Utah...

I was gone all week.

Can you believe it?  A whole week.

At the last minute Jeff and I decided to pack our bags and head to my dads house for Thanksgiving.

We were busy little bees and came home with tons of memories.......and pictures........and stories to tell.....

About sheep and horses and dogs and birds AND babies.  And a whole lot more.  

I can't wait to share them with you.

Dean's Dipstakes Giveaway

I don't know about you, but I'm thinking a Dean's Dipstakes giveaway package would be a fantastic holiday present for one of the men in your life.  Dean's Dip is found in the refrigerated dairy section of your grocery store and is the "Chip Magnet™".

Dean's Dipstakes is giving to one of you a prize package worth $50.00 including:

FIVE vouchers for Dean's Dip

ONE dip tray

ONE stadium blanket

To enter to win, simply:

Leave a comment here expressing your interest in winning.

For additional entries:

Tweet about the giveaway or become a fan on Facebook.

Separate comments, please.

Contest ends Sunday, December 6th at 11:59 PM and only open to US residents.

For more information on the Dean's Dipstakes, visit their Facebook Page .  There you will have the chance to win other "BIG" prizes and find more details about Dean's Dip.

Disclosure:  I was not compensated in any way for hosting this giveaway.

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing you all the most {THANKFUL} holiday season this year.

Wordful Wednesday: Feeling Pretty Thankful..........

*Wordful Wednesday is for those of us that like to showcase a photo(s) but that just can't seem keep our mouths shut about it(them). If you'd like to play along, post a photo on your blog, and let the words roll. Feel free to "capture" my 7 Clown Circus button (below and on the left) or simply hyperlink to my site, and be sure to add yourself to Mr. Linky. Thanks for playing along!

Grab My Button

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Four years ago something happened that changed my life.  

It was emotional.

It was painful.

It was downright spectacular.

Most importantly, what happened makes me exceedingly grateful for my blessings and serves as a reminder that I have much to be thankful for.

Four years ago tomorrow, these healthy, happy, fun loving, melt-my-heart, hilarious, miracle boys were born.

I've been able to watch with wonder as they went from this:

To this:

To this:

Life IS sweet.  

Happy Birthday, my babies.

Chronicles of a Mommy appears today!

You know how some people have that knack for making whatever it is they do special? They pay close attention to detail and have an eye for color and combinations that work well together.  You know, the kind that are just plain talented?  Kacey is one of those people.  I absolutely LOVE her style and ability to personalize gifts and parties.  She's SUPER cute and sweet, plus, she is a mother after my own heart as she has twins, like me!

I asked her to guest post today and share a tutorial that would be great for the gift givers out there that want something special.  Like me.

You can find Kacey at Chronicles of a Mommy (it's that the greatest blog title?).

Enjoy!

{As promised here is the "tutorial" on how to make this butterfly applique shirt. It is SUPER simple. This is my version on how to do this - the most simplest sewing machine free way. I kind of wing everything and learn through trial and error. If you would like more of an in depth tutorial there is a great one right here.

Here is what you are going to need:

Scrap paper

Pen

Pre-washed T-shirt - I got mine from Wal-Mart. It is the Geranimals brand and it washes really nicely

Two pre-washed scrap fabric pieces - preferably different complimentary fabrics

Hot iron

Iron on adhesive

Needle

Thread or embroidery floss

This is what we're making...

Pick two pieces of fabric to create your butterfly. I was originally going to use this dragonfly as a template, but I was better at drawing my butterfly freehand. *Remember to make sure that your T-shirt/onsie and fabric are both pre-washed.*

Freehand your butterfly on scrap paper, or anything else you would like to make...

Cut out all of your pieces....

Use your cut out pieces of paper to cut out your pieces of fabric....

Make sure your pieces of fabric line up how you would like them to. Adhere your iron on adhesive to the back side of your fabric. *I found my adhesive at JoAnn's, however, I would imagine that it would be available at any craft or fabric store.*

Once your butterfly is ironed onto your T-shirt and is secure, you want to add a little more embellishment that also acts as a little more security for your applique. Use your thread and needle to whipstitch around the entire applique. Apparently I have my own version of a whipstitch so I will spare myself the embarrassment. My friend Michelle clued me in on how to do an actual whipstitch though so fear not. One thing I learned is that I would use embroidery floss in lieu of thread the next time. I think I would like the bolder look of the floss. Its just a matter of preference though.

Once you've stitched all around your applique, throw that baby back the the washer and dryer to get the cute frayed edges. Once it's dry...Viola! You have a sassy appliqued shirt all your own. There are several other ones that I would like to do...I think a tiara would be stinikn' cute and so many others. I'll be sure to let you know if I come up with anything else.

I hope you enjoyed this little lesson. Another note I would like to make is if you do have a sewing machine, you can do a cute zig zag stitch (which I need to practice) or even a regular stitch. It was much less stressful for me to hand stitch. I think this will continue to be my best bet because I will also use the embroidery floss next time as well.

If you would like to make the matching tu-tu you can find the tutorial on that here from the fab Refugee Crafter. I took the liberty of making Lily's longer in the back so it looks like a little train and added the bow. It was SO CUTE on her!

Have a wonderful day!}

Thanksgiving Ideas from the Tip Junkie

Do you remember last month when I talked bragged  about meeting Laurie Turk of Tip Junkie and Executive Homemaker?  I told you all that she is even nicer in person than I would have ever imagined, if that's even possible. When I told you I ADORE her personally and professionally, I really meant it.

I'm not sure if I told you this, but if we lived in the same city, I'd make her my new B-F-F, stat.

She's just that great.  And I mean that.

Keep on reading and you'll see what I mean.

And yes, the text below IS Laurie Turk "talking".  She's guest posting here today.

Ms.  Laurie Turk, the original Tip Junkie is here.  HERE.   I feel like a celebrity.  This is just as exciting {or more exciting, really} as when one of my favorite authors actually visited my blog, commented on it, AND linked up.

I hope that you enjoy this Thanksgiving week, finding many things to be grateful for!

I just love to focus on gratitude and family traditions during November. Here as several activities you can do with your family this week.



World of Homemaking does the Turkey Day Awards! Ask each family member for their nominations and be sure everyone gets an award. For example, "best haircut of the year" or "toughest survivor of a home renovation." You make awards in these cute pine cone scrolls tutorial.



A tradition that would be fun to start is a Thanksgiving Book. Every year each member of the family is given a sheet of paper to write down the things for which they are thankful. You then put the sheets into a binder and save them so that next year you can look back and see what everyone wrote the year before and then compare it to the current year.



A Little Life has a tutorial on how to make these fun gratitude leaves.



High Heeled Mama made a gratitude garland.



I found this idea from Country Living. On strips of paper, write quotes or phrases. Fasten strip at end with double-sided tape, so it is slightly smaller than the glass's circumference; place on each glass. Invite guests, when seated, to read quote aloud.



This is Jennifer's picture grateful album with a mini tutorial so you can do it too!



Debbie has a Thanksgiving blessing book to help focus on the what we're grateful for.



I found this Family Gratitude Spinner Project over on Ali's blog. What a beautiful way to capture what your family is grateful for this year.



Amber gratitude tree is beautiful, it's a Hallmark tree altered for Thanksgiving.



Jo-Ann's family tradition; every year the children make their thankful lists on the chalkboard in their kitchen. Jo-Ann takes a picture of it to capture these special blessings.



Chocolate on my Cranium's tradition: Every year we each have a thanks tree and a giving tree. We add leaves to each tree each day writing something we are thankful for and something we have done to give or help others.



Kendra's family is working with our kids for the whole month of November on cultivating an "attitude of gratitude." So she made a gratitude tree. Every night at dinner time, each member of the family comes up with one specific thing they are thankful for each day and we write it on a leaf and post it on the wall.



Rebecca's family's tradition; She makes a thankful turkey and throughout the month everyone writes something they're are thankful for and adds it to the turkey. He gets nice and fluffy by Thanksgiving.

To make planning your traditions really easy this year, print out all of them on 2 pages and simply circle the one's you want to do!

THANK YOU, Laurie!

One Last Hurrah at the Magic Kingdom....

Being a resident of Southern California DOES have some perks.

Lots of them, really.
For today though, I'll just focus on the Disneyland perk, otherwise known as,

ANNUAL PASSES.

Our annual passes expire this month and so in order to get the most out of our Magic Kingdom passes we took the kidlets out of school and braved the crowds that ALWAYS SEEM TO BE present there.

EXCEPT.......

EXCEPT.......

We lucked out and the crowds were not the crowded I-just-want-to-get-out-of-here type of crowds.  Of course there were lots of people, but nothing like every other day we've gone to Disneyland this past year and wanted to pull our hair out in frustration because it was so densely packed with people.

We had SUCH a nice time.......

So much fun, in fact, that we almost considered springing for another year of Magic Kingdom enjoyment.

Almost.

Until NEXT time.......

Wordful Wednesday-the perfect location?

*Wordful Wednesday is for those of us that like to showcase a photo(s) but that just can't seem keep our mouths shut about it(them). If you'd like to play along, post a photo on your blog, and let the words roll. Feel free to "capture" my 7 Clown Circus button (below and on the left) or simply hyperlink to my site, and be sure to add yourself to Mr. Linky. Thanks for playing along!

Grab My Button







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I started a new tradition last year.

The tradition involves calling Tammie of Halcomb Photography and asking her to photograph my family before the holidays.  Knowing that this has hereby been declared a tradition by me, I have all year to think about settings and wardrobe.  All year.  Yet both years I've put those details off until the last minute and then run around like a crazy person trying to find just the right spot and just the right outfits.  Not the smartest thing to do or the best use of my time....sigh.

I found the perfect setting at the last minute this year.  It involved a park with beautiful trees and a duck/turtle pond. 

There was just one tinsy problem.  Other people found the perfect spot too.  

Who would have guessed?

Two bridal parties and no less than 4 quinceneras.  One hour of good light and about a million people vying for the same spots.

I wasn't very happy.  Neither was Jeff.  Tammie wasn't phased by it though and got some great shots.   At least I'm confident she did.  She always does.  I've only seen a few. 

Like this one.

I can't wait to show you more.  First I have to deal with the fact that my hair looked super stupid (no one's fault but my own) in some of them and the super cute shirt I was wearing made me look.....chunkier than I'd like.  I hate it when that nasty vanity rears it's big fat head..........:)

Did he really?

Oh yes he did.

He snapped his fingers right next to my ear and said, "HELLO?" 

Are you picturing his tone of voice? I am, and the impatience I can still hear in it makes me red-hot-mad.

I can't remember the last time I was so angry at a stranger.

What I wanted to say was, "Did you seriously just snap your fingers in my ear?"

What I did say was, "I know there is a register open, but they are not ready for me". 

I also said another word that I shall not mention in my head.  My girls were with me.

He saw that I was steaming and he said, "You're a lucky momma".

Really?  Hum.  Is that the new greeting for lucky momma's?  Snapping at them?  When they are paying more attention than you to the line?

Being the reactionary that I am, I glared at him  It didn't feel as good as it should have.

I wish I could have snapped my fingers on either side of his ears. For like 5 minutes straight.  I really, really wanted to. I'm an ADULT though, so I didn't.  But that doesn't mean I didn't want to.  It might have felt good to kick him, too.

I should have taken his picture.  I wish I would have taken his picture.  Because wouldn't being able to see a photoshopped picture of him make this post all the better?

My question to you is:  {Is it ever appropriate when-standing-behind-someone-in-line to snap your fingers in their ear to get their attention?}

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say no. 

Want to weigh in on how you find balance in motherhood?  My friend Nicole over at Defining Moments is writing an article for her local paper and she'd love for you to weigh in.  Head on over now.

Me? Crafty?

I think so.

On occasion.  It may be rare, but it happens.

And when it does, I'm pretty darn pleased with myself.

So pleased, in fact, that I have to brag a bit.

So bear with me, and please, I IMPLORE you, feed my ego.  You know, so I feel so special that I do something crafty again...Unless of course, you honestly feel like I should explore other avenues of expression.  In that case, be gentle.  Please.

What started out as this:

Ended up like this:

I won this custom vinyl piece from Kristina at Pulispher Predilictions.  It was donated by Jessica at her Etsy Shop, Say it with Style.  

Once the vinyl arrived in the mail, I had to do something with it.  

So, I went Thrift Store shopping and found the frame pictured above for $2.99.  

Then, I rushed home and took the glass and print out and spray painted the frame.  Next, I followed the instructions for adhering the vinyl to the glass, popped the glass back in the frame, and stood back all amazed.

Yes.  It's true.  For under 3 dollars I put together a cool dry erase calendar for my family.

Some would not call that crafty. 

Some would say anyone could do that.

I'd have to agree.

And then add that only I did what's pictured.  

And I think that's crafty.

My Boys. Captured.

Every once in awhile I actually take a picture that I look at and think, "Here.  This picture totally captures his/her personality".

And when I do, it warms my heart.  Not because I think I got some spectacular shot, but because what I see in the photo reminds me of something that isn't tangible.

But then if I think about it for too long then I start to get sad because I know that the expression I happened to catch isn't always going to be there.....and then I want that time machine because......

I'm just plain not ready for my children to grow up.

For more Give Me Your Best Shot entries, visit Better in Bulk today.

Great News....

{This will remain a STICKY POST UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE...please look below for newer posts}

I'm being facetious here. Very facetious.

My computer's power source thingy doesn't work.......which means when my battery dies, I'm cut off until the technican can get out to fix it. I'll still be able to post when I can beg, borrow or steal time on someone else's computer, but won't be able to comment on your blog like you all know I love to. Love me through my commenting absence, please.

(Wordful Wednesday is just below.....just scroll a second.)

Talkin' about my favorite vacation.......

My friend Genny at My Cup 2 Yours is talking about favorite vacation destinations today. 

May I present mine?  For like the 4th time?

And for the powers that be at The Royal, feel free to comp me a vacation to your resort anytime.  I'll even write about it.  Again.  For free.  :)

Wordful Wednesday-Better Late Than Never

*Wordful Wednesday is for those of us that like to showcase a photo(s) but that just can't seem keep our mouths shut about it(them). If you'd like to play along, post a photo on your blog, and let the words roll. Feel free to "capture" my 7 Clown Circus button (below and on the left) or simply hyperlink to my site, and be sure to add yourself to Mr. Linky. Thanks for playing along!

Grab My Button

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I'm always a bit behind.  I just can't seem to get my pictures uploaded to my computer and into a post in a timely manner like you all manage to do.  Perhaps the saying, "better late than never" should be my trademark?   Or my brand, as Alli Worthington would say? 

Instead of apologizing, I offer you this:  at least I'm not showing you Halloween pictures during Thanksgiving.  

See?  Now I don't feel so delinquent.

 May I present THE Incredible Hulk, My Clown with a Squeeky nose, A Plundering Pirate with good manners (he said, "Thanks! Matey" to all who gave him candy while Trick or Treating), an Excellent Nurse and a Superhero?

Now, let's see what you have to show me.  I'll be seeing you!

Hip Hop Bling

I have my social calendar handy.

You know, in case you've neglected to invite me to your holiday shin-dig.

I have the perfect earrings, and I plan on wearing them A LOT this holiday season.

BUT, I kind of need some invitations. 

Don't worry.  The invitations need not be formal.  I'm easy that way. 

Just don't tell everyone that I'll be wearing the same pair of earrings to your party as I'm wearing to theirs.

It's not that I don't have other options...........I do.

It's just that I really, really like these, AND they are super light (and when I say super light, I mean SUPER light) so I can actually wear them, unlike most other earrings that are too heavy for my pathetically torn ear piercings.

Plus, I have them in both BRASS and SILVER so I can change up my outfits with just the accessory finish.

They look really, really great with these velvet slacks that I snagged last year from Banana Republic (on sale) for the fancy schmancy parties......

Or these jeans (I love me some Rock & Republics) for the more casual parties.

If you'd like a pair, they are available for purchase starting on Novmeber 9th at Twisted Silver (don't forget to use the coupon code found in my right hand sidebar when making your purchase)

OR,

You can enter to win a pair (you chose whether you'd like Brass or Silver).

All you have to do is (separate comments, please):

1.  Tell me what outfit you'll pair these earrings with this holiday season.

2.  For an extra entry, go visit the Twisted Silver blog and tell them I sent you.  (3.) I suppose that while you are there if you decide to subscribe to their blog you deserve an additinal entry, don't you? 

4.  And lastly, for a fourth entry, Tweet "Twisted Silver's Salvage line ROCKS @Twistedrocks!  Giveaway http://angiescircus.blogspot.com/2009/11/hip-hop-bling.html"

Only open to US residents.  Contest ends November 15th at 11:59 pm PST.

As a Twisted Insider, Twisted Silver sent me a sample of the Hip Hop Bling Earrings for Review.

Fishful Thinking........

Have you had the chance to see what's new on the Fishful Thinking site?

Go ahead.

Click the fish.

I double dog dare you.

Escape From Adventure Island

JumpStart is about to release their SECOND Wii game!    Escape from Adventure Island hits the store shelves on November 17th, right in time for the holidays. 

Escape From Adventure Island is geared towards 5-9 year olds (ESRB has rated it "E" for everyone), so it's more advanced than the last JumpStart Wii game, Pet Rescue.  Which means.........my older children have to use their noggins a bit more with this game, even if they don't realize it.  It also means there are more advanced jumps and maneuvers available to them than in the other game.

Creating one's own avatar is of UTMOST importance in this household so it's a VERY GOOD thing Escape From Adventure Island players can create their best PRINCE or PRINCESS.  My kids very quickly found out that they need to actually play the game and earn sand dollars in order to access ALL of the available accessories.  Otherwise, I'm pretty sure that a few of my kids would spend all of their time changing their princess' rather than actually playing.  Very smart, Jump Start!

Same rules apply for their house within Adventure Island.....it's customizable, and earned sand dollars are redeemable for different elements of their house.

These sand dollars are important for more than just customizing elements within the game though.  Players need to collect sand dollars which then roll over into helium tanks which then inflate their blimp and allow them to Escape from Adventure Island.  

We haven't escaped yet.  We have changed our clothes a lot though.


There are two learning modes within the game: English skills and Mathematics skills.  The player tilts the Wii remote to steer around within each area, and instructions are given at the beginning of each section so the player knows how to find the correct answer to the questions.


The first time my kids played, I heard comments like:
"MOM!  When I went down the slide I got to swim underwater!"
"Look at this cool jump!"

I particularly like that the game comes with a very short Instruction Manual.  See?  It's mom friendly!  Bonus.

My children are inexplicably drawn to the non-educational games within Escape From Adventure Island, which is sort of a bummer for me.   I'm not surprised, though really. What's that saying?  The apple doesn't fall far from the tree?

My kids like Escape From Adventure Island and would recommend it to their friends.  Here's what Emma has to say,  "It's fun to discover things, it's fun to decorate your house, and to play all the games, especially the fashion shows".

JumpStart is hosting a fabulous contest now through the 16th of November.  You don't want to miss this one!  For more details, be sure to go to the JumpStart blog.

JumpStart provided me with a pre-release copy of Escape From Adventure Island for this review.

The Best Pumpkin Carving.......

...Is the pumpkin carving where my only role is as the photographer.

I admitted to being a Halloween Dead-Beat Mom last week.  

I give you further proof in pictures and words:

I don't like carving pumpkins.  And never really have.

Good thing my husband doesn't mind because we had A LOT of pumpkins!

(Somehow I only got a photo of 3 of the 6 carved pumpkins.)

For more Photo Story Friday photos, be sure to visit Cecily at My Chaos My Bliss.

Wordful Wednesday-Sleeping

*Wordful Wednesday is for those of us that like to showcase a photo(s) but that just can't seem keep our mouths shut about it(them). If you'd like to play along, post a photo on your blog, and let the words roll. Feel free to "capture" my 7 Clown Circus button (below and on the left) or simply hyperlink to my site, and be sure to add yourself to Mr. Linky. Thanks for playing along!

Grab My Button






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For the past few weeks we've tried out having a prompt IF and only IF you would like to use it.  I hereby  give notice that I am throwing in the towel.  I'm terrible about think up and sticking to a prompt.  No more prompts......just your photos........your words.......on whatever topic you chose.  Just like originally.

This could very possibly be the 43rd time I've told you all how much I love to see children sleeping. I'm sorry I'm redundant occasionally. I hope it's only occasionally, anyway.  I love to see all children sleeping, but especially babies. They just seem so angelic. And beautiful. My babies are not quite babies anymore, but I still delight in watching them sleep. Especially together.

And the winner is:

(of the Flip Ultra HD camera, that is)

CONGRATULATIONS!  I really appreciate you all playing along.  Your comments were incredible, and your extra entry submissions were fantastic.  There were more than 10 extraordinary bloggers who commented every. single. day on my blog AND participated in every.single.carnival for the maximum number of entries.  I wish that all of us could have won.  If it makes all of you that didn't win feel any better though, know that I didn't get a FLIP either, even though I wanted one really, really badly for free.  :)

I'm not sure who the other winners are (I do know there are no duplicates), but you can check at Mayhem & Moxie, Mama's Losin It and Better in Bulk.  Wishing you luck there!
AND in other news.......

JumpStart is having great contest called “Time to Escape!” It runs from 11/2/09 to 11/16/09.

There are fantastic prizes!
50 winners will receive a copy of JumpStart Escape From Adventure Island

3 GRAND PRIZE WINNERS will receive a family Escape Pack (over $1000 value)!
1 Nintendo Wii Console
1 copy of JumpStart Escape From Adventure Island
$250 in spa gift certificates
1 JumpStart branded flip camera
3 lifetime JumpStart memberships (1 for winner, 2 to share)
500 virtual coins for JumpStart.com
4 JumpStart pirate hats & 4 JumpStart kids T-shirts

Have you all started Holiday Shopping?  I'm getting started, and here are a few things I've run across that I own or I think look promising:

Have you ever heard of the xshot 2.0?  It's a rod thingy (extends to 3 feet) that screws into your camera and allows for self-portraits or videos.  Go here to see what I'm talking about.  I LOVE mine.  For $29.95 I think it's a GREAT gift idea.

If you are a tea lover, you might be interested in the Tea To-Go mug that Mighty Leaf Tea Company just introduced to their line.  For $12.95 it tooks like a great gift for your tea loving friends!

You all know how I feel about Twisted Silver jewelry....in my opinion, always a good gift choice.  Don't forget to use the coupon code found in my right sidebar when you place an order.

And vinyl lettering........I've turned crafty on you.  I can't wait to show you (this week) how custom vinyl lettering and an old thrift store picture can be transformed.....I'm so proud of myself I think you should all try it too.....makes for an excellent gift for about $20.00!