The day after...

Christmas brings with it all the anticipation and excitement that only that day can bring.

Then the day after brings a Christmas hangover from all the sugar and present opening.

Kids are tired and overwhelmed by their goodies.

The parents are exhausted and just wondering where all this new stuff will be going.

If you are like me, you are aching to take down all the Christmas decorations. I take that back I would love to put off taking everything down, but in our little shoe box we need the space back.

It is all down, but oh the toys that Chick 3 has gotten. Her play area is the living room and we are now overloaded with newer and bigger toys. The space we needed is now gone.

Till next year when all the anticipation and excitement comes again!

A Rooster tradition

In our house the only music playing in our coop is Christmas music. This is a tradition I have had to learn to love. It started with Rooster's mom and it stuck with him.

Oh it took some banging my head against the wall and also some sneaking out by myself to listen to "real music".

For me to get through the Christmas holidays without being Ms. Scrooge and all ba-humbug I have searched and scoured for the songs that will keep me in the spirit of the holidays. It was a must because it is a whole month of nothing else.

Here our the favorites we can't live without.

Rooster: His favorite is Carol of the Bells. The only version he says does the song justice is the Home Alone version.



Chick 1: I would have to say that I am in love with Josh Groban's Christmas cd. It gets me in the spirit of the holidays. My most favorite song is his version of Drummer Boy.



Chick 2: Alvin and the Chipmunks are a holiday staple in the world of Chick 2. We listen to them every day. Her favorite is their version of Silver Bells.



Chick 3: Yes Chick 3 has a favorite. Well I call it her favorite because she will rock out to "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas. It is a new song for the family this year, and a favorite for the baby.



This holiday tradition has been brought down from Rooster's family and will now be forever in ours!

You Can Make This gift giveaway! *CLOSED*

** GIVEAWAY OPEN FOR ONE MORE DAY!*** WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED TOMORROW! DECEMBER 23rd***

Every holiday season I am always looking for that special homemade gift, especially for the grandparents.

The wonderful people over at youcanmakethis.com thought it would be fun to showcase some quick and easy gift ideas you can give to friends, neighbors, co-workers, and oh yes... even your family! You can enter to win eBooks from www.YouCanMakeThis.com and learn some fun new techniques, tips, and ideas not only for the people on your list, but also creative ways to decorate your home.

You Can Make This has created a free download for some fun gift tags. Each of them coordinate with ideas found as part of the DIY Gift Giving Series videos that can be found at www.youcanmakethis.com/blog, as well as designs and patterns found at www.SWAKembroidery.com and www.YouCanMakeThis.com.

You can also enter to win hundreds of dollars in gift certificates just for watching the videos that are part of the DIY Gift Giving Series and answering a question on the You Can Make This blog!

Now it is time for a giveaway!

You Can Make This is giving away a bundle to TWO lucky readers that will include instructions on Men's Ties, Festive Vests, Women's Wrap Skirt, Precious Dress, and the Tween/Teen Flared Skirt. Between all of those, items can be made for both boys, girls, men and women. This is a perfect way to dress the whole family for the Holidays.

Here is an overview of the bundle:
Men's Ties
Festive Vests
Women's Wrap Skirt
Precious Dress
Tween/Teen Flared Skirt

Main Entry:
Go to the You Can Make This blog and tell me what gift giving video you liked most. Please include your email (the giveaway prize will be emailed to the winner)

Extra Entries
Follow my blog-2 entries
Blog about this giveaway-5 entries
Follow me on Twitter-2 entries
Tweet about this giveaway-1 entry per tweet per day.

The giveaway will end December 21st. I will announce the winner the morning of December 22nd. Since all I need are names and email addresses I will email that you have won. The company will email the winners their prize as soon as they get my email.

Hellman's Giveaway Winner!

First off I want to thank you all who entered for a chance at a $25 American Express gift card!

Now onto the winner.....

Do you really want to know?

Really?

Okay okay here is the lucky winner!

The winning random.org winner is #35

Aimee aka Nelsby, who said

"* Tweet *
http://twitter.com/Nelsby/status/6616310283
Thanks!"

The winner has been emailed! If I don't get a reply in 48 hours I will again use random.org to get me a new one on Wednesday!

Small Talk Six: Love/Hate about Holidays and Relatives

MomDot is hosting the Saturday meme of Small Talk Six. Click on the button above to learn more.

Today’s topic is “6 things you love or hate about spending time with your or your significant other’s relatives.” You can answer this with a list of 6 words, 6 phrases, 6 sentences, 6 paragraphs, 6 photos, 6 videos, etc . .

Hmm this topic could be dangerous if I did have things I hate. Honestly the holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year.

1. Love: Seeing faces that you don't see often.

2. Love: Having your family all together at one time!

3. Love: Hearing the laughter of people enjoying themselves.

4. Hate: Well not hate (too strong of a word), but sometimes dislike the constant "Is it time to open presents?" "Can we open them now" "I want to open presents" If it were one child I could handle it, but when they come at you one after the other it gets a little old.

5. Hate: Again really dislike having to fit in so many parties into 2 days. I wish we could just have just one great big party where everyone is invited. It really does make this time of year go by with a blur.

Okay I lied there are things I hate.

Why baby proof?

This is not a post about how to baby proof a house. Don't get me wrong I think it is very important to make sure little chicks and little roosters are safe always, but these little guys or should I say monkeys are way too smart for their own good!

Case in point:

I did a lot of reorganizing and baby proofing when Chick 3 was mobile (Chick 2 is now 9 so not much of a worry there). We have baby gates up, danger zones became safe, and outlet covers have been put in place.

Chick 3 has shown how these can be avoided and still do what every parent tries to stop.

Baby gate:

At the bottom of the stairs we have a baby gate. Phew no climbing up stairs, so Chick 3 should be safe right? WRONG!

She has learned to go to the side of the stairs and climb through the railing. My only hope now is for her to grow quickly and be too big to fit.

Will the baby gate companies please come up with something to fix this problem please? If there is an answer to this please enlighten me! I am all ears!!

Outlet covers:

Every outlet in use has furniture strategically placed so Chick 3 will not get tempted to play. The only outlet in plain sight has those nifty outlet covers. Great, right? WRONG again!

The other day Chick 3 was so proud with her new find and came to Rooster to have him share in her treasure.

What is her treasure you ask? Yep, you guessed it... outlet covers.

So now we will have to make sure we get those nifty screwed on outlet covers. At least this is an easy and hopefully not too expensive fix.

I have a feeling this child will be every baby proofing products nightmare. If these companies ever need someone to test their product just call, because this little Chick of mine will surely prove them wrong or prove them right and make this mommy a happy one!

Hellmann's Real Holiday Helpings and a Giveaway!*CLOSED*

Hellmann's Real Holiday Helpings

This chick is one amateur cook, so when I was asked by Hellmann's Mayonnaise to take part in their Real Helpings Holiday Program I jumped at the chance. I am new to the holiday cooking scene and thought why not give this website a look and see what would benefit not only me, but my readers as well.

Hellmann's Mayonnaise and celebrity chef Bobby Flay have teamed up to give their viewers some special holiday recipes. Some are recipes we see every year and they have also added a new spin to our old favorites.

One recipe I plan on making is their stuffing muffins. Stuffing is a holiday staple at our holiday parties, so I thought this would be a great new way to incorporate stuffing into the holiday mix!

Stuffing Muffins

Makes: 12 muffins
Prep Time: 10 minute(s)
Cook Time: 40 minute(s)

Ingredients:
1 can (14.5 oz. ) Chicken Broth
1 cup Hellmans® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise
6 cups unseasoned cube stuffing mix
1/8 tsp. dried sage leaves and thyme leaves crushed
1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley, optional

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
2. Combine broth with Hellmann's® or Best Foods Real Mayonnaise®.
3. Toss Mayonnaise mixture with stuffing mix in large bowl, until liquid is absorbed, about 4 minutes. Evenly divide mixture into prepared pan, pressing firmly and mounding slightly.
4. Bake 40 minutes or until muffins are golden.

Bobby Flay has also added his own holiday recipes to the site. The newbie in me thought I could never follow a big-time chef's recipe. Bobby Flay and Hellmann's have added some how-to videos showing the step by step process with real people making the dish with Mr. Flay himself. He even shows how easy it is to have your child make these special holiday dishes right along with you. What more could a parent ask for than sharing the holiday cooking magic with their child.

A few extras they have included are a coupon for $1 off of Hellmann's Mayonnaise products, and a chance to win groceries for a whole year!

Make sure you stop by Hellmann's Real Holiday Helpings site to learn more about the great recipes, tips, and videos. Be sure to enter for free groceries! What family couldn't use free groceries?

GIVEAWAY TIME!!

Along with taking part with Hellmann's Real Holiday Helping Program I get to host my first giveaway! My awesome readers have the chance to win a $25 American Express gift card!

Main Entry:

To enter all you need to do is head over to Hellmann's Real Holiday Helpings site and tell me what recipe you would love to try this holiday season. Make sure to add your email to the main entry.

Extra Entries:

Follow my blog- 2 entries

Blog about this giveaway- 5 entries

Follow me on Twitter- 2 entries

Tweet daily (leave your tweet link)- 1 entry per tweet

*This contest will run until December 13th at midnight. The winner will be announced December 14th and you will have 48 hours to email me your information so I can send you the prize!

Small Talk Six: For the Love of Disney

MomDot is hosting the Saturday meme of Small Talk Six. Click on the button above to learn more.

Today’s topic is “6 Disney characters you’ve found to be most interesting.” You can answer this with a list of 6 words, 6 phrases, 6 sentences, 6 paragraphs, 6 photos, 6 videos, etc . .

When you have kids, or in my case girls Disney becomes a staple. Chick 2 had her princess obsession and Chick 3... well she is not in to the girly stuff just yet.

1. Snow White: She is my most favorite princess and part of my most favorite movie. I have a box of collectibles and just waiting to be able to showcase them when the girls are older and don't see them as play things. Maybe I just like the fact that she was the first... I tend to think she is the one that is most forgotten at times.

2. Cinderella: Cinderella has a soft spot, since this was and I think still is Chick 2's absolute favorite. She battled a lot of diversity and put up with the crappiest family life there is. Her family was the definition of dysfunctional.

3. Mickey Mouse: I am in awe that this mouse has the power to stop my youngest chick from what she is doing and will become a couch potato. She could care less about the others, but Mickey is her man, or well mouse!

4. Elizabeth Swann: Wow is all I can say about her. She is hot and oh so fierce! This is one woman that can hold her own without letting fear getting in the way. She really is my role model.

5. Timon: Oh this little meerkat is one hilarious character. He really did shine in all his hilarity in Lion King 1 1/2.

6. Belle: I love the strength of this woman. She always stood tall and exuded self-confidence. She never cared what other people thought of her or her father. Best of all she is a bookworm just like me. I know we would be the best of friends if she weren't just an animated character.

Giving Back

This is the time of year where consumerism is on the rise. We all want to give the perfect gift to everyone we know. I know I am guilty.

However I also know that these are not the best times for all. Those without jobs are on the rise as well as those without a home. The weather is changing from nice and sunny to very cold. I live in Southern California so I can only imagine how cold it gets elsewhere.

Instead of only thinking about my friends and family I plan on giving back. We have done toys for tots, but I want new ideas.

A friend is making fleece blankets for the homeless. I think I may take this idea as well. Chick 2 would love to help me.

Chick 2's school sent home a list of things to collect so they can send it to troops overseas. This is something we also will do.

What are things you do during the holiday season? Please share, because I would love new ideas!

The One With an Obsession

On my old blog I tended to write posts about my all time favorite show. Can you guess what it is by the title? (For you non fans it is Friends.) I am not one of your small time fans, I am a complete and utter fanatic.

Let's count the ways.

I have all 10 seasons.

I watch every night (not ALL the episodes, come on now I do have some of a life).

I can relate everything in my life to an episode.

No one wants to play the Scene-It Friends edition, because well would you if you lost every time?

I use quotes often, "Get out of the bitter barn and play in the hay." "I never go commando in another mans fatigues" "No paper no tushy" "No uterus, no opinion"

Matthew Perry is on my list... yes that kind of list.

I fell in love with a name on the show and used it in real life.

With a brain like mine that never stops I use my obsession for good. Really I do. This obsession helps me clear my head. This means I can sleep. The anxiety goes away and the never ending thinking stops. Using TV land to escape from reality is my happy drug.

Stay tuned, this show may be used in future posts.

Thanksgiving and a Hottie!

Once one becomes married and has children holidays are all about fitting in all the festivities into that holiday weekend.

At least that is how it is over hear. In 3 days we did 3 different houses each filled with all the trimmings a scrumptious Thanksgiving should have. Two pounds added to this body later, I am stuffed beyond belief and want to live in elastic pants for a week while I do all I can to shed the extra padding.

My favorite part of Thanksgiving; after spending time with family of course is the annual Hollywood Christmas Parade in Hollywood, California. After a couple years of ups and downs in the parade this year they really put on a great party of a parade. This is a parade of many "B" list celebrities, but in my eyes one "A" Lister came out. He is non other than Gilles Marini. Just look at his picture. *drools* He is now on one of my must-see TV Brothers and Sisters and DWTS. Or, you may have seen him in Sex and the City. Don't remember seeing him? Think Samantha's noisy neighbor. Yep you've guessed he is the naked guy who Samantha catches doing all kinds of naughty things. *blushes*. What a great way to end a holiday weekend.

Kiddopotamus TinyDiner Place Mat: Review

Do you have a messy eater? Are you embarrassed when you leave a restaurant, because of the mess your little ones leave? If you said yes to these questions don't fret, because then you have a child just like Chick 3. This was us every time we went out to eat. She would mash food into the table, try and throw glass plates, and even leave food all in the high chair. It was never a pretty sight. It was a rush to get out so we could miss the nice stares that the bus boys would leave us, because we made their job a little harder.

While at Toys R' Us one day we came upon the best place mat money could by.



This is the Kiddopotamus TinyDiner place mat.

About the product:

Germ-Ridden Table Tops are NOT safe!
Table tops have germs that can make your baby sick. TinyDiner provides a barrier between your child's food and the germs.

Tucks Into Diaper Bag
TinyDiner rolls away into its built-in scoop, so it's ready when you need it! Simply fold into the sides, roll up and tuck into
the built-in scoop.

Stays Securely in Place
Strong suction cups keep the TinyDiner where you put it. Kids eat directly off the mat, so no worries about plates ending up on the floor.

Scoop Catches Spill
Spills land in the built-in scoop instead on child's lap or floor. Restaurant style highchairs fit under the scoop, so your child can sit right up to the table.

A Safe, Clean Eating Surface
Made in the USA with safe FDA-compliant materials- no lead, PVC, BPA, phthalates or latex. The TinyDiner is durable, washable, and stays flexible.

Review:

Restaurant trips are truly less messy now that this place mat has come into our life! I can cut up the food and place it on the tray without worrying about germs that come from the table. Chick 3 loves to pick up plates and now with the TinyDiner Place mat we can take plates out of the restaurant equation. There is less mess and it really does roll up and fit nicely into the diaper bag. This is a must have for anyone who has children still in highchairs!

When germs attack... AGAIN!

This "joke" describes this house to the T. I take this joke in all seriousness, because right now this is how I feel about these germs. They make me sick literally and figuratively.

These germs took residence a couple months ago and we thought when they packed their bags and left they were gone for good. Maybe I got too comfortable, because they are back.

Chick 2 has missed THREE more days of school. This is the 3rd time she has been sick this school year. This is a shocker, because this girl NEVER gets sick. She has the immune system of steel.

Because kids share EVERYTHING Chick 3 now has the runny nose. I really should change our family name to the Snot family. Maybe we can all have Kleenex for hands with all the snot.

My biggest resentment with these germs is the fact that my normal, loves to sleep child is now up every hour crying because she can't breath through her nose. This mommy loves her sleep and right now these germs are going to get it!

I can picture it now.

Think cheesy western movie.

The sun is about to rise.

On one side of the dirt path you have an ugly looking Germ ready to duel.

His opponent?

A sleep deprived Mom who spends her days wiping noses filled with snot.

The germ gives Mom the look.

Mom returns the look.

Germ has hand on his germ spewing gun.

Mom has her hand on the super size can of Lysol.

Who will win?

Only time will tell.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

The blog carnival is still going on over at ACU's, Stiletto Shoes, and Pretty Pink Tutu's. She is doing a Holiday Dessert Swap and who doesn't love dessert!

This mommy LOVES and I mean I would marry it loves cheesecake! I also love pumpkin pie during the holiday season. My recipe for this Holiday Dessert Swap combines my 2 dessert loves... Cheesecake and Pumpkin Pie.

This recipe comes from Kraftfoods.com (one of the best recipe websites I frequent)

Philadelphia No-Bake Cheesecake

Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Yields 8 Servings

What you need:

1 pkg. (8 oz.) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened

1 cup canned pumpkin

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided

1 HONEY MAID Graham Pie Crust (6 oz.)

What you do:

BEAT cream cheese, pumpkin, sugar and pumpkin pie spice with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Gently stir in 2-1/2 cups of the whipped topping. Cover and refrigerate remaining whipped topping for later use.

SPOON cream cheese mixture into crust.

REFRIGERATE 3 hours or overnight. Serve topped with remaining whipped topping. Store leftover cheesecake in refrigerator.

*This website also gives some cool tricks in the kitchen for their recipes. This recipe has some as well, so head on over to see!*R

I think the best part is no baking. Don't get me wrong I love to bake, but I still worry about burning all the things I make.

Restaurant.Com: Review

I came across the website Restaurant.com from BzzAgent.

About the site:

What kind of people will like Restaurant.com? Anyone who:

• Loves saving money
• Enjoys trying new places to eat
• Was totally confused by the season finale of Lost

So yeah, it's pretty much for everybody. Not that we're surprised or anything — at Restaurant.com, you can score $25 restaurant gift certificates for just $10 (sometimes even less).

Not sure about this site just yet. I like that I can get a gift certificate for less the price, but not sure about the constrictions on how much to spend. if I was getting it for myself and I know I am going to spend the mandatory amount then it is a great deal. As a gift I am not sure I feel comfortable giving a gift where they have an amount they have to spend.

My Journey begins yet again...

When I first joined Weight Watchers I raved and raved about it. Went gun-ho eating healthy, counting points, and exercising religiously. I lost 18 pounds in 6 weeks and was on my way to my goal and then...

Life and illness came and I got back into my old ways. For awhile the weight stayed where it was give or take a pound and then the downhill started. Now I am back to 5 pounds gained... maybe more, and my eating habits? Well we won't go there. The only exercise I got was chasing Chick 3, since she is my mighty climber.

March is coming fast and I refuse to go to Jamaica without getting close if not to my goal, so tonight I get back in that wagon and head on to Weight Watchers. I love the support and when going I get my motivation recharged. Next is getting the exercise part back in gear.

Does this mean I am getting old?

I never did have those party years after high school, or well even in high school. I had my oldest at 20, so being responsible was my only choice. Do I regret it? Absolutely not!

When Chick 2 was about 6 I started going out with my girlfriend to bars (pretty much my first bar was at 26). No I didn't go to meet men (I don't think Rooster would be too happy), but more to socialize and be around adults. I wasn't out every night, but it was more often than I had in the past. Chick 2 was 6 and 7 at this time, so I was able to rest and nap throughout the day.

About a year or so later I got pregnant with Chick 3 and those days were behind me again. Again in no way do I regret it.

Now Chick 3 is 15 months and there are times I am invited to go out yet again. All that goes through my head these days is... "If I am home by midnight I wonder how much sleep I would get." or "If I only have 2 drinks and no more I won't have to spend the whole day recuperating." Those few hours away seem to do more damage to the little energy I do have the next day.

Does that age me? I am young, but when you spend days chasing after a monkey that feels climbing is better than toys, or exhausting the little energy you do have arguing with a 9 year old about homework and computer time going out does not sound appealing.

My ideal night now is tucking the chicks into bed early (if that could ever happen), grabbing a bottle of wine and the remote, and just watching all the shows I never have time to watch until the Sandman takes over.

Wordless Wednesday

On my old blog I would try and do a weekly Wordless Wednesday. Today marks my first Wordless Wednesday on 3 chicks and a Rooster. What a nice mommy I am to show one where chick 3 is everything BUT happy.

**Excuse the mess... We were in the process of reorganizing yet again since chick 3 had turned into a climber overnight.

Mrs. Smith's Bags Giveaway!

ACU's, Stilleto Shoes, and Pretty Pink Tutus is hosting an awesome blog carnival. I posted about the second giveaway and can't believe I missed Monday's. This is SO what I need right now. I crave organization since I know I suffer from momnesia (another post for another time). Want to know why I am in love with this bag? THE DRAWER! My highly organized mom would love this part! If brown is not your color head over to Mrs. Smith's Bags and check out the many different styles. In order to win this bag all you have to do is head over to ACU's, Stilleto Shoes, and Pretty Pink Tutu's and tell her what color you like as well as your email. There are of course other ways to make you chances greater (like blogging about this giveaway). I know you are all wanting this awesome bag, but I hope I am the big winner!

Sleep Wrap Giveaway

ACU's, Stilleto Shoes, Pretty Pink Tutu's is hosting her first blog carnival from November 16th to December 16th. Today's giveaway is a Sleepy Wrap. What I like about this is that it can hold up to 45 pounds. Chick 3 is just now topping in at 20 pounds, so this would still last a while for me.

All you have to do in order to have a chance to win is leave a comment about what color you prefer and leave your email address. As you can see by the picture I chose black. Maybe it will be slimming as this color is supposed to be. Of course there are many, many more chances to win (like blogging about the giveaway). So head over to this giveaway and try your luck on this nifty Sleepy Wrap!

Signs that change is coming

As a mom I tend to always see my chicks as my babies no matter if they are getting older. Today, however I was given some smelling salts and my eyes were opened to seeing my oldest chick as becoming a tween. She has started to enter some of the stages of puberty. Thank goodness they are only minor. You know deodorant and undershirts.

I am a little scared to enter this stage in her life, because the questions are coming... You know what questions. The ones that make us squirm and stutter, even to those most brave and eloquent speaking parents. For example, she asked yesterday whether or not she can get a shot so she doesn't have a baby. After the whole Jaime Lynn Spears fiasco she has been really worried about having babies at a young age. (so happy this is having the effect it should.) Rooster and I chuckled to ourselves and told her no there is no shot and having children is a choice.

Yes yes I could have explained fully, but selfish me loves that she still has some innocence left in her. I know I need to have the talk soon. I am content with her knowing what she needs to know right now. I know the day is looming in the not so distant future and I am ready for the questions to hit me. My baby is no longer a baby and is not an easy thing for moms to endure. I just hope I get through it as unscathed as possible!

Flashback Friday

I started this type of post at my book blog Chickity-chick Lit and decided to do a form of it here.

On this blog I am going to flashback to old memories throughout my life. Hopefully this way I can jog my memory of moments I have forgotten.

Today's flashback happened way back when this chick was in high school.
The year was 1996 at a ripe old age of 16. Notice the band? Yes that is No Doubt! A good friend in high school had the hook-ups from her sister who worked for Interscope records. Oh how in love was I this year! Adrian Young (Yes the one with black lipstick) was my love interest. That same night we also got to meet Bush... SWOON! Oh how I loved Gavin Rossdale as well. The next day I was so excited to surprise a friend with a poster signed by No Doubt for her 16th birthday.

What is a memory you want to flashback to?

PeekABoo Barn: Review

The Apple Iphone is becoming a phone that everyone has and I am one of those everyone. Chick 2 and Chick 3 love the different applications that they can play. Yes my 15 month old is all about the Iphone. It really isn't my phone anymore and my first page of applications or "apps" are all ones suitable for her to play. She does have a favorite and now favorites by the same maker.


These "apps" are Peekaboo Barn
and Peekaboo Wild by Night and Day studios.

Peekaboo Barn

"A charming barn adventure for toddlers and families you can play on your iPhone or iPod touch.

Inside a little bouncing barn, friendly farm animals are waiting to pop out and surprise your little one. Try and guess who they are; tap the doors to find out!

Work with your child to learn the names of animals — in English or Spanish — and hear the sounds they make! Younger children will love opening the barn doors to find a new animal animation, as they learn about cause and effect and become familiar with animal names and sounds. Preschoolers will enjoy guessing animals by sound, then seeing the animal names, which helps them develop early literacy skills. And everyone will adore the illustrations by Divya Srinivasan, whose work is regularly featured in the New Yorker.

Peekaboo Barn was made for you and your toddler by artists and educators, not marketers, robots, or companies repackaging clip art. Our team has backgrounds in cognitive science and child development, and we’ve worked in educational media everywhere from Yahoo! to the Smithsonian Institution."

Peekaboo Wild

"An outdoor adventure for toddlers and families you can play on your iPhone or iPod Touch.

In the waving grasses of the African savannah, friendly wild animals are waiting to pop out and surprise your little one. Try and guess who they are; tap the rustling grass to find out!

Have a great time with your child learning the names of animals--in English or Spanish--and hearing the sounds they make! Younger children will love peeking through the grass to find a new animal, as they learn about cause and effect and become familiar with animal names and sounds. Older children will enjoy guessing animals by sound, then seeing the animal names, which helps develop early literacy skills. Peekaboo Wild once again features illustrations by Divya Srinivasan, whose work is regularly featured in the New Yorker.

Peekaboo Wild was made for you and your toddler by artists and educators, not marketers, robots, or companies repackaging clip art. Our team has backgrounds in cognitive science and child development, and we've worked in educational media everywhere from Yahoo! to the Smithsonian Institution."

What I love about these "apps" is how interactive they are. Before the barn door is opened or even the grass of the wilderness has parted you hear a muffled animal sound with the sight of the door or grass shaking. My personal favorite is the soft sound of little children voices naming the animals. There are many options to these "apps." You can go through the animals once with it ending with a picture full of animals sleeping, or loop it to go through the animals over and over. You can even change it so only hear the animal name, or just the animal sound. You can even switch the language from English to Spanish.

Chick 3 now says Peekaboo Barn (sounds like Bah Bah Bah) and knows duck and pig (new words because of the game). Peekaboo Wild has been in this family for just a day, but already turning into another favorite. I know these animals will be in her vocabulary soon as well. If you are an owner of the Iphone and have small children this "app" is a must have! Both of these applications are available on Itunes.

Cards for Noah

November is usually a month of giving thanks. I have many things to be thankful for especially when I read about touching stories. I came across this story by a friend on Facebook (thanks Nicole). At once I decided I was going to take part of this amazing boy's wish and thought why not try and get others to do the same!

Here is the story from the Mojo in the Morning website

Send A Christmas Card To Noah Biorkman

Thursday, November 5, 2009 Email article

Noah Biorkman is a very brave 5-year-old boy. He is losing his fight with Neuroblastoma, a form of Cancer that attacks the nervous system. Noah absolutely loves Christmas, so his mom, Diana, is trying to get him as many cards as possible!

Please take a few minutes out of your busy day to do something special for this courageous kid, send Noah a Christmas card.

NOAH BIORKMAN
1141 FOUNTAIN VIEW CIRCLE
SOUTH LYON, MI 48178

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My kids are healthy and that I am thankful for. I couldn't imagine what these parents and this boy is going through! My prayers go out to this family and I will be sending out a Christmas card! Please take time and do the same for this brave brave boy!!

The case of the big bad vacumn!

Vacuuming is a normal everyday chore in most people's house. Not here. I would LOVE to vacuum everyday and have this wonderful machine suck up every little crumb and particle left behind by my chicks. Chick 3 however would love if I never vacuumed at all.


Today I vacuumed without anyone present but me and her. As soon as the whirring started she made a dash to the couch as you can see and got as high as she could go. Now why does this stop me from vacuuming if she is out of the way? Because chick 3 is so scared that she cries uncontrollably. If you could see her you would see tears and snot running down that cute little face.

I have decided however that I will just do what I have to do and let her get used to it.

Germs germs germs

A family of germs have taken residence at our wonderful abode. They have latched onto us all leaving us each with a different illness. Chick 2 was the first to feel the effects of our unwanted guest leaving her with 5 days missed of school within the first month. The guest are now taking residence in Chick 3 and Rooster. I had a blip of an illness so I could take care and nurture the rest of the brood.

So to the Germ family I bid you adieu and please do not expect a warm welcoming the next time you decide our house would be great for a pit stop. You are not welcome here anymore!

Appreciation

Sometimes one doesn't appreciate the simple things of the day to day until that thing.... or in my case... person is gone.

Rooster went on his yearly trip to Las Vegas with the guys. This year was a first with 2 kids to take care of alone. I know you are playing the worlds smallest violin for me right? You are probably yelling at me to woMAN up huh.

In the 2 and a half days he was gone I realized how much I appreciated my mom in all she did when we were growing up. She raised not 1, not 2, but 3 children as a single mom. She worked full time to keep a roof over our heads, clothes on our back and food in our bellies. She took us shopping for the essentials, and shuttled us to and from our extra curricular activities.She was on top of our school careers as well. No matter how tough we may have had my mom made sure us kids didn't know. I know my time alone was insignificant compared to all the single moms out there, but this time made me see how blessed I truly am to have the companionship and help I do have.

To all the parents out there and especially my mom (I better include those single dads as well) that are doing this alone: You are all my heroes!

I Am Poem

Every Monday Chick 2 comes home from school with a folder full of the last weeks assignments. I was going through the pile and found her "I Am Poem".

I Am
I am Chick 2
I wonder what I will be when I grow up
I hear birds sing
I see my friends
I want Thanksgiving to come
I am 9 years old

I pretend to be a teacher
I feel excited when I go to Knott's
I worry when I cut myself
I cry when I am hurt
I am always happy

I understand math
I say I'm pretty
I dream to be a scientist
I try to do my best
I hope I become a great soccer play
I am Chick 2

Peek-A-Boo I see you!

The sandman has decided that those wonderful snoozing sounds will be heard by me, instead of being made by me, as it is 3:30 in the morning. Are you thinking overzealous blogger? Sorry, I love my readers, but I love my sleep more. Chick 3 has decided that being awake at 3:30 am is a wonderful thing. I figured... "Hey while I am up why not update the blog since I truly have been lagging." With Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (a now family favorite) in the background why not honker down on the oh so comfy couch and post some pictures of Chick 3 using her security blanket... literally... as a way to hide from the world.Of course as the wonderful parents we are we let her believe that we can't in fact "see" her.

As I finish this post I see that this blog title has 2 meanings and the not so obvious one really is toying with me. So, please Sandman please come and sprinkle your sleeping dust on my precious, stubborn, and sleepy girl!

Soccer, soccer and wait more soccer!

Soccer season is upon us and this family looks forward to what we call Soccer Saturday. Chick 2 gets better every year and really is becoming the best defender I have ever seen! I know it may seem like I am being my bragging mommy self, but I am not alone in the bragging. We see club soccer in her near future! Even our youngest chick is getting into soccer mode. Instead of learning how to throw a ball we taught her how to dribble. Even now when she sees her ball instead of running to it and picking it up she will kick it with her feet.

Never thought this was hard...

Usually when I am asked to describe my daughters, I can write a novel. However today Chick 2 came home with a letter from her 4th grade teacher that asked the parents to describe their child. When I first read this I thought to myself "wow this will be a piece of cake!"
I waited till the chicks were in bed so this assignment could get my undivided attention. I open up Microsoft word get my hands ready to type and I freeze. All I could do is look at the blank screen with the blinking cursor. All these thoughts are in my head, but again I am having a hard time getting it on paper. For me it isn't the writing that is hard but the beginning that I can't seem to get right. After an hour of thinking and thinking I decide to first start it as I was writing to her. That was the magic touch and was able to type away.
Here is what I wrote... (what I sent the teachers)

Chick 2 is as unique as they come. She is a dreamer and not a small one at that. She always tells us that she wants to be a marine biologist, a rock star, a fashion designer, and an Olympic soccer player. They may be bigger than life dreams, but she is a believer and believes that she will do it all.

Chick 2 is also a thinker and it is amazing to see those wheels turn. She doesn’t take answers for face value at time and will analyze them… even the simplest ones. This we believe is why she excels in math and science.

All in all Chick 2 has a big heart and one of the sweetest girls anyone will meet. She always wants the best for everyone. She would have everyone be winners all the time if it were possible. She doesn’t like negativity and can be sensitive at times.

We were only given so much room to write and I know I could have gone on forever.

Must be tired of falling.

Chick 3 has a need for her blankie. If you see the blankie you see that it is pretty much bigger than her. Over the last month she has needed to learn how to walk while carrying it around. She decided that this is what works...

Vacation 2009

This year the Rooster and I decided to take the girls on a San Diego vacation. Our trip included visiting Sea World and Legoland. At first I thought "we must be crazy taking a family vacation without grandparent support." We did it and I think we came out pretty unscathed. We did encounter some phobias, fevers and tantrums, but what vacation is ever 100% perfect?

After spending 5 glorious days in Carlsbad it was so hard to come back to reality and the day to day stresses of everyday life.
We put Chick 2 in jail, but chick 3 decided to try and break her out.

Sisters having fun by the pool. ^^^
They both were amazed by the huge walrus at Sea World. ^^^^


^^^ The Rooster and chick 2 on a ride at Legoland

^^^ Chick 3 and I in the water area at Legoland

I know all vacations must come to an end, but this is one I would like to have lasted forever!

The Family Blog

Instead of a blog focused on 2 people of this household I thought it was befitting to start one for the family. So instead of blogs about the princesses here is one about all of us... 3 chicks and one rooster.

The Rooster and Chick 1:
We are the head of this chicken coop. We have been married for 10 years and going strong. We have quite a unique relationship and boy do we make some beautiful chicks!

Chick 2:


This is our oldest topping in at age 9. She is a big dreamer and a sassy one. She wants to be a soccer player in the Olympics, a scientist (so she can be smarter than her parents), a fashion designer and so much more. She has her own style in everything and no one can force her to do anything she doesn't want to do!

Chick 3:Where do I start with this one... She has proven that no child is ever the same when you have more than one. Not only does she have blue eyes while the rest of us don't (takes after the Irish side), she has one strong personality. She is my dainty one year old that is as tough as the rest of them. If she doesn't like something she will let you know!