life as we know it

Where did those baby feet go???

2010-07-20T20:53:00.001-04:00

My baby turned six…what happened to those baby feet?

She waited patiently for Daddy to get home!

It’s a Guinea Pig Webkinz of course!

Emma asking Owen what the Mighty Beans were called again.

Gotta get on the floor and get a better look!

My poor girl passed out, did not even eat her dinner, no sundae or singing :(

So Owen had to eat her sundae!

We love you so much Emma girl! You have a spunk and will like I have never known, and even though it tries me often, I love you for it! You are the sweetest to those you love and a very very funny girl! Hugs and Kisses!

Blow Dryer Beauty

2010-07-14T22:33:00.001-04:00

My girl on her 6th Birthday getting ready to go out for dinner with the grands. More pics to come!

The Reptile Guys

2010-07-13T23:49:00.001-04:00

The Reptile Guys came to the library for a show. I brought my knitting, figured I would work on a project. Ok that so did not happen, that knitting stayed abandoned in the bag. These guys were entertaining! I love touching snakes…who knew!

This snake was gorgeous, and their bellies are so soft.

This cayman has to wear a diaper while being carried around or he will spray the reptile guy!

Love how my kids get right in there!

Just me or did E get the heavies part of the snake?

My boy could not beam more, I don’t think!

Take me out to the 92 degree ballgame!

2010-07-12T21:41:00.001-04:00

The reason we were at the ballgame was to support our church choir as they sang The National Anthem.

Not my best day…was not expecting to be in the sun…so $16 hats all around.

This is the I already had dippin dots, but I really wanted a snow cone face…

Gonna go a tad high school here…BFF Ana!

BFF Laura! Yes we have matchy hats now!

Pastor Chris.

Whatcha looking at Steve??? The game?

Fourth of July

2010-07-06T22:37:00.001-04:00

Fireworks and home made ice cream at the Kuiper’s Camp.

Crazy Hair Day!!

2010-07-06T00:00:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Mimi for Emma’s hair…as after the Breakfast of Champions I had to go to work.

Citizen of the Month & Breakfast of Champions!

2010-07-05T22:32:00.001-04:00

E spotted me, the gig was up. The surprise of her being Citizen of the Month was out of the bag!

Way to go Emma! Citizen of the month, the last one of the year. This month’s qualities were being a good friend and sense of community. Considering we just did the CROP walk, it fits perfectly! Again Emma we are so proud of you!

All the citizen’s of the month are invited to the Breakfast of Champions with their families. We enjoyed breakfast together, and Emma received her goodies from the principal. It was also Crazy Hair Day, hence Owen’s blur hair.

Photo Shoot

2010-07-05T22:08:00.001-04:00

Last day of Ballet and Tap…ugh full make up photo shoot…so we did a home shoot as well. Hate the make-up, LOVE the girl!

LOVE Her!

RCRC Crop Walk

2010-07-05T21:59:00.001-04:00

We had a great time..walking…fellowship and raising money for our local food cupboard.

Tap Recital

2010-07-05T20:37:00.001-04:00

A second year of dance done, not sure yet if she wants to continue on. Either way Miss. E we are proud of your hard work!

GEMS Banquet Night

2010-07-05T20:07:00.001-04:00

Emma started GEMS this past year, one year early thanks to Aunt Tina! She completed the year and received many badges! Great Job E!

First Camping Trip of the Season

2010-06-29T20:31:00.001-04:00

It’s been too long…but I think this was a pout face about that broken cap gun.

Kindergarten Celebration

2010-06-29T20:23:00.001-04:00

Songs, snacks, pictures, workbooks and food. The kindergarten class were great hosts!

Third Grade Biography Fair

2010-06-29T20:15:00.001-04:00

O was Bill Gates, who he chose because he loves computers!

We have Piggie Fever!

2010-06-29T20:07:00.001-04:00

This our third sister and last one...Binka! She is from the original litter. Reunited with Georgie Girl and Possum Pig.

Look at those cheeks!

Friends rocking it out!

2010-06-28T13:33:00.001-04:00

2 of most dearest friends had huge milestones this spring. L graduated as an LPN and is going immediately forward to RN. L is very caring and very knowledgeable, she put great effort forth in her classes and her grades were not to be beaten. She can be my nurse any day!

A and I were able to attend her pinning ceremony with her family, very cool!

A graduated from Syracuse…soon to become some lucky middle school’s coolest librarian. She has a great affection for books especially young adult and graphics. No stuffy old librarian here!

We celebrated with her at a graduation party at her home. Great food and drinks. Open house style…lot’s of fun! Here she is with her special Vera purse from L & I.

The day after graduation in her special red dress…Photo shoot!

The three of us together! I love you girls and am so proud of you, raising up great kids and being wonderful wives while pursing degrees and careers you will love.

Daddy’s Birthday!

2010-06-02T21:51:00.001-04:00

Homemade Ice Cream cake is a tradition for us. Wish we could have a birthday everyday!

Apparently Daddy needed help with his candle blowing!

The kids picked a hysterical card…

I guess Daddy thought so too!

New Piggie Palace!!!!

2010-05-07T00:18:00.001-04:00

My Hubby ROCKS! I requested him to make this enormous Piggie Palace and he did in a few hours tonight. 2 Boxes of Cube Organizers $34.00 1 Sheet of Coroplast $27 add piggies and smile =)

Beauty after the Storm

2010-05-04T12:08:00.001-04:00

We had a brief but strong storm with rain..thunder and lightning …then the sum came bright and strong. I was inspired by the flowering tree in our front yard.

Possum’s Photo Shoot Pictorial

2010-04-27T19:02:00.001-04:00

New Addition…Possum!

2010-04-27T16:23:00.001-04:00

We added a new piggie to the family, Georgie’s real sister Possum. Possum is much more timid and bit skittish but is loved just the same. We will see if that extra loving with tame those personalities!

She’s a GEM…Pretty Princess Party

2010-03-27T15:50:00.001-04:00

Off to the GEMS Pretty Princess Party!

Lucy

2010-03-27T10:44:00.001-04:00

This is my sister’s guinea pig Lucy. The kids saw this and got all excited…they have plans to dress up Georgie now. I will for Georgie’s happiness intervene as long as possible.

This post was done especially for Elba =)

A snack and a bath piggie style.

2010-03-25T13:39:00.001-04:00

Really so cute….then she ate a poop…ick! So I did some research…apparently that is a “special” poop…made to be eaten full of vitamins and minerals from the food. Smaller and softer and made for that purpose…yes I get it…really I do …but still makes me feel icky!

Pine Wood Derby

2010-03-18T09:33:00.001-04:00

Done for another year~

??? Mystery Knit….Revealed???

2010-03-17T13:45:00.000-04:00

Necessary??? No…cute, fun & easy knit??? Yup!

Accidental YOGO’s Art

2010-03-16T09:15:00.001-04:00

Miss E had a handful of YOGO’s and placed them all on the table at once….she said look a fishy! She’s right!

???Mystery Knit???

2010-03-15T22:52:00.001-04:00

Guesses???? Answer to come…

Hello Georgie Girl!!

2010-03-14T15:30:00.001-04:00

My friend April gifted us a piggie….isn’t she sweet!

POP Star

2010-03-09T12:05:00.001-05:00

nuff said.

Before & After

2010-03-07T20:25:00.001-05:00

This was my first ever baby hat knit on 5 double pointed needles….I frogged this hat 7 times…I wanted to give up. I persevered, I had a tiny little baby as the inspiration for this hat. I am really pleased with the hat…I knew it was adorable…but I knew that it also could look even better.

Yup ….way better! Welcome to the world Addie…we are so lucky to have you in our lives.

He CRACKS me up!

2010-03-07T00:32:00.001-05:00

Started out innocently enough…I wanted a picture of O in this shirt which “cracks us up”. It led to a monstrous silly face photo session.

Bowling for dollar$

2010-02-27T22:22:00.001-05:00

Really should say Dollar$ for bowling. Church family bowling night…for 4 was $56. That’s a chunk of change for sure but we had a blast!

Ice Cubes, Toilets, Freezers, Salt & Pajamas…Oh and SN*OW

2010-02-26T14:22:00.001-05:00

Western NY finally got a substantial amount of snow. And the coveted SNOW DAY!

The kids were ready to play outside as soon as Mimi brought them home this morning…but they humored me with some pictures.

Our huge ice trophy…it was big and heavy…good for licking and playing ice guitar.

When i picked up the kids from school yesterday O was filled with information about how to make a snow day.

1. Wear your pj’s inside out & backwards…this came from his teacher…hmmmmm who wanted the snow day?

2. Salt on the window sill.

3. Socks in the freezer.

4. Flush an ice cube down the toilet.

WhaLa instant snow day. The snow day was confirmed by the school via an automated phone call system at 5:40 this morning….yes 5:40!

Hope you all enjoyed your snow day~

Up next.....Tute's by Petchy

2010-02-25T19:24:00.006-05:00

Ok so I have some tute's ...tutorials I want to try and do. Novice seamstress here, but I think I will give them a try anyway. Both originate from a blogger Made by Petchy...she is listed on my sidebar...I like her creativity...and her hair =) or you can click the picture to head to the tutorial. I will keep you posted if and when I actually make my own.

A little photo editing & a personality quirk

2010-02-23T16:58:00.001-05:00

O.K. see this cute picture of my adorable cousins…one of whom is Fudge. Great picture right??? I just take issue with that bit of plastic…my issue I know but ….anyway…

TADA…..still same cute couple….wonderful beach vacation…no ugly plastic water bottle to detract! Love you guys~

Do you see what I see???

2010-02-23T09:22:00.001-05:00

Finished Leggies!!!

2010-02-22T17:53:00.001-05:00

Finally finally finished the legwarmers…and Miss E gets to wear them to ballet today…still not happy with the difference in striping but gotta suck it up, I guess that happens with real hand dyed yarn.

In our house if you take nice pictures first you get to end with silly pictures!

Stickin it to you…

2010-02-21T08:00:00.001-05:00

Started these tonight at 7:30 and stuck with them and these are the finished ones. I have 6 more ready to be stuffed and finished…pin cushion anyone????

From Knitting it Up to Stitching it Up

2010-02-20T21:26:00.001-05:00

Putting these needles down for a bit…

to pick up these needles…

Pizza & Movie Night

2010-02-20T18:50:00.001-05:00

the kids are this close and there is no shoving or pushing…sweet!

Chuck is getting in on the action too!

Crafting it up~

2010-02-16T13:44:00.001-05:00

The kids got some craft kits from Grandma & Grandpa for Christmas that we finally sat down to work on..sorry Grandma if you were planning on that for tomorrow!

E got a outdoor windchime and twirly thing kit.

O got a build it and paint it pirate ship which is assembled and drying…to be painted later.

Oh and some silly faces too!

Kool Aid Play-Doh

2010-02-15T11:15:00.003-05:00

Miss E got out the Play-Doh bin and we decided it would be a good time to make some more Kool Aid Play-Doh.

OH it smells soooo good!

Recipe here....

http://flssgrl.blogspot.com/2009/04/kool-aid-playdough-rocks.html

Valentine’s …the Good the Bad & the Ugly

2010-02-14T17:34:00.002-05:00

these were from Mommy and Daddy…new pj’s, white board message boards, post it notes and PEZ.

If you know my guy you will now he is not feeling too hot. No church for him….and Daddy is down and out too.

The Good…the Fake smile for Mommy.

The Bad…the real deal.

Yup the Ugly….this is how it played out…and he is still down…lethargic and couch bound with a headache and stomach ache.

Miss E of course is just fine and enjoying her presents…it felt like Christmas over here! She is talking a little too loud for her brother’s headache though. She was sweet enough to get O’s comfort items…

He is now passed out and snoring about 10 minutes after she brought them down.

Valentine’s came a day early!

2010-02-13T18:21:00.002-05:00

The kids came home today to an early Valentine’s surprise from Mimi & Poppy…Betta Fish. They have been named Black Manta & Flower.

We are going to try and keep them in their bedrooms…fingers crossed!

( please ignore the dust...but notice the little fingers )

Dear Hubby really surprised me with flowers…a heart shaped cookie cake and a sweet card.

More to celebrate tomorrow….for now it is family pizza & movie night!

Temporary Construction Zone

2010-02-07T21:57:00.003-05:00

I am back in the blogging saddle....but I feel I need to retweak my layout and I'm gonna need some time ...not really sure what I want but feeling like I want a cleaner look focused on the photographs and tidbits and not so much the weather girl and stat counter. I will be back soon...wish me luck!

Blogging with Windows Live Writer….

2010-02-07T13:26:00.001-05:00

I love my new little Dell Net book….and I just discovered the Windows Live Writer…It seems like it might make blogging easier which is a plus. This is a test post of sorts…with a token picture to test that feature also.

Today was the Big Day

2010-02-06T21:50:00.004-05:00

(not a huge fan of make up on my girl but it is what it is...)

( I LOVE her stance and facial expression here)

(cousins and dance buddies)

Today was the day that Miss E got to show us what she has learned during the first year of ballet. The recital was "A Dog for Emily" with 2 real live doggies. Emily has allergies and tests out all sorts of animals at the pet shop to see if they will work....Miss E was a bunny....and she was the chosen bunny taken up to Emily at the end of the bunny dance to see if she was gonna work out....nope...Emily did not keep my bunny...GOOD for her...I am not giving my bunny away anytime soon!

Back to the Blog old fashioned guilt style!

2010-02-05T21:12:00.005-05:00

Ok I have been feeling guilty lately about letting my blog slip off to the wayside next to my new found friend Facebook. Today it really hit home that I need to get my tush back in gear with the blog. E was at Mimi's house and I called to see how things were when I was told that they were looking at the blog. E has a ballet recital tomorrow...and they were looking at last year's recital pictures comparing how she has changed. I am undecided if I will try to go back and hit some of the important stuff or just bag it and start fresh....

First ever sick school pick up!

2010-01-29T15:35:00.000-05:00

This girl of mine DOES not nap…this is the dead give away that things are not on the up and up. Mini stomach bug….just 2 episodes…on in class one at home….not too bad!

Third Grade Gymnastics Observation

2010-01-28T15:05:00.000-05:00

O’s school does this every year….so we go …we watch a routine…we observe technique and we shoot pics! So here are some of them….just some….that tells you there were many more =)

Christmas Eve 2009

2009-12-24T16:39:00.000-05:00

O 8 years E 5 years

This was NOT staged I swear!

Grandma with the scarf I knit for her.

Dad with the Legos.

E graduated to a razor scooter…bye bye Dora scooter!

Tap & Ballet Class Parent Observation

2009-12-14T16:19:00.000-05:00

Miss E is taking an hour long class half ballet and half tap this year. We have switched studios from last year and I am 110% happier with the organization and professional manner of the new studio. It was fun to see what she has been learning!

E & cousin A

Also time for the Holiday party.

These will be the bunnies in the Ballet recital in February. A Dog for Emily.

Gems Holiday Party 2009

2009-12-09T15:46:00.001-05:00

Who is the crazy non camera shy person??

We did some painting of wooden ornaments made and donated by Opa and some cards which were given to shut ins.

The girls were all given matching fleece scarves.

RCRC Christmas Program 2009

2009-12-06T16:09:00.000-05:00

The kids were in the children’s choirs again this year for the Christmas Program.

With my urging M also joined the Men and Boy’s choir…so it’s O with M above and Grandpa above him.

Mrs. W the children’s choir director also made E’s favorite cookie….the mouse!

Mother's Day Preschool Play and Tea

2009-06-08T20:29:00.004-04:00

I know i am way late with this but...still getting it done :) Miss E was a cute little bee, who appeared not too happy in any of the group shots i got....we had a little tea party and got some gifts....a great day!

Springdale Farms Preschool Trip

2009-05-27T21:06:00.007-04:00

I have been there done that with O a few times...but never with Miss E....we had a beautiful sunny day...not too hot not too cold...just right....lots of baby animals....a great day!

First Ballet Recital

2009-05-25T18:27:00.004-04:00

Miss E completed this years hard work in ballet class with a recital. She did great! No stage fright at all...I was so proud of her. And yes she has make- up on as did all the girls and no I don't want to talk about it : )

I need it...I want it....I will get it...

2009-04-25T22:32:00.005-04:00

ok so i saw this pan on picky palate....and well I think I must have it....maybe even by tomorrow.....what fun! It is at Williams Sonoma....I have not been there in way too long....so I might just need to visit.

Kool-Aid Play Dough Rocks!

2009-04-18T10:23:00.005-04:00

Had to entertain E while O was at Chuckie Cheese for a party so we made some Kool-Aid play dough and the smells ROCKS! This time we made grape...next one will be Fruit Punch and will be red. Thanks to Stacy for the recipe!

Kool-Aid Play Dough

Dissolve 2pkg unsweetened Kool-Aid in 2 cups boiling water

Add:

4 Tbsp vegetable oil

1 cup salt

2 ½ cups flour

Mix together and knead for 5 minutes

Store in airtight container in refrigerator

We have an addict in the house!

2009-04-17T19:31:00.004-04:00

That's right you read that correctly and our addict is 4 1/2 and addicted to .....

Band-Aids that's right! At any given time she has a minimum of 2 on her it seems. We are keeping the makers of the Sponge Bob Band-Aids in business! I like what I read somewhere about charging 5 cents for non-emergency Band-Aids.

Pelican spotted in Upstate NY!

2009-04-14T09:41:00.001-04:00

O's impression of a Pelican!

Feed the Kitty!

2009-04-13T20:00:00.002-04:00

I bought Emma a new game the other day and it is a LOT of FUN! So if you have a 4 year old get out there and get yourselves a Feed the Kitty game~

Easter Sunday Pictures

2009-04-13T11:15:00.006-04:00

Got a few pictures of the kids before church and before they could get dirty. Emma came home from church with blue paint on her new dress and a hole in the knee of her new tights?!?!?!This family shot was a spur of the moment just before we left with the camera timer....third shot not too bad! Everyone is smiling...with not closed eyes...Incredible!!! Hope you all had a Joyous and Happy Easter!

This one is for Stacy!

Happy Keester!

2009-04-11T11:38:00.002-04:00

Happy Keester

ALL I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE
I LEARNED FROM THE EASTER BUNNY

Don't put all of your eggs in one basket
Walk softly and carry a big carrot
Everyone needs a friend who is all ears
There's no such thing as too much candy
All work and no play can make you a basket case
A cute little tail attracts a lot of attention
Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day
Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits
Some body parts should be floppy
Keep your paws off other people's jellybeans
Good things come in small sugarcoated packages
The grass is always greener in someone else's basket
An Easter bonnet can tame even the wildest hare
To show your true colors you have to come out of your shell
The best things in life are still sweet and gooey

I'd Dye for You!

2009-04-09T22:13:00.005-04:00

The joy of Easter egg dying came to our house today....I have the multi-colored stained hands to prove it. As a dental hygienist I have lots of latex gloves laying around but did I bother to get them out for this project? NO!

Tutu Terrific!

2009-04-09T10:38:00.002-04:00

This is the tutu I whipped up for Miss. E last night in about a half and hour....I did not get enough tulle and I have not embellished it yet but she just had to wear it to ballet this morning....so a good photo op!

Masterpiece Theater

2009-04-07T20:29:00.005-04:00

This is what kept the kiddies busy while I made plaster of paris crosses for sunday school. I did need to keep filling paint trays though....these are really big canvases and well worth the $4 each! I will leave it to you to figure out who made which!

Come On...Seriously?!?!

2009-04-07T10:00:00.001-04:00

Off to the Races

2009-03-28T21:24:00.005-04:00

I am behind on my blogging....I have decided I definitely can not do it all....when it gets crazy something always suffers. This time it was the blog.....Last Monday O had his cadet derby race. He made a really creative turtle inspired car. The race itself is up for speculation as it seems the track and time count was not perfect....but the kid had fun.

I earned my Money!

2009-03-23T22:43:00.002-04:00

If you read the blog regularly you will know I have been searching for a nickel. What I have been searching through is not something pleasant and I would be happy to never have to do it again. But here is the evidence that Miss E did indeed swallow a nickel. Took 6 days to pass through! It does not show in the picture but the nickel has such strange coloring now....a deep purplish black with a irridescent shimmer. I'm keeping it...would you? R don't answer...I know your answer =)

Late Late with the Leprechauns!

2009-03-21T22:46:00.001-04:00

I was too sick with Strep Throat.....third time since Christmas.....but don't get me started! I was too sick to document all the fun things the Sneaky Leprechauns did ....but I did capture some of the goodies! Plus they left us Lucky Charms and green milk....and of course they peed in our toilets and left green water behind.

Play Museum Randomness

2009-03-18T13:06:00.003-04:00

Gimme Five.....Cents that is!

2009-03-16T22:10:00.003-04:00

Miss E and I were playing around chasing and I was tickling her on the living room floor.....she found a nickel under the couch. At first when she motioned to her throat I panicked.....I asked her if she swallowed the nickel and she said no. I told her how happy I was that she did not and how bad it would have been if she had....on and on.....

She got all cuddly with me which is not like her lately and I was thoroughly enjoying it.....someone's stomach growled and I asked if it was hers she said no....I said jokingly I hope it is not that nickel.....she looked so sad and started to cry..... turned out she did swallow that nickel.

Got on the phone with the Doctor's office and basically we get to watch the poop for a few weeks. She does not want to talk about it at all! I told O about it and he blamed me....said "Mom you should not play around with her when she has something small in her hand!"

I think Vera Bradley threw up in my closet!!!!

2009-03-16T08:59:00.003-04:00

I was looking for a specific bag this morning which actually was not even in the closet and I had to laugh at the aftermath I caused....and the first thought in my head was "It looks like Vera Bradley threw up in my closet!!!"

Well Press my Panini!

2009-03-13T21:15:00.005-04:00

I got this Cuisinart Panini Press for Christmas two years ago. It really is nice it has interchangeable panini/grill plates and flat griddle style plates. We have not been using it much lately but I just stumbled on this blog Panini Happy and it is going to give new life to my Panini Press! If you want to give new life to your panini press check it out...she also gives tips on making panini's with out the press!

Diet Pepsi you are the one I Love!

2009-03-12T22:51:00.004-04:00

Miss E gets schooled

2009-03-10T20:58:00.004-04:00

Miss E had her CPSE evaluation today and although she has gone from 26% intelligible to 70% with a familiar tester they are approving her for the rest of the school year as well as July and August. I feel her speech therapist has worked really hard with her since the beginning of the year and E has put forth great effort also. She most likely will qualify for extra speech help in kindergarten but we have to wait and see what the next 6 months brings.

The Many Faces of Miss E

2009-03-10T09:45:00.003-04:00

While having my coffee this morning Miss E and I were playing the make a face game....you all have done this with your kids I am sure....I decided to document today.

Double Date Night....Woo Hoo

2009-03-07T15:34:00.005-05:00

We are going out tonight....last minute plans and I am excited....Dinner and a movie with D & R....Bazil and Inkheart. I read the book so I am excited to see the movie....my hubby is the only one of the 4 of us who did not read the book and he will probably be the one to enjoy the movie the most since he will not be comparing to the book.Bazil....home to the funnel cake dessert....looks good!

*******Update.....Thanks to the wonderful Mimi for watching the kiddies*****

Let's talk teeth....Whitening

2009-03-03T20:24:00.007-05:00

I promised my friend Stacy that I would talk a bit about tooth whitening.

As a dental hygienist it is important that I have aesthetically pleasing teeth...would you take advice from a dental hygienist with teeth like these???

Sorry Amy but really I know where you can get a dental implant!

There are many reasons that teeth can become stained:

Coffee / Tea
Cigarettes / Tobacco
Soda
Fruits and Juices (dark in color)
Crest Pro Health Rinse (this has been proven to stain and I myself have seen it in my own patients....I do not recommend this product personally)
Genetic
Age related

(age related or natural color)

(food, drink or tobacco related stain)

There are also different ways to whiten your teeth.

Teeth that are stained by food and drink as well as tobacco can whitened some by whitening toothpaste. One does need to use whitening toothpaste with caution, as the reason it is able to remove these surface stains is due to the increased amount of pumice in the paste. This pumice over time can be detrimental to the enamel. It is also a temporary fix.

Many of my patients have also found Listerine Whitening rinse to be effective in helping with surface stain caused by food, drink and tobacco. This is a pre-brushing rinse and does not replace the need for antiseptic listerine which is necessary to kill bacteria.

Our office also recommends the Keyes Solution to my patients as needed. This is a solution made at home just prior to brushing using household products. Make a paste using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. This is safe and effective in removing the surface stains. The peroxide acts as a whitener and is the main ingredient in tooth whitening products. The baking soda will act as the dentifrice and is much more gentle than the pumice used in the whitening toothpaste. Used a couple times a week can be helpful...still using a fluoride toothpaste or rinse.

Over the counter whitening strips and paint on products are safe and use the same ingredients as the professional products but in much lower strength. The results are generally not as strong and not as long lasting. Approximately 6 weeks and that is dependent on your lifestyle and why you have the stain to begin with.

In office whitening treatments are longer lasting and provide better overall results.

You can have custom trays made that will fit your teeth perfectly allowing the whitening solution to sit against the teeth in a much better way than the Crest Whitestrips....this is extremely helpful if your teeth are not perfectly straight. This option can run $200 and up. It is helpful that you then have your own trays and the ability to touch up as needed. This is great for special occasions. This is my personal preferred method.

Another in office treatment is Zoom whitening .....the solution is painted on the teeth and a light is used to whiten the teeth in one appointment. This is the most costly of the procedures and does not allow for home touch ups as the other methods do.

Whitening can cause cold sensitivity and using sensodyne or a fluoride rinse like Act or Listerine Flouride rinse for 2 weeks prior to whitening as well as during the whitening process can help with sensitivity.

I find tooth whitening to be safe and effective for most people. Again common sense is necessary and being under the supervision of a dental professional is always in your best interest.

My Blinds are too Sexy!

2009-03-03T10:00:00.001-05:00

I have my very own Handy Manny......
Not sure where your Handy Man keeps his drill but mine will probably not be happy that I am showing you where he keeps his!
I was and still am super super duper excited by my gorgeous sexy blinds. My blinds are too sexy for my room!!!!
I was finally able to convince my dear hubby that it was time to retire the white metal blinds that have been adorning our bedroom windows for the last 9 years. I was able to slowly get them out of the rest of the rooms but these were the last ones. He did not clean those things the are impossible and definitely not SEXY!!!
Miss E just chillaxin amidst the Handy Mannyness....

The final result.....I am ecstatic.....did I mention that not only did my Handy Manny stop at the store to get them and wait while they were cut.....but he did not even stop to get a drink....got right to putting them up for me....He won't admit it to you but he thinks they are Sexy too!!! Anyone need some dirty white mini blinds????

House Guest...of the furry kind!

2009-03-02T22:41:00.003-05:00

E was the lucky recipient of Ginger the class cat this week. She comes with her bed, food dish, duckie, ball, story book and a journal to document her doings while visiting.
Ginger had a busy few days with us....she had a sleepover at Mimi's and attended Saturday pizza and movie night where she enjoyed the Bee Movie. She wandered off on several occasions and got lost, happily recovered each time. She even survived a few assaults by Charlie. Tonight is her last night with us and she is tucked upstairs in bed with Miss E.
Miss E was happy to have Ginger visit but is looking forward to Pal the class dog coming in the near future~

Ice Fishing Uh Oh

2009-02-28T19:56:00.007-05:00

The boys had a Cadet function today Ice fishing with some Church friends/expert Ice Fisherman. I was nervous we have had some unusually warm weather here the past few days. A nervous nellie Momma or the Momma with the correct instincts???
My babe fell into an ice fishing hole that was not yet marked and went in with one leg.....today the weather is absolutely frigid. These pictures come off of one of the ice fisherman's facebook page and this one breaks my heart. Owen's sad crying face right after Daddy pulled him from the hole. He told me the water was the coldest water ever!
One of the fishermen gave up his coat for O to use and they used several hats for his foot. He had some HOT hot chocolate...said he burned his tongue and had a hamburger. They actually cooked hamburgers and hot dogs out on the ice.
Before falling in though the were able to catch some perch. Daddy's were all too small but O got a real big one. Frozen fish anyone?
Here are the sleds used to transport all the gear and today one was used to transport my baby when it was time to go back home.

My First Celebrity Commenter!

2009-02-26T21:22:00.003-05:00

I was honored to receive a comment today on my In a Knot Post from the Recipe Girl. If you do not know who she is shame on you! Grab a coffee and take some time to check out her wonderful recipes! Remember the Pumpkin Cornbread I made and raved about....hers! I just made it again for a work party on Wednesday and it still rocks! She just posted a new Banana Bread Cinnamon Chip recipe that sounds worth a try and I just happen to be lucky enough to have some of those coveted Hershey Cinnamon Chips!

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie.....or Dog

2009-02-17T12:17:00.007-05:00

Why lay here......

When you can lay here....

And right now as if he is silently mocking me ....he lays here.....

In a Knot

2009-02-16T09:20:00.007-05:00

We made soft pretzels from scratch the other day and had lots of fun. O got bored after making two but as usual Miss E hung in there to the very end. We made plain, cinnamon sugar and ranch. They really were very easy and tasted good but they still did not rival an Auntie Annie's pretzel! You can go here for the recipe if you want to give them a try.

Wee Ballet Parent Observation Day

2009-02-12T11:46:00.004-05:00

Very exciting day.....got to see what happens behind the closed door of the Wee Ballet class. I was very excited that E was not the one who was crying and clinging to Mommy today!

A Gym Rat.....or Maybe a Hamster

2009-02-09T14:06:00.003-05:00

So we have joined back up at the Fitness Club and I am trying to find the balance there and at home. I usually get very gung-ho at the gym and end up burning out and then I stop all together. We are in a year long contract so I have to pay whether I go a little, a lot or not at all. We signed up a week ago yesterday and since then I have gone everyday. I worked out 5 times...went to 2 family swims and swim lessons. So I am still working on that balance....while the house falls apart! A bonus though is I have lost 6 lbs so that makes it seems well worth it!

Before and After Part 2

2009-01-27T16:44:00.005-05:00

So here is another photo edit from Saturday's party for E...

Here is the Birthday Boy in his new pirate costume, straight from the Nikon D60....What do I see....I see red eye....shadow issues from the french door.....a ballet slipper that can not be cropped out and colors not as bright as I might like.So with a little editing....some cropping to focus on the cute subject only...the red eye is removed....the colors, contrast and sharpness are tweaked and I removed the ballet slipper....because let's face it pirate's do not need ballet slippers!

Before and After

2009-01-26T09:35:00.004-05:00

We have been busy, busy and Saturday we had a party for our "nephew" E who just turned 3. It was a sledding party and it was freezing out....starting to think we live in Alaska. I braved the cold...the only Mom who did might I add...to snap some pictures. I got some really cute ones of Z of Like Fudge as he was not sledding and being bundled as he was he was also a much slower moving target. So I am posting a picture straight from the Nikon D60 and then an edited version. He is cute either way!
Increased the sharpness a bit....as well as the green and blue tones and the contrast.

Out of Play Dough..How does that happen?

2009-01-19T23:09:00.004-05:00

Last week while O was entertained by an after school play date Miss E and I needed a project. It was discovered the day before that our play dough supply was pretty dried out so we tossed it. With no plans to go to the store we resorted to a recipe I have had since I was pregnant with E and have never tried...Home Made Play Dough. I got this recipe from the teacher of an art class I took with O before E was born. So we set to work and walaa....blue play dough...and lots of fun!

1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1 cup water
2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
food coloring

Mix the flour, salt, tartar and oil in a saucepan. Add the water mixed with food coloring. Cook over medium heat stirring for 3 minutes, dough will start to pull away from the sides. Turn onto wax paper and knead to bring together....when cool enough to handle. Keep in a sealed plastic bag with air squeezed out...Have Fun!

Was the Price Right??

2009-01-15T11:25:00.001-05:00

So I tried out the new local Price Right....a friend of mine has been going there. I actually checked it out shortly after it opened on a SATURDAY and was less than impressed. So I tried again on Monday morning right after taking O to school and it was dead. Still not sure if I will go back but here is what I got for $116.00.

Better Cleaners ~Better Earth~ Better Family

2009-01-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

So I am trying out the Clorox cleaners called Green Works...thought I would test them out in the bathroom, that is where we will see what they are all about! We have one bathroom and a small one at that for 4 people....(search bathroom to see for your self) it can it seems need to be cleaned often...I hate cleaning the bathroom. So far so good I am happy with the glass and surface cleaner as well as the bathroom cleaner. Hopefully they really are better for the environment as well as my family.

Best of Buds and Cousins to Boot!

2009-01-13T09:03:00.006-05:00

We had O's cousin C over on Sunday for a play date and they of course played wii for awhile.

Boxing was the fave....C took this very very seriously....we had to keep telling them to stay back....finally blocking them from getting so close to the tv with the ottoman.

I love how people make their mii's. C's is sporting some cool shades.

Their boxing styles differ completely. O boxes with his whole body and his feet never stop moving, like he is jogging super speed.

C boxes with just his hands...which gave him an advantage over our reigning champ. O tuckers himself out quickly by expending all that extra energy with the running. C was victorious to which O proclaimed he would have to go against Mommy as she is the best. We did and I KO C to his dismay :)

Had to keep Miss E occupied with making somecookies so the boys could play wii.

Twilight vs. Twilight

2009-01-11T18:34:00.005-05:00

VS.

We have been playing a lot of wii in this house since Christmas and many times it is one family member vs. another family member. I went last night to see the movie Twilight. Now I feel like it is Twilight VS. Twilight. I know it is on the late side and I expect it will leave the theaters soon. I went with my cousin of Our Family is Like Fudge and I had a really good time....dinner at their house with the families, off to a movie just us, coffee and dessert at Phillip's, wonderful conversation about the movie and well just whatever....I really enjoy her company and miss that with life so busy I don't get to chat with her more. All that said....I am still not sure exactly what my feelings are on the movie...I knew going into it that in no way would it compare to the book for me. I loved the book to much for them to do it justice, maybe that is why I did not go see it right away...fear of dissapointment. I am glad that I saw the movie and I will go see any more that they make on the series, but I left feeling ....odd I guess. I personally did not feel an attraction between Bella and Edward...and Edward was well...creepy....too creepy...I never got that vibe from him in the book....I got a cool, ultra handsome, perfect vibe. So many things were not has I had pictured them in my mind, and I preferred my own pictures. So much was left out and I missed it. I left wanting to read Twilight again....so maybe I will.

A Giveaway.....my first one!

2009-01-10T11:14:00.002-05:00

Ok I entered this on Lisa's blog....and I was one of the lucky 3 ...so now it is my turn....

Be one of the first three bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me.

Winners must post this challenge on your blog, meaning that you will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift for the first three bloggers who leave a comment on YOUR post about this giveaway!

The gift that you send to your Three Friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: It’s the Spirit and the Thought That Count!

When you receive your gift, please feel free to blog about it, sharing appropriate Linky Love!

If you are not one of the Top Three to comment on this post, you can still play along. Please start your own Pay It Forward chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same.

The really really late Christmas Wrap up

2009-01-10T09:59:00.007-05:00

Christmas in 3 places......for which I was so sick and had to drag myself out of bed and the house....I am not happy with the quality of my pictures or lack of them but it is what it is and I am thankful for all of my dear family.

Grandma and E playing with E's new fishing game and Tinkerbell.

The kids got to shop at O's school by themselves as the winter wonderland..here are Grandma and Grandpa with their presents.

A favorite gift...we have never had guns before...and there are rules but he loves it...he gets dixie cups from the bathroom and does target practice.

O got a learning laptop.

Grown up E in front of Grandma's tree. As I am typing this she is downstairs just talking her father's ear off.

Miss E's favorite gift a Pixo Maker....which she proceeded to use the new scissors from Santa to cut the tube that delivers the pixos....now it has duct tape holding it together....I swear this girl is still not ready for scissors at 4 1/2 years old!

Christmas at Mimi and Poppy's ....I think Miss E was counting her presents.

We just told O that is last present was underwear!Thanks to all the Grandparents for the presents and thanks for not going overboard....we all know our kids are spoiled :)

Holiday Luau?!?!

2009-01-09T18:14:00.004-05:00

Ever been to a Holiday Luau...maybe because the public schools are getting away from celebrating Christmas and usually do a Winter themed party...but this was way out of the box!
The second grade classes in O's school celebrated the last day of school before break with a Luau for the parents. This is a long standing tradition as they had been learning all about Hawaii. It was a huge snow storm that day with fear that school would dismiss early and all the parents who had made arrangements to be there would not be too happy. So they stayed in school and the Luau went on as planned. As room parent it was my responsibilty to find parent volunteers to assist in making the lei's and skirts. Oh wait ....the boys do not wear skirts...I was scolded by O for calling his a skirt....the boys wear a sash! Anyway ....it was all time consuming....and when I went in to assist with the party before the Luau...wouldn't you know that my dear boys Lei broke when he put in on....I was devastated....fortunately for us one of the other kids in the class was not in school that day and he was able to wear her's. I tucked his away and brought it home and fixed it....My tip...for next year's classes is to use Glide dental floss instead of string.....that stuff is made to not shred or break. I will even donate it....we have tons at the office. If you need to sew on buttons with white thread...I highly recommend the Glide....the shirt will fall apart before you loose that button!Not sure what the boy is doing here....a warm up for the signing or a big ole yawn!
And on a side note...I got totally stuck in the schools upper parking lot which I don't think was plowed all day....we got inches and inches of snow that day in just a few hours....I was a memorable day all around!

Preschool Christmas Celebration

2009-01-07T21:27:00.006-05:00

E's preschool class had their Christmas Celebration and because E attends a Christian school we can and do celebrate Christmas and are happy to do so. They said a little prayer in the beginning look at how cute Miss E is...I love to watch her pray. They sang us a few songs and played instruments. I taped that so no pictures...hey I am only one person!

They shared cookies with us that they made and decorated...yummy!
We had some free play time. Then I was the helper for the day so I got to stay while the other parents had to leave. We had a birthday cake for Jesus on the plates that E picked out with matching napkins from Target...Love that Target!
Which apparently tasted very yummy!The kids exchanged presents....I snapped some pictures...The ornament is E's and guess what it is made from...I was a bit surprised!
All in all a fun day!