Follow Me Friday and Follow Friday

Still painting.....  STILLLL!!  Funny how this started out to be just the kids rooms...  Give Hubby paint and a spray gun and he will be busy for days!  We've gone through about 8 of those 5 gal buckets.  Its been time consuming. *I told you I had a good reason for not blogging lately☺*

I'm no artist but I love drawing cartoons and things for the kids. I tried to paint this outerspace picture for my youngest son and well...

*Click on any picture to enlarge*


I've been told it looks like *ahem* well you can see... So I'm going to be redoing this rocket..  I laughed so hard when i was told first by my oldest son, then Hubby....then my sister...then my mom and dad. ( All without hearing it from each other)  I just couldn't see it until they did.  Now it's all I see. LOL.


Thankfully Caitlins room went a little better

But when I stepped back I thought hmm.... Should of went with purses and ribbons. But I love the butterflies and flowers just the same.

The school room came out great.

It was egg shell and now its white. Wow how things pop off the wall now!! Everything looked dirty in comparison. *lol*.

All 4 kids have their rooms painted, hallway and school room too, now onto our kitchen tomorrow. We did all the moving of appliances today and that was work! *For Hubby* Two fridges, a freezer that's bigger than the fridges and the stove.... Thank goodness for men!

Bathrooms, sewing room and our room will be coming.... just hopefully not so soon.

♥*~Thanks for visiting!!  Happy FF!!~*♥   
Be sure to leave me a comment so I know you stopped by and I can return the favor

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Spay Day USA


Spay Day is an annual campaign of The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International to inspire people to save animals through spay/neuter.


Living out in the desert I OFTEN see animals dropped off. Puppies in boxes dead because they were too small to get out and try to survive. Skinny skinny dogs roaming around with cacti on the mouth, as if they were trying to eat a cacti because really that's all that's out here. Our temperatures can reach 120 in the summer and 20's in the winter. There isn't much coverage to seek shelter from weather. But for some reason some people are choosing this horrific route for the animals they don't want....

Sick and injured animals abandoned is just but one of the cases I see.  Aggressive animals is a whole other story.  I once had a stray in our yard try to attack my son.  No one had seen it there before.  The dog jumped on my 4yr olds (at the time) head pushed him to the ground and went bite his neck. I quickly grabbed my sons arm and yanked as hard as I could, carried him and ran inside. That dog stayed on our steps and every time I opened the door he growled and barked....  We stayed inside until the PAC came...  Luckily my son was just scared and not bit.  But that sort of thing worries me now.


If your in Tucson AZ TODAY ONLY Free Spay & Neuter Surgeries in Southern Arizona 

To find events in your neighborhood go  HERE





For every human born today in the United States, 45 cats and 15 dogs will be born. Six to eight million will end up in shelters. (30 % pure bred - 55% unaltered). About half will be euthanized because there simply aren't enough homes. In addition, countless homeless animals, who never make it into shelters, will scratch out a meager existence on the streets - often becoming threats to public health and safety. This makes pet overpopulation the major cause of death and suffering for companion animals.

I'm Here I Promise

No, I haven't fallen into a vortex, I'm still here. We've actually been getting things ready for spring to hit. We've done so much. All kids bedrooms are painted. That was fun! On Wyatt and Caitlin rooms I felt a lil artsy, so I painted a rocket ship scene on Wyatt's and Catie's is so girly and swirly. I can't wait to post the pictures! I sent them to my online album but for some reason it just keeps loading and loading. SO I guess I'll have to send them to an email. I have updates on the animals and garden too!!

Wordless Wednesday

Pattern Blocks don't you just love them. They entertained the kids for a full 2 hours....  And they actually worked together on it!!  Gave for some much needed adult time. NO!!! Not that. Happy Wordless Wednesday!


McMurray Chickens

Right on time!! This morning I got a phone call from our post office in town that our chicks were here! I sprang up, grabbed coffee, a kid and I was out the door! An hour drive later and they were safe in their new home.

We ordered a mix of different ones this time and am I ever glad we did!!  Seeing all these little guys and gals all so different!!  We spent a good while checking them all out.  We all have different favorites.  Take a looksy!


***CLICK TO ENLARGE***

"Blast Off" by Allison Maslan Book Review

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Allison Maslan, author of "Blast Off!". All opinions are 100% mine.


So many of us have big dreams, in our careers or in our personal life. What many of us may not know is we may be our worst enemy in reaching these goals. You get one life. One shot at making it the best that we can. Are you going to be happy when it's all said and done?

Are you at a point where you an feel there's gotta be more out there. But just have no clue where to start? Allison Maslan , a life and business strategist, has just released her book called "Blast Off!" If you keep living your same day to day, nothing will ever change. This book makes you realize that. It allows you to find your purpose or passion in life, and then it goes on to show you how to achieve just that. 

This isn't just another book, with empty promises. Allison Maslan lived it! She lived everything she's written, to achieve her own personal dreams. In love and in career.  She tells you her strategies and techniques.  To help get over your own personal fears and find whats holding you back. This step-by-step guide will help you to launch a completely new you!!  Both personally and professionally.  When you're doing something you love, or you find your true soul-mate, your life is complete.  You're happy!


"Blast Off!" made it debut in late January of this year in every major bookstore for $24.00. It's even available on Amazon for less!  It's a new year, start it off with a new you.  A happier you!


Visit my sponsor: Blast Off!

President's Day

Today is George Washington's birthday!  It's also called Presidents Day so I gathered some historical quotes from some of our former Presidents.  Enjoy!

"Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company." ~George Washington


"If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter."~George Washington


"The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government."~George Washington


"To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men."~Abraham Lincoln


"It is true that you may fool all of the people some of the time; you can even fool some of the people all the time; but you can't fool all of the people all the time."~Abraham Lincoln. Yea Mr. Obama



"Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth." ~Abraham Lincoln.


"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves. " ~Abraham Lincoln.


"Any man worth his salt will stick up for what he believes right, but it takes a slightly better man to acknowledge instantly and without reservation that he is in error." ~Andrew Jackson


"Banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies." Thomas Jefferson


“Of all the systems of morality, ancient or modern which have come under my observation, none appears to me so pure as that of Jesus.”Thomas Jefferson


"What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight - it's the size of the fight in the dog." ~Dwight Eisenhower

"A child miseducated is a child lost."  ~John F Kennedy

"Republicans believe every day is the Fourth of July, but the democrats believe every day is April 15"~Ronald Reagan


"Recession is when a neighbor loses his job. Depression is when you lose yours". ~Ronald Reagan

"The government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it."~ Ronald Reagan

"We might come closer to balancing the Budget if all of us lived closer to the Commandments and the Golden Rule. "~ Ronald Reagan

"There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America." ~Bill Clinton

"When I took office, only high energy physicists had ever heard of what is called the Worldwide Web.... Now even my cat has its own page"~Bill Clinton

"Never pick a fight with people who buy ink by the barrel." ~Bill Clinton

"I can hear you, the rest of the world can hear you and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon."~ George W Bush


"Any government that supports, protects or harbours terrorists is complicit in the murder of the innocent and equally guilty of terrorist crimes."~ George W Bush

"Government does not create wealth. The major role for the government is to create an environment where people take risks to expand the job rate in the United States. " ~ George W Bush

"When you turn your heart and your life over to Christ, when you accept Christ as the savior, it changes your heart."~George W Bush

"When I take action, I'm not going to fire a $2 million missile at a $10 empty tent and hit a camel in the butt. It's going to be decisive."~George W Bush



For home school activites on Presidents Day:
You can load up on fun lessons, arts and crafts, printables, color sheets, and more☺

The International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger's Syndrome


♥Happy Valentine's Day to all!♥

Today is Valentines Day but it's also The International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger's Syndrome.  Friends from my facebook and older followers know this, but for the newer followers,  I recently got back to work.  I'm a Respite Care Provider for children with disabilities.  What that means is I go into peoples homes and give mainly the Moms a much needed break.  Sort of like daycare, but one on one.  Sometimes there's more than one in the household with a disability.  I home school them, help with home work, do limited therapy,  play games, work on what ever the parent needs.  Some of the kiddos are Autistic.  Because of my deep respect and love for these children and families, I will not discuss them, only what I know generally speaking.

   Autism is defined as "a severe developmental disorder" it shows at about birth or shortly thereafter. Most autistic children look "normal". It's in their actions you see an autistic person. They may spend their time zoning out on something like intricate toys, video games, books, TV,  or puzzles.  It affects their social skills, their imagination, the order of things (has to be just so).  Their senses are deeply affected.  Just the sound of vacuuming can send an autistic child screaming.  Uncontrollable, inconsolable....  A fluffy stuffed animal can be too much to bear.  An infant with autism may resist even their mothers cuddle.  Some can live absolute normal lives while others will need assistance the rest of their lives.  Asperger's syndrome is one of the forms of autism.



There are over 60 million people living with autism around the world.


To find out what you can do to help visit Autism Parents





Six Word Saturday



And This Isn't All Of Them


We took the picture when the youngest Caitlin was sleeping. This is starting from oldest --> Christina, Georgina, Anthony, Cody, Michael, Samantha, Wyatt, and Brandon. Yes, I had to go through it again and make sure no one was left out. Mine and my sister, Christina's kids. Between me and her, we covered a decade of non stop baby-making *lol* 9 kids in 10 yrs! Whew! Were we tired! Sibling rivalry, what can you do! *lol*

Disbudding a Kid Video


I found this video on YouTube. I have never before seen a disbudding. There is absolutely no way I could be a part of it. Ahh. My heart hurt just looking at it.
But, it's a part of raising animals.
Also, finding one of your goats bloody from a fight would hurt me too. So would a hit from an animal with horns! So to each his own. After watching this, I'm giving it to the buyer as their choice. I can't.
***This video hurt me watching it so if your sensitive to these things, please don't watch***

My 10 Tips For a Great Family Vacation

I love to just up and getaway with the family! It's truly an important bonding time for all. No work, no school, just plain old fashioned togetherness.  We love to just hitch up the boat and hit the lake!  It's not renting a cabin, or hotel room....  Its us and a tent.  But I'll tell you it is the most rewarding and relaxing vacation we could imagine.

We go hiking the trails and look for wildlife. My sons love to bring along jars to collect the *icky* bugs.  Then there's the fishing.  Just sitting in the boat talking, laughing, encouraging each other.  Believe it or not, even as loud as we get, we've caught some fish!  Matter of fact, some of our best talks were at the end of a couple of fishing poles. You want to know how your kids doing?  This is it.

Of course, the main event of the trip is the boating!  Oh how the kids love it!!  Jumping the waves, racing other boats, or finding a spot in the middle of the lake to jumping off.  It completes the trip.  Soon the older ones will be "allowed" to be pulled and that's going to be terrifying!!  If it were up to Hubby they'd already be pros.  But I'm such a worry wart. 


10 Simple Tips For a Simple and Absolute Fun Family Vacation:

10.   Don't bring your work!
                No one, kids included. Save that for a weekend at home.  The sky isn't going to fall just because you left your Blackberry.

9.    Bring family games.
                We always take our "Sports Set"  It's a soccer ball, baseball/gloves, football, a couple of tennis rackets/ball, some swim toss  rings.

8.    Include everyone in events.
                  No child is the same.  Not everyone is going to love the events planned.  Anthony is more of my  bug guy and sports fan.  While Cody loves the water and Wyatt just tries to keep up.  Then of course Baby Lady who just wants to lay out and show her baby doll around.  Try and find enough time to do it all. Teaching compromise is very important!

7.    Take time for each child.
                 Every child wants to know their special.  Vacations are perfect for that.  Sometimes they get lost in the shuffle of life.  They need to know what they have to say ROCKS!

6.    Never ground on vacation.
                 Thats not what this time is for.  Wait til you get home to make a stink.

5.     Pick a place that might not have internet or TV.
                   Find spots that are aimed a quality family time.  Pre-planned vacation spots are great because they center around families.  In other words save wine country for your Anniversary.

4.      Get involved!!
                    Be a part of the time spent.  Just as life...You get what you put into it.

3.      Bring back your Goofball self.
                    We get so wrapped up in work and discipline, it's our time too ya know.  Let loose!

2.     Pick a spot where maybe you've never been or is unlike you.
                     Out of the ordinary brings a challenge......Challenges are a great way to bond.  Rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, surfing...  A family that learns together...... Laughs A LOT!!!

1.     It shouldn't take much.... Just remember this is your family time.   You only get a few years with them.  What memories do you want them to take. 









Travel Tips for Moms & FamiliesReserve Now | Quicksilver | Online Check-in | Pre-pay & Save | Self-Service Kiosk

Babies R' Us New Line of Infant Care Products

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

We all know that store brand items are always the better price. But did you know they can be as low as 50% less than those comparable brands?!

As per the FDA all store brand infant formulas must meet the same criteria as the more expensive name brands. Just late last year Toyr R' Us and Babies R' Us began proudly offering a store brand infant care line of products. That includes formula, diapers, baby wipes, laundry detergent and purified water.  And this week they are officially debuting it's "Babies R Us branded infant care products".

When I was expecting my children, Babies R' Us was my one stop shop.  I could grab everything and anything I needed to start my little ones off.  Even stuff for mommy!   While my kids have outgrown most of Babies R' Us, I still manage to find myself wondering around in there and picking up things.  Their store brand line of baby products are going to save me a bundle.  I always love a bargain.  If I can get the same item somewhere cheaper I will.  As long as that item is of quality.  Oh and my mommy friends with their showers!  Instead of getting one thing, I could afford to buy them a few.  Plus, they'll be introduced to the fabulous new line of products. 

Visit my sponsor: TRU Adds Babies R Us Branded Infant Care Line

Bucklings Update

As I said in an earlier post (HERE) , we had to bottle feed the new kids.  I don't like that.  Some say it makes for a tamer goat, you bond better....  Me, I don't agree.  I think it takes away from the very important Mommy- kid bonding.  And none of my goats are "wild".  Not a one has ever tried to hurt me or head butt me. (Or the children)  They are however, stand offish.  But even when pursued by us to wrangle, they never try to hurt us.  So I'm not sure if we just lucked out or if it's their breed.  Whatever the case may be, I prefer them to feel a "family" type with thier young ones.

The first couple go arounds we did milk our dam and feed the buckings.  But I'm very glad to say that both are now nursing with Momma and perfectly content!  It's just so sweet to see.

I'm debating now whether or not to disbud them....  This is something I WILL NOT do myself or Hubby.  We would ask our vet to come out and do it.  Ours have their horns.  Just the way we bought them.  But I don't know if I had a choice, I guess I'd want them gone.  They get stuck in fences and tree limbs.  Plus if they get into fights (which they don't here) but if they did they could really hurt each other even kill.
Disbudding: When you burn off the horns as they begin to grow in. Preferably at 1" long
Age: Preferrable before the 2 week of age mark./if their adults anesthetic is mandatory
Risks: Brain damage, death, deformed horns.

Yea..... Did you see the risks???  Is it worth it?  To me no, if we weren't gonna sell them I'd leave them alone.  Just keep fighting ones apart.....  Maybe leave it up to the buyer to do as he/she pleases.

Six Word Saturday




I BOUGHT A NEW VAN YESTERDAY!

All three of my vehicles took a shit on me...but we just picked up our new-to-us van yesterday...How nice it is to drive again!!  I'm blowing this Popsicle stand and going I don't care where!!

Secret Confessions: The Man I Wish I Was Married To!

Like most married women, or maybe just me, I sometimes regret the person I chose to marry.  Sometimes I lie awake at night thinking of the "what could have been"....  I know this man I should of married isn't exactly "handsome" but damn it he's funny as all get out!  He's perfect too.  He hardly talks, more of like a silent type I guess you could say.  But that just means he's a good listener....My husband has no idea I fantasize about this guy so hopefully he skips this post. *fingers crossed*

It all started back in highschool....   I was a young girl, he was an older man.  It was all very wrong. 

So I stumbled upon this website that lets you find out the "what could have been".......  What would our baby look like if I was his Mrs....What did I miss out on all these years.


And I did it!!  Check out Me, Mrs. Mr Bean, Mr. Bean and our baby Bean................................


 



MORPHTHING.COM




How sweet




How friggin hilarious!  Had you going didn't I! muahhhaahahh  Here's some others I morphed:

I think Taylor Swift and Eminem should get together:



And since Oprah sooo in love with Obama I thought hmmm I wonder....





Not bad not bad now lets get a little creative shall we......
 

Stillllll  Hmmmmm  Who else.... Oooh I know 



There now everyone's curiosity is at ease...  Ahhh.
Must be Valentines Day approaching with all this love in the air!♥♥♥♥

Meet Our New Class Pet


This is Floppy! Hubby picked him up today at the feed store. I gotta stop letting him get the feed for the animals! Everytime he goes he comes home with another mouth to feed! *lol*Floppy is a 4 month old Albino*ish* Rabbit.  He's so cool!  He has these killer red eyes, and just the softest fur you ever felt!!


When we we're little Hubby and I both had bunnies.  So we were very excited to have one for the kids.  His was litter box trained, mine was kept outside and I think mean.  But it was so long  ago I can't remember.  I wasn't an outside kinda gal when I was younger.  But Floppy is so sweet, so far. 

Hubby and the boys whipped up this kick a$$ cage for it in no time flat. It was an old entertainment center.  He put fencing down on the bottom to let the what nots go through...


 But man oh my is Zena looking hungry.  Tonight will be very interesting to see what happens between the dogs, cats and new bunny!!

Wordless Wednesday

February 3, 2010


2010 Grammy Awards



Beautiful song, Beautiful performance....the costume, wordless.

Je t'aime Mon Cheri

February 1, 2010




I can copy and paste way better than I could ever say that! That is, of course, "I love you my darling," in French. A semester of French in college and I had to google that!

Today kicks off one of my favorite months of the year. "The Love Month"! After being together over 10 *ahem* years(Wow has it been that long!), I think Hubby and I are pretty comfortable with each other and what not. Sometimes too comfortable if you know what I mean. Like ok,  sometimes I wear his underwear... And sometimes I don't shave my legs for days... And sometimes I wear his old shirt and sweats to bed... And sometimes I throw my hair up in a bun instead of combing it...And sometimes I wonder what the hells wrong with me, he should be running for hills!  But thats love.  ♥True Love♥

So, we get this great day once a year to show we're still digging each other in a bad way.  I know you should do little sweet things throughout the year, yea yea yea.  But this day is extra special!  Of course, I have no clue what I'm doing for him this year.  It's on a Sunday this year and he works nights, so will probably save Date Night for his days off.... How many of you already have plans and reservations??  I'm such a slacker.  Anyone slacking like me?

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