Archive for the ‘Holidays’ Category
Friday, February 5th, 2010 |
If you have been reading long, than you probably know by now much undying love for all things Walmart. Sure you might here me complain about them from time to time, but Walmart definitely ranks as one of my favorite stores. You see, how many places can you go to that offer one stop shopping at such low costs?
Superbowl Sunday is this weekend and in our family, it is sort of a big deal. Family and friends pour into one family room, munching away on snacks and begin yelling cheering at the television. I am not a big football fan myself, but I do enjoy watching the Superbowl. The ads are almost always hilarious and the halftime show is usually fairly entertaining. Superbowl Sunday is a win-win celebration for everyone.
Today, I will begin preparation for our Superbowl get together. I will be heading to Walmart, complete with their Game Time shopping list (plus/minus a few items). Tomorrow I will do a good deep cleaning and then Sunday will be the big day. Walmart is ensuring that us ladies can provide game-time snacks for the ultimate SuperBowl XLIV celebration by coming up with a party menu for as low as $44! If I were not a regular Walmart shopper, you can bet I’d think they were off their rocker, but it is true. For $44 you can purchase game-time snacks for eight including: one package of Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs, one package of Johnsonville Bratwursts, two packages of Great Value Hot Dog Buns, two boxes of T.G.I Friday’s Frozen Appetizers, one Hormel Supreme Party Tray, a 12? Chocolate Chunk cookie and two boxes of Nabisco Wheat Thins or Triscuit Crackers. Such a steal!
And here’s where my excitement truly begins.. I have teamed up with Mom Central to offer one of my readers the opportunity to win a $50 gift card. For your chance to win, follow the rules listed below.
Rules
1.) Leave us a comment telling me about your Superbowl Sunday plans.
Additional Entries
2.) Subscribe to gishers.org via email or by a reader.
3.) Follow @gishers on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway, commenting with the link.
4.) Post about this giveaway on your blog, linking to alight.com and leave a comment here linking back to your post.
Contest ends: February 10, 2009 @ Midnight EST.
“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Walmart. In addition, I received a Walmart gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate and one to offer as a giveaway.”
Posted in Contests, Holidays | 28 Comments »
Sunday, December 27th, 2009 |
On Christmas morning, Ethan and I “sneaked” (as he says) up the stairs to see whether Santa had brought him presents. He was content waiting until his sister woke up to open presents that morning. And patient he was– Addison did not wake up until nearly 10:00am on Christmas morning!
Ethan tore into his presents, while Addison carried hers all around the upstairs. I believe she only ripped open one package on her own. We eventually chipped in to her help her out.
Ethan was most excited about opening the kids’ new kitchen play set. The expression on his face was priceless as he squealed “Sissssssssssssy! We got a kitchen! WE HAVE A KITCHEN!” Addison on the other hand, was more interested in this:
Posted in Holidays | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009 |
Tonight, after laying Addison down for bed, Ethan and I spent the evening wrapping Christmas gifts for his Papaw, cousin Devan and his uncles. We had an awesome time singing Christmas songs, wrapping presents and battling each other with empty wrapping paper rolls.
In fact, a good portion of our week has been dedicated to Christmas-time fun. Monday afternoon, while our power was out, we went down to Granny’s where Ethan helped bake and decorate a ton of sugar cookies. After spending the day with Granny, we came home to bake even more cookies. Today we spent the afternoon making Christmas cupcakes and the evening wrapping presents.
I wanted to take pictures of our present storing room, but cannot find the tool we use to unlock the door. We had to lock the door because my little snoop of a son wanted to dive into a couple of presents earlier when he caught me going in there. And despite having so much already accomplished, I still have so much to do. I need to finish wrapping some of Ethan and Addison’s presents– we bought them both promotional umbrellas for the upcoming rainy season (you know, in 5 months), stocking stuffers, miscellaneous toys/clothing and a few last minute items that finally came via UPS and USPS this afternoon. I am so excited about Christmas this year.. and am looking forward to seeing more of our family!
Posted in Holidays | 6 Comments »
Friday, December 11th, 2009 |
Our upstairs Christmas tree.
It is that time of the year again– the time for lights, trees and more cookies and candies than one person should legally be allowed to eat. Our house is no exception, as we have been readily preparing ourselves for Christmas since Thanksgiving. Each year we decorate a tree and maybe hang a few other pieces of decor around the house, but this year? We decided to go a little more “out” of our way to celebrate the season. Both Ethan and Addison are loving every last bit of the holiday cheer floating through the house. Ethan has been helping me bake cookies, while Addison has been helping un-decorate our tree.
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Posted in Holidays | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 |
Where to even begin? Last week was a whirlwind of medical terms, medications and doctors. We spent several hours with doctors and their nurses either at the pediatrician’s office or the hospital. After arriving home Saturday evening, we made a list of everything we know is going on with Addison’s, her symptoms and any new observances. It has become clear to us that 1) she still has some sort of bug, 2) she is no longer dehydrated and 3) she is now cutting four molars at once.
Today, her bug was confirmed, as the doctor called to tell us we have another positive result for the parasite. Despite her feeling better, looking better and sounding better, she is apparently still infested and her medication did not work like we had hoped, leaving us to chance another medication. Does anyone else get chills just thinking about a parasite crawling around inside such a teeny, tiny little person? Linda believes that on top of the parasite, that her fevers, excessive diarrhea and dehydration were also caused from a possible viral stomach bug and/or her teething. Makes sense, does it not? Especially now that she is a happy baby again, eating, sleeping and drinking like a mad woman.
Ethan has been such a trooper through all of his sleepovers at other people’s houses and going to and from doctors appointments. In fact, he told me this morning that he misses the pediatrician’s office. While it is sad in one respect, it is good to know he likes the office and personnel so much. And… before I totally forget to share this all with you, because I usually do forget, Ethan screamed at one of the nurses last week while at the pediatrician’s office. As we walked into the room, he told the nurse that he didn’t want any “pokes” for his sister this time. So when they came in to put her catheter in, he screams “WHY ARE YOU PUTTING THAT NEEDLE IN MY SISSY’S VAGINA?” Our nurse kept a completely professional manner about him and once finished, cracked up laughing– along with the other people laughing outside in the hallway.
And on top of all of this, I have decided now was as good a time as any to become working on my weight. I am not looking for quick weight loss, although that would be fabulous, but more of a permanent weight loss solution. I am working on my portions, types of foods I eat and will eventually incorporate some exercise into the mix. I am excited for this challenge and am tackling it head on! Wish me luck y’all.. I am hoping to lose about 15 pounds before Valentine’s Day, which is totally doable!
Posted in Ethan & Addison, Family Fun, Holidays | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 |
Last Saturday, we had a little get together here at the house with some close friends. Having put together this shindig about six hours before guests were to arrive, I started wracking my brain on what to serve our guests. Did I want to stick with the traditional foods or try new recipes? Was it even good timing to try something new? And then I remembered the package I had received with a recipe and a few ingredients for Ultimate Party Meatballs.
I quickly put together a few dishes- relish tray; cheese, summer sausage & cracker try; vegetable try and a fruit tray and began working on the meatballs. I usually make Swedish meatballs, so trying something new was a bit nerving for me. What if I did not like the recipe? What if they did not like the new recipe?
Y’all, I am a nervous person by nature and freak out over the smallest of changes. And though I should not care about whether others like something I make or do, I care. It is part of who I am. I am the host that flutters around the house, making sure everything is perfect. Everything that night was perfect. The food was delicious, even the meatballs that I had stressed over. I received many more compliments about the Ultimate Party Meatballs than I ever had on my Swedish Meatballs. With that said, let me leave you with a new recipe..
The Ultimate Party Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 14-ounce can Ocean Spray® Jellied Cranberry Sauce
- 1 12-ounce bottle Heinz® Chili Sauce
- 1 2-pound bag frozen, pre-cooked, cocktail-size meatballs
Directions
- Combine sauces in a large saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth. Add meatballs. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until meatballs are heated through, stirring occasionally.
- Makes 30 appetizer servings.
- Slow cooker Preparation: Place meatballs in a slow cooker. Combine sauces and pour over meatballs. Cover and cook 4 hours on HIGH.
“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Heinz and Ocean Spray and received the ingredients necessary to facilitate my review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”
Posted in Food Finds, Holidays | 1 Comment »
Thursday, November 26th, 2009 |
Heavenly Father, on Thanksgiving Day
We bow our hearts to You and pray.
We give You thanks for all You’ve done
Especially for the gift of Jesus, Your Son.
For beauty in nature, Your glory we see
For joy and health, friends and family,
For daily provision, Your mercy and care
These are the blessings You graciously share.
So today we offer this response of praise
With a promise to follow You all of our days.
–Mary Fairchild
Today, as with every day, I have a lot of reasons to give thanks. I have an amazing family and circle of friends, a roof over my head, food in my belly and two amazing children. I am thankful for my father’s successful surgery and that he’s here to celebrate this day with me. I am thankful to Linda, our pediatrician, for never doubting me when it came to Addison’s health. I am grateful for Granny and Dummy, for babysitting the munchkins while I go to school. I am thankful for God. Happy Thanksgiving y’all, from my family to yours!
Posted in Holidays | 1 Comment »
