SoftLips Review & Giveaway

random.org selected #5, Myya, as the winner. Congratulations!

I get the worst chapped lips. I'm constantly having to put something on them, even before I go to sleep at night. I talk all day at work, so having lip gloss of lip balm is a necessity. I love these new SoftLips products!

SoftLips makes a new line of "Pure" products including Lip Butter with a tube applicator, Natural Lip Polish (which gently exfoliates the lips), Natural Lip Gloss (in 4 natural shades), and Natural Lip Tint (in 3 shades).

The Lip Butter is hydrating and moisturizing. The Lip Polish uses organic coconut flakes and beeswax to exfoliate and moisturize the lips. The Lip Gloss comes in a handy tube applicator. The Lip Tint, which also contains zinc oxide, provides a sheer tint.

The best thing about these products is that they are all natural. They are made with pure, organic ingredients with no preservatives and no gluten. They also provide SPF 15 sunscreen.

Giveaway! The generous people at SoftLips will send one of my readers a fabulous gift pack of new, organic products. Here's how to enter:

1. Required - 2 steps. Follow me publicly AND leave a comment on this post.

Extra Entries: Please leave a comment for each extra entry.

2. Tweet this post. Be sure to leave your link.
3. Comment on a non-giveaway post on my blog & come back to tell me which post.
4. Stumble this post.

5. "Like" SoftLips Facebook page.

Giveaway is open to US residents only and will end September 6 at 11:59 PM, CST. Please make sure I have a valid email address to reach you. Good luck!

This post was written for Family Review Network & SoftLips who provided the complimentary product in exchange for my honest review.

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No Cure

Cancer has been on my mind a lot lately since both my mother and mother-in-law were diagnosed with breast cancer within a week of each other. This is my mom's second go-round with cancer, the first being lung cancer for which she had surgery and chemotherapy about 18 months ago.

The truth of the matter, in my opinion, is that we are no closer to finding a cure for cancer now than we were in the 1970's. We can "treat" cancer (more about that topic later), but we can't cure it. Radiology, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are big business. What would happen to these industries if a cure were found?

Did you know that only about 16% of what you donate to "charity" actually goes to the cause? The rest includes overhead, advertising, salaries, and such. And which researchers, exactly, do the donations fund? Exactly what are they doing? I'm especially disheartened after reading this article from the Cancer Prevention Coalition. I'm afraid there may never be a cure for cancer found at the rate things are going now. Sorry to be such a downer. This is just weighing heavily on my mind lately.

Certain Dri Anti-Perspirant and Giveaway

This giveaway is closed. Kathy is the winner.

I've been using Certain Dri Anti-Perspirant for a few days now in place of my regular anti-perspirant/deodorant, and I can tell you... I'm pleased. It keeps me dry, even in this Houston heat!

Certain Dri now comes in a solid, which is the kind I have been using. It feels dry going on, keeps me dry, and has a light, pleasant fragrance. It's also the leading dermatologist recommended product for controlling excessive underarm perspiration. The solid is made with 25% aluminum sesquichlorohydrate, the strongest over-the-counter formula available.

The makers of Certain Dri recommend using the solid before bedtime. A morning shower won't wash it away. And it will continue to work for up to 72 hours.

Certain Dri is available at most supermarkets and drug stores nationwide for about $5.50.

Giveaway! The makers of Certain Dri will send one of my readers the same item I received, a 1.7 ounce solid stick. U. S. Residents only. Please make sure I have an email to reach you at. Deadline for entry, September 1, 11:59 PM.

1. To enter: Leave a comment on this post.
Extra Entries: Come back and leave a comment for each extra entry.
2. Tweet this post.
3. Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post.
4. Follow me publicly.

Good luck!
This post was written as part of a campaign with Family Review Network and Certain Dri who provided the product for my honest review and will provide the winner's product.

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Mamarazzi's Guilty Pleasures Swap

I'm once again participating in one of Mamarazzi's swaps, and I'm so excited! For this one, I'll be sending my partner some of the things that I consider "guilty pleasures." (Get your mind out of the gutter! This is a family blog!) Hmmm. What are the things that aren't necessarily good for me, and aren't necessary to live, but make me feel pampered? What are your guilty pleasures?

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SuperWoman Syndrome

I was lying in bed last Tuesday night trying desperately to breathe through my stuffy nose and stifle my dry cough, and I panicked! I didn't publish a post that day! It was the first day in six months (that's half a year!) that I didn't post something. I didn't publish a post the next day, either. But the world didn't end!

I was feeling so crummy, I had to admit... I am NOT SuperWoman! I like to think I am. I can maintain a household of five, get the kids where they need to be, and go to church on Sundays. I can work full time and do a darn good job. And I can publish a blog post daily. Usually. "Can" is the key word.

Sometimes I think I place unnecessary expectations on myself. I expect more of myself than other people do. I need to admit to myself that while I CAN do all of these things, I don't need to do them all. Have you had a look at one of my typical days lately? Does anyone else have SuperWoman Syndrome? I think it's time to give ourselves a break!

Don't forget to check out my giveaways. They're linked at the top of the page!

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Thursday Thirteen

A glimpse at a typical work day this week:

1. Wake up at 5:45 AM.

2. Make sure the twins eat breakfast, brush their teeth, get their lunches, and get out the door to go to the bus stop on time.

3. Get dressed and ready for work.

4. Teach 6th grade language arts all day. Call parents. Plan lessons. Make copies. Organize loads of paperwork from students.

5. Get home at 4:45. Do two loads of laundry.

6. Cook dinner for a family of 5.

7. Do the dishes.

8. Iron two pairs of pants.

9. Change the cat litter.

10. Give the cat a bath (she didn't smell very good).

11. Make four school lunches.

12. Sign paperwork for my children to take to school.

13. Please don't ask me to do one more thing! I'm exhausted!

See more Thursday Thirteen.

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Rhoto Eye Drops Review & Giveaway

This giveaway has ended. Julie is the winner. Congratulations! Ever since I had Lasik surgery in 2002, my eyes have been extremely dry. I have to use moisturizing drops 2-3 times a day. I recently tried Rhoto Hydra drops, and they helped to relieve the nagging, dry feeling, especially when I wake up in the morning. They left my eyes with a cool sensation. Rhoto Hydra drops are formulated to be similar to natural tears. My husband tried the Rhoto Cool drops to relieve some redness he had, probably due to lack of sleep and extra stress at work. He said the drops were soothing.

Rhoto products are available several ways. You can order by phone at 1-877-470.2982. You can purchase a 3-pack online for only $20 using PayPal. You can also order individual bottles online from Drugstore.com. They are also sold at Kroger, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and several other major retailers.

Giveaway: The people at Rhoto are giving one of my lucky readers the same package I received: one bottle of Hydra and one bottle of Cool. Here's how to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post no later than 11:59 PM CST August 30, 2010. Please make sure I have a way to reach you via email if you are the winner.

For additional entries, do one or both of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

2.. Follow me publicly.
3. Tweet this giveaway. Please leave your link with your comment.


This post was written for Family Review Network & Rhoto who provided the complimentary product in exchange for my honest review.

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Wednesday Website

eHow is my website of the week! I'm probably behind the times a little with this one because I don't know how I never found this site before. Here are just a few of the many things I learned recently by visiting this site:

How to cook fresh spinach.
How to hide from "fake friends" on Facebook.
How to tame bad breath.
How to prepare a cash flow analysis.
How to apply false eyelashes (not that I ever will!)


For every article, you will see Things You'll Need (in a blue box) and step-by-step instructions.

Categories included on this highly informative site include family, food, health, home, money, style, and more. Go check it out!

What cool website have you recently found? Post about it and come back here and leave a link so I can visit you, or leave the URL in the comments section. Thanks!

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Lip Clear Lysine + Review & Giveaway

This giveaway is now closed. Julie is the winner! Congratulations!

I have a family member who occasionally gets cold sores. Stress tends to trigger them or make them worse. We've purchased over-the-counter lip balms in the past, but we recently had the chance to try Lip Clear (brand) Lysine + Cold Sore Treatment.

Lip Clear Lysine + has been shown to work better than its higher-priced prescription counter parts. The all natural lip balm is a soothing blend of 14 healing nutrients. Lip Clear goes on clear and helps the cold sore go away faster, and isn't that what everyone wants? In clinical trials, Lip Clear reduced the healing time of cold sores by as much as 50%.

You can purchase Lip Clear Lysine + online for $6.99, and it is also available at many grocery stores and pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS. There is a coupon available from the website.

Giveaway! The makers of Lip Clear Lysine + will send a tube of cold sore treatment to one lucky reader (US addresses only, please). Here's how to enter.

1. Leave a comment on this post no later than 11:59 PM CST August 29, 2010. Please make sure I have a way to reach you via email if you are the winner.

For additional entries, do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

2. Visit the Lip Clear website. Come back here and leave a comment telling me something you learned from the site.
3. Follow me publicly.
4. Tweet this giveaway. Please leave your link with your comment.


This post was written for Family Review Network & Lip Clear Lysine + who provided the complimentary product in exchange for my honest review.

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First Day of School

Today was the first day of school. (Compare to last year.) I don't think I have come to terms with the fact that my twins are in high school now! Ninth grade. Age 14. Growing up. Fast. You hear people say, "Where does the time go?" But really, where does it go? I don't know, but it goes fast! Too fast!



And yes... They still have to pose for a first-day-of-school photo, no matter how old they are!

Menu Plan Monday

It's still Sunday, but I have my menu plan ready (except for Friday), which is great because it's the first week of school, and I will be too busy to try to plan meals at the last minute. Friday is usually pizza night, but my oldest daughter has to perform at the football game, so we'll play it by ear.


Sunday – Grilled chicken, zucchini/tomato bake, rice (low fat meal)
Monday – Sloppy Joes, potato salad, beans
Tuesday – Beef and Penne Pasta, broccoli (low fat meal)
Wednesday – Roast Beef and gravy, mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach
Thursday – dinner out
Friday - ?

For more menu plans, visit I'm an Organizing Junkie.

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Thursday Thirteen

If you were a tween or teen girl during the 1970's, you probably remember Kissing Potion. It was flavored lip gloss that came in a small glass tube and had a roller applicator. I loved that stuff! Especially the Bubble Gum flavor.
But now that I'm way way way past being a teenager, I think I would like to make up my own flavors.

1. Peanut Butter Chocolate
2. Vanilla Almond
3. Italian Cream Cake
4. Red Velvet Cake
5. Strawberry/Orange/Banana
6. Kahlua and Cream
7. Berry Sangria
8. Raspberry Cheesecake
9. Chocolate Cheesecake
10. Banana Cream Pie
11. Strawberries and Whipped Cream
12. Cherry Yogurt
13. Watermelon Candy

Wouldn't that be fun?
See more Thursday Thirteen!

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Monday Movie Meme

Feature Presentation!

Better late than never on the Monday Movie Meme hosted by The Bumbles. Today's guest director is Anne from Static and Silence. She asks us to talk about movies written and/or directed by the late John Hughes (he also produced and directed some of these films).


The 80's wouldn't have been the same without John Hughes! The film that most influenced me is The Breakfast Club (1985). I STILL love the song, "Don't You Forget about Me" all because of that movie. I especially liked the performances by Judd Nelson and Ally Sheedy.

There are so many more, though!
Mr. Mom (1983)
Vacation (1983)
Sixteen Candles (1984)
Pretty in Pink (1986)
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1987)
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)
Christmas Vacation (1989)
Home Alone (1990)
Beethoven (1992)
Of course, there are others. I may have to go watch some of these again soon!

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Cancer...

... sucks. My mom was diagnosed with lung cancer at the end of 2008. She had a thoracotomy to remove part of her lung in January of 2009 shortly before her 66th birthday. She has serious side effects from the anesthesia and other medications they give her. We almost lost her. More than once. But, it wasn't her time, and she came through it and did her chemo with few side effects. Seemed like we beat this cancer.

She had a knee replacement (arthroplasty) in October of last year. Again, we almost lost her due to complications she developed post-surgery. Again, she pulled through, thankfully.

Now, she's been told the worst news a woman can hear: She has breast cancer. I don't know the severity of it yet, but she also feels like it has spread to the rest of her right lung as well, and she will be getting an MRI soon to determine what she's dealing with. We all know what surgery does to her body, and wonder if we will be lucky enough to have her survive another, if that is what the doctor wants to do. And Mom is adamant that she will not do radiation. Maybe chemo, but NOT radiation.

I've been doing some reading on the Internet, and I can see why she does not want to have this cancer treated. Surgery usually helps (except for her poor track record with side effects), but in more cases than not, chemo and radiation don't work and have such serious side effects that they don't actually prolong life. They reduce the quality of the life you have left. (Informative article I read.) I need to look into things further, and I want to accompany her when she goes to the oncologist and the surgeon (may not be the same person, but possibly will). My dad has been gone for almost six years now, and I don't want to lose my mother. Cancer sucks!

One Lovely Blog

My friend Jenn at My Kids are My World sent me this sweet award. Thanks for thinking of me, Jenn. If you've never read Jenn's blog, please visit her and/or like her blog on Facebook. I did!
The rules for this award are as follows:
1. Thank and link back to the person that gave you the award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass the award to 7 fellow bloggers that inspire you.
4. Let them know about the award.

Seven things about me? Hmmmm.
1. I am the mother of 14 year old boy/girl twins who are starting 9th grade (high school) on August 23rd. I'm a little nervous about it, and it's bittersweet. My "babies" are growing up!
2. I'm divorced and remarried. One of my husband's daughters (age 17) also lives with us, so we have a family of 5 (down from 6 about a year ago).
3. This will be my 22nd year as a teacher.
4. I like to organize.
5. My favorite games on Facebook are Farmville and Frontierville.
6. I can't stand snakes!
7. This is cracking me up, because it sounds a little like a personal ad!

And now, passing on the award to these people who have lovely blogs that I always enjoy!
Lulu's Petals
3 Sides of Crazy
Dandelion
Myya Says
She Sings Inside
Confessions and Scrap
Calico Contemplations

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First Day Back to Work

What could be more foreboding than starting a school year on a Friday? I'll tell you! Starting the school year on Friday the 13th! I hope that isn't a sign of trouble ahead, because I need to have a GOOD school year!

There are a lot of positive things happening in my school this year. Hopefully, we will maintain our exemplary rating. But more importantly, I hope that we are able to better connect with our students. We are starting an advisory period during which several constructive activities will take place including a school-wide book study. Teachers will volunteer to be video-taped reading a chapter and the video will be streamed to the classrooms so all students are "reading" the same book. The book (can't remember the title) will address real-life situations pertaining to peer pressure and bullying and hopefully lead to meaninful discussions in our classrooms.

And guess what? I get to mentor a scrapbooking group once a week. I'm super excited about that! I don't think I can "teach" them much, but we will hopefully discover some new techniques together and have fun in the process!

So, no, I don't think having the first day back for teachers on Friday the 13th is as foreboding as I first thought it was. I'm going into this year with a good attitude.

5 Good Things

On Friday of last week, Rachel Anne of Home Sanctuary challenged us to NOTICE the good things around us and appreciate them. She awarded our small things points for noticing, thinking about, imagining, and intently picturing at least 5 good things in our life. How would you describe them?

I wrote this list last week but decided to save it for my Company Girl post. I hope you enjoy it.

I notice a positive change in my step-daughter since color guard practice started last week. Not only is she getting back into tip-top shape, but even her attitude is better. She is excited and enthusiastic about her performances, and it spills over into other aspects of her life. She is bubbly and agreeable.

I've noticed my son is very loving. At 14, he is not ashamed to kiss and hug me bye in front of his friends.I notice a difference in his voice, deeper than it sounded just three months ago. He's becoming a man right before my eyes. His sister says he even has fuzz on his chin.

I notice my daughter's eyes are a combination of blue, green, and gray in different shades. The colors she wears tend to bring out her eyes. I notice her light freckles on her nose and cheeks that give her that girl-next-door appearance and the natural highlights in her hair, various shades of brown and blonde that you can only get from nature.

My husband. He's a good man. Lately I've noticed the curve of his biceps. Very sexy. And the scattered grays in his beard that make him look so handsome.

Right now, I notice the flowers that my husband bought me, beautiful lilies. They burst with deep shades of pink which melt into white. They are quite lovely. And all this makes me happy and grateful.

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Thursday Thirteen

My first day back to work (I'm a teacher) is tomorrow, and the students start Aug. 23. My twins are going to be in high school, and I can't believe it! 13 random thoughts about that...

1. Registration was yesterday. The kids picked up schedules and books and found their lockers and classes. They even took yearbook photos.
2. Tonight is orientation for parents.
3. Tomorrow is “fish camp.”
4. My daughter tells me she’s terrified. “They’re all giants, Mom!” (She’s not even 5’ tall yet.)
5. Dear daughter is afraid she’ll get stuck in a locker! I assured her she wouldn't (fingers crossed).
6. My son, her twin, says he’s not scared.
7. They are going to have to ride the bus for the first time since 3rd grade.
8. I can’t find the bus routes, times, or bus numbers anywhere on the school’s website.
9. I’ve already bought the basic school supplies, but I’m sure the teachers will ask for specific items.
10. My step-daughter (who lives with us, too) will be a senior this year, but she doesn’t go to the same school as the twins due to the way the area is zoned now.
11. There is a high school two miles from our home, but we are zoned to a school six miles away. Whose bright idea was that?
12. We’ve got most, if not all, of our back-to-school clothes.
13. In Texas, we have a sales tax holiday (no sales tax is charged on clothing, shoes, or supplies) for one weekend this month, but it’s the weekend right before the first day of school, and I hate to procrastinate. Besides, it’s only 8%. At most sales, I save more than that anyway.

Visit more Thursday Thirteen posts!

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Wednesday Website

Hi there! I hope you're here to check out my Wednesday Website. I'd love to know some of your favorite web sites, so please leave a comment and let me know, or write a Wednesday Website post on your blog and come back here with the link so I can visit you.

Have you heard of NexTag? It's a great way to comparison shop online. For example, I do a search for Naturalizer shoes. On the left, I can narrow my search by type of shoe (flats, pumps, etc.) and/or color, or I can put in a specific style of Naturalizer shoes, and NexTag tells me which stores are selling the product and at what price. I can then click a link to go to a store when I find what I am looking for.

Your search terms can be broad (for example, tank top) or specific (for example, Levi's 569 jeans). Those are two searches I did tonight, and I found a much better price than the ones I have seen at the stores the last few days. I can also read product reviews.

But it's not just for shoes and clothing! On NexTag, you can search for travel deals, clothing, software, electronics, video games, jewelry, luggage, cell phone plans, items for the home, and so much more! I hope you'll take a look!

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Monday Movie Meme

I'm a little late posting this, but the Monday Movie Meme has a great topic this week. It's all about FUTURE LEGENDS. Share on your blog actors and actresses under age 50 whose careers you think will become legendary, linking back to The Bumbles. And don't forget to visit your fellow participants! Leonardo DiCaprio (age 35) - He may have already reached legendary status, and if not, at the rate he is making movies, he is certain to achieve it. Di Caprio started with small roles in television series before making his first movie. He also produces and writes. Arnie Grape (in What's Eating Gilbert Grape, 1993) would probably be considered his break-out role. At this point, he's got 22 projects in production, so it looks like he's more than just a pretty face and will probably be around for a long time to come. Last, if you haven't seen Inception, his current box office smash, I highly recommend it.

Ellen Page (age 23) - She did well paired with DiCaprio in Inception, and I believe she is destined to be great. She also started with TV episodes, and her breakout role came with the movie Juno, 2007. I'm anxious to see what the future holds for her.

Steve Carell (age 48 this month) - This man is funny, and his ability to emote in different voices amazes me. I believe he will become a comic legend. He also started by appearing on television. He worked with funny guy Dana Carvey as well as the Saturday Night Live crew. Evan Baxter (in Bruce Almighty, 2003, and later in Evan Almighty, 2007) was likely his break-out role. If you haven't seen Despicable Me in which Carell voices the main character Mr. Gru, I hope you'll put that on your list of movies to see.

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Menu Plan Monday

I only have part of my menu plan worked out for this week, but I'm sure the rest will fall into place.

Monday - I'm making a new recipe (included at the bottom). Chicken and Summer Vegetables. I got it from Kraft.

Tuesday - not quite sure yet, but possibly breakfast for dinner (omellettes and toast) or soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Wednesday - our daughters are cooking. French Bread Pizza and English Muffin Pizzas and Tossed Salad.

Thursday - Out to dinner, but not sure where yet.

Friday - usually pizza night, but probably not this week. Chicken Rigatoni and French Bread, perhaps.

Chicken and Summer Vegetables.
1 Tbsp. oil
1 red pepper, coarsely chopped
1 yellow pepper, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-1/2 cups instant white rice, uncooked
1-1/4 cups water
1/4 cup KRAFT Original Barbecue Sauce
4 cooked Easy Grilled Chicken Breasts, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
1 cup KRAFT Finely Shredded Italian* Five Cheese Blend
2 green onions, sliced

Make It
HEAT oil in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add peppers; cook 7 min.,
stirring occasionally. Stir in garlic; cook 1 min.
ADD rice, water and barbecue sauce; stir. Bring to boil, stirring occasionally. Top with chicken, tomatoes and cheese; cover. Simmer on medium-low heat 10 min. or until rice is tender and cheese is melted. Top with onions

For more menu plans, visit orgjunkie.

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Sunday Scrappin'

Welcome! If you're a scrapper, traditional or digital, or a card-maker or paper-crafter of any kind, please join us for Sunday Scrappin'! It keeps me motivated. Just post your ta-da's, to-do's, and take part in an optional challenge.

I didn't have a post last week because we had been in Califormia for a week, but this past week, I got 6 pages done (three 2-page layouts). I feel like the blue pages need something, but I didn't want to detract from the photos.

I'm trying to finish my pix from our Disney World trip in 2008 so I can start on this California trip. I also got my scrapbook paper organized. I need to make a list of things I need so that I can be prepared next time I find myself at Archiver's or Hobby Lobby.

Last week's challenge was to do a birthday celebration, but I had already done that two weeks before and didn't have any birthday pix to scrap, but I will have some very soon. Go to Sunday Scrappin' to see what this week's optional challenge is!

Happy Scrappin'!

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Camera Critters

A new dog came to live in our house last Sunday, a 2 year old, male, brown and white dachsund. My ex-husband told my kids that if he didn't come to live with us, he was going to the pound. What a rotten thing to do! We already have a dog and a cat, and I didn't want another animal, but I couldn't send him to his death, either. He's so skittish, and the pound only holds the dogs for a few days before they put them down. But he's cute. And I think once he realizes that our other dog isn't going to pick on him like their dogs did, and we aren't going to be mean to him, he will warm up to us. He's already warming up to me. And he's used to sleeping in his crate at night, so that's not a problem.

But we can't keep him. A dog, a cat, two adults, three teenagers. We already have a full house. If you know anyone in the Houston area that would like to adopt him, please be in touch with me. He's up to date on shots, and he's neutered. He loves my daughter and follows her around everywhere, so I think he's a loyal dog, and he is very sweet. He just takes a while to get to know new people and places. His name is Jackson.

More Camera Critters!

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Company Girl Coffee

Come on in and chat for a while!

Isn't it great to have Rachel Anne back this month! I have to admit, I haven't done all of my small things this week, what with picking up registration packets for my twins (who are starting high school this year... augh!), medical tests, x-rays, ultrasounds, blook work, having a door put on the house, saving a dog by taking him in so he wouldn't go to the pound, dentist appointments, color guard equipment night, hair appointments, oh and about a "million" other things!

The end of summer is about as busy for me as the beginning of summer! July was peaceful, at least. Teachers return full time on August 13th. Why they're making us return on a Friday, I'll never understand! And I have a technology expo to go to this Monday. All in all, it has been such a fun summer! I hope yours has, too. When do your kids head back to school? Mine return on Aug. 23. I liked it better when we started earlier because we got out before Memorial Day. Now, our school year goes into June.

Thanks for visiting today. Have a look around my blog and see if there is anything else you'd like to read. I love to make new blog friends. Happy Friday!

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Thursday Thirteen

My summer is winding down, and it's been a good one. It's gone by so quickly, but also left me with fond memories. Here are 13 Happy Summer Events.

1. Better-than-average report cards from the previous school year from all three kids.

2. A trip to the beach to swim, sun, and barbecue with the whole family.

3. Paintball party for my son's 14th birthday.

4. Kemah Boardwalk party for my daughter's 14th birthday.

5. Movies! Despicable Me and Inception, just to name two.

6. Books! Fang and Worst Case, to name two.

7. A blog post every day!

8. A trip to southern California with my husband.

9. A short trip to Louisiana with my sister. 10. Meeting friends for lunch (since I can't do that during the school year.)

11. Getting a pretty pedicure so I can wear my flip=flops.

12. Spending time at my son-in-laws - swimming, having dinner, playing Uno Attack, and playing with his two-year-old twin boys.

13. Remodeling of the house which concluded with our new front door.

Visit more Thursday Thirteen here!

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