Winterguard-First Competition of the 2013 Season!

First it was FFA, raising a goat, sponsoring committees, fundraising, etc. and I still have to do some of that stuff, but I'm off to my fourth season as a "Guard Mom" chaperoning contests and chauffering my daughter to practices.  And in case you don't know what Winterguard is, it's the Color Guard field team dancing and spinning flags, rifles, and sabers to music.  It's big here in Texas!

Their first contest was held Saturday, February 2nd (wasn't that Groundhog Day, too?  I didn't get to "celebrate" it!  LOL).  Out of 13 guards in their class, they won third place.  Pretty good for the first competition, because as the season goes on, the show keeps getting better.  This show wasn't perfect.  There were a few drops, etc.  but it was great!  The first time I see their show is always fabulous!  I always think, "I never knew she could do that!" or "I'm so impressed!"

Anyway, here's the video, just a little shaky, and really only showing half the floor because I wanted to keep my camera on my daughter the whole time, and my camera doesn't have a wide enough angle to shoot the whole gym, unless I got at the very top.  Then, it would be diffcult to see who's who.  Oh, well.  Enjoy Subscribe in a reader

Winter Guard

I'm so happy my daughter joined ColorGuard/Winter Guard this year!  It's been challenging at times, but there are some fun times as well.  And she has a great group of girls to hang out with!  I went to their second competition Saturday.  The things these girls can do just amazes me!  I'm so proud of all of them.  And if you're not familiar with what a Color Guard does with the band during field season or what a Winter Guard does, check out the Texas Color Guard Circuit.  Here is the performance I taped Saturday (including a little bit of the lady's big hair who was in front of me-LOL). I actually got the whole show. Last time, my recorder cut off. Hope you enjoy it!

Valentine Cupcake Wrappers Contest

THE NOTEBOOK - most romantic movie ever! Julie is the winner! I'm having a Valentine contest! The winner will receive 24 of these adorable pink and black cupcake wrappers in a Valentine theme. (Darling way to dress up cupcakes for a party!) These are from That's a Wrap2 on Etsy. And I want to thank Mamarazzi for giving me her suggestions.

The Contest: What is the most romantic movie ever made?

Two steps are REQUIRED to enter this contest:

1. Tweet this giveaway. Come back here and leave your tweet link in the comments. If you don't tweet, you could post this link on your Facebook page.

2. In a separate comment (after you tweet/FB link), leave the title of what you consider to be the most romantic movie ever made.

I will choose one of the movies from all the entries, and you will win these darling cupcake wrappers. You may duplicate other responses. If more than one person leaves a comment with the movie that I ultimately choose, I will use random.org to break the tie(s).

Please leave a way for me to contact you via email when the contest ends. The winner will have two days to claim the prize or another winner will be selected. Contest ends at 11:59 CST on February 1. (to give me time to mail your goodies before Valentine's Day.)

Let the fun begin!

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Vote for the Top Blog

One of my favorite blogs is Dandelion Wishes. If you have never visited Mamarazzi at her blog, first of all, where have you been? Just kidding. But seriously, she has an awesome blog... Happy Lists, Queen for a Day, cooking with her daughter, a dose of humor in pretty much every post.

She's been nominated for Top Blog 2010 by The Blog Guidebook. She's made it all the way to round FOUR! She's also offering prizes to those of us who vote for her, so I voted. Will you?

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NaBloPoMo

November, 2009

Win an HP Touchsmart 600 at 5 Minutes for Mom

5 Minutes for Mom is sponsoring some great Christmas giveaways this season including THIS ONE for an HP Touchsmart 600 computer. Not only are they giving one away to one of their readers, but they are trying to win a second computer to give away to a deserving person nominated by their readers. I have a blog friend that I am nominating to win that computer, but I've got to help 5 Minutes for Mom win it so they can give it away! And wouldn't you like to know who I'm nominating? Well, I'm sorry, but I'm not telling! It would be so awesome if the person I nominate wins, and I'll be sure to announce it here if they do, but in the meantime, I'd love for you to go over to 5 Minutes for Mom, enter their contest, tweet about it, facebook about it, and nominate someone yourself. You might even win one! And go check out this amazing computer (retails for $1599!). What are you waiting for?

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Win a Kindle

Go ahead and click over to Noobie and sign up to win a Kindle. No obligation! Just fill out a form and you're done. You know you want to! So, go!

Amazing Giveaway

Here's a LINK to an amazing giveaway of over $100 worth of scrapbooking/stamping supplies. You know you want to win it! If it can't be me, it might as well be you. Visit Creative Antics.

Voting Begins Today

Hi all! Voting for photos begins today at Company Girl. The winners will have their photos published in a beautiful coffee table style book about friendship. I have two photos I'd love you to vote for: one of my daughter and her two friends waiting to get makeovers and one of three of my blog/facebook/real life friends when we met for the first time. (D, Kris, and Bubba's Sis are in that picture.) They are numbers 310 and 311. I'd love to get a vote from you!

Valentine Contest Winner

Thank you to everyone who left a comment to enter my Valentine Contest. You are full of great ideas! Unfortunately, I haven't decided the best one yet. Maybe a combination. Here are a few creative thoughts I received.

Heather said

Key in on what he likes and just show you care. Don't let the gift do the talking!

Isn't that sweet? We do tend to forget the point of the gift-giving

Wani's idea was fabulous, and I may to this for Christmas.

You could always take a picture of the two of you and have it turned into artwork.

Can't do this now because it's cost-prohibitive. But how creative is that?

Lissa offered this suggestion:

Does your newspaper publish a Valentine Page? (like in the classifieds) I wished my hubby Happy Valentines Day that way...

Alas, my community newspaper doesn't publish announcements or messages. The Houston Chronicle does, but it's cost-prohibitive.

Charlotte said:

...who says only men can send flowers.

He would definitely kill me, because not only is he unromantic, he's a very private person.

BUT!

I'm thinking, maybe it'd be worth it! Instead of flowers, I'm thinking a big balloon. If I don't post anything after Valentine's Day, you'll know what happened to me! Maybe the steak dinner, special dessert, sugar cookies, and some after-dinner activities will save me!

Random.org helped me choose the winner, and I'd like to congratulate Charlotte from Life's a Charm! She will receive a $50 gift certificate to Tiny Prints (who I also must thank for offering the prize). Charlotte, please contact me with your snail mail info. Thanks!

Bloggy Giveaway Carnival!

This giveaway is closed. Joy is the winner! Congrtatulations, and thank you to everyone who entered.
This is the third time I've participated in this awesome carnival of bloggy giveaway goodness. It's a great way to meet people and connect with new blogs and friends.

Since scrapbooking is my favorite hobby, I have a kid-themed package of goodies for one lucky winner:

*Memory Makers Book Titled All Kids Scrapbook Pages - over 180 fresh, new, page ideas.

*Deja Views Sport Paper and Punch Out Tablet - 20 printed 8x8 papers and 314 cardstock embellishments

*Best Occasions Vellum Quote Pack Kids - 24 sheets of vellum quotes.

At the end of the carnival, random.org will help me select a winner.

This giveaway will run from January 26-January 30, 11:59 CST.

I can only afford to send to US addresses, please. Make sure I have a way to contact you (email, blog, etc.). You do not have to be a blogger to win!

All you need to do to earn one chance to win is leave a comment on this post. Simple!

Extra entries - you may do any or all of the following - Leave an extra comment for each entry.1. Subscribe to my blog via a reader (let me know if you already subscribe).

2. Follow my blog (let me know if you already follow).

3. Stumble this post.

4. Blog about this post. Don't forget to leave your link.

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Head over to the Bloggy Giveaways Quarterly Carnival for TONS of prizes!

Valentine Contest

Winner to receive a $50 Tiny Prints * gift certificate! Will it be you?

If you've never visited Tiny Prints, please do so. They have a new line of Valentine cards, beautiful stationery, birth announcements, notecards, birthday cards, invitations, photo cards, stickers, and so much more! They are all printed professionally on high quality stationery, and they have such a variety, you're sure to find something you love.

Put your thinking cap on now.

I have no idea what to do for my husband for Valentine's Day this year. He's not the most romantic guy, and he never plans ahead, just to give you an idea of what he's like. He doesn't particularly like surprises. Go figure! So, I don't want to do anything too mushy, and I don't have a lot of time to devote to this since I work and have so many other obligations. I also don't want to spend more than $30 or $40. Obviously, he'll get a card (Tiny Prints has some pretty ones!) but what else?

Here's the deal. Can you come up with a unique, affordable idea for Valentine's Day? Please help me out! The person whose idea I choose will win the $50 gift certificate to Tiny Prints. Just leave your suggestion** in the comments on this post no later than January 28, 2009. One idea could get you SIX entries! See below.

Extra entries - after you've left your idea, you may do any or all of the following - Leave an extra comment for each entry.

1. Subscribe to my blog via a reader (let me know if you already subscribe).

2. Follow my blog (let me know if you already follow).

3. Stumble this post.

4. Blog about this post. Don't forget to leave your link.

5. Visit Tiny Prints and come back here and tell me your favorite Valentine design.

*If you decide to go ahead and place an order at Tiny Prints, you can receive 10% off orders of $49 or more by using coupon code TPLOVE by February 2, 2009. See details on their website.

**You MUST leave an idea for me first to be entered in the contest.

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Amazon Giveaway for YOU! Happy Blogversary to Me!

The Winner is Mommyhood is Thankless! She'll have 48 hours to confirm. Thanks, everyone!

On Saturday, I will celebrate my three year blogversary! It's hard to believe, but I have been blogging for almost three years. In those three years, I've learned a lot about the blogging community, technology, and "IF's." (Internet Friendships) I've discovered how much I like to write, whether it's journaling, sharing life's ups and downs, poetry, fiction, nonfiction, or memes. Take a walk with me down memory lane...

Memory Lane

My Very First Post - 2005, December 13
Ranting about State Mandated Testing - 2006, February 20
Morning Scenarios - 2006, November 5
All About Kisses - 2007, January 6
A Poem about the News - 2007, April 6
Wicked Fiction - 2007, July 23
Holiday Memories - 2007, December 22

Blindfolded at the Park, 2008, August 2
I am NOT Forgetful! - 2008, August 15

Post-Hurricane Post and Poem - 2008, September 13

Celebrate with me!

Here's how you can win a $20 Amazon Gift Card - I wish it was more, but at least it is in time to do some online holiday shopping.

1. Visit and leave a comment on at least one of the posts in my "Memory Lane" above.

2. Leave some comment luv on this post.

3. Make sure I have a way to contact you.

4. This giveaway is open World-Wide!

5. Comments will be open until 11:59 PM CST December 13, 2008. The winner will 48 hours to contact me to confirm their name and address.

6. Earn an extra entry by subscribing to my blog. Leave a separate comment letting me know you subscribed. If you already subscribe, leave a comment letting me know that.

7. Earn an extra entry when you follow my blog. Leave a separate comment letting me know you follow (whether you're new or already do).

8. Earn five (5) extra entries by blogging about this post on your blog. Please leave a comment with your link.

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P. S. Don't forget to leave a comment on my Along Came an Angel post for your chance to win a great prize!

Christmas Giveaways

I shouldn't tell you about this because I really want to win some of these prizes (besides, you may already know, and you may see the new button in my sidebar) - but... 5 Minutes for Mom is having a week of Christmas Giveaways that started today and continue through November 25th! One of the prizes is an Epson Artisan 800 All-in-One Printer, and I would sooo love to win that! I could print my scrapbooking photos right here at home, quickly, in high definition, as well as all of the documents the kids and I need for school and work. Plus, it's wireless!

There are going to be tons of giveaways, so it's a good time to visit 5 Minutes for Mom!

Plus, I've added a giveaway to my Refreshn' Dryer Towel review. If you haven't commented yet, go visit my post and enter to win!

Win $50 to Tiny Prints!

I recently received a sample package of cards from Tiny Prints. They sent me a variety of cards including personalized notecards, kids' thank you postcards, and holiday greetings. These deluxe greetings are printed on quality cardstock with superior detail and design. They have a huge variety of cards available including birth announcements, invitations, birthday and holiday cards, as well as personal and corporate stationery. Now you can communicate with style! They have even started a new line of wedding papers and invitations called Wedding Paper Divas.

Here is a sample of some of their cards:

Would you like a chance to win $50 to spend at Tiny Prints? Visit this post at Family Review Network and enter for your chance to choose a holiday design for the Tiny Prints line and a $50 gift certificate for products of your choice. Click over now! You have until September 30, 2008 to enter this contest. Good luck!

Mama Kat's Hoover Giveaway Extravaganza

You could win the Hoover U5491-900 WindTunnel Anniversary-Edition Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner. Leave a comment at Mama Kat's Blog Mama's Losin' It!

Win Bob the Builder Can-Do Zoo Software

Now here's a great CD-ROM for your little guys (and even girls, too) that will teach them something, but they will be having so much fun, they may not even realize they're learning! (Suggested for ages 3-6.)

Bob the Builder Can-Do Zoo is Early Childhood software for your Windows or Macintosh computer. With characters your child is familiar with, bright graphics, and fun activities, your child is sure to love this CD-ROM, and he (or she) can learn in English or Spanish. And your child earns "stickers" as each part of the job is completed (positive feedback). There are three modes of play and three skill settings you can change as your child progresses.

"The animals ... have arrived. Unfortunately, the zoo hasn't been built yet! Bob and his Can-Do Crew need your help to build a home for the animals." Can we build it? Yes, we can!

Some of the skills your little one will practice include problem solving, critical thinking, object classification, planning and time sequencing, patterns, and shape & color identification. I rate this software an A+!

Brighter Minds Media (the creators of Diner Dash) have given me a brand-new copy of the award-winning Bob the Builder Can-Do Zoo to give away to one lucky U.S. winner (retail value $19.95). To be eligible to win, just leave a comment on this post telling me who you would give this to. To earn an extra entry, subscribe to my blog or stumble this post. You can earn up to three entries. Please leave a separate comment for each of your entries. This contest will end at 11:59 PM on September 30th.

Check out the Family Review Network for other great product reviews and contests.

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:13
Timestamp: 2008-10-02 04:22:04 UTC

The winner is Nadia!

Prima Princessa Swan Lake

In this charming presentation of Swan Lake, Prima Princessa is the darling, animated, fairy ballerina who narrates the adventure of a live ballet performance for a group of young girls. Between scenes, the girls get to dress up in pretty tutus and learn simple ballet steps. Prima Princessa narrates in such a way that, while the ballet is sophisticated, young girls will understand. It's a fresh and fun introduction to the world of classical ballet that your little girl is sure to love.

The script was written by two moms, Stephanie Troeller and Mary Kate Mellow, with inspiration from their own dancing daughters. The DVD combines animation, professional dance, and ballet instruction into a 40 minute, entertaining movie.

Do you have an aspiring ballerina that would love this DVD? I am giving away one copy of Prima Princessa Swan Lake to one lucky winner. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling why you think your daughter would love this DVD. Contest ends at 11:59 PM September 21, 2008.

Subscribe to my blog (subscription button at top left of blog) and you will receive five extra entries! Please leave a separate comment telling me which feed reader you used to subscribe.

Comment number 4, Genevieve, is the winner!

Win a copy of the book The History of Love

Family Review Network
Mom Bloggers Club

Pay it Forward - September Giveaway

I have a book to give away this month. It is a gently read copy of The History of Love by Nicole Krauss. This was one of our books-of-the-month at Reader's Anonymous, in May, I think.
A long-lost book reappears, mysteriously connecting an old man searching for his son and a girl seeking a cure for her widowed mother's loneliness. This extraordinary book was inspired by the author's four grandparents and by a pantheon of authors whose work is haunted by loss—Bruno Schulz, Franz Kafka, Isaac Babel, and more. It is truly a history of love: a tale brimming with laughter, irony, passion, and soaring imaginative power.

All you have to do to win this book is leave a comment on this post by midnight CST September 28. US entries only, please. I just can't afford shipping internationally. The winner does not have to Pay it Forward unless he/she chooses to do so.

The Pay it Forward Book Giveaway is a concept organized by Overwhelmed with Joy. She has three books to give away: Hitched by Carol Higgins Clark, I Choose This Day by Sharon Fieker, and The Divide by Nicholas Evans. She also links Pay it Forward posts from other bloggers.

I hope you'll enter my giveaway, if you think this book will interest you or someone you know, then head over to Overwhelmed for her main Pay It Forward post! Thanks!

The winner is Veronda!

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

I almost forgot (go figure!) to post this photo for the Summer Fun Photo Contest sponsored by 5 Minutes for Mom. The deadline to enter is August 13th at noon. Go enter your family-friendly, summer photo now!

The contest is sponsored by The Skinny Cow. My family discovered them in our search for delicious, low-fat, frozen treats. Our favorites are the mint fudge cone, chocolate sandwich, and the new caramel chocolate skinny dippers.