COHEN

*Reminder* Blogging Moment of Silence for Cohen

This was created by Megan's talented friend Allison from Sylvia Rose Designs.

Please do not forget the Blogging Moment of Silence for Cohen.  Beginning tonight at midnight.  Thank you all for spreading the word and participating.  Don't forget to go and link up at Send Love To Cohen.  The Linky will open tonight at 12:00 am (midnight).

Here is the information and banner again for those who have not seen it.

What: Moment of Silence for Cohen

When: Thursday July 1st from midnight to 11:59 pm.

How: Bloggers participating will post the Cohen banner (below) or simply post Cohen’s name in large letters on their blog.

Why: July 1st Megan and Brent will be holding Cohen’s memorial service. The moment of silence is an opportunity for Megan’s blog community to stand behind her and support her on this difficult day. Linking up will give Megan a chance to see the support at a glance.

Banner:

Top 2 Tuesday

Top 2 Things (not people) you would take to a deserted island.

This was a tough one for me, but I loved thinking of being on a deserted island.  Although you can tell I am a mom because my first thought was sunscreen.  Hey don't judge, I burn!  So we are going to pretend this is a beautiful deserted island with lots of sun that does not burn. ;)

A Good Book:

and

A Journal

So what would you bring?  Thanks to the Undomestic Momma for hosting!

A Moment of Silence for Cohen

I am sure many of you have been following Cohen's story over at Megan's blog, In This Wonderful Life or at Jess' blog, Send Love to Cohen.  After I heard the news I, like many of you, attempted to write something to Megan to let her know I was still praying for her and many other things.  My heart was breaking for this family.  Unfortunatley in these types of situations my mouth can not usually translate what my heart is feeling. 

On Thursday July 1st the family will be holding Cohen's memorial.  With the blessing of Jess, the sponsor of Send Love to Cohen, I am asking any blogger that has followed this story and prayed for Megan, Cohen and their family to join in a Blogging Moment of Silence for Cohen.

How it will work, you can grab the banner I have made with Cohen's name on it or put just his name on your blog in big letter's.  Remember it is a moment of silence, so simple is better.  The moment of silence will be from Midnight to 11:59 pm, July 1st.  Please respect Cohen's memorial day by devoting your days post to Cohen's Moment of Silence.  After you have posted please go to Send Love To Cohen and link up!  Linking up will give Megan the opportunity to see how many bloggers were thinking of her on July 1st.

Please help get the word out!

Thank you to everyone in advance for participating! 

I would also like to remind everyone that there is a fundraiser going on for Baby Cohen Marshall Special Needs Trust at Send Love to Cohen.  You can donate through a purchase of Stella & Dot merchandise or through the Paypal button on the website.

Giveaway and Sticky Floor Update

Jess over at In the Sky With Diamonds is having a fabulous giveaway!  A $60 giftcard to CSN Stores to be exact!

If I win, these are a few items I have my eyes on.

We have been looking for new rugs forever and I LOVE theis style.  We have two areas that need rugs and this design would be perfect!

I am currently tortured with a stationary faucet and a too shallow sink.  So this would fix half of the problem.  They also had tons of sinks, I just could not decide.  I am pretty set on a white farmhouse sink.

Onto other news - an update on the sticky floor situation.  As I have mentioned, before I ventured into the non-profit world I had my own cleaning business for a number of years.  So I really set out to figure out the sticky floor situation.  Know what I discovered?  1) I am not cleaning them often enough 2) the stickiness is from all of the extra fruit consumption in the house.

The culprits are pictured below.

  The cute baldy flings fruit - not poo, like most monkeies and the other cute girl likes to wander while she eats.  The way I was able to solve this was with my handy Bissel Steam Mop for my tile and my Orange Glo Mop for my hardwoods.  Now, I only use the Orange GLo Mop damp with water day-to-day.  If I am going to do a good thorough cleaning than I use the solution.  This system helps keep your floors looking fresh and shiney.  I have used other woodfloor cleaning products I prefer Orange Glo, in the spray bottle.  Just a note I am not paid by either company with money or product to say these things.  I have experience to back this up.  I like to find the best way to clean with the least amount of work.  I also obviously can't stand for anything to be sticky or gross - so it HAS to work!

Happy cleaning and get over to see Jess and enter!

Happy Summer Indeed!

Remember me talking about the Flip Flop Swap I was doing?  Well my goodies arrived this week.

I had a great partner, Jessica from Domesticated Bliss.  She is from Florida but loves the mountains.  And here I am land locked in mountaious Colorado dreaming about the sea.  Pretty great match, don't ya think?

I will say Jessica sure knows here flip flops, I love the one's she sent.  She went above and beyond and sent me a Liberty of London Wrap and some polish to make my feet look good, well better in flip flops.

So thank you to Jessica my Flip Flop Swap partner!

And a big thank you to Jess from All-American Jess for hosting!

Back In the Saddle

Last night I did not get home from work until almost 9PM. 

I grabbed one of these;

from here

And than headed to bed.

Major diet F.A.I.L.

Surely these honey's have no calories after 9PM.  Am I right?

Oh well, I promised myself at the beginning of this that I would let little slips like this go and just keep focusing on the big picture - not the little mistakes.  So I am back in the saddle again.

Happy Thursday - I am so done with this week!

Miscellany Monday

I am really starting to look forward to Mondays, because I get to be so random!

{first}

I am doing the same things I did last Monday, taking AL to the doctor.  Poor baby had a fever of over 101 last night and just does not seem to be getting better.  If you can not tell, I am not afraid to use my insurance.

{second}

I may need to start a seperate weekly post for the idiot ways I injure myself. (which leads me to third and fourth.)

{third}

Do not think you can run bases in sandals and a skirt in front of 5th and 6th graders and leave with your dignity.  That is all I am going to say other than, it was funny until I woke up this morning.

{fourth}

Be careful licking long envelopes - you may cut the crease of your mouth.  I am just saying it is a possibility.

{fifth}

I really need to get a hold of this working full time/ three kids things.

{sixth}

I am not sure what has changed but my floors are constantly sticky.  Even after I just clean them.  I can't stand to be barefoot in my house anymore.  Am I just loosing my mind?  Is it because it is hot?  Is it because I have a traveling/throwing eater/drinker?  Is it because the floor is old?  Is it because I cleaned them with amonia ONCE?  This is how much I think about it, and how much it grosses me out.

{seventh}

Today marks the first day of me getting back into the weightloss swing of things.  After my very long hiatus.  I feel like I have no idea what I am doing.

{eight}

I still have 1 more Vegas recap coming.

Thanks Carrisa for hosting!

Father's Day Interview, 2010

I took this idea and the questions from Naomi over at The Happy Sanitarium.  Thanks Naomi!

Just a note, LD is 4 and AL is 1 and has just learned to say "mine" and LOVES it!

What is something Daddy always says to you?


LD: "Happy Birthday” & “I love you!"

AL: "Mine"

What makes Daddy happy?

LD: Light & Glasses & a Hat & a Cap

AL: Mine

What makes Daddy laugh?

LD: Cookies and a puppet show and silly faces

AL: Mine

How does Daddy make you laugh?

LD: With a puppet show and a silly face and a silly laugh

AL: Mine

What did Daddy like to do when he was a kid?

LD: Have Pepper (Dr.Pepper) and ice cream and medicine and headphones (she was just looking around the room at things to answer) oh and a suitcase.

AL: Mine

How old is Daddy?

LD: This much? (holds up 5 fingers, than 10 fingers than 7 fingers)

AL: Mine

How tall is Daddy?

LD: I don’t know this much (holding her arms apart) is that huge?

AL: Mine

What does Dad do when you're not around?

LD: Hide and seek

AL: Mine

If Daddy became famous, what would he be famous for?

LD: Airplane

AL: Mine

What is Daddy REALLY GOOD at?

LD: Old McDonald has a Farm and hide-n-seek

AL: Mine

What is Daddy not very good at?

LD: Hide-n-seek

AL: Mine

What does Daddy do for his job?

LD: Do the dishes.

AL: Mine

What is Daddy's favorite food?

LD: Mac n Cheese and soup

AL: Mine

What makes you proud of your Daddy?

LD: Hugs and kisses, I love you’s and good night’s

AL: Mine

What makes you happy he's your daddy?

LD: We play together outside

AL: Mine

If Daddy were an animal, what kind of animal would he be?

LD: An elephant

AL: Mine

What do you and Dad do together?

LD: Watch TV and have fun

AL: Mine

How are you and Dad the same?

LD: Same eyes

AL: Mine

How are you and Dad different?

LD: I am this tall and daddy is this tall (again with the arms)

AL: Mine

How do you know Daddy loves you?

LD: He says I love you and Good Night

AL: Mine

Where's Daddy's favorite place to go?

LD: To the mall with me and to Grammy and Papa’s

AL: Mine

What does Daddy like most about Momma?

LD: She gets me a band-aid when I hurt myself

AL: Mine

Happy Father's Day to my wonderful husband and an amazing father!!  We love you!

Wake Me Up...Our Vegas Recap

As I may have mentioned we went to Vegas because of hubbies job.  The conferences had bashes every night.  The first night was just a general party with lots of fun things to do.  We got to make buttons with our pictures on them, take pictures with giant talking walking robots, experience an oxygen bar, spray on tatoos, eat and drink for free and make this great video.  I can already feel myself blushing but it is too fun not to share!

After we left the party more fun insued, to include some fist pumpin!

Texas Recap

I know I already covered some things about our trip to Texas in this post.  I wanted to share a little about a blogger meet up and some other pictures from our trip.

Friday, I met up with La and her super cute baby Gooner!  This was my first meetup and I was not sure what to expect.  The anticipation felt like a blind date.  However our meeting was anything but awkard!  It was like two old high school friends meeting up, it was a great experience!  So on Friday we went to the pool and on Sunday we met up again and went to the mall.  We did so much talking we forgot to put in quality blog photo taking time.  Here is a picture from our meet up on Friday. 

Friday night we went with hubby's family to the Bavarian Grill, a German restaurant.  The picture below was our salad that came before the meal.  I had never eaten German food except at Epcot so I was very surprised to see this salad.  It was very good, I really enjoyed it.  The rest of the meal was great too, but AL began getting fussy so I was not very interested in taking more pictures!  That and my mother-in-law is so great about pictures that I tend to become dependent on her to get all of the pictures.  I forgot to get a copy of all pictures before we left Texas.

On Saturday we set out to go to The Wiggles Play Place. LD was SO excited; when we got there it was closed down. It is affiliated with the Wiggles - officially and not a word of it being closed anywhere on their website. You can imagine how a 4 year old girl reacted to this news. So it was off to the mall for pony rides and jewelry. The girls rode the carousel with daddy, played at the play area and Grammy helped pass on her love of jewelry to LD, with a little Hello Kitty necklace, rings and hair clips. She looked adorable, again no pics, sorry. I had only a few pictures left on my camera.

AL can climb all the way to the top of that slide. She has sticky spider toes! She loves to climb and slide and needs no help.

Saturday night we met up with hubby’s best friend and had dinner. When we were leaving the house LD asked where we were going, I said to see daddy’s friend. She asked what kind of friend, well since his friend takes so long to get ready I said a girlfriend. haha Than we realized that hubby and his friend had met when they were LD's age. Well hubby was 5 and his friend was 4. Isn't that so cool?

My in-laws are the nicest people ever. They are so welcoming and LD cannot get enough of them. All though it was a semi-quick trip we did a lot and had a great time.

My next post will cover Vegas, make sure you come back, I have a hilarious video!

Miscellany Monday

I know I promised you Texas and Vegas, and I assure you they will come.

This will be short and sweet, but I thought as random as I am this is a great way to do one post about the jumble of little things on my mind.

{first}

I threw my back out this morning brushing my teeth.  No joke.  Nothing says welcome home from vacation and you are old quite like having to admit this, or experience it.  Recommendation - DO NOT brush your teeth with your towel still on your head.

{second}

I always cringe when I see someone write 'LOL" and make comments about it.  However I use a lot of these '!'.  So I may need to curb my '!" use.

{third}

AL (baby) is sick, she has goopy eyes and has had a cough for a week.  I am taking her to her doctors after hours clinic tonight.  Poor baby, yet net sick enough to snuggle - dang it! ;)  This is why I am not blogging about my trip today I will be running kids to and from appointments until late.

{fourth}

Cats sleep 16 to 18 hours per day.  I wish I was a cat. ;)  Except I would be allergic to myself.

{fifth}

Came home from the wonderful warmth of Texas and Vegas to 40 degree weather in Colorado.  Are you kidding me?  I swear I am freezing.  The night after we got back I got out of bed and hubby said, "when did you get dressed?", me: "I didn't this is what I slept in."  I slept in my velour pants, a tank top and a cotton long cardigan.  I was freezing!!

{sixth}

I really want to join in on the list of 101 things in 1001 days.  I have of things I need to accomplish but when I set out to make my list 2 things happened. 1. I couldn't remember what they were (typical). 2. My list just didn't seem very good.  Everytime I thought of something I would think "will I really be able to committ to that in 1001 days?". And than start doing the math.  I am pretty sure this whole scenario is me missing the point.  So I will try it again and put my lame things like painting the garage door on there.  it's my list who cares if it stinks?

Hope everyone had a great Monday and that everyone is super safe while brushing their teeth!

Getting To Know You!

We got back last night from Vegas, whoa what trip!  I think it was our best trip yet.  I will be doing recaps of both our Texas and Vegas trips this week. 

I have been reading these 'Getting To Know You' posts and I really like the questions.  I thought it would be a nice way to start my week off.

Hope everyone had a great weekend, back to the grind tomorrow. Boo!






1. If you could have one of Superman's, powers which one would you want? Superhuman strength..Flight..Superhuman speed..X-Ray vision..etc


Flight, I am already super fast so I don't need more speed, haha.  If I had x-ray vision my head would explode because I would be able to see all the dirty rooms in my house, all at once - No Thank You!!


2. The best thing I ever won is....?

My husbands heart.  I know it sounds cheesy but I have a great family and feel like I won the lotto.


3. Have you ever skyped with a bloggy friend?

I have never skyped, ever.


4. What is your favorite Summer month?

I like them all.  In case I have failed to mention this I.LOVE.SUMMER!!


5. Pool, Lake, or Ocean?

Ocean, but I will take any hot weather and body of water, anyday.


6. One of my favorite Summer memories is.....?

Mexico with my husband and best friend.  I have a lot of great summer memories, this is the most recent.

7. What's your favorite secret bargain?

I am not much of a secret keeper or a bargain shopper.  I have no idea.


8. Do you plan on or have you been watching the World Cup?

I would like to check out the World Cup this year.  Seems pretty exciting!

Man's Search For Meaning

Now I know I am going from one extreme post to another, however this is something I have been thinking a lot about lately.  What am I searching for?  What am I meant to be doing?

Years ago when I was going through a very difficult period of time in my life and found it hard to keep myself going, I read this book.

I would never try and compare something I have experienced in my simple life to the terrors of the Holocaust.  However the book is set in the Holocaust but the theory is based on every single man and woman.  The book explores the theory of how man's search for meaning or of his own purpose in life, can bring him through anything.  I use "him" but it is true for man or woman.  It is a powerful look at how all prisonors that entered the camps were stripped down and essentially left with the same - nothing.  However some made it out of the camps and others did not.  I know there are many other elements to it than just these simple fact, but this is just a quick synopsis of the book.

I would like to add here I have a deep respect for all who suffered during and post Holocaust.  I read quite a bit about the Holocaust on a regular basis.  I think it was a horific period of time and will never understand one person let alone many persons feeling so much hate towards another person or persons.

I have always felt like I lack a little bit of direction in life.  Not because I am not ambitious, because I assure you nothing could be further from the truth.  But I always get excited about something and than once it I have been doing it for awhile I start to get antsy and basically feel like there is something more God meant for me to be doing.  Nothing ever "fits". 

Recently I have felt a little stalled out in life and I am trying to get myself recharged, and guess what I saw on Facebook?

So what is it that I am meant to be doing?  This has been the hardest question of my life and it is still a question I am seeking the answer to.

So if anyone has the answer please feel free to shoot me an email. ;)

We Are Back

We just arrived home. I must say our trip home seemed a little easier than the trip to Texas.


We are only home for one (1) day and then hubby and I are off to Vegas. I know you must feel terrible for me. But if it makes you feel better I always add in my own self torture. Because I had a spare day I worked it, in true Adie form. This is hubby’s favorite quality about me. Are you sensing the sarcasm? I am trying to lay it on real thick.

Back to this expansive "spare" day. As I mentioned I saw some spare time and thought, "wow, what a girl couldn't do with a free day and the babies at daycare." So I scheduled that final CLEP test that has been looming over my head for a year now. Only because I have been putting it off for so long it has now become a fire drill and I have to drive all the way up to Denver to take it, so my school gets the credit notification instantly, you know, if I pass. AM's doctor wanted to see her tomorrow afternoon, so I said "sure". So I have to drive back down to the Springs from Denver to get AM to the doctor on time.

Here is my day tomorrow; drop AL and LD off at daycare; pick-up AM friend and drop AM and friend at summer school drive to Denver by 10am (could be an hour and a half drive there with traffic); drive home pick-up AM get her to doctors appointment; come home finish packing everyone; make dinner; serve dinner; bring AL and LD to babysitters for their stay while we are out of time *sniffle*;p back home finish any last minute packing (usually involves a trip to Target) and get to bed, because our plane leaves at 6am - say what?

So there, in case you thought, what a jerk she is going on vacation sans kids, well after tomorrow - I am going to need a vacation!!  Also keep your fingers crossed about my test, I really can't take the time to take another class, and my student loan bills don't want anymore added to them!

The Great State of Texas

We are currently in the Great State of Texas!

I know some people, mostly Texas residents think I am crazy, but I am LOVING it here.  It is so amazingly warm.  I would go as far as to say the warmth is delicious because when I walk outside I feel as though I am greedily drinking in all of the Texas heat.  (Again I believe the residents here wish I truly were!)

The drive down was not on any of my Top Experience Lists, let's just say that!  AL does not like the drive to the babysitters across town.  I am sure you can imagine how she felt about a 12 hour drive.  Once we pulled in it was warm enough to go swimming - say what?  This Colorado girl was so excited, so we unpacked the kids, passed out some hugs, tugged on swimsuits and headed to the pool.

Yesterday (Friday) I had a special date with one of my favorite and oldest blogging friends.  More about this later.  I will say now it was a great meeting!

This morning we woke up and LD got in the pool at 7am.  7am!  It was warm enough!

Let's just say I heart Texas and all of its warmth!

99 Memories

Jessica at Domesticated Bliss is my FLip FLop Swap buddy and I look forward to swapping and getting to know her.  Looking at her blog I found this fun 99 memories game. Basically it's a list of 99 memorable experiences and you highlight the ones that you've accomplished in your life...
1. started your own blog

2. slept under the stars

3. played in a band

4. visited hawaii

5. watched a meteor shower

6. given more to charity than you could afford to

7. been to disney

8. climbed a mountain

9. held a praying mantis

10. sung a solo

11. bungee jumped

12. visited paris

13. watched a thunder and lightning storm

14. taught yourself an art from scratch

15. adopted a child

16. had food poisoning

17. walked to the top of the statue of liberty

18. grown your own vegetables

19. seen the mona lisa in france

20. slept on an overnight train

21. had a pillow fight

22. hitch hiked

23. taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. built a snow fort

25. held a lamb

26. gone skinny dipping

27. run a marathon

28. ridden in a gondola in venice

29. seen a total eclipse (of the heart?)

30. watched a sunrise or sunset

31. hit a home run

32. been on a cruise

33. seen niagara falls in person

34. visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. seen an amish community

36. taught yourself a new language

37. had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. seen the leaning tower of pisa in person

39. gone rock climbing

40. seen michelangelo’s david in person

41. sung karaoke

42. seen old faithful erupt

43. bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. visited africa

45. walked on a beach by moonlight

46. been transported in an ambulance

47. had your portrait painted

48. gone deep sea fishing

49. seen the sistine chapel in person

50. been to the top of the eiffel tower in paris - we only got halfway and than we ran out of time

51. gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. kissed in the rain

53. played in the mud

54. gone to a drive-in theater

55. been in a movie

56. visited the great wall of china

57. started a business

58. taken a martial arts class

59. visited russia

60. served at a soup kitchen

61. sold girl scout cookies

62. gone whale watching

63. gotten flowers for no reason

64. donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. been sky diving

66. visited a concentration camp

67. bounced a check

68. flown in a helicopter

69. saved a favorite childhood toy

70. visited the lincoln memorial

71. eaten caviar

72. pieced a quilt

73. stood in times square

74. toured the everglades

75. been fired from a job

76. seen the changing of the guard in london

77. broken a bone

78. been a passenger on a motorcycle

79. seen the grand canyon in person

80. published a book

81. visited the vatican

82. bought a brand new car

83. walked in jerusalem

84. had your picture in the newspaper

85. kissed a stranger at midnight on new year’s eve

86. visited the white house

87. killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. had chickenpox

89. saved someone’s life

90. sat on a jury

91. met someone famous

92. joined a book club

93. gotten a tattoo

94. had a baby

95. seen the alamo in person

96. swam in the great salt lake

97. been involved in a law suit

98. owned a cell phone

99. been stung by a bee ( a whole hive in Yosemite = Miserable)

42, made me realize how many things I would still love to do.  Also made me realize how many cities I have been in and the things I have missed out on in those cities!
Which of these have you experienced?

Fun Interior Design Profile

I have a sister that sent me this link.  http://www.sproost.com/StyleEngine

She has impeccable taste for design and I love to talk to her about it.  I also enjoyed this site.  The site does an analysis of your interior design taste.  Lately my sister had been trying to help me figure out some kitchen ideas but I could not nail down my style, so this was a lot of fun!


Here are my results:

57% Nantucket Style

Oh how you love the beach! Who doesn't, right? And so your dream home is either perched in your favorite beach town, or you've brought that favorite beach town into your house.

Now I have never been to Nantucket but I am such a beach lover!!  This I think really did workout for me.

29% Cottage Chic

This was the only picture out of this group that I truley loved or even liked.

14% Rustic Revival - There were no pictures out of this group that I really liked, I just didn't like choosing the word "hate", so I picked "ok" more than I should have. 

 

 

But I think it hit the beach thing right on.  Go and try it, it was quick and easy and you get to look at some fun pictures!