Happy Thanksgiving

I wanted to take this opportunity to say Happy Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving is a day that we all share.  No matter or religious belief, no matter what we are all united as Americanson this day.  Many people have a tradition on Thanksgiving of saying what they are thankful for and this year I thought that I would share it with all of you.

NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 26:  Crowds watch the Than...

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

  1. I am thankful for my family.  No matter what is going on they are always there.  While I know many people cannot spend time in a room with their families and in-laws I actually am lucky enough to enjoy their company.
  2. I am thankful for my babies.  I had been told when I was 20 that it would be near impossible to have children.  I remember feeling as if my life was over.  All I had ever wanted was to have a big family.  Having a Dr. tell you that your dreams could be shattered is never easy.  I showed them though.  I have 4 beautiful babies and the big family I had always wanted.
  3. I am thankful that god gives me the strength to deal with things such as bipolar and cerebral palsy on a regular basis.  I will admit that there have been days that I have been crippled by dealing with these illnesses.  I have resented god for giving my babies such challenges.  I have asked why me?  I have asked why them?  Now I accept it and we make the best of it all.  I would not trade them in for anything
  4. I am thankful for my husband who no matter what is always there by my side.  Again it is not always easy but love has shined in our lives and we give each other the boosts we need.
  5. I am thankful for my health.  In church there is a teen who has spent her life struggling with diabetes.  Recently it was discovered that she also has cancer.  As I pray for her each evening I also thank god that I am healthy, that my babies are healthy and that my husband is healthy.  There are so many things we take for granted.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to share what you are thankful for.  I know that some days it seems as if nothing goes right and that your life is terrible.  I think that what is important is that you put all of that into perspective.  Thanksgiving is a time to evaluate.  Thanksgiving is a time to truly look inward and discover your inner thanks.  What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Becca

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Christmas Countdown is About to Begin!

The Santa Clause

Image by gwen via Flickr

I know that it seems like it is too early to even think about Christmas, but the fact of the matter is that it is time to being AskBecca’s Christmas Countdown.  The goal of this years Christmas Countdown is to actually keep up with it.  For the past three years I have tried and tried to do a Christmas Countdown and the truth is that life tends to get in my way.  In September and October I am able to accomplish all of the posts and topics I want to.  From there it is all down hill.  Time becomes a problem and then poof Christmas is here.  This year I would like it all to go a little better!  So on Saturday, September 17th I will begin the Christmas Countdown 2011.  Here is what I have in store this year:

  • What is hot and what is not.  I will be in search of wonderful new products for kids and the family this coming Christmas season.
  • Sing a song… This year I would like to include some Lyrics to my all time favorite Christmas Carols.  One of my goals is to bring Christmas Caroling back this Christmas season.  In order to do that we will need to know all of the words to all of the favorites.
  • Movie time anyone?  We all know that Christmas time is the time for movies.  Christmas movies are a wonderful way to share time with your family and a way to look back to your childhood.  Christmas movies are not all I intend to post about.  We also know that many movies are released Christmas day.  Check in with me to see what movies you may want to stop into the theaters to see!
  • Santa Clause‘s Cookie Corner… We all know how the big guy loves his cookies.  The Christmas season is not complete without cookies.  I know that our family is not alone in baking dozens and dozens of cookies.  I will be sharing a cookie recipe a week to add to your recipe box.  If you have a favorite cookie recipe I would love to hear about it!  We all know that Christmas cookies are the key to a Merry Christmas!
  • Homemade Christmas Craft ideas.  Last year our family had a homemade Christmas.  For some members of our family this caused great stress, but for others it was wonderful.  There is nothing more special than creating a homemade Christmas craft!  We even encouraged the kids to get involved!  They loved making their cousins Christmas gifts!

As you can see there is a lot in store in this years Christmas Countdown.  You will not want to miss a day.

Just a reminder… Christmas is not about shopping and buying.  It is about sharing a magical time of year with our family and friends.  Do not get caught up in the hype.  Do not let it all stress you out.  Be sure to plan and I am sure that your family will have a wonderful Christmas 2011!

Becca

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Christmas Party

This year MomSelect sent me a box of the newest and best toys to try out and show other moms.  We decided to throw an early Christmas party with the great items.  Included in my kit was a

PLAY-DOH Mega Fun Factory playset

A PLAY-DOH Shape and Spin Elmo

2 Build a Bear Small Fries

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes

3D Sneaky Puzzle Singin’ Sea Creatures

PlayMobile First Day at School set

We gave the kids a chance to play with each of these new and exciting products, do crafts, eat some  yummy holiday treats and even spend some time with Santa and Mrs. Clause. The kids had a chance to hear “The Night Before Christmas” and play “Santa” says.  We also had a snowball race and played Christmas Bingo where there were prizes to be won!  I think that the kids all had a blast.  I know that many of them did not want to go home.

I think that this party was a huge success.  Emma had a great birthday with great toys to play with.  The kids loved the puzzle and play-doh play sets. And the moms enjoyed seeing all of these great toys out of their boxes!  Thanks to MomSelect for another great opportunity to share a party with friends  and family!  I know that the kids all loved it!

Becca

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Christmas Countdown: 75 Days of Christmas

WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 03:  A Christmas wreath ...
Image by Getty Images via @daylife

I am already thinking about Christmas.  For those of you who know me… you know that this is what I do.  Once there is a slight chill in the air I feel that it is my job to remind you all that Christmas is coming!  I have decided this year not to stress you all out too early.  I will be changing my 75 days of Christmas countdown to 50 days of Christmas Countdown.  There are a lot of things that I want to cover this year so I hope that beginning November 6th you will join me on a holiday excursion.   Some of the things that I am hoping to cover this year are:

  • Hot Toys This Christmas:  Find out early what will be hot this holiday and what will not!
  • Cookies:  I am planning on baking my way through my 101 cookie recipe book.  This was semi inspired by Julie and Julia.  I will be adding a rate that cookie button which will allow you to tell me what you think once you have baked a certain cookie!
  • How to have a homemade Christmas:  This year our family has all decided we will have a homemade holiday.  Take a look at what I have been crafting, baking and share some of your own ideas.
  • Daily Featured Videos from Youtube.com
  • Holiday Traditions Now and Then
  • How to Pick the Perfect Live Christmas Tree
  • Holiday Christmas Cards
  • Christmas Organizational Tips

There are many more Christmas adventures I hope to share with all of you.  So be sure to mark your calenders for November 6th when Ask Becca launches 50 days of Christmas: A Christmas Countdown!

Becca

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New Years Resolutions:2010 Goals

Sydney. Fireworks Newyear 2006. Opera House an...
Image via Wikipedia

Now that we are winding down 2009 it is time to look ahead into the future.  This is always a tough time of year.  You feel like doing nothing.  All of the holiday hype is over and now I am TIRED!  I am sitting on the couch having a Jamma day wondering what will make 2010 different from 2009.  It is always fun to think of what you will do new and different.  For me it is implimentation that is the issue.  I, like many others, tend not to meet myresolutions.  Is there a possibility that 2010 will be different?  My answer is yes.  This is my year to shine and here is why:

  1. The kids are a little older now so perhaps I will have a little more energy to focus on myself.
  2. I am preparing myself to be a success in my mind.
  3. I need to get healthy.
  4. I have a nice support system set up this time

So with all of this going for me I am sure to be a success.  I know that last year I most likely said the same thing but this year I am going to do it.  I will be embarking on my weight loss journey on January 2, 2010 and would love to have some of you join me.

If weight loss is not a resolution please share your resolution with us.  Support is the most effective way to accomplish your goals.  So what do you hope to accomplish this year?

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Christmas Countdown 2009: Holiday Checklist

75 Days of Christmas Countdown:

55  Days Until Christmas

It is so important as the holidays approach to have a game plan.  I think that there are some simple things that can be done early.  These are not things that will be rushing the holiday.  They are things that will help you to be more prepared when they get here.

Image by disneyspeak.com via Flickr
  • Start Baking: There are many holiday treats that can be frozen and thaw well.  By starting holday baking a little at a time now you will have a chance to enjoy friends and family more at the holidays.
  • Get the calender out: It is never too early to start firming up plans for the holidays.  If you are planning a holiday party discuss them with friends and family now.  If there is a special trip you would like to pick the weekend now.  If there is a special day you would like to go shopping with a friend confirm the date and make the plans now.  If you would like to go see Disney‘s, “A Christmas Carol in 3-D” pick the date now.
  • Update Address Book: All through the year people move, pass away and change their phone numbers.  Go through your address book and make sure that you have all of the correct addresses for friends and family.  This will mean that when it comes time to send out Christmas cards you will be ready.
  • Make a Master Gift List: Write each person you need to shop for.  As you think of things that they will enjoy add it to your list.  Remember to leave room to check off when you buy it.  ALso remember to keep it away from the kids.  This also helps you hunt for the best price.
  • Develop a Budget: This is more important this year than it may have been in years past.  Many people have said that they will be spending less this year.  This means that we will all have to plan more and spend less.  
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Christmas Coundown 2009: Christmas Cheer

75 Days of Christmas Countdown

60 Days Until Christmas:

Unfortunately this year we have had some turbulent, personal issues.  This has meant that I have neglected the first 15 days of my famous 75 Days of Christmas Countdown.  With all of that being said I think that the most important thing to address this year is Christmas Cheer.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (TV special)
Image via Wikipedia

What is Christmas Cheer you ask?  It is that special kind of happiness that only comes one time a year.  It is a time that we should all be a little nicer.  For some it is a time for family and friends and for others it is a time for giving back to their communities.  It is the desire to gather around with others and just be cheerful.

Now I am not sure why, but many people are lacking in their holiday cheer.  I have kept my mouth closed about this long enough.  I cannot contain my disappointment any longer.  It seems like Christmas has been taken over by the Grinch.  Christmas cheer is a quickly dying experience.  In the stores, on the street, in community centers, Christmas Cheer is dying.

So here is what I plan on doing about it.  I am going to be the Christmas Cheerleader.  I am going to spread Christmas cheer even to those whose hearts are three sizes too small.  I am going to help out our troops with the Girl Scouts, I am going to visit the nursing home with some presents, I am going to do everything I can think of to infect the people in this country with some good old fashion Christmas Cheer!  Join me in my quest to revive what we all love about Christmas!

Becca

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Easter Traditions: Dying Easter Eggs

Our Eater Egg Dying Day

easter-5

Emma and Analiese are all smiles

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Abigail with a rare smile

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Abigail and Rob having fun together

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Emma pouring carefully

easter-2

Our Left over dye

easter-1

Our finished product!

I love Easter eggs.  They are a sure sign that Easter is closer then we think.  The kids had a blast.  Everyone was smiling and getting along and for the first time ever we had a lot of fun doing it.  We used two different dying kits and I would have to say that the PAAS brand really does work the best.  The other brand did not fully dissolve and I was not as pleased with the colors.  Either way we have some great looking eggs this year.  We used the clear wax crayon and made polka dots and designs.  Daddy even made an egg that says Eat Me.  I hope that you all have a great time dying Easter eggs this year.  I would love to see some pictures.

I had wanted to make the Easter eggs from an earlier post but it was a little too hard this time.  The kids just wanted to dig in.  I am not sure that I really want them to attempt the leaf ones.  I would try on my own but how many hard boiled eggs does one family need?  I think that 18 is more then enough for this family.  I hate hard boiled eggs as does Rob.  Emma will only eat the middle and Analiese just makes a mess with them..  I do not want Abigail eating them all on her own!

Becca

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Family Easter Traditions

Calgary Zoo Easter Bunny 2
Image by thivierr via Flickr

I became so interested in Easter traditions this week because so many people visited. It is a shame that more people did not leave their family Easter Traditions in the comments section. I was really hoping to post all of the great ones that I hear this week. I know that one that was mentioned time and time again is dying Easter eggs. Today is our big Easter egg dying day and I am so excited! I think that we are going to have a blast. I know that the smell of vinegar can turn some off the the entire thing but I think that it is important for people to give it a try!

Another tradition that people mentioned is spending time with family. This is what the holidays are all about. Being in a room with the people who share your gene pool. I know that for a lot of people this can be the down side to a holiday but I think that without the mother who wants to know when you are going to have another baby, the stinky grandparent and the kid who is eating dirt there are no memories. These are the people who have formed us into the person we are today. They really are the fabric of our lives. If we love ourselves then we have to love them. It is a guilt by association thing.

The Easter bunny is a tradition that I had forgotten to mention. I cannot believe that I left him out! Here is a little bit of Easter Bunny History! It is said that the Easter Bunny has been around before Easter. I know this is hard to believe! He is said to have originated in Germany in the 1600s. The Easter bunny can either just leave a basket out in plain site or he can hide it. In our house he is always hiding it here and there. The kids have a blast trying to find it and figure out whose is whose. I wish he had more time to write a name or two down.

There is one more tradition that I forgot to mention. The Easter Bonnet has always been my love of Easter. There are not many times in this day in age that a lady can wear a hat without people looking at her funny. I think that the hats and the white gloves just make Easter what everyday used to be. I wish that we all still dressed to the nines like this for church. I think that it is sad that it is now acceptable to wear jeans and a tee to Church. You should be in your Sunday best. That used to mean a hat and Gloves. Now it means jeans? What are we thinking people? Either way, Easter is a time when we can dust the hat off and slip the gloves on and walk a little taller!  Oh and do not forget to play the song Easter Parade when you are walking down the street in your bonnet and gloves!

Becca

I would still love to learn some more about what Easter traditions your family has.  Please let me know in the comment section.  I think it adds to the fun!


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20 Days Until Christmas

Jim Carrey as The Grinch
Image via Wikipedia

OK I know I missed a few.  In the last 20 days I have been sick as have all of the kids.  Today is the first day that everyone made it to school and I am breathing a sigh of relief.  Needless to say I am way behind on my schedule.  I had wanted to be so much further along by now.  I have a bit of catching up to do!

I feel like the Grinch has stolen my Christmas! The house is not decorated, pictures of the kids have not been done, shopping is started but not complete, Abigail thinks that I am Santa Clause and no cookies are baked.  This weekend it the big one for us.  I would like to get everything decorated and all set.  This will leave time over the next week or so to do some baking.  I think that this will have me all caught up.  Wish me luck.  I think that I am going to need it!

Becca

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