Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Are we as smart as we used to be?


Every since I become a student with a technology interest, I've researched many ways that technology has made our lives easier and what it can do for us.

Our phones store our numbers and we just pick a contact and call. Do we remember numbers like we used to? I catch myself "blank" sometimes if I have to actually dial the number.. Do you?

On GMA the other morning I briefly caught a story where they discussed a study that had been done on the decrease of intelligence in humans due to technology. Which really made me think more about this feeling that I have been having.

Our cars give us directions, talking to us the whole way almost (lol).  However, is this a good thing because sometimes this technology just does not know all the possible shortcuts... Does anyone ever read a paper Map anymore?

If we took all of the technology out of our lives, how lost would we be?  Would we figure out just how smart we truly are or realize we aren't as smart as we used to be?

When the power was out the local gas station was open, but using calculators to calculate the purchase.. I sat there as the young lady (a high school kid) struggled with calculating the taxes... I guess because the cash register had always performed this critical task for her.

Technology is awesome and a part of most of our daily duties, but have we begun to rely on it for so many things that we have forgotten how to do them ourselves?


    

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Creation Station: Toys that inspire creativity

As you all know, I love to draw and be creative; and my youngest daughter has a slight spark for it as well.   Every year I try to find the most creative toys ...
Read more...:

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Thanksgiving in the ER..


  I left work this morning on the way to get the kids from the hunting farm, where they hunted with my husband this morning (a little tradition he has started).  I had talked to him a few times after they had got out of the woods and he had asked what time I would be coming; however, I didn't know exactly and I was pretty busy trying to get everything accomplished.

  I was about 10 minutes away when my phone rang; and I knew it was my husband calling because of the ringtone.. I was aggravated already and so I kinda answered "WHAT.. I am almost there!!!" (I know that was kinda rude) and he said "I am glad because the kids Rolled the 4-wheeler and I think Kaitlyn's arm is broken!"  My heart dropped and my foot pressed the gas petal a little harder and I prayed that she was Okay the whole way there!

  Once I finally arrived at the farm I was sooo happy to see that they both were okay and it didn't appear to be broken, but she was in a lot of pain and it was bruised pretty bad.  However, she said her chest hurt when she breathed and so I went on to the ER just to make sure that she was alright.

   Thanksgiving in the ER wasn't as horrible as I imagined it would be; because honestly, I was dreading it the whole way!  They took us on back right after checking in (wow..lol) and checked her over (surprisingly, her arm didn't seem to be as non-movable as it was on the way), and they told me that they were going to do a few x-rays to assure nothing was going on.

   After the x-rays were looked over we found out that nothing was broken (Thank God), but the bruise should be expected to get bigger and darker; and probably not go away for a little while.  The cleaned her face and neck for the rub and scratched and sent us on our way.. almost 3 hours later.

    The Turkey didn't get in the oven to way later than planned and spending Thanksgiving in the ER was no ways what I imagined the day being; but I think this is one year that I am truly beyond Thankful for my kids and my husband!  I love them more than Life itself; and could not bare the thoughts of what it would be like without either of them!!

   The accident could have been a 1000 times worse than it was, we see it every day; but thanks to God it was pretty minor compared to the what if's!

  I hope that today you were able to see just how precious Life and family/Friends are to you (Hopefully, not with a scare as I did); and were able to express those feelings with the people that mean the most to you!

  Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!

Black Friday Chaos

Tomorrow is one of the most chaotic days of the year... Black Friday!  I would rather be in-bed sick than fight all the traffic and crowded stores with people fighting over the last item left; but I know that there are so many people who Love It!!

However, for people who, like me, who hate all the Black Friday Chaos.. there is always other options, Online Shopping!

You don't even have to wait for Cyber Monday if you need outdoor play equipment, trampolines, or a new playhouse for your kids this year.. go to WillieGoat.com and get the best Black Friday sales!

Here are some of the best Black Friday sales you will find at WillyGoat.com ...
Wooden Swing Sets
Palisade Swing Set $1089.99 
Hillcrest Swing Set $900.00 
Sherwood Tower Swing Set $650
Sandy Cove Swing Set $580
And Gorilla Swing Sets All On Sale 10% off thru November 26th
Metal Swing Sets Sheffield Metal Swing Set $360

Peg Perego Ride Ons Magnum Tractor With Stake Side Trailer 12 Volt Vehicle $245
Polaris Ranger RZR (YES! WE HAVE THESE IN STOCK $1099.99)

Trampolines
16' Magic Cage $100.00 Off
Nursery Trampoline $79.99 




**This is a sponsored ad.. However, all opinions are my own.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Pack a Shoe Box for Operation Christmas Child

I was one of my favorite sites this morning (BlogFrog) and one of my friends (OneMommy) was talking about Operation Christmas Child; but I had never heard of it. So, I checked out the site; and thought I would help get the word out because I love the thought of making children happy at Christmas!

I also came across this video of Scotty McCreery packing his box for the Operation Christmas Child; and thought I would share it with you!


Have you packed your shoebox yet?

National Collection week starts tomorrow.. November 12, 2012 - November 19, 2012.

All you have to do is:

  • Get an empty Shoe Box

  • Decide if your buying for a Boy or Girl (or Both)

  • Fill the Shoebox with Gifts (Toys, Person items, School supplies, even a personal note if you wish)

  • Include $7 Donation (to help with Shipping and other project costs) or Use the Follow Your Box link on the website to Donate Online

  • and Drop it Off



  • *You can call 1-800-353-5949 for drop off locations in your area or for more information; or visit the website http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/

    ~ Pack a Shoe Box for Operation Christmas Child and Help make a child smile this Christmas!

    Saturday, November 10, 2012

    Justice for Star..




    I could not believe this story when I seen it.. I just do not see how someone could be so disturbed. (This is all I can say about this for now)

    However.. I have heard multiple conflicting updates about this story; so, I am not sure what the whole story is... so, I will try to stay caught up on it.

    Although, rumor has it that there are other's involved; and the FBI has gotten involved. I will keep you up to date on it.

    If you know anything for fact on this story.. Please Share!!


    Video Resource: WNCT 9; http://www2.wnct.com/news/2012/nov/08/7/edgecombe-county-woman-facing-felony-child-abuse-c-ar-2765828/

    The deer that we caught on camera..

        My husband loves to hunt; so, I got him a couple trail cameras for our Anniversary and he has been so excited to see the deer that are lurking by his stand.  However, non of them have been old or big enough to shoot... I love that he don't kill everything he sees!

    Camera #1: Doe

    He put the first camera out on 10/31/12 and the second on 11/6/12 and has already captured over 200 pictures.

    I am not a hunter, but I love seeing the pictures of these beautiful creatures.

    The Doe in the picture on the left is from camera 1, we have a lot of pictures of her and a few other's feeding and just hanging around.


    Camera #2: 4 pointer

    We have to change Camera #2's date and time; but it caught 142 pics in 2 days.. And the Buck on the left was one of the deer that was captured the most.

    He's only a 4 pointer; so, he has plenty of time to grow and mature!  Isn't he gorgeous?

    Camera 2 also caught a nice 8 pointer, but I'll wait to get a better picture of him before I share!




    Nature is such a beautiful thing; I love looking at the deer and admiring how amazingly beautiful they are!




    Monday, November 5, 2012

    Need a Wooden Swing Set or Playhouse?






    Every Kid loves a swing set, slide, andor tree house... I know mine do!

    My husband built our kids a tree house out back and the kids LOVE IT!

    So, if you are looking to purchase a traditional swing set or a miniature (play) house; check out WillyGoat.com because they have some nice play equipment for kids for decent prices (see same day shipping).

    Playhouses are an awesome gift for birthdays or Christmas!
    My best friend bought her kids a wood swing set, similar to the top picture in the ad here; and she says it was the best present she ever got.

    So, if you are thinking about buying a swing set, play/doll house, trampoline, or any other outdoor gear for your kids or facility... check out Willy Goat, they have a ton of cool products!











    **This is a sponsored ad, but all opinions are my own!

    Life's weekly inspiration...

    This week I thought I would share a song with you all that I love.. "A Beautiful Day" by Indie Arie.  If you are a faithful Good Morning America (GMA) viewer, you will recognize it!

    The lyrics say it all!  Just these three short sentences below make you want to have a beautiful day.. a happy day!

    "Let's make this a Wonderful..
     Let's make this a Powerful
      Let's make this A Beautiful Day"

    I first heard this song on the radio, but did not know the artist so I couldn't find it.  Then one morning I was watching GMA and Indie Arie was on, singing it!  Come to find out Robin Roberts worked with her on it when she was diagnosed with cancer a few years back; it's been awhile (I'm not sure of all the details, sorry).

    I feel in love with this song and whenever I would wake up in a bad mood or feeling like I was gonna have a crappy day...

    I would turn on this song and fell better in some way or another..   It's hard to describe really!

    Anyways.. lol.  I hope you listen to it this week and have A Beautiful Day!!  :)



    Listen and read the Lyrics of A Beautiful Day on this YouTube Video..

    Sunday, November 4, 2012

    We Bought A Zoo...

    After the death of his wife, a father decides to go house hunting in search of a new beginning for his family. However, when he finds the perfect house it comes with a huge surprise.. a Zoo!  With the challenges of his emotions over his loss and the struggles of learning how to run a Zoo, Benjamin gives it his all to make Life better and the Zoo a success!





    I watched "We Bought A Zoo" last night for the 4th time; and I would definitely suggest that if you haven't seen it yet, make it a point to! It is a great movie for the whole family; and based on a true story, which makes it even better (in my opinion).

    I think it is inspiring to watch true stories where people overcome the worst obstacles in Life; like the "Happier ever After" in the end... well being happy again at the least.