And I’m not talking the song….

I’m talking about “what was I thinking when I said I would watch 3 kids – all 4 years old or under at once!”

I used to do home daycare and had up to 12 kids aged 6 wks- 12 years old.

Last night I had Little Man and my other step-son’s GF’s kids -  1 yr and 4 yr old boys.

Little Man went with his other Grandma late last night.  She is surprising him today by taking him to see his brand-spanking new baby brother! He doesn’t know he was born yet!

Apparently  my patience is no longer what it was and I was ready for bed way before the kids!

Today I have the 1 yr old & 4 yr old again….it’s 12:10 m p.m. and I’M ready for a nap.

Don’t know about them!

I think they found their third wind – lol!

I think I need to get out and socialize- by blog hopping that is!

Friday Fragments

Cell phone issue resolved- I hope!

If you saw my last post, you know that I have had some major cell phone issues. I have taken matters into my own hands and gotten a Straight Talk cell phone.  For $45.00/mo, I get UNLIMITED talk, text & Internet.

Funny, the thing works better than my old Blackberry with AT & T!  Hopefully if this phone takes a dive, Walmart will consider making good on it!

Money is good, too!

I have been extremely pleased thus far with Zeek Rewards… as long as I run an ad everyday, which I do- I’m making money.  Throw on top of that any money made by referring others and bids sold to customers so they can play the Penny Auction’s, and that can make for a tidy income!

Honestly it’s the best money maker I’ve found in all of my time on the Internet.

Wedding Bells are ringing!

Tomorrow night we are attending a wedding for Ron’s boss.  I have never met the bride OR groom!  The shop is an hour or so from home.  Ron doesn’t “go to work” each day.  He is on call and leaves from home.

I have talked to the boss many a time on the phone and computer as I do Ron’s work orders online by remote control to the bosses computer.

We still haven’t thought of that “perfect gift” (I know, time’s running out!).  I have no idea what their decor is and very little about their interests.

They have been together a long time, so I imagine there’s not really anything they need.

Any ideas?

And last but not least….check out ThredUP.  It looks pretty cool!

Have a safe & happy weekend…see you around the blogosphere!

Healthy on-the-go summer snacks for your kids

Kids are usually more active in the summer. There’s swimming lessons, camp days and just general running around outside and having fun. A higher activity level also means that you may find your little ones are hungrier. And while they may want to munch on chips, chocolate and candy all the time, you want to make sure that they are getting as many healthy snacks as possible. Part of the appeal of junk food, especially in the busy summer months, is that it’s already prepared and easy to serve. Well, there are a lot of healthier alternatives that are just as easy. Here’s a list of the easiest – and tastiest – snacks for your kids.

Berries – Summer is the perfect time for berries. They’re fresh, local and in most cases better priced than in the off season. And they are guaranteed to satisfy your child’s sweet tooth. Serve them individually or mix it up and prepare containers of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries for a real treat. The easiest snack. Just wash and they’re ready.

Apples – Apples are as delicious and easy to serve as berries. You can serve them whole, or slice them and serve with cheese slices or peanut butter.

Veggies and dip – Always keep containers of sliced vegetables on hand for a quick and healthy snack. If our child turns their nose up at the thought of just veggies, serve with a healthy yogurt dip.

Hummus and jicama – Crunchy and healthy, this yummy treat is chock full of health. You can make your own hummus (there are a ton of recipes online) or you can buy it pre-made at your grocery store. You can get plain or flavored hummus (lemon dill, veggie or red pepper are sure to be crowd pleasures).

Cereal – If  your child is looking for something crunchy and a bit sweet and doesn’t want berries or an apple, then give them a serving of dry cereal. But when choosing your cereal, make sure that it’s one that is low in sugar. Some cereals actually have the same amount of sugar as a donut. And there’s nothing healthy about that. A high fiber, low sugar cereal will not only taste great, but will fill your child up.

Celery and peanut butter – This is another quick and easy snack Just make sure to go easy on the peanut butter! If your child has a nut allergy, you can serve the celery with cheese or yogurt dip instead.

Frozen treats – If your child is craving something frozen, why not treat them with frozen grapes or a frozen banana?  Just pop them in your freezer and they’ll be ready in no time. Sweet and cold, they’ll be sure to hit the spot.

Trail mix – This is the ultimate to go snack for kids. Because it doesn’t require refrigeration  they can take it with them regardless of where they’re going or how long they’ll be gone. And the best thing is, if  you make it yourself you can change it up so that they don’t get bored with it. Sunflower seeds, nuts and dried fruit can all be added. And for an extra bit of sweetness, throw in some unsweetened shredded coconut.

Granola bars – Granola bars are always great to have on hand for those time when you may be out of your child’s regular snacks. Just be careful when you’re buying them. Don’t just grab the first ones that say they are low fat and healthy. You also have to be careful with the amount of sugar that are in the bars. Read the label and opt for a low fat/low sugar granola bar.

What’s your child’s favorite healthy on-the-snack?

Visit swing set accessories

Have you noticed that kids rarely get grounded anymore? At least not from going outside!

The new “grounding” is taking away the cell phone!

I can remember when I would ground the boys.  All I was doing was grounding myself.

My oldest would act up even when he was grounded.  I would add a week for bad behavior … then think,  “Shoot! I just added a week to MY grounding, too! There’s got to be a better way!”

Introducing the cell phone…..

Just mention taking it away and the kid wails, “Nooooooo……………………….”

If you actually take it, they start having conniption fits.

Last night my daughter wanted to go to a friends- at 9:30 at night and about an hour away.  I’m not big into driving at night, and especially that far.  If she were going a mile down the road, maybe.

We are  at camp and there is a 2-3 mile stretch that is just loaded with deer.  Ron and I went to town a few weeks ago and spotted about a dozen of them in 3 or 4 different spots.

So drive in the dark for an hour?  NOT!

Let’s just say she was not happy and started shooting off at the mouth a bit.  Ron went up to the shower.  When he came back he could hear her still whining, so he came in and asked for the phone.

She wailed, “”Nooooooo……………………….”

He told her to hand it over now or she wouldn’t get it back for a long time.

She handed it over and (so sadly) said, “I won’t survive!”

To which I told her that maybe she needed to go to the mental ward and get help because that is just not right!

She eventually quieted down and went to sleep.

Today, she’s pleasant as can be!

And she hasn’t asked for her phone – she knows we’ll give it back when we feel she’s ready

Have you noticed this?

Do you ground your kids from friends and activities or take the cell phone away?

Or both?

Does it depend on the “crime”?

Tell us in the comments!

I say yes….when you are telling a little kid not to go in the road….or not to touch a hot stove- they need to know why.

Now I’ll admit there comes a time when a kid should have learned all of this- by you previously telling them- and shouldn’t need to be told why anymore. Now they are just playing with your emotions by being a brat

Ron and several other guys felt that if you say jump, the only question should be, “How high?”

Not, “Why?”

They feel kids should just “know” not to do certain things, or they will learn…

You know, the school of hard knocks…..

Sure, once they get hit by a car or catch themselves on fire!

But honestly, Ron wasn’t THAT bad with his kids, but he does think that to a point.

The funny thing I noticed is that woman tend to explain stuff to the kids more than the guys.

Have you noticed the same thing?

What do you think? Should you explain “WHY” to your kids?

Does it depend on the situation?

Business

In the last few weeks, I have been doing some blog coaching, and have started blogging classes.

And just today, I started a radio program at BlogTalk radio, called Get Bizzy Blogging. We will discuss blogging tips and tricks, social networking and also have guest speakers on occasion.

I have a show tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. Go HERE to hear it.

Tomorrows show will be an introduction to blogging-  some social networking statistics, why you need a blog (personal and business if you are in biz) and more….

Get your blog listed on my exclusive list!

Have your blog listed on two sites:

Blogging Biz Mom and Working at Home Advice

It will be Tweeted 3+ times a week and will be incorporated into my curriculum for my Blogging For Newbies class.

First weeks homework is to check out blogs in different niches….these would include mom/dad blogs, business blogs, blogs about hobbies.

And by being on my exclusive list, your blog link is going into the hands of every new student. They may become your newest follower!

What more can I say? Get listed today!

Next section: Non Business!

From what I understand, The Little Man (grandson) is on the way over. Ironic he was here last week when I was trying to do my blogging class!

My Golden Child may be moving! He may be moving in with friends and leaving his momma behind.

Guess he thinks being 19, he needs to get a life.

Well, sort of…….

But I REALLY don’t want him going ….

On a happier note I WOULD get my office back.

Hm…….

And now I must get going….been so busy forgot to take something out for dinner.

Guess I’m running to the store.

I detest shopping!

They have so much garbage (self-hatred, low self confidence, whatever…) that every now and then it needs to get dumped…

…Unfortunately, it sometimes gets dumped on you!

The guy continued with a bit of advice: Don’t take it personal- their truck was probably full….

Have you been dumped on lately? I have been and I know it was a little about their personality (the garbage part) and partly that they really could not do anything about the situation we were discussing- it was out of their power.

But because of all the garbage, ya know…

I got dumped on!

Oh well, I sent a card of apology for bothering them…

What else can you do? You can’t let stuff get to you…

False Advertising

Last week I bought a store brand cooking oil. Suddenly it seems as if EVERYTHING I cook is sticking to the pans.

For kicks, I figured I would check out the ingredients and compare them to a name brand cooking oil.

The label states it is 100% Pure Canola oil

Just under that, it reads: Allergy Warning: May contain traces of peanut or soy.

Is there peanut and soy in Canola Oil?

Guess that is my next Google Search!

Your Kids Future Career

I always say Little Man, my grandson is going to be a dancing chef.  He LOVES to cook (I know he’s only 2) and dance!

Don’t worry, we are right there….

He loves trucks and cars, too but I haven’t figured out how to work that one in!

What about your kids?

What do you think they will choose as a career based on their current interests?

Although I won’t have Internet access this weekend, that doesn’t stop YOU from going blog hopping:

Fridays:

And Saturday, don’t forget the Lovely Ann from Ann Again And Again hosts the Virtual Girls Night Out.

I’m thinking about making a rag rug. I have tons of material that I really love, but there doesn’t seem to be enough for anything.

And as I’ve mentioned before,  a seamstress I am not. So a braided rag rug sounds like a project I may be able to tackle. My crocheted blanket isn’t going so well. I find mistakes several rows after I do them and then have to rip a bunch out…

….so counterproductive in my eyes.

Anyhoo, here are instructions for different kinds of rag rugs. Like I said, I think I can handle the braided one.

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf001084.tip.html

Check out this site

LightInTheBox

It has a lot of neat things such as wedding stuff, health and beauty, clothing and toys. Check them out- there’s a big sale on Friday.

Anyhoo, I have to go catch up on my other blogs and the housework that got neglected while I was dancing, jumping, and cooking with the grandkiddies yesterday!

Hope everyone has a great rest of the week!

Feel free to check out my whole blog and leave a comment THEN push one of the bloggy buttons below and join in a hop!

Friday Fragments

We’re “almost” ready to roll! Today we pull the camper out and set it up in it’s new home! I say we’re almost ready because there are a few things that aren’t done- like putting the rug down on the floor. But I set today for our “goal” date. We were going, ready or not! We can do the rest while there.

This is probably the first goal date I’ve hit in years. But then again, it’s only 7:39 a.m. The day isn’t over yet!

Homeschool or Public School

I enrolled the Princess in public school yesterday against my wishes. I know, I know, I’ve heard it before, I’m her mother and I should decide which she does. I have my reasons for what I did- you can read about it HERE.

In my opinion, after I enrolled her, I thought the Princess looked a little sad.

I did tell her that if it became physically too much to let me know and I’ll HS again.

She has Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis- last time she went to PS (2 yrs ago) she was having problems navigating between classes and such and being on time. They have since EXPANDED the school.

I expect she’ll be home soon- and not just for that reason.

BTW- the socialization issue………..I found that button up above on a homeschooling group- love it! As you will see on my blog post about her going back…it was all about socialization.

When I re-enrolled her, the one woman at the school office asked if it was because of socialization. My daughter said yes, and I said ” She misses the detention she used to get for socializing.”

The lady kind of laughed then said she was surprised the Princess was coming back- it seemed like we were doing really well and had a good system down (she reads the school reports). Our system was natural learning for the most part!

Puppy Report

We bought Cosmo a new toy- it is a stuffed hamster and it has a string you pull. When you pull the string it shakes and makes a noise. I call it the Hyper Hamster. I took a video of him (with my Blackberry) pulling the string but I couldn’t send it to my email- the file was too big.

Every file is too big! Does anyone know how to transfer a video from a Blackberry to the computer?

Ok, have to go finish  packing. If I can get Internet service at camp, I’ll check you guys out later. Otherwise, I’ll catch up Sunday night and Monday.

Have a great weekend!

PS- Looking to make a little extra cash in a fun, easy way? Check out my last blog post!

Friday Fragments

Waz Happenin….

My daughter announced she wants to go back to public school. I got quite emotional about it! Poor kid! You can read the post HERE.

Tuesday night I had my network marketing meeting with other local business owners. Only two others showed up, but we had a great brainstorming session. Between the coffee and the ideas bouncing around in my head, I could barely sleep.

Yesterday we went to the science museum. We went to the iMax movie, where I proceeded to fall asleep. I know, how can you fall asleep with a screen that surrounds you and is quite LOUD at times?

Dead Chickens….

There is something getting our chickens. I had found a dead one in the coop several days ag0.  I figured it died of old age.

Then, Ron and I thought we had less chickens in the coop. We had previously moved most of them out of the coop and in with he ducks, but hadn’t gotten to several of them yet.

We counted them to be sure we knew how many were left in there.

Well, I go to feed them the other day and there’s one missing. I found it behind the building, headless!

The next day, another dead one.

So we got all but two out. One hen was skittish so we decided to wait another day and try to secure things better.

This morning, the rooster was dead. Ron moved the last chicken in with the ducks and other chickens.

Hopefully our hungry friend will move on….

The Great New York State Fair!

The fair is coming and I don’t know if I want to go. Honestly, we only go every couple of years and in my opinion it seems like the same old stuff.

AND, since we are late coming into the camping season, I hate to give up any of my time there.

As it is, I just found out we have a family reunion one of those weekends………at least that’s being held at a cousins maybe an hour or two away, so we can go for the day or pitch a tent and stay all weekend.

My mom said to bring the camper. I told her no way- once I have it parked and set up the way I want, it’s not moving!

So anyway, my mom is going to the fair, and I believe my aunt from Colorado (who’s coming back for the reunion…).

But I just don’t feel like it…..unless my cuz and best friend comes back from Colorado, too! They HAVE surprised me a few times before..

Otherwise, maybe I’ll just invite them to camp……

Texting Torture

I seem to have a  problem texting- does this happen to you, too?

Yippee, Skippie I got paid!

I know I’ve told you guys about this site a few times- I mean who doesn’t like saving money? But I’ve also posted when I’ve MADE money, too. The other day, payment was made into my PayPal account, so now I know they pay up.

Hey, you never REALLY know until you see the money!

But this affiliate pays off, and it has been one of the easiest money makers I have. And I ALREADY have more earnings in my account!

The Weekend

So what’s everyone doing this weekend? You know what we’ll be doing- the camper!

Of course, Ron has been busy with work 24/7 the last 2-3 days. He’s a diesel mechanic on call, so he may have no calls for a day or two, or get calls back to back. Or be called out at 3 a.m. to fix a truck on the side of the thruway.

What guy wouldn’t like a job like that? You can never PROMISE to fix something, or go somewhere, or be here for dinner.

Because that phone may go off right when you’re ready to eat……

Hope you all have a Happy and Safe one!

The first piece of news is- we found a trailer! It is really too funny how it happened. I had all but given up for this year…..

I just asked! Actually, we found two trailers by asking. Both were friends and I was just goofing around asking when they were going to sell their trailer and how much. Both of them came up with a price!

So this weekend we pick up the one we chose. Both were pretty old but in good condition- one a tow-behind, one a  small class A- the kind you drive. Even though Ron is  a mechanic, he didn’t want to get involved fixing the class A.

The tow behind just needs the door fixed (minor) and hardwood flooring installed (the flooring came with the trailer).

We won’t be able to travel like I want right now, but that’s ok. Ron’s job is too new, and we used up most of our savings when Ron wasn’t getting paid by his old boss and then when the shop closed for good. You need moola to travel, and lots of it!

We went last weekend to look at some campgrounds. We found one we liked, picked out a spot and should start camping on the 27th of this month. The season lasts until October 1st, so we can get a little camping in this year! Since we homeschool, we can stay all season if we want!

Now I can start posting to my camping blog again:

http://www.athomeonwheels.com

The second great piece of news?

I made another $10.00 the other day with We use coupons! I have made $10.00 several times over………this is by far one of my favorite affiliate programs!

AND….I can save money as well with the coupons!

A double-good deal!

And…Little Man is here for a visit! We haven’t seen him in a couple of weeks!

Check out the pic- a little fuzzy, but….

Little Man loves to be carted around the yard by Aunt Princess

Check out our homeschooling page to see some stuff we’ve been learning. Even though Little Man is not homeschooled, he learns with us at times.

Ticked off by twitter?

Yesterday I tried to Tweet and Twitter was over capacity! THIS is what I had to say about that!

And last but not least- check this out:

AmeriPlan, the company I have my home biz through, was on Good Morning America the other day. You can read about it and find the link HERE.

And since it’s Friday, don’t forget to get into the Blog-Hopping action!

And….Ann’s bloghop, Virtual Girls Night Out, will now be held on Saturdays…

Free Shipping on Orders of $99 or More! Now at Cooking.com! (Use Coupon Code: C97978)