Movie night....er nights! Confessions of a book nerd!

The Saga ends!

    Last night was a late night for this lil group! The night all Twilight fans have been waiting for finally had arrived! Breaking Dawn was awesome! Of course there were a few cheesy parts, Aro gives an all new meaning to creeper and the baby Renesmee was strange to say the least! Overall, however it was probably, in my opinion... the best out of the series! It was a little sad to see it end, but eager to purchase the box set for the girls!

    It had been a looong time since I had been to a theater! I think Hunger Games was the last theater movie....Three very active full time kids, a job or three, a gorgeous husband, and life in general will do that for you! I found myself in eager anticipation of a handful of upcoming films! Les Miserables looks divine and I cannot wait to see it on Christmas day snug in the home of my heart! The cast looks amazing! This classic beloved tale has me antsy! Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, and Hugh Jackman.... phenomenal! I have the Liam Neeson and Claire Daines version of Les Mise on my Kindle Fire and watch it religiously!

    The teen saga era remains ever popular, even for us old ladies! Halfway through  Dream Dark, the Beautiful Creatures series has me hooked! Following Link and Ethan as they return home and Link begins to understand the gravity of his situation! I cant read fast enough!
 
     Oz great and powerful! Looks fantastic as well, and I have already found my next series for in between gym meets and homework! The Mortal Instruments series! Has anyone read this series? The angle that caught my eye? The Nephilim! I loved Danielle Trussoni's Angelology from cover to end! Peaking my interest in the subject! Another reason for loving the SoulKeeper series, which by the way would be a fantastic movie! I need to take a deep breath and finish my current reading list! It is just a great time to be in love with books! So many great and wonderful reads just waiting!

   
    Anyway! Yes, I am book nerd! I am currently single handedly supporting Amazon through my book purchases:) What films are you anticipating! Stephanie Meyers The Host is set to be released soon!

 What books have you hooked?

Eight tips to surviving the outdoors with your toddler...

 

Because sometimes the real danger is the screaming toddler in footed jammies!

    As a mother of three, two of which I raised up from newborn I am not immune to all nighters! Three insanely long nights in particular stick out in my mind...The first two would be the deliveries of my babies. My babies take a long time to get here. Seventeen and fourteen hours of anxious anticipation!

    The third insanely long night of my life? 

    That would be the first night my family of five crammed into our new camping trailer for what we hoped to be a restful nights sleep....

    Sweet baby K was convinced that camping's sole purpose was... baby torture! As we listened to her scream, a scream that was not from this earth I felt my last nerve snap! Wondering if this was what we were in for...long nights of  sleepless screaming! It is funny how dedicated we become when sleep training our little ones. Training them to have the confidence to sleep in their own bed and to fall asleep on their own...

    Take them away from their comfort zone and all that confidence is lost as they try to figure out why, and where, and what the?! 

    But dedicated campers and parents are we! Here are eight tips to make your camping trips a little easier this summer season!


Tip one: Get your toddler used to the idea of sleeping in your tent or trailer! Baby K and I took a nap in our trailer yesterday. I let her lay by me and look around. Once she was drowsy I slipped her into the small bed we had crafted for her of the side of our bed.

Tip two: Camping only toys! Grab a tote full of your baby's favorite toys and store them with your camping gear! Toys that she only plays with while camping. This builds excitement as she looks forward to the next time she plays with them!

Tip three: Let her explore! This is hard for me as I am a helicopter mom of sorts! Dress her  in long pants, light long sleeved shirts with shoes and socks then let her roam safely  within eyesight! The new sights and sounds will fascinate your baby and wear her out!

Tip four: Anticipate getting no sleep! If you are prepared to comfort fears and anxiety you will be a much better parent at three in the morning. Lay down in the afternoon with your child and gear up for whatever your baby has in store!

Tip five: Recruit older siblings and the hubs. If you are like me you have the main responsibility for baby. However, I am also fortunate to have an amazing husband and two older kids that are just waiting for me to hand over baby. Hand her over for a hike with daddy while you prepare meals then switch off. Help your husband relax too! He will also be a much better parent and support system at three in the morning!

Tip six: Breath! Your little one will soon get used to the idea and learn from your reactions whether camping is a good or bad thing! Smile! Relax!

Tip Seven: Pack for safety as well as comfort! Recreate the creature comforts of home and pack small travel size portions of baby's favorites! Remember pain and allergy relievers!  Our Sweet baby K was cutting top molars and we were so grateful for infant Advil!

Tip eight: Remember fire precautions! We got in the habit of not even allowing our little one to play near the unlit fire pit. That way when we did roast hot dogs she already knew it was not an area she was allowed in. Use caution with hot dogs and warm foods.

    Enjoying activities year round with our families is indeed a privilege! Learning the little tricks of traveling with kids is worth it's weight in gold!

How do you survive summer travels?

Life with our Family!

   

   Congratulations to Desiree over at Life with our Family! You had the most visited link from the Finally Friday hop!  I enjoy this blog and immediately identified with the earnest effort of trying to make changes for better family nutrition!  I am in week two of  gluten free! It is hard! She works from home in the dental field as do I and can totally relate to the quirks of working from home! 

    Great giveaways! Wonderful advice!  Great heart and an unmistakable love for family! Please stop by and check this great blog out! I am happy to share a post that made me smile!

This is Ladies Night!

Do you remember when Ladies Night meant a night out on the town with friends?  I do, usually with fondness, lol.  Nowadays my Ladies Nights are more along the lines of dinner and movie or mani-pedi’s with my daughters.  They’re fun and full of laughter and they offer us a great opportunity to bond.  I hear more about what boys are “cute” this year and who is stealing so-and-so’s man on these nights than any other time in our daily life.  It really is a good time.  And now that they’re getting older (14 and 10) they’re becoming much more meaningful.....Read More

If you would like to be featured make sure to link up to the weekly Finally Friday blog hop!

Mygr8reads...

     Congratulations to mygr8reads! You had the most visited link from the Finally Friday hop! 

    I am a new follower of this blog and enjoyed the the thoughtful perspective on one's self esteem. I also love a good book and review! Check it out!  

mygr8reads

I don’t have  a quote that keeps me going. I’m just going hard and ignoring what everybody else has to say. When I got started I was so busy listening to what everyone had to say.I stop listening and look what happens? There’s always going to be someone who has something to say about I’m doing, but there’s also someone who will actually like what I have to say...What keeps me going

Are you getting your 30/30...

    So by now I am betting everyone has heard of Tim Ferriss....right?! Please tell me this man has you doing all sorts of funky little things also! Cold showers....a daily dose of saurkraut...Heavy creamer in the coffee?!

Anyone else?

    OK so now that I sound like a full on weirdo let me explain...

   Tim Ferriss is the author of the amazing book the 4 hour body. An awesome book that everyone one should own! Full of small consistent changes that will change your life! My favorite of course would be the material on rapid fat loss. Basic fat subtraction and also advanced subtraction tips. The lovin chapter is also pretty good:)

    One of the many recommendations that I have been using myself is to consume 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking... The first morning I put this habit to use all we had in the house that could produce a quick protein fix was of course...eggs! Five eggs later I was strapped in and riding the Hurl a Whirl at full speed! 30 grams is a lot of protein! Before you run to the toilet Hear me out! I have since fine tuned my morning protein intake to include a variety of choices. Low fat cottage cheese with grapes is one I can stomach a little easier! Plain Greek yogurt with a little honey is yet another of many great options!

    This morning I was able to find a smoothie recipe that looks delicious! Why am I sharing this tid bit with you? Because it works! Adding the 30/30 habit to your morning routine will change the way you snack and feel throughout the afternoon! In addition to my running and a few other small dietary changes I am noticing a big difference! I have more energy in the afternoon and I am snacking less! I am better able to make good food choices and I am back into my pre prego jeans! Try it out!

                                                                Loressa

Yet another awesome read hitting the big screen!

    After what will be a nearly five year wait the Host is finally coming to theaters! In 2008 Stephanie Meyers released the Host following the Twilight trilogy. Not sure what I was getting into I picked this book up and dove deep into its 619 pages....

    What I found was an amazing read! The earth has been taken over by the Souls and Mel Stryder is one of the last remaining rebel humans. Wanderer is the soul which is inhabiting Mel's mind and body.....

    Intrigued? You have to read this book!

Celebrating a wonderful man...

Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas: Join The Ultimate Dr. Seuss Linky Party & Share Yo...: This week it's all about Dr. Seuss! Theodor Seuss Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss' birthday is on March 2nd.

What a fun hop that is going on! Please check it out!

“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” 
― Dr. Seuss

I don't get Sundays...

    Congratulations Kristin over at I Don't Get Sundays You had the most visited link from the Finally Friday hop last week! If you are not familiar with this blog...go there now! Her perspective on motherhood and family is wonderful! I share the Sunday sentiment!

  Thanks Kristin for linking up!

 Want to be featured by Curious Wisdom? Here's how!

    Join us on Thursday's for the Finally Friday hop! Tweet and share the hop!

Each Monday I will feature the most visited link!

    A very special thanks to everyone who linked up! I hope you had fun hopping! I will be doing some hopping myself to get to know new friends!

P.S....Um if I contacted you today and spoke gibberish....I was trying a new thing! Networking via treadmill! In one hour of networking... Drum roll! I burned 260 calories! Woot Woot! Not dropping my laptop or being maimed by the power cord catching in the track...Priceless!

Happy day Friends!

You is special...

    Last weekend I finally got the chance to watch The Help. A beloved book of mine, I had been trying to find five minutes to sit down and watch this film. I knew minutes into it I wanted to share it with my older girls. The valuable lessons. The heartache and laughter.

    With everybody home today and not to mention an appropriate movie for the Holiday... I mentioned renting it. "Yes! We have been wanting to watch that show! A lady eats poop!"  Oh you have to love the social education our kids get at public school! Last week my third grader came home and asked me if I knew the difference between a Snickers bar and Justin Bieber....

I will let you figure that one out!

    "Yes, it is true a lady eats a pie with a secret ingrediant, but there is so much more to the story!"

    Since I had already seen it I spent the two hours test baking their Valentines fortune cookies....pics posting tomorrow:) The girls came upstairs all grins! They laughed, they cried, they loved it! Scooping up Sweet Baby K I heard them both tell her Aibi's quote.....

"You is kind. You is smart. You is important."

    Such simple words that every child should hear. So sweet so easy...

Searching the archives for an old fav...

   

This is a post I originally wrote a few years ago....Many things have changed since this post was written however the message is still the same and will always be at this time of year! Enjoy!




Ahh Christmas bliss! Or is it?


    One of my most important priorities each day is picking up our girls on time from the babysitter. This stems from the old single days when our precious babies spent the entire duration of each day in the care of others. It was what they knew. My husband and I both have, and do work hard each day. Now that the kids are both in full time schooling it is a bit easier. Now instead of eight to ten hours it has been minimized to a mere two or three. Still I find myself rushing home so that we have the maximum time together each evening.

    My evening commute usually on a good night takes thirty minutes. My husband who works a little closer can sometimes get caught up. Because our kids are such a priority we often "arrange" times when one or the other is going to be late. A little courtesy we share with one another.

     Last night was my turn to be the late arriver. Paycheck in hand I hopped in my car to run some routine errands and pick up my Christmas crafting supplies. Although earlier in the afternoon I had panicked when I glanced at the calendar and noticed my window of Christmas prep time was quickly closing. I seemed to have blocked out that this fact also pertained to everyone else as I braved my way into the pre Christmas delirium.

      I am naturally prepared. If I can survive the zoo like afternoons in my office, what does a little Christmas crowd have on me? My first stop into the hardware store was a breeze. Items in cart I raced back to the car. I was making fantastic time! Then with a sudden and snapping effect...the heel on one of my favorite black shoes broke! Screeching to a complete halt in the slush and mush I quickly glanced around. Hah! No one in sight to witness my mishap. I trudged through thick grey slush the rest of the way to the car. I opened the hatch poised to heft in my purchases. As I did this my purse handle caught the edge of the hatch. A box full off eight crystal bricks smashed to the pavement! Good thing they are packed solid. At this point I am still smiling. Not too quick to be defeated. "OK!" I think out loud. "What next?" As I strategize my next move my stomach begins to growl. No matter I will get a snack. Just a light one. My husband is busy cooking dinner as we speak.

Game plan in mind I make my way to Wal Mart....

    This is where it all ends. This is where my ten hour day catches up to me. I have everything carefully mapped out. Christmas section first. Food aisle last. "Don't forget to pick up milk!" My husbands parting words earlier on the phone. I have so got it in the bag. I bust through the door ready for serious damage. The ensuing drama involved Twelve screaming children. Eleven shoppers fighting. Ten songs a blasting. Nine different choices. Eight dollar ice cream. Seven silly stockings. Six ways to fall down. "Five gold Rings!" Four people wrestling. Three more children screaming. Two frozen turkeys...and Did I mention I had broken my shoe!

    When I opened the door to my home, the smell of something fantastic greeted me. I could hear the children reading. I stopped just to listen. He poked his head around the corner. Taking the sight of me in. Purse hanging by one strap. Hair in a wild tangle. Mascara under my eyes that would put Alice cooper to shame, and slightly leaning to one side. "Honey? Where is the milk?"

Merry Christmas!

"No wings pleas"

                                                     

    As Santa's helper I simply had to look to see what my daughter had in mind for her Christmas wishes... While I gingerly opened the sealed envelope addressed to the North Pole, my mind prepared for the mountain high list of toys and gadgets that would meet my eyes. Instead I found myself drying my eyes at what I read. The sweet simple innocence of my darling little girl.....

    "Dear Santa,


   I would like a bowanda-rrow and a wish to fly pleas no wings. I love my dreams wen I fly. And to fly wen I want to."


    I love being a mother to this kid! She opens my eyes and teaches me something new nearly every day! I hope she never stops believing in magic and pray she never loses sight of her dreams!




Happy tears:)

Twihards...

    I am supposed to be working;) Insurance claims can wait for a minute or two...Behind me the kids are catching up on the Twilight trilogy in anticipation for our viewing of the newest installment. I can't help but listen and become sidetracked! I am so excited!! I am even more anxious for Hunger Games Woot Woot!!

Passing down the love of a good book...

    I am overjoyed at the aspect of dusting off our collection of children's books to share with our little one! Books are special and should be shared as the precious gift that they are! I am always in awe of the      measures our schools are making to keep reading a priority. It is so important! It is fun as our older children become more advanced readers and we share an interest in the same books:)

Happy twenty minutes of daily reading!

Good reads!

If you enjoy Dan Brown... Angelology by Danielle Trussoni is up your alley! Awesome book! Sequel coming soon!

If you are a Hunger games fan, and Katniss Everdeen all the way! (Cannot wait for the movie!) You will definitely enjoy the adventure plight of Thomas! The Death Cure is the third and hopefully final (I cannot handle any more suspense!) book in the Maze runner trilogy by James Dashner! The wait is nearly over! This book will be released in October, plenty of time for you to catch up on the first two! Just make sure that your chores are done, family is fed and all other distractions are at bay, because you will not be able to put these books down!

'The Help' Trailer HD

This was such a wonderful book. We all know a Miss Hilly! I loved it! I cannot wait to see the movie. The tears, the laughs...just all around good:)

I found five minutes....

I am blogging from my new toy! My hunny got me a kindle;) I love to read. It is one of my most treasured past times. I was apprehensive at first...My book collection is some what of a trophy case. Accomplishments I can see, touch and smell. My curiousity has gotten the better of me...and I love it! In under five minutes I had a collection of books I had been wanting for awhile! I can't wait to finish Water for elephants, and dive into the newest book in the Maze runner trilogy!