I'm a little late in posting this but it's to be expected when you have a child's birthday so close to Christmas.

Little Bear's birthday is on the 20th of December. Pappa Bear had to travel on the road for an assignment and probably wouldnt be back in time to celebrate. What we did to fix that was we had her birthday party on the 12th. It was very nice. Even with immediate family we had 22 people. Little Bear is soooo blessed to have so many surrounding her with love.

Here's some of the fabulous times we had during her special day.......

....and yes, I made the cake all by myself. Far better than last year's. Here's hoping next year's will be an even bigger improvment on this year's.













Thank you Little Bear for another year filled of laughter, happiness, cuddling, playing and reminding me to look at the world as you see it in your eyes. Thank you for choosing us to be the ones to guide and teach you about life. I cannot wait to see what the future brings. We love you so very, very much.

It's always so much fun to see what other's ask Santa for Christmas. I thought it would be a good idea to post some of what I would like Santa to bring me as well as hear what is on your list.

new calendar- I am writing activities on post it notes for next year and can't wait to get a fresh new one to fill with our activities. This is my favorite calendar of all after having it this past year thanks to a recommendation from a previous blogger. It is also one of my most used items in our house. It is the perfect size to tuck in my purse and has pockets for business cards and random receipts. It is also durable and has survived all sorts of spills and messes because of the waterproof cover. ($14.95)

new purse- I used to love my Jen Groover Butler Bag. It has dividers in it which makes it perfect to find things and keep them organized. It also has two open slots (one on each side) for other misc. items like a day planner, bills, checkbook, etc. It was convenient for awhile until recently. Now, I just can't stand the thing! Every time I go to bend over to get something or fix Little Bear's coat, etc. when I go to go into my purse all the stuff in the dividers fell out and alas then im stuck putting them all back. It's just become more of a hassle than a convenience. This purse is oversized and although some might find that crazy I find it fabulous! It is the perfect size for a "Mommy Purse" it can easily hold my stuff and Little Bear's with room to spare. I fell in love with this the minute I saw it at Tar-jeh a few weeks ago. I had to put it on my list. ($29.99)

new slippers- I already own a pair of these in tan. They are the most comfortable slippers ever and are basically the Ugg look-alike/twin of the Tar-jeh world. After wearing them for abit I realized I have to have one pair in Black and maybe even a pair in Grey. ($11.88)

Super Mario Bros for the Wii- When I was offered my new employment here DH and I celebrated. We went out and got the Wii along with the Wii Fit, a ton of accessories and quite a few games. Yes, Dh can spoil me rotten! When Super Mario Bros came out for the Wii...well, I just had to ask for it. You see, I cannot stop playing Super Mario Kart...sooo much fun. Back in the day, I was also never really big into Nintendo or the likes but I could play me some Super Mario Bros for hourrrrrrrrrrsssss. When I saw this came out...I was soooo giddy....it immediately went on my list. ($59.99)

Deep 12" Skillet or Fry Pan - I love, love, love my current skillet. I love it so much that i've worn it plum out within the last four years. I also found that it isnt nearly as deep enough as I need for a good portion of Dh's favorite meals. Alas, I ask Santa for either a much deeper 12" skillet or Frying Pan (preferrably with lid). The one linked here and pictured above is not the one I am asking for but I needed a link and picture for this post so..... (Roughly $19.99)


Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince DVD - I'm a huge, huge, huge Harry Potter fan. Own every movie thus far and have seen each one at least six times. But would you believe I have yet to read the books?!?! Crazy, right? I'll get around to them eventually. I am just so glad it came out before the holidays and could add it to my list to ask Santa. I've been waiting to see this since it came out in the movie theaters. Dh and I have a really good entertainment set up at home and it would be a waste of money to go to the theaters when we can watch it better at home when it comes out onto dvd. ($19.99)

What made your Christmas List this year???

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We had our First Snow Fall of the season on Saturday. Actually, this is the first major snowstorm our area has seen in almost 10 years!! It started in the very early hours of Saturday (think 1am) and didnt stop until very early Sunday morning (8am). By the end of it all, we ended up with 22 inches of snow!!!! It was absolutely beautiful falling and even more beautiful once it had all laid and none of it was touched yet. We didnt get too many pictures. I was too busy enjoying my time with Little Bear either outside in the snow or inside with her new toys and baking cookies. I've got to learn to use my camera more often. LOL!!! Anyway, here's some pictures of our First Snow Fall. Little Bear thoroughly enjoyed it. She couldnt stop laughing and giggling. I dont know what she liked more...the snow sled or the snowball fight. We had to go in after an hour because her cheeks were getting so chapped. :o( The poor thing didnt want to go back in. I had to promise her we'd go back out later.

Monday - Stuffed Shells

Tuesday - Chicken Drumsticks, Mashed Potatoes, Spinach

Wednesday - Slow Cooker Chili (didn't get to this last week), Buttermilk Biscuits

Thursday - Local Pizza Shop Pizza (at least that is what i'm hoping Dh will be up for it since I have company coming later on in the evening and lots of errands to do prior to after I leave work)

Friday - CHRISTMAS!!!! Dinner at the in-laws...I forsee Ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, etc for din-din..YUMMY!

Saturday - Leftover Christmas dinner!

Sunday - Breakfast for dinner.....i'm thinking eggs, sausage, bacon, the works! And if that's not appealing it's "Fend for Yourself" haha!

For a thousand more recipes and hundreds more menu plans, check out I'm" An Organizing Junkie!

Yesterday, I just came across this site from an old friend on Facebook. After see it I just simply had to create one for Little Bear. This is a free video message from Santa! All I had to do was enter some simple information like her name, age and where we live. I then was asked to select something that she's been working on (listening to her parent's) and what she will receive for Christmas (Play Kitchen). The video is about three or so minutes and is Super Cute! It does take a few minutes to load so before you put your kids in front of the pc make sure to load it up first. Little Bear thought it was the neatest thing to see a message from Santa and to see a picture of herself in Santa's book! However, I think she was still too young for it this year. (She'll be 2 this Sunday) She only watched a bit of it and then her attention started to go elsewhere. I think she'll enjoy this a lot more next year. It's the PERFECT addition to your Holiday traditions for the children. Check it out.....

http://portablenorthpole.tv/home

For more Wordless Wednesday Photos, Visit 5 Minutes for Moms

Hey All!

Just wanted to make a quick post. Both Little Bear and I are still alive. Turns out we had to see Little Bear's doctor twice last week. She was getting worse and we asked to see a different Doctor. Turns out she had a double ear infection, sinus infection, post nasal drip and a really bad red throat. It's no wonder why the kid wouldnt drink or eat anything for days. She was given antibiotics and a childrens benadryl/maalox combo at night. She's now doing MUCH better and pretty much back to her old self. I, on the other hand, am a different story.

I saw the Dr on Thursday and was given an antibiotic and a nasal decongestant/cough surpressant combo and as of today, I'm still YUCK! I actually felt pretty good on Saturday (Aside from the constant gunk) but yesterday brought out round 2. I've since called the Dr this morning and asked for something new because whatever I was given before isnt working. Alas, I am still at work trying to truck on but this virus is getting the best of me. I've been going to bed the same time Little Bear has the last few days and it's just not helping. If I don't pop back on for a day or so, know that it's because I'm still fighting my battle with said virus and as soon as I am feeling better and have energy to stand (let alone type. LOL), I'll be back with my regular postings. :)

Hope everyone is doing well with their Holiday plannings, staying safe and warm and enjoying their friends and families. Only 9 more days til Santa arrives.....are you ready??

Happy Freebie Friday, everyone! A huge thank you to Freebies 4 Mom for sharing their favorite freebies of the week with our readers. Take advantage of a great Christmas deal this year and see how you can get Leapfrog Tag books for only $5.99 with free shipping. Heather features great deals & freebies all week long so be sure to check her site regularly!

Food
Stacy's Pita Chips (All You magazine)
Stacy's Pita Chips coupon for full-size bag (on Facebook)
Del Taco (2 free tacos)
Chocolate Bar at aerie stores (every Thursday in Dec.)

Entertainment
Amazon's 25 Days of Free Christmas SongsiTunes Holiday Sampler (20 free songs)
2010 Oriental Trading Co. CalendarDaily Lit - free digital books
Jesse James "My Cowboy" free MP3 (Walmart)
Forbes Investors' Guide (Mercury Magazines)
U.S. News & World Report (RewardsGold)
Redbox 1-Night Rentals (using codes SNSV26, GANTS9, DVDONME, BREAKROOM)

Blockbuster Express 1-Night Rentals (using codes G29TA1, GT11A, KIOSK)

Home & Garden
Hallmark $5 off $5 printable coupon
A Story Before Bed (free recording using code TY3J-RT3Y-YM3E)
ABC Animal Orchestra board book (LeapFrog)
http://www.rightathome.com/offers/200912-gift-w1/Xerox's Let's Say Thanks (free postcards to troops)
Wii & Jello Mouse House PartyDiGiorno Pizza House Party

Upcoming Freebie Events:Please call your local store or restaurant to confirm they are participating in these freebie events

DECEMBER
Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland begins (free 4x6 Santa photo)
Michaels Free Crafts & Demos
12 - Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic make Christmas Ornaments 10-11
19 - Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic make Pet Treat Keeper 10-11

Enjoy those freebies and I'll see you next Friday for another installment of Freebie Friday - compliments of Freebies 4 Mom!

While doing my price matchups for our grocery list this weekend I noticed a few new coupons at Coupons.com . Feel free to go to my Coupons.com sidebar on the right and print off these fantastic coupons. Act fast because they only allow a certain amount be printed off.

Here's some others you might want to get....
$2/1 Nivea body wash$
1/1 Muir Glen - still available!
$1/1 Success Rice
$.75/1 Big G cereals
$1/1 Kellogg's corn flakes
$1/2 Wonka candy canes
$.75/1 Kellogg's Smart Start cereal
$.75/1 Honey Smacks
$1/1 Kellogg's Special K Blueberry

First it was pink eye, then a UTI, then it was a urgent case of gallbladder disease ending in a removal, then it was another UTI, then it was a head cold and now, it's another head cold. Le Sigh...

Yesterday I was feeling just fine. Alittle run down but otherwise fine. Late last night I was woken up to a sore throat and the dreaded gunk. Oh no! Not again?!?!

Now, not only is Little Bear experiencing her first sick, sick feelings with the dreaded head cold herself but now me. Oy Vey! Luckily, we took the Little Bear to the Pediatrician yesterday and he gave her some nasal decongestant with cough surpressant allowing her to actually get some sleep (the night before she, nor I, got any). She woke up feeling better and finally(!) consuming liquids again (come on pee pee diapers. LOL) while Momma Bear, well, I just feel SICK and TIRED. Lucky for me, I have my first appointment with the new family doctor today after work. It was originally scheduled just to get me in the system for if/when I do get sick but alas my immune system had other plans.

I'm tired of feeling sick and tired. I've got dishes that need to be unloaded from the dishwasher, a sink of dirty dishes waiting to go in, recycables that need to be taken outside, a floor that needs to be vacuumed, toys that need to be picked up, gifts that need to be wrapped, laundry that needs to be washed, dryed and folded. When I say my house looks like a tornado ran through it that would be an understatement. And let me say this, when I say THAT you know i'm feeling sick and tired! My house has been un-tidy in the past but not this bad.

Time to put a call into my Fairy Godmother.

Yeah, I wish.

Sign up here for a free subscription to Weight Watchers magazine. I have gotten this magazine for a little over a year now and have found it to be helpful and very motivating. I love, love, loveeeeee the recipes in this magazine. So easy and flavorful. I'm sure you'll agree. Act Now, this deal is not going to last long.

Thanks, Free Snatcher!

For more Wordless Wednesday Photos, Visit 5 Minutes for Moms

For a thousand more recipes and hundreds more menu plans, check out I'm An Organizing Junkie!

Ugh!

Yes, that about sums it up. Wait, maybe not - a good scream would do oh so much better. Le Sigh...

During a time where I should be happy and hustling and bustling with the upcoming birthday party and upcoming holiday, instead I am feeling like I'm about to go over the cliff at any moment. I've been holding on but my fingers are slipping. I don't know how much more of this I can take.

I've always been the strong one. I could pretty much tackle any situation given to me - Lord knows there's been plenty of them. But this one, this time, well, I am about to admit defeat! That little white flag is about to be pulled out of my pocket and surrendering because I just don't think I can take anymore.

Brother Bear's situation has just gotten even more serious. I didn't even think that was possible. He's somehow managed to put him self in such a jam right now and in all honesty, it's not looking good. Unfortunately, I cannot devuldge too much information on here - it's the internet after all. But let's just say I may not see Brother Bear for a very long time. This saddens me more than you will ever know. Brother Bear and I are very, very close. I'm the oldest of five. I have two brothers and two sisters. Out of them all, Brother Bear is the one that we have always been the closest with. Heck, we look like twins. bwahaha! We've managed to hire someone to help his situation. We've also managed to have an appointment tomorrow in hopes to elevate some of the stress/problem and well, hopefully getting good news enough that we can bring him home! Gosh, I want him home. He doesn't belong there. He belongs home.

What's even worse is this is just the beginning of what I see to be a very stressful and worrying time. How long of a time, I have no clue. I would like to Hope and Pray that it will be a short lived situation - if it is not, I will Fall. I will Crumble. I will be so devasted and crushed that I will not know what to do or how to handle it.

I do not know how I'm even handling it right now. Truth be told, I'm a walking zombie. Trying to put on a happy face and keep it all together - for me. for my family. But how does one do that? especially when a Little Bear's Birthday Party is this Saturday and of course the Holidays just a few short weeks away. How? It's so hard! I mediate. I breathe. I pray. And yet I still struggle to hang on. I'm a fragile egg, waiting to crack. An egg that could crack any minute. But who's going to catch me when I fall? Noone because I cannot fall. I have a family that is looking up to me. depending on me. Le Sigh...

God, Please Grant Me the Serenity to make it through this. Watch over my brother, my family and me. Please help us to remain strong and have Faith. And whatever you do, PLEASE watch over my Brother. I love him more than anyone will ever know. If anything should happen to him....gosh, I just wouldnt know what would happen of me. :*-( I will crumble. I will fall. I will have lost all faith, hope and strength.

In lieu of the recent turn of events with my brother bear, pictured to the right, I thought it only natural to bring out a photo of he and I with our other brother back in the early 80's.

For more Wordless Wednesday Photos, Visit 5 Minutes for Moms

Hey All!

Just wanted to post a short note that this week's blogging activity might be a little off. Little Bear's party is on Saturday and all week I will be prepping for that. However, something just as important, if not more, has recently came up and it has consumed almost my entire life starting yesterday. Momma Bear's most loved and closest brother has had a recent turn of events that has all of us scattering around trying to help him. A lot of drama and a lot of sadness and worry on my part because I try to protect him the best I can and love him so darn much...that, well, when something like this happens...well, I fall apart. :o( Anyway, this Momma is going to try to hold it together - not just for me but for my family as well as my brother. Too much to do and no time for crazy uncontrollable emotions. So, that's about it in a nutshell. Wanted to let you know in case this blog gets the Pause Button for a day or two - or in case ya'll notice my mood might be a little not-myself. Any thoughts and prayers you want to send our way would be greatly appreciated.

Monday - Breakfast for Dinner (Scrambled Eggs & Bacon)
Tuesday - Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Wednesday - Bone-less Pork Chops, Stuffing and Green Beans
Thursday - Slow Cooker Chili
Friday - Beef Pot Pies and Buttermilk Biscuits (Thank you Banquet & Pillsbury for the quick, frozen throw in the oven items)
Saturday - LITTLE BEAR'S BIRTHDAY PARTY
Sunday - Loving Leftovers. Spread out a buffet table of all the leftovers from the week’s meals. This means a day-off for the chef!

For a thousand more recipes and hundreds more menu plans, check out I'm An Organizing Junkie!

Happy Black Friday to One and All!

I sure hope all of you had a most excellent Thanksgiving and all are still stuffed from the feast of yesterday. I know I am.

By now, most of you who dared to venture out in the Black Friday adventures are probably homebound. Some of you are probably wrapping presents - others decorating their homes. Me? This is the first Black Friday that I've had to work in over 12 years. Also the first Black Friday I was not able to partake in that 12 year tradition. Ah well. I am just thankful to have a job! Besides, as with the last three years, most BF sales were up online. Did you take advantage while saving yourself time, sleep and gas? This year, the BF sales did not have much to offer us so I did not partake in any of the sales. I purchased one thing for the Little Bear but that was not even on sale. I just picked it up because I knew they would sell out VERY SOON because it's on the top five most requested gifts for little girls between the ages of two and four.

Of course, sometime during this weekend/upcoming week the sales online will get interesting. We started shopping today (wahoo!) and will hopefully get a good portion of it done in the next two weeks.

After work this evening, it'll be KICK OFF time in the Bear Cave. We'll start bringing down the Christmas decorations tonight. Normally, this time of day I would be just finishing up the Christmas decorations and getting the Christmas baking started. My how one little event changes things. Ah well. I'll just be happy to get home and get going. I LOVE ME MY CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS! It always makes the Bear Cave feel soooo comfy! <3 Ahhhh...

How about you? Will you be putting up your decorations this weekend? or are you one of those fabulous people who have it already done? have you started your Christmas shopping? Or are you one of the people who shop all year round and are finished already?

From our house to your's...we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. May this holiday stuff you to the gills, surround you with friends and family and above all remind us what we are thankful for this past year and for the year to follow.


As for us, there will be watching of the Macy's Day Parade and of course we'll be traveling to my in-laws place where we will feast on such items that include turkey, candied sweet potatoes, mashed cauliflower, twice baked potatoes, green beans, biscuits, cranberry sauce and desserts a plenty. Mmmmm...I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.


Enjoy eatting your birds and travel safe on the roads.

For more Wordless Wednesday Photos, Visit 5 Minutes for Moms

Oh my! It's embarked on us again...another crib product recall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall of 1.2 million drop side Stork Craft cribs due to an entrapment and suffocation hazard. I know I have quite a bit of mom’s with babies/ toddlers who read this blog so please check your cribs to see if you have a Stork Craft crib manufactured between 1993-2009.

I will tell you this, the Stork Craft website is very slow to load, due to the crib recall, but you can follow them on Twitter. As far as I can see, they are not currently tweeting information regarding the recall, but you could tweet a question if the site stays down for an extended period of time. I am certain someone will answer.

Please visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission for specifics regarding the Stork Craft Crib recall as well as instructions on how to repair the defective part.

I was recently given the opportunity to try a good assortment of Newman's Own Organics products. One of them was some Fig Newman’s for Poppa Bear to try. He liked that they were bigger than Newtons (which let’s be honest, are the size of a postage stamp, and can be eaten by the sleeve). Other than that, he didn’t notice much difference in taste, which is good as he loves the more familiar version.









While I wish these contained whole wheat flour, compared to Fig Newton’s, Newman’s Own Organics the ingredient list is much more recognizable and has far fewer preservatives. And even the whole wheat fig newtons contain high fructose corn syrup and partially hydrogenized oils…yuck. So hopefully Newman’s Own Organics will add a whole wheat version to the line up soon!

What did I try? The Champion Chip Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies. These were very good with a deep chocolate flavor and delightful milk chocolate chips mixed in—best of both chocolate worlds. While I rarely enjoy crunchy cookies—I am a chewy girl through and through—these had a nice combination of softness, yet had enough crunchy to make for a good milk dunker or ice cream topper. In a way, they sort of resembled the consistency of a meringue. These were a delightful indulgence for an evening dessert. What did Little Bear think of them? "Mmmm." and "more" were the words of her choice.









Newman's Own Organics Dark Chocolate





Just about every year at Christmas, we'd all get a chocolate orange. I loved the combination of orange + chocolate, and I'd always look forward to getting (and eating!) my chocolate orange. A piece of Newman's Own Organics Dark Chocolate sent me hurtling back down memory lane. The fruity orange tones blended well with the quality chocolate. However, it's not the super dark chocolate that I know a lot of you like. I don't like my chocolate too dark, so it was a perfect combination for me. However, I think it's pretty universal flavored chocolate--if you like fruit + chocolate, you'll like it!

Newman's Own Organics Cinnamon Hermit Cookies










These cookies are soft and chewy! Since the package says they're cinnamon-flavored, I wish that flavor was more pronounced. I couldn't taste the cinnamon very well, but I did like the big molasses taste. The cookies had a few raisins, which I liked. They're slightly caloric for me-- 1 cookie is 80 calories. I cannot say these were delicious for me. I'm not a huge fan of molasses. Tho I like cookies that contain them, the molasses flavor was too empowering for me for this cookie - especially since the name was for "cinnamon". However, Poppa Bear is a huge fan of molasses and enjoyed these very much. If you love soft chewy cookies (and molasses), you'll probably adore these! If you're a fan of crunchy cookies, the Newman's Own Organics Champion Chip cookies are more up your ally.