Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Just Info

Before enlisting in the military please read all the fine print and know what you are getting in to especially the length you are signing for.
Basic:
Prior to leaving for a base read up on the website, check postings from other military people who may have gone through the same basic – they might give tips on things to bring or do before leaving your home
Write encouraging letters, cards or even post cards
Utilize the website of where your military family is, check it often for dates on upcoming events. Read up on the phases to stay informed of what they are going through. Some sites even post photos. Try to get the graduation date as far in advance as you can if you plan on attending.
Things to keep
Photos – Once you get into scrapbooking you start to photograph differently. You put more thought into what you will take a photo of, where to place your subject, and many other things. I have taken pictures of picked through crabs that my family ate, cut the photo in half and then lined the top of my page with it. It came out good and who would think to take a photo of discarded crabs?
When developing your pics do not crop everything on the machine (if you have a digital camera). Why? Because then when you put them on your page you will have to work with all full size photos.

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Try to get in the habit of at least putting the month and year on your pictures when you get them. We all know that time slips by and soon we forget when the photos were taken.
Where to start? Just pick a pile of photos that go together and begin. Don’t worry about going back to your child’s birth or your wedding, start with something fresh in your memory that you can journal about. You can always pick up the stack of old black and white photos and do a few pages. So do you stress about this. Sometimes I get tired of working on so many Disney pages or one’s all baby themed, then I move on to something else and eventually go back to finish that first stack.


** look under 'Baby on Board" - then "Baby Ideas"

Getting Started

First you need to understand that you will probably never be caught up in this hobby. I started scrapbooking in 1996 and have been behind since. Life keeps going and doesn’t wait for us to catch up so just enjoy each page you make.
How to start – basic needs / supplies:

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1. Album 2. Paper 3. Cutting tools 4. Glue 5.pens

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First get an album; they come in different sizes, styles, and costs. I prefer a 12 x 12 book, with top loading pages (so you can rearrange the order if needed). I really only buy fancier ones for a gift or special occasion album, cheap ones work fine. It’s wise to get some refills for the book you are buying just in case you cannot find another one and have extra pages to do. Next you need paper, remember “acid free”, you need to use acid free paper & glue. Do not buy cheap thin paper; quality is important in a nice page. Cut costs somewhere else. Most craft store’s put out weekly coupons; use one to buy a stack of solid paper. Over time you will build up your supply but to start pick some basic color packs. If you are doing a baby album look for pastel, for holidays or seasonal go with that theme colors. I use a complementing solid paper to boarder almost all of my pictures, it helps them stand out. You will make a lot of use out of a cutter and a good pair of straight scissors. Glue is an absolute necessity – they have so many to choice from. I use a variety including glue dots, lines & squares, double sided tape, Zig 2 way pens for smaller jobs and my all time favorite Tombo Mono Multi liquid glue.

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I am not a fan of photo corners or glue sticks – which do work well for kids. You can also buy foam dots to raise your “subject” off the page slightly.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Books for Mom

What to Expect When You’re Expecting
Every new mom should have this book. It is good reading and a great reference. It is packed full of useful information, answers to worries and questions you may never knew you had. Although I didn’t read any of the other editions I know they have quite a few choices out now.
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Your Expecting...and everyone is happy!

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Once you tell people that your pregnant get ready for all the advice, tips, recommendations and stories you can handle. Hopefully people keep their negative crap to themselves. I worked with many women so I was overwhelmed with all the things I should and shouldn’t do. They had me scared with my 1st pregnancy – don’t raise you arms, do not paint the room a certain color, don’t eat this, don’t eat that…and on and on. So my advice is to be strong and say how you feel, to everyone! It’s important for the new parents to do things they want to, not the way everyone else wants them to. You will regret giving in and you cannot change events that already take place.
For me it was important that aside from medical staff for just my husband and me to be there for the delivery of both of our children. We had many local family members that also wanted to be there, but we stood our ground and in the end they understood.
Since I gave birth to the first granddaughter you can imagine everyone wanted to dress her. She was born in January so by the time holidays rolled around I was given many dresses for the upcoming events. I too wanted to pick out her “firsts”, but then I had to be concerned about who I would hurt by not choosing their gift. To solve that I just went with my choices and used the others to fill in for: photos, Christmas Eve, to see Santa, then everyone was happy.
So discuss theses things between the 2 of you and stick together in your decisions.

Newer - Universal Studios

I recently went on another trip to Universal Studios; we started the day at Islands of Adventure and around 3 headed to US. It was a very hot day and I knew US had more indoor rides, by then we were ready to be indoors. The park goes in a big loop like most of the Florida parks and each section has a name themed for that area. We went straight for one of my favorites: Shrek 4D

Production Central
Shrek 4-D – they take large groups so we didn’t wait long. The line is shaded and large fans are blowing everyone so it was fine for us. Of course you are given glasses and the seats move but just a bit. When they open the doors to let everyone in, don’t go running, wait a little so when you file in your row you will be towards the center. What is really nice is that they have all the original voices for the show.
Jimmy Neutron – well if you read my other blog you know I do not like this ride…still don’t!

We bypassed a lot in the next few sections.
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Taken 6/08

World Expo
Men In Black – first let me say before we could ride this I had to put my bag in one of the “free” lockers located to the right of the line. To use the free locker you have to wait in line, go through some steps to get you number and then get back in line. Well I love MIB and think it’s a great ride. They have some things to get your interest while in line so it goes by fast. You “zap” aliens through the streets of NY in a car that holds, I think, 6 people. After the ride we went to retrieve our belongings and soon found out that would take a lot longer than expected. I waited back in line to get my locker open, and it didn’t open, neither did some others. A woman dressed in MIB clothing came to help but was unsuccessful, she put a call into someone else and told us to wait. We did, and waited, and waited. I went back to find her and she called again. Finally the “locker guru’s” came and they had a hard time getting them open. In the end I spent more time with the stupid free locker than on the MIB line and ride. I was told I should complain…but that was another line!
The Simpsons – this is new and I hate to say I didn’t go on it. At this point we were tired of simulators but it looked fun. Hopefully someone that went on it will comment J
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Taken 6/08

Woody Woodpeckers Kidzone
Woody’s Nuthouse Coaster – this is a fun little rollercoaster for kids, parents can ride along.
Curious George – have the kids take off their shoes because they will get wet here. It’s a great stop to relax and let the kids run wild. When you hear a loud alarm sounding beware – water is coming, and in buckets! I let me son run around in here while I scrolled through my pictures. After he changed into dry clothes and was good to go!
E.T. – As soon as you go in you give your name and then are given a card that is collected. This is for E.T. to say goodbye to each person at the end. While in line you are in what looks like a dark forest when en elder E.T. asks you to help. You ride on a bike that holds 2 rows of people, try to sit in the front because E.T. is supposed to be in the basket. Cute ride, even for little ones.

Hollywood
Terminator – anyone that liked the movies would like this, it is a little loud but has action and cool effects. I wouldn’t take a small child in here.

US doesn’t take me a full day unless I was visiting around a holiday, so to get the pass for both parks is best and just a little more money. They each offer a meal deal; for around $20 you get a wrist band that allows you to get meals in certain areas – this doesn’t include drinks and kids are cheaper. You can also purchase the band for both parks for a little more.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Newer - Islands of Adventure

Since I took a recent trip to Islands of Adventure I thought I would add more. First let me say – if you go in June you’re a fool. Just kidding, but I did and it was hot! We had a pass to both Universal parks and did IA first since I knew US had more things to do inside.

Check the time that park closes, I was surprised it closed at 8pm in June.
Each park sells the “Express Plus” where you can purchase a pass to bypass the lines. Hey good for you if you have the money but don’t expect the rest of us to smile at you as you pass by all happy.
Look up character times and you can meet your favorites if you time your visit right. Surprisingly you hardly have to wait in line for your photo.
Refillable cups are the way to go. We had one and used it all day for $.69 refills that came to $.74 and even offers Zephyrhills water.


Marvel Superhero Island
Spiderman
– 3D you will see, hear and feel this attraction. When I went it said it was a 60 minute wait, but really we only waited for 40 minutes. They smartly made the line file through Peter Parker type rooms to keep you somewhat occupied. This ride is a simulator and if you have any fear of heights beware because you truly feel as though you are high. But relax, just remove your glasses and look at something else.
Hulk – if you love roller coasters, you love this, no need to say anything more.
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*taken 6/08
Toon Lagoon
Popeye & Bluto Bilge-Rat Barges – this is a ride that you will get wet. Here is a blonde tip – if you are getting in a seat that is wet, you will be wet. I took big garbage bags, what a good idea because I quickly used them going on this ride. The center of the ride holds items that you want to keep dry and if you have larger things they will give you a tote box. Listen, if you want your feet to thank you quickly remove your shoes and socks…they will get wet. Fun ride!


Jurassic Park
River Adventure – another get wet ride ending with an 85 foot plunge into water. The beginning is calm and relaxing but that all changes. I sat on the left side and was wetter than those on the right.


The Lost Continent
Dueling Dragons
– a great roller coaster with 2 options – “fire” or “ice”, I think equally as fun. The 2 tracks pass one another for a fight in the sky. The ride lasts just over 2 minutes and is a blast.
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*taken 6/08
Seuss Landing
The Cat in the Hat
– I do not care for this twisty ride but many people do.
Seuss Trolley – this is a nice slow way to see some views of the park that you cannot on the ground. The area is very colorful and you really feel as though you are in Whooville.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Calling All Fans

To be a good fan you should have certain things – one is a positive attitude with everyone. No one needs to be a heckler or yeller of negative things. That is probably the most annoying thing as a mom, to see other parent’s yelling at kids because they made a mistake. Or have the game completely about winning. We all like to be on the winning side but kids need to learn more then that. It’s great to see a team work together and especially girls. Watching game after game you really should own a good chair/seat because the bleachers are not that great. For me it hasn’t been an issue because I move a lot, taking pictures and video. I always bring a bag with my camera, extra batteries, and sometimes my camcorder. For great shots you really need to move around unless you want all your game pictures to have the same angle. At one time I felt silly constantly moving around but I do have some great pictures. You have to not care about that, hey at least your capturing the memories. I like to get near 1st & 3rd when I know someone is going to be getting on base, and then behind home is great place for a shot. Now for the person who likes to be outside, but not particularly in full sun, which is me, you need extra things. A sun visor, sunglasses, SPF, even an umbrella and of course water. Because you really are just sitting there for 2 hours.
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My favorite softball player sliding in

Softball Mom

Softball Mom –
I think your child becomes a true ball player when she/he starts asking you to buy them sunflower seeds. I guess it’s a ball thing.

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My daughter did the kindergarten t-ball thing, usually all kids attempt that at least. I can remember basically dragging her to the game I knew nothing about. Her dad wanted her to play and shortly after signing her up he started having lots of overtime so he missed many of the games. I have to admit I found them boring but was supportive. Fast forward to 4th grade and the interest came back, well maybe I should say “highly encouraged by her dad”. She started with “Fall Ball” which is more laid back then the spring – it was a good introduction for her. In the spring season she got a great team which ended being undefeated. That's when we really started seeing her love for the game. It was also a turning point for Adam’s involvement. The following (fall) season he decided to take on the role of assistant coach and that is when the game changed for our family.
For a few years now our weekends are usually planned around games. When fall season was going I missed many games because I felt that I needed to be other places. Between the 2 seasons I realized that the other things can wait because my children are getting older as I write this and one day they will have other things to do that doesn’t include me being a spectator on the sidelines. So it’s off to games and luckily my son has boys his age to play with while there.

Quotes

Opportunity dances with those who are already on the dance floor
You become successful the moment you start moving toward a worthwhile goal
Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.
A loyal sister is worth a thousand friends
One of the best things about being an adult is the realization that you can share with your sister and still have plenty for yourself.
Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.Men are from earth. Women are from earth. Deal with it.Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it
You may make mistakes but you are not a failure until you start blaming someone else
Have the courage to live, anyone can die
I have never had a bad day when I didn't choose to
Don’t push the river it flows by itself
The smallest deed is better than the greatest intention
To talk without thinking is to shoot without aiming
Happiness is not wanting everything but wanting what you have
If you want the rainbow you've got to put up with the rain
The early bird gets the worm but the 2nd mouse gets the cheese
It is easy to take liberty for granted when you have never had it taken from you
He who has not Christmas in his hear will never find it under a tree
Of all the things I wear, my expression is the most important.
The best vitamin for making friends: B-1
I should keep my words soft and sweet in case I have to eat them.
The heaviest thing I can carry is a grudge.
One thing I can give and still keep: my word.
One thing I can't recycle is wasted time.
The happiest people don't necessarily have the best Of everything;
they just make the best of everything they have
Life isn't about how to survive the storm,
but how to dance in the rain.
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Nothing to do with quotes but I love this photo I took in North Florida

Gaylord Resorts

Gaylord Resorts
Gaylord Palms – located in Kissimmee and close to the Disney area. The Gaylord Resort biggest feature is its towering atrium’s that make you feel as though you are outside. The resort is over 60 acres and follows the Florida theme with areas that resemble popular destinations like The Keys, Everglades, and St. Augustine. I have never stayed in Gaylord Palms, but we visited two years during the holiday season for “Ice”, which I highly recommend, especially to those that miss being up north during Christmas time. Ice is simply that…ice, and lots of it. It is quite solid in a Florida fridge, which is 9 degrees; and yes it really is 9 degrees. When you enter everyone is given a hooded parka which covers to below the knees. I suggest you bring your own hat & gloves, you’ll need it. They have icy slides to take a ride down and plenty of photo ops. Watch your camera; mine froze up the first time we went. The second time I used a disposable one. You end in their gift shop, which surprisingly has nice prices for ornaments. After you can tour the resort and visit each themed location. The middle had a stage with a large Christmas tree; while we were there the Nutcracker was playing. Ice runs for about a month ½.
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In the Key West area
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Gaylord Palms Ice!
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Also in the Key West area

Gaylord Opryland – in 06 my husband and I went on an all expense paid trip to Nashville after he won an award at work. We stayed at the Opryland. I was excited since we had been to Gaylord Palms. I soon found out the one in Nashville was much larger. It has the same climate controlled atriums with 9 acres of waterfalls, landscape and shops. They even have a boat ride you can take. The resort was beautiful and we often forgot how cold it was outside. I thought the Palms was more beautiful with the Florida themes but Opryland was enjoyable. I wish I would have look further into Nashville and what was in the area because we didn’t do much. We did make it to the mall, which is close by and also went into a Country Music museum. Nashville was just coming into spring when we went and much of the area was lacking color. Im sure during another time it is beautiful.
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WDW Accommodations

Call ahead to see if anything is not open (pool)
If you are going to a WDW theme park and plan on staying the night in the area, WDW accommodations are the way to go and they are comparable to other hotel rates in the area. For me, one of the biggest reason is because you can let them do the driving for you. By letting them have this responsibility you not have to read a map, turn around after missing an entrance, and use your gas. Honestly, it doesn’t take that much longer to use their system as opposed to getting in your own car. They have 3 options: boat, bus and monorail, depending where you are and usually children are entertained just by being on one or the other. The staff at the resorts are more than willing to help you with anything and smile; they are so “Disney”. The transportation runs longer than the theme park hours to accommodate the late crowds and after a long day it’s nice to know you can just get on board and head back to your room. The monorail stops at the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary, Polynesian and the Grand Floridian Resorts. The boat only goes to certain locations as well, buses go everywhere. For example: we were at Fort Wilderness. We took the boat to the Contemporary and then a monorail to the Polynesian to attend the luau. We even took a bus to Downtown Disney, which has several stops there which can eliminate lots of backtracking. Strollers can fit on any of the transportation options. It you spend some time learning about it ahead of time it makes things less stressful.

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Tips for the Parks

*Eat before you go because food can be costly; bring snacks / drinks / sandwiches with you to eat throughout the day. Lunch is usually the cheapest meal, so plan to eat that in the park and make it the bigger meal of the day, find a place that has a/c if it’s hot.
*Have backup batteries for a camera, extra film, of blank DVR’s because you will pay top dollar. Purchase dollar store ponchos, you never know if you will need them. They are great to sit on for parade or fireworks viewing.
*Bring nice comfy socks to change in the middle of the day – you feet will thank you, actually anyone you bring socks for will thank you.
*Check the websites for show times and plan you route according to what shows you want to see.

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Taken after a long Disney day

Tips I have Heard

Listerine on an ant bite helps with the pain
Vicks vapor rub on the bottom of feet – then put on socks stops coughing
Gargling with peroxide will whiten your teeth
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Tips I have Tried

Dryer sheets, when wet, remove love bugs from the front of your car
Little bit of olive oil helps with fly away hairs
Equal parts of Listerine, baby oil and water are great for dogs hot spots
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Educational Entertainment

Pour water into a bowl, sprinkle pepper on top. Dip a bar of soap, or put a drop of liquid soap into the water. Watch the pepper scatter.

Make some slime (this stuff is really cool) – mix in a bowl: 4oz. of Elmers glue, ½ cup of warm water, and several drops of food coloring, in another bowl mix 1-2 teaspoons of Borax and 1 cup of warm water. Mix the 2 in one bowl and let it sit for 1 minute, then lift your slime out and store in a ziplock.
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Weird Science

My kids are so opposite: one excels with little effort and the other would rather be electronically entertained. From the time she was able by daughter dove head first into science projects – and has placed every year, even going to the county competition. The first year she participated in the fair we went to an informative night at the school, my son always went. I paid attention and took notes so we would put it all together correctly. We then went into classrooms to conduct experiments and check our results. I was surprised that my son, who not only joined in, also guessed each right. I encouraged him to do a science project and by the time we left the school he already had an idea. Each year (kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd) we jointly picked a project that he could do with his class so he would completely understand it, and he did. At the fair each participant is asked questions from the judges. Although he was nervous, he knew what he was talking about. He received a ribbon every year that he did it. Now that he will be expected to turn one in next year he will be ready and even said he is looking forward to it. Suggestion for a child who might not want to get to involved – find something that will give quick results. My daughter conducted one over a course of 2 -3 months. She was patient but my son probably would have been bored at the end of the 1st week.
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Elementary

Elementary days – every kids accumulates art work, awards, great papers and other things that take up room as they get older. I would try to weed something out but always felt guilty. Because I scrapbook I thought of a great way to look back on all of these things, I just lay them out and take a picture. I use the photos on a page in my scrapbook and feel a whole lot less guilty when throwing things away. Of course I still keep some in a big folder….just because.
When both of my kids started school I did the same thing: introduce them to kids in their class at open house. I felt a little strange and was usually the only one but at least they started Kindergarten knowing some faces / names. A few years ago I did it with my son to a girl who was with her family in the corner of the class room. They had just moved from California. Not only did my son meet the girl but we found out my daughter was in her sister’s class. We ended up becoming great family friends.
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