The Winter Is Sure Giving Us A Run
For our money that is…
Now you see, I do live in the mountains and yes we are use to the snow and cold BUT, there is usually a little bit of a break in between storms for us to re-cooperate. Since Dec. 17th,
- I have seen my grass for about a total of 4 days.
- The girls have maybe went a total of four FULL days of school (meaning no delays or snow cancellations).
- We lost power for 4 days.
- We have seen more ice that we ever care to!
- We have came up with so many creative ways to sled that you would be amazed
It is a winter for the history books for sure. I am itching for the sun so I can go out and run and get more fit. This winter has really done me in and I am so just wanting to get out and run, run and did I say run?
Anyways… I thought I would share some videos of our little sledding runs and some pictures to make you smile from our own little version of North Pole!
First Glance at North Pole, NC
The Girls Taking a Sled Run
M Having Fun with the Circular Sled
Mommy and L Taking a Sled Run
Snow Gals
The Girls SnowWoman
M Loves to Make Snow Angels
The Girls Love to Crash the Sled
The Girls LOVE to Sled
The Snow Is Here So We Should Enjoy It I Guess
Happy Winter Everyone!!
No tags for this post.The Story of the ZING ZANG ZOOM
The snow storm that took over NC this past weekend was determined to make us miss my girls first circus ever. Guess what? We were one up on the weather. We changed our tickets from the Saturday show to the Thursday show. I’m so glad we did because I heard that lots of people couldn’t make the weekend shows but luckily Ticketmaster was doing refunds due to the snow storm.
To see the girls faces during the show as just amazing! The show lasted a little over 2 hours, but the girls did not complain at all. They are at the ages of 5 and 7. Since due to the weather my step-daughter was not with us, we took my little cousins age 9 and 11 (boys). They were equally amazed as well.
They included the family in on lots of events during the show. Seeing the magic being performed and then watching the amazed looks on the children faces just couldn’t be beat.
I am always in awe of the acrobats and so I just knew my girls would be as well. Much to my surprise the boys couldn’t stop watching either. How they are so flexible and strong will always be a wonder of mine? They have so much faith on each other to which I’m sure they have a huge bond with one another. Just seeing them do the flips, balances, jumps and climbs was just awesome.
I will have to say, that I have never seen a real life cannon ball and guess what… I was finally able to see one!!! I think I was jumping up and down as much as my girls were. My youngest daughter just couldn’t quite figure out why the women were getting into these tubes and her mouth just dropped open when they shot across the stage. Amazing!
Oh the animals were a HUGE HIT! All the kids were on the edge of their seats during the whole animal scenes. I was so cracking up at the elephants… they can sit their big booty on these little stools and never miss a beat. Too cool! Also how they would all line up and swing each other’s tales to hold on to each other. So cool!
I was a little anxious for the tigers when it was time for their scene. They never skipped a beat with the trainer though and all did their tricks perfect. Amazing!
At the end was a huge parade and all the kids joined in and clapped their little hearts out!
It was such a great experience for the whole family. My hubby and I were just into the show as much as the kids were. We definitely recommend this for a family outing 
Check to see when the ZING ZANG ZOOM is coming to your area and use this special offer to get your tickets really cheap .
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Also, be sure to get to the arena early to check out the All Access Preshow.
Step onto the arena floor and into The Greatest Show On Earth® at the All Access Pre-show! Come an hour before show time to join Clown College® and learn how to be a circus clown.
10 Reasons You Can’t Miss the All Access Pre-show!
1) An amazing elephant paints right before your eyes.
2) Learn juggling, makeup and fun with the world famous Clown Alley.
3) See a one-of-a-kind special Ringling Bros®motorcycle as built by Orange County Choppers.
4) Meet the performers up close and get autographs.
5) Witness Klose’s Performing Canines jump through obstacles and hoops.
6) Be amazed as Zingmaster Alex teaches magic to audience members.
7) See performers jump rope and do tricks on the low wire.
Watch the contortions and table juggling of the Chinese Qi Qi Har Troupe.
9) Try on actual clothes used in The Greatest Show On Earth.
10) It’s FREE with your ticket, so get in on the fun!
What age was your children when they first went to the circus?
Full Disclosure: Our family was provided these tickets in exchange for this complete review. This review comes from my heart and the complimentary tickets did not persuade my views at all!
No tags for this post.Oh No Another Snow Day What To Do
Snow Day, Snow Day, Snow Day and yet another Snow Day! Some parents may cringe at the thought of a snow day, but I actually look forward to snow days. Yes, snow days can involve getting out and throwing snow balls at each other’s head or finding the biggest hill to sled down or if the wind chills are sub below zero, they can involve creative ideas inside.
Make sure to shop seasonal sales at your local stores such as Wal-Mart or Target. I found gingerbread man kits 75% off and it is never a wrong time to make Gingerbread Men .
Also, Valentine’s Day is coming up so a perfect time to get out the art supplies kit and make homemade Valentine’s Day cards that will mean so much more to your kid’s friends!
Let the kids be creative and have indoor parties. My girls brought out the strobe light AKA flash light, turned out all the lights in the hall and we had a dance party. Each girl got a parent and we danced our little hearts out to Party in the USA! We acted goofy, we laughed hard, and we danced to our heart’s content. The girls were enjoying it so much.
A couple hours later, we got an invite to a Halloween Party. Please check yes or no. Of course, we checked yes and showed up with our best costume on.
Decorations filled the halls and scary oops I mean silly ghost stories were told by the girls. Can you believe that the pickle ran across the road? WOOOO… I know I was scared too .
Take time out of the day and have chill time. My girls love to read books so take a time-out session on the couch and cuddle up to a good book. If your child is too young, they can draw during this time and make their own picture book.
Chore time. Make it a game. Who can get their chores done the fastest? Who can sing the loudest while doing their chores? Who can make the bed up the neatest? Who can fold the most wash clothes? Girls love it!
Have an indoor picnic in your living room complete with a homemade tent that involves draping blankets from couch to couch. Bring out the peanut butter and jelly to see who can make the sloppiest sandwich or who can make the neatest sandwich.
ABC and 123 time. Create activities throughout the house such as count the door knobs, windows, or closests. Find letters in a magazine that spells each family members name and create a collage on construction paper.
These are just some of the few activities we had fun with over the last couple of weeks of snow days. It really can be fun and not stressful. Keep it changing and entertaining and don’t forget to give the kids some downtime to recoup from each activity so they will not have melt downs.
Happy Snow Day!
No tags for this post.Happy New Year
We brought in the New Year at the ski slopes. The girls had a blast and M surprised me soooo much on how well she did. More to come.
Here’s to a wonderful 2010 to everyone. It is so going to be a good Year . Remember you can do all things when God is on your side. Much love to all!
Its Not Always About The Material Things
During this holiday season, I want to make sure we are all remembering the reason for the season… Jesus . I try to instill this in my girls and two separate events in the past week has assured me… I must be doing something right!
M came home last week with all her Thanksgiving projects she had done at school. One of the projects brought tears to my eyes. I’ll post a picture here:
Look at all she is thankful for! I had to show this off to everyone in our family. I have always said she is such an old soul and really cares so much for others. She is thankful for Family, Dad, Mom, God, Jesus, Freedom, Home and Food. Is that not awesome? There are no material things listed and that just warms my heart so much.
Then, this leads me to this past weekend. I was creating all my lists for my family this year for Christmas. I asked L what she would like for Christmas this year. She sat there for a minute and put her little fingers on her chin, like she was thinking. She said ummm… then said I know Mommy. All I want for Christmas this year is for daddy to love me, mommy to love me, my sister to love me and my doggy to love me. Oh I just swooped her right up and hugged her so tight. There was not one item she could tell me she wanted… all she wants is love. Is that now just the coolest thing?
I love my girls so much and often wonder if I am doing a good job at this mommy gig… but I think I couldn’t receive a more better answer than this do you?
So remember as we go into this wonderful Holiday Season, its not all about the money. It’s all about the thought and love!
Day 12 Thankful for Time in NYC
Today I am thankful for getting one on one time with my two daughters M and L in NYC. I was nervous about taking them, but the nervousness totally went away once we got into the city.
The first task to cover was getting L on the plane. She did NOT want to fly at all. I stayed really positive and upbeat with her and the plane ride went so smoothly. Both girls were just amazed and kept looking out the windows. L was teary eyed when we first got on, but after she realized how cool it was, she had everyone laughing on the plane.
L would say, mommy look there is water, we get to land in the water! Ummm no sweetie we will land on the pavement . Then she said mommy, will we get to jump out of the plane? WHAT!! She would say, oh I have a headache, I need to close the window. Then 2 minutes later, oh I need to see the sun let me open the window. She had us all cracking up and she was so enjoying every minute of not having to be in a carseat .
M was so laid back, taking in all the sights and asking some really good questions about the landing and just the airplane in general. She has wanted to ride on an airplane for so long and it made me so happy that she got the chance.
Once, we arrived in the city. The girls were so excited and ready to take the city head on. We first were took by taxi cab to Dylan’s candy store.
Oh my the taxis. Needless to say, we only rode in two taxis the whole time we were there because they scared me so bad with their driving. They could care less who they cut off or cut in front of and how close they get to someone! EEEEK….
Once we arrived at the candy store, the girls did a short video shoot for the Show. Each child ages 5 to 8 was interviewed individually some questions. I heard the producers cracking up laughing, so I knew it was going to be pretty funny. I made sure I seen the questions first before I agreed for my girls to be asked. The producers came out and said the girls did so good and I would get to see the video the next day.
So we headed onto the city.. just the girls and I. I loved having this mother/daughter time with them. We took the subway. The first couple of times, I kept getting on the wrong subway and the attendants were so nice to let us get on the correct ones without charging us haha. After a while, M said mom you are really getting the hang of these subways . The girls just loved taking the subways to get to everything.
Our first stop was Central Park. It was so beautiful. We didn’t do the whole five mile walk of the park, because I knew the girls would get really tired so we just did the outskirts of Central park.
I wanted to do the horse and carriage rides around Central Park, but wanted to save that for when hubby is with us so we can do it as a whole family.
Next stop was FAO Schwartz Toy Store. It is a really HUGE toy store and the girls just went wild. They loved it.
Even the employees get right in there with the kids and begin playing with the toys.
We then walked by Rockefeller Center, but my wonderful batteries decided to die in my camera so I don’t have pictures. By this time it was starting to get dark in the city, so we headed back to get something to eat and get in for the evening. I didn’t want to be out much past dark with myself and the girls.
The next morning, we were up very early and out of the hotel room by 8am to go to Times Square.
The girls just loved all the lights and billboards. We also went to see where the different News people were. We happened to catch Kris Allen on Good Morning America.
We just had so much fun going in and out of stores and just taking in all the sights and sounds of Times Square. We then headed over to Bryant Park and let the girls enjoy their donuts.
We also got to meet up here at Bryant Park with my wonderful co-worker who works in NYC. I just adore her and was so happy we got to meet up. It also warmed my heart that this meet-up with Dina was one of M’s top 3 things that she loved about NYC!
My girls really showed off for Dina . The girls got to see the people ice skating there in Bryant Park as well. That was very cool!
We then headed back to the subway, and as you can see on the girl’s shirts. They LOVE NYC!
It was time to get ready for the show. We were not allowed to take any cameras or cell phones to the show, so I don’t have any pictures of this part of our trip. This was one part of the trip, I was nervous about. I didn’t know how everything was going down, but one thing I knew is that I would control what my girls heard at the show. Once we were taken back to the green room with all the other ages 5 to 8 children and their moms, we realized we were the last show to tape that day. She tapes 3 shows a day, I believe 2 times a week. Going in, I knew this show was about Do you talk to your kids about sex and what do children face in today’s world? I know my morals and values of how I want to bring my girls up. I am very protective over them, so I wanted to give my opinion and see how other mom’s were approaching this same topic.
So all the mom’s got their hair and make-up done… didn’t I look fabulous? hehe!
Then it was almost show time for us to go on stage. I know there were teenagers and moms on before us, but I have no idea what they talked about as we were kept in the back. So I’m not sure how that went down. It was our turn so they led the moms onto stage of the 5 to 8 age group. Each mom was asked a couple of questions. I was asked about an incident of a little boy that kept kissing M last year in Kindy and then the second question I was asked if I had ever talked to my girls about sex. My response was, Absolutely not. I think they are too young and yes I want to be the one to talk to them, we are a very conservative family, that loves God and is guided by God, we have several morals and values in our family and I want to make sure I do it the right way. They then showed us the video they had taped of the girls from the day before. OMG… this will by far be the best part of the show. It is sooooo funny. Oh I loved it. L cracked up everyone and the whole audience was laughing. The video is like a Kids say the darndest things and oh did they LOL. It went very well, I was really pleased. They then said ok let’s bring out the little girls. Once they brought out the girls, they went into asking them more about their answers. So since L’s answers were so darn cute… once question was Where do babies come from? L said from a Doctor. They asked L on stage where the Doctor gets the baby from and she said from the babysitter. Then they said where does the babysitter get the baby, L said from the doctor. OMG it was so funny and cute. LOVED IT. M said that the baby comes from God . God picks out a special baby to place in mommy’s belly. It melted my heart. They didn’t talk to M on stage and she wanted to speak so she was sad they only spoke to L, but I assured her that she was on the taped video from the day before.
Overall, I was really pleased. Again, I don’t know how the first few segments went, but I was really pleased how my girls and I presented ourselves and glad that they could provide some clean fun laughter .
It took a very long time to tape so by the time we were done, it was time to head to the airport to fly back home.
We were in the car headed to the airport and I heard L sound like she was crying. I said what is wrong… she said mommy I am going to miss NYC. Oh it broke my heart, it was then I was soooo happy we did this and I had the chance to let the girls experience NYC. It was such a fun time and we all can’t wait to go back .
M was so excited about flying at night on the plane and L as you can see slept the whole time back home on the plane .
Fun times and I love the memories that we created!
No tags for this post.Day 11 Thankful for Our Doggy Kingston
Today I just want to take a moment and say how thankful I am of my doggy son Kingston. He is such a great part of our family and do you want to know the reason why? Because he has helped our L so much! You see L has some major sensory issues but one thing for certain she has always enjoyed doggies. When we finally decided to get one, we just knew L’s eyes would light up and were they ever. Kingston and L are truly best of friends. She is always asking if he can go to school with her. She misses him so much. They roll in the floor together and play and play and play. Let me just show you in pictures
Day 5 Thankful for Daughters
I always wanted to be a mommy growing up. It is something I dreamed of so much as a little girl. Now, my dream has come true. I am a mommy to 2 beautiful girls M and L! I am so thankful for them and every night that I pray, I usually start my prayer out as Thank You Lord, for giving me my girls.
My girls mean so much to me. They have totally opposite personalities in which I love because it makes them both unique. M.. my oldest daughter is such an outgoing little girl. She has several friends at school and wherever we usually go in town… there is someone that is hollering out her name.
She has such a gentle soul and takes after her mommy that she just wants to make everyone happy. She is like this at school. Her teachers always says that M wants to be everyone’s best friend. She is always right there to help her fellow classmate or cheer them up. She never wants to see anyone sad. If she sees me crying, she will come up to me and just hug me so tight and try to do funny things to make me laugh. I just love her so much. She has a quirky side too and will surprise us with some of the things she comes up with.
She is very smart and is very outgoing. She always wants to be doing something. Also she loves Jesus .
My other little girl is my darling L. She is so precious just like big sis. L definitely has a different personality. She is very shy and very reserved. She does not warm up to strangers much and loves to be right with her mommy. She is very attached to my hair and has to hold it while she is going to sleep every night. She does love to perform for us and do her little shows.
I just love her little sayings she is always coming up that just melts my heart all over. She is very gentle and doesn’t like to be over stimulated. She just loves to be close to home and around her close family and friends. She has a little best friend now and she loves to talk about her. She also loves to sing and talk about Jesus.
Girls I love you both so much and enjoy every single minute of every single day with you. I know mommy is protective of you and will not let you out of my sight, but just know mommy misses you when you are not with me that’s why . I can’t wait to see the plan God has for you both and I know you will make mommy proud.
Love Always,
Mom
A Girl And Her Hula Hoop
Creativity goes such a long way. I just would love to be able to look into L’s mind some days and just get a glimpse of what she is all thinking about. She will get in her own little world at times and just play and play. She loves to be creative and very artsy.
Recently we were outside on a Fall evening and she was so into her Hula Hoop. She just played and played… not even focusing on anything else but her hula hoop.
Oh she caught me taking pictures
Don’t you just love it? Not a care in the world… just a girl and her hula hoop!
My girls are always teaching me valuable lessons. Don’t sweat the small stuff. That is not what life is all about. Take time to breathe in and just appreciate what we do have. The Lord has a plan for all of us and we are working our way to fulfill the great plan. I do know life can be so stressful, but we do not have to dwell on the negative things…. look at all the positive things in your life. Once you do, you will see how blessed we truly all are!
No tags for this post.Sisters Are Truly Best Friends
I could never be more blessed when the Good Lord up above gave me my two beautiful daughters. Of course they will have their fights and arguments with each other, but it is moments like this that always make the fighting episodes forgettable.
They are always looking out for each other for example: L’s teacher told me the other day that both L’s class and M’s class were out on the playground at the same time. M begins to yell at L. L immediately looks up and they both do the “I Love You” sign to each other. They truly are the best of friends and I know they always will be. Thank you Lord for two beautiful girls!
No tags for this post.
