & 7PM; December 18th, 12:30PM, 3:30PM, 6:30PM

So, on that note, I'm sharing one of the episodes from the show.

Phineas & Ferb Live at Philips Arena!

Just a reminder that I'm running a give away for 4 tickets to Phineas & Ferb. The tickets are for one of the two shows that were added due to demand - December 17, 2011 @7p. Contest ends tomorrow!

Make sure you click the link to enter! Once you've entered there, look at the bottom. I've linked to other bloggers giving away tickets too!

Performance Dates: December 17th, 4PM & 7PM; December 18th, 12:30PM, 3:30PM, 6:30PM You can purchase tickets through Ticket Master.

Phineas & Ferb - The best live tour ever!

Just a quick note to those who are entering my give away. I cannot accept "anonymous" posts as winners. You must have a way for me to contact you. Whether you leave your email in your comment, or have it available through your profile, that's up to you.

Thanks!

Now, on to more Phineas & Ferb.

T-Mobile Holidays

I attended a T-Mobile Blogger Social Wednesday evening. It's funny, considering hubby works for AT&T, that I'd want to go. However, I'm all about knowing what's what and such, so I figured it was a good opportunity to find out more about the company (other than what I see on TV and knowing it's NOT AT&T).

I have to admit, that I was pleasantly surprised by how helpful and friendly the staff were.

I know, I know. They're trying to sell something, of course they're friendly and helpful. Actually, for the group that was there, we weren't buying. We were being educated.. and fed yummy stuff like this..

But I was also able to find out quite a bit about the company and some of the things it offered. Being the parent of a young (read, just turned) teenager, I found the fact that you could but XBOX Live stuff on a MyTouch phone to be cool. After the meeting, I realized I'd seen various ads that stated this, but I'd never made the connection.

Then there's the "I want to know where my kids are" problem. My kids currently use Kajeet (a phone service aimed specifically for kids), which works well for us for now. T-Mobile (and potentially others) have Apps specifically geared at parents that want that extra security blanket. FamilyWhere uses GPS to track where your kid is. It will even send you an update at specific times if you want to check in automatically. Family Allowances controls the minutes, texts, downloads, etc on the phone. That way, as a parent, you control the phone bill when it comes in. Web Guard limits the web access from the phone.

My favorite App that they talked about is one called DriveSmart. It automatically turns off incoming text-messages and auto responds as soon as you get in the car. It sends all incoming calls to voicemail too. Pretty cool tool, all said. Is it over controlling for kids? Not really. It should help them get in the habit of NOT using it while driving, so that at some point it can be turned off. Just a peace of mind thing, really.

The other big thing they talked to us about was the restructuring of the stores. As of Tuesday night, only 18 stores had been redone to the new configuration (see below). They plan to roll it out over the next year to 800(?) more stores. It's a very clean line, very similar to other stores I've visited.

The highlight for me was being able to drool over the Samsung Galaxy 2S. Originally when I went shopping for a better phone (and before the Galaxy had been released, though it had been announced) it was what I'd decided I really wanted. Due to cost, though, I "settled" for the free phone that came with the plan I picked. When I went back to upgrade, turns out AT&T doesn't offer this phone (don't know why). An unfortunate turn of events, but I'm managing with my iPhone.

At any rate, while I'm not a customer of T-Mobile, it is one to consider when looking at new phones. They seem to have some very good rate plans to go with some very nice phones. It was an entertaining evening (thanks to those who put it on) and very informative.

Disney’s Phineas and Ferb: The Best LIVE Tour Ever!

Performances Added on Saturday, December 17 at 4:00PM & 7:00PM at Philips Arena

Due to tremendous public response, Disney’s Phineas and Ferb: The Best LIVE Tour Ever! will continue to entertain audiences in Atlanta! Performances have been added on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 4:00pm and 7:00pm at Philips Arena. The beloved characters from Disney Channel's animated series embark on a bold escape from the television screen to a live action adventure – right in Atlanta!

Produced by Feld Entertainment, Disney’s Phineas and Ferb: The Best LIVE Tour Ever! brings Phineas, Ferb, Candace, Isabella, Baljeet, Buford and friends to the stage as they make the most of the last day of summer by building an invention bigger, better and more amazing than ever. And, before you can wonder, “Hey, Where’s Perry?” the beloved pet platypus shifts to his secret double life as Agent P to foil another one of Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s evil plans. Musical madness abounds in an escapade so awesome that even Candace can’t help but join the hilarious hijinks. It’s the ultimate end to summer vacation, so seize the day ‘cause Phineas and Ferb are gonna do it all.

Philips Arena
Show Date & Times: Saturday, December 17 - 4:00pm, 7:00pm
Sunday, December 18 - 12:30pm, 3:30pm, 6:30pm

Purchase Tickets: Philips Arena Box Office (800) 745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com

It's SIMPLE! Leave a comment here with your answers to these questions- I'll draw a name using Random.org on Tuesday, December 13th. The winner will receive 4 tickets to the Saturday, December 17th show @ 7pm. Please do not enter if you will not be able to use the tickets. Good luck!

• 1. Q: How many days of summer vacation?
• 2. Q: What is the name of Phineas and Ferb’s pet platypus?
• 3. Q: Who is Agent P’s nemesis?
• 4. Q: Who is the neighborhood bully?

More ways to win:
You can only win tickets for this event on one site.
Atlanta With Kid
Cumming Local
Marvelous Mommy
Coupons Are Great
My Front Porch Swing
Render Me Mama
Typical Suburban Family
Rich Single Mama
Smyrna-Vinings Macaroni Kids
Buckhead Brookhaven Macaroni Kids
My Home Sweet Home Online

Wordless Wednesday

Sometimes you just have to marvel at what's out there. This was taken with my iPhone at the Georgia Aquarium.

Finally! Thanksgiving

I finally caught up on all the Thanksgiving celebrations. We had one a bit late (ie: Sunday), but that's ok. My family is a bit spread out, so I actually had celebrations at three different locations. The first was Thanksgiving itself with my sister and her family. They're out in relatively nowhere Alabama. My brother-in-law has a lot of family in that area, so we had lunch with the extended family there.

My brother-in-law..

My niece.. the Auburn student.

My parents drove up from FL to be there

And of course, my little big sister..

Our second Thanksgiving was with my aunt. I posted her picture last week. This past Sunday was at the hubby's grandmother's home. She hadn't been feeling well, so it was postponed. Of course, after eating, the kids headed out to do some shooting. My son brought up his BB gun as well as his new .22/.410 that my sister's family gave him for his birthday.

A cousin.. My son..

My daughter..

Of course, not long after this, the adults wandered back in to the house (those that left) and did this..

Or at least they tried.

Review: Indelible

Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann

Trevor is the rescuer on the mountain. He has a need to protect and guard. Shaped by his past, he struggles to be more. He is the town of Redford's angel and he quickly becomes an angel for Natalie.

Natalie is new to the town of Redford, she is a sculptor looking for her place. Branded a "freak" by her sister-in-law, she struggles with an eidectic memory that seeks an outlet in clay. She quickly finds she's not the only one who needs friends, nor is she the only one that has problems.

The story begins with Trevor and his friend Whit tracking a pair of lost hikers. They are quickly side tracked when a mountain lion runs off with a toddler. They manage to rescue the toddler and find the hikers. In the process, it makes the news nation wide and attracts the unwanted attention from another 'admirer'.

Trevor learns of Natalie's (dis)ability and his need to protect/guard kick in. Along the way, he and Natalie find ways to support and help each other. Two beautiful souls that are put through the trials from each other as well as the unwanted.

A wonderful read, the story is very well written. It is a psychological thriller and romance intertwined that watches the characters grow into their own beliefs. With the antagonist using Paradise Lost to relate to, it adds an extra dimension to the story.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Google +

I've set up myself on google plus. If you're a Google Friend, feel free to follow me on Google +. My understanding is that GFC will go away next year. To find me on G+, look for the badge on the right, next to my Twitter badge (yes, I twitter too). I'm a mom on the move, so I share with friends and family as much as I can.

Google+ is a new adventure, so bear with me while I figure it all out.

Review - How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Musical)

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend this show on opening night. I was given free passes in exchange for writing an honest review. I took my daughter with me, it was her first time ever getting a chance to see the inside of the FOX Theater downtown.

Of course we had to visit the ladies' lounge area (and bathroom) before the show.

Once we were seated, my daughter realized that she might have issues with the people in front of her. Fortunately, the seats on the other side of me remained empty, so she switched.

The show itself was very well done. My favorite character was the Grinch (of course). The Grinch was played by Stefan Karl. From the FOX ENCORE magazine, he's best known for his role as the villain Robbie Rotten from "LazyTown". He played a wonderfully grouchy character and I loved the growls. He also was able to get the audience involved with his antics, which made the show more entertaining (and less scary) for the younger kids (my opinion).

My daughter's favorite character was Cindy-Lou Who. The youngest (and smallest) of the characters and cast. According to the ENCORE, the role is played by two actresses. I'm not sure which we saw (or if we saw both). Update: I found out that she was played by Clara Young.

Old Max (played by Bob Lauder) did a wonderful job of retelling the story of his youthful days. Told from the dog's point of view, the story takes a new spin. I really enjoyed "You're a Mean One". I wasn't expecting it to sound the same as in the movie, but with only minor changes, it sounded just like it.

Don't expect the scenes to be exactly the same as in the movie. They did a great job of recreating some of them. They did a great job creating new ones to go along with the story line. All in all, a wonderful show. If you get the chance, I recommend going.