Mama Pajama

Buzzfuse

Have you ever wondered how to market your blog so that you can ultimately get a wider audience?  You can register for Buzzfuse for free!  It's a viral marketing opportunity for bloggers, but it can also be used as a tool for musicians as well as photographers.  What an easy way to get noticed out there!  It's all fast and simple.  You register your email address, and then submit your favorite original blog post, photo, etc.  You'll get the feedback you've been looking for, and the exposure you need.  It's all set up so that you can find content you're interested in.  In the process, others will be able to find you! 

Not a Good Fit

Well, I submitted our on-line application for the Westie Rescue Shelter in our area.  We thought we had found the perfect pooch for us, a three year old, named Molly.  She looks almost exactly like Buster, and it said she loves to play ball, etc.  The only problem is that we have a young child in our home. They will only give this dog to a family without small children.  You see, she bit a toddler in her home, and that is why the owner gave her up.  I was so thankful that those running the rescue were willing to divulge this type of information.  I was impressed and appreciative. Hopefully we will eventually be able to find a perfect match for us.

Market Doctors

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Puppy Scammers

Last week I mentioned that we were thinking about getting another dog.  So, I've been checking out local animal rescues and the classifieds on-line.  So far, my first two inquiries have been obvious scam operations.  How stupid do they think people are?  One Yorkie,  that was originally supposed to be in the Houston area, was actually in Africa.  All we have to do is send the money and they'll ship the poor little dog all the way over here.  Right.  The other one wanted money shipped first, and then the "perfect dog" will magically arrive on our doorstep the next morning.  Both of these claim to be very young puppies, but they are housetrained, wonderful with kids, in perfect health, etc.  Sometimes if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.  Petfinder seems very legit, so we are hoping to find a Yorkie, Maltese, or Westie that someone wants to place up for adoption.  Has anyone ever adopted a pet through using Petfinder?

Wordless Wednesday: Poor Baby

Weather Changes

With all of the weather changes happening around here, my sinus passages are so out of whack!  I started getting a really bad headache last night, but then after I woke up this morning I felt fine.  Sometimes I think I might be getting migraine headaches.  I probably need to cut down on my caffeine intake and see if that might help. 

Vacation Spots

After doing BeccA's meme earlier, I've been thinking about different places in the United States that would make great vacation destinations.  I've always wanted to visit the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I'd also love to see Boston, Cape Cod, and Martha's Vineyard.  Maybe we'll be able to take a trip to the East Coast someday.  I'd also love to go skiing in Colorado one year.

Poll #12: The Results Are In!

This week's poll results are in.  Valentine's Day will be here before we know it.  Eighteen of you voted this week, and it looks like "Flowers" tied with "None of the Above".  Flowers are such a sweet symbol of love.  I'm surprised to see that four people chose "None of the Above", but then again, with only five other choices, I'm sure I left lots of fun things off the list.  Three of you each chose getting a massage, a Victoria's Secret gift card (maybe you could use it to buy perfume or some fine lingerie), and jewelry.  Personally, I like the massage idea.  Chris bought me a gift certificate for one for Christmas, and I'm thinking he should just keep them coming -  Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Birthday... : ). One of you chose fancy chocolates, and I certainly wouldn't mind getting those, too!  I'm really not this greedy, but I do love Valentine's Day.  What are you getting your significant other this year?

22.2% None of the Above

5.6% Fancy Chocolates

16.7% Gift Card to Victoria's Secret

16.7% Gift Certificate for a Massage

16.7% Jewelry

22.2% Flowers

Give Me Five!

Give Me Five vacation destinations you've already enjoyed or would like to some day.

What a fun topic this week, Becca!  I can't wait to go on vacation this year.  We are hoping to go to either Cancun or Pensacola, Florida this year.  I'd like to go before it gets too hot, like maybe in April or May.  But, we'll see!  Here are five of the vacation destinations that we've enjoyed over the past (almost) nine years.

1. Breckenridge, Colorado

2. San Francisco, California

3. Maui, Hawaii

4.  Cancun, Mexico

5. Pensacola, Florida

To join in the fun, head on over to BeccA's Buzz

Brusheezy

Have you heard about Brusheezy?  It's the best place to download Photoshop Brushes on the web!  Plus, they are they are the best Patterns resource as well. I was really surprised by how many awesome design choices I was able to find. You can also vote for the best ones and even submit your own!

Weekend Snapshot

"Hey Mom, you're in my way!" Cameron is doing so well with this push toy, that I had to post another shot of him using it.  His OT and PT were so excited about him finally being able to do this.  Of course, not as excited as all of the grandparents were! Cameron had visits from both sets of grandparents on Saturday, so he had quite a day!

Monte Carlo

Did you hear about the Monte Carlo in Las Vegas? Apparently there was a fire there yesterday morning.  But, thank goodness, the fire was put out without any major injuries.  We've been to Las Vegas a couple of times, and we always have fun.  My parents go there every few years, and have found great discount hotels Las Vegas.  We've stayed at the Aladdin and the MGM Grand, and my parents have stayed at lots of places.  If we ever go there again, we're going to stay at Caesar's Palace.

That Would Be Cool

Have you ever seen those popup tv lifts for your home?  It would be neat to have one of those in every room of your house. Yes, I know that some people might think it's tacky to have a bunch of televisions, and for the record, we only have one.  But, if they were hidden away in nice furniture, no one would even know!  As much as I love television, I think it's a great idea!

The Pursuit of Happyness

We finally rented The Pursuit of Happyness.  I know it's not new, but I just had to write a post about it.  I really wanted to go see this one in the theater, but then we never did.  Somehow I had forgotten about it.  So I was so glad when Chris walked in the door with this one on Friday evening.

It's the true story of how Chris Gardner (Will Smith) manages to make the best of an extremely difficult period in his life.  Through sheer will power and determination, he figures out a way to climb the ladder of success.  But, it is no easy road!  You think you're resourceful?  He figures out a way to make it, as a newly single dad no less, with a job that pays no salary! I don't think I've ever seen an actor run as much as Will Smith did in this film! His son Jaden is an excellent little actor, and the love between father and son was so evident and heart-warming.  As good as I expected this movie to be, it exceeded those expectations. But, If you're like me, you might need to have a box of Kleenex on stand-by.  It's a tear jerker, but it will also make you smile.   

Sightseeing Adventure

In 2003, we took a summer vacation to Hawaii.  We flew to Maui from Houston, and then we also went to Oahu.  In the city of Honolulu, we had a wonderful time.  I had never been snorkeling before, so this was quite an experience for me!  We also took a couple of sightseeing tours, which were quite memorable.     While snorkeling in Honolulu, Chris refused to wear his flippers. I guess he thought that they were goofy looking.  Well, he accidentally grazed a sea urchin with his foot, and long story short, we ended up taking a break to go have a little purple thing removed from his big toe.  It wasn't very painful, but the nurse told him that if he hadn't removed it, he would have ended up with a giant swollen foot the next day.   The moral of the story is, wear your flippers! 

Maui was beautiful.  We drove to the east end of the island, on the "Road to Hana" and saw beautiful cascading waterfalls.  We also found black sand beaches, sea turtles, and lots of tropical fish. I would love to one day be able to visit the Hawaiian Islands again!

At Trusted Tours & Attractions, we were greeted with a friendly and knowledgeable staff.  If you sign up for their newsletter, you might even win a handheld GPS device! 

American Gladiators

When I was a kid, I used to love watching American Gladiators. Is that weird?  Well, at any rate, I looked forward to watching them do things like joust, climb rock walls, and roll around in those hamster ball things.  The final obstacle course was always fun to watch, too.  But the other day I turned on the new version and it all just seemed really dark and weird (OK, dumb). The fact that Hulk Hogan is one of the hosts might be part of the reason.  My brother was addicted to WWF in the 80's, so I've had enough of him!

Out of Touch

What the heck is a beer pong table?  Am I living on another planet?  I checked it out, and apparently it's a game where you get a ball to bounce in cups of beer.  It's not a game I've ever played, although I think I might have seen them playing it on "Big Brother". They didn't have a special table for it though.

New Lighting

I would love to change the lighting and fixtures in our kitchen. In our foyer and in our dining room, we have big brass fixtures that I'd love to change.  It's not that I don't like them, I would have just chosen different ones if I had gotten to choose them from the beginning.  I found lots of beautiful choices at Hinkley lighting.  They even have really nice outside light fixtures, too.

Martial Arts

When I was younger, I really wanted to take karate lessons. My brother took them for a couple of years, and I was all set to begin during the summer after eighth grade.  But then, I twisted my ankle really badly on our trampoline.  That was the end of that!

Now, there's an on-line place to learn from a World Leader in Self Defense. You can learn The Truth About Martial Arts from Captain Chris Pizzo!  Captain Chris' Close Combat will help you get prepared for any close combat situation.  It can't hurt to have a few tricks up your sleeve, in case you find yourself in a close combat situation! 

Heart

Heart performed on Ellen today.  I just realized that I love that group and I don't have any of their songs!  Ellen is always playing "Guitar Hero", and "Barracuda" is her favorite song to perform with it.  I hope I have a few bucks left on my itunes gift card!

Organic Treat

We all love chocolate, right?  I see that in my sidebar survey, one of you even chose chocolate over a massage, jewelry, or flowers!  Well, I have to admit that I'm a bit of a chocoholic myself.

Chocolate makes the perfect gift for teachers, kids, and significant others. And, since you're probably going to be purchasing chocolate for Valentine's Day anyway, why not try organic valentine chocolate?  It's from Sjaak's, the world famous chocolatier.  The heart itself is hollow, and inside you will find a delicious assortment of chocolate truffles.  You can choose from milk chocolate or dark vegan chocolate.  They both sound great to me!

Friday's Feast

Appetizer
How many times per day do you usually laugh?

I'd say at least 10 times a day.

Soup
What do your sunglasses look like?

Oh no! I guess I have to admit that I have the kind that go around the outside of your regular glasses.  But, Chris and I both found some that are actually half-way cool looking.  They're called "cocoons". 

Salad
You win a free trip to anywhere on your continent, but you have to travel by train. Where do you go?

I'd take a train trip to Colorado in the summer.  It's just so beautiful! We went there for our honeymoon in '99.  It was just majestic!

Main Course
Name one thing you consider a great quality about living in your town/city.

The people are friendly and everything we could possibly ever need (in terms of shopping) is within a five mile radius of our house. Plus, you don't have to go far to find wide open spaces.

Dessert
If the sky could be another color, what color do you think would look best?

What? The sky can already appear to be so many colors as it is during sunset...so how about pink?

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Marriage Does the Body Good

According to this week's issue of Time, marriage can actually help us live longer and happier lives.  Of course, it depends on whether you have a healthy relationship or not.  But, according to research, married people tend to have lower rates of heart disease and mental illness.  While marriage isn't good for our waistlines, it is good for our overall well-being.  However, a bad marriage can put extreme strain on the body, and can even lead to illness.  We all know that holding in anger takes its toll.  So I guess that when we do get upset we should let it out! There's nothing wrong with a respectful argument every now and then. 

Dream Room

Wouldn't it be cool to set up a movie theater in your house?   Well, to make it happen, we would definitely need to buy a very large flatscreen television set.  Chris has been wanting a new TV for a long time anyway. Then, we'd need a new house that had a media room for theater seating.  All this is not likely to happen, but it's fun to think about!

Fun Ringtones

If you have been anywhere lately, I'm sure you've heard lots of different songs playing on people's cell phones.  It's almost rare to hear a normal sounding ringtone anymore.  People are downloading Free Ringtones to play when people call.  Now, phones let you designate a certain song to play for specific callers, so the possibilities are endless! 

Chris has the theme song from The Sopranos as his ringtone for all callers.  Cameron went through a phase where he loved that song. So, every time Chris' phone rings he gets that look in his eyes like, "Hey! I know that song!"

On-line, you can now find Hip Hop Ringtones, Dance Ringtones, or almost any song your heart desires.  It's all pretty fun. Although sometimes, someone else's favorite song might be really annoying to you while you're in line at the grocery store.

Another Dog

We have recently started entertaining the notion of getting another dog.  Buster is a Westie, and he was possibly the worst dog to train ever, in the history of the world. So, the thought of potty training another one is what's holding me back. We really  like the Bichon Frise (right). Now there are so many mixed breeds with the Bichon, so that might be what we eventually get.  But, I've read that Bichons are very hard to train.  (AAAHH!)  I like the Cavashon (Cavalier King Charles mixed with Bichon - (left).  Our neighbor down the street has one, and she also has two little boys.  She has told me that he's great with the kids.  I also like the Havanese breed.  They are just so cute and cuddly.  Any suggestions on small, non-shedding dogs that love kids?                                                                                                                                   

Home Schooling

As a former elementary school teacher, I obviously think that a child's educational foundation is critical to his or her future success.  Whether that learning takes place in the classroom or at home, the most important thing is for a child's specific needs to be met.  The Southern Baptist Academy, which is an accredited homeschool program, is an option for parents and students that wish to participate in home schooling.  While some children are able to thrive and learn in a large classroom setting, some are better able to concentrate and perform in a home schooling environment.  It's important to remember that every child is unique!

Rock Star Baby

Cameron is in such a good mood today.  He actually slept for eight hours last night, and what a difference that makes! Lately, he's been on the "rock star schedule."  This is when you stay up until past midnight, take a three hour nap, have a bottle, and then stay awake until around 7:30am.  Then, it's time to sleep until 10:00am.  On days he has morning therapy he is not a happy camper!  So Mommy was very excited that he slept like a little boy last night.  He's still loving this push toy!

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What Do You Think?

Yesterday, I did a post on Oscar Pistorius (click here to read). He is the South African runner who has been banned from the Beijing Olympics due to the "unfair" advantage of his artificial legs. I couldn't stop thinking about it last night, and I am curious to know what you think. Please share your vote in the following poll.

Opinion Polls & Market Research

Can't Decide

Well, now I am having trouble deciding on which brand of watches I like best.  Would you believe I found another really nice set of watches that I would like for Chris?  The Audemars Piguet watches are beautiful, classy, and stylish.  Although, they are quite pricey!  I am going to keep looking until I can find the perfect watch for him.   

Valentine's Day Gift

I've been trying to figure out what to get Chris for Valentine's Day. But, since he reads this blog (or at least he tells me he does), this probably isn't the best place to discuss his gift.  I can say what I'd like to get him, and that is a new watch.  He really likes ebel watches, and the one he wears everyday is getting pretty worn out.  So, if I could, that's what I would buy him for Valentine's Day.

Our Backyard

I don't know about your backyard, but ours is not looking all that hot right now.  But, who wants to get out and clear the weeds when it's so wet and cold.  I would love to use my Spring Hill Nursery Coupons to pick up some irises or winter heaths.  We need flowers that can survive the cold! 

I'm also hoping to find some Target deals on patio chairs.  We have a table and chairs, but the two extra chairs that we have are getting rusty and old.  I'd like to get a couple lounge chairs for the backyard.  We could also use our Home Depot Coupons to buy new gardening gloves and tools.  Can you tell that I'm ready for spring? 

Thursday Thirteen #22

For this week's Thursday Thirteen, I'm going to list the Top 13 Movies (according to the Jan. 25th issue of Entertainment Weekly).  After reviewing the Top 20 Chart, I realized that we need to get out more! We haven't seen any of these!  I really prefer just renting movies and relaxing in my recliner anyway!  Plus, the weather has been pretty dreary lately. At any rate, for those of you who do venture out into the cold to catch the latest flicks, here are the films you've been watching!

1. The Bucket List - My parents went to see it this Friday afternoon, and they loved it.  They were joking that they were the youngest folks in the crowd.

2. First Sunday - This one stars Tracy Morgan and Ice Cube. The tagline is "Keep the faith. Steal the rest."

3. Juno - Pregnant 13 year old....giving baby up for adoption. But the critics love it. 

4. National Treasure: Book of Secrets - I really want to see this one eventually, because I loved the original.  The one-liners might have been cheesy, but it was also exciting!

5. Alvin and the Chipmunks - Looks cute enough to rent!

6. I Am Legend - I heard Regis say that it was pretty scary. But then again, Regis isn't exactly a tough guy.

7. One Missed Call - People receive voicemails from their "future selves" about when they are going to die...not my cup of tea.

8. P.S. I Love You - I'd never get Chris in the theater to see this one.  It's oozing "girl movie".

9. The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A Veggie Tales Movie - The Veggie Tales have an aquired taste...but I think they're delicious.

10. Atonement - My kind of movie, I can just tell. Loved James McAvoy in The Last King of Scotland.

11. Charlie Wilson's War - My parents also saw this one.  They enjoyed it.

12. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street - I've seen the play version of this story in high school, and I'm curious to see Tim Burton's interpretation of it.

13. The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep:  The commercial says it's the next E.T.  That's enough to get me to watch it!

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Are You Kidding Me?

In this week's issue of Time, there's an essay written by Nancy Gibbs that discusses whether or not it is fair for South African runner Oscar Pistorius, an amputee, to compete with his carbon-fiber blades (Cheetahs). 

On January 14, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) disqualified Pistorius from competing in the Beijing Olympics! Are you kidding me?  This is a man who was born without major bones in his legs and feet! He has overcome so much, and now that he's threatening to beat the best in the world, he's being disqualified!  Hopefully, he will appeal and win his right to compete.

Gibbs says it all with her closing thoughts: "There's some sweet irony in the fact that before Pistorius came along, there was no need for the rules that now ban him.  Only when the disabled runner challenged the able-bodied ones did officials institutute a rule against springs and wheels and any artificial aid to running. That's a testimony to technology, but it is also a tribute to the sheer nerve and fierce will that got him to the starting line in the first place."

Health Insurance Site

BUPA International is the world's largest provider of international expatriate health insurance.  They provide individual as well as Group Health Insurance to people living in their own home country, or living and working in a different country.  If you are interested in finding a medical insurance plan for yourself, your family, or your employees, you can rest assured that you will get exceptional coverage with BUPA International. Check out their site to get a free medical insurance quote today! You will also find lots of helpful factsheets on many common health conditions. I just got finished reading some of these fact sheets and found them to be very informative!

Sweet Surprise

Cameron just received three new books with a particular theme. Can you tell that he likes horses? His Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Tommy just sent him these beautiful books to add to his collection.   They have also supported his Hippotherapy - and we are all very appreciative of that!  I can't wait to read these new books to Cameron tonight! Thanks Aunt "B" (and Uncle "T")!!! 

Trip to Orlando

Are you going anywhere for Spring Break this year?  We would love to visit Florida again.  Last year, we went to Pensacola Beach in April.  The weather was warm, but not too hot.  Plus, there were not that many people there. Cameron stayed with both sets of grandparents while we were gone for two nights.  I would love to find a cheap flight to Orlando so that we could bring Cameron to Disney World.  I am not sure if he is ready for all of it yet, but I think he would still enjoy it. I would also love to bring him to Sea World.   

Physical Therapy

Cameron has come such a long way over the past two years.  His therapists will be changing when he turns three years old in March, and I will be so sad to see them go.  But, I am so thankful for the progress he has made working with them.  The picture on the top is from November of 2005, after his first PT session.  The bottom picture was taken just a few days ago, with him taking steps behind his push toy!  My sweet angel baby isn't a baby anymore!

Cititec

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Breaking Bad

Did you catch the new AMC series Breaking Bad this weekend? It stars Brian Cranston (dad from Malcolm in the Middle) as Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher that learns he has terminal cancer. While making a run with brother-in-law, who works for the DEA, he recognizes an on-the-run meth dealer as one of his former students. Unsatisfied with his low paying jobs (he also works evenings at the carwash), he decides to put his chemistry knowledge to good use.  Meanwhile, he has a pregnant wife and a teenage son at home who have no idea about his new undertakings or his illness.  All of this was in episode 1, so I can't wait to see what's in store for us next week.  It's a really interesting show so far!  AMC is rerunning the pilot episode all week, and episode 2 airs on Sunday night. 

Wordless Wednesday: Arm Pit Cushion

Long Distance

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Heads or Tails

This week's theme for Heads or Tails is Heads: Anything that has to do with the five senses.

Well, right now I'm baking a Red Velvet Pound Cake (from Paula Deen's cookbook) minus the red food coloring....so I guess it's just a regular pound cake.  At any rate, the house smells great right now.   I'm going to make seafood gumbo in about an hour, so that will give the house a very different smell!  What's great about making gumbo, is that I'll be able to freeze four servings to eat in the future.  When we have cold weather, it's just the best! I can't wait to taste it! Well that's smell and taste...now how about touch?  Cameron is cuddled up with Daddy right now, taking a "baby nap" so that should count. Just seeing the two of them makes me want to wake them up so I can hear his giggles!