Is that a cool thing now or a not so cool, bury your head in the sand sort of thing?

If I were to have the limo pick them up – what should I have them do afterwards. I mean the 10 minute drive from school to home isn’t going to be that amazing. They could drive around town and wave at everyone they see – but I want this to be an amazing, memorable weekend.

Limo or not?

Help!

Post from: Blisstree

Limo Pickup from School – Cool or Not So Cool

Anything has to be better than being stuck with a babysitter while mom and dad go out celebrating until the wee hours, right?

One of the projects they mention sounds fun and entertaining for anyone – not just teens.

60 pictures for 60 minutes

Make a photo chronicle of the last hour of 2008 with your digital camera or camera phone. Instead of watching the clock, snap photos of things you really cared for or despised in 2008. Whether it be a pair of jeans, your work badge, whatever you can uncover in your general area. Take 60 photos during the last hour of 2008 and post them on Flickr, MySpace or Facebook. Post the photos with captions explaining why you chose the items.

Heck, that sounds like a fun project to do just about any time – with varied themes. Doesn’t it?

Anywho, check out the other fun ideas they have to help teens ring in the new year at: Chron.com

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New ways for teens to ring in the new year

Memories of the last couple of Christmases began to creep in and that planted the seed of fear – that another Christmas might become stressed or even ruined by negative influence.

Much to my relief, this Christmas has been defined as “the perfect Christmas” by all the kids – not just once, but several times.

Being in the new house where secure boundaries are being created really has paved the way for happiness, security and best of all a comfort that’s beyond compare.

As promised, here are a few photos of the new house in all it’s Christmastime glory:

We don’t have everything completely unpacked or in it’s proper place – but it’s getting there.

Regardless, the house is really starting to feel like home.

I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas and wish everyone a wonderful and happy new year.

Post from: Blisstree

Christmas in our new home

Thanks to a holiday partnership between Google and the U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command, you and your kiddos can track Santa online right from your computer or cell phone.

Starting at 6:00 a.m. EST on Christmas Eve, you can follow Santa and his reindeers all the way from the North Pole to your doorstep in real-time. This year the following options have been made available:

1. Go to noradsanta.org to see a map of Santa’s current location, along with high-resolution video and geolocated photos of his sleigh zipping around the globe
2. Download the NORAD Tracks Santa add-on for Google Earth (available starting December 24), then follow Santa’s adventures in 3D within the program.
3. Add the NORAD Tracks Santa gadget to your iGoogle homepage. You’ll get a box with Santa’s latest location and links to videos and maps right on your start page.
4. Install Google Maps for Mobile on your cell phone, then search for "norad Santa" within the program to get instant updates on Santa’s progress.
5. Add @noradsanta to your Twitter friends to keep up via tweet. "Bitz the Elf" will stay in touch once you’re connected.

For those anxious to get the Christmas activities underway – there are some countdown games and activities for kids on the official NORAD site here.

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Track Santa Online This Christmas

When it comes to holiday wish lists, I sometimes feel their wishes are as big as their appetite.

I’ve always felt $100 – $150 each plus another $30 for stocking stuffers was sufficient, but with the advancements in technology and the “really awesome games” that keep coming out, I’m finding it more difficult to keep their wishes reigned in to a lesser dollar amount.

How much do you spend on your kids during the holidays? Are you cutting back this year and if so, do you worry if your kids will be disappointed?

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How much do you spend on your kids during the holidays?

“The mall suggested we put a paper clip or something lighter in there so it’s not the constant clanging,” said Maj. Robert Lyle, the local commander who ordered the switch.

I don’t know about you, but those bells ringing are a part of the holiday season I enjoy so much. Those cranky asses who don’t like the bells ringing and all the cheer that is ushered in after Thanksgiving should stay home and order in via the internet for that entire month.

I’ve notice this year, people have put up their Christmas lights, trees and decorations much earlier than ever before. I have pondered this and have come to only one conclusion, that being the fact that this year has been pure hell on so many. With fuel prices, the election and the overall trauma our economy has caused – people are reaching out for what little cheer they can find. The holidays are a cheerful time of peace and joy and people are wanting to beckon that cheer early.

I can see it!

I say let the Salvation Army have their bells. What’s one month out of the year to tolerate a little cheerful noise as opposed to some of the other noises that clog our daily lives?

Thoughts? Anyone?

Image Credit: Stock.xchng

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Bah-Humbug – Charity Christmas Bells Muted

Laughter truly is the best medicine and it just doesn’t get any better than the nice little package presented by Jeff Dunham. Jeff is by far the funniest comedian going.

Here’s the scoop:

Let laughter light up the tree this year! Jeff Dunham and his puppet pals take the stage for an unforgettable evening of holiday-themed ventriloquist comedy.  The world premiere of “Jeff Dunham’s Very Special Christmas Special” airs on Comedy Central Sunday, November 16 at 9:00 p.m.

The encore presentations air Sunday, November 16 at 10:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 18 at 10:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m., November 23 at 9:00 p.m. and Friday, November 28 at 10:00 p.m.

There are chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at children’s noses and some dude’s hand up a puppet’s a$$?!? It sounds like Christmas is here for Jeff Dunham and he’s bringing his family to meet Comedy Central stand-up fans!  Sure, no one wants to keep Grandpa company when he’s being a grump, so let the ever-sarcastic Walter keep him busy as he rails against a world full of peckerheads.  Puppet extraordinaire Melvin the Superhero can use his X-ray vision to see if the turkey is cooked all the way through, but don’t ask him to carry it, because he’s pretty weak.  For those who can’t handle their girlfriend’s family much longer, don’t do anything drastic!  Achmed the Suicide Bomber proves there’s no light at the end of the tunnel, just Jeff Dunham.  His family might be plastic, but that doesn’t mean viewers can’t celebrate Christmas and the holiday season with them! Don’t miss this hilarious, one-man, many-puppet showcase, premiering only on Comedy Central.

After the success of “Arguing With Myself” and “Spark of Insanity,” his first two one-hour specials on Comedy Central, Dunham is back with all-new, laugh-out-loud action!  Performing 40 weeks and 250 dates a year in concert venues, comedy clubs and countless private corporate appearances, Jeff Dunham is one of the most sought-after entertainers working today.  Dunham has made numerous appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and he was recently nominated “Comedian of the Year” by the Music City News Country Awards.

Jeff Dunham is clean enough for most families – I absolutely adore him and think you will too!

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World Television Premiere of "Jeff Dunham’s Very Special Christmas Special" This Sunday

Granted, I’m not much for camping in the sense of popping a tent and sleeping on the ground, but I am anxious to try out our new camper we purchased over the summer.  It’s got a nice sized bathroom with shower – there’s a TV with DVD player, a microwave, stove, sink, refrigerator and sleeps 8.

We went earlier today to pick out our camping spot and found one that has a nice view of the lake. 

I’ve got several books I’m looking forward to reading while holding down a nice comfy chase lounge chair.

When I return Monday, I’ll be bringing with me a bit of a surprise – so stay tuned!

I wish all my readers located in the U.S. a safe and wonderful holiday. 

What are you planning this holiday weekend?

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Farewell to a very long summer

I’m wondering these things because it is a reality that many American families have to deal with, every June. With divorce rates and teen pregnancies so high, many families are left without a father. I’m curious to know how they deal with a day like Father’s Day and the void that so many children must feel. I know that the absence of a father is something that single mothers deal with year round, but certainly, it must be worse on a day designated to celebrate a man who (in their situation) doesn’t care to be around or has passed away.

If this situation applies to you, please let me know your opinion on the topic. I know it must be difficult to deal with and I feel empathy for those who fall under this category. I myself, have had a hard time with Father’s Day since my parent’s divorced and my dad moved so far away. Furthermore, my Grandpa (who became my father figure after the divorce) went to heaven in February. It will be a tough day for me, as I will be delivering my Grandpa’s card to his grave. I am blessed, however, to be able to celebrate the wonderful father that my husband is to my children. Many are not so blessed. To all of you who will live through tomorrow, fatherless, my prayers and thought are with you.

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Father-less Day

I have to start by saying, the car ride to our destination was very pleasant. The survival tips that I shared, worked wonders. The kids did not fight, even once. It was three hours of fun, as odd as that may sound. The first day at my in laws’ house was great. We played in the pool, ate lots of yummy food and enjoyed each other’s company. I think that first day was just enough to satiate their hunger for non stop fun. They passed out early and woke up late, which is a first in our family. Then, for some reason, things took a wrong turn and our trip went careening down the happy hill toward the valley of grump. The second day was filled with disobedience, arguing, fighting, toddlers drawing on the walls and countless other misdemeanors.

 We tried to reason with the older ones. We tried time outs. We tried everything we could think of, to turn their attitudes around and salvage our trip turned sour. We did not succeed. So, my husband and I did something extreme. We ended our trip. There are instances when you can change the situation by means of behavior modification and positivity. Then, there are times when that just doesn’t cut it and you have to resort to more extreme measures. Our 53.5 hour vacation was a good lesson for the kids. It showed them that Mom and Dad say what they mean and do what they say. We warned them that the trip would be cut short. They ignored the warning. We followed through. Maybe they will remember this lesson, the next time we take a trip. 

Would you end an errand, an outing or even a vacation, if your children refused to stop acting out? If not, what would you do? Sound off in the comments section.

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When All Else Fails…Leave